Heeeeey!!! Welcome to chapter 15!!!! Sorry about the few months it took me to update this story! School is so hectic right now it really sucks because of all the exams and tests and quizzes and hard homework coming up! I'm sorry for making the loyal fans of sailor moon out there wait for sooo long *begs forgiveness to anyone who reads my stories in the first place lol *…well anyway, enough with the chit chat! On to the chapter!!!!
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Damien offered his arm elegantly to Gaea and she accepted it stiffly, trying not to touch him as much as possilble. With all the grace they could manage at four in the morning, they floated down the hall towards the dining room, where four certain Princesses were waiting for them. After the messenger announced them, formally, the royal couple, once again, floated down the steps and smiled warmly towards the girls. In return, the girls curtsied gracefully and waited for the king ang queen to sit before they took their seats. Damien cleared his throat. "What a surprise – an early one too." He sent a small grin towards their guests.
Mina said apologetically, " We're are very sorry for the sudden arrival. We forgot that the moon rises earlier than the people on earth. Forgive our timing."
Gaea nodded understandingly. Although she wasn't very well aquainted with the neighboring princesses, she recognized good people when she saw them…at least, for most of the time. "No need for apologies! You must have missed your friend, no?" her question was answered with some earnest nodding. "As I thought. Unfortunately, Serena had asked not to be wakened early and so we couldn't bring her down here. And Darien seems to have asked the same request."
Rei nodded. "It's quite understandable. Also…we were wondering…" She looked a little hesitant to ask for all the wary looks Ami and Lita for giving.
"Yes dear?"
"Have you any tigers on earth?"
Damien and Gaea, although startled by the obviously random question, nodded their heads. "What an interesting question. No matter. Yes, we do. Would you like to see them?"
Rei nodded. She said quickly, "We have heard of these magnificient creatures on the moon but we – other than Lita-," she looked distinctly at her brown-haired friend, " have never seen them."
Gaea looked at them curiously. "Then it's decided. Since you girls have never been on our planet before, we shall give you the royal tour. Even better- Serena will…given she wakes up" They brightened at the thought. As an almost apologetic afterthought, she asked, "Forgive my manners! How are your parents?"
With a little more muttering and warm greetings, breakfast was served.
~~~~~~
The maid shook her shoulder again, still gently. "Please, Princess, wake up. Princess Serenity." She didn't want to shake the woman too harshly for fear of being fired. She tightened her grip a little and tried again. Once more, no answer. Taking a deep breath, The maid leaned down next to Serena's ear and said, a little loudly, "Princess Serenity, you must wake up. You have guests expecting you. Please wake up." Serena, annoyed by the breath in her ear, mumbled, "dhoaway. Idhowannaghum." She sleepily tried to wave of the hot breath but with no avail.
"Princess, I beg you, please wake up!"
Serena was definitely annoyed now. She tried to growl at the intruder in her dreams but managed to make 'guh' sounds. "Guuuuuuuuuh……!….Guuuuuh!…."
Now the maid was giggling and she couldn't stop. How silly their Princess was! She didn't hear the soft creak of the doors opening.
"I would like to try," said a deep voice from behind her. The maid twirled around to find the prince leaning against the doorway. She flushed before straightening out and scooting out of the room but not before curtsying. Darien walked over quietly towards the sleeping woman, contemplating on whether to wake her up or not. He reached her bedside and slowly knelt down next to it. Her face was in his direction, her mouth curved in a small smile, quite proud of chasing the intruder away. For the first sincere time, he looked at her face. He actually looked at it. Ever since yesterday night, he had been lying awake in his chambers, staring at the ceiling, his thoughts rushing and disturbing his peace. What should he say to her the next day? Should he act just the same? What if what he saw was just a guise? For that, he mentally kicked himself. How long are you going to deceive yourself Darien? You just wanted someone to let your anger out on. You wanted someone to know how you felt. That someone being Serena.
A night ago, she was Serena the slutty Princess, and his wife, her beauty only covering whatever she hid on the inside. Now she was…Darien blinked as he stared into her face. The lines curved smoothly, tracing her forehead and around her rosy cheeks. Her eyelids were framed with long and thick eyelashes and her mouth was a curvy rosebud, smiling on its own little secrets. He had seen all this before, but in a different light, the dark light, the unclean light. Now…she was different. But was she, really? Darien shook his head slightly. No, it was he who was different.
His eyes lingered over her long and graceful neck before following down the curves of her voluptuous breasts and down to her flat stomach. He felt a growl of desire build up in his throat. Damn. Just as he finds out that she wasn't what he thought, he wanted to jump her! Stop being such a perverted asshole, Darien. Focus. What are you going to say when she wakes up? Are you going to apologize? No, he never apologized. In fact, he never had to in the last few years. No, don't look at her body. Focus. He raised his hand to touch her shoulder…when her eyes fluttered open.
Serena felt a shock flow down her body as her eyes stared briefly into midnight blue ones. Then, in a flash of fabric, she rolled onto the other side of the bed and jumped onto her feet, alert of the intruder. Darien, although at first was surprised, quietly admired her agile movements. Serena's eyes narrowed when she realized that it was no one but Darien. She asked coldly,"What do you want?"
Before now, he wouldn't have cared if she cared or not. Now…"I have come to wake you up. Mother requests you to get ready," he replied, trying not to let any expression into his voice. He wasn't ready.
Serena started fixing her hair when she when she calmly stated, "I suppose sleeping with all those men yesterday took its toll. You will have to excuse me, Darien. After all, its part of my profession." The sentence was finished off with a small fake smile before she headed towards her wardrobe.
Darien straightened visibly. His fists clenched up as the words hit him, one by one. What was he supposed to say to that? She hated him. She would hate him even more if he told the truth. "Yes. But right now, you have guests to tend to. Mother sent me up here to escort you down."
Serena shook her head, although she was a little surprised at Darien's indifference to her comment. Normally, he say something just as petty right back. From under her eyelashes, she caught a glimpse of hisblank face. "I'd rather not, Darien. I wouldn't want to corrupt your prestigious image, now would I? No, I think I shall come down alone. Now, may I request that you leave...?" She didn't bother turning around
"Alright, if that is your wish." He stepped back before turning and exiting the room. Serena's head jerked around to see the doors softly close together. Her mouth curled into a frown. No insults, no sneering, no hurting. She felt her heart scrunch up inside. Was he getting bored of her? She knew that no matter how much she wanted to hate him, she would never completely get there. Sighing, she rang the bell for her maid.
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Darien gave a small bow with his head as his mother looked expectantly behind him. "Mother, she's not here. I decided that I am too busy to take part of this tour. Give the princesses my greetings and my apologies," he said and turned on his heel.
"What do you that you're too busy? Darien, it's your job as the prince. You have the responsibility to make sure that every thing is right and peaceful. Also, I promised the guests that you would be there," Gaea said condescendingly, launching into a small speech. Darien, without falling out of step, said before leaving the room, "Mother, you of all should know the value of promises. Nothing."
Gaea sucked in her breath. Did he still remember?
~~~~~~
Christian wheezed in and out rapidly, grabbing all the air he could get. His mother sat on the side, holding his hand. Her face was drowned of any color, and streaks of tears flowed down her cheeks. She didn't hear the small creak of the cottage door.
"Mama?" asked a soft, hesitant voice. She turned to see a small boy with a mop of ebony hair staring at the sight of his best friend on the bed, his body almost burned to a crisp. Darien took small steps towards the bed. His forehead crinkled as he noticed the heavy breathing. What happened? He reached out his arm to touch his brother…
"No!" Gaea yelled, and Darien's hand snapped back. She didn't want anyone touching him! She didn't want his body to feel any more pain from the burns. Realizing that she had just scared her other son, she said softly, "Your brother needs rest, dear. Why don't you go and wait outside. Go on, dear. Please."
Darien stood there. "What happened to Chris?"
"Honey, please leave," she said, desperate to be alone. Darien turned hurt eyes towards his mother, feeling very unwanted. He hid it by asking quietly, "Is Chris going to die, Mama?"
Her head snapped up. "Don't you dare think that, Darien! He'll live!"
Then she heard something she never expected to hear.
"You promise?" His eyes bore into hers, and she realized that Darien was not as young as he looked. His eyes held a deep trust…a trust in her. She nodded her head mutely. "I promise…please leave, Darien. Please."
Although he was still a child, Darien very well recognized the plea in his mother's voice. He backed away and finally left. Then came in her husband, his mouth set in a grim line. She didn't dare look up into his accusing eyes. "What did the doctor say, Damien?"
His response was silence. Gaea burst into heart-wrenching sobs. He was going to die. Her son was going to die. Her head flew up as she felt his weak fingers squeeze hers. He struggled to turn his head towards her because of all the blood and burnt skin surrounding his head. His eyes were glazed and his lips were burnt into oblivion. While breathing, he tried to crack his mouth into saying words but Gaea hushed him. "No, honey. You need to get better. Please. I love you. You know that. Please don't leave me!" She gripped his hand lightly and her body wrecked into another bought of tears. All the while, Damien stood watching the scene indifferently. He had already cried his eyes out. He didn't have any more tears to shed. He didn't know what to do. His eldest son was going to die and he couldn't do a damn thing about it. Damien wanted to hug his son, to sooth away his pains, to be brave. He couldn't. Without a word, he turned out the room. He would rather be whipped countless times than to see Christian, his closest son, die.
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"Your Highness?" Malachite said, bowing deeply. Gaea broke out of her trance to see the generals bowing. She nodded and they rose. "You have requested to see us?"
She nodded, putting on a smile. This was not the time to be remembering. "Yes. Serena has guests visiting her and they need escorts. I request, as a favor, that you all be the escorts."
They looked at each other before Nephrite said, "It would be a pleasure. If we may, who are these guests?"
"The princesses of the inner planets. They have missed their friend very much."
Jadeite sucked in a breath. Princess Rei. That dream was descending down to Earth? It's time to start flirting. Deep inside, he knew that he didn't have a chance with her, seeing that he was a mere general to her high status but nevertheless, playing around couldn't hurt.
The generals heard foot steps and they turned to see four elegant women descend the stairs, their heads held high, and their feet landing gracefully with every step. Gaea held out her hand to them. "I suppose you all have been acquainted each other at Serena's wedding. Princess Mina, your escort shall be Lord Nephrite."
Mina, although obviously disappointed at not having Malachite for a partner, nevertheless gave Lord Nephrite a charming smile. Nephrite returned one politely. She curtsied and he bowed.
"Princess Rei, your escort will be…" Jadeite mentally crossed his fingers.
"…Lord Malachite." Jadeite let out a small breath he had been holding. Malachite? He caught her repeatedly looking at him and he subtly winked back, his mouth curling into a small grin. She was going to be paired with Malachite but he'll get her in the end. She just gave him a withering look.
Rei gave the formal curtsy as Malachite gave the formal bow before linking hand and arm.
"Princess Ami, you shall be Lord Jadeite, and Princess Lita shall be with Lord Zoicite," concluded Gaea, happy about her pairing. They seemed to be getting along quite well.
Ami, peeking at Zoicite, smiled towards Jadeite, who knowingly grinned back before offering his bow. Meanwhile, Lita sent a wink towards Zoicite, who although a little surprised, accepted it with a grin.
Gaea ushered them towards the doors leading to the gardens. "Well, go on. Serena shall be waiting for you outside."
Rei asked, "What about Prince Darien?"
Gaea covered up her faint sadness with an exasperated look. "He said that he was busy and to convey his apologies. He can get like that sometimes but don't worry about that. Serena will be there."
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Rei looked away, her mouth curled to the side. How dare he look at her like that! She was a princess! But then again…she craned her head slowly at an angle to pretend as if she was admiring the flowers as her eyes trailed to the left, but once again, he caught her gaze and winked. Rei ruffled her feathers before pretending to admire the flowers once more.
"The gardens are beautiful," she commented to no one in particular. Malachite nodded.
"Yes. Most of it should be credited to the prince. He thought up the design and the arrangements. Granted he didn't plant them, but he would have if he had the time."
Mina scurried to be side to side with Malachite, dragging Nephrite with her. "Oh, he must be so sensitive," she crooned, fluttering her eyelashes at Malachite, who almost rolled his eyes. Who was she flirting with? Him or Darien? Even though he wanted her to flirt with him…
"Well, Princess Mina…"
"No need for formality. I have a hunch that we'll be seeing each other often - that is - all of us." She flashed him a brilliant smile. The other girls murmured in agreement. Jadeite agreed completely, "And the same for us as well. After all, friends of friends who hook up are friends with each other, are they not, Ami?"
Ami grinned. "Of course. Friends of friends can also gang up on the first friend as well."
Nephrite grinned as Lita giggled. She was so…beautiful. "And friends of friends can also…"
Zoicite groaned. "No more. No more!"
Rei quipped, "Thank you, Zoicite. Exactly what I was thinking."
"That's probably rare." Rei shot a glare at Jadeite who just smiled smugly. He was getting on her nerves. Good. He liked her hot.
"We're not that close yet, Jadeite, to insult each other already," she said icily. "And anyway, you are what you say."
"You're saying that I'm rare? I'll take that as a compliment."
"Then you quota for the day is filled, I suppose."
"I not as egotistical as some people…"
"I'm sure you're not that bad," she shot back, secretly enjoying the small frisk. After Serena left, she had no one to fight with and Jadeite was helping her loosen up.
Before Jadeite could open his mouth, Zoicite reached over and clamped his hand over Jadeite's mouth. He chuckled, " No more, Jadeite, no more."
Ami looked at them incredulously. "You two barely know each other and it's almost like the fights that Rei and Serena always have."
Jadeite shrugged, his eyes dramatically staring at the princess in red. "I suppose this is what magnetism is…ah, my love."
Although shocked with his impishness, she scoffed. "It's like the magnetism between oil and water, oh my dear love. We. Don't. Mix. Period," she snapped back, ignoring the choking laughter that Mina, Nephrite, Malachite, and Zoicite tried, unsuccessfully, to hide.
Lita laughed along. She was right. Jadeite was right as well. There was magnetism between them and she know that everyone could feel it. They were going to be fast friends, that she knew. Rei just raised her chin. Fine, let them laugh. She wasn't going to give the loser the satisfaction of seeing her annoyance. After a little more chattering, the group fell into a comfortable silence. Lita mused, "We're either moving at snail's pace, or these gardens are huge."
Zoicite said, "It would be the latter. They cover almost four acres and Serena is waiting for us near the middle."
Mina gaped. "Four acres? And I thought the Saturn gardens were huge. Why, they're only two and a half acres and that too was the largest in all the solar system…until now, that is."
Nephrite felt his interest rise. "I would like to see that. I have a very deep interest in flowers." He then blushed, "Although my garden is a pin in comparison to this, I love it a lot." Lita's eyes sparkled. It was so romantic to know that a guy like Nephrite existed. He reminded her of an adorable puppy.
"I love flowers too! I mean…I really, really love them. You should see the Jupiter gardens sometimes. I did it all by myself." Nephrite nodded with enthusiasm before scolding himself for acting like a child. Just because she invited him personally…Nephrite, shut up. He rolled his eyes at himself. In the distance he say a small figure, the back towards them.
He said, "There's Serena."
The generals noticed the girls' eyes brighten visibly. They were so delighted to see their close friend once again. Ami grinned happily, "Yes. There she is. Oh, we missed her so much."
Malachite smiled, "It's only been a month."
"A month it is to you…for us, it's forever. She's like our angel, you know. Well, of course you don't, " Lita said, still beaming. "But you'll see soon. You just need to know her."
Jadeite nodded. "I think I know what you mean."
And with the silence, they approached the woman in the white dress and two, long ponytails, not knowing that she - wasn't - Serena.
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Please don't yell at me!!!! ARRGH!!! I got two reviews, both steaming at the cliffhangers!!! *avoids the thrown popcorn * If I give you guys a preview of the next chapter, it wouldn't be any fun….for me….(seeingthatIdon'tknowwhatthenextchapterisgoingtobeabout) * large, dazzling smile * please…
