***Hey everyone! This is it, the next chapter. Please keep in mind this story takes place during the R season of Sailor Moon, and as of yet, the final battle between Ann/ Allen and the Scouts has not taken place - therefore Darien has not regained his memories yet. Hope this clears up any misunderstandings from last chapter. I'm hoping to move the plot along more quickly next chapter, so tune in and see what happens! ;)***

Evening Star

With the Coming of the Dawn

Chapter Nine

***

Late that evening…

Aurora sat listlessly in her dorm room chair, still transformed as Sailor Star. The silvery light of the moon illuminated her battered form, its slanted rays shinning in through Aurora's sliding glass balcony doors. Her tresses had come completely undone from their usual confines of a bun and ponytail, to fall in cascading, pale golden waves down around her shoulders. Her uniform reflected the moon's glow, sparkling silver and ruby red in the dreary darkness of the dorm room.

Aurora's shallow breathing, and the monotonous ticking of an unseen clock in the background were the only two sounds that reverberated off the room's stark walls. The sounds seemed magnified by the silence that had settled itself around Aurora like a thick fog that gave no signs of soon dissipating. With a look of apathy and indifference, Aurora lifted her unfocused gaze to her bureau's mirror. Her weary mind barely registered the massive bruise on the side of her face that was already in full bloom from where Feronia, the Sorceress's most recently sent minion, had savagely backhanded her during battle. Nor did Aurora take notice of the small stream of blood running down the same side of her face from a deep gash at her temple - also a product from when Feronia had struck her. The blood dripped, unheeded by Aurora, to stain the white of her uniform and mat her hair.

She'd fought Feronia before: 6 - 7 months back. At that time, Feronia had been young, inexperienced – not this time. Fighting her then had been a challenge; tonight it had nearly been impossible.

Same Minions – Greater Strength, Better Skills, New Techniques…Aurora thought bitterly to herself.

That was how it went – how it had always been. After two long years of fighting the Sorceress, Aurora had come against only a hand full of her minions. Aurora realized with time that, if she failed to destroy the minion in battle, it would return -more powerful, more highly trained, and far more difficult to defeat. As it was, Sailor Star had fought each of the Sorceress's minions more than once.

Weary eyes, dull silver in the moonlight, scanned the dorm room. A bed, a bureau, a closet complete with a sparse wardrobe… a now blood stained gray carpet, and barren walls. This was her life, empty, sparse and barren…except for one glimmer of hope that, ironically, threatened to end her life forever.

Aurora held the eighth ruby crystal in the palm of her hand, moving it from side to side, allowing the face of the crystal to catch the moonlight. Red beams of light reflected throughout the room. With a sense of detachment Aurora observed the crystal, feeling, slowly, a loathing for the inanimate object well up inside her. Her entire body ached – a dull, tormenting ache that refused to subside. Her head throbbed relentlessly, and her heart…

Aurora's heart felt nothing - no pain… no anger… no pity… no mercy… no love…no happiness. Her soul clung tenaciously on to what little emotion she did have - mostly the hatred and loathing her heart had given up on so long ago. At moments like this, Aurora's hatred was all she had to hold on too. She did what she could to suppress it by day, but tonight she didn't care enough to try.

Aurora's ever-keen instincts picked up on no signs of life around the dormitory, or the surrounding campus. A foreboding sense of desolation weaved its way throughout the fibers of Aurora's being, but her indifferent attitude prevented her from really giving a damn.

My life, my whole life, as been for the sake of these damn crystals, Aurora thought to herself, her mind's tone thick with resentment. Slowly her hand went under the pleated folds of her fuku to retrieve a small, silver, drawstring purse. Opening it with a tired pull, and taking one long look at the crystals, Aurora threw the eighth crystal in with disgust. Closing her eyes, leaning farther back into her chair, Aurora called out to the night. A desperate call, to the only one she knew would listen.

Kiaya, may the Gods be with me. May the new Queen be found soon . . .Maybe then I can rest…Maybe then there will be someone with the power to save me…

With a groan, her body protesting at the sudden movement, Aurora leaned forward in her chair, holding her hand in her left hand, resting that on her left leg. Turning her head ever so slightly, Aurora glared at her neatly made bed out of the corner of her eye. Despite her guardian's earlier arguments that she needed to rest, that she needed time to heal herself, Aurora did not want to sleep. She dreaded the dreams she knew were awaiting her the moment she closed her eyes – visions of the past – visions she was not in the mood for. As had happened with the finding of every other crystal, Aurora knew memories of her past life would be returned to her as she slept.

"I wonder what it will be tonight," Aurora spoke aloud as she raised herself up from the chair, slowly making her way to her bedside. "Well," her tone was biting, "last time my own personal memories were reveled to me, enlightening me of how I first became Sailor Star." Air escaped her lips in a rush as she lowered herself onto her bed. Wincing, Aurora continued to debate with herself.

"So, I'm sure Kiaya will want to spice things up a bit – tell me a bit more about the Moon Kingdom," her voice thick with sarcasm, "Maybe something really uplifting: The Moon Kingdom's destruction – or something of the sort." Aurora shook her head, her own bitterness eating away at her. Deciding not to prolong things any further, Aurora's bloodied right hand reached up slowly to grasp the silver locket set at the center of her front's bow. With a heavy sigh, Aurora whispered a single command out into the night, "Star Twilight Magic." A shimmering pink aura of light enveloped her battered frame. As the healing magic took hold of her, Aurora felt her eyes close, her body relax, and her mind slip into blissful oblivion…

***

The next afternoon…

Okay, I'll try – I'll try what?! Try to get Darien to remember how much he loves me? Try to persuade him to help me find some Sailor girl I don't even know? Try to convince him I'm not such a meatball head?

Serena mentally slapped herself. Just what did she get herself into yesterday when she told the girls she'd try?

"Serena, what are you waiting for?!," Luna's irritated voice sounded close to Serena's ear, perched as she was on the girl's shoulder, "I'm not planning on sticking around here all day, slinking in and out of dark alleyways, stalking Darien! Now will you just go out there, look for him properly and ask him so we can go home?!" Luna puffed. "I mean really, how hard can it be to ask a simple question? The worse he can say is no…" Luna continued to mumble to herself, unheeded by Serena.

Oh Luna, you don't understand…it's just not that simple… Serena felt a dull ache well up in her heart. She loved Darien, with all she had in her to love. She'd lost count of how many times she'd cried herself to sleep after she realized Darien didn't remember her as Sailor Moon or the love they shared. She needed this to go right, for her own sanity – needed to talk with him one on one…just once. Maybe then, she'd find some sign that would give her hope to believe Darien would come back to her; would remember her.

With sad eyes, Serena looked around the side of the building she had pressed herself against. She hadn't wanted to ram into him like always. She'd wanted to see Darien coming so she could walk up to him properly – hence the 'slinking' around in alleyways Luna had complained about. As it was, Serena had already spent most of her morning with Luna ducking in and out of alleyways trying to find him.

Luna was still mumbling to herself when she felt more than heard Serena take in a quick breath. Stopping her private ranting, Luna peered out on to the sidewalk, in the general direction Serena was staring. Sure enough, there was Darien standing, waiting for the light to change so he could cross the street.

Gods, he beautiful…was the only coherent thought that passed through Serena's mind. His ebony hair shinned, glossy in the sunlight. His gorgeous blue eyes held a thoughtful look to them, as if he were pondering something of the utmost importance - Serena guessed it had to do with his studies. As her eyes moved down his body, her mind drank up every detail: black leather jacket, black dress pants…tall, well built frame, confident stance…

Serena felt her heart clench. She didn't deserve him and she knew it. He was handsome, intelligent – he was studying to be a Doctor for heaven's sake! She could barely pass Junior High. He was charming, sophisticated…she could barely stand on her own two feet. Looking at him now, so handsomely dressed, Serena's only thought that he was on his way to meet someone – most likely a female someone. Hanging her head, tears about to fall, Serena prepared to give up and go home.

What's the use? Even if he does remember us someday, he'll never want me now… I'm no princess, Serena thought bitterly. The only thing that stopped her was a persistent, nagging voice close to her ear.

"Serena, you meatball head! The light is about to change! Get out there now, or you'll lose him! And I'm not spending another 6 hours with you wandering aimlessly around downtown Tokyo looking for him!" Luna growled. Jumping down from her charge's shoulder, Luna gave Serena's leg a swipe. "Now get out there!"

At the feel of Luna's swipe, Serena yelped, and jumped out of the alley. Now out in the open, her cover blown, Serena realized she had no choice but to approach Darien. Glaring at Luna, she made her way over.

Darien gave an inward sigh of impatience as he waited for the streetlight to change. He was behind in his Labs and had hours of study left to do to prepare for tomorrow's test. He was tired, strung out, and wanted nothing more than to get home. If only the damned light would change. He was about to give up all to together, take his chances with the cars and walk across anyways, until a softly placed hand on his arm stopped him.

Looking down at the small, delicate hand on his arm with surprise, Darien's gaze followed the line of the hand, the arm, then the neck, before coming eye to eye with the endless sky. He felt his breath catch; he knew those eyes, and they were beautiful – even more so now that they were staring up at him, not out of anger or hate, but … need. Shaking himself mentally, Darien felt himself falling into his regular routine before he could stop it. With a sarcastic grin, he bit out, "What's the matter, Meatball Head? Fail another test today?"

As the words came out of his mouth, Darien regretted it, so full of pain was the look Serena gave him before averting her gaze to the ground. Mentally, he kicked himself: Fuck Darien, you're an asshole.

Hating himself, Darien was about to apologize when a pained whisper from Serena quieted him.

"No," she said with a weak laugh, "Not today."

Looking up at Darien, Serena took a shaky breath. "I actually wanted to ask you something. I need your help."

Serena watched as a look of alarm marred the smooth, handsome planes of Darien's face. Suddenly, her heart leapt – maybe some part of him really did care.

"Why Serena? Are you in some kind of trouble?" Darien asked, concerned. Given that she was coming to him for help, he figured it had to be serious. He watched her intently as she looked up at him, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips.

"No, nothing like that. I need your help finding someone."

Confusion furrowed his brow as Darien asked, "Find someone? Who?"

Serena blinked once. Well, here goes nothing, Serena breathed to herself, praying that Darien didn't see through her lie. She needed Darien's help… to find this Sailor Star –that's why she was here after all. She refused let the Scouts down, knowing how important this was to Amy. Guarding the tone of her voice, Serena spoke carefully.

"Well, you see, back two days ago I was in a rush to get to Rei's temple after school. I ran into this girl on the street; she fell hard – her knee was bleeding pretty bad."

As she'd spoken, quietly, Serena kept her head bowed so that Darien couldn't see her face. Now she lifted her gaze to look right at him, her eyes wide and pleading.

"Oh Darien, I feel terrible! She was hurt because of me and I don't even know her name! I didn't get a chance to even apologize before she left by car to go to the hospital," Serena cried, her eyes brimming with tears, "I'm so afraid she was hurt badly, I've got to find her to tell her I'm sorry! It will kill me if I don't! Please Darien, will you help me?"

Darien looked down into Serena's endless blue eyes, pleading and brimmed with tears. He felt his heart melt at the sight, and knew before he said a thing that he'd do whatever it took to help her find this girl. Had he heard the same story from anyone else, he would have known they were lying – but Serena? He knew the kind, loving heart she had. He knew of her gentle, friendly nature. And he knew very well that if Serena thought she'd brought hurt or harm to anyone, that it would eat away at her until she did everything she could to make it right.

Serena, watching Darien as she was, mistook his silence for hesitation. Hoping to persuade him, she continued.

"She has blonde hair and silver eyes – not gray," Serena added, "Plus, I had this feeling that she was more," Serena struggled for the right word, "Upper Class?"

Darien raised an eyebrow at that description, but sighed either way, "Serena, there are hundreds of people in this part of the city alone that could match that description. How do you expect me to find the one girl you just happened to run into?"

"Oh please Darien! Try? You know so many important people here in Tokyo, I just know if you asked around…" with a sigh, "I know it might seem impossible, but …" Serena trailed off. She was sinking fast and knew it. She was about to come out with something else to say when Darien interrupted her.

"Did you notice what she was wearing? Maybe if she had an accent? Anything that would help me distinguish this girl?" Darien spoke, a little exasperated, not bothering to ask how Serena knew what she did about his acquaintances.

"Well, she didn't talk much," Serena admitted, "But she sure didn't sound like she was a native of Tokyo – Canada maybe." With a look of uncertainty from Darien, Serena added quickly, "Or some place like that. I know her uniform wasn't anything I've ever seen before." Which isn't exactly a lie either, Serena added to herself before continuing. "She must be new to Tokyo – couldn't you ask the people you know if they've heard news of any prominent families coming into Tokyo?" Her tone was hopeful.

Taking one good look at Serena, Darien shook his head. Figuring all hope was lost, Serena bowed her head in defeat and disappointment - until Darien's voice broke through her jumbled thoughts and feelings.

"Okay Serena; I can't promise you anything, but…I'll try."

Not believing she'd heard him right, her head shot up to look, wide-eyed, into his eyes. She watched as he cocked his head to one side, "Okay?"

A smile, full of life and love, spread across Serena's lips. She positively beamed, and caught up in the moment, jumped up and wrapped her arms around Darien's broad chest. She felt him stiffen in surprise, but she didn't care. It just felt good to be close to him, to hold him, to feel the warmth of his body against her own. He had agreed to help her! Serena knew this was the sign she'd been looking for. Overwhelmed, it was all she could do to tighten her hold around him, never wanting to let go.

When she felt his arms come timidly around her own slim waist, Serena's eyes opened suddenly in surprise. She gasped, but made no movement.

"Don't worry Serena," came Darien's voice, soft, yet reassuring, "I'm sure she was never really hurt – it was probably just a scrape."

Darien watched as Serena slowly moved her head to look up into his eyes. Darien could do little more than stare at her. Her eyes were moist with unshed tears, her bangs fell haphazardly about her forehead, and the most beautiful of blushes colored her usually pale skin. She was beautiful. Visibly swallowing, Darien slowly lowered Serena's feet to the ground, taking a step back. Trying to put himself back into working order, Darien ran a hand through his hair.

"Okay Serena? I'll let you know if I find anything," Darien spoke a little unevenly, moving back towards the street and out of the middle of the sidewalk where they'd ended up. Serena watched him, a little dazed from everything that had just happened.

The streetlight turned green, and Darien was about to step onto the street to cross over when Serena yelled out to him.

"Thank you Darien…"

Looking over his shoulder, Darien called back to her, "No problem Serena, any time…"

And with that, he was gone - lost in the hustling crowds.