I'm sorry that it has taken so long for this chapter to get out! I just had so little time while visiting colleges, work, school, etc. I promise that there will be no more long waits, unless this chapter happens to be the final one, you readers can decide the fate of this story in your reviews. In other words please review, my goal is to make it too a hundred by the end of this chapter! As you all know I don't own Sailor Moon, but if someone wants to give it too me (hint hint) I wouldn't mind at all. Well enough of my rambling, here is to the possible final chapter of my story.

Chapter 14- The Dance of Death



He had hurried home as fast as he could with his injuries. Since it had been raining he was chilled to the bone and his fingers were frozen while coated with blood. His black shirt was not only soaking wet with water but with his own red crimson as well. His black leather jacket did little to keep him warm for it was soaked too.

He stumbled into his apartment and leaned against the door relying on the thick frame to support him. Pain shot through his torso at every minimal movement he made. He reached out his shaking hands to touch his stomach. He carefully lifted his shirt and grimaced as his shoulder screamed in pain. The blood on his stomach had caked and dried concealing the true image of the wound. He sighed, he would have to take care of that, and soon.

He slowly lowered his shirt, and raised his left arm to gingerly touch his right shoulder. The minute his fingers touched the damage he felt a new wave of blood flow from it.

"Damn," he paused, "That's gonna be hard to fix. Maybe," he shook his head at the thought, "No. I can't put them in danger." Darien had considered asking Andrew for some help and fast, he knew he needed to bandage the injury otherwise he could become weak, he was an aspiring doctor after all. Asking Andrew or Rita was out of the question because he didn't want to place them in any danger. The Negaverse knew who he was therefore he couldn't talk or see anyone he knew. Everyone he knew or had ever been in contact was in danger.

He banged his wrist against the door and let his head roll back. How could he have been so stupid as to fall for the trap? He not only had almost gotten himself killed but the scouts too. They must hate him for abandoning them in a time. Hell, if they only knew the truth that he would risk anything for them, more specifically her. Sailor Moon.

Darien wished in all his heart that he could have been the one to save her. Although he was grateful to Sailor Venus's he still wished she would look at him with adoration and love in his eyes. Oh well, it would have to wait till next time. He hoped he could explain why he hadn't shown up in time and that she would understand his dilemma.

Darien had picked his head up carefully and began walking towards the bathroom. Halfway towards the bathroom he felt like he was going to collapse. He sat down on the couch and rested for a few moments. He leaned back and closed his eyes, bandaging his wounds would have to wait until he got some of his strength back. He rubbed his eyes and brushed his hair off his forehead and let his head fall onto the soft pillows. Sleep or unconsciousness was beckoning him and he was fighting a losing battle.

"Hello Darien." A female voice said smoothly.

He sat up in shock, his eyes wide with alarm. A white screen had appeared in his room and Zoycite's face was staring at him with contempt. Darien sat up straighter and faced her ignoring the pain that flashed through his body.

"What do you want with me?" he asked playing innocent.

"Give it up already, I know you're Tuxedo Mask." She smiled at his surprised features. "I told you that the Negaverse sees everything. Now for more important matters."

"Fine Zoycite." He snapped glaring at her as his eyes took the appearance of ice.

"I want you out of the picture so I can defeat the Sailor Scouts and get all the rainbow crystals. Catch my drift?" She laughed shrilly and smiled at his concerned look.

"How do you propose we go about you killing me," he asked mocking her, "I don't necessarily want to die you know."

"I was counting on that. Therefore I propose a duel. A duel to the death actually. The winner is the one who isn't dead at the end. Do you accept my challenge?" she asked raising a prefect light brown eyebrow at him.

Darien weighed the options in his head, die now as Tuxedo Mask by refusing her challenge or die later in a duel. At least he had a fighting chance in a duel. "I accept your challenge Zoycite." His voice dripped with venom as he spook the words that he knew could lead to his doom.

"Fine today at the Starlight Tower at five o'clock. See you there!" she saluted him and was about to disappear when she smiled once sarcastically, "You know you might want to check out that shoulder of yours, it must be painful!" She laughed and winked at him before vanishing and leaving Darien to contemplate the possibilities.

He sighed and let his head fall down once again onto the couch. Tomorrow would be the day of his destiny. He winced as he realized once again, no one he knew was safe and he would never get to tell her, Sailor Moon, that he cared for her. He closed his eyes and prayed for what little sleep he could get before the sun raised in the sky and dried the city form rain.

A few tears slipped from his eyes, he was alone. He would always be alone for that was the way of his life. His destiny was set in stone, he would live the hard life of a warrior never knowing love. He felt a few tears slip from his closed his eyes and he didn't bother to wipe them away. The only one who would know he cried was the rain pouring outside.

(Dream)

"Endy, you're not yourself. What is the matter my love?" a petite female asked him as she gently touched his cheek.

He shook his head and she abrubtly moved her hand away and with worried eyes. "I'm sorry Sere, I just don't want you to get hurt."

"Endy, if anything is wrong my mother and I, we will fix it. Please tell me what's wrong!" she pleaded with him as her crystal teary blue eyes locked with his own.

"Sere," he paused and cupped her cheek in his hand, "Please let me handle this my way. I don't want you hurt!"

"But!" She protested when his lips covered her own. After a light caress of her cheek he withdrew his lips from hers.

"I love you." He smiled before running into the night air.

(End of Dream)

Darien sat up in a cold sweat. Every time something bad in his life had happened his angel Serenity had appeared to comfort and guide him through it. Did this mean that his battle tomorrow with Zoycite was not going to turn out in his favor? He shook his head clear and got up from the bed. He slowly walked to the balcony, whether it had been a memory or a scene from his imagination, he didn't like the foreboding feeling.



Serena sat up slowly, that dream frightened her immensely. Whoever this Endymion was, he was certainly in love with the Princess, Sailor Venus. The fact that he loved her so much and was willing to protect her from what ever it had been was so tragic and touching. She wiped a few tears from her eyes.

Dispite the feeling that something was fishy about her receiving the visions of the Princess's past life was a little odd too her. Now adding to the fact that it didn't feel like something was right, that someone close to her was hurt, she was worried. Serena had to act fast, she had to stop what ever incredible event that was about to occur. How would she do that though when she had no idea of where to begin?



School had been horrible, she failed a test, received detention for being late even though she woke up early. She had run from school knowing she didn't want to miss the scout meeting. She wondered if Sailor Venus was the cause of her visions and why she felt as if something wasn't right. She had questions and she wanted them answered.

As she was running towards the temple she saw Darien walking extremely slow and looking as if he was frightened. He kept looking over his shoulder and it unnerved her, Darien was always calm. Why was he so scared or nervous? She wanted to know, besides she had to know if he was all right because he hadn't shown last night.

Serena walked up behind him slowly, and she knew she couldn't just tap him on the shoulder, that would be to normal for them. She slapped his upper back really hard and gasped as he turned and looked at her with pain in his eyes.

"Darien! You had a bee on your back." She lamely supplied upset that she had hurt him somehow.

He smiled hesitantly and stood a little straighter. She noticed as he stood up that he grimaced. Perhaps that the feeling that something was wrong was coming from him. "Thank you Meatball head, I hate bees." Nope, he was acting just like normal, and if he was she would too!

"Don't call me that, my name is Serena! Not meatball head!"

"Fine, I promise I won't call you that anymore. All right? Look I gotta go," he looked around them quickly, "I'll see you around Serena!" he threw a wave and began walking away.

Serena just stared at his retreating back stupefied. That was odd, was all Serena could think. At first it seemed that he was upset at something but then he acted just like normal and finally he acted like a nice guy.

She went to brush a stray piece of hair from her face when she gasped in horror at the site on her hand. Her hand was coated with a red stain. It was blood and not her own. She looked up after Darien who was clutching his right shoulder, right where she had hit him. Something was definitely wrong with him. The scout meeting would have to wait she had to make sure he was all right.

She began to trail after him, slowly at first but when he began to get more cautious and quicken his pace, she did the same. The more she followed him the more worried she became, for some reason the normally calm collected Darien was not only hurt but worried. She noticed he ducked into an alley and took a short cut to the next block. She followed behind and when he paused she took a hesitant step and touched his shoulder.

She watched as he jumped in surprise, and gasped as his left arm swung around to karate chop her. She ducked out of the way in the nick of time, for once being Sailor Moon paid off. She stood up slowly and looked into his fiery eyes.

"What are you doing? Why are you following me?" he asked stunned to see her behind him and frightened to the core.

"Well for one thing your hurt, as in bleeding." She lifted her hand up and showed the faint traces of blood on her hand. "Secondly," she paused and looked him square in the eye, "You are my friend, and I was worried." She finished as she blushed and looked down to the ground.

His eyes softened at the site of her blushing, he had to admit he liked the look on her a lot. Still as he glanced around himself, he was worried that the Negaverse might see her and possibly use her as bait, he had to protect and get away from her. "Look, its not serious, I'll be fine! Leave me alone!" He finished much more harshly than he had intended too.

He really didn't like her. She sniffed and took a few steps back extremely hurt at his cold and harsh nature. If he didn't want her help then that was that. "Fine." She whispered broken.

Darien winced as her face fell, he really hadn't meant to hurt her. Hell, he would never hurt her, although he knew he already had. "I'll see you around Serena." He began walking out of the isle when he thought he heard Serena start to mumble something. He wanted to turn around and find out what but he was going to be late and that would make a bad impression on Zoycite.

"Ugh, as if, not serious. Humph. I got a C-plus in first aid! I can tell when something is serious or not and his shoulder wound is definitely serious!" Serena began stomping after him. She would discover what was wrong with him whether he wanted her too or not.

She followed him to the park when she noticed he stopped and looked at his surroundings. She kept walking towards him, if something was going to happen, she felt it would happen now. There were few people around and he looked cautious of every tiny step he took.

She gasped as a red glow began to surround him. At first she believed it was his transformation to Tuxedo Mask but then she remembered that it was gold light. She cleared her head and let out a yelp in horror as the same red light surrounded her. "Darien!" she whimpered.

"Serena! You have to get out of here!" his voice was panicked and Serena was frightened more than she had ever been in her life.

"I think it's too late!" she meekly whispered as her body faded into the light and she felt her consciousness leave her.



Darien bent down to check on Serena, she was awfully pale and he was worried the Negaverse would drain her energy. He knew that from her own kind heart she had followed him here and now her very life was in danger. All because she was a kind soul, a beautiful kind soul. He gently touched her cheek when he had the sense that he was being watched. He stood slowly and looked around him.

"You're right on time Darien." Zoycite's voice answered his unasked questions.

"Show yourself!" Darien commanded with ice in his voice.

"As you wish Cape-Boy!" Zoycite appeared about twenty feet in front of him. She smiled wickedly and snapped her fingers. A sword appeared in her hands, a familiar sword. "Remember my friend here?"

Darien gasped as he could see the red blood on the tip of her crystal sword. He nodded his head affirmatively she smiled with pleasure. She began to walk towards him when he gestured for her to stop.

"I want a fair fight. Let me transform because you know I can not beat you in this form." He gestured a rose to his hand. "Secondly, I want you to let the girl go!" He commanded gesturing to Serena's still sleeping form.

"Fine, we have no use for her." She waved her hand flippantly. "Ready?"

Darien had backed up a few steps to make sure Serena was still out cold, she was. When he backed up further to transform he glared as he saw Malachite appear and touch Serena's soft skin on her face.

Darien hurled the rose at Malachite's body that vanished. The rose soared into Zoycite's cheek and she howled in pain.

"You hurt my face and for that you will pay!" She disappeared with Malachite and hollered out her final words. "If you still want to duel, meet me on the roof! You have ten minutes!"



Serena woke up as she heard a scream of pain, a females scream. She looker around and saw Zoycite arguing with Darien. Zoycite vanished and left her haunting message, "If you still want to duel meet me on the roof! You have ten minutes!" Serena sat up slowly and gasped as she felt Darien's protective arms hold her close.

"Darien?" she started to ask but the appearance of ice all around them creeper her out.

"Well Darien seeing your friend is awake, I hope you and she are good runners!" Zoycite's voice echoed in the large room and Serena shivered from the cold and in fear.

The echo had caused the ice to begin to crumble from the ceiling. As Darien wrapped one arm around her waist he began to lead her towards the stairs. The floor began collapsing behind them and Serena screamed in terror. As one large ice chunk fell close to them, Serena tried to move but found that Darien had shielded her body from any stray chips.

They reached the elevator and Serena in a panic pressed the up button. The elevator doors opened and Serena and Darien raced inside. The doors shut behind them and both sighed in relief.

"Hey, um, aren't you supposed to take the stairs in an emergency?" she asked trying to lighten the mood.

"What stairs?" Darien replied seriously.



(Flashback)

The last time Serena had raced into an elevator with Darien it had been trouble. Of course they were in their alter egos but it had all been a trap. Serena couldn't help but feel like she was in the same situation once again. Except this time, she knew who Tuxedo Mask was.

(End Flashback)

Serena tripped into his arms when the elevator began to change from and move skyward. She blushed at the close contact with him but quickly removed herself from his arms when she saw his pained expression.

"Darien why are they after you? What are you doing with them? She asked worried.

"Believe me I wouldn't hang around with them if I had a choice but I don't. If I want to know who I am I have to fight with them."

"Who you are? What do you mean, your Darien!"

"No! Who I really am! When I was really young I was orphaned in a terrible car crash. I don't remember my name or anything before the accident. I guess that in dealing with them I hope I can find out the missing links." He finished in a somber whisper.

Serena leaned against the wall in shock. That was the reason, it was his carefully guarded secret. He was an orphan. He had pushed everyone out of his heart because he didn't want to be hurt again. She felt awful for every harsh word she had ever said to him. She opened her mouth t apologize when he placed to fingers on her lips to shush her.

"There is this angel. A princess I guess? Every time I have gone through a rough spot in life she has been there to guide me. I guess in a way I am kind of hoping that I can find her! I mean it feels as if I know her already, that is just a matter of finding her!"

Serena was heartbroken he was in love with someone he didn't know. It was so sad to her yet touching in every way. "Darien," she touched his shoulder and he yelped in pain, "I'm sorry, here let me look at it and try to stop some of the bleeding."

Darien looked at her strangely, "If your going to fight Zoycite you should have it bandaged properly. Now, come on, don't be shy."

Darien couldn't help but wonder how she knew about Zoycite. Seeing her determined face he removed his green jacked and carelessly tossed it to the floor. He pulled up his shirt and winced as he heard Serena gasp.

"Oh my!" Not only did he have a stab mark on his shoulder but he also had a long thin slice or cut on his abdomen. She blushed at the site of his well- defined muscles but she knew there was no time for her crush. He needed her help and she would be more than happy to provide it.

She carefully ripped part of her sleeve and pressed it gently to his shoulder. She felt him jump at the touch and she whispered, "Sorry." She had wiped away all the blood and only used a little of her sleeve. When she had finished she turned to him and handed him back his shirt. "Here."

"Thanks." He replied while pulling it over his head. He was about to bend down and grab his jacket when he felt Serena touch his arm. "What?" he asked surprised by her gentle touch.

"Darien I'm sorry. I really would never have some the horrible things I said to you if I had known. Could you ever forgive me?" she asked pleading him with her blue eyes.

Darien stared in amazement at the blonde angel before him. "Angel" he formed the word in his mind, was she the one he had been looking for? Serena, his arch nemesis? Could it be? He realized where the train of his thoughts was taking him and shook his head to clear it.

"No, I'm the one who should be sorry Serena." He whispered as he took his hand into his own. "I'm sorry for every harsh word I have ever said to you. I don't deserve your pity Serena." He looked into her eyes and noticed they had tears that were about to fall.

"Please don't cry Serena." He carefully wiped the tears from her eyes and she blushed becomingly.

"Darien, I don't pity! In fact I admire you for being so strong. I know I could never have survived with out my friends and family and yet you are so much stronger than myself. I'm sorry to Darien!" she flew herself into his arms careful of his stomach wound.

Darien was surprised, she had been the first to show compassion rather than pity. He slowly wrapped his arms around her tiny form and held her close. He knew he would never let anything happen to this angel. "Serena," he whispered into her hair, "Do you think you could ever forgive me?"

"Forgive?" she asked. She smiled at him. "I can always forgive a friend of mine!" she boasted and looked him squarely in the eye.

"Thanks for being my friend Serena. But I am serious, could you ever find it in your kind hear to forgive me?" he asked her as his dark blue eyes locked with her own.

"Forgive what?" she asked as if she had already forgotten.

Darien smiled and replied, "Forgive this." He bent down and captured her lips with his own.

Serena almost jumped in shock as his lips covered hers. The taste overflowed her senses and his sweet, soft lips gently pressing her own. She could have died and gone to heaven, but she wouldn't care as long as he was there with her.

All too shortly for Serena Darien pulled back and looked worriedly up at the roof of the elevator. He pointed to the giant red fireball approaching them with increasing speed.

"Fire!" Serena yelped when she felt Darien move to cover her body with his own. " No!" He paused and looked at her inquisitively. "It's my turn to fight! Moon Prism Power!" She threw her hand up in the air and the familiar transformation soared through her body. Moments later the Sailor suited, self-proclaimed, Champion of Justice stood and faced Darien.

She wrapped her gloved arms around Darien's shocked frame. With one mighty leap she leapt through the fire and to the roof. Th dust from the destruction from the elevator clouded her vision. She carefully checked Darien over who was looking at her with wonderment.

"Are you alright?" she asked in a hushed whisper. She didn't want Zoycite to know they had surrvived just yet. She planned to use the element of surprise if she could. He nodded his head and carefully studied her. He smiled once before standing straight up.

"Such a pity, I'll just tell Beryl that it was an accident." Zoycite laughed and turned abruptly when she heard a feminine yet familiar voice shout out a challenge.

"Stop right there you witch! How dare you attack such a precious moment!" Serena inwardly blushed but she knew she couldn't appear weak. "I am the Champion of love and justice, Sailor Moon. I will right wrongs and triumph over evil, and that means you." She pointed at Zoycite who was snarling.

"Funny you arrived Ms. Moon but I do believe the arrangement I had was to fight Tuxedo Mask."

Serena was worried, they knew he was Tuxedo Mask. She had to play dumb, "What are you talking about, he is not here!" She had to protect Darien for he certainly couldn't fight with his injuries.

"Yes I am." He said bravely answering Zoycite's call.

Inside Serena was furious, here she was trying to protect him and he just ruined the plan. She knew she couldn't let on that she knew who he already was, "You are?" she asked meekly.

"Uh huh." Serena turned to see Darien holding a perfect red rose. He threw the rose over his head and transformed into the caped crusader Tuxedo Mask. When he was done he smiled and winked at Serena causing her to blush.

Darien walked forward to face Zoycite. "Ready?"

"More than ever!" she began to create a ball of energy when Sailor Moon's distressed cry caused her concentration to falter.

"Wait! You can't beat her alone! Let me help you, please!" she pleaded to him.

He looked away before replying, "I can't this is my challenge, my fight. I'm sorry."

"You have to find your princess alone?" she questioned him.

"Yes." His voice faltered as he answered her question. He watched as her face fell and inwardly grimaced. The only reason he was refusing her help was because he didn't want her hurt, his angel.

To say he had been shocked to discover that she was Sailor Moon would be an understatement. His little angel was a fierce, albeit clumsy, warrior. In the back of his head he was proud that she could stand and hold her own and that the fact she was willing to risk her life for him. He shook his head, he had to focus on Zoycite.

"Well you ready Cape-boy?"

"You know I am. You have to promise me a fair fight and Sailor Moon's safety first though." He cautioned.

"But of course, I won't harm the girl." Zoycite replied while crossing her fingers behind her back.

"Fine, let's get this over with." Tuxedo Mask withdrew his cane as Zoycite retrieved her crystal sword. They each took one step towards each other as Sailor Moon watched with wide eyes. Something still didn't feel right.

She turned quickly to see a crystal aimed at her. It was heading straight towards her with alarming speed and precision. She gasped and closed her eyes waiting for the impact.

"Watch out!" was the last words she heard. She scrunched her body into as small a target as possible. She peeked out from under her arms and gasped in shock.

"No!" she cried as she watched Tuxedo Mask's body jump in front of her own. The crystal hit his upper left chest and he fell to his knees. His white mask flew from his face and she caught it in her hands before running to cradle his body.

The sailor scouts had raced up the stairs fearing something was wrong. They witnessed as Tuxedo Mask threw himself in front of Sailor Moon. The scene was horrifying to watch and they all felt tears come to their eyes as Sailor Moon ran towards him catching him before he fell to the ground.

Darien winced as his body fell to the ground. He had saved her and that was all that mattered to him. He opened his eyes and was startled to see Serena crying for him.

"Don't leave me Tuxedo Mask!" she begged him as she wiped away the blood splatter from his cheek. Her tears fell freely onto his body and they trickled down her cheeks.

"I'm sorry I couldn't save you sooner."

"No, you'll be alright!"

"I wish I could be as positive as you Serena." He whispered while cupping her wet cheek in his hand.

"Darien!" she whispered as his hand fondled her cheek.

"I found her Serena, I found my princess, my angel." He smiled at her. His eyes sparkled with excitement and pain at the same time.

"Darien?" she asked. No one had entered the picture, except for the scouts. Could it be?"

"Serenity." He whispered as his hand fell from her cheek to the stone cold floor.

Serena cradled his head and she screamed for anyone who could hear, "No!" Darien was dead.