Hello All! I know, it's been ages, but here is another update FINALLY! This chapter took awhile to write. Partially because I was busy and partially because I wanted to get it right. I'm sure you'll understand once you read it. I'm happy with the way it turned out. Still working on this story and The Forgotten Prophecy. I'm also working on another story that will be told in three parts called Broken Wings. It will be a cross between Trinity Blood and Sailor Moon, and I've already written a lot for it. So, be on the lookout for that. Thanks so much to all those that have reviewed! It's because of you that I keep coming back.

Translation to the chapter title is: Rain

As the story turns…

Chapter 7: Sov-masu

Serena. That name again. Serenity rocked back and forth on the legs of the chair in her room. She couldn't even think straight.

Serena. He clearly was hiding something. Why did he insist on calling her by that name? Not only in the waking world, but in the dream world as well?

Serenity grabbed her head. How was she to deal with these conflicts? These emotions? There was a reason she isolated herself for so long. Now it appears that her isolation did nothing to change her true nature. That stupid, caring nature of hers. Why couldn't she simply walk away from the situation? From these people? From him?

Before she could even allow her mind to drift down that path, a buzz came at the door.

"It's open." She called out. She couldn't help the skip in her heart. The small hope that it might be him.

Serena. How could he have been so stupid? The Vulcan fought the urge to bang his head against the wall in his quarters.

"Well, if she didn't know I was hiding something before, she certainly does now." He said to no one in particular.

With each passing day, it was growing harder to avoid her. To fight the urge to be around her every waking moment. Each moment apart was ripping his soul in two. He needed his mate.

Spock blinked rapidly at that last thought. He really did need to get her off this ship. He was getting too weak. But how? He thought logically about the situation. He knew they were heading to a safe Class M planet for some shore leave. Perhaps they could leave her there. From there she could be transported back to Earth. Surely she wanted to be somewhere other than a spaceship? But what if she wouldn't stay on the planet willingly? What if she still wanted answers from him? More than likely, this would be the case knowing her.

Spock's mouth twitched involuntarily at the memory of her stubbornness. As soon as the twitch was there, it was gone. His stone cold face back in place.

No, he wouldn't allow her to remain on the ship.

Spock quickly left his quarters to go to the one man whose orders she wouldn't ignore.

Serenity's hopes were crushed when Kirk walked through the door. His blue eyes made contact with hers, and he gave her a devilish smile before he walked into the room, making himself comfortable on her bed.

Serenity's eyes bugged at his boldness, but Kirk could only smirk in return.

"Hello Angel." Kirk said in a sultry voice. "Care to join me over here?" He patted the spot next to him on the bed. An exaggerated wink was added for extra emphasis.

All Serenity could do was open and close her mouth. She had no idea what to say in response, and she was certain she looked like a fish the way she was gaping.

Kirk held his serious/sultry look for a moment longer before he busted out laughing. Serenity could only stare at him in confusion, which made Kirk laugh even harder. " I was only kidding Sere." Kirk choked out.

Once realization hit her, Serenity marched over to Kirk and punched him in the arm.

"Oww!" He faked. Serenity couldn't hold back her laughter any longer. She toppled over onto the bed next to Kirk clutching her belly.

Kirk slightly threw his arm over her. "Haha! I knew I could get you into bed." He failed miserably at trying to hide the snicker in his voice. Serenity rolled her eyes at him and shrugged out of his embrace.

"Yea, it's probably best we separate." Kirk said with a chuckle as he stood up from the bed. "After all, I know what Vulcans are capable of when they're angry."

"Huh?" Serenity was really confused now. She knew the Captain was only jesting, but she still couldn't understand what exactly he meant.

Kirk expected Serenity to join in on his laughter. What he hadn't expected was the puzzled look that now situated itself on her face. "Wow." He said incredulously. "You're pretty slow, aren't you?"

Serenity shot up from the bed. "Hey, what's that suppose to mean?" Slightly offended by his words.

Kirk could only chuckle at the girl. "If you don't get it now, I suppose you never will. At least your ignorance will make this easier." Kirk's eyes didn't meet hers with the last statement.

"Make what easier?" Serenity questioned, forgetting his insulting words.

Kirk sighed as he slid his hand across his face. "What can you tell me about Isaiah?"

Serenity bit her lip. So, someone suspected her of being involved with Isaiah's recovery. Now the Captain was even more suspicious of her. What was he going to do? Surely he wouldn't kick her out into the middle of space for saving one of his crewmembers? Serenity continued staring at him, not wanting to lie, but not sure how to answer his question.

Kirk looked at her. Somehow, he knew she was no threat to them, but how should he deal with unexplained magic?

Silence continued to surround them—neither sure as to how to continue this conversation. Serenity wasn't about to be the first to respond. What was she going to do? Confirm his suspicions that she was no ordinary human? Or even human at all? As the tension rose in the room she couldn't help but miss the carefree manner they were in just moments before. Regardless though of how uncomfortable it was, she would wait. She was an expert of waiting. Instead of talking, she simply watched him.

The intense stare of Serenity was too much for Kirk to bear. She was just standing there; not even flinching. He couldn't take it.

"I'll take your silence as a confirmation that you are aware of what I'm talking about. You see, his condition was quite severe, and yet it appears as if he made a full recovery. Very extraordinary if not impossible, wouldn't you think so? You were aware of the cancer, correct?"

"Most people would call that a miracle where I'm from. Do those not exist in your world?" As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she regretted it.

"My world?" Kirk questioned. "What exactly do you mean by that?" He stared at the girl waiting for an answer.

"What other world would I be talking about?" Serenity questioned, still trying hard not to lie to the man in front of her. It just felt wrong. His aura reminded her too much of Seiya.

"You clearly enjoy avoiding questions, don't you?" Kirk said with a smirk.

Busted. The Captain was smarter than he looked. Serenity decided to dodge a bit longer before outright lying to him. "Captain, do you honestly believe I'm a threat to your ship?" She asked with playfulness in her eyes. She was hoping to use the natural comfort between them to her advantage.

Kirk shook his head, almost wanting to laugh at her. "I couldn't believe a sweet thing like you could be dangerous." He added a wink for good measure. "However, it doesn't matter what I personally believe." He took on a more serious tone. "I am Captain of this ship, and I have a responsibility to it as well as to the people on board. Even taking the Isaiah situation out of the equation, normally we do not allow civilians to travel with us unless approved by Starfleet."

"So, I'm getting kicked off the ship?" She groaned.

"Well, not technically. Technically meaning we're not going to boot you off in the middle of space." Serenity couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief. Kirk continued. "We'll be taking shore leave soon on a Class M planet. We won't be there long, just really to give the crew an extra break while we pick up some supplies. Anyway, from that planet you'll be able to be transported back to Earth. I will warn you, you will likely be questioned by Starfleet on how you got on this ship, but it shouldn't be too intense."

Serenity could only nod. She understood completely where he was coming from. It's just she didn't know exactly what she was going to do. She had no idea why she was here, but she had this strong feeling that her answer was on this ship.

Kirk must have saw the conflict written across her face, because the next thing she knew was that she was being held in strong arms. She looked up into the Captain's blue eyes and could see the comfort he offered her.

"It's alright. You should be able to return to a normal life soon enough. I will also be sure to put in a good word with Starfleet about how you were nothing but the epitome of perfection while you were with us. I'm sorry it turned out like this. I know you've only been here a short while, but you've definitely made your mark on the Enterprise."

Serenity offered him a weak smile. "You have nothing to apologize for. You are simply doing your job. It's just, well, what am I to do?" Serenity pulled out of his embrace. While she was grateful for his warmth, she almost wished it were someone else holding her.

His face was the first to flash through her mind at that thought. Spock. Serenity slammed her fist against the wall, startling Kirk. She couldn't believe how swept up she was in one man who was not only rude to her, but was obviously lying to her. Lying, even though she knew that somehow he was the answer to everything. He was in her dreams, and her dreams never steered her wrong. Not when Helios was in control of the dream world.

Tears of frustration flowed down her cheeks. Kirk was unsure how to respond to the situation, but she soon spoke, informing him of her thought process.

"I didn't ask to come here." She choked out. "I was suppose to finally be dead, but life keeps on going, doesn't it? It never stops. Rest never finds me." Her fists clenched tightly at her sides now. "Even if I'm sent to start another life, it doesn't absolve the fact that I am left with so many unanswered questions. I'm not sure if I can really be myself in this world, or even if I want to be myself. Hell, I don't even know myself anymore."

"I don't understand." Was all Kirk could muster after that speech.

Serenity chuckled darkly. "No, I don't suppose you would." She allowed her tear-stained features to face him. Kirk could feel the overwhelming sorrow that washed over the room, causing him to question his move in taking her off the ship.

"I'm a mess." She said, interrupting his thoughts. "You must promise to keep my lack of control in emotions a secret." She stated with a fragile smile.

"Now you're sounding like a Vulcan." He jested. However, this only caused Serenity to avert her gaze. When she gained control over her voice, she spoke in a neutral tone to the Captain. "You will have no trouble from me Captain. I will leave the ship as soon as we land. I will also be sure to stay away from the rest of the crew so as to not raise suspicion." She sighed and turned back to face him. "For now, it's time for bed."

"Serenity…" Kirk began, but was immediately cut off by the girl.

"I'm fine. I promise. I just need to figure out what I'm to do next."

It took some convincing, but Kirk finally let her be. He clearly was having an internal conflict with himself about whether or not to let her go. It was obvious he was following the advice of someone else that said she needed to be removed.

Serenity didn't have to think twice on whom that person was. It was Spock. Not only was he around for the Isaiah situation, but he also appeared to have some kind of grudge against her. She just couldn't understand why.

The more she thought about him, the more she was convinced that she had once knew him, but that didn't make any sense. How could she have known him?

Honestly, she just didn't have the energy to try and figure it out. She was tired of playing games. Her heart couldn't take it anymore. It was probably best if she separated herself from this ship and from that man.

The sound of falling rain was all around her. Her eyes were closed as she drunk in the sound. Her body completely soaked. The night air cold against her skin.

How did she get here? She question as she felt the rain drops on her face.

She stood there in the peace of the rain for what seemed like ages, at least until she couldn't feel the rain on her face any longer. Her eyes opened at the presence that was now standing near her. Those deep brown eyes were there to meet her.

"Spock." She said in a whisper.

"I remember your face so clearly from this night." He said softly.

"I don't understand" was all she could say in response.

He held the umbrella over them both as he studied her face. "Why are you giving up on me?" He couldn't help but question. "Can you not see what is right before your eyes?"

Serenity shook her head. "I never know what you're talking about." She was prepared to argue her point, at least until the Vulcan stepped uncomfortably close to her, effectively shutting her up.

"Serena." He breathed out. He leaned down to allow his lips to ghost over hers for a brief moment before pulling away, leaving Serenity frozen to the spot. The feeling of his lips on hers was brief and fleeting, but it was long enough to stir something deep within her. A passion and a feeling of completeness she thought to be long dead.

"You do know what I'm talking about." He said with a small, almost invisible smirk. "You are just ignoring it."

"Well, can you blame me? You haven't exactly been welcoming to me." She stated in frustration. "I can't remember whatever happened between us on my own."

"I know. That's why I'm here to guide you through memories long forgotten." The Vulcan answered. Serenity could only stare at him, unsure of what to think about his last statement.

Spock had to fight the small smile that threatened to escape at her look of confusion. She really was slow sometimes. He turned away from her to gaze up at the night sky.

"You know why this night is so important to me?" He questioned as his eyes were brought back to hers. He allowed his free hand to run through her wet hair. Serenity closed her eyes at the contact. "It's because it was the first time I realized I was in love with you."

Serenity's eyes shot open. Her mid was spinning from that dream. Today was the day that she left the ship, but she couldn't suppress the feeling that it was the wrong move.

Today was the day. Kirk thought to himself as he made his way to her room. The day she would leave.

She stayed true to her word. No grief was given, and since that conversation he'd had with her, no one on the ship had seen her.

Kirk checked on her from time to time, but was quickly turned away for one reason or another. She was trying and succeeding in separating herself from the people of this ship. If he hadn't seen the tears in her eyes for himself, he would swear she was Vulcan.

What bothered the Captain the most about the situation was Spock's indifference. It appeared as if her disappearance and imminent departure meant nothing to him. So strange considering it was him that persistently insisted on her removal from the ship. Kirk recalled his conversation with Spock about Serenity. The Captain had never seen his First Officer so consumed with conflicting emotions. He cared for this girl. It was clearly writing not only on his face, but also in his actions. He cared for her so much that it scared him to death. Who was she to him?

He approached Serenity's room, prepared to escort her down to the planet.

"Are you ready?" He asked when she emerged from the room.

"As I'll ever be." She stated simply.

They began to walk towards the transporter room in silence, but Kirk couldn't stand it. "I'm sorry things had to happen this way." He said.

"I already told you, you have nothing to apologize for." Serenity stated in a soft voice.

"I just wish there was a way I could help you." Serenity stopped and turned to face the man. She offered him a faint smile. "You've already done so much for me. You welcomed me on this ship and made sure I was taken care of. Your crew was also very welcoming and helpful to me. I feel like I'm much more prepared to face this "advanced" age because of you." She placed a hand on his shoulder. "I shall never forget your kindness." She continued walking towards the transporter room after her last sentence was made.

Kirk followed after her. "Speaking of the crew, I'm sure they would be happy to see you down on the planet before the Enterprise has to leave. I know McCoy has been worried about you."

"That won't be necessary." She said. "I appreciate the concern they show for me, but it will be much easier for me if I didn't have to say goodbye."

They stood on the platform. "Are you sure about that?" Kirk questioned, not completely convinced.

"Absolutely." She didn't even have to think about that response. She knew first hand how painful goodbyes were. She needed to make this entire experience end quickly. No need to create more memories she would have to try and forget.

They beamed down to the surface only to be greeted by the stormy weather. They were thankfully placed under a large protruding rock from the surrounding mountains, but it was clear they weren't going anywhere without getting completely drenched.

"Crap, I forgot to bring down the umbrellas." Kirk took out his communicator. "Kirk to Enterprise. I need to be beamed back up for a second."

"Aye Captain." Came the voice from the other end. He looked over at the girl. "I'll be right back." Serenity nodded as he began to phase out.

She looked out towards the rain. Immediately her dream came to the front of her mind. Before she knew it, her feet were moving. They moved as if they had a mind of their own. The rain cascaded down her. It surrounded her. It was her reality. She didn't dare close her eyes. She wanted to wait and see. Would he find her?

Her eyes scanned the horizon. Sure enough they fell on a man standing in the distance. While the rain distorted his image, she knew automatically who it was. She didn't even have to see him. She could feel him. It was as if every nerve in her body was responding to him.

He started to make his way towards her. She watched as his face, his eyes came into view. He was holding an umbrella over his head, and as he neared her, he stretched it over to cover her as well.

Spock stared down at her. Memories flowing quickly through his mind. His hand tightened on the umbrella handle. It was taking all his self-restraint to not expose everything to her in this moment. His thoughts, fears, memories, feelings. He wanted to take her in his arms and tell her what he should have told her that night in the past. That night when they were both standing under the same umbrella he was now holding. That night when he finally realized the truth.

Serenity watched his face carefully. No emotion ever crossed his features, but his eyes were burning and alive. She wondered what would cause this. What was he thinking? Her dream flashed through her mind, and she had a thought.

"We've been here before, haven't we?" She asked in a whisper.

For a moment she thought he hadn't heard her, but her thoughts were silenced as his lips came crashing to hers.

It's you. She thought as she allowed herself to be consumed.

And there's the next chapter! Bit of a cliffhanger I know, but it is a good place to stop with what will be happening in the next chapter. Hope everyone enjoyed it! Don't forget to PLEASE REVIEW! Seriously, authors live off of reviews.

-Lizzy