Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Love Everlasting ❯ The Cruise II ( Chapter 5 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: DeepSin 
Lemon)The Cruise heads to an end.
Some have reconnected but will it be enough to hold them together?
And the Starlights Princess has some information that could reshape everything.
Anime/Manga: Sailor Moon Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Romance / Hentai / Angst | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 01.16.2006 | Updated On: 01.17.2006 | Pages: 36 | Words: 42.5K | Visits: 434 | Status: Completed
Lemon)The Cruise heads to an end.
Some have reconnected but will it be enough to hold them together?
And the Starlights Princess has some information that could reshape everything.
Anime/Manga: Sailor Moon Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Romance / Hentai / Angst | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 01.16.2006 | Updated On: 01.17.2006 | Pages: 36 | Words: 42.5K | Visits: 434 | Status: Completed
Love Everlasting-Lemon and foul language
The Cruise Part 2
Scene 1-Wednesday-Osako
Lita wasn't one to cry if she could hit something instead. However since there was nothing to hit, she had cried herself to sleep. She felt like an idiot for trusting and sleeping with a guy she barely knew. She had purposely slept past breakfast and was just now getting ready to go up on deck at noon. She put her sunglasses on before she left because she knew one look at her eyes and everyone would know something was wrong. She opened the door and almost ran into him.
“Sorry, didn't mean to scare you again?” Alex said but made no move to move.
“You didn't scare me, now get out of my way.”
“No.”
Lita blinked at him behind her shades as her mouth dropped open. Was this guy serious? If he only knew her he would know that he should be hiding right now not confronting her.
“Get out of my way…now.” She threatened only to have him shrug as if she hadn't said a word.
“No, we need to talk.”
“No we don't, not now. You should have been talking last night! How did you know I was coming out anyway? Have you been standing outside my door waiting?”
“Yeah something like that…I'm a persistent man when I want to be. Now if you'll just let me come in I can explain about last night.” Alex was trying to remain calm since it was obvious she didn't plan too. After he had calmed down last night he had decided that she just needed a little time to cool down and come to her senses. He didn't know why he always seemed to say the wrong thing to her in the wrong way. He usually didn't have this much trouble talking to the ladies.
“No way buddy.” Lita said widening her stance to block the doorway. “I let you in last night to talk and look what happened!”
”Fine…we can talk about if out here if you don't mind everyone hearing…especially with all the yelling your doing.”
“That's not going to work either. And really I don't care who hears that your scum. We have nothing else to discus. I wish I had never met you and definitely that I hadn't slept with you. I believe I don't have to worry about getting pregnant from your little stunt. Lord knows I hope so. Right now I just want to forget that I had the bad judgment to be with some one like you.”
”Okay damn it that's enough.” Alex was feed up with letting her attack him for no reason. “I keep trying to tell you what really happened.”
Lita pulled the door shut behind her and then put her hands on her hips. “And I keep trying to tell you that I don't care. From this moment forward I don't want to talk to you, touch you or even be in an enclosed space with you. What happened, happened, now I just want to forget it. Like you said you'll be going back to America and I can't wait. I just wish I could forget you existed…but unfortunately your Andrews brother!”
The harshness of her words threw him for a loop and he let her march down the hall to the stairs.
“Fuck it then. I tried. Why should I care if she wants to be some stubborn crazy woman.” Alex threw up his hands and headed for his room.
-----
Lita made her way upstairs with the hope that everyone would be gone…no suck luck. She saw her friends all sitting at a table and decided ignoring them would only raise their curiosity.
“Hey guys.” She greeted as she grabbed a chair and brought it over to their table.
“Hey yourself sleepy head. Where have you been all morning?” Mina said giving Lita a once over.
“Sleep I was tired. I thought you guys would have been out exploring the city by now.”
“Yeah so did I, but your not the only one who slept late.” Rei said irritably but then she grinned at Lita. “I bet you were tired after all that heated dancing you were doing last night. Were you up hot and bothered thinking about Alex.” The women giggled and Lita just tossed them a frown.
“It was just a dance, it's no big deal just drop it.” Everyone stopped laughing at her tone. Mina raised an eyebrow but decided to let it go. She knew when not to push Lita, so she turned the conversation towards the places she wanted to go see in the city.
Serena also thought Lita's reaction odd but didn't say anything. She herself was in a good mood. Her and Seiya had spent all night in each other's arms. However besides Mina her friends didn't seem to happy. Rei was sulking…from what Serena didn't know. Ami was unusually quite and withdrawn. Now Lita seemed to be in a very bad mood for seemingly no reason. Serena was troubled by all their disturbing moods. She hesitated to interfere but she could tell that something was bothering them all. Maybe she'd snag each of them today and find out what was wrong.
“Mina what the hell is wrong with you?” Lita's slightly hostile comment brought Serena out of her own thoughts and back to the conversation. Mina seemed a little taken back by Lita's strong response also.
“What is your problem? I just suggested a get together with just us tomorrow.”
“An idiotic get together.” Lita grumbled.
Serena quickly decided to jump in as she saw Mina's eyes narrow. “Um, could someone fill me in? I was day dreaming.”
“Mina wants us to have a slumber party in her suite tomorrow night.” Rei said dryly. “Next time pay attention.”
“Oh. Well I think that's a good idea.”
“Thank you. At least someone knows a good idea when they here one.” Mina said still glaring at Lita.
“Aren't we to old for slumber parties?” Ami said while looking off into the distance.
“No, besides that's the point. So many things are changing…I just thought it would be nice if we could all get together and dish dirt and laugh and giggle one more time.”
“Mina your on your honeymoon for god's sake, I don't think Andrew will take kindly to four other women in his bed.” Lita pointed out, only to have Mina smile wickedly at her.
“Then you don't know Andrew! I really doubt he'd be opposed to five beautiful women in his bed. Surprised but not opposed. Seriously though, Andrew understands. I just miss you guys.”
“How can you miss us? You have us all on a boat out at sea. Were trapped with you 24/7.” Rei pointed out.
“That's not what I meant and you know it. I just want to take advantage of this time. Hell the next time we get to gather I could be pregnant or something.” Her last comment seemed to agitate the table and she frowned wondering why?
“Well Mina, if Andrew doesn't mind I'll be there. I feel like I've been talking with you guys all week but we haven't been saying anything. I think it will be fun, after all it'll be back to the rat race for us on Friday.”
“Thank you Serena at least someone cares about out friendships.” Mina said dramatically only to have Lita pound her hand on the table and stand up.
“Whatever Mina, can we just drop it. I'll be at your stupid slumber party tomorrow. Now if you guys don't mind I'm about to go look around the city.”
Rei came out of shock first and spoke up. “Hey if you give us a few minutes we'll all go with you.” It was rare to see Lita so pissy and Rei tried to make amends quickly, though she wasn't sure what any of them had really done to set her off like this. Lita shook her suggestion to wait off and started walking away.
“I'm sure you guys will catch up with me later.” With that she was off and the others sat around in uncomfortable silence. Serena saw the hurt look in Mina's eyes and gave her a smile.
“Hey I'm sure she didn't mean anything by it Mina.”
“Yeah, maybe she's just not feeling well today.” Ami tossed in, patting Mina on the back. Mina blinked then stood up.
“It's okay you guys. Like she said lets just drop it. I'll see you all tomorrow at nine and I'm sure well all have a good time. Now let go shopping!” The others let it go and they all went to get ready to leave the ship.
-----
They didn't catch up with or see Lita for the rest of the day. Her mood seemed to be an omen. Though it started off well enough for they did a lot of shopping and eventually run into Trista, Michelle and Amara who were doing there own sightseeing. The Starlights, Trista told Serena had taken Kakyuu out early in the morning to explore. The rest of the guys were around doing whatever it was that guys do when they have free time. They group of seven had dinner in town at a cozy inn resturant and finally made there way back to the boat at around 8pm.
“Hey guys do you see that there's going to be a beach party tonight.” Mina exclaimed shoving a flyer she had picked up at a shop they had gone too.”
Rei snatched the flyer from under her nose where Mina was waving it and read it. ”Yeah, it's on the same beach that we're docked at. Seems like it's a summer time festival-party, might be fun.”
“It sounds nice…but I'll probably pass.”
”Oh, come on Ami don't tell me you're going to bed again?” Mina questioned
“Not at all.” Ami gave her a little smile. “You have to remember I've done more partying in the last five days then I do in a year. I think I'll just stay on the ship and relax tonight.”
“I'm with Ami. Plus we've been walking and shopping all day. I don't know about anyone else but I'm beat.” Trista chimed in, looking forward to a nice long bath.
“Don't tell me you're getting old Pluto.” Amara teased affectionately, only to have Trista smile at her and shake her head.
“No, I'm just used to sitting in an office all day. I really should get back into training or something.”
“Trista I was just kidding, you're just a stick in the mud not old.”
“I don't know Amara, she may have a point.” Serena said seriously and everyone looked at her and she hurried to explain her meaning. “I mean about training just because. You should train with Hotaru. She'd love an excuse to use her powers and it would give you a good work out.”
“That's a good idea Serena. Maybe it will keep her from going out as Sailor Saturn so often. She thinks I don't know that she sneaks out at least twice a week the nerve of teenagers!” They shared a good laugh and were talking about thier teenage antics as they boarded the boat.
“What's so funny?” Yaten asked as they walked on the deck. He, Seiya, Taiki and Kayuu were having a drink at a table.
“Nothing, just reminiscing.” Mina answered before bounding over to them waving the flyer. “Did you here about the beach party going on tonight right on this beach? We're thinking about going.”
“Looks pretty good, I'm there.” Yaten said after reading the flyer and passed it to the others.
“Yes, I think I'll go too, plus it's close. My legs are killing me after all the walking we did today.” Kakyuu said rubbing her sore legs.
“Great we can all go! Let me go find Andrew and tell him.”
-----
About an hour later everyone ended up going except Lita who no one could find, Trista who declined to go out and Alex who had elected to find a bar in town and get drunk. He wasn't feeling in a cheery mood and didn't want to be around a lot of folks. They all left out together and walked the 75 yards up the beach to the large gathering, after that everything kind of fell apart. Within an thirty minutes Andrew convinced Mina to “sneak off with him” and the same could be said of Taiki and Ami. Ami who had reluctantly come out was glad to get away form the noise and they went and found a quiet café in town where they talked most of the night until going back to the boat. Within the first hour Roger called it a night and went back to the ship to do some work while no one was around. That left Darien, Seiya, Yaten, Amara, Micheel, Serena, Rei, Chad and Kakyuu to enjoy the festivities. It was so crowded and easy to get lost and soon the group was spread out. It was during one of these separated times that Rei made her discovery.
She had gone to one of the make shift bar stations to get a drink, which with the line so long had taken forever. So she was on her way back and looking for Serena when she saw something her eyes could barely believe. Her eyes had finally spotted Serena in the moving crowd when she noticed who she was with…Seiya. His one arm was possessively around her lower waist and Serena was turned into his embrace. She was looking up at him a smile and light in her eyes, when she caressed his cheek with one hand as he laughed down at something she said. Even from 30 feet away Rei could tell what was going on. The touch and the way they were standing both shouted “lovers”! Rei almost dropped her drink as the word sunk into her head. Seiya and Serena were lovers…it was written all over them. She had known something was going on between them but not this. Now several things from the last couple of days made sense and Rei felt like an ass for being to preoccupied to notice. Now she stood there being jostled by the crowed as she started at them in shock. Even as she watched Seiya leaned down and gave Serena a nip of a kiss on the lips. It was at this point that Rei gasped and Serena looked around. Rei wasn't sure if she had been looking to make sure no one saw or had felt Rei's deep shock. What ever it was they made eye contact across the distance and Serena immediately stepped away from Seiya. For long seconds they stared at each other until Rei couldn't take it any longer and dashed into the crowd.
-----
Serena took a step towards Rei as the other woman got swallowed by the crowd but was stopped by Seiya's restraining hand.
“Let her go.”
“No I have to go explain to her-“
“Explain what? You don't have to explain anything to her.”
“Yes I do. She needs to know that was she saw isn't what she thinks it was.” Seiya let her go as her words sunk in and he became a little angry. It was bad enough that she had jumped out of his gasp like he had scolded her the minute she saw someone, now she wanted to explain away thier being together?
“And just what exactly didn't she see? Are you that embarrassed by us?”
”I…I just don't want her to get the wrong idea.”
”What, you mean the idea that we're sleeping together? Cause unless I've been dreaming for the last two days that's exactly what we've been doing.”
“No one needs to know what we've been doing. It's a delicate situation we're in.”
“Oh yeah? Maybe you can explain it to me. Cause I was under the impressions that what we do or don't do was our business.”
“It is but the others won't understand.” Too late Serena realized what she had said.
“They won't understand what?” Serena took a deep breath and squared her shoulders, her mind still on the look Rei had given her.
“They won't understand why I'm with you.” Serena said flatly. The light hearted mood of minutes ago completely gone.
”I see.” Seiya lowered his eyes to hide his emotions. “I can't blame them since I don't understand either. Why are you with me Serena?”
“I thought that was obvious. I'm still strongly attracted to you.”
“Is that all?”
“Yes, what else would there be.” Serena said dismissively, half her mind still centered on Rei.
“I don't know. I thought the fact that we used to be in a serious relationship and we might still have feelings for each other might have something to do with it.”
“Seiya don't go there. What we're doing now has nothing to do with the past. This is suppose to be pure and simple sex.” Serena knew her words sounded
callous but she had no plans to get emotional attached to him again. She couldn't afford too. Seiya met her eyes and saw that she was serious. So this is how it really was between them.
“Thank you for clearing that up for me because I was confused about my role in all this.” He said tightly.
“Seiya it's best this way we-“
“Never mind. I'll let you look for Rei so you can assure her I'm nothing more then your sex toy. In fact I should probably go rest up so I can be ready when you call on my services.”
“Damn it Seiya don't act like the wounded party to me! You know there can't be anything more between us.”
“Yeah I guess I did but thanks for reminding me.” With that he walked off into the thong of people. Serena stood there for a couple of seconds confused and frustrated before turning to look for Rei.
-----
Serena had known they shouldn't have been fooling around out in the open for anyone to see. She had been surprised after the first night that no one had approached her about being with Seiya. When they didn't she realized that Michelle and Darien must have kept her business to themselves and for that she was thankful. Since it seemed that the cat was relatively still in the bag she saw no reason to change it. Therefore her and Seiya had acted like no more then friends unless they were behind closed doors. She didn't know what had possessed her to let her guard down tonight. Maybe it was all the happy people around her. Besides Rei had been gone forever and Seiya had just happened to walk past her. He had made a comment that led to her teasing him, she didn't even remember him putting his arm around her. Now Rei had seen them and Serena felt like crap. The look in her best friend's eyes had been shock, and horror at what she'd seen.
Serena couldn't really blame her. If she had been in Rei's shoes then she probably would have felt the same way. After all Rei knew of the anguish I went through because of Seiya better then anyone else. She more then anyone had stayed by my bedside and watched over me in case I decided to break down again. She had been the one I called at 3 in the morning when I felt all hope was loss. And now I'm in the arms again of the man who hurt me the most. Damn I didn't want her to find out this way. I wanted to explain to her that what me and Seiya have is….is just what? Just sex….just a vacation fling? Hell if Rei took it that bad, how would the rest of them take it if they knew what she had been up to with Seiya? Though Darien hadn't said anything he had barely spoken to her since. It seemed he couldn't even look her in the eye. And Michelle seemed to watch her as if her life depended on it now. How could she ever explain why she had let herself fall into his arms when she couldn't even explain it to herself? Serena came out of her musing as she saw Kakyuu waving her over. Serena shoved her whirlwind thoughts aside and put on a smile and joined the Princess. She wouldn't let her worries ruin the night yet, since there was nothing she could do about them.
------
A little while later Michelle and Amara stood by watching as the large group of at least 200 people danced and shouted. In the midst of it all was their princess. She was vibrant as she shimmied under the limbo poll. She and Kakyuu seemed to be enjoying herself and they stood to the side watching.
“Kitten looks so happy doesn't she? I haven't seen her glowing in so long.” Amara wondered out loud.
“She does…I just hope it lasts.” Michelle said quietly. The tone caught Amara's attention.
“What's wrong? I can tell something's bothering you.”
Michelle knew she should tell Amara about Serena and Seiya. After all they didn't keep secrets…not when it came to Serena's safety. “I should have told you before now.”
“Then don't waste anymore time. Spit it out.” Amara voice was hard and her heart tightened, as Michelle turned and led her a ways away.
“I know why Serena seems to be so happy. Monday night…Darien and I saw her locked in a kiss with Seiya.” At the words Amara felt as if her stomach had dropped to her feet. “I guess she felt our presence because the next thing we knew they were gone. We're pretty sure they spent the night together.” Michelle was almost afraid to utter those last words, as she waited for Amara to exploded. Instead she watched as the blood drained out the others face.
Amara felt dread travel up from her feet until it wrapped around her heart. “No…it can't be true.”
Michelle reached out and placed a hand on her arm in comfort. “I wish it wasn't true but it is. He's back in her life…maybe more so then ever.”
“God damn it! That fucker touched her! That no good son of a bitch. I'm going to kill him.” Michelle almost tripped as she spun around to catch Amara who was already three steps ahead of her.
“Please Amara we can't interfere! At least not now. We can't kill him for making her happy.” Michelle said dragging on the others arm.
“So we should wait until he rips her heart apart again? I can't do that a second time, I have to stop this right now.”
”Amara please! I feel the same way, so does Darien, so would all the others, but look at her! You said it yourself she's happy, really happy! We can't snatch that away from her, we can't interfere with her life.”
“The hell we can't!” Amara shouted throwing off Michelle's restraining hand. “We'll be saving her from more pain. The rest of you can sit by and let it happen again but I won't!”
“Amara think of Serena!” Michelle never knew if the words reached her or not as she shouted them into the ever louder crowd at Amara's retreating back.
-----
Yaten had seen Seiya walk off a couple of minutes ago and decided to see what was up with him.
“What's up man? The party's down the other way.” They were standing where the water met the beach and Seiya was staring out at the ocean.
“I know…I just needed a little space.” Seiya said absently his mind still on the impossibility of being with Serena. On the fact that she thought of him as nothing more then a sexual release…or so she claimed. Either way the words still hurt. Yaten was quite for a moment as he soaked in his friends mood. He'd seen this one on Seiya many times before, masked despair. After a while he finally spoke.
“Are you wishing you'd never come?”
“No and yes. I don't think I would give up these last few days for anything. Yet at the same time I feel as if the time I spend here is sucking the rest of my life out of me.”
“Shit, here we go again. I thought things were going pretty good, more then good form the looks of it. What happened?”
“They are going good…but how long can they last.” Seiya said dejectedly.
“Maybe it's for the best that way. Enjoy it now then let it go.”
Seiya finally turned and looked at Yaten and shook his head. “You've never been in love Yaten…you don't understand.”
”I understand that you're about to let this tare you apart again. Damn man I don't want to see that happen.”
“It may be to late.”
“Shit.” Yaten was quite as he took in the information. “So what exactly is going on with you two anyway?”
“That's the problem, I don't really know. On one hand I feel like she wants to be with me then on the other I can feel her fighting it every step of the way. Truth be told I'm doing the same thing. The risk…it's just so big.” Yaten nodded at Seiya words as his eyes caught movement over Seiya's shoulder.
“Looks like the risk just got bigger. There's trouble and I believe it's coming your way.”
Seiya stepped back and turned to see what Yaten was looking at. “Great just what I don't need.” He grumbled before they both watched the person's approach up the beach.
Yaten thought she looked like an angry god as her long legs ate up the beach. She had on another yellow bikini with red fire strips across the breasts. Her lanky hips were covered by a thin skirt wrap. Her sunglasses still hid her eyes but the firm shape of her lips told him she was furious. Maybe he was a sadistic but he thought she was hot as hell when she was furious. He stared at her openly as she approached.
Seiya didn't need Rei's psychic powers to feel the vibes of anger coming off the woman quickly coming his way. Nor did he have to be a rocket scientist like Taiki to figure out the reason why she was mad. He waited and hoped he could hold his own temper back.
Amara had tired to think of Serena as she marched up the beach in search of her prey, but when she saw him standing there every once of anger came flooding back. He had no idea the pain he had caused…could cause by playing with her heart again. Well damn it if nothing else he would know this time. If she had to cram the details down his throat. When she reached them she stood less then two feet from Seiya and all but ignored Yaten.
“Can we help you with something?” Seiya asked in clipped tones.
“We? Keep me out of this.” Yaten said, but he stayed where he was…by Seiya's side.
Amara lifted her sunglasses to her forehead. ”I want to see you when I do this.” She said right before giving him a hard right jab to the jaw that sent him stumbling back almost three paces. Yaten followed Seiya with his eyes but made no movement to catch him of interfere. Seiya refused to rub his burning jaw and slowly straightened back up. He forgot how hard Amara hit…and he didn't like it one bit. Finally he walked back over to her.
“What crime of mine was that for?” Seiya asked calmly.
“You know what it was for, but let me refresh your memory. I told you years ago that if you hurt her I'd hurt you. You hurt her bad and now you have the fucking nerves to try and do it again.
Seiya shrugs as if he could care less. It's not that her words don't get to him, he just does it to annoy her since he refuses to hit her back. “You're talking crazy, I've done nothing to Serena. She seems to be fine to me.”
Amara balled her fists again but held back. “You're still a stupid jackass aren't you? I would have found a way to across the galaxy to beat your ass all those years ago but I didn't have time …none of us did. We were all to busy picking up the pieces you left her in.” Amara damned herself as she heard the pain from the memories enter her voice. Those first few months had been extremely hard on everyone. “She hasn't been the same person since you left that day and I blame you for the whole thing. If you care about her at all like you claim then come Friday you'll leave and never come back…ever. I'd do anything for her, we all would.
However this time, not even her hand will stop me from taking you out if you hurt her again. Consider yourself warned, there won't be another.” She said putting the ice back into her voice to deliver that warning.
She turns from him to Yaten “And you. Keep your eyes in your head unless you want someone to poke them out.” She walked past them in the direction of the ship deep in thought already. The two watched her leave and Seiya finally gave in to the urge to rub his jaw.
“I was wondering how long you could hold out. She has a mean punch doesn't she?” Yaten asked.
“Yeah…she does. Do you think she was serious?”
”About killing you? Sure I think she'd give it a shot.”
“I meant about what she said about Serena.”
“Oh. Yeah I do, I could hear it in her voice.” Yaten hesitated but figured the time for holding back was over. “It must have been bad. Knowing Serena it had to be…she loves to deeply. If she was worse then you then it must have been pure hell…”
“God damn! I should have never come back here. I don't want to hurt her I never did.”
Yaten clapped him on the back. “I hate to say it…but maybe what Amara said is for the best.” Yaten didn't know what kind of reaction that comment would get.
Seiya slowly looked at him weariness in his eyes and nodded his head in agreement.“Maybe your right…maybe your right.”
-----
Princess Kakyuu was having the time of her life. So much of her life had been spent growing up fast to assume the leadership roll of her planet. She didn't regret anything though, for she knew regret was only wasted time. As she stood in the large crowd of strangers and her friends alike she felt alive and happy. She glanced at the laughing Serena and paused. Though the other princess was smiling and laughing something about her laugh rang false to Kakyuu's ears. She looked around for Seiya and noticed for the first time that he wasn't around. Kakyuu wrinkled her brow and honed in on his energy and begin walking in the direction it was strongest. She had meant to stay out of the two lovers affairs if she could but by the feel of Seiya's energy he was very disturbed about something. She walked along the beach back towards the boat and soon saw Yaten standing with the ocean swelling over his feet. He seemed deep in thought as she quietly approached him.
“Yaten have you seen Seiya?”
“Yes princess but he's in a really funky mood. He went back to the ship about ten minutes ago.” Yaten kicked at the sand and turned to face Kakyuu who as frowning now. “He told me he wanted to be left alone by everyone…I think even you.”
“I see.” She processed that and decided that for now he would have his wish. Her heart ached for him and that he would not let her console it. “Well in that case, why don't you tell me what has you so forlorn.” She said focusing back on Yaten.
“Nothing really.” Yaten paused, he was always slow to open up even with his princess. “Have you ever been in love princess?” She smiled at the question and stepped closely to him standing by his side.
“No Yaten I haven't, why do you ask?”
“I thought maybe you could explain to me why it seems to turn everyone crazy. I thought being in love was suppose to be a good thing, instead it just seems like it brings people a lot of pain.”
”I can't deny that your right.” He arched an brow surprised at her answer and she laughed putting her arm through his. “We'll its true. But it's also true that love is the greatest gift and power that there is. We should both be blessed to someday find it.” She finished smiling up at him. Yaten melted in her loving gaze…he always did. Serena was the only other person who could do that to him.He reached out and brushed a couple of bright brown strands of hair from her face as the ocean gusts blew them around. “Princess any man would be blessed to have you in his life, and I'm no different.”
“Oh Yaten stop! You'll spoil me.” She laughed until they heard a cough behind them.
Serena had seen the Princess wonder off and after she immediately didn't come back she had decided to follow her. After all she had been wondering off alone. Serena knew the princess wasn't some ditz but she felt responsible for her while she was visiting. When she walked upon Yaten and Kakyuu laughing and in each other's arms she hesitated to interrupt. The scene looked very cozy and she wasn't sure what she was looking at. As the pair turned to her a faint blush rose to her cheeks.
“I'm sorry Kakyuu, I was worried when I saw you wonder off by yourself. I didn't know you were with Yaten, I didn't mean to interrupt.”
“It's okay you're not interrupting” Kakyuu said laughter in her eyes because she knew exactly why Serena was blushing.
“Yeah, no biggie.” Yaten finally dropped his arm from the princess shoulders missing the by play going on between the two women. “I should be getting back to the party anyway, I'm probably missing out. Do you want me to walk you both back?” He addressed the women but Kakyuu shook her head no.
”No, I want to stay and talk to Serena. That is if she doesn't mind?”
“Oh, sure I'd love to. The music was giving me a headache anyway.”
“Okay I'll see you two later.” With a wave Yaten walked away and the two Princesses were left alone. Serena walked to stand by Kakyuu's side, pushing her own blowing hair out of her face.
“I really didn't mean to spy on you.” Serena started only to be cut off by Kakyuu's laughter.
“Serena I told you there was nothing to interrupt. You can't think there's something going on with me and Yaten can you?”
Serena blushed all over again. “No! I mean yes…maybe I don't know, you to just looked so close.”
“We are. He is a close friend as well as my protector, just like your scouts.”
“I know. It's just I've rarely seen Yaten act so mushy with someone, it was surprising that's all.”
“I guess it would be. But everyone has a heart Serena.” Serena could tell by the tone that the conversation had changed to a different topic.
“I know that.”
“I know you do.” Kakyuu smiled gently as she heard the defensive sound of the others voice. “Actually I came out here looking for Seiya. I sensed he was troubled and came to see what was bothering him, but Yaten told me that he's returned to the ship.”
“Oh.” Serena said surprised by the info her self. After the scene with Rei they had parted ways. “Well maybe he had a lot on his mind.”
”Like you? You look a little down too.”
“Nonsense I'm having a great time tonight. In fact we should get back to it.” Serena didn't like where this covo was headed and didn't want to think about her feelings right now, but it seemed the Princess had other plans. Kakyuu looped her arm through Serena's before the other woman had a chance to walk away and turned them to face the sea.
“Serena it's a beautiful night isn't it?” Kakyuu said, looking up at the sliver of moon in the clear dark night.
“Yes it is.” Serena said slowly, not sure how to get her self away with about being rude.
“I terrific night for lovers…don't you think?”
“I guess…I wouldn't really know.”
”You'd know better them me.” Now she looked at Serena and saw her trying to quickly close down her emotions. “Serena can I tell you something…it's personal.”
“If you want to.”
“I've never had a lover nor have I ever been in love…not once.” Serena's mouth dropped open. She had not been expecting that.
“Never?”
“Never. I wish I had, when I allow myself to be wistful I end up longing for it.” Kakyuu said dreamily and Serena just stared at her. She had never seen this side of Kakyuu before.
“I don't know what to say, except one day you'll find it, you deserve it.” Serena said and Kakyuu gave her arm a squeeze of appreciation.
“And so do you.”
“Ah, I knew this would get back to me somehow. Look no offense but I really don't want to talk about my love life right now.”
“We're not talking about yours, we're talking about mine, I just made a simple comment. Now back to me. No one outside of the royal historians and the Starlights know this, but I am in the process of finding a husband.”
“What!” Now Serena's jaw did fall as Kakyuu just burst out laughing again.
“I know, it's a little startling. It's tradition for the standing ruler weather male or female to get married before or on their 31st birthday. I'm already 28 so I have less then three years.”
“I don't get it? Why does it have to be by a certain age?”
”Well, I think it was originally set up that way because of all the war that was going on. It was important for a ruler to marry fairly young so that there would be a better chance of a successor being born and being old enough to take over before the unfortunate time of their demise.”
“Wow, that's horrible it had to be that way.”
“I agree, but war is hard.” Kakyuu got a far away look in her eyes as she continued. “I myself took over the thrown for my planet when I was only 15. It had been peaceful for over 150 years and then we were attacked by dark forces. The war only lasted a year but in the end my mother father and my brother were killed, along with a lot of other key people.
“Your brother…” Serena whispered, shocked at the revelation.
“Yes…I had a brother. You see the Starlights were really meant to be my brothers generals, for he was to be ruler of Kinmokusei not I.”
“I'm so sorry Princess…I didn't know.”
“It's okay. What is…is. In that war the destruction was no where near as bad as with Galaxia but they had also killed my uncle and his two son's, both were older then my brother and I. If they had lived they would have taken the thrown before either of us….but there was no one left but me. I have nothing but a few distant cousins left on Kinmokusei and they do not carry the power to rule within them. So at 15 I became the ruler of all my people. My powers were great like my brothers but undeveloped since my parents had never foreseen that I would have to hone them at such an early age. So with very little time I had to learn and master my powers while pulling the pieces of a war torn world back together.”
”Oh my god, it's so sad, you must have been so scared.”
Kakyuu turned to Serena again and was surprised to see a tear running down her check. She smiled and wiped the tear away with her thumb. “Serena you are so sweet. Don't cry for me, you probably had it worse. From what I know you had to use your powers at a much earlier age and you didn't even have your real memories at first.”
”Yes, but you were still just a child. And I had family around me and the scouts. Besides I wasn't ruling a planet overnight.”
“I guess your right, but I wasn't alone…remember I had the Starlights. They were thirteen, and had to take on their task as protectors from that day forward. They supported and helped me with my powers. At the time they had more combat training them me and I was really new at the whole thing. I guess you could say I was the spoiled female child, whom not much was expected. Not that my parents didn't think highly of me, they just figured there would never be a reason for me to have to rise to the occasion and deal with affairs of the state on that level.”
“I never would have guessed.” Serena said in awe, thinking how much they had in common after all. Kakyuu squeezed her arm again and smiled.
“I'm thinking the same thing. We have many things in common.”
”If you say so. I just can't imagine you ever being as klutzy and ditzy as me. It seemed as if it took me forever to grow up.” Serena laughed as she made fun of herself.
“Don't be so hard on yourself. I may not have been as bad as you but I think I was pretty close. We all have to grow into our skin…and I was no different. You probably would have been a little better if you'd grown up in a royal family setting, but you were denied that with your earth life.”
“Yes I was.” Serena vaguely said remembering that once upon a time…in another life she had lived in a castle and walked the halls as a princess everyday.
“Then there was getting all the people to believe in me…to trust me. It was hard.” Kakyuu continued. “After the first war in 150 years people don't want to follow some wet behind the ears teenage girl. But with the support of the Starlights I won them over in a little under two years, but it was hard work and a lot of sacrifice for me and the Starlights. We lost years of our young lives. Not that it was all bad…but you know what I mean.”
Serena nodded for she did. “Still it doesn't sound like much fun.”
“It wasn't overall. But for three years everything was very peaceful and we all begin to have a more normal life…until Galaxia.” They were both quite for a moment as they each remembered the terror and pain the former scout as caused. “I digress though. I brought all this up because I was talking about love. Me never being in love. I truly didn't have the time to think much about stuff like that. I don't know what it feels like, to be held at night by a man arms. To be loved unconditionally in more then a friendship way…to love one person above all others…you do.”
“Kakyuu…you can't mean to tell me that you've never had a boyfriend?” The other woman blushed and looked back out to sea.
“A little crush when I was 13, but it was truly puppy love. I had a few suitors in our years of peace, but it seemed like I never had time and I obviously wasn't drawn to them, so no I haven't had a boyfriend…never been in love.”
Serena didn't know what to say. Her heart broke for a young girl that never got to be young. Again Kakyuu smiled at her as if she knew what she was thinking.
“I didn't tell you all this to make you sad. I told you this to prove a point. I can't presume to tell you how to feel, since I've never been in love, but I can tell you what I feel and what I see. You and Seiya…you both have a lot of hurt inside and a lot of love. The hurt I know is for each other. The love…well only you two know that.”
Serena removed her arm finally and put a little distance between them. “Our past is complicated…I really don't want to get into it.”
“You should have thought of that before you became involved with him again.” At that comment Serena snapped her neck around to look at Kakyuu. The woman's eyes no longer held the distant memories of a past childhood, now they held the wisdom and the seriousness of a ruler.
“I don't see how Seiya and I being together temporarily affects you or anyone else.” Serena said in the same manner.
“Don't you? You can't be naïve enough to think that what you do doesn't affect everyone around you?” Kakyuu saw the flash of hurt in Serena's eyes and knew she was right. “So you have seen for yourself that it's affecting them already. Look Serena you should know by now that as their princess everything you do affects them, it is a burden we must live with.”
”So what are you saying? That I can't live my own life? Well I thought I'd been living for them for the last six years…it certainly wasn't for me!” Serena was mad and frustrated at the truth. The look in Rei's eyes and the fact that Darien couldn't look her in the eye attested to it. And now another truth was out…Serena would have preferred to be dead then live the hell of the last six years. She had continued on only for her family and friends.
Kakyuu understood what she meant and was shocked. Shocked at how deep Serena's pain went and for her of all people to have thought of suicide. “No, if you don't live your life, how can they live theirs.” She said in a softer voice, her heart breaking all over for the heartache the younger princess must have endured.
”Damn it I don't have time for riddles!” Serena couldn't believe she'd cursed at Kakyuu. She snapped her mouth shut before she said anything else, however she did not apologize. For a moment they stood silent staring at each other. One angry and defensive the other trying desperately to reach out to the other. Finally
Kakyuu shook her head and sighed trying another tactic.
“Fine we'll ignore the consequences of your actions on others. Lets talk about what your both doing to each other. It truly pains me to see and feel the pain you cause each other. Why must it be this way? If you two love each other…why not just be together?”
“It's not that simple. Besides I don't love Seiya anymore.”
“Serena if you mean that…then it's okay…but if not why do you deny your feelings?”
“You pointed out several reasons. I for one harbor to much pain and anger in my heart. I don't know if I'll ever be able to love a man again…much less the man who hurt me in the first place.” Serena took a deep shaky breath as she put into words the thought she'd had for years. “Two Seiya with me…has an adverse reaction to the rest of the people I love. You said it best when you said they are my burden to bare and I will continue to do so. And three none of this matters since fate takes the matter out of ours hands come Friday. He will leave and things will be back to normal.”
“Don't you see things will still be the same nothing will be resolved between you two? If he leaves Earth without you forgiving him then you will still have that hate in your heart. And hate can only eat away at you. If you don't own up to your feeling then you're in the same boat as before but only worse now. If you think your life was horrible before…then wait. You can't pretend that this thing between you two doesn't exist.”
“I can and I will.” Serena said stubbornly. “I did it before and I'll do it again. Your right I did it for them. I know my duty as the princess of the moon and the leader of my scouts. If for no other reason then that I will go on and Seiya will become a memory…like he was before.”
Kakyuu was quite for a moment and looked up at the moon while a sad smile played around her mouth. “Well then…you will be a stronger and better princess then I. I hope to fall in love you know…before I am forced to take a husband no matter what. I want to love a man so much that even the thought of living without him gives me nightmares. I want the feel of his arms around me to be the only thing in the world I need to make me feel safe. I want that and so much more. I have done with out many emotional things for me people but if I am lucky enough to find someone I love nothing will keep me from him…nothing.” She finished by giving Serena a long look and was dismayed when her gaze was met by the frosty blue orbs of the princess of the moon.
“Luckily I have no such notions. For you however, I sincerely wish you the best of luck in finding what you are looking for.” Serena looked at the moon and drew energy from it…for she needed it.
“Very well then.” Kakyuu's voice was once more unconcerned and happy and a smile was back on her face. “We shall talk of this no more this trip. You seem to believe everything is under control and I will trust in your judgment in this matter…after all I've never been in love. Anyway I think I'll make my way back to the party.” She didn't wait for Serena to say anything as she just turned and left, her mind already storing the information she'd learned tonight.
Serena let her go and felt all the fight drain out of her. She felt as if she was being torn in twenty different pieces. She was suddenly tired…tired like she hadn't been in years. She felt like crying but she bit her lip to stop the tears of frustration. Why was nothing simple in her life? For the countless time since that day so many years ago when she'd become sailor moon, she wondered the question out loud.
“Why me? Why did this have to happen to me? I'm so sorry Kakyuu I really do hope you find your dream of love. My dream of love evaporated six years ago.”
-----
Love…what was the point in it? Rei was sitting on the beach, way down from the party and the boat. She had fled the gathering after seeing Serena and Seiya, needing time to think. She had given her drink to another eager party goer. She had been to disgusted to drink, plus she wanted to be clear headed to process what she'd seen. Though she had seen it with her own eyes she couldn't believe that Serena had been with Seiya. Why would she do that to herself? Rei had been shocked and hurt. Hurt for Serena and the fact that she would put herself in what could only be a harmful situation. Rei also felt pain because there was nothing she could so to protect or stop her. Rei ran some sand through her hand before making a fist.
“Damn it Serena. Maybe I could have stopped you if I wasn't so preoccupied with my own demons.” And that's were Rei's guilt came in. If she hadn't been confused and distracted by her feelings for Chad she could have watched over Serena better.
“Damn you too Chad.” Chad…why did he have to get to her so much? A little part of her, a very tine little part envied what Serena had done. At least she had been bold enough to go for what she wanted even if it was sure to cause her pain.
“At least she's not a coward like you Rei Hino.” Yes, it may have been stupid but Serena had grabbed what she wanted with both hands. She on the other hand had spent sleepless nights tossing and turning when what she wanted was mere footsteps away from her. Maybe Serena had been right. Maybe she should just sleep with Chad and get him out of her system. After all they only had lust between them. At least her situation wasn't as complex as Serena's. So why couldn't she rid herself of thoughts of him?
“Why the long face this time?” Rei whipped her head around to see the bane of her thoughts standing above her. She was so lost in her thoughts she hadn't heard him coming.
“Are you stalking me?”
“No, remember I don't stalk people they stalk me.” He grinned at her hoping to lighten the mood but she just frowned. She stood up and faced the sea and he stood quietly looking at her for a moment. He was stalking Rei and he was a fool for doing it. He had noticed her and her mood tonight, how could he not notice? He was dressed pretty conservative today, wearing a long red flowered sundress that buttoned down the front. To him every time she tried to down play her sexiness she only became sexier to him. Probably because he knew that underneath the prim clothes and a hostile attitude was a passionate woman underneath waiting to catch fire. He didn't like to see her unhappy so he'd come looking for her.
“So did you find what you're looking for?”
“What?” Rei turned to him confused.
“You know, whatever you came looking for down here on the beach?” Rei just stared at him…he looked so good under the faint moon light. His long shaggy hair was down and he wore a breezy white cotton shirt that was barely buttoned exposing his chest. They were away from the lights of the party and it was pretty dark on the beach, making his white shirt stand out against his skin.
“Maybe…take a walk with me Chad.” Chad was surprised at her request but fell in step with her. He slung his arm around her shoulder and they walked in silence. Rei felt his arms and felt warmth along her skin where his arm lay. Could she do it? Could she take what she wanted? Of course she could. After all she was the determined and sometimes feared business woman Rei Hino. She could do this like any other business deal. They would both exchange a service they wanted and could walk was satisfied. She could have her womanly needs taken care of and by rid of Chad once and for all. They had only walked about 20 yards when Rei stopped and turned to face him.
“Chad…why'd you come looking for me tonight?” She asked softly looking him in the eye.
“No reason. I noticed you were gone. Figured someone should find you.” Chad was suddenly uncomfortable with the way she was looking at him.
“Is that the only reason?” Rei lowered her voice and gave him a seductress's smile. “I'm a big girl you know…I can take care of myself.”
For a second Chad was speechless…was it possible that Rei was flirting with him of her own free will. He didn't know if his mind believed it but his body did and his eyes darkened with desire.
“I certainly noticed that you were a big girl.” He said running his eyes slowly up and down her body making his meaning clear. “Yes indeed…I noticed.” Rei's sexy smiled widened and she took a step closer bringing her within inches of him.
“I think I know why you came looking for me…you want to know what I think?”
“Go for it.” Chad was having a hard time keeping his hands to him self when her lips were smiling at him so invitingly.
“I think you came looking for me because you want me.”
“I do?” Chad said mockingly and she only laughed.
“Yes you do. The newsflash is that I want you too.”
“Is that so?” Chad was trying to stall for time. His brain was trying to absorb the words he had hoped to hear from her since seeing her for the first time in two years.
“It is.” She said sassily putting her hands on her hips. “The real question is…what do you plan to do about it?” Rei was expecting some witty comeback but what she got was her self crushed against his chest in a fierce kiss that took her breath away. Apparently play time was over before it had really begun.
Playtime was over as far as Chad was concerned. They had wasted to much time playing as it was. Besides with Rei you had to take the offer while it was out on the table. Plus he wanted her so bad…it was killing him! Rei felt his tongue invading every inch of her mouth and still wanted more. It had been over two years since she'd kissed Chad and the heat that was coming off him threatened to smother her. Chad wanted her now and planned on having her but they were out on the open beach. He opened his eyes and looked for a suitable place to have his way with her, never letting her lips free. Finally he spotted in ledges of rocks and what looked like a mini enclosure behind them up on the beach. He picked her up and proceeded to carry her while she ran kisses up his jaw and down his neck.
When he reached the spot he sat her on her feet and her arms went around his neck. Chad was on autopilot and only wanted to get them out of their clothes and into each others naked arms. He reached between them and undid the few buttons holding his shirt. He shrugged out of it and tearing his self away from her spread it out on the sand. Rei was there when he turned around running her hands up his naked back…now his chest. He kissed her neck and started working on the buttons on the front of her dress. Every inch he uncovered he kissed with his hot mouth until he undid the button in between her knees. Rei's skin was on fire even though the wind from the sea had become quite cool. She couldn't believe that she was in his arms again. He took and spread her dress over his shirt trying to make a pallet for her. As she watched her eyes became cloudy…it was just like him to take time out of their heated passion to make sure she was comfortable.
The sight that greeted Chad when he turned back around was a delightful one. Rei had discarded her bra, panties and sandals.
“Rei…” He would never get used to the beauty that was her lush body. He was still kneeling from arranging the dress and now she walked up to him and he wrapped his arms around her waist and lay his head on her bare stomach. For a minute they just held each other that way and then he licked her belly button and her knees fell from under her. In seconds she was beneath him and the explosive passion was back. Their hands were everywhere and soon the rest of his clothes were gone. Rei wanted to feel every inch of him, wanted to relearn his body. When she came into contact with the thin tight band that hid his infamous tattoo, she pushed to get it out the way just to feel his skin. Before she knew it, two strong hands had her wrists pinned above her head. He attacked her mouth before she had time to be shocked and when he finally let her go she had forgotten all about his arm band. How could she think when his fingers were in-between her thighs…when his lips were at her breast?
He spread her legs wider and delved deeper into her making her moan and clench her hand in his hair. Rei felt so right…so happy as his hands and mouth drove her to release. She didn't understand why she had denied herself this pleasure. When the moment came he kissed her, swallowing the sounds of her ecstasy…making them his as well. Rei stroked his face and neck as he positioned his self above her. They looked into each other's eyes as his spread her legs even further and settled between them. Suddenly Rei's chest tightened and she imagined she heard glass breaking somewhere in the distance. A feeling came over her and she had to blink fast to hold back the moisture that was filling her eyes. She felt…so open, completely open…too open.
Chad was about to full fill a dream. His tip was at her entrance and he prepared to plunge into the warmth that should be his when two hands at his waist stopped him.
“No Chad…I can't.” Rei got out in a chocked voice and tried to wiggle from underneath him. Chad was speechless as he watched her, his brain having trouble translating her words and actions.
“I don't understand.” He finally got out. “What do you mean…you can't?”
Rei dragged half of her dress across her body as Chad sat back on his hunches in all his naked glory.
“I mean I can't go through with it…it's just not right.” Damn that's not what I really meant to say, Rei thought to herself as she set up on an elbow, her short hair in her face.
“Why not?” Chad said through clenched teeth. He couldn't believe she was doing this to him.
“I just…it was a mistake, I can't have sex with you.” Damn! That didn't come out the way I wanted either. Chad jerked up to a standing position the little light that came in their enclosure showing his fury.
“So it's the same old shit Rei? For pity's sake don't give me that crap about you being a virgin anymore!”
“No…I'm not a virgin anymore.” Rei said defiantly even as color rose to her cheeks. Chad stood staring down at her as emotions assaulted his system. It was one thing to assume…to virtually know that she had been with other men since they'd separated. But it was a whole different thing to know it for a fact. One thing he did know is that he had to get away from her quickly before he lost it. Without another word he turned and began putting on his underwear and pants.
Rei hurried up and struggled to put on her dress. She had felt small and helpless with him looking down at her. How had things gone so wrong so quickly?
“Chad look what I said before came out wrong what I meant-“
“Save it Rei!” He said whipping back around fastening his pants. “Hand me my damn shirt.” Rei jerked to pick up his shirt not even thinking twice about his harsh demand. She felt her hand shaking and hoped he didn't notice. He didn't as he snatched the shirt putting it on while walking out from underneath the rocks.
“Wait Chad let me explain.” Rei ran to catch up with him grabbing him by the arm only to have him fling her hand off.
“Keep your fucking hands off me Rei.” He said warningly.
“Stop yelling at me! Let me explain I'm sorry.”
”Your not sorry Rei Hino, you never are.” Chad was angry and a part of him was hurt. He felt betrayed by her…again. “I bet you think this is real funny? Have you been planning this for two years? Get Chad all hot and bothered then at the very last second tell him no! Well you got me, it worked again. I was a fool!
Though truthfully I shouldn't be surprised it's what you did all the other times too. It's what your best at…being a tease.” Rei felt the insult like a slap across her face and took a step back from him.
“It's not like that. I didn't plan on stopping I just-“
“Rei you can go to hell for all I care.” He said coldly. “I've played the fool for you for the last time.” He strode up the beach back in the direction of the party and she just stood there, stood there with her arms wrapped around herself to ward off the cold that she suddenly felt.. Her eyes kept track of him as he made his way past the thinning gathering and back towards the boat. She slowly went back and put on her bra and panties, holding her sandals in her hand. Finally the pain of his words set in and along with it her hostility rose. Her pride and dignity were hurt. She was so mad and frustrated that she felt like she would burst and did the only thing she could. What had made her stop? Walking to the shoreline she summoned her powers and let loose a volley of ten fireballs high into the sky.
When they came down they landed harmlessly in the ocean and she felt a lot better.
-----
Michelle hadn't seen Amara since she'd stalked off. Nor had she seen Seieya and now Serena was missing too. She saw Yaten approaching from the direction
Amara had gone and went up to him.
“Yaten, have you seen Amara.”
”Seen her? You bet I have.”
Michelle frowned at his odd tone and smile but was to preoccupied to think much of it. “Was she okay?”
“Yeah, she was okay enough to chew me and Seiya out. Well mostly him.”
“You didn't leave them alone did you?” She asked in alarm.
“Of course not, though they may both be on the ship by now.”
“I should probably go check.” She started to walk away when he grabbed her arm and looked at her seriously.
“No I think you should let it alone. They both need a little time to cool off.” Michelle jerked his hand off her.
“And when I need your advice I'll ask for it.”
“Fine suit your self.” He said throwing up his hands. “You damn outers still have a bug up your ass.” He mumbled as he walked away. She frowned after him and when she turned back around ran into Darien.
“What was that all about?” He nodded at Yaten.
“Nothing, but the usual.”
“He put his hands on you.” Darien said menacingly.
“He was trying to stop me for looking for Amara, it was nothing.” She said absently her mind already back on finding the other woman.
“Why what's wrong with her?” Darien asked concerned now.
Michelle gave a big sigh and took Darien to the outskirts of the gathering to explain. “It's really all my fault. I made the mistake of telling Amara about Seiya and
Serena. As you can guess she didn't take it well.”
”Shit.” Darien said running his hands over his hair. He could just imagine Amara's reaction.
“Yaten told me that she found Seiya and him and chewed them out. Now they might be on the boat together. I was just going to go check, when Yaten tried to stop me.”
“Well, it's safe to assume you can hold off. If Amara saw him and didn't take his head off then and there she probably won't. Maybe you should let her cool down some.” Darien continued with a smile. “Besides if she beats the crap out of him for a while it won't hurt anything.” Michelle shared in the laughter and the release helped to clam her down.
“Darien you're bad. I don't know though. I can't find Serena either.”
“She went after Kakyuu a while ago if I'm not mistaken. Look she'll be alright. If she went back to the ship then I'm sure she'll keep the peace. You shouldn't worry so much.”
“It's hard not to in this situation, I never know what is going to happen next.”
”You can say that again.” Just then they saw bright red glows light up in the sky to their right. To the other party goers it probably just looked like some kind of fire works but they knew better.
“Whose power is that?” Michelle asked worry taking over her again as she watched the fifth fireball explode into the sky.
“It's Rei. What in the hell does she think she's doing, firing off like that in the open.” Darien said mad that she would do something so stupid. They watched the last ball come down and all was quite. ”I don't sense anything so is she just shooting off for fun?”
Michelle gave him a cheeky grin. “Well do you think we should ignore that too or go investigate?”
“Investigate. I want to give her a piece of my mind for being so wreck-less.”
-----
Serena had stood there looking out at the sea only for a short time after Kakyuu left. She had been making her way slowly back to the boat when she saw and felt Rei's power blasts. She stopped in her tracks and tuned into her energy. Serena felt a lot of angry…she also felt a lot of pain. What was wrong with Rei? She had turned around to go find out when the blasts stopped and Rei's emotions calmed down. She seemed to be okay now. Apparently Rei had found a way to deal with her emotions now Serena needed to find an outlet.
“Besides Serena how can you help anyone else when you're a mess?” She continued to the boat, berating herself.
Seiya had paced in his room deep in thought and had finally taken a shower to calm his nerves. He was severally disappointed in his self. He should have been stronger in resisting Serena…he had been weak and now they would both pay for it. He stood gripping the sink looking at his reflection in the bathroom mirror.
“Seiya you have to stop this right now. You can't be with her. She was right, there can't be anything between you two but sex. You don't belong together.” Seiya said to his reflection only to suddenly walk out the bath room to find Serena standing there.
“Serena you shouldn't be here.”
Serena gave him a sad smile. “Don't you think I know that Seiya…but I'm here anyway. Will you turn me away?” She asked softly. Hoping that he would. She just wanted some measure of peace right now and was hoping to find it in his arms, even if it was a brief and false peace.
Seiya walked until he could palm her face with his hands. “No never. Apparently I'm too weak.” He said with feeling, his heart bleeding at the sadness in her eyes.
“So am I. Right now so am I. I agree with what you said though…we don't belong together.” She whispered, closing her eyes and hugging him tight. Seiya had no words for her statement and held her just as tight. For a while they stood their quietly until Serena reared back. It was her turn to run her hand over his face and her eyes widened.
“Who hit you?”
“It's nothing for you to worry about. It will be gone in the morning.” Seiya avoided answering the question. Serena let it go, she could guess at a number of people who could have hit him. Instead she reached up and kissed the mark.
“I'm sorry.”
“Don't be Serena I deserved it and probably more.”
“Yes, maybe you did.” She didn't argue with him just continued to stroke his cheek letting her powers of healing come through her fingertips. In seconds the bruise was gone. “There it's gone. For the life of me I don't know why but I can't stand to see you hurt.” She lowered her eyes but he tilted her face back up her words making his heart jump.
“Serena….”
“Seiya be with me tonight.” She made the soft plea that was in her soul.
“Serena we can't keep pretending…”
“Yes we can. That's all we can do is pretend.”
She was right. All this week they had been pretending. They could never be together in reality. Seiya knew the truth in this and leaned down to take her sweet lips in a kiss. The sensations that filled their bodies were not pretend though. And on this night, they made love to each other. Slow sweet love as if they were six years in the past. A past not marred by broken promises.
Scene 2-Thursday-Storm on the horizon
Trista had fallen asleep by the time Amara had knocked on her door deeply upset. When Amara told her the news she understood why the other woman had looked as if she was ill. After turning the matter over in her head she didn't feel good about it either. Finally she had calmed the other woman down and tried to get some sleep only to have another vision dream. It had left her drained but restless and now she was prowling the upper deck at 8:30 in the morning. She sat at a table and just stared out into the ocean. They were on the move again they had left the port an hour ago. By early tomorrow morning they would be home again and maybe things would settle back down.
Roger couldn't help being up early. His day usual consisted of 10 to 12 hour work days. Now he walked up on deck enjoying the early morning calm when he saw Trista sitting by herself. As always she looked deep in thought, though right now she was looking a little worried about something. She looked very beautiful and mysterious as the sun rays bounced off her dark hair.
“Mind if I join you…again?” Trista looked at him as if she could see right through him then finally she blinked and gave him a small smile.
“I'm sorry my mind was somewhere else. Please have a seat.”
“It's okay. It's a quite morning. No wonder your mind wondered.”
“Yes too quite.” To Trista the ship was unnaturally quite as if it also knew that bad things were coming. “So did you have fun last night at the festival party?” She asked to change the subject.
“Yeah, it was nice but it was a little to rowdy for me and I left early to do some work. How was your night?”
“It was…interesting.”
“Is that so? You look tired.”
Trista gave him a real smiling before laughing. “As usual your very frank, though that's not a very flattering thing to say to a woman.”
“I didn't mean-“
”It's okay, I know what you meant and your right. I didn't get much sleep last night. You could say I was having nightmares.”
“Really? Don't tell me you have demons that are bothering you.” He said jokingly only to have her look at him very seriously.
“You shouldn't scoff. Demons of all kinds exist and can be very dangerous.”
“I think you misunderstood me.” He tried to explain that he was just kidding.
“No I understood you.” Trista dropped the serious look and grinned at him again. “You were talking about personal demons and no I don't have any that I'm aware of. I guess I just have to much on my mind.”
“Probably…you should learn to relax more.”
“I know…unfortunately I don't think I'll be relaxing anytime soon.”
Roger took her comment in silence for she again looked perplexed. He didn't believe that she was usually so prone to change moods and wondered what could be so worrisome to make her act this way.
-----
Michelle had come up to breakfast at 10 only to find that most people were missing and Amara was one of them. Afterwards she made her way to room 112 and knocked. Amara opened it and silently stepped back to let her in.
“I missed you at breakfast this morning.”
“I wasn't hungry, my stomach was still churning from last night.” Amara said disgustedly and paced the room.
“Amara you have to calm down-.”
“I told Trista.”
”I see.” Michelle took a seat on the bed and figured it was probably a good idea that Trista knew. “Well Rei knows also. She saw them together last night and figured it out. She wasn't happy about it to say the least.”
“What about the others?”
“Me and Darien left that up to Rei to tell them.”
“You and Darien decided…you two have been deciding a lot that really shouldn't be left up to you.” Amara said stopping and giving Michelle a hard look.
“Look don't start Amara. We just happened to run into her last night while she was upset about the whole thing and we ended up talking to her, that's all.”
“Yeah, well I'm still pissed that you didn't tell me as soon as this happened.”
“Well I can't turn back time so what's done is done. We have to deal with the now.”
“Humph.”
“What happened with you Seiya and Yaten?” Michelle asked weary already of dealing with Amara when she was in this type of mood.
“What do you think happened? I found Seiya and knocked the shit out of him. Then I told him to leave Earth and never come back.”
“Amara tell me you're joking.”
“Do I joke about things like that?”
“No you don't. Serena won't like it that you hit him.”
“Yeah well Serena won't like getting her heart broken again either but that's exactly what's about to happen.”
“Maybe. I hope not but is there really anything we can do?”
“I don't know but if there is I'm going to try my best.”
“Of course we'll protect her if we can. Maybe once they leave tomorrow we can talk to her.”
“Yeah, we can try.”
-----
Sammy didn't know why he was even bothering, she would probably just slam the door in his face anyway. He had got off work and ran to the store before coming over to apologize. Though he still didn't really understand what he'd done wrong. He frowned as he pulled up into the driveway and saw a car parked out front. It was around 6:30 and he hadn't expected her to have company. He walked up to the door and almost turned around. After all he didn't care if the kid had company and he didn't feel like a scene in front of anyone. But as he got closer to the door he could hear loud music and laughter. It sounded like she was having a party in there instead of a simple visitor. Now his curiosity was peeked. Besides he was suppose to be looking after her so he knocked real loud and rang the door bell for good measure. It took a while but finally someone answered the door…just not who he was expecting.
“Hey! How's it going?” The question was asked by an energetic 5'5 blond who looked as if she woke up perky. Sammy smiled at the young girl before answering.
“Pretty good, is Hotaru home?” The girl ran her eyes unabashed up and down Sammy's frame before answering.
“You know Taru?”
“Um yeah, I'm a friend of hers, can I come in.”
“Right come on in!” And before he knew it she yanked him inside by the arm and was leading him down the hall to the living room.
“Hey Emily who was at the door?” Hotaru yelled over the music from her position on the couch as she heard the front door shut. She didn't get an answer but when she looked over her shoulder her mouth dropped.
“Sammy!” She jumped up and hurried to turn off the blaring music as her other friends stared at the surprise visitor also. “What are you doing here?”
“Nothing, just dropped by to see what you were doing.” Sammy wanted to laugh so bad at the caught look on her face. His eyes scanned the room and took in her other guests. There was food laid out but nothing that shouldn't have been there like alcohol. His eyes did linger on the two males that were also present. “But I can see that you're…busy.”
“It's…we were just listening to music that's all.” She rushed to explain. He untangled his arm from the blond and waved her explanation away.
“So you have a couple of friends over…it's no big deal. So aren't you going to introduce me?”
Hotaru frowned not knowing if his easygoing manner was a good thing or not. She knew she probably shouldn't have people over when her mother was out of town but they were just sitting around talking and listening to music. “Uh I guess. The one that was hanging all over your arm is my friend Emily. This is Jessica.”
Hotaru said pointing to a red haired girl sitting on the couch. “And this is Jason and Jimmy. We were just chilling out.”
“Right…so whose car is out front?” Sammy wanted to gage some ages, just in case there were some cradle robbers in the house.
“Mine…was it in your way or something?” The one Hotaru pointed out as Jason spoke up. A little bit to hostile for Sammy's taste and he figured that Jason must have a thing for Hotaru…interesting. That would explain the instant dislike that Jason was shooting his way. Again he wanted to laugh and tell the kid that he had nothing to worry about from him.
“No, just asking. So you all go to school with Hotaru?”
“Yeah, we all hang out together all the time.” The red head spoke up and seemed surprised at herself for even speaking. Sammy figured she was the shy one out the group.
“Enough about us, what about you? We didn't get an introduction.” The one named Emily said batting her eyes at him and smiling. He smiled back and figured she must be the outgoing and flirty one of the group. So what did that make Hotura?
“I'm sorry. I'm Sammy. I'm a family friend of Hotaru's. I was just watching out for her while her mothers out of town.”
”Oh so you're the guy Taru has been complaining about lately.” Jimmy said smiling, oblivious to Hotura giving him death looks.
“Is that so?” Sammy said looking at Hotaru as she struggled not to blush.
“Well…yeah it is. I was telling them about how you're such a rude jerk.” Sammy shook his head and walked over to her to stand in front of her.
“And here I was coming to apologize and I find out you've been bad mouthing me. Maybe I shouldn't give you your present after all.”
“You apologize? Present? What present?” Hotaru said confused until she saw the bag that he held up to her face. “What…what is that for.”
“Keep up will you. I'm apologizing remember. I'm sorry I was such a rude jerk as you put it the other day. I didn't mean to be and wasn't trying to ruin your day. Here take it.” Hotaru just blinked at him and took the medium size gift bag he was holding out. She had expected not to hear from him again until she had the misfortune of running into him somewhere. She slowly looked into the bag until her eyes lit up.
“You bought me paint and brushes, but how did you know these were my favorite colors. Thank you so much.” Hotaru said as the other two girls came in closer to get a look.
“Your welcome. I figured you'd need some more the way you were slinging it around the day we went out. And I knew the colors because these were the ones that were on your clothes the most. You know the ones you were wearing when you were looking a mess.” Hotaru gritted her teeth that he had to throw that last comment in but let it go since his gift was so nice. He had bought her three jars of paint and three brushes. She knew they weren't cheap and appreciated the thought.
“Well thank you very much. I wasn't expecting it.” She didn't know why but she was suddenly shy with everyone in the room looking at them.
“No biggie. Well I better get out of here and leave you to your company.”
“Oh but you don't have to go.” Emily said practically tripping over the words to get them out. “You can stay and hang with us.” He gave her an indulgent smile but shook his head.
“Sorry, but I have studying to do and I haven't been home all day. I just wanted to drop this off.”
“Okay well, thanks again.” Hotaru said.
“Sure…so am I forgiven?”
“Yeah, forget it, I probably over reacted.”
“It's forgotten, tell your mom I said hi when she gets back. I'll see myself self out. You guys have fun.” He turned on his heals and walked out. As soon as they heard the door shut Emily and Jessica sighed and started hurling questions at Hotaru.
“Wow, he is like so cute! And to think you said he wasn't nice.” Emily exclaimed, stars in her eyes.
“Yeah, he seemed really nice and he spent a lot on those paints for you. I thought he was cute too.” Jessica gushed before drawing Hotaru down next to her so she could better look at the gifts.
“Big deal so he bought her some paints. He seemed like a jerk if you ask me.” Jason said arms crossed angrily.
“Oh hush up Jas, your just jealous.” Emily said before laughing while Hotaru just blushed.
“He's just a friend Emily, it's nothing like that with us.”
“Why not! If I were you I'd be all over him.”
“You would be all over anybody.” Jimmy threw in which earned him a sneer from Emily.
“One because I don't like him like that and two he's way to old for me he's nineteen and in college.”
“That's even better! A college guy! Oh I think I'm in love. Well since you don't want him I'll take him.” Hotaru just frowned at Emily and tuned out the ridiculous discussion by her friends. She picked up one of the jars of paint, it was the color of lilac one of her favorites. She had never been given a gift from a guy before “just because” not that this really counted. After all it was just Sammy.
-----
Rei hadn't left her cabin all day. It was going on 8 and she was about to leave for Mina's “slumber party”. Darien and Michelle had found her last night and chewed her out for using her powers. She had told them it was either that or kill someone. She explained why she was angry only to find out that they had already known about Serena and Seiya. She had been livid, especially at Darien for not telling her. They had left the choice up to her to fill in Ami, Mina and Lita. A decision she felt was really up to Serena, or at least up to her until she started falling apart and needed them to put her back together again. Rei laughed out loud at the irony of the situation.
“Ha! You're one to talk Rei. Serena wasn't the one losing control last night and blasting away into the night sky. Another thing Serena doesn't usually do is talk out loud to herself. You've got to break this habit.” Rei shook her head and prepared to walk out the room in her night short set. Mina had insisted that they all dress the part. Rei thought it was ridiculous but hadn't felt like arguing. She didn't plan on staying all night. But would stay long enough to make Mina happy then go back to her room and pray for tomorrow to hurry up and get here. She opened the door right when someone was knocking on it.
“What do you want?” Rei said tightly.
“Can I come in?” Chad said in the same manner. Rei stepped back and allowed him in. She had tried not to think about him all day but of course she had. And the more she thought about it the more she became angry. Chad stood there and ran his eyes up and down Rei.
“What the hell do you have on?”
“Did you come here to be my fashion critic? I'm going to a slumber party.”
“I thought Andrew was kidding when he told me about that earlier.”
“Yeah, well he wasn't, now what do you want.” Rei was impatient for him to be out of her sight.
“Well don't you have something to say to me?”
“Excuse me? And just what would that be besides get out my room.”
Chad shook his head and gave her a tight smile. “I knew it. Your not sorry and your not women enough to own up to your deceit.” Oh had he done it now! Rei put her hands on her hips and went to stand toe to toe with him.
“No Chad I am sorry. Sorry that I ever got involved with an ass like you. You must be out of your mind if you thought I was going to apologize after the way you spoke to me last night. And for the record I'm woman enough to know I don't want you!”
“Yeah you do. You're just to much of a coward to admit it. But that's okay Rei because I'll make this easy for you. I no longer want you. I am through with you on all personal levels.”
“You're through with me? You're through with me! Please I've been through with you for two years. And maybe you were right. I was just fucking with you last night because I like to jerk you around. Want to know why? Because I can!” Chad closed the little gap left between them and glared down at her. Her words had hit their mark…his ego.
“Words of advice. You should be careful what you say. Turn about is fare play.”
”What ever. You can't hurt me because I no longer feel anything for you, not a damn thing! And if I don't see you for another two years then it will be too soon.” They glared at each other as the room hung thick with tension. Finally he stepped back form her and shook his head.
“Fine with me. Have a nice life.” He threw over his shoulder as he slammed out the door. Rei took a couple of deep breaths to calm down and to let him get out the hall before she made her way to Mina's room. Good riddance. Maybe she could finally get him out of her life.
-----
The door was opened to Rei by Andrew who pointed her in the direction of the bedroom before heading out. Mina's cabin was far bigger then the others and consisted of two separate living sections. One was actual a little living room and the other was the sleeping area. Rei was the last to walk in and saw the other four women lounging on the king size bed that took up the majority of the space.
“Well I'm here.”
“Goodie for you.” Lita who was present blurted out but Rei had an attitude of her own and didn't let it slide.
“Look Lita I don't know what bug got up your ass but I'm not in the mood today either.”
Lita just glared at Rei for a moment before she gave her a little smile. “Okay fair enough. Sorry…in fact I'm sorry to all of you for yesterday. It was uncalled for but I just had a lot on my mind.” Rei nodded and got comfy on the bed.
“Don't worry about it Lita I figured as much. You want to tell us what had you in such a funk?” Mina asked gently.
“I might as well. After all isn't the sprit of a slumber party to dish dirt?”
“Yeah, it's supposed to be.” Rei grumbled, still trying to get her argument with Chad out of her head.
“But Lita if it's to personal you don't have to share, we understand.” Ami put in thinking about her own secrets that she wished she didn't have.
“If she can't share with us then who else can she share with?” Serena said quietly. Rei gave her a look but Serena ignored her and focused on Lita.
“Serena's right. Besides maybe I'll feel better if I talk about it. I just needed some time to myself yesterday to figure it out.” Lita took a moment and took a deep
breath. “I uh…hell I slept with Alex.” Her statement was met with raised eyebrows and stares until Mina burst out laughing.
“Well, I don't see what's wrong with that. Your single, so is he so what's the big deal? I think it's great! Andrew is going to get a big kick out of this!” Mina shouted only to have Lita shoot her a steely look.
“Mina you better not say one word about this to Andrew! Or to Alex I don't want you interfering.”
“Oh oops. Right of course I won't. I give you my solemn word I won't do a thing. But seriously I don't see what you're so upset about. Alex is hot and a pretty nice guy. So…..was he good in bed?”
“Mina! Ami exclaimed, while Lita face heated up.
“That's none of your business and it's more complicated then that.”
“Exactly what is the problem? You deserve to have some fun and let loose every once in a while.” Serena interjected a little confused about why Lita was so upset.
“I just feel like a slut. I mean I barely know this guys name…and I fall into bed with him! I wasn't looking for any entanglements or to have a one night stand. I just feel like the whole thing was a mistake.”
“What? Did he say it was just a one night stand? Did he disrespect you?” Rei said looking ready to go hunt down Alex her self.
“Uh, no I was the one who told him I didn't want to ever see him again. Though he was honest in the beginning that he would be going back to America after this trip and I was fine with that.”
“Well, at least he was honest about that. That's a lot more then some men are.” Serena said sarcastically.
“Yeah and your not a slut. For god's sake it's been three years since you last had sex I think you were over do for a little. Which brings me back to my original question of how was it?” Mina still wanted the details about her brother in law.
“Damn it Mina you are so crass! It was good….very good are you happy now?” Lita was telling the truth it was been great and that was part of the problem. She had never had such an sexual experience before and the feelings that it was evoking in her confused her along with Alex's betrayal.
“Yay! Good for you!” Mina was excited, Lita deserved something good in her life. She worked so hard and never enjoyed any of life's pleasures.
“Yeah I'm jealous.” Rei said half way serious. “So I still haven't really heard what the real problem is. He was honest about his intentions, he was good in bed and we established that there was nothing wrong with you sleeping with him, so….what's the problem?”
Lita hesitated to tell them about the broken condom…that did seem a little to personal besides she was fairly sure that it would not be a big issues in the future, but it was enough to let her know that she wanted nothing to do with Alex Motoki. “Well lets just say that when the heat stopped he wasn't as great of a guy as I thought. Anyway I just felt a little cross about it yesterday. I'm sorry I took it out on you guys. I'm better now and what's done is done. I'll be fine once we get home tomorrow.”
“I'm sorry that he disappointed you Lita.” Ami said, meaning it. Lita had never had a particularly lucky love life.
“Yeah me too. I guess two gems couldn't run in the same family.” Mina said, though secretly she thought that all hope wasn't lost between the two. “Well, what a why to get this slumber party started! Who else has anything juicy to share?”
“Fine I might as well tell you guys. I want everyone to know anyway. I am totally, completely over Chad. I despise him and if you guys are really my friends you will never mention his name to me again.”
“What happened this time?” Lita said with a grin on her face. Rei had said those words before.
“Did you finally sleep with him?” Serena asked truly curious.
“What do you mean finally? You mean did she sleep with him again.” Mina asked confused.
“No she meant finally.” Rei felt the flush on her face and hated it. “I uh I've never slept with Chad.”
“What?” The three clueless women asked.
“I don't get it?” Ami was really confused. “You guys were together on and off for four years.”
”I know…we just never had sex.”
“Holy cow.” Mina said before laughing. “I'm sorry I just can't believe it! I mean I know you never said anything but I just figured that you didn't want to share because it was Chad.”
“Yeah well it's true.”
“Why?” Ami asked quietly. “If you don't mind me asking. Why did you never sleep with him? You guys are…were close and were together for so long.”
“I don't know….and that's part of the problem. All I can think of is the Gods were against it, because it never happened. That proves that I don't need to be with him at all.”
“Rei that's not necessarily true.” Lita, thought Chad and Rei made a good couple. That is when they were getting along everything was great. When they weren't well then you had to watch out.
“Yes it is.” Rei said stubbornly. “Last night…hell I guessed offered myself to him with every intention of following through. I figured if I could sleep with him I could get him out my system. We were hot and heavy and I was totally feeling him right up until the actual moment came. Then I don't know what the hell was wrong with me, I freaked out and the next thing I knew we were arguing.”
“The jerk, he shouldn't have gotten mad if you changed your mind.” Lita exclaimed, but Rei only shook her head.
“No, he had a right to be upset. When I say I stopped him right before. I mean we were both naked laying on the sand and in two more seconds it would have been a done deal.”
“Ouch! Poor Chad. I don't get it. It's clear even to a blind person that you two have sexual chemistry if nothing else. Again you two are both unattached you should have done it and maybe he would have been out of your system. Hell you could have had had fun trying at least.”
“Mina I just told you I have no clue why I couldn't go through with it. It's been that way from the beginning. The first time I seriously thought about having sex with him was my sophomore year in college. I set up my dorm room. You know candles and the whole nine yards. My roommate was gone and I had on my sexy undies and everything. Then when we got close I freaked out. Every other time after that the same thing happened. I have no clue why I can't go through with it. I've slept with other men I just can't seem to sleep with Chad. Which is probably a good thing since I hate his guts.”
Serena smiled to her self. To her it was obvious why Rei couldn't sleep with Chad…she loved him. Ironic when you thought about it but true never the less. Serena wisely kept her conclusion to herself for the moment.
“That is weird but why are you so mad at him if you're the one who keeps calling it off.” Lita wanted to know.
“Well, afterwards like I said he was angry and I was confused at myself. But that didn't give him the right to say some of the vile things he said to me. Today was more of the same. So I've come to the conclusion that we just don't belong together. We're like oil and water. We just don't mix. He brings out the worst in me and I'm tired of playing this game that neither one of us can win. So like I said me and Chad are history. I don't want any more jokes or comments about us ever being together. Cause it's not going to happen in this life time.”
“Well, if that's the way you want it.” Serena mumbled.
“It is. So can we talk about something else. Even talking about him is putting me in a bad mood.
“Fine. Where was I at while all this was happening right under my nose?” Mina wondered out loud.
“You were with your new husband doing god knows what, probably on this very bed.” Lita said laughing.
“Yeah, please tell us you changed the sheets before you invited us all to come sit on this bed.” Serena joked and they all laughed.
“Very funny and yes I did.” Mina said good naturedly.
“Yeah how has the honeymoon been going?” Ami asked.
“Oh it's been wonderful! I still can't believe I'm actually married. I'm so happy. And of course the sex is great! He's everything that I ever wanted. I'm so happy right now.”
“We can see that.” Serena said and they smiled from the infectious smile that was on Mina's face.
“Well it's safe to assume that you were no blushing bride when the honeymoon came.” Rei joked.
“Please! Lita snorted. “They've been sleeping together since before the end of our freshmen year in college.”
For once out of all the years they'd known each other it was Mina's turn to hit Lita and exclaim. “Lita! Way to keep a secret blabber mouth.”
“Sorry I forgot they didn't know. It's been so long ago. I thought you would have told them by now.”
“I knew you were the first among us to have sex but I didn't think it had been that early.” Ami said wide eyed. “You told us you didn't do it until your junior year.”
“I know I lied. It was a struggle for Andrew to keep his hands off me from the start. He kept saying that I wasn't old enough. But I wore him down bit by bit.” Mina said smugly.
“So pretty much you threw it at him.” Rei took another jab at Mina only to have the other woman smirk.
“Hey what ever works. And it must have since I'm married to him.”
“Can't argue with that logic.” Serena said.
“Right. Oh Ami I know you're so excited about your own upcoming wedding and the honeymoon. You must have the patience of a saint to have waited this long to have sex.” Mina baited Ami and was very interested to see what she would get back on the hook. Ami delivered just not in the way she expected. The smile on her lips disappeared and the blood drained from her face.
“I don't know…if there's going to be a wedding.”
“Huh? What are you talking about?” Lita asked the agitated woman sitting on her right.
Ami wished the boat would suddenly sink and drown her. She'd had no intention what so ever of telling them about her and Taiki. But like Serena had said if they couldn't share with each other then who? Plus Ami felt as if the secret was eating away at her. “Well he might not want to marry me when we get back…once he finds out.” She said softly her head lowered.
“Finds out what?” Serena who was sitting on the other side of Ami reached out and put an arm around her shoulders.
“That…that. Oh god I don't even know how to say this…I…I slept with Taiki and when we get home Marc will never want to see me again.” The blue haired woman who was logical in all things and who mostly thought tears were a waste of time broke out into deep sobs. Immediately the others gathered in closer to her like a herd protecting its injured and Mina reached over to the bed side table to grab some tissues.
“Ami don't cry it will be okay. Please don't cry.” Serena said as she held and rubbed Ami's back. Ami dabbed at her eyes with the tissue Mina gave her and they
all lobbed words of comfort at her. She seemed to draw strength from them and soon stopped crying and lifted her face. Staring at them she now wished that she had shared her dilemma with them from the start.
“Thanks, I'm okay now.” Ami said and the others gave her a little room but Serena kept her arm around her.
“Do you want to talk about it?” Rei asked gently.
“No but I should. I think it will help a little. Where to start? I feel so ashamed so dirty.”
”Ami don't say that! Sex is a natural thing it's nothing to be ashamed of.” Mina advised.
“Oh I know that. I'm ashamed of what I've done. How do you explain to a fiancée that you've been telling for months that you've never had sex and after your engaged you say you want to wait until your wedding night that you suddenly jumped in the bed of your high school sweetheart who you haven't seen in six years! How can I ever look him in the face again? I promised to marry him and now I've done this.”
“Well what do you feel for Taiki?” Mina asked the obvious. She was a true believer in following one's heart.
“I….I…don't-“ Ami looked like she was about to cry again so Rei quickly re-directed her attention.
“Why don't you tell us how this happened first?”
“Okay. We were having such a good time catching up that first night that we stayed up late. It was like all the years melted and we were close friends again. He walked me to my room and he was about to go but…I asked him to stay! It's all my fault! God how could I be so stupid!”
“Ami stop beating your self up, we all make mistakes.” Lita ached for Ami cause she could see how torn up she was about this.
“What happened after that?” Rei was trying to get Ami to focus on telling the story so she wouldn't fall apart.
“We slept together and wish I could say other wise but it was mind blowing…I don't even remember thinking I just remember feeling incredible. And maybe…maybe I wouldn't feel so bad if it would have stopped there. I called myself putting a end to it the next morning only to find myself willing going to his bed again that night. I'm so ashamed to say it but I've found myself in his bed every night that we've been on this ship!” The other women couldn't help the widening of their eyes. They were seeing an Ami that they didn't know existed.
“Even worse I felt like such a harlot sneaking around hiding it from everyone, wearing the proof of my betrayal on my finger everyday. But I couldn't stop myself from being in his arms. It's like he touches me and I just melt.”
“Damn Taiki does all that to you?” Mina let slip out in wonder before she snapped her mouth shut. The others glared at her but Ami actually gave her a little smile.
“I know it's hard to wrap your mind around it. I just don't know what to do. I feel as if my whole life is ruined because I was to weak to resist temptation.”
“It's not ruined Ami. You have to believe that it's not.” Serena soothed, Ami's feelings mirroring closely what she was feeling…guilt, shame and a host of other unpleasant emotions.
“I'm sorry Ami but I have to ask again…how do you feel about Taiki.” Mina persisted.
“I feel that we had unresolved feeling from all those years ago and they just spiraled out of control. There's nothing between us expect friendship and this physical attraction. I want my life back like it was. I…want to marry Marc and be happy.”
“Ami-“ Mina was about to ask if that was the truth when Serena shook her head for her to let it go. Mina had hoped that Ami and Taiki would reconnect and she would realize that she definitely did not love Marc.
“Now I don't know what to do. I want to marry Marc but how can I with what I've done.”
“Well…you could just not tell Marc and pretend nothing happened.” Everyone whipped around to stare at Rei.
“Are you serious? That's just wrong.”
“Maybe….maybe not. If you say you really want to still marry Marc, why hurt him with what you claim was left over feeling for a friend.” Rei continued.
“For once me and Rei agree. If you really still want to be with Marc and you think he's the key to your true happiness you shouldn't let one mistake prevent that.” Mina gave her two cents.
“Lita do you agree with them?” Ami asked uncertain. Waiting for someone to tell her to be honest with the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with.
“Well if you love him I guess so. I only say that because well Taiki is leaving, hell he won't be on this planet much less Tokyo. If you truly feel like you and Marc were meant to be then don't let the chance of happiness pass you by.” Ami was surprised by all of their responses. Ami still was a bad liar and hated to do so.
“I don't know. Shouldn't he have the right to know and then decide if I'm still worth being with?” Now Ami turned to the woman who still held her. “Serena what do you think.”
“Oh Ami, I'm really not someone you should ask. I think that only you know your heart. If you say you want to be with March, then I'll believe you. If you really want to save your impending wedding then I say you should do whatever it takes. I know that this whole thing is hard for you, believe me I know, but I want you to know that you'll get through it. I'll support you in whatever decision you make. I think I speak for all of us when I say none of us here is judging you, your human too and we all make mistakes. All you can try to do is learn from them. I can't tell you what to do because only you know your heart but I'm on your side no matter what.” Tears welled in Ami's eyes again but instead of letting them fall she hugged Serena and then started laughing.
“Thank you. Your words mean a lot to me. Believe it or not I feel better now. I still don't know what I'm going to do but I feel better. Thank you all for listening. I should have told you all before now and maybe things wouldn't have gotten so bad.”
“Yeah remember that the next time you run and do something crazy and I'll do the same.” Lita joked with her and they all shared in a smile.
“Yeah, I don't know when we started keeping so many secrets….there was a time when we never did.” Serena spoke up with a hint of melancholy in her voice.
“We should stop doing that. We're so much stronger together then apart.”
“I guess that's what happens when you grow older and you have more secrets to begin with.” Rei said slanting Serena a look that Serena acknowledged before she spoke again.
“I guess so. Well I guess it's my turn. After Ami was brave enough to share I guess I have to do the same. Ami isn't the only one who's made a huge mistake…I slept with Seiya again.” Her confession was met with silence and disbelief on everyone's face but Rei's which was expressionless. Finally someone spoke.
“You…slept…with Seiya.” Lita got out at the same time Mina said.
“Again? What do you mean again?” Serena almost laughed at puzzled look on Mina's face and smiled across at her.
“Yes…again. I'm sorry to inform you Mina but you were not the first one among us to have sex after all. I had sex with Seiya six years ago…before he left.”
“Oh Serena you poor thing, no wonder you were so devastated! We were so young and you loved him so much!” Ami couldn't imagine feeling as confused as she was now about having sex at the age of 18. She would not have been able to cope with all these conflicting feelings. How had Serena done it?
“I would have never guessed things had gone so far with you two.” Mina whispered.
“I know. I only told Rei after he left. She beat it out of me one night. Anyway the point is I slept with him again, more then once since we've been on this trip. It was a horrible mistake and I want to say right now how sorry I am to all of you.”
“You don't have anything to apologize for.” Lita couldn't understand why Serena would say such a thing.
“Yes I do. You all stood by me when I went crazy after the first time he hurt me. I know it wasn't easy for any of you. I know I pulled away from you all, pushed you away and still you all fought for me. Honestly I don't know what I would have done without you. And now I've foolishly gotten involved with him again.”
“Serena…Seiya isn't a bad person.” Was Rei's first comment.
“Whatever he is, I don't need to be involved with him. Like Taiki he's leaving and I just wanted you guys to know that I don't plan on falling apart this time or anything, so you don't have to worry about me.”
“Serena are you sure? I mean you loved him-“
“Loved is the right word Lita. I don't love him anymore. I…hell he was my first and only as you all know. So when I saw him again I think I just got horny.
That's all no big deal. Plus like Ami I didn't get any closure when he up and left…so I wasn't thinking rationally for a moment. When he leaves this time it will be different. I just want you all to know that. I know we've all been so busy these last years…and I didn't realize how much I missed all of until this trip The talking, the laughing the support. I want us all to try harder to do those things in the months to come. I want us to stay close. Cause I don't know what I'd do without you guys…I really don't.”
“Don't make me cry I still have on my mascara.” Mina said wiping at a real tear.”
“Always the drama queen.” Rei teased but then she became serious as the vision she'd had about Serena came back to her. Where would they be without Serena? “We wouldn't know what to do without you either meatball head.” The old nickname brought smiles all around and the five women who were bound in friendship, duty and love gave each other a group hug.
-----
That was the way Andrew found them. Some crying all of them hugging on his bed. From the laughter that could also be heard he figured the crying was happy tears. Darien, Alex, Roger and he had played some cards and drank some beers. The ship tonight was like a ghost ship. Everyone else must have been holed up in their rooms. When it got close to 11 he had called it a night and headed back to his cabin. Though he had told Mina she could have her slumber party he'd had no intention of giving up his room for the whole night. He wasn't going to waste the last night of his honeymoon. He decided there was no time like the present to make his self known.
“Excuse me ladies.” They all jumped apart. “While I hate to break up this enticing scene and usually would't mind five beautifully half dressed women in my bed. tonight all I have the energy for one, so I guess I'll have to choose wisely.”
“Oooh pick me, pick me.” Mina waved her hand in the air like a grade school student and Andrew pretended to ignore her.
“Lets see…this is a hard one. Should I take brains and beauty or strength and beauty? Or maybe I should choose determination and beauty or will it be grace and beauty? No I don't think I'll take any of those. I like to live dangerously so I think I'll take mischief and beauty.”
“Yes! I know that one was definitely me.” Mina said grinning from ear to ear.
“Yes that one is you in every way. Well I guess that's the end of this party.” Rei said cheerily getting up. The girls exchanged individual hugs again as Andrew looked on.
“Come on, you girls are just going down the hall and you'll see each other tomorrow morning. Your acting like you won't see each other for years.”
Serena just smiled at him as she walked past, before she stopped. “Oh speaking of which, everyone needs to be on top deck by 8 to see the Princess Kakyuu and Starlights off. They want to leave early so the others won't see them.” Soon everyone was out the door and Andrew and Mina were alone.
“So did you enjoy your slumber party?” He asked embracing her in a hug of his own that she returned.
“I did but Andrew I think I may have made a huge mistake inviting the Starlights back. Things aren't exactly turning out like I hoped.”
“Inviting them back? So it was you who invited them in the first place. I had my suspicions.” Mina's had the grace to blush.
“I guess you can kinda say that was my doing, but I had the best of intentions.”
“I'm sure you did, you always do. Did you know honey they say the road to hell is paved with good intentions?” She just pouted up at him then gave him a saucy smile.
“I think I've heard that somewhere. So what are you going to do? Punish me?” She said wiggling against him.
“Ohhh you really are a bad, bad girl.”
“So you keep saying but do something about it.” His hands were already under her top and in the next instant it was over her head, reveling her bare breasts. In the next instant his mouth was at her neck and her hands were around his neck. Mina's mind almost went blank like it always did when he touched her. She was always caught off guard with how quick he could flip the script. One minute they could be having a conversation and the next he could have her on the floor moaning. At the moment he was picking her up and in a couple of steps he was at the bed and gently tossed her on it. She landed with a giggle that turned into a moan as she watched him unbutton his shirt and then his pants. Mina felt her heart race as she watched, then she felt it constrict. Unwillingly remnants of the earlier conversation came to her mind. The rest of her friends were all in relationship trouble right now and her heart went out to them. Especially Serena and Ami. The loves of their lives would be leaving and then out of their reach by tomorrow. Mina couldn't even bare the thought of Andrew not being in her life. When he finally joined her on the bed she met his mouth in a fierce kiss as her emotions boiled to the top. She grabbed him tight as if she would never let go. He seemed to understand that she needed him in a different way tonight and their hot embraces soon turned to measured and gentle ones.
They took turns caressing each others face and body. Soon they were skin to skin and heart to heart. Mina tired to show him she loved him in ever way she knew how. And at last when they came together she told him with words.
“I love you so much Andrew.” She breathed into his ear while caressing his face.
“And I love you Mina with all my heart.”
-----
Rei ended up meditating, something she rarely did anymore to clear her mind. Tomorrow would be a hard day .It took her longer then it should have but finally she found some measure of peace and fell asleep. Lita had no such luck and had lain awake starring at the ceiling for almost two hours, thinking about everyone's situation. She hoped every thing worked out all right and most of all she hoped she could put the most unpleasant experience of Alex out of her mind once she left this boat. Ami however had glanced at Taiki's door as they walked past. After saying good night to the others she went in her room and locked the door. It was best if she didn't see him. Better to end it now since tomorrow would be here within hours. She was already dressed for bed so that was a good since she found her self suddenly tired. She felt a little better now that she had confided in her friends. She no longer felt as if she was the worst person in the world or the only person who had been led astray. She wasn't shocked by any of their confessions…she now fully understood passion and need. Being efficient her bags were already packed so after brushing her teeth she laid in bed and turned out the lights. Willing her mind to shut down for the night. She started to fall asleep quicker then she thought and just as she was drifting off she felt a presence.
“Ami are you sleep.”
“If I was I'm not anymore.” Ami said sitting up and turning on a light at the same time. “Taiki what are you doing here? You shouldn't be here…not tonight.”
Taiki ignored her and sat on the edge of her bed. He wasn't even staring at her but was looking absently at the wall.
“I know. I thought you would come to me after the slumber party. I heard you in the hall….and thought you would come.”
“It's better this way. Tomorrow we go our separate ways and put what happened here behind us.”
”Just like that huh?” Now he did look at her and his eyes were somber.
“Yes…just like that. Tomorrow I'll go back to being just your friend who writes every three months.”
“Right…you won't be my lover who shared my bed for the last four days.”
“No I won't.” Ami couldn't help the note of sadness that crept into her voice. “You should go Taiki. You have to get up early so we can send you guys off.”
“I know. Tell me one thing Ami and I'll go. If tomorrow makes up just friends again what sense does it make to waste the last moments we'll ever have with each other. It's illogical. It's not tomorrow yet it's only 11:15.” Ami smiled at his reasoning but shook her head anyway.
“Taiki it's better if we make a clean break.”
“Better for whom?” He asked softly.
“Better for you and me.”
”Not better for me. Better for me would be holding you and being inside you one more time before I never see you again.”
Ami inhaled at his comment and color rose to her cheeks. “Don't be so dramatic. We'll see each other again.”
”When in another six years? Oh wait I forgot the next time we see each other it'll be at your wedding. I'm sure that will be a fun occasion.”
“Taiki stop, sarcasm doesn't suit you.”
“Well I'm just telling the truth. You do still plan on getting married right?”
“Yes…yes I do.”
“Then the next time I see you, you'll be a married woman.”
“Yes I will.” She said turning her head from him.
“But you're still going to turn me away?” When she didn't answer he slowly got up form the bed. “I understand. Well good night. I'll see you in the morning…to say good bye.” She let him get all the way to the door before calling out to him.
“Wait Taiki. Your right my reasoning was illogical. You should come back…it's barely 11:20.” Taiki wasted no time walking back to the bed and embracing her in a hug.
“Don't worry Ami…I know what tomorrow must bring. I know I must let go.” He said before kissing her lips tenderly. They made slow sweet love. As if they were trying to stretch out their final time together. They traced each other's bodies as if they would be given a test on it later. In the end he called out her name and she his. She lay in his arms and immediately when back to sleep.
-----
Darien wanted another drink but knew that he'd had enough for one night. The day had seemed to drag on. It seemed as if everyone on the ship was sulking. He knew he was. He had seen Seiya early this morning and almost went to “talk” to him. He had decided against it knowing that he had nothing “nice” to say to the other man. Besides what could he say to him? Stop hurting Serena…stop loving her? Darien knew better then most that was a hard thing to do. He just felt helpless and he hated feeling helpless. He couldn't afford to be helpless in his line of work. When you were helpless you were weak and when you were weak people got hurt or they died. He had been surprised that Rei hadn't known about the couple before last night. Serena usually told Rei everything. Serena keeping a secret from Rei in and of it self spelled trouble. Now tomorrow was coming and he didn't know if it meant a blessing or doom. He had sat with the other guys tonight while Mina had her “slumber party”. Mina was such a character. He just hoped that she and the rest of them could talk some sense into Serena before it was to late. After Andrew had called it a night Darien had come up for some fresh air. He was taking a slow leisurely walk around the deck when he came upon
Princess Kakyuu standing by the pool area near the rail.
“I haven't seen you all day Princess.”
She didn't turn around but he could hear the smile in her voice when she said. “Come join me Darien, Prince of Earth.”
“What's the occasion for the use of the title?” Darien said as he joined her.
“It is your proper title is it not?”
“Yeah I guess so. I see that you're slipping back into your Princess shoes…to bad. I like the plain old Kakyuu.”
“I like her too. But her time has come and gone. Reality rushes back to us to quickly. I am sure I will have many things to attend to when I get home.” He felt rather then heard the heavy responsibility in her words.
“Do you ever wish that you weren't so controlled by the needs of others?” He hadn't meant to ask the serious question out loud. She still didn't turn to him just pointed out to the sea they were staring at.
“You see this ocean Darien. It is a huge powerful thing but it to is controlled. Controlled by the wind and the currents and most of all by the moon. With out the control exerted on it by those other forces it would run wild and cause much damage.” Now she did turn to look at him. “You remind me of the sea Darien. I see in you the potential to be wild and fierce. I wonder….will you continue to let the moon control you?”
Darien stiffened. He felt her words had various underlining meanings and he didn't like any of the possibilities. “No, I don't like the idea of anything controlling me. To me being controlled is to be weak and weakness is not something I can afford to have.” She simple nodded and smiled before turning back to the water.
“True…but if you don't give up some control how can fate guide your hand and open your eyes?”
“I plan on being the master of my own fate.”
“Well that will be a mighty feat.” Now she turned and grabbed his arm smiling up at him. “But if anyone can do it you can. Walk me to the stairs.” They begin slowing walking around to the stairs that led below. “Darien you're a good man but you will never be your best until you remember that your weakest point can be your greatest strength.”
“What you just said sounds extremely wise but I can't think of any practical use. Can you get a little more specific?”
“Yes, but I won't. Some things are best if a person sees them for themselves. Besides deep down you know what I speak of. When you are ready I hope you will be able to see it.” They had reached the stairs and now she turned to him again. I should be turning in I suppose. Will you be up to send us off?”
“Of course Princess. I'll admit though I'll miss you. It was good getting to know you better. You know…with out the threat of the world ending hanging over our heads.” Kakyuu laughed and gave his arm a squeeze. “Now that's the Kakyuu I'm used to seeing. Try not to get to stuffy when you head back.”
“For you Darien I'll try. I shall miss you too. Good night new friend. May your dreams be peaceful on this night of nights.” Darien raised her hand to his lips for a kiss.
“You too Princess.” He then leaned in and gave her a light kiss on the cheek. “I hope to one day to be as wise as you are.”
A light blush stained her cheeks and she just shook her head. “And may I found a man with a sliver tongue like you.” Now Darien grinned cockily.
“I doubt it, I've been told I'm one of a kind.” She laughed again and gave his hand a finally squeeze.
“That you are. Until the morning.” She then descended down the stairs. Darien stood there a light smile playing on his lips. After talking to her he felt a little better. He knew she was trying to give him all kinds of advice but at the moment he didn't know exactly what it meant.
“Darien be careful not to start an interstellar war by playing with the affections of the Princess.” Darien turned around at the voice and saw Michelle about 15 feet away.
“What are you doing up this late.”
“I was listening to the sea again, it's restless and so am I. Apparently I have the bad luck of catching people in kisses all the time.” She said as she came to stand next to him. Darien gave her a playful grin and tilted his head.
“Don't tell me you're jealous?”
“I don't know. I might be. Seems like everyone is getting kissed but me.” Michelle affected a pout and Darien laughed at her.
“Well we can't have that now can we.” His eyes twinkled as he swooped down for what was suppose to just be a playful peck on the lips. Michelle wasn't expecting his quick action and her eyes popped wide open. Both of their lips were cool from the sea air but heated up as they touched. Darien drew back and looked into her wide eyes and brushed his lips against hers again briefly.
“Are you still restless?” He asked.
“Yes…even more so now.”
“Hmmm, so am I. Maybe we can do something about this restlessness together?”
“It sounds like a plan of action.”
“It is and so is this.” He caught her lips in a real kiss this time and she returned it fully. By the time her hands were entangled in the hair at his nape they had transported to his room. Both oblivious to the sea's waves slapping against the ship.
-----
Serena had no plans to go to Seiya either. It was bad enough that she had been with him last night. She needed a head start on preparing herself for tomorrow. She had meant everything she had said to her friends. She wouldn't break down again…she wouldn't fail them. So with that in mind she shut down her thoughts. Blocking everything out, even her worry for the other's predicaments and was soon asleep. It was around 1am when her eyes came open with a start. With one hand she quickly flicked on the bedside lamp and sat up. Seiya was standing by the end of her bed. They stared silently at each other, Serena waiting for an explanation. Finally he gave a heavy sigh and shrugged.
“I tried to stay away I really did. When it was obvious you weren't coming I said to myself she has the right idea…that it was for the best. I tried to go to sleep but the longer I laid there the greater the urge to see you became. So now I'm here.”
“You should have tried harder.” Serena said giving him a blank stare. Already her demeanor towards him was changing. It had to…for everyone's sake.
“I know.” He hated the look in her eyes but at the same time he was adjusting his own gaze to reflect indifference. “I'll be gone in seven hours do you think one more night will really make a difference?”
“No I don't. Nothing will make a difference now.” Serena shrugged as if she could care less if he stayed with her tonight or not. He walked over and sat next to her on the bed.
“Well then, what do you say? One more time for old time's sake.”
“Sure…but we'll make it for last's time's sake because this is the last time.”
“Whatever works…whatever works.” They meet each other half way and only when there lips touched did their bodies melt. They came together hard and fast. It was nothing deep and soulful like the other night. This time they both were takers trying to get as much as they could, while they could. When they were sated he held her tight…to tight in his arms and she let him. They fell asleep quickly. Neither saying a word. However long before she woke up she unconsciously rolled away from him…and he unconsciously let her go.
Scene 3-Friday-Kakyuu's Revelation
Serena had woken very early and luckily had found Seiya gone. She had packed and tired to settle down but her mind had been to busy racing. Now she stood on the top deck leaning on the rail deep in thought. The boat had pulled into the dock at 6am though they didn't have to be off until 12.
Darien's night had been wonderful and he'd had peaceful dreams. However at around 6:30 he had suddenly awakened. He had tried to go back to sleep but had failed. Now at 7:30 he couldn't take it any more and found his self on the top deck. He wasn't surprised to see her. She had probably been the reason he was drawn out of sleep. He was glad he'd have a moment to talk to her alone. He joined her at the rail, shoulder to shoulder.
“You're up early.”
“I know. I wanted to get this day started so it could be over with.”
“Are you in that big of a rush to have him gone?”
“Yes.” Serena finally looked at him, her eyes serious and guarded. “So you can finally look me in the eye again?”
“What are you talking about?”
“You know what I'm talking about. The fact that you haven't looked me in the eye since Monday. Did me being with him disgust you that much?”
“Serena how can you say that. Nothing you could ever do would disgust me.”
“Wrong answer Darien. You should be disgusted, I am. I did a stupid thing to let him back into my life even temporarily. I was foolish…”
“Serena you were human.” Darien said as he tenderly stroked her face. “You can't control your emotions.”
“You're one to talk.” Serena said turning away from him. “I can control them. In fact I already have. But you…turning away from me…that hurt me.”
“Serena I'm so sorry. I just had a hard time adjusting. I don't want him to hurt you again.”
“He won't. He'll be out my life within the hour.”
“But will he be out of your heart and mind?” He asked only to have her glare at him.
“He hasn't been in my heart for a long time and my mind…is mine to control and I don't plan on letting him in that either.”
“Cut the shit Serena this is me your talking too. I know this isn't as easy as you would make it sound.”
“I know that. Look I know you mean well but I don't want you to worry about me. I'll be fine. He didn't destroy me before and I won't let him destroy me this time either.”
“We won't let him destroy you this time.” Darien gathered her in a tight hug and held her. “Your not alone, don't ever forget that.”
“Thank you Darien I won't.”
-----
Seiya hadn't meant to pry but he had been watching the two for the last couple of minutes. He was to far to see what they were saying but he saw the sudden and tight embrace. His mind immediately had an adverse reaction at seeing her in Darien's arms. Anger and confusion and before he knew it his feet were carrying him forward.
“Serena I need to talk to you.” They slowly parted and that only made him frown more. Serena turned to him with blank eyes and Darien shot him death looks.
“Seiya we have nothing to talk about.” Serena said coldly.
“I disagree.”
“Then maybe you should learn to listen better. She just said she doesn't want to talk to you.” Darien stepped in front of Serena.
“This has nothing to do with you Darien so stay out of it. Serena this will only take a couple of minutes.”
“Well I'm making it my damn business.” Darien stated taking a threatening step forward only to be stopped by Serena's hand.
“He's not worth it. I'll talk to him.” She said coming up to Darien's side.
“Okay fine. Talk and be quick about it.”
“Can we have some privacy?” Seiya asked sarcastically. Darien looked at Serena who warily nodded her head.
“Okay.” Darien said walking away only to stand 20 feet away. “This is as much privacy as you're going to get and your time is ticking.”
Seiya ignored him and took a couple of steps towards Serena. “What did I do to warrant the guard dog?”
“Nothing and everything.” She said flatly.
“So this is the way it's going to be between us? I was hoping we could at least be friends.”
“Seiya I'm not your friend or your lover I'm not your anything. The quicker you realize that the better off we'll both be.”
“So the ice queen is back. Boy you work really quick.” Seiya said as his eyes hardened.
“Why thank you.”
“Does our good bye have to be this ugly?”
“Yes it does. Everything between us is ugly.”
“Damn it Serena!” He went to grab her arm but out the corner of his eye he saw Darien step forward and he stuffed his hands in his pockets again. “You really don't care about us at all.”
“There is no us. I need you to get that in your head.” He was silent a moment staring at her. Wondering where the bright alive Serena he had seen on this trip had gone. He had thought he could do this leave her with his feelings intact. That's what he had thought when he had transported from her bed very early this morning.
When he had seen her in another's man arms he had lost what ever reserve he had. The time had come to let her go but could he leave her again?
“So you can let it go that easily.”
“Yes. It hasn't been mine in a long time, plus I don't want any part of it.”
“What if I can't let it go as easily as you?”
“You don't have a choice.” As she said it she nodded her head to the stairs where people were starring to come up on deck.
“I suppose your right. Our time is up.”
“Our time ended over six years ago Seiya.”
“So I guess this is it then. Good bye Serena…it was interesting while it lasted.” He said looking into her eyes for any hint that she cared about him.
“Good bye Seiya Kou. I hope to never see you again.” She turned on her heel, putting on a smile as she went to greet Princess Kakyuu and the others who were making their way over.
-----
Michelle was one of the first people on deck and her eyebrow rose as she saw Darien, Serena and Seiya already present. She could guess by Darien tense stance and Serena void expression that they had been arguing. She wasn't surprised. Good-byes were always hard. It was ten minutes to 8 and everyone used the time to say their farewells and give hugs and last minute advice. Only the scouts were present. Chad and Andrew had elected to let them have their special good bye in private though they had been welcome to attend. Serena sought out Yaten then Taiki to say her good-byes.
“Yaten, it was so good seeing you.” She said as she hugged him.
“You too. Serena will you be all right.”
“Yes I will. Your sweet to worry but please don't.”
“Okay. What about Seiya? Will he be alright?”
“I don't know. He's not my concern.”
“You're right he's mine.”
“Then in that case make sure you do your job.”
“Fair enough.” Yaten said giving her a smile. “I still say your trouble. Been saying it ever since I met you.” Now Serena smiled at him too.
“Oh yeah? Well you still have a way of getting in more trouble then I ever could.”
She had then found Taiki and gave him a big embrace.
“Serena I know I asked this of you before, but please take care of Ami.”
”You don't have to ask. We'll all take care of her. We take care of each other.”
“I know…she-.” Taiki stopped not sure of how much she knew.
“I know it all Taiki.” Serena said softly so no one else could here.
“Then you know she's made her decision.”
“So it seems. Besides what other decision could she have made? You are leaving…again.”
“I don't know. If she would have asked it of me I would have found a way.”
“I know you would have…but she didn't ask. You should respect her decision.”
“Like you just pointed out I really don't have a choice. I just want her to be happy Serena.”
”I know…so do I. You're a good man Taiki. Take care of yourself and have faith that everything will work out the way it's suppose to be.”
“I'll have faith if you will.”
“Deal.” They shook on it and gave each other another hug. Finally it was time for them to go. They gathered around much like that fateful day six years ago. The scouts and Darien around Serena and the starlights around Princess Kakyuu. Now it was time for the two Princesses to address each other formally.
“I'd like to thank you again Sailor Venus for giving us the honor of being a part of this special event in your life. We have thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.”
“The honor was all mine Princess.” Mina replied back.
“Yes, we truly enjoyed your visit and wish that it could happen more often.” Serena said the words and half meant them but in truth she would be happy if she didn't see them for another six years. Kakyuu gave her a strange smile as if she could read her mind then gave a little laugh.
“Why thank you Serena. We will have to do that. After all things on Kinmokusei are more then stable now, so we will have much more free time. It was unfortunate that we were to busy before. But now all of us should be able to visit when ever we want. I give each and everyone of you an open invitation to visit Kinmokusei whenever you like. If you feel like it you can come tomorrow.” Princess Kakyuu said all this lightly as if she was talking about baking a cake.
“Well Princess don't expect us anytime soon. I doubt all our schedules will free up so we can do a group teleport.” Rei said doubtfully. Kakyuu frowned and shook her head in confusion.
“I don't understand? Why would you need to do a group teleport?”
“Princess we couldn't possibly travel such a distance without us all using our powers.” Ami tried to explain. “Just like you guys all traveled here together at one time.”
“I see, but I still don't understand? Anyone of us could have come to earth by ourselves. We came together because it was convenient and we had a common destination.” Now it was Taiki's turn to frown.
“Princess, that's not true. Maybe you and Serena could travel by yourselves. But when we came looking for you all those years ago we to had to do a group transport and even had to stop once to re-gain our energy because the distance is so great.” The princess only shook her head and smiled at him.
“Taiki I'm surprised at you. Especially since you're the one who figured out how we could use our powers to instantly transport in the first place.”
It was true that Taiki had discovered how to transport four years ago and had shared the technique with Ami through a letter. “But Princess that's just to places and spaces that are relatively close by. At the most it only applies to the planet that you are on.”
“You're wrong Taiki.” Every one was looking at Kakyuu as if she had suddenly lost her marbles.
“Princess I don't understand what you're getting at.” Serena said confused and troubled by what the Princess was insinuating.
“Oh my, how can I explain? What Taiki said is partially true. When they came looking for me almost nine years ago they were following my energy trail. With out it they would have wondered aimlessly through space looking for me and most likely never found me. They were only able to find me through the connection that they had through me. However things are different now. Remember Taiki that when you first came up with the individual instant transport theory you said that all we needed was to put our powers into thought and to have a clear picture or connection to the place we wanted to go. It the same as a group teleport but only more focused. Remember at first how simply even transporting to the other side of the palace seemed to drain you of all your energy but how as we used it more it became easier and then we learned that the stronger connection we had with a place the easier it was to get there. For instance for the first month it took way less energy for me to transport to my bedroom from the court yard then to the meeting hall from the courtyard even though they are the same distance. But I had a deeper connection with my bedroom because it possessed so many things dear to me.”
“True…but are you saying that applies in this case as well.” Taiki asked in astonishment.
“Yes exactly. Travel for anyone of us between the two planets should be a snap.”
“But we don't have any possession or even know what anything looks on Kinmokusei like to get a clear picture.” Ami pointed out the flaw. “So for us we couldn't travel individually.”
“That's not technically true you have a connection after all you know us. However even if it was true, there is another reason why you can travel there easily.” The princess smiled easily.
“Well don't keep us in suspense.” Mina was excited about the prospect.
“Well Taiki originally got the idea for instant transport from the way we used to send mail before our planet was destroyed. In the first three years of rebirth there was so much that needed to be attended to across the whole planet and we found that it took so long to get from one place on the planet to another to deal with arising issues. So one day after writing a letter to Ami I believe he asked me why couldn't we use the same technology to help us get to the places we needed to be. Let me explain briefly how our mail system works. About 60 years ago my grandfather who was the ruling king came up with the idea. It's actually a simple concept. The trick lies in the paper. He transferred some of his power to the paper giving it the ability to transport with a thought or a word. As you pointed out Taiki me or Serena are strong enough to transport by ourselves virtually anywhere or to transport you all with a thought. Since my grandfather every ruler has done so, putting a little of our power into the paper. That along with the will power of the person sending it makes the process works.”
“I think I understand now. So If I tried to come back to earth by myself, would it take me approximately eleven hours like the it does the letters.” Taiki asked only to have the princess actually laugh at him.
“No. You would get here almost instantly like when you transport to somewhere at home. The letters are so slow because they have only the power that was given to it originally and the strength of the will power of the person at the time it was sent. You and I and the rest of us have power within us which would help boost the power already on the paper. I imagine if a regular citizen of Kinmokusei tried to send a letter to earth it would take much longer to reach here. So Taiki when you travel you have an energy source with you the whole time not to mention the will power, your mind and thoughts focusing on the destination the whole way. That is why you could get here very quick. The distance is great but I would think it would only take seconds…definitely under a minute for you to get here.”
“Amazing.” Taiki said under his breath wrapping his mind around the concept.
“Princess I still don't see how that helps us. Again we probably don't have a deep enough connection to Kinmokusei to make it there.” Ami persisted.
“Forgive me Ami I got side tracked. I explained the mail so that you would understand what I am about to say next. Every single one of us here is connected. If in no other way then through Serena.”
“Me?” Serena asked surprised.
“Yes you. We were stuck in the dimensional rift between life and death after you beat Galaxia. Remember that you brought us and the rest of the scouts through out the galaxy back by giving us your energy and leading us back into real time and life.(1) Our star seeds the essence of our being was about to die out and you gave us your energy to keep us alive and to give us the strength to find our way out. You all know that as long as the light from our star seeds to not completely gone then we can always be revived or reborn. It does not mean that we are eternal, for death can and has come to those who bare our powers. But as long as you have someone like Serena or my self left at full power and we reach you in time you will always live. So Serena did the same thing that I do to the letters. She has giving us a piece of her energy. We have a piece of Serena in all of us just like, every single sheet that I mark has a piece of me. And time and space can never erase our power. So you see Ami you don't need to have ever been to Kinmokusei to go there. You are literally connected to all four of us standing here. If you felt that you didn't have a deep enough emotional attachment to any of us, all you would have to do is on Serena's energy that lies in all of us. It is how the Starlights trailed me so many years ago.”
“I can't believe it.” Serena said in awe.
“Believe it. You Serena could easily go to any planet in the galaxy. All you would have to do is focus on your energy that you gave to any number of the scouts that you saved.”
“I believe you. Maybe that explains why I sometimes get a feeling that someone is in trouble. But when I check to see if it's one of my scouts their all fine. I must but picking up the faint emotions from Scouts far away.”
“Yes since you are connected to them you probably feel them when they are in extreme distress.” Everyone took a moment to take that in, the fact that Serena
was connected to Scouts across the galaxy.
“But Princess, we were not in the rift with you and the others so Serena didn't share any of her power with us.” Yaten finally spoke up. He, Seiya and Taiki had been the only ones left with Serena after the battle with Galaxia.
“That isn't quite true. Right before Serena brought us back you and Taiki was severally injured by the remnants of `Chaos Child' remember? Serena revived you with her power. Notice I said revived and not that she simple healed you. You were pretty much in the same predicament as us. Chaos had injured you so badly that you would have surly died if she had not giving you some of her energy.”
“Serena has never shared her energy with me.” Seiya said almost to his self only to have Kakyuu look at him gravely.
“She has trust me. I will leave it at that. So now do you all understand? It's really as simple as transporting ten feet from where you're standing now.”
“Wow, that is so cool! I can take a trip to Kinmokusei for my second anniversary and no travel fees.” Mina squealed. That got a few laughs out of people and it was needed in the tense group. Everyone was not so happy about the prospect of the Starlights being able to come back and forth to Earth so easily…and they had good reason. Serena seemed to be thinking the same thing and wanted this farewell show to get back on schedule.
“Well I thank you Princess for the invitation and the explanation. It was an eye opener. I'm sure that when we have time we will put this theory to test. I have no clue when since life is so hectic. It is with sadness that we bid you a fare well.” Kakyuu smiled at Serena graciously knowing a dismissal when she heard one. Kakyuu had thought long and hard about whether she should disclose the travel information. She had figured out the concept a year after they had started transporting on their home planet. Her starlight's had never asked to come back to earth so she had never explained. Then after a while she had just assumed they had come to the same conclusion as her and had decided not to come back to Earth. It wasn't until her talk with Serena the other night and then with other people the next day that she'd realized that no one had a clue that they could come back and forth between the two worlds. Every one was so certain that when they left they wouldn't be back until another big occasion arose. It was out of her hands now. Everyone had the information and could use it how they saw fit.
“I understand Serena. Farewell until next time.”
“Yes, be safe and happy.” Serena replied giving a little bow. Serena meant it. She hoped Kakyuu found the love of her life. Serena didn't believe in love for herself anymore.
“I think I'll go back first so the Starlights can practice transporting themselves.” And with that she was gone. The starlights looked lost for a moment but then Yaten screwed up his face in concentration and he two disappeared. Seiya vanished next and finally with a wave Taiki no longer stood on the deck. They all
stood there looking for a moment before Serena finally turned to everyone with a forced smile on her face.
“Well…lets go eat….I have a long day ahead of me.” She walked off towards the stairs and a mostly solemn group followed her.
1-refers to “No Friends No Future” Story
AN: Sorry took so long, had some issues. Lot of Angst in this one. Anyway I hope you like and review. For you S/S people I added on extra little scene with them that was not suppose to be in there. Plus hoped you enjoyed learning a little more about Princess Kakyuu (my own version of course) she's a little sneaky! Also haven't put much about Mina and Andrew because you already know that they are happy and together. The cruise is suppose to look at everyone else and where they are relationship wise and set up the rest of the story. Don't worry Mina being Mina she will have her own drama lol starting in the next chapter. Someone said that Hotaru and Sammy reminded them of Darien and Serena??? Don't know but glad people like their interaction, Hotaru is no where near as dingy and goofy as Serena was at her age. FYI: In future chaps when they show up her friends my go by nick names Jason=Jas Jessica=Jessi Jimmy=Jim Emily=Em and her friends and some of the scouts call Hotura=Tura. One last note, Going forward chaps might have songfics included in part or all of the chapter, this might become a regular thing. Depends on how I feel. But I think it will be a good thing. Okay that is it, have no clue when next chapter will be out all I can say is thank you for continuing to read and I promise to finish what I start. REVIEW!