Welcome back! I can't believe I found the time to sit down and write at last, but here I am! … I wonder what will go wrong.
Positive, aren't I?
Thank you to my fabulous readers whom have stuck with me during these dry times. (You know who you are!) It means a lot to me that my story is worthy enough that you have to keep reading, no matter what!
Replies:
Yami Hime Hikari - Glad you are thrilled to see my updates! Even if you are going to pick them apart! And very happy to see the new name. 1)Nobody else had a problem, but I do agree that "&&&&" creates a more solid line. 3) Space IS dark and shall continue to be so as far as I know. Using present tense with Rini is touchy, but she's a Traveller. Darien had always told her, does tell her when she's there, and will tell her in the future during bedtime stories. Besides, Serena was thinking these thoughts. I just didn't make a monologue of it all. I find one way conversations boring. 3b)LOL! Molly hasn't been able to figure it out for four seasons! Not even in the manga. People see what they want to see. She knows Serena is special and different, but that's as close as she's come. I think that was during Black Moon? I'd have to peek to be sure. As for whether she figures it out in my story … we'll see. 4)I know. But Chibi-chibi makes my spell/grammar check happy, so I took a bit of poetic license. Have you tried to download the series? I know there are lots of people on WinMX that have it available. That's how I saw Sailor Moon StarS. 5)Wait right there and I'll show you!
Rosa lunae – LOL! I've been away longer! I'll try not to wait so long again, but I had warned you all that there would be a possible dry spell! You hit the floor, eh? Did you faint or trip? Don't you know you are supposed to be sitting down when you are at the computer? Or did you perhaps fall out of your chair. Tsk. Too many animes for you, Luna R! A Walmart person who hands out cheesecake? Hmm … so I dole out bits of ecstasy in small amounts, eh? LOL! Thanks! I think. And for somebody who was complaining about feeling stupid, you've caught on to things quite well! J Yes, I'm pleased with how well Luna is turning out too.
Mieco – Darien is the King. Get over it. Thanks to your friend, Minka … which part was the "darn part"?
Cyndaquil-babe – How could I? Are you kidding? How could I not? MWAHAHAHA!
Plushies to the Faithful! Whee!
I apologise for taking so long to put this update out … I actually had the chapter written last week, but when I proofed it I was very unhappy with how it all turned out and have been adjusting it since. I'm sure I smoothed out all the patches, but if I missed one, please ignore it.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Chapter 17
A Collection of Stars
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Luna burst into the room, interrupting the conversation between Darien, Raye and Amy when they leapt up at her entry.
"Darien! Come quick!"
Not taking the time for further explanation, she turned tail and was gone again. Darien, Raye and Amy were right behind her. Dashing into the room, Darien fell to his knees beside the bed and took Sailor Moon's hand, calling her name, calling her to awaken and come back to him, to all of them. No response. He wasn't going to give up hope though. He was more determined now than ever. Glancing back at the girls in time to see them exchange a look.
"What?" he asked, only a trifle sharper than he intended. He cleared his throat and tried again more carefully. "What are you two thinking?"
Raye crossed her arms in front of her. "Darien, Amy and I think we might know how tohelp her."
Amy nodded. "This is going to involve everybody though and we won't all fit in this room. Can you bring her outside? We'll get the others."
At Darien's nod, they both ran off. Darien turned back to Eternal Sailor Moon and gave her hand a small squeeze. Leaning forward he kissed her forehead, then caressed her face with his cheek as he moved his lips to her ear.
"Hang in there, my love," he whispered reassuringly. "We haven't given up on you yet!"
Lifting his face back up so that he could place a little kiss her lips, he was startled to discover a small tear in the corner of her right eye. Sensing urgency, he kissed it away and gathered her up in his arms, then walked quickly out to the gardens, leaving behind a dried up lilac sprig on her pillow.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
The faintest outline of her fuku glowed about her. It was as if the uniform was but a reflection of the real thing. Her success fuelled her determination to fight back. True, the outfit wasn't exactly solid, but she wasn't naked anymore either.
"What is that you hope to accomplish, girl?"
Sailor Moon refused to answer. No point in saying anything that could give her plans away. The Enemy would have a way to stop her then. She would not allow this creature, whomever she was, to undermine her confidence in herself, her friends, or her hope.
She was Sailor Moon. Champion of Love and Justice. She was invincible.
She smiled at the last thought as it reminded her of Darien. A tiny glimmer caught her eye. She turned her head, ready to face a possible attack. The small, golden light glowed for a moment and she felt a whisper of warmth on her forehead, then her cheek.
A golden light. Warmth. Darien.
A happy tear trailed down her cheek and when the light disappeared as quickly as it came, she didn't feel loss. She was not alone. She was never truly alone. She never had been. Closing her eyes, her smile never left her face as she let the love she felt for Darien and the Senshi, and even the Knights and all her other friends wash over her. She felt a warmth in her chest. A warmth that burned so brightly that she raised a hand to the middle of her chest to touch it. The Silver Crystal. The star in her chest that her mother, Queen Serenity, had once told her about so long ago. She opened her eyes and saw her prison for what it was.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Sailor Moon's body lay in quiet repose on the garden bench. One side knelt Tuxedo Mask on one knee, he held the unresisting slender hand of his love as he watched her face intently. On the other side of Sailor Moon knelt Guardian Eos. Her eyes were closed as she held Sailor Moon's other hand. In a circle around them, stood the Sailor Scouts. The Golden Knights Stood in a line off to the side of the circle.
Mars had already explained to them that Sailor Moon's transformation while unconscious proved her, and Mercury's, suspicions that their princess was not laying around helplessly. She was fighting. Mercury pointed out that she thought it was possible to make sure that Sailor Moon wasn't fighting alone. They couldn't go to where she was, of course, but …
"If her power can influence from the inside out," Mars finished, "then we think we can influence from the outside in."
Venus smiled. "What goes in must come out, eh? Well, better now than too late." Raising her face to the slowly dimming sky. "Hang on, Princess, we'll have you out before sunset."
The others nodded in agreement, determination shining in each of their eyes. Joining hands, each Scout closed her eyes and concentrated. Almost as one, they reached deep inside themselves and whispered, "Power to Sailor Moon". Kunzite nodded to the other three Knights. They bowed their heads, eyes closed, and each reached out a hand towards their Prince as they silently passed their power to his Golden Crystal. In turn, Tuxedo silently willed everything he had to Sailor Moon. Guardian Eos frowned in concentration as she followed the power signatures to where the Princess' psyche was being kept. Her job was to chip away from the outside – either creating weak points or exploiting them.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Sailor Moon ground her teeth in frustration. She was throwing everything she had at the walls of her prison, but nothing was budging. She was starting to tire. Her heart refused to give up though. Refused to give up to the tiny nagging doubt at the back of her mind. As long as the doubt remained in her head and not her heart … she shook her head and refocused on the situation at hand.
"You do much to amuse me, child."
"I'm glad you find this entertaining, you ... you horrid old bat! I hope you laugh as much as I will when I finally get out of here!"
"You do not have enough power alone, stupid girl. Your friends will not be able to come and help you and your Princess remains ignorant of your predicament or she would have attempted to rescue you by now."
'Why does she keep insisting I have a Princess?' Sailor Moon wondered. "I still don't know what you are talking about! I don't have a Princess!"
A horrible, evil chuckle floated around her. "Oh, you've got a Princess, all right, Sailor wench. She's – what? What is this? What are you doing?"
Sailor Moon looked around her, unafraid. Around her were nine brightly shining orbs that she recognised as the signature colours of her friends … and Darien. Relaxing her stance, she smiled and opened her heart to each. As she softly called the name for each glow, it streaked toward her and was absorbed by the Silver Crystal.
"Venus, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, Saturn … Endymion."
"What are you doing, girl? What was that? Where did thosebits of lightcome from?"
Sailor Moon, glowing with the stronglight of her crystal, ignored her captor once more as her eye was caught by a flickering pink light. It appeared to pulse as itmovedand she realised that it was attacking … from the outside? Of course. She was being shown the way out. She had a target. She had the Power.
"SILVER MOON CRYSTAL POWER THERAPY KISS!"
Power radiated from her in every direction. She vaguely heard a howl of outrage as everything around her shattered like glass and she found herself falling … falling into nothing … until her eyes fluttered open and she found herself looking into the most beautiful pair of blue eyes she had ever seen.
"Darien!"
Tuxedo tried to get the words out, but they crowded in his throat, so instead, he reached down and pulled her to him, burying his face in her neck as he held her tight. His embrace was quickly followed by several more pairs of arms as the others all came rushing from their positions.
Jadeite grinned and elbowed Kunzite in the side. "Looks like a Sailor Scout doggy pile."
Nodding his agreement, Kunzite looked at the happy mass of bodies in wonder. He still felt unsure around the open emotions shown by the Senshi and the Prince. He made up his mind to discuss it with the others later. He caught sight of Venus disengaging herself from the pile and felt himself smiling at the pure happiness on her face. His eyes caught hers and he noted a flicker of startlement in them. Pride and joy quickly pushed it away as she ran to him. Getting caught up in her enthusiasm, he found himself grinning as he caught her in his arms.
Jadeite smiled at the change in his friend, but wasn't given any time to ponder it as he was tackled to the ground by Mars. Obviously the four gentlemen weren't going to be allowed to feel left out on this happy occassion. Planting a quick kiss on his nose, Mars laughed at the look on his face.
"Tag, Jadeite!"
Shegot back to her feet and began to run before he could recover from his surprise.
Zoisite and Nephrite almost fell down themselves … with laughter. Zoisite moved to stand with Mercury when he caught his breath. Jupiter helped the doubled-over Nephrite to the bench and then sat on his lap as they all watched Jadeite attempt to catch Mars.
"Ami-love, how does she do that?"
Mercury glanced at Zoisite, then back to Mars. "Do what?"
"Run that fast in heels."
Tuxedo turned to his friend. "Why? Are you hoping to try them out for yourself, Zoi?"
Nephrite fell off the bench, taking a laughing Jupiter with him. "Stop!" he gasped. "Stop! I can't breath! Hahahahahaha!"
Mercury smiled at her blushing lover. "Mars' secrets belong to Mars." She got a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "Perhaps you should ask Jadeite if he knows that one."
The group grinned as Mars zipped by with a bubbly laugh and Jadeite came to a panting halt beside the group. "She's … too … too fast."
Saturn had a suspicious look on her face as she edged away from Jadeite … tugging Pluto away with her. Keeping her cheerful smile plastered on, Pluto winked to Eos as she followed the tugging child. Eos moved away from the bench as well … walking between the bench and Neptune, causing Neptune and Uranus to shift over … closer to Jadeite. Quick as lightening, Jadeite whipped his arm out and poked Uranus in the leg.
"TAG!"
An explosion of people from the bench left the Prince, Princess and a bemused Uranus behind.
Uranus snorted. "Damn. I can't believe I missed that trick." Narrowing her eyesin the direction ofher soul-mate she leapt away from the royals, leaving them alone on the bench. Darien was content to sit beside her and watch the antics of their friends. He had one arm around her shoulder and the other one of her hands. Her free hand lay in her lap. Her head was slightly tilted to fit in the nook of his shoulder and neck. His head was tilted so that his cheek rested against her head.
"You're stronger than me, you know?" he said softly. She shifted and turned to face him. Angelic blue eyes looked back at him, patiently waiting for him to explain. "When I arrived at the beach and I saw you … just … not moving." He searched for the words, but couldn't find the right ones. Sighing, he shook his head slowly and grinned at her. "I thought I was gonna to have to wrestle Mars for you though."
Sailor Moon snorted at the thought. Still she said nothing, but turned her head to watch the play. Then, when he thought she wasn't going to say anything a soft voice drew his attention back to her.
"How long was I gone?"
"The picnic is tomorrow. Your mother thinks we've been gone for a trip to Kyoto to see the Old Palace. The others are responsible for their own cover ups."
She nodded. "I want to go home."
"Then let's go. There will be plenty of opportunity to play tomorrow."
Standing, Tuxedo called everybody together and they waved good bye to Helios. They arrived at the lodge to see the mid-morning sun shining through the windows and bathing the room in a cheerful light full of promise, but Serena could find no warmth in it. Darien reminded them when they had to meet at the Park for the picnic and placing a hand on the small of Serena's back, he guided her towards the door. Amara had brought his car to the lodge during the time when everybody was waiting for a solution to wake Serena and had cleaned out the melted ice cream. Raye smiled at Darien before they could walk out the door and pulled the still quiet Serena back for a moment.
"Spill," she demanded of her friend.
Instead of staring down at the floor, Serena looked Raye square in the eye. "The Enemy knows, Raye. She knows how to find me. I have no idea who she thinks I am or why she thinks I have a Princess, but she can find me again. She can hurt people around me." She paused as Raye's face reflected shock, then worried thoughtfulness, and then grim determination. "I will not allow myself to be a weapon that will hurt my family and friends."
Raye nodded. "Leave it to us." She embraced Serena quickly, then stood back at arms length. Placing her right hand over her heart, she knelt before the blonde woman who was her friend, her heroine, and her Princess and future Queen. "We will protect you and yours. I promise." Her face reflected the serious earnest in which she spoke. "Just leave it to us," she said again.
Serena reached down and took the hand that was over Raye's heart, tugging her up so that the raven haired woman stood before her. Everyone was quiet and watching them as they stood there, looking into each others eyes. "I accept your pledge of protection, Warrior of War. I know that you all will do your best." She glanced around at the others in the room. "As I shall do my best to protect all of you." She looked at Raye again and touched her cheek. Then she was out the door, Darien following close behind.
Mina walked up to Raye who was still staring at the door where Serena had just left. "We need to plan."
Raye nodded in agreement, a smouldering look of determination in her eyes. "We need to plan."
Mina waved the others over and took charge of the security details. It was late afternoon before everybody left for their homes.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Wow .. haven't had a chapter this long in along time! Perfect place for a commercial! Go shake some feeling back into your legs! Grab a bite! Go potty! Whatever! Do it now before time is up!
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
After calling her mother to assure her that everybody would be there and that they were all making the promised dishes and skirting around her trip to see Kyoto's Palace, she called Molly.
"Moshi moshi." (Hello for the phone)
"Melvin? It's Serena. Is Molly there?"
"No, she's gone shopping for dinner tonight and the picnic tomorrow, but she should be home soon." There was a pause. "Serena? Did Molly say something to you?"
"Say something? Like what?"
"I don't know but she'd been acting weird. She's always lost in thought, she's been jumpy and she hasn't been sleeping well."
"No, she hasn't said anything to me, Melvin, but if you tell her to call me, I'll try to talk to her about it for you."
"Thanks, Serena. You've always been a good friend, you know?"
"I try, Melvin. Bye."
As Serena hung up the phone, she wondered if she should confess. She shook her head and decided to do what she had always done … play it by ear. Two arms came from behind her and wrapped around her waist. Darien lightly kissed the spot between her neck and the back of her ear.
"Supper's almost ready, Bunny. Rory is eating with the Outers and will meet us at the picnic tomorrow."
Serena nodded, but said nothing. Darien sighed and rested his chin on her shoulder.
"Serena. You once told me that you always felt safest in my arms. Has that changed?"
Serena heard the doubt and the hint of hurt in Darien's voice and was instantly sorry that she'd allowed her worries to come between them. Relaxing, she melted against his body. "No," she answered quietly. "No, that hasn't changed. I'm just tired." She turned in his arms and smiled at him. "I'm sorry, my love." She brushed her lips across his. "My Mamo-chan. My protector."
Darien lowered his head and caught her lips. They remained like that for a few moments until the ringing phone brought them back to reality. Darien went to check on supper while Serena answered the phone.
"Moshi moshi!"
"Serena! You're back! Gawd! Are you alright?"
"I'm just fine, Molly. Everything is just fine. Listen, I know you have lots of questions, but can they wait for tomorrow? Darien's about to serve supper and you'll be able to see for yourself that I'm okay."
"Well, alright. I'm glad you're okay. And …" her voice lowered, "thanks, Serena. Thanks for saving me. On the beach."
Serena smiled. "Anytime time, Molly. See you tomorrow."
Feeling a little lighter, Serena hung up the phone and quickly set the table for supper.
&&&&&&&&&&&
The shadowy figure watched as the bedroom light went out late that night. Waiting for several moments, not moving except to watch the surrounding area for any movement, the shadow streaked to the couple's balcony. Moonlight shone softly at the opposite end, illuminating the entrance to the apartment. The glass slid open softly and the figure melted into the shadows as Darien stepped out wearing nothing but a pair of purple jeans. Walking forward a few steps, Darien leaned forward and rested his forearms on the railing, fingers loosely clasped, face turned up to the moon.
He stayed like that for a few moments, then turned to go inside. He paused at the doorway, hand resting on the window frame.
"Thank you," he breathed, then walked inside and closed the door.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Thus ends another thrilling chapter of The Dawn Rose! Have I got your attention?
Should have another chapter up within the week as I am on holiday right now. Ah, sleeping in is SO nice! The garden is growing well and life is sweet right now. I hope everybody is as happy as I am right now … even if I did just have another birthday. Well, you can't win them all! (Shame on Mieco for forgetting!)
It's all starting to tie together now, so I hope you've been paying attention!
Jade's Rose
"Good looks catch the eye, but good personality catches the heart" … may you be blessed with both.