Best Day of My Life
Author: Patch
E-mail: patchkhan1@hotmail.com
Rating: PG-13

Hiiiyo everyone! This was supposed to be a nice, short,
sweet Valentine's Day. Unfortunately, or fortunately,
however you look at it, I went a little too far. It's turned
out to be a nice, long, sweet, not entirely about
Valentine's Day, fic. However, I would like to thank
Sailor Scorpio for giving me the idea for this one. What
do you think Scorpio, think I stretched it a bit?
Oh Oh, wait and another thing, I alllllways
forget this. I'd like to thank Lady Spring and Bethany
for putting up my fics on thier sites. No one's asked me
if they could do that and when they did, well...I felt
special! Visit Lady Spring's site
at:  http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Lights/3406/index.html
and I've lost Bethany's. ACK!

Enjoy reading!
Patch.

Insert Standard Disclaimer Here.

Just to let u know, this is a side story from Betrothed
which takes place after Ch.9 but before the Epilogue.

	"Okay, so did everyone get that?"
	"I think so."
	"Good. Remember, I want this to be the best day
of her life."
	"Hopefully everything will work out right."
	"It will."

	Serena woke up to the sound of gentle snoring and
turned her head to find her husband's face just inches away
from hers. She smiled and then frowned slightly. He always
does this, she thought, he takes up the whole bed and if I turn
over I know I'll land on the floor.
	"Darien," she whispered giving him a peck on the
lips. He opened his eyes slowly, smiled when he saw her and
then went right back to sleep much to Serena's dismay.
	"Darien!" she whispered loudly. Still no response.
She grinned evilly at an idea and then put it to work. Leaning
over, she kissed him deeply. All of a sudden his arms came up
and taking hold of her waist, pulled her on top of him.
	"Mm, that's one way to get me up in the morning,"
he said.
	"It's the only way," she retorted and then straddling
him, slapped him lightly on the shoulder. "Look," she said
pointing to where she had lain before, "look at how little space
I have and look at all the space you have," she put her hands on
her hips and fixed him with a glare, "Now do you think that's
fair?"
	"Of course love. It helps me greatly because when
you have such little space, you have no choice but to cuddle up
closer to me," he replied, placing his hands behind his head.
	"Oh you, to think of you and your little schemes
to...never mind. Now get up, as it is, it's already late and we've
got stuff to do."
	"No one's going to notice Serena. Everyone knows
that starting recently we've been getting up a little later then usual
and they have the decency not to disturb us," he said grinning
mischievously.
	Her face flamed red and he laughed at her
expression. "Darien, what have you been telling everyone?"
	"Nothing love, nothing at all. I don't have to, it's
obvious enough."
	"Darien!" she pummeled his chest as he continued to
laugh and she only stopped when she heard a banging on the
door.
	"Your Highness, we have problems!"
	Darien instantly stilled and got up as Serena quickly
got off of him.
	"I'm coming," he said and pulled on some clothing.
Walking over to the door, he opened it slightly to see the guard
standing there. "What seems to be the problem?"
	"We have some unrest in the Americas, Your
Highness. The people there are fighting one another and our
army is doing everything it can to contain it however we need
your leadership."
	"Alright, inform the Generals of the matter and tell
Kunzite and Zoicite to armor themselves. I will meet them
downstairs in fifteen minutes."
	"Yes Your Highness."
	Darien closed the door and turned back to Serena
who had a worried frown on her face.
	"Is everything all right?" she asked, crossing her
arms.
	He came up to her and wrapped his arms around
her and brought her close. "It's okay, love. Probably nothing
much, just some civil unrest. I'm just going to take a couple of
the Generals with me and most likely we'll be back by tonight."
	Her face brightened all of a sudden. "I could come
with you. You know I can fight, I almost beat you in our last
sword match!"
	The thought of her out there among that kind of
violence sent chills up Darien's spine and his arms unconsciously
tightened around her. "Serena, I would never forgive myself if
something happened to you if you were with me. I'll be back
tonight."
	"Do you promise?"
	This was not a good idea, a voice told him, you
shouldn't say it. "I promise." Besides, he thought, I *have* to
be back for tonight.

	He met the Generals downstairs, fully armored and
saw that Kunzite and Zoicite were also ready.
	"Kunzite, what's the situation?"
	"We have an upstart in the southern region of the
Americas and Officer Atkinson has reported that we need more
reinforcements to keep everything under control."
	"What's the cause?" Zoicite asked.
	"Labor troubles."
	"Okay. Jadeite, I want you to stay here as second-in-
command to make sure nothing goes wrong, and Nephrite you'll
be staying here as backup. Are the ships ready?"
	"Almost, they're being fueled up."
"Good, make sure to have the soldiers ready."

	Across the room, hidden behind the draperies, a figure
watched with worried eyes as the men continued to talk. Turning,
Serena fled the room and ran to Mina's room.
	"Mina! You've got to help me!"
	Mina, who had been talking to Raye, jumped up when
Serena burst in. Raye did the same, immediately concerned.
	"Serena, what's wrong?"
	"Darien is going off to fight and I want to go with him."
	"Serena, you know you can't just go with him like that.
You've never fought in a real war, and it would be dangerous. Darien
won't have time to be worried about your well being if you go with
him," Mina said reasonably.
	"But what if something happens to him, and I'm not there?
I'm going to feel so useless sitting here and wringing my hands like a
simpering woman. I can't do that. I have to be with him and you two
are going to help me."
	The two Scouts shared a look and then turned back to
their Princess. This was not going to be easy.
	"Um, Serena, I think Darien would have our heads if he
knew we were helping you risk your life for him," Raye said.
	"He won't have to know. Now c'mon, as your Princess
I order you to help me, I have the perfect plan."
	"Serena..."
	"We don't have any time, they're getting ready to leave
as soon as the ships are ready."
	"Serena, as Scout leader, I can't let you do this. It's just
too risky and you'd be putting your life in jeopardy," Mina said,
crossing her arms.
	"Fine, if you won't help me, I'll just go myself," and then
she transformed. She closed her eyes, a concentrated look on her
face. A bright glow surrounded her and before the Scouts' amazed
eyes, she changed into a man. A very feminine looking man.
	"Serena!" Mina squeaked, "How did you ever manage to
do that?"
	"The royal Moon family does have some tricks of its own,
you know. Transformations are just one of them." She turned to leave
but Mina stopped her.
	"Wait Serena," she sighed heavily and then looked at
Raye and then back at Serena, "I'll go with you. Raye, stay here and
make sure only the other Scouts know about this, no one else!"
	"Right."
	"Alright Serena, change me. God, I hope I don't regret
this."
	"This won't hurt a bit Mina," Serena said, taking her
hands into hers. She closed her eyes and concentrated and pretty
soon, two blonde haired men in soldiers' uniforms stood before
Raye.
	"Absolutely amazing," she said, shaking her head in
disbelief. Snapping out of her reverie she looked at the two,
"Alright, c'mon we have to get you in with the soldiers. Try not to
talk to anyone unless talked to, and don't meet anyone's eyes.
One mistake and we'll all be in big trouble."
	She led them downstairs and stopped when Serena
spoke.
	"Raye, do you even know where to go?"
	"Of course I do silly. I can't believe it, you even sound
somewhat like a man, a man with a really high voice. Anyway,
Jadeite showed me this field where the ships are kept so that's
where they'll all be."
	"Make sure you get us on the ship that Darien will be
on," Mina said.
	"I know, now hush. I see them."
	The three walked up to where Darien and the Generals
were standing. It seemed that Darien was giving some last minute
instructions to everyone.
	Oh Darien, Serena thought, looking at her husband,
I will protect you. I swear it.
	"Lady Raye, can we help you with something?" Darien
asked, raising an eyebrow.
	"Oh, um yes. I was asked by the Princess to give you
a message and I was looking for you when these two soldiers were
nice enough to lead me to you."
	His eyes softened, "I have yet to say goodbye to her. I
should do that before I leave," he said softly.
	Behind her, Raye heard Serena make a distraught sound
and quickly spoke, "Oh, uh I don't think that's a good idea Prince
Endymion. May I speak to you alone?"
	"Of course."
	They moved away and Serena tried to take a few
discreet steps closer to them, trying to listen in on their conversation.
She ended up only hearing bits and pieces of it.
	"Why do you think I shouldn't see Serena?"
	"Well, she's really quite upset that you're leaving without
taking her and um, seeing her would not help the situation. You two
don't want to leave on bad terms, right?"
	"You are right about that. So what was her message?"
	Raye look startled and then quickly composed herself.
"Well, she said that if you don't come home soon, she'll come after
you with her sword. Oh and that she also loves you."
	Darien grinned. "That sounds like her. Tell her I love
her too and that she shouldn't worry, I'll make sure I come home
by tonight and Raye, make sure she doesn't even get a hint about
tonight okay? I want this to work out perfectly."
	Oh God, she had forgotten all about that! Raye looked
behind her and met Mina's gaze with a panicked look. She hoped
Serena hadn't heard too much of that. She turned back to Darien
and nodded. "Right. Everything will go as planned."
	The two walked back to where the Generals were
waiting and Raye went to stand next to Jadeite.
	"You aren't leaving too are you?" she asked.
	"No, Kunzite and Zoicite are. I have a feeling you
wouldn't let me leave if I wanted to," he replied, smiling.
	"You've got that right," she retorted and then
continued, "By the way, which ship is Darien leaving on?" she
asked, raising her voice a little.
	"That last one on the left," Jadeite answered,
pointing. He gave her a strange look. "Why do you ask?"
	"Oh, it's nothing really. Serena wanted to know, and
I was supposed to tell her. She's odd like that."
	A low growl was heard and Raye grinned.
	"She's gonna pay for that," Serena muttered.
	"Be quiet!" Mina hissed when she saw Kunzite
approach them.
	"What are you two standing here for? Join your
group, get on a ship and be quick about it!"
	"Yes sir!" they both said and quickly walked off.
	Zoicite approached him and looked in the direction
the two had gone. "They were somewhat girlish looking soldiers
weren't they?"
	Kunzite chuckled and cuffed his friend on the
shoulder. "You've been spending too much time with your lady.
You're seeing everything in its feminine side."
	They laughed together and walked back to the
group, the others asking what was so funny.
	Raye watched as her friends' figures got smaller as
they walked further away towards the ships. Good luck and
please stay safe, she thought, tucking a strand of hair behind
her ear.

	"This is the ship right?" Serena asked.
	"I'm pretty sure of it. Let's go in, and hurry, I think
they're starting to walk this way."
	"You can tell that from here?"
	"Yes, of course, I have superior eyesight, you know."
	"Oh of course, how shameful of me to forget,"
Serena replied sarcastically.
	"Be quiet!" They stepped in and stopped, "Oh my,
this is bigger than the last one we were in," Mina's eyes were
wide as she looked around.
	"Well of course it is, it's used for war and such, it
has to take in a lot of soldiers, equipment and stuff like that."
	"So where do we go, oh knowledgeable one?"
	"Don't ask me."
	"You two, over here!"
	The two snapped to attention and walked over to
a burly looking officer. He peered at them, looking over them
carefully. "Aren't you two a little young to be soldiers?"
	"No sir. General Kunzite said they needed as many
reinforcements as they could get and we were chosen, sir."
	"Well then, I guess you two will have to man the
lookout," he waited for them to move and scowled when they
stood there, "Well, what are you standing there for? Go on up!"
	The officer walked away and Mina looked at
Serena. "What was he talking about?"
	"It must have to do with this steps going up. We
probably have to watch out for any kind of trouble. That's not
too bad so let's go."
	"These stupid things itch like the very devil, how
can they tolerate them?" Mina asked, picking at her gray
uniform as they climbed up.
	"Just grin and bear it Mina, it's for a good cause."
	"I'm beginning to wonder about that."

*********************************************
AN: have any of you ever seen the intro to Final Fantasy 8?
Well those ships that they show, that's basically what I have
in mind when I talk about the ships in my fic. They're these
big things that have this thing on top where a person (maybe
2) can look out, something like what you see on top of a
tank. Hope that helps.
*********************************************

	Quite a few hours had passed and the girls...er, the
men were getting restless at the lookout.
	"Dumb woolen things, they aren't doing any good in
this weather!"
	"Stop complaining Mina, I'm cold too. I'm also very
hungry!"
	"You're always hungry!"
	"Am not!"
	"Are too!"
	"Hey, you two up there! Quit squabbling like a
bunch of girls and keep your eyes open! We could get attacked
no thanks to you two!"
	"Um, excuse me, but when will our shift end?" Serena
asked.
	"Whenever I feel like it! Now stay alert!"
	"How rude of him! If he really knew who I was-"
	"But he doesn't so don't say anything! Now, I was
thinking, what are our 'male' names going to be? I'm sure
they'll ask us that."
	Serena looked thoughtful at that and chewed on
her lip when all of a sudden her eyes brightened. "I know, I'll
be Seren!"
	"Seren? Wherever did you get that from?"
	Serena blushed and bent her head. "You don't
want to know. It's better not to."
	"Fine, so who will I be?"
	"Hmm, I got it, Minkos! You will be Minkos!"
	Mina scrunched up her face in disgust. "Minkos?
That's even more horrible than your name! Why do I get
stuck with that?"
	"It'll have to do, I don't see you coming up with
anything better!"
	"That's because I-"
	"You two still quarrelling? What kind of soldiers
are you?" the girls blushed at that as the officer continued,
"Now come on down and go eat something."
	They clambered down, nearly falling over each
other in their haste and then walked off quickly before any
more could be said.
	"Do you think he noticed anything suspicious?"
Serena asked.
	"I sincerely hope not, but maybe we should slow
down, I think we look a little too eager to eat."
	"But we are!"
	They entered the section of the ship where food
was being handed out and got in line to get their servings.
	"Where do we go now?" Mina asked.
	"I don't know, but I don't like the look of this," she
replied poking at the stuff on the plate, "I'm sure Darien got
much better food than this."
	"Who cares about that? We have to find someplace
to eat, everyone's going off in their own directions. Hey, I think
this door leads to a room, let's go."
	Mina swung the door open and stopped suddenly
causing Serena to bump into her.
	"What are you doing Min-?" she let the sentence die
as she looked into the room. There was Darien, Zoicite and
Kunzite, along with two other officers, each looking at them
expectantly.
	"Is there something you needed?" Kunzite asked.
	"Not really sir," Serena said, coming forward,
pushing Mina out of the way, "We were told to give you these
plates of food, ah, compliments of the chef."
	"Oh really?" Darien asked looking towards Kunzite.
"I never knew we had a chef on board."
	"I suppose we do now," Zoicite said, smiling lightly.
"Why don't you two give us the pleasure of letting you eat the
chef's best. Come, join us," he finished, motioning for them to
come in further.
	By now, everyone except for Serena and Mina
had a twinkle in their eyes and the two girls looked at each
other with panicked gazes.
	"Thank you for the...honor," Serena said, her head
bent as she sat down at the table. She looked at Mina one last
time and then dug in. Taking a forkful, she chewed slowly and
nearly gagged. It, whatever *it* was, was so bland and so
dry, it was almost inedible.
	"It's quite good, don't you think Seren?" Mina
asked, trying her best not to choke.
	"Very, Minkos."
	"Seren and Minkos, hmm?" Darien pondered
thoughtfully, "I've never heard of your names, however Seren
sounds quite familiar."
	"Well..." Serena was saved when someone
knocked on the door.
	"Your Highness, we are bringing in the ship to
anchor and Officer Atkinson will be meeting us at port."
	"We'll be ready," Darien answered, getting up, the
others following. He looked at the two soldiers who had
caught his interest and spoke. "I suggest you two get back to
your posts."
	"Yes, Your Highness."
	"Right away, Your Highness."

	"The situation doesn't look good at all," Mina said
later as they stood at the lookout. "I have a very bad feeling
about this."
	"We'll survive. I just want to stay close to Darien."
	"Serena, don't you think Darien can take care of
himself."
	"What about you Mina? Aren't you worried about
Kunzite? He'll be protecting Darien and he'll be more than
likely to get hurt in some way."
	"I don't want to hear of it." Mina said, looking
away.
	Serena's voice softened and she placed a hand on
her best friend's arm. "You understand don't you? You see
why I want to do this, right?"
	"I do, but I just don't like it."
	"We'll get through all of this, I swear it."

	"Listen all of you, our intentions are not to fight a
war. We are here to maintain peace and stability. Right now,
the civilians have quieted down a bit and we're going to make
sure it stays that way.
	"We'll be walking up the streets in lines making
sure everyone stays inside and such. Remember, don't start
anything with anyone, we want to use our swords as little as
possible. Now go on and be wary of your surroundings."

********************************************
AN: Now, what I have in mind is basically what the police
force does when there's a riot. Have any of you seen
coverage of stuff like that? They get shields and helmets
and basically walk in lines up the streets trying to push the
people back. Hope that helps.
********************************************

	"It's awfully quiet," Serena said softly, one hand
clutching the shield given to her, the other, at her side, ready to
reach for the sword resting there.
	"Too quiet," Mina replied and no sooner were the
words out of her mouth when two soldiers up ahead were
knocked down.
	A horrible sound was heard and Serena shivered
at its intensity.
	"It's a battle cry!" someone shouted, "They're
going to fight!"
	Swarms of men converged on them and Serena
drew her sword, her back against Mina's, as pure energy
rushed through her veins.
	She fought against two men, one who looked
younger than she did. He had a wild look in his eyes and he
kept clashing swords with her. She had to use all she had to
keep them at bay and the sounds of swords behind her told
her Mina was just as busy.
	"Where's Darien?" she yelled.
	"He's somewhere behind us, but we can't worry
about that now!"
	"I know!" she continued to fight but could feel
herself weakening. "Stop fighting! Surrender now and your
punishment will be less severe!" she yelled at the two men.
	"Never!" the younger one yelled. He stepped
back a little and then ran towards her.
	She saw him coming towards her, his sword
straight in front of him and on instinct she struck out her
sword. Time stopped as she felt her sword go into his flesh
with sickening ease. His eyes widened, as if he had not
expected it, and he inhaled sharply looking at her. The look
of someone who knew he had drawn his last breath.
	"No!" she whispered furiously and pulled her
sword out quickly. She watched in horror as he collapsed in
front of her, his eyes rolling to the back of his head.
	"My son! You killed my son!" the older man
yelled, tears running down his face as he charged for her.
She jumped out of the way and struck him in the arm. But
he came for her again and she nearly fell over when his
sword struck hers. He was running on rage, a dangerous
rush.
	"Take your son's body and get out of here!
Do you want him to be stepped on?" she yelled as they
fought, "Is this how he will be buried? Underneath other
bodies?"
	"He has not died in vain! I will avenge him
and you will pay the price!" In a sudden movement, he
swung his sword in a low arc and not expecting the
movement, Serena tried to jump out of the way. She
did manage to do so, however not enough. A scream
erupted from her throat as the steel sliced into her thigh
and she fell to the ground on her knees.
	"Serena!" Mina screamed and quickly
disposed of the man.
	"No!" Serena yelled, but it was too late. He
fell onto the body of his son and tears poured down her
cheeks at the sight.
	Mina's voice cut through her shock, "We
have to transform now! We don't have enough strength
to keep fighting!"
	"Don't! It'll be all over then!" Serena yelled
back trying to stand, but failing miserably.
	"I have to protect you!"
	"No! Don't do-"
	"Venus Planet Power!"
	In a flash of bright light, Mina had transformed
into a Scout and for a moment everyone around her was
stunned. However, it was over all to soon as men charged
at her.

	"Did you hear a scream?" Kunzite yelled out
loud to no one in particular.
	"I did," Darien shouted, pushing back his hair
as he ran his sword through another man.
	A minute later, bright light shone through and
everyone looked towards the source.
	"What on Earth...?" Zoicite asked as he
scanned the area with his eyes.
	A moment later, the flash of light was followed
by another scream and this time its sound was more painful.
It was a female scream.
	Darien stilled, knowing all too well where he
had heard that scream before. "Oh God, it can't be! Kunzite,
Zoicite guard my back!" He yelled as he made his way
through men.
	A column of light shot up into the sky and when
Darien reached the scene, his worst nightmare had come
true.
	"Serena!"
	She was so still, so deathly still. She lay over
the body of Mina, almost as though she was trying to protect
the also unconscious scout. She was dressed in a white
dress, a white that was rapidly becoming blood red. Her
face was so pale, an ethereal angel...
	"No!" He bent down next to her and picked her
up in his arms, cradling her close. He pushed strands of hair
away from her face and shook her lightly. "Serena, love,
wake up, wake up!" In response her head lolled backwards
on his arm as he shook her. This was not happening, the
Fates would not be so cruel! He quickly took off his cape
and wrapped it around her body and looked up to see
Kunzite fall to his knees and pick up Mina, tears already
falling from his eyes.
	"No, we can't give up! Zoicite, we have to get
out of here, now!"
	Soldiers had formed a circle around the three
men, knowing their Prince was in trouble.
	"I can use the teleport to get us back to the ship,"
Zoicite replied typing furiously on a mini-computer similar to
that of Sailor Mercury's.
	"Do it now!"
	In moments a white light engulfed the small group
and in less than a second they found themselves back on the
ship.
	"This way Your Highness," Zoicite said, leading
the way to the medic station of the ship. They ran to the room
and both men lay down the women on the patient tables. Two
doctors rushed to them as Zoicite scanned their bodies.
	Darien looked over at Kunzite and their gazes met.
There were a million questions to be answered but both knew
that now was not the time or place for them to be answered.
He looked at his wife, so beautiful in her stillness. I won't lose
you, he thought, not now, not ever, I promise that. He looked
back to Zoicite as the General began to speak.
	"Your Highness, your wife is very lucky. She only
has a minor cut on her thigh that will heal easily. It was
probably the shock of pain that had made her fall unconscious
but you have nothing to worry about, she will awaken soon."
	"What about Sailor Venus?" Darien asked, relief
making his knees weak. Thank God, thank God.
	Zoicite looked at Kunzite and took a deep breath
before looking away to talk. "She is in a critical condition. She
has multiple sword wounds and unfortunately we don't have
the proper provisions needed for her treatment."
	"It will not end like this," Darien said, looking at
Kunzite, who held Mina's hand tightly, his head bowed. "We
don't have time to take the ship back to the palace so we will
use the teleport to get us back. Prepare us for teleportation,
Zoicite."
	"Yes, Your Highness."
	"Darien?"
	"Serena, I'm here," he said reassuringly, holding her
hand.
	"Are you alright? Please say you're okay," tears
pooled at her eyes, "I'll never forgive myself if you're not-"
	"I'm okay, see?" he said, bringing her hand to touch
his face, "I'm fine."
	"That's good," she sighed and then closed her eyes,
appearing to concentrate on something.
	"Serena, what are you-"
	"We're ready to go Your Highness."
	Darien forgot what he was going to say to say to
Serena and looked at Zoicite and the others who were waiting.
"Right," he said, and picked Serena up in his arms.
	"Where are we going?"
	"Home."
	They were teleported to a room Serena recognized
as the 'hospital' area of the palace. The other three Scouts and
two Generals were waiting for them when they arrived and
Darien immediately lay Serena down as Kunzite did the same
with Mina.
	However to everyone's amazement Serena got
right back up and walked over to Mina.
	"Serena! What are you doing?"
	"You're hurt!"
	"I'm fine everyone," she replied waving them away,
"as Moon Princess, I have a healing power that gets passed
down to every generation."
	"You can heal yourself?" Darien asked
incredulously. No one could say anything; they were all
speechless.
	"Of course," she turned back to Mina and placed
her hands on the Scout's body and closed her eyes. All of a
sudden Kunzite came forward and yanked her arm away.
	"What are you doing? Stay away from her!" he
yelled, pain etched in his voice.
	"I am going to heal her," she answered quietly.
	"How can you be so calm about this? You've
caused enough trouble! God, I'm sure this was all your idea,
wasn't it? If it weren't for you, she wouldn't be lying here like
this, close to death! You'll only hurt her more!" he yelled
shaking her slightly.
	Serena looked to others and saw that she wasn't
going to get any help. The Scouts had tears in their eyes, yet
they kept silent and the other Generals looked away. Even
her husband had a hard look to his eyes and she knew he
wasn't going to forgive her for this. Kunzite was right. It was
all her fault that this had happened. But she would do
whatever she could do to save her friend.
	"I *order* you to let me go, General Kunzite,"
she said softly, looking him straight in the eyes. "Now."
	He flung her arm back to her and she turned
back to Mina. Again she placed her hands on her body
and this time, bent her head, as if in prayer.
	A glow surrounded the both of them and it
grew brighter, more intense causing everyone to look
away. After a few moments, the light disappeared and
Serena clutched the table tightly as she took deep breaths.
She lifted her head to see Mina opening her eyes.
	The Scout looked around and when her eyes
settled on Serena's face, a small smile formed on her lips
and she mouthed a quiet, 'thank you' to her before
struggling to raise herself up on her elbows.
	"Mina, love, don't," Kunzite rushed to her and
embraced her tightly.
	"I'm okay Kunzite, you see? I'm alive."
	Serena smiled happily, as tears pooled at her
eyes but stilled when Darien grabbed her arm and turned
her around.
	"You have a lot to explain," he bit out.
	"I don't have to explain anything," she said,
her back stiffening, "I wanted to protect you, so I did
what I had to do. I love you Darien, and I would die
for you."
	"Sacrificing others to do that?" he said
savagely. To see her so calm about all of this, it boggled
his mind and he felt enraged that she didn't realize the
severity of the situation.
	"I never meant for Mina to be hurt. If I
could I would turn back time and change everything but
I can't. "
	"And what would you have done? Brought
along another Scout, destroy another life?" Kunzite
asked accusingly.
	That was cruel and the remark cut through her.
"No. I wouldn't have told anyone and I would have come
alone."
	"That's ludicrous," Darien replied, only
imagining what would have happened then. His grip
tightened almost painfully.
	"For you Darien," she said quietly, "Anything
for you." She yanked her arm away and walked out of the
room. But before she could leave, Darien's voice stopped
her.
	"You will not leave Serena. You have yet to
explain how you came about such a foolish and selfish idea
and how you managed to get yourself in the middle of a
battle."
	Foolish and selfish? Couldn't he see that the
love she had for him overwhelmed her so much that she
would do anything humanly possible to keep him safe?
Why wouldn't he understand?
	"I don't have to listen to you," she replied, her
voice increasing steadily, "I won't! Why must you humiliate
me like this? Haven't I been through enough? Would you
like me to admit it? Fine, do you know I killed a human
being today? He was a boy, maybe younger than me! I
saw him take his last breath as I plunged my sword into
him! I didn't mean to do it!" she screamed shrilly, as she
relived the moment, "I swear, he came on to me and I
couldn't do anything but watch as my sword...all of you
think I'm acting all calm and serene about this," she
laughed bitterly and then continued. "But I'm not! I'm
not, do you hear me?? I killedsomeone today and I
nearly killed my best friend! Do any of you know how
I feel? This has been the worst day of my life!"
	She ran from the room as the girls inhaled
sharply. They looked towards Darien who could say
nothing. Hurt flashed through his eyes as he turned back
to the group.
	"Darien, she never meant for any of this to
happen," Mina said, holding on to Kunzite, "Please,
everyone, she only had the best intentions in mind. It's
not her fault."

	Serena walked to the only place she knew
that could give her some solace. She staggered through
the entrance of the royal gardens as she tried to find her
favorite place.
	She had forgotten how much energy it took
to heal a whole body. It had left her completely
exhausted and weak. She needed to rest.
	But there it was. She could already see the
white structure of the gazebo peeping through the spaces
of the rose bushes. She pushed herself through (AN:
they're thornless. ^_^), and then stopped in confusion.
All the buds were closed! Not one rose was in bloom
and it looked so odd to see only green buds and leaves,
not a single petal.
	Cautiously, she walked up to one section
and put her hand out to touch a bud. As her fingers
pressed on its softness, it suddenly sprang open. She
jumped back and gasped as all of a sudden, starting
from that rose, all the other roses opened forth. It was
like a domino effect that went all around until she was
once again surrounded in a bloom of wild colors.
	"Wha-?" She could feel herself weaving
where she stood as confusion took hold of her senses.
	She whirled around when she heard her
name and saw the handsome face of her husband.
	"Darien...." her knees went week and she
collapsed and felt comforted as he picked her up.
Opening her eyes slightly she focused on his worried
face. He's worried about me?
	"It was supposed to be the best day of
your life," he murmured and it was the last thing she
heard before blackness engulfed her.

	She opened her eyes slowly and stared
at the canopy cover of the bed. She remembered
opening her eyes a few times before fatigue would
pull at her again But every time she did wake up,
someone would be standing over her. First it was
Kunzite who look genuinely concerned for her. She
remembered him holding her hand and saying
something to her in that calm, deep voice of his. She
remembered seeing her friends standing next to each
other, smiling as they fussed around her.
	She turned her head slightly and gasped
when she saw Darien sitting there, on a chair he had
pulled to her side of the bed.
	"How are you feeling?" he asked, taking
hold of her cold hand.
	"Better," she answered carefully, looking
at their hands. She looked back at him and they
stared at each other.
	A long silence ensued between them in
which neither of them spoke.
	Finally Darien said something. "Why did
you do it?"
	"I've already told you."
	"Tell me...again."
	"Because I love you."
	He exhaled a deep breath and bent over to
brush his lips against hers. "I love you too Serena, but
you can't begin to understand what would happen to me
if anything happened to *you*."
	"But I can, Darien. You see, I've never felt a
love so powerful for anyone like this before. I need you,
you're my other half. I don't want to cling to you, nothing
like that, but to have you going off to fight scared me. I
only just found you. My love."
	He leaned over again to kiss her, this time
more fully and she brought up one hand up to let it rest
behind his head, her fingers entangled in his hair.
	"I could have lost you," he whispered
hoarsely, against her lips.
	"You didn't and I don't want to think about
what happened. It's over. But how do I know if I'll ever
lose you?"
	He kissed her deeply before he answered.
"I will always come back to you. I will make it a point
to come back to you. I swear it."
	"You better," she said sternly, then her
expression softened as she looked up at him. "Can you
forgive me? I promise to never cause this much trouble
again."
	"Don't promise that Serena," he replied,
smiling, "I have a feeling this is just the beginning and I
know I'm going to be having gray hairs way before the
proper time. But I love you all the same, and I will
continue to love you."
	"Thank you," she said, pulling herself up to
hug him. "Now tell me why this was supposed to be the
best day of my life."
	He look surprised yet pleased at the same
time that she remembered. "It can still be the best day,"
he said, taking her hand and pulling her off the bed.
	"Darien, what are you doing?" she asked as
he pulled her out onto the balcony and then held her close.
	"Just close your eyes, love and free your
mind. I want you to forget everything that happened, let
all of that battle just melt away. Relax, for I have a
surprise for you."
	She took a deep breath and closed her eyes
as one of his hands encircled her waist and the other
cupped the back of her head so that she could rest
against him.
	She felt a tingling sensation but kept her eyes
closed and felt a whoosh of air around her, causing her
dress and her hair to fly around them.
	"You can open your eyes now."
	She did, looking up into his blue eyes. She
then looked around her and gasped, clutching onto him.
They were standing in the middle of a frozen lake or
something of the sort. They were standing on ice, ice that
could crack any moment, she thought and panicked
trying to get closer to him.
	"It's okay, this ice is solid and I'm holding
onto you. Nothing will happen, trust me." Both his hands
settled on her waist and he pulled her a little away from
him as she continued to hold onto his forearms.
	"It'll be alright."
	"I trust you."

	Back at the palace, the Scouts and Generals
were discussing what had happened at the Americas where
the situation had finally been brought under control.
	All of a sudden a beeping noise was heard and
everyone looked around for its source. Amy grinned and
then picked up the mini-computer that was lying next to
her.
	Opening it, she gave a squeal of excitement
when she realized what was going on. "Everyone, Darien
is going through with his plan. He's taken her onto the ice."
	Mina sat up from her position against Kunzite's
side, and looked at Amy, her eyes gleaming with delight.
	"That's great! Come on everybody, we have to
make sure this is the best day for our Princess."

	"This is absolutely exhilarating!" Serenity yelled,
laughing, her arms out, as Darien spun her around in the air.
	He held her by the waist above his head and as
he skated, he spun them around. Finally he brought her
down to stand against him.
	"Did you have fun?" he asked, grinning.
	"It was the best!" she replied twining her arms
around his neck and kissing him lightly. She sighed as she
looked around. "Such a beautiful place."
	"But there's more to see," he said, bringing her
face back to look at him. Her eyes widened in excitement.
	"Really?"
	"Really, but first," he passed a hand over her
eyes, "you have to close these again."
	She giggled and did so. "I also have to
'detransform' don't you think?" She was wearing a short
skirt, similar to what the Scouts wore. Her husband had
nearly fallen over in shock when she had transformed into
that and she had to explain that this was how she had come
with him to the battle. He could only shake his head and
stare at her in wonder.
	"That would be a good idea, Princess," he
replied, emphasizing the last word.
	She giggled again and closed her eyes,
concentrating and soon she was back in a flowing, light
pink dress. She kept her eyes closed and reached for
him.
	He held her in his embrace and kissed her
forehead. "Just relax, love."
	Once again she felt a rush of air and shivered.
	"Feeling cold?" he asked, his lips near her ear.
	"Not with you around."
	"Good, now, open your eyes."
	She did as he said and when she looked
around she squeaked. "Darien, how, what, where-?"
	He laughed and brought her close. He
wrapped one arm around her waist and held her other
hand. "Dancing amongst the stars. I thought you would
like it."
	"I do, I do!" she looked around them again.
They were up in space, the lights of the stars all around
them and she could see the Earth below them and the
Moon a bit in the distance. It was breathtaking and
awe-inspiring. "But how did you do this? How *can*
you do this?"
	"That I cannot tell," he said smiling
mischievously. He began to dance and she followed his
steps.
	"This is a dream come true," she breathed
and gasped as he swung her around in a turn, her dress
flying out behind her.
	"I know love. It's the same for me."
	"Is this for real?"
	"For you, it is all real," he breathed huskily
before capturing her lips.

	"He's taken her up into the stars! They
should be finished there soon," Amy informed everyone.
	"How many of these do you think he needed?"
Lita asked Nephrite, who picked up a bunch in his hand.
	"A lot. Definitely a lot."

	"How do you feel?"
	"Mmm, I feel wonderful, free."
	"That was my goal."
	"Were those roses blooming in the gazebo at the
touch of my hand also a part of your goal?"
	He looked at her, startled. "How did you know?"
	She snuggled closer to him as they continued to
dance, "I'm not sure, a lucky guess, I suppose. Did I ruin
that surprise of yours?"
	He rested his chin on the top of her head. "No,
not really. I have other surprises," and he snapped his fingers.
White rose petals flew past them as if being carried by a
slight breeze. They floated all around the couple in a swirl as
Darien continued to dance with Serena. Then, as though
another breeze was passing, they flew away and disappeared
into the blackness of the galaxy.
	"That was so extraordinary, I loved it!"
	"There's still one more surprise, love."
	"Another one? Darien, what's the occasion for
all this?"
	"I'll explain, don't worry. Now close your eyes
and hang on tight."
	She closed her eyes, confused. "Hang on tight?
Why would I ha-?" She didn't get to finish when all of a
sudden she felt them falling. She screamed his name as
they fell and really did hold on tight to him. His cape and
her hair and dress flew up as they continued to fall as she
continued to scream. Finally, they plunged through
softness.
	"Are we dead?" she asked fearfully, her eyes
still tightly shut. She heard him chuckle.
	"Happy Valentine's Day, love."
	She opened her eyes slowly and gasped again.
They were literally 'swimming' in a sea of rose petals and
little red and white hearts. It was all she could see from
where she was 'floating'.
	"How...how did you do this?" she asked,
amazed that she could even speak.
	"I had a little help from our friends, but that's
all I'm going to tell you. Just think of it as magic."
	"It's definitely magical," she said as she threw
up a handful of roses and watched them float back down.
She then looked at him with curiosity. "What is this
Valentine's Day?"
	"It's a tradition on Earth, named after a certain
saint. On this day, a man gives his love a gift of some sort
to express his love for her. To show that he truly does care
for her. I couldn't find one specific thing to give you so I
decided to give you all of this. I love you Serena, my
princess."
	A tear slipped down her cheek as she listened
to him. "This was your gift for me? Oh Darien, I don't know
what to say! I really don't!" (AN: Neither do I! ^_^;;)
	He kissed her lightly and smiled down at her.
"You don't have to. I can see it in your eyes," he said,
wiping the tear with his thumb.
	She closed her eyes and when she opened
them again, they were in their room, beside their bed.
	"I love you Darien, so much."
	He smiled as she pulled his head down so that
she could join her lips with his. No more words were
needed between them after that.

	Afterwards, when they were both dozing, Serena
smiled in her sleep and touched her stomach as warmth and
a tingling feeling spread through her. A miracle.
	She opened her eyes and kissed Darien's bare
shoulder.
	"Thank you," she whispered.
	"For what?" he asked sleepily.
	"For this," and she placed his hand on her stomach
and watched as his eyes opened up fully.
	"How long have you known? H-How far along
are you?" he asked hoarsely.
	"Oh, I'd say about a few minutes for both those
questions."
	"Wha-?"
	"Another one of those Moon Princess things, I can
just tell."
	"Oh God, we're having a baby?" he asked,
cupping her cheek.
	"Yes, my love, a baby," she replied, kissing his
palm and then she looked at him. "Darien?"
	"Yes?"
	"This has been the best day and night of my life."

~*~*The End*~*~
Can you believe it? I finally get to the Valentine's stuff like
at the 12th page, 20 years later!!!. ::smacks forehead:: This
did not work out the way I had planned it!! But oh well, I
like it this way though. Tell me what you all think.
Bye bye
Patch:-)(-: