AN: Grab your popcorn, boys and girls, this is a long one…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am who I am who I am
Well who am I
Requesting some enlightenment
Could I have been anyone other than me?
--John Alagia, "Dancing Nancies"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Fourteen: The Legend
I should have known better, Darien thought to himself, amused. There's no such thing as 'just saying hello' to Artemis.
He watched over Mina's blond head (she had insisted on sitting on his lap, of course) as his adopted father's black eyes sparkled and his hands gestured excitedly. The man still retained all the enthusiasm he had showed hours ago, when Darien and Serena had first arrived at the house. There was no doubt about it, Artemis loved to talk, and he was very good at it. He was a master storyteller in his own right, really; the way he told a story, it was nigh on impossible to interrupt him or tune him out.
However, Darien had years of experience on his side and something very involving to think about.
Why did I bring her here?
It was useless to keep asking himself. Especially because he already knew the answer. He had spent all of last night in a chair in front of his window, trying to figure out a way of making it not true. There didn't appear to be one.
Why would I bring her here, to my family?
Denial was useless. He knew the answer, for Christ's sake. It was simple. He should just admit it. He took a mental deep breath for courage.
I love her.
Simple, yes, but infinitely complicated.
He sighed and rested his chin on Mina's blond head. Yes, he had fallen, deeply, madly, truly, and all those other corny things that love songs said, but the more he thought about it, the more he realized that there wasn't anything that he could do. She was hiding out from the law, for heaven's sake! How much longer could he pretend ignorance of her true identity?
Not that he wanted her to go, of course. He rather thought he might die if he lost her. Which was frightening, when he started to truly realize how precarious their situation was. If someone else found out who she was, they might turn her in, and then who knew what would happen to her. If she found out that he knew who she was, she would probably run away, for fear that he would turn her in.
I would never do that! he thought desperately, as though she might somehow receive the silent message. I've got to get her to trust me, somehow. Otherwise, I'll lose her for sure. And that was a possibility to painful to bear, however probable it might be.
"…Darien?"
The sound of his name managed to penetrate his deep revere and pulled him back to the present with a jerk. He looked up, embarrassed to realize that the anecdote had been finished and now everyone was waiting for him to answer an unknown question.
"Uh…I'm sorry, what did you say?" he asked, sheepishly.
Artemis knowingly winked at him and repeated, "Well, it's a bit late and I'm sure we're all hungry, so perhaps our two special guests will stay for dinner. What do you say, Darien?"
Not sure what to say, he looked uncertainly at Serena. Her beautiful eyes were shining eagerly, begging him to say yes. And how could he say no to her?
"Sure, sounds good, Art."
~------------~
Serena sighed in contentment. She was full of the best beef stew that she had ever had, she got to watch Darien play with his little sister (incredibly cute), and, far from intimidating, Artemis was one of the most enjoyable men she had ever met.
This is great, she thought happily. I love Darien's family. I wish I could come here all the time. A fantasy picture of herself coming over for dinner every Sunday on Darien's arm formed in her mind.
She almost gasped out loud.
Did I just think that? What does that mean? Worriedly, she tried to push away the uncomfortable feeling that she knew the answer.
Thankfully, Artemis chose this moment to emerge from the kitchen, where he had been washing the dishes. Serena had tried to help, but he insisted on doing them himself. He sat down in a chair across from where she sat on the sofa, still carrying the wet dishcloth.
"Well, now," he said, his black eyes twinkling at her, "since Darien's gone to get Mina into her pajamas, we can talk about him behind his back!" He winked conspiratorially at her and waggled his eyebrows exaggeratedly, making her laugh. Grinning, he continued, "So tell me, what do you think of my boy? Is he strong? Handsome? Kind? Trustworthy? Husband material? Or a complete goof?"
Serena blushed furiously at the words 'husband material.' "Uh, uh, I…" she stammered awkwardly, having no idea what to say.
"Come on now, you can tell me. It won't hurt my feelings if you say Darien's a…what's it you kids say nowadays? Oh yes, a 'total loser'?"
"Hey now, are you talking bad about me behind my back, Art?" Darien's voice came from down the hall. Mina's giggle could be heard to follow.
Artemis winked at Serena again and raised his voice to make sure that he could be heard in the other room. "Oh no, shhh, Serena, we don't want him to know all the horrible things you think about him!"
Mina came running down the hall, wearing pajamas decorated with little hearts all over, with Darien following. She bounded into Artemis' lap, and Darien took a seat next to Serena on the couch.
"Tell me a story!" she demanded of her father, bouncing up and down and obviously more than a little hyper.
"Only if you say--"
"Please!" she interrupted before he could finish his reprimand. He chuckled and asked what she wanted to hear.
She seemed to calm down a little and looked right at Serena. Her eyes became strangely serious for a moment, as they had earlier in the day. "The Crystal Legend," she requested, not breaking eye contact. "I want to hear Serenity's story tonight."
For some reason, a chill ran down Serena's spine.
She felt Darien tense beside her and turned to him, worried. He did his best to cover it, but his hand clenched nervously on the seat as he said, "Ah, you sure about that, Mina? It's kinda long, isn't it? And Serena and I really should get going soon, it's dark outside already…"
Artemis eyed his adopted son strangely. "It's not that long, and if it's what Mina wants to hear, why not let her? Anyway, I bet Serena would be really interested in hearing it, wouldn't you, Serena?"
Feeling confused, she thought it best to reply semi-neutrally, "Well, ah, I guess…"
Darien was becoming more agitated. Serena saw him swallow, and he seemed a little desperate as he countered, "But, ah, well…I just really don't think that's the kind of story Serena needs to hear…Actually, I think she really wouldn't enjoy it at all…it actually probably might harm her to hear it…"
Artemis interrupted, annoyed, "What are you talking about? You're not making any sense. Anyway, if you don't want to hear the Legend again, you can go out of the room. You don't have to insult my storytelling with some kind of insensible excuse. Really, I'm surprised at you, Darien. Now, I'm going to tell the story that your little sister wants to hear, and anyone who can refrain from insulting me can stay to hear it."
Darien sat back, trapped and defeated. Serena looked at him with concern. He discretely covered her hand with his own, and his eyes seemed to be begging her for something. The tenseness frightened her, but she could not think of what he was trying to tell her. His fingers tightened on her own. The silent message in his eyes was obviously urgent, but she couldn't see for the life of her what was so wrong with a bedtime story. She turned uneasily away from the midnight intensity of his gaze.
Artemis cleared his throat and began, not waiting for any further interruptions.
"In a time far removed from time, the first few of the chosen ones were born. At the same time, three vessels were forged in the very heart of the planet, carrying the sacred power of the life-force of Earth. These three vessels were the holy crystals, with the power to make true the desires of human hearts.
"At first, the three vessels did not have owners, and they laid dormant, waiting for the ones who could control their power.
"This is the story of the first carrier to awaken. Her name was Serenity."
Another inexplicable chill ran down Serena's spine, and she shivered. Darien's hand pressed harder on her own.
"Serenity was born the daughter of a noble house, and lived in great splendor all her life. She was very beautiful, with long silver-blond hair and eyes the color of the sea. She loved her beautiful old mansion with its sprawling fields and meadows; she loved her mother and father and all her family; she loved her way of life and all the beautiful things she owned; but, more than anything, she loved riding her horses. Or, rather, more specifically, she loved her horseback riding instructor, a handsome young man with black hair and deep blue eyes. Endymion (for that was his name) was not a nobleman or well-born, but he was quite charming and well- mannered, and Serenity's parents were loving and tolerant enough to approve of their daughter's desired match. He loved her as well, they were engaged, and all was really quite too perfect to last.
"And it did not last more than three months. For after the third month of their engagement, Endymion began to fall rapidly from good health. His strength was greatly diminished in a frighteningly short matter of days. Serenity was beside herself with fear and would not leave his sickbed. She stayed with him, praying constantly, and watched helplessly as he slipped farther and farther away. Finally, one dark night when she was holding a lone candlelight vigil by his side, his terrible fever reached a crisis point. Again and again she washed his burning skin with cool water and changed cold cloths on his forehead, but nothing helped. He was soon panting in shallow, painful breaths, barely able to breathe. It was clear that the fever was killing him, and Serenity wept as she bathed his face.
"Sensing that his end was near, Endymion gathered the last of his strength to try and comfort his beloved. Through his cracked and trembling lips, he breathed, 'Serenity, go on without me. You must live, my love.' Then his eyes rolled into his head, the lids closed over them, and he was still.
"Serenity could not bear it and fell upon him, wild with grief. She begged him to awaken and cried hysterically upon his chest. With her head on his breast, she quieted suddenly, and listened with held breath. There was a very faint rhythm still there. It was as though within the confines of that faint beat, a voice was whispering to her. She drew in her breath and abruptly knew, without warning and without a doubt, that she could save him.
"She stood up, and her long, pale hair flowed behind her in a nonexistent wind. Then the dainty noblewoman grew strong and terrible, and she gritted out between her teeth, 'I will not lose him. I cannot!' She held out her hand, and a silver stone dropped into it. She clenched her fist around it and knelt beside her beloved. 'My life for his,' she whispered, and silver light encased them both. Endymion's eyes came open again, and hers fluttered closed. She fell, unconscious, across him. He gasped in horror and shook her desperately.
"'Serenity!' he cried. 'No! Do not leave me!' Then he felt the same terrible certainty that she had experienced, and he called a golden stone to his aid. He held its glow over her face and whispered tenderly, 'Ah, my love, you do not have to sacrifice yourself. It cannot be the wish of your heart to die. Now, wake up, and live!' Her eyes opened and she cried in joy to see his face. He embraced her tightly, and a mingling of silver and gold glowed around them.
"And that was the awakening, and the beginning. For the crystals born of the power of Earth carry an enormous power: the ability to grant the deepest desire of a human heart. And Serenity and Endymion were not the only ones born through time who could use that power. After their deaths, they became one with the vessels that they had called forth, and live eternally within the stones, seeking the chosen ones born on the sacred lines.
"The crystals still exist today, and somewhere out there, there are two carriers of the Silver and Gold Crystals, with the power to do anything, as long as they desire it with all their hearts."
Artemis smiled at Mina on his lap. "There now, little one, are you satisfied?"
The little girl nodded happily, kissed him on the cheek, and jumped down. She blew a kiss to Darien and let her eyes slide over Serena before going with her father to be put to bed, calling, "G'night, Darien, Serena," over her shoulder.
Darien did not respond, as he was intently watching Serena for a reaction. His hand was tight on her own.
"Serena…" he began, but trailed off uncertainly.
She shook her head. She felt odd, disturbed somehow. That story…something about it was so familiar. But why? She pulled her hand from Darien's and stood up.
"Excuse me, I have to use the restroom," she said faintly.
Darien quickly stood up as well and caught her arm. His grip was tight, and his eyes desperate. "Wait, Serena, please…I need to tell you something," he pleaded. Serena put her free hand to her head, feeling dizzy, like there was an echo in her brain. She pulled her arm away.
"In a minute, okay, Darien? I don't feel very well…"
His eyes begged hers for a moment longer, but then he reluctantly let her go. She could feel his gaze burning into her back as she carefully made her way down the tilting hallway and shut the bathroom door. She paused a moment, then locked it.
She ran some cold water and splashed her face with shaky fingers, then sat down on the closed lid of the commode, burying her face in a fuzzy blue towel from the rack. What is the matter with me? I feel so strange. Because of that story? Nausea rose sickeningly in her. She let out a small moan. Maybe something I ate? I feel awful. . .
~*~Then why do you repress me?~*~
Serena jerked upright. That voice was not her own. Desperately, she pushed her subconscious, where the voice originated from, farther away from her mind. A stronger wave of nausea overtook her.
~*~You see? Why do you push me away? I can help you.~*~
She shook her head violently, trying to silence the voice.
~*~No? You do not need help? You understand everything and can handle it on your own? Who you are? What you are doing?~*~
Serena took a deep breath and, feeling insane, whispered, "Who *I *am? Who are *you?* Am I going crazy?"
Now that she was not fighting to repress it, her subconscious produced a floating image of a beautiful lady with long silver hair tied into Serena's own twin buns. The lady smiled, and in a flash, the nausea and dizziness were gone. Serena's head cleared, and the image came into sharper focus.
The figure gave a small chuckle. ~*~Who am I? I think you know.~*~
Serena's eyes grew wide with sudden understanding, and she gasped into the towel. "No, it can't be…but that hair…and those eyes, those are my eyes…" she whispered unbelievingly.
Serenity smiled.
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I am who I am who I am
Well who am I
Requesting some enlightenment
Could I have been anyone other than me?
--John Alagia, "Dancing Nancies"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Fourteen: The Legend
I should have known better, Darien thought to himself, amused. There's no such thing as 'just saying hello' to Artemis.
He watched over Mina's blond head (she had insisted on sitting on his lap, of course) as his adopted father's black eyes sparkled and his hands gestured excitedly. The man still retained all the enthusiasm he had showed hours ago, when Darien and Serena had first arrived at the house. There was no doubt about it, Artemis loved to talk, and he was very good at it. He was a master storyteller in his own right, really; the way he told a story, it was nigh on impossible to interrupt him or tune him out.
However, Darien had years of experience on his side and something very involving to think about.
Why did I bring her here?
It was useless to keep asking himself. Especially because he already knew the answer. He had spent all of last night in a chair in front of his window, trying to figure out a way of making it not true. There didn't appear to be one.
Why would I bring her here, to my family?
Denial was useless. He knew the answer, for Christ's sake. It was simple. He should just admit it. He took a mental deep breath for courage.
I love her.
Simple, yes, but infinitely complicated.
He sighed and rested his chin on Mina's blond head. Yes, he had fallen, deeply, madly, truly, and all those other corny things that love songs said, but the more he thought about it, the more he realized that there wasn't anything that he could do. She was hiding out from the law, for heaven's sake! How much longer could he pretend ignorance of her true identity?
Not that he wanted her to go, of course. He rather thought he might die if he lost her. Which was frightening, when he started to truly realize how precarious their situation was. If someone else found out who she was, they might turn her in, and then who knew what would happen to her. If she found out that he knew who she was, she would probably run away, for fear that he would turn her in.
I would never do that! he thought desperately, as though she might somehow receive the silent message. I've got to get her to trust me, somehow. Otherwise, I'll lose her for sure. And that was a possibility to painful to bear, however probable it might be.
"…Darien?"
The sound of his name managed to penetrate his deep revere and pulled him back to the present with a jerk. He looked up, embarrassed to realize that the anecdote had been finished and now everyone was waiting for him to answer an unknown question.
"Uh…I'm sorry, what did you say?" he asked, sheepishly.
Artemis knowingly winked at him and repeated, "Well, it's a bit late and I'm sure we're all hungry, so perhaps our two special guests will stay for dinner. What do you say, Darien?"
Not sure what to say, he looked uncertainly at Serena. Her beautiful eyes were shining eagerly, begging him to say yes. And how could he say no to her?
"Sure, sounds good, Art."
~------------~
Serena sighed in contentment. She was full of the best beef stew that she had ever had, she got to watch Darien play with his little sister (incredibly cute), and, far from intimidating, Artemis was one of the most enjoyable men she had ever met.
This is great, she thought happily. I love Darien's family. I wish I could come here all the time. A fantasy picture of herself coming over for dinner every Sunday on Darien's arm formed in her mind.
She almost gasped out loud.
Did I just think that? What does that mean? Worriedly, she tried to push away the uncomfortable feeling that she knew the answer.
Thankfully, Artemis chose this moment to emerge from the kitchen, where he had been washing the dishes. Serena had tried to help, but he insisted on doing them himself. He sat down in a chair across from where she sat on the sofa, still carrying the wet dishcloth.
"Well, now," he said, his black eyes twinkling at her, "since Darien's gone to get Mina into her pajamas, we can talk about him behind his back!" He winked conspiratorially at her and waggled his eyebrows exaggeratedly, making her laugh. Grinning, he continued, "So tell me, what do you think of my boy? Is he strong? Handsome? Kind? Trustworthy? Husband material? Or a complete goof?"
Serena blushed furiously at the words 'husband material.' "Uh, uh, I…" she stammered awkwardly, having no idea what to say.
"Come on now, you can tell me. It won't hurt my feelings if you say Darien's a…what's it you kids say nowadays? Oh yes, a 'total loser'?"
"Hey now, are you talking bad about me behind my back, Art?" Darien's voice came from down the hall. Mina's giggle could be heard to follow.
Artemis winked at Serena again and raised his voice to make sure that he could be heard in the other room. "Oh no, shhh, Serena, we don't want him to know all the horrible things you think about him!"
Mina came running down the hall, wearing pajamas decorated with little hearts all over, with Darien following. She bounded into Artemis' lap, and Darien took a seat next to Serena on the couch.
"Tell me a story!" she demanded of her father, bouncing up and down and obviously more than a little hyper.
"Only if you say--"
"Please!" she interrupted before he could finish his reprimand. He chuckled and asked what she wanted to hear.
She seemed to calm down a little and looked right at Serena. Her eyes became strangely serious for a moment, as they had earlier in the day. "The Crystal Legend," she requested, not breaking eye contact. "I want to hear Serenity's story tonight."
For some reason, a chill ran down Serena's spine.
She felt Darien tense beside her and turned to him, worried. He did his best to cover it, but his hand clenched nervously on the seat as he said, "Ah, you sure about that, Mina? It's kinda long, isn't it? And Serena and I really should get going soon, it's dark outside already…"
Artemis eyed his adopted son strangely. "It's not that long, and if it's what Mina wants to hear, why not let her? Anyway, I bet Serena would be really interested in hearing it, wouldn't you, Serena?"
Feeling confused, she thought it best to reply semi-neutrally, "Well, ah, I guess…"
Darien was becoming more agitated. Serena saw him swallow, and he seemed a little desperate as he countered, "But, ah, well…I just really don't think that's the kind of story Serena needs to hear…Actually, I think she really wouldn't enjoy it at all…it actually probably might harm her to hear it…"
Artemis interrupted, annoyed, "What are you talking about? You're not making any sense. Anyway, if you don't want to hear the Legend again, you can go out of the room. You don't have to insult my storytelling with some kind of insensible excuse. Really, I'm surprised at you, Darien. Now, I'm going to tell the story that your little sister wants to hear, and anyone who can refrain from insulting me can stay to hear it."
Darien sat back, trapped and defeated. Serena looked at him with concern. He discretely covered her hand with his own, and his eyes seemed to be begging her for something. The tenseness frightened her, but she could not think of what he was trying to tell her. His fingers tightened on her own. The silent message in his eyes was obviously urgent, but she couldn't see for the life of her what was so wrong with a bedtime story. She turned uneasily away from the midnight intensity of his gaze.
Artemis cleared his throat and began, not waiting for any further interruptions.
"In a time far removed from time, the first few of the chosen ones were born. At the same time, three vessels were forged in the very heart of the planet, carrying the sacred power of the life-force of Earth. These three vessels were the holy crystals, with the power to make true the desires of human hearts.
"At first, the three vessels did not have owners, and they laid dormant, waiting for the ones who could control their power.
"This is the story of the first carrier to awaken. Her name was Serenity."
Another inexplicable chill ran down Serena's spine, and she shivered. Darien's hand pressed harder on her own.
"Serenity was born the daughter of a noble house, and lived in great splendor all her life. She was very beautiful, with long silver-blond hair and eyes the color of the sea. She loved her beautiful old mansion with its sprawling fields and meadows; she loved her mother and father and all her family; she loved her way of life and all the beautiful things she owned; but, more than anything, she loved riding her horses. Or, rather, more specifically, she loved her horseback riding instructor, a handsome young man with black hair and deep blue eyes. Endymion (for that was his name) was not a nobleman or well-born, but he was quite charming and well- mannered, and Serenity's parents were loving and tolerant enough to approve of their daughter's desired match. He loved her as well, they were engaged, and all was really quite too perfect to last.
"And it did not last more than three months. For after the third month of their engagement, Endymion began to fall rapidly from good health. His strength was greatly diminished in a frighteningly short matter of days. Serenity was beside herself with fear and would not leave his sickbed. She stayed with him, praying constantly, and watched helplessly as he slipped farther and farther away. Finally, one dark night when she was holding a lone candlelight vigil by his side, his terrible fever reached a crisis point. Again and again she washed his burning skin with cool water and changed cold cloths on his forehead, but nothing helped. He was soon panting in shallow, painful breaths, barely able to breathe. It was clear that the fever was killing him, and Serenity wept as she bathed his face.
"Sensing that his end was near, Endymion gathered the last of his strength to try and comfort his beloved. Through his cracked and trembling lips, he breathed, 'Serenity, go on without me. You must live, my love.' Then his eyes rolled into his head, the lids closed over them, and he was still.
"Serenity could not bear it and fell upon him, wild with grief. She begged him to awaken and cried hysterically upon his chest. With her head on his breast, she quieted suddenly, and listened with held breath. There was a very faint rhythm still there. It was as though within the confines of that faint beat, a voice was whispering to her. She drew in her breath and abruptly knew, without warning and without a doubt, that she could save him.
"She stood up, and her long, pale hair flowed behind her in a nonexistent wind. Then the dainty noblewoman grew strong and terrible, and she gritted out between her teeth, 'I will not lose him. I cannot!' She held out her hand, and a silver stone dropped into it. She clenched her fist around it and knelt beside her beloved. 'My life for his,' she whispered, and silver light encased them both. Endymion's eyes came open again, and hers fluttered closed. She fell, unconscious, across him. He gasped in horror and shook her desperately.
"'Serenity!' he cried. 'No! Do not leave me!' Then he felt the same terrible certainty that she had experienced, and he called a golden stone to his aid. He held its glow over her face and whispered tenderly, 'Ah, my love, you do not have to sacrifice yourself. It cannot be the wish of your heart to die. Now, wake up, and live!' Her eyes opened and she cried in joy to see his face. He embraced her tightly, and a mingling of silver and gold glowed around them.
"And that was the awakening, and the beginning. For the crystals born of the power of Earth carry an enormous power: the ability to grant the deepest desire of a human heart. And Serenity and Endymion were not the only ones born through time who could use that power. After their deaths, they became one with the vessels that they had called forth, and live eternally within the stones, seeking the chosen ones born on the sacred lines.
"The crystals still exist today, and somewhere out there, there are two carriers of the Silver and Gold Crystals, with the power to do anything, as long as they desire it with all their hearts."
Artemis smiled at Mina on his lap. "There now, little one, are you satisfied?"
The little girl nodded happily, kissed him on the cheek, and jumped down. She blew a kiss to Darien and let her eyes slide over Serena before going with her father to be put to bed, calling, "G'night, Darien, Serena," over her shoulder.
Darien did not respond, as he was intently watching Serena for a reaction. His hand was tight on her own.
"Serena…" he began, but trailed off uncertainly.
She shook her head. She felt odd, disturbed somehow. That story…something about it was so familiar. But why? She pulled her hand from Darien's and stood up.
"Excuse me, I have to use the restroom," she said faintly.
Darien quickly stood up as well and caught her arm. His grip was tight, and his eyes desperate. "Wait, Serena, please…I need to tell you something," he pleaded. Serena put her free hand to her head, feeling dizzy, like there was an echo in her brain. She pulled her arm away.
"In a minute, okay, Darien? I don't feel very well…"
His eyes begged hers for a moment longer, but then he reluctantly let her go. She could feel his gaze burning into her back as she carefully made her way down the tilting hallway and shut the bathroom door. She paused a moment, then locked it.
She ran some cold water and splashed her face with shaky fingers, then sat down on the closed lid of the commode, burying her face in a fuzzy blue towel from the rack. What is the matter with me? I feel so strange. Because of that story? Nausea rose sickeningly in her. She let out a small moan. Maybe something I ate? I feel awful. . .
~*~Then why do you repress me?~*~
Serena jerked upright. That voice was not her own. Desperately, she pushed her subconscious, where the voice originated from, farther away from her mind. A stronger wave of nausea overtook her.
~*~You see? Why do you push me away? I can help you.~*~
She shook her head violently, trying to silence the voice.
~*~No? You do not need help? You understand everything and can handle it on your own? Who you are? What you are doing?~*~
Serena took a deep breath and, feeling insane, whispered, "Who *I *am? Who are *you?* Am I going crazy?"
Now that she was not fighting to repress it, her subconscious produced a floating image of a beautiful lady with long silver hair tied into Serena's own twin buns. The lady smiled, and in a flash, the nausea and dizziness were gone. Serena's head cleared, and the image came into sharper focus.
The figure gave a small chuckle. ~*~Who am I? I think you know.~*~
Serena's eyes grew wide with sudden understanding, and she gasped into the towel. "No, it can't be…but that hair…and those eyes, those are my eyes…" she whispered unbelievingly.
Serenity smiled.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
