by: MarshAngel
watsonma@hotmail.com
Realizations
"Raye, Raye," Rini yelled, her short legs running up the steps of the shrine tripping over a few as she went.
"Yes. What is it Rini?" Raye asked.
"Umm where are the other girls? She asked wondering just where they all could be. She knew they had a meeting planned for today.
"They're not here yet. Ami had Cram School today and Lita dragged Mina to her martial arts class, so we delayed the meeting until later. Speaking of which, is Serena even going to even show up for this?" She wasn't even sure why she asked. That lazy girl didn't bother to come to meetings anymore.
"Is Darien coming too?" Rini asked knowing she needed him present when she delivered her news.
"He might. Sometimes he shows up when he's not too busy. He said he might come today. Why are you asking all these questions any way?"
"I just needed to tell everyone something."
"What Serena couldn't tell us herself she's using you as her gopher now?"
"How did you know it was from Serena?"
"Good guess," Raye said bitterly.
Not too long after, the other girls showed up.
"Hi Rini," Mina said patting the little girl on the head. "What's up?"
"Rini has a message from Serena, Raye said in a harsh tone."
"Can we wait for Darien?" Rini Asked. Just then Darien's head came into view as he walked up the steps of the shrine. On is face was that same brooding expression he had been wearing on his face these past few weeks. Rini rushed up to him and he scooped her up into his arms.
"Hi Munchkin."
"Hi Darien, Rini said watching his expression lighten as he picked her up.
"Rini did you have something to tell us? Lita asked growing impatient with the delay. She was never one for sitting still for long periods of time.
Darien put Rini down and she pulled out the note Serena had left for them and handed it to Darien.
"Could you please read this out loud so that everyone can hear?" She asked. Darien looked at her sad eyes, and did as she requested.
I know you guys have no reason to care what I do or say anymore. I haven't exactly been a great leader or a great anything, for that matter. For once however, I have decided to be responsible and let you know that I'm leaving Tokyo. I won't tell you where I'm going; it doesn't matter anyway. Don't bother to ask my parents I've asked them not to divulge that information. I just need some time away from all that's happened in my life. I would leave the silver crystal with you but no one else can use it so I'll keep it safe with me. I haven't given up on our friendship or the Scouts. I'll be back someday. Just believe in yourselves the way I never could and the way you never did in me.
Please take care of Rini. The scout of time, Sailor Pluto, informed me that Rini's mother is safe in the future. She still has to stay here for a little while longer though, while they make it completely safe for her to go home. She should be ready to leave in a few weeks though. I'm sorry I won't be there to see her go, and I suppose I should have told you this a while ago, but things were not at their best.
I suppose I'll always love you Darien, unfortunately. You have moved on with your life however, and I suppose it's my turn to do the same.
I love each and every one of you. I'm sorry I was such a disappointment to you all, especially you Luna. I wish you all the best. This is not goodbye. Hopefully when I return I'll be a better person and we'll be on better terms.
Until we meet again
Love, Serena.
At first they all just stood there staring at the paper, Darien held in his hands. Darien stared at the paper unbelieving the words she just read. He unconsciously read twice more hoping the words would magically change before his eyes. He let the paper fall from his fingers and turned around and walked out of the shrine. An unnoticed tear fell from his eyes.
Raye looked up and watched as Darien walked out. "This is all my fault," she whispered. Her knees collapsed beneath her and she held her face in her hands and cried. "I'm so sorry," she whispered as if she were talking to Serena.
The other girls were shocked to see Raye fall apart like this. Of all of them they had expected her to be the least affected. Feelings of guilt and their own betrayal washed over them leaving the group of girls and a small black cat who had wandered in unnoticed, in tears of regret.
Serena had left because of
them. They had actually driven her away. This time they had gone too far.