April 6, 2005

Wow! It's done. I can't believe it! I know, it's been a loooooong time, but too many things have happened to list, let's just say, I have a full life with six kids (four of them teenagers) and all their friends!

I was going to do my special thanks to all who've written and stuck by me since 1997 when I first started this story . . . er . . . ok, book. Unfortunately, I have lost everything I had with emails and notes over time. Fortunately, though, you know who you are. Thank you so very much for all your letters, all your encouragement all your pushing me to get back to it. There have been so many that I've been inspired to take my writing a step further.

Sailor Moon has such vast potential that I pray that people always want to read and write about the characters created by Naoko Takeuchi. For me, it's been a wondrous ride. I've loved, cried and lived with my characters and this story for so long I just don't know how to walk away. sniff

I pray, this, the end of Memories of Past and Present sees you all enjoying fruitful and prosperous lives. God Bless You for all your encouragement, because without you, the fans, the readers, there would never have been a reason to build my world on paper. Again, thank you so very much.

Disclaimers: Everybody knows I don't own any of the characters on Sailor Moon. They belong to Naoko Takeuchi, DIC, Toei Animation and whoever else has rights to them. The other characters are mine! The story line is also mine.

I know this chapter is short compared to the rest of the story, but it is just a closure on all that has happened to our beloved companions.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the end of our journey together.

(PS If you don't remember what happened, go back, read the fifteen chapters again, take the long journey one last time before we say goodnight!)

Memories of Past and Present
By, Laurel Anne

Epilogue: A Journey's End

Months after the destruction of the Dark Crystal and alone on her bedroom balcony, Serena was feeling a bit confused and out of sorts. She rested her leg against the edge of the railing and turned her face to the fog-enshrouded moon. Her latest journal entry danced through her mind:
"It's over, Serena. It's all over now," Darien repeated softly.
"I want to see him!" She cried.
"Serena," Cameron said gently, "it's not a pretty sight . . . "
"I don't care." She whispered. Serena grabbed Darien by the lapels and forced him to look into her eyes to find the truth in her words. "I have to see him, don't you see?" She glanced up at Safir as he walked back from where his brother lay.
He shrugged, but his eyes spoke volumes. They were clouded, distant, and bore a deep sadness that was unmistakable. He also understood her desperation, "I'm sorry, Serena, for what my brother put you through."
Darien made to follow, but Sailor Neptune stopped him with a hand. She shook her head as Darien tried to pull away. "No, Darien, this is something she must do on her own." He started to speak, but she shushed him, "Serena needs the closure. She lived it; she lived him. She needs to put it behind her, but she has to do it. Her way. And alone."
Serena released Safir's arm and leaned over the body of her tormentor. She shuddered at the look on his face but found the courage to reach her hand across his eyes and close them. When she did, the body turned to fine dust on the floor. Startled, she fell back slightly.
"Thus ends my brother's reign over you, me, and my people."

Serena's thoughts drifted to their last few weeks on Nemesis. It had been a time of renewal and rebirth for the planet, and the companions had unanimously agreed to stay and help Safir with getting everything on track. The transfer of power went smoothly; Safir was well on the road to being the great leader Serena knew he would be. Once they returned to the surface of Nemesis, though, she did not return to Tartarus Castle. Even when Darien tried to convince her that the evil there was gone, she adamantly refused. Serena believed in her heart and soul that Tartarus needed to be destroyed, that the structure itself was inherently evil by intent and design, and that the planet would never completely heal with such a malignant, poisonous core festering just beneath the surface.

Maybe it really was just her overactive imagination as the others claimed, but she was of a mind not to take any chances and convinced Safir of the same. To that end, the Scouts and Guardians had spent many hours transporting documents, books, and all manner of material and elements that were precious and would be useful in building a stable, working government on Nemesis. After they left, Safir was to travel to Crystal Tokyo to enlist the aid of the Royalty there to finish his endeavors.

Thus came the time to leave Nemesis. Serena sighed with the memory, how she hated goodbyes. And, of late, there had been more then enough to last her a lifetime. First Safir, her friend and protector in two lifetimes. As difficult as it had been for her, there was an ache in her chest for the deep friendship that Haruka and Safir had built and had to leave behind. One that was, at first, based on necessity but developed into a strong combination of mutual respect and trust binding them for life. Then Reenie, her resilient, tenacious and precocious six year old daughter. The little girl went home to the Future some time ago and Serena's days seemed twice as long without her there to hold and/or harass at will. But Reenie was now back where she belonged, in the proper time era with her parents, who had completely recovered from their own ordeal.

"Serena!"

She shook her head to clear the cobwebs that were creeping in when the banging on her door grew louder and more persistent.

"Serena!"

She tossed her journal on the bed and opened the door.

"There's a guy here looking for you." Sammy said. "He's so old, and boy's dad gonna freak when he gets home!"

Serena rolled her eyes in exasperation, but took the steps two at a time. She had been expecting Raye and Amy, but the mention of a guy could only mean Darien was here!

Only when he stepped from her living room did she falter. "YOU!"

With a knowing grin, Dimando bowed slightly from the waist.

"OH NOOOOOO!"


"Serena!" Darien shook her sleeping form. "Serena! Serena . . . WAKE UP!" The terror of her dream had made its way into his mind, and she came out of it with a shriek.

She grabbed him by his shirt, "my God, Darien! He's here! He's here!"

In an effort to calm her, Darien gently took her chin in his hands, "it's okay, Serena, you just fell asleep."

"It was Dimando. He's here! I saw him!"

"That's not possible. You know that. It was a dream, nothing more."

Serena shuddered, shaking off the lingering effects of the nightmare, and sighed softly. "You're right, I know, you're right. But wow . . . It just seemed so real."

Darien watched her as she stretched like a content cat. Then asked, "are you okay?"

She smiled, "sure. I guess I just miss Reenie. It's been so different not having her here."

Before he would allow the bittersweet sadness to settle over her again, Darien chuckled lightly, "there's just no one for you to harass, that's all, except of course . . . "

"Don't you dare say it, Darien!" Raye warned from across the room. Darien just pointed at his chest and widened his eyes innocently. She wrinkled her nose in mock-disgust and asked, "are we ready yet?"

"All set, now that Sleeping Beauty is finally up." Amy got up from the table and closed her books.

"You go ahead. We'll meet you down there." Darien said softly and watched them as they safely dodged the boxes piled around the room.

Serena looked at him expectantly, and he shrugged. "It's amazing how much junk I've collected over the years."

"I think you might be more of a pack rat than I am, Darien. Is it all done?"

He nodded. "Movers'll be here tomorrow."

"I wish I could've been here to help you pack." She grumbled.

Darien knew the direction this was going. "Well, you couldn't expect your parents not to have a fit. You were away from them for a long time. Longer than they'd expected at any rate."

"I know, but I called them, and . . . and I left notes! They knew I was ok!" She screwed up her face in irritation. "I can't believe they drug me off like that! It was like being in prison! " Serena stood up and stomped her foot in frustration. "A month, Darien!"

"I know, I know." He hid a smile behind his hand.

Hearing the laughter in his voice, she rounded on him and pointed a finger. "Don't you dare laugh at me! Do you have any idea how much torture it was spending a month away with them? And oh my God . . . Sammy? He drove me totally nutso! You can't imagine the frustration, Darien. I went from 'Mr. Toad's Wild Outer Space Ride' to 'Sammy's Nagtime Central' overnight!" Serena leaned nose to nose with Darien because now he was laughing outright. "It'snot funny!"

Still smiling, he put his hand up, "I'm sorry, but you know I agreed with them. After everything that had happened, you needed the down time. My point was proven just this afternoon. Even after the vacation, you're still having nightmares."

"Rarely!"

"But still happening."

Totally deflated, Serena sat back down and put her head in her hands. "But a month? I was miserable, it was the most boring time in my life, bar none! And I missed everyone so much–I missed you."

"I missed you, too, Serena, more than you know." Darien folded her into his warm embrace. Closing her eyes with a sigh, she listened to the soothing sound of his heartbeat.

He kissed the top of her head and whispered, "would it make you feel any better knowing you weren't really alone?"

Serena looked at him quickly, "Darien, you didn't!"

"I did." He said smugly. "Haruka and Michiru were there to watch over you the entire time you were gone."

"It figures! I, alone and miserable, and them together, having a blast! Sheesh, I always get the raw end of it."

"They weren't exactly on a picnic, you know." The laughter had returned to his voice. "But they did see your rather weak attempts to escape your parents and found it funny enough to tell us about it!" He laughed harder and ducked his head as Serena took a swing at him.

"Oh, real funny. Haha! Laugh all you like! But I . . . "

"Uh heeeeeeellllloooo! Knock knock!"

"In here, Brandon!" Darien called, still trying to control his laughter.

"You two coming, or what?"

"Yeah . . . " Serena replied sourly.

Brandon squeezed through the tower of boxes and bowed solemnly. He almost had Serena fooled, but he glanced up and grinned, eyes shining. "How're ya doin', Princess?"

She laughed lightly, raised her nose loftily, and sauntered out in a huff. Brandon's gaze followed her as she left and then turned to Darien with eyebrow raised.

"Don't ask." He smiled at his puzzled look. "It's nothing, really. She just didn't like the fact that we laughed at her failed Houdini attempts in Hawaii. What she doesn't know is that Haruka and Michiru made sure she couldn't get away from her parents. "

"I think we'd all be facing the 'Wrath of Serena' if she did."

Darien nodded slowly for a moment. Then he grinned and admitted, "I think I'd rather take on the whole Black Moon family again then endure that!" With a lingering laugh, they maneuvered their way out of the apartment, but both knew there was a small grain of truth to his words.


One month later
Serena shook herself awake and out of a place she was sure she didn't want to be in the first place. Fighting off dreamland, she watched the curtains blowing softly in the light breeze that picked up. The faint smell of roses drifted in from without, and she knew he had been near. Wrapping in a light robe, Serena stepped out on her balcony and sure enough, a perfect single red rose stood, wedged in the balustrade. How he always knew, she'd never quite get.

She breathed in deeply the delicate scent of the rose, both for pleasure and to help clear her mind. The dream always lurked just behind closed lids, haunting her soul. Sighing, she wandered the balcony, dragging her fingers along the rail. It was times likes these that a deep melancholy would creep in, covering her spirit. The months past were at the same time hazy and crystal clear. She found closure with Dimando's death. But closure didn't mean it was over. He plagued her nights and more often than not even walked beside her in her waking moments. Although the nightmares faded with each passing day, nothing seemed to release her from the horrors completely.

But Darien had been here again, watching her, perhaps even holding her. With a grin, she danced back into the bedroom, gripping the rose in her hands in front of her.

"SERENA!" Her mother called from downstairs.

"Coming!"

There was a knock at the door and, exasperated, she called, "I said I was coming."

The door creaked open and Hotaru's head poked in. "Hey, Serena, you about ready?"

"Yeah, just about."

Walking in the room, Hotaru's eyes scanned the robe she was wearing with a smile. "Right. About ready for bed you mean. C'mon we gotta run. They're waiting."

Serena dashed to her closet, tossing off her pajamas as she went. She rummaged through her things, discarding clothes she didn't want as too old, too childish, or out of style.

Hotaru had the displeasure of getting too close and was pelted with clothes. "Hey! You might want to be a bit more careful!" Her muffled voice called out from beneath a pile of cast offs.

Serena turned and giggled. "Oops! Sorry." Having found what she was looking for, she took the discarded clothes from Hotaru and threw them back into the closet.

"You really outta clean that mess up." Hotaru said with a laugh.

"Maybe, but then there wouldn't be much left to give her hell about." Raye added, coming into the room with a flourish.

Serena was just pulling the dress over her head when she heard her. "Oh ha ha, Raye."

"Are you coming? Ruark and Ryan are waiting, and it looks like your dad's about foamin' at the mouth. What's his problem anyway?"

"Same story." Serena said easily. "You know, his 'baby girl' with all these guys hangin' around. But if you think he's bad now, you should see him when Darien comes over."

"He still has issues with Darien?"

Serena nodded emphatically, "total 'Dad has gun-will use' issues!"

Hotaru agreed, "yeah and Bryce has long given up trying to come over. Especially after he swore he'd have Bryce arrested if he came within a mile of Serena again." Hotaru and Raye both laughed, but Serena pursed her lips.

"Dad's a pain, but it's not like I can explain to him why all these guys keep pouring outta the woodwork. Not that he hasn't asked me to at least a million times." She plopped down on the bed in a huff.

"Regrets?" Hotaru asked softly. Raye watched Serena closely, judging her reaction.

Serena sighed and looked far away. Regrets? Did she have regrets? "Uh uh," she said, "no regrets. Although I do wish some things could have been different."

"Like what?" Raye prompted.

"Later." Serena said, "we gotta get outta here, before my dad has a fit." A door slammed down the hall, emphasizing her point and all three jumped.

"'Bout time!" Mina declared when the three girls came down the stairs at top speed. Both Ruark and Ryan stood at their entrance and bowed slightly.

"Yeah, well, Serena's gotta make an all day affair of getting dressed." Raye snapped.

"I'm starved; can we go now?" Serena was most anxious to escape her dad's wrath.

Vigorous nods were her answer because her dad reappeared, leaning against the door jam and eyeballing the twins angrily.


At the café, in a time of renewed spirit and friendship, the eighteen companions came together for the first time since their return from Nemesis exactly three months ago. It was a wonder they'd all been able to make it. Their hectic schedules allowed for very little free time these days. The girls returned to school, managed the nearly impossible feat of serious relationships with certain men in the group, and kept close tabs on each other.

Since there had been no detected threat of evil since Nemesis, the men carefully balanced their relationships with their sassy teenage counterparts with the work they spent their lives training for.

Bryce moved Darien into the penthouse at Cosmos Lab and had begun training him to run the company as the rightful heir to the fortune that Sunstarr–Wise Man–had amassed. Under Darien's leadership and guidance, things were changing–they were moving away from detaining people to counterintelligence, special operations, and undercover work.

They were all there, just as Darien knew they would be. His Guardians–and they were his Guardians, of this he had no doubt–he knew them in this life, he knew them in his Past life and will remain bonded with them in their next life. The Scouts–Children of the Moon Kingdom–all deeply affected and changed by their most recent adventures. And his beloved Serena–his very soul ached for need of her.

Ruark and Raye whispered quietly, their heads bent close as they discussed thoughts sacred to them. Mina and Ryan held an intense conversation punctuated often by riotous laughter. Jeff and Hotaru simply enjoyed each other's company and that of their loved ones. Brandon and Lita argued endlessly about strength and attitude. Cameron and Setsuna spoke of the Past and Future and of the life they shared. Amy and Nathaniel chatted on a level far above and beyond the others, thoroughly disgusting Ashton, Michiru and Haruka who tried to keep up with them. Bryce laughed at Serena as she continually and quite animatedly poked fun at the others. All this Darien absorbed in the seconds after his arrival. He kissed Serena gently and took the seat at the head of the table.

"I wonder, Darien, is it really over?" With Serena's softly spoken question, the group turned their attention to her. She shrugged. "I mean the endless fighting, the battles, enemies at every turn . . . "

"It's what we do. It's who we are." He answered simply and she seemed satisfied with that.

"Here, here!" Brandon said, standing up and raising his glass. The others followed his lead, standing and raising their glasses in silent to salute. There were no more words necessary.

After a light lunch, conversation picked up again and the tale of their adventures was told and retold. Each added his or her own part as the story came together.

"I think the worst part was the sewer." Mina said. The others laughed, but she sniffed, "I still don't think I got all the smell out."

"We all faced nightmares in one form or another." Hotaru added.

Serena nodded. "Some more than others." She glanced at Darien who seemed to be looking far away. He still hadn't told her about what he'd seen in the Mask.

Darien watched Serena toy with her glass on the table. He could feel her thoughts drifting far away from them as the conversation shifted to other topics. Darien mused over the newfound maturity in her that he knew was from her time on Nemesis. Her infallible spirit seemed dampened at times, and he knew it was Dimando's influence. Even after death, the man haunted her, pulling at her soul–causing her to doubt. Darien watched as she spun the ice in her glass with a finger, absently watching the twirling of the liquid. "Serena," he whispered gently, "I have something to show you."

She tilted her head a bit and frowned. "What is it?"

"You'll see," he took her hand and pulled her to her feet.

The rest of the men stood when she did and Darien said, "Ladies, gentlemen, we'll meet you back at the Lab."


Outside, Darien watched the play of emotions on Serena's face ranging from playful distrust to curiosity when he pulled out a blindfold. He laughed lightly and tied it around her eyes with a whisper, "no peeking."

"What're you up to Darien?" Her voice was tinged with laughter of her own.

"You'll see," was all he said.

She let him lead her to his car and after a few minutes, he was leading her again. Blind fold still in place, Serena guessed they were in the park. Her senses, heightened since her return from the dead underworld of Tartarus, were assaulted by the verdant smell of greenery, a colossal difference to the world of stone, steel, and mortar that was Tokyo.

"Good guess, Serena."

She blinked twice, startled. She knew she hadn't spoken.

"How did you...?"

"Another time, Serena," he pulled the blindfold off and there it was.

"You remembered? After everything that happened, you did this for me?"

Darien nodded slowly, waiting her approval. She plopped down on the blanket under the tree and sighed. Giddy with an ineffable emotion, Serena looked up at him, tears in her eyes. "Thank you, Darien."

"I know it's well past your birthday, but this could wait no longer." When he knelt down next to her, Serena smiled at him and blinked away that maddening moisture. Darien's dark eyes took in her beauty as a rainbow on a rainy day. Her love brought him back from the edge of insanity and anchored him firmly to her. And there was no other place he'd ever want to be.

He took her hand in his and kissed each finger. He tugged a bit and she came willingly into his embrace. He wondered at how perfectly they fit together as she molded herself to him. Darien's husky whispers–ones that Serena could hear but not quite understand–washed away the pain and frustration binding her soul to the Devil. Darien's love held her through Time and Space, through Good and Evil, through Heaven and Hell.

Serena leaned back slightly on his arm and ran her fingers along the side of his face, gently threading her fingers through the touch of grey that no amount of color could ever cover. She marveled that this incredible man was hers alone; Darien protected her, fought for her, lived for her, and had–in fact–died for her.

She tilted her face to reach his and his lips found hers in a fiercely demanding kiss, threatening to sweep them both away on their final journey into oneness. His arms tightened around her and they tumbled to the blanket.


Three months later . . .
The man who discreetly followed Serena through her afternoon mall trolling smiled slightly. The girls he passed giggled and sighed when he winked at them. He was handsome, in a rugged sort of way, dressed in sparkling white down to his toes. But for the black tattoo on his forehead, he probably wouldn't even have been noticed at all. . . .


Mwahahahahaha! That's it! I'm done! It took me forever, but I did it! Memories of Past and Present is OVER... or is it!

One last hug, thank you and all the gushy stuff to all of you who, with your kind and generous words, kept me going in spite of all the time that's past!

Love to all my fans, always, Laurel Anne

(PS Did I forget to mention: CLONES!) Tehehe