Invalid Response - Chapter 6

by Una Moonstar

ANs: Ah, now we're getting into the meat of the matter! Just a couple more things to set up and we'll be on our way. Thanks for the reviews, by the way. I really appreciate them. As for Serena and the Yellow Crystal, I always thought she got shafted when she got all the blame for losing it. I mean, Luna was right there. Had she been paying closer attention... -sigh- Anyway, Tuxie's trick seemed only fitting for Serena to use in return.

Now that I've babbled for far too long, here's the next installment. Enjoy!

(fade out...)

(begin chapter...)

Dr. Donald Kirchner was just beginning to wrap up his surgery when a bright light flashed and his patient suddenly twitched. A soft moan escaped Darien's lips as his legs moved slightly. The good doctor's eyes widened briefly before he regained his self-control.

Okay, he thought as he returned to his work, I did not just see that. And if I did, it was just a side effect to the surgery. Yes, that's the explanation. With that, Dr. Kirchner put the odd occurrence completely out of his mind.

(fade out...)

(scene change...)

The dream began as it always did: he was standing in a thick bank of fog. He did a quick double take; yes, he was standing. Darien released a sigh of relief. At least he was whole here.

Then a fact he had completely let slip his mind hit him: what about Sailor Moon? What would happen now that he was unable to help her? A wave of guilt crashed into him. Great, now he was twice the failure he had believed himself to be. Tears ran down his cheeks from beneath the domino mask that reminded him of his alternate identity.

A castle slowly appeared through the swirling mists as Darien let his head fall to his chest. Make that three times the failure, he thought as he glanced up and saw the familiar form of his princess at the battlements above him. He fought to hold back sobs.

"Tuxedo Mask," the ghostly voice of the princess called. "Tuxedo Mask, are you there?"

Darien took a deep breath before responding. "Yes, princess, I'm here." His voice shook slightly.

"Oh, my prince."

The eyes behind the mask widened in surprise as Darien realized the source of the words was just to his right instead of above and in front of him. He turned to face her. "Princess, I am so sorry. I've failed you. I... I can't find the crystal. I know how much you need it and..."

Two small, thin fingers pressed to his lips cut him off. "I know, Tuxedo Mask, I know. Please, lay your guilt to rest. I do not consider you a failure, for you are not responsible for the events that took place. Rest now, my hero, my prince, and know that you will serve me best by recovering your health. You have done well, and although the situation is yet grim, there is hope. When you are well, you will play a major role in the events that are to come, and we will be free. Hold on until then, for I will as well." The mists began to swallow her and the rest of the surroundings. "I will watch over you, Endymion." Her voice faded out with that comment and Darien awoke.

(cut to...)

(scene change...)

Midnight blue eyes popped open and he fought to get his breathing under control as the end of the dream jolted Darien into wakefulness. He found he could not quite remember the face of his princess, but the feel of her fingertips on his lips was still there. It was the longest she had spoken to him, and the most information she had ever revealed. He found his guilt lessened somewhat, at least in regards to her. Now if only he could find that peace with the other two women in his life...

Darien realized he was in his hospital room once the world had come back into focus. He was still a bit groggy from the anesthetic, but he could have sworn he was feeling an almost euphoric feeling of triumph. It wasn't his own, he was almost completely sure. Then what... Sailor Moon! What had happened? Something good, that was for sure. Too bad I won't be able to find out what happened for a while, he thought with a twinge of guilt. He was saved from the full-blown trip he was headed for by the wave of unconsciousness that dragged him under and back into the world of dreams.

(fade out...)

(scene change...)

Serena bounced into Darien's room the next night with a huge smile on her face. The wonderful feeling of her triumph over the pompous general hadn't lessened, and she had been riding the emotion all day. Now if only Darien's surgery had gone well, her happiness would be complete. "Hiya, Darien! How did everything go yesterday?"

Darien couldn't help but to smile at the obviously happy blonde. "I've been told that things went well. Dr. Kirchner seems optimistic." He rolled his eyes at the remembrance of the self-glorifying speech the neurosurgeon he had given him that morning. "So what's with you? You seem ready to bounce off the walls."

"I'm so glad, Darien. I was hoping things would go well for you. And me?" She giggled. "Let's just say I did something very right yesterday, and made up for a big mistake."

He raised his eyebrow, but decided not to pry further. "Congrats then, Meatball Head. It's good to see you happy." She shot him a quizzical look as he dropped his gaze to his lap. "Anyway," he continued, bringing his head back up, "how was work?"

"Oh, it was great, as usual. The kids are wonderful, and I love to make them smile. I like knowing that I can make their stay a little easier."

They aren't the only ones you do that for, Serena, he thought as he took in her proud smile and bright inner glow.

"Oh, that reminds me," she said, picking up her school bag from where she had dropped it next to the bed. "I have something special for you, a sort of get-well gift." She opened the satchel and began to dig through the contents.

"Serena, you didn't have to do that."

"I know." She pulled out a small, brightly wrapped package. "But I did it anyway. Open it." She handed him the gift.

Darien sighed as he took the unexpected present and ripped off the shiny blue paper. His eyes grew large at the sight of what had been contained within. "Oh, Serena," he whispered. He threw off the lid of the box of chocolates and gazed reverently at the food of the gods inside. "It's been so long..."

Serena laughed. "I thought it might have been. I know I'd be going crazy from lack of chocolate, so I figured I'd do you a favor."

He tore his eyes off the nuggets of goodness and looked at his savior. "How did you know I'd want chocolate?"

She shrugged. "Who wouldn't?"

Darien laughed and popped a sweet treat into his mouth. His eyes rolled back in ecstasy. "Oh, chocolate!"

Serena grinned evilly and snatched a piece for herself. Darien chose to ignore the move and reveled a bit longer in his own piece. The blonde chuckled a bit and glanced at the clock. "Oh! I forgot! I still have to check in with my supervisor! And then I have dinner! I'm sorry, Darien, I have to get going."

Her sincerity rang through his disappointment and lessened it. "That's alright, Serena. You brought me chocolate. I'd forgive you anything." He gave her a small smile.

She returned it at twice the strength. "I'm glad you like my gift. I'll see you Thursday after I'm done." She reached out and gave him a quick hug to his infinite surprise. "Enjoy the rest of those!" With that she bounced out of the room.

Darien gazed after her, overwhelmed by the jumble of emotions that bubbled and boiled inside of him. What was it about that girl? He had no answer for that. He fought to get himself under control, and then shoved the confusing feelings aside to be dealt with later. For now he would just enjoy her friendship... and her gift. Darien tossed a piece in his mouth and reached for one of the new novels Andrew had left for him the night before. Chocolate and Serena: what a wonderful combination. That was his last thought before the book's plot completely drew him in.

(fade out...)

(scene change...)

Five teenage girls huddled together around the table of the corner booth at the Crown Arcade after school on Wednesday. They spoke in low tones, as though they were discussing state secrets. "So, you say they'll be out of town this weekend?" Mina asked conspiratorially.

"Yes, and they're taking Sammy with them," Serena confirmed.

"Leaving you money, right?" Lita asked.

Serena nodded as Raye rolled her eyes. "That's not important. A stocked refrigerator, now that's important."

"Or better yet, a stocked snack cabinet!" Mina corrected with a giggle.

"Hey, we're talking about my mom here. Would you expect any less?"

"True," Amy said, turning a page in her physics book, "Serena's mother is quite dependable in that regard." The others shrugged.

"And get this," Serena quietly squeaked in her suppressed excitement. "Mom was dropping hints all last night and this morning that I could have you guys over while they were gone!"

"Really?" Mina, Lita, and Raye whispered in unison. Serena smirked and nodded vigorously.

"Why hasn't she said anything outright?" Four girls sighed. Trust Amy to be the voice of reason and take all the fun out of the planning.

"She barely managed to talk Daddy into leaving me home alone. If he thought I was going to have a party, he'd never let me stay home!"

Amy pondered that for a moment. Then a sly smile grew on her face. "Well then, I guess we better come up with fun things to do during our sleepover!" she said, closing her textbook. The rest looked at her briefly in shock then began to laugh, Amy joining them.

As the giggles died down, Andrew made his way over to the happy girls. "I'm glad to see you guys in a good mood. Need anything?"

A chorus of "no's" answered his question. "Things seem to be quiet tonight. You bored, Andrew?" Lita asked.

"A bit. But I'm about to go on break, so I figured I'd check on you first. If you need anything for the next half hour or so, holler for Lizzy." The girls nodded. "Um, Serena, could I talk to you for a bit? In private?" he asked the small blonde nervously.

She shot him a quizzical look. "Sure, Andrew. I'll be right back, guys. Go ahead and start planning without me." She smiled at them. "Not that you'd do any different, of course." A round of raspberries responded as she turned and followed Andrew to the back room.

Serena shut the door behind them while Andrew flopped onto the beat-up couch. "So, what do you need?" she asked, doing the same into a similar-condition chair across from him.

"I'm worried about Darien," Andrew responded, getting straight to the point. "Ever since he called me to ask me to get some of his things from his apartment, he's been totally dejected. Like he's trying to shut himself away from the world. His voice is dead, and it's nearly impossible to get any kind of reaction out of him. You have to help him, Serena. I'll do what I can; I have a feeling he's worse with others than he is with me."

Serena was a bit confused, for multiple reasons. "Why me, Andrew? I'm just annoying old Meatball Head."

Andrew smiled. "That may be so, Serena, but I think that's one of the reasons." Seeing her bewildered expression, he continued. "The only subject I've seen him react to is you. The few times I've mentioned you I've gotten an emotional response. I think maybe he likes you more than he realizes, and I know you'd be a wonderful friend."

The petite blonde bit her lower lip as she pondered the information she had just been presented with. Darien reacted to her? He was completely dejected? So how could she explain their conversation from last night? He was a bit subdued, but cheerful enough. At least she had gotten him to laugh, however briefly. "Well," she started, "I stopped by after my volunteer shift yesterday and he didn't seem too bad. He even laughed once; I got a couple smiles, too." She paused as Andrew fought to pick his jaw up off the floor and put his eyes back in his head. "Then again, some of that might have been the chocolate. Remember that, Andrew. Bribery will get you everywhere with him; at least it will if it involves chocolate."

Andrew chuckled a bit. "I should have thought of that myself. Wow, Serena, that's great. That just proves my theory. You're good for him. Please keep visiting him. You are most definitely what he needs to get through this."

She smiled sweetly. "I'm not going to ask what. I planned to keep seeing him as long as he let me; I'm glad you think I'm such a good influence. I've wanted to be his friend for a long time now."

"Here's your chance. I think it'll be the best for both of you. Now, I think you left a group of wild and crazy girls planning something that you wanted a hand in. If you want any say at all, I suggest you get back to them." They grinned at each other as Serena stood and started for the door. "Besides, I have a bit of reading to do for school, and only fifteen or so minutes to do it in. I'll come talk to you guys later."

"Okay, Andrew. Don't work too hard. And... thanks for everything."

"No, thank you, Serena. Darien's one of my best friends." He thought he caught her blushing as she silently left the room and closed the door behind her.

(fade out...)

(scene change...)

Thursday passed relatively uneventfully. Andrew spent most of the day with Darien, leaving in the evening to meet Rita for their date. He commented to her on how he could notice a slight change for the better in his friend. He caught a couple smiles, and the dead tone wasn't quite as entrenched as it had been before. Rita breathed a small sigh of relief; Darien was her friend, too, and she had been worried.

Serena popped in briefly after her volunteer shift and got a short burst of laughter with one of her school stories. She paid extra attention to Darien's demeanor and noticed his mood didn't reach his eyes most of the time. The midnight-blue orbs remained somewhat haunted and filled with the signs of an ancient wound reopened. Sparks flared on rare occasions, and Serena decided to dedicate herself to making those moments much more common.

Serena came bouncing into the arcade Friday afternoon, smiling and humming a happy tune to herself. School was out for the weekend! She skipped up to the counter where Andrew was leaning against it reading the newspaper. He lowered it as she flopped onto a stool. "Hey, Serena, what's up?"

"I love Fridays," she said with a contented sigh.

Andrew chuckled. "I've always enjoyed the weekends myself. So are you girls doing that weekend-long sleepover thing again since your parents are gone?"

"Nope. The family isn't leaving until after supper. So we're doing things tomorrow night. Although they might stop by later." She sipped at the chocolate shake Andrew had just placed in front of her.

"Hmm, since that's the case, could I ask you a favor?"

"Sure, Andrew. What do you need?"

"It seems Rita's been invited to her professor's house this evening for an unexpected party celebrating the Africa trip. She's stuck going and needs an escort. But I promised Darien I'd get him his homework tonight since I'll be gone for the weekend with my parents. Could you do it?"

"Well, it wouldn't be until later, but I don't see why not."

"Oh, thank you so much, Serena. This means a lot to me. And don't worry about the time; I've made arrangements so I can do stuff like this after my shifts here at the arcade. I'm sure if you explain the situation they won't have a problem." Andrew shot her a grateful smile.

Serena grinned back. "Cool. I'll stop back after dinner then to pick everything up." She finished off her shake. "I'll see you later, Andrew!" She waved and jogged out the doors. A few moments later she walked sheepishly back in. She put some money down on the counter. "Oops. Almost forgot." She blushed and ran out, back the way she came.

(fade out...)

(scene change...)

Serena was back a couple of hours later as promised. She sat at the counter sipping at another chocolate shake with Darien's books in her school bag when Mina came skipping in. "Hey, girl! What's up? Are the parents gone yet?"

Serena smiled. "Yeah, they just left about a half hour ago. What are you doing tonight?"

"You're looking at it. How about we do nothing together?"

"Sure! Let me finish this first though." Serena began inhaling the shake.

Mina laughed. "Don't choke on my account. We've got time. Oooo, did your mom buy any new movies lately?"

Serena nodded as she finished off the drink. "A couple action flicks, and I think she snuck in a romance or two; I don't remember the titles right off hand."

"Then I think it's up to us to find out! Hey, is Lita doing anything?"

"I don't know. I do know that Raye's busy at the temple and Amy said she was going to finish her homework for the weekend tonight so she wouldn't feel guilty tomorrow. So if Lita's free, it'll just be the three of us."

"No problem. We'll call her from your place. Let's go!" Mina grabbed Serena's hand and began to drag her out of the café.

Serena giggled. "Hold on! Let me grab my bag and pay for my drink!" She broke the other blonde's hold on her and threw some money on the counter and picked up her bag. "Later, Andrew! Have fun tonight! Tell Rita hi for me!" Andrew smiled and waved from one of the games in the arcade as the two girls disappeared out the doors.

(fade out...)

(scene change...)

Serena sat at her vanity that evening getting ready to take out the infamous meatballs when Luna walked up. "It's about time they left; it's late!"

The blonde girl turned to face the cat on the bed behind her. "It's not that late; at least, not for a weekend!" She giggled. "How can you say eleven is late?"

The black cat harrumphed. "Very easily. Now are you going to bed or not?"

"Yes, Luna, I'm going to... wait! No, I'm not! I almost completely forgot! I'm supposed to take..." she trailed off as she shot a look at the curious cat. "I'm supposed to do that favor for Andrew tonight." She grinned weakly.

"What favor? Serena, it's too late for you to be going anywhere."

"It's not too late. Andrew said he'd made arrangements for him to do this about this late, so I should be okay. I'll be quick, promise." Serena started for the bedroom door, book bag in hand. "I'll be careful, and I have my communicator with me just in case." She pulled out the pink calculator from her pocket as proof. "Now I've got to go!" She flew out of the house before Luna could raise any more objections.

Luna shook her head. "Oh, that girl! What am I going to do with her?"

(fade out...)

(scene change...)

Serena slowly exited the elevator on the third floor of the hospital a half hour later. She glanced around at the empty halls and stepped forward to the nurse's station. The nurse on duty there brought her head up. "Can I help you? It's past visiting hours."

"Oh, I know. I'm here to drop some books off for a patient for a friend of mine. He said he'd made arrangements to do it this late."

The woman's eyebrow rose. "Your friend's name?"

"Andrew Furuhata."

"And your name?" the nurse asked as she checked some papers.

"Serena Tsukino. I'm a volunteer here if that helps."

The woman nodded as she seemed to find what she was looking for. "You're here for Mr. Shields then?" Serena nodded. "You know where the room is?"

"Yes, thank you. Is it okay?"

"Sure," the nurse said with a smile. "Just be sure to be quiet. Most patients are sleeping."

Serena smiled in return. "No problem. Thanks for everything." The blonde then walked away from the station in the direction of Darien's room.

She had taken no more than three steps when she noticed two forms exiting the room she was headed for. Her eyes widened when she realized the outfits they were wearing closely resembled her sailor fuku.

"Sailors?" she muttered under her breath, frozen in shock where she stood. "They don't look like any sailor I know." Only when the two had disappeared around a corner did Serena find she could move.

She rushed forward to Darien's door and took a quick look around. There was no sign of the two figures in the hall it appeared they entered. Serena shook her head and went inside the room, somehow knowing she wouldn't find them.

It was dark as she silently tiptoed forward to the dividing curtain. "Darien?" she whispered. Receiving no response, she peeked her head around the curtain. Darien lay there sleeping quietly, his head facing her on his pillow. His ebony bangs hung slightly over his closed eyes, and Serena's hand twitched with the desire to push them out of the way. She nervously pushed that feeling aside and moved to the other side of the bed to put his notebooks on the table.

After stacking the papers next to the ones already there, she moved close to the bed and watched Darien sleep. He looks so peaceful, she thought with a smile. She sighed. He really is handsome, I have to admit. She jumped as Darien shifted in his sleep and turned his head so it was once again facing her.

"Serena," he muttered, his eyes still closed.

The small blonde leaned closer in confusion. "Darien? Are you awake?"

"Please, don't... don't pity... not you... anyone but you..."

Serena gasped at the pain-filled expression on the sleeping man's face. "Darien," she said as she unconsciously took his hand, "I wouldn't ever pity you. Never."

He squeezed her hand. "Promise?" His voice sounded scared and immature. "No pity... and you won't leave?"

"Of course I promise. And I won't leave, not unless you want me to." She reached out with her free hand and brushed the bangs out of his unopened eyes.

He relaxed a fraction with the gesture. "Don't ever go... don't ever go... even if I tell you to... I've said so much I didn't mean..."

She tightened her grip and stroked his cheek as he trailed off. "I know, Darien, I know. And I'm still here. I'll always be here if you need me."

He completely relaxed as a smile crept onto his face. "That's what makes you so special." He gave her hand a brief squeeze. "Your big heart... even big enough for me..."

His grip loosened and she could feel him falling back into dreamless slumber. Serena leaned forward and let her lips lightly brush his cheek. "You're special too, Darien. Sleep well, and know that I will be back," she whispered into his ear as she released him. She took one last look at Darien's smiling, sleeping form and left for home.

(fade out...)

(scene change...)

The next night went as well as could be expected. The only hitch came when the other girls brought up Darien, and how no one had heard anything about him. Serena remained quiet throughout the discussion; fortunately, the others thought that she was only worried about him as she had been before.

Serena's parents and brother came home Sunday evening, as promised, to a clean house and an innocent looking young lady. Ilene winked at her daughter as Ken praised her for being so trustworthy. Serena just smiled, thanking her lucky stars that the girls had helped her clean up that morning.

Monday morning came all too soon for the young blonde. She went through her typical mad dash routine and just made it to class on time, narrowly avoiding detention. But the big surprise came when she got home that afternoon. Her parents were waiting for her in the living room and called her in before she could run upstairs.

"What is it?" Serena asked curiously as she stepped into the room. She sat on the couch across from her parents, who stood on the other side of the coffee table.

Ken and Ilene looked at each other briefly before looking again at their daughter. "I got a call earlier from Nurse Jameson," the blue-haired lady said.

Serena's eyes grew wide. "What did she say? I can't think of anything I could have done wrong."

"No, no, dear, that's not it at all," Ken said quickly, cutting her off before she could get worked up. "She had a special request for us regarding your volunteer work, and we need to discuss it with you."

"Oh, okay. What is it?"

"Well, it seems that they have a patient that has been having difficulty dealing with his condition after being in a car accident. It appears that he's paralyzed from the waist down, although with therapy they say he'll walk again. They're going to be releasing him a week from today, but are concerned about him being alone in his apartment. Nurse Jameson said they were hoping you'd be able to visit him, keep an eye on him and keep him company. Basically, the kind of thing you do at the hospital now, just in his home," her mother explained.

Serena bit her lower lip. "What do you guys think?"

Her father sighed. "It's a big responsibility, Serena. You'd be giving up a lot of your social life, and we'd expect you to keep up your grades as well. Your mother and I have talked it over, and decided the decision is yours. But keep in mind that there will be conditions."

The blonde girl nodded as she took in a deep breath and released it. "Is that all you know about it?"

Ilene dropped her gaze to the floor. "Actually there is one more thing." Ken shot her a surprised look. "I understand that this young man was the one who was hit by the same driver that nearly hit you, Serena." Both father and daughter gasped.

Serena squeezed her eyes shut and clenched her fists. "I'll do it. I'll do whatever it takes to make justice complete. What good would putting that driver away be if one of his victims were left behind to suffer? And... maybe it'll help me finish healing too." Her eyes flew open. "What are your conditions?"

Her parents smiled proudly. "You have to not only keep up your grades, but we'd also like to see an improvement. You have to take this seriously, and follow whatever rules they give you."

"But you also can't give up your social life completely," Ilene chimed in. "I don't want to lose my little girl." Serena rolled her eyes and smiled at that. "Give yourself time to do things you really want to do, with your friends."

"I think I can handle that," Serena said with a grin. "Now what?"

"Now you talk to Nurse Jameson and see what else needs to be done. Just bring us the paperwork to be signed and we'll take care of it."

"Thanks, Mom." She started to head for the stairs to change clothes when a thought struck her. "By the way, how did you get Daddy to agree to letting me be alone with a guy for any length of time?" Ken scowled at the remark.

Ilene laughed. "I think he understood the situation. Besides, I pointed out that you should be more than capable of dealing with someone in a wheelchair. You'll be there to help, not to date."

"At least, you better be," Ken muttered under his breath.

Serena laughed as she went up the stairs and disappeared into her room.

(fade out...)

(scene change...)

An hour and a half later, Serena walked into a small conference room, causing the people sitting at the table to turn and look toward the door. At the head of the table sat Dr. Mizuno, who smiled at her daughter's friend. To her left sat Nurse Jameson, also with a smile. There were three other people seated there who Serena didn't recognize, whose expressions varied from curious to condescending.

"Ah, Serena, you're here. Good to see you," Dr. Mizuno said, standing and gesturing to the open chair opposite her.

"Thank you."

The blue-haired doctor seated herself and glanced at the other occupants of the room as Serena did the same. "I'd like to thank you all for coming; this should be a short meeting. Now, Serena, I understand you've decided to accept our offer regarding the... how to put this... home visitation. I must explain this is highly irregular, but considering the patient's situation, and other determining factors, we agreed this was one of the best viable options." Serena blinked as she looked at the woman blankly. Dr. Mizuno smiled. "We don't normally do this, but we thought this would be a good idea, considering what we know about the patient." The blonde smiled in understanding.

"I offered your name up for consideration because of your marvelous reputation with the children and the other volunteers and staff. You have a wonderful way with people, Serena, a true gift."

"Thank you, Nurse Jameson," Serena responded, blushing.

"I'm sure your parents have explained the basics of what we're asking you to do," the beautiful woman seated to the small blonde's left said. "But I need to ask you a question: what made you decide to accept?"

Serena's eyes widened, and the thin man with brown hair graying at the temples and gray eyes leaned in, intent on the girl's answer. "Well, my mom told me that he, the patient I mean, was hit by the same guy that almost hit me. I was thinking of doing it anyway, but that fact cinched it."

"You don't know this person; what if it was through his own carelessness the accident happened? What if he doesn't really deserve the sympathy you obviously carry for him?"

The petite blonde scowled at the tanned woman with strawberry blonde hair and hazel eyes. "No one deserves to get hit by a reckless driver and left paralyzed from the waist down! No one deserves even the threat of that happening! I had the walk sign, the lights were with me; are you saying I deserved to nearly get hit by someone who cares nothing for others and shouldn't even be behind the wheel in the first place because I wasn't paying complete attention to the traffic?" The thin man leaned back and smiled.

"Of course not, dear," the lady responded in a cool, level tone, smiling in a conciliatory way.

"Like I told my parents, justice wouldn't be complete if that driver got put away and one of his victims was left behind hurt and alone. I'd do this even if I didn't know who hit him or I hadn't nearly been hit myself, but knowing both those things just gives me all the more reason to help." Serena threw herself back in her seat and crossed her arms over her chest.

"I'm sorry if I've insulted you, Serena. It's good to know you'll be so devoted to the case. By the way, my name is Dr. Elizabeth Nyx. I'm the staff psychologist and I've been working with the patient."

Serena thawed a few degrees and shook her hand. "Pleased to meet you."

"I am Dr. Donald Kirchner; the hospital brought me in from the United States to perform my customary miracle on the patient. I want you to know that I believe he will walk again, most likely at very close to one hundred percent recovery. He does not seem to believe this. You must help him see the light." Dr. Nyx scowled at the small, balding, pompous-sounding middle-aged man sitting to Dr. Mizuno's right.

Serena thought for a moment, struggling over the man's fast-spoken English. She finally translated the speech in her head and smiled. "Of course. I always believe there is hope, and I like everyone around me to see that. Believing anything else makes you sad, and I really don't like that. But, please, Dr. Kirchner, could you speak a little slower, or in Japanese? I had a hard time understanding you."

The doctor looked startled. "Of course. I apologize." The professional ladies at the table tried to hide their grins at the man's discomfort.

"No problem." Serena grinned. "What do I need to know? Other than who he is, that is." Her gaze swept over the table.

Dr. Mizuno cleared her throat. "For starters, you won't have to worry about changing bandages or anything like that. Those tasks are to be performed by trained medical personnel that will be visiting on a daily basis until the need is past. A physical therapist will also be making daily visits; however, we would like to see him here once a week for water therapy in the pool. We were thinking that you could bring him in on Fridays, and while he was busy, we could do a weekly review of his progress. With you not being actual medical personnel it wouldn't exactly be official, but you'll be seeing him more often, and on a more intimate level, than anyone else."

"I will also be having daily sessions with the patient. You will be invaluable to me, Serena," Dr. Nyx said with a slight smile. "You will be able to observe him without the stigma of being a 'shrink'. Your observations should be most helpful."

Serena frowned at the thought of spying on this poor man. Hadn't he gone through enough? And wasn't it his prerogative to share or not share with a "shrink" as she put it? The blonde girl didn't notice the guarded look of approval the thin man to her left gave her expression.

"What we really want you there for," Dr. Mizuno said, shooting a slightly irritated look at the psychologist, "is to keep him company, boost his spirits, and remind him that he is not alone."

"What about his family?" Serena asked innocently.

The blue-haired doctor sighed. "Unfortunately, there are none available to help him through this. I can't say any more without betraying confidence. Perhaps he'll tell you himself; I certainly hope he does. You only need to be there for a few hours a day. We'll be giving you a bit of training on how to handle someone in a wheelchair in case of emergencies; you have to remember, though, that it has to be an emergency. You aren't licensed; the hospital could be held liable for anything that goes wrong." Serena nodded in response to the serious look the lady across from her was giving her. "I know we're asking a lot of a fourteen-year-old, but I think you're up to the challenge. I've seen first hand the miracles you can do for people." She smiled at the thought of her now more socially active daughter.

"His apartment has been modified in his absence to accommodate the wheelchair, including a new bed and bathroom. You may have to reorganize the kitchen a bit; most things in there were left as they were due to his height. He should be able to maneuver in there well enough." The man on Serena's left smiled in a friendly way as he finished.

Serena smiled at him a bit unsure, then turned to the head of the table. "So who is this patient I'll be working with?"

Dr. Mizuno searched the girl's face before answering. "You're sure you want to go through with this?" Serena nodded. "Okay then. His name is Darien Shields. He lives over in the Azabu district; I hope that won't be too far for you."

Serena shook her head blankly as her brain struggled to grasp the information she had just been given. Darien was paralyzed? Suddenly everything clicked. His desire to have no one know, his attitude, even the dream she had stumbled across Friday night. It all made sense.

"Serena?" Dr. Mizuno asked, bringing the petite blonde back to reality.

"Huh? What?" she asked, shaking her head to clear it, "What did I miss?"

"Is there something wrong?"

"Oh, no! Of course not! I was just... startled, that's all. You said something about Azabu?"

"That's where his apartment is; that won't be a problem, will it?"

"No, no, no problem at all. If I go right after school, it should be closer." There was a new determination in her voice that caused at least three people at the table to smile in approval.

"Are you sure there won't be a problem?" Dr. Nyx asked suspiciously. Dr. Mizuno and Nurse Jameson frowned. "Having seen your school records I can see that study time must be precious."

Serena scowled. The woman may be gorgeous, but she sure knew how to insult someone! "I'll find time for my studies; that was part of my agreement with my parents to be able to do this to begin with. And I'm sure it'll make everyone here more comfortable if I improve my grades. So don't you worry your pretty little head!" Again she threw herself back in her chair and crossed her arms over her chest. The two frowning women found themselves fighting off waves of laughter, especially at the sight of the now flustered psychologist.

"I don't know what to say, Serena; I didn't mean to insult you. I apologize."

The scowl disappeared to be replaced by a small smile. "I'm sorry I lost my temper like that. Sometimes I'm a little sensitive about my grades."

Nyx waved off the girl's words. "No need. I'm sure you'll improve as promised. Now, as you'll still be volunteering for the rest of the week, you need to know that it has been decided that Darien will not be informed of your position until he's home. So if you run into him," the tall lady handed her a picture of the ebony-haired young man, pausing as she watched the smaller girl's eyes flicker briefly and return to their previous curious state, "you'll have to avoid telling him about you new assignment." She leaned forward conspiratorially. "He hasn't been the most cooperative of patients, and we would like to do this with a minimum of fuss."

Serena's eyes narrowed in suspicion, then brightened as she turned them to Dr. Mizuno. "Are there any conditions I should know about?"

"You covered the one about the grades. We need evidence that you can be responsible and this work won't take away from your... ability to perform at school. The board wants reassurance about our decision."

Serena nodded. "I won't let you down. Anything else?"

Dr. Mizuno looked the girl straight in the eye. "You need to be able to keep a secret, Serena. Darien has requested that no one outside of those he chooses be told about his condition. You can't tell anyone without his explicit permission. Not one person."

Serena gulped nervously. "Why did you tell me then?"

The blue-haired doctor smiled softly. "You know why, Serena. Besides, in a way, you're part of the medical team assigned to him. I'll deal with anything he has to say about it. So, can you do that?"

The meatball-headed blonde sighed and straightened in her seat. "Yes, I can do that. No one will know unless Darien tells me it's okay. He can trust me."

Nurse Jameson smiled widely. "I knew he could, Serena. I'm sorry to be losing one of my best volunteers, and I'm sure the children will miss you too. But I know this will be worth it. Good luck." She turned and looked at the woman to her right, who nodded. "I have some paperwork to finish up for the evening, so, ladies, gentlemen, good night." The black-haired nurse stood and exited the room.

Dr. Kirchner stood soon after. "I believe I must be going as well. There are a few matters I need to attend to, including arrangements for my return home. Ladies, sir." He followed the nurse.

Dr. Nyx rose from her seat with a small laugh. "I guess that's my cue. Unlike the others, I'm just going to dinner. I'm starved." She turned to look at Serena. "It'll be nice working with you, Serena. Devotion like yours is hard to find nowadays." She gave a brief nod to those people left in the room and walked out the door.

Dr. Mizuno watched the door close behind the tall strawberry-blonde and sighed. "I don't know about her sometimes." She turned to face the other two at the table. "Now that we're alone, I can give you my instructions. First and foremost, Serena, when it comes to Dr. Nyx, follow your heart. I noticed that you were uncomfortable with some of her statements; so was I. I think Darien has proven to be a difficult case, and she's not used to that. She's had it easy so far. Unfortunately she seems willing to use underhanded techniques to get to him." She sighed again. "You might as well know that she knows you've visited him. She's been nosing around asking the staff what they know about him, or may have overheard being said in his room. She knows about the report you filed on those nurses, which is another good reason for you to get out of this environment for a while. Those two you turned in are not happy about being called on the carpet because of a fourteen-year-old volunteer."

Serena's expression grew determined. "I did what was right, and would do it again."

"I know, and I'm glad. They never should have said anything of the sort, no matter how frustrated they were. Now, I can't tell you not to tell anything to Nyx, but I can say I won't do anything if you decide not to. That's off the record, of course." She winked at the young lady in front of her, who smiled in return. "I do ask, however, that you keep a close eye on Darien. He really does need someone to be there for him." And if I heard correctly the other night, that someone is definitely you, she thought as she paused.

Serena blushed and dropped her gaze to the floor. "I will. And thank you for believing in me; I won't let you down. This is too important."

Dr. Mizuno smiled softly. "I think that's all I have for you today. You can pick up the paperwork for your parents tomorrow after your volunteer shift, and we'll arrange a time for your first visit later this week. I don't want to keep you from your dinner."

"Thank you, Dr. Mizuno. I'll see you later then. Sir," Serena said with a small bow to the still-seated brown-haired man. She then left the room, shutting the door behind her.

"You were right, Victoria. She'll be perfect. Just the right balance of sympathy, determination, and stubbornness. Her morals speak well for her too."

"I just hope Nyx doesn't mess this up with her meddling. She's used her looks to break the ice with her patients one too many times; she doesn't remember how to work for it, if she ever knew. Most of the people she's had to deal with were at least willing to hear her out. She hasn't been here long enough to have experienced a truly difficult patient." Victoria smirked. "Darien has been a marvelous teacher this past week."

"How did she get this job with so little hands-on experience?"

"She worked on psychological studies while she attended college and for a few years after she graduated. She also graduated highly ranked with honors."

"So in other words, the resume looked good on the outside."

"Exactly."

"Whatever happened to not judging a book by its cover letter?"

"Don't get me started on the administration. Involving Nyx was their idea. I don't know what they were expecting. He'd only been here for about two weeks and everyone seemed to expect him to be in good spirits and jumping at the chance at recovery, even knowing his medical history. I'm no psychology expert and I could see that he needed time to come to his own terms with the situation. It's not like he's acting all that out of character for someone in his position. I've dealt with patients like him, a little less dead in spirit, maybe, but the same basic attitude. It's like they were waiting for him to be a Pollyanna!"

"And that's never been his nature. You should have heard what the orphanage people said about him. I had to throw around a few legal threats to keep him out of an asylum. Not that he knows that. He had a hard enough time."

"How did you manage to be his legal contact, but not his guardian?"

"Conflict of interest. Being in control of his rightful inheritance and him? I didn't think it was right at the time. I didn't know how difficult his life would be; as soon as the insanity claims were thrown at me I got him out and into a place of his own by finding a loophole in the will. Darien has control of the interest on his trust fund. I sent him a letter informing him of that and he took advantage of it to get out. He already had the scholarship to Azabu High School. I quietly made sure his tracks were covered legally so no one could drag him back."

"You felt guilty."

"I had no idea the place I had arranged for him would treat him the way they did. And they were deliberately vague in their quarterly reports to me; I see that now. But I didn't see any reason to question them or check things out for myself first hand."

"Oh, Toshiro. You can't continue to berate yourself for this. He's turned out fine. And I think he just found the person who'll help him heal. Now go get some food into you. If you're anything like you were growing up, you think and feel better with a full stomach. Besides, I have a daughter to get home to. I want to surprise her with supper after her cram school class."

"You always were more a sister than a cousin, Victoria. Just keep me updated, alright?"

"You can count on it. And I can assure you they'll be quite detailed. I want the best for him, too." She smiled and led her cousin out of the small conference room.