A.N: Hey everyone, just letting you know that we didn't fall off the face of the earth. (Tramie hurriedly grabs rope and throws it off the face of the earth. Shottsy, who is falling, catches it. Shottsy tries to pull herself up.)
Tramie: Come on Shotts you can do it, climb up the rope!
Shottsy (who is struggling): I can't do it captin (using scotty accent from Star Trek).
Tramie: There, just a little bit more. (Shottsy pulls more and Tramie too starts falling off the face of the earth.)
Both: AHHHH!
Tramie: Look what you've done, we're both falling off the face of the earth! (Uses the air to get closer to Shottsy and smacks her across the back of her head.)
Shottsy: Hey what was that for? (Tramie points out the obvious.) Okay, so maybe I might have had something to do with that.
(They continue falling for a good 2 months.)
Shottsy: So I said to the Rabbi, 'Rabbi how long have you been in the priest hood?'
Tramie: (Shoots Shottsy an annoyed glance.) You know Shotts, that joke isn't funny. YOU'VE BEEN TELLING IT FOR THE PAST 2 MONTHS!
(Shottsy frowns. Soon they see ground closing in on them.)
Shottsy: OH NO! IT'S THE END!
BOTH: AHH
(Suddenly they are lifted up, just missing the ground. They look at who's arms they are in. Then they look at each other.)
Both: Superman?
Superman: Yes it is I, Superman.
Tramie: Wow, I didn't think you existed.
Super: Yes, I do
Shottsy: Wow, (thinks to self) he looks really hot in tights. (grins)
Okay, so that is what happened... What do you mean the other month and a half?
(Laughs nerviously) Okay I'll just be letting you read the story now.
(Reader sees images of Tramie, Shottsy and Superman on a tropical island vacation drinking tropical drinks.)
Hehehe... Sorry, maybe we'll invite you guys next time.
Thanks to those who reviewed (sorry muchness for being late):
-/ Moon's Rose /- : Amazing chapter? Really? (Both get really excited and glomp you) We must have worn your patience thin, am I right? Sorry about that...
-/ Silver Moonlight-81 /- : Oh yes, the fun we will have with them being parents... (evil laughter is heard)
-/ Violet angel /- : (takes wooden stick away from violet) Ok, keep calm now... (Shottsy patts the 'evil' cliffhanger's back) Our cliffhangers are not to be hated. They serve a purpose! Err... what that is, I'm not sure at the moment... Oh, and yes we did expect you to stay awake while you were sleeping! (notices she is still sleeping - pokes with the wooden stick) You can't sleep now, you have to read!
-/ kalinda /- : Yes, a long convo indeed. (sweatdrop)
-/ Skyraven /- : We likit the long chapters, because it's fun to try to beat our previous record of however many pages. Beryl is well... read on and see.
-/ moonkittycat /- : Here is more stuff! Mmmhmm, another chapter has arrived!
And now on with the show!
Black Tide
Written by: Tramie & Shottsy
Chapter 10
Cursed
"First things first, you can go home in an hour. Now for the big news..." The doctor looked over his charts again. "It seems you two are going to be parents."
Serena stared at the doctor like he had two heads. Did he just say what I think he said? "Excuse me, what did you say?"
"I said that you're pregnant." He repeated.
"Pregnant?" She asked again in a small voice. She knew Chibi had to be born sometime, but she didn't think it would be so soon.
"Yes Miss Tsukino, you're pregnant. I'll leave the two of you alone to talk amoungst yourselves." With that the doctor exited the room.
Darien still had yet to say anything, he was still looking at the spot where the doctor was standing. "Wow," was all that he could muster up.
Serena herself was on the verge of tears. Sure she was happy and excited, but this couldn't have come at a worse time. Beryl was still out there, capable of who knows what. This wasn't like that fairytale of a dream she had been having.
"Serena?" Darien carefully looked at the young girl, no woman. Serena had grown up alot these past few months, but this kind of information would be hard for anyone to bear. Especially when your parents thought you were living with your best friend...
A small smile crossed Serena's features and Darien moved in to hug her. She hugged back with all the force she could muster. "We're going to be parents. Me and you. Who would have thought that at our age..." Darien frowned slightly at that.
Serena was only sixteen, soon to be seventeen, where as he was nineteen and was already in his third year of university. It was sure to cause some talk and he didn't want to put Serena through that. Of course, the situation for him wouldn't be any better. A nineteen year old getting a sixteen year old pregnant wasn't exactly... well, legal.
Serena noticed his frown, but had no idea of the troubles that went through his mind and suddenly thought he didn't want the baby. She was too naive at times.
"I can't wait." Darien said suddenly, hoping that Serena wasn't thinking what he thought she was thinking. Serena almost cried again at that statement. So he did want it after all.
He smiled down at her and couldn't help but think that the timing could have been a little better. After all the mess with Beryl was over, then at that time they could settle down and have a family (mind you, Serena would be a little older too). He sat down with her on the bed. "What are you thinking about?"
"Well at least we don't have to come up with a name," she joked absently, playing with the cuffs of his shirt.
He smirked, "well that's true." She is so beautiful. He couldn't believe how lucky he was to have her. In some ways he felt like he didn't deserve her. "Have I told you yet today how much I love you?"
"Humm..." She feigned being deep in thought, "I think I vaguely remember something about that, but I also think you could remind me." She smiled.
"Well I guess that I'll just have to prove it," he bent down and softly kissed her.
Serena got up off the bed, with Darien's help, and went to change. When she returned she signed out of the hospital and they drove home.
Darien had offered to call Serena's parents and explain their situation. Well, at least the fact that they had moved in together and why. He left out the part about Serena being pregnant, but had invited her parents over for dinner the next day so they could tell her parents together.
Andrew had left a message on the answering machine and Darien listened to it warily as he sat down on the couch, leaving Serena to take a shower.
"Hey Dare, I heard Serena was back in the hospital again. You two alright? Is there anything you wanted to tell me? You know I'm here for you man, but if you keep hiding stuff from me I'm going to have to find out for myself. You know my number, call me."
Darien groaned and covered his eyes with his hand. His ebony hair was dishevelled and he had bags under his eyes. I wish these things would stop happening! I just want one night of sleep. He thought about going on a vacation, but Beryl was still out there.
He distantly heard Serena exit the shower and brought his hand down. He had to be strong for Serena. He couldn't show the affects this past month was having on him.
"You hungry?" He asked as she sat down on the couch next to him, using the towel to dry her long hair.
"Just a little bit. We've been having too much hospital food lately," she rested her head on his shoulder.
"Want me to make you something?"
She sighed, "No it's okay, you're tired. I'll just get myself a bowl of cereal (I love cereal yummy)."
He frowned. Maybe he was already starting to get over protective, but he didn't want her having cereal as her dinner. "Are you sure? I could make something for you, it's not a problem."
"It's fine, I swear. I promise that tomorrow I will start eating properly," she smiled. "Scouts honor."
He couldn't help but smile at the last part, "Alright."
She smiled and kissed his cheek, "Do you want anything while I'm up?"
"No thanks, I'm good." He sunk further into the couch, almost ready to fall asleep on the spot. He was so tired mentally and physically.
"Darien, are you sure you don't want..." Serena stopped mid-sentence when she noticed that Darien was already asleep. She took a blanket and draped it over his sleeping form.
She smiled down at him, taking a minute to memorize every inch of him. After all that she had been through, he had stood by her. I hope we'll always be together. With that thought, she bent down and kissed him lightly on his forehead. She then went to get herself some cereal.
-At the Temple-
"I promise I won't go too close to the sacred fire again! I'm so sorry Rei, I didn't know that my powers would come back so rapidly." Ami apologized, after extinguishing the fire. After last night, they began to remember alot about their past lives. Each were becoming more and more like who they once were, without losing their new identity. It was going to take some adjusting to.
"Ahhh!" A crash could be heard in the distance and Mina's scream only made the others sweatdrop.
Mina walked in silently, worrying the others. Her mouth began to move, but no words were forming. Then, she started to laugh hysterically. The others thought she had finally lost it.
"You'll giggle never guess giggle what just happened!" Again, she broke into hysterical laughter. Lita looked outside, but saw nothing.
"What happened already!?" Rei asked a little impatiently, still wound up about Ami extinguishing her fire.
Mina smiled and held out a small item, "I won a prize from the Cracker Jack box, you know peanuts and a prize."
"Is that what you were screaming about? A stupid prize you found in your snack?"
Mina continued to smile, without noticing the death glares she was receiving from Rei.
The other girls sweat dropped. "Do you think we should tell her?" Lita quietly asked Ami.
"That might be wise," she stood up again, "It's not like we want Rei to kill her."
"Um Mina, why don't you come into the other room with us," Lita said loudly enough for the two other girls to hear. Then she whispered to Ami, "It'll give Rei some time to cool down."
Ami nodded her head in agreement. Rei was still angry that the sacred fire had gone out.
As the girls moved into the next room to let Rei get rid of some steam, a man stood watching from outside the temple.
"They will need my help soon." He whispered and continued to watch them with interest.
- - - - -
"Darien, come here! Let me do that tie up for you. You're an absolute mess!" Serena tugged on his tie and straightened his collar.
Chibi Chibi stuck to tugging on Serena's new dress she had bought especially for this occasion. "Mommy, do I look pretty?" Serena looked down at her and smiled.
"Yes you do. Go wash your face before grandma comes." Chibi nodded her head and ran to the washroom.
"You nervous?" Darien asked, already knowing the answer
Serena flattened her skirt once again, "Me? Nervous? No, of course not," Darien gave her a questioning look, "Okay. Yes, I'm nervous."
"You want me to do all the talking?" Darien asked carefully. Serena shook her head no and sighed.
"It's just... what will they think when they hear that their 15 year old daughter is pregnant?" Darien shuddered. Her father was going to kill him for sure.
"Well, we are just going to have to explain that we love each other and are both happy about this." He lifted her chin so he could see into her eyes. "They should be happy if you're happy."
"But what if they're not," she started to panic, "What if they hate me and they..."
He stopped her, "It won't happen okay? And even if they do, we'll get over it together." He held her arms still and made her look him in the eyes, "Every thing will be okay," he smiled slightly, "I promise."
She stopped worrying a little bit. She still had her fears that her parents wouldn't want her to keep the baby. Though her mother had taken a certain shine to Chibi, she was still worried that her parents would think it would be too soon. "I think you're right."
"Um, I think that we should tell them about the engagement first." She noticed Darien's nervous look, "That way they won't think the only reason for marrying me is that I'm having your baby."
"Ding." The door bell rang, taking their attention towards the door.
Chibi ran up to it and reached up to the knob to open it, "Gama!" Chibi instantly latched onto her leg.
"Hello Chibi! You're looking very pretty today." Serena's mother picked up the little girl and gave her a quick kiss. "Hello Serena, Darien." Her mother was smiling brightly, eyes shining.
"Hello mom, dad!" Serena went up and hugged them both, but Darien stayed behind, unsure of what to say. As they all sat down at the kitchen table, Darien went to serve the food.
"So Darien, do your parents help you pay for this apartment?" Serena's father asked as he took a dinner roll. Serena and Darien both cringed at the question.
"Actually, they died when I was very young." Serena's father looked sympathetic, but Darien continued, "I have a few jobs to help pay for it and I'm studying to become a doctor on a scholarship."
Serena's mother smiled, trying to lighten the mood, "Well, that would be good. How about we start eating?"
They ate and minimal conversation continued until Serena got up to clear the plates, "Darien, why don't you help me with the dessert?"
"Right," Darien stood up and followed her to the kitchen.
"I'm going to talk to your father first, I feel like I should ask him."
Serena nervously bit her lip and looked out at the table, "What if he says no? I know you want to do the honorable thing here, but there's a chance that he'll say no."
"Then we'll tell them together right now." He could feel her nervousness. He kissed her, "Everything will work out, you'll see." He took her hand and led her back to the table.
Serena mustered up all the courage she could, "Mom, dad," she looked at both of them, "Darien and I have an announcement to make." She glanced at Darien and felt him squeeze her hand. "Darien and I..."
"Are getting engaged," They watched for her parents' reactions. "I know that we're young, but I love Serena and I would do anything for her, and I want to marry her."
Serena's parents said nothing, but smiles were forming on their faces. "I couldn't think of a better son-in-law." Her father stated. That made Darien alittle more hesitant to tell him the second part.
"Well, there's more daddy," Serena started with a new found confidence, "First, I just want to say we are both happy about this and think we are ready. No matter what you say, we are going through with this."
Serena's parents looked confused, but kept their eyes focused on their daughter. "I'm pregnant."
Her mother's hand rose to her mouth and her father turned towards Darien. "What!?!?"
Darien stood when Serena's father rose. "Please understand, Mr.Tsukino. I love your daughter very much and..."
"I should have known that was the reason you wanted her to move in with you. Thought you could use her, didn't you?" Her father interupted, fuming. "I could have you arrested! Taking advantage of a child her age..."
"I'm not a child!" Serena shouted, startling everyone in the room.
She began to choke back sobs as she continued to speak. "I have seen more things than any of you. I've been taking care of Chibi, I know what to do. Both of you said I was becoming more responsible, and I'm Sailor Moon, for crying out loud! I think I can do this."
Her parents didn't speak, and Darien walked over to comfort her. "Shhh, calm down sweetie. Stress isn't good for the baby." He smiled at her and she let out a wet laugh. Serena's mother looked at them with awe.
"Reminds me of when... Oh Kenji, they remind me of us." Her mother's eyes filled with tears and her father just held her in his arms.
Chibi just sat there while this was going on. She was confused and she could tell that her mother was upset. Her grandpa was upset. Did he not want to have her as a granddaughter? Didn't he like her? She tried to hold back her tears. "Mommy?" She slid out of her chair and walked next to Serena and looked up at her with her big tear streaked orbs.
Serena looked down at her daughter, realizing now that maybe she shouldn't have done this in front of her. She didn't know what her parents reaction would be. Her father had gotten angry and Chibi didn't need to see things like that. She picked Chibi up and pulled her to her chest. "Shush, everything is okay sweetie."
Chibi tried to stifle back a sob, "But you sad."
Darien smoothed down her hair, "Don't worry about it Chibi, everything is okay."
Her parents watched the entire thing. True they were both young, but they did love each other. Still, Mr. Tuskino would definatly have to have a talk with Darien sometime soon. "I think we need some time, Serena; to process it all." Her father explained.
And with that, her parents left. There were no more words uttered and only Serena's mother stopped for a hug. Serena wasn't feeling so great and so they all retired early. Before they went to bed, Serena called Sammy and explained the whole thing. At least one person was happy about their news.
"Rei, I must speak to you. Quickly!" Princess Serenity banged on the Princess of Mar's door until it was opened.
"What is it, Sere?" A disgruntled looking Rei walked into the hall and looked concernedly at her princess.
"Can we go inside?" Serenity asked, pointing to Rei's room. She nodded and they entered quietly.
"So what brings you to my quarters so early in the morning?" Rei asked as she made space for Serenity on her bed.
"I... Oh, I swear I always have the worst timing..." Serenity scolded herself, and Rei placed a hand on hers to remind her what she came here for. Serenity sighed and looked at the floor. "Rei, I think I might be pregnant." Rei's eyes shot wide open and her mouth stood agape.
"But, but, but... With Queen Beryl starting to... I mean the Earth is already under fierce attack... Who is the father?" Serenity's mouth opened indignantly.
"Who else? You know me better than that. I have only been with Endymion." A deep blush rose on her cheeks.
Rei wasn't sure what she was going to say. With all the trouble that was starting, not to mention the fact that the two of them were so young, she wasn't sure if Serena was ready to have the baby, "So what are you going to do?"
Serenity sat down slowly on the bed next to her, "I'm not sure... I haven't even told him yet," she looked at Rei, worry evident in her eyes, "I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do..." Tears started to fall down her cheeks, "I so scared Rei."
Rei wrapped her arms around Serenity and let Serenity's head fall on her shoulder and she cried into it. "Shush..." she patted her back, "Everything will be okay, I promise."
- - - - -
"Serenity! Serenity! Your father, Puu has sent word from your father!" Serenity jumped out of her seat and her eyes glazed over as her mother pushed open the door. For almost two years now they had thought him to be dead. Could it be possible he survived the Outer Solar System War?
"Mama, are you sure it's from him?" Her mother nodded happily and she closed the door shut behind her. She was about to tell her daughter everything when an unwanted interruption occurred.
"You will let me see the Queen! I am her sister-in-law!" A feeling of despair swept over the three women in the bedroom. Beryl. She'd become crazy after her brother's supposed death. She hated Queen Serenity and was very public about that hate. She insisted in being called Queen Beryl, and the attacks on Earth seemed to link back to her.
"Serenity, let me see what it is," Beryl demanded, striding into the room.
"Ma'am, you can't go in there!" A guard tried to stop her, but she pushed past him.
"Beryl, I will tell you what is going on after I know what is happening." Queen Serenity said smoothly, not letting her anger rise.
"I demand to know now. If it concerns my brother, then I should be the first to know, damn it!" Beryl slammed her fist against the table.
Queen Serenity only continued to stay calm, "Behaving like a child is getting us no where, Beryl. I have already told you I myself need to figure out what is going on."
Beryl's temper flared, and her once lovely features were seen in their most hideous form. "My brother is of my blood, I do believe I am closer to him than he is to you!" She screamed, making the ground rumble and Princess Serenity cower slightly in fear of her aunt.
"Do you think your brother would be so close to you after he heard what you had done to my- our people?" Queen Serenity yelled, and for the first time since Princess Serenity had been born, did she see her mother's usually calm and graceful features become anything but calm. Her voice proved she cared nothing of the formalities that came with being Queen at the moment. Beryl only smirked and looked towards the still young Princess.
"Maybe I could change your mind..." She grabbed the Princess's arm and held her close to her.
She pulled out a small dagger and held it to her throat. "Now will you tell me?" Serenity was shocked and stepped closer to Beryl, only to have Beryl move the dagger closer to her daughter's throat.
"Aunt Beryl, why... why do you keep doing these things?" Tears stung in the corners of the girl's eyes and she held tightly on to her aunt's arm. Beryl cringed slightly at her hand.
"I'm so sorry. I just need him. He's all I have." Beryl hadn't spoken aloud, but Princess Serenity could hear her heart's plea. She knew her aunt wasn't evil, just sad and alone.
Queen Serenity was worried for her daughter's safety. Beryl wasn't mentally stable. After all, she had brutally murdered her father. She didn't know what she might do to Serenity. "Let go of my daughter. This won't help finding out what is going on with your brother."
"I need to know what is going on, and if this is my only solution, than so be it," she was ready to hurt Princess Serenity.
"Beryl don't!" Queen Serenity screamed trying to reach her daughter. Serenity whimpered in Beryl's grasp, it was so tight. She tried to struggle to get out of it. Beryl tried to keep her frim grip, but she couldn't, so she let go, sending Serenity straight to the pavement. She didn't know what happened, but she felt something, something inside her and it felt horrible; like something was dying. She looked down at her dress and thick red blood began to form between her legs. She had miscarried. The push from Beryl had killed her and Endymion's baby.
She just stared at the blood as it grew, fresh salty tears rolling down her paling cheeks. When she thought there might have been a possibility that she was pregnant, she was scared, but in her heart she really wanted this baby. It was hers and Endy's. It would have been a beautiful baby made from their love, something pure that the two of them had created, and now it was gone. She didn't know what to do. If she should tell him, she didn't know. It might break his heart to hear that the child they made had died before its entry into this world.
"Endy..." She whispered softly into the wind. She didn't know if she could even face him after knowing that they could no longer have something that was so precious.
"Serenity, are you alright?" Her mother rushed over to her. She instantly noticed the blood soaking her daughter's white dress. She gave her daughter a questioning look, but Princess Serenity's sad eyes turned away from her, ashamed.
Queen Serenity knew from the look on her daughter's face at that moment what had happened. She was pregnant, but now that baby was dead.
Serenity slowly rose to her feet, staring at her once beloved aunt in shock. Her lips trembled and her hands fell on her abdomen. Beryl took a few steps back, wondering what she had done. What have I become? She thought to herself.
Serenity wept and ran out of the room. As she ran blindly, she bumped into one of the Earth's generals, Nephrite, who had just arrived with the Prince.
"Princess?" He asked, obviously worried. Serenity tried to run in the opposite direction before Endymion could see her.
"Please, Nephrite. I have to go." The general held her arm, and moved slowly to touch her forehead. "Please don't, you..." But it was too late. Nephrite had tapped into her mind to see what was wrong. His body shuddered at the revelation. Serenity broke down when he released her.
"What is going on here?" Endymion had finally joined his general, but was disturbed at what he saw. "What have you done to her?" He was angered and confused.
"Your Majesty, I... I think it's better if she would explain." He sighed and helped the Princess up. "My apologizes, Endymion." The sadness in the general's eyes frightened the Prince and he took hold of his crying Princess immediately.
"Serenity?" Endymion forgot the formalities. He knew something was wrong. Really wrong.
She wouldn't look at him, she couldn't. She was standing there in his arms, bleeding. She was so scared she couldn't face him know. She turned her face away. "Endy... I... I..." She couldn't say it, she had to get out of there. She pushed his chest away. It surprised him, so he released his hold and she ran away from him.
He watched her run away, her dirty white dress flowing behind. He needed to talk to her, to understand what was going on. He looked over at her mother for some kind of help, but he was met with sadness. Nephrite had left, knowing that Endymion should talk to his princess alone. Now that wasn't an option. Whatever happened to Serenity had scared her, scared her so much that she couldn't talk to him.
- - - - -
Mars jumped as the youma attacked. It had been awhile since they'd all been in battle, and they weren't doing too well. Add in the fact that no one was allowing Sailor Moon to come anywhere close to the battle field, and now Mercury was out cold.
Great, just great. What a time to get knocked up, meatball head. Mars thought, as she dodged yet another attack. She threw an attack back, but it was reflected and knocked her back.
Serena watched this from behind a building. How could they even think about not letting me help! Sighing in frustration, she transformed. I can't waste another minute watching my friends get hurt.
"Venus... Crescent... V!" Venus's attack missed the youma.
As it fended off the next attack from Jupiter, the youma mocked them. It laughed at their fighting skills. It wasn't stupid either, it knew that they were missing their leader. "Is that all you have little girls?"
Jupiter was about to respond when a new voice cut her off, "Moon... Tiara... Magic!" It was Sailor Moon. She hadn't listened to them.
She had taken things into her own hands. Unfortunately, her attack hadn't killed the youma. It had only angered it; now its attention was focused on her.
"Sailor Moon watch out!" Mars yelled as the next attack came hurling towards their leader.
Tuxedo Mask rushed towards Sailor Moon, but was too late. The attack hit head on and everyone stood shocked; even the youma was surprised. Silence fell over the battle scene. It was almost as if time had stopped as the clouds of smoke slowly disappeared. And there she stood, as if nothing had happened. Sailor Moon hadn't even been fazed.
"If you think you can beat me so easily, think again."
Sailor Moon spoke in order to hide her own confusion. She closed her eyes and allowed her powers to collect. The youma was still in awe and was frozen to the spot. "Moon... Ribbon... Elimination (couldn't think of a good attack name...)!" The circular white light, surrounded by the eight colours of the planets, sped towards the youma and evaporated it.
They were all in shock, to say the least. Serena herself was still in shock. Like many other times recently, something new and interesting had happened.
Darien rushed over to her to see if she was still alright. "Serena?" He asked softly. His eyes were scanning her over for any visible injuries.
She felt weak, it had taken some out of her. She fell into Darien's embrace and he caught her in the nick of time. He wrapped his arms around her to support her. "Darien..." She rested her head on his chest. "Is Mercury alright?" She was too weak to look for herself.
"She's fine," he rested his chin on the top of her head. "I was worried about you," he said softly to her, "That's the first time I wasn't able to reach you in time." He was so worried. When he didn't get there in time, he thought that she was a goner for sure.
She listened to the worry evident in his voice, "Darien, I'm..." She looked into his eyes. She put her hand up to his cheek. "I'm alright Darien. I'm not hurt, not a scratch or bruise on me."
He bent his head down, "I know, but I can't help worrying about you and... the baby."
Rei walked up behind the de-transformed Serena and whacked her upside the head. "What were you thinking, coming out in your condition?" She practically screamed, and the others had to cover their ears. Serena wasn't paying attention, though, as she made her way over to Sailor Mercury.
"Ami, are... are you alright?" Serena shook her gently, worried at her friends state. I should have jumped in sooner...
She picked Ami up and looked down sadly at her. Sighing slightly, she carried the unconscious girl away from all the others, heading in the direction of her apartment. The others stared at her in shock and confusion.
"Serena, wait! You shouldn't be carrying her!" Lita called. Serena only walked faster, a bit angered that her friends would think her so weak she wouldn't even be able to help her friend.
The others followed her, but didn't dare get to close to their angered leader. Rei had tried, and had been kicked when she attempted to grab Ami. So, they all went to Darien and Serena's in silence.
- - - - -
She sat down on the park bench, and smiled when she felt his presence behind her. "You're late."
He shifted lightly on his feet, "Yes but I have the..."
She smirked as she cut him off, "Tendency to be late," she turned her head to look at him. "That's what you always say."
He grinned at her comment and joined her on the bench, "You always knew me best."
She smiled sadly, as her hands were now more interesting, "I still do, unless you forgot."
He took her hands, "I didn't forget." He stiffened, "When are you going to talk to Serena? You know it has to be soon."
"I know Kenji, I'll talk to our daughter soon."
- - - - -
Chibi sat quietly by her mother's side, watching her fussing over Ami. They had always been close, and in the future they were even closer. Serena depended on Ami to be there, to help her deal with her problems. That much Chibi was sure of. Serena dipped a cloth into a basin of warm water and continued to clean all of Ami's wounds by hand. Never had she done this for any other scout. Never had it been necessary.
Serena stopped her actions as Ami's eyes began to flutter. Feeling a sense of relief, she let out a sigh. Taking Ami's hand in hers, she pushed back the girls bangs and waited for her to come back into consciousness.
"Se... Serena?" Ami whispered. Her throat hurt and she decided against trying to move.
"Yes Ami?" Serena smiled and pulled her seat closer to the bed. "Don't try to speak too much, you took quite the hit today."
Ami tried to sit up, along with Serena's help, but she groaned as she did so and stopped. "Ow."
Serena smiled slightly and called to her friends waiting in Darien's living room. "Guys, you can come in. Ami's awake."
The scouts walked in, along with Darien. Mina smiled and sat down next to Chibi and pulled her on her lap. "Hey Ami, how do you feel."
"Like I got hit by a truck, after I was run over by a train, " She smirked painfully.
"Why don't we go into the living room and let Ami rest for a little while?" Lita suggested when she saw how tired Ami looked.
Serena nodded and went to follow the others out of the room before Ami grabbed her arm and stopped her. "Stay, please." She smiled and sat back down. "I wanted to talk to you." Ami continued.
"Maybe this should wait until after you rest, we don't..." Serena was cut off.
"It can't wait, it's important." Ami sat up in bed, not even noticing her injuries. "First of all, thank you for everything."
Ami smiled and looked down at her hands. "As for the real reason I need to speak to you... We can't fight without you. As much as we tried today, we have proven we are nothing without our leader." Ami's eyes grew sad.
"Now, don't say that!" Serena patted her back lightly and pulled her head up. "You were not expecting such a strong youma. I'm proud of all of you for staying at it for so long."
Ami wasn't buying it. "We've failed you, Serenity. We could not protect you. I was weak." Tears formed in the corner of the blue haired girl's eyes.
Tears welled in the corners of Serena's eyes as well. It couldn't be true, the scouts were powerful. They didn't need her to fight their battles. "Ami, you are not weak, don't say that. You guys have saved me so many times." Serena tried to calm her emotional friend down.
"No Serena, I don't think we can protect you. Every time we have killed a monster from the Negaverse, it was you who gave the final blow." Realization hit her, maybe there was something they could do, "I think we need to find out more about the goddesses, maybe they can help us to improve while your pregnant."
Serena laughed a little, "Just because I'm pregnant doesn't mean that I need to stop." Ami looked at her with an inquiring look and Serena gave in, "Okay, so maybe I can't fight battles for a little while."
Ami chuckled, "I think that maybe I should get some more rest before I go home."
"Alright," Serena carefully helped Ami back down onto the bed. She pulled the covers up to Ami's chin. "Thank you."
"For what?" Ami was confused, "I should be the one thanking you Serena.
She just looked at the floor, "I just wanted to thank you for being such a good friend, for always helping me Ami."
Ami felt fresh new tears forming, "That's what friends are for."
Serena smiled and left the room, closing the door softly behind her. Sighing slightly, she dropped on to the couch.
"The others left a few minutes ago." Darien sat next to her, rubbing her shoulders. Serena nodded and looked towards their bedroom where Chibi Chibi was sleeping. "She's fine, don't worry." Again, Serena nodded. Staring off to the side, she noticed the answering machine light blink.
She bent over and pressed the button. Darien noticed this and moved to listen.
"Hey Darien. It's me Andrew. Just wanted to check up on you and see what's up. You never seem to be home when I call. Oh well. Just remember to call me back. Bye!"
Both moaned at their friend's voice. It brought them back to reality, and they didn't like it. The short holiday was over, and tomorrow they would all be going back to school.
"I totally forgot about school!" Serena grumbled. Darien looked at the clock across the room and noticed it was almost ten.
"We should really get some rest. We can drop Chibi off at your parents tomorrow morning." Darien stood up and held out a hand for Serena.
"And Ami?" Her blue eyes flashed to the direction of the spare bedroom.
"Rei said she'd call her mother and say she was sleeping over. Then tomorrow, tell her she wasn't feeling well and so she can stay home." They opened the bedroom door and stepped in. Smiles immediately lit up their features as they stared at their daughter.
Serena and Darien walked in quietly. Serena smiled at the thought that this was her and Darien's bedroom. She went over to her dresser and pulled out her pjs. She looked back over at Chibi and smiled again.
Darien came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her stomach. His fingers slid slightly against her tummy. His gaze was in the same direction as hers, "To think that she is growing right here, inside of you."
Her smile widened as she turned back to look at him, her fingers threading with his above her stomach. "I know, it's pretty amazing to think about." She turned around in his arms, "I love you." She kissed him tenderly.
"I love you too," he kissed her again, "I think it's about time we get some rest." He kissed the tip of her nose and let her go to change.
- - - - -
"Serenity!" Endymion chased after her as she frantically ran down the palace halls towards her room. "Serenity wait!"
She finally reached her room and locked the door behind her. He sighed and knocked on it. Something terrible had happened, and he had only missed it by minutes. "Please open the door?" He could tell that she was hurting, and it killed him to see her this way.
He could hear her muffled voice through the door, "Just go away, I can't talk to you right now."
"Serenity, please!" He stopped and looked down. "I... I can't stand not knowing." He could hear her harsh sobs and he knocked on the door, begging for entrance.
"I lost it! How could she... my own aunt!" He listened to her strange ramblings and his eyes widened.
"What did Beryl do? Did she hurt you? I swear, I'll kill her if she even..." The door opening stopped his angered thoughts. He quickly held his princess and stroked her head. "Please, I need to know." He could feel her head nod against his chest and he pulled her from him just enough to see her face.
"I was going to tell you. I was on my way, but she... you see I am... well, I was..." She stopped, and began to sob again. "Do you remember that night, the one we... we spent together?" A small blush formed on her wet cheeks, tears still falling freely.
"How could I not." Realization came to him and he suddenly wanted her to finish the rest of her story. And fast. He choked on his own words, "Are you... were you pregnant?" Please, please let that not be the reason she has blood on her clothes!
A horrible croak of a yes escaped from her lips and she buried her head futher into his shirt.
He didn't know what he was feeling; sorrow, anger, hate, the want to comfort the woman he loved? He felt it all at once. They had a beautiful night together and she was pregnant with his child. It was like a promise of happiness, that they would be together, and all of that was robbed from them. Their chance at a family was taken from them in the worst form. "What did she do?" He tried to not make the hate evident in his voice. He didn't want to upset her more than she already was.
He could make out the gist of it from her broken sobs. Beryl would pay, pay for what he had done to her, done to their family. Beryl was nothing but a murderer, and as that she needed to be punished and he was the one who wanted to do it.
"Shush love, everything will be alright," he cooed her, rubbing her back in soothing motions. Beryl could wait, right now he need to take care of what was important. Serenity.
After a while her cries quieted down to soft sniffles. They had moved from standing to sitting on her bed. He lifted up her chin so that he could look into her eyes. "I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry that I couldn't protect you."
She looked back at him, noticing that tears were forming in his eyes too. She stroked his cheek with her thumb, "Endy, don't do this." She choked, "Don't blame yourself for what happened. You couldn't have done anything."
His eyes were downcast, "I promised that I would protect you, and I failed. I couldn't even protect our unborn child." Full out tears were coming down from his cheeks. She could feel the hotness of them dropping down on her hand. "I'm so sorry."
She couldn't see him this way, so she pulled his head so that he rested on her shoulder. Her hands running soothingly through his hear and on his arm.
"Shhh... don't say that. Never say that."
- - - - -
Darien awoke to the blinding sun and the scent of his beloved beside him. He kissed her forehead and shook her slightly. "Wake up, Sere." When she failed to respond, he tried again. "We have school, remember?"
"School?!?" She shot up, eyes wide open. Then she noticed the sun, and quickly hid her bright blue eyes from the painful light. Once adjusted, she kissed Darien on the nose and lifted Chibi onto her lap. She latched on, but didn't wake.
"Maybe we should just let her sleep." Darien suggested. Serena nodded and laid her back down once kissing her forehead.
They changed and made breakfast. Serena gathered her school supplies while Darien woke Ami up. The three had a quiet breakfast and then got ready to leave. Serena helped Ami walk out to the car, even after Ami insisted she was fine.
Darien took Chibi and put her in the car seat. They drove in silence. It was a strange feeling for all of them, but no one knew what to say. Finally, they reached Rei's and Ami thanked them and took off up the temple steps. Serena watched warily, hoping Ami was truly alright.
After dropping Chibi off, and having Serena's father have a short talk with Darien, they were off to school. "Darien, what are we going to do when I start to show?" He didn't answer right away like she had hoped. Actually, he didn't answer until they were parked in front of the school.
He looked over at her and then started, "I'm not too sure, Sere. I mean, between the Negaverse and our baby, I can't even think about anything else." He ran a hand through his ebony locks and scrunched up his nose as if annoyed.
"Maybe I can ask Puu for some advice. She's seen the future, perhaps she can tell us what steps to take." Serena's idea seemed logical, so Darien only agreed. "Alright, then tonight I'll call for her." She smiled and kissed him quickly before rushing towards the school. Just before entering, she turned and waved.
- - - - -
Serena came back from school tired and ready to sleep, which she would have done if she didn't have so much homework. It was like she was piled up under a swarm of books; which were now strewn across Darien's kitchen table. She sighed as she looked over her next math question. This stuff doesn't make any sense. She was more than frustrated. It was the 10th equation that she had gone over and she still didn't understand how to do it.
She closed her book, no longer wanting to look at it. This was all that she needed, more stress. Stress was bad, not only for her, but for the baby. She absently rubbed her hand over her stomach. She would have to talk to Puu soon.
"Finished?" Darien walked into the kitchen, pulling her out of the mass jumble of thoughts.
"Gah, no, I just can't look at it more." She turned back to look at him. "I just don't understand these equations. Every time I look at them I can't get focused." She sighed and rested her chin on her hand.
"Want me to help?" He looked over her shoulder and opened the book.
She nodded and after an hour of him explaining, she finally got it.
"Oh, I can't wait to see Mrs.Haruna's face when I hand in my homework tomorrow!" Serena squealed, grabbing Darien by the arms and spinning around and around. Getting dizzy, Darien lost his footing and fell backwards, taking Serena with him.
"Oof!" Darien looked up into Serena's eyes and smiled while she started to giggle. He pushed a stray piece of hair behind her ear and kissed her gently on the nose. "My princess..." He claimed her lips while moving in order to stand. He held her in his arms and she snuggled into his chest, sighing in contentment once the kiss had ended.
"I'm going to spend the rest of my life with you, Darien Chiba." She smiled happily and then pulled away from him to run to the living room. Already regretting leaving the warmth of his body, she allowed him to capture her once more. As he held on to her from behind, he began to sway to their melody, as he used to do in the Moon Kingdom.
"We should go pick up Serenity. Mom said she'd take her shopping, but I'm sure they'd be home by now." Serena whispered, not really wanting to ruin the moment.
"In a bit." Was Darien's only answer, as he moved her to the couch. "Ok, let's start with history." He pulled her text out onto his lap.
She sweat dropped, "You want me to work on homework?"
He didn't seem to get it, "Yeah, you have homework that you need to get done from the time you were away." He paused and noticed her reaction, "What did you think I was talking about?"
She looked down, "Well I thought..."
"You thought..." he was confused and he finally got what she was hinting at, "You thought... you thought that we were..."
She smiled weakly and nodded.
"Oh, well that's just..." he was trying to process it all, "Oh." They were silent for a few minutes. "Maybe we should go pick up Chibi now." He stood up.
She stood up too, and looked back over at him, checking if he was okay.
"Followed by a cold shower," he added.
- - - - -
Ikuko picked up her granddaughter and hugged her tightly. "See you tomorrow, sweet heart." She kissed the girls forehead, then handed her to her daughter. "Finished all your homework, dear?" She smiled over as her daughter proudly told her yes.
"Bye!" They all called out before leaving for home. Just before Serena got in the car, her brother ran out and placed a box in her hand. Serena looked at him confused.
"What's this Sammy?" He just shook his head, kissed her cheek, and ran back inside. Slowly shrugging, she got into the car and they drove off.
- - - - -
Beryl was getting annoyed. Her powers were acting up and she continually heard her brother's screams at night. Where are you? How can I help you? She moaned as she sipped more of the vile drink she always remembered seeing her father chug down.
"You're growing soft, Beryl. I just can't allow that, you know. I promised you great things, but in return you were to destroy the scouts." Metallica's voice burned her senses, or maybe it was the whiskey. Beryl was not willing to think about either, for they both brought back bad memories.
"I died once, Metallica. I do believe that breached our contract." Beryl noted her voice was hoarse and she seemed to slurr her words.
"You know I've almost had it with you Beryl. If it wasn't for the fact that you benefit me, you would already be dead."
She turned around in her chair, as if she could face it. "Will you shut up!" She threw her bottle in the voice's direction.
It laughed at her, "Beryl, you amuse me. I think that is another reason why I keep you around." It paused, it's laughter stopping with it. "Tell me, when are you going to pull yourself out of the gutter?"
She slumped down in her chair, her arms hanging limply over the arms. "Do I look like I'm in the gutter?"
"Was that a rhetorical question?"
"Ha!" She laughed drunkenly, "You make me laugh, hardy har har har!"
"Oh Beryl, is this sudden attitude brought on by the thoughts of your brother?"
She looked at it bitterly, "Don't you talk about him. Don't you mention him, don't you say his name. Don't you ever think it!"
"Beryl, from the way you talk to me, I'd think that you hate me. You don't hate me, do you?"
"Ha, that's a laugh and a half."
Beryl's eyes became even more unfocused as she heard her brother's screams again. Why now? Grumbling, she tried to get up, but her brother's screams turned into words and then the words turned into pictures.
A young man in royal attire walks up to the King of Saturn and kneels down. "I am King Kaori of the Moon Kingdom. I heard your request, and I've come to help defeat the enemy." The shadow that was the King of Saturn nodded. "I do believe my informants called the leader Metallica. I will do my best to help the outer planets in this time of need."
"Thank you, your kindness proves you to be a worthy ally."
- - - - -
"The Moon's King is missing! Call for the inner planetary guardians! Inform the Queen..." Commands were being shouted all over the Saturn palace. Frantically, the King of Saturn turned to his young daughter and handed her the silence glaive. She was sent to find the King of the Moon, but what she found would scar her for the rest of her lives.
- - - - -
"Metallica, I will never give you the Crystal! My wife thinks I'm dead," Kaori choked on his words, "I made sure she couldn't contact me. No one would trade the Imperium Silver Crystal for my life. No one." As he spoke, the possesed warriors of Metallica's army burned and cut at his skin. It had been like this for hours, days, and weeks. He no longer felt the pain, but he could tell he looked awful. Metallica had cursed him, he could never die. His wounds would one day heal, yes, if the infliction process ever ended. For now, he looked like a walking corpse.
- - - - -
"Sailor Saturn!" The King cried out, stunned she had found him. The girl was but ten and she had to witness his current appearence. He saw the fear in her eyes. He knew she was screaming on the inside.
"King... Kaori..." Tears sprung to her eyes as she raised the silence glaive. She turned to Metallica and let the glaive do it's magic. Metallica took the blow full force, and was but an empty shell by now. Kaori used the little bit of power he still had and contained Metallica, so that he could never return to his human state. He would never have that immense power again...
"So... that is when I found you... I had searched for him, but instead found you." Beryl's eyes filled with unshed tears. "This whole time you promised me revenge on the one who took him from me, and all along it was you!" Anger boiled in her soul and she lashed out on the powerless Metallica. "You say you could get rid of me easily, but I most certainly over power you. Now is your chance to redeem yourself, even if only slightly. Where is my brother?" She could feel Metallica's confusion and fear. "I know he's alive. WHERE IS HE?" Just as fast as Metallica had arrived, it left, and Beryl was alone. Just as she always had been... Maybe it's time to apologize...
- - - - -
"So, what do you think we should do? Serena has already conceived." The middle aged woman sat down at the bus station next to her male companion. She gave out a frustrated sigh. She ran her fingers through her long thick hair.
"I don't think you should stress out about this love," he cupped her face so that she was looking at him. "Everything happens for a reason, soon even Serenity will notice herself."
She sighed again, "I know Kaori, but she is our only daughter. I cannot help but be worried about her future; about our grandson's future."
He kissed her on the forehead, "Serenity wishes to go to Pluto for help, when she does, we will be there for her."
"I know..." she protested.
"Shush," he silenced her, "Soon everything will be revealed and there will be nothing left to be worried about."
She smiled up at him, "Thank you Kaori," She kissed him lightly, "You always know the right thing to say."
He kissed her back lightly, "I love you too, Serenity."
THE END OF CHAPTER 10! WOOT WOOT!
Ah, good chapter, ne? We think so... Alright, so you're probably wondering what is the real reason we haven't updated. That would be my fault (Tramie raises her hand). You see, I had 3 viruses on my computer, so I had to wait for that to get fixed. Then I had an ad pop-up problem. Had to get that fixed. Then, my sister moved the beginning of this chapter into her file in her name, which was password protected and never told me. So, while I spent many a night with Shottsy hovering over me with a butcher's knife threatening me, searching for the accursed start of our work, it sat their all comfy and posh in it's cute little password protected box! (insert very angry face) We had actually started to think we might have to rewrite the beginning, and I was not about to let that happen.
So, I stole Shottsy's butcher's knife while she was sleeping and using my super ninja skills entered the computer to destroy the password. (laughs maniacly) Ahem... So that's my story... (Shottsy hits Tramie over the head with a brick) Now that that boring son of.... oh, sorry about that.... Now that Tramie is sleeping (smirks) we'll let you go review.