Independent Woman Part 1

by Serena

The monster faded into nothingness and she huffed indignantly, swearing she’d kill whoever designed these skimpy things. The mini skirt was only a hand’s length from her hip to. Forgetting the slight accident that happened only seconds before, she turned and promptly cried out and fell flat on her face.

Tuxie was by her instantly and helped her to a sitting position as he checked over the offending ankle. She sighed and crossed both arms, now officially ticked. It wasn’t enough that she had to fight horrendous monsters with deadly weapons, no. when she was done, she had to go back into the real world and have an arm wrestling match with stupid men.

“Penny for your thoughts?” tuxedo Mask asked quietly and she looked over at him. Sincerilly, she couldn’t be angry with him, he’d been nothing but kind and curtious since the beginning. She’d caught him staring their first night out, but not after. Impressive in her books.

“I hate men.” She stated simply and watched as one dark eyebrow shot up. “Not you, obviously. You at least treat me like a person instead of a giant paper cup.” He inclined his head that he understood and slipped the boot off hr mile long leg gently.

“Well, glad to be of service.” He stated and looked over the ankle in question. She probably just twisted it, but it might be more then that. With only innocent intentions –well, almost only- he set his hand against her mid calf and tried to turn the ankle slightly. She bit back a cry and he sighed. Just their luck. It was sprained.

“You know, the really cruel irony behind this whole cesspool is the one guy I *really* want to take it out on isn’t here.” He glanced up questioningly, his eyes tracing the ‘mile long’ leg up to her face.

“And that would be who?” she closed both eyes and spat out the next sentence like poison.

“This jerk I broke up with last night.” Nodding his understanding, he sat back on the flat roof to listen interestedly. It wasn’t often one got to look into the personal life of a super heroin. “There is no explaining to do there, the idiot thought it would be funny to cheat on me –with about ten girls on the first day.”

“And he’s still alive? Rare case when you’re mad.” He stated and she smiled satisfactory.

“That’s ok, I got him back so good. I’ve never wanted revenge before, I’ve never gone after anyone –with the exception of work-“ she added hastily and he smiled “but dang he got me mad with him. Anyway, the reaction was priceless. Should have brought my camera.” She fell silent for a while and they stared across the roof at each other. Minutes passed, it felt like days passed, but that was more then likely not the case.

The blond broke into a fit of nervous giggles and he cocked his head slightly.

“Sorry, I just that… you know…” she giggled again and reached over to pull the shoe on.

“What?” she shrugged and winced slightly.

“For all I know you could be him.” Trying one more pass at pulling it on she throws it over one shoulder irritably and rubbed gently as she bit back on the pain.

“I find that very unlikely.” She looked up and he glanced up from the rooftop. “I’ve never been on a date.” Her jaw dropped and all her anger was forgotten.

“You?? You have *never* been on a date? Never?” he shook his head and took his top hat off setting it to the side. “That is insane! Why the heck not, you’ve got the looks.” He glanced up interestedly and she flushed. “I mean…uh…” chuckling softly, he kicked a rock across the pavement.

“Well, well, Sailor Moon. I do believe I’ve never seen you quite that color before.” She blushed harder and kept her gaze lowered. “To answer your question, I’d had enough with the female race when I was in fifth grade. And you’re what now, fifteen, sixteen?”

“Twelve.” She stated quietly and it was his turn to be shocked. Until he caught on. She rolled her eyes. “Sixteen. Just barely. And believe me, I *never* thought I’d be doing this through high school. It’s not enough I have to get a job, no I have to go out and save the world every other night.” He smiled evilly.

“Ever thought of modeling?” her eyebrow shot up.

“ME? Model?? That’s insane! Last year I got voted dumbest ugliest girl in the school. All the guys wince when I walk passed.” Smiling ironically, he leaned against the roof’s lacing.

“With all due respect, Miss Moon, I doubt it’s because of a lack of attractiveness.” Her jaw literally dropped in shock and she leaned back on her hands.

“What?? You find me attractive?? Oh, the girls are gonna love this. Thought you didn’t date.” Chuckling, he nodded.

“Well, I do have a pulse. And I can hardly overlook the fact you have an hourglass figure and –no offence- but very long and slender legs.” She broke into a fit of girlish giggles before he could continue and he let them die down a bit. “That and the fact you’re wearing something skin tight and a mini skirt. I don’t see anything wrong with your face except that I can’t tell who you are.” She stopped, blinked, and looked up before falling back on the roof clutching at her sides as she roared with laughter.

Finally allowing himself to join in, he laughed as well at how he’d stated the obvious. In the end, though, both calmed down and fell silent. What else was there to talk about, it wasn’t like they knew much about each other. She sighed and reached down, rubbing gingerly at the ankle again.

“It’s sprained, isn’t it?” she asked quietly and he nodded

“How are you going to cover that one up?” he returned and she shrugged.

“It’s not like anyone cares enough to ask anymore. My friends find me annoying and my parents have found I don’t answer questions like that anymore. Who else is gonna ask?” he stood and walked over to her, sitting down and resting a hand on her shoulder.

“Is it really that bad?” she nodded and sighed, fingering the hem of the other boot.

“The girls constantly pick on me because I’m not as smart as they are and my family is really smart. My brother and dad are geniuses and my mom’s a qualified chef. Coming from one person, I can shrug it off, but when everyone I know says it, it’s a lot harder.” He nodded and looked down.

“That makes sense for the most part. When I was young, it was hard to overlook the fact that everyone had a friend but me.” She looked up.

“You didn’t have any friends? I’m sorry.” he smiled wryly as she bit her lip and shook his head.

“I didn’t really …uh…play nice with the other kids. A lot of girls your age find that attractive, which really scares me. Mostly because I know this girl, she’s so different then anyone I’ve ever met. I think maybe she’s you sometimes. Maybe a little klutzy, a little air-headed, but prettier then anyone I’ve ever seen. Sometimes I’d work up the courage to ask her if she was, but then I think there’s no way in heck she’d tell me. Unless I told her who I was.”

He fell silent and she looked back at the cement.

“There’s a guy I know, he’s really arrogant and rude a lot of the time. But I cant help but wonder about his past. Sometimes after having this huge verbal sparring match –when he thinks no one’s watching- he looks so lonely. I wonder about his home life and why he’s always alone wherever he goes. I’ve only met one of his friends and I think he only has one. I can’t pity him, he would really hate that, but it’s hard to talk to him when he’s always such a jerk to me.”

He sighed and stood, unclasping his cape and ripping of a long strip of the matterial. He faintly heard her ask what he was doing, but ignored it. there was no point to sitting up here talking till it felt better. And he had an exam to pass in the morning.

“Sit still, sometimes I’m not exactly gentle.” He murmured and lifted the foot gently. Wrapping the piece of his cape around the ankle and foot and part of the firm leg, he stopped and ripped off another piece. “It’s nice to talk to someone about this stuff, Sailor Moon, but I have an exam in the morning and I haven’t been sleeping well lately.”

“Strange dreams?” she asked quietly and he looked up in shock.

“How’d you know?” smiling, she shrugged.

“Me too. Thanks for taking care of me, though.” He shrugged.

“That’s my job. And I’ve always been partial to blondes.” He winked through the mask and she laughed. “Have that new scout meet us at the corner of main and first in five minutes.” She nodded and pulled what looked like a small credit card from her sub-space pocket.

“Hey, thunder, you there?” they waited a while.

“Sorry, silver. I was sleeping. What’s up?” her voice crackled back.

“You missed a monster, deary. And I injured myself again.”

“Where are you?”

“Tuxie and I will meet you at the corner of main and first in five minutes. Wear your uniform.”

“He’s not with you right now, is he?”

“Ya.”

“Dang, I *was* gonna comment on his sexy back side till you ruined my day.” Both broke out laughing. “Ah, well. since I already said it, ya I’ll meet ya there.”

“Gee, thanks, Jupiter.”

“Any time, Moon. I’m outie.” She looked over at him as the card disappeared again and blushed slightly.

“Sorry about that. I haven’t met a guy yet that doesn’t remind her of her old boyfriend in some way.” Laughing again, he reached down and tested the holdings quickly and she bit back a scream.

“Sorry.” he murmured and wrapped another layer around it carefully.  Apparently that one really hurt cause when he looked up again, she’d accidentally let a tear fall. “I’m really sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you.” She shook her head and reached up quickly to wipe it away.

“It’s ok, I’m being a cry baby.” He shook his head and knelt down next to her again.

“Anything I can do to help with the pain?” she shook her head, but stopped and looked up at him smiling.

“Actually yes. Since you find me so attractive, kiss me.” He sat back for a while as she giggled hysterically. Completely unawares at how shocked he was, she just laughed at her own joke. That is, till her head was tipped back and warm lips pressed against hers.

Jupiter looked around the corners and sighed, leaning back on the wall. She said five minutes, but it had been ten. With Tuxedo Mask, she’d hoped Serena would be somewhere on time for once. Unfortunately, she had been wrong as all heck. Closing her eyes softly, she must have fallen asleep.

A few minutes later, she heard a sound coming from just north of the street and looked up sharply. It was Tuxedo Mask holding the lost Sailor carefully. She noticed, with no small amount of mirth, she’d lost a shoe.

“Jeez, Moon. What the heck happed to you?” She walked over there and noticed the wrapping.

“She sprained her ankle.” Tuxedo Mask answered softly and handed her over carefully. She was grinning and blushing slightly, and the brunet noticed the peculiar fullness of both sets of lips and looked at the dark man accusingly.

“You kissed her, didn’t you?” he took a step back and cleared his throat. Sailor Moon laughed loudly and nodded.

“Five tomorrow.” He reminded quickly and turned.

“What’s at five tomorrow, Sailor Moon?” Jupiter asked excitedly. She shrugged and nodded off toward her house.

“Get me home in the next two minutes and I’ll tell you.” The brunet grumbled something and took off.

“That was…interesting yesterday, Serena.” Andrew offered and she grinned.

“Got that jerk’s attention.” She stated and slid onto the stool. Four forty five, she noticed. “Dang, I’m on time for once.”

“On time for what?” Andrew asked curiously and she grinned.

“I’m meeting someone here at five.” He leaned against the counter interestedly.

“Really? Who? Is it a guy?” she laughed and nodded. “After everything yesterday?” really confused now, he stared at the blond girl in front of him.

“Not for a relationship, of course. Men *still* suck. He’s more like…a business associate of sorts.” His brow furrowed in thought.

“Business?” she nodded and he shook his head before looking out the window. “There’s Darien. Hey, since you’re so independent now, how about a bet?” she shrugged. “I bet two milkshakes you wouldn’t French Darien once he comes through those doors.” One golden eyebrow shot up.

“Make it three and I’ll do it.” he thought it over for a second before nodding.

“Alright then.” Three seconds later, Darien walked up behind her.

“Hey, Meatball He…” she grabbed him by his tie and jerked his head down her to level. Andrew’s jaw dropped as he watched her slip her arch rival a tongue. Darien’s eyes where wide with shock as he stood there and let it happen. Finally, she shoved him away and sat down.

“One chocolate, one …pineapple. And the third…hmm….strawberry banana.” Andrew just nodded.

“You, uh, want something, Darien?” he choked out and saw the dark man staring at her. both dark eyes narrowed and he grabbed her arm. She stood and looked at him.

“Ouch! Jerk! Let go!” his other hand caught her face.

“Only one girl can kiss like that.” Confusion swept across her face and she looked his face over quickly.

“What are you talking about, I haven’t kissed anyone before…”

“But you have been kissed.” He stated as fact and she looked around for help as she tried to defend herself.

“How did you know that?” he leaned in closer and she thought for a minute he was going to kiss her back, but he stopped short.

“That guy you talked about last night, that was me, wasn’t it?” she froze.

“What?” her voice was soft and his eyes darted to the crutches leaning against the counter and noticed she held one leg up carefully.

“Sprained your ankle. Not broken, not twisted. How would I know that?” she looked shocked and confused now and looked deep into his eyes. What she saw there, though, shook her very core. He pulled away and reached into his inner jacket pocket to throw a small red rose on the counter.

“You!” she whispered and he nodded. “Oh my gosh… Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!!” she started to hyperventilate and sat down roughly on the stool. “All that time…and it was you! Oh my gosh!” he just smiled.

“I knew it. I had my doubts of course, but boy, I *knew* it was you. Too many things where the same.” She just stared at the counter top in shock. “Truce?” he asked softly and her gaze shifted and landed on him. Looking down at the hand stretched toward her, hers landed in it quietly. She looked up sharply.

“And you *kissed* me!” he laughed and nodded

“You kissed back.”

“You…you took care of me, too. And all those times I messed up, you fixed it for me.” He nodded and sat down at the counter.

“Did you get some ice on it last night?” she nodded and looked back at him.

“I’m right about you, though. Aren’t I?” he sighed and nodded.

“I’d tell you more, but it’s kinda public here.” She smiled and turned to the milkshake placed in front of her.

She smiled and handed over the change as the children laughed. she looked up and down the street and smiled. There was Darien during his morning jog. Who was that with him, though? It looked like a girl. she was really pretty, Serena conceded to herself and waved.

A relieved look swept across his face and he stopped in front of the truck. The girls stared at each other until the blond smiled.

“Hey, Dare, how’s it going today?” he leaned against the built in counter to catch his breath and grinned.

“Not bad, Meatball Head, working hard?” she sighed and rolled her eyes as she nodded.

“It’s ridiculously hot in this truck. Who’s your friend?” she turned to the aqua colored hair girl and extended a hand. “I’m Serena.” She offered politely and the girl took it, trying her best not to sneer at the younger girl.

“Heather.” Darien was so obviously trying to hide rolling his eyes, but nothing escaped the blonde’s notice. Just another chick after him for his body. And she had to admit, he had the body. But she held him in a higher respect then just that.

“So, what’ll it be?” she leaned against the counter as he looked over the stickers plastered to the side of the truck.

“Let’s see, I’ll have…Serena with a side of lunch with me in an hour.” She laughed and saw the pleading look in his eye. Getting the deal, she decided to go along with it. if she didn’t, this chick would have him angry for the scout meeting tonight. That was not a good thing.

“Wish I could, unfortunately, I get off in seven hours. That is, unless you want to drive around with me till then.” She smiled and realized what this must look like for that girl. she was wearing a mini skirt and a tank top as a uniform. Dang, to the naked eye, she must look like a hooker. “I usually take fifteen or so and grab lunch.” He sighed and placed both hands against the sides of her face gently.

“Serena, babe, I love ya like nothin’ else. but don’t tempt me today, I’m more then willing to skip work.” He reached up and pecked her lips softly before pulling away. “I’ll see you tonight, though, wont I?”

“The meeting? Sure.”

He lay out another set of plans and she sighed before looking through them. Tracing a thin line with her index finger, she pointed out the air ducts.

“It would be an easy escape if anything went wrong.” He nodded, but wasn’t looking at the plans. His eyes where running along that special spot on her neck where it curved out behind her perfect ear and golden hair. she leaned against the table with her palms flat on the surface and leaning on one leg with the other curved sensually. “Whoa, hold it. Look at this, Darien. The numbers don’t add up. there should be a ten by ten area right here.” He set hishand down beside hers, but didn’t look at it.

too immersed in staring at her etheral beauty, he listened to her ramble on and on about battle plans and how to find that secret area. He was unconciously moving in on her like a hunter stalking prey. Right now, she was talking about secret passages and wind blew in through a side window to shift the golden strands into intricate swirls on her neck.

He now stood directly behind her, his hands moving on their own as both gripped her shoulders and he ran his lips along her neck tenderly. She gulped and tried to ignore him. But he wouldn’t be ignored. He continued on along her neck, first kissing then tracing the spot where his lips had been with his tongue. His hands smoothed themselves down her arms and across her midsection invitingly.

“Darien…” she warned quietly, though her voice lacked conviction. “Darien, stop please.” She was turning toward his kisses though.

“Why? Afraid you might like it?” he whispered into her ear and she shivered against it. “This is the first time I’ve felt love in my life.” He stated and sent another trail down her neck. “If you think I’m going to let it go stagnant, you’re crazy.”

The cellar door opened slowly and she looked up. a shadow slipped down onto the stairs hazily as everything swam again. She fought for control of her senses and kicked out at the figure. Everything was so dark, it looked like Diamond. A gentle hand caught the side of her face and turned it up to his.

“Sh, it’s me. Are you ok?” recognizing the voice, she shook her head. His glove thrown to the side, he reached up and took her temp. “Jeez, Moon, you’re burning up. We’ve got to get you out of here and warmed up.” he began to pick the shackles at her feet and hands before catching her as she fell limply against him.

“Everything’s spinning, Darien. I can barely see…” he nodded and lifted her from the ground.

“It’s alright, I’m right here. Just stay calm and you’ll be fine.” She nodded and buried her face in his tux jacket. Closing both eyes to the dizziness that came with movement, she fought the urge to let lunch hit the floor. He was moving up the stairs now and opened the door before slipping out into the hallway and hiding behind a pillar.

She heard it now, too. Men coming this way and talking. Remaining as silent as possible, she heard the cellar door open and all of them go in. Tux sped from the pillar into the hallway and jumped up to an open window. Those same men came back out and she heard distinctly Diamond yelling for them to find her. She didn’t want to think about what would happen if they did.

He shifted and took something out of his inner breast pocket and flicked a switch before dropping it down into the hallway they just came from. Throwing his cape around her, he braced against the window and the hallway exploded. Using that momentum, they jumped the moat and landed on the grass just long of it. He lifted her head gently and realized she’d lost consciousness. Catching his breath, he picked her up again and stood.

“All the heroics for nothing.” A voice greeted him from behind and he turned into Diamond’s cold gaze. “I’ll take Ms. Moon now. Thank you.” A low growl almost rose in his throat as he looked over their numbers. Fifteen, too many for him to fight alone. And if he did, she might be hurt. One of them lifted a weapon to his head, but the white person shook his head. “No, Beryl wants him alive. But we will knock him around a bit for stealing my future queen. Wont we?” they advanced and he knew he’d lost.

“Here, then. Be careful with her, that cold cellar left her sick.” The closest took her and the next punched him roughly across the face.

“Sire, he’s right. She’s burning up and she’s unconscious.” Diamond came over and brushed the back of his hand against her face gently.

“Get her inside and give her something to break that fever.” He nodded and ran off with another guard as he turned back to the now tied up super hero. “And you, don’t try that again. Get him inside and cleaned up for her majesty. Do we have the other four yet?”

“Yes, sire. Just barely caught the last one. They’re being transported down to the dungeons.”

“Excellent. Once he’s cleaned up, bring him to the princess’s rooms for the trade.” The guard nodded and began to drag him away.

Vision faded in and out as she was laid on a bed she didn’t recognize. Where was she? Maybe Darien’s apartment? No, the bed wasn’t the same. Someone was putting rubbing alcohol on her arm and a needle was poked into her. Through the fog, she almost didn’t feel it.

“How is she?” it was almost a recognized voice, but everything was too hazy.

“Still not quite here. The drugs will help break the fever, though.” Her teeth where chattering against the cold in this room and she wondered faintly why the heck they didn’t turn on the heat. The door opened and closed and she thought maybe they’d left.

“Warrior’s clothing doesn’t compliment you, love.” It was the almost familiar voice now and a hand was pressed against her face. A wave of something very evil swept across her and she drew in a sharp breath before opening her eyes. The room was dark and she heard this guy draw in a breath.

“D-Dariiieeeen?” she asked quietly and that hand pressed against her face again.

“Rest, child. Don’t think.”  She swallowed against the parched dryness in her throat and coughed weakly. A hand traveled around her shoulders, touching bare skin, and helped her to a sitting position. A cup was pressed against her mouth and she drank eagerly from it.

Wine!!?

She sputtered and coughed, falling back on the bed weak and spent.

“You don’t like wine, I take it? Here, try this then.” She was lifted again and another cup was given to her.

Ahh, water. She drank it down and sat back gasping for breath before drinking down another. Satisfied, she closed both eyes and slid into unconsciousness again.

He looked down on her sleeping form with cool indifference. Soon enough that fever will brake and there will be no one left to save the little hero. Does she realize how devastatingly provocative every move and gesture she makes is? Even her very breathing made him swoon. He bent a lay a soft kiss between the soft curve of her neck and shoulder. One hand came up and slapped him away roughly.

“Don’t touch me…” she murmured and let her head fall to the side.

She woke hours later, the fog in her head mostly cleared and sat up. the room was dark and lit with very small almost insignificant candles. Looking down at what she was wearing, she choked back a scream and slid out of the bed.

“Jeez, I look like a medieval prostitute.” She turned to find her locket in the folds of silk and velvet sheets, but couldn’t. it wasn’t there. Somehow, though, she knew it was safe. Turning, she ran to the door and opened it before slipping out into the hallway.

following her instincts, she turned down the left side of the corridor and turned to a door. Something or someone she cared about was in there. It could be either one of the scouts or tuxie, she wasn’t sure. Walking over, she threw the doors open and her heart stopped short.

Running forward, she held up an arm and held firm in front of a bloody back. The whip wrapped around that arm and she grabbed the loose end and pulled the guard forward. Punching him roughly, she unwrapped the whip and cracked it toward another guard, who’s neck promptly broke. The other two rushed forward and she ducked their blows before bashing both skulls together. After the resounding crack of breaking bone and letting them fall to her feet, she walked around to the front of the man being whipped.

“Darien!!?” she breathed and he looked up weakly. “oh my gosh, what have they done to you?” she reached out and lay a hand against his sweaty unmarked face. She didn’t need to ask what happened after that hallway blew, it was easy enough to tell as it was. Just his tux pants where as always, beyond that, they’d taken his shirt and jacket and whipped him a few times.

Walking around back again, she surveyed the damaged and winced visibly. That was going to leave a riddle of white scars if she didn’t do something. Setting a hand against his arm that was tied above and to the side of him, she felt it weaken with just that. Tears came to her eyes just seeing him like this.

“Kinda makes you choke, don’t it?” she turned quickly, the skirts billowing out and swirling as she did.

“How could you? Monster!” he laughed and walked forward out of the shadows.

“Don’t get all emotional, love. He’s as good as dead anyway.” fear gripped her and she turned back to look the cuts over again.

“Liar!” her breathing was ragged and she sniffled. “You filthy liar.” He smiled arrogantly and leaned against a pillar.

“Try to save him if you like. It won’t do you any good though, you’ll never see him again.” She turned back to him and closed her ears. “Ask for it and it will be yours, darling. Antiseptic? Gauze maybe?” walking around to his front, she looked back at Diamond.

“Let him down.” The chains disappeared and he fell weakly against her. Not quite strong enough to hold him upright, she sank to her knees and let his head rest against her lap. The tips of her fingers teased the dark ebony black hair as she bit back the tears and frustration. If only she could have understood what those stupid teachers had said about first aid. But everything was still so blurry.

“You love him, don’t you?” he asked quietly and she nodded silently.

“He’s my friend.” She whispered and sobbed once. The vision of an eclipsing moon etched itself in her mind and knowledge flooded in. she gasped, suddenly knowing what to do. “I need something to clean the cuts with and wrapping, bandages…” these all flashed into substance beside her and she reached for the cloth in a bowl of something sweet smelling.

“Antiseptic. Wont scar.” He offered and she smiled lightly.

“Thank you.” He chuckled and came forward.

“I’m hardly the kind of person that would need just that in return, my princess. If you save his life, I get you in return without struggle.” She stopped short for a split second before taking the cloth from the bowl.

“Don’t, Serena.” He whispered painfully and she closed both eyes against the pain in her heart.

“Sh, Darien. It’s alright, don’t speak.” Laying his head against the cold floor gently, she set the cloth against his back gently. He winced and tried desperately to shake his head.

“You would still save him?” Diamond asked, surprised at her choice. She nodded.

“Darien has been my friend since I met him and I care about him very much. He’s always been there for me, even if we don’t always agree. He’s saved my life countless times; worthless as it is, he didn’t care. I would do anything for him, as I would for any of my friends.” She heard the blond scoff and walk up behind her.

“You’re a foolish child, princess. Don’t you realize I could do anything I please with you once you finish?” she nodded softly.

“My life means nothing to me. And stop calling me princess.” He stopped short.

“You mean you don’t know?” she ignored the question, not caring what the crap he was getting at. Scrambling back toward his head, she let both hands land against his shoulders and heaved him from the ground. Leaning him up against her left shoulder, she wrapped the wounds around his midsection.

“I’m sorry, Serena.” He whispered and she nodded.

“It’s nothing, Darien. Don’t worry about it.” she returned and continued to wrap gently.

“Man your hair smells good.” She smiled at the comment. “You should have just left me.” She shook her head.

“I couldn’t, Darien. Even if I did escape there would be nothing to go back to.” His breathing stopped when he realized what she meant by it.

“I love you, Serena.” He whispered and she nodded, finishing and wiping at her tears.

“And I you.” She wrapped both arms around him and cried softly into his shoulder. “All this dark energy is messing with my thoughts…I wont last long after they take me, Darien. Everything I stand for is good, and being around this… I’m getting sick just thinking about it.” he nodded.

“Hang tight, I found someone who’ll help me once I’m out.” She gripped onto him tighter.

“Darien, take what you need to get out.” She whispered before pulling back and kissing him gently. Energy flowed from one to the other and she faintly heard Diamond scream for the guards, but didn’t brake till he disintegrated into nothing. Him gone, she fell forward on her hands breathing harshly.

Her arms where gripped and she was pulled roughly to her feet being held by guards. It didn’t matter, even if they’d been gone she wouldn’t have been able to get anywhere. Almost all the energy she’d amassed since passing out she’d given to Darien so he could get away.

Her chin was lifted roughly and she looked into Diamond’s cold violet gaze.

“What was that, princess? Think I would find that amusing, hmm?” Indifferent exhaustion answered it and his look further darkened. “Take her back to her rooms.” She was dragged roughly away a few steps from the door when they stopped again. A new voice was coming from the room she just came from.

“Prince Diamond, I have just received news you have something of mine.”

“King Endymion. What a formal greeting.”

“Cut the crap, Diamond. Give her back now.”

“Who are we talking about now, your majesty?”

“Sailor Moon, you idiot. One word and my forces will invade, this is the last straw.”

“An all out war for one girl? I’m afraid that is very un-political.”

“This one girl is the hero of the world, if one person where to find out who it was you had up there, they’d take your army on themselves. Now give her back.”

“I would, naturally, but we’ve already broken a deal. And in a few hours, we’ll be sitting eating popcorn and laughing as your kingdom crumbles to dust. And she doesn’t even know who she is. Do you really think she’d break a promise just for you?”

“If she is not returned within the hour, be ready to welcome a few guests.”

“I’d love to send you a few myself, you arrogant unworthy idiot.” She guessed the other person was gone when he said that, but didn’t think too much of it. They’d already started dragging her again.

She woke later that night as the door slammed and sat up quickly. It was Diamond again and he looked angry. He came forward and shoved her back against the pillows roughly as she squeaked in surprise.

“Women! They start a war over women. And not just any woman, no. It was you!” she gulped before her arm was grabbed and she was thrown to the ground by the bed and at his feet. Still half asleep, her head was reeling in shock.

Dragged to her feet again, her semi-conscious gaze met his wild one before he kissed her. shocked and held down against him, she couldn’t defend herself. ‘Dang,’ she thought to herself, ‘for being a prince, this is the most boring kiss I’ve ever been in.’

“Well, better then Darien’s?” he asked once he finally pulled away.

“Truthfully?” he nodded. “You have never kissed a girl before, have you?” his eyes narrowed suspiciously.

“Why?”

“That was the most boring kiss I’ve ever had.” His hand connected with the side of her face and she was sent sprawling to the floor.

“What would you know, you’ve never been on a date.”

“Ya, but I’ve been kissed.” She stated coolly and stood, brushing herself off. “That was pathetic.” Finishing, she looked up at him.

“Any other woman would have stated differently.”

“Well, I’m not another woman.” She returned and he hit her again. Lights swam and she fell back on the bed. His hands took her wrists and held her down roughly.

“I own you, Sailor. If I where you, I’d shut that pretty trap of yours before it gets you in trouble.” She met his angry gaze with one of her own.

“You wanted me, you got me. Attitude and all.” Growling, he bent to kiss her again, but two red roses flashed and embedded themselves into the headpiece so that the flower itself separated their faces.

“The attitudes the best part.” One voice stated and slid partially from the shadows on the forward left.

“Either that or the kisses.” The other slid from the right. Both stopped and looked at each other.

“Like wildfire.” Both said at the same time and shook their heads as if they where the same person.

“Fun to fight with.” The left one said and the other nodded.

“Fun to sleep with.”

“I wouldn’t know.” They looked at each other again and grinned evilly.

“Yet.” Utterly confused at this, she looked at the both of them strangley. Diamond pulled away from her and drew his sword.

“Move an inch and I’ll kill you.” He stated, his voice husky as he spoke.

“Charming.” She muttered and sighed. Just to tick him off, she shifted. A blade swung toward her throat and she braced herself against it, but it never came. Opening one eye, she saw two swords clashed together inches from her soft skin. One forced the other away from her and she took a deep breath in relief.

“Sere, you ok?” the other shadow set himself down on the bed beside her and helped her sit up. Brushing the tips of his fingers against her cheek and along her jaw, she winced. “The dork hit you.” She nodded and leaned against him.

“Darien, you had me so worried.” He sighed and kissed her forehead gently.

“Told you I’d get help.” She looked up at him curiously.

“How did you…?”

“Know? I didn’t until they caught you the first time. King Endymion is my future self.” She stared open mouthed at him before looking over at the man who held Diamond at blade length.