Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ A Trusting Heart ❯ Recovery of Grace ( Chapter 8 )

Chapter 8

Recovery of Grace

 

Anxiously awaiting the return of their friends, five girls and two cats stood in the middle of a living room, furnished only with a messed up bed and an empty glass vial.

 

Rei had worked herself into a murderous rage, the others obviously standing clear of her as she fairly radiated fiery energy. Close behind her in a royal fury herself, Lita crackled with unspent electricity. Ami was stoically pacing, her hand absently caressing the near-hysterical black cat on her shoulder. Mina, her hands full of white cat and a crying little pink-haired girl, was having hard time dividing her comforting words between the child, her guardian cat, and herself.

 

"Please, guys, it'll be okay, calm down. Serina will be just fine, you'll see. She's never been defeated yet!" Even as she repeated the same words over and over again, she felt them lose their meaning. It had been hours since they'd arrived at Garrett Rose's small home. Darien had gone ahead and hadn't been seen since, and still more hours since Serina had run away at dawn's first light. They'd awaited their return, patiently, but their hope was running thin. Too much could have happened since the pale sun rose that morning, the reason their prince and princess hadn't returned yet could easily have been that Darien had failed, and that Serina was- was-

 

"Why are we still waiting?! We should BE there, in the nega-verse or the future or whatever it is, helping!" Rei suddenly shouted, catching Ami and Mina by surprise. Lita fell in step behind her nodding in total agreement.

 

"We should be out there! I majorly need to kick some nega-butt!" Lita cried. Rini shook herself free from Mina's grasp and ran headlong into Lita's legs, hugging them tightly and crying even harder.

 

"No, no, no! Don't leave me, you can't leave me too! I don't want you guys to leave me alone too!" Her little cinnamon brown eyes pleaded with the tall brunette, her face wet and flushed red from crying. Lita's heart fell to see those wide frightened eyes thinking she was about to be abandoned. She kinda knew how the kid felt.

 

"No, Rini, we won't leave you, I promise. Not yet at least. Sailor Moon made the promise that we'd keep you safe and we will, even if it's without her." A small, choked cry rose from the corner and all eyes turned to the ever calm blue haired Scout of Mercury. Her hands covered her mouth, trying to keep the sob hidden inside, though her eyes bemoaned the grief she couldn't keep contained.

 

At a loss for a body to comfort, Mina reached for her short friend, the one who could never show her weaker emotions. It was tearing her apart inside now. "Shh, Ami, it's okay. They'll be back. You said yourself Serina was cured, that vial of antidote was empty. She's okay now, they just have to get back to us." She cooed, her consoling fell on deaf ears as she hugged her friend, now crying on her shoulder.

 

Luna hopped from Ami's arms, forgotten by her and nearly crushed in the embrace. "I pray you're right, Mina." She sniffed bravely. "I will never forgive myself if I've failed my princess." The guardian cat leapt up to the bed Serina had apparently lain in sometime that morning, the warm afternoon sunlight pooling where her figure should have been.

 

In the tense silence, a sudden glimmering of the air in the center of the room caught everyone's attention and they fell back; the girls putting up their guard when they heard painful screaming as four figures appeared. The three men stumbled to their knees, the middle one, Tuxedo Mask, pitched forward, still protecting the presently unconscious female body in his arms.

 

The girls gasped and screamed, afraid to approach as Rubeus and Garnyt still had their grips on Tux's shoulders. Their proximity to the prince and princess was a threat to their safety.

 

"D- Darien?" Rini was the first to inch forward, her concern overcoming her fear of the two bad Dark Moon men. "Serina?"

 

"Uh, guys, we're alive . . ." Tuxedo Mask groaned, shifting back to his civilian self. He clutched his love close, reaching a tired hand to Lita, who had raced up to stop Rini. She offered her hand and pulled him to his feet. He staggered to the single to the bed, an emotional Luna yowling in surprise and concern as he placed Serina as carefully as his scorched limbs would allow, onto it's soft surface. Then he carefully knelt beside her.

 

Away from his protective presence, the two former Dark Moon officers were suddenly at the mercy of four extremely incensed Scouts. They had transformed the moment Darien was free from their grasp and were now preparing to annihilate the kneeling brothers.

 

"No! Don't hurt them, they're good . . . Serina convinced them. They protected her- and me." Darien raised an exhausted hand to stop them. They halted, uncertainly and reluctantly. "They helped us escape-"

 

"What do you mean?" Sailor Mars hissed, her finger tips glowing with flames. She and the other three stood between them and the two cats, rabbit-bunned five-year-old, and the reunited couple. After all that smart-mouthed, egotistical, condescending- After all he'd done to them NOW he was one of the good guys!! 'That meatball head has moon rocks in her spaghetti brain, no idiot would trust RUBEUS! I can't believe we can't burn this creep to ashes! I'm gonna give that sap a piece of my mind when she- Oh God! Serina! I hope she's all right! If they hurt her-'

 

"I mean just what I said. Like Catsy and her sisters, Rubeus and Garnyt are our friends. Serina just needs to heal them with her crystal when she has her strength back." His hard glare softened as he turned his eyes back to his sleeping princess. Rini tugged his arm and he allowed her to sit in his lap, his seared back and arms suddenly refusing to move. His loving gaze still on his beautiful girlfriend, he requested in a broken voice, "Please help them. We were attacked while we were escaping-"

 

"We're fine, Darien, you would be far worse off than us, being human. We all need to rest. We can sort everything out when we are refreshed." Garnyt shifted to his human form, the seventeen-year-old redhead boy, his older brother following suit into a nearly identical young man about Darien's age with lighter red hair and darker eyes. They each flicked their wrists or snapped their fingers and three more beds appeared, one for each injured warrior.

 

"I'll agree to that." Darien wearily stated, edging Rini aside, and he practically dropped into the bed closest to Serina's, holding her hand even as he fell instantly asleep. The two brothers also wasted no time in falling unconscious, something Dark Moon beings rarely had to do.

 

This left seven pairs of eyes staring in disbelief and aggravation at the sleeping bodies.

 

"I can't BELIEVE they left us hanging like that!" Lita and Rei exclaimed at the same time. The girls each detransformed as the battle they'd waited all day for ended without a single hit.

 

"They're right, they need to rest. They were seriously injured by a discharge of dark energy while in transience." Ami had perked up, her tears vanished and replaced by her light, normal self now that she had work to do. This was something she could handle. Beside her, Mina was fuming along with Rini, Luna, Artemis, and the two other detransformed Scouts.

 

"Well I've got some SERIOUS questions for them when they wake up!" Mina threatened, her dark seething giving way to faint tears of relief and joy.

 

"How's Serina, Ami? Is she okay?" Rini inquired quietly from Darien and Serina's bedside. Her still worried eyes darted between the two most important people in her life at the moment.

 

Ami whipped out her mini-computer and ran quick scans on Serina, nodding and mumbling then turning the instrument on the other three resting figures. She nodded a final time then turned a beaming smile on the expectant group. "The poison is completely gone from Serina's body. She's recovering now from exhaustion. There are many clues that hint to a massive energy drain. She apparently used the Silver Crystal at least once, but Darien protected her from the blast as they were leaving the Nega-Moon. I can tell you now that Serina's going to be positively starving when she wakes so I'd suggest who ever wants to volunteer, that we get some food for her." Lita and Mina offered to go, taking Rini with them to help pick out Serina's favorite foods.

 

"The others are suffering from energy burns, Rubeus and Garnyt are recovering faster due to their natural immunity to dark power, but Darien is healing nearly as fast with his healing link to the earth. They should all be awake within an hour or so." She assured them. Lita and Mina left, Rini and Artemis tagging along, leaving Ami, Rei, and Luna to guard the sleeping heroes from harm.

 

A long hour later, Rubeus and his brother were up and standing guard at either side of the room, prepared to defend their new friends should the Nega-Moon discover the location of the defectors and attack. The shoppers had returned fifteen minutes earlier, laden with lunchmeats, bread, rice, ice cream, and sodas.

 

The brothers had long since explained all of what had happened from Garnyt's orders to subdue Sailor Moon to Rubeus's betrayal and defection, from both points of view. Needless to say, the girls were still wary of the brothers, their most recent enemies from the future. But with Serina vouching for their changed hearts, and still under Prince Endymion's protection, the girls tried to get used to their newest allies and pretty much left the men alone.

 

Lita was soon cooking in what passed for the kitchen, Garnyt creating the utensils she needed to prepare a succulent meal for the large group. The others tried to relax around the two brothers, playing cards or board games to pass the time, not wanting to leave their best friends' sides. Lita made good use of both of them as her personal slaves.

 

All throughout the evening, Rini never got too close Rubeus.

__________________________

"You're the princess, we've got to protect you!"

 

Serina murmured in her sleep, her mouth turned up in a grin as she felt a warm grip encasing her hand. Her body had returned to normal temperatures, both inside and out though she felt a flash of blushing heat race through her as she realized who held her hand. She sighed softly, her head falling gently to one side to face her love. She thought she faintly felt soft, warm lips brush her forehead. The hand holding hers gently tightened reassuringly. She sighed again, almost giggling.

 

"Oh, would you WAKE UP, all ready?" Rei's voice cut through her dreamy, semi-conscious peace and her bright blue eyes snapped open.

 

"Hey! Thanks a lot, Rei! I was having a nice moment!" Serina cried, whining at her friend who jumped back in surprise at her sudden awakening. Serina sat up, still clutching Darien's hand, angrily facing Rei and initiating a righteous tongue war. Rei recovered from her surprise and returned the gesture.

 

Darien grinned beside his girlfriend; his Meatball head was back. He pulled her closer to him and she easily hopped out of her covers to sit beside him in his bed, grinning as widely as he'd ever seen. That smile melted his heart and again he was amazed at how wonderful it was to just see her smile like that.

 

Rini bounded over, stuffing a donut in her mouth and grinning from ear to ear as she bounced up on the bed, quickly followed by a very relieved Luna. Both snuggled up to the lovers, Serina cuddling into Darien's arms but leaving room for the small girl.

 

But when she got a whiff of the donut in Rini's hands, Serina suddenly doubled over in pain. "Ow . . ." The three others tediously balanced on the cot shot her distressed looks.

 

"Serina, what's wrong?" Darien was nearly panicked, tightening his hold on her as she slowly recovered.

 

"Ohh, I'm so HUNGRY!" Serina's empty stomach cramped and growled audibly as Rini broke into grins again, Darien and Luna shook their heads in relief, both sharing knowing looks.

 

"Hey, can we get some food over here? Her Royal Highness is starving!" Rei called. Moments later, Lita walked out of the kitchen, trailed by an awkward and unsure Garrett, both carrying trays and plates of food.

 

"Did someone holler for food?" Lita asked as she set the plates down in front of Serina, using their shared bed as a table and base for the floor picnic.

 

"Geez, if your dad could see you now, Serina Tsukino, he'd have a heart attack before beating Darien senseless!" Lita laughed as Serina glanced up at Darien, realizing the position she was in. He held her along the waist, preventing her escape, as they both sat in the same bed, perfectly fit to each other and quite comfortable. She blushed furiously before she remembered something.

 

"Oh no! I haven't seen my parents since yesterday morning! They're probably worried sick!" Serina was prepared to jump from the bed and dash back home, just a few houses down the road before Rei caught her.

 

"Don't worry, Meatball head. We told them you spent the night last night, and we stayed up so late that you were sleeping over again tonight."

 

"I went back home to pick up some clothes for us, but Auntie Ilene wasn't too happy. She wants you to be back early tomorrow." Rini smiled devilishly as she stuffed her mouth just as quickly as Serina was.

 

Serina frowned in confusion. "I can't imagine why . . . but she's always over-protective." She smiled again, her eyes suddenly lighting up as all her friends turned to watch her. "Actually I do know a reason to look forward to tomorrow, huh, Rini?" Rini's face scowled and she wondered if Serina had discovered their secret. The others glanced at her, worried that the little fungus had squealed on them.

 

She shook her head violently, dropping her spoon in her ice cream bowl and frowning fiercely. Darien and Serina both cracked up at the ridiculously defiant look on her chocolate smeared face. Serina reached over with a napkin, wiping off the sweet mess, none too carefully. Rini cringed away, snagging a new napkin to finish the job properly. Serina had just smeared it even more over her chubby cheeks and smudged her nose.

 

"It's Rini's birthday tomorrow. I hope everyone has their shopping done. Mom and Dad were just going to have a little dinner at our house but I'm sure I can get everyone invited if you want to come." Everyone gasped in surprise. She wasn't going to whine about everyone forgetting HER birthday? Did she forget it herself?! Or maybe she realized her birthday wasn't more important than the soon to be six-year-old's? More likely, that energy drain had caused some kind of brain damage and memory loss!

 

"Yeah, I'll see if I can be there, Serina." Mina recovered first, she wasn't going to let everyone give away the surprise party they had all ready planned ahead with Serina's parents.

 

The others quickly followed her cue, making up excuses as to why they might not be able to make it but they would try anyway.

 

Rini's face was the best act. Her sad frown convinced Serina that they were sincere and poor little Rini wasn't expecting a large party with many friends. Serina was almost angry that her friends would make such a big deal out of her birthday only to let her down at the last minute.

 

"You guys had better get out of whatever it is you're doing tomorrow and show up at Rini's party. And that's a direct order from your leader. Understood?" The girls gulped and nodded. Even Darien and the cats bowed to Serina's commanding tone.

 

'Can't disobey a direct order, can we?' Rei grinned secretively, her black hair hiding her smile as she bowed her head in submission. Only Serina could actually make her do that.

 

"Well, that's taken care of, but you guys aren't." She singled out the two Dark Moon brothers, hesitantly watching the group of humans chowing down. Serina paused between mouthfuls and asked if they were ready to be healed. They nodded decisively.

 

Serina pulled out her locket, the brooch that held her Silver Crystal. She lifted the lid by passing a hand over the top. The two men reverted to their natural Dark Moon selves and stood before her. She didn't waste a second and gave the command to her magical crystal. "Moon Healing Activation!" The Silver Crystal's energy momentarily flooded the room then the convalescent pink light faded, and the two young men were returned to their adopted human forms. They smiled, Rubeus for the first time he could remember and Garnyt like he would never grow tired of the expression.

 

"So, Garrett Rose, meet my friends; friends, meet the new human/former Dark Moon officer, Garrett Rose. And Rube- Hey, what name do you want, Rubeus? You can't really go around Tokyo with such an unusual name, you know." Serina returned her brooch to hiding and settled comfortably back into Darien's arms. He kissed the top of her head and she giggled contentedly, her mind drifting for a moment.

 

Rubeus looked perplexed, uncertain of anything that would be acceptable. "I'm not sure, what do you suggest?"

 

They each paused in thought, Rini and a couple girls' eyes falling on Darien for guys' names. Darien took the hint. "Well, there's Robert, or maybe Rodney." He suggested nonchalantly.

 

"Or Russell or Roger or Richard. What sounds good to you?"

 

Lita groaned from where she sat on the floor. "Roger used to be my old boyfriend's name. Actually, so did Richard- and Rodney. You guys had to remind me, huh?" She glared at the knowing glances and rolling eyes she received. She wasn't that predictable, was she?

 

"I think I like Robert." Rubeus stated and group's attention refocused on him. His brother smiled and Serina grinned widely.

 

"Good, I liked that one too. Okay, guys, this is Robert and Garrett Rose of Tokyo, Japan, of Earth!" She clapped her hands delightedly, beaming.

 

By now, the sun had set and most of the food Lita had prepared was long gone. The three guys and Serina, having slept away most of the day, were wide awake where as the Scouts, Rini, and two cats were swept up by worry-lag and were emotionally exhausted. So the girls called home, saying they were spending the night at a common friend's house and filed into a separating room to catch up on their sleep.

 

The other four stayed up till nearly midnight, recycling the playing cards and board games for the night. Darien and Serina managed to double team against Robert and Garry and beat them in poker, Life, and Monopoly. Their messing around ended up in a card throwing fight with spades and clubs carpeting the floor mixed with colorful play money and game board pieces. They decided to leave the mess because they were too tired to clean it up but the quartet ended up staying awake for another hour or so furnishing and arranging the small house, turning the empty shell into a home for two young brothers.

 

When they were finally allowed to rest, Serina had fallen asleep in Darien's arms, he in turn dropped off in a comfortable new armchair. The two brothers collapsed respectively on a long couch beside the dozing couple and a day bed resting kitty-corner to the bay window.

 

It was Luna who woke Serina hours later, disapproving of the position she and Darien were in. They may be destined to be together for all eternity but she was still only four- no, fifteen. Still too young for him in this society. Give her another year and THEN Luna would let them sleep in the same chair. Maybe.

 

Serina grumbled, not liking her annoying cat very much at the moment or her reasoning to wake her from her calm, blissful sleep, and nearly fell a sleep again, ignoring her hissing guardian. But the cat won, by means of sharper claws but Serina got her revenge by 'accidentally' stepping on Luna's tail as she crept from Darien's grasp. She tip-toed to the room where her Scouts slept, curling up next to Rini in a small blanket and a pillow Luna had grudgingly provided. Soon, Serina was floating through peaceful dreams of crystal palaces and laughing friends and family.