Title - First Love - part two Authopr - Razzz Email:Razzzberi@aol.com OK, I'm gonna try and make this short. First of all, I'm sorry if this part is way short. I should have been writing more, but SOOO MUCH has been happening lately, so this is all I've had time to get out. SORRY!!!!! Thanks to archive administrators, Luna and Artemis, Andrea Hui, Tux Will, Jen Wand, and my personal Favorite, SAILOR NOVEMBER!!!!! (YEAH!!! I LOVE YOUR SITE!!!) People to thank would have to include LAUREL ANNE!!!! (she is the GODDESS of the SM world- I am eternally grateful for EVERYTHING you have done for me!! LOVE YA!!!), Jenn, (We're gonna have soo much fun next year!) Sailor Dolphin!!! (You rock!!!! :P) Lianne, (WE need to talk more, but that's cool, YOU ARE THE GREATEST NEways!!!!) Sue mei (Thank you for Always sending me your incredible stories) And anyone who has ever written to me about a story (Even if you wrote a mean evil letter, thanks too!!!) I really appreciate all feedback and I cant' name all of the people who have been soo wonderful to write, but you have all made my life just a bit brighter because you take the time to send me an EM!! THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH!!!!! (PS, anyone else who wants to write feedback, please please do!! As you can tell, it really means a lot) And, one last thing. FUSHIGI KISMET is, for sure, the best author I think I have ever read! So I have to thank her for being talented and just plain old wonderful, and for being a true inspiration. THANK YOU!!!!!! OK, that's it - anyone else I forgot, sorry, I love ya too! (I just forgot right now how much I love ya) Endymion dashed down the hallway, scurrying into his own chambers and slamming the door swiftly behind him. He leaned back against it, panting, smiling to himself. 'That would show him!' he thought, remembering the look of rage on Tyrian's face as he had emerged from the shower. He had obviously used the shampoo Endymion had left for him, the kind that would turn hair a ghastly shade of bright pink. That would show the Prince not to think he was too gorgeous. His ego, Endymion was sure, was the size of earth. Always fawning over himself, always primping his hair in every available mirror. But not anymore. Now his hair was PINK! Endymion dissolved into a fit of giggles again. "Endymion! Endymion, open up this door this instant!" Serenity yelled, pounding on the door. Immediately, the smile from Endymion's face vanished. He had forgotten about Serenity. She would be mad, now that he had dyed her 'boyfriend's' hair pink. "You open this door or I'll get Jupiter to blast it down Endymion!" she said, sounding very, very angry. Endymion sighed, and reluctantly opened it a crack, allowing one blue eye to meet hers. She slammed the door open, knocking him back in the room painfully, and swept into the room. "OWw, Sere!! that hurt!" Endymion cried, putting a hand to his eye where the door had smacked him. "Don't you 'oww, Sere' me. I'm gonna hurt you a lot worse if you don't . . .what were you thinking!" "I was thinking his look was tired? 'Sides, you've always been partial to pink, right?" She hissed angrily. "Why are you doing this! From the 8 year olds, I would have expected this, but Endymion, you're 17 I thought you were more mature than this!" "Well, you're certainly acting much more mature than this!" Endymion said angrily, running a hand through his hair nervously and flipping it out of his eyes. "What are you talking about!" "Nothing. Nothing Sere. I'm sorry, Ok, is that what you wanted to hear." he said, tired of the conversation. "NO! I want you to explain yourself. What was that comment about being mature supposed to mean. Are you saying I'M the one being immature?" "No, I'm saying you're the one whose being overly mature! That stupid Prince is 18 Sere, and you're traipsing all over with him like you were all grown up! You're only 13 Serenity." "You're just jealous cause I've got a boyfriend!" "yeah, I've always wanted a boyfriend Sere." "Must you always be so sarcastic!" she cried. "YES! I don't' like him Sere. he's, he's, he's . . . you just shouldn't be hanging out with him!" "Oh, and who should I be hanging out with? YOU!" she cried. Endymion looked away, silent, his jaw clenched shut. When she put it like that, yeah, she should be hanging out with him instead of that moron. She was much too special for someone like that. Absolutely perfect. She was funny, and kind, and fun to be around, and so pretty . . . gorgeous actually. He had never seen anyone as pretty as her in his life. What was she doing, wasting her time with Tyrian. He didn't' deserve her! No way! Not his best friend, not his ... "That's it! Endymion, that's it, isn't it?" she said, her voice softening. She reached out, gasping as he pulled away from her arm. More boldly, she stepped forward, putting her hand on his chin and titling it away from the ground, so he could look into her eyes. The look she was greeted with brought tears to her eyes, and she engulfed him in an enormous hug. "Oh, Endymion. I still love you! You know that, right? You're my best friend. Nothing, not Tyrian, not anything, can change that! we'll be best friends for always!" "Sere . . ._" "No matter what, you're my best friend!" she said again, more forcefully, crying with emotion into his shoulder. "'Yeah, best friends, just what I've always wanted . . .' he thought sarcastically, closing his eyes. Why was that suddenly not enough? "Sere, I don't want to lose you." he said. "You were never going to. You'll be part of my life forever and ever and ever, cause that's what friends do. I just wish you and Tyrian would at least try to get along. Endy, I do love him, I think." she said. "You do? .But Sere-" he cried, beginning to protest. So it had come to this! "Endymion! Please!" she cried, sounding so, so sad. God, he hated to hear her sounding so miserable. Since they were little kids, he had been protecting her, making sure she had always maintained that beautiful tinkling laughter, shielding her from sadness. Every time he heard anything other than happiness in her voice, it broke his heart. "Please, Endymion, for me, try to get along with him. I can't bear to not have either one of you in my life. So please, try and at least be civil to him, please. Do it for me." When she spoke so earnestly, when she sounded so unbearably hurt, what could he do? "Anything you wish Sere. Anything you wish." * * * * * "Nice shmice, blah blah blah, only for you Sere, only for you." he muttered to himself, all ready to apologize to Prince Tyrian. She was soo good at getting him to do what she wanted him to do - like some special power she had over him, had over his heart. 'Ok, time to be nice.' he thought, steadying himself for the unspeakable. Apologize to that guy!?!?! He never would have though it. He was, as his mother called him, too willful, too prideful, too spirited, a bit too spoiled and used to getting his way. But, this was what Serenity wanted, and he forgot about everything else when it came to her. " . . .my kingdom. I only have to wait a few more years. Not that it is really such torture. She is quiet possibly one of the greatest beauties in the galaxy." Tyrian said laughing. "Once she matures, she will be quite the envy of all. All in all, a wonderful find for you." another man said, the advisor to the prince. "Yes, she will give me power, this Kingdom and just the sight of her is quite satisfying. A most profitable marriage if I ever saw one." "But sir, what of . . .love?" another, meeker voice said, one that Endymion did not recognize. "I will gain the Moon Kingdom, and it's angelic princess as well. What is there not to love. A drink, to my good fortune." Tyrian proclaimed, crowing gleefully. The chime of glasses followed, as the three laughed heartily. Endymion could feel the blood drain from his face, as his anger welled into a rushing river, a terrifying force. He would kill Tyrian, for toying with Serenity, for using her for .POWER!!! The lowest scum of the universe was after his sweet, beautiful, wonderful princess. NO! he would protect her from this benthic ooze! he wouldn't' hurt her, not a gorgeous golden hair on her perfect head. Endymion flung the door open, startling the three men by his wild display. "Why, Prince Endymion, what a surprise? Are you here, perhaps, to dye my hair green this time?" Tyrian asked, his voice so annoyingly patronizing. "Stay. Away. From. Serenity!" Endymion growled menacingly. Tyrian's eyes widened at the tone. 'So the prince does have a backbone! Quite a terrifying one at that' "Excuse us" Tyrian said to his companions, who summarily left his chambers. Tyrian turned back to Endymion. "Now, little prince, why should I do that? It would break my poor princess's heart. You wouldn't' want that, now would you?" Tyrian said nervously. "You using her for power would break her heart more. Did you ever love her?" "I don't' know what you mean?" Tyrian said innocently. Endymion jumped forward, grasping Tyrian by the collar, almost choking him. "I heard you. I HEARD YOU, YOU JERK! My God, you don't. You never loved her! Did you? DID YOU?" Tyrian remained silent, enraging Endymion further, his eyes almost coming alive with fire. "ANSWER ME DAMMIT! DID YOU EVER LOVE HER YOU LYING BASTARD?" Endymion screamed passionately. Tyrian tried to shrink back, but Endymion would not let him get away. "No. I did not." Tyrian said quietly. Endymion let him go, shocked. He glared at the older prince, pacing the room, shaking an angry fist at him, too mad to speak, walked the room again, trying to collect his thoughts calmly. Endymion had already counted to 176 before he found his voice. "She loves you? How . . how could you . . .she deserves someone who loves her. You . . .you-" "I what, Endymion?" Tyrian asked. "Since when has love anything to do with it. She's the best suited for my needs. That's what royalty looks for. She had it, and I want it." "I, I can't believe I'm listening to this. SUIT YOUR NEEDS!!! Serenity deserves better, so much better. She deserves to be put on a pedestal, to be loved and cared for, to be-" Endymion was interrupted by Tyrian's high pitched laugh. "So that's it? Why, you want her for yourself, don't you. Why, you think you're in love with her! That is amusing!" "No I don't! She's my friend, that's all I don't . . . " 'he let his thoughts trail off. 'I don't think of her constantly and how much I want to hold her and be with her every second of the day, share all of her joy and all of her pain.' Endymion said to himself. "I can see it, Endymion. You want the princess for yourself. Why, that is just so, HILARIOUS!!!!" Tyrian began to laugh again. Endymion. could feel the heat of anger wash over him again. "And what if I am! She would be better off with me than with you!" This stopped Tyrian's laughter. "Why would she want you, little prince. Look at you. Immature, scrawny, plain features . . .Serenity could have her pick of anyone in the galaxy. Why would she ever want someone like you? A mere child? No, you don't even have a chance with her." Tyrian said, his words cutting straight to Endymion's heart. "I would love her with all my heart . . . which is more than you would. She should know that." "Oh no you don't'! Not a word of this to Serenity! Do you hear me little prince, not a word!" Tyrian cried in alarm, stepping in front of Endymion, who was stomping towards the door. "Get out of my way!" Endymion said abnormally quietly. Tyrian held his ground. "You will not tell her anything Endymion." Endymion looked at Tyrian coldly, his eyes a mix of fire an dice, too intense to stare at for long. A look that could, and would , stop men dead in their tracks, scare them witless. This boy would soon be quite a power to contend with, Tyrian noted. But he was still young, the princess could and would be his still. Or so he thought. Tyrian did not expect Endymion's fist to crash against his cheek, or his hands to shove him so hard away, against the wall, that the paintings hanging on it fell to the ground. Tyrian stared at the boy, watching him leave with quiet purpose to his princess. * * * * * "Do you really hate me that much! Do you intentionally try to hurt me?" Serenity cried, the tears streaming down her face. She refused to believe him. Tyrian wasn't' like that. All those times he had been so sweet. No, Tyrian loved her. But why was Endymion lying to her now? It just didn't make sense. "Sere, please, believe me when I tell you he didn't' love you. I heard it with my own ears." Endymion pleaded. 'Please Sere, please. Now isn't' the time to be silly. Just believe me - I would never lie to you.' "Why cant' you just be civil to him? Is that soo hard. Why are you saying these things, Endymion, these horrible, horrible things!" she cried. "Don't you know how much this hurts me?" Endymion stepped forward, wanting to comfort her with his arms. She stepped away from him. "Sere, he's interested in POWER, not your love." "Enough." she cried. "He wants to rule Sere, that's all." "ENOUGH!" she cried, putting her hands to her ears. "Listen to me Sere, he's-" " YOU'RE LYING! I wish I knew why, but you have to be." "I'm telling you the truth Sere-" "DON'T YOU CALL ME THAT! My name is Serenity, Prince Endymion. Not Sere. Don't' you dare call me that, not after what you just said. "Sere - Princess Serenity, I would never hurt you on purpose . . . I, I love you." Endymion said sadly. "NO YOU DON'T!" she screamed angrily. "If you loved me you wouldn't' lie to me like that! I thought you were my fried." "I am. For always." he said meekly. He closed his eyes. every pained word cut through him like a stinging knife. Why couldn't' she see that he was trying to help her, to save her, to protect her? Why couldn't' she see what he felt? "I'm sorry, but it's true. I'm so, so sorry Sere." he stepped closer to her, and again, she dodged him, her tears trailing behind her. "Get out. GET OUT Prince Endymion!" "Sere-" he began, his hands held out in front of him, tears on the horizon. He was amazed that he managed to keep his voice steady, that it did not crack. "Leave me alone! I don't' want to see you again Prince Endymion. EVER! JUST GO AWAY AND GET OUT OF MY LIFE!" she yelled, choking on a sob. Endymion swallowed hard, not quite believing what he had just heard. Surely she didn't' mean it, surely, it was just a heat of the moment thing. He couldn't just stay away from her. It was impossible, especially now! One look at her pain filled face, and he was sure. She was serious, deadly serious. And Endymion could feel his heart shatter into a million pieces. "Anything you wish Sere. Anything you wish." he said, walking dejectedly out of her room, and out of her life. Serena bolted up in bed, tears streaming down her face, clutching at the memory before it faded. All she could remember was one word, one name. "Tyrian!" she whispered. "Luna, you said that we're like ghosts, right?" Serena asked. "No Serena. Not ghosts. Reborn. You were . . . reincarnated from the past." Luna corrected. "Right, whatever. Anyways, do you remember a lot from that time?" she asked, throwing the top of her school uniform over her head. "Not much. It's all bits and pieces really. Why." Luna asked, looking at Serena curiously. "Well, do you remember someone named Tyrian?" she asked, trying up her long hair. Luna squinted her eyes in concentration. "I, I'm not sure. I don't' seem to remember it, but . . .well, you never know. It has been a long time." "Oh, ok Luna. Well, thanks for the info." Serena said. Luna hopped in her way. "Hold on. Why did you ask?" "Oh, well, I uh . . .ohmigosh!! LUNA!!! Why didn't' you tell me I was late!! AHHHH!!! BYE!" Serena screamed, grabbing her bag in one fluid sweep and raced out the door. Darien tried to paste a semi- conscious expression on his face as Meghan spoke. If she even suspected that he really wasn't' listening, and that he really didn't' care what she had to say, she would be sure to tell him how displeased she was - for about an hour at least. "See, so, like, Drama is like for sure one of the most um . . . like, what's that word again? Oh Yeah! Expressive and totally artistic, so don't you think EVERYONE should be in a drama club, right Darien?" she asked. Darien nodded, unsure of what exactly it was he was agreeing to, but it certainly seemed to do the trick as she beamed at him. "I just KNEW I could count on you." she exclaimed. Darien glanced at his watch. 'I hope Serena is OK.' he thought, furrowing his brow as he felt worry creep upon him. he swallowed it back. She was with Andrew. He personally had asked him to keep an eye on her. No, she was safe with him. he was sure. But it didn't' stop him from worrying. "Didn't' you hear me Darien?" Meghan asked, sounding very put out. She almost sounded like Serena, but when it was Serena who pouted, it seemed almost . . . beautiful. When Meghan tried to pull it off, she was simply annoying. "Um, sure I heard ya . . .what were you saying?" he asked. Meghan snorted angrily. "I was telling you how much of a wonderful addition to Drama you would be. Honestly Darien, you have been SO moody lately. Happy yesterday, clueless today. It really isn't cool at all the way your acting. I mean I . . . " Moody? he thought. Andrew had said something similar. Said he had been acting a lot more cheerful than usual. But that was ridiculous. Darien was acting the same as he always had been, hadn't he? "I guess not." he mumbled to himself. "What was that?" Meghan asked. Darien shook his head. "Nothing." he said. he wondered what Serena was doing. Probably playing video games, Or eating. Maybe, she would be hungry when he was done with this stupid thing with Meghan. He hated group projects, especially with absolute morons. If he was paired with someone interesting, maybe they wouldn't' be so bad. Maybe, if Serena was in his class, he wouldn't mind it so much. He smiled as he thought of her trying to puzzle out the Calculus proof. he could almost see her eyes shining, looking at him questioningly. '"So how do you anit- derivitivize the interegarable of this thingy?" she would ask, looking so perplexed, chewing her pencil, looking too undeniably cute. Or maybe, she would smile, or better yet, laugh, her blue eyes dancing, her eyes the most perfect things he had ever seen, eyes that, for the first time, he wasn't' afraid to look into. Or maybe . . . 'Man, Darien, you got problems!' he thought snapping his attention back to Meghan, who was holding his hand and smiling gratefully at him. "Oh, I knew you would love it! I'm so glad you decided to join the Drama Club!" "Drama CLUB!" Darien gasped. "Yeah, Meetings are every Wednesday night. Don't be late! By-eee!" she said, walking off. "Oh Man!" Darien said to himself, shaking his head. "Should have paid attention. What have I gotten myself into." he thought, sighing. 'I hope this doesn't' interfere with tutoring Serena . . . Darien's head began to throb, as he felt his transformation begin to take over again. Sailor Moon needed him, needed Tuxedo mask. His duty called, coming before everything. He was on his way to realize his dream. "Tuxedo Mask . . . " she called to him, standing on the ledge of that castle, her long, golden hair waving behind her. He could only stare up at her. "Who are you?" he called. She shook her head, her face still obscured by the shadows. "You must find the Silver Imperium Crystal. Please, Tuxedo Mask." "Why? What is this crystal?" "Please, find the crystal. Help me be free again." "WAIT!" Darien cried, bolting straight up in bed. he was breathing hard, the dream causing his senses to race. he tried to steady the hard, quick breaths, to slow his pulse, putting his head in his hands, wiping away the sweat that matted his forehead. That dream again. Every night for so, so long, he had dreamt of her, begging him to find the crystal. It had consumed him for so long, this insane quest, and now, he was so close to finding it, the rainbow crystals within his reach. So close to a goal that had taken up almost every single thought in his life. Until now. Serena. She had truly complicated things. He wanted to find this princess, save her. He supposed that maybe he was even in love with her. But what was this thing with Serena then? Why did he feel that wave of warmth when she was near? Why did he want nothing more than to just watch her, to have her close? Serena was slowly edging out his dream princess, making him put aside his dream for this more tangible reality. He silently laughed bitterly. Why, he was turning emotional! All those strange thoughts he had been having for the past few weeks, they were because he was starting to feel something for that special little meatball head. Starting? No, he was way past starting, had graduated from that stage a long while ago, probably before any of this tutoring situation had even begun. He was so far beyond starting that it wasn't' funny. he was all the way there, 100% present and accounted for, ready and waiting. It wouldn't' work. He was Tuxedo Mask, she was . . .well . . . Serena. As much as he might have wanted her in his life, she couldn't. From an analytical standpoint, he couldn't keep this up. Reason 1 - He was Tuxedo Mask. It wasn't' fair to her. Always having to step out, to fight, his future so unsure. Every time he went out as his caped alter ego, he risked dying. Serena didn't' need that. Reason 2. She was 14 - still in middle school. he was 18, a high school senior. Reason 3. His dream princess. Serena didn't' fit in with the dream. Reason 4. She probably didn't even know he was alive. Why would she? He was her tutor, the guy who always teased her. Why would she have emotions for him? Reason 5. He trembled every time she walked into the room now, shaking with fear. If he let her in, let her somehow get close to him, what would that be like? She would want too much from him, want him to share his heart with her. He couldn't' do that. What if she didn't' like what she saw. No one else had. So what could there possibly be there that would make her want him? He couldn't let her in! He was terrified to even think it. Was fear a part of this concept called love? LOVE!!! Was this even love that he was feeling? NO!!! NONONONONONO!!!! He couldn't, not with her, not with anyone. He couldn't' love anyone at all. Darien took a deep breath, trying to calm the fire that had lighted through him, the flash of fear that spread from the tips of his toes inward. He smiled bitterly, as he realized what was going on. he was SCARED!!! Of Serena! If this wasn't such a serious situation, he would have been inclined to laugh. Instead, he pounded is fist angrily against the table. There was only one thing to do. Suppress it, control this! he would win, overcome it, make it stop. No matter how hard it was, he wouldn't let it get the better of him. Serena glanced at Darien. Was he trying NOT to look at her? She frowned. 'What have I done? Is there something wrong with me?' she wondered. She pushed the thought aside, turning back to her text. But Darien's odd behavior still tugged at her. He had been so distant lately, much more cruel, reverting back to his old manner of teasing her incessantly, only this time worse than he had. He hardly ever talked to her, save for explaining and helping her with her problems. She rubbed her eyes, trying to stop the tears that were threatening. She missed him. She missed his warm smile, which had not shown for over three days now, missed their conversations. She missed HIM. 'What did I do that was so wrong for him?' she wondered unhappily. She bit the end of her pencil, trying to focus all her thoughts on the math in front of her, trying to help her forget that she had somehow managed to lose a very valuable friend. "NO, no no meatball head. Your doing it all wrong! What's with you?" Darien said, exasperatedly. he snatched her paper from her angrily, making sure to stay as far from her as he could. Because, if he was close to her, he didn't know he could stop himself from kissing her. Serena looked at him tearfully,. "Sorry." she mumbled. "Don't be sorry. Do it right." he admonished. Even he had to admit he was sounding so harsh. He knew he was hurting her feelings; he could see it in her eyes. But, he had no other choice. he didn't' know how else he could keep he away, keep himself away. He was always hiding behind that rough, ridiculing front. It was his one form of defense, to keep people out. And there were times when he hated it more than anything. 'I'm sorry Serena.' he said to himself, hating this whole, brutal situation. "I can't. Darien, it just doesn't' make sense!" she said exasperatedly. "What don't' you get Meatball head. It's a very simple basic concept. Even elementary school kids could understand this - it's baby stuff." "Then maybe I'm a baby!" Serena yelled, jumping up from her seat and pointing a finger in his face. Darien unconsciously shrunk back away from it, form the accusing finger that confronted him with every harsh word he had spoken. "I don't' get what's wrong with you! You've been acting all mean and rude and, well, EVIL to me all week! I thought your teasing was worse before you were my tutor, but this is worse, much worse. I don't' get it. I thought we were friends. But I guess not! I mean, I'm just some stupid little middle schooler, right! Let's just make fun of her. Let's just make sure she knows how dumb she is! let's see how much we can make her like me and then . . . I don't' need this Darien!" "Serena . . ." "I'm over this learning concept, and I'm over this tutoring situation, and most of all, I'M SO OVER YOU! I'm going home, and maybe, when you decide to rejoin the human race, you can crawl out from you rock, and maybe, I might accept your apology! But until then, STAY AWAY FROM ME!" she spun on her heels, barely maintaining her balance, and quickly scooped up her things, running out the door of Darien's apartment as fast as she could, making sure he couldn't' see the tears that were washing over her cheeks. The door slammed behind her with a resounding bang, and Darien immediately leaped up. "AH SHIT!" he cried. What was she doing? She couldn't' just run out alone, at night! What if that guy was out there and . . . Before he realized what he was doing, he had transformed into Tuxedo mask and jumped out the window to take up the chase. Serena was feeling more paranoid than usual, wishing that she at least had Luna along with her. Usually, she loved the fact that Darien's building had a no cat rule, but now, she wanted her. It was late, and Serena had most definitely not forgotten her little obsessed friend that she was sure was somewhere out there, just waiting for her. And Darien certainly didn't' help to improve her mood. Why was he such a jerk all of a sudden. since when did he become Jeckyll and Hyde, good one moment, mean the next. His words had really hurt here, and she just wanted to go to sleep, to forget, to dream. She didn't' need Darien . . . even if, deep down, she knew she did. "Who's there?" she asked, positive she had heard something faintly in the distance, stopping and turning cautiously, hugging her arms around herself tightly. Her heart had seemed to speed up. She was sure he could hear her now, her her heart pounding against her chest. "Hello?" she whispered again. The shadows seemed so dark, so alive. She fingered her brooch, getting ready, just in case. Those shadows were creeping her out now, as were the tall buildings and the trees and everything that was remotely creepy, which included pretty much everything. A shadow began to grow, despite the e fact that it was a nearly moonless night. And it stepped out towards her. "AHHHHHH!!!! GET AWAY!!!!!": she screamed. "HEY HEY HEY!!!" Tuxedo mask exclaimed, jumping back, whether startled or afraid, he wasn't' sure. She had sure . . .surprised him with that wail though. Nearly given him a heart attack. He smiled at that thought, looking back at her. Were those heart in her eyes? "Tuxedo mask?" she asked. Tuxedo Mask nodded. "At your service. What are you doing out this late at night? You shouldn't be out alone. That's when all the crazies come out. It just isn't' safe." "I know." she said quietly. "I was supposed to have a ride." "OH, well, um-" he said, already knowing the rest of the story. "BUT DARIEN WAS JUST SOO MEAN!" she cried. "He was making fun of me, again, even thought he knows how much I hate it. And he said I was dumb, and was acting like a jerk again." she looked up at Tuxedo mask with tearful eyes. "I thought we were friends. Why would friends do something like that to each other?" Darien could feel that sensation in his soul, one of intense ripping and searing and white hot pain. She was crying, because of HIM! He hated himself at that moment - no, he loathed himself, for making her feel that way. Stay away from her, yeah, he could do that, if he had to. But treat her badly, hurt her? No, that wasn't' right. That was so not right. He had been so stupid! There had to be another way to keep her out of his mind. there had to. He refused to do that to her again. Not ever. Tuxedo mask placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I'm sure there is a reason for his actions. It is not what friends do." "Maybe he isn't' my friend then." she said, staring him in the eyes. She could almost pretend she could see through his mask, almost see eyes that for some reason felt familiar to her, felt like home to her. "No. I don't' think so. I think, he is probably going through changes in his life, and is confused. Scared. I'm sure that if you talked to him, maybe gave him a second chance, he would understand what he had done, explain why he had done it. I'm sure he didn't' mean to hurt you Serena. I'm positive of it." "You think?" she asked, her voice hopeful. "You think if I can talk with him, everything will be all better?" she asked. "I'm sure. He would be eternally grateful if you would just give him another chance." Tuxedo mask said, trying to mask the husky emotions that had inadvertently crept into his voice. Serena beamed for him, one of those gorgeous dazzling smiles that he thought was becoming a drug for him, a thing he needed to see at least once a day. She was so beautiful when she smiled, so perfect, angelic. "Thanks Tuxedo mask!" she cried, impulsively giving her a hug. Tuxedo mask didn't' know whether to return the gesture or not. If he hugged her, would he be able to ever let go? Or would this be his only chance to embrace her, to greedily hoard her warmth for that moment. His self control lost, and he hugged her fiercely, glad the mask could hide the emotions that were pooling in his eyes. Finally, after an eternity that still seemed too short, she let go. "Thanks. thanks a lot. For everything. And especially for walking me home. This place is creepy! Gives me the willies!" she said happily, shivering a little to emphasize her point. tuxedo mask laughed, and he was happy. That damn prince was always with her! Would he ever leave her alone? He had been watching her for days now, and always, Endymion was at her side. How could he get near her if HE was there. And, he was fawning over her, as usual. Little had changed in his absence. She even looked the same, not even aging a day. There had been so many times when he had wanted to stop his hiding, take his princess in his arms, and reclaim her once again. But the prince seemed to have mysteriously grown, and as much as Tyrian hated to admit it, he was terrified of Endymion. Besides, perhaps it would upset her. No, his questions, such as why they were on this strange world that had settled on Earth, why they were even still alive and yet unchanged, would go unanswered until he could have her all to himself. Serena stood, unsure, at the front of Darien's apartment. 'Should I go in? What will I say? What will he say?' she wondered. She looked back at Andrew. "Staring at the door won't make it any easier Serena. Go on, talk with him." "But what then?" she asked. "Listen, Darien's been my friend for a long time. The only way you're gonna get him to change is if you talk to him. So go on." Andrew said. "It's not like he'd mind having you around." Andrew added, smiling. Darien thought he could hide it from him, but Andrew knew Darien better. He had seen him, witnessed his distraction, witnessed the straying attention that seemed to usually end up focusing on Serena. And the constant teasing only confirmed it. "Right, I'm gonna do it . . . .eventually." she said, turning around. "I'll come back later." "Oh no you won't. Serena. You're going to talk to him. All right? Where is that spunky girl who was outlining her game plan for this at the arcade." "Playing a video game. I don't' think I can." Serena pouted. "Serena." he said warningly. Serena sighed. "All right, all right. I'm going. You and Luna should start a club." she muttered, dialing the code Darien had given her so she could enter the apartment. She would say something witty - she hadn't' thought that detail out yet, and then he would apologize, and say how stupid he had been, and then he would get her a present, and take her to to a nice dinner and . . .yeah right!!!! That' wasn't going to happen. At the very least, he was going to just apologize. Besides, it's not like she wanted anything else but an apology, right? It's not like his remarks had hurt her, not because they were just friends, but because there was something more to it. She paled, laughing at her self for such a silly thought. 'Get a life Serena. Man, this is DARIEN!' she smiled, knocking softly on the door. No answer. She wasn't' sure if she could come back and do this though. Her best bet was to go inside and wait. She slowly opened the door to the apartment, amazed that he was so careless to leave it unlocked. "Darien, you in here?" she called softly. No answer. "Okay, I'll just sit on the couch and wait." she said aloud. Then she caught sigh of the Kitchen. 'FOOD!' She hopped into the room enthusiastically, ready to get the one semi-edible thing in his over nutritious kitchen, watermelon. And she immediately backed up, her face beet red. q "Sorry." she said meekly. "Didn't' know you were in there." "Serena." Darien said, hastily pushing Meghan away from himself. Of all the times for her to decide to kiss him, Serena had to decide to show up unannounced. "No, I shouldn't have come in without saying something before. I'm sorry. I, I'll be going now." "Going!" he exclaimed, alarmed. "Serena wait, let me explain. I wasn't really-" "No. I, I-" she said, her voice trembling, her body literally quaking, her eyes misted with water. "It's not like you have to explain. It' not like I . . . I loved you or anything. I'll just let myself out now." she whispered./ "Serena, please, I'm so-" "Later Darien. Enjoy." she said, darting out of the room with lightening fast speed. Darien gulped, looked back at Meghan, who was looking at him with a perplexed look on her face. He sunk into the couch, miserably cradling his head in his hands. he knew he should have been happy, that now he had the perfect way to keep Serena away, but why did it hurt so much when she had told him that she never loved him Anyways, that it didn't' matter. Shouldn't' it have mattered at least a little. No, of course not. Why should it have? She didn't' love him. And, she never would love him. Not now, not ever. Princess Serenity returned tot he castle from her morning ride with Tyrian to find the castle a flurry of action. Maids and couriers and pages running around like mad. 'What in the world is going on here?' she wondered. She looked at the maid that ran past, obviously harried, dragging a large case, a case that she recognized as . . . Endymion's? Was he going somewhere? Where? Perhaps- She stopped herself from wondering, from caring. She had forgotten that she was angry with him. No, furious with him would be more appropriate than a simple angry. Two months since they had last spoken, and those had been angry words. But she did miss him, even if he was an arrogant, mean-spirited, lying jerk. She turned around to continue walking, resolving firmly not to even ask about Endymion, to make sure he knew that she was still positively livid with him for his behaviors. she wasn't' the least bit interested in what was going on. Even if she was dying to know. turning back one last time, she didn't' notice where she was going, and the inevitable collision was unexpected, but unavoidable. "Watch where your going. Don't' you see I'm in a hu-" the man stiffened as he saw Serenity's wide eyes, the indignation rising. he quickly bowed to her. "Princess!" "General Malachite?" she asked. he nodded. "What are you doing here? I thought you were on Earth." "I was." he said curtly. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I must attend to the prince immediately." he said, briskly walking past her. 'Attend to the prince?!?!' she thought, alarmed. if the general had flown all the way from Earth, just for Prince Endymion . . . she could feel fear suddenly freeze her heart cold. Her resolve crumbled at the thought of her prince in trouble. "Wait, General Malachite!" she called. "What's happened to Endymion that you were sent for?" "Why Princess, haven't' you heard?" he asked, stopping. She shook her head slowly. "I was out all morning. Please, tell me. He is all right, isn't' he?" she asked softly "Metallia attacked earlier this morning. We are going to war. The Prince must come with us." malachite said, is eyes reflecting an incredible sadness. "WAR! But, but, war is dangerous!" Serenity exclaimed. "We need a king. Endymion must accept his title and lead his people." "Endymion is no King. besides, his father is -" "Dead. they attacked the castle. The other generals and myself barely made it out of there alive with her majesty, but she had been wounded and . . . we weren't fast enough." Serenity gasped, her hands immediately flying to cover her mouth in horror. "Both his parents are . . .?" "I'm afraid so Princess. Now please, if you'll excuse me, I must help Prince Endymion prepare." Malachite said, bowing again to Serenity before leaving. She watched him leave, walking down the corridor slowly, purposefully, with a careful, studied calm and control, never showing his guilt at letting the royal family all but perish, his pain at having to comfort the prince, when the boy was just that, a boy who did not deserve to have his parents ripped away from him. Serenity could feel the tears make their way down her face. The King and Queen of Earth had been truly wonderful people. And Endymion must be devastated. She began to cry even harder than before at the thought of him. How in the world was he handling this? 'Oh, my poor, poor Endy.' she thought. He must be feeling so sad, so alone. She wiped away her tears with the back of her hand. Endymion did not need her to cry. She had to be strong, for him, to help him be strong. She was the only one who could help him. Even if she was mad at him, this was more important. She had to go to him! She picked up her skirts, their argument forgotten, and made her way for her Prince. She raced through the halls, the path etched in her memory from so many years of walking down it, until she was at last at Endymion's quarters. The door was shut. Serenity raised her hand, as though to knock. 'What if he doesn't' want to see me? What if he's angry with me?' she thought. She stood outside the door, unsure of what to do, waiting for the answer to miraculously come to her. She took a breath, and raised her hand again, pulling it back to knock. The door swung open abruptly, almost knocking Serenity back. "S, S, Serenity?" "Yeah. General Nephrite? Is that you?" she asked. The man had an almost haunted look on his face. what hell had he just been through? And now Endymion would be facing the same torment, the same pain. She had to get to him! "He'll need you." Nephrite said, motioning for her to enter the room. She looked at him uncertainly, afraid. He smiled down at her, and she peered into the room. Endymion knelt in front of the fireplace, his back bent sadly, his shoulder's drooping, his head hung. She knew the silky strands of his bangs were falling in his face, as they usually did, yet he made no motion to remove them. "Go away Princess." Endymion said with steel in his voice. He still didn't' turn to face her. "Endymion?" she asked, reaching out a shaky hand to touch his shoulder lightly. He spun around, his eyes blazing as he looked her full in the face. She unconsciously shrank back, afraid. "LEAVE!" He roared, before turning back around to stare out at an unseen point. Serenity looked down at the ground, gathering her strength. Endymion had never yelled at her like that before. How he must be hurting right now. "Endy. I know. It's going to be all right." she said, trying to shut out the image of his pain filled face. "I'm fine. I just don't' want to talk with you Princess. You made that clear." he said, again, his voice lacking any emotion. It sent shivers through her spine. "Endymion, you're not fine. You're parents-" "I'm FINE! Do you hear me! F-I-N-E! FINE!" he cried. 'What other choices are there? How else can I be, but fine. I have nation to rule, a people who need me to be strong. I can't not be all right.' Endymion said to himself, trying to stop the pain with that knowledge that he had no other choice than to be strong in the face of this tragedy. 'If only Metallia hadn't . . . my father would have known how to act now.' at the thought of his father, Endymion's eyes welled up with tears again, and he blinked hard, trying to stop them from doing further damage. He hoped Serenity hadn't seen them "Oh, Endy. It's all right to cry. It cant hurt you." Serenity said comfortingly. She took a swift step to him, enveloping him in a tight embrace, never letting go despite the struggling of the Prince. "Just go ahead and be sad Endy. I'll always be here for you when you want to cry. So don't be afraid." she said softly, whispering in his ear,. his hair brushing against her nose. She could feel him trembling in her grasp, shuddering, and then a trickle of wetness on her hand. Endymion suddenly had his arms wrapped around her tightly, holding onto her, his life preserver, his one clear, conscious, sane thought in all his pain, his one ray of hope, of light, of love. The soft cotton of her dress was soon moist as he buried his head against her small shoulder and cried, letting out all the pain and frustration and fear and sorrow of the last day, of the last few months. he wasn't afraid of his tears anymore, not with Serenity there, whispering comforting words to him, keeping him safe within her arms. he never wanted to be parted from her - who else in the entire universe did he have besides her? She was the only family he had now. "I want them back Sere. I don't' want to be King." Endymion said as his tears subsided and his voice, though somewhat shaky, was once again audible. "I know. But I'm sure you will be a wonderful King Endy. Just like your Dad.: "I'll never be as good as he was. Never." He lowered his head, thinking of everything he had just lost, of the wonderful people that he would never see again . . . Serenity noted the on-coming tears in Endymion's eyes, and her hands flew to her pocket, pulling out a golden chain, from which a star pendant hung delicately. "Endy. Do you like this?" she asked. He looked at it inquisitively, his eyes captured by the glimmering gold. She smiled, flipping up the lid of the locket, the strains of a beautiful melody set free from the box. Endymion listened to it in rapt fascination, amazed by the incredible bauble he had just seen, and by the beautiful song playing from it. "I want you to have this Endy." Serenity said. Endymion looked at her, the tears still sparkling in his eyes, but locked away by the moment of happiness the music had produced. "Sere, it's too pretty. I cant' take it." "Don't' be silly. You need it more than I do. Whenever you're sad, play it and know that I'm here, thinking of you, that all the people that love you are watching over you in that song. When you hear it, you cant' be unhappy, because it's like my voice, and I'm telling you to cheer up. OK?" she said seriously. Endy smiled at her earnest attempt to make him smile, and he managed to produce one, however weak it was. It didn't matter. she beamed anyway. "I'll play it every day Sere." he said. She clapped her hands happily, then nearly bowled him over in a bear hug. "I gotta go now. But don't' be sad for too long Endy. I hate it when my friends are unhappy. " "I won't. How can I refuse you.?" he said. He cocked his head, just realizing something. "Sere, I thought you were mad at me for -" "I cant' stay mad at you forever. Besides, you're a high and mighty King and I gotta suck up to you now, don't' I?" "If you do, I'm afraid I'll have to send my troops to kill you." Endymion said, laughing at the fleeting pout that crossed her face. "ya right. But Endy, don't' forget to visit. I'm gonna miss you so so so so so much! No girl should be separated from her Best bud." "Nothing will come between us Serenity. I promise." Endymion said seriously, staring into her sparkling eyes. " We'll be together for always." Serena wiped furiously at the tears, trying to make them stop. Why was she crying Anyways. Darien hadn't' been mean to her even. But there they were, being sooo annoying. She just couldn't' understand why she was feeling so hurt, so sad. All she saw was him kissing that girl. No biggie . . . "OH!!! Why do you always manage to make me miserable!" she cried angrily, shaking her first at the sky. She sniffed, stopping her mad rush away from the apartment. Serena looked around. 'This is just WONDERFUL!' she said to herself. If she could hit herself, she would. 'Brilliant. Alone, in the park, at night. Yep, I'm gonna be a brain surgeon next, for sure.' She started walking down the path at a faster than normal pace. she wasn't' about to stay out there longer than she had to. She nervously looked around, imagining all sorts of things hiding in the bushes. She could just see the headlines now "Monster Attacks Gorgeous Teenager - Friend Darien Chiba never recovers because he was such a jerk to her." yea right! Darien probably wouldn't even care if she was found by that nut in the library. he would probably go laugh and enjoy his date with Bunny, or Buffy or what ever that bimbette's name was. Serena scowled. She didn't' like the ways he was starting to sound. Almost . . .jealous? Nah! Why would she be jealous of the bimbo of the week? 'Because she's Darien's -" "Princess." Serena immediately halted. She recognized the voice. She took a step back, away from him the voice, her eyes wide with fear. he stepped out from the bushes. He was different looking now than he had been in those weird dreams, but still, that voice was identical, and his features seemed similar, just a little older, and worn. "T, Tyrain?" she asked. He seemed startled, then a huge grin broke out on his face. 'Kinda cute. Not bad looking at all.' she thought. "I've missed you, my Princess." he said, grabbing her in his arms and holding her to him tightly. Serena froze, afraid to move. What was she going to do now!?!? 'Darien!' she thought. TO BE CONTINUED . . .