Homecoming

Mina’s Tale II – Part 8

I’m glad that we only have a half-day of school on Saturday or Serena would be a total wreck, well, more a total wreck than usual. As it is she’s half way to a nervous breakdown waiting to meet Darien’s plane at five this afternoon. She was so nervous about meeting Darien that I found her at my door last night asking my parents if I could go with her to Nova’s apartment and spend the night. Serena has become very attached to Nova, which is understandable since she is really Nova’s niece and closest childhood friend besides, maybe, me. I was glad when my parents agreed. I quickly grabbed some clothes so I didn’t have to come back to get some school clothes in the morning. Nova welcomed us at the door and insisted that Serena and I sleep in his room while he was to sleep on the couch. Serena didn’t want him to give up his bed but Nova is very persuasive. He didn’t mind the move to the couch but I wish that he was sleeping with me but we haven’t gone that far since we were on the moon. I don’t think it’s appropriate for engaged teenagers to sleep in the same bed unless there are circumstances that allows it to happen and so far those circumstances hadn’t happen. Serena was extremely talkative during dinner even more so than usual for her. She was so concerned that Darien would not have the same feelings for her eight months later that she had almost worried herself sick. Darien and her had a big fight two days before he left. She didn’t want him to go but it was Serena’s father that told her that if their love was to last then time nor distance should bother the relationship. Serena agreed but still was scared that he would feel that she was trying to hold him back but she only wanted to keep him close out of a sense of selfishness. I know how she feels and I think I would have done the same even though I know that Nova loves me with all his heart.

Nova gave her the greatest words of comfort possible, “Serena, Darien and you are fated to be together just like Mina and I. Don’t worry, I would move heaven and hell to make my niece happy.” Serena thought for a second and then hugged Nova. He would do anything for his family. I reached under the table and squeezed Nova’s hand. I was proud of him. He really lifted Serena’s spirit in a time where she was down. Nova was on his game this week as he used his charm to persuade Mother to let us marry at Christmas. I was worried that we wouldn’t be together earlier than we thought but Nova came through in the end. The last thing that worried my parents was the thought that I would not be able to support myself if something happened in the marriage. They were afraid that I wouldn’t have an education or money to provide for myself. I knew that they would never forsake me but I understood their opposition to our early wedding. Nova solved the problem by providing me an irrevocable trust fund that I can access when I turned eighteen. The size of the trust fund was staggering to my parents and caused them to changed their mind when they saw that Nova was willing to support me and not only financially. I didn’t tell any of the Sailor Warriors but he has set up trust funds for all them. I didn’t realize that he had that much money but I remembered that he increased his funds many fold when he was a small boy so why couldn’t he do it again when he was older and had more experience. I didn’t care about the money. I was going to be with Nova for the rest of our lives. I was going to be his wife in just five months. I can hardly wait a day but I would have waited a lifetime for Nova. I love him with all my heart.

I took Serena’s mind off her problem by breaking out some bridal magazines that I bought that afternoon on the way home from school. I stopped at the newsstand and started to look through the various magazines to find the one that I wanted but Nova insisted that I buy them all. I always forget that he’s been around me for ten years so he knows my mood and habits. I asked him as we walked away if he could live the rest of his life with me. He told me, “I would never marry a woman that I could live with the rest of my life. I want a woman that I can’t live without.” I wrapped my arm inside his and held it close to me. How can you not love someone who thinks that way?

I needed to find the perfect gown for the wedding. Serena, Chibi and myself spread the magazines across the table and started the look at each one as a group. It’s strange. Here I was preparing for a wedding with my daughter. Usually, a child comes after the wedding and not months before … well, at least in my family but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Nova and I did have to make one compromise for the early wedding. We promised my parents that we would use birth control until after we graduated from high school. It makes me somewhat sad that I had to wait to carry Nova’s child in me but if that stipulation allowed us to get married. I agreed to it with all my heart. The children will come later and with the new enemy gathering his strength it may not be a good time to bring a child into the world.

I did take some time out of the magazine hunt to sit with Nova on the couch to watch the moon rise. It’s a ritual with us. Every night I would sit on the couch by Nova with my head on his shoulder and his arm draped across mine. It’s so quiet when we were there just silently watching that golden orb rise above the horizon. I could tell that he missed his home in the sky but it would still be a while before everything settled down where we could live on the moon again. One day, I want to be on the moon looking at the Earth with my hands on my swollen belly. I want our child to be born on the moon like his or her sister. I can hear the two of them at the table arguing over how long my wedding gown’s train should be and how it should be made. The two of them are just alike, so much alike that it surprises me sometimes. Serena has changed so much in the past two weeks and I think that some of her worry is that Darien will not like the change but she doesn’t have to worry; he love her no matter what she’s like.

We were all nervous when we met to go to school. All the others, including Raye, met at our apartment to go to school with Serena. We were there to keep her company and her spirits in check. Chibi took the lead with Raye in hand with the other Sailors trailing. Nova and I brought up the rear. He was deep in thought and I hoped that just by holding his hand I would help get him through any problem. “Nova, what’s wrong? If you talk about it maybe I can help.” Nova squeezed my hand, “Love, I was just thinking that I’m going to meet one of my generals today. The others are lost but Darien is still here. I was close to them for they were the vanguard of the High Guards. They were the leaders and not in name only. They were always in the first wave because they would not let anyone do something or face overwhelming odds if they wouldn’t face the same. They were part of our extended family.” Nova sighed and I felt a sadness in his thoughts, “Nova, are you unhappy here?” He looked at me and hugged me then slipped an arm around my waist as we started walking. “Mina, I can never be unhappy when you are at my side. It’s just that it’s hard to adjust to everything new. This world is a different place than the Silver kingdom. In some ways it’s better and some worst but no matter what I would never trade it for anything because you are here with me. Together, we can overcome anything that the universe can throw at us.” His thoughts lightened and I held him close to me. He was happy and I was the reason. I rejoiced to myself for the simple fact that I was his world. Everything that he loved flowed through me. It was a great responsibility but I accepted it without reservation.

School crawls slowly when you are waiting for something to happen but for Serena it seemed to drag on forever. We tried to comfort her in the last few months but except for letters, phone calls, and a few photos, she hasn’t seen Darien for over eight months. His study program had finished in America and he was coming home. Even though I have been with Nova for a short period of time, I don’t know if I could handle him being gone for more than a couple days; maybe not even that short period of time. We were all going to meet at Nova’s and go as a group to the airport. Serena insisted that we all go with her. I don’t know if she wants to share her joy on his return or she wants the support of her family. It doesn’t really matter according to Nova. “She’s a part of us and if it joy or sorrow, we must be there for her. But, it will be joy. Don’t worry your pretty head over things that are destined.”

After school we went and picked up Chibi. Raye was already at Chibi’s school when we arrived. I glad that all the Sailors love the little girl. I never will have to worry about her; she had so many “aunts” to take care of her that she never be alone. It’s wonderful having my family together. I never knew what I was missing in my life before Nova gave me back my memories. I have a handsome fiancé, a beautiful daughter, and so many sisters that I almost can’t count them. I look at them gathering around my daughter and think what Nova said a long time ago about the large number of rooms in each wing in the Fortress. We may be Sailor Warriors destined to fight the other but we are still women and one day I think we may fill those rooms. I know that I want to start trying to have a family after we graduate from high school and as for Serena, well; she is still having a problem understanding the ring that Darien gave her before he left for America the first time. She’s getting smarter everyday, I wonder if she really realize what that ring means to her and Darien. Well, she’ll find out one day.

We all had to get out of our uniforms and dressed to meet Darien at the airport. Nova’s apartment is rather small for the large number of people that we had at the present especially with Nova present. Nova decided that this matter was no problem as he changed into a girl. It still amazes me when he does things like changing sex at the drop of a hat. I think that sometimes he does it for shock value. Needless to say that his solution did not coincide with the rest of us so outside the apartment appeared a young girl appeared dressed in male attire. Well, at least until the rest of us had changed our clothes. “I can’t understand what’s wrong. It’s not like I never seen a girl’s body before. Well, look here, what do you think these are?” He opened his shirt and squeezed his breast. “Now, tell me that you have seen these on a boy?” We started laughing and Erica hugged Nova. “Nova, don’t feel bad. Would you believe that those two,” she pointed to Serena and myself, “thought that I was a boy?” Nova thought for a second, “Well, some senses don’t run in the female side of the royal family.” Unfortunately the pillow that I threw at Nova missed and hit Erica and soon a pillow fight broke out in the living room. I felt someone grab my hand and quickly pulled me towards Nova’s bedroom. I looked at the other end of my arm and saw Nova. He closed the door and gave me a quick kiss as he started to remove his uniform. I didn’t worry or was embarrassed; he was still female so it was all right for him to get undress in front of me. He started looking at some dresses and blouses that he purchased for when he was female. I stepped in front of him, “Love, don’t you dare wear a dress to meet Darien. He’s going to be confused enough just seeing you. He gained his memories when you gave ours’ back but I don’t think that he’s ready to meet you in a dress.” Nova put back the dress and picked out a shirt and pants. “Okay, but I saw some outfits at the store yesterday that you have to promise we will try tomorrow. Maybe we can get the same outfits and I’ll change myself to look like you and we can go somewhere as twins.” With those words, Nova changed into an exact duplicate of me. It’s scary that he can look like and mimic anyone’s actions at a moment’s notice. I guess that would be a good thing but something I really needs to put my foot down when he gets strange but maybe a shopping trip would do him or her good.

Actually, I didn’t care what form Nova was in these days. I love him no matter what shape or attitude. I guess that’s what true love is about – only worrying about him being near you and not worrying what others think. As Nova was putting on his shoes, I heard a tiny knock on the door. “Mom, is it okay to come in?” “Yes, Little One, it’s fine.” The door opened and I saw a lovely little face peek around the doorframe. She saw that Nova was dressed and shouted behind her, “They’re ready. Go ahead and call the vans.” Nova had rented two vans to take us all to the airport. Serena wanted us all there to wish Darien a welcome home to Japan and she thought that we all needed to be there when he meets Nova. Nova reached over and grabbed my hand. How small my hand feels in his. Nova is not a large man but his hands always feel larger and warmer than mine. I walked by his side into the living room where he held his other hand out to Serena. She reached out and took it and smiled at him. I looked around the room and all the Sailors where taking each other’s hands. We were ready to go to the airport. We will bring together the final piece that we needed, the last of Nova’s generals.

I grabbed the back seat of one of the vans with Nova close in tow. I wanted some minutes “alone” with him. We, of course, are not alone but far from it. I nestled into his arms as we traveled to the airport. My head is on his shoulder and my arms wrapped themselves around his waist. It’s my favorite position when I was with Nova. I heard Serena in the front talking to Raye. Serena is still uncertain about Darien but Raye pointed out, “He waited this long for you so don’t think that eight months away from you will change his mind. In fact I don’t know what he sees”, she cut her words off before she completed the sentence. “He loves you more than you can imagine, Serena. He’ll be happy to see you no matter what.” I saw Raye hug Serena. They may fight but they are family, my family, and we will always be there in the end. Nova leaned his head against mine. This gesture is our secret sign for me to link to his mind. “Mina, I wish there was more that I could do for Serena. Darien loves her more than anything in the universe but she’s still troubled. He has a surprise for her when they meet and I wish that I could tell her. It would settle her down but he asked me to keep it a secret.” I squeezed him tight. “Are you keeping secrets from me? I am heartbroken that you don’t trust me with everything. Am I not your best friend and soul mate?” I must have caught him by surprise because I could hear him mentally stuttered. “Well, I’ll tell you only if you promise not to tell anyone.” I promised him and he related the past week’s discussion between himself and Darien. When he told me the secret, I wanted to shout it out but I had promised. “That’s wonderful news, love, but how do you think Serena will take the news.” Nova sighed and kissed the top of my head, “I don’t know, Darling, but we will be there to help her understand if necessary.” I turned my head and kissed his arm. I said a little prayer for my friend to understand what Darien was going to ask her.”

We arrived at the airport on time. Darien’s plane will be landing in a few minutes and Serena’s a nervous wreck with her hundreds of different outcomes of her meeting with Darien. Nova stayed close to her and she held on to him as if her life depended on it. Suddenly, we heard, “Serena!” We looked up and there was Darien coming towards us. He held his arms wide as Serena ran to him. He swept her up in his arms and swung her around. “Darling, I am so glad to be back.” Serena never got a chance to say anything as he crushed his lips to her. After about fifteen seconds, he released his hold on her lips and she said, “Hi.” Only that single word and nothing else. He looked down on the small girl and lifted her left hand to his lips. With a great purpose he kissed the ring that he gave her when he left for America the first time. “I’m glad that you’re still wearing this on your hand.” Serena blushed, “The Sailors helped me understand what you wanted to say with this ring and if I’m not mistaken the answer is Yes. A thousand times, Yes.”

Darien smiled, “No, Serena, you’re not mistaken. I do want to marry you.” He hugged her close to him and he saw the rest of us waiting to greet him. We all came closer and hugged him until only Nova hadn’t greeted him. Nova came forward, “Darien, it’s been such a long time.” Darien moved away from us and approached Nova. As he stood in front of Nova, I could tell that he wanted to get down on one knee and pledge his devotion to him but Nova wouldn’t let him. “Darien, all titles are gone. You are just Darien and I’m Nova. We are close friends and family.” Darien looked at Nova. Nova opened his arms and the two embraced. It’s touching to see them. They are a vital part of us and we all love them.

Darien stood by Nova and gestured for Serena and us to come to them. “I was saving a surprise for later but this seems a good time to make the announcement.” Darien cleared his throat, “As you all know, Mina and Nova are getting married at Christmas and you must have assumed that I would be his best man and Serena would be Mina’s bride maid be I’m afraid that we can’t.” I looked at Serena who was almost crying just thinking that she would not be part of the wedding party. Darien held her in his arms, “Serena, don’t cry. We can’t because Nova has talked your parents into letting us get married at the same time.” Serena looked puzzled for a few seconds and then it sank in. She kissed Darien and turned to Nova. “Thank you, you gave me the greatest Christmas present that I could hope for.” She embraced Nova and kissed him. All the Sailors joined the trio and we had a group hug. We all wished the newly engaged couple our best wishes.

We went back to Nova’s apartment to celebrate Darien’s return and his engagement to Serena. All our parents arrived to help us celebrate our great joy. I did find out the promise that Darien had to make to Serena’s parents. It was similar to what Nova and I promised my parents. We will not think about starting a family until after high school but Darien also promised that he would have a job that would support Serena and him comfortably. Susan and Nova provided him with that opportunity. They hired him to head the production side of their new corporation: Silver Kingdom Inc. I found out that all the Sailor Warriors was equal shareholders in the company but it was Susan and Nova that invested all the operating monies to start the company. The corporation was newly formed but already had five contracts with teenaged idols. It has been rated as the number one investment opportunity in Japan. Nova does things in a big way including starting his own business. Truthfully, it’s a comfort to know that we wouldn’t have to worry about money. Nova had seen that we had everything that we needed.

Mrs. Tsukino and my mother were already making arrangements to get together next week to start planning the double wedding ceremony. Everyone agreed that the ceremony had to take place at the shrine and Raye’s grandfather had to perform the ceremony. It’s strange; the two most important events in my life will take place at the shrine. The first event was the return of Nova and the second is when I become his wife and the mother of his child. I can’t wait for that day. Everyone gathered around the living room’s table looking over the bridal magazine that I purchased when I noticed Darien and Nova out on the balcony. I didn’t want to ease drop on them but I saw Nova motioned to me. I crossed the room and went out the patio door to where they were standing. Nova placed an arm around me and I saw Serena right behind me. Darien held her tight to his body.

Nova looked at the moon, “You may hear what we were discussing.” Nova held me tight against his body. “I can feel the Negaverse gaining in strength. There are five entities strengthening on the Black Moon that was the asteroid Styx. There is a part of the Unstoppable, not the whole creature but enough to give us trouble. It’s the others that bother me. Each represents some aspect of the horror that they will visit upon the earth. They are avatars that represents a horror that will visited upon the Earth.” Serena leaned against Darien, “Nova, is there some way to stop them?” Nova rested his chin on my shoulder and pressed his cheek to mine, “Something is preventing me from seeing what we need to do to stop this new onslaught. The only thing that I know is that together the Sailors has the power to defeat anything that is thrown at us. Each of the four being is counteracted by a single Sailor but I can’t tell which Sailor is counterbalanced against each avatar.” I can tell that he was worried. I twisted around in his arms and looked at his face. Such sadness raged upon it. Not the sadness of defeat but a sadness of the unknown. “Nova, when will they attack?” Nova looked into that realm that only he and Susan sees. “Not soon, there is still a period of time where they have to wait for us to gather our strength. The universe is balancing the sides in the upcoming battle. It has a schedule that is known only to itself but I don’t think the universe would allow our wedding to be disturbed.” I didn’t understand, why would the universe care about what happens to two small pieces of its puzzle? Nova must have sensed my confusion, “Mina, the universe would not stand in my marriage to you because it would have to answer to me. Nothing will prevent you from becoming my bride, not even the universe.” I nuzzled close to Nova his body warmed me against the sea breeze. How can you not believe someone that would challenge the universe for you? I feel so loved at this moment. I was safe and warm. I had everything that I need to be happy but the future still worried me but for tonight I’m not concerned.

What are the four beings that worry Nova but more importantly what’s in store at Christmas for our group? Is the wedding going go without a problem? Stay tuned for the next chapter, “Double Ceremony”.