Emotions

Chapter Eleven: Year Two

Serena joined the University's Woman's Choir at the beginning of the new school year. The professor was pleased with her voice, and told her that it was the best voice she had heard in a while. Serena literally glowed with the praise.

As soon as she set foot on the campus, boys swarmed over her. Serena felt flattered with the attention, because she had never felt this much from the high school boys. Only Darien had given her this kind of attention before.

Serena made a friend named Riley. Riley showed her around the school, showed Serena her classes, and gave her tips on the boys. Serena really liked Riley, and Riley became Serena's first college "girlfriend". Riley introduced Serena to her sorority house girls, who instantly "fell in love" with Serena's charm and warmth. They nominated Serena to join their sorority house.

The boys also fell in love with Serena's charm and warmth. Every day was a battle. Serena would be in a throng of boys before class started, and she would need help. Luckily Riley, Mina, or Raye was nearby to help.

Serena thought about trying out for the gymnastics team. She knew that, between Luna's midnight Sailor Scout training sessions and Lita's daily martial arts practices, she could do practically any acrobatic routine on Earth, from somersaults to triple flips in midair. She was just nervous though, for she had never tried out for anything.

Serena woke up early one morning. She put on jogging clothes quietly, careful not to disturb the sleeping Mina. Putting her hair in a ponytail and grabbing a sweatband, she gently opened the door, then closed it with a soft click.

Serena jogged in town, navigating the streets easily. She stopped by the Arcade and peered in. Sure enough, our faithful Andrew was just opening the Crown. Serena gently opened the door and grimaced when the bells sounded. His blonde head turned towards her and brightened.

"Serena!" he exclaimed, smiling. Serena ran to him and leapt into his bear hug. "Where have you been? I haven't seen you in, like, ever!"

"I've been studying and working, thank you very much," she retorted, sitting on a stool while Andrew put on his white apron. "Have you heard from Darien?"

Her friend nodded. "He's in Florida, studying at the University there. He sent me a letter explaining his studies." Andrew put a hand on his head. "I couldn't understand it. That's why I majored in something other than medical." Serena giggled. "So, enough about me. What's up?"

Serena smiled. "Soccer tryouts are soon. I might try out. Also, a wildlife preserve in Africa wanted to bring Cinder and her mother there, because they're better suited to the environment there." She sighed. "And I miss Darien."

Andrew snorted. "Of course you do. In that letter he sent me, he couldn't stop reminiscing about you. He's obsessive, you know."

Serena gasped. "He is not!"

"Is too!"

"Is not!"

"Is too!"

"Is not," she huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. Andrew took one look at the stubborn expression on her face and chuckled. A gentle chiming filled the air, and Serena looked down at her watch. "Sorry Andy, but I have to go. My first class starts in a half-hour. Bye!"

"Bye Serena!" he called after her as she ran out the doors.

The University was holding its annual Masked Medieval Ball that December. Last year's ball had been canceled due to attacks from the Negaverse. Mina and Raye persuaded Serena to go, but to their dismay she refused. They finally bribed her with chocolate, and she accepted, reluctantly.

She wore the same flowy white ensemble she wore two years before; white dress, sparkly mask, strings of pearls, gold spiral earrings and bracelet, and white short-heel stilettos. But she didn't dance. The University had asked her to sing that night, and she was met with roaring applause.

Serena received another bouquet of white roses from Darien for Christmas. Instead of a note, a Tuxedo Mask plushie was attached. Serena laughed while hugging the toy. Mina received a Sailor Venus plushie from Andrew, which was ironic in its own sense.

Amy and Lita, along with Chase and Michael, used their winter vacation to visit their friends. The gang, reunited at last, spent at much time together as possible. They shopped, ate in their favorite restaurant, slept over at each other's apartments or houses, or did all of the above.

Serena introduced the gang to Riley and the sorority girls. Riley and the girls made friends with Mina, Amy, Raye, and Lita quickly, and met their boyfriends. Serena found out that Riley was Chase's brother. She had seen the resemblance, with the chestnut hair and hazel eyes, but never really noticed it before.

When Christmas break was over, Serena returned rigorously to her studies. The professors thought highly of her range of skills, and she wanted to keep it up. She quickly became the favorite of the choir professor, Mrs. McClain, and of the physical education teacher, Mr. Raphael. She excelled in these particular areas and wanted to succeed.

It was one night that Serena was alone in her dorm room, studying for a physics test. Mina was dating Andrew, again, for the third time that week. Her radio was on and the TV turned off. This test was part of her grade and she didn't want to fail.

The phone suddenly rang, making Serena instantly hate the person calling. Nevertheless, she left her warm spot on her bed, walked across the room, and picked up the phone. "Dorm room 126, Serena Tsukino speaking."

"Serena? Is that you?"

Serena almost dropped the phone. The masculine voice on the other end sounded exactly like Darien's. She put the phone next to her ear again, asking, "Darien?"

The voice sighed gratefully. "Good. I thought you wouldn't recognize me after two years. Andrew says you're doin' fine, and he gave me this number. Is this is your dorm room?"

Serena and Darien talked for hours, discussing the events of the past two years. Serena was impressed with Darien's studies; he was surprisingly proud of her accomplishments. They missed each other very much, and couldn't wait to see the other.

When they hung up, Serena put aside her studying and laid back on her bed. Tears prickled the corners of her eyes. For the first time in over a year, she cried over Darien.

Serena felt something wrong. Instead of being in a walled garden with Darien, Serena stood in a black space. Cold air brushed her arms, and she shivered. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness; she could see that she was dressed as Sailor Moon. Something rustled beyond her sight and Serena braced herself. The cold metallic voice that haunted her dreams floated to her ears.

"We meet again, Sailor Moon," the voice said. Serena strained her eyesight and saw someone sitting on a gnarled throne a few feet away. "It's a shame, really."

Serena straightened. "And why is that?" she asked calmly, keeping the fear out of her slightly trembling voice.

The person stood, and Serena heard the rustling again. "It's because you're on charge of being a murderer and a nuisance. You destroyed my Generals and stolen the Rainbow Crystals from them. You stop my precious Youmas and gain a new brooch."

Serena gaped. How this woman could know so much was beyond her belief. "How do you know?" she asked.

The figure shrugged. "I've watched you for the past six years, Sailor Moon. You've ruined my chances of taking over the world and this universe." The figure walked forward and stopped within arm's length. A snow-white arm snaked out and the hand clasped around her throat, cutting off any air. Serena gasped as the hand tightened and as she saw blood red eyes in the darkness. "I don't want to kill you yet, Sailor Moon. In fact, I want to enjoy your pain and betrayal. I'll leave you to it."

I wonder what Beryl's up to? Read the next chapter and see for yourself! Please review!