But he said that he'd be here. Oh, there's Luna and Artemis. maybe they know where Darien is."
Luna and Artemis both saw Serena approaching them quickly.
"Uh, oh! Here comes Serena!" Luna whispered to Artemis.
"Maybe we can lose her in the crowds." Artemis smiled.
"Great idea, Artemis. You're finally using your head."
"Thanks. I think."
With that Luna and Artemis both disappeared into the crowds.
Serena took another glance around the crowd.
'Hmmmm.....now, where did Luna and Artemis go? They were right there. Something feels funny around here.'
Soon the orchestra began to play. Couples began to dance. The queen had to avoid getting hit by them.
"Oooooff!....Oh, sorry. Pardon me...Hey...I said excuse ME! HEy, watch the elbows!"
Serena thinking:
'Luna! Artemis! I'm gonna get you for this.'
Luna and Artemis were out of breath.
"This is getting hard, Artemis."
"Yeah. Who would've thought that she could run soo fast!"
Suddenly, they were both lifted in the air.
"Meeooowwwrrrrr!" they both cried.
"Hah! Thought you could get away from me. Didn't you?"
Artemis put his paws together and pleaded "Please, your highness, we don't know what on earth you are talking about."
"Quit pretending like you don't know anything. Where's Darien?"
"Um...he's in central control."
"You mean he forgot?"
"No. But he said that he'll be back!"
"Oh, okay, well, I'll wait then."
Serena turned around and approached her throne.
"That was close one, Artemis." Luna said under her breath.
A moment later, the trumpeteer announced that the masked man had arrived.
"Ladies and gentlemen: The Black Knight."
Everyone applauded.
"Here. Here. Black Knight."
"Hooray for the Black Knight."
Serena sat on her throne and seemed like she was in another world.
'Hmmm...I wish Darien was here instead of the Black Knight.'
Soon, the orchestra continued to play, again. The Black Knight glided past the crowd of ladies who rushed eagerly to ask him to dance. The ladies of the court whispered and giggled, "Oh, isn't he dreamy?"
"So mysterious!"
"A real hunky guy!"
"Excuse me, ladies." was all he said to them.. He seemed to be fixing on a target. The prize was Serena, and he had to somehow cheer her up. The smile on her face had faded away. He arrived shortly at her throne. Then he bowed and said, "I see that your majesty is in distress."
Serena looked up and replied. "What do you mean? I'm not in any danger."
"But you are!"
"What are you talking about."
"A masked man is, ahem, about to ask you to dance with him."
"Oh, I see, and now, I'm suppose to say, 'yes?'"
"Obviously."
"Obviously."
"Shall we?"
Serena looked at him blankly.
"Don't you know who I am?"
"Yes and No."
"And that doesn't bother you?"
"Do you know who I am?"
"Yes....and...no."
"Well, why don't we get acquainted."
Serena couldn't help but smile.
"Sure. Why not. You did help my people."
The Black Knight extended his arm and Serena accepted it.
'What am I doing flirting with this stranger? But he is dashingly charming. Maybe even handsome under that ridiculous mask.' Serena thought.
Soon they began to dance.
Serena accidentally trips on her dress and falls into his arms.
"Sorry about that. I'm such a klutz. My husband has probably noticed that by now."
The Black Knight smiled and thought. 'This is fun. I'm actually having fun. Even better than that, I'm dancing with my Meatball Head.'
"I'm sure he doesn't." he finally answered.
"You know on our wedding day, I was a little late entering on cue. I got my dress caught on something. I finally got it out, though. I was SO nervous."
"You should've been. Marrying a total stranger and everything."
"Yes. I'm glad you understand. Oh, why am I telling you this? I should stop."
"No. Tell me more. I'd like it very much."
"Well, alright. If you mean it."
"I do."
Soon, they danced and laughed the night away. Darien got to know more of his wife. He fell in love with her that magical night.
Serena was also having fun. But she would have more fun if Darien was there with her. She had a strange feeling with this man she was dancing with. Something warm. Such an understanding soul. She suddenly remembered her husband.
'Where could he be?'
"Oh, um, sorry, but we have to stop. I have to check on my husband. He hasn't come back, yet. I have to see if he's alright."
Darien's mind clicked. 'Of course, I forgot all about the king. I better change back before anyone else notices.' he thought.
He bent down and kissed her hand.
Serena felt goosebumps forming.
'Calm down, Serena.' she thought to herself.
Then he vanished in the crowd leaving Serena all by herself, again.
"Artemis. Darien better be here in fifteen minutes or I'm coming up to get him." Serena told the cat who nodded in return.
Ten minutes, later, the King arrived. He immediately walked over to the queen's side, ignoring everyone else that stood in his way.
"Darien! Where have you been all night. I was...actually...I was worried."
Serena said.
She immediately stopped fighting herself and embraced him.
Darien felt like he was up in the air.
"Well, all that matters is that you're back!"
"Just had to talk to some prisoners to find out information on their leader." he lied. "How is the party?"
"Um, great."
"Did the masked man ever show up?"
Yes, he did and was quite charming."
"Charming, huh?"
"Yes."
"It's too bad I didn't get to meet him."
The next day, Queen Serenity and Luna went riding. They rode on Serena's horse. It was a nice and peaceful until Serena spotted some monsters pestering more innocent people for energy.
"Oh, dear those monsters! Someone has to save those innocent bystanders!" said Luna.
"You're right, Luna."
"Maybe you should call for some help. Eh, Serena? Serena? Where did you go?"
Serena disappeared in a bush. Quietly, she reached for her sword that she carries on most of her rides.
"Stop right there!" she ordered.
Luna hit her head in disbelief.
"She's gonna get herself in danger! What is she thinking?! I've got to get the king."
The monsters placed their attention on Serena.
"Looky, looky. It's the little queenie. Oooh! What are you going to do to me your highness?"
"I'm gonna make you pay for what you've done to everyone."
"No way, Queenie!"
Luna called the king through her Luna transmitter from her cresent shaped mark on her head.
"Come in King Darien!"
"Yes, Luna, I hear you. Are you in trouble?"
"Not me, but it's your wife!"
Serena's in trouble?"
"Yes! The monsters are....Darien do you hear me? The connection is gone!"
Darien had to move fast. He suited up for combat!
"Now, stay back! I warn you! I'm an expert swordswoman!"
"Oooh! Why don't you show me!"
The monster threw a big rock right into Serena's path. Luckily Serena got out of the way.
"Aaaaaaah!" she shrieked.
Left and right she screamed and dodged until............
A rose appeared! It was the Black Knight.
"Gentlemen! I think you should pick on someone your own size."
Then before they could say anything....
"Excuse me, Black Knight. I think I've got it under control. So, if you don't mind." said Queen Serena.
"Oh, pardon me your grace. Wouldn't want to stand in your way." answered the man in the mask.
"Well, see ya!" then he exited.
"Now, where were we?" Serena continued.
The monsters roared with laughter. As the were laughing, Serena slashed them to pieces. But one monster didnt fall that easily. He grabbed Serena's arm, and she dropped her sword. Her hand felt weak and strained.
"Aaah!" she cried.
Suddenly another rose appeared. This time it pricked the monster's hand and broke it's grasp on Serena.
'Oh, he came back?' she thought.
Then the Black Knight cut the monster down.
"Are you alright, my queen?" he asked examining her arm.
"Oh, it's just a little sprained."
"You better let me take you home."
"No. It's okay. I'll manage."
"Nope. I won't let you go by yourself."
Before Serena could say another word, he carried her up in his arms.
"Oh, Luna. Where's Luna?"
"She's on my horse."
Luna couldn't believe what she was seeing. Serena on the arms of the Black Knight. She thought that she was gone for sure.
They rode back to the palace. The Black Knight carried her back down off the horse.
Serena asked, "Wait. I must know your name."
"I can't tell you, now. But I promise I'll tell you when the time is right."
Then he touched the lock of her hair and waved goodbye.
"Will I see you, again?" Serena asked.
"Whenever you need me, I will be here. So long."
"Such a brave soul." Luna commented.
"Yes. But there's something about him. I can't understand. Like we've met before, but we haven't...I don't know what I'm saying. Strange, huh, Luna?"
Luna didn't answer.
Luna thinking:'Not really. The only person who knew where we were was...Nah..It couldn't be!"
"Serena! Serena!" called Lita. "Did you really get rescued by the Black Knight?"
"Oh, Serena! What a totally romantic experience!" said Ami. Rei looked at her and she blushed.
"Oh, I don't know why you are all gushing about!" Serena answered. "He just helped me out."
"Yes, but Serena. HE is such a hunk!" shrieked Mina.
"Come on, Serena admit it! You like him don't you?"
We all saw the scene outside the window. You were hooked on him bad!"
"Well, okay. So, I think he is cute." Serena finally admitted.
Just then, a hush came over the room.
"What did I say?" Serena asked in astonishment. She turned around and saw why everyone was silent. Darien had just entered the room.
"Excuse us, please." he told the princesses.
The four girls quickly left the room.
"Serena. I forbid you to see this man, again."
"But Darien, he rescued me."
"I don't care! You are my wife, and I don't want you to see him, again. Do you understand?"
"Darien, please. He saved me from..from the monsters."
But Darien heard enough; he left the room.
'Maybe this was a bad idea about me spending time with Serena as the Black Knight. What if she finds out it's me? Then how would she react?'
Tears swelled in Serena's eyes. Not tears of sadness, but tears of hate.
She knew she could not love him! What was my mother thinking! What a spoiled, arrogant beast! Oh, and where was he when I was in danger? Huh? Didn't even bother to come to my rescue. What was my mother thinking? Did she think I could love someone like that? And then embarrassing me in front of my friends! Oh! I'll show him! He can't boss me around like that! Even if I am his wife! I AM QUEEN! The Queen I said. And not even him can stop me! No way! Not this girl! I mean woman! You better watch out King Darien!
Serena stood up straight and marched toward Darien's royal office.
"See here, your majesty! Uh..Darien! Whatever! I am not gonna be marched all over like that! You may think that you are a high and mighty king, but let me tell you something! You're not! You just sit there in your little office all day and sign papers. Well, I'm here to tell you that there is a man out there who is twice the man you are! He's bold and brave, and oh, he's sooo sweet, Darien! Sweeter than you! Did you even notice that I have a sling on my arm? No! Well, since you don't even notice me around. I found someone who does! The Black Knight! I don't care what you think of him! Oh, and here's your dumb present! Happy Anniversary!" Serena threw a small box at Darien, then stormed off.
Darien looked at the box he managed to catch it with his hand before it could hit his face. He opened it, slowly to expose a beautiful ornament. It was the Earth made from saphire and emerald and a moon cresent encircling it. It came apart.
"Oh, no, it's broken. No wait. You can put it back together, again." he said thoughtfully. "That little devil. She made me a present. I wonder why? I'm so mean to her. Now, she really hates me. Two can play that game! I'll go and tell her tonight that I'm the Black Knight. Then she'll go ballistic! Oh, I can't wait to see the expression on her face!"
Serena's eyes were puffed up. She couldn't sleep at all! Not after what happened with Darien.
"Oh, I really hurt him. Soon, the marriage will be gone. The union of the planets will be destroyed. I'm so sorry mother. I failed you misearably."
Suddenly, there was a knock at the balcony door. Serena immediately sat up and gasped.
"Who is it?" she asked.
"It's me the Black Knight."
Serena dashed and opened the door. She forgot that she was still in her revealing nightgown.
"Oh, wait!" she stammered and grabbed her robe.
"Sorry, your grace. It's just that..." he began.
"Oh, it's okay." she interrupted.
Darien saw that she was still upset from her puffy eyes.
"Is everything alright with you, your majesty?"
"No!" she said in anger. Then she let go of her tears. "Oh, Black Knight, I had a terrible fight with my husband."
"Your...ahem..husband?"
"Yes, you know that egotistical pickleheaded jerk! Anyway, I said some things I shouldn't have. Now, I wish I didn't. Oh, you know what I mean?"
Darien paused for a moment then answered softly, "Yes."
"Now, he probably hates me more than ever!"
"I think he doesn't hate you. I think, that he probably thinks that he's sorry for making you angry. Just give it time, and you'll see."
"Oh, you really think that he doesn't hate me?"
"I'm sure he doesn't. Who wants to hate someone like you? You're so caring and wonderful..and...and..and beautiful."
"You think I'm beautiful?"
He swallowed hard. "Yes! More beautiful than the stars."
"Oh, Black Knight!" she whispered.
Then she put her hands around his neck. He closed his eyes and waited for her to kiss his aching lips.
"Wait! I can't do this. I'm married to the king, and I can't. Sorry, Black Knight."
Darien admired her strength. But he felt the ache of losing her touch.
"Oh, right."
"He'd probably kill you if he caught you in here with me."
"Then, I bid you farewell! Sweet dreams, my queen."
And he disappeared like before.
The morning came..........
Serena stretched from her bed and yawned. "My eyes can't open them...too sleepy."
"I'll help you open them." cried a voice from below. It was Luna. Without warning, she opened the curtains of the balcony.
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaah! Luna!" screamed the queen, now, fully awaken. "What a dirty rotten thng to...," then she stopped. Her eyes caught a glint of sparkle from outside her balcony. There was something there, a shimmering star.
Serena got up and opened the balcony door.
"What's this?" she asked Luna.
"It's that present you designed for the King."
"Yeah, but what's it doing here? I put it in a box, and threw it at..at..."
"Who? Who? What happened next?"
"Darien!"
"Well, What's it doing here?"
"I don't know, Luna. The only person that came her yesterday was...the Black Knight."
"The Black Knight! Then that means it is Darien! Oh! I knew it!"
"What? How could you have known it?"
"Well, yesterday, when you were in trouble. I called Darien with my cresent transmitter. But I thought the signal was broken, and he never got the rest of the message! Serena? Where are you going?"
Too late she already left.
'Gotta go see Darien, now!' Serena thought.
Serena knocked on his bedroom door. No answer.
Then she turned the knob. It was opened.
'Okay, here goes. One, two, three....'
"Darien? Where are you? We've gotta talk!"
She walked over to his bed. It looked untouched.
'Where is he?'
Then, Artemis walked in. "My queen! What are you doing here?"
"Where is he Artemis?"
"Oh, the King left for battle this morning."
"Battle?"
"Yes. It seems the monsters have already gathered their troops and are ready to attack. He took heed to what you said yesterday, and joined our soldiers. I tried to stop him, but he didn't listen. Serena? Serena! Where are you going?"
"I'm going to help him!"
"Your majesty! You will get hurt! You both will."
"I have to Artemis!"
"Why?"
"Because...I love him."
"Well, then you'll need protection!"
"Huh? What do you mean?"
Artemis threw her a white crystal.
"It's the Imperium Silver Crystal! You can use it to destsroy the monsters. Your mother said to give it to you when you need it."
"How do I use it?"
"You will know when it is time."
"Thanks, Artemis."
"You better transform."
"Right...Moon Prism Power!"
Serena transformed into her battle suit.
Darien was with the soldiers, but dressed as the Black Knight. In this way, the monsters won't recognize him as the King, and get more confidence.
Soon the battle began. But it didn't look too goood for the planet Earth. Darien was fighting the leader of the monsters. Suddenly, his foot got caught on something. He couldn't pry it loose. It was the end of him. Just then, a voice was heard from above.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you!"
It was Serena.
"Huh? Oh, no, not another one. Come down and fight me if you dare!" cried the monster leader.
'Who is that?' Darien thought. 'It looks like Serena, but different in a way.
"You get your ugly hands off him!"
Then she slashed a scar on the monster's face.
"Aargh!" the creature snarled.
Then the monster turned around to strike her down.
Meanwhile the Black Knight had finally gotten his foot unstuck. He rushed to Serena's aid.
But the monster got a target set on Serena.
Then it struck a blow, but the Black Knight shielded her in time. The monster struck the Black Knight instead.
"Nooooo!" screamed Serena. Then she took her sword and plunged it into the monster's heart. It fell down dead.
Serena rushed to Darien's side.
"I don't think I'm going to make it my queen."
"Don't say that! You'll be okay!"
"I just want you to know that I do love you. I've loved you ever since that night we danced together."
"Oh, please don't say things like that! You'll be fine."
"I love you, Serena."
And he was gone.
"Noooo!" she cried. "I won't let you go."
Tears swelled in her eyes.
"Please let this work!"
She held out the Imperium Silver Crystal in her hands. Then placed it close to him. It started to glow. She used all her strength for it to work.
Darien's eyes opened. He was alive again.
"Serena. My love, you saved me. Serena?"
Serena also opened her eyes, but was weak. She gazed into his and smiled.
She felt happiness because he was alive once more. She was proud of what she did on her own.
"Serena, I need to tell you something. You see, it's me..." he began.
"Darien, I know it's you." Then she took his mask off.
"Are you disappointed?" he asked.
"Not at all." she answered.
"I only did it because I wanted to help the..." his voice trailed off when she put her fingers to his lips.
"Shhhhhh...I know, Darien." she began then she took a deep breath and said, "I love you."
Darien smiled and lovingly carressed her hair.
"May I finally kiss you?"
"I thought you'd never ask."
The End.
