Opposing Protectors
Disclaimer: If I did own Sailor Moon (which of course I don't), why would this be a fic on the Internet? Don't you think I'd make it into another Sailor Moon movie instead?
Chapter 12: Home
After dinner, the group returned to the parlour-like room to talk some more. Kakuu and the Starlights had once again left the Earth group to their own devices while going to take care of 'planetary' matters. (They were actually planning a party in honour of their guests.) On their way out, Seiya (who had finally reverted back to her female form now that her reason for not changing was gone) glared at Darien on her way out, her eyes full of envy and jealousy. Serena was now comfortably clinging to Darien for security and reassurance.
Right now the group was telling a very curious Serena stories about her past as well as stories of their adventures as the Sailor Senshi, leaving out a few details as had been agreed upon (ie. a few deaths – minus the ones from the Silver Millennium, and her husband and future daughter turning on her at different times...they figured those incidents might be too much for her right now, she'd be told about them later).
"Wow, it sounds like we've all had our share of memory issues. First we all lose our memories after our reincarnations; then Darien loses his again after a car accident; then all of us again facing Beryl, I think you said it was (Senshi nod); then Hotaru a year or two ago as well as her father; plus Trista's memories of the future when she leaves the Time Gate and now this. You'd think after all of that, we'd have found a cure by now.
The Senshi laughed at this last comment. At least Serena hadn't lost her sense of humour or the ability to make you laugh and cheer you up, no matter how bad the situation might be.
"True, but all of the other memory losses, save Darien's, were magically imposed. Whereas yours is from the emotional and physical stress plus the trauma you suffered from our last battle. You looked roughed up in when we found you." Amy explained vaguely, making sure not to get into too much detail...ie. her death and resurrection.
"I suppose."
Serena sighed, she was getting frustrated at not being able to remember the good times they'd had, the things she and the others had accomplished, not to mention her WEDDING!!! So, she decided to change the subject.
"How are your eyes doing Michelle?"
"Better. They're still a little blurry, but I can make out shapes and colours...just not details. My headache has also lessened significantly, which is nice. Hopefully, I'll be fully healed by tomorrow morning."
"That's good. I'm glad to hear it...especially since you were injured while trying to rescue me. Sorry.
"Serena! Don't worry about it! I'm fine. This is not your fault, you couldn't have stopped it. Besides, we ARE Sailor Senshi after all, it's our job to protect you . We do live fairly dangerous lives, we're bound to run into a few obstacles." Michelle tried to reassure her.
"I guess you're right, but still..."
"But what?" Imara asked.
"I can't help but feel that if I had had my memories, I could've used those healing powers you told me about to heal your injury and blindness. I mean what if it had been worse?" A few tears started rolling down her cheeks.
Darien pulled her into a hug to try and calm her down and reassure her. The others as well tried to comfort and console the distraught girl with their words. A short while later, she stopped crying and there was silence for several minutes. Then she once again apologized to them for everything. They all mentally sighed at the over apologetic nature of their friend.
"Oh Serena," Darien said sympathetically, "we've told you before, you have nothing to be sorry for, nothing at all. If anything, we should be sorry for not being able to protect you like we're supposed to." Serena just looked up into his eyes, unsure whether to believe his words or not. There was a short pause before he continued speaking. He took a deep breath and said: "Look, it's been a long day for all of us. Why don't we just go to bed, get some sleep and deal with everything tomorrow morning?"
"I agree. We should all get some rest." Trista said.
They all said "Good Night" and headed off to their assigned rooms, which Kakuu had shown to them on their tour. Given the choice, Serena opted for sleeping in Darien's room, but said that she would prefer to sleep on the floor. She wasn't fully ready to be sharing a bed yet...that would probably take a few more days. Darien said he understood but would not hear of her sleeping on the floor. Being the gentleman he is, he told her that she could take the bed and he would sleep on the floor. Serena tried to protest, but Darien wouldn't take 'no' for an answer. The Senshi told her to give up trying and that she would never win this argument, for once Darien had made up his mind, there was no changing it. So, Serena took their advice and conceded to Darien's sleeping arrangements. With that settled, they all headed off to bed.
The next morning at breakfast, The Senshi announced that they must return home. Serena had informed them that after a good night's sleep to let everything sink in, she was ready to make the unusual trip. They did, however, agree to stay (after much convincing and pleading) for a farewell/thank you dinner and dance that Kakuu and the Starlights had planned on holding for them as a token of their gratitude, to be held later that night.
"Hey Serena, seeing as how you didn't get a chance to tour the palace yet, would you like me to show you around before you go? You really should see it." Seiya offered. Darien just glared at her.
"Sure." Serena replied.
Kakuu, afraid of where this might be going, said: "Perhaps you take Darien as well, since he too hasn't had the chance to see the palace."
"Thank you." Darien said to her. Looking at Seiya he added: "I'd love to get a tour." a clear look of smug victory on his face.
"Of course Princess, I'd be glad to." she lied, but she had to oblige her Princess. She thought to herself: Why that arrogant son of a bitch! If it were up to me, I'd teach him a well-deserved lesson. Look at him, so smug, so pompous! I just wish I could wipe that look right off his face!
So, grudgingly and muttering under his breath, Seiya took Serena AND Darien on a tour of the palace and grounds. As the late afternoon sun began to sink in the Northern sky (remember this isn't Earth and anything is possible), the trio thought it best that they go and prepare for evening gala...Kakuu had provided them with dress attire fitting for the occasion.
A short time later they reassembled and Kakuu led her guests to the Great Dining Hall...that much of the populous had worked very hard on preparing for the grand event. As they entered, they were met with thunderous applause. After the applause died down, the guests of honour took their seats and dinner was served. Before anyone had a chance to start eating, Kakuu made a toast to Darien, Serena and the Senshi, calling them the "Saviours of Nagare'boshi". They all blushed a bright shade of red, at this last part especially, and quickly spattered out a chorus of 'Thank you'. After another round of applause, they finally got to eat.
Once dinner had ended, everyone had dessert and then sat for a while. Some conversed about recent events, while others engaged in your average small talk. Finally, nearly an hour after everyone had finished his or her dessert, Kakuu stood up and announced that the dance was going to begin.
Everyone enjoyed the dancing and everyone was dancing with everyone else. As Serena and Darien finished a dance, Seiya walked over to them and asked Serena for a dance. Darien noticed immediately that Seiya had once again reverted to his male form. Darien would not have minded them dancing had it not been for this and the fact that Darien knew Seiya had ulterior motives. However, not wanting to cause a ruckus and ruin the party, he simply glared at Seiya as he led Serena to the Dance floor. Seiya for his part returned Darien's smug look of victory from earlier causing Darien's warning glare to intensify ten fold.
Serena sighed to herself. She had not failed to notice the tension, anger and hatred between Darien and Seiya. In her mind, she decided to speak with the two of them later after the gala was over, not wanting to spoil the evening. Until then, she was determined to enjoy the ball...even if she didn't remember the events it was based on.
Late into the night, the ball came to an end. As the Senshi started to say their good-byes, Serena asked to speak with Seiya and Darien alone. She asked them to follow her into the hall. Although everyone else was curious as to what was going on, nobody questioned her request. Once the three of them were in the hallway, Serena had her little chat with them while the others waited patiently for them to return.
Out in the hallway..........
"Alright you two, listen up! I may not have my memory, but I do have eyes and ears! Ever since I woke up, you two have been at each other's throats and fighting like cats and dogs. For all I know, you might have been acting like that before this whole amnesia mess. But I am telling you right here and right now...GET OVER IT!!! Seiya look, I appreciate everything you've done for me, really I do; but I could never return the same feelings you obviously have for me. From the moment I woke up, I've regarded you as kinda being like an older brother...always watching out for me and everything else, but I never had any romantic feelings. I'm sorry if I've hurt you by this, but I do thank you for everything you've done.
"As for you Darien, relax! I may not remember anything about our past, but my heart keeps telling me that you're the one and I trust it. It just feels right to me. From the moment I walked into your room, I knew that we were a destined couple. I felt it in my heart, but the feeling was so brief, I passed it off as nothing. Then when you woke up, I felt that feeling again. That's partially what scared me that day, knowing I loved a total stranger who wasn't supposed to be a stranger to me at all. It was just too much to deal with, too much to try and sort out. That and the fact that I didn't know how or where to begin sorting things out, so I panicked and ran. Now, with that said and out of the way, if I'm going to get my memories back, I'm going to need your help and full support...which means you not having fits of jealousy!
"Now, lets go. It's time we go back to Earth and I can see my home again...for the first time."
The two men stood there in shock. They knew she was right to yell at them...they had been kinda acting like a couple of jerks. But the fact that she had to yell at them without knowing all the facts herself, that caused them to blush and hang their heads in shame. As she started to leave, Darien grabbed her wrist and she turned to face them. They both profusely apologized to her for their behaviour and Seiya once again reverted back to her female form. Serena responded to them with a smile and the words: "Apologies accepted. Now lets go, shall we?" They nodded and followed her back into the ballroom.
The others waited expectantly to hear about what had happened, but they were given no explanation and no one was brave enough to ask, so it was left a mystery. They all said good-bye to each other and Serena even went over and planted a kiss on Seiya's cheek as she hugged him good-bye. The others were shocked by this (mainly the Outers) and they just stared at them in confusion, especially since Darien didn't even seem to care. Imara just gave a scowling frown. But just as before, no one said anything. Soon thereafter, they began their teleportation process. A few seconds later, they were gone.
"Do you think we'll ever see them again?" Yaten asked.
"Don't worry, we will. We can go visit them after we finish our duties here and the people are once again happy and prospering." Kakuu assured them.
Back on Earth..........
A glowing ball of light appeared in front of the Hikawa Shrine. When the light faded away, it left behind a group of Sailor Senshi and their Prince and Princess. They all looked around, glad to be home and surrounded by familiar sights...all but Serena, who simply looked around in wonder.
Darien placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and said: "Welcome home, my love."
Disclaimer: If I did own Sailor Moon (which of course I don't), why would this be a fic on the Internet? Don't you think I'd make it into another Sailor Moon movie instead?
Chapter 12: Home
After dinner, the group returned to the parlour-like room to talk some more. Kakuu and the Starlights had once again left the Earth group to their own devices while going to take care of 'planetary' matters. (They were actually planning a party in honour of their guests.) On their way out, Seiya (who had finally reverted back to her female form now that her reason for not changing was gone) glared at Darien on her way out, her eyes full of envy and jealousy. Serena was now comfortably clinging to Darien for security and reassurance.
Right now the group was telling a very curious Serena stories about her past as well as stories of their adventures as the Sailor Senshi, leaving out a few details as had been agreed upon (ie. a few deaths – minus the ones from the Silver Millennium, and her husband and future daughter turning on her at different times...they figured those incidents might be too much for her right now, she'd be told about them later).
"Wow, it sounds like we've all had our share of memory issues. First we all lose our memories after our reincarnations; then Darien loses his again after a car accident; then all of us again facing Beryl, I think you said it was (Senshi nod); then Hotaru a year or two ago as well as her father; plus Trista's memories of the future when she leaves the Time Gate and now this. You'd think after all of that, we'd have found a cure by now.
The Senshi laughed at this last comment. At least Serena hadn't lost her sense of humour or the ability to make you laugh and cheer you up, no matter how bad the situation might be.
"True, but all of the other memory losses, save Darien's, were magically imposed. Whereas yours is from the emotional and physical stress plus the trauma you suffered from our last battle. You looked roughed up in when we found you." Amy explained vaguely, making sure not to get into too much detail...ie. her death and resurrection.
"I suppose."
Serena sighed, she was getting frustrated at not being able to remember the good times they'd had, the things she and the others had accomplished, not to mention her WEDDING!!! So, she decided to change the subject.
"How are your eyes doing Michelle?"
"Better. They're still a little blurry, but I can make out shapes and colours...just not details. My headache has also lessened significantly, which is nice. Hopefully, I'll be fully healed by tomorrow morning."
"That's good. I'm glad to hear it...especially since you were injured while trying to rescue me. Sorry.
"Serena! Don't worry about it! I'm fine. This is not your fault, you couldn't have stopped it. Besides, we ARE Sailor Senshi after all, it's our job to protect you . We do live fairly dangerous lives, we're bound to run into a few obstacles." Michelle tried to reassure her.
"I guess you're right, but still..."
"But what?" Imara asked.
"I can't help but feel that if I had had my memories, I could've used those healing powers you told me about to heal your injury and blindness. I mean what if it had been worse?" A few tears started rolling down her cheeks.
Darien pulled her into a hug to try and calm her down and reassure her. The others as well tried to comfort and console the distraught girl with their words. A short while later, she stopped crying and there was silence for several minutes. Then she once again apologized to them for everything. They all mentally sighed at the over apologetic nature of their friend.
"Oh Serena," Darien said sympathetically, "we've told you before, you have nothing to be sorry for, nothing at all. If anything, we should be sorry for not being able to protect you like we're supposed to." Serena just looked up into his eyes, unsure whether to believe his words or not. There was a short pause before he continued speaking. He took a deep breath and said: "Look, it's been a long day for all of us. Why don't we just go to bed, get some sleep and deal with everything tomorrow morning?"
"I agree. We should all get some rest." Trista said.
They all said "Good Night" and headed off to their assigned rooms, which Kakuu had shown to them on their tour. Given the choice, Serena opted for sleeping in Darien's room, but said that she would prefer to sleep on the floor. She wasn't fully ready to be sharing a bed yet...that would probably take a few more days. Darien said he understood but would not hear of her sleeping on the floor. Being the gentleman he is, he told her that she could take the bed and he would sleep on the floor. Serena tried to protest, but Darien wouldn't take 'no' for an answer. The Senshi told her to give up trying and that she would never win this argument, for once Darien had made up his mind, there was no changing it. So, Serena took their advice and conceded to Darien's sleeping arrangements. With that settled, they all headed off to bed.
The next morning at breakfast, The Senshi announced that they must return home. Serena had informed them that after a good night's sleep to let everything sink in, she was ready to make the unusual trip. They did, however, agree to stay (after much convincing and pleading) for a farewell/thank you dinner and dance that Kakuu and the Starlights had planned on holding for them as a token of their gratitude, to be held later that night.
"Hey Serena, seeing as how you didn't get a chance to tour the palace yet, would you like me to show you around before you go? You really should see it." Seiya offered. Darien just glared at her.
"Sure." Serena replied.
Kakuu, afraid of where this might be going, said: "Perhaps you take Darien as well, since he too hasn't had the chance to see the palace."
"Thank you." Darien said to her. Looking at Seiya he added: "I'd love to get a tour." a clear look of smug victory on his face.
"Of course Princess, I'd be glad to." she lied, but she had to oblige her Princess. She thought to herself: Why that arrogant son of a bitch! If it were up to me, I'd teach him a well-deserved lesson. Look at him, so smug, so pompous! I just wish I could wipe that look right off his face!
So, grudgingly and muttering under his breath, Seiya took Serena AND Darien on a tour of the palace and grounds. As the late afternoon sun began to sink in the Northern sky (remember this isn't Earth and anything is possible), the trio thought it best that they go and prepare for evening gala...Kakuu had provided them with dress attire fitting for the occasion.
A short time later they reassembled and Kakuu led her guests to the Great Dining Hall...that much of the populous had worked very hard on preparing for the grand event. As they entered, they were met with thunderous applause. After the applause died down, the guests of honour took their seats and dinner was served. Before anyone had a chance to start eating, Kakuu made a toast to Darien, Serena and the Senshi, calling them the "Saviours of Nagare'boshi". They all blushed a bright shade of red, at this last part especially, and quickly spattered out a chorus of 'Thank you'. After another round of applause, they finally got to eat.
Once dinner had ended, everyone had dessert and then sat for a while. Some conversed about recent events, while others engaged in your average small talk. Finally, nearly an hour after everyone had finished his or her dessert, Kakuu stood up and announced that the dance was going to begin.
Everyone enjoyed the dancing and everyone was dancing with everyone else. As Serena and Darien finished a dance, Seiya walked over to them and asked Serena for a dance. Darien noticed immediately that Seiya had once again reverted to his male form. Darien would not have minded them dancing had it not been for this and the fact that Darien knew Seiya had ulterior motives. However, not wanting to cause a ruckus and ruin the party, he simply glared at Seiya as he led Serena to the Dance floor. Seiya for his part returned Darien's smug look of victory from earlier causing Darien's warning glare to intensify ten fold.
Serena sighed to herself. She had not failed to notice the tension, anger and hatred between Darien and Seiya. In her mind, she decided to speak with the two of them later after the gala was over, not wanting to spoil the evening. Until then, she was determined to enjoy the ball...even if she didn't remember the events it was based on.
Late into the night, the ball came to an end. As the Senshi started to say their good-byes, Serena asked to speak with Seiya and Darien alone. She asked them to follow her into the hall. Although everyone else was curious as to what was going on, nobody questioned her request. Once the three of them were in the hallway, Serena had her little chat with them while the others waited patiently for them to return.
Out in the hallway..........
"Alright you two, listen up! I may not have my memory, but I do have eyes and ears! Ever since I woke up, you two have been at each other's throats and fighting like cats and dogs. For all I know, you might have been acting like that before this whole amnesia mess. But I am telling you right here and right now...GET OVER IT!!! Seiya look, I appreciate everything you've done for me, really I do; but I could never return the same feelings you obviously have for me. From the moment I woke up, I've regarded you as kinda being like an older brother...always watching out for me and everything else, but I never had any romantic feelings. I'm sorry if I've hurt you by this, but I do thank you for everything you've done.
"As for you Darien, relax! I may not remember anything about our past, but my heart keeps telling me that you're the one and I trust it. It just feels right to me. From the moment I walked into your room, I knew that we were a destined couple. I felt it in my heart, but the feeling was so brief, I passed it off as nothing. Then when you woke up, I felt that feeling again. That's partially what scared me that day, knowing I loved a total stranger who wasn't supposed to be a stranger to me at all. It was just too much to deal with, too much to try and sort out. That and the fact that I didn't know how or where to begin sorting things out, so I panicked and ran. Now, with that said and out of the way, if I'm going to get my memories back, I'm going to need your help and full support...which means you not having fits of jealousy!
"Now, lets go. It's time we go back to Earth and I can see my home again...for the first time."
The two men stood there in shock. They knew she was right to yell at them...they had been kinda acting like a couple of jerks. But the fact that she had to yell at them without knowing all the facts herself, that caused them to blush and hang their heads in shame. As she started to leave, Darien grabbed her wrist and she turned to face them. They both profusely apologized to her for their behaviour and Seiya once again reverted back to her female form. Serena responded to them with a smile and the words: "Apologies accepted. Now lets go, shall we?" They nodded and followed her back into the ballroom.
The others waited expectantly to hear about what had happened, but they were given no explanation and no one was brave enough to ask, so it was left a mystery. They all said good-bye to each other and Serena even went over and planted a kiss on Seiya's cheek as she hugged him good-bye. The others were shocked by this (mainly the Outers) and they just stared at them in confusion, especially since Darien didn't even seem to care. Imara just gave a scowling frown. But just as before, no one said anything. Soon thereafter, they began their teleportation process. A few seconds later, they were gone.
"Do you think we'll ever see them again?" Yaten asked.
"Don't worry, we will. We can go visit them after we finish our duties here and the people are once again happy and prospering." Kakuu assured them.
Back on Earth..........
A glowing ball of light appeared in front of the Hikawa Shrine. When the light faded away, it left behind a group of Sailor Senshi and their Prince and Princess. They all looked around, glad to be home and surrounded by familiar sights...all but Serena, who simply looked around in wonder.
Darien placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and said: "Welcome home, my love."