A/N: It's your dream come true everyone! It's oodles and caboodles of Serena and Darien in this chapter! Since they were apart for pretty much 8 chapters, I think it's safe to say that this was a long time coming. There's some mushy/sappy moments if you're into that kind of stuff, but there's also some much needed discussion between them. But there's juuuust one more thing that's standing in the way of them and you'll find out. There's not a lot of action in this chapter, but there are important questions and answers that are said. Also, we get to meet Darien's parents! Hope you enjoy! Oh, and one more thing: HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is probably one of the longest chapters so far so grab a drink and relax.

CHAPTER 15 - The Parentals

"Pa--par--parents?" Serena squeaked out. Darien pulled her back towards the direction of the floral shop causing Serena's stomach to do belly flops when the store came into view. She had never ever met any of her boyfriend's parents, not that she had many past boyfriends. Actually, Darien was her very first and she was sure he was going to be her very last. On the other hand, she didn't ever think once in her life that she had to worry about things such as meeting your boyfriend's parents after dying. Still, she found the situation to be quite nerve-wracking. Perhaps the situation would be a little less unnerving if his mother wasn't a beauty queen who was perfect in every way.

As they neared the entry of the floral shop, Serena could see that both David and Darien's mother were inside happily chatting as together, they trimmed the stems of some white lilies. She swallowed hard trying desperately to to do away with the beach ball that had lodged itself in her throat.

She, Serena Tsukino was but just a school girl who couldn't study for more than five minutes straight, whose balance was comparable to that of a stand up punching bag, who found it a challenge to follow a simple step-by-step recipe, and whose stomach never hesitated to make itself known. Darien's mother, on the contrary, looked like she belonged on the cover of a magazine where everyone could gape at her flawless beauty. When she flashed her smile, it could rival the sunlight possessing the ability to brighten up a room. Serena could see even now as Darien's mother simply trimmed lily stems that she did so with grace and poise.

Not to mention his father who in the few moments she had met him sincerely seemed to be the epitome of benevolence and integrity. Surely they would think Darien deserved someone like his mother! Not some silly school girl who walked around with two buns on each side of her head! She wanted to hide under a rock for a few moments to compose herself, but Darien didn't give time for it as he quickly ushered them into the store.

When Darien's parents heard the door open, they looked up from their stem cutting and smiled brightly at him. Serena held her breath shakily as she watched their eyes travel from Darien's face to hers and then down to their intertwined fingers then back up to her face. What were they thinking? Oh, how she wished she had time to polish herself up or at least be prepared for this spontaneous meeting but alas, here she was face to face with the two most perfect people in the world, er...realm.

"Mom, Dad." Darien looked at them both with a smile and then turned his head to Serena. "I'd like you to meet Serena Tsukino, my..." He trailed off searching for an adequate word. He thought he knew what to say, but all of a sudden, now that he was actually introducing them, he felt the word girlfriend simply didn't suit what Serena was to him. "My..." He began again to no avail.

Serena wanted to melt into a puddle of nothingness. Not only was she being inspected by Darien's perfect parents while she stood before them, but Darien couldn't or didn't want to tell them she was his girlfriend. Her mind began to race a thousand miles a minute.Technically, they had broken up, but didn't they just get back together? Er,..wait, did they? Because they didn't really make it official. So she supposed she wasn't officially his girlfriend. But did he really have to ask? Or maybe she was just assuming that she was his girlfriend again. He said back at the restaurant that he wanted to introduce a 'very special girl' to his parents, but he didn't say girlfriend. Did 'very special girl' not indicate girlfriend material? Oh, why did this have to be so complicated? Sheesh! She wanted to throw her hands up in the air.

"She's my, er...well you see,...um..." Darien was still stuttering which wasn't making matters any less worse and Serena averted her eyes to the ground in order to avoid the two pairs of eyes that were like laser beams shooting right through her.

Realizing that he was muttering like an idiot, Darien let out a nervous laugh. His parents hadn't said a word during the whole ordeal as they simply waited for Darien to finish. He let out a short exhale before speaking again.

"I could say she's my girlfriend," Darien said looking up to meet his parents' gazes. He ran his free hand through his hair. "But then I'd be lying..."

Suddenly, Serena saw the room spin in circles and she felt herself sway a little. If it wasn't for Darien's hand that was still holding hers, she would have for sure crashed to the ground. The thought of what he would say next was unthinkable.

But then he squeezed her hand and said, "Because she's so much more than that."

She blinked a few times trying to process what he had just said. His answer, however, didn't make her unsteady feet any more steadier. If anything, it made her even more dizzy, but in a very good way.

As if knowing she needed support, he released her hand and wrapped his arm around her back. He held his gaze with his parents and said, "I love her...and I intend to spend every single moment of eternity with her."

Serena felt like she had turned to putty in his hands. He sure knew how to make a girl feel special. Any previous doubts about their relationship and his feelings towards her skedaddled out the door along with any hard feelings about their break up. There were still some things, however, that she was curious about and wanted to ask him later when they were alone.

Serena's gaze darted up and landed on David and then jumped to Darien's mother. "Nice to meet you both." She intended those words to come out loud and clear, but instead they came out hushed and nearly incomprehensible.

To her relief, David didn't seem to notice and stepped forward to playfully punch his son in the arm while throwing Serena a welcoming smile. "I'm not surprised. The Chiba men have always had a knack for picking the best ladies." He said as his eyes twinkled and Serena saw that Darien's eyes were twinkling the exact same way.

"Nice to meet you again, Serena." David said with a small chuckle. He wrapped his arm around his wife who had appeared by his side. "Serena and I met earlier when she came first came into the shop." David explained to his wife and son.

"Well, I must say, I am intrigued by the girl who managed to steal my son's heart." Darien's mother said with a tone that Serena couldn't quite read. She extended a dainty hand towards Serena who forced herself to grasp it.Oh please don't notice that my hands are shaking! She prayed as they shook hands.

"Oh my, are you cold? You're shaking a little." Darien's mother asked.

"N-no, I'm fine. Thank you for...your concern." Serena managed to say. She couldn't help but find this woman's beauty and femininity intimidating. The way she spoke seemed as if words just lavisly rolled off her tongue. Looking at her more closely now, Serena realized that Darien did in fact resemble some of her features. For example, he had her straight and well-sloped nose that perfectly balanced her face, but managed to strengthen Darien's face. He also possessed her perfectly shaped and well-proportioned lips--not too thick and yet not too thin. As far as looking like David, Darien had inherited almost every other physical attribute from him.

"So tell me, how did you two meet?" Darien's mother asked, arching a perfectly shaped eyebrow. Before allowing them to answer, she added, "It's just that I've missed out on everything in my poor baby's life. I want to know and catch up is all."

Serena saw Darien turn beet red when his mother said the words poor baby. She bit her tongue hard to prevent herself from dropping to the floor and roll around laughing. She had witnessed his first Mom, you're embarrassing me moment and she was enjoying it immensely.

Seeing as Darien was still trying to recover from his mother's embarrassing pet name, she forced herself to speak up. "It's a funny story actually." She kept her gaze on David with his royal blue eyes that were the exact same as Darien's. She realized that by doing so, she found she was less nervous and fidgety than if she were to look at Darien's mother. "You see...he was always walking target. Every time I threw something in the air, it would always land on his head and I wouldn't even try."

She was relieved and happy when David laughed and was thus encouraged to continue. "You name it: scrunched up test papers, shoes, soda cans, anything and everything. He didn't know it, but he helped me to truly understand the law of gravity. What goes up, must come down...on Darien's head." Serena was pleased to hear that both Darien's parents were laughing at this and as a result, she was able to relax a little more.

Darien stepped into the conversation trying to forget what his mother had called him. "Yeah, you could say we didn't start off on good terms. We weren't...amicable in the very least. I honestly thought she was an annoying little brat."

Serena shot him a glare, but stopped herself after a second realizing that she didn't want to do that in front of his parents. Darien only grinned at her and said, "But then I came to my senses and now she's an annoying little brat that I love very much."

Serena couldn't help herself and rolled her eyes. "I guess I'll take that over nothing." She muttered.

Everyone became silent when they noticed Darien's mother had a glazed far-away look in her eyes as she looked Darien. She appeared to be reminiscing sadly as she kept her eyes locked on her son's face.

"Mom? Is...everything...are you alright?" Darien asked, a little anxious about the way she was staring at him.

She nodded and brought herself out of her reverie. "It's just that this is making me realize how much I've missed." She sighed. "I missed your first crush, your first dance, your first day at high school, your first girlfriend, your graduation..." She sighed again.

David rubbed her shoulder comfortingly. "It's alright. I wish I was there for him when he was growing up too, but we'll spend the rest of eternity making it up to him." With that said, he showed Darien a large grin which was returned by a very touched Darien.

Serena may have been mistaken, but she thought she saw Darien becoming teary. She didn't get a chance to look twice, however, because Darien's mother turned to Serena evidently ready to say something.

"Well, shall we get better acquainted?" She asked, her hands lightly clasped in front her. Serena managed to nod and feigned a look of interest.

"Darien dear, why don't you show Serena around the house while your father and I close up the shop? I'll pick up a few groceries and Serena can help me make dinner." Darien's mother gave her a polite smile which Serena tried to return although her smile might have been a bit shaky. She inwardly groaned thinking that considering her cooking skills (which were none whatsoever), cooking dinner probably wasn't the best way to impress Darien's mother.

"Sounds great." She plastered a smile onto her face hoping that his mother didn't notice the corner of her mouth twitching.

As if reading her mind, she noticed Darien's mother eyeing the corner of her mouth. Good grief, did this lady notice everything?? If that was the case, she was in for it later on.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The carriage door flew open and Darien stepped out to give Serena a hand. "Oh Darien, it's charming!" Serena exclaimed as she regarded the house with excitement. Its front porch and large windows gave the impression that it had been thoughtfully designed with days of leisure in mind. "OOOF!" Before she knew what was happening, she lay in a crumpled heap on the ground. Darien was instantly on his hands and knees beside her hoping that she hadn't killed herself this time. Oh wait a minute, she was already dead.

"Serena?? Are you OK?" Before he could even turn around and offer her his hand, she had somehow ended up on the pavement. He carefully grabbed her waist and pulled her upright watching her confused face come to the realization that she had slipped out of the carriage. A smirk replaced all traces of concern on his face. "Still a klutz I see."

She snapped her head in his direction. "Still a jerk I see." She retaliated, murmuring under her breath.

They stood for a few moments glaring at each other, neither one making a single move.

Without changing his stony expression, Darien broke the silence. "You'll always be my klutz."

Serena raised her nose in the air and looked him squarely in the eye. "And you'll always be my jerk."

Darien shook his head and laughed. "I guess insulting each other will always be a part of our relationship." He took her hand and began to lead her through the white picket fence. "Let's never change that." Serena laughed and heartily agreed.

As soon as they passed the white picket fence, Serena let out a small gasp. The front yard was large--approximately the size of a tennis court. Didn't David say that they also had a backyard in which they grew roses? The front yard was completely filled, filled and filled with various types of plants and flowers. Usually, this many flowers would be considered too much, but somehow all the flowers and plants here looked like they belonged and in no way did they look overgrown or scrunched up together. It was obvious that the garden was well tended to. "A professional must have planted all these." Serena said and inhaled the smell of nature.

"Actually, my dad did all of this. He planted them and he takes care of them." Darien replied as he brought her towards the far corner of the spacious front yard.

Serena gasped again and smiled delightedly when she saw where Darien was taking her. "Aw, it's a water fountain!!" Serena squealed and Darien laughed, amused at her delighted reaction. Serena could not take her eyes off the magnificent circular structure that spouted water at the top. It looked like it had come from ancient Rome although it did not look worn or aged at all. It fit perfectly in the garden.

Serena let out yet another gasp as they arrived at the water fountain. "Fish!" She pointed gleefully just like a little child. She let her fingers dip into the cool water as she watched with abundant interest as the koi swam about as they flipped their fins.

"Seems like you've grown accustomed to this place in a such a short amount of time." Serena said absently as she glided her fingers through the water.

"Yeah I suppose so." Darien replied watching her calm face. "Never thought this was what it was like to be dead." He had meant it in a joking and good humored manner, but telling by the look on her face, Serena did not see it that way. Her eyes locked on his, fear occupying her features. "What?" He asked curious as to why she suddenly went stiff.

She sighed. "I just--" She took a deep breath. "I remembered when you...you...when you died. That's all." She was looking down once again into the water fountain. "It was the most horrible thing I ever saw. It was the most horrible thing I had to go through." Her voice came out in a hushed whisper.

Darien grabbed her hand and placed it in the middle of both of his hands. Giving her hand a reassuring squeeze he said, "I'm sorry you had to go through that." Although he cared not to, he remembered it all too well. The strong memories seized him and he could almost feel the searing pain as the blast of energy hit him. He remembered the burning pain of oxygen deprivation as his body screamed for more oxygen, but it wasn't something he was able to give as his lungs began to shut down. He remembered knowing at that moment that his time was coming. He had never known so much fear in all his life--the fear of being permanently separated from Serena.

He glanced at her face being comforted by the fact that they weren't separated anymore and that even after death, they had managed to find each other. Suddenly, a shocking realization overcame him. He took one of his hands and gripped Serena's shoulder. She looked up at him inquisitively.

"Serena,...how did you..." He cleared his throat. "How did you get here? How did you...die?" He was barely able to say the very last word. Suppose he and Serena had switched places and she was the one who had died first? Heaven only knows he would have gone on a rampage after having to watch her lose her life.

Her eyes saddened a little. "Diamond." She saw a dark look fill Darien's eyes as his jaw went rigid.

Darien clenched his jaw so tightly, he thought he might snap it. Nothing would please him more than to make Diamond experience triple the pain he had put him and Serena through.

As if sensing his thoughts, Serena gently said, "It's ok. The scouts defeated him."

Darien had no idea if he should feel elated because Diamond had been defeated or disappointed because he hadn't been the one to do it. Darien only nodded once quickly in response. His mind reminded him just then of what Serena had told him at the restaurant...something about coming here to find him. His eyes widened as he looked at Serena.

"Wait, you told me something at the restaurant. You said you came here to find me?" He closed his eyes for a short while as more words came to his memory. "Not only that you said...you could have held on, but you didn't." His eyes became darkened once again. "Serena, you shouldn't have done that. You shouldn't have died."

Serena pulled her hand away from his grasp and hugged herself inching a little further away from him. "Why?" She hissed, her eyes alighting with fire. It shocked her at how angry she had instantly become. "Because the world needs me?" Her eyes began to glisten with tears as she wrapped her arms tighter around herself. So many phrases swam around in her head, but she knew not which one to say for fear that it would be something she would regret saying later on.

"The world needs me...and I need you." She glanced at him not wanting to hear anymore about how she shouldn't have come after him. "It's as simple as that." She stated with finality. Darien looked as if to say something, but stopped himself and instead remained silent.

"Anyway, I have something to ask you." Serena continued. Darien perked up, wondering what she could possibly want to know. "Before you died, you said something about dreams. Something about Diamond and dreams. What did you mean? What was that about?" She was looking at him now, her blue eyes searchingly looking into his.

"Oh Serena." Darien said as he scooted closer to her, grabbed her hands and threw it around his neck, and placed his hands on the sides of her waist. He dared not take his eyes off her face wanting her to know his every emotion.

He inhaled and slowly exhaled before beginning to explain. "I began to have these dreams about you every night. Horrible dreams that showed you dying on our wedding day. Someone in the dream was telling me to stay away from you or else you would be in grave danger. I thought nothing of it at first, but then they came to me every night urging me more strongly each time that I needed to stay away from you for your safety."

He waited a few seconds for her to process this information. He let out a forced sigh before saying, "That's when I broke up with you. That's when I told you I...that I didn't love you anymore. I thought I was doing the right thing by listening to those damned dreams." His eyes brows creased in agony and anger. "Believe me Serena, I did it because I thought I was protecting you. It pained me to hurt you. Please believe me." He lightly kissed her forehead. "I'm sorry." He kissed her forehead a second time. "I'm so sorry." He pulled her close and rested his chin on top of her head. "I'm so so sorry."

He held her close as his fury against Diamond grew rampant. How dare he deceived him into staying away from Serena! He hated to think of all that time he wasted thinking he was doing the right thing. He cringed at what he had put Serena through because of him. Oh, how he wanted to wring Diamond's neck with his bare hands!

He nestled his chin a little deeper into her head, but was dismayed when she pulled away slightly to peer up into his face. "You should have told me." She said with a hint of hurting in her voice. "We could have figured it out together."

Darien sighed. "I know, but if something happened to you because of me, I could never have forgiven myself." He smirked a little. "And besides, you're too stubborn to listen anyway. Suppose those dreams had been true. You would have tried to find some other way around it."

She forced a smile. "You're right. I am stubborn."

Darien face broke out into a lopsided grin. "See, I told you so." His grin suddenly faded however, when he noticed that Serena was no longer smiling.

She suddenly felt guilty knowing that she wasn't completely innocent in this matter either. She tightened her arms around his neck and clasped her fingers together. "I was so hurt. I was in so much pain. I don't know if I could even describe how I felt when you told me you didn't love me anymore. It was...I don't even know what to say about that day. I thought maybe something was wrong with me and that I could change and make you love--"

"No Serena, nothing was wrong with you--"

Serena shook her head, her eyes pleading him to listen. "Please, let me finish." When he nodded solemnly, Serena took a deep breath and continued. "I realized one day while I was listening to our star locket that the only way I could be near you was when we were battling with the dark moon. The only moments left that I could share with you were those dangerous occasions when you would come to save me. So I made a plan."

Darien's eyebrows shot up at the mention of a plan.

"I planned to put myself in danger so that you would come to save me." Her eyes began to leak tears and she said, "But I didn't know it would turn out like this. I didn't know you would end up dying. I didn't know that by doing what I did, I put you in even more danger instead! I didn't know, I didn't know!" Her shoulders began to heave with sobs as she hung her head, her arms slightly slipping from around Darien's shoulders.

Darien sat stunned by this bombardment of information. His mind seemed to be frozen for a second. Things might have turned out differently if he had just told her about the dreams. His actions had led to her actions. He tightened his grip on Serena's waist and pulled her head to his chest. "This isn't all your fault. Don't blame yourself." He whispered to her. He cursed Diamond for the millionth time.

"But, but.." She protested, but Darien hushed her as he rocked them gently back and forth. They stayed like that for a long while.

When she finally quieted down, Darien said, "Come now. I haven't even shown you the inside of the house." He gave her a bright smile that Serena attempted to return as she nodded and allowed herself to be pulled to her feet.

Just as they began to make their way to the front door, they heard the gate opening and closing. "Have you two been out here this whole time?" David asked good naturedly. "I don't blame you. Whoever planted these flowers did a mighty fine job." He heartily laughed and carried grocery bags into the house.

"Are you two alright?" Came Darien's mother's voice as she approached them. Although her tears had already dried, Serena instinctively wiped her eyes trying to make it seem as if she were only scratching them. Darien nodded, but the look on his mother's face told them she knew something had just transpired between them. Nevertheless, she did not press the matter.

"Come along you two, we've got to start with dinner." Darien's mother said as she turned and headed towards the house. As much as Serena dreaded it, she made her way up the patio stairs and stepped into the house.

The interior was simply magnificent with its smooth white wooden floor boards and white paneling on the walls. The archway leading to the kitchen gave the house a nice open and airy feel. The large windows made for a soothing breeze that billowed throughout the lower floor of the house.

"The kitchen's this way." Darien said as he gave a slight touch to her elbow and guided her through the archway into a large country style looking kitchen complete with modern appliances. She smiled meekly at his mother who was setting a chopping board down on the counter.

"Do you cook Serena?" She asked curiously, though not rudely.

"Does trying to count?" Both Darien and his mother laughed at her reply.

"I suppose so." Darien's mother answered.

David sauntered into the kitchen. "Son, how about a quick game of chess while the ladies prepare our meal?" Darien's eyes lit up with competitiveness.

"You're on, Dad." He said as he followed his father out into the living room.

Suddenly, Serena was alone with Darien's mother and she realized she didn't even know her name. Not wanting to drag out an awkward silence, Serena asked, "What would you like me to help with Mrs. Chiba?"

She pointed Serena towards potatoes. "If you don't mind, peel those please. Oh, and feel free to call me Lilyanna." She said as she placed a pot of water on the stove to boil.

Serena made her way over the potatoes. Peeling potatoes? It can't be that hard! I will be the best potato peeler Lilyanna has ever seen! She picked up the knife determinedly and began to peel.

"Those boys," Lilyanna said as she rinsed a stalk of celery in the sink. "They've been competing against each other at almost every board game. Chess, checkers, I'm sorry, monopoly, even snakes and ladders!"

Serena giggled. She was glad that Darien was getting along so well with his parents.

Lilyanna shook her head as she began to chop the celery. "Honestly, it's been like that for nearly two weeks! I suppose David is trying to make up for the times he couldn't play with Darien as a child."

Serena froze. Did...she just say... TWO, 2 weeks? As in 14 days? She cleared her throat. "Did you just say two weeks?"

Lilyanna didn't seem to notice her apparent shock as she began to beat some eggs. "Yes, and I have given up on asking them to help me with dinner. Especially David, he's hopeless. I'm afraid he's a bad influence on our son teaching him that playing board games is more useful than helping out with dinner."

Serena's mind raced. Darien had been dead for approximately one hour before she died. Two weeks? Darien has been here for two weeks? She couldn't grasp the notion, but decided that she would talk to him about it later on.

"Serena? Hello, Serena?" She was snapped back into the reality by Lilyanna's voice.

"Hm?" Serena asked, her eyes blinking. She felt like the biggest space head right now.

"Why do love my son? You do love him, correct?" Lilyanna asked, pausing the food preparation and facing Serena.

The question caught her off guard. She knew the answers, but the nervous pang in her gut degraded her to stammering fool. "Yes, I--I do love your son. Why? Um,...I, er I love him because er, well I, I--because..."

She stopped before she made herself look like an even bigger stuttering fool. She could feel the heat of Lilyanna's gaze on her.

Just then, the doorbell rang.

"My, I wonder who that could be." Lilyanna said as she made her way to the front door.

Serena's shoulders sagged with relief. She silently thanked whoever was at the door for their perfect timing.

She looked down at the potatoes she was peeling. She had not only peeled off the skin, she had cut off large chunks along with the skin leaving behind a potato that was half its original size. She groaned. She couldn't even peel potatoes correctly.

"Oh Serena, it's for you!" Lilyanna called from the front entryway.

Serena wondered who could possibly want to see her. Did the scouts die and find her? Quickly, she dropped the knife she was holding and headed towards the front door.

"Serena, I have been looking everywhere for you!" An exasperated Hael exclaimed when he caught sight of her. "You go running off without so much as a word about where you're going! I nearly had to carry out a search warrant."

Serena smiled apologetically, guilt creeping into her. "I'm so sorry! I completely forgot." She dared not say anymore, ashamed enough as she was.

Hael's eyes softened, noticing her guilty facial expression. "No matter. I've found you now. I still have a few things to discuss with you before I leave you be."

Lilyanna politely gestured out the window to some chairs on the front patio. "Feel free to step outside. I'll let the boys know not to bother you two."

Hael bowed slightly as he thanked her.

They settled into the chairs over looking the front yard. Hael brought out a pen and a notepad as he turned to her and said, "I just need to ask you a few questions. Your information will be placed in the Registry Hall so you can be registered as an official citizen of this realm.

"I realize you do not yet have a place to live. That can be arranged, but tell me, is White Meadows where you choose to reside?" Hael awaited her answer, his pen poised and ready to scribble down her next words.

Serena released a hesitated sigh before giving any sort of reply. "May I ask you a question first?" She asked nervously. Hael nodded and waited patiently.

Her gaze flitted up to his face, but then averted down to the ground. "Has...anyone ever...left this place?" She asked meekly afraid that the answer would not be in her favor.

Hael narrowed his eyes. "You mean moved locations? Of course, people here do it all the time. If later on, you want to move away from White Meadows, you can just contact--"

Serena shook her head. "No, no. I meant has anyone ever left...this realm?"

Hael stiffened, his eyes widening unable to believe that Serena had just asked such a question. "You can't possibly mean..." He gulped. "being resurrected from the dead?" He regarded her for a few moments wondering where she had come up with this incredulous inclination.

She looked back at him, this time holding his gaze. "It's not entirely impossible, is it?"

Hael leaned back against his chair bewildered at the fact that she was actually serious. "Serena, if people could easily travel between the realms of the dead and the living, then it would be happening all the time. Don't you think if it were easily possible, dead parents would return to their living children? If it were freely permitted, don't you think soldiers who died in war wouldn't hesitate at the drop of a hat to return to their families? Of course they would! But the fact of the matter is they don't because they can't."

Serena turned away from Hael and stared absently out at the magnificent garden in the front yard. In a quiet voice she said, "You didn't quite answer me. Is it entirely impossible?"

Vexed, Hael gripped the arm rests of the chair he was seated in. "Serena, I gave you an answer. However, I urge you that I will do everything I can to make sure you are well settled. I'll help you with your lodgings and--"

Serena snapped her head in his direction, interrupting him in the middle of his sentence. "You don't understand. Do you know what it's like to be responsible for the fate of the world? Do you know how it feels to know that everyone is depending on you for their future? Have you ever looked into the eyes of a frightened child whose parents have been captured by evil, having no choice but to put their faith in you?"

She leaned in a little closer as if making sure he would hear her before continuing. "I was that person that everyone depended on. I admit that at times, I wished that my burden could be lightened or completely taken away even. But heroes and heroines are scarce in number and not many are willing to stand up against evil. Not many are gifted with powers and the ability to fight for good. There aren't many that the world can depend on."

She gently placed her hand on Hael's arm. "Please, Hael. I'm needed. I can't abandon that."

Hael looked into her eyes, but try as he might, he was unable to ignore the sadness and beseeching in them.

He briefly closed his eyes as he slowly inhaled. "I do know of one person who managed to leave this realm."


A/N: I think some people may have thought that the previous chapter was the end, but no no no! When it's the end, it will say "The End". So in this chapter you find out that Darien has been in the realm of good souls for about 2 weeks when in fact, he had only been dead for an hour on earth. There's obviously some difference between time passage in life and in death in this story. Thanks again for reading and once more, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Hannah42992: Don't worry, Serena's trying to find a way to not be dead anymore! Thank you so much for loving my story!! I'm so grateful that you took the time to review!

NeoQueen Serena: I love that you have a theory! I guess you'll have to keep reading to see if you're right. Thanks for reading, I really appreciate your support and reviews!

Lunarian Princess Serenity: I'm glad that Darien has parents too! In most fics, he's always the lonely one who never had a family and doesn't like talking about the subject and it's always so sad. I'm glad that in this fic, he finally meets his parents even if he meets them after death. Good for you, you got it right, the woman Darien was looking for was his mother. Also, thank you for encouraging me to take my time in finishing the story. Believe me, I really want to finish it soon, but I don't want it to seem rushed.

Emerald124: Aw, I'm glad that your Darien/Serena thirst has been quenched! I can't stand it when they're apart either when I'm reading fics.

sailormoonforever: I described Darien's mother purposely in a way that wouldn't make it seem so obvious that she was his mother so it's ok if you didn't guess it correctly. Don't worry, Serena's trying to figure out a way to not be dead for much longer.

MoonPrincessMagic: Aw thanks! Well yeah, that would really suck if he was having an affair. That would be cruel too, not just to Serena, but to all of you!

ldsprincess: Thank you! I'm glad you like the whole notion of Darien having parents. I like it because I think he deserves to finally have a family.

Nandini709: Aw, thanks for loving my story! You know what? I think I'm going to have a twist ending where Serena will end up with Diamond. Just kidding! Darien + Serena forever and ever!

Li'l Albatross: I'm glad that my ideas for this fic are original! Even I didn't know this story was going to end up like this when I first started writing it.

Tori Kay: Wow, you were actually satisfied with the previous chapter and not exasperated with it! Heheh! I'm very glad you liked it and thought it was cute. You got your answer in this chapter about the time difference situation in life and death.

raven-the-dark-princess: No need to apologize for not being able to review, I'm so grateful because you've been so faithful in reviewing with the past few chapters! You've raised some pretty serious questions that will soon be answered. It's going to be difficult for Darien to leave now that he's finally found his parents.

Lady Sylver: Glad you guessed it right! Darien was looking for his mother.

grapesandoats: You got your answer in this chapter I hope.

Unknown reader: My favorite thing about Serena is her huge appetite! haha! You've raised a lot of questions that will be answered as the story continues, so don't worry, you'll find out. Thanks for encouraging me to take my time although I really do want to finish, but I do want a good ending, not a rushed one. I'm glad that you now know what a high five is!! Hehe...you made me laugh when you said you didn't know what it meant and searched it up in the dictionary. You brightened my day with that comment!