Opposing Protectors
Disclaimer: How many times must we go through this?
Chapter 10: Bad Reactions
"I don't know who I am. I can't remember anything!" Serena cried in a panic.
Not thinking of any possible consequences that may result from his actions, Seiya quickly went over to Serena and pulled her into a comforting hug and provided her with a shoulder to cry on. They sat like this for nearly an hour. Finally Seiya managed to calm her down enough to get her to agree to going and getting some food.
Everyone looked up when they heard the door open to see who it was that had entered the dining room. What they saw took them completely by surprise. Serena and Seiya walked in, Seiya's arm wrapped around Serena's waist and Serena's face tear-stained. At first they assumed the worst. They thought that maybe Darien hadn't survived losing all that energy from resurrecting her and the battle that ensued. That possibility was immediately dismissed as they noticed that Rini was still with them. It was Imara who finally broke the silence.
Temporarily putting aside the fact that Seiya's arm was draped on Serena's shoulder, she asked: "How are you feeling Princess?" As always, making her Princess's safety her first and foremost priority.
"Princess?" Serena looked at Seiya curiously.
"We can explain later." Looking to the others, she said: "She has complete amnesia." This was followed by cries of "What?" and "Oh no!" and other such things.
Amy pulled out her Mercury computer in order to try and scan her friend. While she was doing this, Serena was being reintroduced to her friends. During all of this, the doctor that Kakuu had sent for arrived at the palace and was filled in on the situation and the recent events of the past few days. All Amy was able to determine with her computer was that Serena's condition was not magically inflicted. Following her analysis, the doctor was introduced to the group and he started making his examinations.
Serena, for her part, although she had just been told that these people were her friends, still clung to Seiya...much to Imara's chagrin. She knew however that her Princess was already frightened by all of this and was in a mentally fragile state, so to spare her Princess, she kept her mouth shut.
The doctor had started heading towards Michelle, assuming that she was the primary patient, as her injuries were more obvious. She, however, refused to be treated until after Serena had been tended to. With no luck coming from his protests, he was left with no other choice than to take care of the other girl first. He examined her both normally and magically before giving his diagnosis.
"After the battle, her mind was too weak and overwhelmed to process everything that was happening and that which had already happened. When she fell, she hit her head on something, and that caused enough damage to give her a concussion providing an 'escape' for the information in her brain."
"But she fought as Serenity after Endymion brought her back, and that was after the fall." Lita protested.
"Yes, so you've said. Based on what I know and have been told of your history, her transformation into Serenity and the following battle she fought were probably fuelled by instinct."
"Wonderful. Just perfect!" Imara said sarcastically.
"Now will you allow me to examine you?" the doctor asked turning to Michelle.
"Yes."
"Good. Now lets see here..."
After examining her and patching up her scratch properly, he informed her that she had indeed struck a nerve, but due to her unique physiology as a Senshi and the fast healing abilities that come with the job, she would be fine and her vision should start returning within the next 48 hours. Relived at the good news, Michelle thanked him for his help.
Trista, who had been standing quietly in the corner, now stepped forward and politely asked the doctor: "While you're here, would you mind also checking on our Prince for us? Just to make sure he suffered no ill effects from the battle."
"Of course, but I think you should be taken care of first." he said as he took note of the scratches and bruises she had attained from those wolf- like creatures.
"Very well." she conceded.
He finished his work on Trista and then said that he was ready to visit the last patient who needed his help.
"Follow me, I'll take you to Darien's room." Kakuu instructed the doctor.
"Thank you your Majesty."
Once they were gone, Serena asked: "Who's Darien?" She felt a little sheepish, because she knew she should probably know who this person is.
"He's someone very close to you." Seiya told her.
"There's more to it than that!" Michelle hissed, clearly irritated by Seiya's vague and somewhat deceitful response.
"There is?" Serena asked with innocence and confusion in her voice.
"Yes, he's your husband!" Imara added. Her face was livid with anger and rage towards Seiya, knowing full well why he hadn't told her the truth right from the start.
"Oh." Was all Serena could say. An awkward silence followed.
"Well, I have some good news for you. Your friend's energy wasn't sufficiently drained enough to do any damage. In fact, he should be waking up within the next hour or two." the doctor's voice broke the silence as he and Kakuu rejoined the others.
Kakuu thanked the doctor and dismissed him, so he took his leave. She then immediately asked what was going on, for she could see that something was terribly wrong.
"There's nothing going on, we're fine." Seiya replied quickly. He didn't want to give any of the Outer Senshi a chance to respond, because he knew they'd make a big scene. Looking at Serena, he said: "Come on, I'll take you to see Darien." He completely abandoned the idea of food and dragged her off to Darien's room, his arm still around her shoulder.
Immediately after they were out of hearing distance, Imara poured out her anger by yelling at Kakuu about how deceitful Seiya was, and that this was all her fault for getting them to come here and solve their problems for them. The list goes on. But of course, Taiki and Yaten wouldn't stand for this. No one yelled at their Princess and got away with it. This time was no exception. Soon it was an all out war between the Terrans and the Nagare'boshins.
Serena and Seiya sat together beside Darien's bed while waiting for him to wake up. Seiya was holding Serena, providing her with strength and comfort, for which she was grateful. They had been sitting like that for just over half an hour, when Darien started stirring. He was fully awake a few minutes later.
Darien took a moment to get his bearings before sitting up. He smiled upon seeing Serena alive and well. Ignoring Seiya (who had released his hold on her when Darien had started waking up), he went over and gave her a huge bear hug and a deep passionate kiss. He only pulled away after noticing that Serena was not returning his feelings of love and relief, as she usually would have. Instead, he noticed that she had stiffened up and seemed to be slightly scared. A look of concern replaced the joy was there only moments before.
"Serena, what is it? What's wrong?" The thought passed through his mind that there might be more problems and that they were still in danger. He sincerely hoped that this was not the case. Little did he know, he'd prefer that answer over the truth he would soon find out.
Serena tried to answer, but only managed to get out: "I...I..." before looking helplessly at Seiya. She had no idea what to do or say. This was her husband and she didn't even know him!
At that moment, Seiya spoke up and explained to Darien that she had amnesia and that that's why she was acting differently. He then proceeded to explain how she came by it.
Darien looked back towards Serena as she shrunk back, afraid that he'd be angry at her or blame her for it. She was greatly relieved when he gave a weak smile of sympathy and then quickly started apologizing profusely for frightening her.
"It's alright, I understand. After hearing what happened, I don't blame you. It's just that you took me by surprise. That's all." she said in a quiet voice. "Sorry." she added on, feeling the need to apologize for her condition and behaviour.
"Serena, you have nothing to apologize for. This is not your fault. There was nothing you could've done to prevent this."
As he telling her not to blame herself, he was mentally kicking himself. He was blaming himself for letting her down and not being able to protect her. He believed that all of this was HIS fault.
"I guess, but still...here we are, husband and wife, and I don't remember you or our wedding, or the day we met...nothing! Don't you understand? I'm standing with the man that I apparently love and I have absolutely no idea who you are!" She had practically screamed this last part. Not being able to handle this anymore, she ran from the room, pausing only for a moment to look back at a sympathetic and helpless Darien while tears came streaming down her face.
Darien moved to go after her, but was promptly stopped by Seiya. Darien demanded an explanation as to why Seiya was stopping him from going after his wife.
"She's frightened. And she also feels guilty about not knowing who you are. Let me go and talk to her and get her calmed down. Then I'll bring her back here. Alright?"
"Thanks for the offer, but it would be better for me to go. That way she has the chance to get to know me again." Darien retorted.
"That might have worked...if you hadn't scared her off by being so forward when you woke up! Now you're going to have to work to gain her trust!"
"And what makes you think she trusts you!?"
"Because I've been there for her from the moment she woke up, while you on the other hand, were out cold! Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go and make sure she's all right." With that, Seiya started to leave but was stopped by Darien's hand on his wrist.
"What!?"
"I am going to tell you this once and only once. Serena is my wife and if you try ANYTHING with her, then I will make you regret for the rest of your life. Like I said before, she is MY wife. REMEMBER THAT!"
After giving Seiya his warning, Darien finally released his wrist so that he could go after Serena while he was left to pace the room in fury (at Seiya) and concern and guilt (for and concerning Serena).
Disclaimer: How many times must we go through this?
Chapter 10: Bad Reactions
"I don't know who I am. I can't remember anything!" Serena cried in a panic.
Not thinking of any possible consequences that may result from his actions, Seiya quickly went over to Serena and pulled her into a comforting hug and provided her with a shoulder to cry on. They sat like this for nearly an hour. Finally Seiya managed to calm her down enough to get her to agree to going and getting some food.
Everyone looked up when they heard the door open to see who it was that had entered the dining room. What they saw took them completely by surprise. Serena and Seiya walked in, Seiya's arm wrapped around Serena's waist and Serena's face tear-stained. At first they assumed the worst. They thought that maybe Darien hadn't survived losing all that energy from resurrecting her and the battle that ensued. That possibility was immediately dismissed as they noticed that Rini was still with them. It was Imara who finally broke the silence.
Temporarily putting aside the fact that Seiya's arm was draped on Serena's shoulder, she asked: "How are you feeling Princess?" As always, making her Princess's safety her first and foremost priority.
"Princess?" Serena looked at Seiya curiously.
"We can explain later." Looking to the others, she said: "She has complete amnesia." This was followed by cries of "What?" and "Oh no!" and other such things.
Amy pulled out her Mercury computer in order to try and scan her friend. While she was doing this, Serena was being reintroduced to her friends. During all of this, the doctor that Kakuu had sent for arrived at the palace and was filled in on the situation and the recent events of the past few days. All Amy was able to determine with her computer was that Serena's condition was not magically inflicted. Following her analysis, the doctor was introduced to the group and he started making his examinations.
Serena, for her part, although she had just been told that these people were her friends, still clung to Seiya...much to Imara's chagrin. She knew however that her Princess was already frightened by all of this and was in a mentally fragile state, so to spare her Princess, she kept her mouth shut.
The doctor had started heading towards Michelle, assuming that she was the primary patient, as her injuries were more obvious. She, however, refused to be treated until after Serena had been tended to. With no luck coming from his protests, he was left with no other choice than to take care of the other girl first. He examined her both normally and magically before giving his diagnosis.
"After the battle, her mind was too weak and overwhelmed to process everything that was happening and that which had already happened. When she fell, she hit her head on something, and that caused enough damage to give her a concussion providing an 'escape' for the information in her brain."
"But she fought as Serenity after Endymion brought her back, and that was after the fall." Lita protested.
"Yes, so you've said. Based on what I know and have been told of your history, her transformation into Serenity and the following battle she fought were probably fuelled by instinct."
"Wonderful. Just perfect!" Imara said sarcastically.
"Now will you allow me to examine you?" the doctor asked turning to Michelle.
"Yes."
"Good. Now lets see here..."
After examining her and patching up her scratch properly, he informed her that she had indeed struck a nerve, but due to her unique physiology as a Senshi and the fast healing abilities that come with the job, she would be fine and her vision should start returning within the next 48 hours. Relived at the good news, Michelle thanked him for his help.
Trista, who had been standing quietly in the corner, now stepped forward and politely asked the doctor: "While you're here, would you mind also checking on our Prince for us? Just to make sure he suffered no ill effects from the battle."
"Of course, but I think you should be taken care of first." he said as he took note of the scratches and bruises she had attained from those wolf- like creatures.
"Very well." she conceded.
He finished his work on Trista and then said that he was ready to visit the last patient who needed his help.
"Follow me, I'll take you to Darien's room." Kakuu instructed the doctor.
"Thank you your Majesty."
Once they were gone, Serena asked: "Who's Darien?" She felt a little sheepish, because she knew she should probably know who this person is.
"He's someone very close to you." Seiya told her.
"There's more to it than that!" Michelle hissed, clearly irritated by Seiya's vague and somewhat deceitful response.
"There is?" Serena asked with innocence and confusion in her voice.
"Yes, he's your husband!" Imara added. Her face was livid with anger and rage towards Seiya, knowing full well why he hadn't told her the truth right from the start.
"Oh." Was all Serena could say. An awkward silence followed.
"Well, I have some good news for you. Your friend's energy wasn't sufficiently drained enough to do any damage. In fact, he should be waking up within the next hour or two." the doctor's voice broke the silence as he and Kakuu rejoined the others.
Kakuu thanked the doctor and dismissed him, so he took his leave. She then immediately asked what was going on, for she could see that something was terribly wrong.
"There's nothing going on, we're fine." Seiya replied quickly. He didn't want to give any of the Outer Senshi a chance to respond, because he knew they'd make a big scene. Looking at Serena, he said: "Come on, I'll take you to see Darien." He completely abandoned the idea of food and dragged her off to Darien's room, his arm still around her shoulder.
Immediately after they were out of hearing distance, Imara poured out her anger by yelling at Kakuu about how deceitful Seiya was, and that this was all her fault for getting them to come here and solve their problems for them. The list goes on. But of course, Taiki and Yaten wouldn't stand for this. No one yelled at their Princess and got away with it. This time was no exception. Soon it was an all out war between the Terrans and the Nagare'boshins.
Serena and Seiya sat together beside Darien's bed while waiting for him to wake up. Seiya was holding Serena, providing her with strength and comfort, for which she was grateful. They had been sitting like that for just over half an hour, when Darien started stirring. He was fully awake a few minutes later.
Darien took a moment to get his bearings before sitting up. He smiled upon seeing Serena alive and well. Ignoring Seiya (who had released his hold on her when Darien had started waking up), he went over and gave her a huge bear hug and a deep passionate kiss. He only pulled away after noticing that Serena was not returning his feelings of love and relief, as she usually would have. Instead, he noticed that she had stiffened up and seemed to be slightly scared. A look of concern replaced the joy was there only moments before.
"Serena, what is it? What's wrong?" The thought passed through his mind that there might be more problems and that they were still in danger. He sincerely hoped that this was not the case. Little did he know, he'd prefer that answer over the truth he would soon find out.
Serena tried to answer, but only managed to get out: "I...I..." before looking helplessly at Seiya. She had no idea what to do or say. This was her husband and she didn't even know him!
At that moment, Seiya spoke up and explained to Darien that she had amnesia and that that's why she was acting differently. He then proceeded to explain how she came by it.
Darien looked back towards Serena as she shrunk back, afraid that he'd be angry at her or blame her for it. She was greatly relieved when he gave a weak smile of sympathy and then quickly started apologizing profusely for frightening her.
"It's alright, I understand. After hearing what happened, I don't blame you. It's just that you took me by surprise. That's all." she said in a quiet voice. "Sorry." she added on, feeling the need to apologize for her condition and behaviour.
"Serena, you have nothing to apologize for. This is not your fault. There was nothing you could've done to prevent this."
As he telling her not to blame herself, he was mentally kicking himself. He was blaming himself for letting her down and not being able to protect her. He believed that all of this was HIS fault.
"I guess, but still...here we are, husband and wife, and I don't remember you or our wedding, or the day we met...nothing! Don't you understand? I'm standing with the man that I apparently love and I have absolutely no idea who you are!" She had practically screamed this last part. Not being able to handle this anymore, she ran from the room, pausing only for a moment to look back at a sympathetic and helpless Darien while tears came streaming down her face.
Darien moved to go after her, but was promptly stopped by Seiya. Darien demanded an explanation as to why Seiya was stopping him from going after his wife.
"She's frightened. And she also feels guilty about not knowing who you are. Let me go and talk to her and get her calmed down. Then I'll bring her back here. Alright?"
"Thanks for the offer, but it would be better for me to go. That way she has the chance to get to know me again." Darien retorted.
"That might have worked...if you hadn't scared her off by being so forward when you woke up! Now you're going to have to work to gain her trust!"
"And what makes you think she trusts you!?"
"Because I've been there for her from the moment she woke up, while you on the other hand, were out cold! Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go and make sure she's all right." With that, Seiya started to leave but was stopped by Darien's hand on his wrist.
"What!?"
"I am going to tell you this once and only once. Serena is my wife and if you try ANYTHING with her, then I will make you regret for the rest of your life. Like I said before, she is MY wife. REMEMBER THAT!"
After giving Seiya his warning, Darien finally released his wrist so that he could go after Serena while he was left to pace the room in fury (at Seiya) and concern and guilt (for and concerning Serena).