Dear Readers,
Hello! I hope all of you are having as much fun with this dance as I am. For inspiration, I had to keep having sessions about going to this party in my mind. I had to imagine all of the music being played, the treats being served and the moments happening everywhere for all of these characters. It was really fun, but I really hope you all are having fun picturing it too. Let's not doddle, let's get right back in it.
Special thanks to my guest reviewer who keeps leaving such lovely things in Spanish. Thank you so much for giving me more peace of mind with this ball. Can't thank you enough!
Special thanks to the new people following this story, or me as an authoress. Also the people who favorited this story or me as an author. That's high praise, Thank you, and I hope you all continue to like this too.
Dedicated to my sister (my baby sister), Who used to go to bed super early on Christmas Eve. Just because she was so worried about Santa catching her up, and skipping us. The kid that carried a Barney the Dinosaur stuffed toy everywhere she went till Christmas when she switched to Christmas Barney (He just wore a knitted stocking cap with red stipes and a matching scarf). I always think of you when I see blue and white together. I know how much you love that winter wonderland look. How you're never afraid of the color black even around this holiday and how sharp it can look… and GOLD, because you LOVE gold. I also think of you when I look at matching Christmas jammies, Christmas scented candles, and Christmas baking utensils. Because you're always trying to keep up with those traditions we grew up with. You're one of the most thoughtful, honest and kind people I've ever known. But I've known you since before you were even born. I knew that you were solid gold then, and nothing has ever told me differently, kid. Merry Christmas, Love Ya! And this one's for you!
"A Memorable Christmas"
Chapter 16 - The Christmas Gala Event (Part 2)
Going As Planned… Till That First Hitch.
(Kunzite's Perspective)
We'd reached the halfway mark of the night with no real problems. Then literally a minute after that, Zane runs over and tells me Alan's playing let loose one of the monsters in that tainted deck of cards. The one upstairs resting in a makeshift lab he'd built on the fly as we'd moved in (hidden away in a secret room behind the library's back wall. It could only be accessed by a teammate or feline guardian). Not any of the other five flutists we had in our orchestra either. Just Alan's playing had unleashed a beast and nearly made trouble for us.
After that we managed to check the next hour off, and our first true snag in the master plan occurred.
The DJ and Live bands both needed their breaks. We were contractually obligated to allow for two major breaks, and we'd prepared accordingly. As the old owners had done, we'd arranged for the Japanese Ballet Company's professionals to stage a performance in our Ballroom first and later in our Snowing room (which was pretty much our secondary ballroom for those who didn't want to fight the crowds so much. It had lighting accents to make it seem like it was snowing and that room was noticeably colder than all the rest) . Crowds had gathered for both these performances and they had been perfect.
However, the other performance we'd booked was a locally famous children's choir. To perform during this allotted time in both rooms as well. Alternating, so where the ballerinas weren't dancing, the kids were singing and vice versa.
When the kids showed up, they were missing their choir leader. Who had supposedly fallen ill unexpectedly? But one of the kids had let slip that they had seen their designated adult handler. Before they came here and she had been carrying a glass bottle identical to the champagne bottles we were serving here tonight. Truth be told she'd probably knicked it, during one of their many practices here. So falling ill may be a stretch, or maybe a prelude for what is to come.
Zane didn't even break into a sweat as we all looked at him in a panic.
He told us, "It's okay, nothing to worry about. I know their routine, I learned it just in case, I'll play the piano. Like she was supposed to, and Serena was the one who got to know all the kids. She learned all their names, and helped them with their Christmas lists. She knows all the carols and she can direct them, through it. Probably better than that shady teacher was supposed to. Everything will be fine, let me just go steal her from the Prince. Everything's still under control here."
The choir is all made up of orphan boys and girls, this is pretty much all of the Christmas they will get happening here tonight. After their second performance, they will be opening presents we have set up for them underneath a tree at the dead center of our dining hall. A bunch of the gifts were donated and brought by our guests tonight, but there are quite a few under there from us or the girls as well. Of all of the planning and plotting taking place this Christmas. This was something we couldn't even take full credit for. Serena had done the majority of planning for this. She'd research the choirs, worked it all out, every bit of that herself. As Zane brought her up there on the stage and she was greeting all of her little friends. Gaining hugs left and right. Even though Serena was in a custom-made gown she was on her knees getting hugs and kisses. When all of the little girls weren't making Serena spin around and show how her dress flared on a turn.
It was pretty adorable to see. I don't know who got more out of the exchange. Serena, us who had enjoyed watching this from the start, or Darien. Who looked so proud and a little touched.
Thankfully ALL performances were timed just right and were a big hit. Even the snobbiest guests had been touched and inspired. As the live band and DJ returned to their posts and took back over for the remainder of the event. We led the kids to the tree and had all of them looking for their names on gifts, personalized Santa hats, and stockings embroidered with their names full of goodies they could keep and enjoy long after tonight.
The joy and rapture on those little faces. Serena had been right, it's gotta be what this season is all about. It is magic and it is important. I was so heartened by all of these potential disasters getting fixed before they could tailspin.
The next dilemma wasn't so easily sidestepped. It just had to flop on us, and just miss nearly ruining everything.
As soon as the children of the choir were back on their bus and it had pulled outta sight. (At least those kids were safe) Something felt off in the air, and it turns out that our danger senses weren't lit up for nothing. Our enemies had somehow accumulated a new pack of monsters and the pink-headed female was breaking bad on our snow-covered front yard and gardens. All beasts and mythical creatures headed straight for our house full of guests.
I can't begin to imagine how this was accomplished I can only assume that our enemies had turned out to be some of our guests here tonight. They could have even found out our identities in the process. I don't recall the Twiincestent pair ever calling me my Earth name Kirk till tonight. But this pink-headed banshee knew me when she attacked me in my regular civilian wear.
She'd slipped saying, "Too bad Kirk! You're Ball's ruined!"
Yes, I did think that that was a terribly awkward way to say that. But I was more disturbed that this cotton candy heifer knew me. She had to be one of our guests, there's no way that she hadn't been attending this gala.
I tried to keep her distracted enough so that our dignitaries and stuffed-shirted guests would never know about the battle. But the monsters let loose for me personally, were far too strong for me to handle alone. I can't guarantee that no one saw something they shouldn't. I was being stretched between a group of them and I know I would have been done for if a huge burst of energy hadn't erupted in the back of the house. It was a light show of Orange, and Gold lights everywhere. They destroyed all of the monsters in the back of the house. Then they all started happening around me. Killing instantly all of my captors as well.
I hit the ground, hard; and stumbled to regain my footing. As the green-skinned boss was seething and dealing out new cardians.
I really had thought that Mars had been helping me. I thought that the attacks had resembled fire, it had definitely carried that heat when it just missed me. But when I jumped up on the rooftop of our home and turned to thank my teammate. Sailor Venus stepped out of the shadows of the second and third stories. She had her hands on her hips and her expression was one not to be trifled with.
That was when it all came roaring back to me, in my mind's eye. The visions I'd had about the moment Mina would remember. Consisted of bright beams of energy everywhere. Like I had just seen, and that was exactly what had transpired.
Not knowing where to begin, I choked out, "Thank you… I really thought they had me, there, for a second."
"Cut the crap, Kunzite." She'd used that name like it described a disease. "How long were you gonna let me continue to go on kidding myself? While you took my place as the leader besides Sailor Moon?"
"That wasn't what this was about and you know that, Venus." I tried to remind her, "You know me and know that wasn't my intent. Not for a minute."
"Really?" She spat at me, "So what? You're gonna pretend like none of this was on purpose. Everything happened by chance and now you're the leader again. The chips just all nicely fell into place for you, didn't they? How stupid do you think I am?"
I tried to warn her, "Mina! We don't have time for this now. I promise we'll talk it out when this is all over but believe me when I say. We don't have time to chat just yet. We have a manor full of innocent people to think about. They have to come first-"
"I know who comes first, this isn't my first day on the job." She pointed out, and it would have been a well-backed fact. If the second wave of beasts hadn't knocked us both down hard against the arched rooftop we were standing on. Not only did we both get the wind knocked out of us but we both started to slide towards the ledge.
As we got back up and I tried to help her, she insisted on getting up on her own. I said, "Look, we'll talk after we win. Okay?"
"Don't even bother!" She shouted before telling me venomously, "I never want to see you again. Just stay away from me." Then she jumped back to the ground level and charged off after several assailants. While I jumped and propelled myself for a window nearby, I opened it, climbed in, changed into my former uniform for the Earth Kingdom Elysion, and made a distress call to the rest of the team. When I was back outside I headed in the opposite direction Venus had gone, it too was littered in adversaries.
As I fought and put everything I had into that fight. I had to keep telling my heart to keep beating, it hurt so much that when Zoisite was checking me out after the all-clear. I had him check my chest and heart. He assured me everything was fine, but I knew better, I hadn't done a good job of trying to provoke Mina's memories. I had kinda done the opposite if I'm completely truthful here. Her hostility was to be expected and probably deserved.
I just have to tell Mina that I loved her and I really had only had her good interests at heart. She'll probably never believe me, but I could not give up. I'd just gotten used to having her in my life, I wasn't about to give her up, not now. Not when we're all so close to the team we always dreamed of. I had to do everything in my power to convince her of my steadfastness, my unwavering loyalty since my freedom was re-conquered, and that the love we'd shared. Every moment of it had been genuine. It was gonna be a long night.
Even if I did get to talk to her again at all tonight.
When I returned to the huddle, I was expecting to be pushed out and kept at arm's length. Just till Mina cools off. I fully expected the Scouts to take her side. To be more worried about Mina, as they should be. I was surprised that Serena was the first one to hug me and say, "I'm so sorry Kunzite. Are you alright?"
As I hugged her I admitted, "No…" and a traitorous tear did run out of my eye. I swiped it away before it traveled far. "But we all had to get through that confusion and rage. I keep telling myself that."
Serena made no bones about it as she pat my shoulder and said, "Well, I'm gonna tell you like I did Jadite. Either she's gonna come around and see how wonderful you are. Or it's her loss, no matter what this is your team too. No matter what you guys decide, we're all in this together. You've still got me, okay?"
"Thank goodness for that." I did smile a little. Seriously, I see why the girls are all so dedicated, I don't know how we could have done all this without Serena. She's truly amazing too, she's become family and it was comforting that that wouldn't change. However, I was completely stunned when she was followed by Mercury, Jupiter and even Mars.
Sweet soft spoken Mercury whispered, "Hey! We're in your corner."
Jupiter bear hugged me and said, "We got you, man." I think she may have cracked a rib.
Mars patted my back as she hugged me saying, "She'll come around, we all did. You were such a big part of my coming around. This is the least I could do, besides promising that it's our turn to help you now."
I thanked every one of them, wanting to say more. But I was so overwhelmed with hurt, heartbreak, and appreciation for my friends… no more words came. Before our forgotten boss reappeared holding Zoisite hostage. Along with the deck of cardians, we'd swiped last night.
She threw Zoisite back toward our gathered group but kept the deck. Venus joined us at that same time and stood with us even if offside and at a distance. Then our alien boss girl started to release a bunch of new creatures. These were even stronger than the ones we'd just beaten. Before things got really bad, and our guests were in danger of getting hurt, the blue-haired twin male boss finally showed after being M.I.A. for the last two or three appearances. We were all shocked when he snatched the deck away from his female counterpart and chastised her. Right in front of all of us.
He also pointed out, "We're outmatched and greatly outnumbered. This isn't the time to lose more, this is a time to retreat and regroup. You're better than this, smarter than this, you have to be more tactful." Then he took her hand and forced her through a porthole that disappeared with them.
Just like that, the battle was over… if only that had been the moment that our worries could have been over too.
As we walked back towards the house to give the all-clear. I noticed a figure walking towards us, I thought it was Jeeves. With some concerns or reports from inside. I hoped it wasn't injuries or fatalities. As I had nearly reached the figure. There was a huge bright flash of white light and the figure passed out in the entryway of our front doors. The figure was Darien, he'd only just stepped out after the battle and still managed to get completely incapacitated. I'd like to say it's a surprise, but given his track record as Tuxedo Mask… is it really all that surprising?
I teleported him to the clinic, but before we could head inside. I heard and saw someone else hit the snow-ladened ground. This time it was Sailor Moon, she had been using her scepter, not the crystal. Didn't they have different source magic? Isn't that what Zoisite had said? Could overuse of the scepter endanger her life just as easily as her Silver Crystal?
So I had to teleport Serena to her room upstairs, as well, and still return to the party. My date was gone, she'd locked herself in her room (using it for the first time) and wasn't talking to anyone. She'd even turned away her fellow scout teammates, but they didn't seem to hurt or surprised. Their own struggles were still too fresh in their minds, I guess.
So to recap here, Mina's pissed, not talking to anyone. Locked away in her private room for the first time since we built it. Serena was knocked out so was Darien, and we all had to act like the party was still in full swing. Because for all of the innocent regular people judging this shindig. It was still on, there were still plenty of things that could get messed up. That all had to be watched and handled accordingly… no matter how done I was with all of it. The show had to go on.
We were all in such a haze, I know the fireworks display had lit the sky. FINALLY signifying the end of the evening. I just can't say I remember watching them or what they had looked like. It was like all I could see was Mina's angry face. It was like there was a huge picture of her in front of me blocking out everything else.
When I wasn't kicking myself for the Venus situation. I remembered Serena's kind words and warm hugs. My heart went out to her too, I was so worried for her as well as Darien. What had made them both crash the way they had? After the battle? It just made no sense. What did we miss and were these things connected? The way that all things usually are connected between Endymion and Serenity back in the day. He'd suffer, she'd suffer, they always felt each other's emotions like they were their own. Was that what was happening here?
Or was something else going on? Something we haven't seen or realized yet?
While my brothers were standing by the doors, thanking everyone for coming. The three remaining Scouts and I camped out near Mina's door. In the meeting area, we'd constructed for the girls in their wing. Raye even consulted the fires there, using the fire pits we'd installed just for this purpose. She assured me, "that Mina was on the right path. She just needed time to sort out her emotions and feelings. All of them and it was gonna take patience."
I didn't care what it would take, I knew it wouldn't matter how much time it took either. I just needed her to know that I loved her and that everything would be alright. So even when my brothers showed up and the three Sailor girls were whisked away by them. I remained, knowing Mina was having to bare so much behind that door.
I couldn't leave.
I wouldn't leave.
Even if I spent my entire Christmas and New Year's sitting right here. I could not leave her and just carry on like everything's normal. So I camped out in the meeting room area we'd set up nearby their wing. So I wasn't right by her door or anything creepy. I just hung nearby… Say I'm unhinged or stalking, I don't care. All I do care about is helping her any way I can, when I can… Praying she'll let me.
…A Knight to Remember…
(Darien's Perspective)
When everything had gone quiet outside, I had hoped it was over. Serena had been about to go eat with me in the dining hall when she'd turned and glared up into the night sky. The Moon had come shooting out of the clouds like she was its keeper and it was telling her everything she needed to know. When she looked back at me, I didn't need the words. I knew that she was being called for duty, so I just said, "Please be careful out there."
She warned me, "Stay inside and try to keep everyone in here like we talked about." She's said, like a real leader.
The moment she'd gotten the words out to me her cell phone was ringing and she was speaking with teammates. Who were all rushing for wherever the clash was occurring. I did my part, locking the door after the last Scout was through. Then called out to all of our other friends and staff to lock up and pull all our guests inside. I think it worked and everybody was kept safe for that thirty minutes. All I heard at the tables of guests (even the important ones where trustees and board members were eating) everyone was saying, "the light show was amazing." They wondered who had helped them produce and put on "such a specular spectacle." Another portly businessman even "hoped he could get a business card from the hosts." He was supposed to be putting on a similar event in the Spring. He'd thought maybe they might want to use the same company for other events.
But as oblivious as these members of hierarchy were. It did strike me peculiar that the guys had never mentioned a light show. They had said fireworks would be shot off at the end of the Ball. But I don't think that this was the same thing. I remembered how Andrew and I had both been blinded the last time we were too near a battle. It must be the issue of some or all of their attacks out there.
I had done my part, making sure all the Non-Scouts and Non-Generals were tipped off to the battle happening. Everybody seemed to appreciate it, especially Alan who ran off to find Ann. I hadn't mentioned to him that these heroes and heroines were our friends. I'm almost certain that both Alan and Ann were still in the dark about this.
But he rushed off worried for Ann's well-being… I guess… He does seem to be a very protective and caring brother, doesn't he? He'd said something under his breath as he rushed away, it sounded like he called her, "That little Brat!"
The strangest thing to transpire during this whole stint of time however wasn't the fight. At least it wasn't the weirdest for me. That had been my strange encounter with that 'Arabian-Knight-reject,' the Moonlight Knight.
It had happened just outside of the Manor when Jeeves was given the all-clear to unlock the doors again (I'm still impressed by how well organized all of these people are. Even in moments of obvious crisis). I had gone outside to make sure everyone was alright. Just as I had been about to reach Kirk and his three brothers who were all talking in hushed tones in a huddle. A short walk beyond the driveway leading to the house.
Before I could get to them, The Knight had stopped me and asked me, "Where do you think you're going?"
Before I could even answer, he said; "Never mind! I'm far too weak to sustain this distance any longer. I need to return to my true place of origin." I felt myself nodding at him, I thought he meant that he was leaving. But he'd clearly meant something else entirely as his feet and most of his legs were becoming translucent.
"Whoa!" I'd said, before asking, "What the hell is happening to you?"
"Tell me!" He demanded most strongly, For a person who's fading fast. "Can you confirm two things for me real fast so we can end this torture tour?" I nodded and he went on to ask the questions he needed answers to. "Do you love Serena? Even though she's Sailor Moon and you're just a pathetic human?"
"... How is that any of your bus-" I tried to dodge.
But he was resilient, "DO-YOU? Don't waste my time."
There was no reason to deny it, so I said a quiet, "yes."
His next inquiry, "And do you feel an overwhelming need to protect her? Like, so strong that you would give your arm? A Leg? Give your life to keep her safe?"
I barely said another soft "yes," before he dissolved into a white light and shot right through me… painfully. I could feel myself falling backward. I didn't remember hitting the ground flat on my back, I just remember everything going black as I fell.
I must have been knocked out for a while because I woke up in an odd room. It looked like a mini clinic, there were rows of beds and curtains to help section off privacy.
I was still wearing the suit from the Ball. So that had happened, but along with my memories of earlier this evening were millions of other forgotten things. Like the first six years of my life when I was loved and had a family. How for nearly a full year I had been Tuxedo Mask and I had fought alongside Sailor Moon. Even before I'd had any idea of who she was or what her ultimate goals were. I saw how we'd fought against Kirk, Jaden, Nate, and Zane. Back then their names had been Kunzite, Jadite, Nephrite, and Zoisite. They had been working for Beryl and her source of power Metalia.
They had been our enemies during those times. I saw the fight for the rainbow crystals and the day at Starlight Tower when Serena had shown me that she was Sailor Moon for the first time.
Cut to my own stint of being a villain. Being turned against Serena and her team, which were all female in those days. How I'd hurt her, broken her heart, and couldn't do one thing to stop it. Even if I'd wanted to, because of the control Beryl and Metalia had over me. I could have killed people, I could have been a murderer. If it weren't for the Scouts and Serena…
Me! If that isn't a clear example of the kind of things those evil entities were capable of. I don't know what is! As evil as I had been, as hard as I had come down on our supposed enemies when I had been with the NegaVerse. I knew my crimes and errors were nothing to the Shitennou. Looking back I couldn't believe that they were even the same people. They were so different as free men, with their own free will.
ALL of that came rushing back to me, at the same time as this whole other lifetime of memories before that. When I had been Endymion the Prince of the Earth and Serena had been Serenity the Princess of the light side of the moon. How we'd fallen in love even then, was there ever a time I didn't fall for her? The way we'd wanted forever, we'd wanted to be together and had been robbed of it. We had been cut down in our prime and would have been nothing more than a sad fairy tale if Queen Serenity hadn't sacrificed herself to send us all to this new future life on Earth. Where we would all come together and form a better team. One that would live out the light and love we'd always wanted to but didn't get the chance before. A team that would protect this planet with a fierce sort of love that was special and genuine.
Not only was Serena, Sailor Moon, and Serenity… but she was my dream princess too. The one who had been in my dreams since I was six. No wonder her words had been "Let Serena into you're heart and you'll find me." I hadn't been able to remember most of these things for years. My mother and father were strangers, I hadn't known Serena and had to meet her twice in this life… But I had remembered Serenity, my dream princess. It's like she had always been with me, even before she physically could be.
When I woke up and the clouds of confusion finally lifted. I realized that I had been brought to the clinic inside of the manor. Andrew was sitting in the seat next to me with Rita in his lap. Both had nodded off and were still in their formal wear from the Ball. Looking down I realized that I was still dressed that way too. The moment I sat up, Rita's eyes flew open and she woke up Andrew. Telling him, "Andy, look."
Andrew's groggy voice scruffed, "Hey there buddy? How are you feeling?"
I was still so caught up in all I had just experienced, I asked first thing. "Where's Serena? What happened after the battle? How-How did I get here? Where is she? Where's Serena?"
Rita placed her hands on both of my shoulders and push me back down before I could get up. She knew if I got to my feet I would be gone. The room was trying to spin a little from springing up so quickly too. I fell back against my pillows with little fight. "Take it easy now? Do you remember what happened?"
"Yes!" I insisted, "I remember everything… I. Remember. Every. Thing."
"Good," Andrew had said, never one to shy away from asking all the questions. "Then what in the hell possessed you to step outside when you were the one telling us not to? You knew there was a battle happening out there. You knew it was dangerous, what were you trying to do? Play hero?"
"No." I affirmed, not liking his condescending tone. I felt the need to say, "We'd just gotten the all-clear when I stepped out. I wasn't attacked or anything, it was the Moonlight Knight who had been trying to talk to me."
"That Arabic-dressed nut-job with the cutlass?" Andrew asked me.
Rita added, "The guy all dressed in white, not that that's a bad idea with all that snow out there."
"Yes! To both of you." I said annoyed. Before I asked them again, "Where's Serena? Why isn't she here?"
"Okay," Andrew said in that voice that always let me know I needed to get worried. Real worried. "Promise you won't freak out, but Serena was found in the snow a good 50 yards away from where you were found. I have no idea what the details are because we've been looking out for you. All I do know is that they took her up to her room, upstairs. Did you know that the guys living here have made that entire wing of their house for the Sailor Girl's use?"
I knew exactly where to go, that's where Serena and I had been staying since we got here. I didn't share that information here. I booked it for the nearest exit and was shocked to slip out before either Andrew or Rita could catch me. I bolted for the appropriate stairway and headed straight up to where Andy and Rita had hinted. I could hear them running behind me. But they just didn't have the burst of agility or motivation I had in that moment. I was taking those stairs two by two and three by three.
The first person I came across was Kunzite, my former life's best friend, and lead betrayer. Who sat in an area that looked like a meeting area for the five-member female team exclusively. It did have some other chairs nearby in case more people than five were meeting here. It did seem to be situated at the entrance to the wing that had been gifted for the girl's use. It wasn't till I was closer that I noticed Kirk wasn't sitting alone. He was sitting with Garrett and Lizzie, the three appeared to be in deep conversation when I was spotted. Both guys greeted me, but I noticed a different feeling in Kirk's tone. It was just like last night when I had seen something that I wasn't supposed to. When they were trying to handle a delicate situation. It was like he knew I was about to impart some kind of a bombshell, or maybe he was. Regardless, he was already running damage control.
I started out asking the question I was gonna keep asking till I saw her. "Where is Serena? What's going on?"
Garrett tells me, "Hey, sit down here for a minute."
"I don't have a minute, I need to see her, I need to know that she's alright. Where is she?"
All of that had poured outta me, before anyone could answer I tacked on, "Sorry for missing the end of the ball. Is everyone okay?"
"Yes and No," Kunzite supplied, with an expression that looked exhausted and emotionally wiped out. He went further to say, as Andy and Rita caught up, "Everyone is healthy and unharmed from the battle. However, it seems that we're dealing with injuries and pains of other natures."
Kunzite thanked Andrew and Rita for their help, before asking us all to sit down. We all complied, but as I locked eyes with Kunzite. The full gravity of being in his presence again hit me like a ton of bricks. It would have felt surreal and strained if we'd been alone, I bet. If I hadn't seen for myself what these guys had managed to accomplish in my absence. Since they were set free of Beryl's mind control… or was it Metalia's? But sitting across from him with Andrew and Rita on each side. I was surprised at just how ready I was for this conversation.
I didn't feel any of the discord and resentment that I thought I would. I felt proud of them, all of them instead of any anger, fear or blame needing to be dealt with. Andrew, Rita and company all had my back as they always have in this life. While I was almost certain that Kunzite and his men would like to revert back to our former friendships and squad goals.
So I felt completely relaxed when I confidently warned, "Before you bring me up to speed on everything else. I think I need to tell you something as well."
"I don't know if I can handle much else today." Kunzite said honestly, with a humorless grin. "But I did see a white flash hit you before you passed out. The battle was already over, our enemies had retreated, so I am curious, what that was all about."
"That was the Moonlight Knight," I informed him.
He stiffened at the name, before asking me, "What did that bastard do to you?"
"He went home," I shrugged, going into the super weird-sounding explanation that the albino Knight had given me. When he returned to me and explained his purpose, origin, and the completion of this arc. How I had been unable to protect Serena when my memories were missing. So those memories joined with my will and need to always protect her. Formed a sort of doppelganger, that had been waiting for me to fall in love with her again. As well as waiting for me to reach the point where I needed to protect her again. When I checked off both of those boxes, I got to be whole again. So there was no longer a need for the 'Chic of Baghdad.' I could return to being Tuxedo Mask and maintain some dignity. (AN: Not much, but hey, he's a dreamer.)
At the end of this trek, Andrew, Rita, Lizzie, and Garrett all erupted with questions of their own. I ignored them and only took in Kunzite's next statement. Kirk clarified, "Let me get this straight. Even though the Moonlight Knight and you were in the same place more than once. You're telling me that that was somehow still you under there?"
"Believe me," I assured him, "No one is more shocked than me."
He also had to verify, "And you mentioned that you're whole now, so your memories ar-"
"Yeah, they're back, Kunzite." I nodded and Kirk visibly shifted uncomfortably.
"Isn't that his last name?" Andrew asked me, butting in once again.
Kirk answered for me, that in fact, "It is, but it was also my first name in a former lifetime. And it's my name when I transform and help the Scouts too."
I went on to explain, "Kunzite was one of my best friends who betrayed me. Because of him that former lifetime was cut way too short and I died tragically. So did the Princess I was in love with, who I had been trying to protect."
"Damn!" Andrew reacted.
Lizzie propped her head on top of her crossed arms and said, "That sounds so sad yet so romantic."
"It was," I assured Lizzie, went on to prove myself stating. "But like I said it was also tragic. It gets even better when you know that I was a Prince at the time too. Endymion was my name I was the Earth Prince… the princess I loved and died for was Serenity the Princess of the Light side of the Moon Kingdom. She died because I died, and it all gets a little crazier when you realize that the princess is the same girl I love now."
All three Furahata's plus Rita exclaimed together, "SERENA'S-THAT-MOON-PRINCESS?"
"She is," Kirk nodded before asking much more self-consciously. "You're not gonna punch me, are you?"
I couldn't help but laugh as I told him, "No." I tried to assure him, "I'm not gonna deck you, or yell at you. I don't feel any anger or malice towards any of you Shitennou guys. I'm proud of you. I've seen with my own eyes what you've been up to. How you helped Serena and the girls. Probably better than I ever could, and kept them safe when they were still healing. You probably did the same for me."
"We did," he confessed. "We're trying to be better, and not let this second chance get squandered."
"I don't think any of you could have done a better job." I complimented them, and he did seem like he really needed to hear that. He didn't quite know how to react to such praise. While he seemed to still be locking down his reactions to my words. Andrew [of course] had no problem filling this silence with nonsense.
Andrew began, "Well this has been a most enlightening discussion. So many blanks have been filled and figured out.-"
"Annnnnndy?" Rita said, shooting him a look that was not to be trifled with.
"All right, I'll come clean!" Andrew finally confessed. "After you went to sit with Serena last night. The rest of us stayed up long enough to have the entire story explained to us by Zane and Nate. But we were told to act surprised anyways, so I think we held up our end in the bargain pretty well."
"Wait a minute," I said before I could stop myself. "You mean to tell me that you all know about my other lifetime? You knew about Serena and me? All of that? But you didn't tell me?"
"We couldn't!" Lizzie insisted.
"You had to remember for yourself," Rita added.
"It was just last night and today," Andrew shrugged. "It's not like we kept it from you the whole year or anything."
Garrett stage whispered, "We signed a contract and everything."
It was by this point, Kunzite had recovered, he took back over as he said. "It seems as though you have remembered the things you had forgotten, your highness. Forgive me for needing a bit more proof that you're memories are back. But like I said, my men and I were gifted a second chance life here. We're not letting anything take that away again, so we need to make certain of a few things here."
His finger drew a line in the air, that he was able to stretch and open before reaching deep inside. And his arm disappeared from sight. When his hand closed around the right item in this sub-pocket of things. He pulled out a pink sheet of paper covered in darker pink ink writing. It was headed with that headline, "Questions to ask the Prince (if/when he remembers and I'm not around, awake or alive)" It had clearly been written by Serena. It even had little bunnies hopping in the margins. There were three columns entitled "For Darien," "For Tux," and "For Endymion." But thankfully they didn't look terribly long.
I was able to breeze through the questionnaire easily. Proving the truth in my words, I really had returned, after nearly an entire year of wandering in the dark. When it was over Kunzite said, "Well, damn! That was uncomplicated and straightforward. Why weren't all of our revivals this obvious and fair?"
I asked him, "What are you talking about?"
He explained it to me like this. "Well, when everyone else's memories have returned. We have all dealt with it differently and in our own way. But it was such a difficult and trying time for all of us… Most of us were angry and violent for a time. All of us had our fair share of guilt, shame, and self-deprivation to handle. The girls had to realize their princess was unprotected by them for a year. When that is their reason for being, is protecting their princess. While we men had to deal with having our free will revoked. Being twisted into something we're not. It was a process we all went through, and there's really no wrong or right way of doing that. Out of our entire group, it would seem that you have gotten the easiest run at it."
"Am I the last one to reawaken?" I asked because his phrasing had sounded like I was.
Kunzite made a face and then said, "Well there's really no easy way to put this so… Yep! I'm afraid you are last. Mina's memories came back tonight too, just before yours, but technically. You guys kinda remembered at the same time. Though Mina's resurrection has been more typical and brutal. This is why I am currently camped here. I hope at some point tonight, I will be able to speak with her privately and see if I can help her with the murkiness and confusion that has attacked most of us as well… though you look just fine."
"Yeah," I agreed, "Not getting any of that."
"Well great," He thumbs upped me. "That makes you and… only you."
Leave it to Andrew to ask, "If Darien's resurrection was so easy, just what did all of you encounter?"
Kirk thought about this for a second before sharing, "Most of us were alone when it hit us. We had to deal with lots of confusion to the point of painful brain fog, headaches, heartaches, chest pains, self-deprivation, self-loathing, loss of appetite, loss of sleep, self-worth and worldview shifts. My men and I also had a great deal of shame and regret to work through too. For remembering our betrayal and being your enemies even in this era. The Sailors had to deal with leaving their princess so long without protection too. They were all ashamed and regretting that." Kirk explained, "It's strange that Darien had the easiest run, Serena got the worst one."
"How was Serena's the worst?" I asked before I choked on the fear of knowing.
"Because she fought it so hard when she was reactivating." Kirk explained, "She didn't want to come back to this life. She just wanted to be a normal teenage girl. With a normal teenage experience. That's also why she didn't provoke any of her team or your memories either. Because she wanted all of you to remain at peace and free for as long as you could."
Andrew smiled, "That sounds like her. Totally the way she would see things."
I didn't get it, I asked Kirk, "Even if a part of me was missing? The biggest best part? She wasn't gonna help it? Even if she could?"
"Yes!" Kunzite said like 'thank you.' And went on to explain, "We tried to tell Serena that repeatedly. That this was how all of you would feel. But you know how stubborn and headstrong she gets about some things. Particularly, people, she cares about."
I had to voice my agreement, "I know better than anyone." That was when I had to know, I had to ask again, I couldn't hold it in anymore. "Where is Serena? I heard she was found outside, is she okay?"
"I would love to tell you that she's fine." Kirk got real with me, "But I can't lie to you. To explain what's going on with her though… I'm gonna have to tell you about the five catastrophes of our Gala."
"Five?" I repeated.
"Mmm-hmm," Kirk confirmed before starting, "Number One, Sailor Venus has returned and her violence and anger are all still reigning over her. She told me she never wants to see me again and I'm not to come near her. My brothers assure me nearly every one of the other girls has said that same thing, to one of them, when they're going through this. Not all of us get to simply sleep through it, like you did… but I'm not bitter."
"You don't sound bitter," I lied.
Garrett chimed in, "I have to side with Bleach-y here. I would be pissed too if I had to move mountains and cross seas. While others slept through it and were just fine."
I had to remind him, "No one asked you, Garrett!"
Then Kirk was able to move on to, "Number 2, A battle took place right here at our home endangering hundreds if not a thousand innocent people. All of us must take into account one or all of the board we were trying to impress. May have witnessed something that they weren't supposed to, even if we know that no one was hurt. We have to prepare ourselves for the real possibility that we could be getting put out of here. Just after it's stopped being a big monstrous building and became our home and headquarters."
I felt like I needed to say something here, something to bring him a little positivity. I shared, "I wouldn't pack or anything. It could still turn out good, it isn't hopeless or anything."
Thankfully, all of my friends (and Garrett) immediately perked up and tried to assure him too. Andrew had to even put into his encouragement, "Hey! Darien's even saying it's in the bag. He's not known for being so positive unless his approval was won over unanimously."
"Yeah, but…" Kirk hesitated, "When have things ever worked out for guys like us? Something this good? I know that you get what I'm saying too." He'd made a point of saying while he was looking at me. I did know what he was getting at too. We were both orphans, we both had no one who loved us and nowhere to go. In fact, having any of those things felt foreign and like any minute now it could disappear.
"I do," I nodded, "But this place, your team… it's all very special circumstances. I think even a big corporation of busybodies like the one I saw tonight was entertained. I think they will see that you guys are the missing ingredient they didn't know they needed." I tried to give him some hope.
He corrected, "Our Team, not just mine … Say it, Our Team."
"I think we better share my news with the others before I go claiming that." I tried to explain. "Sailor Moon accepted me from day one, the other four were always suspicious. Always telling her not to trust me, even if I was standing right there. Her cat even screamed at me a few times, even when I saved the little furball's life."
"Luna's backlash is right of passage," Kirk smiled, before getting back on track. Getting back to his list of five mishaps at the gala. "Number 3! You were found passed out in the front yard. Now we know why. But that doesn't fix the hours that you were knocked out and we were all worried. Number 4! You were not alone, Serena was found in the sideyard, 50 yards away from you."
I stood from my chair and it rolled far behind me, I shouted, "I know! Can we hurry this up? I want to see her! I need to see her!"
He gestured for me to settle down, and I could feel Andrew and, Rita, pulling me back down into the seat Lizzie had run and rolled back just in time for me to sit. Then Kirk continued. "We now know why you were knocked out as well as why she was knocked out. She was facing off with the pink-haired boss alien. Serena claimed that the Moonlight Knight was able to save her just before the Pink-headed boss killed her. But not before all of Serena's energy was completely zapped away and stolen, so she took a little nap for a while. Like you, at first, we kinda thought she may have been reacting to the fact you'd been hit or vice versa because Serenity and Endymion used to suffer all kinds of undeniable links like that. Number 5-"
"Wait, wait?" I stopped him, "Is that all you're gonna say? What are you not telling me?"
"I'm getting to it, will you let me tell it, my way?" Kirk asked, Before starting again, "Number 5… While Serena was resting… I got a call from her mom."
I knew what he was gonna say, and I shook my head, "No."
"I'm afraid so," Kunzite said, looking still rattled by whatever he was reliving to fill me in. "Ms. Tessa passed peacefully and surrounded by Serena's family. Since Serena was resting, at the time. I was trying to think up a good reason why she couldn't come to the phone. Her mom had to remind me, 'I know my little girl is Sailor Moon, Kirk. Sammy and I have known for quite a while. Did she overuse her crystal again? Overexert on the battlefield, get hit too many times? Have you boys been looking out for her?' So I got to be perfectly honest, and tell her mother that Serena had fallen asleep after a battle, she'd used all of her strength and had her remaining energy zapped so she was resting. Her mom told me, 'Let her rest while she can. Because I know my daughter and when she knows Tessa's gone. She won't be able to sleep at all.' Then Mrs. Tsukino told me, 'Kirk! It's up to you and her crew there. You've gotta help her through this. You've gotta be there for her. Because we're gonna be here for a while sorting everything out. I'm counting on all of you to help her.' And I promised her that we would help Serena any way that we could. But when I hung up I realized, I was gonna have to be the one to tell her that one of her favorite people in the world was gone."
I was so struck with grief, over the loss of someone I never knew. I couldn't talk around the soft-ball-sized lump in my throat. Rita and Lizzie were both crying, I know Andrew was too. So Kirk went on shedding a tear here and there himself as he shared these devastating moments with us. When I could speak, I asked, "Did she wake up?"
He nodded his head up and down at me, and a new onslaught of tears came gushing for him. I had to sit closer and put a hand on his shoulder. I choked out, "So she knows."
"You wanna know the thing that's the best and worst part of all of this?" He asked dabbing at his eyes. I nodded for him to continue, and he was almost openly sobbing as he explained, "When she woke up, I was the one sitting next to her, we were all taking turns. She didn't look at me, she didn't pick up on anything I said, because I didn't say anything. She just started to bawl the moment she woke up, and she already knew. She knew. When I asked her, how was that possible? She told me, 'Because I saw her while I was knocked out and she said goodbye.' She told me, 'all week long, everyone kept telling her, God works in special ways. And she had been praying for a chance like that. God had answered her prayer.' Even though she was devastated, and she wouldn't let any of us stay with her-"
"She wouldn't?" I (Darien) asked.
"No." He said softly, still a bit overwhelmed by a very emotionally trying night. "She asked to be alone, she needed a little time to herself. She needed to call her mom and talk to her herself. She wanted to do that in private, that I can respect. But she wishes to remain alone after her conversation is over too. That's what I'm having a harder time with."
"But Serena's never alone, never." I pointed out. "I think this is the worst possible time for her to try and be that way."
"I saw her the other day," Andrew climbed, wiping his face. "She was completely annihilated at the mere prospect of losing this person. Now that it's happened she's gotta be leveled if not razed by this, and right at Christmas."
Rita put a hand on Andy's and my arm, saying. "She did call it a Christmas miracle. Her aunt had cancer right?"
Kirk confirmed, "Breast cancer that had spread pretty much everywhere.."
Lizzie openly cried gripping my other arm, "I think you're right Darien. You should go see her, and talk to her."
"I think you're right, she can't be left like this."
"Hey, I'm with you." Kirk agreed, "But as close as I am with Serena, me and our team. The Scouts and Molly are close with her. None of us could seem to break through to her. Not to mention Serena knows just what to say, to get all of us off of her case. Because she knew I was worried about Mina, Nate and Lita were both crashing, because Lita hasn't slept properly since she arrived here and Nate hasn't slept in months. Amy and Zane are still working on the research they were able to pull from our enemies. Raye and Jaden were talking about a possible fire reading, now that Raye knows about the fire pits that we had built into their wing. Molly and Melvin were going home with Melvin's people. But neither of them could seem to leave Serena, even if she didn't want to hang out. Alan took Ann home but came back and is sleeping in one of our guest rooms, The Furahata parents are sleeping it off in the guest wing too. It would seem that both of them had been a little too tipsy to be heading home tonight-"
"Yeah," Garrett laughed, "Funniest thing I've seen all year. Party of the year, boys!" He said toasting our host and claiming afterward "And I attended a party-school college for my bachelor's degree."
Kirk felt the need to tell me, "Serena's been in her room quiet for ages. Do you know how often she's this quiet?"
We all said it together, "Never." Even Garrett had said as much and he's only met her yesterday.
So I let Kirk know, "I'm gonna go see if I can talk to her."
"Are you gonna tell her about your memories?" Kirk asked me before I'd gone far.
"I want to," I told him honestly, "I also want to tell her I love her, I need her and I never want to be apart again… I want to hold her and never let her go… But this isn't the right time for all of that. She's grieving, she'd heartbroken and hurting… I gotta see for myself if I can even reach her right now. If she'll even let me be with her."
Kirk smirked at me and encouraged, "Believe me, if any one of us can reach her right now. It's you. Good luck."
Rita straightened my tie, and reminded me, "Don't try to tease her too much or push too hard. I know your efforts are coming from the right place but let her talk to you. If she can talk right now."
Andrew did the bro hug thing and told me, "We're right here if you need us."
Lizzie wished me luck, Kirk saluted and Garrett toasted me with his energy drink as I walked on back towards Serena's door. I knocked on her uniquely shimmering white door, and the door came open on it's own. I peeked inside, but the room was empty. No one was there, I took this opportunity to go inside and quickly change out of my formal wear, and into my more comfortable sleepwear (like everyone else already had). I resolved to search the whole house if I had to.
I would just have to find her.
That's it for today's chapter!
Venus is back! Tux is BACK! Serena lost her aunt and Darien is searching for her! AHHHHHGGG! So much to do, so much has happened! Can you believe it? I hope you all have had as much fun as I have. The next chapter will be up tomorrow and I'm tickled for you to read what's in store. Review if you can, I would love to hear from you. Hope this is reaching you all with plenty of warmth and sunshine. Much Love!
~SailorLeia
