Chapter 9 – Memories

"Serena?" Diamond called from the room as I stepped inside from the balcony. He looked at me as I closed the doors, "Why didn't you come when I called for you?" My breath hitched, trying to hide my pain. There was going to be a bruise on my back but thankfully my hair was like a curtain, preventing Diamond from seeing it. I don't know if I should tell him about what Sapphire said; it could do more harm than good. I cleared my throat, "Because I was busy. And I wasn't hungry." I walked over to the chaise, my nails digging into the cushion; pain silenced me for a moment. Diamond's voice was closer, "Serena?" My head fell backwards in annoyance, "Look, I don't want to be bothered. I…. I just tripped on my hem and fell against the banister. I need Garnett." Diamond's eyes hardened as he looked at me.

Sighing, he moved behind me, "Show me." I looked at him, "What?" A cringe ran through me when a third eye opened where his dark moon symbol was, "Show me where you are hurt, Serena." My resistance disappeared and I found myself pulling my hair over my shoulder, showing him my back. I flinched, feeling his finger graze the tender skin, "Don't move." I remained motionless when he pressed his hand to my back. A dull burn grew under my skin from his touch. I winced from the growing sensation until it faded, taking the sore muscle pain with hit. Diamond sighed and moved my hair to cover my back, "That should heal it. I don't want your lovely skin marked."

His arm extended, gesturing to a mirror that stood in the room. I blinked once; where did that come from? Walking past Diamond, I went to look into the mirror. I could feel his eyes on me. My reflection was different; I was wearing the necklace Diamond had given me. In the mirror, I was wearing a gown similar to Neo Queen Serenity's; two wings were on my back, but not as big as hers. Similar to my princess gown, there were gold circles, but they went down my stomach, not across my chest. On my left hand, the engagement ring was still there and on my wrists were matching gold bangles.

My breathing increased as I looked at the gown in the reflection. My actions moved as I did, my own face reflecting back to me; shock and hurt. "Do you like it?" Diamond was standing behind me, appraising my reflection. I didn't answer, looking at my own reflection; Princess of Nemesis. His hand held my back, "This is nothing compared to your wedding dress." I groaned and walked away, rubbing my forehead trying to dull away my growing headache. The pain in my back was gone now, but there was a new pain that no one could heal. Diamond just didn't get. I don't want any of this. I don't want to be the princess of his planet or his wife. I will never love him.

My hands fell away from my face, "There's something I need to tell you." Diamond appeared in front of me, "What is it?" I didn't look up at him, "I don't think I can marry you." There was one memory that didn't fade. It was one that had to hold onto above all others. "Why not?" Diamond's voice was angry. His hands held my shoulders and I looked at him. I bit down on my lip, "Because I'm already married." Diamond sighed and almost smiled, "Serena, you haven't married the King." I shook my head, "No, I've been married since the Silver Millennium. Darien and I have been married for longer than people think. We had a secret wedding over two thousand years ago."

Diamond stared at me in shock, "What are you talking about?" He stumbled over his words. I walked away from him to sit the steps of the platform, "During the Silver Millennium, Darien and I were married in secret a few weeks after we met." Diamond stood in the same spot and listened to my story.

After coming to my birthday celebration, Darien and I frequently meet in secret from his father. It took a great deal of energy on both parts to travel between our worlds. We mostly met at night and rested during the day. My body felt very weak from returning from the Earth. "Princess," a voice was very close to me. I opened my eyes to see my mother's advisor, Luna and I smiled, "Hello, Luna."

She sat on my pillow, her tiny paws near my face, "Are you well?" I blinked a few times, "Of course, why do you ask?" She looked at me, dipping her head to the side, "Because you're in bed all day. I know it's upsetting that the King of the Earth forbade Darien from seeing you, but he wouldn't want you to stay in bed all day." I looked away from her, "I know." I felt terrible keeping this secret from everyone. Only one person knew what I have been up to.

It was dangerous for me to venture to the Earth and for Darien to come to my planet, but we agreed that we wanted to chance it. I shifted to get out of bed. As I looked out the window, the sun was low in the sky, "I'll be fine, Luna. I'm up late at night, staring at the Earth. I just miss him so much." Luna came to stand on my dresser top, "So much like your mother. When she lost your father, she would stare at the star he made for her all night. Maybe someday you can go back there."

Luna raised her paw to pat my arm, "I will send your mother in. She wants to check on you." I nodded, "All right." Luna leapt off the dresser and left my room. I sat down on my bed, feeling the lump grow in my throat. I didn't want to lie to my mother. Mother and I didn't lie to each other. But since I've been leaving for Earth, I've done nothing but lie to her. My head shook slowly, worrying about what I would say to her. "Serena, dear?" my mother's voice caught my attention. My back straightened and I looked back, "Hello Mother."

My mother looked exactly like me, except she had silver eyes and hair. She drifted over to me and patted my forehead, before she pressed a kiss there, "How are you feeling, my baby? I've been so worried about you." "I'm fine. Mother, I'm sorry I made you worry." She sat on the bed with me, "It's hard for any young woman to be away from the one they love." I hugged her, leaning against her shoulder. Mother sighed as she hugged me back, "It'll be all right, my darling. Things will get better."

My mother and I spoke for a long time; laughing and reminiscing. She spoke of when my father courted her. Tears fell down my face thinking of him. Mother brushed away the tear, "I know. I miss him too." When she left, the sun had set and the Earth was climbing in the sky. It's been so long since my mother and I spent time like that together. I dressed and had dinner with Mother and the Sailor Scouts. All of us laughed and talked, while enjoying our meal. Princess Raye of Mars was planning an ice-skating party for her birthday. Princess Lita of Jupiter and I agreed quickly, anxious to skate together again.

Outside the window, the Earth was high in the sky. I snuck out of the palace into the gardens. My heart beat frantically as I made my way to my departure point. "Serena," I whirled and saw my only ally, Princess Mina of Venus. She looked at me sternly as she approached me, "You're going to see him again?" I nodded quickly, anxious to leave. "Serena, the others are beginning to notice." The Sailor Scouts grew concerned about me and began to keep a watchful eye on me. I sighed deeply, "I know, I'll be more careful. I have to see Darien."

She pursed her lips tightly, "If he's that important, tell your mother what you're doing. She should know." Princess Mina was right, but I was afraid Mother would stop me. I was putting myself in danger. But I couldn't go on without being with Darien, even in its smallest measure. My heart ached to be away from him. "I will tell her, when I'm ready. I have to go." Venus stepped closer, grabbing my arm, "You know how dangerous this is. Does he?" My eyes widened, unable to answer her.

Mina and I stared for a long moment. Tension charged between us. Her eyes closed slowly, "I'm going with you," she announced. I stammered, looking for my words, "You don't have to do that." She couldn't come with me. I promised Darien that I would come alone. She took my hand gently, "Yes, I do. It's my duty." Holding hands, the both of us expanded the energy in our bodies, carrying us from my home planet.

Mina and I were now in the royal gardens of the Crystal Palace. My home was high in the sky. Living on the Moon, I always wondered what my planet looked like to other planets. The Moon was similar to the Silver Crystal set in the dark sky. "Where is he?" Mina's harsh tone brought me out of my wandering. We went deeper into the gardens to find mine and Darien's meeting place. She walked in silence beside me. "Really, you can go back now. I'm safe." She shook her head, ruffling her long gold hair, "You're not safe as long as you're on this planet. Besides, I'm the captain of your guardians. I'm supposed to make sure you're safe." We walked further, "That and your mother would take my title if something happened to you. That would bring shame on my world." I grimaced as we searched for Dairen; I hadn't thought of that.

She was risking her family's honor because of me. Mina and I walked further until we heard people talking. She stopped me, "Wait." Standing her ground, Mina peeked around the hedge. I stayed close to her, listening to the voices. "Your Highness, this is a mistake. The King is against it. This will be the downfall of the kingdom. Don't go through with this." Mina was ready to change to Sailor Venus when I heard Darien's voice, "Malachite, I love her and I will do as I wish. My father rules this planet, not me. All I ask is this one favor."

The voices were getting closer. "Mina, it is fine," letting them hear my voice. I stepped out from around the hedge to see Darien standing with a man with long white hair and pale blue eyes. This man locked eyes with me. He stared as if there was some answer my face provided, before turning to Darien, "Yes, I will do what you have asked." Darien nodded to him, "Thank you, my friend." Darien looked at me, excitedly and smiled, "Serena, I must speak with you." He took my hand and nodded to Mina, "Thank you for bringing her, Princess. Excuse us for a moment."

Darien guided me away from our guardians. Mina's eyes softened as she watched me walk away. Darien and I walked by a large marble fountain, that was bathed in the light of the moon. The flowing water was crystal clear in the light. My hand lightly touched the surface, feeling the cool liquid against my palm. "Serena," he drew my attention away from the fountain, "I want to ask you something." I smiled up at him, letting droplet fall off my fingertips, "Yes?" He took both of my hands in his, "Princess Serenity, I love you. Would you do me the honor of becoming the Princess of the Earth?" I gasped, "Do you mean?"

Darien's blue eyes lit up, "Yes, Serena, will you marry me?" Tears fell down my face, hearing the words for the first time in my life, "Yes." Darien's arms were around me in the next moment. My head tilted back and our lips molded to each other. This was the happiest day of my life. "When?" I asked impatiently. "Tonight, right now." My happiness exploded as I threw my arms around his neck, "Yes!" Darien's hand held the back of my head, holding my lips to his. Neither one of us thought about tomorrow or yesterday. All there was in the world was the two of us.

Darien and I walked back to the garden where Malachite and Mina were waiting. They were speaking to each other quietly. Mina was smiling at Malachite when we found them. Her mouth formed a thin line and nodded. Darien and I were secretly married and our guardians were our only witnesses. The one who performed the service was sworn to silence by his prince.

The sun was brightening the sky as Darien and I walked around the palace grounds. His cape was over my shoulders and he kept my hand in his. My head rested against his shoulder as we sat on a bench and looked over Crystal Tokyo Prime. This was the city of Darien's family; his home. He pointed out art galleries he wanted to take me to. I smiled, seeing the beautiful picture of our lives he was painting.

Darien and I planned on telling our parents soon, then our people. It concerned me a bit that the Earthlings wouldn't want a Lunarian as their future queen. Well, if they didn't, Darien did. I was going to be the Queen of the Earth. "I have an idea," I said. My Star Locket rested in my palm and played its tune. After the song ended, the center of it opened and I kept our weeding bands in my locket. Darien kissed me again, "I love you." My forehead leaned against his, "I love you too."

When Mina and I returned to the Moon, she didn't speak much. She only bid me a good night. "Mina, are you mad at me?" She shook her head, "No, you just know what you wanted and you went for it. I have to say I admire that about you and I wish you nothing but the best. I am loyal to you and your new…..." She didn't say the word, but I knew what she meant, "Good night," her voice dropped to a whisper, "Earth Princess."

I knew after tonight, I'd put her in a difficult place. Mina was keeping my greatest secret, against her will. Going to my room, I thought of the maiden that saw me with Darien some time ago. I hope Darien spoke with her. He told me her name was Beryl and she was part of his court. Beryl was a powerful sorceress and wanted to be Darien's princess. The way she looked at me when she saw Darien kissing me goodbye made me nervous. It was the coldest stare I'd ever seen.

I went to bed and tried to prepare myself to tell my mother that I was married. I couldn't sleep at all. Thoughts swirled in my head; nervous to tell my mother about what I've done and anxious to see my husband again. My husband; my body rolled to bury my face in the pillows. I was Darien's wife. My heart raced as the sun moved across the sky. People moved through the palace, chatting lightly. There was a knock on my door and my heart paused. "Come in," I whispered.

It was my mother, "Dear, what's wrong?" My mother was so attuned with me, that she could sense my tension. I swallowed loudly, "There's something I need to tell you." She sat on my bed and I confessed to her everything, down to last night. She stared at me in disbelief. "You put yourself in danger to see him. You snuck to the Earth, knowing our people are no longer allowed there. Then you marry the Prince against the King's wishes. Serena, what were you thinking?"

My head fell in shame, "I am sorry, Mother. For allowing myself to be in danger, but I will not apologize for marrying him." She exhaled and rose off my bed, "You're sorry, but you're not sorry?" She huffed, "Do you realize what you have done?" She walked towards my balcony doors. I could feel her anger, as she shook her head, "Just like me. Too much like me." I looked at her, "What do you mean?" She sighed and a half smile came on her face, "My parents forbade me from being with your father. He wasn't of royal blood and that's not allowed. I didn't care, because I loved your father. I married him anyway and he was crowned king. Then we had you."

Mother huffed out a long, exasperated breath. "I won't stand in your way. I can't because you already married him. You are no longer the princess of this planet, so you're no longer under my rule." Tears fell down her face. I jumped from my bed to hold her face, "Mother, will you make me leave?" She shook her head as she cried, "Of course not. You will always be my daughter. I just hope you've done the right thing. When his father knows, we will announce it to the kingdom." My mother wasn't angry with me in anyway, because she was the same way. She hugged me tightly and kissed my hair, "We will have the grandest ball to announce your union."

Now, Darien was allowed to come to our kingdom freely, but still against his father's word. King Endymion was completely against our marriage and demanded that it ended. Darien decided to denounce his throne for the kingdom and become the Prince of the Moon. "Darien, you cannot do that. It's your home." He held my face, "But you are my life. My home is wherever you are." I looked at the Earth and it seemed darker. "But you're right," he admitted, "Besides, something is wrong at home. I've come to check on you, but I do have to get back." I took out my locket and gave him his wedding band. We always wore them when we were together.

"Did you speak with Beryl after I left?" He nodded, "Yes, but I haven't seen her since. She was hurt, I'm sure, but I cannot worry about everyone's feelings." Darien wrapped me in his cape and held me against his chest. I loved nothing more than listening to the sound of his heart. We watched the Earth as we always did. But soon, things were getting worse. Darien's father was killed, so he had to take command of the Earth's armies. Dark energy was taking over his people. Days passed and I hardly saw Darien. During our ball, I stared at the Earth, hoping to see my husband. But I knew that was impossible. I missed him so much.

"Serena!" I looked down into the courtyard, "Darien." I ran down into the courtyard and embraced him. "What are you doing here? What's happening on your planet?" My mother appeared behind us, "Darien, you cannot return to Earth. It's been taken over by the Negaverse. They're searching for you." He looked at her, "Your Highness, I have to go back." I gasped, "Darien, please, don't go!"

The ground began to shake beneath our feet. "Oh, no," my mother gasped, "They're coming! Serena, get inside right now!" My mother went to retrieve the Silver Crystal. "Serena, do what your mother says. Beryl is the Queen of the Negaverse and she's coming here because she knew I would be with you. I didn't want you to worry. She's corrupted my guardians and they now serve her." My eyes widened as he told me the news of his home. "Serena, she wants to kill you." My body trembled in his arms, "This is because of me," my voice broke. "No," he held my face, "you've done nothing. She is angry because I choose you." My eyes began to tear, "My mother said I shouldn't have done this." Dark clouds began to fill the skies, "What have I done?"