Hearts' Remedy
Chapter 12
"Luna, where are you going?" Serena hollered to her cat, while she sat in the grass.
Luna stopped running and looked back at Serena. "Didn't you know that Prince Darien is coming today?"
Serena stared at Luna shocked. "Prince Darien? You mean Darien, the one with Artemis?"
"Yes," Luna rolled her eyes impatiently.
"He's the prince?"
"Yes. Did he not tell you?"
Serena howled in outrage. "It's injustice, I tell you! That liar!"
"Does it matter so much? I'm sure he planned on telling you sooner or later. And technically, he did not quite lie to you. You just might be one of those few people who do not know who the prince is," the cat said, with a smug expression.
Serena jumped up, straightening her trousers, tossing her long braid over her shoulder. She glanced at Luna, and then ran as fast as her legs could take her home.
"Serena!" Luna huffed, running beside her. "Where are you going?"
"Shhhhh! Someone will here you—home where else?"
Serena slammed the door open once she reached her house and stomped towards a startled Ikuko. Ikuko sat in her rocking chair, knitting, when suddenly, Serena marched in with a stern look on her face.
"Why, hello, Serena. You're home early. What's the matter?"
"Mama, why didn't you tell me?"
"Tell you what?" A deep voice questioned.
Serena spun around and glared at Darien, who stood by the door of her room, where he had just come out to greet her.
"Mama, what was he doing in my room?"
"He was just taking a look around."
"In my room?!" Serena shrieked in anger.
She had not noticed that Luna and Artemis, who stood side by side, jumped at the high pitched tone she used.
"Actually, he toured the whole house, Serena. I let him."
"Without my permission, he went through my room?" Serena raved on.
"Tone it down, Serena," Darien commanded, walking up to the girl's side. "And I did not go through any of your stuff, Madam."
"That's not the point!" Serena snapped.
"What do you have to hide, Serena? Are you hiding something from Kenji and me? Because if you are young lady, you won't be leaving this house again for the rest of your life! Do I have to look through your room? That's it isn't it?! You are hiding something," Ikuko accused.
"No, Mama it's not that at all. How would you feel if someone stole something from you or lied to you…? That's how I feel," Serena murmured, her lower lip quivering.
She looked at Darien, "And to think that I could actually start trusting you…"
She stormed out of the house and hid herself in the small garden out back.
"I'm sorry," Darien apologized to Ikuko.
"It's alright, Your Highness."
"I wish you would stop calling me that."
"Yes, forgive me… Darien… Serena will be okay. She's like that when she's upset, but she'll be okay," she assured him.
"I better go see her."
Ikuko nodded and smiled at the young man. As he left she whispered, "Such a nice boy…"
"Serena?" Darien took cautious steps toward her kneeling form. When he reached her side, she shuffled her feet beneath her couched form, so that her back faced him.
Darien sighed, and tried moving in front of her again, but she kept turning bodily away from him.
"I'm sorry."
Darien shifted, but Serena moved away again. This went on for awhile.
"I said I'm sorry! Serena, you're getting your clothes dirty, get up off the floor."
"I don't care. Just go away."
Darien crossed his arms over his chest, "You are being so childish. Get up and face me!"
"You had no right to go in there!"
"I won't do it ever again."
"I doubt you'll keep that promise," Serena rolled her eyes.
"What makes you say that? Who are you to judge me before you know me?"
"Just because you're a prince, doesn't mean you have the might to do whatever you want!" Serena shouted at him.
Darien stood as still as stone and stared at her golden head. "How—who told you?"
"That you're a prince? Anybody could have told me… Everyone could have told me…" Serena was drawing circles in the dirt with her fingers as she spoke.
Darien bent down and grabbed her hand, stopping her from mid stroke. "You weren't supposed to know, yet." His midnight blues eyes drilled into her summer gaze.
"And why not?" Serena asked, defiantly swatting his hand away and standing up.
"Because, I didn't want you to treat me as if I were your superior."
"Oh, so that's why you didn't tell me…"
"I wouldn't have to tell you if you were born here. Everyone knows who I am."
"Do you feel like I'm treating you any more better, Your Highness?" She mumbled darkly, staring at him with a scowl on her face.
"Actually, I'm glad you don't," Darien replied, looking at her coyly. "However, I wish you wouldn't address me by that name. Even Gor, Shingo, Kenji, and Ikuko have adjusted to calling me by my name."
"I call you whatever I want whenever I want," she said, her chin held high.
"Yes, I deserve that haughtiness, don't I?" His eyes filled with humor.
"Serena!" Ikuko called from back inside the house.
"Yes, Mama?"
"Come inside. I need you to do something for me. And why don't you bring Darien with you?"
Serena and Darien met with a bright face Ikuko, bustling about the kitchen.
"We have left-over soup and a fresh-from-the-oven-loaf of bread I made," Ikuko said, sticking these very items into the basket, "Why don't you and Darien go offer this to the orphanage. I'm sure you planned on going there anyway, and… Oh! Along the way, can you stop by Stella's for some carrots, string beans, and cabbages?"
Serena glanced up at Darien, a look of uncertainty on her features. Darien gave her an innocent smile and nodded his head.
"Fine," Serena sighed.
She heaved the basket up, but was pulled down by the force of it. "Stupid soup," Serena grumbled under her breath.
"Need help?" Without waiting for a reply Darien gently lifted the basket with one hand applying no effort at all.
"Show off…" Serena said, watching Darien walk out the door.
"You remind me of Little Red Riding Hood, except without the red cloak and hood." Serena said lightly, walking beside him.
Darien pressed his lips together in a firm line, refusing to retaliate. This was going to be a long day.
They reached the orphanage. All the children were out in the yard playing, while Nora and a few other adults oversaw them. Nora recognized the blonde girl, and shouted a greeting to her. All the children looked up, and jumped gleefully from there place, shouting, "Serena, Serena, Serena!"
Nora looked at Serena's companion with a stunned look, as they walked up to her.
"Your Highness," Nora bowed low as she stuttered, "It's an honor to have you here, but…"
"You don't have to be so humble, Nora," Serena spoke for Darien. "The prince doesn't like attention… We brought food for the children again, so they'll have an even bigger supper tonight!"
"Yay!" The children shouted.
Nora looked around her at the children, and then her gaze fell on the prince again. "You really didn't have to go through all the trouble, Your Highness. Serena would have gotten here all fine by herself."
Serena's mouth fell open as she watched Nora lead Darien into the building and towards the kitchen. She always brought food to the orphanage, so Nora sort of gave up on thanking her, which Serena was used to. However, to shower that obnoxious prince with gratitude and not even a slight thank you to Serena, really boiled her blood. She wanted attention from the elderly woman! How could she just ignore her all of a sudden?
Two three-year olds grabbed Serena by the legs and hung onto her. "Sewena, we missed you!" They chorused. Serena sighed, and sat on the floor with the children. More swarmed on top of her. Serena started laughing, as they all had their turn to hug her. Someone yanked on her braid for attention, causing a loud "OW!" to come out of Serena.
Darien stepped outside, in the yard again, and watched this scene, his eyes turning brighter and softer.
Nora spoke to him, "The children love her. Everyone loves her."
"Really?"
"Of course. When you first met her, didn't you actually want to know her better?"
"Well actually… Yes… She strikes me as quite odd," Darien commented.
Nora laughed, "Have you seen her heal? She works miracles, I tell you."
"As a matter of fact, I have. She is amazing."
"She makes everyone feel that way about her. You can tell by the way the children treat her."
Darien smiled at that, watching Serena scoop a child into her arms.
"I remember when she first came here, five years ago… The villagers were shocked by the sight of her. Poor child…"
"What happened?"
"Kenji had found the child on the road. Many villagers were ready for Kenji and his family to give the child to me, but unfortunately, Ikuko wouldn't allow it. Kenji, too, wanted to take care of the girl as if she were his own daughter. Shingo was somehow attached to her and his brotherly love blossomed. Imagine how we all felt when we saw this miracle walk down our streets. She became known to us as Serena, the Bright One."
"Where did she come from?" Darien asked out of curiosity.
"Nobody knows, but it was said that she ran away from home."
"But what was it she was running away from?"
"Does it matter? She's been with us and that's all that matters. As far as everyone remembers, Serena is really Kenji and Ikuko's daughter."
Serena laughed, allowing the children to surround her. She was fond of them, even though they could be such brats at times. She sometimes disciplined them in ways that one could not imagine, yet she never neglected the sympathy she had for them. They were partially the reason why she decided to live her life the way she wanted to live it. She was once a child and she understood where the energy and nuisance came from. She still had a bit of it in her to this day.
Serena sighed in contentment, leaning against the wall of the building, closing her eyes. In the curve of one arm she hugged a red-headed boy to her shoulder, where he slept. A young girl, same age as the boy laid her cute red head in her lap with her eyes closed, napping. Serena's hand stroked the little girl's head absentmindedly as she gazed at the yard, where all the young children played. A sweet smile ornamented her face.
Darien decided to sit beside her.
"What do you think those clouds mean?" Darien asked casually.
"Hmm…" Serena looked up and shrugged.
"I suddenly feel like I've lost your affection," Darien joked, gazing at Serena.
"What?" Serena sputtered. She recovered at the sight of the twinkle of humor in his eyes. She breathed and answered him, drained, "I heard you… I'm not ignoring you…"
"That's not what I mean."
"Then, what?"
"You love them," Darien plainly stated, "I now understand why you needed my help."
"You have the gold in the world to give, why do I even have to ask you for your help?" Serena grumbled, realizing just how indifferent the prince seemed.
"I never knew. I've been encaged in the castle for most of my life. And I never had a childhood similar to these children. Do you know how much I missed?"
"You had money. Isn't that enough?"
"Do you think me that selfish? I would give all the gold in the world up to have lived my life differently. I never had one real friend that would talk to me without addressing me by 'Your Highness,' or 'Prince Darien.' Do you know how that feels," he looked away, embarrassed that he had spilled so much about himself to her, more than he had ever said to anyone before.
For some reason, Serena made him feel safe and comfortable. Around her he felt like he could say anything. Sometimes, he just wanted to stay behind with her and forget about his duties. As crazy as his thoughts were, he knew he didn't have the nerve—or more the heart—to leave his kingdom. After all, his family, life, and future were there, no matter which way he looked at it. That wall that his forefathers had built was to keep trespassers out, but now it seemed it was built for a different purpose.
Serena reached her free hand out to grasp his shoulder. "I understand… Believe me I've been through about as much as you have even if it wasn't as long."
Darien smirked, "How could you ever understand? You were raised differently…"
"It's beyond what you believe…"
Darien looked at her, confusion in his midnight blue eyes.
Her placid gaze met his as she bit out each word, "They are orphans. I was almost one myself, if my family hadn't been so brave to adopt me, a stranger, to their world. The orphans, in some way lost their families. I, a fortunate soul, found one. Do you know how that feels?"
Darien shook his head.
"Of course you don't, so let me explain." She looked up and pointed at a child with black locks. "Jeremy lost his sister and widowed mother in a house fire. In the middle of the night, some damned maniac decided to torch their house, while they still slept."
Her finger shifted to yet another child.
"Hannah, two now. Her mother died in childbirth. They had to cut her open to save the baby. The father abandoned her in the roads, and I found her one day with the most depressing letter I have ever read in my life, describing the life of the baby before she was orphaned."
Before Darien could say another word her finger drifted to a dirty blonde boy of eight.
"Connery's parents sold him. Someone found him being abused by his owner and decided to do a good deed. They brought him here. Still to this day, I do not understand what happened to him."
Darien shook his head, trying to block out her calm and terrifying words by squeezing his eyes shut. "No more," he breathed.
"Doesn't it make you feel guilty, not seeing? I do, it is as heavy as iron in me. What if you knew all your life, you could prevent this, but failed to see it? I've been through that, as well."
"I didn't mean to. I would have helped…"
"Don't you see? Your silver can't help. Your gold can't buy these children a family," Serena stammered, feeling the tears rising in her heart, but were far from her eyes.
"But I, with my gift could have helped. My last story is about these two twins." Her eyes were hard when she spoke while barely nodding to the two children she held. "Their parents were stubborn heads. They didn't believe in healers and thought that we were all quacks sent to Earth to take there money. The father threatened me with his blade, I was frightened and my weak side told me to back off. No matter what I said, their thick skulls and ill minds could not invoke common sense in them. I, a stupid child with no direction, left them alone to their pride that took them from this earth. They left the twins alone, I left the twins alone! I betrayed myself for not obeying my mind and heart and allowing some childish fear to run my life."
Startled, the two children who slept woke up at the sound of her anguished voice. Angry tears gleamed on Serena's cheeks and she failed to hide them from the two. They didn't know what she cried about, but drew her into their tiny little arms and planted kisses on her face. She mumbled apologies to them over and over again.
They slipped away because Darien gently squeezed between them. Once in front of a dazed Serena, he grasped her face softly, tilting her head up, so that he looked into her crystalline blue eyes.
"It isn't your fault. It could not have been prevented," he said sternly, his eyes dark with emotion.
Her lips trembled and he could feel heat rising from her fair cheeks to reach his palms. He released her after a few tense minutes, which seemed forever.
Free, Serena found her voice again. "But the bright side of things is that now these children in the orphanage are all the village's children. Those who have time visit them. And those who can sacrifice a little gave whatever they can to them."
"And you're the leader of them all, representing the children, right?"
Serena revealed a small smile; one that Darien wasn't sure would ever appear again after she poured life's despondency out to him. Relief filled him from toes to head at her gradually glowing face.
She stood up and took his hands.
"Come, while I get Mama's things, I'll give you a tour around the best thriving village in all of Terra."
"Hey, Stella," Serena greeted, stepping into the shop with Darien beside her.
"Oh, Serena, my favorite customer!" She shrieked gleefully, the plump woman bounded forward with vibrant energy.
"Mama's on your bad side again?"
"Humph, that woman, humph, can never compare to you, humph." Stella sniffed. "Now, if only I had a daughter, who grew up just to be as lovely and syrupy as you are, my life would be complete," she sighed, clasping her hands together, with a distant stare in her eyes.
Serena leaned over to Darien's ear and whispered, "She's my mama's best friend, who happens to own the grocery store."
"Is she always like this when she sees you?" Darien whispered back.
"Why, of course."
"And oh! You brought His Highness along! You know, the village has been gossiping about your arrival, Highness. It is an honor to have you grace us with your presence."
"Be sweet, say something," Serena nudged him.
"Um, the honor is mine," he stuttered, unsure of his voice.
"Ungrateful flee," Serena muttered, sensing his insincerity.
The woman flounced over to them, snatching the list from Serena. "I can still hear you, Dearest."
"Um, sorry Stella."
"And now you're acting all innocent," she chided softly.
"Come on, Stella, I was only teaching him a thing or two about politeness," Serena pouted.
"Maybe you should take your own lessons, then."
Serena cried in outrage, while Darien snickered quietly.
"Here you go now, Dearest," Stella smiled as she handed the full basket to Serena.
"But, but…"
"You better get going. The air has suddenly gone chilly…"
She shoved her out and Darien followed.
"She's right, the sky looks darker, too," Darien commented beside her. "Maybe we should hurry."
"Yoo-hoo, Sereenaa," a familiar voice hooted.
Serena moaned and glanced to her side. Abigail and her friends slowly approached them, flaunting their new stylish dresses that their rich fathers probably spent heavily on. Darien watched them, his eyes glazing over in thought.
"And, who is she?" Darien asked in wonder.
"You don't want to know. You probably don't want to know any of them."
"Oh, but I do," he said, stepping forward with keenness.
"She's just a pretty face, no brains at all."
"Jealous?"
"Jealous, are you insane?!"
"Serena, it is not lady like to shout, especially in front of His Highness," Abigail stated in a high and gentle voice. One that she never used for Serena.
"Why don't you leave us alone, Abigail," Serena gritted, looking up at the slightly taller girl, "You wouldn't want my polluted self near your pretty little dresses."
"Serena!" Darien was shocked.
"Oh, but Serena, Dear, what ever do you mean? It is a joy to see an old friend."
"Ha, drop the act. No one likes a fat liar."
"Are you calling me fat—I mean—Serena, you are so strange sometimes."
Serena raised her eyebrows at her. Darien took Abigail's hand and kissed the back gently, "It is nice to meet you, Lady." Abigail looked like she was about to swoon, but Serena gawked in horror.
"Close your mouth, you Klutz," One girl leaned over to her and whispered.
Serena shifted her feet quickly and walked away from all of them in her aggressive, demanding pace. She could hear Darien immediately running after her.
"What's the matter with you?" Darien demanded.
"Me? Oh, nothing. I'm so glad you get along with my nemesis so well, Prince. I'm astonished that you can let her trick you. Even Seiya's smarter than that."
"I see the halo around your head vanishing."
"Who am I kidding? All you men drool over dolls like those," Serena grumbled to herself.
His hand stopped her.
"Remove your hand," Serena demanded.
"Would you like me to treat you that way?" Darien asked.
Serena was speechless, then. "Of course not," she finally stammered.
"Alright, then, you will stop your childishness, now."
"Childishness?!" …
They were on the dirt road when a flash of lightning split the sky. Serena jumped, dropping the basket and its contents on the floor. Darien moved to pick it up, when a roar of thunder distinctively reverberated in the air. Serena ran into him in fright, her arms, unaware of it herself, laid haphazardly on his back, squeezing him. Shocked, he did the only thing he could think of and allowed his arms to go around her. Another stroke of lightning and two blades of thunder crashing rang in their ears.
"It's alright, Serena. I'm here," he whispered into her ear.
Serena shivered. It was astonishing. This girl, who showed so much strength and power, could be frightened by something as small as a lightning and thunder storm.
"I got you," he assured, reaching for the basket, and walking with her.
She recoiled again when yet another bolt blared and sounded. Small drops of water, dripped on Darien's face. She looked up at him, through frightened eyes. He pitied the lost and insecurity that flowed in the blue depths. He would have allowed her to stay in his arms if he could, just to let that fear subside, but they were subdued. The weather was going to permit him only this one chance to be close to the Goddess. He was grateful for that much. While he soothed her, she greatly comforted him by just being there.
They reached Serena's house, dripping wet and shivering. Ikuko made them change and then shoved them near the hearth. Kenji, paced in worry, while Shingo mopped the floor gloomily.
Serena started rocking back and forth, clutching her knees to her chest. Ikuko soothed her with gentle hands, trying to lull her to sleep with a song. Finally her heart beats slowed to a regular rate, and she looked around her, seeing her family and Darien.
"Serena, you dolt, you should know better then to stay out in that weather. And I don't care that you were too scared to move! You got to start moving that lazy arse of yours no matter what the circumstance!" Shingo shouted in rage.
Kenji placed both hands on his shoulders.
"Hey, I try," Serena murmured, barely glancing back at him. Her pupils were twitching about. Luna and Artemis sat beside her as soon as Darien left her side. The rain stopped, revealing the sun again. He picked Artemis up and bid the Kenji house good bye. Serena got up, from her place, after sitting for two hours and thanked Darien for his patience.
When the prince left, Serena's shoulders sagged. She went to her room and shut her door. She moved to her drawers to find a tunic, but discovered a brown pouch. She reached for it and handled the note cautiously.
Serena,
I know you will be angry with me, but I just have to give you something. You know, gold is pretty. It reminds me of you in many ways.
Don't give this gift to anyone else. It is for you to spend only. And don't worry. The orphanage is prospering on its pound of gold, though I don't know how long it will last.
Now, that I have angered you, I think I shall visit you two weeks from today. I believe you will need time to calm down.
Serena poured the gold coins on her bed: fifty pieces. In seconds she stomped out of her room. She rushed out of her house ready to beat someone in particularly, to death. Luckily, Prince Darien could only be seen as a small speck in the dust that swirled around him. 'That arrogant man!' Serena wanted to strangle him.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"And where have you been?"
Prince Darien twirled around from his position. He had been tip-toeing in the glamorous hallway of the palace after hearing his sister's voice; tip-toeing because he didn't want to face her and get bombarded with questions. However, she was too quick for him.
"What do you mean?" Darien asked, simply.
"Alright, spill. I want details."
Chapter 12
"Luna, where are you going?" Serena hollered to her cat, while she sat in the grass.
Luna stopped running and looked back at Serena. "Didn't you know that Prince Darien is coming today?"
Serena stared at Luna shocked. "Prince Darien? You mean Darien, the one with Artemis?"
"Yes," Luna rolled her eyes impatiently.
"He's the prince?"
"Yes. Did he not tell you?"
Serena howled in outrage. "It's injustice, I tell you! That liar!"
"Does it matter so much? I'm sure he planned on telling you sooner or later. And technically, he did not quite lie to you. You just might be one of those few people who do not know who the prince is," the cat said, with a smug expression.
Serena jumped up, straightening her trousers, tossing her long braid over her shoulder. She glanced at Luna, and then ran as fast as her legs could take her home.
"Serena!" Luna huffed, running beside her. "Where are you going?"
"Shhhhh! Someone will here you—home where else?"
Serena slammed the door open once she reached her house and stomped towards a startled Ikuko. Ikuko sat in her rocking chair, knitting, when suddenly, Serena marched in with a stern look on her face.
"Why, hello, Serena. You're home early. What's the matter?"
"Mama, why didn't you tell me?"
"Tell you what?" A deep voice questioned.
Serena spun around and glared at Darien, who stood by the door of her room, where he had just come out to greet her.
"Mama, what was he doing in my room?"
"He was just taking a look around."
"In my room?!" Serena shrieked in anger.
She had not noticed that Luna and Artemis, who stood side by side, jumped at the high pitched tone she used.
"Actually, he toured the whole house, Serena. I let him."
"Without my permission, he went through my room?" Serena raved on.
"Tone it down, Serena," Darien commanded, walking up to the girl's side. "And I did not go through any of your stuff, Madam."
"That's not the point!" Serena snapped.
"What do you have to hide, Serena? Are you hiding something from Kenji and me? Because if you are young lady, you won't be leaving this house again for the rest of your life! Do I have to look through your room? That's it isn't it?! You are hiding something," Ikuko accused.
"No, Mama it's not that at all. How would you feel if someone stole something from you or lied to you…? That's how I feel," Serena murmured, her lower lip quivering.
She looked at Darien, "And to think that I could actually start trusting you…"
She stormed out of the house and hid herself in the small garden out back.
"I'm sorry," Darien apologized to Ikuko.
"It's alright, Your Highness."
"I wish you would stop calling me that."
"Yes, forgive me… Darien… Serena will be okay. She's like that when she's upset, but she'll be okay," she assured him.
"I better go see her."
Ikuko nodded and smiled at the young man. As he left she whispered, "Such a nice boy…"
"Serena?" Darien took cautious steps toward her kneeling form. When he reached her side, she shuffled her feet beneath her couched form, so that her back faced him.
Darien sighed, and tried moving in front of her again, but she kept turning bodily away from him.
"I'm sorry."
Darien shifted, but Serena moved away again. This went on for awhile.
"I said I'm sorry! Serena, you're getting your clothes dirty, get up off the floor."
"I don't care. Just go away."
Darien crossed his arms over his chest, "You are being so childish. Get up and face me!"
"You had no right to go in there!"
"I won't do it ever again."
"I doubt you'll keep that promise," Serena rolled her eyes.
"What makes you say that? Who are you to judge me before you know me?"
"Just because you're a prince, doesn't mean you have the might to do whatever you want!" Serena shouted at him.
Darien stood as still as stone and stared at her golden head. "How—who told you?"
"That you're a prince? Anybody could have told me… Everyone could have told me…" Serena was drawing circles in the dirt with her fingers as she spoke.
Darien bent down and grabbed her hand, stopping her from mid stroke. "You weren't supposed to know, yet." His midnight blues eyes drilled into her summer gaze.
"And why not?" Serena asked, defiantly swatting his hand away and standing up.
"Because, I didn't want you to treat me as if I were your superior."
"Oh, so that's why you didn't tell me…"
"I wouldn't have to tell you if you were born here. Everyone knows who I am."
"Do you feel like I'm treating you any more better, Your Highness?" She mumbled darkly, staring at him with a scowl on her face.
"Actually, I'm glad you don't," Darien replied, looking at her coyly. "However, I wish you wouldn't address me by that name. Even Gor, Shingo, Kenji, and Ikuko have adjusted to calling me by my name."
"I call you whatever I want whenever I want," she said, her chin held high.
"Yes, I deserve that haughtiness, don't I?" His eyes filled with humor.
"Serena!" Ikuko called from back inside the house.
"Yes, Mama?"
"Come inside. I need you to do something for me. And why don't you bring Darien with you?"
Serena and Darien met with a bright face Ikuko, bustling about the kitchen.
"We have left-over soup and a fresh-from-the-oven-loaf of bread I made," Ikuko said, sticking these very items into the basket, "Why don't you and Darien go offer this to the orphanage. I'm sure you planned on going there anyway, and… Oh! Along the way, can you stop by Stella's for some carrots, string beans, and cabbages?"
Serena glanced up at Darien, a look of uncertainty on her features. Darien gave her an innocent smile and nodded his head.
"Fine," Serena sighed.
She heaved the basket up, but was pulled down by the force of it. "Stupid soup," Serena grumbled under her breath.
"Need help?" Without waiting for a reply Darien gently lifted the basket with one hand applying no effort at all.
"Show off…" Serena said, watching Darien walk out the door.
"You remind me of Little Red Riding Hood, except without the red cloak and hood." Serena said lightly, walking beside him.
Darien pressed his lips together in a firm line, refusing to retaliate. This was going to be a long day.
They reached the orphanage. All the children were out in the yard playing, while Nora and a few other adults oversaw them. Nora recognized the blonde girl, and shouted a greeting to her. All the children looked up, and jumped gleefully from there place, shouting, "Serena, Serena, Serena!"
Nora looked at Serena's companion with a stunned look, as they walked up to her.
"Your Highness," Nora bowed low as she stuttered, "It's an honor to have you here, but…"
"You don't have to be so humble, Nora," Serena spoke for Darien. "The prince doesn't like attention… We brought food for the children again, so they'll have an even bigger supper tonight!"
"Yay!" The children shouted.
Nora looked around her at the children, and then her gaze fell on the prince again. "You really didn't have to go through all the trouble, Your Highness. Serena would have gotten here all fine by herself."
Serena's mouth fell open as she watched Nora lead Darien into the building and towards the kitchen. She always brought food to the orphanage, so Nora sort of gave up on thanking her, which Serena was used to. However, to shower that obnoxious prince with gratitude and not even a slight thank you to Serena, really boiled her blood. She wanted attention from the elderly woman! How could she just ignore her all of a sudden?
Two three-year olds grabbed Serena by the legs and hung onto her. "Sewena, we missed you!" They chorused. Serena sighed, and sat on the floor with the children. More swarmed on top of her. Serena started laughing, as they all had their turn to hug her. Someone yanked on her braid for attention, causing a loud "OW!" to come out of Serena.
Darien stepped outside, in the yard again, and watched this scene, his eyes turning brighter and softer.
Nora spoke to him, "The children love her. Everyone loves her."
"Really?"
"Of course. When you first met her, didn't you actually want to know her better?"
"Well actually… Yes… She strikes me as quite odd," Darien commented.
Nora laughed, "Have you seen her heal? She works miracles, I tell you."
"As a matter of fact, I have. She is amazing."
"She makes everyone feel that way about her. You can tell by the way the children treat her."
Darien smiled at that, watching Serena scoop a child into her arms.
"I remember when she first came here, five years ago… The villagers were shocked by the sight of her. Poor child…"
"What happened?"
"Kenji had found the child on the road. Many villagers were ready for Kenji and his family to give the child to me, but unfortunately, Ikuko wouldn't allow it. Kenji, too, wanted to take care of the girl as if she were his own daughter. Shingo was somehow attached to her and his brotherly love blossomed. Imagine how we all felt when we saw this miracle walk down our streets. She became known to us as Serena, the Bright One."
"Where did she come from?" Darien asked out of curiosity.
"Nobody knows, but it was said that she ran away from home."
"But what was it she was running away from?"
"Does it matter? She's been with us and that's all that matters. As far as everyone remembers, Serena is really Kenji and Ikuko's daughter."
Serena laughed, allowing the children to surround her. She was fond of them, even though they could be such brats at times. She sometimes disciplined them in ways that one could not imagine, yet she never neglected the sympathy she had for them. They were partially the reason why she decided to live her life the way she wanted to live it. She was once a child and she understood where the energy and nuisance came from. She still had a bit of it in her to this day.
Serena sighed in contentment, leaning against the wall of the building, closing her eyes. In the curve of one arm she hugged a red-headed boy to her shoulder, where he slept. A young girl, same age as the boy laid her cute red head in her lap with her eyes closed, napping. Serena's hand stroked the little girl's head absentmindedly as she gazed at the yard, where all the young children played. A sweet smile ornamented her face.
Darien decided to sit beside her.
"What do you think those clouds mean?" Darien asked casually.
"Hmm…" Serena looked up and shrugged.
"I suddenly feel like I've lost your affection," Darien joked, gazing at Serena.
"What?" Serena sputtered. She recovered at the sight of the twinkle of humor in his eyes. She breathed and answered him, drained, "I heard you… I'm not ignoring you…"
"That's not what I mean."
"Then, what?"
"You love them," Darien plainly stated, "I now understand why you needed my help."
"You have the gold in the world to give, why do I even have to ask you for your help?" Serena grumbled, realizing just how indifferent the prince seemed.
"I never knew. I've been encaged in the castle for most of my life. And I never had a childhood similar to these children. Do you know how much I missed?"
"You had money. Isn't that enough?"
"Do you think me that selfish? I would give all the gold in the world up to have lived my life differently. I never had one real friend that would talk to me without addressing me by 'Your Highness,' or 'Prince Darien.' Do you know how that feels," he looked away, embarrassed that he had spilled so much about himself to her, more than he had ever said to anyone before.
For some reason, Serena made him feel safe and comfortable. Around her he felt like he could say anything. Sometimes, he just wanted to stay behind with her and forget about his duties. As crazy as his thoughts were, he knew he didn't have the nerve—or more the heart—to leave his kingdom. After all, his family, life, and future were there, no matter which way he looked at it. That wall that his forefathers had built was to keep trespassers out, but now it seemed it was built for a different purpose.
Serena reached her free hand out to grasp his shoulder. "I understand… Believe me I've been through about as much as you have even if it wasn't as long."
Darien smirked, "How could you ever understand? You were raised differently…"
"It's beyond what you believe…"
Darien looked at her, confusion in his midnight blue eyes.
Her placid gaze met his as she bit out each word, "They are orphans. I was almost one myself, if my family hadn't been so brave to adopt me, a stranger, to their world. The orphans, in some way lost their families. I, a fortunate soul, found one. Do you know how that feels?"
Darien shook his head.
"Of course you don't, so let me explain." She looked up and pointed at a child with black locks. "Jeremy lost his sister and widowed mother in a house fire. In the middle of the night, some damned maniac decided to torch their house, while they still slept."
Her finger shifted to yet another child.
"Hannah, two now. Her mother died in childbirth. They had to cut her open to save the baby. The father abandoned her in the roads, and I found her one day with the most depressing letter I have ever read in my life, describing the life of the baby before she was orphaned."
Before Darien could say another word her finger drifted to a dirty blonde boy of eight.
"Connery's parents sold him. Someone found him being abused by his owner and decided to do a good deed. They brought him here. Still to this day, I do not understand what happened to him."
Darien shook his head, trying to block out her calm and terrifying words by squeezing his eyes shut. "No more," he breathed.
"Doesn't it make you feel guilty, not seeing? I do, it is as heavy as iron in me. What if you knew all your life, you could prevent this, but failed to see it? I've been through that, as well."
"I didn't mean to. I would have helped…"
"Don't you see? Your silver can't help. Your gold can't buy these children a family," Serena stammered, feeling the tears rising in her heart, but were far from her eyes.
"But I, with my gift could have helped. My last story is about these two twins." Her eyes were hard when she spoke while barely nodding to the two children she held. "Their parents were stubborn heads. They didn't believe in healers and thought that we were all quacks sent to Earth to take there money. The father threatened me with his blade, I was frightened and my weak side told me to back off. No matter what I said, their thick skulls and ill minds could not invoke common sense in them. I, a stupid child with no direction, left them alone to their pride that took them from this earth. They left the twins alone, I left the twins alone! I betrayed myself for not obeying my mind and heart and allowing some childish fear to run my life."
Startled, the two children who slept woke up at the sound of her anguished voice. Angry tears gleamed on Serena's cheeks and she failed to hide them from the two. They didn't know what she cried about, but drew her into their tiny little arms and planted kisses on her face. She mumbled apologies to them over and over again.
They slipped away because Darien gently squeezed between them. Once in front of a dazed Serena, he grasped her face softly, tilting her head up, so that he looked into her crystalline blue eyes.
"It isn't your fault. It could not have been prevented," he said sternly, his eyes dark with emotion.
Her lips trembled and he could feel heat rising from her fair cheeks to reach his palms. He released her after a few tense minutes, which seemed forever.
Free, Serena found her voice again. "But the bright side of things is that now these children in the orphanage are all the village's children. Those who have time visit them. And those who can sacrifice a little gave whatever they can to them."
"And you're the leader of them all, representing the children, right?"
Serena revealed a small smile; one that Darien wasn't sure would ever appear again after she poured life's despondency out to him. Relief filled him from toes to head at her gradually glowing face.
She stood up and took his hands.
"Come, while I get Mama's things, I'll give you a tour around the best thriving village in all of Terra."
"Hey, Stella," Serena greeted, stepping into the shop with Darien beside her.
"Oh, Serena, my favorite customer!" She shrieked gleefully, the plump woman bounded forward with vibrant energy.
"Mama's on your bad side again?"
"Humph, that woman, humph, can never compare to you, humph." Stella sniffed. "Now, if only I had a daughter, who grew up just to be as lovely and syrupy as you are, my life would be complete," she sighed, clasping her hands together, with a distant stare in her eyes.
Serena leaned over to Darien's ear and whispered, "She's my mama's best friend, who happens to own the grocery store."
"Is she always like this when she sees you?" Darien whispered back.
"Why, of course."
"And oh! You brought His Highness along! You know, the village has been gossiping about your arrival, Highness. It is an honor to have you grace us with your presence."
"Be sweet, say something," Serena nudged him.
"Um, the honor is mine," he stuttered, unsure of his voice.
"Ungrateful flee," Serena muttered, sensing his insincerity.
The woman flounced over to them, snatching the list from Serena. "I can still hear you, Dearest."
"Um, sorry Stella."
"And now you're acting all innocent," she chided softly.
"Come on, Stella, I was only teaching him a thing or two about politeness," Serena pouted.
"Maybe you should take your own lessons, then."
Serena cried in outrage, while Darien snickered quietly.
"Here you go now, Dearest," Stella smiled as she handed the full basket to Serena.
"But, but…"
"You better get going. The air has suddenly gone chilly…"
She shoved her out and Darien followed.
"She's right, the sky looks darker, too," Darien commented beside her. "Maybe we should hurry."
"Yoo-hoo, Sereenaa," a familiar voice hooted.
Serena moaned and glanced to her side. Abigail and her friends slowly approached them, flaunting their new stylish dresses that their rich fathers probably spent heavily on. Darien watched them, his eyes glazing over in thought.
"And, who is she?" Darien asked in wonder.
"You don't want to know. You probably don't want to know any of them."
"Oh, but I do," he said, stepping forward with keenness.
"She's just a pretty face, no brains at all."
"Jealous?"
"Jealous, are you insane?!"
"Serena, it is not lady like to shout, especially in front of His Highness," Abigail stated in a high and gentle voice. One that she never used for Serena.
"Why don't you leave us alone, Abigail," Serena gritted, looking up at the slightly taller girl, "You wouldn't want my polluted self near your pretty little dresses."
"Serena!" Darien was shocked.
"Oh, but Serena, Dear, what ever do you mean? It is a joy to see an old friend."
"Ha, drop the act. No one likes a fat liar."
"Are you calling me fat—I mean—Serena, you are so strange sometimes."
Serena raised her eyebrows at her. Darien took Abigail's hand and kissed the back gently, "It is nice to meet you, Lady." Abigail looked like she was about to swoon, but Serena gawked in horror.
"Close your mouth, you Klutz," One girl leaned over to her and whispered.
Serena shifted her feet quickly and walked away from all of them in her aggressive, demanding pace. She could hear Darien immediately running after her.
"What's the matter with you?" Darien demanded.
"Me? Oh, nothing. I'm so glad you get along with my nemesis so well, Prince. I'm astonished that you can let her trick you. Even Seiya's smarter than that."
"I see the halo around your head vanishing."
"Who am I kidding? All you men drool over dolls like those," Serena grumbled to herself.
His hand stopped her.
"Remove your hand," Serena demanded.
"Would you like me to treat you that way?" Darien asked.
Serena was speechless, then. "Of course not," she finally stammered.
"Alright, then, you will stop your childishness, now."
"Childishness?!" …
They were on the dirt road when a flash of lightning split the sky. Serena jumped, dropping the basket and its contents on the floor. Darien moved to pick it up, when a roar of thunder distinctively reverberated in the air. Serena ran into him in fright, her arms, unaware of it herself, laid haphazardly on his back, squeezing him. Shocked, he did the only thing he could think of and allowed his arms to go around her. Another stroke of lightning and two blades of thunder crashing rang in their ears.
"It's alright, Serena. I'm here," he whispered into her ear.
Serena shivered. It was astonishing. This girl, who showed so much strength and power, could be frightened by something as small as a lightning and thunder storm.
"I got you," he assured, reaching for the basket, and walking with her.
She recoiled again when yet another bolt blared and sounded. Small drops of water, dripped on Darien's face. She looked up at him, through frightened eyes. He pitied the lost and insecurity that flowed in the blue depths. He would have allowed her to stay in his arms if he could, just to let that fear subside, but they were subdued. The weather was going to permit him only this one chance to be close to the Goddess. He was grateful for that much. While he soothed her, she greatly comforted him by just being there.
They reached Serena's house, dripping wet and shivering. Ikuko made them change and then shoved them near the hearth. Kenji, paced in worry, while Shingo mopped the floor gloomily.
Serena started rocking back and forth, clutching her knees to her chest. Ikuko soothed her with gentle hands, trying to lull her to sleep with a song. Finally her heart beats slowed to a regular rate, and she looked around her, seeing her family and Darien.
"Serena, you dolt, you should know better then to stay out in that weather. And I don't care that you were too scared to move! You got to start moving that lazy arse of yours no matter what the circumstance!" Shingo shouted in rage.
Kenji placed both hands on his shoulders.
"Hey, I try," Serena murmured, barely glancing back at him. Her pupils were twitching about. Luna and Artemis sat beside her as soon as Darien left her side. The rain stopped, revealing the sun again. He picked Artemis up and bid the Kenji house good bye. Serena got up, from her place, after sitting for two hours and thanked Darien for his patience.
When the prince left, Serena's shoulders sagged. She went to her room and shut her door. She moved to her drawers to find a tunic, but discovered a brown pouch. She reached for it and handled the note cautiously.
Serena,
I know you will be angry with me, but I just have to give you something. You know, gold is pretty. It reminds me of you in many ways.
Don't give this gift to anyone else. It is for you to spend only. And don't worry. The orphanage is prospering on its pound of gold, though I don't know how long it will last.
Now, that I have angered you, I think I shall visit you two weeks from today. I believe you will need time to calm down.
Serena poured the gold coins on her bed: fifty pieces. In seconds she stomped out of her room. She rushed out of her house ready to beat someone in particularly, to death. Luckily, Prince Darien could only be seen as a small speck in the dust that swirled around him. 'That arrogant man!' Serena wanted to strangle him.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"And where have you been?"
Prince Darien twirled around from his position. He had been tip-toeing in the glamorous hallway of the palace after hearing his sister's voice; tip-toeing because he didn't want to face her and get bombarded with questions. However, she was too quick for him.
"What do you mean?" Darien asked, simply.
"Alright, spill. I want details."