Serena's eyelids parted to receive streams of dazzling sunlight, dancing through the slightly tinted window panes and across the pastel colored walls. Ocean waves resounded through out the small cabin as they crashed upon the sands and distant gulls cried from above the cerulean waters. Serena turned to stare out of the window at nature's beauty, when she realized that she was confined. Peering down, she saw Stanton's arms wrapped protectively over her towel- covered waist. She still hadn't changed? She hastily ran over the night's events in her mind to discover that they were all tangled and blurred. A twinge of pain reverberated throughout her head and she lifted a hand to comfort it, but it didn't get very far.

"Damn", she cursed. He had obviously suspected that she would attempt to escape, having enveloped her entire upper body, pinning her arms to her sides. She wriggled about in a pathetic effort to loosen his grip. It remained strong.

"Stanton", she whispered, nudging her elbows into his ribs. "Wake up!" He remained silent. Tilting her head around so that she could see him, she took in his dream- like state. He wore the same clothes from the night before, his jacket left abandoned on the ground. Golden wisps of hair graced his still eye lids, reflecting the sunlight. His expression, rather than smug or scornful, was soft and took on a tranquil glow. He seemed- dare she say- innocent. Finally, loosening his grip, she was able to move about more freely. Turning over, she straddled him, his arms now covering her back. Using all of her strength, she pushed at his chest to put pressure on his arms, prompting them to release her. She could feel his hands disengaging.

Almost. There. Suddenly an uninvited voice trailed through her mind.

You do remember that you're not wearing any underwear, right?

"Er…I", she stumbled over her words nervously, the all too familiar blush once again coloring her cheeks a rosy red. She was embarrassed. So embarrassed that she had forgotten about the pressure she had put on his chest, and when he finally did remove his arms, she went flying off of him and over the arm of the couch, her back slamming hard onto the floor. She winced as tremors echoed through out her spine and her elbows scraped against the coarse carpet. "Ow…" she moaned from her paralyzed state on the ground. Stanton's head peeked out from over the sofa, am amused look in his sapphire eyes. "Are you okay?"

"I'll tell you when the feeling comes back". She winced. He only responded with a slight smile and reached down to help her up.

"You'll be fine"

She groaned at her muscles expanding as he lifted her to her feet. Her weight fell on him and they swayed together for a few seconds, before she at last regained her balance. "So", she asked, examining the scratches on her bruised elbows. "What happened last night?"

"We didn't have sex", he teased her and she rolled her eyes, accustomed to his games.

"So what did we do?" She put a finger to her temple in a struggle to remember.

"Practiced like I said", he reached slowly for her arm and brought it back down to her side. "Your mind is exhausted right now. Just try to relax".

She nodded and folded her arms across her chest apprehensively. Would she be able to face the Atrox now? She certainly didn't feel any different… She jumped a bit as an unfamiliar tune drifted through out the small room. Stanton stared pass her and then pointed towards his jacket, still lying upon the carpet. "Hand me that"

She shrugged and reached down to pick up the dark jean material. Lifting it from the ground, a silver Cingular phone fell out of the pocket and tumbled to the carpet. She reached down lower and blushed at the feel of his eyes on her backside. Standing, abruptly, she pressed the "talk" button and put the phone to her ear before the caller could hang up. "Hello?"

"Put Stanton on the phone"

She grimaced at the familiar and highly annoying voice on the other end of the line. "Hi Ino". Stanton gave her a sympathetic grin.

"It's Inocencia", she countered. "Now put him on the phone"

Serena rolled her eyes. "It's for you". She tossed the phone to Stanton and pulled her towel tighter around her chest, the white material dangling loosely at her thighs.

"Hello?" Stanton spoke into the phone, a huge and apparently phony smile covering his lips. "Hey, Princess… your birthday? … of course I'm coming… what did I get you?" Obviously nothing. He cocked an eyebrow at Serena and she started to scan over her previous birthday gifts and what she had wished for. "A pony", she muttered, looking up thoughtfully.

"A pony? You've got to be ki- no sweetie. I wasn't talking to you. You'll see when we get there". He gave Serena a look. "A pony?" he mouthed.

She just shrugged.

"Can't wait", he mumbled and made a face before hanging up. He turned to Serena, sarcasm in his eyes. "Cute isn't she?"

She just crossed her arms and turned away, hating the insatiable urge to nag him over his little conversation. After all, she wasn't jealous. How could she be jealous of child? It was ridiculous. So ridiculous that she had to laugh. So she did. Gentle hands cupped her chin and tilted her head back around to face him. "What's so funny?"

"Well", she started nervously, shifting her balance from side to side. "It's just that…you're provoking her".

"She's a child. Jimena's child at that. Would it make any sense if I told her to fuck off?"

"No", she mumbled. "But-"

You're jealous, he teased and ran his fingers through her scarlet tresses.

"Am not" At least she didn't think she was. "Well anyway", she started, eager to change the topic. "What am I going to wear?"

"Who said you were invited?"

She scowled at him.

"Well if you want to check up on me, that's your business"

Serena started to retaliate when a sharp knock exploded at the front door. They both turned to stare at each other in unison.

"Go", he pointed to a dark closet, his sapphire eyes fierce. He didn't have to tell her twice.

Okay. So maybe he did.

"Who-"

Now, Serena, the words jolted through her head like electricity, grave and commanding. Her feet now seemed to have a mind of their own as they strolled hurriedly across the room and stopped at the closet door.

Open it. She did and then before he could manipulate her actions any longer, she dove inside, closing the door behind her. Darkness settled over the tiny space and the musty scent of old clothes and antiques wafted around her. She wrinkled her nose and pulled herself up to the keyhole to peer through. "Jammed", she whispered, frustrated at the mass of dust blocking her view. If she could just find something to penetrate it… Scanning through the darkness around her, she eyed the base, a few dusty novels, and finally a clothes rack. Bingo. Reaching for a hanger, she found one and gave it a sharp tug. Unfortunately, that's not all she pulled. Uh oh, she thought as the rack gave a loud snap and tons of plastic and other material came crashing down. Holding back the need to scream, she covered her head and the bracket narrowly missed her arms. Not much later, she was immersed in a pile of stale clothes. Well that's what you wanted, came a voice in the back of her head. Fighting the urge to tell herself to shut the hell up, she waded her way towards the keyhole when she felt something sticky hanging from her face. Immediately grabbing for it, she looked down at her hand and grimaced. Cobwebs… Turning back towards the door, she couldn't help but to tense at a new sensation, this time at her leg. Swallowing hard, she reached for a stained silk jacket, pulled it out of the way, and watched as a swarm of moths flew straight at her widening eyes. 'AHHHHHHH!" she wailed, jumping from her spot on the ground. Flinging the door open, she shot out of the closet and straight into a bemused Stanton, tackling him flat to the ground. They both tumbled across the carpet for a moment before she jumped to her feet, knocking the various articles of clothing and webs off of her. "GET EM OFF! GET EM OFF! GET EM OFF!"

"Serena"

She paid no attention, still slapping at her legs. She could still feel their tiny feelers and hear the fluttering of their wings.

"Serena?"

"WHAT?" she turned about, now running her fingers rapidly through her hair and flinging a black spider across the room. "WHAT IS IT?"

Not completely looking at her, he smiled, too widely, apparently trying to hold back laughter. Pushing himself from the ground, he averted a finger to point down. She cocked an eyebrow and lowered her head. "Down? What do you m- JESUS CHRIST!" Her head started to spin. She wasn't sure if it was the unbearable heat that now engulfed her body or the beyond embarrassing reality of standing there in her birthday suit. Whatever it was, she was sure she would implode in a matter of seconds. What to do? What to do? She wondered, hoping the red wood closet door would camouflage her burning skin. Do something! Do something, damn you! Okay…

"AHHHHHH!" she roared- well more like cried pathetically- before jetting back into the closet and slamming the door.

She sat in the back of the closet in her recovered towel, her arms crossed. She was sure that some of the red had died away now. Her deep scarlet had turned into some shade of bright crayola. Clutching the towel around her, she stared down at a few silent moths that had had the nerve to cross her after her little episode. They hadn't been so lucky…

"Serena", a sharp knock came at the door.

She sighed, unable to bring herself to respond.

"Serena", he went on. "It's been half an hour"

"Go away"

"Jimena's here"

Jimena was the one at the door? "So what?"

"I didn't look, you know"

"Leave me alone". She felt the scarlet coming back. Dammit…

"Okay, maybe just a little"

Silence.

"Sorry"

More silence.

"It's either you come out, or I come in"

"NO!"

"Then get out of there"

"I'm busy"

"Doing what?"

Another voice came from beside him, harsh and fuming. "If you don't get your ass out of that damn closet, I'm breaking the door down on the count of three, chica!"

"GO AHEAD!"

"Do you know how much I paid for this?"

"One"

"Serena!"

"I can't hear you"

"Two"

"Get out!"

"Nope"

"Three"

Everything happened at once. The door swung open and strong arms wrenched her from the closet. She flinched at the sudden motioned and stumbled back. A sandaled foot launched out and caught her in the side. Biting her bottom lip to keep from screaming she crumpled to the ground and two angry faces peered down at her and then at each other.

"This is all your fault. If you hadn't tried to kick the door down-"

"Mi averia? You're the one who grabbed her!"

Serena moaned from the carpet. "What about me?"

Jimena looked down, her long raven curls cascading over her shoulders. She raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing in a towel?" She snapped her head back up at Stanton. "Did you take advantage of her? She's only fourteen! She's innocent!"

"Better than I can say for you at twelve"

"PERRA!" At this, Jimena exploded into fits of angry Spanish and realizing that she had better do something before they tore each other apart, Serena rose to her feet, despite the pain in her side.

"No one took advantage of anyone. He just put my clothes in the wash"

Jimena was still breathing heavily, her eyes set dead on Stanton. Serena glared at him. "Say sorry"

He laughed. "The day I apologize to Jimena Castillo is the day I return to the Atrox". He ran a hand over her side. "Do you need to go to the hospital?"

She shook her head, although she wasn't absolutely sure. "No". She turned to Jimena. "I'm sorry I ran away from you last night. I needed to think". A thought suddenly ran across her mind. "How did you know where we were?"

Jimena smirked, fully rejuvenated now. "Well when mi amiga, Maria, told me she saw fantasmas flying over Asoleado Beach, I figured you were here". She took Serena by the arm. "Let's head to my house and get you some clothes before Ino's party". They strolled out of the door and Serena had to cover her eyes at the blinding hot light of the sun. She sighed, loving the feel of the sand sliding in between her toes. Jimena leaned down to whisper in her ear. "Are you still a virgin?"

"Definitely"

"Good", Jimena smiled. "And be careful. That vato has more tricks up his sleeve than a serpiente".

Serena nodded and grinned back. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad having Jimena as a best friend. She seemed to always have her back, and after all, that's what friends were for, right?

Serena leaned against the iron bar of the line- holder, masses of excited people bustling about her. Well, they were excited. Now they were just cranky, as everyone had been waiting in line at the Teacups for at least forty minutes now. Her time spent there, however, had been too hectic for boredom to take its toll. Heaven, Adonis, Michael, and Inocencia for some odd reason, found it amusing to slide in and out of the bars. The smallest of them, Michael, had succeeded and she'd had to chase him a good mile or so before finally wrestling him into a puddle of mud. Now his jean jumper and her jean suit were ruined. She'd had to take off the jacket and wear only her white camisole. Then just when she thought things couldn't get any worse, Inocencia had tried to steal an ice cream cone from a boy behind her. When Serena had forbid her, she'd retaliated by giving her an ever so conspicuous bite mark on the back of her hand. She was sure she was growing grey hairs by now… She would be receiving help, but the other adults were all occupied in petty, but rather entertaining conversation.

"I still can't believe- Inocencia, listen to your tia- I still can't believe you, Collin", Jimena went on. "Can't you ever resist coupons? Five percent off is not a deal!"

Collin gave her a boyish grin. "But it's Disney Land! Living in Cali and denying your child Disney Land is like abuse or something"

"That's true", Vanessa smiled and tossed her golden bangs back while toying at the top button of her hot pink blouse. The entire day, she had remained dreamy and out of focus. When they were at the cotton candy stand, Jimena had whispered to Serena that she probably had a new man in her life.

"I didn't go to Disney Land when I was a kid", Jimena countered.

"Well, that's cause you were-" Collin ceased, immediately realizing what he was saying. Silence fell over their group with the exception of the children's whoops and cries. Worry flashed through Vanessa's eyes and Collin scratched at the back of his head. Inocencia, finally, noticing the tension, stared on in curiosity.

"Poor", Stanton finished for him.

Vanessa gulped.

"Well, that's what you were going to say wasn't it?"

"Stanton", Collin warned, his eyes pleading him.

"Get your man", Vanessa whispered into Serena's ear. Get your son first. The words rang bitterly through Serena's mind as she picked up Michael from the bars and placed him in front of her before turning to the rest of the gang.

"The line's moving up", she motioned towards it and they trudged her way. Vanessa pulled Jimena towards her and as far from Stanton as possible, while Collin rambled on to his brother in law about surfing and his growing career in law enforcement. Stanton eventually grew tired of this and wrapped an arm around Serena's waist.

"What's up?"

"Your death wish rate". She turned to scowl at him. "If you don't stop, she's going to kill you"

He laughed bitterly, obviously irritated by her choice of words. "Kill me? I could take Jimena out in less than a second and I probably would have already, had it not been for you".

"Don't I feel special", she droned sarcastically.

"You are", he breathed and caressed her cheek before stealing a glance at Jimena. "She talks a lot of shit that she can't back up. I wish everyone would realize that and stop being afraid of her". He grinned. "Especially your brother". She couldn't help, but to smile along with him. It was true. Collin was definitely afraid of Jimena.

"Mommy?" Heaven pulled at her pants legs. Serena smiled and lifted her off of the ground, surprised at her weight. "You're too big to hold", she grunted before smiling sincerely. "What's wrong?"

"Nocia"

"What?" Serena cocked an eyebrow.

"Nocia", the child repeated.

Serena looked up at Stanton for an answer. He narrowed his eyes and stared at the child and Serena immediately knew what he was doing. He finally blinked and turned to Serena solemnly. "Inocencia"

"Inocencia?" she muttered confused. "Ino-" She looked down to see the children. One. Two. Three. No, that couldn't be right. One. Two… three. Uh oh… Gulping, she turned to face the rest.

"Serena?" Jimena sensed her distress. "Chica, what is it?"

"In- Inocencia"

Her black eyes hardened and Collin's widened. "What happened? Where is she?"

"She got out the bars", Serena held her stomach, feeling sick. Scanning the wide terrain, she saw shops. Stands. Rides. Other children. Everything but Inocencia. Jimena took her by the arm.

"It's not your fault. I should have been watching her. I'll head towards the West section. Vanessa and Collin, head towards the entrance. You and Stanton can check by the castle. She couldn't have gotten further than that. Come on!" She raced off in her direction.

"Come on", Stanton caught her arm and they straddled the bars and jumped over.

"Inocencia!" she called repeatedly, dashing through the wide intersection. "Where would she have gone?"

"I don't know. She's never been here before. She wouldn't know where to go"

"Do you think she left because she heard you talking about Jimena?"

He gave a slight chuckle in return. "Ino would talk about her mother with me. She was probably just bored".

"What if someone…" she trailed off, too afraid to finish.

"No", he shook his head. "That didn't happen". She could tell he was just trying to make her feel better. They walked a few more miles under the blistering heat. An hour had passed now and she could feel herself growing fatigued. He leaned in beside her. "Do you need to sit down?"

"No", she shook her head, wiping at a few beads of sweat. "We have to find her"

"Serena you're burning under the sun and you took a blow to the side this morning. Maybe you need to…" He trailed off, but she wasn't going to wait until he picked up again.

"I told you I was going to find her. It's my responsibility as her Godmother. And it's my fault anyway. I was supposed to be watching her". She stopped and waited for an "I guess" or "okay", but nothing came. Spinning around, she was met with thin air. "Stanton?" she called. "Stanton, where are you?" Remembering something from his lectures the night before, she reached out with her mind to determine if he was in close range, but no one answered. Was this some sort of joke? No, she comforted herself. He wouldn't joke at a time like this. She came upon the castle where jovial music sounded from a stage and happy trademark characters sang and danced, contradicting the apprehension tearing at her heart. "Stanton! Inocencia!" she called again. Suddenly she heard a familiar cry, barely a whimper. Quickly snapping her head to the right, she followed the voice. Once again, she reached out with her mind, grasping for the person's tone to guide her in the right direction and in result, she was swept up in a web of chaos.

That chili dog made me sick.

That red head babe looks hot. If she hadn't just spent almost a week with the Prince of Humiliation, she might have been flustered.

That Aladdin guy looks good!

I need a raise…

Stanton?

She nodded at the last voice and pulled her energies back. Definitely Inocencia. She closed her eyes, attempting to remember what accompanied the voice. She had picked up feelings of being alone, shrouded by darkness. And what about Stanton? What was he doing there? Furrowing her eyebrows, she continued to walk around the castle until she caught what she was looking for. There in the back was a deserted area, DO NOT ENTER, marking a huge white sign. She ignored it and ventured into the castle to see a mess of wood and cardboard. She grinned sarcastically. So this is the Magic Kingdom… Suddenly she heard wood creaking on the opposite side of the room. Ducking behind a pile of it, she peered over the edge.

"Stanton?" The small voice of a girl echoed through out the abandoned building. "Where are you taking me?"

A smile slipped over her face and she started to get up when a piece of wood caught her pants' material. "Dammit", she cursed and started to pull loose.

"Relax", Stanton whispered softly. "It's your birthday?"

"You know it is. I told you".

"How old are you?"

"Ten", she squeaked.

Serena's forehead creased. Ino loved Stanton. Why was her voice trembling?

"I got you something"

"You did?" Her tone piped up.

"Mmm hmm". Rustling. "Why won't you look at me?"

"You seem… different"

Alarm shot through Serena's chest. Different? That could only mean one thing…

"Look into my eyes"

"You're scaring me"

"INO!" Serena roared as loud as she could, still jerking at her jeans. "GET AWAY FROM HIM!"

"Serena? Wha-" her voice cut off.

"GET AWAY FROM HER!" The material finally tore off and she crashed into a wood pile, sending various logs and wood pieces scattering over the foundation. She jolted out of the room and into the next. "INO?" No answer. "STANTON! WHEN I FIND YOU I'LL-"

"You'll what, Goddess?" The white blonde from the night before stood at the opposite side of the room, a blue snow cone in hand.

"You!" she accused.

"Tymmie", he corrected her and with a toss of his hair, he threw the cone to the side and headed her way. Her eyes wide, she scanned the room, nervously. Wood. Stone. Cardboard. Wood. Stone. Cardboard. Wood. Stone. STAIRS! She saw a narrow staircase in the far left corner… right behind Tymmie. She turned to glare at him, careful not to stare into his eyes. Focusing hard on her energies, she reached out with her mind and struggled to throw him off. He, however, had been prepared and her attempts came flying back at her full force. The urge to clutch her throbbing head, resisted, she stood in battle stance. She would have to do this the old fashioned way… He cocked an eyebrow in confusion as she raced straight at him, screaming a battle cry. Apparently he had never seen a Goddess do this before. Ramming into him, she sent them both flying to the ground, where she beat at him with her fists. Recovering from his surprise, he took her by the wrists and flung her over his shoulders towards the stairs. She sailed over the floor, knowing that it would result in several arm splinters. Then regardless of the pain, she pulled herself to her feet and rushed towards the stairs. He ran after her, reaching for her ankles. That is until he stepped on the snow cone and flipped about three feet in the air before landing on his back. She stared for a straight second and then remembering her mission, she dodged up the stairs, noting to laugh later. When she reached the summit she was met with an empty room, broken sunlight falling in through the murky windows. She could still hear distant melodies humming from outside of them. Turning back to skim the room, she gasped. There in the center, sat Stanton and Inocencia. Stanton sat crouched to the ground, his eyes blank and luminescent. Inocencia lay in his arms at a limp angle, her eyes dark and dire. An occasional moan bubbled from her throat.

"GET OFF HER!" Serena yelled and took off her brown sandals, sending one flying at his head. She missed. Heaving the second one, it caught him dead on, breaking his trance. Inocencia's head dropped and he lowered her to the ground. Then, turning about, a mischievous glow sparked in his eyes. "What took you so long? I was beginning to think you'd given up"

"Yeah right", she spat bitterly before sprinting across the room to Inocencia. She leaned down beside her and took the child in her arms, dark locks falling over her chest. She flinched at the chill of the girl's skin and looked back up at Stanton. "She's just a child"

"So was I", he muttered spitefully.

"What?"

"Nothing" He smirked. "She belongs to the darkness now"

"No", Serena breathed, her heart stopping.

"It's your turn". He moved towards her and she instantly jumped up from her spot on the ground.

"You can't"

"Yes, I can", he turned towards the window and pointed down. "Maybe he can't"

Serena stared in the direction, scanning the crowds and finally caught the future Stanton looking around frantically.

"STA-" He clasped a hand over her lips.

"Too late"

"Mmmmph!" She struggled when suddenly a white light appeared right in front of her. He, apparently, was baffled as well, as he lowered his hand from her mouth. Finally what she recognized as a portal opened up and two girls stepped out. Serena's eyes widened. "VANESSA?"

Yes, it was Vanessa. Only she looked much different. Her golden tresses flowed down her back now and her eyes seemed bigger and more innocent. She was wearing a blue halter top with a black mini, glitter gleaming over her body. She bit her lip and clutched at her bare midriff. "I feel sick". The other girl rolled her eyes.

"You'll get used to it!" A huge smile slipped across her face. She was wearing a green butterfly shirt with dark capris, her long brunette hair accenting her features. "Cool! Disney Land! I haven't been here in like a zillion years!"

"You haven't lived for a zillion years", Vanessa laughed.

"I know", she seemed to be disappointed at this. Then she looked at Stanton as if it was her first time noticing him. "Look! It's that hot guy from the club! Bet I could get his num-"

"Hey!" Vanessa scolded. "He's a follower!"

"Aw", she pouted. "He's way too hot to be wasted on evil!"

Vanessa blushed. "He can hear you"

"Right", she rolled her eyes before giving Serena a confident smile. "Hi! This is my best friend Jesus". She motioned towards Vanessa. "And I'm God!"

"Stop joking around!" Vanessa complained.

"Fine! I was just having some fun, mom" the girl laughed. "I'm Catty and this is my best friend Vanessa"

Catty?

If you could just appear out of no where wouldn't you tell baffled onlookers that YOU were God? Lol Mebeeeee not! SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG TO UPDATE! I WAS BUSEH/ DEPRESSED! Anyways this is like my longest chapter so far O.o Weeeheee!

REVIEW AREA-

Heh. Just kidding, Dark Goddess lol

REVIEW CORNER:

Demon Dea: Sorry I damaged your ribs! One vote for STEAMY!

Mini Sparky: Lol Glad you thought it was funny!

Moonlightchild4: I just added Catty! WOO HOO! Glad you love it!

DarkGoddess57: PAST STANTON IS BACK! WOO HOO! Another vote for STEAMY… I think…

Shadowings: MO! DON'T SEND DEM THINGS ON ME AGAIN! LOL ANOTHER vote for STEAMY!

Elephantsrocmysox: Awww! I don't think I know any good romance poems! But you could look at my friends! Just go to and look up the author Ranmatheancient! NOW DARN YOU!

Christine Marquez: WOO HOO! TWICE! Lol… ahem. Anyway I am updating now woooo! One vote AGAINST STEAMY! Lol… again… I think…

Keiko: WOO HOO! I LOVE YOUR REVIEW! (huggles you) THANX KEIKO! Another vote for STEAMY!

Rainchild: THANX! GLAD YOU LOVE IT! I hate to be one of those people who's fics get bad later on… Another vote for STEAMY!

AngelofDarkness1566: HI NEW REVIEWER PERSON! IM GLAD YOU LOVE IT!