"Serena, hurry up, Darien is here to take you to school!" Mrs. Tsukino calls through the house to her daughter. Kenjo was already at work, late for a meeting and Sammy was off to school to study with friends before a test. Only Serena and her mom were left in the house. Normally, there would be family breakfast and plenty of time for Serena to get ready before Darien would pick her up, but today everyone was out early and so was Darien.
"I'm coming mom!" Serena called from her bathroom, finishing the last touches on her lip gloss and checking to make sure each bun was in its place. School uniform on? Check. Homework done? Surprisingly, Check. Backpack? Check. Good, meet Darien downstairs before mom frightens him away with baby pictures? Ummm, better run.
"Bye Luna. Don't do anything I wouldn't do!"
"That doesn't leave much Rena." The black cat calls back from her perch on Serena's bed.
"Well, then behave yourself with Artemis. Try not to claw his eyes out." Serena snickered as a faint blush covered Luna's nose.
Grabbing her bag, Serena ran down stairs and caught her mom's arm before she could take the photo album off the mantle and start showing Darien pictures of Serena laughing with a bare bottom while her mom was changing her diaper. Mom's really did make it their business to embarrass their kids don't they? Do they get an extra class they can sign up for when they take lamaze on how to fully embarrases their children when they grow up? Like a 'how to not be in touch with modern kids' class…
"Mom we really don't have time for that. Morning Dare bear. Let's go." Serena kissed her mom on the cheek and proceeded to physically drag Darien out of the house, who was looking a little longingly at the photo album, truth be told.
He politely smiled at Mrs. Tsukino and closed the door behind himself but not before he heard her say, "I'm so glad they have each other."
Darien was finally able to pull on Serena's arm and slow her down as soon as they were both clear of the door. He knew she was embarrassed but honestly he was just glad that she still had a mom. It was over a decade and a half since the last time he was kissed by his mom and he really cherished Serena's time with her parents. Sure Kenji was nuts, threatening that shot-gun and all. Ikuku was sweet, always saving him a place at their table and making sure he felt welcome and included. Sammy was great, an adoring younger brother that loved to reminisce of the days when Darien tortured Serena on a daily bases. He was a little brother, but he really loved his sister and got along just fine with Darien. So all in all, Darien really felt that Serena was really fortunate to still have family and he wanted to make sure that she took time for them.
Dying once is well, normal. everyone is going to die once. Coming back to life, who does that? Well, apparently they did.
Someone out there somewhere must really think that the universe needs their help protecting it and it's people since it seems that Serena and Darien are fated to be around for a while. Sure, her mom, Queen Serenity did it the first time with her love for her daughter with the silver crystal. Serena did it next with the silver crystal for her love for Darien and the scouts, twice actually. It is kind of surreal thinking about living and dying. If there is one thing that Darien has learned is to value the small things and to really stop and smell the roses. Since he can literally make roses whenever and wherever he wanted then he could always supply Serena with her favorite flower. Never say no to an opportunity to earn brownie points. It's always good to be a gentleman but even better to have a ready supply of romantic, sweet smelling red roses on hand at all times to give them to his lady.
Pulling her to a stop, he flicked his wrist and produced one perfect, thornless red rose in the peak of blooming with the petals gently swaying in the light morning breeze. He loved to see Serena's face light up when he presented her with one of his roses. Being Prince of the Earth really did come with its advantages. A beautiful rose for a beautiful girl.
"Darien, you don't have to do that all the time you know." Serena sighed sweetly but accepted the rose and brought it to her nose to inhale the floral scent.
"I know, but my roses are the best and you deserve the best Serena." Darien replied a little smugly. He pulled her close and planted a kiss on her lips, enjoying the way she giggled at his display of affection.
"Let's go. You haven't eaten breakfast and we still have an hour before school starts." Running together, hand in hand they raced to his car and strapped in. Darien was unable to keep to himself and so leaned over to capture his lips again.
He pulled away just enough to look into her eyes and relished her touch as she smiled and brushed his bangs out of his eyes. One last kiss graced his lips just before Darien sat back in his seat and squealed the wheels, racing down the streets. Breaking of the stem of the rose still held in her hands, Serena slid the the delicate blossom behind one of her buns for safe keeping.
"Dare, why are we headed back towards your place? School and our morning cafe is the other way." Serena asked, hoping his answer would be what she really wished, alone time at his apartment, and maybe breakfast if they had time.
"Well, my heart, I know how much you love my pancakes so, I thought I would treat you before we go to school. I already have the batter waiting in the fridge. It would be my honor if I could fix breakfast for my princess." Darien replied, watching Serena smile while sucking in her bottom lip trying to hide her excitement. His heart leapt to his throat as he saw how happy she was at his small gesture. The best things in life really are cheap.
"Oh, well I guess it would be rude to not accept such a gracious offer from my prince." Serena replied, knowing she was being set up and that Darien was wanting her to be excited.
"Oh do you now? Well, then you must know that my pancakes are not free." Darien tried to hide his smirk and so gunned the accelerator through a yellow light causing Serena to squeal in excitement.
"Really? You mean even a princess has to pay for pancakes?" She was really enjoying herself now that they were both playing along and he had slowed the car down to a normal speed. It wasn't easy to think when she was watching the other cars slide past her window. She attributed his super-human abilities the cause of not having a ticket when he drove.
"Yes, especially my princess, you must pay the fee. Shall I tell you? Or would you like to wait till after breakfast before I exact my charges?" I have a list ready Sere. I wonder how far down the list we will make our way before our time runs out?
"Oh, kind prince, please, you must wait till after breakfast. I must see if these pancakes are worth the wage you would exact from me." Serena sighed dramatically as they both laughed heartily at their joke.
"Surely you cannot expect me to
pay for something if I don't even know how good it will be?" She cocked her eyebrow at him as he gave her a glance at the red light.
The last light before his appartment came into view finally changed to green and Darien mashed the accelerator again in his impatience to take his princess to his 'castle'.
"Serena" Darien purred, stealing a glance and enjoying the red tinge that crossed her cheeks as he lovingly said her name. So, he did it again, wondering if she would blush again, and she did. "Serena, my princess, you must know that if I offer you anything that it will be only the best. How could you expect me to do anything less?"
"Oh, well, dear sir, I had assumed that you would meet my standards. Surely they have never been disappointed.
However, I still reserve judgement until after these 'offerings' are laid before me for my consideration. I would hate for you to become complacent. Therefore I maintain that your 'vigorous' efforts must be sampled and approved."
Darien was caught off guard by Serena's aggressive return to his quip but his senses were turned on to the fact that she was equal to him in their match. Those years battling wits in the Arcade were not wasted. Though he maintained a constant control over his candy appled porsche, he was ever aware of her quickened breathing and her hands twisting in her lap, but his own sweaty palms were reminding him of his own body's response to their conversation of 'eating pancakes'.
"Hmm, well Sere, my vigorous efforts are ready for your inspection as soon as we get in the apartment. However, I need remind you that there may not be enough syrup to coat your pancakes in the deluge you are used to since the last time you came we used so much and I have been unable to replace it yet." Darien allowed a small smile to play across his lips as he saw his home becoming ever nearer. Half a mile more and he could finally 'make' something for Serena.
"Your right. I forgot about the last time we used the syrup. Well, considering that we learned a little goes a long way, I am sure that it won't take much. A little drizzle should be enough to wet our appetites." Serena was blushing but very excited about getting inside soon. She was ready to take off the seatbelt and drag Darien up to his apartment and see about these long awaited pancakes. Finally, they came up to the corner of his block and neither could continue the conversation. It was hard to determine whether they were talking about breakfast or something else after so much banter
had been laced with undertones by double edged words.
They pulled into the garage of Darien's apartment complex and leaving Serena's bag in the car, raced hand in hand again to the elevator and finally to Darien's door. Just before opening his door, Darien swept Serena into his arms and carried her bridal style, over the threshold. He closed the door behind him with his foot, crossed the entry and slipped out of his shoes to make his way to his living room. He gently lay her down on his couch and slipped into the remaining space by her side.
Before he could think of his next move, too busy admiring her sparkling cerulean eyes and the warmth in his arms, he simply held her. His arms around her waist, and his legs tangled with hers, he layed on his side looking down at the golden haired angel on her back and took in her beauty. This didn't stop Serena from making her own move. Swiftly and deftly, she trapped Darien close with her arms around his neck and pulled him down to partially cover her body wit his and kissed him full on the mouth. Her soft breasts were pressed into his chest causing his breath to hitch in his own chest. He was losing the ability to think as the sensation of having her so close overwhelmed his senses. Only millimeters of clothing separated their bodies. Her assault was soon returned as Darien took control and captured her
lips with his own as she came up for air.
Darien was now flush against Serena, lying on the couch, having moved over her when she had hooked his legs and pulled him to her. He was fully enveloped in her embrace and the smell of strawberries from her shampoo was intoxicating. Her golden strands were laid out against his black couch like ribbons of gold spun from fairytales. His body was longer, heavier than Serena's but they were perfectly paired for one another and so his body was very welcome over hers. Petite yet strong arms held him against her as she sighed into their kiss, granting him access to her tongue as she stayed nestled between the black leather couch and his hard muscled chest. All the years of scout battles and
training left Serena with the perfect, to kill for, body but Darien was not short on muscles either since he had spent many of his nights rescuing the very damsel he was currently ravishing. Roses may make for corny weapons but they were very sharp and never failed to do the trick.
When Darien first met Serena, she was rather young and immature, while he was older and extremely responsible with his life, if you don't count the motorcycle. Though each of them had experienced love at first sight, cupid having struck in the form of a certain failed test paper to the head, they had spent many long afternoons denying themselves and each other love. Now, after many battles and a few courageous heartfelt confessions, it seems that the main object for the couple was to no longer waste any time. Too many times they were close to death, and even worse, were brought back
from death. Too many times they thought they would never have a chance at loving one another. And so, now, after everything that has been experienced, it seems that love and opportunity are finally in agreeance.
Serena pulled her arms back from his neck and pushed her hands into the silky black strands of Darien's hair. She gasped in alarm and anticipation and she felt Darien kiss a trail down her neck and stop to nip and nuzzle the skin just at her collar bone. Pulling his hands free from under her back, he slid them one down her waist to stop on the skirt as it rested on her thigh while the other hand buried itself in her hair at the base of her neck, keeping her lips close to his. In anticipation to his caress, Serena lifted her leg to bend her knees and place her feet outside his thighs. Darien used this
opportunity to softly slide her skirt up until his hand rested on bare skin. He began to tease Serena and test his self control as he traced patterns on her petal soft skin just below her raised skirt.
Serena moaned in pleasure as fire raced through her veins in response to his ministrations. Not wanting to be the only one to receive this bliss, she released her lips from his and tilted her head so as to reach the sensitive skin just below his jaw on his neck. She started slow and soft as she kissed his skin. Breathing in his musky scent, sandalwood mixed with roses and chocolate, she slowly increased her attentions until she was finally kissing, sucking and biting the 'his' spot, delighting in hearing him growl and moan her name.
Darien and Serena were so caught up in their 'breakfast' that it was soon forgotten that there was in fact pancake batter waiting in the fridge. Their vigorous breakfast making was abandoned for their diet of kisses and trailing hands. It had started off innocent, each accommodating the other with small shifts of their hips and attempts at aligning their bodies in more comfortable and accessible positions. But after several minutes of well practiced attention to particularly sensuous areas, bodies began responding and therefore began the ancient dance between man and woman. Whether clothes were on or not, it mattered not. Hearts were beating quickly and insync and man and woman traded turns giving and
receiving pleasure. Lost was the ability to recall time or space as the couch protested to the steadily increasing rhythm of it's occupants.
In between kisses and roaming hands, names were still being whispered, dragged out of swollen lips before they were captured again in searing kisses. Tongues were sliding, caressing and dancing between lips, leaving chests heaving as breathing was attempted between kisses.
Serena was craving the feel of Darien's rock hard chest under her hands. She was tired of being denied his flesh, knowing he was savouring hers. She pulled her hands from his hair and caressed her way down his chest, stopping only to grab the hem of his shirt and pull it up. Darien was lost to his love's desire and when his shirt met his chin, he obliged by pulling his hands from her body and lifting them up over his head to allow the shirt to leave his body altogether. Grinning in triumph at her success, she attacked his chest with her hands and nails, grazing his skin and kneading his flesh, further emphasising the horizontal dance they were in.
Released from his shirt and more than enjoying the attention his body was receiving, Darien put both hands on her thighs and continued to guide her body beneath his as he sucked in her tongue between his teeth. Somewhere in the back of his mind he knew that eventually, very soon, he would need to stop what they were doing. Long ago they had made a pledge to wait but it wouldn't take much more to push their desire over the edge and past the point of no return. So tempting was her soft, delicate skin under his hands that he began moving away from the outside of her thighs. He continued to massage and trail shapes across her skin while moving painstakingly slow towards their goal. His thumbs met in the middle, inches below her waist, but still he worked his lips over hers while ever so slowly he moved his hands north. Just as he was sure he was close… the phone rang.
"Where is that dumpling head? Does she have meatballs for brains or what? I thought she was trying harder to do better at school. We only have 10 minutes before the bell rings and Ms. H takes roll." Raye paced in the courtyard just outside the school doors. They generals had already picked up the scouts and having deposited them safely at their school, left for their own agendas. The girls were eager to get to class before the bell rang but with their princess and best friend missing with her prince, it was hard to say whether they were secretly jealous or irritated at her behavior. Raye was definitely peeved and jealous. Surely Jadeite could keep her occupied for an entire school day right?
"Cool it Raye. They probably stopped for breakfast. Amy is calling now." Lita responded. No one noticed the slightly evil and delighted gleam in Mina's eyes. She was Serenity's cousin during the Moon Kingdom, one of Serena's best friends and THE scout, self proclaimed goddess of love. It was not missed or lost on Mina that her friend was currently enjoying herself. Their powers were not fully returned nor were their mental links established as they were during the Silver Millennium, but Mina could still feel and follow the very strong emotions of her fellow scouts. What Serena was feeling
right now was definitely a very strong emotion.
Amy hung up the phone that Zoisite had bought her and hid it back in her bag since they were on school property, before turning to the girls. "Serena answered her cell and they will be here shortly. She said they stopped for a bite to eat."
Lita threw Raye a look that made the fiery princess and priestess of Mars look down in shame. Mina on the other hand was attempting to hide her giggles behind her hand as she tried to cough away her humor.
"Okay, fine. so she wasn't being a space case. Will she make it on time?" Raye softly asked Amy who just begining to notice the spark in Mina's eyes.
"Yes, she said they would make it."
Not even five minute had passed before they recognized Darien's porsche weaving through traffic to stop in front of the school. Darien raced around the car's front and opened the door to reveal Serena attempting to hastily push her hair brush into her bag before accepting his hand to exit the car. With a quick peck on the lips and a lingering grasp of his hand on hers, Darien raced around the car and pulled away at a more sedate pace back into traffic.
"Mmmhmmm, breakfast Serena? How was it?" Lita asked as she too flashed a spark in her eyes after having witnessed her prince and princess's hasty arrival. Though Serena had managed to make herself presentable for school, flattening the creases on her uniform and brushing the knots out of her hair, Darien's black t-shirt was crumpled and his hair was extra messy.
"Oh, umm well it was good. Darien made pancakes." Serena hastily replied before giving the girls a quick smile and running inside to retreat to the classroom.
It was now common knowledge that Serena had in fact not eat breakfast at all. The red rose was still clinging to her bun as she raced to her seat to avoid further interrogation. Though the rose was beautiful, it did not distract from the flush that covered Serena from hairline to chest.
The rest of the week was all routine. School, arcade, homework and training all while being chauffeured in very sexy cars by very sexy, suddenly taken, guys.
By the time the end of the week had arrived, everyone was ready for the movie night. Since the guys were not accepting the declaration of it being a 'girl's only night', they had moved the location from Cherry Hill Temple to the guy's flat.
Raye and Jadeite were currently going through the extensive dvd collection that the generals had acquired during their short return back to the land of the living. Their dispute and insults at one another over the movie choice was a very entertaining spectacle that everyone enjoyed watching. It was rare that someone was willing to spur Raye's wrath and not get barbecued. Jadeite on the other hand was used to this bickering and secretly enjoyed the 'foreplay'.
Lita and Nephrite were in the kitchen collecting snacks. Kunzite was trying his hardest to appear nonchalant as his love goddess sat curled on his lap in his reclining chair, running her fingers through his silver hair. It would have taken a crowbar to pry his fingers off her waist as he tightly held her to himself all while slowly lowering his nose to bury his face into her honeyed hair.
Serena and Darien were both laughing at Jed's continued pestering of Raye. Zoisite and Amy were quietly discussing their latest medical journal on the couch. Keeping his voice low caused Amy to lean in to continue their conversation.
Amy was very pleased when Zoisite let go of her hand to put his arm around her shoulders and lower his voice even more so that his soft tempered voice was all that she heard and his warm breath on her ear caused her to shiver. This master plan was allowing Zoisite to pull her even closer, supposedly thinking she was cold.
After several minutes of bickering and making eyes at one another, Jadeite announced himself the victor when Raye could not dispute his choice in movies. Top Gun was taken out of it's case and popped into the dvd player. Lights were lowered and snacks were brought in as everyone took their seats around the 70" plasma tv. It was really cute to see that everyone was either paired in recliners or able to sit by themselves on a couch. Serena had a tub of chocolate ice cream and a spoon as she fed herself and Darien. Popcorn is good for movies, but for Serena, nothing was better than chocolate ice cream.
All too soon, Charlie and Maverick were reuniting in the bar and holding each other close to the tune of "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin".
The girls all grumbled as they got up to clean their messes while the guys set about straightening furniture and neatly replacing their dvd into their cherished collection. The ladies were loaded into the cars and driven to Raye's with the promise of an early start with Lita's pancakes. Finally, Serena was going to be able to eat pancakes before the week was out. That unfortunate batter was executed down the drain for it's unknown crime. Knowing they all were going to have a long day ahead, they wasted no time saying goodnight before the girls raced for the bathroom as the guys stood watching their retreating forms.
"Come on guys. Let's get some rest. We need to be in top form tomorrow if we expect to defeat the last of Beryl's evil magic. We only have 8 days left to train." Darien led his generals down the steps of the temple.
"Yes sire." The generals answered as one, trained long ago to heed their prince's commands.
"Remember this night and all the other nights we have enjoyed together brothers. We don't know what tomorrow holds.
One week from tomorrow and we will all be facing our fate." Kunzite added as they reached their car doors. Each man solemnly nodded to the other. The guys each wished he could freeze time and never have to face tomorrow. They would be tried and tested. If they failed….. there was no room for failure. Perfect connection, coordination and communication were essential to restoring the lost lives and souls for the generals. There was still hope that they would be made whole. One week longer and they could continue the rest of their lives living at the side of their loves. Tomorrow couldn't come quick enough.
It could be attributed to selective leadership. Surely that is similar to selective hearing right? Maybe it was happiness. Did she finally wake up on the right side of the bed? Whatever the reason, if it can even be quantified, allowed Serena to be up before everyone else in the temple. She woke, dressed in some casual workout clothes and tennis shoes and went for a jog in the park to watch the sunrise and clear her head.
Serena had begun to run every morning after Chaos as a way to prepare her mind and cleanse her head of her troubles.
Darien suggested it was good to start fresh and take in the beauty of life. The beginning of a new day symbolizing hope, hoping that it will be better than the last. Since Serena and Darien got up at different times during the week due to Darien's study schedule, she often ran alone. But on rare occasions she would find him in the park, running the familiar paths that winded around the pond, trees, benches and rose garden.
She was restless and her gait made that apparent. Serena was sprinting as if a youma was on her heels, desperate to fill her lungs with oxygen. Sometimes, if she ran fast enough, it almost felt like flying.
Eventually, she's made her way to the bench where she had spent many moments admiring the lake, hoping to run into a certain college guy back when she was only known as 'dumpling head'.
The sky was beginning to lighten and an orange glow was forming on the horizon. Serena claimed her spot and leaned back to allow the early morning rays play across her face as the stars faded behind her.
She was dreaming. A dance in a courtyard where fountains trickled and flowed and the scent of moon lilies filled her lungs. An orchestra was playing a gentle sonnet while couples danced. She was sad, her love was not able to come because of duty and ob ligation to his people. She held her hands, clasped before her. Her eyes were closed while she swayed to the music, humming in perfect tune to the melody. Suddenly strong arms b egged her surrender and they sweetly held her waist to his front. She stilled, eyes popping open at the brazen action. No one was allowed to touch the princess. Humming deep in his chest to pick up where she had left off, the darkly clothed prince brought his lips to her ear to whisper, "You are a vision of beauty, my moon angel". Instantly she turned in her arms, no mistaking the rose and chocolate scent of his breath on her neck, the armor pressed into her body as he held her close. "What are you doing here Endy?" She whispered in return, shivering at his touch. "I couldn't keep away. I changed my clothes to hide my insignia, covering my face with a mask. I had to see you my love." Softly he brushed his lips across hers, caressing her gingerly. "We mustn't. If we are caught you will be killed. Please, let us go somewhere to hide." She begged as she stepped back from her prince. Though his face was veiled by his silken mask, his eyes still pierced her heart and soul,
demanding her love in return. She willingly, eagerly gave all she had to this man. "Come with me princess. I know your palace well from my trips. There is a veranda hidden in the shadows." They grinned in secret conquest for their love. "I love you Endy." Princess Serenity sighed to her prince.
"I love you as well Princess."
"Gasp. Darien! I .… Umm .… I was running and ….. well…. I guess I fell asleep and was dreaming." Serena finished her hurried excuse, her cheeks crimson from embarrassment, just as Darien pulled her to her feet. Rising from the bench, he had caught her in his arms, waking her from dozing as golden and orange rays highlighted her golden tresses which had covered the bench behind her.
"I will never be ashamed of dreaming of you." He purred in her ear. She was blissfully happy and extremely self conscious of how much control he had over her body and what he could make her feel. With one simple sentence, Darien had effectively turned her insides to pudding. He smiled at his victory and claimed his prize, her lips, in a well practised and heated kiss. He groaned at her eager response and sucked in a sharp breath as she traced his lips with her tongue. It was several more minutes before the two finally gave up their olympic attempt at holding their breath and heaved their chests to suck in lung fulls of oxygen.
"What are you doing here Dare?"
"I was going for my morning run before I was to meet you at Raye's temple. You couldn't sleep?"
"I did, but I woke early, rested and alert, too many thoughts running through my mind. I thought it was a good practice to continue my runs."
"It is" He purred, trailing her neck with kisses.
"Darien."
"Hmmm, how is it that you taste like sugar and sunshine Sere." Darien was still kissing every inch of her neck and shoulder that was exposed from her pink dry fit top.
Serena giggled. "I guess it is from all those milkshakes Andrew makes me." She lost her head again as pulled her even closer, attending to a sensitive spot just under her jaw.
"Darien, the girls…." Serena couldn't finish her sentence because Darien cut off her statement with his lips. She couldn't help how happy she was feeling so she giggled again. Groaning in defeat, knowing it was getting late, he met her eyes and pulled away so they could breath. His ocean blue eyes were dark, navy blue and glazed in desire. Trying to regain composure he loosened his hold and let one hand cup her face, to brush his thumb over her swollen lips.
"I know, I know. We need to go. But be warned princess I will come back and claim what is mine." His eyes flashing with humor and love.
Serena giggled once more as he attempted a grimace and a growl but failed miserably since he looked so sweet and sappy while happily holding her in his arms.
"I will be waiting my prince." He stepped back and dropped his arms, breaking all contact with her body.
"Go Serena, I don't know how much longer I can keep from pulling you into my arms again." She grinned, loving the look in his eyes which said 'you are mine, now and forever'. She was walking backwards, not wanting to miss the chance to impress the moment forever in her memory. Just as she turned around she EEPED as two strong arms grabbed her from behind, spinning her to face him and aggressively plunging his tongue into her mouth, demanding entrance. Flush against his body, he kissed her as if it was the last time he would ever kiss her again. Once more, finally out of breath again, he pulled away.
"I needed one more to help make it through today. I hope you don't mind dumpling." Lovingly, he called her by his nickname for her and then kissed her hand in farewell.
"Run Sere, before we are both late." Serena giggled once more and took off back to the temple, leaving a very happy prince in her wake.
"Now that everyone is awake, lets make our plans." Mina declared, watching the girls shuffle about, looking for their clothes. Lita was the only one who was already in the kitchen working on prepping for breakfast. Serena returned from her run in time to claim the shower first and was already dressed, sipping on a cup of overly sweetened, chocolate laced coffee, watching her scouts get ready.
Raye was the most shocked to have awoken and found the klutzy dumpling head already ready and drinking a cup of caffeine and sugar heart-attack-in-a-cup, which she eyed greedily. Serena was hiding her smirk behind the rim of her steaming mug, quite happy that Mina was taking charge so she didn't have to. Raye was rather grumpy in the morning, insisting that her happiness and energy steamed from her coffee.
Once the girls were settled in the kitchen, dressed and helping Lita, Mina sat on the stool and continued outlining the day's agenda. No one really trusted Mina in the kitchen with food, she was worse than Serena. Lita ran her kitchen like drill sergeants ran the grunts through training grounds. Each person was given specific instructions and no one dared defy her orders for fear they would miss her amazing meal.
It was still thirty minutes out from breakfast time but each of girls whipped their heads up when they heard the cars pull in front of the temple. Mina abandoned her notes and ran out of the room, pausing long enough to retrieve her shoes by the door before launching into Kunzite's arms just as he stepped out of his Camaro. Gotta use those sailor scout abilities for something important.
Serena smiled to herself as she witnessed the remaining girl's faces, each sporting various degrees of rouge on their cheeks. Mina was last to enter with Kunzite's arms wrapped around her middle. She walked in to see that Lita had Nephrite and Zoisite helping in the kitchen so she decided she could miss 'kitchen duty'.
"Well, now that we are all here. I think it is time to discuss where we are going and what is to be expected." Serena gracefully walked to Darien's chair and was promptly pulled onto his lap.
"We are headed to the abandoned military base that Serena mentioned the other day. I scouted ahead and there are no civilians about so we can all power up and test our abilities and team work without hindrance or casualties."
"Darien no one was going to die." Serena sighed shaking her head. "We will be driving a little over an hour from here, deep into the mountains outside of town. Luna and Artemis (who dipped their heads in recognition) have accessed central's computer and have received access to training dummys from the moon kingdom that we can launch attacks at."
"Yes, and we will be going so we can take notes and help give an unbiased opinion after training is over." Luna added.
"But we expect effort from everyone. This does no good if we are not all trying our hardest to be at our best." Artemis put it.
"Thank you Luna, Artemis." Mina was able to regain the floor since she was no longer distracted by the arms around her waist and the face burried in her hair. It had taken her a few moments to regain composure. "We are going to be on teams attacking the dummies and each other. I want to see how we work with and against each other. What we face in a week will test our powers and our will."
"Yes, and when we are trying to reunite and cleanse the souls of the generals, they may very well become our enemies before we can subdue the evil and channel our powers." Serena added gravely.
Each person was downcast and eyeing the bamboo floor at Serena's quiet reminder of how grave their situation was. Everything was hanging on a precarious perch, barely balancing. It would only take a slight breeze in the wrong direction to send their hopes and dreams spiraling into oblivion.
"Now that we have reached a stopping point. Can I have some help?" Lita called, witnessing Nephrite leaping over the couch to run to her side. "We need to set out breakfast and I have a huge stack of pancakes, bacon and fruit for everyone." She smiled as Nephrite put his hand on the small of her back, guiding her back to her masterpiece of a breakfast.
They knew they were running out of time. It wouldn't be long before fate would make apparent their future. Were they going to all live happily ever after? Or was their happiness doomed before it ever began? Ten people set around Raye's kitchen and dining area. Breakfast was devoured and smiles were plentiful. Each man was staying very close to his lady love. No one was willing to miss out on the warmth and acceptance they shared. But no one could shake the weight of their future hanging over their heads.