Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Sailor Moon: Only Love can Conquer Hate ❯ Chapter 2 ( Chapter 2 )

ONLY LOVE CAN CONQUER HATE

 

By SailorJane & Anonymous

 

 

Chapter Notes:

 

Thanks to those who have reviewed so far. Keep writing reviews and I'll keep updating.

 

To those of you who are wondering what possessed me to kill off 2 or 3 of the main characters in the prologue and where Sailor Moon is, if she's even still alive… well you're just going to have to keep wondering a while longer.

 

On to Chapter 2, a bit of a time skip forward, just a couple months.

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER 2

 

The students screamed in excitement as their graduation caps flew high into the air.

 

All the young men and women stood on the school's field, dressed in their black and white graduation gowns respectively. Total anarchy erupted as the festivities finally came to an end. There wasn't much the principal and teachers could do as the students turned over chairs, tackled each other, and celebrated their liberation from high school. Serena and her childhood friend Molly gave each other a hug after the ceremony had concluded.

 

“We did it Serena,” Molly screamed above the screaming crowd, “We are officially done with High School!”

 

“Thank God!” Serena looked to the sky as the two of them let go of their embrace. The noise began to settle slightly.

 

“I gotta say,” Molly chuckled, “I never expected you to graduate without being held back at least a couple years.”

 

“Hey!” Serena whined.

 

“Hey Molly,” a geeky voice appeared behind the brunette. It belonged to the four-eyed geek, Melvin, “Happy Graduation!”

 

Molly rolled her eyes for a second, but cracked a smile upon seeing her old annoying acquaintance, “Oh,” she said and put her arms out, “Come here you big geek!” Molly gave the black-robed Melvin a hug. He was quite surprised to see his crush actually showing him some affection.

 

“Hey Serena,” Melvin waved to her, “Congratulations on actually passing all your classes!”

 

Melvin's insensitive words may not have been intentional, but they certainly caused her jaw to tense up. As she watched her two friends embrace each other, she suddenly felt a hard smack on the back. She yelped slightly and turned around, to see Lita standing before her. The tall girl's robe seemed way too small for her:

 

“Hey there blondie,” Lita smiled, “Congratulations. I wasn't sure you had it in you to get through high school.”

 

Serena felt a small pain in her back, where Lita had hit her, “Why is everyone shocked that I actually graduated? Just because I was at the bottom of the graduating class doesn't mean-“

 

“Hey girlfriend,” Mina turned up having run all the way from the A section of the crowd. “Can you believe it, we actually graduated!”

 

Serena sighed, but allowed her blonde friend to hug her. A few more of her friends congratulated Serena while walking along the field.

 

“I finished school,” Mina let go of Serena and turned to Lita, “With a solid GPA or 2.0!”

 

Lita nodded sarcastically.

 

“My parents were so excited, they gave me a new iphone!” The Goddess of Love turned back towards Serena, “How did you do Serena?”

 

“What difference does it make,” Serena whined, “I made it didn't I?”

 

“I hate to tell you this Mina,” Lita chimed in, “But a 2.0 isn't going to get you into too many top colleges.”

 

Mina waved her hand at snorted at Lita's didactic comment, “Oh who needs college?” Her tone immediately shifted, “Although I'm a little worried about what will happen to Raye and I. She's probably gonna go some place good. I hope we don't separate. I can't imagine being miles away from my love and never seeing her.”

 

Lita gestured at Mina to mention she was making a faux-pas. She jerked her head towards Serena. The princess stood there, her face suddenly overcome with sadness.

 

“Oh I'm sorry Serena,” Mina picked up her princess' hands, “I know you miss Darien-“

 

“Oh, forget it Mina,” Serena pouted and threw Mina's hands away, “You don't have to remind me.”

 

“Hey Serena,” Molly appeared before all of them. Her mother was standing with her, “I gotta get going. I'll see you at the party?”

 

“Oh yeah,” Serena cracked a smile and hugged her friend, “I'll see you there.” She waved at Molly's mom, “Hi Ms. Osaka.”

 

“Oh Serena,” Her mother gave her a hug, “Happy Graduation, all of you girls. Best of luck to you all.” Serena thanked her as she let go.

 

Lita and Mina thanked the middle-aged woman. Molly waved at them all and walked away with her mother.

 

“I'll tell you who I'm gonna miss when she goes off to college,” Lita returned to the conversation. She stopped to see a golden-figure walking toward them.

 

It was Amy Mizuno, the school's top valedictorian, walking towards them dressed in a gold cap and gown. They could see white gloves encompassing Amy's hands and heels on her feet.

 

“Hey,” Lita said, “It's our Valedictorian!” She walked up to the girl and gave her a hug.

 

“Oh,” Amy said surprised and hugged her back, “Happy Graduation Lita.”

 

“You too Aims,” Lita liked calling her that, “You worked hard for it.”

 

Amy enjoyed hugging Lita, but felt an awkward intimacy shared by the two, mostly generating from the tall brunette. She didn't think too much of it, because the blue-haired brainiac only had eyes for one blonde girl.

 

“Amy!” Mina shouted.

 

Wrong girl, Amy thought.

 

“So what?” Mina continued. She shrugged her shoulders and titled her head slightly. Amy broke Lita's warm hug. “You think you're better than us don't you?”

 

“Mina!” Serena pushed her aside to see the second member that had joined the team. “Amy has never thought herself better than anyone.” She turned her head and smiled at the bluenette, “That's what's so great about her.”

 

Amy looked at Serena in her white cab and gown. Her innocent smile brought a couple tears to Amy's eyes. The girl she had grown up with was now standing in the same field with her receiving the same degree as her. It didn't matter to Amy if they were wearing different clothes or if she had a much higher GPA than the blonde girl. The water scout loved her princess more than anyone, even Tuxedo Mask.

 

“Serena,” Amy ran towards her, tears still in her eyes, and hugged her.

 

Serena returned the affection. Even if Serena was blind to Amy's love, she almost always returned the same intimate affection.

 

“I did it Amy,” Serena smiled and gloated as she held onto Amy, “I, Serena Usagi Tsukino, graduated from high school.”

 

Amy felt Serena's cheek against her own. None of the scouts could see the girl's face, but her eyes were closed and her jaw was open. Holding the girl she loved was like heaven for her. “I'm so glad to be standing here with you today Serena,” she whispered.

 

“Well hey,” Serena, without letting go of her, brought her head back and looked directly into Amy's eyes, “I couldn't have done it without you Amy. I hate to admit it, but without you, I wouldn't have passed my classes. You believed in me when nobody else did.”

 

Lita and Mina talked to themselves as the two shared a special moment.

 

“You're welcome,” Amy said, “But you helped me too. You were my friend back when I had nobody.”

 

Amy looked to the ground. There was a long awkward pause before Amy finally spoke up again. Serena's smile faded slightly. She knew the girl had something important to say.

 

“Serena,” Amy started, “I-“

 

“Oh my God!” The sound of Serena's mother broke the intimacy of the two. “Look at our little girl!”

 

Ikuko Tsukino ran towards her daughter with her arms wide open. Standing behind her with a video camera was her husband Kenji and their now-16 year old son Sammy. The brother could really care less whether his sister was graduating or not, but he put on a smiley face for her. His eyes seemed to focus more on Amy.

 

“Mom!” Serena whined as her mother squeezed her.

 

“I am so proud of you!” Ikuko closed her eyes and kissed her daughter all over her face.

 

“Awww,” Mina mocked from behind, “Isn't that cute?”

 

Lita cracked a smile and waved at Kenji and Sammy. The two returned the friendly gesture.

 

“Moooooom!” Serena whined, “You're embarrassing me in front of everyone.”

 

She finally let go, but still kept her hands on her daughter's shoulders, “We were really worried for a while, but I am so glad you got through school!”

 

“With a solid GPA,” Sammy interrupted and chuckled, “Of 1.6! Next stop, community college!”

 

“Sammy,” Kenji scolded his son.

 

Serena moaned in annoyance, “Oh you are such a pain in the ass!”

 

“He's just kidding around with you Serena,” Amy said sweetly.

 

“See?” Sammy said, sticking his chest out trying to impress the bluenette, “Amy understands me! You're so awesome Amy!”

 

Amy blushed slightly. She knew Sammy had a crush on her for years.

 

“Oh Amy,” Ikuko now hugged the Valedictorian, “Look at what a beautiful young woman you've become.”

 

“Thank you so much Ms. Tsukino,” Amy bowed her head.

 

“Where are your parents at?” Ikuko asked.

 

Amy frowned, “Not here,” was all she could bring herself to say. Lita, who by now was listening in on the conversation, felt so bad for her friend. She too knew what it was like not to have her parents there to see her graduate.

 

“Oh I'm sorry to hear that,” her friend's mother continued, “Well, you know you're always welcome in our home. We consider you a part of this family.”

 

Her secret lover's mother considered her a part of their family? Amy smiled upon hearing this.

 

“I mean, if it wasn't for your tutoring, Serena wouldn't be standing here today.”

 

Serena rolled her eyes. Kenji put his hand on her shoulder:

 

“You mother's right. All that time spent with a girl like Amy has been good for you,” His tone immediately shifted from gentle to agitated, “Instead of that boy you were seeing!”

 

Serena hung her head in sadness. Amy reached her hand out and grabbed the blonde's to comfort her.

 

“Yeah,” Sammy scratched his head, “Whatever happened to Darien?”

 

“Uh,” Amy interrupted, “Mr. and Ms. Tsukino, please forgive me, but I think we need to head over to the after-party.”

 

Serena's eyes thanked the bluenette for getting her out of this embarrassing scene. Amy's eyes looked over to Lita for assistance. The tall girl picked up the hint and walked over towards her. While Amy had one hand holding Serena's, Lita held Amy's free hand. Mina followed the tall girl, standing right next to her.

 

“Yeah we better get going Amy,” Lita said smiling. She then looked to both of Serena's parents. “Hi, Mr. and Ms. Tsukino,” Lita shook hands with both of them as they congratulated the tall girl on graduation. “Sammy,” She shook the young boy's hand. “Yeah we gotta get there early. Amy's gonna give another little speech for everyone at the party.”

 

“What are you talking about?” Mina interrupted confused, “She's not-“ Lita elbowed the blonde in the side. Unfortunately Mina's reaction was not what she was hoping for. “Owww!” Mina shouted. She pushed Lita in the chest angrily, “What did you do that for?” Lita brought her hand to her forehead.

 

“It's okay Lita,” Kenji said, “We understand. He got a hold of his wife, “C'mon Ikuko, I think we've embarrassed them enough.”

 

But Ikuko wasn't done yet. She looked over to Mina, “How's Raye, Mina?”

 

“She's good,” Mina smiled rubbing her side, “Kinda wish she wasn't a workaholic.”

 

“Well,” Ikuko looked at her husband while responding to the blonde, “You get used to it believe me!” She turned back to Mina. She knew all about the girl's lesbian relationship, and was very interested in it, “Are there wedding bells in the air for you two anytime soon?”

 

Serena and Kenji both dropped their heads at the same time.

 

“Umm,” Mina said laughing uncomfortably, “I dunno, the government doesn't recognize marriage between two women.” Obviously, Mina had researched the subject. Either that or she was quoting what Raye had told her.

 

“All right,” Kenji said trying to get everyone to leave. Sammy began to walk away but not before saying goodbye to Amy.

 

“Oh Serena,” Ikuko couldn't help herself, “Mina and Raye found love in each other, maybe you and Amy can fall in love.”

 

“MOM!” Serena screamed. Amy's jaw dropped upon hearing this.

 

“Oh Serena,” Ikuko said, “Don't be childish. I see the way you two are together, hugging, holding hands. If you love Amy, I support your decision one-hundred percent.“

 

By now Kenji had his hands up looking at the sky.

 

“Mom,” Serena had a growl on her voice, “We are not-“

 

“And besides,” she just wouldn't stop, “I know your father loves Amy, certainly a lot more than that Darien boy. Right Kenji?”

 

“I don't know who you are lady,” The husband said.

 

Serena let go of Amy's hand, much to the blunette's dissatisfaction. “Mom,” Serena tried to calm down, “I am not a lesbian! I love Darien. Amy is my friend. She's like my sister.”

 

Amy didn't want to hang her head because she didn't want to give off the impression that she really did love her princess. Still, the fact that Serena's mother, however embarrassing it might have been, was supportive of her falling in love with her daughter made her feel more confident about her secret love for the blonde.

 

Lita decided to intervene, “I think we should go,” she said to Amy.

 

“Right,” Amy said and grabbed Serena's hand, “Serena?”

 

“Yeah,” Serena nodded, “Bye mom! Bye dad!”

 

Serena ran out of the field, pulling Amy behind her. Lita and Mina ran after the two.

 

“Amy,” Ikuko shouted as her husband dragged her in the opposite direction, “You're welcome at our house anytime, my future daughter in law!”

 

 

 

Lita's Honda sat in the crowded parking lot waiting to get out. Lita was driving, Amy in the passenger's seat, and the blonde-duo in the back. Lita's burned CD played in the car.

 

“We're picking up Raye!” Mina said showing off her new iphone.

 

“I know!” Lita spat back annoyed. She hated sitting in traffic. But she did enjoy having Amy next to her for company, even if she was being very silent.

 

“God!” Serena unzipped her robe slightly to get some air. It was quite hot, even with Lita's air-conditioner blasting, “My mother is out of her goddamn mind!”

 

“Oh,” Mina settled up next to her, “She just loves you is all.” She began to hold her in an intimate way, “Hey Serena, you think your mom will accept me as her daughter-in-law?” She tried to kiss her fellow blonde in a comical way.

 

“Will you stop it!” Serena pushed her away. Mina started laughing. “I'm gonna tell Raye on you.”

 

“Sorry,” Mina laughed uncontrollably, “I forgot you're still in love with Amy.”

 

Lita looked at Amy who, remaining silent, began to blush.

 

“I am not in love with Amy,” Serena spat back, yet another stab in the heart for the bluenette, “I am in love with Darien-“

 

“Darien, Darien, Darien,” Mina mocked her, “You haven't seen him in how long Serena? I mean c'mon! Remember that old hippie song: If you can't be with the one you love, then…” Mina hesitated, “Uh, what's the rest of it.”

 

“Love the one you're with,” Amy answered without moving.

 

“No, not that's not it,” Mina pondered. Serena simply shook her head in annoyance, “Or no, maybe it is. Oh who cares!”

 

Suddenly Marvin Gaye's “What's Going On” came on Lita's CD mix.

 

“Oh oh oh,” Mina said, “Turn it up, I love this song!”

Lita did just that, admiring the music as well. Serena's mood shifted upon hearing the classic R&B tune. The blonde duo began singing along, badly, to the lyrics. Mina had a pretty good voice, but Serena's sounded like a car alarm. Neither Lita nor Mina could bother listening to this cacophony, although it didn't bother Amy, who was still lost in thought. After getting through the first verse, Lita decided she couldn't take much more:

 

“All right all right, enough! Let's just let Marvin sing the song.”

 

The girls all complied and listened to Marvin Gaye's smooth emotionally charged voice behind the funky Motown grooves:

 

“War is not the answer, for only love can conquer hate!”

 

Amy had heard this song many times, but just now, that line began to echo in her mind like a broken record. Just as the 1971 recording brought the passengers back to the musical world of the past, Amy traveled back in time as she picked up her hands, encased in long white leather gloves.

 

 

 

End Notes:

 

That's the end of Chapter 2, please review and let me know what you think. I am totally open to constructive criticism.

 

For those of you who prefer the Japanese version:

 

Molly - Naru

Melvin - Umino

Sammy - Shingo

 

And I don't believe Serena's parents are given different names in the dub.