Learning to Love Again By: Eternal Star Princess (eternal_star_princess@yahoo.com) Notice: I do not own Sailor Moon! Tough I wish I did. These following character: Erik, Kimberly, Jon, Alyssa, Ronan and Logan are all figments of my imagination and Aria (STAR) and Sierra (Sun) and Troy (Golden Knight) are ideas from other fan fics from which I do not remember! And last of all I want to thank all of those from the PUSMS (yes you know who you are) List for your suggestions in writing my sequel to Bitter Memories! Thanks All You List Buddies! ~Eternal Star Princess~ Now on with the story: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It was a gloomy, cloudy day; the sky looked as if were going to burst at any time. Thunder rolled; rattling windows, reflecting the bright blue-white flashes of lightning, but nothing could dim the brightness in one girl's eyes. She had received a letter from a university in the United States. She had been accepted, into the university. After nearly twenty minutes of joyous celebration she calmed, deciding that she should go tell the love of her life, Darien. As she walked down the empty streets, her heart raced in fear; she didn't know what would happen between them. She was going to be moving to the United States, and he...would he stay here, or might he move out to the U.S. with her. Looking up she noticed she was out front his apartment. She was about to knock when she over heard a conversation. "Katie, listen you know I love you, but..." "Will you let me finish?" "Come on that's not what I'm trying to tell you." "You know I love..." That was all she heard before she blocked out everything else. Tears formed in her eyes, she now understood why he had been distant from her lately; he loved another. Not wanting to lose control of her emotions, she ran as fast as she could; home, her salvation from the cruel world that lay outside. Sitting at her desk, thankful that Luna was with Mina and Artemis today, she pulled out a small stack of binder paper; page after page she crumpled or tore them into pieces, the words just did not want to come to her at the time. Giving up she tried one last time. Finally succeeding in getting the main point she wanted she folded the paper neatly placing it in a pink envelope. She knew she had to go back, but the pain was telling her not to go. *What am I going to do? I can't stay here anymore. Once Darien gets this letter he will be sure to hunt me down, probably to tell me that what I had head was true, he did love someone else.* She sat staring out the window, a blank expression on her face. Sadness was clearly visible in her eyes as she realized what she had to do. She quickly scribbled another letter to her friends and to Luna. My friends, Troy, Luna...I am sorry. I am sad to say that I cannot remain here anymore. My heart has been torn one too many times. The pain is too much. So the only thing that I can do to relieve the pain is to leave Japan. I cannot say where I am going, but I can say that I will most likely never return. I know my destiny is to be the Queen of Earth, but I was once told destiny can be changed...well that is what I am going to do. I will live to remainder of my life as a normal person. Luna I know you will hate me for this, but I turn you over to Mina, if she can do a good job at taking care of Artemis then I am sure she can take care of you as well. Troy...I know we haven't been reunited for long, but some things are meant to be. I hope one day I will get to see you again. Please know that my heart will always be here with you. It is time to let fate take my life in its hands. I will let fate show me my path in life. When you see Darien, please tell him in my mind I will always love him, but my heart no longer belongs to him, and all that is in my letter is the truth. I'm sorry to say this is the end. I have nothing more to say, so now it is time to move on. Love Always, Serena Folding the she placed it in a plain white envelope. She left it on the desk as she went off working on packing all of the important things she would need. Four hours later, Serena stood outside her door. Slipping the white envelope in the thin gap between the door and the door jam, she turned to the taxi waiting down the steps. After she had all of her four duffel bags placed in the trunk she was on her way to the airport. Knowing very well that once she got there, there would be no turning back; she continued on her way. On the way to the airport she made on quick stop at Darien's apartment, not even knocking she just placed the pink envelope in the door jam. When he opened his door he would be sure to see the envelope fall. Sitting on his couch he stared out the patio windows, not even paying attention to the television, he eventually dozed off. Curious as to see if his mail had come, he got up to look. As he opened the door his eyes focused on one thing. The thing that caught his attention was the pink envelope that floated down to the ground, lying there waiting to be picked up. He picked it. Opening it up revealed a single sheet of binder paper. It read this: Darien, Knowing you, you will get this not long after I've left. I don't know where to start, so I guess I will start by saying I'm sorry. Sorry that I ever loved you. I thought I loved you, but finding out indirectly that the feelings weren't mutual, I now have to say that I honestly don't love you. I heard you on the phone earlier today; it was completely accidental. I came by to tell you some really good news, but it no longer matters. I don't know who Katie is, and I don't want to know. I know that you love her and not me. I hope she fulfils your every dream and wishes. I wish you the best of luck. I will not be returning, its time for me to move on with my life. So goodbye, my soul will always be with you, but my heart will never learn to hold love for you. Goodbye, Serena His heart felt as if it had dropped to the floor. He paled as he realized what had happened. She never heard the whole conversation. Katie was his adopted sister. He never introduced the two, so Serena had no clue whom Katie was. Closing his door, he ran towards Serena's apartment hoping that she was still there. His mind was swirling in endless possibilities. As he got closer he could see a small group outside her apartment. He slowed to a fast walk. He was not far from her apartment when he noticed that the group was the scouts, whom were all glaring at him. "What are you doing here?" demanded Amara. "I should be asking you the same!" "We hadn't heard from Serena in a while, when we got here we found this letter." Sierra explained. "I was also left this letter from her." God what have I done! He wanted to scream to the sky. He only stared at the ground waiting for them to finish reading the letter that was left to him. "Who's Katie?" Lita asked. "My sister." "I thought your parents died and you didn't have any family?" Amy asked. "Both are true. When I was ten a really nice family adopted me, they already had a younger girl, Katie." He sighed "The only problem is that I never told Serena about my adopted family, especially Katie. Every now and then she calls me to lecture me about not calling them more often. "She must have heard me when she was asking me if I still loved her and the family, and I said you know I still love you." Everyone looked at him in surprise, realization, and understanding. "So what are we going to do? We can't just sit around and do nothing." Sierra said with fear edging her voice. "My car is down the street. Sierra, when I come back I want you to go with me to the airport. You are the only one she truly listens to." Sierra nodded her head. "I'll go." Darien ran back the direction he had come from. The faster he ran the quicker his adrenaline pumped. All he wanted to do was to get to Serena before she left, try to explain things to her. In fluid motions he swung himself into the car, bringing the engine to life at the same time. Shifting gears, he pulled out into the street and raced back towards Serena's apartment. About a minute later him and Sierra were racing as quickly as possible towards the airport. To their luck they found an open parking space out front, quickly as possible they walked towards the boarding gates. They were getting close to the end when a voice on the intercom sounded loudly above. 'Flight 474 to Honolulu now boarding' 'Flight 474 to Honolulu now boarding' Darien and Sierra began walking even quicker towards the terminal gate that was beginning to board. There she was, standing in line, carrying a tote bog, waiting to get on the plane. "SERENA!" Sierra and Darien yelled at the same time, they ran towards her. Her eyes went wide with fear, she quickly adverted her gaze. *I've got to get out of here and quick!* she thought to herself. She watched them carefully as they got closer. Praying that she would be past the security guard by the time they reached her. Thinking that she could convince the security guard to keep them away from her. "Serena! Please stop! Wait!" Sierra called out, but to avail. She could see Serena didn't want them near her. There was only one more person in front of her before she was able to move forward into the plane. "Serena please let me explain!" Darien yelled, as they got closer. It was too late, she was already moving down the terminal. Darien and Sierra stopped walking, looking towards the terminal in defeat. Knowing that there was nothing else they could do they turned and began walking back towards Darien's car. Sierra quietly looked around, trying to except that she had lost the closest person, closer than sisters, to her. Both quietly stepped into his car. Just as soon as she sat she burst into tears, quiet sobs shaking her small body. Darien just looked at her in sympathy. He knew that Serena's leaving would be harder on her than him or any of the girls. He remembered the day that Serena and Sierra bonded tighter than sisters. ~Flashback~ There was a knock at the door. Not sure who it was, Darien got up to open it, when he did he was greeted solemnly by a police officer asking if Serena was there. Standing at the open door the officer waited while Darien left to wake Serena up. When Darien returned, Serena slowly half walked and half dragged her feet to the door. "We need to talk in private. In regards to Sierra Matthews." The officer explained in a few simple words. Her eyes opened wide with fear as she walked out closer to the sidewalk away from the open door. After about fifteen minutes, Darien returned to the door way just in time to hear Serena nearly yell, "Oh god no!" She ran back towards him, but instead of stopping in front of him she ran around him and up the stairs. A minute later she returned carrying her shoes and her purse. "I'll be back in a little." She said quickly as she gave him a peck on the cheek. She quickly got into the patrol car, quickly speeding off. It was close to three hours later when he got a call from Serena. She was at the hospital. She explained sadly that Sierra's only parent had been killed in a multi car crash. Serena had already called Trista and Hotaru, who volunteered to take her in; after all she was one of them, a Sailor Scouts. In the months following Serena pretty much took on the roll of big sister with Sierra. When they got together they were inseparable. ~End flashback~ He drove on in silence to Serena's old apartment where he was sure that the other girls would still be waiting. And when he got there his prediction was true. All of them were there waiting; not sure if he would be able to face them he simply stopped out front to let Sierra out of the car. Once she had exited the car, he stomped on the accelerator, and in a screech of rubber the car bolted down the street. Sierra walked towards the group gathered out front, wiping tears from her eyes. She didn't say a word, but when she saw the looks of sadness upon all of them she couldn't hold the tears back any longer. She collapsed the cold cement sidewalk sobbing uncontrollably. Michelle could feel her chest tighten in grief as she looked at the small fragile form of Sierra. No longer able to sit there and watch her, she got up and kneeled in front of her, holding her small form to her chest, and letting her own tears flow from her eyes. They all knew that it would be a very long time before they saw Serena again, if ever. ~Five years later, U.S., California~ "Hey Jon, hi Kimberly." "Hey Serena! Are you doing anything tonight?" Jon asked. "No, why?" "Why don't you and Erik come out to dinner with me and Kimberly." "Sounds good, we hadn't planed anything for tonight anyways." "Cool! See you around...six?" "Yeah. We'll meet here at six. Well I better get home and tell Erik." "All right! See ya later!" "Bye!" She turned and walked off, turning again she waved, not five minutes later, she saw Erik walking towards her. "Hey baby." He said softly as he wrapped his arms around her waist. After exchanging tender kisses, they pulled apart. "I hope you haven't planned anything for tonight?" Serena asked. "No, why did you have something in mind?" "Sorta, Jon and Kimberly offered us to go out to dinner with them tonight." "Mmmm sounds good to me. I haven't seen Kimmy or Jon in a couple of days. Did they say what time and where they wanted to meet?" "Yes, at the park around six." "GREAT! I'm starving!" Erik hollered playfully. Serena tried to keep her composure as she held back the giggles, but when he grabbed her and began tickling her, she couldn't hold back any longer, she burst out laughing. "Okay, okay stop! STOP! You're going to kill me one of these days by tickling me." "Now I wouldn't want to see you die now would I? I'm too good of a man to kill my girl, by tickling her!" "Oh stop. You silly bugger." "All right all right you win. Well lets get back home so we can change we don't have much time left, knowing you." "Why you little...oh!" Serena playfully punched him in the shoulder. Erik gave her a lopsided look of pain, but ended up bursting out laughing when Serena stuck her tongue out at him. The two walked off happily. ~An hour later~ They drove in pleasant silence to the park. When they slowly rolled by a car honked behind them, then pulled out and next to them. Serena rolled down her window; it was Jon and Kimmy. "Hey where are we going?" Serena asked. "Remember that new place, Moonlight Palace?" Jon said. "Yeah. Cool. We'll follow you." "All right." They drove around town, for nearly ten minutes when they finally pulled into the parking lot of a very large two-story restaurant. "You two look nice." Kimberly complemented them. Serena wore a flattering light blue, short, light summery dress, the first half of her hair was braided, put up in a bun and then the rest was left in a ponytail that was pulled through the center of the bun. Erik worse a nice pair of black slacks with a loose green polo shirt, which made him look leaner and taller. His brown eyes seemed to sparkle with the dimming light of sunset. "Thanks." Serena blushed slightly. "You look good too." "ME?! Gosh you really think I look good for being six months pregnant? Aw, geee." Kimberly laughed happily patting her large belly. The four of them laughed easily. As they walked in the cool air felt good from the hot California summer days. "How may I help you folks tonight?" the lady behind the podium asked. "We have a reservation for four, the name is Jon Anders." Jon replied. "Yes right. Please follow me." The lady led them up a set of stairs that led to the upper floor. There was a large group of men and women sitting around a couple tables put together and talking noisily. The four continued following the lady past the large group of people. Looking up thinking it was the waitress, he saw a hostess guiding a group of four people to a nearby table, but what caught his attention most was one of the girls. Even from the back it reminded him of Serena; the way she walked, her manners, everything. *Get a grip on yourself Darien; you know that it isn't her. You will never see her again.* Erik politely pulled a chair from the table for Serena to sit and carefully scooted the chair forward. She sat with her back to the large group. Kim sat across from her. Erik to her left and Jon to her right. After they had finished their dinners they sat talking pleasantly. Except Serena, she sat in silence, looking at the shadows the light of the full moon cast upon the small garden of flowers, ferns and small trees, in the center of the room. It held her in a trance. No one seemed to notice, which she was almost thankful for. Without realizing it, the voices of the large group behind her began to filter in, especially one, it sounded so much like Darien, but she knew it had to be someone else, she had left Darien back in Japan, she hoped that he was having a good time with Katie. "If you will excuse me I am going to go use the little girls room." Serena excused herself from the table. "They are down stairs and to the right." Jon replied. "Thanks Jon." She stood and turned; when she did she came in eye contact with him. It WAS Darien. *Oh please don't let him recognize me. Keep calm! Just keep walking!* His eyes widened in surprise as she turned, he knew immediately that it was her. *Oh Serena I have waited too long to tell you the truth. God please don't run away again.* He stood. *NO!* He was walking towards her as she was walking towards the stairs, but she didn't look at him, she just kept walking. She turned when she felt him grab her arm. Her heart was racing wildly. "Serena? Please listen." "Excuse me, would you please let go of my arm and who is Serena?" "Don't play games with me Serena! I know its you!" "I said let go!" "No, not until you stop and listen to me." "LET GO!" His anger was beginning to flare, his face becoming flushed. At hearing the heated conversation he turned to see Serena trying to get a man to let go of her arm. She seemed scared of him, while he looked like he was about ready to hit her out of anger. Quickly standing he left a twenty and ten dollar bill on the table to help pay for his and Serena's dinners. He turned and quickly walked towards them. "Please let go Darien. Just get away from me I don't love you anymore." Serena eyes were beginning to tear up at the pain in her arm, as his grip began to get tighter. "Excuse me Sir, would you please let go of her arm." Erik asked nicely. "Go away." Darien snapped. "Maybe you didn't hear me the first time. I said let her go, you are hurting her." "Darien, please listen to him." The only response he gave was tightening his grip even tighter on her arm. Serena gave out a small cry of pain and terror. "Let her go!" "This is between me and her." "I don't care! I said LET HER GO!" Erik threw a blind punch at Darien, the punch connected with his jaw. Startled but not hurt badly Darien let go of her arm, staggering backwards slightly, but recovered quickly; walking towards the two, his anger burning deeper by the second. Darien jerked Erik around to face him, ready to deal a nose cracking punch, but Serena grabbed onto his arm. With blind furry he flung his arm back at Serena. With never before seen quickness, she was knocked backwards into the wall. Sliding down gasping for air she stared in horror at Darien. She couldn't believe that her one time love would ever do such a thing to hurt her. Darien stared wide-eyed in shock as he realized what he had done. Noticing him being distracted, Erik easily broke out of Darien's grasp. The only thing on his mind being Serena; judging his strength Erik could tell that Darien's striking had to of hurt. "Are you all right?" he asked quickly, when he went to touch her she flinched but then melted into his embrace, her soft sobs racking her small body. "Come on love. Let's get out of here. Call you later Jon." Erik said as he gently guided Serena down the stairs. As they drove off, he turned to her. "Who was he?" She remained silent for a long while, her tears finally subsiding and beginning to dry she answered, her voice soft and weak. "My ex, the one I told you who double crossed me." She said quietly, staring out the window. "I'm sorry. I didn't want to have to hit him, but then I also didn't want to see him mishandle a lady, especially you. I love you very much." Erik said gently reaching over and brushing a few loose wisps of hair from her face. "I know you do. I love you more than I ever loved him. We've been married for almost two years, I am happier than I could ever be. I wont let anything get between our love. As the vow says 'till death do we part'." Serena leaned over kissing him tenderly on the cheek. "That's why I love you." He said happily. "Ya know, we've never talked about having a child or children..." Serena laughed slightly. He pulled over to the curb, putting the car in park he turned to her, giving her a questioning look. "What is funny about that?" "Well...I'm not positive yet, but I think I'm pregnant." She blushed lightly as he stared at her, his jaw hanging loosely. He slowly smiled, leaning over he hugged her warmly. "God I can't believe I've finally met the woman for me. And she's carrying my child!" She smiled brightly; she knew that some how they were meant to be. She would not allow herself to be destined to Darien any longer; he was not the man for her. They drove back to their house in silence, but with smiles on their faces. Serena knew that her life would be complete once the child within her was born. ~Six years later~ "Erik are you going to come with us to the park or are you going to coup yourself in your office all day?" Serena shouted up the stairs. "Yeah, yeah I'll be down in a minute." He shouted back. Five minutes later the two were walking down the street, each holding one hand of their five-year old daughter, Alyssa. Alyssa happily bounced between them; her blue eyes sparkling and her light brown hair bouncing about, chanting "Park, park, park, park..." Serena glanced over at Erik, their eyes met; Serena rolled her eyes in exaggeration. Erik look down at his daughter and asked "Are you happy to go to the park?" "Yup, yup, happy, happy!" she said gleefully. She broke from their grip when they were in front of the park. "Alyssa! Be careful, don't run too fast, you might trip and fall again!" Serena shouted after her daughter. Gently squeezing her hand he whispered "Let her be, she hasn't been to the park in over a month." "I know I just don't want her to hurt herself again." "She's a big girl." "Yes, but..." "No buts. Let her have her fun." Sighing Serena sunk to a nearby bench. "She was a perfect angel as a baby, but now that she is almost six, she wears me out more now than back then." "Yeah, no kidding." The two sat watching Alyssa play with all of the other little boys and girls her age. An older boy, began picking on Alyssa, he kicked the ball away from her, but too hard. It flew out into the middle of the street, and rolling to the other side. Erik stood to go after the ball; making sure no cars were coming he quickly crossed. With the shriek of tires, he stood dead still in the middle of the street. To stunned to move, the drunk driver swerved madly, but to no avail. With a sickening thud the car collided with him at such speed that he rolled over the top. Screaming his name Serena ran blindly into the road. Carefully cradling his head in her lap, she brushed hair from his face. "Come on baby, open your eyes. Talk to me." Slowly and painfully he opened his eyes to her voice. With ragged and wheezing voice he read a hand to her face, "I will always love you." "NO! Don't talk like that. You are going to be fine; just as soon as an ambulance gets here they'll patch you up. Please don't leave me! I can't live without you." Serena pleaded him; tears streaming freely down her cheeks. What little voice he had a minute ago was now gone, his eyes mirrored the pain, physical and mental. Carefully and slowly he lipped a few words "I love you always." His eyes slowly shut and his body went limp. Serena screamed to sky, to the world for the one of the dearest things to her was now gone, never to return, never to feel the warmth of love from him. ~Four days later~ Alyssa had cried herself to the brink of exhaustion for nearly four days straight. Jon and Kimmy had come over to help pack all of his items separate from her's and Alyssa's. She made a desperate decision to move back to Japan. She wanted to see her family, and her friends. The pains was too much; hoping to leave all her worries and sorrows behind, she was not going to stay for the funeral. Now sitting in the waiting area in the airport, she quietly stroked the side of Alyssa's face in a soothing motion. Looking out the window at the taxing and landing planes she could see a slight reflection of herself, her hair was matted down, dark circles visible underneath her eyes; she turned disgusted at the sight of herself in her pitiful state. Twenty minutes later she carefully picked up her sleeping daughter, and stood in line, waiting for their tickets to be checked. It didn't seem to take long to her, and soon she was sitting comfortably with Alyssa carefully strapped lying down. As they got close to Hawaii, Alyssa stirred, he voice weak from her constant crying. "Mama?" "Yes baby?" "I miss Papa." "I do too baby. I do too. More thank you will ever understand." Sitting up in a chair next to her mother, Alyssa snuggled up next to her. In response, Serena put her arm around her daughter's small form, hugging the child to her. *You are all I have left of him. I will never let you go.* An hour later they were on another plane from Hawaii to Tokyo. Too exhausted to stay awake Serena finally got a peaceful few hours of sleep, before she knew it, they were taxing on the ground to a terminal. After picking up their luggage, Serena hailed a taxi, telling him to take her to her parent's place. It was about mid afternoon there in Tokyo. Serena sat quietly in the back seat, occasionally telling the driver to make certain turns. Around fifteen minutes later the driver pulled up in front of a white two story house. Tipping the driver extra for getting their luggage and placing it on the front porch, Serena gently extracted a sleeping Alyssa from the back seat. Shifting the girl in her arms she carefully walked up to the porch. She rang the doorbell four times. Finally the door opened, it was Serena's father, Ken. "Dear lord please don't tell me I'm seeing things!" Ken whispered in surprise. "It's good to see you again Papa." Serena said carefully and sadly. "It IS you!" He shouted, "Tanya! Come see who's here!" A minute later Tanya appeared in the doorway, her eyes wide in surprise. "Oh Serena...I thought I would never see my baby girl ever again." She thought about hugging her daughter tightly, but thought twice when she noticed the little girl in her arms. "Poor thing. Here let me take her. Ken would you get the luggage please?" she carefully took the girl from her arms. Ken smiled, and said to Serena "I will do anything for you right now, as long as a I get a hug first!" "Deal." Embracing in a tight hug Serena shed a single tear. After separating Ken happily took the luggage and carried it up the stairs while Serena went into the living room to join Tanya. As she walked in, she noticed that her mother had laid Alyssa on the couch and covered her up with a lightweight blanket. "I don't mean to pry, but who is she?" Tanya asked. "She is Alyssa Murphy, my daughter." "Were you married when she was born?" "Mother! Geesh. Yes we were married. We'd been married for almost two years before she was even conceived." "Then where is the father?" but judging by her pained look, she assumed that he had run off with another girl. "Did he run off with another girl?" She didn't reply; she tried valiantly to hold back the tears. Finding her voice she whispered hoarsely "He was killed by a drunk driver a couple days ago." Speechless, Tanya just sat staring at her daughter's bowed head. She felt her heart reaching for both of them. "Oh my, I'm sorry." Ken quickly sat next to Serena, holding her tightly while she cried. "I'm so sorry baby. I wish you had called us." After a while Serena had stopped crying, looking up through puffy eyes she looked to her mother. "Is my old room still open?" "Yes, even after so many years I kept it cleaned." Tanya said almost proudly. "If you don't mind I am going to take Alyssa upstairs and maybe hope to be able to get some sleep." "No not at all. I hope you sleep well. Even though its still day, it should be dark enough for you." Getting up she kissed and hugged both her mother and father, then once more carried the sleeping child up to her old room. As she opened the door a few things that had changed immediately caught her eye. Such as they had put a larger bed in, yet it still wore the same sheet and comforter set. Serena took off Alyssa's shoes and socks, carefully tucking her in. After taking off her own shoes and socks she slipped under the covers next to her daughter. Much to her surprise she fell asleep almost instantly. ~Else were in Tokyo~ Luna's head shot up, as she felt a strange energy nearby, then suddenly recognized that it was Serena's energy. She lay on a pillow next to Artemis at the temple; everyone was gathered there, including Darien. "She's back." She whispered then said it more loudly. "Who's back Luna?" Amy asked. "Serena is back." "Come on Luna you know as well as I do that she won't come back." Darien said quietly. "She's back! I know it. It's too strong for her not to be here." "Luna might be right." Sierra said hopefully. "Well if she is back, then what do you plan to do?" Trista asked. "I think we should keep an eye out for her on the streets." Amara put it. "I agree." Artemis piped in. Luna just sat there, not sure whether she should go search for her or just look for her long with the others, but decided to just stay. ~The next day~ Serena walked around the city hand in hand with her daughter, looking for a possible good store to go into to buy her new clothes. Her parents had given her money to buy things for her and Alyssa. It was a warm day; Serena wore a peach summery dress with white sandals and wore her hair up in a long ponytail. Alyssa was wearing the same outfit as her mother but in her size. The girls and Darien walked around town enjoying the warm summer afternoon. Amy and Trista had decided to break off from the group to go their own way, as they rounded the corner Trista stopped, grabbing Amy's arm she kept her eyes on the girl. "That looks like Serena." "Who?" "The girl over there in the peach dress." "Yes she does, but her hair isn't in the usual meatball style, so it can't be her." "Use your computer." "All right fine, but I still say it's not her." Minutes alter Amy gasped in surprise. "You were right." "Well let's go over and see if she will talk to us." "Of course." The two girls crossed the street. Walking down the sidewalk they stopped not far form the girl. "Serena?" Trista called out hesitantly. The girl turned and looked at them, she seemed shocked, her mouth open and closed like a fish, trying to think of something to say quickly. "Trista, Amy...it's good to see you again." "We're have you been all of these years?" Trista asked. "I left." "We know, but to where is what I am asking." Trista calmed herself before she snapped at her, possibly loosing any chance of being her friend again. "I had to get out of Japan so I went to the U.S." Serena replied softly. "Why did you come back?" Amy asked. "That is something I don't want to talk about right now. Maybe not for a while." "Um everybody is meeting at the temple in about fifteen minutes. You are welcome to come." Trista offered. "I really don't know." "You are still our leader but most of all you are still out friend!" Amy said desperately. "I guess it wouldn't hurt. Will Darien be there?" "Maybe." Trista replied, "By the way who is the little girl." She glanced down at the shy girl hiding behind Serena's legs. "She is Alyssa Murphy, my daughter." Serena said brightly. "Yours and who's?" Amy asked. Looking down at the ground she held back the tears that wanted to overwhelm her. "I don't want to talk about it." "Oh...sorry. Maybe one day me and you can get together and talk about it?" Amy said. Serena just sighed. "Maybe." As she walked with the two girls in silence her daughter's whimpers broke through to her. "What's wrong honey?" "My legs hurt." Alyssa looked tired. "Up we go." Serena said as she picked her up, balancing her on her hip. Amy and Trista watched is awe and wonder at Serena and her daughter, but turned back around before they were noticed. The four continued to walk in silence, even up the temple steps. "Will you stay here for a minute?" Trista asked. Knowing her concern Serena nodded. Trista carefully slid open the door revealing a room of a bunch of gathered people. "Hey guys, guess who we ran into?" At their quizzical looks, Trista stepped back and carefully led Serena by her arm into the room. Surprised gasps filled the small room, but without fear, Sierra and Aria ran to her, carefully enveloping her in hugs, but Serena did not reply. She only stared at Darien with tears brimming in her eyes. Darien stood, walking towards her, but with every step he took forward she took one back, until she bumped into the sliding door. Her heart pounded painfully in her chest, her fear getting the best of her. She turned quickly walking out of the room, but was stopped when her gently grabbed her arm. She turned carefully around; half expecting him to knock her to the ground, instead his eyes seemed to plead desperately. She continued to walk backwards away, praying that she wouldn't trip in fear of hurting her daughter. "Serena please." Darien reached his arm out to her. "Go away. Just don't hurt me." Her fear seemed to lodge heavily in her chest. "Gods! Serena I'm sorry! I didn't mean it!" "Please don't come near me." She begged, tears streaming down her face. "SERENA! Please, it hurt me more than it ever hurt you. I once made a promise that I would never hurt you and I broke that promise twice, both times nearly killing me! Please just listen to me." Serena stopped, setting the girl down she whispered to her, "Go run over to that tree and stay there till I say to come." Alyssa nodded, she turned and ran for the nearest tree about ten feet away. "Darien please, just leave me alone. I've been hurt one too many times by you, its bad enough I have the burden of death of a loved one upon me. I don't need any more pain." "Serena please just talk to me. All I ask is a chance to explain." "You have no idea what I have gone through! I wish I were dead right now!" she fell to her knees, sobbing into her hands. Kneeling next in front of her, he carefully hugged her to him. Luxuriating the feeling of holding her, he just stayed there holding her to his chest. Trista, Amara, Michelle and Lita stood beside him, worried for their long time friend. They had never seen her break down into tears, not even when Darien had dumped her when she was fourteen. Without noticing it, nearly twenty minutes had passed. When he looked down, much to his surprise Serena had fallen asleep. He smiled warmly. He looked up at the four girls standing next to him, "Can one of you go get the little girl?" Trista nodded. As she walked towards the tree she could see the girl was frightened. "It's all right. I'm a friend of your mommy." In the back of her mind she knew the other three were staring at her is shock; the little girl gradually stepped closer, when she was within two feet she threw her arms around Trista's neck. "That's a good girl!" Trista stood with the girl in her arms. Amara, Michelle and Lita following closely behind. Darien followed closely behind, carrying Serena. "Do you or Amy know why she broke down so easily? She's a tough girl, but its like she's given up her defenses." "I know. I wish I knew why also, it'll just have to be something we ask her when she wakes." Trista replied. "Is my mama all right?" Alyssa asked quietly. "She's fine, she is just taking a nap." Trista replied to the girl she was carry, but when she looked at the little girl she saw something she didn't expect to see, tears clouded her eyes. "What's wrong Alyssa?" "I miss my daddy." Alyssa cried openly. "Where is your daddy?" Darien asked curiously. "Papa's gone to heaven." Darien stopped dead in his tracks; looking at the sad little girl he understood Serena's weakness. "How long ago did this happen?" "Papa gone five days ago." "Poor child." Michelle whispered under her breath. The five continued back towards the temple is silence, understanding the pain that both were going through. As they entered everyone stood asking a bunch of questions all at one time. "Take it easy!" Darien shouted over the chaos. "She's fine, she just fell asleep. Walking up to him, Raye said softly, "You can take her to my room." Doing just so, Darien eased himself through the crowd. Being careful not to bump into anybody. He laid her limp body on the bed, sitting on the edge his heart sunk in sadness as he looked upon the woman he still loved. He stood and walked out. Hours later, everyone but a few had left to their own homes. Darien, Troy and Sierra stayed behind, waiting and hoping to talk to Serena if she woke. Sierra and Alyssa ran around the room chasing each other. "If you are going to run around go outside!" Raye yelled. Sierra stop, causing Alyssa to fall backwards to the ground, sticking her tongue out and pulling one of her bottom eyelids down she laughed, "Make me!" Raye's face turned bright red, "Why you little..." Sierra and Alyssa ran out of the temple with Raye hot on their heels, swinging a broom madly. Darien and Troy stood in the door way laughing. It had been a long time since they had laughed so freely. They stood there waiting for Raye to tire out, but it seemed as if she was going to continue chasing the two. "Where's Alyssa?" a voice behind them startled them. They turned to see Serena standing a few feet behind them. "Serena! You're awake. Great!" Troy smiled happily. "Duh! Now I asked a question are you or are you not going to answer..." Serena trailed off as she saw Raye chasing Sierra and Alyssa. "Uh...let me guess, was it the old tongue and eye trick that's got her ticked?" Troy and Darien only stared at her. "What do you mean by that?" Darien finally asked. "A while before I left I taught Sierra something to make Raye go completely nuts. Remember when I used to do that to Raye...how mad she got..." Darien smirked. "So it was you who taught her that. So who is the lucky father?" Serena looked away. She didn't and would not answer the questions; she paled as she thought about that day, the memory brought fresh tears to roll down her pale cheeks. "Serena?" Troy asked in concern. She didn't reply, but slipped between them and out the door. "Alyssa, come here baby, its time to go home." "Already mama? I was having fun!" Serena managed a weak smile as she picked her up and walked away, not saying a word the four sunned people. "What happened?" Raye asked coming towards the two guys. "Damn it Darien! This is all you fault. You heard what Alyssa said about her father being dead. You knew that the pain she felt was fresh. How would you feel if the one you loved died, and someone brought it up just days after her death?" Darien only stared after her, he knew he had hurt her, but insisted to himself that he ask anyways. "I'll go after her, try to talk to her. I think I know where she is goings anyways." Troy replied. After grabbing his coat he set off towards Serena's parent's house, as the day's light faded. Knowing that, that was the most likely place to find her now. He stood out front the house, memories sifting through his mind. About a minute after knocking the door opened, it was Ken. "Hey Troy." "Is Serena here?" "No. I thought she was with you." "With me? No. Has she stopped by here?" "Yeah, she put Alyssa to sleep then said she was going for a walk." Ken's eyes showed the fear he felt. "Well you know my cell phone number, if she comes back before I do, tell her to call me. I am going to go look for her." "All right." Troy walked off into ever darkening night. The sky was clear; the air was cold and crisp. He could see his the steam from his breath, but looking at the haze around the street lamps he had a feeling the weather was about the change. His mind shifted the more important matter at hand, finding Serena. Wandering blindly through the park she stopped by the pond. The scent of roses colored the chilly night air, making it more pleasant to be out in the cold. Spotting a bench she made her way towards it. Holding her arms close to her, she sat gazing across the pond. Amazed of how the reflection of the stars mesmerized her, it was almost mind-boggling. Losing track of time she just sat there, watching the occasional ripple in the water from a falling leaf distorting the map of the stars upon its surface. Restless and unable to sleep, he strolled casually along to sidewalk letting his feet take him where he ended up. His mind continued to struggle with the images of her, of her tear-streaked face, turning her back, hiding the tears that threatened to blind her. The brisk night air dealt wonders to his mind. Finally feeling relaxed he walked towards the park, wanting to walk the paths or roses in the moonlight; to gaze upon the pond and to admire its beautiful display of stars. All his worries faded as he stepped into the park. A smile played upon his lips; remembering the good times he had with Serena in this park. So many fun filled days, he wished he could bring back to life. Walking slowly and softly he made his way towards the pond. As he neared the scent of roses filled his senses. His favorite flower, one he considered a true beauty of nature; soft, delicate petals, colored beautifully with different colors, deep red, orange, yellow, purple, pink, and his favorite, red, a red so pure it reminded him of Serena. The one person he had met in all his life that had a pure heart of joy and innocence. As she stared out upon the glistening water and thinking of Darien, a song slowly melted into her mind. Without noticing it she began to softly hum the tunes, then slowly the words formed. You were my strength when I was weak You were my voice when I couldn't speak You were my eyes when I couldn't see You saw the best there was in me Lifted me up when I couldn't reach You gave me faith coz' you believed I'm everything I am Because you loved me You gave me wings and made me fly You touched my hand and I could touch the sky I lost my faith, you gave it back to me You said no star was out of reach You stood by me and I stood tall I had your love I had it all I'm grateful for each day you gave me Maybe I don't know that much But I know this much is true I was blessed because I was loved by you (A.N. The song is called "Because you loved me" By Celine Dion for those of you who don't know) As he got closer the lake his ears picked up the sound of a voice, a voice that was singing. The melody of the voice was soothing; in a way it was also calming. The voice was beautiful, like the voice of an angel. The closer he got, the more the voice captured his attention. It was hard to tell the direction of the voice, it seemed to fill the air everywhere. As he neared the edge of the pond he looked to his left, and that is where he saw her. Gazing up into the sky, unaware of his curious gaze, she continued to sing to the sky. You were always there for me The tender wind that carried me A light in the dark shining your love into my life You've been my inspiration Through the lies you were the truth My world is a better place because of you You were my strength when I was weak You were my voice when I couldn't speak You were my eyes when I couldn't see You saw the best there was in me Lifted me up when I couldn't reach You gave me faith coz' you believed I'm everything I am.... Her voice cracked and tears spilled from her eyes as she sang the last line. "Because you loved me." His heart sunk as he heard the pain behind her words. For as long as he had know Serena, he had never heard her sing. He'd have expected her words to be words of joy and happiness, but now...she sang as if her world was ending. Thinking of what he was told about her deceased husband, made him want to take her pain form her, he hated seeing her sad. He continued to watch her as she lifted her face to the sky, the tears in her eyes shimmered in the pale glow from the moon's light. His heart grieved to hold her, the feeling became overwhelming as he watched her put her face into her hands and cry. Her sobs shook her body, as time passed the sobs grew harder. He wanted to help her, comfort her, but he didn't want to scare her. "Serena?" he called softly. Hearing her name called, her head bolted up right. She sighed heavily as her eyes focused on the face of the voice. Standing a mere ten feet form her was Darien, a look in his eyes, which she had not ever seen nor tell what the emotion was, but the pain and concern was visible in his eyes and in his voice. Scooting over she patted the bench where she had been sitting. He sat next to her on the bench. "What brings you here tonight?" Serena asked softly, brushing away the tears on her face. "I couldn't sleep. I come here almost every night. Why are you here? You should be home asleep with your daughter." Laughing softly Darien shook his head. "Will you listen to me? I sound like I'm trying to be your father." Serena smiled lightly. "You've always known how to say such little things to make me smile. To answer your question after I left the temple I went home and put Alyssa to bed then came out here. I needed to get away for a little." She shivered slightly from the cold; she hoped that Darien hadn't noticed. He cursed himself for not noticing sooner. She had not brought a jacket, and only wearing a short summer dress, was close as being naked to the cold. Slipping his jacket off he carefully draped it over her shoulders. "Being here tonight I realize the truth." She said so softly that he almost missed what she said. Looking up into his kind and caring face she mouthed the words "Thank you." "If you realize the truth...what is it?" he said, in a way not wanting to know what she was going to say. "Even when I was married to Erik for seven years I never stopped loving you. Whenever I was alone at school I'd always curse myself for never giving you a chance to explain yourself. Even now I still feel bad about it." His face brightened. "I'll tell you everything in the morning over breakfast. One question?" When she looked up at him he continued. "What happened that day you left, why did you leave to go to the United States?" Serena laughed quietly. "Silly! That's two questions. I came by your apartment to give you some really good news; I was about to knock when I heard you talking; I got upset by what was said and decided to leave for the U.S. early. I HAD to go to the U.S. I got accepted into one of the best universities in California." "Serena....I heard you singing, but what gets me is that you sounded so sad. I know I've heard you sing before; you always looked and sounded happy. Why are you so sad?" She only stared at him in shock. Slowly anger crept into her eyes. "You've heard my story! What is there about it that you don't understand?" "I just would have thought you'd be over him by now." Darien replied carefully. Tears formed in her eyes, as she stared at him in shock. *What a fool I am to think he'd understand.* "Wha...what? What makes you think it'd be so easy to get over his death? It's not the same. I know it only took me a few days to get over you when you dumped me, but its not the same, I loved him, I married him, I carried his child, I devoted my life to him! But to you I was only your girlfriend." Tears flowed freely from her eyes; she stood up quickly. Turning to him one last time. "I thought I could trust in you to understand, but I guess not. Good bye Darien, maybe for a while or maybe forever." "Serena what are you talking about, 'Maybe for a while or maybe forever'? I do understand it hurts when you lose someone, it hurt me when you left." "What do I care anymore? Just go home and be with your little girl Katie! I don't want to ever see you again." Taking his jacket off she threw it on the ground and ran off. Darien only stared in shock as she ran off. Cursing himself, he picked his jacket up and walked off the pursue her. The whole while he did nothing but think off the unimaginable pain she was going through. As he rounded a corner near an alley, he heard the crash of trashcans. The guys, dressed mostly in black exited the alley mumbling something about some stupid blonde girl who had strange looking hair. "HEY!" The three guys turned slightly startled. "Have you seen a girl around here? About yea high, blonde hair that looks like meatballs?" The three looked at each other nervously. "Lets get outta here!" one yelled. His heart began to race wildly. The reaction from the three guys was not one he liked. Something was telling him he had to find Serena and soon. He began to run toward to alleyway from which the three guys had come. Shaking violently, she crouched into a small ball, clutching her right arm tightly to her. Her breath came is uneven rugged gasps. Her eyes held the wild terror she felt. She could hear someone running not far away. Squeezing her eyes shut she prayed that whoever it was just passes right by. The footsteps ended not far away. Whoever it was, was looking for something or someone, which if so she prayed it wasn't her. Slowing down as he walked down the alley, so not to crash into something, he stumbled across a few cats, both scaring each other witless. His eyes focused quickly. Before him about five feet in front of him, he barely make out the figure of someone or something near the dumpster. As he got closer, his heart pumped furiously seeing her crouched in the corner trembling. "Serena?" She didn't respond. Kneeling in front of her he gently laid a hand on her arm. With a sharp intake of air her head snapped up with such force it was dizzying, her body went numb as she broke down crying. Trying to sooth her, her began to rub her arms; her skin was cold to the touch. Closing his eyes for a moment to hold back his own tears to such cruelty, but he knew that was just today's messed up society. Opening his eyes he held her chin up to meet her eyes, sacred and hurting. "I'll take you to my place, we aren't that far." "Alyssa..." she croaked. "She'll be fine, at least she's at home in a nice warm bed and not out here in the cold." Serena nodded, her tears slowly ceasing. Helping her to her feet, he wrapped his jacket over her shoulders and put an arm around her waist, they walked slowly to his apartment. She watched him leave before she shrugged his jacket off, revealing the blood that had seeped from between her fingers; she winced as she released the pressure on her arm. "I have hot coc..." He stopped in mid sentence as he saw the blood. "Serena? What happened?" "Nothing. It's nothing, just a small cut." She said as she quickly covered it up with her hand. "That's not what it looks like to me! Let me see it." "No it's just a cut, I'm fine." "I won't believe you until I see it." He said as pulled her hand off; she didn't resist. Much to his despair it was not as she said it to be. The slash was deep and long; blood began to seep from the wound. "I should take you to the hospital to have it stitched up." "No! Darien please, I don't want to go anywhere!" Serena pleaded. "Shhh! I don't want you to go anywhere either, that's why I am going to do it myself." Darien replied calmly. Her staring at him in disbelief only made him smile broader and laugh. "What is so funny?" "You should she yourself in the mirror when you just looked at me. I think you would have laughed yourself." Frowning, Serena just stared at him in confusion. "I don't get it." "Never mind. Just sit tight while I look for my medical kit, I think its got a needle in it." "Um Darien?" Turning around to look at her he noted the sadness in her eyes. "Yeah?" After a long drawn out sigh she said, "I know that deep inside you still love me, but my feelings aren't the same for you anymore. In a way I do still love you, but only as a dear friend and a brother." She watched as his face remained stone still, and felt the pain he was feeling in his heart. "I do love Katie, but you are my only true love. Katie is my younger adopted sister." "I...I don't understand." "I was adopted by a nice American family after my parents were killed in a car crash. Katie was another child that they adopted a few years earlier. She is nothing but my sister. And that is how I love her; as a sibling." Serena looked away, not wanting him to see the pain and guilt she felt. "I...I'm sorry. I wish I knew before." "Don't apologize, it's my fault. I never told you. I've never told anyone. If you don't love me anymore I can accept that, but I want you to know, if you ever need help or need a shoulder to cry on I'll always be here." Darien said softly looking her in the eye. Adverting her gaze she softly replied, "I know. You always have been there for me. There hasn't been one moment I haven't trusted you until I let my own ears betray me." She could feel tears welling up in her eyes. Scratching his head, an amused look came to his face. "As someone once told me: 'If ya don't believe your ears cut 'em off!'" She looked at him confused, but a slow smile spread across her face. "Hmm maybe I should do just that." "Na! You got good ears. You may want to keep them for future times." Darien laughed. "You know what would be nice?" "What?" Serena asked curiously. "Going back to the old days, before we were together. Meatball head!" He failed at trying to keep a straight face as Serena's eyebrows knit tighter. "Oh come on! Don't you have anything better to do than call me Meatball Head? Geesh." Darien only laughed harder. "I want to go home." Serena said softly, thinking about her little girl at home. Taken aback momentarily he looked at her downcast look. "All right, let me get a few bandages and I will drive you home." "If you don't mind I would rather walk." Serena said looking away. "I get what you are trying to say Serena, and no I'm not going to let you walk alone, not after what happened." Darien said more sternly than he meant to sound and immediately began regretting it when he looked back at Serena. Her face was buried in her hands, crying softly. His heart ached to hold her in his arms. Turning away from her, he continued looking through a closet for the medical kit he kept around. Spotting it in the back of the shelf he pulled out a few gauze pads and a gauze roll. Fifteen minutes later they were walking through the park as a shortcut in a deep confined silence. Occasionally Darien glanced down at Serena, each time her head was hung, looking at the ground. Glancing at his watch he was startled to find that it was almost three in the morning. "I'm sorry if I have upset you in any way." Darien said trying to make conversation. "Huh? Oh. No you haven't. I'm just tired and cold." She replied softly. "You want my jacket?" "No. No, don't worry about it. I'll be fine." She said distractedly. She wasn't about to say anything to Darien just yet, but before she had replied she got the familiar feeling of an evil presence near by. Casually looking around she couldn't see anything in the darkness of the grove of trees. A small glint of light caught her eye. Keeping her eyes on the area she turned slightly to Darien. "Just keep walking." "What? This isn't the time for any tricks." Darien asked confused. "I will explain tomorrow. He's gone." Serena sighed tiredly. "Who?!" demanded Darien. "I'll explain tomorrow." "You'd better." "The lights are on?!" Serena half asked, and half blurted. Looking up he could see that all but one light was on in the house. He figured that her parents had stayed up to make sure she was all right. As they got closer they could see someone move by a window. They watched as a police car pulled away from the curb and sped down the street. They hurried up the pathway, not even bothering to knock they walked right in. Her mother was sitting on the couch crying, he father trying to comfort her. Troy sat in the armchair wearing a look of hatred. "What's going on?" Serena asked. When Troy looked up, he frowned. "Serena I need to talk to you alone for a minute." "What happened? What's going on? Answer me!" Serena asked, fear lacing her voice. "It's Alyssa..." "What happened? Is she all right?" "I...I don't know. She was kidnapped. We didn't hear anyone walking around upstairs, but when Mother went up there to check on her she was gone, and found this note on the bed." "God no! NO!" she raced up the stairs to her old room. Only to be met by a dark empty room. She collapsed on the bed crying. "What happened?" Darien asked walking towards Troy. "Ronan." "Who?" "Beryl's son. He's come back for revenge. He kidnapped Alyssa, and has threatened to kill her if Serena doesn't give her life to him. Serena is the only person he wants, wants her dead." Troy said in a low voice. "Damn him! If I get my hands on him I swear I will kill him!" Darien growled in a low voice. "Come on." Troy said as she began walking up the stairs. Darien flowed closely behind. When the got to the top and looked into the room, they saw Serena lying on the bed crying her heart out. Darien walked around Troy. Sitting on the bed next to her, he pulled her up into his lap, holding her while she cried. "First Erik now Alyssa!" she cried. "Don't worry we'll get her back." Troy said softly. Wiping the tears from her eyes, she sat up straight. "NO! I have to do this on my own!" "Serena as a friend who cares, you have to trust in us. You've got to be strong or things will never work out. It's going to take more than guts and courage to win this battle." Darien said looking her in the eye. "And as your brother, you have not trust in only me but those around you who care. It's going to take devotion and a strong will and heart to win this fight. If we stay strong nothing can defeat us." Troy added. Staring at the wall she absorbed what was said. "I know." "You should probably get some rest. I'll be in Sammy's room if you need me." "Where is he?" "He is over at a friends house. You should go home and get some rest as well Darien. We'll be meeting at the temple early. The scouts have all been notified." Troy said as he walked towards the door. "I'm going to get going now Serena. Do me a favor and be strong. We WILL get her back." Darien said softly as he gave Serena a comforting hug. "Thank you. If I didn't have friends and a brother like you I don't know how I would ever survive." Serena smiled warmly as she walked behind the two guys as the exited the room, closing the door behind them. Leaning on the closed door she sighed heavily. Walking over to her dresser she pulled out a long night tee and changed into it. Looking in the mirror, for the first time that night she noticed the small bunny rabbit stuffed animal that she had given Alyssa a year ago, lying on the bed. Sitting in the middle of the bed she picked up the stuffed animal, hugging it close to her. Glancing at the clock she was surprised to find that it was almost seven in the morning. Sitting up she pulled her hair out of its usual buns and headed for the shower. *God! She still knows how to sleep in late!* Troy thought as he walked up the stairs to Serena's room. Knocking a few times he got no answer. He was surprised to find the door unlocked, opening it he glanced in. She wasn't in bed; it was then he heard water running in the bathroom. He turned to leave when he heard her yell. "YYYOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWW! Blasted bar of soap!" Troy held his breath to keep from laughing. An evil gleam came to his eyes as a thought hit him. Walking downstairs into the kitchen he turned the water on hot. Being careful he stood by the sink waiting for her response. Darien stood off to the side watching in wonder as Troy turned the hot water on. "WHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! TROY!" she screamed as she burst out of the shower. Both men burst out laughing. They stopped a minute later when they heard thumping coming down the stairs. Serena appeared from around the corner, a frown deeply creasing her face. "Mornin sunshine!" Troy said teasingly. "Next you do that I WILL kill you." Serena growled as she brushed by the two guys. Opening the refrigerator she pulled out a small bottle of orange juice. "Have to admit you made a record time of getting dressed to come yell at me." Troy continued to tease. Serena responded by rolling her eyes. "You guys ready?" Troy looked over at Darien, puzzled. "It's only seven fifteen! The meeting isn't till eight." Darien replied. "Doesn't mean we can't catch up on old times that we missed the last time we were together." Serena shrugged walking away. "I think I missed something, or she has changed after all there years." Troy whispered to Darien. Darien shrugged. "Hey I heard that! You know as well as me that changes are going to have to come sooner or later." Serena yelled as she trotted back up the stairs to grab a coat. Returning a minute later she waited by the door. "You guys coming or not?" "Yeah. Where are we going?" Troy asked grabbing his coat, Darien close behind. "To the Caf頦or breakfast." She replied. The three sat in a booth in the far corner. Darien and Troy had been talking most of the time. Serena only sat in silence, not even really listening. She couldn't help but think about Alyssa, wishing that she were here now. It didn't help her sadness any when a couple and their little girl walked past the caf鮍 "Serena?" Noticing her silence Darien had become worried. With a long drawn out sigh she lifted her head to look at Darien. "Yes?" "What were you thinking about?" Darien inquired. "Please don't ask that question. I'm sure that by now it is pretty obvious what I am and or would think about." Serena said softly, looking down at the table in front of her. "Serena why don't you stop blaming yourself! You know it wasn't your fault." Darien snapped. Startled, Serena just stared at him. The sadness in her eyes turning to coldness; anger. "Don't you dare start! Let me out." Troy politely scooted out from the booth. Serena right behind him, as she stood she turned to Darien. "It IS my fault! I left her there alone. I was being SELFFISH! I ABANDONED her in her time of the need for love and comfort! Now don't you dare tell me it wasn't my fault!" Serena said in a low voice, tears shimmered in her eyes. She turned and quickly walked away, when she got outside she began to run, to where she didn't know, just someplace away from him. "Nice going Darien. I thought we agreed to not bring up such tender subjects. Every day more memories come back to me, and the more I understand how easy it is to hurt her now. Years ago she used to be strong, and it will be many more years before she is strong like her old self. How is it that you don't understand that the person she loved most for a time was ruthlessly killed. And now her DAUGHTER has been kidnapped. Try putting yourself in her shoes. Serena being hit and killed by a drunk driver, and RENE being the one kidnapped; think about how much YOU would be HURTING!" Troy bitterly bit out before turning and leaving. Darien only stared at him in disbelief and in horror. He realized that with each time he hurt her, the less of a chance he would ever have to be back with her. He sat there for a long while after Troy left. Amazed at his stupidity. Not sure where to start looking he headed for the park. He wished there was something he could do to lift her pain. Even as her brother he knew there was nothing he could do, but to be there for her as a shoulder to cry on and someone to talk to. As he entered the park, he could see her sitting on a bench near the water's edge. Walking slowly over to her, he sat on the bench next to her, but she didn't seem to notice him there. "I'm sorry." "Don't be. None of this was your fault." She replied softly, still staring over the still water's surface. "Well there is one thing I'd like to apologize for." Troy said uneasily. "That would be?" Arching an eyebrow she looked over at him. "This morning; for turning the hot water on. I was only trying to get a laugh or smile out of you." Smiling slightly. "I know. And I thank you for your efforts. When I moved to the U.S. I had a strange dream of the Moon Kingdom. Well more like in the Moon Palace, you did that to Mother and BOY did she get mad. Whew!" She laughed lightly. Troy frowned. "Well it WAS more than a dream. Mother was pregnant with you and I didn't know that she was even in the shower." Serena began laughing freely. "Sometimes I wish Mother and Father were still alive. To have no worries when I am around them. This may sound strange, but when if I am to ever become Neo Queen Serenity the first thing I'd like to do is resurrect the old Moon Kingdom." "It doesn't sound strange to me at all. I'm sure Mother and Father would be proud of you." Troy smiled. "Us. They would be proud if us." Serena corrected. Looking at his watch, Troy made a face. "If we don't leave now we are going to be super later to the meeting." Serena cringed, thinking of Raye yelling at her like old times for being late. "We'll take our time getting there. I don't feel like rushing anything today." "Were are they!" Raye screamed. "Take it easy Raye! They probably lost track of time." Aria said trying to calm the furious Raye. "Serena here?" Darien asked as he entered the temple. "No." Lita said. "Damn!" he cursed softly. "Why?" Raye asked curiously. "Nothing. I just need to talk to her." He replied softly, he turned and walked out to the deck, where he sat, watching the walkway. "Wonder what that was all about?" Amara whispered to Michelle. "Whatever it is, is bugging him. I could see the pain and the self hatred in his eyes." She whispered softly back. Fifteen minutes later they noticed Darien standing. Obviously waiting impatiently for someone that was walking towards the temple. Serena and Troy walked up the pathway to the steps of the temple. Serena stopped short as she saw Darien standing out front the temple waiting for them, most likely her. They continued walking, but as they neared Darien, she lowered her gaze to the ground, so not to look at him. As they walked by him he opened his mouth to say something, but stopped when he caught Troy's glare. Tory stopped beside him as Serena continued on. "Don't say anything to her, don't even apologize right now. I've tried to cheer her best I could, but she is still upset." Darien hung his head in shame. "I didn't mean it!" "I know Darien, but now isn't the time!" Troy said roughly and walked off into the temple. As he walked in he was surprised to see that Raye was actually remaining calm about their lateness. "Amy, you said that you think that you found something usual?" Troy said as he sat next to his sister. "Well, yes, but I've done better than that. I'll tell you in a minute. First of all I did a search of our solar system, I found a planet, or moon surround in black energy. It has the same readings as Beryl. And second I was actually able to create a map of sorts around the planet or moon." Amy explained. The Inner Scouts looked shocked as Amy mentioned Beryl, but the were even more shocked when they looked at Serena; her face as expressionless as a stone mask. "You know who it is don't you?!" Hotaru asked cautiously. "We all know who it is now Hotaru." Trista said lightly. "No. There is more to it then what Amy has found, and Serena known EXACTLY who it is!" Hotaru said looking straight at Serena. "You are right as usual Hotaru, but it was Troy who told me the night she was kidnapped. It's Ronan. Beryl's son." Serena replied. "But why not just go after you alone? It's the Silver Crystal that Beryl was after." Raye asked. "He is much more powerful than his mother, but what we have most to worry about, is that he is much brighter than his mother. His goal was to find my Achilles Heel, and he succeeded very well." "What is Achilles Heel?" Mina asked. Everyone in the room sighed. "Think about it Mina!" Raye snapped. "Take it easy Raye! Achilles Heel is your weakest spot." Serena said calmly. "Any ways about this map?" Amy tapped in a few coded on her mini computer then set it on the ground as a 3D map popped up. "This is the main entrance to the underground cavern, and there is a smaller one over here." Amy pointed to the map. "I think it'd be best if we went the small one." Lita said. "No. That's what he will be expecting us to think. This is a time where we will have to use more brains than power." Serena said in a hard voice. "Serena is right. We have to outsmart him! Besides from what my computer says on the power levels we will need all the power we can maintain." Michelle said. "If we don't use much of our energy we can use the Millennium Crystals, at a small price." Amy said in a soft voice. "Even after I left I learned a little trick about using the Silver Crystal. I had a dream where Serenity, my mother came to me; she told me of the words to activate the power of the crystals." Serena said slowly as a vision of her mother came to her. "We already know the words to activate the power of the crystals." Mina replied. "That's the thing! When we used to the crystals, we used our own energy FOCUSED THROUGH the crystal. With these words we wont have to expend our energy. But if we use part of our energy focused WITH the power of the crystals, we can defeat him and heal those who willing to be healed. And at the price of most of my energy I can fully rid this UNIVERSE of all negative energy, but I cannot do anything for earth." Serena's voice filled with sadness as she neared her last sentences. "That will be something we are not about to allow you to do." Amara said. Serena shook her head. "It will have to be done one day, so why not kill two birds with one stone." "We will talk about that another time. I think what we need to talk about now is when do we go?" Sierra spoke for the first time. "I'd say in two days. It'll give us time to prepare, and rest up." Aria shrugged. Everyone nodded. Two days seemed a reasonable amount of time. "Agreed. By the way Serena what are these different activation words you spoke of?" Amy asked. "Millennium, your planet, Crystal Activate." Serena replied as she stood. She walked by Darien with out a word. Troy quickly followed Serena out. "Serena wait up!" She stopped. When he was next to her he got in front of her blocking her path. "You are going to have to talk to him sooner or later you know. You can't go on not talking to him. You know as well as I do that he didn't mean to hurt you!" Troy said forcing her to look him in the eyes. "I know Troy, I know. It's just that he made me so mad, that it hurt. After I get Alyssa back, I will talk to him. I want him to officially meet Alyssa anyways." Serena said kindly. "All right. But if you don't I will be very mad!" Troy crossed his arms, and in deep voice he said to her, "Me chief, you servant!" Looking at him in confusion she just rolled her eyes. A slow smile came to her face as she walked around him. The two days came and went like a deer crossing a road. Everyone was gathered in a dark corner of the park. It was past sunset, so they didn't worry about bystanders seeing them. They stood once as normal people, but now stood proudly as warriors. Darien as his usual Tuxedo Mask, and for the first time they saw Troy's transformation to a Golden Knight. His pants and shirt were white, he worse a gold vest, that matched his boots and belt. On his right side he wore a scabbard, from which a golden grip adorned with a gold crystal on its end. Sailor Moon smiled as she remembered when he would transform for her as a little girl. So young then they had no idea that they would ever use their warrior forms in battle. "Let's go!" she yelled as the portal opened. Sailor Moon went in first, followed by Troy as the Golden Knight then the Scouts followed by Tuxedo Mask. They hadn't been expecting to really see green rolling hills when they exited, but when they saw the landscape, Sailor Moon was sure, almost everyone shivered in fear. The ground was a dark ashen gray, like soot, it was littered with bones, and dead fallen and burnt trees. (A.N.- Kinda like the scene from Lion King, when Simba returns to the Pride Lands) Rugged mountains rose high to their left side, reaching towards the sky at enormous heights. Not far ahead they could see a mound of rocks and earth pilled atop each other, forming a dome of sorts. "That must be it." Sailor Moon said more to herself than anyone around her. "The front entrance is on the other side." Mercury muttered. "This is not going to be easy getting in. The area is heavily defended." The group walked through the valley, towards the mound. Much to their surprise they were able to get very close to the mound before any alarms were set off, but as they entered the front entrance all hell broke loose. Searching around the found a small alcove they could hide in till the guards passed. When all seemed clear they carefully followed Mercury's map, which lead them to a large room. By the looks they assumed it was a throne room of sorts. In a far brightly lit corner, they spotted a young girl and a boy of about the same age, playing with building blocks. "Alyssa?" Sailor Moon said barely a whisper, as she looked closer at the girl it was indeed Alyssa, but the boy with her she had no clue who it was. "Be careful! It might be a trap!" Venus warned. Taking a step forward, she gasped, as the young boy turned to her. His eyes were dark and pleading. In her mind she could have sworn the boy was talking to her telepathically. *Help us! Free us! Free us from his grasp!* In her mind she thought to the boy, *Who is he?* The boy looked back at her then looked away and pointed to the opposite corner that was dark, possibly dark enough to conceal someone. "What are you afraid of? Hiding in the little corner of yours!" Sailor Moon called out, wondering if the boy truly knew if there was someone hiding it that corner. Her fellow scouts turned to her surprised. "Sailor Moon?" Mars cautiously asked. Before she replied and deep rumbling laugh was emitted as a dark figure emerged from the shadows of the corner. "Afraid? I believe it is you who should be afraid." "How so?" Sailor Moon challenged as she looked past him seeing the boy grab Alyssa's arm and move behind the throne. "HOW SO?" he mimicked with a deep rumbling laugh. "I've got your precious daught..." he trailed off as he noticed the two were gone. "Blasted kids! I knew I should have killed them both!" Taking the advantage of him being distracted, Venus and Uranus attacked. "Venus...love chain...encircle!" "Uranus...world...shaking!" With a blast of dark energy he avoided the love chain, but wasn't quick enough to avoid Uranus's attack. As the dust cleared, he stood, battered, but not bruised; his face was flush with anger. Gathering up much of his energy he readied himself for any other attacks and to deal a powerful blow against the scouts. In such suddenness never seen before the scouts could only stare in horror as a huge ball of dark energy hurled its way towards the Scouts. Closing their eyes waiting for a feared burning of their bodies as the energy hit, but it never came. Looking around they saw Sailor Moon's fuku, dissolve in bright light, into her princess dress. The Silver Crystal floated into front of her. "NOW! Use your crystal!" Everyone nodded. Slowly their crystals emerged from their bodies, brightly glowing. "Millennium Pluto Crystal..." "Millennium Venus Crystal..." "Millennium Golden Crystal..." "Millennium Sun Crystal..." "Millennium Jupiter Crystal..." "Millennium Uranus Crystal..." "Millennium Neptune Crystal..." "Millennium Mercury Crystal..." "Millennium Star Crystal..." "Millennium Mars Crystal..." "Millennium Saturn Crystal..." "Silver Millennium Crystal..." "ACTIVATE!" They all screamed at once. Tuxedo Mask, feeling helpless watched in wonder and awe as the light from the 12 crystals combined into one. Trying valiantly to hold his ground, he slowly felt his power shrinking away, till finally he too disappeared, but even after he was gone the light continued to spread outward. Minutes later it stopped. The scouts looked around in amazement as the structure above them had just melted away, revealing a clear dark night sky. They turned to their leader. Her princess dress had melted away to her fuku. Her eyes closed and her face to the sky, she slowly lifted her arms straight from her side till they were half way between straight out and straight at her sides. A smile slowly played upon her lips. "Serena?" Darien called out worriedly. Slowly opening her eyes she sighed happily. Then laughed slightly as she turned to the group. "No need to worry anymore. The universe at last saved from all evil!" She said softly, her eyes twinkling in delight. "Are we safe to come out?" a small voice said from behind a large boulder, and soon a small head peaked out from around the rock. "Yes, it is safe at last." Sailor Moon said as she detransformed into Serena, kneeling on one knee she held out a hand, beckoning them to come out. The small boy bound from behind the boulder, and straight into her arms, hugging her tightly. Alyssa walked towards the group instead of running. After releasing herself from the boy's embrace she looked him in the face. "Now, why don't you tell me who you are." "Promise not to hate me or hurt if I tell you?" the boy responded. Slightly startled, she nodded her head. "Yes I promise." "I am Logan. My father was Ronan, the evil man you just killed. He was never always bad. This evil woman turned him bad a few years ago. I've been living with him 'cause he stole me from my mother when I was little." The boy said looking away, half expecting her to yell at him, but instead was pleased when she responded kindly. "Do you wanna go home to your mother?" "I can't. She was killed in the attack by that evil lady." Logan said sadly. Spotting Alyssa, an idea came to her. *I pray my parents don't kill me for this.* "How about coming to live with me and my daughter here." Serena said hugging Alyssa closely to her. "She...she's your mom?" Logan stuttered as he spoke to Alyssa, who only blushed and nodded. "Serena do you think this is the best idea?" Mars cautioned. "Raye, shut up for once. At this point in time I don't think my thoughts could be any more clearer or correct than they are now!" Serena snapped then turned back to the boy. "What do you say?" Logan smiled and threw himself into another long embrace with Serena, who responded with just as much love as she would to Alyssa. He stepped back and bowed at the waist. "If thou except me. Then it tis be I the happiest of all!" The group laughed lightly. Their weariness of the boy slowly faded. "We should head back to the portal soon." Mercury said. "All right, you guys go on ahead, I need to talk to Darien alone." Serena replied. Everyone nodded and began to walk back towards the portal. "Look at them." Serena pointed to Logan and Alyssa. Alyssa held onto the hand of her uncle while Logan, held her other hand. "They look so cute together don't you think?" "Yes, now you wanted to talk to me?" Darien replied. "I wanted to say I'm sorry. I over reacted when I heard you talking to Katie. And I got made at you several times for hurting me when I know you didn't mean it." Serena said in a rush of words. "Don't worry about it. It was really my fault for never explaining who Katie is. I should have been a little more careful about what I said to you." Darien smiled weakly. "When we get back we should get together and talk about what you did over in the United States and I will explain to you who Katie is. Deal?" "Sure, oh, do you mind if I bring Alyssa with me?" Serena asked. "By all means do bring her and Logan both. They might become in separable." Darien laughed, Serena joined in. ~Six years later~ "MAMA! MAMA! Dad said I have a brother and a sister now!" Alyssa yelled, down the hall over and over, as she ran, towing poor Logan behind her. Alyssa now 12 and Logan 13, they had both grown much taller during the long sleep as Crystal Tokyo was awakened. Alyssa was about to yell again now that they were in their parent's bedroom, but Logan clamped and hand over her mouth and motioned for her to be silent as they tip toed over the two cradles. Looking down into the cradle the two babies cooed and laughed when they grabbed Alyssa and Logan's fingers. Alyssa and Logan snapped their heads around to see Darien (Dad) standing in the doorway panting for breath. He looked like he was about to scold them when he noticed that Serena was asleep. Walking silently over to the two he smiled as he saw that the babies were already taking a liking to their new bother and sister. "Come on. Mama needs her rest." Darien whispered as he shooed them out of the room. Closing the door behind them he walked back to the bed, sitting carefully on one edge, he brushed a few long wisps of hair out of her face and whispered softly, "I love you Serena." Turning over on her side facing Darien she whispered back. "I love you too Ding Dong!" He frowned and shook his head in amusement. *What a gall! What a gall!* THE END!!!!!! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ YIPPEEEEE! I finally finished it! *Pats herself on the back* Well let me know what you think! Send ALL comments, questions and flames to me at eternal_star_princess@yahoo.com ! BYE BYE FOR NOW!