A/N Sorry for the long wait. Updating has been no easy feat mostly cause of school and all that jazz. Still here it is hope you enjoy.
Disappearing in thin air, the ashes of Beryl were swept away yet the evil she had brought lingered in the air. Serena lay on the floor exhausted next to Darien who rubbed her back in a slow manner no doubt checking if the blonde was alive. The rest of the guardians stood behind their friends some flabbergasted by the events that transpired others ecstatic with the turn of events.
Turning to embrace his love, Darien released a gasp as he saw her. Pale skin paler than the very moon she came from, eyes half opened. Reaching to cradle her in his arms the skin he encountered was cold as ice.
"Serena, please wake up speak to me." he said to her before finding the weak pulse she possessed. The girls came towards her all noticing her sickly demeanor
Coming towards them Seiya opened his mouth to say, "She'll be fine rest is all she needs." his back turned from the couple to cover any emotion he didn't want exposed.
"What the hell do you know?" answered Raye
"Don't play dumb Mars you know very well of my abilities." he scoffed before placing a hand on Serena's forehead. "I could try to heal her but I don't know how she would respond to the transfusion of energy. It's best if we see how she wakes up tomorrow."
Ready to counter as well Lita opened her mouth only to notice Darien's stern gaze.
"You're right, let's not try any experiments."
Grunting for a few seconds, Serena opened her eyes to see 11 pairs of eyes on her.
" I feel like I've been in a tornado, tsunami, and earthquake all in one." with a groan she sat up while leaning on Darien, " You're all okay !" she exclaimed a small smile forming on her lips before wincing at the movement.
"Serena don't move you're going to break something that isn't already broken and from what I can see there's not a lot of choices to choose from." said Lita with concerned eyes.
" Okay okay I'll lay still as a carrot." she chuckled wincing once more, moving her gaze she caught Seiya's pain filled face before he quickly turned his head.
"Should I carry you now or do you need a moment?" questioned Darien.
"Yes just give me a second." she replied. Relishing in the feel of his arms she felt safe and at home but she couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by everything. She noticed Seiya intently studying her very movement. Blushing she gave him a small smile before he turned away embarrassed that she had caught him staring.
Sensing the conundrum Serena was in Mina stepped in for the moon princess, "Darien actually I think I'll take her."
Silently thanking her, Serena responded, "That's probably best, it's been a long night."
"If that's what you want of course, but I insist on seeing that you get home safe" he replied stroking the side of her face before giving her a dazzling smile.
"We'll all check on you tomorrow Sere." said Amy as the rest nodded in agreement.
"No, that's too much." she shook her head before adding, "Amy you have a flight tomorrow for your honey moon I can't take that away from you."
"It will be fine Italy will be there a week later. I'll postpone the flight don't you doubt my abilities." said the bluenette cheekily as Zoicite nodded and held her against him.
An hour later Serena found herself home, exhausted but nonetheless safe in the cozy area that made up her home.
"Sweetie you'll be okay, I promise nothing will happen to you as long as we are around." said Mina in a heartwarming voice while she tucked in the tired blonde. Retreating to the couch Mina released a sigh before placing a kiss on Serena's forehead.
Transported back to a land of luxury filled with crowns, jewels, and golden palaces, Serena dreamt of her past life. Where I am she thought as she found herself in a garden filled with red and white roses.
"Princess Serenity, it is my pleasure to give you a tour of our palace." said a Seiya as he vowed before the blonde beauty.
"Please just call me Sere, there is no need for formality. "she said looking out to the fields beyond the garden where Prince Endymion roamed with the rest of the guard.
"I wonder what he's like besides handsome, charming, and mysterious." she sighed as the younger prince made his way towards her.
"Yes Endymion has his share of admirers as the next in line to the crown but he has his faults as any mortal man." turning towards the young woman he continued, "He has had his fair share of women but none seem to hold his interest for long."
"Do any hold your interest Prince Seiya?" she asked while she stared out at the field obviously enamored by the elder prince.
"One does a fair maiden fair in morals as well as complexion." he said as a faint blush crept onto his cheeks, "An alien if you will, foreign to our planet and customs."
"That's nice, but tell me what is he really like?" she said oblivious to the confession of the younger prince.
Frowning Seiya placed his right palm to his forehead "Yes well he can be quite hotheaded impulsive if you will."
"So he's passionate, how intriguing" she said as she saw him approach the garden in his royal armor. She wondered how passionate he was and about what, that train of thought flustered her filling her with a warm feeling in the root of her belly.
She found herself frozen before his presence. All she could think of was if he found her pretty, sweet, spoiled, or like a virginal child as most men thought.
"Brother you should have joined us for the hunt" he said before turning his glance towards the moon princess. "Who is this beautiful maiden" he questioned taking her hand between his lips. Giving a small curtsy Serena felt mesmerized by his deep blue eyes. Eyes she felt were filled with kindness, heart, and bravery.
Frustrated by the obvious attraction between the two heirs Seiya said in an annoyed manner, "The princess of the moon, who has been staying for us for a month, Endymion."
"Well it seems as though I should pay more attention to court, if I knew you were around I would make more of an effort to visit" captivated by his cobalt eyes, Serena melted in his touch the world dull in comparison to the vibrant energy Endymion exerted.
Serena felt herself once again transported to small meadow set during their first months of courtship.
"Oh Endymion it's beautiful, I will cherish it forever." Serenity said as she placed the necklace around her neck a blue and green necklace. She oohed and awed at the jewel while Endymion smiled at the woman who brought him so much peace and happiness.
"I only wish you think of me every time you wear it" he answered as he ravished her pale neck no doubt leaving small marks. Turning to the side she scoped out the area for any guards or her senshi.
"Sweet Serenity" he murmured on her skin before placing another kiss on her rose colored lips. Rubbing her hands up and down his chest she pushed him down on the patch of warm grass. Surprising him she placed his hands on her breasts releasing a growl as she felt a strong sensation on her center.
"Take me please" she urged pulling on his dark locks. A bold move still she was afraid of these new sensations he invoked in her. Yet she could not imagine loving another man as much as she did him. This man would be her strongest addiction she thought as she pushed down the top half of the bodice.
Hypnotized by her pale skin and blue celestial eyes, Endymion could not resist her alien flesh, succumbing to his truest desires he suckled and bit every inch of skin he could get to. Serenity moaned under his ministrations wishing only he would give her more.
"Please" she whimpered as he rubbed her inner thighs.
Aroused and covered with a small amount of sweat, the blonde wailed on her bed muffled by the pillow next to the face. Serena turned on her bed feeling better for someone who had just battled an evil witch-queen. A shuffling on her fire escape jolted her from her contemplations.
"What the hell" she shrieked as a certain young man emerged panicking she threw a heel that landed square on his head"
"Nice shot princess" he spoke before rubbing the side of his head
"Seiya, well that's what you get, seriously my fire escape?" she said half amused and half annoyed by his antics.
"Ahh but I have noble intentions to check on the lovely princess of the moon" he mocked before giving a small curtsy. Serena closed her eyes shaking her head to check if she was still dreaming.
"Oh my god stop it!" she giggled still shaking her head and continuing, "I'm not royalty anymore plus the times have changed if you haven't noticed"
Grinning he countered, "I'm aware but I enjoy teasing you" Releasing a sigh he took a seat on the small stool in front of her bed. "You've seen better days haven't you"
"If that's your way of asking me how I am yes I have but today is not so bad" she replied straightening out in bed.
"Hand me that robe" she said before pointing on the pink robe behind him.
"Why are you afraid I'll see something I like?" he teased "You know I already have" his eyes glowing with lust as Serena remembered his lips all over her body.
"Oh god I forgot about that" she said turning a bright pink, "Just give me the damn robe, I have to go to the bathroom" she said not brave enough to meet Seiya's gaze. Why had she slept with her former best friend and younger brother of her true love releasing another groan she rubbed the back of her head.
Handing the robe to Serena she tiptoed out of the room noticing that Mina was in the kitchen no doubt making some coffee. Taking care of her needs she walked towards the living room.
"Mina?" she asked before noticing Darien sitting on the sofa.
"Darien" she said softly simultaneously placing a hand on her heart.
"I hope I'm not bothering you. Honestly I couldn't sleep I waited till sunrise went for my daily run and came to check on you."
"No it's alright. In fact I couldn't imagine anyone else I would want to see," she took the seat next to him. Smiling she took in every inch every curve of his face no words were said but she was glad for that. She was putting off the talk she know they needed to have if even for a few moments.
Inside of Serena's room Seiya studied her room noticing how much it was like his Serena, shaking his head he wished to rid himself of those thoughts but it was useless Serenity or Serena would forever own his heart. He felt light headed dizzy even for that he scolded himself this was not who he was anymore.
Studying the pictures on her bedroom door he was surprised when the door slammed open revealing a blonde but not that one he had expected with a tray containing two mugs and coffee pot.
Startled by the stranger's presence Mina poured the tray on him before releasing a yelp.
"What the crap!" yelled the blonde. Noticing just who she had spilled coffee and tea a perplexed expression took over her face.
"Relax Venus it's only me no foul" he chuckled though the fluids had burned soon it would fade.
" It's Mina at least in this form" wiping the drink from her chest, "secret identities hello" she said an irritated tone evident in her voice, eyes softening the next second, "I'm sorry I shouldn't have kicked the door open but my hands were full. Let me take a look of you" she continued shifting into mother hen mode. She was surprised she didn't hear him behind the door or sensed his presence no doubt the battle had taken its toll on her body.
"Quick healing remember?" he said casually before observing his soaked shirt, "but not quick drying" he grimaced.
" Ahh yeah I can see "pensive for a second Mina weighed her options before saying, " Give me that shirt I'll look for a big t-shirt I'm sure Serena has one or one of us left one here"
Waiting for him to ask for some privacy, Mina was surprised to see him remove his shirt handing it to the blonde without the blink of an eye. Eyes wide and mouth open Mina felt the heat rise to her cheeks,
"Take a seat I'll be right back" she managed to say before walking out. Damn that was a nice body she thought before cursing herself, Kunzite would not be amused with that comment. Chuckling she had to admit the young prince was quite dashing.
After about five minutes Seiya felt restless where was that damn blonde with his shirt. He realized Serena had been gone for a while, a deadly thought entered his mind what if someone got her? Or what if she had passed out still too weak to be walking around?
Walking to the bathroom the door was open as well as empty. Making his way to the living room he heard Serena who was surely talking to Mina. Rolling his eyes and feeling just a bit like teasing the petite blonde he yelled out,
"C'mon Serena I don't have all day you're bed's getting cold" strutting into the room with no shame of his nude torso.
Grin in place he was met by the pale blonde and his brother, whose gaze held no appreciation for what Seiya thought was a bit of mischief.
Jumping from the couch he was standing on he took a step right in front his younger brother.
"What did you say you fucken imbecile" accentuating every word with anger and jealousy.
"My my I hit a nerve didn't I" countered Seiya, "Can't remember the last time I heard you curse. Though I will admit it's a pleasant surprise to see you without that stick in your ass. ' Oh Endymion so regal and proper' they always said" laughed Seiya before throwing a wink Serena's way.
"Stop that right now. I've put you in your place once I'll do it again damn it" roared Darien his body powering up once again.
Still in shock from the initial comment and situation in general Serena stared at them a blank stare before feeling all the emotions she had bottled up in the past few days everything from Seiya's betrayal to Darien's secrets to both of their proclamations of love.
"That's enough you're both acting like children. First of all I don't belong to either of you. Second Seiya what the hell happened at the wedding you almost killed one of my best friends. You were working with Beryl to gain some hold one me. How dare you I expected more from you."
"You manipulated me playing every card right so I would invited you to the wedding and you reported everything back to that bitch like a good little soldier!" yelled Serena.
Contempt with how the situation was turning out Darien's face relaxed a smug expression on his face.
"Where's your laughter now Seiya? Oh I'm sorry I can't hear you." said the older man.
Turning her head to the side she glared at Darien, "Oh and you oh so mighty prince of Earth who told you you're any better. You abandoned me for a year, making me go crazy with your hot and cold games. You made me believe I was not even worthy of your presence. And now everything's fine like this whole year didn't even matter all the pain you put me through. You just want to pretend it's all rainbows and lollipops well I have news for you I'm royally pissed at you!"
Taking a deep breathe she looked up to be men. A distraught expression grazed Darien's face while Seiya lowered his head in shame as Serena tried to calm down.
Still annoyed by both brothers and the whole situation in general she yelled out "And where's your damn shirt?" A slight blush filled her face, okay so that wasn't the best thing to concentrate on but she was done being the bad guy and she was genuinely curious on what had happened in her bedroom. Where was Mina when she needed her to intervene.
Peeking her head into the living room the senshi of love spoke, " Yeah I have it, I couldn't find a replacement so I put it in the dryer while I loaded the rest of the laundry" though her concentration was not on the words she said but what had just transpired between the brothers and Serena.
Releasing a groan and leaning against the wall, "I think it's best if you both leave" she said closing her eyes. "I can't do this now."
"Serena I..." began Darien.
"I never meant to hurt you Serena..." started Seiya while Darien frowned at him for interrupting him.
Taking a protective stance in front of Serena, Mina placed her hands on her hip, "I think today's been enough for one day. She still needs rest I suggest you give her some space" Meeting the silence of both men, the blonde continued, "Seriously, scram" not one bit preoccupied with manners.
Exiting her home, Darien took one last look at her before retreating, not doubt beating himself up for what he had done. Seiya on the other hand couldn't even look at her, feeling a hand grab his arm, he hoped it was the hand of his sweet moon princess.
"Don't forget your shirt Fabio "said Mina a serious expression before handing him the garment.
With a tight lined smile Seiya thanked her before retreating sneaking a glance of Serena on the couch as the door was hastily shut.
"Those two are going to be the death of me" yelled Serena before lying back down on the couch while trying to lower her heartbeat.
"Should I get the wine" said a meek Mina. Chuckling, Serena met the eyes of her blonde friend, "I doubt I should be drinking in my condition, plus I don't want anything that might inhibit me. They both deserve better, hell I deserve better."
"That's probably best, Sere. Hey when did you get so insightful?" she teased before Serena threw a glare at her.
"You sound like Raye. I thought you gave me more credit." she feigned hurt before feeling a pain in the center of her forehead. Griping it she released a shriek before Mina rushed to her side, "Serena, what's wrong? Hold on I'll call the girls and Luna."
As quickly as the pain came it subsided leaving Serena confused but regenerated.
"No, Mina actually I feel great she said getting up and conjuring a ball of moon dust. Ha I can't remember the last time I made one of these."
"Still I think its best we consult at least Luna, what with her being a Lunarian and all she might assure us that this quick fix is normal for you guys."
A knock on the door distracted the blondes from their conversation. Signaling for Serena to stay seated Mina rose and headed towards the door.
"Luna come it's great to see you, we were just talking about actually had a few questions for you" a sweet smile on her face as she ushered the curly haired brunette.
Covering her face with a shawl, Mina and Serena were taken aback when Luna showed her face eyes bloodshot a pale complexion and her hair rising in various directions.
"Child you are in danger I thought this was over. It had to be over this was not part of the prophecy" yelled Luna as she paced around the living room. Pulling at her hair she knelt before Serena, "I'm so sorry I have failed you I failed Queen Serenity"
"Luna stop you're scaring me what's going on" whispered Serena while Mina stared at the scene before her flabbergasted that something had Luna in such a state.
" A spell is coming" she snorted before continuing, " No, a curse a dark spell that will wipe all of your memories once again only this time it's not to protect any of you. It is meant to disarm you separate you so that you may never feel love, security, or your powers ever again."
"But Beryl… the crystal… the dark crystal is destroyed" screamed Serena, " Light defeated dark how is this happening"
"I don't know exactly that's what is even worse. I have never felt so useless so utterly weak. I wouldn't even be aware of what was happening if it wasn't for the same symptoms I had ages ago on the moon. Changes I was only made aware of by your mother if not it would be almost impossible to tell. The light headedness, loss of heightened senses, and finally paleness that overcomes us."
Opening her mouth for the first time Mina asked, "How much time do we have?"
Sighing and looking at the window Luna stated, "I believe the spell to be binded to the moon cycle."
The blonde inhaled deeply before looking at her former cat, "That's two days"
Raising her shoulders from their slumped position, "Well let's not waste any more time we have a curse to stop. Mina I'll call up the girls call Kunzite and have him round up the rest." She paused before adding, "Including Seiya"
Serena made her way back to her room wanting two minutes of peace a moment to cry for everything. Throwing herself against the door she cried for the joke that was fate her fate and for the darkness that never seemed to leave her alone. A minute past before she stood on shaky knees. She was tired of the responsibility all she wanted was a normal life. The life she was supposed to have with Endymion. Sighing she thought of how different was her life how Darien had hurt her even if it was to protect her. Seiya who had once been her best friend was obviously enamored with her but she wasn't even sure how she felt.
Shaking her head she put her hair in a ponytail whispering, "Mother I ask for your strength. Please guide me to best decision for all of us"
A knock broke her pleads; a muffled voice said "There's more you need to know…."