Timeless Treasures
 
 	It had been several months since Darien had dumped Serena. 
 Reeny had just left for the future and she missed the little spore.  For the 
first couple of months, she mopped around, cried herself to sleep, and didn't 
even eat as much, she was depressed.  But after some time, her depression turned
into anger.  He didn't even give her an explanation, and she wanted one. 
If he was too stubborn to give her one, she was too stubborn to let him get
away with it.  She went to the arcade, her hair out of it's meatballs, and
wearing a casual black skirt and a blue top.  As she entered, Andrew kindly
greeted her as he always had her and her friends.  She played a Sailor V
game and cursed quietly to herself every time she made a mistake.  Darien
sat in a booth in the back of the arcade and watched her.  The way she
moved, the way she cursed when she thought no one was paying attention, the
way her hair fell so elegantly down her delicate shoulders.  He loved her
more than anything in the world.  He would die a million times for her if
needed be but she was no longer his to claim.  He knew that she would come
to the arcade, she always did and he always hid in the same booth just to 
watch her, watch her get frustrated with the game she was playing, watch
her delicate little figure move around with a certain sadness in her eyes. 
He caused it, and he knew it but it seemed that she was moving on and he,
for some reason didn't like that.  He was scared that she no longer loved
him, he cursed the dream and cursed himself for doing this to her.  The
last attack he had helped the scouts with, Serena got angry with him.  He
remembered this and felt like dying.
 
 
FLASH
 
The scouts were throwing their attacks at the youma, it was a difficult
victory for the scouts and their leader.  He threw an attack at Sailor
Moon, she easily dodged it.  She was no longer the child who wailed when in
arm's way, she fought back at full force, the scouts as well as Luna and
Artemis were proud of Serena for taking her responsibilities seriously. 
She was a good warrior, now every bit as good at Mars and Jupiter.  The
youma shot another energy beam towards Sailor Moon and hit her head on. The
attack should have easily knocked her out as it would anyone but she was
determined and desperately tried to get up.  The youma tried to attack her
again when she was down but Tuxedo Mask threw his sharp edged roses at the
youma making him scream in pain.  The other scouts joined in with their
attacks, Sailor Moon jumped to her feet and used her scepter to dust him. 
Sailor Moon limped near the water fountain in the park.  Her friends
followed her.  Mercury started scanning the damage the youma had caused her
friend.  Serena's leg had a deep cut,  blood staining her fuku.  
"Mercury, forget about my leg for now, I have another problem" said Serena
obviously in pain but trying to hide it for her friends' sakes.
"Are you crazy, you've lost a lot of blood" replied Mercury.
"We'll take care of that later," she said harshly, surprising the others
"my shoulder is dislocated I need you to put it back into place".
Darien and the scouts detransformed.  Darien walked towards Serena and put
a comforting hand on her good shoulder.
"Serena we have to get you to a hospital come on I'll carry you to my car
and I'll take you."
"DON'T TOUCH ME"came Serena's response, cold and harsh in her tone "I will
not go to a hospital, they'll want to keep me for observation, and if we
have another attack I won't be able to sneak out without being discovered."
"Serena..." Darien pleaded but to no avail.
"I will not go to the hospital and that is final" interrupted Serena.
"Serena, Darien's right, you're seriously injured you need medical
attention" agreed Amy.
"Amy if you won't help me, I'll do it myself.  And knowing how klutzy and
stupid I am..." she trailed off looking at Darien she continued "...I'll
probably screw it up, will you help me or not?"
 The group knew that she made up her mind and there was no way to change it
 even tough there was reason enough for her to listen to her friends.  But
 they also all knew that Serena was right, if there was another attack,
 Serena would have to be there instead of in the hospital.
 "Alright," said Amy "but it's going to hurt so brace yourself."
 Amy gently took her arm with one hand and placed the other on her shoulder.
  Rei held Serena to keep her steady.  All eyes were on her, and they felt
  her pain.  Amy sighed and took a deep breath.  She pulled Serena's arm and
 locked it back into place.  Serena let out an ear piercing scream as tears
 quietly fell down her cheeks.  Darien had to hide in the shadows of the
 trees in fear of Serena seeing him cry.
 "Now let's get you to the temple," said Rei "we're going to have to heal
 that wound on your leg."
 "Ok, I'll call my mom and let her know that I'll be staying at your place
 for the night" replied Serena knowing full well that her mother would have
 noticed her injuries and brought her to the hospital despite how she felt.
 "Come on I'll carry you to the car" Darien put out his hand for her but she
 refused.
 "Darien thank you for helping us in the attack but I no longer need your
 help, I'll be fine" her eyes were cold as she said this.
 "Serena quit being a child, you are hurt now let me help you".
 "Darien I am not a child, will you just leave me alone, I have my friends I
 don't need you.  Are you going to do this every time I get hurt, you're not
 gonna be around forever, I have to learn to deal with this kind of
 situation by myself.  So please go, I don't want you here."
 Darien felt very hurt by this but knew he deserved it and so he took her
 advice.
 "Your wish is my command" he simply replied.
 "Yeah right" she muttered under her breath not intending for him to hear,
 but he heard her and walked away.
 
 END OF FLASH (ya think it was long enough)
 
 
 
 Sitting in the arcade, Darien sighed as he watched over his beloved walking
 out of the arcade and heading for home.
 
 That night, Rei was trying to sleep but she kept sensing danger.  She
 decided to get up and consult the great fire.  The great fire showed
 visions of Serena and Darien in danger.  This frightened her so she took
 out her communicater to make an emergency meeting for the next morning. 
 Everyone including Darien which she had called on the phone,  had agreed to
 be there at 07:00 am.  Serena woke up surprisingly early that morning to
 get on with the meeting.  She didn't want to start being late again, she
 knew her duties as Sailor Moon didn't allow tardiness, and she had to get
 used to it.  She ate breakfast and headed for the temple.  The girls all
 sat around and waited for Darien to arrive.  He wasn't late, everyone was
 just unusually early.     He finally arrived and noticed everyone was
 already there including Serena.  He couldn't help but briefly glance her
 way.  Her injuries had healed and she was back in training it was lucky for
 her that no other youma had attacked and gave her the time she needed to
 rest and get well.
 "Ok so what's up?" asked Darien.
 Serena looked at him with the evil eye, and turned  towards Rei.
 "Last night before I called the meeting I sensed danger so I consulted the
 great fire and it showed me visions of Serena and Darien being in grave
 danger." Rei continued.
 "I don't know what it means, but I definitely think everyone should keep
 their eyes peeled.  We never know when another youma will show up."
 "Rei's right guys," agreed Mina " I think we should train in combat for a
 few hours everyday, that way we'll stay in good condition".
 "That's a good idea Mina" continued Lita "that last youma was pretty tough, 
 training isn't such a bad idea".
 "Then it's agreed, every morning we train." Everyone nodded in response.
 "Well there's no time like the present, let's go" said Luna.
 All six warriors stayed in civilian form, in case they would ever need to
 fight without their powers.
 "Rei and Lita, you two team up together, you are both fierce warriors with
 great instincts and physical strenght" commanded Luna.
 "Amy and Mina, I want the both of you to work on your hand to hand combat.
 Mina you could help Amy in this situation.  You have a little more
 experience than she does.  That leaves Serena and Darien.  I know the odds
 are a little unfair, but I suspect that Serena needs the most training as
 she is the leader.  Scouts fight" finished Luna.
 The four girls fought and dodged their opponents attacks and gave each
 other tips on how to improve their attacks.  Serena and Darien were a
 different story.  She came at him with full force.  Her attacks were strong
 and demanding.  He however easily dodged them as he studied in the arts of
 karate.  Serena's fighting stance was graceful, she didn't trip or fall,
 she dodged his attacks as well as he had hers.  Serena had secretly taken
 gymnastics lessons and decided that this would be a great time to show off
 her skills.  Darien came at her and as she had no time to dodge his attack,
 she gracefully did two back flips.  As he was stunned by her gymnastic
 abilities, she came to attack him, he soon noticed and attacked back and
 they both fell to the ground, Serena taking the full grunt of the fall. 
 Darien got up off of her and put out his hand for her.  Everyone watched as
 Serena got up on her own, expecting a wail but did not get one.
 "Bite me Darien.  Luna I've had enough of this for one day.  I have other
 things to do, I'll be back tomorrow at seven am sharp." Luna nodded.
 "Then by all means go" was all Darien said.
 Serena looked at her friends, mouths still open by Serena's tactics.
 "Bye guys see ya tomorrow."
 The next day Serena decided to get up exceptionally early to go for a jog,
 she decided that she might as well keep fit by jogging, considering that
 she didn't have her usual race to school every morning not to mention that
 it was the summer.  She had headphones on her ears and she didn't happen to
 notice a fellow jogger running straight for her.  They collided with her
 behind landing straight on the concrete.
 "Hey, watch it will ya, this cement isn't exactly made out of feathers".
 "Oh, I'm so sorry, let me help you up".
 Serena looked up to see a really gorgeous guy.  
 "That's ok, I kind of miss running into people," he looked confused "hum,
 never mind".
 "My name's Jordan" he held out his hand.
 "My name's Serena" she said as she shook his hand.
 "I'd like to apologize for running into you, can I make it up to you by
 buying you lunch".
 "Sure, but I have an appointment pretty soon how about I meet you
 somewhere, where would you like to go?" she said thinking about the scout
 meeting in fifteen minutes.
 "Lady's choice."
 Serena smiled at this and suggested that they go to the arcade for lunch. 
 He agreed.
 Serena had arrived to the meeting five minutes early, everyone was there
 but Darien.
 "Hey guys, where's my esteemed opponent?" she asked sarcastically.
 "Darien had to work so it looks like you're off the hook for today, but
 don't think you can get out of coming tomorrow." said Luna.
 "I wouldn't dream of it, well, at least I can go home and clean myself up. 
 See you guys later, have fun."
 
 It was almost noon, Serena didn't want to be late to meet Jordan.  She met
 him outside of the arcade and they went inside.  Serena didn't notice the
 figure sitting in the back booth but he certainly noticed her.  Serena had
 taken Jordan's arm simply because it was common courtesy when offered. 
 Darien thought otherwise.  He stormed out of the arcade slamming the door
 as he left.
 "What's his problem?" demanded Jordan
 Serena just shrugged.
 
 They days turned into months and the months had turned into years.  Serena
 had been seeing Jordan for well over a year, but when he had wanted more
 out of the relationship than she did, she soon discovered that her and
 Jordan were not meant to be.  Not to mention the many dates she had
 canceled or arrived late to because she was Sailor Moon, much to Jordan's
 ignorance.  Although Serena had moved on she still had a special place in
 her heart for Darien.  She knew she still loved him despite the fact that
 he didn't love her in return or so she thought.  She was no longer bitter
 towards Darien but she still felt her heart ache every time she looked into
 his ocean blue eyes. She had had several run-ins with him but they avoided
 each other at all cost.  The only discussions they would have were at the
 scout meetings which were becoming rare because it seemed that the
 negaverse had disappeared indefinitely.  Of course when they did have
 discussions the entire group would be there and so it was much easier to
 hide their feelings behind their friends.  Today's meeting however was
 somewhat different.  Serena was being fitted for a dress for Andrew and
 Rita's wedding.  Her friends had accompanied her.  Darien being Andrew's
 best friend was the best man.  Rita had asked Serena to be her maid of
 honor as they had became good friends over the years despite the age
 difference between the two girls.  They discussed the reception very
 thoroughly.  Rita had begun by saying that the first dance would only be
 for Andrew and herself and the second dance was for the wedding party such
 as Rita and Andrew's parents as well as Serena and Darien.  When Serena
 found out she had to sit next to him at the reception, her heart
 practically jumped into her throat.  Darien no longer had the dreams of his
 beloved dying, therefore he thought no harm would come to her and that just
 maybe they could get back together.  However, he believed she no longer
 loved him, so he backed off and let her live her life in happiness like she
 truly deserved.  Little did he know that Serena had forgiven him and would
 have jumped at the chance to be with him again, but she no longer pursued
 him because she believed he no longer loved her.  Andrew and Darien were
 sitting in a nearby café, most certainly discussing the wedding.
 "Andrew there is no way that Serena will want to sit next to me throughout
 the entire reception," Darien started saying "not after what I did to her."
 "Don't worry about Serena I'm sure she won't mind" Andrew reassured Darien.
 "You still love her don't you?" asked Andrew
 "Andrew if you only knew how much.  If you could only see the way she loved
 me when we started going out, if you could only see how blue her eyes
 became when she said she loved me.  And I've lost her forever"
 "Darien," Andrew stared at his broken friend "if Serena really loved you
 like you say she did she'll come back to you with open arms, you just have
 to give her time."
 "You really think so Andrew?"
 "Absolutely" was all Andrew said.
 
 Today was Andrew and Rita's big day.  The guests had arrived at the church,
 the groom and best man we ready as well as the bride and her maid of honor.
  The music began, everyone stood up to admire the wedding party but mostly
 the bride.  Andrew walked arm in arm with his mother followed by Serena and
 Darien which were also arm in arm.
 
 How good it felt to feel her again thought Darien.  She had truly become a
 woman.  Her hair was like golden sunshine all done up in curls with strands
 trailing down her elegant neck.  Her dress was a trimming navy blue gown,
 with sequences that complemented her delicate features and beautiful blue
 eyes.   God I love this woman with all of my heart I just wish I could act
 on it.
 
 God he looks good in that tux, jeez I hope I'm not drooling.  I love him so
 much, but I know he doesn't love me, this is all just an act, don't forget
 that Serena she told herself.  
 
 They passed by their friends which included Rei and Chad, Lita and Ken, Amy
 and Greg as well as Mina and her date Kyle.  She smiled gleefully to her
 friends and continued walking.  Finally the crowd turned back to see the
 father of the bride walking his beautiful daughter down the aisle.
 
 The ceremony had finally ended as the guests of honor were seated at their
 table.  Serena sat next to Darien almost fidgeting in her seat. They had
 barely talked during the reception but now had finally come the moment of
 truth, the first dance.  The bride and groom danced elegantly to the
 perfect song.
 
 As we walk the golden mile,
 Down the pretty aisle
 I know that you are mine
 And there's nothing in this world that I know I wouldn't do 
 To be near you everyday
 Every hour, every minute
 So take my hand and let me lead the way
 All thru your life I'll be by your side 
 Till death do us part
 Baby I'll be your friend
 Our love will never end
 Till death do us part
 
 When I wake up everyday 
 With you lying in my arms
 I wonder if I'm dreaming
 When I look into your eyes
 I just can't believe it's true
 That my heart belongs to you 
 Baby we can have it all
 
 Girl take my hand and let me lead the way
 All thru your life
 I'll be by your side
 Till death do us part
 Baby I'll be your friend
 My love will never end 
 Till death do us part
 
 There'll be good times
 And there'll be bad
 But I will stand beside you woman all the way
 And thru the years 
 As life goes on'n'on
 When the snow will fall on winter nights 
 I'll keep you warm inside
 Yeah baby I will
 
 All thru your life
 I'll be by your side
 Till death do us part
 Baby I'll be your friend my love will never end
 Till death do us part
 
 (This song is sang and copyrighted by White Lion)
 As the song trailed off, Serena was almost crying as was Darien.  It should
 have been their song, it should have been their wedding.  An announcement
 was made that all the wedding party was to be on the dance floor for the
 second song of the evening.  Serena and Darien walked hand in hand to the
 dance floor and waited in anticipation for the few moments they could enjoy
 each other once again if only for a short while.  And then the song began:
 
 She's taking her time making up
 the reasons
 To justify all the hurt inside
 Guess she knows from the smiles
 and the look in her eyes
 Everyone's got a theory about the bitter one
 They're saying "Mamma never loved her much
 And "Daddy never keeps in touch"
 That's why she shies away from human affection 
 But somewhere in a private place
 She packs her bags for outer space
 And now she's waiting for the right kind of pilot to come
 And she'll say to him
 
 I would fly to the moon and back if you'll be...
 If you'll be my baby
 Got a ticket for the world where we belong
 So would you be my baby?
 
 She can't remember a time when she felt needed 
 And love was red and she was color blind
 All her friends they've been tried for treason
 And crimes that were never defined
 She's saying, "Love is like a barren place, 
 And reaching out for human faith is like a journey 
 I just don't have a map for" 
 So baby's gonna take a dive and 
 Push the shift in overdrive
 Send a signal that she's hanging
 All her hopes on the stars
 What a pleasant dream
 
 I would fly you to the moon and back if 
 you'll be...
 If you'll be my baby
 Got a ticket for a world where we belong
 So would you be my baby?
 
 (This song is sang and copyrighted by Savage Garden)
 
 The song had finally ended.  Serena tried desperately not to cry in front
 of Darien.  Darien couldn't have written the song better.  How true, he
 thought, that song must have been destined for us, it was definitely
 appropriate.  Darien looked into Serena's eyes and saw that she was
 fighting back tears.  She must love me if she's on the verge on tears.
 "Did I tell you that you look beautiful tonight?" asked Darien which was
 more of a comment than a question.
 "You don't look too bad yourself" she replied.
 The silence between them was followed by a tender and passionate kiss never
 to be forgotten by either.
 As Serena and Darien broke apart from their kiss, the look of passion and
 love on their faces were also mixed with looks of confusion.  Serena looked
 downwards staring at her shoes in hopes of not having to see a distant and
 disapproving expression on his face.  Darien cupped her chin with his hand
 and gestured her to look at him.  She looked into his ocean blue eyes and
 said one thing...
 "...I have to go".
 "Serena, please..." Darien pleaded but she was already out of sight.
 
 Serena sat alone by the bar in an empty ballroom which was next to where
 the wedding was being held.  She heard the faint echo of the music and
 clutched a rose tightly in the palm of her hand.  The rose that she handled
 so delicately was very symbolic for her, as Darien was Tuxedo Mask.  It
 also very symbolic because every rose has its thorns just like her
 relationship with Darien had its many problems.  Tears formed in her eyes
 but she wouldn't allow them to go any further.  Darien stood in the doorway
 of the ballroom and gazed at his love for several moments before he
 approached her.
 "Serena I'm so sorry..." he trailed off.
 "Darien I need to be alone right now".
 "Serena would you please look at me?"
 Serena turned to face Darien her sparkling blue eyes trembling with
 anticipation.
 "I know that you love me," said Darien "you can't hide it anymore than I
 can hide my love for you".
 Serena was very startled by this.  He does love me, but I still can't bear
 to look at him after everything that's happened between us thought Serena.
 "My heart aches every time that I can't touch you or comfort you or protect
 you.  My soul trembles with pain every time I think of what I did to you,
 it's never out of my mind.  I want to be with you Serena.  Everything that
 I am tells me that we belong together.  Every fibre of my being longs to be
 with you and yet my dreams tell me that I can't.  That's why I told you
 that I didn't love you anymore.  I was trying to protect you but I now see
 the error of my ways and beg you to take me back.  Serena I'm empty without
 you because you complete me, you complete everything that I am and without
 you I'd die"  Darien finally finished. 
 "Darien I knew about the dreams.  I had the same ones.  I just can't
 believe that dreams would take precedence over our love.  You say that your
 soul is filled with pain, little do you know that my soul is already dead. 
 As sailor moon, I fight for love and justice but those words mean nothing
 to me anymore without you by my side.  Darien you know that I love you and
 trust you with my life but I don't know if I can trust you with my heart. 
 I know you didn't do this to hurt me and I do forgive you, I've forgave a
 long time ago but I don't know if my heart can forget."
 "Serena I know I hurt you but I can't run from my feelings any longer, I'm
 not built that way."
 "Darien I want to take you back and I do but I just want you to know that a
 little part of me died every time you said you didn't love me even though I
 told myself otherwise and those little parts of me will always be filled
 with sorrow.  But as much as they're filled with sorrow my love for you
 surpasses it ten times more."
 Darien was speechless, his heart throbbed against his chest and wanted
 nothing more than to hold her.
 "Serena I have a problem.  In a minute I'm going to hug you and kiss you
 and I'm scared that I'm never going to be able to let go."
 "And you'll have to."
 
 
 
 The End.