Serena Tsukino stood staring out at the lake before her. This was the third night of vacation for her and her family at the Peace Resort, famous for its hot springs and fine lodgings. The first day Serena had arrived at the resort she had gone exploring the surrounding forest immediately and had discovered the lake.
Its large and peaceful waters rested in a small valley completely hidden from the resort. Rolling hills covered in trees and other types of vegetation stretched as far as she could see. The sky was clear and the horizon was turning a light shade of orange that almost seemed pink from the setting sun.
No one else was around and the rest of the Tsukino family was at the welcome party being held at the lodge. Serena didn't feel much like celebrating, even though it was her 18th birthday.
She was still fairly short, but had become very beautiful as she had matured. Her skin was smooth and pale, and although she was thin she was curved in what most would agree to be the most desirable areas. Her long legs were often commented on as one of her best features. Thick lashes framed large blue eyes, and soft full lips formed an appealing bow shaped mouth. Her long golden hair was fashioned into two buns on either side of her head which had long streamers of hair reaching to her ankles hanging from each. She wore a pale pink kimono with white bunny designs scattered across the material. On her feet were black sandals with thin cross-over straps. She stood at the edge of the lake as though she were a mannequin. Not moving. Barely blinking.
As she stood there, her mind wandered once again to Darien Chiba. It had been three years since the Negaverse had abducted him and erased his memories. For the first two years Tuxedo Mask, Darien's alter-ego, had appeared once in a while trying to defeat the Sailor Senshi and get the Imperium Silver Crystal. He had never succeeded. The last year no one had seen him at all, and Serena's friends had only recently been able to help her get over a deep depression.
Serena pushed these thoughts out of her head. She loved Darien and she knew one day she would find him again. No matter what the others said, she knew he was alive and out there. Somewhere. Taking a deep breath Serena turned her face to the sunset, which was almost gone. It's so beautiful here. Everything looks so beautiful... But I feel so…alone. She sighed heavily.
A small breeze came out of nowhere and caused her hair to billow out behind her. Tears came to her eyes as she heard music coming from the locket she carried everywhere. Her hands trembled as she drew the locket out and brought it to her heart. The locket was shaped like a golden star and the center was open and glowing as a crescent moon inside spun around it. The sad yet beautiful notes of Moonlight Destiny filled the area around her. It took all she had to keep her tears at bay. The locket was from Tuxedo Mask. In her experience, whenever it started to play on its own like this it was generally an ill omen.
"Oh Darien," she whispered. "I'll find you soon, my love. I know you're close." Serena closed her eyes tightly and hung her head.
TO BE CONTINUED