I hope you dudes like this cuz I stayed up to 5 AM dammit working on it! It gets kind of mushy and steamy here. Its required!But I didnt make it too steamy! ;)

Serena trembled in the deafening silence of Jimena and Collin's home. She leaned over their kneeling forms to see Inocencia, still cold and unconscious. Her raven hair cascaded over closed eyes like curtains of death. Collin gently ran his fingers through them. Serena didn't think she'd ever seen him so pale before. He grasped her icy hands and Jimena massaged the child's forehead mumbling thousands of prayers and incantations as she had been doing for the pass two hours. Michael and Heaven sat in the corner of the room, watching the scene before them. Serena had heard the saying that children could sense the wicked and corrupt, but she never believed it until now. Both of them had been crying their eyes out ever since they'd laid eyes upon the lifeless Inocencia. Adonis on the other hand had remained silent the entire time. Not one tear flowed from his huge forest eyes and his expression was dark and traumatized. He hadn't spoken a word since the incident, and Serena was beginning to worry about him. She knelt down by his side on the carpet. Now how were mothers supposed to talk to their children again?

"Hey kid" she sighed, doubting that it was the proper greeting, but she just couldn't bring herself to act like a mother when she was barely fifteen years of age. "Are you okay?"

He slowly turned to her, blinked, and finally nodded his head.

"It'll be alright. We'll take care of everything", she kissed his blonde curls, but he only continued to stare down at Inocencia. She groaned and lifted a finger to point to the rest of the children. "Do you want to go over there?"

He didn't respond.

"Suit yourself", she sighed and rose from her place on the ground. She didn't want to leave him sitting too close to Inocencia, but she doubted that their tears would help him much either. Clutching her chest, she sauntered over to the opposite side of the room where Stanton sat with Vanessa. They stared blankly into each other's eyes and Serena knew that he was trying to erase her memories. She wouldn't interrupt them. She had diverted his attentions at least three times already, causing him to become quite frustrated. She was sure if distracted him once more, Vanessa wouldn't be the only one in a temporary coma. She slowly slid onto the couch beside them and rested on one of the arms. A grimace twisted onto her features at the sight of Vanessa. Her expression was sad and depressing as if any remains of hope she'd had left had been drained from her. Serena swallowed hard. Isn't that the way Inocencia looked earlier, helpless in his arms? Don't, she scolded herself. Don't do it.

Too late.

"Are you sure you know what you're doing?" she blurted out, too loudly.

The blankness pulled from Stanton's eyes like curtains and Vanessa fell back lifeless against the couch. He took a deep breath and cursed. "Dammit". He turned to scowl at her. "I thought we talked about this. You were going to stay over there". He pointed to the other side of the room.

"I know", she struggled to explain. "But she seems so… helpless"

"She's human", he muttered, holding a hand to his forehead. Serena cocked an eyebrow. Why was this so hard for him? He was only the former embodiment of evil.

He smirked, obviously catching her thoughts. "Erasing memories isn't as easy as reading them. It doesn't matter how much experience you have".

"Oh", she sighed and leaned back against the cushions. "Well will she be okay?"

He nodded. "She'll be fine. It won't be easy though. That wasn't the first time she'd seen her. Catty had been popping up around the park all day trying to find you".

Serena gulped. So that's why Vanessa had seemed so distant all day. Stanton gave her a tired smile and ran his fingers over her cheek. "Just give me another minute alone with her?"

She nodded reluctantly.

"Jealous?"

"Should I be?"

"What do you think?" he halfheartedly pulled away from her and back to Vanessa. "Go ahead".

Unwilling to watch the woman suffer, she stood from the couch and walked back across the room to kneel down beside Inocencia. Jimena continued to pray over her, her fingers trembling now. Serena became nervous. It didn't seem like Jimena to break down so easily. Even in times of peril. She put a hand to her back and all three of them gazed down at the girl. Collin finally spoke up, his voice shaky.

"Is she… will she-?"

"She will", a voice rang from behind them. They all spun around in unison to see Maggie standing there in a pearly white sun dress. She tossed back a few wayward strands of golden hair and dropped to her knees beside Inocencia. "She'll survive". She handed Jimena a vial filled with what seemed to be clear water. "Make her drink it. Then lay her in a room with windows preferably facing the moon and let her wear this". She gave her an amulet, a silver lining cradling a milky white stone that Serena had never heard of, let alone seen, before. "She'll heal, but slowly".

Jimena sighed in relief and supported Inocencia's frail structure. She planted a soft kiss on her cheek before turning to Collin. "Do what she said and take her to the sunroom. There'll be plenty of moonlight in there by night fall. I have to talk to Maggie".

Collin nodded and reached down to take the girl in his arms. He gave Maggie an inquisitive look before lifting her from the ground and disappearing into the dark hallway.

Maggie returned his gaze with a bright smile before turning back to Jimena and Serena. She gave them a remorseful expression. "I'm sorry about all this". Normally Serena would have responded with a "Don't be!" or "It's okay", but that was just it. It wasn't okay.

"Yeah", she muttered bitterly and then winced when she caught the hurt in the woman's eyes. "I mean, you were just trying to find me. It happens, right?"

Apparently not, as they all just stared at her strangely. Maggie finally shook her head. "You don't have to pretend, Serena", she laughed. "I know you blame me".

Can't argue with that. She sighed and pulled her knees to her chest. "So you want to apologize? Is that why you came here?"

"No", Maggie replied, her expression growing solemn. "I wanted to talk to you about something".

Anxiety bloomed in Serena's chest. Had she finally found a way to reverse the spell? "Then you can change things back to the way they were?"

Maggie nodded. "I can, but not yet. And that's not what I came here to tell you".

Rage began to spread throughout her veins. Not yet? The Atrox was spreading rapidly. A child had almost been killed… or worse. "Why not now?" she countered.

"Because", started Maggie. "We still have to find the factor that led to the release of the Atrox. And besides I haven't found your future self yet"

"Stanton and the followers released the Atrox!"

"No", Maggie frowned at her anger. "They only helped. There's someone else. Someone from this time". Her eyes averted from Serena's to the area behind her. "I was hoping you'd know".

Serena turned to see Stanton in a standing position, leaning against the sofa. He strolled over and stopped next to Serena, his eyes narrowed. "I wouldn't know. My connection with the Atrox has been cut, or have you forgotten already?"

"But you must remember some-"

"Nothing", he sneered. "You know, I'm beginning to think you suspect me".

She scowled back. "And whatever would make you think something like that?"

Serena rolled her eyes. Did he have to pick a fight with everyone? "Okay", she interrupted. "I understand. Now what do you have to tell me?"

She shot one last warning glare at Stanton before giving Serena a warm smile. "I know you're not happy here".

Serena started to nod, but was surprised when her body wouldn't allow the simple gesture. Of course she wasn't happy. She glanced at Heaven and Adonis. She was too young to be a mother. But they're so cute! said the voice in the back of her head. She shrugged it off and continued to debate with herself. She was definitely too young for a husband. Especially someone that hot. No! she scolded herself. He's not hot. Right. Not hot. Not hot. Morelike… breathtaking. And he was so sweet. Stop that! And tall and understanding and good in bed. Good in bed. Good in bed? How did she know if he was good in bed? She'd bet he was. STOP IT!

You forgot sexy

Oh, yeah. Right. Sex-

"HUH?" she exclaimed. She turned to see him smiling at her. Dammit…

"Serena", Maggie furrowed her eyebrows at the display of blatant immaturity. If Serena stuck out her tongue and added a sling shot to the picture, they'd look just like two children on a playground. "Is something wrong?"

"No", she mumbled, wondering why he insisted on embarrassing her. Was it like his hobby or something? "Now what were you going to say?"

"Well", Maggie started, still staring at the two suspiciously. "Regardless of what I said before, I think you'd be safer in your own time now"

"What?" Serena's eyes widened. "But you said-"

"I know what I said, but I don't want you getting hurt".

"Won't people get suspicious?"

"We'll deal with it"

Right, Serena thought cynically. Since you deal with things so well.

Maggie, sensing her apprehension, put a hand to her shoulder. "Relax. Catty'll be here around 2:00 to take you home".

"A. M?" Serena asked, her eyes wide.

Maggie nodded and smiled. "A. M"

Recovering from her shame, she suddenly felt the need to see Stanton's reaction. "Stanton?" she turned to her side and groaned. Once again, he had vanished into darkness. But she still had to be careful about her thoughts. For all she knew, he could be hiding in the shade of her shadow, dancing slowly beneath the glow of Jimena's dim lit lamp.

Serena clutched at the lavender sheets of Inocencia's bed. It was at least 12:00 now and she still couldn't get any sleep before Catty arrived. Her anxiety played a significant role in this, but for the most part, it was the faint lingering of depression in her heart. Before any of this had occurred, her life was well… normal. She was a not so average teenage girl in an average high school with an average life. Now she was a crime fighting Goddess with a gorgeous husband and a kick ass best friend. Compared to her past life, this one was picture perfect. She rose from her place on the mattress and pulled a robe from the closet to cover her body as she was only wearing panties and a bra. She inched herself out of the room careful not to wake anyone. Heaven, Adonis, and Inocencia were all sleeping soundly somewhere in the house. Jimena and Collin had left to take Vanessa home and Stanton was no where to be found. She had a peculiar sensation that he was still somewhere in the house, no doubt watching her every move for the slightest humiliation so he could jump out and taunt her. She grinned at comical memories and then folded her arms in desolation. It was over now. She took a deep breath, silently praying that he would suddenly appear and slip his strong arms around her from behind. If anything, she at least wanted a "goodbye".

"Stanton", she called, scanning the walls for shadows. "I know you're in here".

No answer.

She groaned. Why was he making this so hard? Maybe he doesn't believe in goodbyes, she offered herself an explanation. Maybe it would hurt too much.

She started to call his name again when someone pulled at the hem of her robe. "Stanton!" she spun around. Or not… She looked down to see Heaven lifting her hands up. Close enough. Serena grinned and bent over to pick her up. "And why are you still awake?" She held her to her bosom and tapped her nose gently with her finger tip. The girl just laughed as if she had been tickled and played with Serena's crimson curls. "Let's get you back to bed". She started towards the hallway and to the guest room where Adonis was curled up in satin sheets. His expression was no longer dark and disturbed, but angelic as it had always been. Hopefully, he was feeling better. She sat down upon the bed and let Heaven fall onto the covers. She scrambled to her brother's side and clutched a pillow tightly. Serena leaned over to kiss her on the cheek. "Goodnight", she whispered.

"Goodnight", Heaven whispered. "Love you"

Serena tensed and stared down at the child who looked up expectantly with big emerald eyes. She finally nodded. "I love you too".

The child smiled and closing her eyes, she rolled over. Serena smiled back and pulled the covers over her small form. She patted her softly on the back and stood to her feet. Strolling out of the room, she inched the door closed and traveled out of the hallway and into the living room.

Love you. Heaven's voice lingered in her mind. When was the last time she told her mother she loved her? Sliding open the clear pool area doors, she walked out into the night, the breeze caressing her bare face and legs. Faint music played from somewhere in the neighborhood and she recognized it as the song that Vanessa had made her sing that night. She pranced slowly around the edge of the glimmering pool, admiring its cerulean glow. In a matter of seconds, she lost herself to the beat. She waved her arms in the air, spun around, and eventually toppled into the water. "AGH!" she screamed as she hit the water, sinking into the azure depths. Hitting the bottom of the pool, she rose back up again and flailed about in the water. The perfect ending to a horrible day… She coughed and grasping the ledge, she wiped the water from her eyes. Blinking, she caught something dark scaling the walls and a slow smile curved about her lips. It was time to turn the tables. She waited for the shadow to come her way and then exactly on cue, she attacked the water with her fists sending a massive wave its way. It hit the center of the shade dead on and it seemed to stop in mid- stance. Finally, as she suspected, it drooped and materialized into a young man. Stanton tossed his drenched blonde hair back and let a sarcastic smirk slip over his face. "Nice one. How'd you know?"

"Well, for one, shadows aren't supposed to move by themselves". She taunted and hoisted herself onto the ledge where she pulled at her scarlet locks and wrung them out, water splashing onto the concrete foundation.

"True", he admitted and pulled off his wet jacket to reveal a black tank. She cocked an eyebrow. A few drops of water was no excuse to get naked.

But this is, the words floated through her mind, and before she could dodge out of the way, he had sent them both flying back into the cerulean depths. Her eyes grew wide.

I can't swim! she argued.

Would I let you drown?

She doubted it. She also doubted that her hair would ever be the same, but regardless of her indecision, she let him take her to the deepest end of the pool, where he held her gently against his chest. She swallowed hard as the realization of why he'd ventured this far out hit her. She looked up to glare at him. "You did this on purpose"

"I did what on purpose?" he asked innocently. A devious grin curved over his lips and she felt her heart skip a beat. This wasn't good…

That vatos got more tricks up his sleeve than a serpiente, Jimena's words trailed through her mind and she caught the disappointment in his sparking sapphire eyes. They seemed ethereal from the water's eerie reflection. "You're choosing Jimena over me?"

She shrugged and felt herself slipping into the water. He pulled her closer. So close that his blonde bangs caressed her face now and she could feel his breath on her cheek. She gulped. "You mean I have a choice?"

He cupped her face in his hands. "I wouldn't make you do anything you didn't want to do".

She nodded and tried not to stare into those compelling eyes.

"Well?" he asked. "Do you want me to take you back?"

She started to say "yes", but she bit her tongue. Dammit. Why was her body working against her? It was one simple word. Why couldn't she get it out?

"Serena?"

"Yeah?" she squeaked.

"Does that mean "yes"?" He trailed a damp finger across her collar bones.

"No"

"So it's "no"? he asked, leaning his head down to kiss her neck.

"No!"

"Then what is it?" he murmured, his lips trailing over sensitive skin.

"Yes! I mean no! I mean-"

She trailed off as he lowered her lips to his and kissed her softly, the tip of his tongue tracing over hers. A spark seemed to ignite between them followed by the steamy sensation of fire melting ice. Unable to bring herself to pull away, she deepened the kiss, regardless of the tremors reverberating through out her body. His hands moved tenderly over waist to untie the robe's strip. He finally did, and the material fell from her shoulders and out into the indigo blue. Almost completely exposed, she trembled slightly and tightened her fists at the feel of his hands against her wet skin.

Relax. He ran his fingers from the center of her arms to her palms, causing them to unclench. She took a deep breath and then exhaled, letting the moment take her. She reached for the waist of his black tank and pulled it over his head, to reveal bronzed skin and hard muscle. She bit her bottom lip in anticipation and he returned her action with a sly smirk before sinking down into the water. She swallowed hard at the feel of him massaging her thighs and finally pulling at her panty line. What is he doing? she thought, sure that her chest would burst from fervor. She closed her eyes and tilted her head back, letting the wind carry her scarlet locks as it whipped at her dripping skin. The waistband of her underwear rested somewhere among her knees now. She gulped, her breathing rushed now. She never thought her first time would be anything like this. She'd always dreamed of bedroom, silk and scarlet curtains. Never outdoors, let alone a swimming pool. Well it beats the back of his car, she thought. Her eyes widened at the sense of his lips at her waist. Lower. Lower. Lower. She gulped, clenched her fists, and turned to her side. That's when she saw a young girl staring out at them from the shallow end of the pool.

"WHOA!" she gasped and kneed Stanton in the forehead. Surprised, he loosened his hold on her and she plunged into the water. "Help!" she tried to call for assistance, but only swallowed a mass of water and chlorine.

Serena. Relief spread through out her body as strong arms took her from behind. She leaned back against him as he swam to the surface. When they finally arrived, he pushed her onto the ledge and pulled himself up. "If you wanted me to stop all you had to do was say so". He rubbed at a red spot on his forehead.

She shook her head and struggled to speak, but she only coughed up a mass of water. He patted her softly on the back and ran his fingers through her sodden hair. "You'll be okay". He kissed her affectionately on her temple. His eyes grew serious. "But why did you kick me? You weren't exactly terrified". She took a deep breath and pointed to the girl standing on the opposite side of the pool. Her eyes were wide and her face shone a bright red.

He groaned. "Oh…"

They all sat in an awkward silence in Jimena's family room. Stanton's arms and legs were crossed and he occasionally shifted position. Catty, the girl in the window, sat on the opposite side of the couch, still embarrassed, incessantly twirling her long dark hair about her fingers. Jimena tore mercilessly at an innocent sheet of random paper, staring viciously out across the table at Serena and Stanton, neither of which had the guts to look her in the eye. Collin just looked sick. Serena gazed out at the empty swimming pool watching as the lone tank and robe sailed through the waters, occasionally bumping each other. Once again, she'd had to wear another towel until Collin had handed her some ripped jeans and an old white T shirt. Jimena eventually spoke up.

"You should go to bed", she told Collin. "It's late". He stood and pulled him down to whisper something in his ear which sounded vaguely like "pool cleaners". Collin nodded and started across the room but not before shooting Serena a sickened look. She crossed her arms and looked the other way, shamed. Could this be any weirder?

Probably.

"Espero que usted sea contento", Jimena snarled.

"English please", Stanton countered.

She gave him a death glare. "I hope you're happy".

"I am"

"Bueno", she grinned. "Good. Because this is the last time I'm letting you take advantage of her. I hope you had fun"

"We did!"

"Good for you!"

"Well, thank you!"

Serena let a half smile slip across her face at their trivial argument. Jimena snapped her head around.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing", Serena muttered.

"Right". Jimena motioned to Catty. "She's here to take you home".

Serena's chest seemed to grow heavy. "Oh" she tried to smile. "Hi, Catty"

"Hi", Catty murmured weakly, looking from her to Stanton and back. "Um… are you ready?"

She nodded and rose from her place beside Stanton although it felt as if rocks were holding her down. Jimena walked over to her and gave her a hug before pulling away quickly as if she were soiled. "Good luck, chica"

Serena nodded. "Thanks". She swallowed hard as Catty closed her eyes and a minute hole appeared out of thin air and gradually grew larger until it was big enough for her to fit.

"Come on", Catty motioned for her.

"Wait", Stanton stood from the couch and pulled something from his pocket. "I have something for you". He pulled out a long silver strip that she recognized as a necklace. It glowed under the pale moonlight and in the center, dangled a beautiful scripture that looked as if derived from some Asian alphabet. He enclosed her neck in his arms and clasped the hold in the back. The necklace fell freely over her neck, contrasting perfectly with her skin.

"It's beautiful", she whispered.

"It's a rune", he whispered in her ear. "It'll protect you from danger".

"Like you?" she smirked.

"Like me". He caressed her cheek. "I'll miss you".

She smiled. "Soon the future me'll be back and you won't even remember me"

"Well, she isn't half as much of a klutz as you"

She pretended to pout.

"But that adds to your charm" he smirked. "It doesn't matter what form you're in, Serena. It doesn't change how much I care about you".

"Hey", Catty grinned. "I can't keep this thing open forever, ya know"

He nodded and turned back to her, his eyes growing sincere. "Don't forget me. Our future depends on it".

She nodded, dejectedly. "I won't" How could she? She felt tears stinging at her eyes. He leaned down to kiss them away and dabbed at the last of them with his thumbs before lifting her face to meet his. She caught the affection in his eyes and knew exactly what he was going to say.

"Er…" she gulped, not sure of how to respond.

"Will you do me a favor?"

"Huh?" She was caught completely off guard.

"Next time you see me, will you do me a favor?"

"Um… sure"

"Slap me"

"What?"

"Slap me", he repeated. "You can't depend on what you've found here"

She nodded, sorrow in her eyes and gave a forced smile. "Okay".

Catty tapped her foot upon the carpet impatiently and Jimena looked as if she could explode. Sighing, Serena decided that it would probably be a good idea to leave now. She wrapped her arms around his neck and ran her lips over his cheek. "See you on the other side", she announced frailly before moving towards the tunnel.

"Be careful", he warned. She nodded and Catty took her by the arm.

"Ready?"

She ran her fingers nervously over the silver rune and then with one last wave at Stanton and Jimena, she gave her a consenting smile. Catty took her by the wrist and pulled her forward into the tunnel of time. Faint words brushed across her mind.

I love you

He said it. She stiffened at his words. Did she love him? Of course not. She'd only known him for a few days if that. The phrase, like an ancient curse or prayer, was too strong. But then again, she'd never felt a stronger emotional tie to anyone before.

I could

You will, his words floated through her head, but they didn't seem forceful or threatening. They were gentle and honest. So honest that she almost believed him. The green- bluish rush of the tunnel closed around her and she stared into his dark azure eyes with the same secret passion for the first and probably the very last time.

AGH! That chapter was so FRICKEN hard! I don't know why. It just was… I think it was kind of rushed. What do you think? OH AND SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG TO UPDATE!

REVIEW CORNER:

Elephantsrocmysox- Thanks! I have a bad habit of writing longer chapters now. O.o

TayTay09- NO! You have to concentrate in school lol! Do as I say! Not as I do! Glad you love it!

MiniSparky- Yeah. Pretty much sucks for Vanessa in this fic.

Amazonangel87- Glad you like it! But that's not quite what I had in mind… MWAHAHAHAHA!

Christine Marquez- Glad you like the update!

Demon Dea- LOL I thought you had stopped reviewing. Usually you are my first reviewer and I was like… dude. Where'd she go? Lol

AngelofDarkness1566- GLAd you loved it!

Moonlightchild4- Thank you SO much for your explanation! IT really helped. She should be showing up pretty soon now!

Moraq- Sheila thanks! But are you serious? The books are definitely better! You have to read them first!