Crowded around her, in her king sized bed of her suite, the girls sat up, bright eyed, hanging on to Serena's every word.
"So he won?" Mina gushed. "This is like something I would see in a movie!"
"Or did you let him win...?" Rei slowly questioned.
"Serena would never let him win, she is way too competitive for that." Lita argued.
Serena just shrugged. "I am not sure." She smiled. "I just know I hit the ball with the stick, and it didn't go in." She scoffed. "Maybe I could have hit it harder...but I don't know."
"What don't you know Serena?" Ami asked.
"I don't know, just the second I hit the ball, I sort of wished for it to miss." She looked around at Lita, who was far from impressed. "I know it sounds stupid. Here I am falling for it all again, but I just. When the ball missed that hole thing, he was so happy, and he hugged." She exhaled slowly again to control her butterflies. The looked at her scouts. She tucked her clasped her hands in front of her, and her smile faded at the site of Lita's stern look. "Lita, please you said you would support me."
"I didn't say anything!" Lita put her hands up, acting innocent and surprised.
"But your face says it all..." Serena explained. "I don't know what it is...I really can't explain it. Can you really fall in love this way?"
"Pshhhh okay, who cares about that... what happened after?" Rei brushed off Lita.
"Obviously not that much." Mina looked at all the girls. "After all it is barely midnight and she is here with us."
The girls all nodded.
"Well we went back to the table, I had a chocolate milk shake, uhhhhmazing by the way." She sang. "We talked to his friend Andrew. Sweet guy... and I don't know if he were royal..."
"That hot huh?" Lita smirked.
"Crystal blue eyes, golden hair." She blushed. "Amazing cheek bones."
"Eww are you describing the boy version of you?!" Rei interrupted disgusted.
"Shut up," Serena softly swatted her. "But he is a nice guy, kind of the opposite of Darien."
"Like you." Ami pointed out.
"I guess you could say that. And you know despite winning, he did say, I didn't have to stay. He said it would be my choice, and he did not want me here if I really didn't want to be."
"Very gentleman like. Surprising." Lita simply shrugged.
"But I told him, us Lunarians are people of their word."
"Very good play...make him think that it is not because you really want to stay." Mina praised. "He still needs to put in some work."
"So when do you plan to see him again?"
"I am not sure, Rei, I have so many meetings tomorrow. And staying here is only going to make them so much harder to stay on track. This hotel sucks with connection." Serena looked around.
"You could always just come back to the palace." Ami suggested.
"It would be so much easier for everyone." Mina added.
Serena just sighed. "I...I really can't. There is this weird feeling there now, and I know it sounds dumb because I didn't feel this way in the beginning. And we all know what kind of man he was then."
"But you don't feel comfortable there now." Rei finished.
"Nope." She exhaled. "Then comes up the question, if we get back together, where would we stay?"
"You mean when you get back together." Lita corrected. "We all know it is going to happen Sere. Just say when, not if."
"We will just have to figure that all out when the time comes." Mina said rubbing Serena's knee to comfort her. "Right now, take it one day at a time."
The next day the sound of doors swinging open, abruptly drew Darien's focus away from his paperwork.
"Sire..." Jadeite frantically grabbing the remote. Turned on the TV, and rapidly changed the channel. Until he saw Andrew's arcade being mobbed by paparazzi.
"The hell is going on?" Darien said standing up, confused. For some reason he thought he would get a clearer view of what was going on.
All he could hear 'What were the prince and princess doing?' 'Did you hear anything?' 'Did they get back together?' 'Did Beryl show up? We heard she is on a rage!'
"As a business owner, you all should understand, I respect the privacy of my customers, and will not comment." Andrew answered.
"I always liked that kid. Why didn't we ever make him an advisor or something?" Jadeite asked.
"He wanted to live the simple life, run his dad's shop." Darien explained. "And why are you so worked up over this?"
"Every other channel is about you and the princess." Jed stepped to Darien's desk pulled out the paper, and threw it in front of Darien. "Some of the things they are saying. Not just about you, but about her."
Darien looked at the paper. "Desperate Princess Comes Crawling Back, Begging." He pulled another paper out from underneath it, "Moon Princess Begs for Prince Darien Back Amidst Moon Kingdom Falling Apart." "Where the hell do they get these stories...we know that is now what happened?" Darien explained.
"Malachite and the others went to get the princess. They have been swarming her hotel." Jadeite sighed. "We had to get extra security around the hospital."
"These people are ruthless monsters, doing everything they can to make money off of us. They ruined my marriage the first time, I will not let them do it again." He looked at Jadeite, as he avoided eye contact. "I know I had my faults, but they are making this impossible!" He started to bite his thumb nail. "And do you think they are serious about Beryl? Do you think she is going to do something to Serena."
His general threw his hands up, unsure. "You know that woman more than anyone else."
Darien shot Jadeite a death glare. "But her scouts would never allow anything to happen to her."
"And neither would we." Jadeite added. "Why don't we focus on the damage control of the media first." Jed suggested to lighten the mood.
Then Darien's eyes lit up, "Wait did you say Serena is on her way here?"
Jadeite nodded.
Darien simply smiled.
"What are we going to do about Serena?" Jed looked confused. "We need to keep the press away from her, she is not mentally capable to handle all this rubbish."
"Look, just make sure all damages to Andrew's building is taken care of." Darien ordered.
"Done."
A small knock on the door turned their focus, to Mina, still in her scout uniform. "Why is it okay for those people to push and shove Serena around, but the second I threaten to beam their asses I am a monster?"
"Was it that bad?" Jed asked.
"Mina, I am going to fix this. Where is Serena?" He groaned not in the mood to be lectured again.
"There is only one place in this entire castle that she is willing to be your majesty...How are we going to fix this?"
Darien buttoned up his blazer dusted off his arms. "I am going to take care of this, by calling a press conference and issuing a warning. But first," He looked himself in the mirror." I need to check on her. Let her know I will take care of this."
"Do you think a press conference will do anything?" Jadeite questioned cautiously.
"Prince Darien," Mina called. "I know you two are trying, and you will always have my support."
"But...?" Darien interjected.
"Maybe keeping Serena here ..."
"Nobody is keeping her here. I asked and she said she wanted to stay." Darien corrected. "And as I said I will take care of this" He stormed out of the room and headed towards the garden, ignoring everyone around him. His focus was one person. And the second he saw her, safe, unharmed, relaxed, he was able to relax.
She looked at him. "I am so jealous of how you are able to keep these alive, so beautifully."
"I will show my secret one day." He walked over to her side. Put his arm around her waste, pulled her in to kiss her forehead. "I am sorry about the press."
Serena just shook her head. "Strange people they are."
"Yeah..."
"Those people should really get into legal, and deposition writing, the way they twist and turn things." She ran her fingers over the roses.
"Ehh bothering us is easier in their heads. But I am going to handle them."
She looked up at Darien, "You are not going to hurt them are you?"
"No..." Darien said gently picking a rose.
"Then what are you going to tell them?" Serena smiled.
"Don't worry about it." He again kissed her forehead. "I had a lot of fun last night."
"Me too. Next time we are going to have to figure out a way to divert those press people."
Trying to hold back his excitement. "N...next...next time?" He nervously confirmed.
"Well,I guess not." She sarcastically answered. Lightly pushing off of him.
"No...No. I want there to be a million next times!" He pulled her back closer to him. "Come back." He pleaded.
She chuckled. "I am joking. But really about the press, don't you have some body double or something?"
"You have watched way too many of those movies." Darien laughed.
"Well what do you expect I do when I am in my hotel room?"
"Call me." He suggested. "Or come see me." He looked up at the sky nonchalant.
"I am here now, aren't I? What time is it by the way. I have a meeting." She grabbed his arm and checked his watch.
"With who?"
She just looked at him, with a straight face.
"That stupid prince that flirted with your for over half an hour? I swear he gets nothing done just so he can..."
"First of all he was not flirting." Her voice went up a notch.
"And you're lying, because you voice just went up."
"What?" She acted dumbfounded.
Darien was not buying it.
Serena rolled her eyes. "It is not with him, he actually has not called a meeting since our last little incident. He just sends me emails."
"Good. Good." Darien answered, puffing out his chest. "So who are you meeting with today?"
"Just my mom, and some of the lead soldiers and guards."
"Want me to come with?" He finally relaxed.
"Don't you have meetings today too?"
"I can have one my guards go, I want to see what is going on with the security on the moon."
"I guess, it starts in like 10 minutes, but I just want to stay here a little longer." She stuck her nose into a rose, and took another whiff.
Meeting after meeting, the day passed. Serena was mentally drained, dragging her feet down the hall. The drive back to the hotel was going to be a long one. Her stomach rumbled. She must have forgotten to eat again.
"Well don't you look like death." A male voice teased.
She looked to see Darien in front of her, wicker basket in one hand and a blanket and pillow in another.
"Aren't you just the sweetest." Serena responded.
"I like to think I am." He said smug.
"What is all this?" Serena asked pointing to his full arms.
"Well...I figured you didn't eat anything, and I was not sure what time you would be done, so I couldn't really make a reservation. So I did the only thing I can think of."
"A picnic?" Serena beamed. "Like in the movies?!" She clapped her hands together.
Darien just shook his head. "You and those movies..."
"Where are we going? To the rose bushes?"
"It would be a little difficulty to sit in the rose bushes, but there is a field that we can go to surrounded by them. I asked the gardeners not to turn on the sprinklers. So we won't get all wet and the grass won't be too wet for the blanket."
"You planned this all 'last minute'?" Serena could hide her happiness.
"It is my castle. I can make anything happen. Come on let's go." He turned to the door and put his elbow out for Serena to grab, with a cocky smile.
She grabbed his arm, and followed him out.
Once they were done eating, and all the trash was put away, the two laid there on the blanket looking up at the stars.
"They look so pretty tonight. I didn't get a good look at them where my hotel was."
Darien slowly grabbed her hand, partly scared she was going to pull away, but instantly relieved when she didn't. "The lights of the city make them hard to see."
"Then why don't they turn down the lights? I feel like it is waste of electricity and the people are missing out."
"Because we don't want planes crashing into buildings at night. Craaaazzzzy concept I know."
"You know, I don't remember this sarcastic side of you?" Serena's head instantly turned to him.
"Why do you hate?" Darien looked back at her.
She shook her head no. "Makes you seem less of a stick."
"A stick?"
"Yeah, all stiff and uppity." Serena shuddered.
"Are you cold?" Darien pulled himself closer to her. He wiggled one arm under her, while encircling the other over her. Now her back rested rested against is torso.
"I wasn't but... this is nice."
"I wish I took the time to do all these things, when we were married. Maybe..."
"We can't change what happened then." She adjusted herself.
He pulled out his arm that was under Serena, and used it to support his head. He just observed Serena, as she stared out into whatever. Now he understood why in some songs and movies people watch their loved one sleep. The simple beauty of someone in peace, he could stare at her all night.
"Stop staring at me."
"What can I say I really like the view." He leaned his head down to kiss her temple. "I could lay here all night with you." He whispered.
"Well..." an evil chuckle. "I hate to spoil the party."
Darien looked up to sky to see Beryl hovering above them. But she didn't look like the Beryl he knew. Her hair was longer. She had fangs. Her nails were more like claws. She had a dark orah around her. She was in a purple strapless gown.
"Surprised to see me?" She cackled.
"Darien, you never told me she had powers." Serena whispered.
Darien quickly got to his feet and pulled Serena behind him. "I didn't know she did." He whispered. "How did you get on the premises?" He shouted.
"Prince Darien, come on..." Beryl pointed out. "You cannot stop something from hovering in the open skies."
"How did this happen? How long have you had these powers?" He demandingly questioned.
Beryl looked at her wrist, pretending to check the time. "Ohhhhh...but a few hours. I always told you, my father has friends that can do amazing things." She slowly hovered herself down to the ground.
"Stay behind me." Darien demanded Serena.
The site of Darien protecting Serena, with fear and anger in his eyes took Beryl by surprise. She took a small step back. "Why Darien, why do you look at me so, I did this for you."
He said nothing, but his face said it all.
"I mean, I was sitting there and I thought, what does this moon brat have that I don't? Other than the obvious I love you more than she ever will. She already left you so many times, by yourself. Yet you keep going back to her. And I asked myself why? I gorgeous. I am smart. People love me."
"Your parents don't count." Serena spat.
Beryl chuckled. "Such bravery from someone standing behind her prince. Or shall I really say my prince? As I was saying before this scum from the moon interrupted me." She smirked at Darien. "As you can tell my dear, she has no manners."
"I am not your dear." Darien seethed.
"But why not? I am every she is and more! I have powers now! Before that is what separated me from her. The ability to make you stronger!" She balled her fist together and orah behind her grew bigger. "We will be invincible. We will conquer all worlds together!"
"Darien..." Serena whispered.
"She is frail and weak! You need someone with guts, and the ability to make things happen." She then released her hands, admired her nails. "But I get it. Blond I can easily make myself blond, but her big blue eyes are hard to forget." She connivingly smiled. "But I will help you forget." She drew both arms in like she was giving herself and hug, that swung both arms out, causing a big gust of wind, that threw the royals in opposite directions.
Serena felt her head bounce off the ground, and suddenly her vision went blurry. The sound around her muffled. The wind knocked right out of her, she tried to catch her breath. She could feel Beryl slowly walking to her.
"Oh my dear... I am going to make this hurt the same way you made me hurt! I am going watch cry in pain. So maybe you will know how bad, I felt every time he went back to you." Her blood boiled.
"Beryl, you stay away from her!" She heard Darien yell.
She hook her head to bring her vision back. Beryl was maybe feet away. She saw as Darien tried to get back on his feet.
"Sit down." She said throwing a gust of wind to knock him down. "This is between me and her."
Serena slowly crawled to her elbow.
"Awww, you see that honey... she is so weak wind knocks her down. Just imagine if she came face to face with tornado." She threw her head back and laughed. "She is pathetic!" She scoffed. "And to think Darien, actually chose you over me? I am going to show him who the right choice is. Get up!" She demanded. "Fight me, like a women."
Serena pushed herself slowly off the ground.
"Today, princess." She taunted.
Serena brought herself to her feet. Her ankled throbbed.
"This is going to be so easy." Beryl gloated.
"We'll see about that." Quick wave of her arm and she was in her scout uniform. "Now I am ready."
In complete unison Beryl threw a beaming ball of light, while Serena waved her wand. The lights meeting in the middle. Each giving a little more, and the lights going back and forth like a tug of war.
"You will never beat me! Darien will be MINE! He was always meant to be with me!" Beryl yelled.
"No!" Serena gasped. "He didn't want you then, and he will never be with you now. And if you think you will break us apart." Serena's anger grew, as her beam grew. "He will never be with you!"
"Say your prayers, moon brat!" Beryl yelled as she gave it all she got, which was countered by Serena's.
They pressure from the beams finally gave in, and an explosion threw both of them back.
"Ugh that is going to hurt so bad tomorrow." Serena groaned.
"Serena..." Darien called crawling over to check on her. "Are you okay." He placed his hand over hers.
"I've had better days." Serena tried to joke.
Darien went in to give her a kiss.
"No!" Beryl yelled.
She hoovered herself back to her feet.
"Get away from her." She telepathically threw him again. "I hope you enjoyed that kiss, because that is the very last time he wil-
"Jupiter Thunder Crash!" A bolt of lightening came crashing down between Beryl and Serene causing Beryl to leap back.
"Venus love chain encircle!" Came another cry and before Beryl knew it, she was tied up in whip made of hearts.
"Wha...What is this?!" Beryl looked around confused. Suddenly she was surrounded by the 4 scouts and Darien guards. "Let me go!" She demanded trying to get out. "I will destroy you all." She screamed.
"Hold on tight to her Venus!" Malachite ordered.
"I am trying!" She dug her feet into the ground. "Mars, I need you to put her in a trance."
"On it." She whipped out a a strip of paper. "I call on the power of-"
" You will not defeat me!" One of Beryl's hands looped through the lasso, and from the ground came daggers made of rock and dirt.
All were in aww, as they watched the daggers come together and headed straight towards Serena.
"No!" Darien gasped. He lept in front of Serena.
"No!" Beryl cried she waved her hands causing most of the daggers to disperse.
Darien cried in pain.
"Nooooo!" Beryl cried, as she saw Darien trembling over Serena, a dagger sticking out of his back.
"Darien..." Serena cried. "Darien..."
He groaned.
"Nooo! That was meant for her!" Beryl cried. "Let me out of here! I need to be with him. Darien, I am sorry. I am sorry! I didn't mean too. It was supposed to be her!" She continued to squirm. "Let me at him!" She started to drag Venus in the direction of Serena and Darien.
"Mal help me!" Venus groaned.
"You are not match for me!" She continued to pull.
Rei whispered incantation, and swiftly slapped the paper on her head. And she fell to the ground in a trance.
"Nice shot." Mercury praised as she sprinted over to Darien.
"Mercury please help him." Serena cried.
"We cannot help him here." Mercury instructed. "We need to head back to the castle." She turned to call the general closest to her. "Jadeite I need you to break the part of the dagger that is sticking out of him, so it does not move around during the walk."
He simply nodded, and did as instructed.
"Darien, please stay with me, please." Serena begged.
"I am sorry Darien..." Beryl mumbled in her trance. "Take her to the dungeon. She is too never come near Darien and myself ever!"
Venus and Malachite nodded. The lifted her to her feet. Made sure the heart band was tight. Mars added an extra strip to reinforce the hex.
"Darien, please stay with me." Serena ran her hand over his face. "Amy will fix you, just stay with me."