Sailor Heart - Chapter 6
My connection with Darien, although it's been weird, started back before I, or he for that
matter, knew any of the Sailor Scouts. We were roommates at the same orphanage for a while.
We
became fast friends because, at the time, we were smaller than every other kid who would pick on
us. That's not saying we couldn't hold our own. Lita may have honed my fighting skills when I
got to high school, but I'd learned how to fight from day one in the orphanage. Darien and I got
into more trouble because of fighting, than I care to remember. The day we hit it off, no pun
intended, was when two big kids, about sixteen or seventeen, were pushing us around. Darien
and I took one look at each other and each knocked a kid out cold. We were ten.
Years passed and we never saw each other again after I was adopted with the rest of my
family (see ch.8). We kept in touch for a few years, and I knew he'd moved into the same
neighbourhood as us. Still, we never really saw each other or made a point of calling or writing.
We'd drifted apart and it seemed, at the time, we'd never be friends again.
It wasn't until after both he and I met the Sailor Scouts and found out who they were. I
was taking a karate class, at Raye's and Lita's request; I'd do anything for Lita. One day, kinda
out of the blue, Darien walked in and registered for the same class I was taking. He saw me and
looked right at me for a couple of minutes. It was very hard to read his face. So, he walked over,
shook my hand and got into the starting pose; ready to fight. I was puzzled and he took
advantage of that by landing a kick against my head.
"How'd ya like that?" asked Darien in a sarcastic tone. I couldn't understand it but I
thought I knew how Caesar must have felt when Brutus stabbed him.
"How long have you been waiting to do that?" I shouted and ran toward him. As he
jumped to avoid my chops, I ducked a punch form him. As he landed, I managed to sweep his
legs out form under him. I was about ready to follow up but I knew I had to let him get up.
"For a long time," he answered my question. As he said this, he rose and delivered a
punch to my midsection. The air rushed out of my lungs like Serena running from a test. The
punch was followed by a knee lift. If Darien thinks this is fun, he's certainly overdoing it' I
thought. I was still hunched over and out of breath but I still knew my surroundings and Darien's
next move. He was going to jump kick me in the head which, I knew, would knock me colder
than an ice cube. He started running to execute the move and as he came up to me, I threw his
legs out from under him causing him to land flat on his back. Then, feeling rage in my heart, I
punched him in the solar plexus. He was dizzy and gasping for air and I let him stand up; not
knowing what he or I would do next.
"Still haven't lost it, have you?" Darien asked.
"Lost what? And what was that all about?" I asked a little confused.
"Your killer instinct, that's all. As for what happened, It's good to see you again." and he
walked over and hugged me. I returned the hug and only a best friend can. I still didn't want to
tell him I was a Sailor Scout. I wasn't sure I could trust him. Yes we were friends, but even best
friends have secrets from each other.
"You're not so bad yourself," I said and laughed as I massaged my neck and midsection.
"So what's been going on with you?"
"I met five beautiful girls a couple of days ago. You wouldn't believe how pretty they
were." I had to laugh. Even at the orphanage he was a ladies' man. He hadn't lost that, either.
"I think I can guess. I also met some pretty girls too; a few weeks back. Their names
were..."
And we said together, "Serena, Amy, Raye, Lita and Mina!". "You know them too?"
asked Darien.
"I've known Lita for a long time. We went to the same high school together. She
introduced me to everyone after. So how do you know them?"
"Well... I er... I knew Serena for a long time. Let's just leave it at that, okay?"
"Fine. Say, let's go for a drink, my treat." I suggested. We were both hot and sweating
like crazy and it sounded like a good way to re-acquaint myself with an old friend.
"Sounds good. But nothing alcoholic." said Darien. "Good," I replied. "We're both still
under age." and we walked out of the gym laughing.
As we were having our drinks, we talked about the old days at the orphanage. Some of the
kids we grew up with were gone overseas and all over the world. Some had good paying jobs and
beautiful families. Some, unfortunately, had died form various causes such as drug overdose,
suicide and even murder.
"It's a wonder how we all survived; you especially. From what I'd heard, you were never
adopted and you worked straight out of the orphanage." I said.
"Yeah, the first few years were the worst. After leaving the orphanage I settled in Japan
and got various jobs so I could save money to go to college. I decided that the money I was
making was good so I stayed at it for the two years. I got an apartment and the rest is history. So
what's your story?" Darien asked.
"Well, as you know, my siblings and I (see ch.8) were adopted from the orphanage by two
elderly people. After we all got into high school, they died and I took over the household. It was
my last year and with the help of my family, we managed to do all right." I stopped there
because if I continued, I'd end up telling him the story of my family (see ch.8). I couldn't tell him
that so I said "Other than that, there's not much to tell."
I saw Lita out of the corner of my eye. I'd know that green ponytail anywhere. She was
walking home from shopping with a bunch of packages. I asked Darien to come with me to take
Lita home. He told me it was a bit unusual for me to help her get home. I explained Lita's and
my relationship to him, and he agreed.
"Lita! Lita! Wait up!" I shouted. She stopped and looked around to see me and Darien
walking toward her. We each took half her packages and waled on either side of her.
"Thanks, you guys. I really appreciate this." As we walked along the block, we met up
with Serena, Amy, Raye, Mina and the two cats. Darien and I didn't know that the other knew
about the cats, so we each hesitated to talk to either Luna or Artemis. Luna was surprised when I
didn't answer her but was even more surprised when I said that Serena had a great talent for
throwing her voice. I made a sign to Lita that I wanted to see her privately. After I gave my
packages to both Mina and Raye, promising I'd return to get them in a minute, we walked around
the corner.
"Does he know about you guys? Does he know that the cats can talk?"
"Of course he does. He's Tuxedo Mask. You've heard of Tuxedo Mask, right?" I shook
my head. "Well, he's actually Prince Darien of Earth and he helps us fight the Negaverse as
Tuxedo Mask."
"Oh," I said. "So he knows everything except the fact that I'm Sailor Heart?"
"You mean you didn't tell him?" Lita asked as if scorning me.
"I didn't expect him to understand and for the same reason that Serena still hasn't told
Molly that she's Sailor Moon."
"I guess I can't argue with logic like that." said Lita. She loved a good argument. For her
and I, it lets out lots of frustration. That's why we hit it off in the first place. We vent our spleens
and feel good about it because, usually, we resolve our conflicts.
As we walked around the corner again, I heard Mina tell Darien that I was Sailor Heart. I
was upset at this because I wanted to surprise him. I gave Mina a dirty look but that faded as
Darien came over and shook my hand.
"You old dog, you! Why didn't you tell me?" Darien asked while he laughed.
"Probably for the same reason you didn't tell me you were Tuxedo Mask." He stopped
laughing and I started laughing as he looked at me with a puzzled look on his face. We all
started laughing and Raye suggested that we drop off Lita's parcels at her apartment and go over
to her temple for a little celebration.
"What's the occasion?" I asked.
"The occasion, dummy, is the reunion of two old friends." said Serena.
At the temple, we had a wonderful time. After doing more catching up with Darien, and
too much smooching with Lita, we all started to talk about old times, at the orphanage and other
stuff.
"So how did you ever meet up with Lita? I thought she had better taste in men?" asked
Darien and laughed. I laughed too but Lita was ready to deck him for that remark. I calmed Lita
down and explained about the day we met.
"Well, it was in high school. We were about fourteen or fifteen at the time. She was in
the school yard being picked on by some bigger kids. So I came over and sat beside her and told
her that she should deck them. So one guy heard me say this and comes over and says hey, the
little guy's gonna protect his girlfriend' and he takes a shot at me and busts my nose. Lita and I
got up and, with a combined punch, knocked him down. Lita jumped him and pinned his arms to
the ground and I started punching his midsection. I punched too hard. He was taken away the
hospital and came back the following day with two broken ribs. When the teacher asked what
happened, we said, and everybody agreed that he'd slipped and fell chest first on the bike rack."
"Yeah and I remember what I said after we went outside after that. I said, anybody who
could punch like that was a friend of mine.' and we just stuck together and fought or intimidated
bullies from picking on other kids." said Lita.
"Seems like you were always fighting for good," said Luna. "It's no surprise to me that
you both are Sailor Scouts; right Artemis? Artemis?" Artemis had curled up by the fireplace and
had fallen asleep. Luna and Mina looked at each other and sighed.
"Can't take him anywhere, can we?" asked Mina.
"Can't really blame him, though. Serena's asleep too. It's late anyway. Anyone know
what time it is?" asked Amy.
"Let me check my watch... holy moley! It's three in the morning!" said Darien quietly to
avoid waking either Artemis or Serena.
"Raye, can we stay here tonight?" asked Lita. "I mean, all of us?" Motioning toward
Darien and I.
"I think it'll be all right. Good thing there are a lot of rooms here."
Darien and I carried Serena to a room and lay her on the bed. We covered her up so that
she wouldn't be cold. After that, we walked to our own room, we had to share one, and fell
asleep; me on the floor and him in the bed. We'd arm wrestled for it and I lost. Hi ho! Hi ho! On
the Floor to sleep I go! Yawn!
The next day came way too soon. The morning sunlight shone through the window and
right into my eyes. As I stood up to stretch, I noticed that Darien was gone. Gee, I thought.
Wonder where he went? I yawned and walked out of my bedroom door and I noticed the smell of
bacon and eggs. All right!' Lita's cooking breakfast. I made my way to the bathroom and found
it was locked. Darn. After knocking on the door a few times, I found it was Amy in there just
finishing up her shower and that she was just combing her hair. I'd forgotten what it was like to
live with girls in the house. Amy said she'd be out in a minute; yeah, right.
First breakfast, then shower,' I thought. The kitchen smells were getting stronger and
stronger. Lita was slaving over a hot stove making anything and everything under the sun.
"You must really love to cook. Good morning, Lita." I must have startled her because she
jumped. She turned and waved her spoon at me, saying that if I ever scared her while she was
cooking again, she'd rip my lips off. I figured I'd put my lips to better use and kissed on the
cheek. It would have been a full-mouth kiss, but I knew that morning breath was a nasty thing to
contend with.
"Well look at the happily married couple." said Raye as she came toward the kitchen. We
both looked at her and blushed as red as her robes.
"Knock it off, Raye, you're embarrassing them," called Mina. "So when is the big event?"
Mina asked.
"Big event?" I asked drinking some orange juice.
"Yeah, the one where you propose to Lita!" she said and giggled with Raye. Upon hearing
this, I spit out the OJ, completely caught off guard and blushed redder than anyone has ever
blushed before.
"C'mon you guys, he'll ask me if and when he's ready, right?" said Lita, putting emphasis
on the last word.
"Right," I replied. "Anyone seen Darien this morning?" I was desperately trying to
change the subject and it worked.
"No," replied Lita. "In fact, I haven't seen Serena either. Did she ever get up?"
"Apparently, she did. Here's a note from her and Darien." said Amy handing Mina the
note as she walked into the kitchen.
Mina read the note out loud:
"Guys, Darien and I have gone out for a few days and won't be back until next week.
We've decided to elope. Please don't try to stop us as we want to make a grand appearance as a
married couple when we come back. Molly and another friend of Darien's are going to be the
witnesses. See you when we get back."
The soon-to-be Serena Tsukino Mask
"She's way to young to get married", said Raye. "We've got to find her and stop this."
"You're not kidding," yawned Artemis as he and Luna walked in.
"It would be improper for the Princess of the Moon to elope and not the grand traditional
wedding that befits a Moon Kingdom Princess; not that I'm condoning this immediate marriage.
We've got to find her and I know where she is. I overheard Darien say where they were going."
"Then let's be off. Darien is a nice guy but he told me he was going to wait. I don't want
to even think about their wedding night if we don't stop them."
We all jumped into my convertible and took off in search of the Moon Princess. As Luna
gave me directions, I drove through the empty streets of Tokyo. We got to the church (incidentally
known as the Crystal Cathedral) and ran in. Molly and Darien's other friend were looking on as
Serena and Darien were about tie the knot. Raye let her emotions get the best of her.
"Stop the wedding!" she cried. Everybody at the alter turned around to see four girls, a
guy and two cats come barrelling down the aisle. The girls grabbed Serena and Molly and rushed
them into a room off to the side. The cats and I, mostly I, grabbed Darien and his friend and stuck
them in a confessional. I went up to the preacher and tried to explain the situation to him. He
seemed to agree as he had said to the couple earlier.
The girls were trying to make Serena understand, but she wouldn't hear any of it.
"You've ruined my wedding day! How dare you?!" Luna heard this and ran in.
"Serena, why did you want to elope in the first place?" asked Amy.
"I figured that if Darien and I got married, he wouldn't ever force us apart again. And
that's what's gonna happen!" replied Serena, visibly shaken.
"Serena, do you really want to do this now? I mean, I have no objection to you marrying
Darien but not now. You're both still too young to get married or assume the throne. Do you
really think your mother would approve of this?" asked Luna.
"My mother has got nothing to do with this! She's at home taking care of Sammy and my
father!"
"Serena," started Mina, stopping Raye from a potentially hurtful comment. "Luna meant
your real mother; Queen Serenity. Do you honestly think she'd approve of this now?"
"Well, she's not here, is she?"
"Yes, I am Serena, my daughter; I am here! It is not your time yet, daughter. You will
marry your prince but it mustn't be now. You must have a wedding that befits your stature as the
Moon Princess. It has already been planned and waits for the day when you both know you are
right for each other! If you marry him now, I have the right to not give you the throne of the Moon
Kingdom! I'm sorry daughter, but this must be done! Farewell, and see you soon!" said
Serenity's spirit as it drifted up toward the heavens. Lucky for us, Molly had passed out and
hadn't heard Serenity speak. It was decided among the Scouts that on Serena's real wedding day,
she would reveal her secrets to Molly.
Meanwhile, I was trying very hard to keep Darien calm. He was kicking against the door
and shouting at me.
"Do you love her too? Is that it? I'll get you for this, I'll get you all!" Darien was ticked
off, and I guess, rightfully so. I'd be upset if someone had broken in on mine and Lita's wedding,
that's if we were getting married.
"Darien, just shut up and listen for a second. I have and love Lita with all my heart.
Serena is your girl, no contest. We're just concerned that you're both, way to young to get married
or... anything else. We all agree that you and Serena will get married, but you'll have to wait a
little bit longer. Trust me, it'll be a lot better if you wait."
Darien, finally calmed down and listened to what I had said. He realized that I was right
and decided to tell Serena that he wanted to wait. Artemis and I let them out and brushed off his
tuxedo. He and Serena ran toward each other and both said they wanted to wait. We cheered and
decided to leave the church. We went back to Raye's temple and partied for the rest of the day
and night. Lita and I got even closer than before.
*AUTHOR"S NOTE: There will be a separate fic altogether detailing Serena and Darien's
wedding. Please look for it. Should be done by the end of the first week of January (I'm spending
the whole Christmas break outlining it. There will be some surprises in the rest of this fic (chs. 7
& 8) so please finish reading this one before you proceed to the other one. Thanks.*
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