Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Changed by an Angel ❯ CBAA - Chapter 4 ( Chapter 4 )

Title: Changed by an Angel

Chapter: 4

Author: Ashlee Angel

Email: ashlee_c69@hotmail.com

Disclaimer - Sailor Moon belongs to Naoko Takeuchi..... And frankly, I'm not Naoko Takeuchi

*.:.*.:.*.:.*.:.* Chapter 4 *.:.*.:.*.:.*.:.*

* Recap *

"Ready?"

"No, but I have to go out there anyway." Inhaling a sharp breath, she opened the car door and stepped out, throwing away her last chance to back out.

Darien was leaning against the car, thinking about God knows what. Slipping his sunglasses on, he turned to Serena, who at the moment looked like she was going to face the devil. "Unless you want to get lip gloss all over your teeth, I advise you to stop biting your lips. You don't want them to start bleeding, do you?"

Serena shook her head, her hair shining in the sun, glistening silver. "Get ready Darien."

"For what?"

"To be my slave for the next month."

Darien grinned at her surety. "We'll see," he said as he grabbed her hand and headed toward the school.

Serena twisted her hand out of his. There was no WAY in hell he was going to make her go out of the parking lot.

"Darien. We're going home," she said, making her way back to Darien's car. Her voice was authoritative.

But apparently . . . not enough to convince Darien.

This time, he took her wrist, turned her around, and started dragging her toward the school. Serena tried to dig her heels into the ground, which wasn't an easy task in platforms. "Serena, I suggest you start walking properly, or else I'll have to carry you over my shoulder."

"You wouldn't." She actually wouldn't mind, but the embarrassment would be more than enough to never come back to California for the rest of her life.

Darien turned to look at Serena. "I would."

"Then can we NOT go through the front doors?" Serena hissed through her teeth, keeping her eyes down, though they weren't even out of the parking lot yet.

Darien sighed. Turning around again so he was facing Serena, he used an index finger to lift her chin up, so he could meet her eyes.

"Serena, relax. Nothing bad is going to happen. Promise. Now keep your head up and we're going to walk in through the main doors. It's still early, hardly anyone's here yet. But if you don't hurry, then we'll have to deal with a mob before you even get anywhere near the door. And remember to ignore their stares if it bothers you. Alright?"

Serena nodded, though still not convinced.

He smiled, even though he knew she wasn't convinced. "Good, come on, lets go," he said, letting go of her wrist and taking her hand again, leading her toward the school.

Even though they were early, there was still plenty of people. Serena's grip on Darien's hand tightened, but she kept her head up. Determined not to let anything get to her.

However she couldn't help but notice the peculiar stares she was getting, primarily from the guys. Was it shock? Astonishment? Awe? Lust? No . . . that wasn't right. All she could think about was how disturbing it was to have countless eyes roam her body, as if she were on display.

It wasn't her fault she was frightened. For God sakes, she wasn't a lab experiment. It made her feel intimidated. Exposed. Shrinking under their probing eyes. Whatever confidence shehad left was withering into nothing.

Hearing Darien's low chuckle, she glanced at him puzzled. "I fail to see what's so funny."

"Ease up. You're just being checked out, not getting executed."

"The difference?" Serena asked, not bothering to keep the sarcasm out of her voice.

"There's only a difference if you want there to be. Now lighten up, you should be having fun," Darien told her firmly, but the smile he gave her was cottony.

Not knowing how to react when he was actually nice to her, she said the first thing that came to mind. "Stop smiling!"

"Why?" Darien asked, not sure why she wanted such.

"Because it's irresistibl.....y aggravating!" 'Dammit! One more slip like that and he's gonna think I like him!'

Darien laughed gently, but his laughter held amusement. "Quick thinking Serena, quick thinking." Then in a slightly hushed voice, "But I'm glad you find me irresistible."

Serena's face paled notably, but kept walking. Partly because her fingers were still intertwined with Darien's. Shaking her head, she sighed at her own inability to come up with something to rebuttal with. 'This is sooo embarrassing. . . .'

"Oh God, help me," she muttered under her breath.

'He already has,' Darien thought as they reached the main entrance. "We're here. See? That wasn't so bad, now was it?"

Sure enough, Serena looked up and found herself face to face with the door. Then turning to Darien, "Don't get your hopes up, I still have a whole day to get through" she said, half wishing Darien would be right.

What's more tempting, completely changing your life so don't have to be an outcast anymore, or have Darien do anything you desired for a month?

'I guess changing my life 'would' be better. . . .'

~Ahem! Think that over Serena. And let me emphasize that Darien will do ANYTHING you want for a month. ANYTHING.~

'Aren't you supposed to be ethical?'

~I AM ethical.~

'Sure you are.'

* * *

"Serena? Are you going to come in?" Darien asked, not sure if she heard or not.

"Huh?"

Then seeing the door open, she stepped inside.

"Thanks," she mumbled, unable to suppress the blush that was creeping up her cheeks.

'She's cute when she's blushing,' he thought unconsciously when Serena's hand reluctantly left his. All the sounds and buzzes from outside subdued as the door closed behind them, leaving them in silence.

Almost.

Now that they were away from the noise, an assortment of voices could be distinguished. Some were loud and obnoxious, some soft and quiet, but all the same, everything was about Angel Grove's 'social pariah' as Serena and Darien walked past.

* * * * *

"Is that SERENA?!"

"That probably took one hell of a miracle."

"How much did she pay them to make her look like THAT?"

"She IS quite pretty, isn't she?"

"Holy shit! What happened to her?"

"That little tramp! My boyfriend's been staring at her since she came through the door!"

"Is she wearing contacts?"

"Since when did her hair grow that long?"

"Oooh . . . Beryl Patrick's is going to be soooo jealous."

* * * * *

Darien leaned his head down to Serena's ear. "Who's Beryl?"

"She's . . . well . . . too put it nicely, she's a bitch. . . . she has this thing for other people's boyfriends. And flashing teachers," Serena explained as they reached their lockers.

Serena didn't really dislike anyone, but Beryl was an exception. She just had to open her mouth, and her rumors would be around the entire school in less than two hours.

"Ready for first block, Serena?" Darien asked, leaning sideways against his locker.

"I don't really have a choice . . . oh and Darien? How come you're in all of my classes?"

He shrugged. "Coincidence."

"Yeah . . . one hell of a coincidence," Serena said more to herself than Darien as she dialed her combination.

Just as she opened her locker, a small white envelope fluttered out, landing at her feet.

"What the. . . ." She slowly bent down to pick it up. Her name was scrawled messily on the front, as if the person was trying to disguise their own handwriting in the flurry of scribbles. But there was still something oddly familiar about the writing . . . she could've sworn she saw it somewhere before.

Then, out of nowhere, someone came into mind, sparking a distant memory.

But the thought vanished before she could grasp onto it, dissipating quicker than it came. Leaving Serena to stare at the envelope, seeking to retrieve the lost memory.

"Staring at the envelope isn't going to tell you who it's from," Darien said, a bit curious himself who the sender was. Though one look at Serena's face told him that she was just as clueless as him.

But for a second, he thought he saw recognition flash through her eyes. Or maybe it was his imagination, because the look disappeared as quickly as it came.

Lifting her eyes from the letter, Serena noticed Darien staring down at her rather intently, or maybe he was staring at her eyes. What's the difference? She had almost forgotten he was there if he hadn't spoken up.

"Might as well open it," Serena said, shifting her gaze back to the envelope in her hand. Cautiously, she opened the note with her index finger. 'It certainly can't be anything good. . . . but why would it be something bad?' Serena thought, not knowing why she was so nervous about opening up a stupid envelope. Or maybe it was fear, but who could tell?

Inside, was a black piece of paper . . . folded in half.

After opening it up, she ran her eyes over the content, frowning in confusion. The writing was all in white. It looked computer typed, but what kind of computer prints in white ink? And the letter itself was worse. No . . . it was beyond worse.

Absolutely ridiculous.

Shaking her head, she handed the paper to Darien. Not that it was going to help her figure out who wrote it.

Darien took the letter from Serena's outstretched hand and began to read. It was short. Extremely short:

* * *

831: 8 letters; 3 words; 1 meaning

D.

* * *

"Confusing, isn't it?" Serena asked, though the answer was already written on Darien's blank face.

"Who's D?"

"If I knew who it was, then I wouldn't have let you read it. And besides, I think it's a first initial. But the only person I can think of is you."

She had a point. "How 'bout a last initial?" Darien suggested, even though he was still completely clueless, as he handed the letter back to Serena.

"Umm . . . I'm not sure. There are probably a few. . . . But what do you think 831 means?" Serena asked, as she stuffed the letter in her locker.

"I don---" Darien started, but was cut off by the bell.

"Never mind, we'll figure it out later, right now, we have five minutes to get our stuff and get to first block."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

* Lunch *

Serena and Darien just got out of Physics class as they made their way to the cafeteria.

"Can you believe the nerve of that guy?" Serena asked, thoroughly disgusted.

* Flashback *

It was already third block, and the entire school already knew about 'the new Serena', so she wasn't as nervous entering the classroom. Sure, people still talked about her when they thought she wasn't listening, but who could blame them?

And besides, Darien hadn't left her side once. She might've even been more nervous about Darien than the class.

Only a few other people had arrived as Serena and Darien made their way to their seats. But stopped when they heard someone call Serena's name.

Serena turned around, to find Brad Richardson. She didn't know him all that well, but he was in a few of her classes throughout the years. She remembered having a crush on him back in 9th grade, but that was before he started doing pot. Now, he was still cute, but was one heck of a player.

"Oh hey Brad," Serena said, pasting a smile on her face, as much as she didn't want it there. But the smile immediately disappeared when Brad crushed his lips against hers.

Serena's first instinct was to bite him. But that would be letting him off too easily. 'Ugh! He smells like marijuana . . . and tastes like it too.' Since he didn't seem to be cooperating, she did the next best thing.

She kicked him.

He stumbled back, his curses echoing out the door and down the hallways. But Serena wasn't finished yet.

'How dare that creep kiss her?!' Serena slowly stalked toward him. "Don't ever, I mean EVER, think about coming near me again," she bit out, keeping her voice low, not wanting to attract anymore attention than the crowd that already gathered.

But Brad didn't look at all intimated, and to infuriate her even more, he smiled. Well, it worked.

'He looks almost proud of what he did,' Serena thought, undeniably sickened. So she did the only thing that came into mind. She punched him. Square in the jaw. Brad let out a not so pleasant howl.

Suddenly, a voice came above all the others. "Mr. Richardson, why in the name of God are you screaming?"

'Whu oh. . . .' Serena thought as she stepped back, debating what to do.

Mr. Massey, the physics teacher walked over to Brad, who was sprawled on the floor.

Then seeing that it was the perfect time to get Serena back, Brad smiled to himself. "She punched me!" he said, pointing at Serena.

Serena wanted to laugh, but made herself swallow it. He sounded like a 4 year old, who just accused another of stealing his crayon. Something beyond pathetic for a guy his age.

Then realizing that the teacher was expecting an explanation from her, she prayed that the Gods would be with her. 'Time to play innocent.' Sometimes being known as 'teacher's pet' came in handy.

Putting on her best 'I'm innocent' look, she tried to look startled. "But Mr. Massey, why would I do such an indecent thing? I would never mean to hurt anyone, and even if I wanted to, I wouldn't be able to. I can barely pick up a baseball bat." 'Oh, please don't let anyone say anything against me.'

Mr. Massey nodded, acknowledging that he believed her. He turned back to Brad. "Lying won't get you out of this one Mr. Richardson, and accusing Serena of all people."

Then noticing the audience, he said, "We'll discuss this after school."

* End of Flashback *

Darien laughed, sympathizing the poor guy. "But other than that, you were almost having fun."

Serena glared at him, but couldn't help but smile. "True, I did enjoy myself today. But can you believe it? I got asked out 4 times. Who would've thought."

"Oh I believe it, I was there," Darien said, smiling.

"Oh, and you know Amy Anderson and Lita Woods from Spanish class? They just transferred here and they're really, really nice. And you know what else? They're coming over tonight! You don't mind, do you?"

Darien chuckled at the deliriously enthusiastic blonde beside him. "No, of course not. It'll be interesting to see what girls talk about when us guys aren't around."

Serena laughed, "Sure, whatever you want, but can I meet you in the caf? I have to go to my locker for a sec."

"I'll come with you."

"No, that's alright, it'll be too crowded by the time I get back. Anyway, it's not like anything's going to happen to me. And you need to buy yourself a lunch, the only thing you ate at breakfast was an apple."

"Well okay," Darien agreed, still uncertain if she should go anywhere by herself.

*Scene Change (Hallway) *

Serena made her way down the deserted hallway toward her locker. Everyone else was either outside enjoying the sun or in the cafeteria. Looking around, she felt a laugh making its way up her throat.

It was the exact same place she had first met Darien. To think that was only two days ago. It seemed as if she knew him all her life. But strangely enough, she hardly knew anything about him. "Oh well, doesn't matter."

"What doesn't matter?"

Half of Serena expected it to be Darien as soon as she heard someone speak behind her. But it wasn't him. That would be too much of a coincidence.

Though everything with Darien is a coincidence.

She then shuddered, replaying the voice in her head. It was mocking her. Cold, unemotional, wintry, and . . . bitter. Turning around, she smiled. ~Right as usual Serena.~

"Nice to see you again, Serena."

Then looking Serena up and down, she continued. "I see you've finally put your money to good use."

"I'm still me. The money did nothing but buy these clothes. Though you wouldn't know that, would you Beryl? You're practically made from plastic."

Beryl snarled. Not a pretty sight.

"I've hit a nerve, have I?" Ever since kindergarten, Serena never stood up for herself, ever. But like she said, Beryl was an exception.

"Listen Serena, I didn't come here to be insulted," she growled.

Then gave Serena a taunting smile. Turning it off before it even hit her face.

"Serena, Serena . . . you'll never learn," Beryl sneered, slowly circling Serena, only inches away.

"And I see you've grabbed yourself a boyfriend. But you know what Serena? Darien's just playing you. The first day of school, he was practically on top of me. And you think he'd be interested in YOU?"

Serena looked at Beryl, then laughed.

"You think this is funny!?"

Serena nodded, still laughing. "Darien's not my boyfriend."

Beryl's face immediately changed. From malicious to devious. "So he's single?"

"Completely . . . but I wouldn't get your hopes up Beryl. He doesn't even know you, and I don't think he'd be interested in people who go around screwing their own father," Serena said, but the next thing she knew, Beryl had her up against the row of lockers.

"Now Serena, is that any way to talk to your friend?" Beryl hissed.

"Excuse me Beryl, you just spat on my face."

"Shut up you little whore!" Beryl screeched, her face distorted.

Then from her belt, she drew out a pair of scissors. "How would you like a haircut Serena? I never did like that wig of yours."

Serena rolled her eyes. 'Has she forgotten how I beat her up in 8th grade already? And for God sakes, I could do it again.'

Just as Serena was about to kick Beryl's hands away, a voice shot out from behind her. "Beryl, I suggest you put her down."

Beryl let her eyes move to the side of her head, then slowly let go of Serena. Turning around, she put on a huge, idiotic grin. "ANDREW! Haven't seen you in such a long time," she purred.

"Cut the crap and just leave."

"Oh fine, be that way, stick up for the little wimp," Beryl whined, but obeyed, as she stalked away, her clicking heels echoing down the hallway.

"You okay, Serena?" Andrew Summers asked.

"Thanks Andrew, I'm fine," Serena said, smiling. Her and Andrew's mom have been good friends, and Andrew was never really mean to her. He never went out of his way to help her, but he would still respect her. And they had known each other since they were in 2nd grade.

"So umm. . . ." Andrew started awkwardly, not knowing how to talk to someone he's ignored since he was seven. But this wasn't the little geek from 2nd grade anymore. Scratching his head, he stuck both hands in his pockets. "Umm . . . hi, I guess."

Serena couldn't believe how awkward this was. She wanted anything to just disappear.

"I thought you took karate lessons?" he finally asked.

Laughing, Serena said, "I did, but you came before I could kick her."

"Yeah . . . umm . . . so . . . well, I guess I should apologize. I was never really nice to you in the last ten years or so. . . ." he said.

"Yeah, well, that's in the past now. So it doesn't matter."

Andrew smiled a bit. "So how 'bout I walk you to the caf to make up for the last few years?" he asked, feeling he should make it up to her something, like everyone else.

"Umm. . . sure, why not? I have to meet Darien there anyway."

* A few minutes later *

Serena and Andrew had been talking away, trying to lighten up the silences in between. But Andrew was easy to talk to. Sort of like Sammy. "So how come you decided to change your appearance?"

"Oh . . . well, it was sort of Darien's idea," Serena said sheepishly.

"Don't worry 'bout it. It's a good change." Andrew winked.

"So . . . you and Darien are pretty close, eh? I heard he spent the night at your house."

Serena's head snapped up. He looked serious, but his eyes were teasing. She relaxed.

"Number one, get your head out of the gutter. And don't even THINK about going there. Number two, we're just friends. And number three, I asked him to stay for the week, because my parents are in New York."

"See? All the better."

"Andrew!" she warned. But she laughed as she slugged him in the arm, just as they entered the caf.

"Serena! You okay? You took a while," Darien asked, as he walked up to them from the crowd.

"I'm fine, just had a run in with Beryl," Serena said, a frown marring her features.

"Don't worry, she's fine. Anyway, it's too crowded in here, why don't you two come eat outside with me. The rest of the gang's already out there. And Darien already ate with us the first day."

"Umm . . . Andrew, are you sure they won't mind?" Serena asked skeptically. "I mean, they might be offended that . . . well . . . you know."

"Oh, don't worry about it. And besides, you've known them all since practically kindergarten."

"Come on Serena, it'll be fun," Darien persuaded.

"Well . . . alright," Serena agreed, and was then dragged outside by both Darien and Andrew.

* Outside *

As soon as the three of them were outside, Andrew led them to a shaded area on top of a hill, right above the track field. Like Andrew said, the gang was already there.

"Hey Darien, Serena. You gonna join us for lunch? But before that, I'm sorry. I know I never really treated you like an equal. . . ." Mina spoke up, being the friendliest of the group. She wasn't afraid of admitting her mistakes. And she sincerely wanted to be Serena's friend now.

"Don't apologize anymore. I've already heard them from half the school, and it's really starting to bug me. Just think that I'm the new kid, and I just came here today. It would make things a lot more comfortable," Serena said.

"Great, and since I was just going to apologize too, umm . . . there's nothing really for me to say," Raye said.

"How 'bout we just start over. I've never felt so out of words before. So nice to meet you Serena, I'm Mina."

Serena laughed. Well, at least this was better than nothing, she thought, as they each introduced themselves. It sounded so corny, but hey, whatever works.

"Okay, now that we're introduced, Mina and I are just gonna steal Serena for a bit," Raye said, as she got up.

Mina nodded. "Girl talk, you wouldn't understand," she added as she and Raye led Serena over a few meters away from the guys.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The first half-hour had been a bit quiet, but as they talked about anything that came to mind, they started growing more comfortable with what they were saying. And for once, Serena started feeling like herself. She didn't have to pretend to be someone she didn't.

"So Serena . . . what's up with you and Darien?" Mina asked.

"Me and Darien? . . . Nothing's up. We're friends."

"Just friends? I heard he spent the night at your house. . . ." Raye remarked.

'Did these people rehearse this or something?' "Yeah, but we're JUST friends," Serena said, almost tired of repeating the same fact to half the school.

"So you don't even think he's the tiniest bit attractive?"

"I never said that. I mean, who in the right state of mind wouldn't think Darien was cute?"

"So you think he's just cute?"

"Well . . . no, he's more than cute."

"How much more?"

"Well . . . he's umm . . . well . . . I mean just look at him. But we're still just friends," Serena stuttered, thanking God that Darien wasn't hearing any of this conversation.

"So he's single?" Raye asked, just to make sure.

Serena laughed. Funny how she's been doing that a lot today. "Yeah, he's single, take him if you want. It doesn't really concern me."

"Of course it concerns you! Ever since this morning, it's been all over the school!" Mina said, making it sound as if it was completely obvious what she was talking about.

"What's been all over the school?" Serena asked, not sure she wanted to know.

"That you and Darien are an item."

"Me? . . . and Darien? . . . an item?" Serena asked incredulously, as if it were the most ridiculous thing she'd ever heard.

* Scene Change *

"Me . . . and Serena? . . . An item?"

"You make it sound as if it's impossible," Andrew pointed out.

"It is. We're just friends."

"So you're going to make absolutely no move to ask her out?"

"Why would I want to ask her out?" Darien asked, a bit confused at what they're trying to tell him.

"Are you human?"

"No."

"Figures . . . but don't worry, you guys will get together soon enough," Andrew said.

It was a statement. A simple fact. And somewhere at the back of his head, he knew it. Sooner or later, whether he liked it or not, he was going to end up falling for her.

* After School (Darien's car) *

"So . . . how was your day?"

Serena eyed him strangely. "You should know, you were with me the entire time . . . but if you have to ask, then I had a great day . . . why?" Serena asked suspiciously.

'He's hiding something. . . .'

"Well . . . how do you feel about extra curricular activities?"

"Umm . . . I think they're okay."

"Well . . . uhh . . . I sort of signed you up for a few of them."

Serena lifted an eyebrow. Turning towards him, she asked, "Which ones?"

"Oh, not that many---volleyball . . . cross country . . . yearbook committee . . . ultimate Frisbee . . . Grad committee . . . school newspaper . . . and umm . . . some others."

Serena stared at him disbelievingly. "That's your definition of a few?!"

"Well . . . I thought it might be good for your senior year . . . and your rep."

"Darien, I don't have a rep."

"You do now."

"You're impossible."

"Thank you."

Serena sighed, as they entered the gates. 'This all better be worth it.'

* 3 hours later *

"So Darien, what're you going to do while Amy and Lita are here? Since you think it'll be boring with three girls."

"Don't worry, you'll see," Darien said carelessly.

"You know, I think I feel more comfortable with Amy and Lita than I do with Andrew and them. I was probably never meant to hang out with them."

"Oh, don't worry 'bout it. Anyway, how many people are you allowed to have over at one time, Serena?"

"As many as I want . . . why?"

'He's up to something again. . . .'

"You'll see."

Just then, the doorbell rang. "That's probably Amy and Lita. Stay here while I answer the door." Serena had already informed William to leave the gates open. As soon as she was at the door, she swung it open, ready to greet Amy or Lita.

But it wasn't Amy . . . or Lita.

Standing at the front door . . . was Andrew . . . and Mina . . . and Raye . . . and you get the point. "Oh my God, thanks for inviting us over Serena. Now we can finish up what we were talking about at lunch," Mina bubbled, a huge smile on her face.

Serena made a mental note to kill Darien . . . but right now, she might as well play along. "Hey! Come in, Darien's in the living room. Oh, and I invited two other people, you don't mind, do you?"

"Of course not, it's your house," Andrew said, as he and the rest of the gang followed Serena to the living room.

When everyone got there, Serena gave Darien a forced smile. "Darien . . . a word, please?" Then turning to the rest of the group, "You guys make yourself at home, I have to talk to Darien for a sec."

After dragging Darien into the kitchen, she sat down on a stool, then swiveled in her seat so she was facing Darien. "I assume you invited them?"

"I---" Darien started, but was cut off by a chime of bells.

'Saved by the bell.' Serena glared at Darien. "That BETTER be Amy or Lita." She warned as she went to answer the door.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

* 5 days later ( 3 A.M.) *

The week had gone by in a blur.

Darien now sat in the room next to Serena's. He made sure all the doors were locked, blinds closed, and lights off before he made himself comfortable in the air.

Serena was already fast asleep, happy as ever.

The first two days she had needed to get used to, but the awkwardness had pretty much been cleared up now. Already student body vice president, captain of the volleyball team, and part of one of the most popular cliques in school.

Darien sighed as the shimmering crystal dome materialized in front of him. Maybe his job was done . . . maybe not.

But the petals have been falling at an insane speed. If this was kept up, he'd be gone by . . . tomorrow morning.

He ran his fingers through his hair numerous times, then finally put his head in his hand. Letting an exasperated sigh escape his lips, he lifted his head, his eyes gazing engagingly at the shimmering petal.

Yes, petal. As in singular.

There was only one glimmering petal left.

But the ruby glow that radiated from it was enough to illuminate the dark room. And somehow, Darien knew that this last petal wasn't going to fall anytime soon. It was as if it was waiting for something to happen . . . but what?

Closing his eyes, he put his hand on the crystal. Felt its heat emanate through his hand and up his arm until his entire being was glowing in midair. Except, as soon as the scarlet beam touched his fingers, it became a white, almost silver shimmer.

He didn't know how long he stayed like that. When he opened his eyes, everything was engulfed in the red and white brilliance.

But then he saw blue.

A deep sky blue. Two wide, crystalline orbs, shining through the crimson hue.

Staring at him in wonder, disbelief, and pure awe. Then a hushed, and ever so faint whisper cut through the silence.

"Darien?"

****************************

To be continued......