Title: Apples & Oranges
Author: Marie J.W.
Chapter: Six / The Orchards
Rated: PG
Email: angellady41@hotmail.com


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 Serenity woke up with a loud drumming in her ears. What happened?  
Serenity struggled to open her eyes but that only made her head hurt.  
She resisted the urge to find out what was going on and tried to relax.  
Quieted, she realized the drumming was her own heartbeat echoing up to  
her ears. The room was so silent. Where am I? What happened?
 A heavy door opened before the sound of soft shoes approached her.
"Serenity... Serenity... Are you awake?"
 Serenity moaned, not able to tell her any other way.
"Oh... thank the goodness! Lita was so worried about you." The voice  
sounded familiar to the girl, "I'm going to check your head. Can you  
open your eyes?"
 Serenity tried to shake her head but it hurt too much.
"Never mind, just hold still."
 Serenity felt soft hands touch her forehead before making it's way to  
the top of her head. It felt slightly sore there when she touched it.  
 "Sorry." The woman apologized when Serenity winced.
The door slammed open, making Serenity's head throb.
 "Is she okay?" This time Serenity knew this voice. It was Lita.
"Please, keep it down."
 "Sorry Amy. How is she? She's not... you know..."
"She'll be fine. However, I think she's going to need a lot of  
time recuperating. Her head has had quiet a blow."
 Lita sank down on the bed next to Serenity's still form, "I'll never  
forgive myself if she doesn't heal. I was such an idiot! I totally  
forgot about her!"
 Amy sighed sympathetically, "At least the prince wasn't hurt too bad.  
He was only bruised."
 Lita snorted, "Who cares about Prince Conceited."
"Lita!"
 "You know as well as I do that he's a pain. Ever since we first arrived  
he's been ignoring us as well as insulting us behind our backs. If it  
weren't for Ray and her bold announcement he'd probably think we raced  
to get here." Lita's voice dripped with discus.
 "I won't hear another thing about it, Lita. One of us will have to  
marry him weather we like it or not. It's our duty. Just think of him  
as your brother in law if it makes it easier."
 Lita shook her head, "If you marry him, I'll start a war."
Amy giggled, "That's a nice thought but I'd rather live in peace. Besides,  
who said you aren't going to marry the prince?"
 Lita turned her nose up, "I'll run away before that happeneds. Right now,  
I'm just here for the fun of it."
 "Fun?"
"Yes, you know, visiting far off worlds and such. Next I'm off to Venus."
 "You've been to Venus."
"Only for five minutes while we picked up Mina."
 "I don't see the difference."
Lita rolled her eyes, "Anyway, how did we get on this subject?"
 "You were saying you were here just for the fun and not to get married."
"Right."
 Someone knocked lightly on the door, stopping the girls from furthering  
their conversation.
 "Come in." Amy called.
Greg opened the door and walked in, "Excuse me ladies, the generals and I  
were wondering how Serenity is doing." He gave a short bow before  

approaching the bed.
 "She'll be fine in a week or so." Amy smiled kindly at Greg.
Greg smiled back. The two stared at each other.
 Lita grinned, "WELL... now that you've been informed, why don't you take  
Amy away and show here the gardens."
 Amy snapped out of her stare, "I've already seen the gardens."
"You want to see them again, though, right?"
 "Huh? Lita, you're not making any sense." Amy stood up, ready to take  
Lita's temperature.
 Lita shook her head, "I'll take care of Serenity. You just... go have a  
little fun."
 "But Lita-"
"I think Princess Jupiter wants to get rid of us, you're Highness." Greg  
smiled with a twinkle in his eye.
 Amy sighed, "Well, I suppose we can go for a walk."
"Wonderful! See you in a hour or so!"
 "A hour!" Amy protested before Greg shut the door.
Lita giggled, "If the prince marries Amy I WILL start a war! Greg is perfect  
for her!"
 Serenity, the whole time had been listening. It seemed that the Princesses  
were falling for the wrong "prince charming". I wonder who will wisk Lita  
off... Serenity's thoughts trailed off as she fell asleep.

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 Maggie, Nick and Garneth came to visit Serenity while she stayed at the  
palace. Maggie was always bringing something, weather it was homemade bread,  
a quilt or a song. Nick told jokes that made Serenity want to laugh so hard  
it would make her head hurt and Garneth would come and tell her stories  
and myths that belonged to the Earth people.
 Soon, Serenity was well enough to walk around the palace. Her head hurt  
only when people shouted or knocked things down. The princess hadn't seen  
the prince in all that time. She wondered if he was all right but was afraid  
of asking Amy or Lita - who were her most frequent visitors-. Finally,  
deciding to take things into her own hands, Serenity ventured out of  
her designated room. The halls were miraculously empty.
 The princess looked left then right before turning down the hall towards  
the Prince's bedroom. Was he out or was he well enough to walk around?  
Serenity wasn't sure which one she was hoping for, the first thought or  
the second.
 Serenity stopped in front of the Prince's chambers and knocked lightly on  
the door.
 Silence.
"Prince Darien?"
 Silence.
Serenity sighed, disappointed, before turning around and heading down the  
hall. She walked two feet before the sound of a door opening caught  
her attention. The blonde turned around. Prince Darien stood in the doorway  
with his royal blue robe on and his hair a mess.
 "Sorry, I took so long to answer." He apologized sleepily.
Serenity's eyes widened, "Oh, no... I'm sorry to wake you. I just..."  
she trailed off.
 "Wondering about me?" He finished for her.
Serenity nodded.
 "Are you all right?"
"Depends what you call 'all right'. Are you okay? I've heard that you had  
quiet a head ache."
 Serenity smiled, glad that he took some interest in her well being, "I'll  
be as good as new in a few days." Serenity cleared her throat, "Well... I  
just wanted to know... I mean I wanted to make sure that you weren't  
badly injured."
 Darien smiled to himself.
"I guess now that I know you'll survive..."
 "Do you want to go on a walk?" Darien asked simply.
"Huh? Oh... I don't know... Do you?"
 Darien nodded.
Serenity brightened, "I'd love to."

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 Somehow, during the night of the hurricane Serenity and Darien had grown  
to care for each other. Neither one knew how they had but they did. Darien  
took every opportunity while she was there to show her the gardens, the  
library, and the cellar (just in case of an emergency).
 Serenity enjoyed every minute with the prince. The princesses as well as  
the generals often saw Serenity and Darien walking in the garden or reading  
in the library.
 And amazingly enough Darien just about forgot about the mysterious princess  
as he was too taken with the enchanting maiden in front of him.
  
 Three days later Chad ran in the sunroom where Ray, Amy and Mina along  
with Greg and Andy were sitting.
 Chad quickly bowed to the princesses, not forgetting his stations in his  
hurry, before walking swiftly up to Andy, "I rode out to the orchard  
this afternoon and it's been thrashed! The whole orchard is laying on  
the ground!"
 Andy stood up, "Does the Queen and King know?"
"I haven't informed them yet. The hurricane did some major damage."
 The girls stood up, alarmed. They hadn't seen the orchard yet and were  
hopping to see it soon. However, it looked like nature had other things  
in mind. Ray as well as the other girls knew the Queen would be devastated  
by their loss. The Queens orchard was her favorite part of the palace  
grounds.
 "Inform their Majesty's. We'll go and see what can be done." Andy  
motioned Greg to follow him.
 "Wait! We're coming too!" Mina and the girls went after the two  
generals.

```````````````````````````````

 Serenity looked around the rose garden. Where did he go? He was here a  
minute ago. The princess turned around surveying the grounds.
 Serenity pouted and put her hands on her hips, "Did he just leave me  
here?"
"Hardly." Prince Darien came up behind her and wrapped his arms around  
her shoulders.
 Serenity started with a squeal before quickly turning around, "Don't scare  
me like that!"
 Darien stepped back and looked at her, "I'm sorry."
"Apology accepted."
 "No, I'm sorry about what I said the first day we met."
Serenity's mouth fell open. She'd almost forgotten about that day. She  
smiled, "That's the nicest thing you've said so far."
 Darien gave her a half smile before grabbing her hand, "Come on, I want  
to show you something."
 What could he possibly want to show me! He's already brought me around  
the whole palace.
  
 The two arrived at the stables.
"What are we doing here?" Serenity looked around at the beautiful horses  
in their stalls.
 "We're going for a ride."
"Where?"
 "That's a surprise."
Darien pulled out a chocolate colored mare, "Get on."
 "What?"
"Haven't you've ridden a horse before?"
 Serenity blushed and shook her head. She'd only been informed about  
horses a few weeks ago. She'd never actually been on one.
 Darien looked at the horse then at her, "Um that does cause a problem  
then, doesn't it?" Darien thought about what to do then finally shrugged  
his shoulders, "Well, then I guess this is as good as time as any to  
learn."
 Serenity backed up, "Oh... no... I think I'll just walk."
"You can't walk to where we're going."
 "Then can we just stay here?"
"No. Here I'll help you on then I'll tell you what to do."
 Serenity sighed and complied.
Prince Darien helped her on then told her the basic instructions on how to  
lead the horse and how to stop it.
 Serenity felt a little nervous as she was sitting high on a horse that  
she'd never ridden.
 Darien mounted his own horse before trotting out of the stables.
Serenity followed.
  
 `````````````````````````````````

 Queen Serenity stared at herself in the mirror. Her eyes were tired and  
her face looked old and warn. I need to get some sleep. Serenity thought  
to herself. Ever since, she had figured out what that energy drain was  
she was too excited to sleep. They could find her daughter any day  
now... couldn't they? And Queen Serenity wanted to be up and ready when  
her daughter came home.
 Queen Serenity looked at herself once again. However, I don't think it  
would be that impressive if my daughter came home to a drugged looking  
mother.
 With that thought, Queen Serenity stood up and lay down on her bed. She  
pulled the pillow next to her chest and rested her head on the top end of  
it, "Come home, little moon bunny, please come home..."

```````````````````````````````````

  "What's that?" Serenity stared at a green looking lump sitting at the side  
of the pond.
 Darien looked at Serenity oddly. That was the sixth time she'd asked about  
some animal or plant since they left. Where was this girl from anyway?
 "It's a frog, Serenity."
"What's frog?"
 "Uh..." Darien cleared his throat, "It lives by the water and it eats  
flies. I don't know how else to put it."
 Serenity's nose wrinkled, "Ewe... eat flies?"
Darien laughed, "Yeah, it does."
 They passed the pond, the whole while Darien tried to figure out who  
she was and why she was here. It didn't make sense.
 "Serenity, you weren't born here, were you?"
Serenity shook her head, "No... I... I was born on another planet. It's  
not near as pretty as this though."
 "What is the planet called?"
Serenity looked at him, "Why are you asking?"
 Darien started, "O... uh... Curiosity."
Serenity sighed, "The Dark Planet."
 Darien's brow furrowed, "Dark Planet? I've never heard of that."
"I'm guessing it's far away from here. That's why I'm still trying to figure  
out how my brother found me so fast. It doesn't make sense."
 "You're brother?"
"Yes... Prince Nat."
 Darien looked at her confused before realization dawned on him, "Oh, you  
mean Prince Nattian." Once the words were out of his mouth he nearly fell  
off his horse. He quickly grabbed the rains before choking back the outburst  
he was about to give.
 Serenity continued on a head of him, not noticing the shocked look on his  
face.
 Darien quickly caught up to her, "Serenity, Princess Serenity."
"Hum?"
 "No. You are a princess?"
"Yes... so?"
 "You never told me! That's what."
"I thought the princesses would have."
 Darien looked down at the back of the horse's head, "A princess." It was  
odd yet so right for the girl. Wait a minute, "I thought Nattian is from  
the planet Grace."
 "That planet doesn't exist. Nat made that up because it sounded much  
better then the Dark Planet."
 "Wow, wait until my father finds out."
Serenity looked at Prince Darien, "I... would prefer if you didn't tell  
him just yet."
 "Is there a reason?"
"My brother likes it here. If... he finds this place inconvenient, he might  
go back to Dark Planet... taking me with him." Serenity looked right at  
Darien, "I ran away from home, that's why he's here. If he goes back he'll  
take me with him and I WON'T go back! Please don't tell the King."
 Darien was surprised by her plea. What else did he not know about her?
 Darien gave a silent nod.
Serenity was a very strange girl... a very strange girl indeed.

``````````````````````````````````````````

  Natia appeared among a strange looking planet. She looked around to  
find several peasants going to market-to-market, buying goods. What a  
primitive people. Natia thought. Where is the King or Queen of this  
planet? Natia walked among the "little people" looking for someone that  
looked wise or full of knowledge.
 Finally, she spotted a man buying corn. He was tall and he looked  
quiet handsome, "Peasant, come here."
 The man looked behind him before looking at her again, "Are you talking  
to me?" The man looked insulted.
 Natia didn't catch the look, "Yes, you!"
"My name is Garneth, not peasant, Miss." Garneth walked up to her, "Got  
that?"
 Natia waved her hand in annoyance, "Where is the Queen's palace? I need  
to have a talk with her about a certain run away."
 Garneth started laughing, "You just want to walk up to the palace and say,  
'I want to talk to the Queen'? Are you crazy? Does she know you?"
 Natia glared at the incompetent man, "No, and I don't need an invitation.  
I am the Princess of the Dark Planet."
 "The Dark Planet? Sure... okay, well if you really want to be thrown in  
prison, the Palace is that way." He pointed, "Make sure you inform them who  
you are. That might help them do their job better." Garneth shook his head  
and turned to leave, "Crazy woman."
 "Excuse me! I won't be talked about in that manner, low peasant."
Garneth ignored the girl and disappeared into the crowd.
 "I can't believe the way I've been treated!" Natia clenched her fists  
and started walking towards the palace.

```````````````````````````````````````

 Nat lifted his head from the book he was reading. He could feel his  
sister's energy near by. So, she found me already, did she? Oh well, this  
little charade was fun while it lasted.
 Nat closed the book. He found Earth's history very interesting. There were  
a lot of wars and victories among these strange humans. They seemed to be  
strong half the time then weak the other half.
 "Prince Nattian, there you are." Queen Agasta walked up beside him, "Have  
you seen my son? He was in my sight a few minutes ago and now I can't seem  
to find him anywhere."
 "No, your Majesty, I haven't seen him." Nat looked at the Queen with  
serious contemplation, "You're history is quiet amazing. Could you tell  
me where I might attain a few books of my own."
 Queen Agasta smiled, "Oh, of course. I'll have Prince Darien take you  
to town... as soon as I find him. I'm sure he won't mind."
 "Your Majesty." Chad walked in, "I have some important news to  
report."
"Oh? What is it?"
 Chad looked at Nattian then at the Queen. She didn't seem to mind.
"Your Orchard... it's gone. The hurricane destroyed it." Chad looked at  
the Queen. She stared at him before pursing her lips together in worry,  
"How much of it?"
 "The whole thing. Both the apples and the oranges have been destroyed.  
I'm sorry Queen Agasta."
 "It's not your fault." she gave a short smile, "I guess this means...  
we have to start over again... doesn't it?"
 Chad was surprised at how well she took the news, "Yes, of course,  
I'll make sure it is done immediately."
 Nat was intrigued, "Do you mind if I come with you?"
Chad shook his head, "Come if you like. The rest of the generals are  
already there."
 Nat stood up and followed Chad out of the room.
Queen Agasta sat down in Nattian's place. My orchards... my  
beautiful orchards...

```````````````````````````````````````
  
 Serenity gasped at what lay a head of them. A whole field of trees lay  
helpless on the ground. Their braches were spread like a blanket along  
with their beautiful green leaves.
 Darien's mouth fell open, "The orchard."
Serenity looked at his white face. This was the place he wanted to take  
her. However, it looked like this wasn't what he was expecting.
 "What happened?"
Darien dismounted his horse and took the rains, "The hurricane... it took  
it all."
 Serenity dismounted, sliding to the ground she gripped the horse rains,  
"This was an orchard?"
 Darien glanced at her, "Yes..."
Prince Darien didn't know what to think. They had all worked so hard to  
get these trees to grow. First, they wouldn't grow together so they planted  
them apart, then they wouldn't grow period. Finally, one of the farmers came  
up with the right kind of soil and they bloomed.
 How could they have been destroyed?

 Serenity felt sorry for the small apple trees. She could tell that they  
once stood beautifully among each other, shading the green grass beneath  
them.  
 "Prince Darien!" Andy ran up to the two, "I'm sorry you had to see  
this."
Darien shook his head, "Does the Queen know?"
 "Chad is telling her."
Darien nodded, "What's next?"
 "Greg is talking to the farmer to come up with some solutions."
Princess Mars and Venus ran up to them.
 "It's terrible, isn't it?" Ray asked, "The Queen was so proud of them."
Mina sighed. She could tell that all of the generals thought of these trees  
as something terribly special. Mina caught sight of Serenity for the first  
time, "Princess, you came as well."
 Serenity nodded, "What do you know so far?"
Mina looked at the trees behind them, "Just that somehow, we're going to  
fix it."
 Serenity nodded and started walking towards the fallen trees alone while  
the rest stayed behind to talk to Prince Darien.
 How could nature let this happen to these trees? They worked so hard to  
grow and to become something. Serenity continued her walk, every step made  
her heart fall lower. In the Dark Planet, no tree had any chance of  
growing... to become something... but here... here she thought that nature  
had its chance! WHY did this have to happen?
 Serenity couldn't understand.
A tear slipped down her cheek as she fell down to her knees. She brushed  
her hands along the bark of the apple tree. I wish someone could help you.  
Amy helped me but what could she do for a tree that looks as bad as you  
do?
 I wish 'someone' could help you...
A tiny light starting at the palm of her hand startled her. Serenity pulled  
her hand away from the tree; the light was gone. What was that?

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 Queen Serenity bolted up in bed, "LUNA!" She screamed as she pushed herself  
off the bed. The Queen ran down the hall to Luna's chambers.
 The cat adviser wasn't there.
"LUNA! I know where she is!" Queen Serenity continued to yell repeatedly as  
she raced down the halls.
 Servants stopped to stare at their Queen.
"She must be having those dreams again..."

````````````````````````````````````

 Beryl stared at her cup of wine, "I'm going to have to get rid of them.  
They're all trouble to me. Nat and his sister will be easy... but what to  
do about Serenity? That brat!" Queen Beryl clenched her fist. "If it wasn't  
for that darn bracelet, she'd be dead years ago!"
 Beryl glared at the wall... "If they ever return... they will regret  
it."

````````````````````````````````````

 My hand. How did I do that? Serenity turned her hand over several times  
before putting her hand on the bark again. Nothing happened.
 That was odd.

 "I have a garden, a lovely garden, one that I love to see..."

 Serenity looked around. Where was that voice coming from? It sounded  
familiar.

"...One day you'll have a garden, a lovely garden, one that will love you...  
you see..."

 Her heart sped up. That voice! I know that voice! Serenity felt something  
warm press against her forehead. She bent down, covering her forehead with  
her hands. Whose voice is that?

"...It will be your garden, all your own garden..."

"...You will still love me..."

 "Stop it!" Serenity started to sob. Her heart couldn't take it! It yearned  
to see the face of that voice! She had an unmistakable feeling of  
homesickness. "STOP IT! I don't want to hear it!"

The song repeated in her ears, calling to her.

 Serenity sobbed harder, tears caressed her face and fell down on her blue  
silk skirt. She started to rock back and forth. Stop it...

 "...You will still love me..."



(To Be Continued...)


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 ::Sniff... Sniff:: That was sooo sad! At least for me anyway. I hope  
everyone liked it!

 Thanks for read'in Minna-chan!