The car ride was uneventful as Seiya made no attempt to make small talk but held a tight grip on the steering wheel, occasionally throwing a playful smile her way. While Serena felt like jelly her heart was defenseless to Darien's affection. At the same time she was confused by Seiya's attitude.
Serena arrived with Seiya on her arm as the party was in full swing; she focused on the crowd looking for the rest of her friends as well as one mysterious brunette whose mood swings were giving her severe whiplash. Shaking her head she tried to push those thoughts aside she was here with Seiya. Still he was not exactly himself ignoring her thoughts once more she admired the beautiful dining hall and ball room that included a garden below above a secluded balcony.
"Drink beautiful?" asked Seiya in that ridiculously sexy voice she couldn't help but feel flustered by.
"Sure yeah umm wine, rose" she replied not truly looking at him. He nodded heading for the bar as she caught sight of a familiar blonde.
"Hey girly sit down we saved room for the four of you," said Mina a smile on her face. Still looking around for that irritating man she contemplated why had he called her bunny after all those months of rejecting her.
"Four, who else?" The blonde furrowed her brow while Mina answered, "The two of you and of course Darien and his date,"
Gritting her teeth Serena looked for Seiya where was that man and her damn drink she wondered. Continuing to scope out the hall she froze when she saw him with that beautiful brunette from the ceremony.
Enveloped by a tall brunette in a tight silver dress, Darien reached the table at the same time Seiya had with Serena's drink. With pursed lips he broke from her hold and turned to look at Serena.
"Hey" she spoke while he replied the same not taking his eyes off her until his date broke the silence.
"I'm Katarina not Kat I can't stand that" a smile plastered on her face. Her voice was raspy yet in a sensually pleasing manner one Serena couldn't help but admire. "I'm Serena and this is Seiya" she motioned towards the man behind her who was now wrapping his arm around her waist. Surprised by his action but not wanting to hurt his feelings she left his arm there. "Oh you guys make a cute couple don't you think so Dare?"
Serena looked at Katarina internally cringing because she knew how much Darien hated pet names or nick names of any kind, yes he loved to give them but not receive them.
Not paying attention to Katarina at all his point of focus was that damn arm around Serena's waist. He saw red as soon as he that moron with his arms around her and that damn smirk that he was determined to wipe off his juvenile face. On the other hand Katarina had witnessed the confrontation between Darien and Seiya, she knew very well that Serena was a threat one that she would not let get in her way.
Before Darien could retort Serena said, "Why don't we all sit?" Unfortunately she found herself seated between the two men. Katarina had left to go get a drink offering Darien one as well. Making small talk with Mina and Lita across from her, Serena felt as though she was at the apex of a tornado surrounded by pending destruction. On one side she had Seiya caressing her thigh with his hand simultaneously gazing at her.
A faint blush covered her face and she turned to the left meeting Darien's eyes. The pressure escalated as Darien made a move to cover her hand with his hand at this she narrowed her eyes and gave him a look that said don't you dare. Desperate for a moment of peace Serena shot up from her seat causing both men to jump up as well, she groaned hoping to escape this awkward moment. Their friends turned around curious and confused expressions on their faces. Jadeite in particular was enjoying this, snickering loud enough for the whole table to hear. She managed to glare at him before maneuvering around the chair.
"Oh look at that bubbles" she said signaling to the champagne glasses as Seiya gave her a smile and Darien a puzzled look, "Excuse me". She had to talk to Darien ask him what kind of game he was playing and ask him about the dreams, yes that was it she tried to convince herself. But first she had to take the edge off before she talked to that frustrating man.
Making her way to the tray she took a glass and another. By the third glass she was on the balcony not wanting deal with Darien or Seiya. One was offering a bit more than she could handle right now and the other was taking her on an emotional rollercoaster. Admiring the silver and gold lights hovering above the dance floor, Serena sighed before trying to get up.
"Great I'm tipsy and it's not even the throwing of the bouquet" Trying to get her footing she turned around from the party to meet the bright full moon.
"Hmm I thought you would bring me good luck…. I guess not" she said quietly playing with the hem of her dress. She never imagined her life was where it was now her engagement broken her schooling on hold. Or that another man would be vying for her attention and the whole situation with Darien. A voice broke her train of thoughts, "You've always been so fidgety" he said behind her.
"You came here to criticize me?" she asked agony evident in her voice.
"No quite the opposite Serena," he said. "Well spit it out" she replied moving strands of hair from her face.
Chuckling he continued, "It's that genuine curiosity that I've always admired about you, no matter how scary something seemed how dark I felt, you somehow always convinced me."
"Darien" she whispered before speaking up "You could've said no I never forced you how could I have any influence on someone like you" She felt small, weak after what he had done. The conversations had taken a dangerous turn for Darien.
"I never had a choice a little girl in pigtails pulled at my heart before I even had the chance to react" he responded knowing exactly what she was referring to.
"I let her go, when I should've of held her close" he continued the moonlight shinning on his face.
"Why are you saying this? Here to get your kicks with the poor single girl at her friend's wedding" said Serena, tears threatening to spill.
"No I'm here to get on my knees if I have to and beg you to forgive me" his eyes glistened with emotion; a pain she could see was very much real. Gasping at his confession she felt lightheaded consumed by too many emotions to count but none could hold a candle to the all-consuming love she felt for him.
Making her way to him she stumbled steading herself by grabbing a hold of his torso. For a moment she stared at his chest too afraid to look up, scared that this was just a dream from her pathetic subconscious. A hand caressed her cheek, looking up she felt enveloped by this pure power, complete love emanating from Darien's body, his soul every fiber of his being. Inching close to his face she tiptoed grabbing his face before she reached his lips he wrapped his arms around her crushing his lips to hers.
Relishing in the feeling of him everywhere arms around her, hands in his hair his scent was driving her crazy she let out a whimper before pushing him against the wall of the balcony unseen by the public eye. She bit at his lip before reaching to nibble on his ear, this time it was his time to release a groan his hand descended to pull on her hair kissing her with all the power he could muster.
Wrapping her legs around his back she grinded into him, nipping at his neck while he drew soothing patterns on her lower back. She could feel the product his arousal rubbing up against her core, moaning she continued kissing him her tongue exploring his mouth before rubbing up against him in an agonizingly slow manner making sure he could feel all of her.
"Serena, my Serena," he chanted his hands going down to cup her bottom and bring her closer to him.
"This doesn't mean I've forgiven you by any means," she smirked " But damn it if I deny how much I need you how much I want you" she whispered before biting down on his ear trailing wet kisses down his throat.
"I don't care how long it takes I'll spend the rest of my life making it right. Proving to you just how much I love you and need you, always."
Instead of answering him she continued taking pleasure from his body. Not needing words to prove their love to each other she put all her emotion into the kiss, breaking away only to breathe. She knew they would have to work on their relationship but love was there and with that she knew they would figure out the rest and work on all the aspects that were needed.
"I'll steal you away because I'm that selfish. I've come to terms with the idea that I'm not worthy of you. You're an angel I've come to corrupt and take away, I'm that indulgent and I don't care," he proclaimed before descending on her perfect pink lips. She threw herself into the kiss but stopped to shed a tear. Upon noticing Darien stopped his ministrations looked up at her and wiped the tears away with his hand.
"I'm sorry Serena I don't have the words, there are not enough words or the right words to justify what I did," he said hands in hair as he sat down next to her on the floor. Taking his hands out of his hair she held his hand resting her head on his shoulder and releasing sigh. A moment later she said, "Stop pulling at your hair you'll be bald before you know it," She didn't have the energy to be angry with him anymore sure she wanted answers but tonight was not the night, no all she wanted was to enjoy the rest of the night with him.
Releasing a chuckle she met his perplexed eyes, " Just hold me," Wrapping his arms around her he held her quietly feeling more content than he had in months, finally calm he felt he could've have fallen into a deep slumber .
"Let's go home, let me take you" he whispered in her ear, the double meaning behind them obvious to Serena. Surrendering to her truest desires she agreed and got up to follow him. Before making her way back to the ballroom she stopped dead in her tracks before saying, "Darien, wait what about Seiya? How can I just leave?"
"What about that boy?" he grunted jealousy obviously clouding his judgment.
"Darien please right now is not the time for a testosterone filled episode you know how I feel about you. But he was sweet to me he came with me I have to say something to him don't you think so?"
"Fine tell him you're leaving with the obviously superior choice. And you'll be unavailable for the rest of the evening because you'll be too busy yelling out my name in ecstasy" he responded, a smirk on his face that showed he was quite satisfied with his answer.
Serena was annoyed at his response but at the same time she couldn't help but be turned on by his possessive and passionate side. Closing the space between them she stroked his bottom lip with her thumb before adding, "As much as I hate to admit how persuading you are when you get so dominating" she dropped her hand, "I'm going to pass on your oh so subtle technique, we'll stay for the rest of the party, at the end I'll make up an excuse to not leave with him. Pick me up at the back of the garden,"
"Fine but if he lays one hand on you I'm breaking it off" said Darien a serious look on his face. Kissing once more, Serena ended the kiss quickly not wanting to get caught up in the moment again.
"At one" she said quickly heading back to their table turning back to look at him a small smile on her lips before moving forward.
It seemed as though she had made it just in time for the tossing of the bouquet when a worried Mina came up to her, " Serena do you know what you're getting yourself into" whispered the blonde, " I saw you outside with Darien, you're lucky it was me and not Seiya or Katarina"
"I can't talk to him Mina?" defied Serena annoyed with the meddling blonde
"Ohh is that what they call it when you're dry humping your ex on a balcony," countered Mina the sarcasm apparent in her statement.
"He's sorry I love him and I'm not wasting any more time on this conversation,"
"Sere I'm just…. Just be careful okay. And tell Seiya obviously not now but tell him he seems like a nice guy, completely gaga over you just so you know" responded Mina concern shown in her ocean blue eyes.
"Of course I don't want to play with him but as you pointed out it's totally the wrong place," Heading to the center with the rest of the women, Serena caught sight of Katarina a stoic expression on her face as she studied the blonde no doubt sizing her up.
"Okay girls one, two…. and three," yelled Amy before throwing the bouquet pretty far out for such a petite person. Heading straight for the Amazonian brunette Serena made no move to catch it. As the flowers made their way closer Katarina slightly jumped not noticing the chandelier right above her, crashing straight into it and the bouquet. Landing on her face a couple of people ran to her offering their help but she got up stating she was fine at the same time the bouquet landed in Serena's arms to which the blonde stiffened.
Eyes blazing Katarina moved forward no doubt ready to give the blonde an earful. Halfway there she stumbled back and was met by Darien's arms, "Let's go sit down your in no condition to keep walking," feeling smug she wrapped herself around Darien, "Of course Darien. Oh my head, hold me tight," the coyness evident in her voice even to Darien.
Jealousy coursing through her veins she turned around ready to tell the brunette to get her claws out of him. Sensing her discomfort Darien mouthed to her, relax and smiled sweetly at her. Feeling the anger melt away she grabbed a drink and looked for the girls though by the looks of it they were all back on the dance floor. Before she could walk back outside she ran straight into the very person she was avoiding, "Serena are you feeling better, Mina told me you weren't feeling that good" Staring at his concerned eyes, Serena felt like a horrible person damn it why had she led him on and why was he such a perfect gentleman .
"Yeah I'm feeling a bit better but I'll probably leave early."
"Of course I'll take you" he urged. "No really it's not necessary, stay enjoy yourself" she said hoping he would listen to her. "Plus I'm not even leaving yet,"
"Well then Princess, honor me with a dance," he said seductively. Unsure of what to do she froze, damn him and those puppy eyes, one dance couldn't kill her especially with the music that was playing. One little waltz at arm's length wouldn't do any harm. Nodding she offered her hand to which he took and led her to the center of dance floor. Unbeknownst to her Darien had escorted Katarina to a taxi though the brunette had insisted she was okay but the throbbing in her head said otherwise. At this moment he was eying Serena and Seiya on the dance floor. Trying to create some space between them she took a step back but he didn't seem to take the hint instead he wrapped an arm around her lower back tightly and stepped forward. Though the dance was in no means sexual it felt intimate he inhaled her scent before saying, "Serena I'm crazy about you I hope this is the start of something true" Uncomfortable with his sudden admission Serena attempted to wiggle from his grasp but he had already forced his lips on hers. Not wanting to deepen the kiss she kept her mouth closed but he stroked her chin and chuckled. A second later he was thrown off by Darien, "Get your fucken hands off her," he yelled to the man now on the floor cradling his jaw.
"I tried Princess but now I can't protect you," laughed Seiya darkly a look she had never seen in his eyes. No this wasn't Seiya it couldn't be she sensed a black aura surrounding him one that couldn't come from the sweet man she had come to care for. A blood curdling scream turned Serena and Darien as well as the rest of the spectators to the back of the hall. Recognizing the voice as Amy's Serena moved forward before catching sight of Zoicite on the floor his dress shirt soaked in ruby red blood. Fighting the urge to throw up Serena turned back to Seiya, throwing as much power as she could into a left hook. "You bastard what did you do? How could you" yelled the blonde. Seiya showed no sign of remorse instead continued to get back up the bruise slowly fading back to his normal skin color. Afraid for Serena's safety Darien pushed her behind him.
A purple ball of smoke appeared at the center of the ballroom much to the dismay of the rest of the crowd. Emerging from the center was a tall shapely red head evil dark eyes consumed with so much malicious intent Serena swore she saw the gates of hell in her eyes. "My my what a party, I'll assume my invitation arrived late, Queen Beryl the pleasure I assure you is all yours" she cackled before walking next to Seiya and gripping his shoulder, "Very good my soldier" she purred "But I'll take it from here, it's time to meet your maker little moon princess," she said a scepter manifesting in her hand. Keeping his stance Darien shielded Serena from the powerful creature, "Move prince charming you'll get your turn" before flinging him halfway across the room with a flick of her wrist, "Darien" she yelled tears in her eyes, this couldn't be real no she closed her eyes hoping this was just another nightmare opening them only to see the woman before her.
"As I can see your still the same pathetic sniveling brat way over her head" replied the woman contempt in her voice, raising Serena by the throat she continued "I'll put you of your misery just as it was my destiny to do as Queen of the Negaverse. Goodbye moon brat "she cackled.
"Wait you said I could have her you promised" yelled out Seiya. " Oh so naïve don't you see, you my dear are merely pawn in my game I would've promised you anything just to get what I wanted, you were a means to an end one that is getting on my last nerve" she replied flinging him through a window. Immediately Serena released an earsplitting scream, Beryl's grip loosed on Serena allowing her to get some air into her system, looking around the room she saw her friends and family all frozen by the catastrophe around them.
Catching sight of Amy and Zoicite who was slowly dying she thought no this wasn't how this night was supposed to end or her life. Struggling she yelled out once more a silver light enveloped her, her temperature seemed to be dropping yet not in an uncomfortable manner and she felt a throbbing in the center of her forehead. She looked down noticing she was floating a silver crystal at the center of her chest. "No your powers were meant to stay dormant" yelled a frustrated Beryl.
Feeling pure and light power gushing through her veins Serena couldn't help but feel intimidated, scared, and concerned with her newly discovered force but now wasn't the time she had to protect her home, these innocent people, and above all her family. Succumbing to the power she let it guide her, a second light radiated from her body a gold shimmer to it. Besides her appeared Darien dressed in a navy armor, before she could even question him or herself memories flooded her moving pictures showing them a millennia ago. Kisses, embraces, and spars were shown everything from how they met to the moment of their death. "Endymion" she whispered taking a hold of his hand a single tear rolling down her cheek. "I found you I told you I would always found you" he said as a tear fell down his face. Sniffling she stated, "You found me"
"Well isn't this sweet, reunited only to die again, quite poetic if you ask me" said Beryl smugly.
"We didn't ask you. You beast" screamed Serena "Beast? Beauty you must mean. Think you've grown a backbone Lunarian? I slaughtered your people once I can do it again" yelled Beryl a sneer on her face
"No never we won't repeat history" bellowed Endymion. Taking a step toward the princess, Beryl was thrown back when a third light came through this time from the royal couple. Eight different lights came from their combined power shooting out to their dearest friends. Screams erupted from the eight no doubt the transformation settling in their body. Zoicite, Nephrite, Kunzite, and Jadeite rose in black armor next to their lovers who were know dressed in their planetary outfits.
"Zoicite you're alright. But I don't understand" said a confused Amy seeing that the blood was gone, she hugged him overcome with emotion. "Look deep within Amy" he spoke softly. Closing her eyes she was flooded with millions of memories, her home planet, meeting Zoicite, and being a member of the royal guard. Embracing once more Amy smiled at Zoicite before her expression turned deadly.
"Witch you will pay this, for everything" yelled Amy while turning back to Beryl an array of blue energy manifesting from both palms.
Stepping in Raye stood next to her, "No let me burn the bitch this has gone on long enough" a fire ball growing larger by the second in her right hand. Venus and Jupiter stood next to Mars, Jupiter's thunderous energy emanating from her whole body while Venus converted her energy into a gold chain.
"You can try but you will fail, your sacrifice will continue to be in vain," said Beryl the same smirk on her lips.
"No matter we will stand up to you evil tyrant. Your words will not sway us," replied Endymion his guards coming to his flank. Flaring out their energy, the generals stood proudly next to their prince.
"You want to provoke your Queen" yelled Beryl the mischievous glint in her eyes replaced by a murderous glare her scepter releasing a ghastly gray smoke, "Well then children take what you can."