CHAPTER 13 - The Search Continues

Hael watched Serena's eyes narrow as she furrowed her brows. Disbelief etched her features which soon settled into perplexity. The death grip on the arm rest had increased a great deal, so much so that Hael could see her hand quiver as she clenched her teeth together.

"Serena?" He asked calmly not wanting to worsen the situation in any way. She didn't seem to notice that he was in the room however, because she only began to mumble incoherently.

"Who...woman...no...but...what could...is it...no no..." Her eyes wildly moved about in various directions, but she wasn't really looking at anything in particular as she immersed herself in deep thought.

"Ahem." Hael cleared his throat a little loudly this time. She only continued to spatter jumbled words.

"Searched for, but...why...I don't understand...maybe...no that's not it..." Her face scrunched up as it took on a look of despair. She took a deep breath, finally appearing to calm down as she rested both hands in her lap and became silent.

Heal leaned over and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. In doing so, he managed to pull her out of her stupor causing her to nearly jump a mile off the couch as if his hand had shocked her with an electric current. "Serena." He said again peering into her face.

To his relief, she met his gaze and he gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. The look of despair remained in her eyes as she said, "Take me to him." Hael searched her face for a few more moments and saw that although her face was sad, her voice sounded determined and strong.

He nodded obediently and stood up offering his arm out to her. She accepted and they both made their way down the stairs towards the exit. Hael waved goodbye to Leila before stepping out onto the white concrete.

"White Meadows, right? That's where we're going?" Serena asked attempting to keep her mind focused and somewhat clear.

"Yes. That is where he chose to reside. It's a beautiful community, but then again everything in this entire realm is beautiful." Hael replied as he waved his free arm in the air.

Serena looked at him, curious as to what he was raising his arm for. "What are you..." She began to say, but received her answer when a white carriage abruptly stopped in front of them. The white stallions pulling the carriage whinnied as if to greet them. "Climb aboard!" The driver said to them cheerily.

Hael opened the door of the carriage and motioned for Serena to get in. She grabbed hold of the sides of the entrance and placed her foot on the step. Just as she lifted her other foot off the ground, her foot slipped from the step and she would've fallen embarrassingly on her behind if it wasn't for Hael who managed to hold her steady. She flushed a little, quickly clambering onto the seat. "Even when I'm dead I'm a klutz." She grumbled as she slid towards the window.

"I'm sorry, what was that?" Hael asked as he climbed in and took his place beside her.

"Nothing." She mumbled while looking out the window and avoiding his gaze.

Hael shrugged and called out to the driver, "To White Meadows please!" before shutting the door.

The sound of trotting horses soon filled their hearing as the carriage began to shift and move forward. In that moment, all things gloomy and negative fled Serena's mind and she giggled feeling like a true Princess being taken to the castle in a carriage. She settled deeper into the comfortable cushions of the seat and placed her palm up against the window pane as she watched people and buildings pass by. It truly was a magnificent town. It was as if each detail of every building was planned out meticulously and the layout of the town had required hours and hours of careful thought about its organization. Everyone seemed genuinely happy as they greeted each other on the street walking merrily towards their destination.

Hael chuckled noticing how much Serena was enjoying the carriage ride. "First time in a carriage I suppose?" He asked jovially.

She nodded gleefully without taking her eyes off the passing scene through the window. It was most definitely a sight to behold. So this what's after death? She thought to herself as she grew accustomed to the comforting sound of trotting hooves and the slight bouncing up and down of the carriage. If this is what happened as a result of death, then why was death so frightening? This realm, this place before her eyes was anything but frightening. Frightening would be the very last word she would ever use to describe it.

Serena let out a contented sigh as her shoulders lost all tension and a sense of peacefulness washed over her. It was a wonderful thing not having to worry about youmas or any evil forces attacking at any moment. It was a relief not having to carry the heavy burden and responsibility of the world's well being on your back. It was liberating to think that everyone could live in peace and no one was trying to take control of anything and that everyone could simply cooperate and live in harmony.

She didn't mind this place at all. In fact, she actually liked it. In fact, she actually wouldn't mind staying. Would it be so bad if she just remained dead? This realm was so inviting and seemed to hold a promise of a happy eternity. After what she had been through in her life, it was almost too good to be true to be able to stay in a place such as this one.

But then an image from her memory shattered her current thoughts and surfaced its way to her mind's eye, very clearly displaying itself. The horrified expressions, the color draining from their faces, the utter shock and terror taking over their features. The image of the Sailor Scouts all huddled around her swarmed around in her mind almost making her dizzy. She remembered the crushed look in Rei's eyes as water poured out of them. She remembered the feeling of a tiny flick on her cheek from one of Rei's tears that had fallen. She recalled the pleading, the fearfulness, and the shell-shocked expression that overcame all of them when she told them she was leaving.

She began to feel tears burning the back of her eyes and she blinked several times as if that would make them go away. What must they have thought when she simply told them that she was didn't want to hang on? What must they have felt when she simply didn't wake up? Her heart broke into several pieces at the thought of the realization of her death dawning on them. She didn't blame them. She didn't even have a right to try. She felt the exact same way when they died at the hands of Beryl. It was one of the most difficult experiences she had ever lived through. She remembered feeling abandoned, left behind and deserted.

Had she made them feel the exact same way? She knew she had put them through the same terrible ordeal and she couldn't bear the thought of the pain that she had thrust upon them. Shameful tears began to fill her eyes and threatened to spill over, but she held them back aware of the presence of another in the carriage. How could she be so selfish to want to stay? She couldn't. She just couldn't. She grimaced at the thought of leaving them to fight without her. She wanted to be by their side and fight with them. She couldn't abandon them. She would never abandon them.

She knew in that instant without any inkling of doubt that she needed to go back to them. She was suddenly yanked out of her pensiveness causing her to jump up when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Serena?" Hael's voice called out to her sounding as if this wasn't the first time he was trying to get her attention. She turned to face him hoping that he didn't suspect that she was about to cry.

He looked her over noticing during the carriage ride that her relaxed demeanor had slowly turned rigid and melancholic. Her eyes were glassy as if she was ready to weep, her lips pressed tightly together in a thin line and her hands were clutching the fabric of her robe very tightly.

"We're here now." He said quietly. "We're at White Meadows." He continued to search her face and waited in case she wanted to say something. "Is...are you alright?" He asked in a quiet and kind tone.

It suddenly occurred to her that the carriage had stopped moving and the pattering of hooves on the concrete had ceased. She smiled forcibly. "Of course." Though her mouth was smiling, Hael could tell her eyes were not, but he knew better than to press the subject any further.

He stepped down from the carriage and offered her his hand lest she slip again and stumble. He smiled and gave his thanks to the driver who tipped his hat and drove away leaving him and Serena in the middle of a downtown district. "Right this way." Hael said as he offered her his arm once again and began walking down the street.

Serena took his arm and practically absorbed and inhaled every detail that her eyes possibly could see. It was sort of like the shopping district back home, only it was a hundred times better and everything here was white of course. Every person she made eye contact with would greet her in a very friendly manner taking the time to smile or tip their hat if they were wearing one. She could see people gladly walking arm in arm while others simply sat down at a table in front of bakery happily munching on a few baked goods.

Once again, her stomach made itself known by rumbling a little too loudly. Serena looked up at Hael, embarrassment staining her cheeks as he had obviously heard her stomach's commotion.

"Look, I know you want to find Darien, but how about just a quick bite to eat, hm?" Hael walked on waiting for her answer. "Or if you want, we could just keep going, but I don't think your stomach would be too pleased." He laughed and looked down at her only to find that her face had gone pale and her eyes had gone wide.

He stopped abruptly and put his hands on her shoulders. "Serena? Hello? Do you feel faint?" He began to panic. "Um, ok..I'll--I'll get you something to eat, please don't faint!"

He focused on her face and followed her gaze. She appeared to be staring into a quaint little bistro, entranced. The smell of sweet and fresh baked delicacies and pastries assaulted his nose and the large windows displayed the jolly and lively people enjoying a piece of cake or two.

She knew that back anywhere. She knew that black head of hair and those broad shoulders as if it were the back of her own hand. She instantly recognized the familiar way he sat up straight and the way he picked up his coffee mug to sip it. He always took two small sips at a time before he would set the mug back down on the table. He did exactly that. Her breath stayed in her lungs and she dared not move in case this was some kind of mirage fearing it would disappear the instant she took her eyes off the image. She cursed her wobbly knees that threatened to give out. Time stood still as she continued to watch, knowing it was him, but not being sure if she should believe that it was reality.

Then somewhere in the back of her mind, something was telling her to breathe. Suddenly realizing that she was still holding her breath, she let out a quick exhale forcing the accumulating carbon dioxide to leave her. When she inhaled again and oxygen made its way to her lungs and brain, she refocused her eyes on the scenario before her.

"Serena, what is it?" Hael asked with concern, seeing her white face and panicked expression.

"It's...it's...er,...I...him." She stuttered unable to form a proper sentence. Weakly, she pointed in the direction of the one who was causing her to forget how to speak.

Hael glanced to where she had pointed and his eyes softened considerably, dawning with recognition. "Ah, I suppose that is him."

Serena could only manage a slight nod. Although this had been her goal since she had arrived, she had difficulty coming to grips that she had actually found him and that even after death, she could still manage to search him out. Nothing could ever keep them apart, not even death. She knew that with all her heart--until Hael mentioned something that hadn't caught her attention.

"And I suppose that lady he is sitting with is the one he requested to search for." Hael stated with contemplation as he eyed the couple from outside the window.

Her mouth instantly ran dry, and she was beginning to find it hard to breathe. She swallowed hard attempting to moisturize and soothe her prickly dry throat.

Her gaze reluctantly shifted to the woman who was sitting across from Darien. A wave of nausea swam over her as she fought to stand up straight. Instant jealousy pitted itself deep in her gut. Serena let her eyes analyze the unknown and mysterious woman who possessed striking ashy blonde shoulder length hair that shone beautifully while magnificently gliding along her shoulders as she picked up her coffee mug. There were only three words to describe her: drop dead gorgeous.

Her eyes, bright and clear and of a dazzling emerald green held a discernible affectionate look as she gazed upon Darien. Her radiant and stunning smile that she flashed him made Serena ill with envy yet dismal because she could never amount up to who this woman was. Serena couldn't bring herself to look away as the woman daintily popped a tart in her mouth, chewing ever so carefully in a lady-like manner. She looked young. Somewhere in her twenty's to be exact. Serena let out a sad sigh not able to pry her eyes away from them.

Unanticipatedly, both Darien and the woman stood up looking as if they were ready to leave. Her feet plastered to the ground, Serena watched as Darien and the woman took part in a passionate embrace. Serena felt her stomach fall down to her feet and her heart jump up into her throat as a strangled cry never made its way out. No, this wasn't just any hug. This wasn't just a friendly hug. This was a hug that was shared between two very close people. As if to smash what was left of her already-torn-in-two heart, Serena watched helplessly as the woman planted a kiss on Darien's cheek. She hoped, no expected that he would pull away and act shocked in response to her behavior, but matters only became worse when he leaned in toward her and returned a kiss on her cheek.

Suddenly, it was as if everything around her had evaporated into oblivion. The sounds of the hustling and bustling of the town faded into silence and the buildings and towns people disappeared. All that was left was her brokenly and achingly watching Darien still locked in an embrace with another woman.

They finally released each other from the embrace and both turned towards the front of the shop where Serena and Hael had been watching. Serena gasped and quickly panicked, frantically thinking of what to do. "Eeeep!" She squealed as she dashed to take her hiding place behind Hael. She just didn't know what to do right now. After what had just transpired, she just needed some time to think away from Darien.

Hael looked back at her over his shoulder not quite knowing what she was doing. "What are you doing?" He hissed. "I thought you wanted to find him."

She didn't reply. Slowly, very slowly, slower than a sloth would have done, she poked her head out from behind Hael's back. She looked up, afraid of what she would see.

Darien stood stiff straight still inside the bistro. It looked as if he was about to faint with the blood drained from his pale face and eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. His was mouth was slightly agape and his eyebrows were raised high as he appeared shell-shocked.

Serena instantly froze. It was so obvious that he had spotted her. Why so shocked? Because he knew she had witnessed that passionate exchange with that other woman. He had been caught and he knew it.

She couldn't help but let a flash of anger cross her features. This wasn't what she was expecting at all. This wasn't what she had come all this way for.

She did the only thing she could think to do at that very moment. She ran like hell.


A/N: Woo hoo, I finished another chapter! I want to get working on the next one asap. Now, it might be hard not to hate Darien, b/c I know he's put her through so much. First with Missy and now this other woman. I'm estimating possibly 3-4 more chapters, but don't take my word for it because even I don't know for sure what may happen. Thank you times one million to my faithful readers and reviewers. Off I am to write the next chapter! Er,..wait here's some replies to some reviews from the previous chapter first:

Tori Kay: I'm wondering if this chapter swayed your speculations about who the woman Darien was searching for was. Like I said, I'm estimating 3-4 chapters, but not sure if that's a solid number. I honestly wasn't expecting this story to be this long when I first started it, but I don't want to set a specific number of chapters because I want this to be well paced and not rushed. Thanks again! (Grin)

SerenityDeath: Good, I'm glad you're curious. I hope you're not too upset with this chapter. Don't worry, the next chapter will be better. (thumbs up)

Li'l Albatross: Woo hoo, I have stirred up intrigue! I love that word...

raven-the-dark-princess: I'm honored that you liked the previous chapter! Yeah, it did seem like the thing with the Sailor Scouts was going to work, but let's just say it has something to do with Serena being the only one to activate it. I'll be sure to answer all your questions before the story ends. Yay, you liked the alternate universe thing! When I first wrote it, I wasn't really sure how people would react, but I'm thrilled that I got a good reaction.

storycrazy22: Aw, you're freakin' awesome! Well, I don't like to keep you all waiting! (smile)

grapesandoats: hehehe, I can just picture you in class raising your hand saying "i know i know i know hes looking for his mother kinda obvious". I'm really happy that you like my story. (High five!) I wonder if this chapter changed your mind a bit about who you thought the woman darien searched for was.

lilmissmanda: Aw, thanks that's a freakin' awesome compliment!!! And you are a frickin' awesome reader!! (high five!)

empty-spaces: Haha, your comment made me laugh. Yeah I guess I just have this weird tendency to always try to add something to spice up the story. I need to stop though because then this story will never end!! Haha. But don't worry, I have every intention to finish it.

ldsprincess: Oh, you charm me with your compliments! I hope one of your questions were answered in this chapter, but I'll answer the rest before the story ends, I promise. Aw, I look forward to hearing more of your comments and reviews. (high five!)

Unknown reader: Thanks for your detailed review. It really shows me what I'm doing right and to keep doing it. I know you guys are dying to find out what happens next so I don't like to keep you guys waiting for too long. Thanks for your compliments and I wish I could give you a real high five, but I can't so here's the best I can do: HIGH FIVE!!

MoonPrincessMagic: Thanks for liking this different part of the story! I have to say, it is really difficult to write about death encounters because none of us have really experienced it so we basically have to draw everything from our own imagination. Before beginning to write the previous chapter, I have to admit, I thought long and hard about what exactly the "death environment" would look like and what exactly Serena would see when she woke up after death. I just started to write and went with it. I'd be glad to give you my help, just let me know what exactly you need help with. I hope the uploading thing works for you soon. In all honestly, I think you could make anything work in your story as long as it's written and explained well. You got a glimpse of the woman Darien was searching for, but you'll find out who she actually is next chapter. Thanks again for reading!!

Emerald124: You're very welcome for the fast updates. Shortly after I write these responses I will start the next chapter. I'm on a roll and my imagination won't stop. Aw, I hope I didn't make you stay up too late. I know how it is though, I love reading and sometimes I forget to eat and skip meals because I'd be so entranced by a book. Thanks for your comments!