The scouts finally were forced to leave the next day. Mina swore Alex
would kill her if she was gone one more day. Darien admitted that people
were probably starting to wonder where he had gone. It would be hard to
explain how he had gone from being in the U.S. to Japan and then to Germany
so quickly.. Rei had to go back and check on the temple. She hated to
leave it unattended for too long. Serena had to go to work but promised to
come back afterwards. Luna went with Serena and Artemis stayed with Mina.
When they were all gone, Ami felt like it suddenly got quieter in Germany. She had forgotten how much energy and life her friends brought to a room. But she was glad to have some time to herself again. And it looked like she would get a chance to finally talk to Serena alone.
Ami began to look for her bag. She needed to study for her Physical Chemistry class, or P-Chem as it was dubbed. As she looked around she remembered Zoicite taking her bag with him.
She could just go get it. But...She had other things she could do.
* * * * *
"Master, we have them."
"Wonderful. Follow them for right now. Learn everything you can and report back to me."
"Yes Master."
* * * * *
Serena smiled as she ran out of work. She had just enough time to run home and change before she teleported herself back to Germany. She was running late for meeting Ami, but that was nothing new for her.
She skidded to a stop on Ami's front door, millimeters from slamming into it, and knocked once before bouncing on in.
"Ami!" she yelled.
Two of her roommates were in the kitchen and stuck their heads out at the sound of her voice. They shrugged as they saw who it was, one of the new girls Ami had hung out with over the weekend. Ami had mentioned that they were old friends that she hadn't seen in awhile who had surprised her by visiting.
Ami walk out of her room and gave a small smile as she saw Serena.
"Lets go for a walk." Ami suggested, grabbing her coat as she nudged Serena out the door.
"Sure Ames." Serena was all to happy to be outside. It absolutely gorgeous out. Plus, she knew Ami wanted to talk to her privately. It was part of the reason she was here when she knew none of the other scouts could make it. There was something troubling her blue haired friend.
They walked in silence for several minutes. Serena wasn't willing to broach any topic, waiting for Ami instead. Finally the wait paid off.
"Serena? May I ask you something?" A hesitant voice asked.
"Sure. Anything." Serena replied instantly.
"Why...why are you with Darien?"
Serena was floored. Of all the things that she had expected, this wasn't even on the list.
"Huh?"
"I mean, he betrayed you, didn't he? He joined Beryl and fought against us. He tried to kill you. Why are you with him again?"
Serena glanced at her friend and thought about it for a second before answering.
"I guess because I need him. I tried living without him and it was like there was this huge hole in my life, this void. I mean, I was hurt when he was taken by Beryl but it wasn't like it was his fault. I just...I don't know. I just need him." Serena tried, struggling to put her emotions into words.
"But aren't you afraid that it could happen again?" Ami asked.
"It is one of my worst nightmares."
"Then why risk it? Why did you allow him back into your life if there was a possibility that he could be used against you again?"
"Well...I kind of didn't. Not at first. It took me a long time to be willing to be vulnerable like that again. Those were the years that I was fighting alone. But I couldn't do it anymore. Darien came back and I just couldn't be alone anymore, even if it meant I might get hurt. And I realized something. If you lock yourself away, protect yourself from the possibility of being hurt, you also are protecting yourself from the possibility of being happy." Serena said, looking up at the sky, her gaze turned inward as she finally vocalized all the things she had been feeling for years. "Darien probably deserves better than anything I can ever give him but he is willing to be with me and I can't...I won't turn away from that. It means too much to me not to try."
Ami listened, nodding as she absorbed her princess's words. After several moments silence, she finally asked the question that had been plaguing her.
"And Zoicite?"
Serena looked away from the clouds and sighed, "I don't know Ami. But don't let fear be the thing that makes this decision for you. Whatever you do, I will support you. Just don't let it be fear that rules you."
Ami nodded, understanding but still struggling.
"Have you talked to him at all lately?" Serena asked.
"Sort of. I saw him for a while but I didn't talk much. I didn't know what to say or how to act around him any more. I just don't know who he is and if that is really Zoicite of some monster that is still under Beryl's control."
"Well, you could always ask." Serena said lightly, trying to make her friend smile.
Ami laughed, "Yea, just ask him if he is an evil general who helped destroy the Moon and tried to destroy Earth."
"Well, it would make things easier." Serena said, laughing as she tried to imagine the conversation.
"If he's not, he'll try and get me committed to an insane asylum. Oh God." Ami said, her eyes suddenly widening, "What if he isn't under Beryl's control?"
Serena couldn't help the giggles that erupted at the look on her friend's face. It was like this was the first time she had ever allowed herself to really consider the fact that Zoicite wasn't just using her.
"That's what we want." Serena said, grinning.
"No, I mean, if he's not under her control then he probably doesn't remember anything else either. Can we give him back his memories? Should we?"
Serena frowned, "I don't know if I can reawaken his memories. The memories I awoke in you came from how much I knew about you. It's like the pens I made held all my memories of each of the individual scouts. Since I knew so much about you, all those memories of mine forced your own mind to let down the barrier holding back those memories so that it could make connections. My mother could control what she made people remember or forget but I can't. It was like taking a sledge hammer to do what my mother used to do with a chisel. But I don't know enough about Zoicite to create a sledge hammer for him."
"What about Darien? He was Zoicite's Prince? Could he do it?"
"Maybe. I don't know. I'll ask him if you want me to." Serena said.
Ami stopped and thought for a second. Serena could almost see the thoughts going through her mind. She had finally allowed herself to really consider the fact that Zoicite might not be their enemy. But Serena could tell that her friend still hadn't decided what to do if that happened. Giving him back his memories would probably cause him as much pain as it had Ami.
"Will you ask Darien for me? I'm...I don't know what I want but...I want to know if we can awaken his memories."
"Sure. I'll talk to him tonight." Serena said.
* * * * *
The demon bowed low before Rubeus, "My lord, we have followed the people who went through the alley. One, Serena Tsukino, is believed to be Sailor Moon and lives in an apartment in Tokyo. We think that she is currently contacting one of the other scouts in Germany, though we are unsure as of yet who that scout may be. Rei Hino is the priestess at the temple where we finally tracked many of the energy signatures to. She and Mina Aino, currently in London, are believed to be the two scouts currently with Sailor Moon. The man, Darien Shields, is believed to be Tuxedo Mask and seems to be in some sort of relationship with Sailor Moon."
"What about family?"
"Sailor Moon has yet to be seen with any family though we are still following her. She has returned to Germany alone currently."
Rubeus looked at the demon in front of him and a cruel smile crossed his face, "Find their weaknesses, the things they care about, the people they love. I want to know everything about them. Go."
The demon rose and began to leave. As it reached the door, its master's voice stopped it, "Oh. And I don't want another scout awoke. If that happens, I will personally flay the skin from your body."
* * * * *
After Serena left, Ami went home. On her door was a yellow sticky note.
'If you ever want to see your homework again, meet me for dinner tomorrow night' was scrawled across it in Zoicite's handwriting. She stared at the note. She had to face him, had to talk to him eventually and tomorrow was as good a time as any. Besides, he had her books. How was she supposed to study?
* * * * *
Serena sat on the couch, petting Luna and thinking about her conversation with Ami. She had been forced to say things today that she had never really consciously acknowledged before. She was amazed to realize that Darien's betrayal had been one of the things that had caused her to keep everyone at arms distance for so long. She had always told herself that it was because she was protecting them but she had really been protecting herself.
Sure, she knew that Darien hadn't wanted to join Beryl but there was a difference between what she knew logically and what her heart felt. She had felt betrayed and didn't want to risk being betrayed again.
But Darien had found her, had forced her to realize that she couldn't be herself and lock herself away from those she loved. She needed him. She needed her friends. And they were worth risking herself for.
There was a knock at the door. Serena got up curiously. She couldn't think of anyone who was supposed to be coming over. Mina was swamped with all the work that she had let slide, Rei was determined to keep to temple open and running at normal hours again and Darien was back visiting friends in America.
Or he was supposed to be. Instead, he was standing there with a single red rose when she opened the door.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, surprised.
"I missed you." He said, leaning down and kissing her.
Serena pulled back with a smile, "Missed me? It's been less than 24 hours since you last saw me."
"Hmm, seemed like longer." Darien said, sliding the rose behind her ear before leaning over to kiss her again.
They walked into Serena's apartment and settled themselves down on the couch, Serena sitting between Darien's legs with his arms wrapped around her shoulders, pulling her back against his chest.
"As long as you are here, I need to ask you something." Serena said, listening to his heart beat.
"As long as I don't have to move." Darien replied and she could hear the grin in his voice even though she could see his face.
"Could you awaken Zoicite's memories if you had to?"
"What?" Darien asked.
"Ami wants to know."
"Has she decided what she is going to do then?" Darien asked softly.
"I don't think so but she wants to know what her options are." Serena said.
"I think I could do it. But I would need to do it personally. I don't think I could manage the pen thing like you did. I would have to try and pull the memories forward. He would also have to be willing. I couldn't force the memories forward if he didn't want to remember." Darien admitted.
"Hmm...I'll let Ami know that." Serena said, "Now, why are you here?"
"I told you, I missed you." Darien said, chuckling in her ear.
"Missed me? Really?" Serena said, trying to wiggle around so she could see his face.
"Really." Darien said, tightening his hold so she couldn't move, "You don't believe me?"
"No. Not at all." Serena said, valiantly trying to keep from smiling.
"Well then I guess I'll just have to prove it to you." Darien said, his voice sending shivers down Serena's spine as he kissed the back of her neck.
Serena sighed as his hands began to massage her shoulders as he continued to trail kisses down her neck. His hands moved down her back, working the knots out.
"Believe me yet?" Darien whispered in her ear.
"Nope." Serena said, smiling slyly.
"Well then..." Suddenly the hands that were at her back sneaked around to her ribs and began to tickle her. Serena reacted instantly by trying to wiggle away but Darien's legs wrapped around her, holding her in place while he continued to tickle her mercilessly.
"Darien!" she gasped out as she giggled, "Stop!"
"Say you believe me."
"I...I believe you!" Serena managed to get out, still madly trying to break Darien's hold on her.
"Say you love me."
"Darien!" Serena wailed pathetically.
Darien stopped tickling her and leaned over her, looking at her face upside down, with a single eyebrow raised in question, "Yes?"
"Love you." Serena said.
"Good." Darien replied, kissing her nose.
* * * * *
Hey all! So so so so sorry it took me this long. I would tell you everything that caused me to not to write but I'm sure none of you care. :p To make it up to you though, after all the little notes to people I put a Lita spoiler for anyone who wants to check it out. It's a BIG spoiler so if you don't want to know yet, don't read. And it is probably going to change slightly when I put up the chapter it goes with.
Alright, here we go...
neoqueen - well, here's the discussion. It's actually something that I was thinking about when I started to introduce the general into this story. Hope you like it!
Codie - a lot of people liked the dimple comment. It just sort of came out as I was writing the chapter and I'm glad it was appreciated. Future chapters will be a little angsty but in the good, happy ending, kinda way. The next chapter will be almost all Ami/Zoicite.
happygolucky111 - hee, actually I have this spoiler written for Lita that I am posting to prove to people that she really is coming in this story. It explains where she is and why she's there. What do you think? hee.
EtrnalRhapsodi - sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry (am I forgiven yet?)
Lady of Pluto - I love it when people review. And I feel the need to respond to some of the things they ask about so...I put little blurps here. Not to mention it gives me a chance to spill some stuff about what is going to happen in future chapters.
Shadow Dragon - thank you! No crying now. I tried to make people smile with these last couple chapters. Mush alsways makes me smile at least. Oh, and I'll get those spelling errors fixed yet!
Bluejello - See what you inspired?!? I just know this is going to come out in the next chapter as well.
Mercurial - Lita is coming and I have a spoiler written for her that I'm putting on the bottom of this chapter just to prove it. Jeesh. Lita fans. They're so demanding. ;) j/k
Sele - Thank you! I'm so glad you like it. I hope you enjoy this chapter as well!
Lil-PrincessK - hey, what can I say, Ami and her computer are a classic team.
Silver Dragonfly - Ack. I actually wrote the scene. Now I just need to figure out where to put it. I blame you entirely for this dilemma. And now you are giving me a great flash back idea with Haruka. grrr. Too...many...plot...bunnies...
BenRG - To tell the truth, I can go either way as long as it is written well. But for this story I really wanted to stick with characters from the original story. I thought about using other people but I wanted to try this and see what happens. If I ever write another SM story after this monster I may try a non-general romance. Thanks for still reading though.
Rose Black - okay. You are the whole reason for the last half of this chapter. I never thought about Darien being the one to give back the general's memories. I wasn't sure how I would do it. Thanks for the idea!
Random Reader - San ~ school evil. Finals really evil. no writing during finals. Then there was moving and the no internet and then....ack! Babbling. Must stop. About the character names, it is actually nothing special. I had planned on using the English names (because I like Serena better than Usagi) but for Ami and Rei, that was just the way I thought to spell their names. I didn't even realize they were the Japanese spellings right away. So, thats it. Nothing special, just the author being wierd.
Phantasy Star - ha ha! new reviewer! yea! And hope you like the Serena/Darien mush in this chapter.
JerseyGirl03 - I can't promise anything but I'll write the next chapter sooner. Promise.
PrInCeSsDrEaMyDrEaMs4eVeR4U - patience. answers are coming...I hope.
lazzykane - dilegently typing those answers up for you.
Kaji - Don't worry. I have this bad habit of not updating. (hangs head in shame) But I'm glad you're still reading and still like this.
Usagi Tsukino - If the chapters were longer I'd never get them published. lol. I'll try though. We'll see what happens.
Sailor of Shadow - Glad your still alive and reading! Don't worry, I never espected people to review every chapter. Some are definatly better than others. :)
Steven - ack! Another Lita person! Man there are a lot you you people out there. Maybe I should form a support group for all of you.
Jabba - Yes Sir/Ma'am (whatever).
and last because she wrote so much...
Venus Smurf - THANK YOU!!! OMG! You toally made my day with that review of yours. You are too cool. And I am conspiring madly with fate here to have a happy Zoicite/Ami thing. Not to mention that I hate sad endings (though anyone who has read my Witchblade stories might think otherwise). And I have this thing for stupid, pointless fluff as well. So...my story has moments of fluff. As experianced by this particular chapter. *sigh* And I'm so glad someone likes my humor! It tends to be a little odd at times and I would think my jokes weren't funny if i didn't know better. ;) As for clowns *shudder* There are some evils even I won't approach. And yes, you have set the record for the longest review I've ever gotten. Made me feel special.
*
*
*
Okay, spoiler starts here...
*
*
*
*
Um...don't read if you don't want to know...
*
*
*
Ooh! And suggesting are always welcome!
*
*
*
Okay, seriously, here it is.
*
* Lita glanced at the clock on the wall.
"Last call people!" she yelled and watched as several people suddenly tried to flag down a bartender or waitress.
She smiled as her people smoothly took the last orders of the night. A commotion in one of the far corners caused her to glance over. Aparently one of her waitresses was refusing to get a guy another drink. And from the look of him, she had the right idea. Before she could head over there, Zak was there, in all his 6'8'', 284 lb glory. Lita was too far to hear what was said but consiodering the man's friends were rather hastily paying their bill, she assumed it was properly intimidating.
That was the only thing that she hated about owning a bar. The drunks. And yee lords above, did you ever get drunks in Scotland. Actually, it was just the violent ones that were a problem. The ones, for example, singing 'No Nay Never' over in the corner along were actually quite entertaining most nights.
As people began to filter out, she had to admit, life was good. It hadn't been what she had planned for herself when she was younger, but it wasn't bad. She had actually orked for a catering company in Tokyo. She had loved it and had almost just sold the bar when she inherited it from her Grandad. She hadn't seen him in years and with her parents gone she had never really felt close to him. But she had decided to fly out and check the place out and had just never quite left. There was something about Scotland that she just loved. The people were wonderful but held a kind of fighting spirit in them that she connected to.
And there was the fact that they loved her cooking.
She didn't cook as much as she wanted to these days but she tried to make something for her employees every once in awhile to say thank you and occasionally she would set out free food for her customers other than the stuff they could order from the kitchen. But most of the time she left the cooking to her chefs and just tried to stay on top of everything else that was going on.
When they were all gone, Ami felt like it suddenly got quieter in Germany. She had forgotten how much energy and life her friends brought to a room. But she was glad to have some time to herself again. And it looked like she would get a chance to finally talk to Serena alone.
Ami began to look for her bag. She needed to study for her Physical Chemistry class, or P-Chem as it was dubbed. As she looked around she remembered Zoicite taking her bag with him.
She could just go get it. But...She had other things she could do.
* * * * *
"Master, we have them."
"Wonderful. Follow them for right now. Learn everything you can and report back to me."
"Yes Master."
* * * * *
Serena smiled as she ran out of work. She had just enough time to run home and change before she teleported herself back to Germany. She was running late for meeting Ami, but that was nothing new for her.
She skidded to a stop on Ami's front door, millimeters from slamming into it, and knocked once before bouncing on in.
"Ami!" she yelled.
Two of her roommates were in the kitchen and stuck their heads out at the sound of her voice. They shrugged as they saw who it was, one of the new girls Ami had hung out with over the weekend. Ami had mentioned that they were old friends that she hadn't seen in awhile who had surprised her by visiting.
Ami walk out of her room and gave a small smile as she saw Serena.
"Lets go for a walk." Ami suggested, grabbing her coat as she nudged Serena out the door.
"Sure Ames." Serena was all to happy to be outside. It absolutely gorgeous out. Plus, she knew Ami wanted to talk to her privately. It was part of the reason she was here when she knew none of the other scouts could make it. There was something troubling her blue haired friend.
They walked in silence for several minutes. Serena wasn't willing to broach any topic, waiting for Ami instead. Finally the wait paid off.
"Serena? May I ask you something?" A hesitant voice asked.
"Sure. Anything." Serena replied instantly.
"Why...why are you with Darien?"
Serena was floored. Of all the things that she had expected, this wasn't even on the list.
"Huh?"
"I mean, he betrayed you, didn't he? He joined Beryl and fought against us. He tried to kill you. Why are you with him again?"
Serena glanced at her friend and thought about it for a second before answering.
"I guess because I need him. I tried living without him and it was like there was this huge hole in my life, this void. I mean, I was hurt when he was taken by Beryl but it wasn't like it was his fault. I just...I don't know. I just need him." Serena tried, struggling to put her emotions into words.
"But aren't you afraid that it could happen again?" Ami asked.
"It is one of my worst nightmares."
"Then why risk it? Why did you allow him back into your life if there was a possibility that he could be used against you again?"
"Well...I kind of didn't. Not at first. It took me a long time to be willing to be vulnerable like that again. Those were the years that I was fighting alone. But I couldn't do it anymore. Darien came back and I just couldn't be alone anymore, even if it meant I might get hurt. And I realized something. If you lock yourself away, protect yourself from the possibility of being hurt, you also are protecting yourself from the possibility of being happy." Serena said, looking up at the sky, her gaze turned inward as she finally vocalized all the things she had been feeling for years. "Darien probably deserves better than anything I can ever give him but he is willing to be with me and I can't...I won't turn away from that. It means too much to me not to try."
Ami listened, nodding as she absorbed her princess's words. After several moments silence, she finally asked the question that had been plaguing her.
"And Zoicite?"
Serena looked away from the clouds and sighed, "I don't know Ami. But don't let fear be the thing that makes this decision for you. Whatever you do, I will support you. Just don't let it be fear that rules you."
Ami nodded, understanding but still struggling.
"Have you talked to him at all lately?" Serena asked.
"Sort of. I saw him for a while but I didn't talk much. I didn't know what to say or how to act around him any more. I just don't know who he is and if that is really Zoicite of some monster that is still under Beryl's control."
"Well, you could always ask." Serena said lightly, trying to make her friend smile.
Ami laughed, "Yea, just ask him if he is an evil general who helped destroy the Moon and tried to destroy Earth."
"Well, it would make things easier." Serena said, laughing as she tried to imagine the conversation.
"If he's not, he'll try and get me committed to an insane asylum. Oh God." Ami said, her eyes suddenly widening, "What if he isn't under Beryl's control?"
Serena couldn't help the giggles that erupted at the look on her friend's face. It was like this was the first time she had ever allowed herself to really consider the fact that Zoicite wasn't just using her.
"That's what we want." Serena said, grinning.
"No, I mean, if he's not under her control then he probably doesn't remember anything else either. Can we give him back his memories? Should we?"
Serena frowned, "I don't know if I can reawaken his memories. The memories I awoke in you came from how much I knew about you. It's like the pens I made held all my memories of each of the individual scouts. Since I knew so much about you, all those memories of mine forced your own mind to let down the barrier holding back those memories so that it could make connections. My mother could control what she made people remember or forget but I can't. It was like taking a sledge hammer to do what my mother used to do with a chisel. But I don't know enough about Zoicite to create a sledge hammer for him."
"What about Darien? He was Zoicite's Prince? Could he do it?"
"Maybe. I don't know. I'll ask him if you want me to." Serena said.
Ami stopped and thought for a second. Serena could almost see the thoughts going through her mind. She had finally allowed herself to really consider the fact that Zoicite might not be their enemy. But Serena could tell that her friend still hadn't decided what to do if that happened. Giving him back his memories would probably cause him as much pain as it had Ami.
"Will you ask Darien for me? I'm...I don't know what I want but...I want to know if we can awaken his memories."
"Sure. I'll talk to him tonight." Serena said.
* * * * *
The demon bowed low before Rubeus, "My lord, we have followed the people who went through the alley. One, Serena Tsukino, is believed to be Sailor Moon and lives in an apartment in Tokyo. We think that she is currently contacting one of the other scouts in Germany, though we are unsure as of yet who that scout may be. Rei Hino is the priestess at the temple where we finally tracked many of the energy signatures to. She and Mina Aino, currently in London, are believed to be the two scouts currently with Sailor Moon. The man, Darien Shields, is believed to be Tuxedo Mask and seems to be in some sort of relationship with Sailor Moon."
"What about family?"
"Sailor Moon has yet to be seen with any family though we are still following her. She has returned to Germany alone currently."
Rubeus looked at the demon in front of him and a cruel smile crossed his face, "Find their weaknesses, the things they care about, the people they love. I want to know everything about them. Go."
The demon rose and began to leave. As it reached the door, its master's voice stopped it, "Oh. And I don't want another scout awoke. If that happens, I will personally flay the skin from your body."
* * * * *
After Serena left, Ami went home. On her door was a yellow sticky note.
'If you ever want to see your homework again, meet me for dinner tomorrow night' was scrawled across it in Zoicite's handwriting. She stared at the note. She had to face him, had to talk to him eventually and tomorrow was as good a time as any. Besides, he had her books. How was she supposed to study?
* * * * *
Serena sat on the couch, petting Luna and thinking about her conversation with Ami. She had been forced to say things today that she had never really consciously acknowledged before. She was amazed to realize that Darien's betrayal had been one of the things that had caused her to keep everyone at arms distance for so long. She had always told herself that it was because she was protecting them but she had really been protecting herself.
Sure, she knew that Darien hadn't wanted to join Beryl but there was a difference between what she knew logically and what her heart felt. She had felt betrayed and didn't want to risk being betrayed again.
But Darien had found her, had forced her to realize that she couldn't be herself and lock herself away from those she loved. She needed him. She needed her friends. And they were worth risking herself for.
There was a knock at the door. Serena got up curiously. She couldn't think of anyone who was supposed to be coming over. Mina was swamped with all the work that she had let slide, Rei was determined to keep to temple open and running at normal hours again and Darien was back visiting friends in America.
Or he was supposed to be. Instead, he was standing there with a single red rose when she opened the door.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, surprised.
"I missed you." He said, leaning down and kissing her.
Serena pulled back with a smile, "Missed me? It's been less than 24 hours since you last saw me."
"Hmm, seemed like longer." Darien said, sliding the rose behind her ear before leaning over to kiss her again.
They walked into Serena's apartment and settled themselves down on the couch, Serena sitting between Darien's legs with his arms wrapped around her shoulders, pulling her back against his chest.
"As long as you are here, I need to ask you something." Serena said, listening to his heart beat.
"As long as I don't have to move." Darien replied and she could hear the grin in his voice even though she could see his face.
"Could you awaken Zoicite's memories if you had to?"
"What?" Darien asked.
"Ami wants to know."
"Has she decided what she is going to do then?" Darien asked softly.
"I don't think so but she wants to know what her options are." Serena said.
"I think I could do it. But I would need to do it personally. I don't think I could manage the pen thing like you did. I would have to try and pull the memories forward. He would also have to be willing. I couldn't force the memories forward if he didn't want to remember." Darien admitted.
"Hmm...I'll let Ami know that." Serena said, "Now, why are you here?"
"I told you, I missed you." Darien said, chuckling in her ear.
"Missed me? Really?" Serena said, trying to wiggle around so she could see his face.
"Really." Darien said, tightening his hold so she couldn't move, "You don't believe me?"
"No. Not at all." Serena said, valiantly trying to keep from smiling.
"Well then I guess I'll just have to prove it to you." Darien said, his voice sending shivers down Serena's spine as he kissed the back of her neck.
Serena sighed as his hands began to massage her shoulders as he continued to trail kisses down her neck. His hands moved down her back, working the knots out.
"Believe me yet?" Darien whispered in her ear.
"Nope." Serena said, smiling slyly.
"Well then..." Suddenly the hands that were at her back sneaked around to her ribs and began to tickle her. Serena reacted instantly by trying to wiggle away but Darien's legs wrapped around her, holding her in place while he continued to tickle her mercilessly.
"Darien!" she gasped out as she giggled, "Stop!"
"Say you believe me."
"I...I believe you!" Serena managed to get out, still madly trying to break Darien's hold on her.
"Say you love me."
"Darien!" Serena wailed pathetically.
Darien stopped tickling her and leaned over her, looking at her face upside down, with a single eyebrow raised in question, "Yes?"
"Love you." Serena said.
"Good." Darien replied, kissing her nose.
* * * * *
Hey all! So so so so sorry it took me this long. I would tell you everything that caused me to not to write but I'm sure none of you care. :p To make it up to you though, after all the little notes to people I put a Lita spoiler for anyone who wants to check it out. It's a BIG spoiler so if you don't want to know yet, don't read. And it is probably going to change slightly when I put up the chapter it goes with.
Alright, here we go...
neoqueen - well, here's the discussion. It's actually something that I was thinking about when I started to introduce the general into this story. Hope you like it!
Codie - a lot of people liked the dimple comment. It just sort of came out as I was writing the chapter and I'm glad it was appreciated. Future chapters will be a little angsty but in the good, happy ending, kinda way. The next chapter will be almost all Ami/Zoicite.
happygolucky111 - hee, actually I have this spoiler written for Lita that I am posting to prove to people that she really is coming in this story. It explains where she is and why she's there. What do you think? hee.
EtrnalRhapsodi - sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry (am I forgiven yet?)
Lady of Pluto - I love it when people review. And I feel the need to respond to some of the things they ask about so...I put little blurps here. Not to mention it gives me a chance to spill some stuff about what is going to happen in future chapters.
Shadow Dragon - thank you! No crying now. I tried to make people smile with these last couple chapters. Mush alsways makes me smile at least. Oh, and I'll get those spelling errors fixed yet!
Bluejello - See what you inspired?!? I just know this is going to come out in the next chapter as well.
Mercurial - Lita is coming and I have a spoiler written for her that I'm putting on the bottom of this chapter just to prove it. Jeesh. Lita fans. They're so demanding. ;) j/k
Sele - Thank you! I'm so glad you like it. I hope you enjoy this chapter as well!
Lil-PrincessK - hey, what can I say, Ami and her computer are a classic team.
Silver Dragonfly - Ack. I actually wrote the scene. Now I just need to figure out where to put it. I blame you entirely for this dilemma. And now you are giving me a great flash back idea with Haruka. grrr. Too...many...plot...bunnies...
BenRG - To tell the truth, I can go either way as long as it is written well. But for this story I really wanted to stick with characters from the original story. I thought about using other people but I wanted to try this and see what happens. If I ever write another SM story after this monster I may try a non-general romance. Thanks for still reading though.
Rose Black - okay. You are the whole reason for the last half of this chapter. I never thought about Darien being the one to give back the general's memories. I wasn't sure how I would do it. Thanks for the idea!
Random Reader - San ~ school evil. Finals really evil. no writing during finals. Then there was moving and the no internet and then....ack! Babbling. Must stop. About the character names, it is actually nothing special. I had planned on using the English names (because I like Serena better than Usagi) but for Ami and Rei, that was just the way I thought to spell their names. I didn't even realize they were the Japanese spellings right away. So, thats it. Nothing special, just the author being wierd.
Phantasy Star - ha ha! new reviewer! yea! And hope you like the Serena/Darien mush in this chapter.
JerseyGirl03 - I can't promise anything but I'll write the next chapter sooner. Promise.
PrInCeSsDrEaMyDrEaMs4eVeR4U - patience. answers are coming...I hope.
lazzykane - dilegently typing those answers up for you.
Kaji - Don't worry. I have this bad habit of not updating. (hangs head in shame) But I'm glad you're still reading and still like this.
Usagi Tsukino - If the chapters were longer I'd never get them published. lol. I'll try though. We'll see what happens.
Sailor of Shadow - Glad your still alive and reading! Don't worry, I never espected people to review every chapter. Some are definatly better than others. :)
Steven - ack! Another Lita person! Man there are a lot you you people out there. Maybe I should form a support group for all of you.
Jabba - Yes Sir/Ma'am (whatever).
and last because she wrote so much...
Venus Smurf - THANK YOU!!! OMG! You toally made my day with that review of yours. You are too cool. And I am conspiring madly with fate here to have a happy Zoicite/Ami thing. Not to mention that I hate sad endings (though anyone who has read my Witchblade stories might think otherwise). And I have this thing for stupid, pointless fluff as well. So...my story has moments of fluff. As experianced by this particular chapter. *sigh* And I'm so glad someone likes my humor! It tends to be a little odd at times and I would think my jokes weren't funny if i didn't know better. ;) As for clowns *shudder* There are some evils even I won't approach. And yes, you have set the record for the longest review I've ever gotten. Made me feel special.
*
*
*
Okay, spoiler starts here...
*
*
*
*
Um...don't read if you don't want to know...
*
*
*
Ooh! And suggesting are always welcome!
*
*
*
Okay, seriously, here it is.
*
* Lita glanced at the clock on the wall.
"Last call people!" she yelled and watched as several people suddenly tried to flag down a bartender or waitress.
She smiled as her people smoothly took the last orders of the night. A commotion in one of the far corners caused her to glance over. Aparently one of her waitresses was refusing to get a guy another drink. And from the look of him, she had the right idea. Before she could head over there, Zak was there, in all his 6'8'', 284 lb glory. Lita was too far to hear what was said but consiodering the man's friends were rather hastily paying their bill, she assumed it was properly intimidating.
That was the only thing that she hated about owning a bar. The drunks. And yee lords above, did you ever get drunks in Scotland. Actually, it was just the violent ones that were a problem. The ones, for example, singing 'No Nay Never' over in the corner along were actually quite entertaining most nights.
As people began to filter out, she had to admit, life was good. It hadn't been what she had planned for herself when she was younger, but it wasn't bad. She had actually orked for a catering company in Tokyo. She had loved it and had almost just sold the bar when she inherited it from her Grandad. She hadn't seen him in years and with her parents gone she had never really felt close to him. But she had decided to fly out and check the place out and had just never quite left. There was something about Scotland that she just loved. The people were wonderful but held a kind of fighting spirit in them that she connected to.
And there was the fact that they loved her cooking.
She didn't cook as much as she wanted to these days but she tried to make something for her employees every once in awhile to say thank you and occasionally she would set out free food for her customers other than the stuff they could order from the kitchen. But most of the time she left the cooking to her chefs and just tried to stay on top of everything else that was going on.