"Oh, I think he's out somewhere gathering people to help us fight the enemy."
"Oh, so, no wonder you're not with him, today." said Lita.
"Are you guys planning a honey moon?" asked Mina.
"Um...I'm not sure that we've talked about that, yet." answered Serena politely.
"Of course you guys are going to, aren't you?" inquired Rei.
"Yes! You must! It is tradition." added Ami.
"You guys, we haven't even got to know each other, yet. That would be kind of strange?"
"Hey, that's the whole idea. During the honeymoon, you and Darien will get to know each other. It's perfect!" Rei said delightfully.
"Uh...Nuh...uh..Rei, do you know what couples do on their honeymoon?"
"Yeessss! And?"
"No! No! No! It's just too bizarre!"
"I'm sure Darien would want to go on the honey moon!""Oh, shut up, Rei!"
The days that followed shortly got darker. The monsters were more stronger. It was total distress for the Earth. The new King was busy as usual.
Darien, Artemis, and Luna were discussing business for the upcoming battle, when a thought entered Darien's mind.
"Luna, Artemis, I can't sit here and watch my people get hurt. I've got to do something! I want to help them fight!"
"But your majesty, you just can't literally go into battle. You might get hurt, then where would we be?" replied Luna.
"You're right, Luna. It just seems like I'm not helping."
"Yes, you are. You are definitely helping the people by giving out orders and signing papers. Which reminds me. Will you sign this document about collecting more weapons?" asked Artemis.
The King let out a sigh and signed the papers. Soon a plan was conjuring in his mind. He couldn't stand just sitting there while his soldiers do all the fighting. He had to get a piece of the action, too.
The night air seemed heavy that night. In a clearing beyond some hills, the monsters were attacking a group of alarmed children. These children were apparently lost from their homes. All they remembered was that the monsters appeared from behind and cornered them.
"I'm scared!" said a little boy clutching a teddy bear.
"You should be, puny human! Give me your energy!" said one of the monsters.
Suddenly, a voice was heard above the trees.
"Scaring little children is a sign of weakness." said a man dressed in black armor. His eyes were covered with a mask.
"Come down, so, I can rip your face off!"
"No, thanks. I like it where it is. I'm not sure I like yours though."
"What about my face?"
"It's ugly...like your mother."
"You shouldn't have said that about my mama. Now, I'm going to kill you!"
But before the monster could do anything, the man in the mask flew in and gave all the monsters a beating.
"Are you kids, alright?" he asked the children after the fight.
"Gosh, sir, that was the best fight I'd ever saw'd" said one boy.
"I wanna be like you when I grow up." added another child.
"Do you havah girlfriend?" asked a cute little girl.
The man smiled and said, "Let's go home before your parents worry."
A year had gone by, and soon the kingdom was hearing all about this masked man. Everyone was eager to know what is next move was.
At the palace, Queen Serena looked out the window. Pictures of the masked hero were placed everywhere in the kingdom.
Serena thinking:
'Who is this masked man? Such courage. He should be rewarded for helping us.'
Her thoughts were interrupted as King Darien entered the room.
Darien glanced and saw the queen. Was it just his imagination or did she look more beautiful everyday? He gazed at her long shimmering blonde hair. And her eyes that somehow captures his soul when he looks into them. It was funny how the first time he saw her he didn't find anything at all that he liked about her. He even remembered how he teased her about her hair. He smiled as he thought about that day he kept calling her Meatball head. Serena sensed that someone was watching her. She turned to see who had entered. 'Oh, it's Darien.' she thought.
"Hello, Darien."
Darien didn't answer back. He was starring at her strangely. Serena turns around and tries to find out.
"What is it?" she asked as she touches her hair as if to fix it in place. Darien snaps back into reality and answers, "Oh, uh, there's something in your hair."
"Oh, where?"
"It's on your left meat.." he began. Serena gives him a look.
"I mean."
"Go ahead say it. I don't mind."
"Here. Let me do it." he replied.
Serena turns around for him. Darien smiled and picked the thread off.
"There."
"Thank you, your highness." she said and bowed.
"Did you want me to leave you alone?"
"Oh, no, you can stay if you want."
"Okay. Why don't we sit over there by the window."
"Certainly."
They both take their seats.
"How is the plans coming along?" asked Serena.
Darien couldn't keep his eyes away from her.
"Darien? Darien? Darien!?"
'They're so beautiful. I wonder if she knows that.'
"Darien? I'm trying to talk to you. You are acting so strange, today. Not that you haven't before. But today its worse."
Serena starts laughing.
Darien stops daydreaming and smiles.
"Oh, everything is going well." He sees somethng in her hand. "What's that?"
"Oh, it's just a picture of the mask man everybody's been talking about. Tell me, Darien. Do you think he's on our side?"
"As far as I hear he is." He grins.
"Why don't we invite him to our party tonight?"
"Oh, um, sure."
"You do remember it's our anniversary?"
"Huh? Oh, yes, of course I remember. Well, I need to go now. Luna and Artemis are probably looking for me."
"Oh, yeah, sure. I'm really glad you came and talked with me."
"So am I." he answered and turned and left the room.
Serena smiled. Later, Mina entered the room. "Where's that husband of yours rushing off to?"
"Business stuff, I guess."
"Did he remember it was your anniversary?"
"Nope."
"What?"
"I don't blame him, Mina. I'm sure he has alot of work to do. Besides, he's married to me. Who would want to remember."
"Oh, Serena. We'll make him remember."
"Huh? What do you mean, Mina?"
"We are gonna dress you up really nice, and make him totally go nuts for you!"
"A make-over?" Serena squeeled in delight.
"Yes! Come on. Let's get started!"
Darien didn't want to leave Serena by herself, but right now he had to suit up for battle as the masked man. But somehow he would make it up to her.
Meanwhile at the queen's room...
"Ow! Mars! Quit sticking me with those earrings!" cried Serena.
"Oh, quit fidgeting and I will."
Serena does the raspberry thing by sticking her tongue out.
Venus was putting make-up on Serena's face.
"There. Now don't smear it."
On the other side of the room, Jupiter and Mercury were trying to figure out which outfit Serena should where.
"Hey, Ami! Take a look at this one!" cried Jupiter.
"Wow, Lita that's the one!" agreed Mercury.
It was an elegant shimmering blue dress. It was perfect!
"Wow, Serena! You gotta lend me this. I love the color blue. It matches my hair, ya know!" Ami giggled.
"There. Finished." Rei said wiping her brow.
That night at the party............
Queen Serena stepped down the stairs to enter the grand ballroom.
Ooohs and Aaaahs filled the room all at once.
"My! She looks exquisite."
"Sensational!"
"Beautiful! Don't you think, Darien?" whispered sly Artemis.
"Uh, huh." replied the king.
Then someone nudged him on the shoulder. It was Luna.
"Oh, Luna. What is it?"
"Sorry, Darien, but the masked-man isn't coming. I tried to contact him. No one knows where he is."
"He'll be here. Um...excuse me, guys. I have to check on something in central control. Tell the queen that I will be back shortly."
Luna and Artemis exchanged puzzled looks.
Serena looked over the crowded room.
"No sign of Darien." she thought.
Back to Chapter Two
Chapter Four
