AN: Hello friendly readers! I must say, the reviews from the last chapter made me very, very giddy! I was asked if the chapters could be made longer, and if I could post sooner, but I'm sorry to tell you that I've already written the story, and the chapters are better left in the chunks that they are in (and at the time, I thought 2k a chapter sounded reasonable, but I'll definitely keep that in mind for the next fic I work on!). And posting once a week gives me time to write up Basic Brain Anatomy 101 and have that follow in concession to An Unlikely Hero, that way there's a consistant posting count :D I hope that doesn't make anybody too sad. Just think of it this way! Once a week, you can indulge yourself with a little Carmen time! Hooray! No, seriously, HOORAY!!!!
AND PLEASE THANK KAITLYN FALL IN YOUR REVIEWS, AS WITHOUT HER HELP, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN QUITE A FEW PLOT HOLES - BIG ENOUGH TO FALL INTO! AHHH! ^__^
"Hey, wake up."
Darien groaned as he was shaken awake. Funny, that didn't sound like Serena... His eyes snapped open to see one of the guards from the previous night standing above him. He turned his head to see another guard trying to wake up the sleeping Serena, which was proving easier said than done.
"Serena." Darien added his hand to her arm and shook her. He tried pulling the cloak off her, hoping the cold air would wake her up, but when she did not stir, he leaned closer to her. "Oi, Meatball Head. Wake up."
"Hey!" Serena snapped up in annoyance, bashing her head against Darien's.
"OW!" both enemies cried, hands flying to their foreheads.
"I was just trying to wake you up, stupid," Darien grumbled.
"You could have said please!" Serena huffed in return, trying to blink away the grogginess. One of Darien's eyes was twitching from the pain. Her head was so hard! No wonder she had trouble at school. The expression 'thick-headed' came to mind.
The two guards stood nervously in front of them.
"Hey, if you guys are ready, the Queen wants to see you." He rubbed his arm awkwardly as the two cell mates snapped up again, bumping heads for a second time. He turned to his partner. "Why don't we lead the way?"
They left the cell and called back at Serena and Darien. "It's best you don't keep her waiting! She is the Queen."
Serena and Darien looked up from their glaring match to see the retreating figures of the guards. Serena pushed Darien back, where he landed on the floor with a thud. "I'm not letting you get me in trouble with the monarch!" She ran after the two guards, forgetting her momentary pact with Darien.
He caught up to the trio easily and stuck a leg out, causing Serena to fall over, scraping her hands on the cold stone floor. She glared up at him as he innocently walked past, whistling as he went. As they ascended the spiral staircase, Serena stepped on Darien's heel, which made him trip forward, his head narrowly missing the iron railing. He shot her a look over his shoulder, but she just smirked back at him.
They continued to push and trip each other until they entered the large hall from the previous night. Queen Selene sat on her throne, watching as Darien tugged on Serena's hair, her head snapping back. The Scouts watched in disbelief as Serena, in turn, pushed Darien so forcefully, he almost collided with a suit of armour.
The guards seemed to realise it was their cue to leave and bowed respectfully at Queen Selene before rushing out quickly. Serenity stood beside her mother's throne on the right, and Endymion on the left. The Scouts and General's stood on their respective sides.
Serena and Darien paused long enough between attacks to realise they had an audience. They stilled in their movements as they took the final steps before the thrones. Queen Selene looked like she couldn't decide whether to be amused or not. These two absolute children could not be the reincarnations of her daughter and Endymion.
"Um..." Serena scratched the back of her head, not quite sure what to say. "He started it?"
Darien snorted beside her and she rolled her eyes. Sometimes that boy could really get on her nerves!
"So," began Queen Selene. "Serenity and Endymion have told me you are from the future."
They both nodded, not really having anything to explain further with.
"Well." She raised an eyebrow, the slightest hint of a smile forming from the corner of her mouth. "I don't know what Pluto is thinking, but, I am not one to question her. I'm sure she has good reason."
Neither Serena or Darien knew who – or what – Pluto was, but nodded anyway. Serena glanced up at the Scouts on her left and flinched as she saw their expressions. Emotions ranging from confusion, annoyance and fury were displayed. She quickly looked back at Queen Selene.
"I am sure it was intended that you stay with us, more specifically yourselves," the Queen continued. Serenity briefly smiled at Serena, and Endymion nodded curtly to Darien. "Serena." The Queen looked at the blonde, who gulped nervously. "You will go with Serenity and the Sailor Scouts-" She gestured to the girls on Serena's left, whom Serena refused to look at. "But you must remain with Serenity at all times, do you hear me? If someone caught wind that there was another Princess around..." She trailed off, closing her eyes tiredly at the thought. "There would be a lot of explaining to do, as well as your life being in danger." Serena's eyes widened. "Not that there is anything to worry about, my dear. Just the precautions we must follow. Serenity, and now yourself, must never be alone."
Serena nodded eagerly.
The Moon Queen turned her attention to Darien, who stood up straighter under her gaze. "Darien, you and Prince Endymion will do the same. Yourself and the Generals will be suffice for a guard. You will train with Endymion, but do try not to leave his side. Please understand that."
"Yes," Darien whispered.
Suddenly, a wide smile broke out on Queen Selene's beautiful face. "And welcome to the family, my dear children. I will love you like you are my own, for however long your stay with us may be."
She laughed and shooed them away, turning to the dark cat by her feet, as if beginning a conversation.
Serenity danced forward and took Serena's hand. "Come on, you and I will have a walk in the gardens and have a nice little talk, yes?"
"B-but the..." Serena turned unwillingly to the Scouts, who stood waiting for Serenity's command.
Serenity laughed at her stuttering. "Nonsense, they shall be right there with us, walking just a little aways. Come now." She led Serena through a door and down a long, marble hall. Serena didn't have time to pause and admire the decorations as they quickly glided down the hall and through another door
"This is going to be so much fun!" Serenity giggled.
Serena giggled too, although for different reasons. "I'm a real life Princess!"
xXxXx
Endymion walked forward and clasped Darien's hand. "It's nice to know you," he said formally, smiling as he did so.
Darien frowned internally. Why was this guy so serious? Why couldn't he chill out a bit? Serena and Serenity would get along just fine. Trust that Meatball Head to take her new position in her stride. But wasn't she the least bit confused? Or scared? Or cautious? Why they were on the Moon was a good place to start the questions. And why they were royalty was another matter. Hell, why was he from one planet, and she from another? No wonder she tripped all the time back home – she wasn't used to the gravity!
He glanced to his left, about to call the Scouts back for some answers, but to his disappointment, the girls had already gone. He could just see the blue Scout closing the door from the other side of the hall. How many damn doors were there in this place? He mentally sighed. They'd have to save the questions for later.
The blonde man, the silly one, Darien recalled, stepped forward, breaking his thoughts. "Name is Jadeite, and I'm at your service." He winked. "Day and night!"
Endymion groaned. "Don't mind that buffoon. Here, let me introduce you to my other Generals."
Darien shook his head. "We've met."
Endymion seemed to realise this and nodded. "Of course. Well, if this is all the introductions done, why don't we pass by the kitchens and get some breakfast in you, before beginning our training?"
Darien's stomach grumbled at the word 'breakfast'. It embarrassed him – he was turning into Serena! Endymion clapped a hand on his shoulder.
"That's what I thought."
xXxXx
Serena inhaled deeply as they wandered through the roses. The garden was beautiful, yes, but she'd been drawn to this section especially. Serenity giggled.
"This is my favourite place too. My favourite place in the entire Universe. Besides in Endy's arms of course." She giggled again.
Serena made a face while her back was turned. Being in Darien's arms seemed like her least favourite place in the Universe to be. A thought occurred to her.
"Serenity, why are you a Princess?"
"Because my mother is Queen and I am royal by blood?"
"No," Serena leant down and inhaled from a red rose that had silver tips on it. "Why are you a Princess? How come you're not some ordinary girl, like I am?"
Serenity didn't seem to have an answer for her. "I don't know, Serena. Maybe things are different in your timeline."
"Well we have a few Queens back home," Serena said, thinking of the old monarchy in England. "But I am definitely not related to any of them. Besides, they're nothing like Selene."
Serenity picked a blue, silver and white flower nearby and tucked it into her ear. "Maybe Mercury could explain to you sometime how our Universe works. It'd certainly be interesting to you."
"Hmm," Serena nodded, agreeing noncommittally.
"But say, this is so exciting!" the blonde behind her exclaimed, as Serena examined another rose. This one had an un-Earthly shine to it, like it was made from crystal particles. "This will be just like having a twin! Besides Venus, I mean..."
Serena looked up as another thought occurred to her.
"Hey, why was Sailor Venus angry with me?"
Serenity glanced behind her shoulder to look at the orange Sailor, who was stalking with the rest of the Scouts several paces away.
Serenity sighed, amused. "I don't think it's you she's angry with," she said mysteriously, walking further down the path. Serena jogged to catch up with her.
"Well of course she is! Look at her!" She gestured behind her, and the Scouts looked up, alarmed, thinking Serena was starting a fight. Serena brought her hand back sheepishly.
Serenity shook her head. "I think she is angry at herself, more than anything, actually."
"Herself? Why?"
"I think she feels like she's let me down. Or let the kingdom down. She didn't notice that you weren't her princess... So to speak."
"But I told her I wasn't Serenity! I told her I was Serena." Serenity nodded in understanding and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Yes, but you must keep in mind that I have grown up with these girls. These are my friends, and we have played our fair share of practical jokes over the years. I can sometimes be a little silly when it comes to joking around. She probably thought I was kidding."
Serena paused and regarded a white bush with golden stems, whilst secretly sneaking another glance at the Scouts.
Sailor Mars yawned as Sailor Mercury continued talking. Sailor Jupiter doubled back and fell behind, looking bored out of her mind, and Sailor Venus was staring past them, making sure the path was clear.
"But you know what?" Serenity continued, giggling. Serena looked up. "I imagine another thing Sailor Venus is thinking about right now, is about how hard it's going to be for them to look after us. I mean, there's two of me now!"
"Oh for the love of all that's good and evil!" Sailor Mars suddenly shrieked. "Jupiter! Take her away! If I hear anymore about blood plasma and healing roses, I think I'm going to kill Mercury!"
Serenity and Serena saw the distraction and looked at each other deviously. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking Serenity?" Serena giggled.
"I think I am, Serena!"
The two laughed as they ran down the remaining path of the rose garden. The Scouts followed after them quickly, grateful for the distraction. Or, at least Mars was.
xXxXx
Sweat trickled down Darien's face as he blocked another attack. Though he and Endymion had only been at the sword fighting for just over two hours, he was already quite good at it.
"You must be a natural," commented Nephrite, nodding in approval as he dived for Endymion's stomach, when he'd left himself open.
"Actually, if Darien is Endymion's future self, I would say it must be in his subconscious," Zoisite contradicted, looking up briefly from the thick book he was reading. "Just like a suppressed memory, it will be brought to the surface if retried."
Nephrite rolled his eyes and ruffled Zoisite's long hair. "You're a real nerd, you know that?"
"It's just common sense..." Zoisite began quietly, before trailing off, hoping no one had heard him.
Darien grunted as he was flung backwards by Endymion's attack. He landed on his back and looked up at his opponent. Endymion poised the tip of the sword at his neck. "And here is where you say?"
"I surrender." Darien dropped the sword on the floor, where it clattered loudly and held up his hands. Endymion nodded and reached out a hand, which Darien took gratefully.
"Again?" he challenged, swinging his sword around expertly. Darien nodded and wiped the sweat from his brow, reaching for his fallen sword. He would beat Endymion.
Jadeite and Nephrite quickly placed bets and stood on opposite sides of the room.
"Go team Darien!" Jadeite cried, pumping his fists in the air.
xXxXx
Serena smiled at the sight of her reflection. She was standing on a small stood as several maids worked on the hemline of her dress. Serenity had insisted that they have matching outfits, so the dressmakers had been called in.
"Tell me again why this is necessary?" Serena asked, looking at Serenity in the mirror. She wondered when she'd get used to looking at her new twin. "You have a million dresses to choose from, why can't we just alternate?"
"No!" Serenity gasped in mock horror. "Then we might look like outfit repeaterer's! Besides, I want dresses for the both of us, to signify our time together. We will have white dresses, as is proper for the Royal family of the Moon, but you will have pink trimmings, whilst I have lavender."
Serena shrugged. It didn't really make sense to her, but Serenity seemed to know what she was talking about. Serena grinned in her reflection again. The dress sure made her feel pretty though!
"You know, this reminds me a bit of the story The Princess and the Pauper," she said. Serenity bit her lip.
"The Princess and the Pauper? I'm sorry, I've never heard of that. It must be a story from the future. What is it about?"
"It's exactly how it sounds. A princess and a poor girl look like exact twins and..." Serena trailed off at Serenity's expression. "You know what? Never mind." She admired her dress again. "I did like the music in the Barbie version though."
Just then, a knock was heard at Serenity's bedroom door. Serenity nodded to the maid who looked at her, and she quickly rushed to open it. It was the small girl from yesterday.
"Hey, you got me in a lot of trouble!" Serena frowned at her.
"What is it, Aria?" Serenity smiled calmly at the girl, who was confused as to whom to curtsy to.
"Um..." She paused as she tried to recall what she'd come in for. Her eyes darted between Serena and Serenity. "Oh, yes." She cleared her voice and said as loudly and proper as she could,
"Dinner is ready to be served."
Serena and Serenity traded amused looks in the mirror as Aria looked proud with herself for her delivery of the message.
"All right, we'll be there in a moment." Serenity nodded and Aria curtsied, before skipping out the door again. Just as Serenity approached her twin, the kneeling dressmakers stood up and stepped back, checking the length of the gown Serena wore. They looked at Serenity for her approval.
"Yes, that's lovely, thank you. That is all for now."
As the dressmakers left, Serenity waited for Serena to change back into her first gown. She heard her twin call out from the bathroom.
"Hey, what's the deal with that Aria kid? Isn't she like… a little young to be working in the palace?"
Serenity smiled at the thought. "Aria is a special case. She was brought to us as a little girl a few years ago. When she was around six, I believe. She was found wandering around the town, abandoned, and when the townsfolk couldn't find her parents, they brought her to my mother, to ask her what to do next. The poor dear had nowhere to go, and couldn't remember what had happened to her parents, or her, up until that point, in fact. So my mother took pity on her and housed her here in the castle, where she's been ever since. She gets bored, so the servants give her a few menial tasks to keep her busy."
"Huh," Serena emerged from the bathroom. "Bet she's got a lot of problems with a past like that."
Serenity gave her a sad smile as she took the dress from Serena's arms. "Yes, I remember she did have trouble settling in at first. I think she had an imaginary friend for quite some time too. I don't remember the name though, and it was pretty sad, watching her talk about a girl that wasn't there. We don't bring it up nowadays though, so be careful that you don't either."
"Sure, sure," Serena batted a hand dismissively. "So what's for dinner? I'm starved!"
That did come off as a bit of a 'fluffy' chapter, but there is a bigger picture, so keep that in mind! Action will kick up again soon :)
xx
Carmen
PS - as a side note, I just put up a poll on my profile page about your favourite story, so don't forget to vote! It gives me ideas of what story type you seem to like best (so I can write more for the "audience" you see :))