SW = Lost Love Series: WIP

[Moonchick]

Once In A Blue Moon
By: Callista Matthews
Rating: G

The wind is blowing the golden strands of a
young girl who is looking out to the fading sun and
the rising moon.

*The room is empty, and the lights are dim*

One lone tear falls from the azure eyes,
making it's way down her lovely face. Her eyes
show sadness and reminiscing. Unknown to the
girl, a shadow was following her every move. Even
that tear did not escape his intense deep blue gaze.

*And my heart wonders, if I'll ever see you again*

The girl's form suddenly changes from
the blue and white school girl outfit to a long white
and gold gown. Her hair falls from the "meatballs"
she usually kept them in. The princess of long ago
has returned, but her prince was nowhere to be found.

*My tears are hungry for an open door*

=FLASHBACK=

"My prince, I'll love you forever." Princess
Serenity said to her love, Endymion.

"Dark times are upon us princess. I will
do my best. If I don't survive this, please know
that I'll love you forever. When the moon falls
into the sun is when I'll stop loving you. This is
my promise and oath." Endymion gazed into his
true love's eyes, knowing they reflect the feelings
in his own heart.

"Although we're great distances apart,
our love will see us through. Will you really
keep your promise to love me forever?" Serenity
looked up to the lake behind Endymion.

"I promise I'll love you forever and a
day." Endymion replied.

"Me too."

=END OF FLASHBACK=

More tears fell as the moon rose, looking
over its princess for all eternity. Flashbacks from the
past two thousand years passed by her numb mind.
Her heart, trying to deaden the pain by retreating
to her subconscious of memories. The man with
ebony hair was also experiencing the flashbacks.
No matter how far apart they were, those memories
kept them going.

*When your arms held me, I never felt that way before*

=FLASHBACK=

"Darien, please listen to me! Beryl has
poisoned your mind. Darien, she may have you mind,
but your heart belongs to me. You remember, don't
you?" A wounded Sailor Moon begged her lover on
bended knee.

"You are the enemy!" Prince Endymion raised
his sword, ready to slice Sailor Moon in half.

"No I'm not. Look Darien, it's our locket.
Don't destroy it. Remember, it's our locket, the symbol
of everything we shared. All those happy times on the
moon, please don't let her take that away from us,
please Darien. It's me Darien. Princess Serenity. I've
come to set you free again. Just like I promised."
Sailor Moon made this final plea.

"I remember..." Prince Endymion lowered
his weapon to stare at Sailor Moon.

"All you have to do is touch it!" Sailor Moon
presented the star locket.

=END OF FLASHBACK=

The girl's dress changed again. This time,
her dress became a sailor outfit with wings on the
back. Eternal Sailor Moon has reached her highest
power peak. The man just stared in awe of the spectacle.

*And I'll be waiting, and I'll be watching under a blue moon*

The full moon, watching over its mistress,
loomed over the night sky. More memories assailed
both the girl and the man that was hidden in the shadows.

=FLASHBACK=

"I don't think we should get to close." Darien
distanced himself and Serena by pushing her almost
roughly from him.

"Oh I know I'm still pretty young..." Serena
obviously did not get the message, or rather, doesn't want to get the message.

"That's not what I meant. We're through!"
Darien shouted at Serena.

Serena just stood there too traumatized to
even shed a tear. Her tower of strength, her light in
the dark, the prince of her dreams, is saying he
didn't love her anymore.

"But...but you...but you couldn't have
forgotten our past as the prince and princess who
are destined to be together, did you?" Serena's voice,
barely above audible.

"Why should my whole life be directed by
what's happened in the past? Maybe I had a crush on
you back then, but I don't anymore, alright? Read my lips, 'I DON'T LOVE YOU!'" Darien's sarcasm and cold
tone was too much for Serena to handle.

"If...if...if that's how you feel..." Serena's voice almost breaking from the pain tearing her heart in two.

"Of course that's how I feel. Now get out of
here! I don't want to see you anymore. I'll help with
Reenie, still, but that's not because I still care." Darien's cold eyes drilling into her.

"Alright then. Since that's how you feel, goodbye Darien. Have...a good life..." Serena proceeded to walk away, the tears still not coming. The pain and agony was still numbing her senses.

Darien's cold eyes were replaced by sadness.
'I'm sorry...'

=END OF FLASHBACK=

Hot drops of tears continued to fall, the rose
in her clenched hand crumbled and fell to the stone
trail. The girl looked down at the locket she'd been
holding in her hand. One last glance and she threw
it in the lake. The man had no choice but to watch
in devastation.

*A taste of heaven only happens, once in a blue moon*

=FLASHBACK=

Serena went to a ball with her guardians for Valentine's Day. As they entered the dance hall, Serena caught sight of a tall, ebony haired man in a tuxedo. Serena was just about to rush over him to talk when Raye came up from Serena's side to whisper, "Don't go any closer, Serena."

"Why can't I? I have to talk to him." Serena
looked at Raye as though she was crazy.

"Serena...he's here with someone. Another
girl." Raye told her regrettably.

"Wha...?" Serena whirled around just in time
to see Darien dancing and kissing a tall brunette who
was obviously enamored by Darien. Serena was frozen in shock. She wanted to run away, run away from that
scene that tore her heart ever more.

"I guess it really is over..." Serena whispered.
She turned around and ran outside with her Scouts following her. Not before each of them glared at Darien and his date. Unfortunately for Darien, he turned around just in time to catch the glares and silent messages each Scout sent him. He was in BIG trouble...

=END OF FLASHBACK=

*Do you remember, when the wind blew free? We fit
together so naturally*

The lake shimmered from the moonbeams that bounced off the surface. The wind howled, the leaves shook, silence stretched on and on. Serena stopped looking at the moon and proceeded to walk away. Darien still watched her, knowing she thought he never loved her, no longer cared.

"Forever and a day, princess."

*And I'll be waiting, and I'll be watching. Under a blue moon. Taste of heaven, only happens, once in a blue moon...*



Well, what do ya think??? Comments are always
welcome, just as constructive
criticism.

[Moonchick]

Tell Me
by: Callista Matthews

*There are times, when I can't help but cry
and I wonder why you had to leave me*

"Serena! It's late! You should go
home now." Luna, Sailor Moon's talking guardian
cat scolded. "You're parents are going to know
something's up!"

"In a second Luna. Why don't you go
home already and I'll meet you there?" Sailor Moon
had her back toward Luna, facing the moonlit
lake in the park.

"Well, I don't know if I should..." The
cat said uncertainly.

"I'll be fine. I just need a bit of time
to think about what's happening. Reenie needs
someone to look after her tonight anyway. She's
in danger if no one is looking out for her." Sailor
Moon still not looking at her.

"Very well, but don't stay up too late!"
With those words, Luna turned around and left.

Unknown to Sailor Moon, a shadow
followed her in the darkness. His deep blue eyes
following her every move. Their battle against the
monster that almost put Sailor Moon to eternal
sleep was very painful for them both. Tuxedo Mask's
heart was torn in two when he had to leave Sailor
Moon crying and Sailor Moon's heart broke when
her eternal love turned his back on her. She was
confused and hurting just as he, but he dare not
do anything about it except turn her away.

Sailor Moon's body glowed in the moonlight
as she walked around the lake, unsuspecting of the
hidden gaze of Tuxedo Mask. Suddenly, she stopped,
finally feeling someone's gaze. She turns around,
looking for the source, but gave up on the notion.

"Why do I feel like Darien's here?" Sailor
Moon said out loud. Tuxedo Mask heard it and froze,
hoping she didn't know he was here.

She turned her head back again to the lake
and ignored the feeling. Suddenly, out of the blue, her uniform faded into her princess dress made of the finest silk and pure gold embroidery thread that made up the gold swirls on the empire waist dress. Tuxedo Mask starred in awe at the sight and he, too began to transform. His tuxedo and top hat being replaced by a shiny and versatile armor. His black cape began to lengthen. He transformed into his long-ago self, Prince Endymion.

Princess Serenity kept walking around the
lake, thinking of the past. She thought of the happier
times with Endymion before the Negaverse. She felt
safe and secure in his arms.

*Why did it have to end so soon, when you said that
you would never leave me*

While Serenity walked, Endymion was
following her silently, as well. Serenity stops by a bench with a railing in front of it. She recognizes it as the benchshe and Darien used to cuddle next to each other. She steps by the railing, looking at the bright full moon. Because her back was to Endymion, he did not see the silent tears flowing down her downey cheek.

Without warning, a bright light appeared
behind the princess. Serenity wasn't alarmed, but Endymion was just about ready to jump out of the shadows to defend Serenity when a woman with green hair and a dangerous looking staff entered. She was wearing a sailor suit. Serenity didn't even flinch, nor turn around to face the new arrival.

"Hello, Sailor Pluto. I see you recieved
my call." Serenity said to the woman behind her, not turning to face Pluto because of the tears she tried to hide.

"Yes, I received your call, Princess Serenity.
I live to serve you." Sailor Pluto gave a short kneeling stance.

Serenity turn around to face Pluto. "You
do know what has been going on here, do you not
Pluto? You do know why Reenie is here too?" She
asked bluntly.

"Yes I do, your majesty. How did you
know?" Pluto asked calmly, already knowing the
answer.

"It doesn't take me very long to figure
out that Reenie is short for Serenity and that she is from the future." Serenity answered her serenly. "It doesn't take me very long to realize that she is my future daughter either."

Prince Endymion gasped almost audibly at
this piece of news. Sure, he saw the similarities
between the two, but he never would have guessed the
relationship. Then he asked himself the most important
question of all. Who was Reenie's father?

"Yes, princess, I do know Small Lady. I was
the one that brought her here." Pluto stared at her
monarch.

"Care to tell me why? Can you tell me
about Reenie's father?"

"Princess, you of all people should know I
am not allowed to reveal the future. It will come
soon enough."

"You're right as usual, Pluto." Serenity
casted a glance at the moon. "Perhaps you can take me out of this prison of heartache temporarily for me, can you not?"

"Of course, Princess. I can open up a
portal anywhere, any time." Pluto activated her
staff to open a portal at her princess' command.

"Good, take me to the time gates and I
will make my decision there."

Pluto opened up a portal that lead to the
time gates and Serenity entered the portal without
hesitation. Pluto entered next. Endymion only had a
split second to decide whether or not to follow. The
message in his dream surfaced once more and he
shook it off. 'Serenity might need my help. I can't
let her go alone, even if one of her Scouts are
with her.' With those thoughts, he raced toward
the shrinking portal and jumped in.

*Tell me, where did I go wrong. What did I do
to make you change your mind completely. When
I though this love would never end. But if this
love's not ours to have, I'll let it go with your
goodbye*

Endymion landed with a thud in a place
filled with dense fog. 'Where am I?' Endymion
asked himself. He could barely make out the figure
of Sailor Pluto and Princess Serenity in front of him.
He had to move quickly if he wanted to catch up to
them. He picked himself up and followed in a brisk
pace.

"Where in time would you want to go,
Serenity?" Pluto asked her.

"Take me to the past, during the Silver
Millennium." Serenity told Pluto and she immediately followed her orders.

Endymion had to run again to catch up
with the two women. After goingthrough the portal
Serenity and Pluto went in, he recognized the place
where he landed. He was in the past, his past with
Serenity. He hid under the bushes as Serenity, all
alone, went to sit down on a bench not too far
from where Endymion was hiding. He caught the
site of his past self kissing and cuddling his Serenity.
Endymion's heart ached at the site.

"Princess, a question?" Pluto asked politely.

"What do you want to know, Puu?" Serenity
asked, using an old nickname she hadn't used in a
long time.

"I know about the current situation between
you and the prince, but why did you want to come
back to this time? Wouldn't it bring you more pain?"

Endymion was asking himself the same question.

*Don' know what to do, don't know what to say*

"It's simple, really." Serenity never took
her eyes off of the two soul-mates. "Although right
now, the present seems so bleak, and the future even
bleaker, the past is something that I can look back on
and be somewhat happy. Re-living those memories would be the closest thing to happiness that I can get. No one can take the past away from you and it's something that can keep me alive. My heart is broken into so many pieces, I don't think I'll ever recover. But seeing the good times we used to have, it mends it little by little. It's hard living without the one you love, it's even harder knowing that they don't love you." The tearing pain in her heart started once more and tears flowed endlessly. She watched her former self and her lover giggling and kissing and she just gave a sad smile. "It's funny, actually. The one man I vowed to love 'till the end of time, the one my soul is bound to forever, doesn't want it. I just can't deal with this pain anymore. I suspect he loves someone else now and because I love him so, I'm letting him go." Serenity bowed her head.

"I'm sorry to bring such a difficult topic for
you, but it's necessary for the well-being of the universe."

"It's fine. The sooner I come to grips with
this, the sooner the pain will recceed, or so everyone says."

*Why did it have to end so soon, when you said
that you would never leave me*

Endymion missed her so very much. All
he wanted in this entire universe was to kiss her
sweet lips once more. He wanted to spend the rest of
his life with her, protecting her, and being a good
father to their children. Unfortnately, because of
nightmares, it's very improbable that they would ever
be together once more. He would rather she be with
someone else but alive, that she be with him but dead.

[Moonchick]

*Tell me, where did I go wrong? What did I do to
make you change your mind completely*

'Why are we always being torn apart,
Endy? I thought you loved me. You swore to me
you loved me. What changed? Was I not good enough
for you anymore? Do you love someone else? I love
you so much and all I want is to be with you. Why
can't you love me like you used to?' Serenity watched
the Prince Endymion playing tag with the princess.
But instead of just catching her, he tagged her with a
kiss each time. Reality came crashing down on her
once more as she realized that she would never be
with Endymion ever again because he no longer
loved her. Just thinking about it brought bitter tears
that never stopped.

"Princess, it's time to go. It's almost
midnight where you come from and I have business
to attend to elsewhere." Pluto broke Serenity's reverie.

"One more minute Pluto, then I won't
bother you again." Serenity forever engraved the
scene in front of her in her mind. "Okay, Pluto,
you can take me back to my time."

Pluto opened a portal to the park for
Serenity who transformed back into Sailor Moon.
Sailor Moon went into the portal without question,
but not before thanking Pluto and asking her vow
to protect Small Lady. Endymion transformed back
to Tuxedo Mask also, but he realized he had no
way out unless he went to Sailor Pluto.

Pluto turned around and looked at the
bush saying, "You can come out now, Prince Endymion."

Tuxedo Mask appeared, looking quite sheepish. "How did you know I was here?"

"Prince Endymion, I don't leave open portals
without a good reason." Pluto's eyebrow arched.

"So what was the purpose of leaving the
portal open?" Tuxedo Mask asked, getting quite
interested.

"That was just as display on how much
the princess really loves you. I know you know
about Reenie and it is true that Reenie is the
child of Princess Serenity in the future. But I hope
this has taught you to reevaluate the decisions you
have made so far." Pluto opened a portal from her
time staff. "This portal will lead you to your
apartment. The princess is waiting for you there to
talk. I suggest you think about the current situation
and think hard." After those parting words, Pluto
disappeared.

Tuxedo Mask sighed and led himself to the
portal. Indeed, Sailor Moon was waiting for him.
She was not aware that he was with her throughout
her visit with Sailor Pluto.

"Tuxedo Mask, I need to speak with you."
Her voice was emotionless.

Tuxedo Mask sighed and detransformed back
to Darien. Sailor Moon didn't follow his example, though.
She remained as she is as he opened the door to his
apartment. He led her to the balcony where the warm
night air sweeped around them.

*When I thought this love would never end. But if this
love's not ours to have, I'll let it go with your goodbye*

"What did you want to talk about Serena?"
Darien addressed her with her real name as
indifferent as possible.

"I wanted to talk about us. What happened
between us." She said bluntly.

Darien sighed in exasperation. "I told you a
million time. I don't love you anymore! Why can't
you get it through your empty head that I don't
love you? What happened between us was a mistake
that should never have been repeated." He felt Serena's
pain through the space between them. Amazingly, she
didn't cry. The remark had cut too deep to make her
feel anything but pain. Darien knew how much the
words would kill her, but he needed to get the message
across.

"Tell that to my face. Look at me straight in
the eye and tell me those words again. If you can do
that, I'll be out of your life forever. You'll never hear
from me or feel me, or see me unless it's Scout
business until the end of time." Sailor Moon turned
to Darien with dead and empty eyes. It no longer
held the life and vibrance that it used to.

It was a painful choice to make. He didn't
want to be apart from her, but for her safety, he had
to do it. Darien didn't know how he managed it, but
he repeated what he said earlier with an unwavering
gaze. He had enough self-restraint to make his eyes
hard and his voice cold. After he was done, she closed
her eyes and chanted a few words. Darien felt a
searing pain deep within himself. He felt Serena's
presence in his heart and soul stretch to the breaking
point and finally snap. Darien doubled over from the
pain that only lasted a few seconds.

"What happened?" Darien looked at Serena,
her eyes glistening and anguished.

"I broke our soul-bond." She said simply.
"A soul-bond is the result of a deep love that
goes both ways. It makes one person feel and
sense the other and vice versa. It can't only go
one way. Both people have to love each other
deeply." Serena's eyes stared at the moon, where she
died for Darien once already. "Since you no longer love
me, the soul-bond is dissolved until you find another
girl that your soul can bond to."

"Why did you do that?" Darien looked at her,
his eyes wide at the current situation.

"I told you. If you can tell me you no
longer loved me looking deep into my eyes, you will
never feel me or sense me ever again. You will never
feel me transform, feel me when I'm in danger, the
things that you used to feel about me." Serena looked
at the star locket that appeared between them. "This
was made out of love, but this no longer has any
symbolism." With those words, the locket broke to pieces.

"I wish you luck in your life, Darien. I hope
you find the love that you always wanted. I hope you
find the girl you will love until the end of time." Even
as she said those words, tremendous pain built up in
her chest. She had to leave.

Before she left, she whispered almost
incoherently, "I know you're wondering why I'm doing
this after so many weeks of crying about it. There's
only one explaination. I love you so enough to let you
go if it makes you happy. If you're happier without me
than with me, so be it." Serena turned her back to a
silent Darien and closed her eyes in sudden agony
before saying a whispered a final goodbye and leaping
from his balcony to the streets. She disappeared
under the shadows.

"What have I done?" Darien asked himself.
Did he make the right choice?

[Moonchick]

I Wanna Be With You
By: Callista Matthews
E-mail: [e-mail]
Editor: Alexia-chan
Rated: PG - 13 for language and some
situations

"She's having a nightmare again." Luna
whispered as she continued to stare helplessly at
the poor girl. Serena had been plagued by merciless
nightmares, tough monsters, an adorable yet nosey
little girl,and an ever-distant ex-boyfriend whom
she still loved. Serena bolted off her bed, sitting
straight is a cold sweat. Her eyes were glossy and
had a haunted look to her face. Her nightmares
were increasing in intensity and the Silver Crystal
could no longer help her like in the past. Luna,
noticing that Serena's haunted eyes were staring into
oblivion, curled up in a ball on Serena's lap. Serena's
hand absent-mindedly stroked the soft fur underneath
it.

Luna looked up, "Serena, are you okay?"
Serena looked down on Luna, her eyes still glossy
and heartbroken.

"I'm fine Luna. It's just that..." Tears were
running down her silky cheek, the heart-wrenching type
of tears. "I can't take this anymore! I miss him so
much, I miss the closeness we had, the love we shared,
just the pleasure of being in his company, I miss
everything! He was the one that I took my strength
from, he's the reason why I fought hard, he's the one that
I loved! The only man I would ever love." Her voice
trailed away in a whisper. The tears continued to fall as
she bowed her head.

A shrill beep was heard on her desk. "d**n!"
Serena wiped her tears and hurried to get her communicator.
"Moon here." She answered. Mercury's face popped up on the
monitor. "Serena, really big monster on the harbor. We
really need you right away. Jupiter and Mars down, Venus,
Tuxedo Mask and I are holding down the fort."

"I'll be there in a jiffy." Serena turned off her
communicator and turned toLuna. "Do you want to come?"

"Of course! I still need to gather information
about our enemy." Luna's eyes moved to the little pink
bundle on Serena's bed. The "fungus", as Serena lovingly
calls her, was sleeping deeply. "I wish she didn't have to
have this over her head, she's so young."

Serena's eyes followed. "I know. I wish that I
can keep her safe, but I have a feeling that another
threat has come up but this one none of us can protect
her from." Then she snapped out of it. "We need to
go, Luna."

Serena and Luna dashed out into the night in
a hurry. What they didn't see was a certain girl with
pink hair and a Luna Ball chasing after them.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ At The Harbor*~*~*~*~*~*~*


"Moon Crystal Power!" Serena began her transformation
sequence in the shadows to ensure secrecy. When she
finished, she dashed near the edge of the water where
Venus just went down and Tuxedo Mask and Mercury
was holding up, barely. Serena just skipped her usual
introduction speech and attacked the monster with her
tiara. The monster, who opened a disguised eye from its
back, emitted an eerie glow and stopped her tiara.

Sailor Moon stopped on her tracks. "What?"

The monster suddenly turned its attention behind
Sailor Moon. Rini was running after Sailor Moon when
the monster lunged at the little girl. It was about to
lash out a big blast that would injure the little girl severely.

Sailor Moon saw the monster aiming at Rini
and ran to get her. Sailor Moon succeeded in protecting
Rini with a super jump but she was injured in the
process. When they reached the ground with a horrifying
thud, Sailor Moon told Rini, "Run, daughter, run..."

Rini looked in disbelief, but a dawning could
be seen in her young eyes and she did as her mother
told her to do. The monster, knowing that there was
bigger prey to destroy, turned to Sailor Moon and
attacked.

"Venus Love Chain, Encircle!" Venus' attack
stopped the monster from killing Sailor Moon, which was
less than an inch from her body. The monster staggered
for a moment, giving Moon enough time to take out her
scepter and get rid of the monster. When she finished
dusting the monster, she lowered her scepter and collapsed
on the ground. The Scouts and Tuxedo Mask, all exhausted,
felt a stream of energy enter their bodies and repairing the
worst of the damages done to them.

When they were strong enough, the flow
stopped and Mercury was the first to see the streams
of energy returning to its source...Sailor Moon.

Sailor Moon collapsed in exhaustion and the
Scouts and Tuxedo Mask rushed to help her. Before
they were able to get to her, however, they stopped
dead on their tracks as a white and yellow glow began
to surround Sailor Moon, changing her regular suit to a
dress with a mix of silver and gold. On her forehead
was her usual crescent moon but intertwined with a sun.

The glow began to heal a majority of Sailor
Moon's life-threatening injuries as well as her severe
energy depletion. After done with its task, the glow
faded and Serena returned to her Sailor outfit.

"Serena!" The four Inner Scouts rushed to
her side to help her get up. Tuxedo Mask, however,
stood rooted to the ground where he stood.

Mars reached Moon first, being the most
frantic out of the four when she saw Moon's injuries.
"Sailor Moon! Wake up!" She shook Sailor Moon,
hoping that she was okay. "Serena! Wake up, Meatball
Head!"

Mercury scanned Moon's body, holding her
breath. After several minutes, she withdrew the breath
she was holding. "Mars, she should be waking up any
minute. Her major cuts and bruises are healed and she
received a considerable amount of energy to replace
the one she lost in battle."

No sooner than Mercury finished speaking,
Moon opened her eyes, looking at a tear-stained
Mars and three extremely worried faces. She sat
up cautiously, aware of her injuries during the fight.
The first words out of her mouth was, "Is everyone
alright?"

The four Scouts sighed in relief. "Everyone's
fine, Sailor Moon. You finished off the monster in
no time." Jupiter answered. Sailor Moon
de-transformed. She placed her left hand on her
forehead, feeling an upcoming headache. She closed
her eyes but suddenly snapped them open once more.
"Where's Rini?" Her head twisted around to look
for the little girl. "She came after me, but I sent
her to go hide."

This snapped everyone, including Tuxedo
Mask, out of their relief. They all started to call
the little girl when a blitz of pink went past their
circle to wrap her small arms around Serena's waist.

"You're okay! Mo- Serena!" Rini caught
her tongue before any other people overheard her
half-spoken sentence. "I thought you were going to
die!" She continued to sob.

[Moonchick]

Serena rubbed the little girl's back, like
her mother had done when she was younger.
"Sweetheart, it's okay. I'm fine. Just a little bruised,
but that's about it." Serena attempted to smile, for
the little girl's sake. Serena's maternal instincts kicking
in, along with her Sailor Moon instincts.

After several more minutes, Tuxedo Mask
finally joined the little gathering.

"I'll take them home." He said softly.

The five de-transformed Scouts and one
pink-haired child turned to look at him with shock.

"What do you mean? I thought that you
no longer cared. As far as taking Serena and Rini
home, we'll do it." Raye switched to 'protect' mode.
"Unless you have still have some feelings for Serena..."
Raye eyes hiding her hope.

Darien's voice turned harsh. "Let's get
something straight, Raye. I no longer have any
unresolved feelings toward Serena. My emotions are
crystal clear and I don't ever want to be with her
again romantically. I am, however, concerned about
Rini's well-being. If any monster decides to attack, I
feel that I can protect her better than Serena can at
this stage." Darien's clear, blue eyes were cold.

Raye's eyes were spitting fire at his direction.
The two stared at each other, boldly challenging the
other to attack. The other three Scouts were prepared
to fight Darien as well. Even Amy.

Serena stood, her face not betraying one
single sign of the pain developing in her already
agonized heart. Darien's statement only furthered the
eternal ripping of her heart and soul. "That's enough!
Raye, it's fine. He can just walk us home."

Serena took Rini's hand in hers as they
walked out of the harbor. Darien and Raye were
still challenging the other to back off when Darien
turned to catch up to the two meatball-headed girls.

Raye and the girls starred at the three,
each had different thoughts, but one avowal was
clear through their minds. 'Don't hurt her anymore.
She's dying inside already.'

*~*~*~*~*~*~* Outside Serena's House *~*~*~*~*~*~*

*~* I try but I can't seem to get myself to think
of anything...but you *~*

After Darien helped Serena to her bedroom,
Rini was already asleep.

"Help me to tuck her in her bed." Serena
quietly whispered to Darien, heading outside her room
to the room next to hers. Darien followed and helped
to tuck in the pink 'fungus'. They both returned to
Serena's room where there was a window to let himself
out.

Serena went immediately went to her bed
and put her covers around herself, wanting desperately
to be left to her misery. She hoped Darien would
just leave so she can await the tears coming from
her eyes as it usually does every time she hears
rejection. The deep and searing pain in her chest was
overwhelming and was threatening to choke her.

Darien didn't leave immediately. His hard
and cold eyes softened and warmed. His eyes was
hiding the pain of having to be away from her for
all eternity. He felt like there are some things between
them that couldn't just go away.

*~* Your breath on my face, your warm gentle
kiss I taste, I taste the truth *~*

Darien took a hesitant step toward
Serena, watching her reaction. He couldn't see her
face because her back was to him and her covers
were tucked all the way to her chin. He kept on
going and reached the edge of the bed. He sat
down and Serena felt the depression on the bed.
She gathered up her courage and turned to face
him.

*~* We know what I came here for. So I won't
ask for more *~*

They kept on starring at each other. A
multitude of emotions flashed though each of their
eyes, one after another. Serena reached her hand
out, carefully, to Darien's face. Before Serena's
hand was able to make contact with his skin, Darien
flinched. Serena's questing hand stopped and she
retracted it. She felt like she hadbeen physically
slapped. She sat up, lowering her gaze from Darien's.
She already knew what was going to happen. She
made her decision and looked straight into Darien's
eyes, not knowing her own eyes were glossy with
tears.

"Darien, just for one night, can you
pretend that you love me? Can you forget that you
hate me and absolutely don't ever want to see me
again? Please? For just tonight, can you show me
what it could have been if you did not hate me?"
Her eyes were begging him. She was seeking relief
so badly that she would do absolutely anything to
have just one loving moment with her only love,
even if it was just acting. Even if it wasn't sincere.

*~* I wanna be with you. If only for one night. To
be the one who's in your arms to hold you tight.
I wanna be with you. There's nothing more to say,
there's nothing else I want more than to feel this
way... I wanna be with you...*~*

Darien was shocked that she asked him that.
He loved her, but he never realized that she did
truly gave up hope on him until she whispered her
plea. His heart broke even more, knowing she
believed that he no longer loved her and hated her
with a passion. He never thought that she would be
this hurt. He thought for a minute, looking through
her desperate eyes.

"Alright. Just for tonight."

*~* So I'll hold you tonight like I would if you were
mine to hold forever more. And I'll savor each touch
that I wanted so much to feel before, to feel before.
How beautiful it is just to be like this. *~*

Serena wrapped her arm around Darien
and kissed him with everything in her. Darien, kissed
her back with the same intensity, knowing this was
going to be their first, last, and only time to make
love and to show each other how deep their love
ran. Unfortunately, Serena only thought that Darien
was just pretending. However, for her, this was enough.

*~* Oh baby. I can't fight this feeling anymore.
Drives me crazy when I try to. So call my name
and take my hand. Can you make my wish, your
command? *~*

*)*)*)* Somewhere in Time *)*)*)*

A lone figure stared at Serena's window,
seeing unseen shadows lurking in the dark, shadows
too evil to see. An invisible band of light pulsed
and the shadows retreated...for now.

*~* I wanna be with you, if only for one night. To
be the one that's in your arms to hold you tight. I
wanna be with you. There's nothing more to say.
There's nothing else I want more than to feel this
way. *~*

[Moonchick]

Visit my website:
www.callistamatthews.cjb.net


Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon or make money out of
fanfics. I don't own the song either, it's by Tom Jones.
(Eepp! I KNOW! Crazy!)

I Couldn't Say Goodbye
By: Callista Matthews
E-mail: [e-mail]
Editor: Alexia-chan
Rated: PG-13 language and some situations

The moon started its descent from the night sky
as it paved the way for the sun. Here it was, finally, the
dreaded "morning after". In the Tsukino house, everyone
and everything seemed to be still within the grasp of the
dream world. All but one occupant was still unconscious of
the consequences of the previous night.

Darien was already awake at dawn, being an early
riser by instinct. He was still lying down next to Serena,
with the sheet covering him to the waist. He rose slightly to
put his weight on one of his elbows. He looked down at the
woman whose bed he was sharing and realized that after this
morning, he had to make a crucial decision. He could either
leave calmly, lying again to Serena, tell her that what happened
meant nothing, and continue to break her fragile heart, or give
up and risk her life for one selfish night of loving.

He knew he loved her very much, too much for words
to form, but her life meant more to him than any of his needs.

*~* I watch you as you're sleeping, as I'm standing at the door.
I don't want to let you go, but I can't hold on anymore *~*

His heart throbbed. It hurt him to have to leave her.
All his heart could ever want was in his arms, yet it was the
only thing he couldn't have.

*~* I just can't find the strength to say I'm leaving you. It's
over now, it's over now and there's nothing I can do *~*

Outside, a thunderstorm was on the verge of falling.
Darien rose, as carefully and as unobtrusive as he could
manage. He picked up his clothes and put them on again. He
strode to the window, prepared to leave without a backwards
glance. He knew if he allowed his eyes to drift back to Serena's
sleeping form, he'd never be able to go. He halted at the window
sill, thinking for a moment and let out a tortured sigh. He turned
and walked to Serena's desk. He took out a leaf of paper and used
the rabbit pen on the desk. He scribbled a few words and turned
to leave again. He passed by Serena again, tempted to to kiss her
one final time, but he shook his head and flew out the window.

*~* I couldn't say goodbye, couldn't stand the pain. Couldn't
watch you cry, knowing that you're heart would break. *~*

Darien walked back to his apartment, unconcicous
of the storm gathering around him, only concious of the
storm gathering within his heart. He hoped to any of the
gods watching that he did the right thing. Not the right
thing for himself, because he already knew that without her,
he would only be a shell without insides. A shell without
a heart. He wished that he had done the right thing for
Serena's sake.

*~* So I let you sleep, till the morning light. When you
wake up, and you read the note I write. Telling you that
I couldn't say goodbye *~*

Serena woke up, feeling disoriented and confused.

'What happened?' She thought.

Sudden rush of memories lifted a blush over her
cheeks. After she finished blushing, she looked around,
hoping that Darien was still around. She found no trace that
Darien had even been in the room except for the faint scent
of roses that always accompanied him. She started to smile,
but then she realized the consequences of their passionate
night. The depression that only dissipated temporarily
settled over her once more, this time, putting her soul in
a stronger sense of anguish and pain. Her eyes were
swimming in unshed tears as she scanned her room. Her
gaze fell to a piece of paper sitting solitairily on her desk.

She raised herself up and strode to her desk,
wondering what that letter may contain. Her tears finally
spilled as she read the letter.

'Serena--
I know that you're in pain right now,

and I am really sorry to be the cause of it. I

can't explain why, but this night never should

have happened. I can push the blame to a

sudden attach of hormones, and you were

vulnerable. I took advantage, and for that, I am

sorry. Our situation still stands. I don't want to

see you anymore and there will not be a repeat

performance of last night. I'm sorry that we

can't remain friend either, I guessed that it would

be easier this way. I haven't forgotten our past,

but it's time to move on. What's in the past,

should remain in the past. I hope that someday

you'll forgive me for breaking your heart.

I'm sorry.

--Darien'

Serena's legs gave way and she slumped to
the floor, sobbing.

[Moonchick]

*~* I'm walking down this rainy street, thinking you're
awake by now. As you read my letter, and the tears
fall from your eyes. *~*

Darien reached his apartment, feeling the
loneliest he's ever been. After the night before, he would
never be able to think of Serena without crying himself.
She was the only family he has ever known and now he's
turning his back to her. He knew he looked ungrateful
for the love and trust she gave him. He couldn't
feel more torn apart in different directions than he's feeling
now.

He looked around his apartment, thinking
of the future, knowing with all his being that it
looked ever bleaker than what he pictured before.
Now that he added this situation into the mix.

Darien looked outside where the thunder
and lightning were ravaging Tokyo with its destructive
force, also knowing that a stronger storm raged in
his heart.

*~* Just know that I tried to make it work, but
it just wasn't meant to be. I needed you, I needed
you, but not the way you needed me *~*

The birds chirped outside Serena's bedroom
as the sun rose to find the Princess of the Moon
sobbing her heart out, crying in pain.

'd**n you Darien, d**n you!' She raged with
all the torment and bitterness she felt enveloping her
shattered heart. 'I'll just have to move on without you.
I can't keep hoping and getting shot down again. No
matter how I love you, it will never work!'

She picked herself up as well at the shattered
pieces of what's left of her heart off the floor. She decided
right there and then that she was never going to give her
love to someone else without them earning it. She was
tired of wearing her heart on her sleeve, exposed to everyone
who could hurt her further.

*~*I couldn't say goodbye. Couldn't stand the pain. Couldn't
watch you cry. Knowing that your heart would break. So I
let you sleep. Till the morning light. When you wake up and
you read the note I write. Telling you that I. I couldn't say
goodbye*~*

The sky remain dark as the heavens cried for a love
that was fated to be yet seeming to be unable to overcome
the tests placed on its road. The moon hid behind the clouds,
waiting, veiled behind the sky.

Serena looked blankly to the angry clouds. Normally
this would scare her out of her wits, but at that moment, she
couldn't care less and just stopped to pass time.

*~*I didn't mean to hurt you. I didn't want to make you cry.
It's over now, yes it's over now. I just couldn't say goodbye*~*

Darien buried his face in his hands, just wanting to
wake up from this nightmare. Hoping that this was all a dream
and he would wake up with Serena still loving him with her
special brand of loviing. Hoping that the night they spent was
the only reality that he would hold in his heart and mind.
Hoping that there will be a time for them in the eternity
that they promised each other.

*~*I couldn't say goodbye. Couldn't stand the pain. Couldn't
watch you cry. Knowing that your heart would break. So I
let you sleep. Till the morning light. When you wake up and
you read the note I write. Telling you that I. I couldn't say
goodbye*~*

Until next time...

Sappy, I know. I just wanted to finish this one after an eternity
of sitting in my file. One more part to go and this saga will be
wrapped up! Finally, huh? Well, please review! Through
e-mail or at the bottom of this fanfic in Fanfiction.net
[e-mail]

Laters!