*Disclaimer: Sailormoon was created by Naoko Takeuchi and is property of
Kodansha Ltd., TOEI Animation, Mixx Entertainment, Bandai, and DIC
Productions.
*
Take All – Chapter 4
*
Flashback
*
Floating.
That was the first sensation that registered in her mind as she slowly opened her eyes. She was adrift in an open sea, the sky overhead shrouded with large, billowing clouds. Lightning flashed in the distance and thunder rumbled softly, yet strangely, the waters remained calm, despite the threat looming above.
The still waters disturbed her though, an ominous feeling blossoming in the pit of her stomach.
"Where am I?"
Her words came out tired and raspy. Her thoughts scattered as her mind drifted in emptiness. 'Ah, now I remember. There was a woman trying to protect her children. A Morseth.'
After what seemed an eternity, a feeling of security washed through her. She turned her head to the left and was surprised to see the vague outline of a man begin to appear. Only his back was presented to her, his lower body submerged in the water. She sensed the soothing bonds of her power slowly repair what damage had been done, but there was something else. She began to feel warmth encompass her entire being as he slowly began to turn around. She was awed to see that the clouds had dissipated until a night sky was revealed, a sky laden with stars and the two moons of Taylon.
Serena struggled to get up and realized that she was sitting on the ocean as if it were merely any other solid surface. Serena reached out for the man as he finally faced her. Tears immediately sprang to her eyes as she felt a profound happiness but also great pain rise in her chest. His eyes were closed and his mouth set in a grim line.
'Why does it feel as if my heart is breaking?' she thought to herself.
Serena tried desperately to touch him only to see that her hands went through him. His eyes finally opened to reveal the same dark blue eyes she always saw in her dreams. His lips moved as if speaking to her yet no sound came forth. Serena crawled towards him until her face was directly in front of his and she reached out to stroke the outline of his face until everything around her began to slowly disappear.
*
Present
*
As the dream faded away, she was gently brought back to reality, only to find those same blue eyes now looking into hers.
"It's you..." she was able to manage.
She was quick to notice the confusion in his face but he evidently didn't ponder over the issue for too long, because he leaned towards her until their faces were mere inches apart. Serena could only lay there in nervous anticipation until a great clanging noise interrupted their silence.
Serena moved her head until she saw two small boys rush into the room, their arms laden with flowers. They were of equal height, except one boy had tousled blonde hair and a smudge of dirt across his right cheek, while the other boy had dark hair and piercing eyes. They stopped at the side of her bed and looked at her expectantly. Serena vaguely realized that her "dream man" had retreated to the corner of the room at the boys' arrival.
Serena turned her attention back to the boys and smiled gently.
"Hi," she ventured cautiously.
She was instantly awarded with two large grins and a showering of flowers.
"These flowers are for you. We hope you like 'em," the blonde-haired boy replied. "By the way, my name is Sethine."
"And my name is Anthine. Thank you for helping our mommy," the dark-haired boy chimed in.
"I'm just glad you're all okay," Serena said softly as she reached out to hold their hands. They were both such beautiful children and Serena truly was grateful that things had worked out. Her thoughts were interrupted though as she felt someone else enter the room.
"Sethine, Anthine, why don't the both of you go out to play for a little bit while mommy and daddy talk with the nice lady, okay?" Raye said upon entering the room, Jadeite trailing behind.
"Aw, but moooom..." they both whined in unison.
"Now none of that, out," Raye told them sternly.
Anthine and Sethine sighed in defeat and left the room, looking back over their shoulders at Serena and waving farewell. Serena waved in return and turned her attention to the woman she had saved and the man standing beside her, whom she assumed, was the woman's mate. Serena looked out of the corner of her eye at the man sitting in the corner, realizing that she could actually feel him staring at her. It unnerved and at the same time exhilarated her. So caught up was she in her musings that she failed to realize the woman was talking to her.
"As I was saying, my name is Raye. I will be forever grateful and in your debt for what you have done for me and my family," Raye said, bowing her head to Serena. She was startled to hear Serena protest.
"No, please don't...um...bow. It's not necessary. I was just doing what anyone would have done in that situation. To turn your back when others face peril and danger is a great evil," Serena said matter-of-factly.
Raye gazed at Serena and felt her respect for the Shiva rise tenfold. She gestured for Jadeite to come stand beside her, not bothering to acknowledge Darien, but at the same time, wondering why Darien was in the room in the first place.
"By the way, please let me introduce my mate, Jadeite. And in the corner of the room is my elder brother, Darien," Raye pointed out. She sat down on the bed and turned an inquiring look at Serena.
"Please, tell us about yourself. If I am not mistaken, you are not a typical Shiva. And the healing powers you displayed...such powers are supposed to be non-existent. The only Klans who have ever possessed any type of magical powers were the Mavanam and the Mages, both now said to have become extinct," Raye said.
Serena's eyes turned towards the ceiling and she pondered over what information she should divulge. Her lineage was both a blessing and a curse. How could she explain to them everything, while keeping out all the details? After all, if the wrong people were made aware of her existence, she would find herself in a rather serious dilemma. Well, she would have to chance it and hope that they were satisfied with her explanation.
"I was named after my mother, Serenity; however, everyone calls me Serena. As for my gift, that was also a gift from my mother. Where she obtained her powers, even I could not tell you, because I simply do not know," Serena said quietly.
"So, your mother does not know? I assume her powers are greater than yours since she is the original wielder of them?" Raye asked.
"I would not know, my mother passed away when I was a child," Serena whispered. Her fists clenched tightly and she stared blankly at them.
Raye was taken back. An uncomfortable silence hung in the air as she pondered over whether she should press the matter. She felt a warm hand on her shoulder and she looked up to see Jadeite smiling down at her gently. He nodded his head in encouragement. Raye smiled in return.
"Serena, I am sorry for your loss, but know that I understand your pain. Could you possibly tell us something about your powers because you have to realize that this is rather unprecedented," she said.
"...She was the first silver-coat ever to be born among the Shivas. She was born with powers of empathy and healing and she was widely renowned for her kindness and beauty. She told me that our powers are to be used for good purposes, those powers are acute and we are able to take away someone's pain, including mental and physical pain. In doing so, we take it upon ourselves..." Serena trailed off.
Serena was able to tell them this much, but she left out certain critical facts. In taking someone's pain, she shortened her life in doing so. It was a very small amount, but if the day should ever come where many lives depended on her powers, her life would end prematurely, for her body would not be able to handle the overload. Such, had been the case with her mother.
*
Flashback
*
"Serena, please stay in your room. Don't come out until I say it's okay, do you understand, sweetie?" her mother said loudly on the other side of the door.
"But mom, will it really be okay? Can't I help you? Please?" Serena pleaded with her mother. She tried to open the locked door, but to no avail. There was a long pause before she heard her mother reply.
"I'm sorry. This time, you can't help me. But mom will take care of everything and soon everyone will be smiling again. So be a good girl, okay?"
Serena rested her forehead on the door and she placed one hand on the door.
"Yes, mom. I'll wait until you come back," Serena replied quietly.
Serena sat next to the door and waited.
But her mother never did come back.
*
Present
*
Serena was jolted out of her reverie when she heard a chair sliding back. She stared at Darien as he looked at her briefly before exiting the room. Serena wanted to tell him to come back but it was too late. She turned her attention back to Raye and Jadeite. She found that their eyes still held many questions, but Serena could not find the heart to speak about the matter anymore, because for her, the pain was still too near.
"I am sorry. That is all that I can tell you about my powers. I know that you still have questions, but for now, I would like to rest. I still feel worn out," Serena said tiredly.
"Of course, please rest fully. We're going to go about our daily routine. We don't want to raise any suspicions that something is amiss," Raye explained. She stood up and left the room with Jadeite, closing the door behind her.
Serena heaved a great sigh of relief. The maelstrom of emotions she was experiencing right now was putting her on edge. Darien...so that was his name. Somehow, that name didn't sound right...but she couldn't pinpoint why. Why was he appearing in her dreams and why did she feel such a strong connection to him? She only knew that she wanted to see him again, because when he was near, she felt secure.
*
*
Darien waited for a reply.
Upon leaving the room, he had headed straight to the temple, where their Elder, Helios resided. Darien felt heavily conflicted. In the room, he had wanted to comfort Serena. She had seemed so vulnerable and alone. But he should not be feeling that way...she was a Shiva. So, before all hell broke loose, Darien decided that Helios would be the best person to answer his questions.
Darien climbed the steps of the blue marble structure, bowing briefly before heading inside. As the altar came into view, he stopped and bowed once more.
"Darien, it has been some time now since you've stepped inside this temple. And now that you're here, there appears to be a great weight upon your shoulders. How can I assist you?" Helios asked in amusement.
Darien glanced sideways to see Helios standing near an archway. Helios continued until he stopped in front of Darien and they clasped arms. They then disengaged and Darien sat down on one of the altar steps. He could feel Helios' questioning gaze and wondered where to begin. Darien sighed and began to recount the past events leading up to the present until he finally finished.
"Hmmm..."
Darien looked up and gave Helios a sharp look.
"What do you mean hmmm? There is a Shiva in my house, not just any Shiva, but a Shiva with magical powers," Darien said heatedly.
"All we can do is wait. Only time will bring to us the outcome of these turn of events," Helios replied cryptically.
Darien eyed Helios in confusion.
"Helios, I find it difficult to make sense of that comment."
"Darien, understand, some things must remain shrouded in darkness. Light will reveal the truth in due time."
*
*
Serena awoke not too long after falling asleep, her mind exhausted. She slipped off the bed and stood next to the window, gazing over the land of the Morseth. It was beautiful, hills of emerald green rolling far away into the distance. Serena felt a strange despair sweep through her and she shuddered. She shook her head, trying to clear away the unwanted feelings.
'Why do I feel so sad?'
Serena pressed one hand to the window and placed her forehead upon the cool pane of glass. Realization hit her that everyone would be worried sick over her disappearance. She decided that she must return home at once, before their distress became worse.
Serena walked around the room, hoping to find the objects she was looking for. At a small table in a corner of the room, she found them, a quill and parchment. She wrote a letter explaining to Raye and Jaedite that she was grateful for the care they had given her but that she must return home without delay and that she regretted not being able to tell them in person. As Serena signed her name, she felt the fine hairs on her back bristle.
Serena glanced up, only to see that she was still the only occupant in the room. Frowning, she placed the letter upon the bed along with the flowers that the twins had given her and departed. She couldn't help but walk slowly down the hall as she took in her surroundings. The mansion was indeed old and it could be found in the fine detailing of archaic symbols along the walls. Serena came upon the stairs and smiled in spite of herself. They were long and formed an elegant spiral. She began down the stairs, tracing her hand along the banister lightly, until she felt a wave of nausea overcome her. In alarm, she realized that she had lost her footing and prepared herself for the impact that she knew was to come.
*
Darien came back from the temple, irate with the entire situation. He entered his house and came upon the stairs, preparing to go meet with...Serena again. However, he caught sight of her at the top of the stairs and stepped back. He observed her, the way she moved, the way she slowly traced the stair banister. A wave of déjà vu overcame him and in wonder he began to approach her when he noticed that she had faltered and was clearly about to tumble down the stairs.
Darien quickly rushed up and wrapped his arms around her, bracing himself. He gazed at the top of her head, noticing how he could rest his chin right on top of her head...if he had wanted to. She was very still and he felt her hands clench his shirt very tightly. She looked up and stared at him, her features betraying nothing of her emotions. Darien grew upset...upset with everything that had transpired. Why did he feel this way about her? Why did she have to feel so good in his arms? His angry thoughts were cut off when she reached out with a hand to gently trace an imaginary line down the middle.
He went absolutely still. He knew what she had just done. It was a gesture most precious to him. But he couldn't fathom the reason. Darien only felt the urge to lean down and kiss her, to taste her. And before he knew it, that's exactly what he was doing and she was just as sweet as he thought she would be.
*
*
AN: I'm so terribly sorry for making you wait, so so sorry. Especially sorry to my wonderful reviewer, because I told you it would be out much sooner. But hey...! School is now over and I'm so very ecstatic b/c I can finally start writing again. Thanks to all those who are still supporting my fic. I appreciate it so much! On a side note, b/c I just have to share it with everyone, ^_^ YAY! One of my favorite JRock bands, Do as Infinity will be here at A-Kon this summer! Oh, and I'm finally squaring away my wonderful bishie harem. Oh the joys of being an empress! Okay okay, stay tuned for the next chapter! XOXO
*
Take All – Chapter 4
*
Flashback
*
Floating.
That was the first sensation that registered in her mind as she slowly opened her eyes. She was adrift in an open sea, the sky overhead shrouded with large, billowing clouds. Lightning flashed in the distance and thunder rumbled softly, yet strangely, the waters remained calm, despite the threat looming above.
The still waters disturbed her though, an ominous feeling blossoming in the pit of her stomach.
"Where am I?"
Her words came out tired and raspy. Her thoughts scattered as her mind drifted in emptiness. 'Ah, now I remember. There was a woman trying to protect her children. A Morseth.'
After what seemed an eternity, a feeling of security washed through her. She turned her head to the left and was surprised to see the vague outline of a man begin to appear. Only his back was presented to her, his lower body submerged in the water. She sensed the soothing bonds of her power slowly repair what damage had been done, but there was something else. She began to feel warmth encompass her entire being as he slowly began to turn around. She was awed to see that the clouds had dissipated until a night sky was revealed, a sky laden with stars and the two moons of Taylon.
Serena struggled to get up and realized that she was sitting on the ocean as if it were merely any other solid surface. Serena reached out for the man as he finally faced her. Tears immediately sprang to her eyes as she felt a profound happiness but also great pain rise in her chest. His eyes were closed and his mouth set in a grim line.
'Why does it feel as if my heart is breaking?' she thought to herself.
Serena tried desperately to touch him only to see that her hands went through him. His eyes finally opened to reveal the same dark blue eyes she always saw in her dreams. His lips moved as if speaking to her yet no sound came forth. Serena crawled towards him until her face was directly in front of his and she reached out to stroke the outline of his face until everything around her began to slowly disappear.
*
Present
*
As the dream faded away, she was gently brought back to reality, only to find those same blue eyes now looking into hers.
"It's you..." she was able to manage.
She was quick to notice the confusion in his face but he evidently didn't ponder over the issue for too long, because he leaned towards her until their faces were mere inches apart. Serena could only lay there in nervous anticipation until a great clanging noise interrupted their silence.
Serena moved her head until she saw two small boys rush into the room, their arms laden with flowers. They were of equal height, except one boy had tousled blonde hair and a smudge of dirt across his right cheek, while the other boy had dark hair and piercing eyes. They stopped at the side of her bed and looked at her expectantly. Serena vaguely realized that her "dream man" had retreated to the corner of the room at the boys' arrival.
Serena turned her attention back to the boys and smiled gently.
"Hi," she ventured cautiously.
She was instantly awarded with two large grins and a showering of flowers.
"These flowers are for you. We hope you like 'em," the blonde-haired boy replied. "By the way, my name is Sethine."
"And my name is Anthine. Thank you for helping our mommy," the dark-haired boy chimed in.
"I'm just glad you're all okay," Serena said softly as she reached out to hold their hands. They were both such beautiful children and Serena truly was grateful that things had worked out. Her thoughts were interrupted though as she felt someone else enter the room.
"Sethine, Anthine, why don't the both of you go out to play for a little bit while mommy and daddy talk with the nice lady, okay?" Raye said upon entering the room, Jadeite trailing behind.
"Aw, but moooom..." they both whined in unison.
"Now none of that, out," Raye told them sternly.
Anthine and Sethine sighed in defeat and left the room, looking back over their shoulders at Serena and waving farewell. Serena waved in return and turned her attention to the woman she had saved and the man standing beside her, whom she assumed, was the woman's mate. Serena looked out of the corner of her eye at the man sitting in the corner, realizing that she could actually feel him staring at her. It unnerved and at the same time exhilarated her. So caught up was she in her musings that she failed to realize the woman was talking to her.
"As I was saying, my name is Raye. I will be forever grateful and in your debt for what you have done for me and my family," Raye said, bowing her head to Serena. She was startled to hear Serena protest.
"No, please don't...um...bow. It's not necessary. I was just doing what anyone would have done in that situation. To turn your back when others face peril and danger is a great evil," Serena said matter-of-factly.
Raye gazed at Serena and felt her respect for the Shiva rise tenfold. She gestured for Jadeite to come stand beside her, not bothering to acknowledge Darien, but at the same time, wondering why Darien was in the room in the first place.
"By the way, please let me introduce my mate, Jadeite. And in the corner of the room is my elder brother, Darien," Raye pointed out. She sat down on the bed and turned an inquiring look at Serena.
"Please, tell us about yourself. If I am not mistaken, you are not a typical Shiva. And the healing powers you displayed...such powers are supposed to be non-existent. The only Klans who have ever possessed any type of magical powers were the Mavanam and the Mages, both now said to have become extinct," Raye said.
Serena's eyes turned towards the ceiling and she pondered over what information she should divulge. Her lineage was both a blessing and a curse. How could she explain to them everything, while keeping out all the details? After all, if the wrong people were made aware of her existence, she would find herself in a rather serious dilemma. Well, she would have to chance it and hope that they were satisfied with her explanation.
"I was named after my mother, Serenity; however, everyone calls me Serena. As for my gift, that was also a gift from my mother. Where she obtained her powers, even I could not tell you, because I simply do not know," Serena said quietly.
"So, your mother does not know? I assume her powers are greater than yours since she is the original wielder of them?" Raye asked.
"I would not know, my mother passed away when I was a child," Serena whispered. Her fists clenched tightly and she stared blankly at them.
Raye was taken back. An uncomfortable silence hung in the air as she pondered over whether she should press the matter. She felt a warm hand on her shoulder and she looked up to see Jadeite smiling down at her gently. He nodded his head in encouragement. Raye smiled in return.
"Serena, I am sorry for your loss, but know that I understand your pain. Could you possibly tell us something about your powers because you have to realize that this is rather unprecedented," she said.
"...She was the first silver-coat ever to be born among the Shivas. She was born with powers of empathy and healing and she was widely renowned for her kindness and beauty. She told me that our powers are to be used for good purposes, those powers are acute and we are able to take away someone's pain, including mental and physical pain. In doing so, we take it upon ourselves..." Serena trailed off.
Serena was able to tell them this much, but she left out certain critical facts. In taking someone's pain, she shortened her life in doing so. It was a very small amount, but if the day should ever come where many lives depended on her powers, her life would end prematurely, for her body would not be able to handle the overload. Such, had been the case with her mother.
*
Flashback
*
"Serena, please stay in your room. Don't come out until I say it's okay, do you understand, sweetie?" her mother said loudly on the other side of the door.
"But mom, will it really be okay? Can't I help you? Please?" Serena pleaded with her mother. She tried to open the locked door, but to no avail. There was a long pause before she heard her mother reply.
"I'm sorry. This time, you can't help me. But mom will take care of everything and soon everyone will be smiling again. So be a good girl, okay?"
Serena rested her forehead on the door and she placed one hand on the door.
"Yes, mom. I'll wait until you come back," Serena replied quietly.
Serena sat next to the door and waited.
But her mother never did come back.
*
Present
*
Serena was jolted out of her reverie when she heard a chair sliding back. She stared at Darien as he looked at her briefly before exiting the room. Serena wanted to tell him to come back but it was too late. She turned her attention back to Raye and Jadeite. She found that their eyes still held many questions, but Serena could not find the heart to speak about the matter anymore, because for her, the pain was still too near.
"I am sorry. That is all that I can tell you about my powers. I know that you still have questions, but for now, I would like to rest. I still feel worn out," Serena said tiredly.
"Of course, please rest fully. We're going to go about our daily routine. We don't want to raise any suspicions that something is amiss," Raye explained. She stood up and left the room with Jadeite, closing the door behind her.
Serena heaved a great sigh of relief. The maelstrom of emotions she was experiencing right now was putting her on edge. Darien...so that was his name. Somehow, that name didn't sound right...but she couldn't pinpoint why. Why was he appearing in her dreams and why did she feel such a strong connection to him? She only knew that she wanted to see him again, because when he was near, she felt secure.
*
*
Darien waited for a reply.
Upon leaving the room, he had headed straight to the temple, where their Elder, Helios resided. Darien felt heavily conflicted. In the room, he had wanted to comfort Serena. She had seemed so vulnerable and alone. But he should not be feeling that way...she was a Shiva. So, before all hell broke loose, Darien decided that Helios would be the best person to answer his questions.
Darien climbed the steps of the blue marble structure, bowing briefly before heading inside. As the altar came into view, he stopped and bowed once more.
"Darien, it has been some time now since you've stepped inside this temple. And now that you're here, there appears to be a great weight upon your shoulders. How can I assist you?" Helios asked in amusement.
Darien glanced sideways to see Helios standing near an archway. Helios continued until he stopped in front of Darien and they clasped arms. They then disengaged and Darien sat down on one of the altar steps. He could feel Helios' questioning gaze and wondered where to begin. Darien sighed and began to recount the past events leading up to the present until he finally finished.
"Hmmm..."
Darien looked up and gave Helios a sharp look.
"What do you mean hmmm? There is a Shiva in my house, not just any Shiva, but a Shiva with magical powers," Darien said heatedly.
"All we can do is wait. Only time will bring to us the outcome of these turn of events," Helios replied cryptically.
Darien eyed Helios in confusion.
"Helios, I find it difficult to make sense of that comment."
"Darien, understand, some things must remain shrouded in darkness. Light will reveal the truth in due time."
*
*
Serena awoke not too long after falling asleep, her mind exhausted. She slipped off the bed and stood next to the window, gazing over the land of the Morseth. It was beautiful, hills of emerald green rolling far away into the distance. Serena felt a strange despair sweep through her and she shuddered. She shook her head, trying to clear away the unwanted feelings.
'Why do I feel so sad?'
Serena pressed one hand to the window and placed her forehead upon the cool pane of glass. Realization hit her that everyone would be worried sick over her disappearance. She decided that she must return home at once, before their distress became worse.
Serena walked around the room, hoping to find the objects she was looking for. At a small table in a corner of the room, she found them, a quill and parchment. She wrote a letter explaining to Raye and Jaedite that she was grateful for the care they had given her but that she must return home without delay and that she regretted not being able to tell them in person. As Serena signed her name, she felt the fine hairs on her back bristle.
Serena glanced up, only to see that she was still the only occupant in the room. Frowning, she placed the letter upon the bed along with the flowers that the twins had given her and departed. She couldn't help but walk slowly down the hall as she took in her surroundings. The mansion was indeed old and it could be found in the fine detailing of archaic symbols along the walls. Serena came upon the stairs and smiled in spite of herself. They were long and formed an elegant spiral. She began down the stairs, tracing her hand along the banister lightly, until she felt a wave of nausea overcome her. In alarm, she realized that she had lost her footing and prepared herself for the impact that she knew was to come.
*
Darien came back from the temple, irate with the entire situation. He entered his house and came upon the stairs, preparing to go meet with...Serena again. However, he caught sight of her at the top of the stairs and stepped back. He observed her, the way she moved, the way she slowly traced the stair banister. A wave of déjà vu overcame him and in wonder he began to approach her when he noticed that she had faltered and was clearly about to tumble down the stairs.
Darien quickly rushed up and wrapped his arms around her, bracing himself. He gazed at the top of her head, noticing how he could rest his chin right on top of her head...if he had wanted to. She was very still and he felt her hands clench his shirt very tightly. She looked up and stared at him, her features betraying nothing of her emotions. Darien grew upset...upset with everything that had transpired. Why did he feel this way about her? Why did she have to feel so good in his arms? His angry thoughts were cut off when she reached out with a hand to gently trace an imaginary line down the middle.
He went absolutely still. He knew what she had just done. It was a gesture most precious to him. But he couldn't fathom the reason. Darien only felt the urge to lean down and kiss her, to taste her. And before he knew it, that's exactly what he was doing and she was just as sweet as he thought she would be.
*
*
AN: I'm so terribly sorry for making you wait, so so sorry. Especially sorry to my wonderful reviewer, because I told you it would be out much sooner. But hey...! School is now over and I'm so very ecstatic b/c I can finally start writing again. Thanks to all those who are still supporting my fic. I appreciate it so much! On a side note, b/c I just have to share it with everyone, ^_^ YAY! One of my favorite JRock bands, Do as Infinity will be here at A-Kon this summer! Oh, and I'm finally squaring away my wonderful bishie harem. Oh the joys of being an empress! Okay okay, stay tuned for the next chapter! XOXO