*Disclaimer: Sailormoon was created by Naoko Takeuchi and is property of
Kodansha Ltd., TOEI Animation, Mixx Entertainment, Bandai, and DIC
Productions.
*
*
Take All - Chapter 3
*
*
Serena sprinted through the overgrown fields, her breath ragged from the pursuit. As she lifted her head, she noticed that the moon was no longer white, but the deepest crimson. She stopped and shuddered at her newfound revelation.
'What exactly am I in pursuit of?' she thought troubled. She was trying to find something, what it could be was beyond her comprehension. It was on the heels of that thought, that she felt something watching her. Serena took in her surroundings and noticed that everything was as it should be, save for the strange moon.
"Induni..."
"Who said that? Where are you? Show yourself!" Serena shouted in bewilderment. She felt dirty, as if the cold voice that had spoken had tainted her very being. She suddenly felt something brush her cheek. Her eyes grew wide as she found herself staring into slanted violet eyes.
*
"Ahhh!" Serena awoke with a scream.
"Serena! Serena, what is it?!" Lita and Amy exclaimed in unison. After last night's events, all three had gone back to Serena's home to eat and talk into the morning hours. They had all adjourned to bed at sunrise.
They tumbled into Serena's room to find her thrashing in bed, as if warding off a demon. As they ran to her bed, though, they noticed that she had become deathly still. Lita was the first to reach Serena's side. She clasped Serena's shoulders and roughly shook her out of fear.
"Unh." Serena moaned faintly.
Lita and Amy sighed with relief as they saw Serena open her eyes.
"Lita.Amy.? Why are you both looking at me so oddly?" a confused Serena inquired.
"Are you kidding me? You were screaming and thrashing around in your bed!" Lita said forcefully. She was relieved that Serena appeared to be okay, but at the same time, the spectacle they had witnessed mere moments before, left her shaken.
"Serena, are you sure you're okay? You don't remember anything?" Amy quietly asked.
Serena switched her gaze from one to the other, trying to decipher what had happened. She noticed that they were both slightly pale and trembling. Thinking back though, she couldn't come up with anything, even her dreams were shrouded in a haze she couldn't see through. She reached out to hold their hands.
"I'm sorry that I've caused you worry, but I truly don't know what you're talking about. I feel as fine as sunshine," Serena said reassuringly. She flashed one of her typical grins, trying to put them at ease.
"Well, if you say you're fine.as sunshine? Serena, really, where did you come up with it?" Amy asked with laughter in her eyes, which only accomplished having Serena chase her around the room. Within moments, after much laughing, the strange incident slipped from their minds.
*
*
After having lunch, Lita and Amy bid Serena farewell. Serena watched them until they disappeared down the path. Last night had been like old times, when her mother was still alive, when there were slumber parties and pillow fights. Serena's fists clenched at the countless memories. She felt her pain ease though as she walked past her mother's portrait. Serena had treasured memories of her mother, and the happiness stemming from those memories wiped away her sadness.
*
*
After completing her daily routines, Serena slipped out into the bright afternoon, adjusting the bag she was holding. It was a perfect day for foraging in the forest and she planned on a long excursion. She glanced at the sky and estimated that she still had a good two hours before the sunset. As she walked towards the forest, she couldn't help feeling that something was amiss.
*
*
Three Morseth dashed through the forest, each side by side, their black coats glinting in the sun. They abruptly came to a halt and looked at each other. The biggest Morseth growled in frustration and turned his cobalt blue eyes to the other two. He motioned to them with a quick nod and all three took off in different directions.
Raye panted as she sprinted through the woods, her eyes scanning all directions. She had come out to hunt food with her brother, Darien, and her husband Jadeite. She'd also brought along her pups, because they insisted on following their parents. But now her twin pups were missing and for the life of her, she couldn't understand how that had occurred. One minute she had she turned away and the next, they were gone. Now, with the sun setting, her anxiety increased; furthermore, since they were encroaching upon the outer fringes of Shiva land. She hoped that the other two would come upon the boys soon.
As Raye came upon a small clearing dotted with large bushes, she froze, her senses picking up something unnatural. As she cautiously approached, she caught movement and two small Morseth rushed up to her, nuzzling her neck. Raye was so overjoyed with the discovery of her children that any anger she might have unleashed abated immediately. She nipped at them and growled in anger, looking up.
As she peered into some shadows that fell in-between two bushes, she realized that the darkness had shifted somehow. She knew she was not wrong in her observation when she heard her two pups yelp and cower behind her. Frozen in surprise, she stared as the shadows took on a red tint and rose into the air. From somewhere within the black mass, two red eyes appeared.
The winds that blew into the clearing brought a faint chanting. Raye didn't understand what was happening, but she knew that it was not to her benefit to linger any longer. Suddenly, she felt a light flash towards her and she moved just in time, keeping her pups behind her. She heard an explosion instantly afterwards. She kept moving as best she could when another flash of light headed towards her. Time felt suspended as she realized that there was no possible way for her to avoid it and at the same time protect her children. She roared in pain as she felt the impact of the light, her nerves screaming in anguish. She toppled to the ground, her vision blurring from the tears threatening to spill. She heard her pups howling in fear and she tried to get back on her feet, knowing their enemy was still there.
As she rose up on her two front legs, she saw a silver blur charge into the clearing. As she watched through heavy lids, she saw the shadow vanish into thin air. No longer able to withstand the pain, she reverted back into her human form, crouched with her hands face down on the ground. In shock, she realized that the silver blur she saw, was a Shiva; a Shiva now standing in front of her. The Shiva shifted into human form and Raye found herself gazing into soft blue eyes.
"Don't come in closer, Shiva!" Raye said hoarsely. "I swear I'll kill you if you so much as lay a finger on my children."
"Please, let me help you," the girl pleaded. She crept in closer to Raye.
Raye snarled in anger. "Why would you help me? No matter, I still have to kill...you."
"Then do so after I have healed you. I cannot stand by and watch you suffer, Morseth or not," the girl said softly.
Terribly confused by the Shiva's behavior, Raye could only watch in exhaustion as the girl finally took a hold of Raye and looked her in the eye. Through instincts, she could tell her pups were by her side, watching the Shiva in curiosity. The Shiva touched her forehead to Raye's and whispered to Raye to close her eyes. In a daze, Raye could only obey her. Within moments, she could feel warmth spread through her body and bit by bit, her pain diminished until it became non-existent. With a start, Raye opened her eyes to find the Shiva back in her feline form, writhing on the ground in pain. Blood seeped from a scattering of wounds on her back and the Shiva hissed in agony. Raye then realized that the Shiva had healed her completely...by taking her wounds upon herself.
Two figures leapt into the clearing and dashed towards her. She sighed with relief when she realized that it was only Darien and Jadeite. As they approached her, they instantly growled at the sight of the Shiva, preparing to launch themselves on her. Raye scurried in front of the Shiva, her two pups trailing behind, and held her arms out.
"No, do not harm her!" Raye demanded. "She saved my life from some unknown force."
Darien and Jadeite transformed into their human forms, both tall and intimidating. Darien was the taller of the two though, with rich black hair and dark blue eyes. Jadeite had light blue eyes and messy blonde hair. Jadeite rushed to his pups in the meanwhile, staring oddly at Raye.
Darien's body was taut with fury and he spoke through clenched teeth. "You would defy the ancient law set forth by both our Klans? I cannot allow that Raye."
"Have you not heard a single word I've said?! I almost died Darien! She ignored those laws and saved me! I will not let any harm befall her, even if that means I must oppose you, dear brother," Raye spoke vehemently. Raye had a hard time believing that such words had come forth from her lips, yet, gazing at the suffering girl, Raye could not help but feel a deep respect for her. Raye had always been raised to distinguish the difference between right and wrong and she knew that to kill this girl would be an unforgivable act.
Darien bristled at Raye's belligerent attitude but he knew that it would not do to discuss matters out here in the open. "Fine, we will discuss this at home."
Darien shifted and Raye watched, as his running figure became lost in darkness. She turned to Jadeite.
"Come, let us go."
*
*
It was late by the time they arrived at their home or more specifically, the home of Darien and Raye's ancestors. The dark, gothic structure reached high into the sky, the turrets seemingly lost in the clouds overhead.
Raye silently thanked the gods for small favors, as their home was miles away from the main village. Her two pups, Anthine and Sethine, were sprawled out on her back, their earlier adventure leaving them exhausted. Jadeite was carrying the injured Shiva, who had by now, passed out from the pain and the blood loss.
They entered the home by the back door and swiftly made their way upstairs. Raye motioned for Jadeite to set his burden into a guest room, while she put their children to bed.
After depositing her onto the bed, Jadeite stepped back to regard her. He remembered the anger that had churned inside him at the unexpected sight of her, but the fact that his mate protected her...kept him at bay. Raye had claimed that...this Shiva had saved her and their children, and that surprising revelation shocked him. If anything were to happen to Raye or their children, he would never forgive himself. He turned around as he heard Raye enter the room.
"I need to bandage her wounds," Raye said softly, starting towards the bed. Raye had brought along clean cloth and water and set about binding up the Shiva's lacerations. After a long period, Raye stepped back from the bed.
"All we can do is wait now," Raye whispered.
She felt two arms encircle her and she turned around to face him. Raye wrapped her arms around his waist and settled her head on his chest.
Jadeite tightened his hold on her and kissed the top of her head.
"I thought I was going to lose you tonight, love. You swore you would never leave me," Jadeite muttered harshly.
"And I would never leave you, Jadeite. We are mates, remember, bonded for eternity," Raye responded warmly. "Come, we must leave her to rest."
Raye and Jadeite departed from the room, hand in hand, shutting the door tightly behind them, forgetting about Darien's promised talk.
*
*
Darien had sprinted home quickly and upon his destination, had gone to his room to brood in the darkness. He reclined in a thick armchair, his smoldering anger reaching new heights. He understood that the Shiva had saved three lives tonight, but that was the problem. She was a cursed Shiva. If her presence was known, how would he explain it Helios, their elder? He listened to Raye and Jadeite's arrival and their departure from the room. After much deliberation, Darien decided to pay this Shiva a visit and question her as soon as she woke.
He opened the door quietly and walked into the room. Soft candlelight illuminated the room and the occupant slumbering on the bed. Darien sprawled into a chair sitting in the corner and observed her intently. His eyebrows raised in curiosity as he realized that her coat was...silver. Odd indeed, Shivas were all known to have white coats, he had never heard of such a thing. The Shiva writhed on the bed and mewled softly. Darien felt a twinge in his heart at the sound. He could not help but pity the creature somewhat and somewhere amidst his thoughts, Darien drifted to sleep.
*
A bright light glowing in the room awakened Darien. Startled, his head snapped up and he saw that the light emanated from the Shiva. He watched in amazement as the bandages wrapped about her unraveled on their own and fell onto the floor. He saw for the first time, just how bad her wounds were, and felt slightly guilty about his earlier thoughts. Slowly, the wounds vanished one by one, leaving its back healed as if it had never been hurt to begin with. The light softened and wrapped around her and Darien could only stare in a daze as the Shiva shifted to human form.
Darien rose from his seat and approached the bed. He stared down at a woman, a breathtakingly, beautiful woman, somehow familiar. Her long silver hair splayed itself on the covers, glinting in the candlelight. Her skin was flawless porcelain, her lips opened slightly as her chest rose with each breath, her curvaceous body wrapped in light blue linen. He felt himself being seized with a need to run his fingers along her face. As he leaned in, he noticed her eyes moving behind her eyelids, and within seconds they opened fully, staring into his own eyes.
"It's you..." he heard her mumble softly.
He frowned, confused at her words. He no longer remembered what she was, only that his logical thoughts were being swept away by a tidal wave of emotion. He felt as if he knew her from somewhere, knew that he had seen those crystal blue eyes before. He instinctively knew that she belonged to him as surely as he did to her and before he realized what he was doing, he bent forward until their faces were mere inches apart.
*
*
AN: Ho ho ho! Evil is my forte and I am rather proud of that. *LOL* So, there you have it, Darien and Serena's first encounter...or is it? Because he sure is moving a little fast. Ha! Stay tuned to find out in upcoming chapters, chapters coming to you months from now...kidding, kidding. I would never do that. As always, I hope everyone enjoyed the chapter! Thank you again to the wonderful readers, who reviewed, I truly appreciate it!
*
*
Take All - Chapter 3
*
*
Serena sprinted through the overgrown fields, her breath ragged from the pursuit. As she lifted her head, she noticed that the moon was no longer white, but the deepest crimson. She stopped and shuddered at her newfound revelation.
'What exactly am I in pursuit of?' she thought troubled. She was trying to find something, what it could be was beyond her comprehension. It was on the heels of that thought, that she felt something watching her. Serena took in her surroundings and noticed that everything was as it should be, save for the strange moon.
"Induni..."
"Who said that? Where are you? Show yourself!" Serena shouted in bewilderment. She felt dirty, as if the cold voice that had spoken had tainted her very being. She suddenly felt something brush her cheek. Her eyes grew wide as she found herself staring into slanted violet eyes.
*
"Ahhh!" Serena awoke with a scream.
"Serena! Serena, what is it?!" Lita and Amy exclaimed in unison. After last night's events, all three had gone back to Serena's home to eat and talk into the morning hours. They had all adjourned to bed at sunrise.
They tumbled into Serena's room to find her thrashing in bed, as if warding off a demon. As they ran to her bed, though, they noticed that she had become deathly still. Lita was the first to reach Serena's side. She clasped Serena's shoulders and roughly shook her out of fear.
"Unh." Serena moaned faintly.
Lita and Amy sighed with relief as they saw Serena open her eyes.
"Lita.Amy.? Why are you both looking at me so oddly?" a confused Serena inquired.
"Are you kidding me? You were screaming and thrashing around in your bed!" Lita said forcefully. She was relieved that Serena appeared to be okay, but at the same time, the spectacle they had witnessed mere moments before, left her shaken.
"Serena, are you sure you're okay? You don't remember anything?" Amy quietly asked.
Serena switched her gaze from one to the other, trying to decipher what had happened. She noticed that they were both slightly pale and trembling. Thinking back though, she couldn't come up with anything, even her dreams were shrouded in a haze she couldn't see through. She reached out to hold their hands.
"I'm sorry that I've caused you worry, but I truly don't know what you're talking about. I feel as fine as sunshine," Serena said reassuringly. She flashed one of her typical grins, trying to put them at ease.
"Well, if you say you're fine.as sunshine? Serena, really, where did you come up with it?" Amy asked with laughter in her eyes, which only accomplished having Serena chase her around the room. Within moments, after much laughing, the strange incident slipped from their minds.
*
*
After having lunch, Lita and Amy bid Serena farewell. Serena watched them until they disappeared down the path. Last night had been like old times, when her mother was still alive, when there were slumber parties and pillow fights. Serena's fists clenched at the countless memories. She felt her pain ease though as she walked past her mother's portrait. Serena had treasured memories of her mother, and the happiness stemming from those memories wiped away her sadness.
*
*
After completing her daily routines, Serena slipped out into the bright afternoon, adjusting the bag she was holding. It was a perfect day for foraging in the forest and she planned on a long excursion. She glanced at the sky and estimated that she still had a good two hours before the sunset. As she walked towards the forest, she couldn't help feeling that something was amiss.
*
*
Three Morseth dashed through the forest, each side by side, their black coats glinting in the sun. They abruptly came to a halt and looked at each other. The biggest Morseth growled in frustration and turned his cobalt blue eyes to the other two. He motioned to them with a quick nod and all three took off in different directions.
Raye panted as she sprinted through the woods, her eyes scanning all directions. She had come out to hunt food with her brother, Darien, and her husband Jadeite. She'd also brought along her pups, because they insisted on following their parents. But now her twin pups were missing and for the life of her, she couldn't understand how that had occurred. One minute she had she turned away and the next, they were gone. Now, with the sun setting, her anxiety increased; furthermore, since they were encroaching upon the outer fringes of Shiva land. She hoped that the other two would come upon the boys soon.
As Raye came upon a small clearing dotted with large bushes, she froze, her senses picking up something unnatural. As she cautiously approached, she caught movement and two small Morseth rushed up to her, nuzzling her neck. Raye was so overjoyed with the discovery of her children that any anger she might have unleashed abated immediately. She nipped at them and growled in anger, looking up.
As she peered into some shadows that fell in-between two bushes, she realized that the darkness had shifted somehow. She knew she was not wrong in her observation when she heard her two pups yelp and cower behind her. Frozen in surprise, she stared as the shadows took on a red tint and rose into the air. From somewhere within the black mass, two red eyes appeared.
The winds that blew into the clearing brought a faint chanting. Raye didn't understand what was happening, but she knew that it was not to her benefit to linger any longer. Suddenly, she felt a light flash towards her and she moved just in time, keeping her pups behind her. She heard an explosion instantly afterwards. She kept moving as best she could when another flash of light headed towards her. Time felt suspended as she realized that there was no possible way for her to avoid it and at the same time protect her children. She roared in pain as she felt the impact of the light, her nerves screaming in anguish. She toppled to the ground, her vision blurring from the tears threatening to spill. She heard her pups howling in fear and she tried to get back on her feet, knowing their enemy was still there.
As she rose up on her two front legs, she saw a silver blur charge into the clearing. As she watched through heavy lids, she saw the shadow vanish into thin air. No longer able to withstand the pain, she reverted back into her human form, crouched with her hands face down on the ground. In shock, she realized that the silver blur she saw, was a Shiva; a Shiva now standing in front of her. The Shiva shifted into human form and Raye found herself gazing into soft blue eyes.
"Don't come in closer, Shiva!" Raye said hoarsely. "I swear I'll kill you if you so much as lay a finger on my children."
"Please, let me help you," the girl pleaded. She crept in closer to Raye.
Raye snarled in anger. "Why would you help me? No matter, I still have to kill...you."
"Then do so after I have healed you. I cannot stand by and watch you suffer, Morseth or not," the girl said softly.
Terribly confused by the Shiva's behavior, Raye could only watch in exhaustion as the girl finally took a hold of Raye and looked her in the eye. Through instincts, she could tell her pups were by her side, watching the Shiva in curiosity. The Shiva touched her forehead to Raye's and whispered to Raye to close her eyes. In a daze, Raye could only obey her. Within moments, she could feel warmth spread through her body and bit by bit, her pain diminished until it became non-existent. With a start, Raye opened her eyes to find the Shiva back in her feline form, writhing on the ground in pain. Blood seeped from a scattering of wounds on her back and the Shiva hissed in agony. Raye then realized that the Shiva had healed her completely...by taking her wounds upon herself.
Two figures leapt into the clearing and dashed towards her. She sighed with relief when she realized that it was only Darien and Jadeite. As they approached her, they instantly growled at the sight of the Shiva, preparing to launch themselves on her. Raye scurried in front of the Shiva, her two pups trailing behind, and held her arms out.
"No, do not harm her!" Raye demanded. "She saved my life from some unknown force."
Darien and Jadeite transformed into their human forms, both tall and intimidating. Darien was the taller of the two though, with rich black hair and dark blue eyes. Jadeite had light blue eyes and messy blonde hair. Jadeite rushed to his pups in the meanwhile, staring oddly at Raye.
Darien's body was taut with fury and he spoke through clenched teeth. "You would defy the ancient law set forth by both our Klans? I cannot allow that Raye."
"Have you not heard a single word I've said?! I almost died Darien! She ignored those laws and saved me! I will not let any harm befall her, even if that means I must oppose you, dear brother," Raye spoke vehemently. Raye had a hard time believing that such words had come forth from her lips, yet, gazing at the suffering girl, Raye could not help but feel a deep respect for her. Raye had always been raised to distinguish the difference between right and wrong and she knew that to kill this girl would be an unforgivable act.
Darien bristled at Raye's belligerent attitude but he knew that it would not do to discuss matters out here in the open. "Fine, we will discuss this at home."
Darien shifted and Raye watched, as his running figure became lost in darkness. She turned to Jadeite.
"Come, let us go."
*
*
It was late by the time they arrived at their home or more specifically, the home of Darien and Raye's ancestors. The dark, gothic structure reached high into the sky, the turrets seemingly lost in the clouds overhead.
Raye silently thanked the gods for small favors, as their home was miles away from the main village. Her two pups, Anthine and Sethine, were sprawled out on her back, their earlier adventure leaving them exhausted. Jadeite was carrying the injured Shiva, who had by now, passed out from the pain and the blood loss.
They entered the home by the back door and swiftly made their way upstairs. Raye motioned for Jadeite to set his burden into a guest room, while she put their children to bed.
After depositing her onto the bed, Jadeite stepped back to regard her. He remembered the anger that had churned inside him at the unexpected sight of her, but the fact that his mate protected her...kept him at bay. Raye had claimed that...this Shiva had saved her and their children, and that surprising revelation shocked him. If anything were to happen to Raye or their children, he would never forgive himself. He turned around as he heard Raye enter the room.
"I need to bandage her wounds," Raye said softly, starting towards the bed. Raye had brought along clean cloth and water and set about binding up the Shiva's lacerations. After a long period, Raye stepped back from the bed.
"All we can do is wait now," Raye whispered.
She felt two arms encircle her and she turned around to face him. Raye wrapped her arms around his waist and settled her head on his chest.
Jadeite tightened his hold on her and kissed the top of her head.
"I thought I was going to lose you tonight, love. You swore you would never leave me," Jadeite muttered harshly.
"And I would never leave you, Jadeite. We are mates, remember, bonded for eternity," Raye responded warmly. "Come, we must leave her to rest."
Raye and Jadeite departed from the room, hand in hand, shutting the door tightly behind them, forgetting about Darien's promised talk.
*
*
Darien had sprinted home quickly and upon his destination, had gone to his room to brood in the darkness. He reclined in a thick armchair, his smoldering anger reaching new heights. He understood that the Shiva had saved three lives tonight, but that was the problem. She was a cursed Shiva. If her presence was known, how would he explain it Helios, their elder? He listened to Raye and Jadeite's arrival and their departure from the room. After much deliberation, Darien decided to pay this Shiva a visit and question her as soon as she woke.
He opened the door quietly and walked into the room. Soft candlelight illuminated the room and the occupant slumbering on the bed. Darien sprawled into a chair sitting in the corner and observed her intently. His eyebrows raised in curiosity as he realized that her coat was...silver. Odd indeed, Shivas were all known to have white coats, he had never heard of such a thing. The Shiva writhed on the bed and mewled softly. Darien felt a twinge in his heart at the sound. He could not help but pity the creature somewhat and somewhere amidst his thoughts, Darien drifted to sleep.
*
A bright light glowing in the room awakened Darien. Startled, his head snapped up and he saw that the light emanated from the Shiva. He watched in amazement as the bandages wrapped about her unraveled on their own and fell onto the floor. He saw for the first time, just how bad her wounds were, and felt slightly guilty about his earlier thoughts. Slowly, the wounds vanished one by one, leaving its back healed as if it had never been hurt to begin with. The light softened and wrapped around her and Darien could only stare in a daze as the Shiva shifted to human form.
Darien rose from his seat and approached the bed. He stared down at a woman, a breathtakingly, beautiful woman, somehow familiar. Her long silver hair splayed itself on the covers, glinting in the candlelight. Her skin was flawless porcelain, her lips opened slightly as her chest rose with each breath, her curvaceous body wrapped in light blue linen. He felt himself being seized with a need to run his fingers along her face. As he leaned in, he noticed her eyes moving behind her eyelids, and within seconds they opened fully, staring into his own eyes.
"It's you..." he heard her mumble softly.
He frowned, confused at her words. He no longer remembered what she was, only that his logical thoughts were being swept away by a tidal wave of emotion. He felt as if he knew her from somewhere, knew that he had seen those crystal blue eyes before. He instinctively knew that she belonged to him as surely as he did to her and before he realized what he was doing, he bent forward until their faces were mere inches apart.
*
*
AN: Ho ho ho! Evil is my forte and I am rather proud of that. *LOL* So, there you have it, Darien and Serena's first encounter...or is it? Because he sure is moving a little fast. Ha! Stay tuned to find out in upcoming chapters, chapters coming to you months from now...kidding, kidding. I would never do that. As always, I hope everyone enjoyed the chapter! Thank you again to the wonderful readers, who reviewed, I truly appreciate it!