Past Lives - Part 1 Secrets (prologue)... There is a story untold. There is a time that was forgotten. We all know the story of the Moon Kingdom's tragic defeat, but we know not of the coming of that time. That is my story and it is my duty to tell it. My name is Suneria. I am the guardian of this solar system. I watch over the planets and their people from my home. Just as Serena is the Princess of the Moon, I am the Princess of the Sun. Yes, I am not surprised you have not heard of me. I stay out of the way and do not draw attention to myself. But before...well, those are the stories I have yet to tell... A New Kingdom... Long ago, during the age of the silver millennia, Suneria was a name few did not know. She was a fair and honest ruler, governing this solar system. She established the Moon as the prime example of purity and utopia, and all planets tried hard to follow this example and please the Sun Princess. In return, Suneria turned to her own mother Queen Universelta, who ruled the universe with her daughters' help (Each daughter was responsible for a different solar system). With the Queen's permission, she blessed each of the planets with a beautiful heiress. The Universal kingdom was dying. Queen Universelta knew that it was time to dissolve the leadership of the Suns, but to do that, she had to be absolutely sure that the government would be fair and just, and that was the reason for the gifts to each planet of a newborn infant. It was common knowledge between the esteemed royal family that once pure utopia reigned, their leadership would die, and the giving of the planetary princesses was their last duty before they succumbed to normality. The day of the transferring of power was just like any other day. The Queen had a secret meeting with all of her daughters and told what would be expected of each and every one of them. They were to remain out of sight and to secretly watch over their respective systems. If something were to go wrong with the new government, they were to do everything in their power to save the peace and happiness. Universelta gave each of her daughters a glowing crystal. She explained that in these crystals were the greatest powers in the universe. "Daughters, the end of my time has come, but with your help, I will still remain to guard against darkness. You must give your crystal to one person. This person must be of your kingdom and will reign when you are also gone. My children, I will be in the crystals. Their power is mine and mine is theirs. Guard against evil and bitterness and when my power is used for light, miracles will occur. "You will not leave your Sun, yet you will be able to see throughout your planetary system. It is you who control the activation of this crystal, so you will be called upon in the time of need. The crystal is of Light, but if it falls to the hands of Dark and is used in pair with the Darkness Crystal, you will lose your power over it forever. Do you understand?" All of the Daughters understood. They would be the silent protectors of their people, but if their people failed them, all would be lost. "It is time." The crystals grew brighter still, glowing with the intense light of good and purity, and the Sun Daughters left. * ~ * ~ * In Suneria's System, the Moon Kingdom was celebrating. The newborn Princess was a gift from the Sun and the cause for celebration. King and Queen Serenity sat playing with their newborn child in the garden, when Suneria arrived. "I have yet another gift for this Kingdom of the Moon. Behold the Silver Imperian Crystal. In it holds the powers of the Universe. Use it for good and light and all will be well. My reign over this system has ended. I leave the planets in your hands. Guard it well, for you are the new leaders. Continue to set an example for the other planets and watch for your sister Earth. They will be your future and you must defend it at all costs." Queen Serenity knew not to question these last orders. Somehow, it seemed right for all this to happen. Instead she spoke to Suneria, "What would you have us name our daughter?" " 'Serena' will be the heir to the Moon Kingdom. Teach her well about love and justice so that she may be fair when the time has come for her to rule." " 'Serena'...our daughter. Our future. Thank you, Suneria we will see that she becomes the Princess that you hope for her to be." "You are welcome. Now I must leave, my time is short. Love well, and good bye." At that moment, a new future for the galaxy was born in Serena, Princess of the Moon. And Suneria retreated to her Sun to guard and watch over the crystal. (Now, on with our story...) THE MOON PRINCESS... The day after the Moon Princess was born was the day Suneria, the Princess of the Sun, spoke with King and Queen Serenity and presented them with the Imperian Silver Crystal. The royal couple was saddened by the loss of their great friend and respected leader, and would miss her dearly, but they were overjoyed with the possibilities that the future with their beautiful daughter Serena would bring to them. The Moon King smiled brightly first at his daughter, then to his beloved wife and said, "Celeste, this is the happiest day of my life! Isn't our daughter the most beautiful child in the universe? I couldn't possibly be any happier than I am at this moment!" He almost looked goofy with his smile reaching across his face from ear to ear, practically a kilometer wide. "I feel the same, Starson," his wife replied. "When I look at Serena, I feel so completely overjoyed. It seems that the future is shining brightly to us!" Queen Serenity was gently caressing her treasure's cheek and gazing wondrously at this new creation in her arms. The new Mother declared, "Serena, one day you will rule the Moon Kingdom and all of the planets. You will be beautiful and wise, but most importantly you will be just and fair. We will need to provide for you a court with members from each of the inner planets and you will need to know how to defend you and your people from evil and-" "Celeste, I don't think she will remember all that this early on," King Serenity teased. "I don't think she even knows her name, yet!" The Father added playfully with a wink. Queen Serenity smiled. "No, I think she does. She happens to be a very smart little girl and we'll have her talking and walking very soon." No one was going to tell her that her daughter wasn't going to be the talk of the kingdom. Her husband laughed, he heartily agreed with his wife and told himself he would only allow the best for his daughter. She would be the most beautiful, smart, honest, and wise woman in the galaxy. Nothing could stop them. Things were definitely looking up... * ~ * ~ * "Mama? Where is Daddy going?" asked a five year old Princess. She tugged on her own pigtails just like her mama's and made a silly face. The Queen laughed, "Daddy's going to Earth to visit with their King. Your Daddy's a very important person, you know." Serena nodded and stretched her short arms as long as she could, "I know. He's the leader of the whoooooooole solar system, right Mama?" Serenity laughed again, "That's right, dear. And right now he's on a trip to strengthen your leadership when it's your turn to be just like Daddy. You're a very important person also." She smiled at her curious little daughter. "Really?? He went to Earth because of me? Wow! Can I go to Earth, Mama? Please? I'll be extra good! Please, please, please? I'll remember to sit right and I won't play with my hair and-" "Oh, Serena! Always asking a million questions," she said with a laugh. "No honey, I'm afraid not. You're still too young to go that far, but Daddy's going to bring back a surprise for you, okay?" That caught the girl's attention, a flood of possibilities ran through her young head, "A surprise? What kind of surprise? Is it an animal from Earth? Or is it a pretty dress, or maybe a doll...?" "No no no, I can't tell you or it wouldn't be a surprise, would it?" Her mother responded, still smiling. "I won't tell Daddy that you tolded me" Serena pleaded. Serenity corrected: "Told me" "Told me" "Just be patient, Serena. He'll be back sooner than you think." The Queen sat on the verandah to relax for a few moments and just enjoy the day, before she had to return to the diplomacies that followed a Queen no matter where she tried to hide. "Okay Mama." So Serena went off to play in the garden, bouncing around so full of youthful energy. Queen Serenity watched her daughter frolic and thought maybe it was time for her to make some friends. She had been talking to the mothers of the other Princess of the planets, and they all seemed to want to get the children together. Maybe she could plan a garden party for Serena and invite the other girls. Serena would make friends with them in no time at all. She was so outgoing and friendly. Both Serena's parents were so very proud of her. "Nothing but the best," she said to herself, thinking of her husband's journey to Earth. Prince Darien was such a nice polite young boy, she herself had visited the royal family on Earth. In fact, the Queen of the Earth was becoming one of her closest friends. They hoped their children would become friends, also. Then a few years into the future...well, let's keep on track. We'll deal with that when the time comes. * ~ * ~ * "King Serenity! How lovely to see you again!" exclaimed the Queen of Earth. "I trust your wife and daughter are well?" "Yes, Queen Isaelnta. Celeste sends her regards to you, your husband and your son. Isaelnta, you know why I have come, do you not?" "Yes, Starson, and I want to say that I think it to be a wonderful adjointment. In fact we had planned to contact you on the matter if you had not, for I think it would be a good idea for them to meet young and become friends. But, please, come inside for a drink. I will have Jerrod bring Darien to meet you." * ~ * ~ * "Daddy!" Serena shouted with excitement. She had missed her Father while he was gone. Even if he had only been gone two days. It seemed like two years to a little girl like Serena. "Princess!" King Serenity shouted back to his daughter. "I have someone I'd like you to meet! Come here sweetheart." Serena ran up to her Father and gave him a gigantic hug. "Who do you want me to meet, Daddy?" she asked curiously. "Hi, I'm Darien" said a little boy almost twice the girl's age. "Hi, I'm Serena, and I'm a Princess," she bragged, not quite sure why her Daddy would want her to meet a BOY. The dark haired boy narrowed his eyes and replied, "Oh yeah, well I'm a Prince." "Are not!" Serena shouted, disbelieving. "Are too!" "Are not!" "Are too!" "ARE NOT!" "Serena, Prince Darien is our guest," her Father warned, " I want you to be nice to him, okay? You two are going to be friends." "But he's a BOY," she stated the obvious. "Yes dear, he is, but you need to make some friends. Next week I'll invite some girls over, okay? But for now, Darien is going to be your friend." Serena pulled her eye and stuck out her tongue. "Pbbbbllllttt." King Starson gave Serena one last warning, "Serena, that's not a very princess-like thing to do," and walked off with his wife so the kids could have some fun. "Yeah, Serena," Darien mocked, "You look like you have meatballs on your head." "It's my Mama's hairstyle!" She couldn't believe anyone would say that about her hair. "Then why are YOU wearing it?" Darien teased. By then, King and Queen Serenity had walked inside to let the children be alone and play. They knew that one day they would start to grow on each other, then they would be friends, and soon... they would be inseparable. "Meatball head." "Whhhaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh!" Well...maybe not. Queen Serenity called out the window, "Keep the decibels down, Serena, you'll have the whole kingdom calling to see if you've been injured." Serena sniffled and said, "Why are you so mean, Darien?" "Because I like you, Meatball head." He had to admit, she reminded him of himself. Always needed to have his own way and hated to be teased. But that makes it so much more fun to do. And Meatball head was such a funny name it really must be infuriating. "Don't CALL me that!" "What, 'Meatball head'?" "Aurrrgh!" "Hey, Serena, let's play tag. You're it!" Darien ran off into the garden with Serena trailing behind. Her parents watched in content all afternoon. Darien was never tagged 'it'. * ~ * ~ * "Serena! The girls are here!" Queen Serenity called to her daughter. Oops, she had forgotten. She was supposed to be getting ready for the garden party today, but she had been distracted when she went into her parents' room looking for her lost shoe. She was looking at the Imperian Silver Crystal, admiring it. It fit perfectly in the palm of her hand. Serena felt almost as if the crystal called to her and said, "Serena...come to me...touch me..." it was soothing, comforting and glowed when she held it. It seemed to give her strength almost as if it was extending her energy. It felt good... "Serena! Where are you?" Uh oh. When Mama sounds like that, you don't want to test her patience, "Coming, Mama!" Serena ran out of her parents' room through the house and into the garden to meet her soon-to-be friends. *I wonder if they're gonna like me. I hope so, I don't think I could handle anyone else like mean old Darien.* she thought. "Serena," Queen Serenity said to her daughter, "this is Amy from Mercury, Mina from Venus, Raye from Mars, and Lita from Jupiter. They traveled a long ways here to be your friends." "Hi Serena," all the girls said at once. "Hi, guys! Do you wanna go play in the garden? I know this cool new game called tag. Someone from Earth taught it to me. Someone starts off being 'it' and that person has to tag someone else then that person is 'it'. Okay?" she rambled. She loved to talk. She could just talk and talk forever. "Okay, as long as I'm not 'it' first. I'm not a very good runner," Amy said. The tall girl from Jupiter spoke up, "Gee, I don't mind being 'it'. I've always been pretty good at running. Is that okay with you guys?" she turned to the blonde girl from Venus and said, "What's your name again? Meela? Meega?" "Mina. And you're Lina?" "Lita." "Oh." "Yeah. Okay, let's play. I think we should determine rules and stuff first and if there should be a 'tag-free-zone' or something like a home base." "Have you played this before or something, Raye?" Serena asked, not believing anyone else had ever heard of this game before. It was Darien's game. "Of course. We play it all the time on Mars. What, do you think you're the only person in the universe that knows how to play 'tag'? It's not like it's the hardest game ever to be figured out or anything," the dark haired girl said, trying to show off to everybody. "Gosh, Raye, you've got a big mouth," Lita said. "Let's just play and forget about the whole thing, okay?" Raye looked at the young Jupiter Princess. *She doesn't look like someone I'd want to argue with,* she thought. "Fine...GO!!" Raye yelled and took of at top speed towards the garden with Serena, Amy, Mina and Lita following close behind. The girls played games all day, only stopping for lunch and snacks. All the girls got along quite well and they knew they would all be best friends. Little did they know of their roles in the not-so-distant future and of their destiny to protect Serena and the crystal they had never even heard of yet. * ~ * ~ * Serena and the other girls did become great friends vowing to get together at least once a month just to talk and share some time together. Years went by and the friendly get-togethers turned into Meetings of the Court. They all discussed their future as Queens and talked about suitors and their latest romance crushes. Venus always topped them in that category...most of the time. Serena was taught in etiquette and grace and was becoming more and more like her mother every day. She was indeed beautiful. Even at the age of thirteen, when her family suffered a great tragedy. King Serenity was leaving on another trip to Earth, to bring back Prince Darien for a visit with Serena. The two were becoming quite good friends. The Moon King was excited that things were working out so well between Darien and Serena. She was going to become a wonderful leader. He was so proud. While on his way over to Earth, he suddenly got a horrible feeling. "What's going on?!" he shouted to the pilot. "I - I - I don't know, your majesty! Hold on.. AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!" * ~ * ~ * "Serena?" a familiar voice called. "Oh, Darien! When did you get here? I thought you were coming back with my Father. Is he here already? I have not seen him, yet." She glanced around to see if he was nearby. "No, Serena. I did not return with your Father. I came alone." Darien sounded strange. Almost...sad? "Alone? Did my Father decide to stay on Earth for a while?" Serena asked, slightly confused. "No, Serena. Serena, your Father..." *How in the name of the Moon can I tell her this?! She'll despise me!* "What!? What about my Father? Tell me!!" Her eyes were becoming misty and her cheeks were getting flushed. *What is it?!* "He - he's dead. There was a problem with his ship and it exploded when it hit Earth's atmosphere. I-I...I'm sorry, Serena. I'm so sorry." He reached out to take her hand. Serena pulled away at his touch, "Father?...Dead?... NO!! I do not believe you! You are lying to me!" she cried. "Serena, I'm not lying. I only wish I was." *Please don't be angry with me, it tears at me apart!* "NO!! He is NOT dead! Why do you lie to me?! I thought you were my friend!" Serena ran off towards the house while Darien stood watching her with sympathetic eyes. "Poor Serena. She and her Father were always so close..." * ~ * ~ * "MOTHER!!" Screamed Serena. "Mother!!" Serena found her mother sitting on the floor, clutching the glowing Imperian Silver Crystal. Serena had also found comfort in the same soothing crystal. It seemed to dull one's pain somewhat. "Serena," her Mother whispered. "Serena" A tear rolled down her flushed cheek "Oh, Mother! It can not be true!" she ran to put her arms around her mother. "I wish it weren't, Serena, I desperately wish it weren't" Queen Serenity choked out a quiet sob. "Daddy...please don't leave us...please." Tears were streaming down the young girl's face. Her nose was running and her face was all blotchy. Just then she felt a strong reassuring hand on her shoulder. She turned around, "Fathe-" "Serena. It's okay to cry. I'll be here for you. Always." *My heart is breaking seeing you like this!* "Oh, Darien." She hugged him tightly and he held her head to his shoulder. "Darien..." she sniffled and buried her face in his neck. The smell of his cologne numbing her pains some. "Queen Serenity, I'm terribly sorry about what happened. Don't you worry about Serena, I won't let anything happen to her." *I would give my life for her right now.* "Thank you, Darien. Thank you. Now if you don't mind, I just need to be alone for a little while." "Of course." Darien led Serena out of the room, her head still on his now tear-soaked shoulder. The light breezy scent of her perfume intoxicating his mind. She was so fragile here in his arms, like if he squeezed too hard, she would turn to moon dust. He looked down at the crescent moon on her forehead and knew deep inside that she was the only one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. Maybe some day she would feel the same about him, but until that day, he would just have to remember this moment, when he held her in his arms and she welcomed his shoulder, if only to cry on. "Serena, I'm sorry about your Father. I really am." "I know, Darien. You must have really looked up to him." "Yes, ever since my Father died five years ago, I kind of looked to yours to fill his space. He always treated me like a son and I could talk to him about most anything." "Darien?" "Hmmm?" he was thinking of what it would feel like to kiss those trembling lips and just melt all her sorrows away. It pained him to see her hurting. She was so young, so innocent. She should never have to go through anything like this. It was cruel. "-inking about?" "What?" "I said, what are you thinking about?" "Uh," Darien blushed a deep shade of red, "not much, why?" Serena noticed and sighed, "Well, it must be something you really care about. You had a far-off look in your eyes." She was disappointed. *He must be thinking about his girlfriend* she thought. She had a secret crush on Darien. Not that he would ever consider HER as his girlfriend. She knew Darien had many suitors on Earth. He was by far the most handsome man in the whole galaxy. At least to her. And she was only thirteen. Mina was always talking about her boyfriends and how many times she's been kissed. How many was it? Six? No, eight. That was it. Eight times. Lucky Venus. *Thirteen and never been kissed* "What?" *...!...did I say that?!* "Uh, I said is it someone that you, uh...missed? Your girlfriend or something?" "Well," he was thinking, *maybe I should tell her...*, "I guess you could say that she's my girlfriend." "Oh," Serena barley choked back a sob. *He DID have a girlfriend!...* she sniffled and Darien wiped her nose with his 'kerchief. "W-wh-what is her name?" *She must think it's someone else!* "Serena." "What?" she asked, *I guess he wants to change the subject...* "No, that's her name: Serena." "Her name is Serena, too?" *I wonder if Serena is a popular name on Earth.* "No, she IS you" "She is? I mean, I - I - I am?" "Of course. There's only ever been you, Serena." "I -" he leaned over and kissed her tenderly. Almost questioningly at first and when she kissed him back, more certain. Serena's mind was in a whirl. She shouldn't feel this good. Her Father just died, and here she was kissing the man of her dreams...this was not right. But...she didn't want it to end. Darien finally pulled away. She felt so warm in his arms. He didn't want the moment to end, yet it was already over. "Serena?" he asked curiously. "Darien, I - I - thank you." She hugged him and did not want to let go. As if she let go she would then have to face all her troubles again, and she couldn't stand the pain. She felt as if part of her heart was torn out when her Father died, and Darien could help fill that empty void inside of her. "Thank you." * ~ * ~ * "What are you saying, Darien?" asked Serena. It had been years since her father had died and Darien had kissed her for the first time. Since then they had shared many precious moments that would always stay in her heart. "Here," Darien got down on one knee and gently took Serena's hand. "I'm saying, will you marry me?" He knew she loved him. Yet, he was still nervous. This was a big step for the both of them. It would unite both their kingdoms and bring about a new era. Besides, she could still say 'no' and that she needed more time or something. *Come on, Serena, say yes!* He wasn't worried about her mother at all. Apparently, Queen Serenity had known that they would be married since their childhood. In fact that was the reason they were introduced as children! *I never knew my parents could be so sneaky!* It was only a question of WHEN and how. Serenity left that much up to Darien, but lately she had been giving him encouraging looks and subtle gestures. He was pretty sure she thought it was about time that the Prince of Earth and the Princess of the Moon took this next step. "Oh, Darien! Of course I will marry you! I have been waiting for you to ask me since the day my Father died and you kissed me for the first time!" "Serena, I'm so glad! You've just made me the happiest man in the universe!" Darien exclaimed. He felt as if nothing could stop him. "Serena..." he whispered. Serena held his head to her heart and buried her face in his soft black hair. Nothing would keep them apart now. Together they would rule the Moon Kingdom and the galaxy just like her Mother and her Father. Darien stood up and took Serena in his arms. The night had a chill and he used his cloak to wrap himself and his fiancé ˇnd keep them from the cold. But even with the cool night air, she still felt warm to him. She felt as if she belonged in his arms that they were each only now becoming whole. He looked down at her face resting against his chest, and used his finger to trace the crescent moon on her forehead. Serena smiled up at him and hugged her prince even tighter. "Darien, we shall always be together," Serena said not moving from her hold. She would be content to stand here all night and just listen to his heart beat. She sighed a happy sigh, one that echoed in Darien's mind. A sound that made him feel like the only man in the Universe. "Yes, Serena, we will," and with that he leaned and kissed her passionately under the moonlight. * ~ * ~ * Serena walked into her house on a moon cloud. "Mother?" she called. "Yes, Serena, I'm in here." "Mother, I have the most wonderful news!" "Yes, dear, what is it?" she asked with a knowing twinkle in her eye. "Darien has asked for me to marry him and I have said yes!" "Oh, Serena, I'm so happy for you. I've waited for this day since you two first met when you were five years old. I'm so proud, my baby is all grown up!" "Mother, Darien is so perfect! I can not believe this is happening!" "Ah, Serena. It's exactly the way I felt when your Father asked me to marry him. I walked on a moon cloud until our wedding day. I'm so glad you two are finally going to be together forever." "Thank you, Mother. I am going to try to go to bed, although I have no idea how I will get to sleep. I am much too excited!" "Sweet dreams, Serena." * ~ * ~ * "RRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNGGGG!!!" "Aaaaaaaaaaah! I'm late again! Luna, why didn't you wake me uuu-uup?!" "I did Serena, several times, but you wouldn't listen to me! And now you'll have detention again." "Oh no, Ms. H is gonna kill me...MOM! WHERE'S MY LU-UNCH?!" "Its by the door, Serena! Have a nice day at school! Let me know how you did on your Algebra test when you get home! Serena? Serena? Oh, that girl is always late!" * ~ * "Serena, late again? Detention after school." "But Ms. H, I have a-a r-really good reason for, uh, being late." "Oh, you do, do you?" "Yeah, a really really good reason" *now if I could just figure out what that reason is...* "Well, Serena? We're wai-ting." "Uh, well...um, my-my cat ran away, yeah, and I had to go find her and by the time I found her she had gotten all yukky and muddy and then I had to wash her so she wouldn't get the house all dirty 'cause my mom would kill me and then the phone rang and it was my long lost cousin from the States and her bird just died so she needed someone to talk to and then her mom had to talk to me and then I had forgotten to wash my uniform so I was waiting for it to dry, and then I realized I was late so I came right to school!" "Better luck next time, Serena." "Ohhh...!" * ~ * "So, Meatball head, how'd you do on your Algebra test?" "It's none of you business, Darien, Thank you very much." "Oh, you failed again, huh?" "Hey! Did you look at my test?" "Nope, I could just tell by the way your Meatballs are drooping. Ha ha!" "AAAUUUUURRRHHHGGGG!!! Darien I'm gonna bust your face!" "Oooooh. Don't scare me like that, Meatball head, I might have a heart attack!" "Well why did you ask me to marry you then?" *Huh? Where did that come from?* *What on Earth is she talking about?* "What I meant was 'Why did you tell me you loved me?" *What am I doing?! But, but...he DID tell me he loved me. Just last night. He asked me to marry him...and I said yes.* "Well, why did you say yes?" *...?!...Now I'M going crazy. I never proposed to old Meatball head...I told her I LOVED her?!...* "Uh, Darien, this may sound weird but, what did you dream last night?" "Um, well," his face turned bright red, "I think I had a really weird dream." "Was this 'dream' about me?" "Uh, well...yeah." "I think we might have had the same dream. Did it take place on the Moon?" "Yeah, but, see, I have a feeling I was just visiting, that I didn't really live there or anything. But, you...yeah, I think you lived there. Yeah, I remember you had this yellow crescent moon on your forehead." "Weird. I remember you...uh, well...you...you..." "What? I WHAT?! What did I DO?!" "...You kissed me." "I did?! I did. Do-do...DID did...you, uh, like it?" Serena's face turned tomato red. "Um, yeah, I think so. I agreed to marry you, remember? I think I really really loved you a whole lot or something." *God, this is embarrasing* "Me too. Um, uh, well, what do you think we should do?" "Well, I have to show my mother my Algebra test before she blows a gasket, so I guess we say 'see ya' and never tell another living soul about this?" "Good idea." Serena started to walk past Darien, but she stumbled and fell into his arms. She blushed fiercely and looked up into Darien's eyes. He was looking down at her with a funny look in his eyes, and suddenly, for no reason, she had the biggest urge to kiss him. It was kind of weird, but she got the idea that Darien was feeling the same. They drew closer and at the very moment their faces met... "Darien?..." sounded a familiar voice. "Who's--SERENA??!!...uh, sorry guys, I never knew you two...well, you know, umm, well, uh, I - I gotta go to uh, uh cooking class! Yeah, I'm going to be late and we're learning how to bake uh, umm, sushi! Yeah that's it!" *...BAKE sushi??!!* Darien and Serena instantly turned their backs to each other and looked sheepishly over at Lita who was hurrying away. "Uh, wh-what now?" Serena managed to stutter. *This is too WIERD!!!* "Umm, I don't know. Look, I've gotta go... see ya." With that, Darien tool off almost as fast as Lita. *What a nightmare! Someone please tell me this is a dream! Someone tell me I'm in bed instead of standing here utterly embarrassed and I'm going to wake up any second and realize none of this ever happened! What am I doing? I'm Sailor Moon! I can deal with this...I think. * So, Serena walked home in silent contemplation (for once) and went straight to bed. *Ahhh. Some nice "z's" should help soothe the aching mind!* ..........zzzzzzzzzzzz..........zzzzzz.zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz............zzz...zzzzzzz...zzzzzzzzzzzz * ~ * ~ * "Serena, it's time to wake up, dear. It's a busy day today, we need to start making plans for your wedding!" "Wedding?" "Yes, dear you do remember you're getting married, don't you?" Her mother said playfully. "To who?" "To Darien, of course, silly!" she knew her daughter was just playing around. "I'm getting married to Darien?" "Yes, Serena. Honey, what's wrong? You don't sound like yourself." "I'm fine. Wait. Did you say I'm getting MARRIED?? To DARIEN?? The Fungus Creep?!" "Serena, what's gotten into you?" Now she was getting worried. "Does Dad know about Darien?!" "Of course your Father knew about Darien. That was the reason you two were introduced in the first place." Serenity was clearly confused. *What is a 'fungus creep'?* *Dad actually WANTS me to get married?!* "Huh? Where am I?" Serena slowly opened her eyes to see her mother standing over her with a worried look on her face. "Oh! Oh mother, I must have been dreaming! It was so strange! I believe I was on Earth! And I was going to school. I had something called detention because I was late, and...and Darien was there. He - he did not like me at all and I do not think I liked him and we both had the same dream and then Lita saw us kiss and we were all so embarrassed! It was horrible!" "Oh, honey, it was just a bad dream. Its over now, why don't you go find Darien and we can make some wedding arrangements?" Serenity said feeling quite relieved. "Oh! Good idea!" and with that, Princess Serena ran off still dressed in her light nightgown in search of her prince. * ~ * ~ * *Why is he not answering his door?* Serena thought as she tried the door. It was open. *Should I go inside? Well, we ARE going to be married...* so she walked into Darien's guest quarters. *Maybe he is still asleep!* she thought with a giggle. *I'll wake him with a kiss!* Serena made her way to the bedroom and silently opened the door. *How handsome he is! He looks so peaceful when he is asleep. Should I dare wake him?* *Have courage, Serena!* The Princess slowly leaned over Darien's sleeping form and put her hand on his warm cheek. She swept back a few loose strands of his liquid coal hair and proceeded to kiss him full on the lips. "MMMmmmph! Wh-What?!! What's going on?!" "Darien? Are you feeling okay?" Serena asked worriedly. *Maybe I should have asked him first...* "Huh? Serena? Where am-uh, whoa. Hi! Sorry about that, I just had a really weird dream about my home." *...?!...* "Was I in your dream?" she asked curiously. "Yes, yes you were. But we didn't really like each other very much. I think." "Oh, Darien! I had that very same dream! But I had something awful called detention!" Darien laughed, "Yes and you seemed to be somewhat of a klutz!" He smiled at his future bride who pretended to be hurt by that last comment. "But you're my klutz." "Oh Darien!" she blushed, "Come, Mother wants to start with the plans!" Darien stood up and walked with Serena towards the entrance to his guest quarters, while Serena clung to his arm and chatted away. "Serena? Are you in there?" called a familiar voice. "Hello?" . "Oh, uh, sorry guys! I didn't think you two were, uh, 'you know', already. I'll wait outside." Suddenly Serena was very aware of the light pajamas that both she and Darien were still wearing. She blushed a deep shade of red just before Lita slid back out the door. Darien and Serena caught each other's eyes then looked at the other's pj's. Then they both thought impure thoughts then shrugged and walked out after Lita. "Hi, Lita," Serena started, "Let me explain. I just came to wake Darien up. We did not 'do' anything. Well, nothing too bad." She said with a smile. Darien looked relieved. "Okay. Your Mother told me last night about the engagement. I just had to come and see it for myself! Congratulations, guys!" Lita winked at Darien and said, "Took you long enough! We all were about to give up on you!" Darien blushed and put an arm around Serena. His Princess leaned her head against his shoulder and said out loud, "Venus is going to be so jealous!" Everyone laughed. * ~ * ~ * THE END * ~ * ~ * Okay, this was my first attempt at fanfiction and I need to know if it sucked or not. I've already started (and almost finished) the next installment which is the Jupiter Princess's story. I'll eventually do all the inner scouts's past lives. The whole thing is bassically one big story from different perspectives. good?...no?...should i continue?...should i never write again?...let me know, I have two e-mail addresses...jupiter_sunrise@hotmail.com, and mara_jade__@hotmail.com (note the ONE underscore in the middle and TWO at the end). I also want to apologize for nameing the King and Queen. The names are lame and made up, but I tried the story without them and it sucked, so the names stayed. Sorry. Anyway...PLEASE GIVE ME INPUT!