Chapter 12

Plotting

The next morning before Darien came to wake her, Serena was up and dressed and sitting in a big chair near the window. She looked around to make sure that Darien wasn't coming before pulling out her communicator and pressing the all button. She absently thought if she could talk to Luna with it but thought it was too far away.

4 other voices came over the communicator and Serena had to smile at her friends.

"Hey guys" she greeted.

"Hi Sere!" the others chorused back.

Serena got more comfortable and then asked, "Hey Raye, how is Jed doing?"

"He's doing good. Almost like he was never sick." She paused here. "Why?" she asked suspiciously.

Serena laughed. "I was just wondering if we could convince the guys to go on a picnic or something today. What do you guys think?"

"Yeah! Like at the beach! Do they even have a beach?" questioned Mina.

Amy perked up at the idea of the beach. "What a splendid idea."

"Aren't we suppose to be working?" asked Lita.

"Don't be such a party pooper. I'll convince Darien and then everything should be fine. He seems to be the leader of their little group." Said Serena.

"I'm all for getting a little tan." Said Raye.

"So it's agreed, a picnic at the beach. Each of you bring something to eat." Serena ordered.

"Right!" the other said and signed off.

From her room at Zach's, Amy smiled softly. It seems as if Serena is finally acting like the leader she was born to be. "You go Sere." And she got ready.

Serena quickly hid her communicator as Darien opened her door after a quick knock.

Serena turned and glared at him. "That was not a knock. I could have been dressing."

Darien blushed as she said that. "Sorry."

Serena smiled mischievously and stood up and swayed over to Darien. "Oh Dare, I have a favor to ask of you." She moved until she was right in front of him and fluttered her lashes.

He gulped. "What do you want?"

"Can we and the others take the day off and go to the beach for a picnic?" and she pouted up at him. She placed her hands on his chest and leaned in closely. She could feel his bunched up muscles under his tightly pulled shirt. Serena lowered her lashes as she considered her 'master'. He is kinda good looking and nice as well. He never really did anything wrong and what a good skater. Maybe I'll give him a chance.

"We should really work today. My job is never ending you know?"

"What is the purpose of you job anyway?" Serena looked up at him with narrowed eyes.

Darien shifted on his feet and then smiled engagingly down at her. "You know what? A day at the beach sounds fun. I'll call the guys." And he quickly left the room before he answered the question.

Serena smirked. I have him wrapped around my little finger. She blew on her knuckles and brushed them against her chest. "All in a days work. Wait, he never answered my question." She quickly closed her door so she could change into a bathing suit.

The 10 friends met at the crossroads and made their way to one of the few beaches on Elysion and also the most beautiful one. It was a far walk but everyone was enjoying themselves.

As per usual, Serena was surrounded by her friends as if to protect her and this didn't go by unnoticed by the guys.

When they reached the beach the girls stopped in shock, almost dropping their bags. When the boys noticed that they weren't being followed they turned back to see the scouts with their jaws hanging and shared knowing looks.

Finally the 5 snapped out of their daze and walked onto the lightly heated soft sand, which was a startling black and light pink mixture that sparkled in the sunlight and the ocean was an astounding deep and light purple.

"This is amazing." Whispered Serena.

"I've never seen anything like it before in my life." Stated Amy.

"I wish I had a camera." Lita joked.

"I'm going to be the first one in!" Mina squealed and dropped all her things and ran for the water at top speed.

"No I will." And Serena was racing after her with Amy and Lita at her heels, all their things forgotten.

Raye shook her head. "Such juveniles." She helped the guys carry the rest of the things to a spot on the beach that was close to the water but offered some shade from the sun.

"Raye, come on in. The water is surprisingly warm." Said Amy. The others nodded in agreement.

Raye smiled. "Ok, I'm coming." And she raced for the water, stripping off her clothes as she ran. When she got close to the water she hesitated and when she waited too long the other girls splashed her with the water, which was warm. Raye then jumped in and they all splashed around.

The 5 guys were left to set up everything and they sat down and admired the scouts.

"We certainly got the pick of the crop." Said Nate.

The others all glared at him. "That is a terrible way of putting it Neph. They are human beings, not produce." Said Zach.

Nephlite just blushed. "I suppose so."

"You'll never get Lita to like you if you keep that type of attitude." Kunzite said.

That got Nephlite's attention. "You think so?" he asked.

"I know so." Was his only answer as they all went back to watching the girls.

Just as their attention was focused on the water, Serena came out dripping wet and running in their direction. She had on a peach bikini with strings wrapped around her stomach and tied in the back. She plopped onto the blanket laid out and tied a sarong around her waist and eyed the silent company. "You guys ok?" she asked.

They snapped out of it and all of them blushed. "Fine." Muttered Kevin.

"You look lovely." Jed and Darien chorused. Serena blushed at the compliment and thanked them, sending both of them a winning smile.

Darien was shocked that she even acknowledged him at all but was soaking up the attention.

"Mmmm.. I'm hungry." Serena said while licking her lips. Both Darien and Jed slightly lean forward with wide eyes. The other three chuckled and held their friends back.

The sky was bright and they were resting under a big beach umbrella to keep from burning.

"Before I start eating can you help me with putting on some sunscreen?" and she looked at Darien from under her lashes. Darien gulped and nodded. After taking some sunscreen to apply to her front, Serena handed the bottle to Darien who put the rest onto her back.

Serena looked over her shoulder at Darien and smiled. "Thanks." She cleaned off her hands before digging into the food in the picnic basket. The other scouts joining her a couple minutes later.

Mina sat by Kevin as she ate a few grapes. She smirked to herself as she leaned towards him and rested her head against his shoulder and curled up around him.

Kevin blushed and stuttered at the close contact.

The Love Goddess strikes again.

As Raye sat down at the edge of the blanket, Jed tore his gaze away from Serena and admired Raye from afar. If she weren't so standoffish approaching her would be a whole lot easier, he thought. Why couldn't she act like Serena?

Amy and Zach were talking about more equations and about the planet's education system, unconsciously leaning in closely with their arms touching.

Lita had her back to Nate as she ate in silence. One in a while Nate would raise his hand and try to get a conversation started but would get nervous and drop his hand back into his lap. This is harder than it looks. I should take the guys' advice. He turned to eat, not noticing that Lita glanced at him quickly before turning away again.

WWWWW

On the other side of the planet a 5 people sat around a table talking.

"Diamond, I don't see why this girl is that important. There are plenty of girls on this planet and ours." Said a guy with greenish-black hair and brown eyes.

Diamond turned sharply to the one who spoke and growled out, "Do not speak out of turn, Peridot. Besides you do not know of the true beauty that this girl possesses and she is nothing like the girls you think of, she is sinfully pure and I will claim her as mine." His blue eyes flashed wickedly.

Peridot nodded and kept quiet.

Diamond continued with his tirade. "Now as I was saying, the seton senrpci tournament is in 5 days time and we will beat those stupid princes of Elysion and I will take Serena as my prize."

"But my prince, how will you manage that?" asked another man with dark black hair and purple eyes.

There was a laugh as Diamond thought of his plan. "Before the games start I will maneuver our dear sweet Prince Endymion to put his slave on the line. If his team loses they will give up their slaves. One for each of us, of course." Some of the others nodded, liking the idea.

"But brother, they are the seton senrpci champions. They have never lost before. So what if we lose, what do we forfeit?" asked a man with blue hair and dark blue eyes.

"Dear, dear Sapphire, we will not lose. I have a sure way. But if we do lose which I highly doubt, we will give over our own sisters."

"You have to be joking, brother. Give up Ruby? She's all but 14!" shouted Sapphire.

"Calm down dear younger brother, for we shall surly win."

"How can you be so sure, Prince?" asked a man with blond hair and golden eyes.

"You see Topaz, I have a special advisor on such matters."

"Oh?" asked Quartz, the man with the purple eyes.

"Indeed. I shall call him now." Diamond pushed a few buttons on the table before him and an image popped up of a cloaked figure with bony hands and that was all you could see.

The figure floated in front of the 5 assembled men and caressed a glowing ball between their bony fingers. "You called, Prince?"

"Yes Wise One. Show the unbelievers what I seek."

The old one laughed as it disappeared to be replaced with the scene on the beach of Darien putting sunscreen on Serena.

Diamond sneered. "How dare he touch such perfection with those unworthy hands. But gaze on and see the beauty she possesses."

They all looked at the image of Serena in her bikini. "I must admit she is quite breathtaking." Whispered Sapphire, with Topaz nodding in agreement.

Diamond's eyes narrowed. "Get your own girl. They are all beautiful."

Just as he said that the other scouts gathered on the blanket to have their picnic.

"Wow." Said Peridot and pointed to Lita. "She is wonderful."

"I think that one is much better looking." said Quatrz, pointing to Raye.

"I can't decide who looks better. This Serena or that other blonde." Murmured Topaz.

"I seem to be in the same dilemma Top, but I'm deciding between Serena and the blue haired one." Whispered Sapphire to Topaz, who was sitting right next to him. They both shot looks at Diamond, who scowled back at them.

"Serena is mine!"

Sapphire smiled. "We shall see. May the best Prince win!"

The image of the beach disappeared as the Wise One returned. "Is that all, Prince?" he asked.

"I just want to make sure everything is in order. It is sure we will win?" questioned Diamond.

The image laughed. "Of course. I bet my life that you will win at the tournament this year." He laughed again and the image disappeared.

"Well I'm in." said Peridot.

"Me too." The others chorused.

"Excellent. The Elysion Princes do not stand a chance against the Dark Moon Princes."

Just as they were getting up to leave a young woman with blonde hair and green eyes sashayed into the room.

Diamond sighed. "Emerald, you know this is a meeting for men only. What do you want?"

Emerald smiled. "You, among other things."

"Like that's going to happen." Whispered Topaz maliciously.

Emerald shot him a scathing look before smiling innocently at Diamond. "I was just checking up on you. I haven't seen you in a while and I wanted to know if you wanted to go out for a bite to eat or something?" she questioned.

"Not today Emerald. I'm retiring to my rooms. Good day." And Diamond left with Emerald a step behind him, huffing all the way.

"I'll eat my good boots the day Emerald actually catches the elusive Ice Prince." Stated Quartz.

"Duly noted." Sapphire returned.

WWWWW

After they finished their picnic and played in the water for a couple of hours everyone was getting kind of tired.

As they were packing up and leaving a girl with fiery red hair and sly green eyes bounded up and latched onto Darien's arm. "Good day to you Pr-" she was cut off as her mouth was covered by Darien.

"Good day to you as well Beryl." Beryl shrugged at the weird behavior of her High Prince and smiled at his court. But when her eyes caught at all the girls surrounding them her smile dropped like a ton of bricks.

"Who are they?" she asked.

Serena growled and latched onto Darien's other arm. "My name is Serena and I would kindly appreciate if you unhand Darien this instant and I may just let you leave unharmed." Her crescent flashed as her anger flared.

Beryl let go out of shock but her eyes narrowed. "I've never seen you before. How do you know the......." Her eyes shot to Darien and he was shaking his head. ".......Darien?" She shot him another look that clearly said, "you own me." He sighed in relief that his secret was still unearthed.

"Well....... We're from Earth and we were brought here. Darien and his friends.........bought us." Serena whispered into Darien's arm.

"What was that?"

"They bought us!" she all but yelled.

Beryl's eyes widened. "Slaves? Really?" She turned to Darien and the rest of the guys. "You lower yourselves as to go out...... picnicking with slaves. I'm sure you can do better." Here she lightly touched Darien's bare arm.

Serena saw the act and she growled, faintly glowing. "Back off Beryl."

"Ohhh fierce little slave. Well if you tire of her, you know where to find me." And she flounced out.

"Of all the nerve. Who does she think she is? I could just tear her apart. Actually, I think I will." And Serena made her way to follow the redhead.

"Oh no you don't Sere." Said Lita as she and Raye held her back.

"Calm down Serena." Said Amy.

"Yeah Serena. She's just a friend of the family. No big deal."

"Lighten up, Princess Beryl is an ok person." Stated Nate.

"Princess? Did you just say Princess? A princess is a family friend?" questioned Serena, who now fought harder to get to the Princess.

"Umm......yeah?" Darien reddened.

"I think we better go." Said Jed as he gathered the things and walked back to the crossroads were they split up.

"I agree." Amy as she and Zach got their things and head back home as well.

They all split up after their long day.

WWWWW

As Mina was walking with Kevin, she was deep in thought. My love goddess sensors are telling me that someone is a little possessive. This will surely be fun. She smirked and skipped the rest of the way home.

WWWWW

Nate was debating with himself on what to do about Lita. This is just so complicated. He looked towards her and saw her holding most of the bags. I can help! He quickly grabbed all the bags and shifted so he was more comfortable.

"What do you think you're doing? I'm not a little pansy girl that needs waiting on!" Lita turned to him and glared.

"I know but it's a long walk and I didn't want you to bother yourself with the bags. Just relax and be your beautiful self." Nate smiled sweetly at her and Lita couldn't help but smile back as she walked closer to him.

That wasn't so bad. I can do this, he thought as they continued walking.

WWWWW

I can't believe the nerve of the 'princess'. I'm a princess as well. I sooo do not act like her. Next time I meet her, her pretty face will be rearranged, fumed Serena.

Beside her, Darien was in his own thoughts. I can't believe Serena reacted that way. What has changed? She wouldn't have even given it a second thought yesterday. Weird.

They arrived at Darien's mansion and got ready for bed and good nights sleep because surely Serena couldn't get Darien to not work three days in a row.

WWWWW

Deep in an unknown area a figure cloaked in black was laughing insanely.

"You have no idea that you are just my little pawn in a game of chess, Diamond. When that tournament comes along I'll make sure you win and then we'll get rid of the Elysion Princes but then I'll get rid of you and then the planet and the whole universe will be at my command. Nothing will stop me then!!" The figure laughed loudly as he gently held its crystal ball, which showed a still picture of Serena smiling as if posing for a picture.

man.. that was long..11 pages. My hand is cramped and its 3 am. I hope this chapter satisfies my readers better than my last one.. I know it was short and not that interesting but it was early in the morning and I wanted to get the chapter out since I hadn't updated in a long time. Besides the chapter is kinda only a filler chapter. I needed something to get the information out there about the seton senrpci. But the story should be picking up from here on out and there are more scout/general action although not that much more but I hope it satisfies you for the time being. I'll add more as we get farther into the story. More information on what Diamond is up to and new characters that are all my own. If you want to use them please ask and tell me what for before I let you take my ideas, which I am very proud of. I hope everyone enjoys the chapter and the rest of the story.

REVIEW!

Sylver-Tyger