A Love So Strong:
A Love Story about Serena and Darien
A LOVE SO STRONG: SERENITY AND ENDYMION
Chapter 2
The usual disclaimers still apply. Where are you?!? I know you are out there. Come on give me some feedback. I want to thank Razz for her support and reading my story. You have been great. Thanks for the help!! Now on with the show!!!
Serena walked into an impressive office building where Silver Millennium Publications were located. New York is as good as any city to begin a new business, she thought, so she left Virginia and moved to New York. She wore a two-piece designer suit, tailor made just for her. It was a soft brown and white outfit, with suede brown boots to match. She looked like she had just stepped out of Vogue. She attracted attention where ever she went. But Serena was used to the commotion around her. Serena's favorite song, when she was in college, was "Causing a Commotion," by Madonna. She would secretly laugh when grown men became klutzy just by watching her walk by. She had an uncommon grace and an aura of sensuality about her. From high power executives to construction workers, they all lost some sort of verbal function whenever she was around them. Some couldn't talk, some would stamper, and many would just blink and stare at her.
Walking inside, Serena said, " Good morning, Stewart, how are things?"
"Fine, Ms. Tsukino!! And a very good morning to you too!!", the doorman replied, smiling widely. As he watched her get on the elevator, Stewart thought whenever he saw Serena, she made it worthwhile to get up in the morning to go to work. She was always kind to him and he was always polite to her. He just wished he had a chance to take away the sadness and loneliness lurking in her eyes.
On the top floor Serena stepped off the elevator and walked into the office. The office was already working at full speed.
"Good morning, Veronica!!! Anything new I need to know about this morning?," Serena asked her longtime friend and secretary while looking through the mail.
"No, Serena, expect that Daimon called early this morning." Serena looked disgusted at the mentioned name. Daimon and Serena have be dating for two years and Veronica has wondered why she was going out with him. Serena normally says that it gives her something to do on the weekends that she is in town.
" Serena you don't look like you slept any last night. Did you start on another book?"
"No. I kept on having that same dream all last night. Around 3:00, I finally got some sleep."
"I keep telling you that you work to hard and now it's finally catching up with you." Serena smiled to herself, because Veronica is like a mother to her and Serena will always be thankful to her for that.
Veronica Carrington lost her husband several years ago. Veronica and Graham Carrington were living next door to her cousins, the Robinson, when they took Serena in after her family was killed in Israel. Veronica saw something that tugged at her motherly heart strings, and from that moment on, Serena has always felt like a daughter to her. After the death of her husband, Veronica needed a change of scenery, that was also about the time Serena was moving to New York. Serena asked Veronica if she would like to work for her and start a new life in New York. Veronica has never regretted her decision to move. Her children, David and Charles, didn't like their mother moving but they knew that Serena would watch out for their mother.
"Stop worrying, I'm fine, Okay? I just need some time off, I think."
"It's funny you'd mentioned that. I have a round-trip ticket, prepaid, for a cruise to Alaska."
"Prepaid? And to Alaska? I know Alaska is beautiful, but if I was going to take a vacation it would be to someplace were it was warm, like the Bahamas or something. Veronica, you didn't buy that ticket, did you?" asked Serena with a menacing tone in her voice.
"No, No!!! It came by courier and it was addressed to you. But what was weird about it, it was addressed to Princess Serenity. Very few people know I call you princess in private."
"Maybe it was David or Charles?"
"No, I have already checked that angle, and they know nothing about this ticket."
"Then where did it come from and who sent it?"
"I checked with the courier company and they said that they were paid in cash via a messenger."
"That's beyond strange." After seeing the piles of reading she has to do, Serena sighs and says, "Besides I don't have the time to take off from work, with all these pending manuscripts sitting on my desk."
"Have you forgotten that you have an excellent editing staff here? And I can certainly take care of the office. But most of all, you haven't had a vacation since we started and that was three years ago."
"Let me think about it, Okay? That's the best that I can do, Roni. But I feel funny using a ticket that someone gave me that I don't know."
"Have you considered that it could be from a secret admirer?"
"Now, that makes it freaky! It's like I'm being stalked or something. I definitely don't like it!!!"
"If it's one thing I know about you Serena, is that you can take care of yourself extremely well. After all those Karate class and advanced classes, you can defend yourself quite well. You are a black belt and you are now studying some ancient Chinese techniques. Besides, you could have a hot on-board ship romance that could inspire your next best seller. You never know," Veronica said with a devilish twinkle in her eye.
Serena laughed at the thought and said, "Roni, are you sure you're in your 60's, because you act like some sex-crazed teenager looking forward to her first date. Like I said, I'll think about it."
"Okay!! But if you don't use it, I can guarantee you, that I will. Because I have always wanted to have a hot on-board ship romance with the guy of my dreams."
"But I thought Graham was the guy of your dreams."
"He was, when he was alive. But now, I have to go on and find another guy for the second half of my life. And this time, the guy will be made from my dreams and fantasies."
"You know, Roni, you're as hopeless as I am. Finding a man that fantasies and dreams are made up of are just that, dreams and fantasies, nothing more." Serena sighs, "Okay, Roni, let's get this day started."
Darien put his tote bag in his sports car and headed toward Caroline's house. Driving down Sunset Strip always brought back memories for his childhood with his family, especially his father. They would always go there and play in the waves and shop at the shops of the boardwalk. But now life has somehow gotten in the way of the simple pleasures of life. Hurt and resentment is always present when thinking about his father. School wasn't easy and Darien missed having his father to talk to, but he made it and was very proud of himself for that.
Turning into a winding driveway, Darien parked and got out. About the same time, the front door opened and people began spilling out. Jennifer and Michael ran out to met their uncle Edy.
Jennifer was 15 and looking some much like her mother. She was beautiful and very poised. But she also had a devilish streak that gave her a mysterious air, that the camera loved. She had a promising career in modeling but her mother and father was strict when it came to her responsibilities. They made sure she was treated like a 15 year old and she loved it.
Michael was 18 years old and entering UCLA on a football scholarship. Michael was 6'2", 210 pounds and very large. He made the high school team in tenth grade and has been playing ever since. Darien and Mike always used to play football together until one day Mike tackled Darien and he had to go the hospital for a broken shoulder. From that day on, the family would tease Darien about that injury whenever they could. Darien always said that he was a brain man instead of a physical man. However, Darien started to take karate classes and he excelled in them. His family still doesn't know about that. That thought made him smile.
"Hi, Uncle Edy!! Do you want to play a little ball?," asked Michael with a twinkle in his eye.
"No Way!! I don't have time to go back to the hospital. Maybe when I have vacation time we could play and see who will go to the hospital this time," laughed Darien.
Jennifer laughed with a sly smile and said, "Mike, leave him alone. You know he's getting old and can't handle a young man like yourself. When you do play ball, don't hit him so hard. He may break!!"
Darien looked incredulous at Jenn and said, "Old, am I? I'll show you both how old I am when I get back!!!"
Caroline stood by watching them with a soft smile on her face. She walked up to him and gave him a hug. "Stop picking on your Uncle. He will get you back!!! Darien, I just had a call from the airline. They didn't catch you before you left your place. They said that your flight was canceled but they are giving you a cruise to Alaska. It will take a little longer to get to the polar ice caps, but you get a mini-vacation in the bargain.
"Why was it canceled!!!!????"
"Where have you been, Darien? There's a pilot strike going on with most of the airlines in the US. Flights are hard to come by right now. Take the cruise and relax a little. You really need a vacation.
"I DON'T HAVE TIME FOR A VACATION. I HAVE WORK TO DO!! I HAVE TO BEGIN THE DIG!!!!"
"Edward Darien Chiba, if you don't calm down, this minute, you're going to blow a gasket!!!!!"
Calming down was not easy, but he did. "Maybe you're right. I may need a vacation." He put up one finger and said,
"But a small one. I will try to rest and relax until I get to Alaska, then I guess I will have to charter a flight for the rest of the trip. I could read some more text on the myth of the battle of peace. You know, this may work out just fine!!"
"I'm glad you're beginning to see this my way!!," said Caroline. "Now come in and relax, the cruise doesn't leave until tomorrow morning."
"Well, I guess that you have a house guest for the night," he said while sitting in the living room overlooking the patio and pool area. The view was beautiful and very peaceful. The landscape was designed to give a calming effect to the viewer. Just looking at it, had always helped Darien to calm down whenever he was stressed about something.
"As if I mind!! I love having you here. You're visits are far and few in between. Do you think that you will find evidence of the battle in the ice caps?"
"Yes, I do!! When I first started to research this project, I wasn't sure if this was just a folklore or an actual historic event. But now, all evidence points to a small region in the ice caps that may hold the key to unlocking the truth about the legends."
Darien looked down, somewhat confused, "But there is something about this project that makes this trip so important. I can't put my finger on it but it feels like it could change my life. If it is for the good or bad, I don't know."
"Well, I hope you find what you're looking for, because you have made some sacrifices in the past few years in regards to this legend. I just hope it's worth it. By the way, what is Yvette doing these days?"
"Yvette, is beautiful as always, and is working on her thesis about secondary education in America." Yvette Hamilton was Darien's girlfriend since college. Neither had made any plans to get married, but it was understood that when their careers leveled off, they would get married. Caroline liked Yvette, but Yvette didn't seem to be Darien's type. Yvette was 5'7", 28 years old and from old money. Her family owns several diamond mines in Africa and business in South America. Even though her family could have paid for her schooling, she decided to do it herself. That was what attracted Darien. He admired her spunk and determination.
"Look, I want to turn in, it's been a long day and I want to be up early to get to the port. Is the guest room where I'm going to sleep," Darien asked while stretching and yawning.
Laughing, Caroline says, "I don't get how you can sleep in the middle of the day, but that is how you have always been.
And yes, the guest room is still yours. So, sleep well and sweet dreams."
The sun was shining brightly, through the window, waking its occupant. The figure stretched and smiled at the wondrous display of sunlight. *The day is going to be beautiful*
The prince knew today would be the day that he would meet the jewel of the galaxy. He has heard of her beauty and how whoever sees her will fall in love with it. Today, was also his 20th birthday, and his parents said that they have a special announcement for him on his birthday. He couldn't wait to find out what it was. He was certain that the jewel was a person, but who could it be. He knew almost everyone on earth and none of them were called a jewel. There was a knock on the door.
"You are not up yet, Darien!?! The jewel has arrived!!!," said Malachite.
"Mal, would you please tell me who the jewel is?"
"I can't. I promised your parents that I wouldn't spoil your present."
"Well, you've already told me that the jewel is here, so why not tell me the rest!!"
"Sorry, my prince. I can't do that. Just hurry up!! There is a special ceremony planned for the presentation."
"I know Malachite!!"
On the other side of the castle, stood a lovely figure of a girl. She was only 17 but her beauty had already surpassed previous estimations. She was tall, wearing a simple crystalline flowing gown. Her hair was in the traditional odango hairstyle signifying the Royal family of the Moon. On her forehead was the royal tattoo of a golden crescent moon. Her eyes was brilliant blue, the color of the earth sky on a clear day. But those eyes was filled with sadness.
"Princess?!! Princess?!! Where are you?," called a voice from within the room.
Luna walked in and spotted the princess looking out over the fabled gardens of the Earth kingdom. She could feel her charges' sadness from there. Luna walked up to her and put her arms around her and said, "Do you trust your mother?" The princess nodded. "If so, you would not worry so."
Princess Serenity turned and looked at Luna, saying, "Luna, when did you become human?"
"I only use my human form here on earth. On the Moon, I prefer my feline state. I have a whole lot of freedom being a cat. Besides, I don't think humans will take too kindly about having a talking cat around. I think it scares them."
"Is Artemis also human?"
"Yes, he is," laughed Luna, "But he is completely unhappy about being in this form. He's not used to it, yet."
The door was opened wide, hitting the wall and four young ladies entered, and all of them were talking at once.
Luna said, "Princesses, Princesses, please calm down!!! Now, Princess Mercury, since you're usually the quite one, you can tell me what's all the excitement about."
The princesses, stopped and looked at Luna with stunned faces. They all said. "Luna, you're human!!!!!"
Luna smiled, "Yes, princesses, I am. But let's talk about what had you all excited."
Ami, Princess Mercury, took a deep breath and said, " Have you seen the generals of Earth!!!? They are so cute to be earthlings!!!!!" That outburst surprised the others because they thought that she wasn't interested in the generals. Obviously, that was not the case.
Serenity started laughing and said, "Wow, Ami!!! They must be gorgeous to take you away from your books!!!"
Mina, Princess Venus, said, "General Daimon is so dreamy!!! He has blue-black hair and blue eyes, that twinkle when he looks at you!!!," sighing and doing a dramatic faint.
Lita, Princess Jupiter, said, "General Nephlite has the coolest hair. His hair is the color of mine and just a long. He has the sexiest smile in the galaxy. He gives me the shivers whenever he smiles. But you know what, he looks like my ex boyfriend!!!"
Rei, Princess Mars, sat down, looking very angry said, "General Jedite doesn't know who he's messing with by ordering me out of the training field. He thought that I was some trespasser, he didn't give me a chance to tell him who I was. He just yelled at me and kicked my out!!!"
"Wow, Rei, and you took that??!!," asked Princess Serenity.
Looking sheepish, Rei said, "Well, at the time, I was staring at him and thinking he looked totally awesome, with those deep blue eyes." Everyone laughed and Rei creaked a smile too.
"It's time for the ceremony, Princess. Everyone meet in the grand ballroom in 5 minutes," said Artemis walking in.
The four princesses stopped and looked at Artemis with their mouths wide open. Ami said, "Artemis, when did you become human?"
Artemis looking disgusted, growled, "I don't want to talk about this, princess. Just hurry and get ready!!"
"Girls, Artemis is not comfortable about being in his human form, but we both agreed it would make relations go much easier if we were human instead of cats. However, Artemis hates being human," laughed Luna.
"Cut it out, Luna. Girls, let's get going!!!"
King Raytheon and Queen Gaia sat on the dias overlooking the preparations for the coming ceremony. They were gentle and fair rulers and well loved by all. Prince Darien stood on his fathers right side and waited for the ceremony to begin. King Raytheon stood and said, "Honored Guests and visiting dignitaries, may I present, the Royal Court of the Moon Kingdom and the Silver Millennium."
The outer doors slowly opened and the ceremony began. The first to walk through the doors was the Imperial Silver Crystal Guardian, Her Majesty, Queen Serenity. She was the ruler of the Moon kingdom and when her daughter turns 18 years old, the crystal will be passed down to her. Behind her came the guardians of the galaxy. First, the Outer Guardians, Sailor Pluto, the Guardian of Time. Then Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune, both trained in deadly combat, followed by the feared and powerful Guardian of Saturn. Each of them looking lovely and very dangerous. Then entered the Inner Guardians. First, Sailor Venus, leader of the Sailor Scouts. Then entered Sailor Mercury, the intellectual of all the scouts and Princess Serenity's advisor. Sailor Jupiter was the princess's personal bodyguard. Then entered Sailor Mars, the princess's best friend and confidant. Suddenly, the music changed, and the musicians began to play a soft melody from the Moon. Then the doors opened again and in walked the Jewel of the Galaxy. Princess Serenity had an air of suppressed power and regal grace about her. As she glided across the room, all bowed to her. When she arrived to the dais, she stopped and bowed to her mother and then to the King and Queen of Earth. And finally, turned towards Prince Darien who stood there in shock.
Darien stood rooted to the spot watching the Princess walked in. She was unbelievably beautiful. Now he knew why she was called the Jewel of the Galaxy. Her beauty was beyond compare. Her hair was the color of spun gold in an odango hairstyle, her gown glowed like stars trapped in the heavens. It gave her an certain celestial, other worldly aura. In other words, she was breathtakingly beautiful.
Princess Serenity looked at the prince and stopped breathing. What stood before her was a vision from her private fantasies. Here in front of her stood the man of her dreams. Serenity shook herself out of her stumper and smiled at him and turned to face the audience. The outer and inner scouts all smiled when they saw their princess's expression.
Queen Gaia, stood and bowed saying, "I want to thank you, Queen Serenity, for coming and allowing us to show you how honored guests are treated here on Earth. This is also a special time for our kingdom as well, our son, Prince Darien has reached the age of full power."
"Then, we are doubly honored by your request. Prince Darien, please come forth," said Queen Serenity. Darien knew this was going to happen, but he was still nervous. He had trained all his life to control the power that one day will be bestowed upon him. The generals had trained him well and he knew he was ready.
"Prince Darien, I have been assured by your parents that you are ready for the great responsibility that you about to partake. Do you willingly accept this responsibility?"
"Yes, your Majesty, I do accept it."
"Then let the transfer of Earth Power begin." Queen Serenity, then took out the Imperial Silver Crystal and held it within her hands. She closed her eyes and the crystal began to glow. The outer and inner guardians instantly transformed into their battle fukas. The Queen's and the Princess Serenity's crescent moon began to glow with the crystal. Then Queen Serenity opened her eyes and looked at the prince with silvery eyes and said with a ringing voice, "Every planet in the Silver Millennium has a guardian to protect it from evil. This crystal contains all the power of the galaxy and it chooses only one, from each planet, to protect its magic and energy. That guardian also is sworn to protect the Moon Kingdom. Do you swear to protect your planet as well as the moon and the galaxy?"
"Yes, this I swear."
"Prince Darien, touch the Crystal and say the words that are in your heart." Darien touched the crystal and said, "Earth Celestial Power!!" There was a burst of light and wind. Many in the audience had never seen a guardian come to power so they were afraid. But after the light dimmed and the wind stopped blowing. They looked and saw their prince standing in battle armor.
Queen Serenity opened her eyes and said, "May I now present, Sailor Earth, of the Silver Millennium!!!"
Darien awoke from the dream, shaking his head. *I must be losing it. I'm now dreaming about the Silver Millennium and the Moon Princess. 'But why don't I feel it's just another dream. It felt almost like I was there.' I definitely need a short vacation. 'But the princess was beautiful.' Maybe the cruise was a godsend. Darien, it's time for you to relax, you are working way too hard.*
End of Chapter 2
Don't you hate the suspense?? ^_^ What's going to happen next? Stay right there and I'll show you!!! Later!!! hehehehehehe
Until next time.
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Last Updated March 12, 1998 by Hopelesslyinlove You can e-mail me, just point and click!!!