Epilogue

From the battle, everyone had gained lots of physical damage-some even experienced emotional pain. The first few weeks after the battle were spent recovering from the major blows each had taken. India seemed to take the longest to recover, going into an isolated state after the battle. Eventually, she came around, still being a little withdrawn from herself and others.

The days that followed seemed to be peaceful. Everyone tried their best to put aside hard feelings and celebrate. It seemed it was hardest of all for the Tsukino and Present families. They tip-toped around each other not wanting to say too much. Each one still held feelings of dread and anger toward each other. The Scouts tried to keep them happy when they were together, but it hardly ever worked.

The time after the battle was a time of departure, also. The Outer Scouts left as mysteriously as they had appeared without word or good bye. Soon after, it was Rini's turn, having a bad note to leave on. She left not knowing what the future would hold, and questions that only her parents could answer. Last was the Twins to leave. After spending plenty of time with their parents on a happier note, they decided it was time to leave to their own time. They seemed happy, but they left with a little uneasiness about how the future would seem to them, now that they had seen their parents together in the past. They were not the last to go as it seemed-not yet.

India and Darien sat in a dimly lit restaurant. They had spent little time alone together since the battle. Their time had been spent talking to the other Scouts, spending time with Rini and the Twins, and even awkward moments spent with Serena.

"I like your hair like that," Darien complimented India.

"Thank you," India said. She had cut her hair just under her shoulders after the battle. She saw it as an awakening and breaking away from her responsibilities. She was no longer tied to the Moon Kingdom so she kept her hair short and down in no style.

"I haven't had the chance to ask you how you've been feeling," Darien said. "So, how have you been feeling?"

"I don't really know, but I'm sure I'll know soon," India replied, with her eyes down.

"What does that mean?" Darien asked.

India looked up from the table with tears in her eyes. "I don't think I should stay here much longer." India announced, sadly.

"What do you mean?" Darien asked.

Outside, it started to rain. It gave the perfect scene for the sadness that was taking place. It seemed the world was weeping for them.

"I've been looking at us, at my life. I've been looking at Serena, too. In a way, we are all cursed by destiny and fate. Both are cruel and mean. It seems us three are all doomed to repeat this unhappy cycle for the rest of our lives. I'm not sure if I want that to happen. I don't know if I want to do that to you-always in the middle. It isn't right.

"You know, even though Serena doesn't see it, I see her as the lucky one. She is always, always the one who ends up with you. It is like I'm just there to witness your happiness. She doesn't see it that way, though.

"What we do doesn't just affect us. It affects our children, too, and I'm not just talking about Meilin and Yukito. This affects Rini just as much, if not more, because of the position she has to take one day. All of them have left and gone on their way. I think it's time for me to leave, too.

"I'm leaving, Mi. I have to go to find myself. During these last few days, I've wonder where my life is going. If I don't know myself, I can't possibly know anyone else. It seems for a while I will be the Lost Princess. You have to understand that if I don't have myself, I won't be able to keep or make you happy. This just goes with the saying, If you don't learn from history you are doomed to repeat it."

A singer stepped up to the stage as the building quieted. She was supposed to be the new singer that was always on the radio. She was the main attraction for the day. After the room was quiet, she began to sing.

When I think about the first time, I thought I'd found someone who cared for me, but things were not as they appeared to be. Rainy day man, on your shoulder I cried, when my first brush with love left me shaking inside.

"What are you saying?" Darien asked with tears. "You do make me happy by just being here. You can't leave me again."

"You know I'm right," India said. "I'll cause you more pain if I'm here, and I just can't do that to you. I want you to go back to Serena."

"No, I love you. I'll wait for you. When you return I'll be here with open arms. Forever if need be."

"No, Darien. I shall not forsake you. I may never return, and I want you to be happy while I'm gone. Don't make this harder for me than it already is. I love you, too. I want you to be happy." India kissed Darien one last time and ran out of the restaurant.

"No!" Darien yelled, running after India. "Come back."

Ever since I can remember, just like a brother you've been strong and true. Always been the one to see me through.

Darien turn at the door to see Serena. She was soaking wet. When India had run out the door, she had disappeared. Old memories of Serena and Darien started to flash through their minds. Serena had thrown a doughnut at Darien after he had seen her pigging out on them. Serena was pouring her heart out about become a model, while Darien wised her up about it, embarrassing her in front of Andrew.

Rainy day man, you're much more than a friend. I would give anything just to see you again.

Serena and Darien regained their memories about their past. Darien was breaking up with Serena, leaving her to stand in the rain alone.

Always been the one to see me through. Rainy day man, on your shoulder I cried when my first brush with love left me shaking inside.

Then there was the Arabian Knight, Tuxedo Mask, Tuxedo Mask, and Prince Endymion.

Rainy day man, rainy day man, rainy day man.

Serena ran into Darien's arms. Slowly, he put his arms around her.

"I love you, Darien," Serena cried. "Please, don't leave me."

Darien looked in the direction India had run away. She wanted him to be happy, and maybe he could. He smiled and held Serena tighter. "I love you, too," Darien whispered. "I love you, too."

The End