Moonlight Dreams
Part 1
By Veronica

Luna watched as Serena slept tossing and turning in her bed. The moonlight shined right on her, exposing her distorted face.

"Darien," Serena whispered in her dream, "Don’t leave me."

All Luna could do was sigh. All this week the dreams had been getting worse. Something had to be done. Serena was still upset over Darien.

Across town, Darien was sitting on his couch staring at his picture of Serena. She looked so beautiful, he thought sadly. All he wanted to do was protect her. How could he hurt her worse than he is now, he wondered. With that he tossed the picture on the table and it faced towards him as he got up and went into his bedroom. He could not do this for much longer, he realized.

The next morning, Reeny was jumping on top of Serena’s bed urging her to wake up.

"Come on, Serena." Reeny whined. "I want to go see the other Scouts."

Serena slowly rose up in bed holding her head in her hands as Reeny bounced out of the room. The light hurt her eyes as she grumbled about getting dressed and Reeny waking her up.

"Luna," Serena asked slowly adjusting to the fact that she was supposed to be getting dressed, "Why does that little spore always aggravate me in the morning? What is wrong with sleeping?" Without waiting for an answer she barely made her way to the bathroom to take a shower.

Lita was sitting on a chair bathing in the sun while Ami sat on the ground reading her book about Advanced Calculus. Rei was sweeping the porch of the temple and Mina was staring into space. Lita was the first one to speak.

"There’s something wrong here. Luna says that Serena’s dreams are getting worse. We need to take her mind off Darien."

"I agree but with Serena, everything reminds her of him." Ami replied.

"We should still try. She is our friend and leader. Plus she’s really hurting bad." Mina said softly.

Just then Reeny came up the path followed by Serena who looked as if she was going to fall apart at any moment. Lita came up with an idea.

"Serena, come with me to the mall. I want to talk to you about something."

The other scouts just shrugged their shoulders. Reeny started to sing a song to Rei. Luna just watched with a heavy heart praying that Lita could help Serena. Serena followed Lita dragging her feet.

Lita kept looking critically at Serena. Serena was wearing her long light pink skirt to her ankles and wore a white T-shirt. Lita then came up with an idea.

"Serena, let’s get our hair done." Lita suggested.

"Why?" Serena asked, speaking for the first time since they started walking.

"Because, I need a buddy and you’ll feel so pretty afterward."

Serena nodded filling images of herself looking like a model and smiling. Lita was happy that she came up with something good to cheer her up. Lita watched as Serena was having her hair washed. Serena was smiling at herself in the mirror, as all she thought about was her hair. Lita stood up as Serena came out with her hair sparkling and braided all the way down. Two curls hung at the edge of her face. Serena smiled even wider as Lita’s mouth dropped.

"You look absolutely gorgeous." Lita exclaimed.

Serena linked arms with Lita and headed out to the arcade.

Darien was talking to Andrew at the café. Darien was staring at his drink with intensity. Andrew kept on talking.

"Then Rita started going on about this African project and…Darien are you listening?"

Darien wondered if Serena had given up on him yet. How could he be so cruel? I should just…

"Darien! What are you looking at?" Andrew demanded.

"Nothing." Darien said monotonously.

"Come on I know you better than that. What’s up?"

Darien looked at his friend seriously. "I need some advice. If you really love some one and some one warned you to stay away from them…would you?"

"Of course not. You would really hurt that person badly. But if the warning was something about this person I would confront them." Andrew stated. Andrew suddenly looked up as Darien gripped his cup. "Darien come with me. I know someone who will cheer you up."

Darien looked skeptical and shook his head. Andrew shrugged and got up to leave.

"Hi, Serena! Wow you look great. Got a hair cut didn’t you?"

"Thanks Andrew! I feel better, too." Serena said beaming. Her eyes were filled with happiness. Lita was smiling but then frowned and looked worried. She saw a figure sitting at a booth. He was slouching slightly but she still recognized him. Darien, she realized. She had to get Serena out of here before she saw him.

"Serena, why don’t we go play some games?" Lita suggested.

"Okay." Serena said happily without glancing around. Andrew started to head back to Darien as Lita and Serena walked off.

"Darien, you should see Serena’s hair. It’s really pretty. What? What’s wrong?"

Darien perked up at Andrew’s words about Serena. She’s here, he thought to himself. He looked around but couldn’t find her.

"It’s nothing, Andrew. I just thought I saw someone."

Lita and Serena started shopping after playing games in the arcade. Lita left right after that to go home and start supper. Serena had a great day. She was walking slowly humming to herself. She was staring at the beautiful sunset. The sky was a bright orange than a light purple. Her shoes barely made a sound as she walked down the park sidewalk. She looked down at the grass as it bowed to her wherever she stepped. She made her way into the park. The stars had started to come out and sparkle across the lake. Serena was at peace for the first time this week.

"This place is paradise to me." She whispered to no one in particular.

Serena walked over to her favorite bench and her whole day crashed down beside her in a swirling mass. Oh my God, she thought, Darien is here. Mixed emotions filled her heart and a bottomless abyss consumed her.

Darien sat on a bench with his back to Serena not realizing that she was there. He looked out on the lake where his thoughts sank into the dark water. His eyes were wet and swollen from the burning tears cascading down his cold cheeks. The mist rose off the lake with a veil of mystique about it. Darien uttered a single word from his soft lips. "Serena."

Serena had gazed at him with tears threatening to run down her pale face. She looked at him and turned to leave but could not force herself to leave her love. Her only love.

Serena took a deep breath and crept up behind him. She watched intently as he buried his face in his soft hands. I hate to see him upset, she thought. Serena placed her hand on his shoulder. Darien jumped up.

"What…who’s there?" Darien demanded. He could vaguely see the outline of a person through the mist.

"It’s me Darien. Serena." Serena said softly and gently as though she was afraid he would break by the sound of her voice.

Darien saw the tears run down her face in sheets as she gave him a look that broke his heart in two. He then realized that this was the same look she gave him in his dream. He turned away. Serena took a step closer to see his face. He was very troubled.

"Darien, what’s wrong? Please tell me." Serena begged pleading with her eyes.

Darien still looked away afraid that he would spill his emotions out through the burning tears. He could still feel their presence on his cool cheeks. He was scared that Serena would see the stains of his tears that were shed for her and her alone.

Serena didn’t want Darien to see her crying but it was too late now. "Darien."

"I don’t want to talk about it." He said firmly through clenched teeth.

"Darien there is something really wrong. I know there is." Serena said with a wispy voice like that of a breeze through a dying weeping willow tree.

"Serena, listen to me, I can’t be with you. I already told you. I don’t love…" He broke off.

"Darien, look into my eyes and tell me you don’t love me." Serena said tearfully. She was shocked at what he had almost said.

Darien was hesitant to look at her. Slowly he shifted his gaze towards her and saw her crystal blue eyes that were blurred by the waterfall of tears on her pale face. Her face was like the color of the moon over them. Her lips were a dark red from the mist. Her eyes killed him though. They dug into him like ice daggers ripping his heart to shreds.

"Serena, I…understand, please. It’s for your own good." With that he turned to leave and started to walk away. He turned slightly to see his love on her knees.

"What have I done? How could I have wronged you in any way? Tell me please. I can’t stand being without you. What did I do?" Serena asked sobbing. She was on her knees with her small hands clasped in front of her. Her hair had become loose and blew with the wind.

"Nothing, it is all me." Darien replied. He choked on those words. He turned and left. Serena could no longer see him.

Her knees buckled and she collapsed on the ground. She cried out into the night, cursing herself for failing her love’s expectations. The wind tossed her hair as she lay on the ground. She held her arms for warmth and realized that for a summer’s night, it was as cold as ice that she saw in her Darien’s eyes.

Darien stood on his balcony looking at the city. He could still see Serena kneeling in front of him with those eyes. He hung his head. I’m killing her on the inside, he thought. My heart is slowly withering away with my actions. But I must protect my princess.

Darien walked into his apartment and saw the picture of her on his table. He picked it up and kissed it good night.

Luna awoke the next morning on the bed. The sun glinted through the window. Luna, still half-asleep, walked into the bathroom, realizing that Serena’s bed was made and the shower was not running. Luna walked into the kitchen where Reeny was talking to herself.

"Reeny, " Luna asked, "Where is Serena?"

"I don’t know. She must have left early." Reeny replied, obviously not interested.

"No, her bed was made and she never gets up early on Saturdays."

Reeny shrugged her shoulder and started reading her book.

Luna had contacted the other scouts to the temple. They were all gathered together on the porch.

"Where’s that ditz Serena? Did she go pig out beforehand?" Rei said.

"That’s why we’re here. Serena did not come home last night." Luna said sounding worried.

"But she was fine yesterday. Serena was all happy." Lita replied.

"Ami, can you use your computer to find her?" Luna asked.

"Yes, I believe it will work." Ami said having her pocket computer already out. "Yes, I found her, she’s in the park."

"I’ll go. I have to talk to her anyway." Lita said with worry in her eyes.

Lita was running to the park. She was so worried. Why did Serena go to the park? She remembered that Darien was always taking Serena there. Lita dodged several kids as she ran to the lake. Lita glanced around to find Serena. Where could she be? Lita wondered. Then she saw her.

Serena was in the clearing that was separated from the park by the ring of dense trees. Lying on the ground, Serena was curled up into a tight ball. Her hair was in disarray and her clothes were all wrinkled. The face of the Moon Princess was contorted into a look of pain. Her eyes were shut tight and her hands were balled fists. Lita glanced at the princess with uneasiness. She walked over to her friend and saw that Serena’s face was practically white. Her lips were bluish in color and she appeared very frail. Lita ran to Serena and took off her jacket and placed it on Serena.

"Oh God, Serena. What is wrong with you?" Lita asked without receiving a response.

At the hospital, the Sailor Scouts were hovering around the waiting room. Ami was wringing her hands on the uncomfortable chair. Rei was pacing across the room in her school uniform. Lita was whispering prayers to herself with a blank look on her face. Luna and Artemis crept in with Serena’s parents. They were questioning Mina about Serena.

"Was Serena out fighting without you guys again?" Ilene Tsukino asked demandingly.

"No," Lita replied from across the room, "She was on her way home and she never got there. We don’t know what happened."

The doctor walked in holding a clipboard in his hand. He looked around.

"Are you Serena’s family?" He said formally while writing on the clipboard.

"We’re her parents. What is wrong with her?" Ken Tsukino asked his voice cracking.

"She was suffering from hypothermia. All she needs to do is get lots of rest and stay warm for a couple of days. Serena is free to leave." The doctor ripped off a sheet of paper from his clipboard and handed it to Ken.

Lita helped Serena into the car as the scouts walked slowly behind her. Serena was still rather pale but the bluish tint had left her face. Serena was half asleep as she made her way to the car. Lita lifted her and put her gently into the back of the car.

The scouts stood by and waved to Serena as the car sped off towards Serena’s house.

"What was she doing in the park?" Rei demanded, addressing Lita.

"All I know is that she had tear stains on her cheeks when I found her. She was really upset." Lita exclaimed.

"Well, she better get well soon. She is our leader." Rei argued.

"How can you say such things? Serena is very vulnerable at this time. She needs us to help her." Mina shouted, surprised at Rei’s bluntness. Rei hung her head and headed towards the Visitor’s Parking Lot.

Reeny was reading a book to Darien on his couch. He was sitting at the kitchen counter. He was not paying attention to Reeny. Sammy was reading his comic book silently on the floor.

What could be wrong with Serena? I just saw her last night and now she’s in the hospital.

Ken had called this morning asking Darien to watch the kids. Ken was very vague but said that Serena was in the hospital. All Darien could think of was that Serena had been hurt in a sudden youma fight after he left her in the park.

The phone rang suddenly. Darien walked to the phone and picked it up.

"Hello?"

"Darien? It’s me, Lita."

"How’s Serena?" He asked anxiously.

"She was suffering from hypothermia. She spent the night at the park on the ground. We found her this morning. The doctor sent her home and she is now in bed. Do you know what happened?" Lita asked. She prayed that he had at least seen a youma attack or something. Why else would she sleep in the park?

"Umm…not really." Darien replied. How could he have left her like that? She was in a troubled state and as her protector he left her there. What had he been thinking?

"Darien, why must you hurt Serena so much. I know you love her. In fact, you stare at her all the time. Why do you avoid her?" Lita demanded.

"I have no choice. If you must know it kills me to see her so upset." Darien told her truthfully.

"I think you should tell her why you don’t want to be with her. She has a right to know."

"She is sick because of me." Darien confessed. He hated lying to people.

"What!?’ Lita yelled into the phone.

"I was sitting in the park when she came up to me. She asked me what was wrong and I didn’t answer. She begged me to tell her what she did wrong and I left her in the park in that state. I’m sorry." Darien realized that he was so sorry about Serena getting hurt because of him.

"Darien, you were the cause of her…well, illness?" Lita asked not believing her ears.

"Yeah." He replied sheepishly.

"Listen, you have to apologize to her. Tell her the truth. That you love her." Lita said.

"Fine." Darien then hung up.

Darien brought the kids back to Serena’s house. Ken was drinking coffee in the kitchen while Ilene was stirring some soup on the stove.

Darien walked up the stairs towards Serena’s room. He glanced in the doorway to her room.

Serena was awake and shivering with her back to the door. She was covered with several blankets and her soup was on her table left untouched. She was whimpering like a lost puppy. Her hair was left down and she wore her white shirt and white pants. She reminded Darien of an angel.

Darien stepped into the room and stared at Serena. She had not seen him yet. Her head dropped and she whispered softly "I’m sorry, Darien."

At first, Darien thought Serena had seen him but she was just apologizing to herself. He couldn’t stand it any longer. Darien walked over to her and put his hand on her shoulder. She instantly turned around to face him.

"Darien!" Serena gasped. He smiled at her.

"Hi." Darien said, as he was at lost with words at the moment.

She hugged him as he bent down and returned the hug. She then drew back.

"Darien, I’m so sorry. I know you don’t love me but…."

"Serena, it’s not your fault. I let some one else run my life. I should have followed my heart. I still love you." Darien admitted to Serena.

She smiled and kissed him. I knew he still loved me, she thought to herself. His lips feel so warm.

Darien stayed the whole afternoon and into the evening. He made sure that Serena was eating and she was warm. She fell asleep in his arms several times. As the sun set, he picked her up and put her to bed. He left shortly after.

Serena awoke in the middle of the night. She felt warm again thanks to Darien, she realized. Yet she felt an emptiness. Luna was snoring quietly on the end of the bed. Serena got up and went to the window. The air felt so good against her face. Serena understood that without Darien she was never truly happy. Serena went back to bed and fell asleep with a smile on her face.

The next morning, Serena had gotten up bright and early to see Darien. She felt so happy. Luna was smiling just watching her get ready. Luna understood that Serena and Darien worked out their problems.

"Luna," Serena asked politely, "Could you take Reeny to the temple today? I really would like to go see Darien by myself if you don’t mind."

Luna nodded her head as Serena bounded out of the room and flew out the door.

Serena was skipping along the path to Darien’s apartment. The sun was shining and the birds were singing. I feel like this day was made just for me and Darien, Serena thought.

Serena knocked on Darien’s door. There was no answer.

"Darien, it’s me, Serena. Can I come in?" Serena shouted through the door. She pulled the door opened and gasped. The apartment had been ransacked! The couch was tipped over, papers were all over the place, and furniture was thrown across the room. Serena cautiously stepped in, peering into the apartment for Darien.

"Darien! Dari…oh no!" Serena cried out. She spotted blood on the floor and a piece of cloth from Tuxedo Mask’s jacket. It was torn and the blood left a trail to the window and stopped. The window had been shattered numerous times. Serena started to cry. Where’s Darien? Serena frantically thought. This is his blood! She got up and ran to the balcony and looked down below. There were a couple glass shards but no one was there. Serena turned and started to search the room. She found a picture of her and Darien, together. It was cracked in several places and Darien was ripped in half.

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