Secret Soul
DISCLAIMER: Sailor Moon and other characters belong to Naoko Takeuchi,
Cartoon Network, etc. The ideas (i.e. the slayer, watcher... etc.) of BTVS
belong to it's creator Joss Whedon, the WB, etc. None of these characters
belong to me.
Author's Notes: Hi. This is my first fanfic so please bear with me. This is an AU and I portrayed Serena/Sailormoon quite differently than how she originally is. So don't be surprised if you don't see her klutzing out every now and then. Please send some feedback! and Enjoy reading.
BTW, Sorry, this may be unnecessary but, please be kind, if you feel the need to use any parts of my plot, please tell me first. I'd really appreciate it. Thanks. :) Rating: PG-13
"Begin at the Beginning and when you get to the end stop" -Alice in Wonderland. Secret Soul
by: Anaika Knight Prologue:
I never knew life could be so cold and so empty when you loose someone. It's been nearly four years since he passed away and I can't stop thinking about that night. It's my fault, I know I shouldn't be blaming myself, but I need a reason for why it had to happen. It's a week till Christmas and instead of Christmas shopping or going out with my friends; I am standing in blankets of snow, in the middle of a cemetery. The wind picks up and blows quickly past me and through my long blond hair. I tighten my hold on the bouquet of roses in my hands. As I slowly kneel down onto the icy ground infront of his grave.
"Here lies Nicholas Tuskino. Loving Son, Brother, and Hero." My bare hand gently grazes over the epitaph as I place the roses upon it. As I kneel here, I can't help but feel so depressed and guilty for the death of my dear brother. It should have been me, this solid stone should be reading, "Serena Tuskino" instead. I sniffle as my mind begins to replay that night to me like it was happening right before me.
Four years before
In Brigham, England. The Tuskino family is all gathered in their living room as they wait for their only daughter who's late as usual. "SERE!!! C'mon. You're going to make us late. Matthew isn't going to be too thrilled about his date not showing up tonight." Nicholas Tuskino called from downstairs. He stood by the stairwell in a black tux and his dark blond hair slicked back. His blue eyes spoke levels of annoyance but compassion mixed in it as well. He loved his sister, even if she always made it a habit to be late to everything. "Nicholas, don't scream. If you need to get Serena, go upstairs and get her." Mrs. Tuskino called from the kitchen. Sammy laughed out loud while he and his father were eating their dinner. Nicholas scowled as he quickly made his way upstairs to Serena's room.
"Sere. (knock) Let's go. We still have to pick up Marissa at her house." Nicholas said as he opened the door. He walked in to see his sister putting on her favorite crescent moon earrings, that he gave her on her eleventh birthday. Nicholas smiled. Serena turned to him and smiled back. "I'm so sorry Nick. I'm done now. SO we can go." Serena said, as she looked one more time at herself in the mirror. She grinned at her appearance. She wore a simple thin light blue gown that fell to her feet, hiding her silver flat slippers, and her mounds of long blond hair were put up in her usual meatball hairstyle. Perfect for a Winter formal she thought as she hurried to her brother's side. "Before I forget, thank you for bringing me to the dance. You're really the best brother a girl can ask for." Serena said sincerely as she hugged him. Nicholas laughed lightly. "I know I am. You can pay me back in a week with a really good Christmas present. Now let's go." He answered jokingly as he half lead; half pulled her down the stairs and out the door.
-Brigham High School-
"I have to find Matthew. I'll see you in a few minutes, okay." Serena told Nick once they arrived at the gym. "Okay, Sere. Tell him I said hi and he better treat you nice, you hear." Nicholas said half jokingly. Serena giggled. "Always the protective one, huh?" Serena tossed back. "Only when it comes to you and your dates." Nick answered before waving goodbye as he took his date onto the dance floor. Serena stood by herself for a few minutes as she looked around the gym. It was decorated in blue, white, and silver balloons and streamers. There was a stage on the far end where the DJ was and there were several tables at the sides of the gym where several people were sitting down and talking. Everyone else was on the dance floor, moving to the fast beats of the song. Serena sighed as she looked through the crowd for her date. She was so happy to have a chance to go out with the most popular guy in her freshman class but now it was turning out to be a horrible night. He wouldn't even pick her up and now she couldn't even find him. After nearly thirty minutes of looking for him, Serena learned from one of her friends, Matthew was home sick. Serena felt disappointed and walked towards an open door for some air to clear her mind. She stood there quietly while watching her brother dancing with Marissa. She was about to go to the tables when a sharp grip covered her mouth. Serena tried to move but was pulled her hard out through the door. Serena struggled frantically as she felt herself begin pulled farther from the gym and into the empty courtyard. She could feel the person's breath against her skin and it only heightened her fear. What was going on? What was going to happen to me? Ideas and scenarios filled her mind and she didn't like them at all. Putting more force in her struggles she finally was able to knock the wind out of him with her elbow. In an instant, she pushed him away from her and began running back to the gym without even looking back.
Serena kept looking forward as her arms and legs were pumping so hard. She could almost see into the gym when a sudden mass of weight jumped at her, knocking her hard to the floor. Serena laid on her back on the hard cement as she looked up at her attacker for the first time. "Matthew! What the f do you think you're doing?" Serena said harshly as she thrashed under him. Matthew laughed at her as he grabbed her arms and pinned them above her head. "I told you I'd take you at the dance. Now no one will suspect me since I'm at home sick." He laughed cruelly as he lowered his face to hers. Serena tried to push him away but to no avail. As his face approached her all that Serena could think about was the hope that someone would come out and save her from this... she didn't even have a word to call him. "Nick!!! Help me!!" Serena screamed as loud as she could over and over until she felt Matthew's hard fist hit her straight across the face. "Shut up!" Matthew ordered as he hit her again across the face. Serena stopped yelling but she didn't stop from praying that someone had heard her cries.
-In the Gym-
Everyone is dancing or talking while loud dance music is being played. A couple of doors are open but nothing could be heard over the high volume of the room. Nicholas stood dancing happily with Marissa in the middle of the room when they slowly changed the music to another couples' dance.
I can feel it coming in the air tonight... oh lord.
And I've been waiting for this moment for all my life.. oh lord... oh lord...
Nicholas smiled as he held Marissa close to him. He listened to the music closely. It was one of his favorite songs by Phil Collins that he shared with Serena. They used to sing it together whenever they heard it playing on the radio.
Well I remember, I remember don't worry
How could I ever forget
It's the first time, the last time we ever met
"Nick!!! Help me!!!" Nicholas heard faintly in between the song and the people around him. "What in the-Serena?" Nicholas said to himself as he stopped dancing and looked around the gym for his little sister. But I know the reason why you keep this silence up, no you don't fool me.
The hurt doesn't show, but the pain still grows it's a stranger to you and me.
"Marissa. I don't really know why I'm saying this, but call the police." Nicholas said hurriedly. Marissa looked at him in surprise. "What? Why?" she asked confused. "Trust me. I think Serena's in trouble." Nicholas said before he ran off the dance floor and ran out the door. I can feel it coming in the air tonight.. oh lord.
-Serena's POV
My face burned, as I lay there dazed. As I tried clearing the dizziness in my head, I could feel his weight pressing on me as his hands moved down my legs towards the hem of my dress. "No... Please lord. No." I sobbed uncontrollably. I could hear him laughing as he began pulling the hem of my dress up as he brushed his hand across my cold skin. I cringed at his touch, and I reactively began to squirm, in another attempt to get to my feet. He responded by pressing me down to the ground with more strength. I looked at Matthew with disgust and hatred as I began to scream loudly again. I didn't care if I got hit to death as long as I stopped him from... I didn't want to think about it. I kept screaming until I felt him hit me repeatedly in the ribs. I couldn't breathe as I felt the pain. It hurt like a thousand knives, but suddenly it soon stopped as I heard a familiar voice yell, "Stop". I quickly opened my eyes and saw that Matthew was not on top of me anymore. I immediately got up and looked around to see Nick and Matthew wrestling on the ground. In seconds, Nick got the upper hand over Matthew as he pinned him down. I wanted to go there and get Nick so we can just leave but once I heard the sirens... I knew it was all going to be over soon.
Nicholas looked down at his sister's so-called date with pure hatred and anger. Nick just began punching the bastard without a second thought. All he could think about was the sight he saw. His sister began beaten and mauled by him. It made him sick in the stomach to think of what would have happened if he didn't come to look for her. He was so engulfed in his anger that he didn't feel the couple of strong hands grab him and pull him quickly away from Matthew. Nick struggled to be released until he noticed the ones' who were holding him were officers. Nick stopped moving and watched as the officers left him to lift Matthew to his feet. Matthew was hunched over in their grips and his face was bleeding. Nick nodded to the officers when they asked if he was all right now. Once they released him, Nick made his way to Serena, standing by herself with an officer's coat over hear shoulders. Nick stared at her face and cringed. It was black and blue with blood etched on her once clean beautiful skin.
"Are you alright? I'm so sorry I wasn't here sooner. I shouldn't have left you alone. I should have.. I-" Serena cut him off quickly, "It wasn't your fault. Don't blame yourself, you know that's not how we solve things. You're the one who told me that remember? Now just take me home. I want to go home." Serena said the last words weakly as she touched her face and flinched. Nicholas nodded as he put his arm around her. Serena looked up at him. "Thank for saving my life. You're the best, you know." Serena said as she leaned on him for balance. "I'd do anything for you, Sere."
They began walking past the officers who were holding Matthew. He was pretty battered on the face as he stood slouching with his hands cuffed in front of him. Serena stopped a second and looked at Matthew before she turned her back on him and began walking away. As Serena began walking alongside Nick, one of the two officers ran towards her and asked her for her name and number. Serena nodded and began to write down her information when, voices cried out 'no' or 'stop' but it was too late as gun shots fired. Serena's eyes went wide as she saw the officer next to her fall injured, but what nearly killed her was the sight of Nick. He stood directly in front of her with a pain stricken look on his face. He began to fall to his knees and Serena caught him in her arms as she lowered him on to the floor. As she placed him on the ground she watched the other officer struggling with Matthew for the gun. As if in a trance, Serena quickly looked around her and saw the injured officer, trying to retrieve his gun. Serena left Nick's side and as if in slow motion, grabbed the injured officer's gun from him and aimed it at Matthew. "Bang!!!" A shot roared out through the crisp night air until it hit it's target: Matthew straight in the heart.
The officer, fighting Matthew looked at her in shock as he hurried to his radio and began calling in the medics. Serena dropped the gun and made her way towards Nick. She laid him on his side with his head on her lap as she pressed the extra length of her dress on his wound. She sat there as she heard his breathing soften. "Miss. The medics are coming, it won't be long. I have to try and stop his bleeding." She heard the officer say, but she only nodded as she held Nick's head on her lap. The officer began to peel off Nick's tux jacket and dress shirt.
Serena looked down at him and saw his eyes staring up at her. They were soft and filled with love as well as pain. She placed her hand upon his cheek as she felt tears coming down her eyes. "You can't leave me. Do you understand? You can't. Please, Nick. Stay with me." Serena cried as she leaned forward and buried her face near the crook of his neck. As she listened for his voice, she could feel his hand rubbing her arm in comfort. "I won't leave you, Sere. I'm.. ugh..." Nicholas grunted as the officer placed a bandage over his still bleeding wound. Serena looked over Nick and saw that his blood was soaking through the newly put bandage. She quickly averted her eyes back onto her brother's. "You fool. Why did you have to be a hero? I wish you never came out to help me." Serena swore as she gently moved hair from his eyes. "Don't say that! I did it cause I love you. You're my sister." Nick said weakly as his breathing began to slow. Serena felt his pulse and it was barely visible. "No. I love you too. Just don't leave me. I promise I won't annoy you anymore, remember that shampoo incident- I'll forget all about what you did., as long as you don't close your eyes." Serena begged as she began to cry again. She gently hugged him as she placed her cheek against his cold one. Sirens began to fill the air but Serena didn't even look up. He was already gone and there was nothing anyone could do to make it better. Her life just ended as she continued crying silently until the officers had to pry her away from him. She stood there quietly as she stopped her tears and just watched as they took him away forever.
-Present-
Serena Tuskino still kneeled on the snow as she finished her memories of Nick's death. It hurt every time she thought of it but she never cried. Tears never fell from her face now but that didn't bother her at all. Serena looked up at the cloudy sky as snow lightly fell upon her. She softly ran a hand over her loose hair before she tied it up in a ponytail. It was almost time for her to go and she didn't even do what she came here to do. Serena looked down at the grave again and smiled lightly to herself.
"Nick, I miss you so much. I can't believe it's nearly four years. I'm sorry, mom, dad, and Sammy aren't with me but they've gone on a trip to Germany till the end of January. They asked if I wanted to go, but I told them I'd rather stay at home. I had to come and visit you especially before Christmas, especially today. You left me today and I hate Matthew for taking you away. I bet you're up there in Elysian telling me to give it a rest and live. I'm trying to, I really am. That's what I wanted to tell you about today. You know that we live in Japan now. Mom and dad couldn't stand being in Brigham without you so we've been living in the Juuban district in Tokyo. We've been living there for about two and a half years now. You'd love it there especially with the cheery blossom trees. It's beautiful. Anyway, I've made several friends there since I've arrived. A great group of girls. My closest is Raye Hino. She's a fire priestess at the temple. We fight and bicker a lot but we know we're not serious, so it's okay. Then there is Amy, she's our genius and she's an aspiring doctor. Next is Lita, she is very strong and loves to get into fights, but she is a wonderful cook as well as boy crazed. Finally, there is Mina who's an aspiring actress. She's great in volleyball and she's just as boy crazy as Lita. They're all great. I bet you're wondering how I fall into this group of people. You wouldn't believe what I've appeared to be. I'm basically the school klutz and biggest whiner as well. I probably even have the most tardies in the whole city of Tokyo. (She laughs lightly.) You must be screaming right now, how could I fall so low, but I can safely say I didn't really. My grades are above exceptional and I even tested for several colleges. Its just appearance wise... I wouldn't even be near me. Don't worry it's only a phase. Now that I've bored you with my story I should go. I miss you and I love you so much. I wish you could talk to me yourself and... you know, I really wish you could be here to teach a lesson to this annoying jerk named Darien Shields. He loves tormenting me about my unique hairstyle, which he calls me 'meatball head', and he loves running into me every morning. Now you understand where I got the klutzy part from. (She smiles to herself) Anyway, I really should go now since I still have a plane to catch back to Japan. Adieu." Serena said as she touched his grave one last time before she go up. The wind picked up and brushed her long black coat behind her revealing her matching pants and halter top. Serena strode through the snow and headed towards her midnight black motorcycle that awaited, unmoved at the curb.
"Till next time, Nick." Serena said out loud as she got onto the bike and placed her helmet over her head, tucking her hair inside it. A minute later, she started the engine and quickly rode out towards the cemetery gates towards the airport and towards her other life.
COPYRIGHT © 2001 by Anaika Knight
Author's Notes: Hi. This is my first fanfic so please bear with me. This is an AU and I portrayed Serena/Sailormoon quite differently than how she originally is. So don't be surprised if you don't see her klutzing out every now and then. Please send some feedback! and Enjoy reading.
BTW, Sorry, this may be unnecessary but, please be kind, if you feel the need to use any parts of my plot, please tell me first. I'd really appreciate it. Thanks. :) Rating: PG-13
"Begin at the Beginning and when you get to the end stop" -Alice in Wonderland. Secret Soul
by: Anaika Knight Prologue:
I never knew life could be so cold and so empty when you loose someone. It's been nearly four years since he passed away and I can't stop thinking about that night. It's my fault, I know I shouldn't be blaming myself, but I need a reason for why it had to happen. It's a week till Christmas and instead of Christmas shopping or going out with my friends; I am standing in blankets of snow, in the middle of a cemetery. The wind picks up and blows quickly past me and through my long blond hair. I tighten my hold on the bouquet of roses in my hands. As I slowly kneel down onto the icy ground infront of his grave.
"Here lies Nicholas Tuskino. Loving Son, Brother, and Hero." My bare hand gently grazes over the epitaph as I place the roses upon it. As I kneel here, I can't help but feel so depressed and guilty for the death of my dear brother. It should have been me, this solid stone should be reading, "Serena Tuskino" instead. I sniffle as my mind begins to replay that night to me like it was happening right before me.
Four years before
In Brigham, England. The Tuskino family is all gathered in their living room as they wait for their only daughter who's late as usual. "SERE!!! C'mon. You're going to make us late. Matthew isn't going to be too thrilled about his date not showing up tonight." Nicholas Tuskino called from downstairs. He stood by the stairwell in a black tux and his dark blond hair slicked back. His blue eyes spoke levels of annoyance but compassion mixed in it as well. He loved his sister, even if she always made it a habit to be late to everything. "Nicholas, don't scream. If you need to get Serena, go upstairs and get her." Mrs. Tuskino called from the kitchen. Sammy laughed out loud while he and his father were eating their dinner. Nicholas scowled as he quickly made his way upstairs to Serena's room.
"Sere. (knock) Let's go. We still have to pick up Marissa at her house." Nicholas said as he opened the door. He walked in to see his sister putting on her favorite crescent moon earrings, that he gave her on her eleventh birthday. Nicholas smiled. Serena turned to him and smiled back. "I'm so sorry Nick. I'm done now. SO we can go." Serena said, as she looked one more time at herself in the mirror. She grinned at her appearance. She wore a simple thin light blue gown that fell to her feet, hiding her silver flat slippers, and her mounds of long blond hair were put up in her usual meatball hairstyle. Perfect for a Winter formal she thought as she hurried to her brother's side. "Before I forget, thank you for bringing me to the dance. You're really the best brother a girl can ask for." Serena said sincerely as she hugged him. Nicholas laughed lightly. "I know I am. You can pay me back in a week with a really good Christmas present. Now let's go." He answered jokingly as he half lead; half pulled her down the stairs and out the door.
-Brigham High School-
"I have to find Matthew. I'll see you in a few minutes, okay." Serena told Nick once they arrived at the gym. "Okay, Sere. Tell him I said hi and he better treat you nice, you hear." Nicholas said half jokingly. Serena giggled. "Always the protective one, huh?" Serena tossed back. "Only when it comes to you and your dates." Nick answered before waving goodbye as he took his date onto the dance floor. Serena stood by herself for a few minutes as she looked around the gym. It was decorated in blue, white, and silver balloons and streamers. There was a stage on the far end where the DJ was and there were several tables at the sides of the gym where several people were sitting down and talking. Everyone else was on the dance floor, moving to the fast beats of the song. Serena sighed as she looked through the crowd for her date. She was so happy to have a chance to go out with the most popular guy in her freshman class but now it was turning out to be a horrible night. He wouldn't even pick her up and now she couldn't even find him. After nearly thirty minutes of looking for him, Serena learned from one of her friends, Matthew was home sick. Serena felt disappointed and walked towards an open door for some air to clear her mind. She stood there quietly while watching her brother dancing with Marissa. She was about to go to the tables when a sharp grip covered her mouth. Serena tried to move but was pulled her hard out through the door. Serena struggled frantically as she felt herself begin pulled farther from the gym and into the empty courtyard. She could feel the person's breath against her skin and it only heightened her fear. What was going on? What was going to happen to me? Ideas and scenarios filled her mind and she didn't like them at all. Putting more force in her struggles she finally was able to knock the wind out of him with her elbow. In an instant, she pushed him away from her and began running back to the gym without even looking back.
Serena kept looking forward as her arms and legs were pumping so hard. She could almost see into the gym when a sudden mass of weight jumped at her, knocking her hard to the floor. Serena laid on her back on the hard cement as she looked up at her attacker for the first time. "Matthew! What the f do you think you're doing?" Serena said harshly as she thrashed under him. Matthew laughed at her as he grabbed her arms and pinned them above her head. "I told you I'd take you at the dance. Now no one will suspect me since I'm at home sick." He laughed cruelly as he lowered his face to hers. Serena tried to push him away but to no avail. As his face approached her all that Serena could think about was the hope that someone would come out and save her from this... she didn't even have a word to call him. "Nick!!! Help me!!" Serena screamed as loud as she could over and over until she felt Matthew's hard fist hit her straight across the face. "Shut up!" Matthew ordered as he hit her again across the face. Serena stopped yelling but she didn't stop from praying that someone had heard her cries.
-In the Gym-
Everyone is dancing or talking while loud dance music is being played. A couple of doors are open but nothing could be heard over the high volume of the room. Nicholas stood dancing happily with Marissa in the middle of the room when they slowly changed the music to another couples' dance.
I can feel it coming in the air tonight... oh lord.
And I've been waiting for this moment for all my life.. oh lord... oh lord...
Nicholas smiled as he held Marissa close to him. He listened to the music closely. It was one of his favorite songs by Phil Collins that he shared with Serena. They used to sing it together whenever they heard it playing on the radio.
Well I remember, I remember don't worry
How could I ever forget
It's the first time, the last time we ever met
"Nick!!! Help me!!!" Nicholas heard faintly in between the song and the people around him. "What in the-Serena?" Nicholas said to himself as he stopped dancing and looked around the gym for his little sister. But I know the reason why you keep this silence up, no you don't fool me.
The hurt doesn't show, but the pain still grows it's a stranger to you and me.
"Marissa. I don't really know why I'm saying this, but call the police." Nicholas said hurriedly. Marissa looked at him in surprise. "What? Why?" she asked confused. "Trust me. I think Serena's in trouble." Nicholas said before he ran off the dance floor and ran out the door. I can feel it coming in the air tonight.. oh lord.
-Serena's POV
My face burned, as I lay there dazed. As I tried clearing the dizziness in my head, I could feel his weight pressing on me as his hands moved down my legs towards the hem of my dress. "No... Please lord. No." I sobbed uncontrollably. I could hear him laughing as he began pulling the hem of my dress up as he brushed his hand across my cold skin. I cringed at his touch, and I reactively began to squirm, in another attempt to get to my feet. He responded by pressing me down to the ground with more strength. I looked at Matthew with disgust and hatred as I began to scream loudly again. I didn't care if I got hit to death as long as I stopped him from... I didn't want to think about it. I kept screaming until I felt him hit me repeatedly in the ribs. I couldn't breathe as I felt the pain. It hurt like a thousand knives, but suddenly it soon stopped as I heard a familiar voice yell, "Stop". I quickly opened my eyes and saw that Matthew was not on top of me anymore. I immediately got up and looked around to see Nick and Matthew wrestling on the ground. In seconds, Nick got the upper hand over Matthew as he pinned him down. I wanted to go there and get Nick so we can just leave but once I heard the sirens... I knew it was all going to be over soon.
Nicholas looked down at his sister's so-called date with pure hatred and anger. Nick just began punching the bastard without a second thought. All he could think about was the sight he saw. His sister began beaten and mauled by him. It made him sick in the stomach to think of what would have happened if he didn't come to look for her. He was so engulfed in his anger that he didn't feel the couple of strong hands grab him and pull him quickly away from Matthew. Nick struggled to be released until he noticed the ones' who were holding him were officers. Nick stopped moving and watched as the officers left him to lift Matthew to his feet. Matthew was hunched over in their grips and his face was bleeding. Nick nodded to the officers when they asked if he was all right now. Once they released him, Nick made his way to Serena, standing by herself with an officer's coat over hear shoulders. Nick stared at her face and cringed. It was black and blue with blood etched on her once clean beautiful skin.
"Are you alright? I'm so sorry I wasn't here sooner. I shouldn't have left you alone. I should have.. I-" Serena cut him off quickly, "It wasn't your fault. Don't blame yourself, you know that's not how we solve things. You're the one who told me that remember? Now just take me home. I want to go home." Serena said the last words weakly as she touched her face and flinched. Nicholas nodded as he put his arm around her. Serena looked up at him. "Thank for saving my life. You're the best, you know." Serena said as she leaned on him for balance. "I'd do anything for you, Sere."
They began walking past the officers who were holding Matthew. He was pretty battered on the face as he stood slouching with his hands cuffed in front of him. Serena stopped a second and looked at Matthew before she turned her back on him and began walking away. As Serena began walking alongside Nick, one of the two officers ran towards her and asked her for her name and number. Serena nodded and began to write down her information when, voices cried out 'no' or 'stop' but it was too late as gun shots fired. Serena's eyes went wide as she saw the officer next to her fall injured, but what nearly killed her was the sight of Nick. He stood directly in front of her with a pain stricken look on his face. He began to fall to his knees and Serena caught him in her arms as she lowered him on to the floor. As she placed him on the ground she watched the other officer struggling with Matthew for the gun. As if in a trance, Serena quickly looked around her and saw the injured officer, trying to retrieve his gun. Serena left Nick's side and as if in slow motion, grabbed the injured officer's gun from him and aimed it at Matthew. "Bang!!!" A shot roared out through the crisp night air until it hit it's target: Matthew straight in the heart.
The officer, fighting Matthew looked at her in shock as he hurried to his radio and began calling in the medics. Serena dropped the gun and made her way towards Nick. She laid him on his side with his head on her lap as she pressed the extra length of her dress on his wound. She sat there as she heard his breathing soften. "Miss. The medics are coming, it won't be long. I have to try and stop his bleeding." She heard the officer say, but she only nodded as she held Nick's head on her lap. The officer began to peel off Nick's tux jacket and dress shirt.
Serena looked down at him and saw his eyes staring up at her. They were soft and filled with love as well as pain. She placed her hand upon his cheek as she felt tears coming down her eyes. "You can't leave me. Do you understand? You can't. Please, Nick. Stay with me." Serena cried as she leaned forward and buried her face near the crook of his neck. As she listened for his voice, she could feel his hand rubbing her arm in comfort. "I won't leave you, Sere. I'm.. ugh..." Nicholas grunted as the officer placed a bandage over his still bleeding wound. Serena looked over Nick and saw that his blood was soaking through the newly put bandage. She quickly averted her eyes back onto her brother's. "You fool. Why did you have to be a hero? I wish you never came out to help me." Serena swore as she gently moved hair from his eyes. "Don't say that! I did it cause I love you. You're my sister." Nick said weakly as his breathing began to slow. Serena felt his pulse and it was barely visible. "No. I love you too. Just don't leave me. I promise I won't annoy you anymore, remember that shampoo incident- I'll forget all about what you did., as long as you don't close your eyes." Serena begged as she began to cry again. She gently hugged him as she placed her cheek against his cold one. Sirens began to fill the air but Serena didn't even look up. He was already gone and there was nothing anyone could do to make it better. Her life just ended as she continued crying silently until the officers had to pry her away from him. She stood there quietly as she stopped her tears and just watched as they took him away forever.
-Present-
Serena Tuskino still kneeled on the snow as she finished her memories of Nick's death. It hurt every time she thought of it but she never cried. Tears never fell from her face now but that didn't bother her at all. Serena looked up at the cloudy sky as snow lightly fell upon her. She softly ran a hand over her loose hair before she tied it up in a ponytail. It was almost time for her to go and she didn't even do what she came here to do. Serena looked down at the grave again and smiled lightly to herself.
"Nick, I miss you so much. I can't believe it's nearly four years. I'm sorry, mom, dad, and Sammy aren't with me but they've gone on a trip to Germany till the end of January. They asked if I wanted to go, but I told them I'd rather stay at home. I had to come and visit you especially before Christmas, especially today. You left me today and I hate Matthew for taking you away. I bet you're up there in Elysian telling me to give it a rest and live. I'm trying to, I really am. That's what I wanted to tell you about today. You know that we live in Japan now. Mom and dad couldn't stand being in Brigham without you so we've been living in the Juuban district in Tokyo. We've been living there for about two and a half years now. You'd love it there especially with the cheery blossom trees. It's beautiful. Anyway, I've made several friends there since I've arrived. A great group of girls. My closest is Raye Hino. She's a fire priestess at the temple. We fight and bicker a lot but we know we're not serious, so it's okay. Then there is Amy, she's our genius and she's an aspiring doctor. Next is Lita, she is very strong and loves to get into fights, but she is a wonderful cook as well as boy crazed. Finally, there is Mina who's an aspiring actress. She's great in volleyball and she's just as boy crazy as Lita. They're all great. I bet you're wondering how I fall into this group of people. You wouldn't believe what I've appeared to be. I'm basically the school klutz and biggest whiner as well. I probably even have the most tardies in the whole city of Tokyo. (She laughs lightly.) You must be screaming right now, how could I fall so low, but I can safely say I didn't really. My grades are above exceptional and I even tested for several colleges. Its just appearance wise... I wouldn't even be near me. Don't worry it's only a phase. Now that I've bored you with my story I should go. I miss you and I love you so much. I wish you could talk to me yourself and... you know, I really wish you could be here to teach a lesson to this annoying jerk named Darien Shields. He loves tormenting me about my unique hairstyle, which he calls me 'meatball head', and he loves running into me every morning. Now you understand where I got the klutzy part from. (She smiles to herself) Anyway, I really should go now since I still have a plane to catch back to Japan. Adieu." Serena said as she touched his grave one last time before she go up. The wind picked up and brushed her long black coat behind her revealing her matching pants and halter top. Serena strode through the snow and headed towards her midnight black motorcycle that awaited, unmoved at the curb.
"Till next time, Nick." Serena said out loud as she got onto the bike and placed her helmet over her head, tucking her hair inside it. A minute later, she started the engine and quickly rode out towards the cemetery gates towards the airport and towards her other life.
COPYRIGHT © 2001 by Anaika Knight