Title: Someone's Watching Over Me

Authors: Reesepbc *KouUsagi* and Umi Kane

E-mails: reesepbc@gmail.com / ecchimichiru@yahoo.com

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer : Reese and Umi do not own Sailor Moon.

Ch 17

The room was dark and cold when Serena opened her eyes. A feeling of dread engulfed her senses. ‘This is it Serena, you did it. You are in hell. ‘The thought hung over her like a pendulum over the strings of her life force. She knew that she was in a place that none of her friends could enter. Looking around Serena half expected, half hoped to see Andrew standing off to the side.

‘Come on Serena why would Andrew be here? You killed yourself Serena. You did not die from a natural death, but a death by your own accord. Andrew will not be here. You are damned Serena, you are alone. No one will come for you. ‘Serena shook her head frantically trying to rid her mind of the malicious thoughts. Alone, she was completely alone now. She slipped down into a sitting position wrapping her arms around her legs. Alone. The thought kept racing through her mind. What was she to do now? She had no ideas left.

"Darien." A soft voice seemed to echo from out of the darkness. Serena turned her head quickly towards the direction the voice seem to originate. Starring intently into the nothing that seemed to surround her, Serena found her body standing up as if beckoned.

"Find Darien, help him. Save him and yourself." The voice seemed to be surrounding Serena, enveloping her in its warmth. Taking a deep breath Serena opened the door to what seemed to be a cottage of sorts. She stepped outside and looked around for the source of the voice. Not finding anything, she set off taking slow guarded steps into the unknown region.

She walked for what seemed miles when she finally came to a small house hidden among high weeds, and dead trees. All the lights were off except for one. She moved slowly as dread took over. The house looked almost alive as she came closer to it. Once she made her way onto the porch, she went to knock but quickly decided against it when she heard the shatter of glass, and the cries of someone in severe agony. Reaching quickly for the door Serena went to open it when she heard the soft voice once more.

"Not yet Serena, come to me." Turning slowly Serena met with intense blue eyes. She knew those eyes, but did not recognize the face of which they belonged. Debating for just a second Serena headed down the steps towards an ethereal woman standing just feet from the landing.

Serena hesitated as the women turned and started walking. Looking at the house, she cringed as she heard another glass object shatter and something hard meet the wall. Forcing herself to look away she quickly ran after the woman who was now descending the slope of a hill.

After she finally caught up with her Serena walked silently alongside the women for a few yards before coming to a stop in front of two stone rocks. The women nodded towards one of the rocks, and waited for Serena to get comfortable before taking a seat on the neighboring rock. Serena's eyes swept over the women casually. Serena found herself captivated by this woman. She had straight black hair that cascaded down her back. An exquisite face, with high cheekbones, and a heart shaped mouth, all set together by her enchanting blue eyes. She was fair skinned, and nearly perfect except for one small flaw. The woman's lips seemed to be set into an everlasting frown. There was so much sadness etched on her features. Serena found herself at a loss for words.

"Serena, my name is Annabella. I am here to help you with your journey." Serena sat silently as she continued. "It is very important for you to realize what is at stake here should you fail. Darien is not the only one who is in danger now. You have taken an amazing leap of faith young one, but now you are in danger yourself. I cannot help you anymore than this. All that you are about to be faced with is unlike anything you could ever imagine." Serena looked intently into Annabella's eyes as she spoke; fear was evident on her delicate features. She never really thought about what she had done until now. The full weight of her burden finally came to a rest on her shoulders. The tears started falling now on their own. She did not have the will to stop them.

"How can I... How will I... What am I suppose to do now?" Serena asked with a shaky voice.

"All you can do is all that you have ever done. Have a little hope, and a whole lot of faith. Save Darien, you know he would do that for you." Serena smiled slightly listening to her. She knew she was right. Darien would die before letting harm come to Serena, and that was all she needed to stop her tears. "What can I do?"

Annabella smiled sadly, "Darien is trapped. He believes that he killed you. He could not bare the thought. See Serena the moment you stepped out in front of that car your spirit was free from this nightmare.

Unfortunately, for Darien, you were dead. He knows this. He buried you Serena. He still mourns you. The thoughts that plague him are what keep him from realizing the truth." Serena stared pleadingly into Annabella's eyes. "Tell me what to do then."

Annabella nodded as she stood up pulling Serena up with her and wrapping her arms around her. "You must believe in my child. Believe enough for the both of you," she whispered into Serena's hair. Serena's breath caught in her throat as the realization sat in as to who this woman was. Annabella stepped back holding Serena at arms length taking her in completely. "My son chose well, I am so proud of him." She let her arms fall from Serena's shoulders as Serena started up at her. "He misses you so much." Annabella smiled with tears in her eyes, "You both miss someone you love very much, but you must know this. Sometimes we make decisions that will benefit our loved ones." Reaching up Annabella removed a blue satin ribbon from around her neck. A tiny silver cross-hung in the middle.

Tears fell from her eyes as she smiled at Serena, "This is yours, keep it safe and I will always be with you and Darien." Reaching out her small hands brushed the hair from Serena's shoulders as she gently placed the choker around Serena's neck.

Serena instinctively reached up, touched the cross, and could not help but smile. "Thank you." Annabella smiled once more shaking her head. "No Serena. Thank you. Take care of Darien and he will take care of you, and Serena." Serena looked up once more into her enticing blue eyes. "Love him forever, and tell him to be kind to his sister, and love his father, and that I am with them always." Serena nodded as the tears began to fall once more. She smiled as Annabella faded into the darkness. Wiping her eyes she turned towards where they had just came and with a fierce determination made her way back to the house.

It was darker now as Serena approached the landing. A shiver went down her spine as she instinctively reached for the choker saying a silent prayer to herself. Taking one last breath, she made her way to the door once more. It was quiet inside the house now, and for Serena that did not sit well. She was more fearful of what she could not hear. She exhaled slowly the breath she had been holding, and opened the door.

Upon opening, the door creaked slowly as it came to rest at the doorstop. Serena stood there working up the courage to enter. There was a foul stench coming from the house, but she was not about to let that stop her. Taking a step forward Serena was in darkness once more. Tilting her head slightly to the left, she looked into another room where a dim light was trying hard to light up the darkness. She carefully took a few more steps forward, but slipped on something wet. Losing her footing Serena fell to her knees. She found herself on all fours, and her hands were covered in something warm and sticky. Standing up quickly she wiped her hands on her pants as she walked slowly into the next room. The lit room seemed bright compared to the rest of the house. It looked to be what was left of a kitchen. She looked around and noticed that the paint was chipping, and the tiles of the floor were not all present. She balled her hands into fists trying to muster up the courage to continue on when she noticed the stick sensation once more. Finally, she looked down only to meet with the sight of blood on her hands. Her eyes widened in horror as she backed up into a cabinet, she looked to be covered in blood. By the looks of it, who ever had lost it was in serious danger.

Instinctively she went to turn on the water from the sink but only rust and suit came out. Shaking her head, she backed up slowly fearing the worst. She turned her attention towards the room she had come from refusing to take her eyes off it as if she expected something to emerge from the darkness looking for the blood that was now on her clothes and hands. Shivering from a chill, she backed up slowly taking in all her surroundings. Her heart stopped instantly when she heard what sounded like footsteps approaching the room she occupied. Quickly she turned to make her way into the darkness and out of plain view when she made contact with something large and solid.

The impact took her by surprise causing her to lose her footing. She slipped back, but felt two arms intertwine around her waist to steady her. Breathing heavily Serena looked with half opened eyes to her rescuer. She was surprised and happy to see Darien holding onto her. Her happiness was fleeting as her eyes locked on his. What she saw scared her tremendously.

Darien stared down at the trembling figure in his arms. He was almost happy to see someone else in this house, but when his eyes locked on hers, he angered once more. Pushing her harshly away, he stepped back glaring her down.

Serena caught herself before she connected with the counter behind her. Looking up at Darien, she shook her head as many confused thoughts ran through her mind. He was here, he was ok, but something was not right. She could feel something akin to rage pulse through him. Reaching out her hand she moved to touch him, but something stopped her. Slowly she let her hand fall. Her voice was small when she spoke, "Darien. Are you okay? Do you know who I am?"

Darien laughed at her as he moved across the room pinning her almost flat against the counter. There was darkness to him that she had never seen before, but she did not cower to him. Instead, she looked him hard in the eyes. "Darien... DARIEN.. It's me, Serena."

Darien narrowed his sapphire eyes as if he were trying to remember something. "Serena is dead." He spat coldly in her face. Turning her face to the side, she noticed the other figure in the doorway. Her body tensed up and a loud scream pierced the room when she noticed the fleshy creature fix its eyes upon her. She struggled against Darien's weight causing him to avert his attention to the direction she was looking. Noticing the thing that crept towards them, Darien tossed her like a doll to the floor as he pulled something sharp and long from his back.

Serena watched in horror as the creature made his way slowly around the room circling Darien. She had a feeling it was making its way towards her. Standing up quickly she searched frantically for something that she could use as a weapon. On a table to her, left she noticed a knife sticking point down in the mahogany table. Darien was doing a good job keeping the monster at bay, however Serena felt having the knife in her possession would prove to be beneficial for her. She moved quickly when the creature lunged at Darien. Reaching the table, she grabbed the knife and pulled it out turning back to the other two in the room.

Darien lunged at the creature and almost made contact, but this one proved to be quicker than the others were. It moved from left to right so fast that Darien had a hard time keeping up. The creature slashed at Darien with a sharp claw catching part of his shirt. Darien jumped back as the creature stalked him. This was not getting any easier for him. He tried to keep his attention on the creature and the female claiming to be Serena. He knew it was not possible that it was she. He knew she was dead. He had been the one to bury her; he went to her grave everyday until he could not take it anymore. The day he finally gave up and took his own life was the day that started his new existence in this permanent hell that had an endless string of creatures, and demons coming to destroy what good that was left in him.

Serena screamed when the monster edged over towards her. She could smell the rot of flesh from him, and she noticed how where eyes should have been there were only empty sockets. The claws were stained with blood, and blood seem to seep from its mouth as it seem to smile at her barring it's sharp pointed teeth at her. She did not like this creature, and wanted it gone. She did not understand how it knew where she was, and it frightened her.

Darien made to get the creatures' attention, but when he moved to strike the creature turned quickly and slashed Darien across the chest. He fell back mostly from surprise, but that was all that the creature needed to make his move. Moving quickly he was almost on top of Serena before her or Darien could react. Serena screamed out for Darien, but he could barely move. The slash proved to be deeper then first thought. He reached out placing a hand on the wall watching as the blood stained his shirt. Feeling weak, he slipped to his knees dropping the object he had been holding.

Serena watched on in horror as Darien fell. She did not know what else to do. Closing her eyes, and praying to god, she lunged forward at the creature with the knife. She felt the pressure of the knife as it made contact with its target. Pushing harder she buried the knife as far into the creature as she possibly could. The stench of the creature was enough to make her want to throw up, but she held steady forcing the knife into the monster pushing up on it slightly. She could feel the hot sticky liquid run down her hand and she knew she had found her mark. She feared opening her eyes, but she had to do it. When her eyes opened, she saw the darkest form of evil she had ever seen. The creature opened its mouth as a blood-piercing scream escaped. Serena began to shake when the creature turned its empty eye sockets towards her. The twisted mouth of the creature seemed to form an ugly smile upon its face before falling backwards off the knife.

Serena backed up quickly dropping the knife and falling to her knees. There was now more blood, and she was scared to death.

"Just what in gods name is going on here?" She asked aloud. Darien laughed softly from the other side of the room.

"Welcome to hell." He said flatly, "There is no god here."

Serena turned her attention towards him and remembered the slash across his chest. Moving quickly beside him, she pulled his shirt back to examine the cut. It was large, and deep. "Do you have anything to place on this?" She asked worry evident in her voice.

Darien chuckled, "Sure you can run down to the local gas station and pick something up."

Serena went to move, and then realized he was only making a joke. "That's not funny Darien. You need something to cover this up. If you don't get it treated it could…"

Darien smirked, "It could what, Kill me? I am already dead. This is my punishment."

Serena slid closer to him applying pressure to the cut. "You're not dead Darien, but if you don't wake up you will be."

Darien eyed her carefully. "What makes you say that?" Serena shook her head. "It's a long story, but we don't have time for that. We have to get you out of here."

Darien grabbed his machete and shoved it in Serena's hand. "Take this. You will need it. I will not be of any use to you for a while." Serena stared at the large object in her hand. "What do you want me to do with this?" She asked quickly. "Do what you did to the other one. Kill them. They are coming. That is what it did when it screamed out before it died, it called more." Serena started shaking once more. "You have to be kidding. There are more of those… those things?"

Darien chuckled, "You really could pass as Serena." Serena was not amused. "I am Serena, Darien. Look at me." Darien shook his head and looked down. "No I killed Serena. She is dead." Serena sat back flat on her butt staring at him. "You never killed anyone, except yourself, and even that's not real." Darien eyed her shaking his head. "You speak of nonsense. I am dead and Serena is dead. I can't even spend eternity with her because of what I have done."

Serena was growing tired of this, standing up she pulled Darien up along side her. "What do you think you are doing?" He asked frantically. "Serena carried most of his weight on her. "I am getting you out of here. This house has you all confused." Darien struggled. "I can't leave. They are everywhere out there. I have seen them. They wait for me." Serena continued dragging him to the door. She reached out and turned the knob when Darien forced her back. "I said I can't go out there." Serena having had enough pushed Darien up against the wall. "I came from out there. There was nothing out there. You will be fine. Just have a little faith Darien. We have to be out of here before more of those things come. I can't protect us both, and you are not fit to fight one." Darien continued to struggle against her. Serena sighed softly. "What if I am Serena, Darien? Would you let me walk out that door alone if I am?" Darien thought for a moment shaking his head. "No I wouldn't." Pulling him once more to the door, she opened it. "Good then lets go."

Serena pulled Darien out of the house, and shut the door. Just before she had it closed, she heard breathing from the house. There were at least four or five more monsters in there. Shaking slightly she searched frantically for a place to hide, but nothing was around.

They both maneuvered off the landing and onto the dead grass walking towards the slope that she had walked down earlier with Annabella hoping to find something. Once they made it to the rocks she sat down and took a few relaxing breaths.

"Darien are you ready to try and understand now?" Darien looked at her solemnly. "What is there to understand? I'm dead and you are here to confuse me." Serena moved next to him taking his hand in hers. "Darien listen to me. There was an accident. You are in the hospital. I woke up, but you never did. If you don't wake up you will die."

Darien pushed her away and laughed. "Don't you see, we are already dead? Well at least I am. I do not know about you. So you are wrong." Serena moved towards him once more wrapping her arm tightly around his shoulders. "Please Darien. Believe me. You have to believe me."

Darien finally had enough. He stood up and pushed her hard off him. "I don't know who you are, or why you are here, but I want you gone. Leave here at once." Serena stared at him with tears in her eyes. "Dare…" Darien looked at her with rage in his eyes as he moved to stand in front of her. He picked her up by her shoulders and held her at arms length from him. "Leave me ALONE!" He yelled as he shook her hard before dropping her to the ground in a heap of blond hair and bloodied clothes.

Serena shook frantically with tears now streaming down her face. "I died for you, I killed myself to save you, and you treat me like this. I gave my life up for YOU Darien, and you throw it back in my face. You never loved me. You never cared about me. It was always about you." Darien looked coldly down at her. "I have only loved one person in my life."

Serena stood up weakly shaking like a leaf. She was about to just give up when she remembered what Annabella had told her.

‘You must believe in my child. Believe enough for the both of you.'

Smiling at him, she reached her hand out to him. "It's going to be ok Darien. I believe in you. I believe in us. So this leap I take is for us. I love you Darien."

Darien did not see the monster come at him from behind, but he watched in shock as Serena put herself between him and the creature. He stared in horror as the creature slashed at Serena. She looked back once more as she dropped the machete and stumble a few feet before falling lifeless to the ground.

Darien stood in place for what seemed an eternity before the most horrible scream escaped his lips as everything flooded back into his mind. Everything seem to go dark, then all at once there were bright lights, and beeping sounds all around him.

Everyone sat in Darien's room, waiting. When he opened his eyes, Haruka rushed forward. Michael rushed out the door looking for the attending nurse. Darien tried to speak, but found he was unable to with the breathing tube in place. As the nurse rushed in, she quickly checked his vitals before removing his breathing tube. Once the nurse had left Michiru jumped up from her wheelchair and practically flew down the hallway to Serena's room. She threw the door open and rushed to her friend's side, calling her name.

"Serena! Darien is awake! Wake up!" she called excitedly. Michiru began to shake Serena gently. Upon receiving no response, Michiru became more frantic. "Serena?! Serena, wake up!" she screamed, shaking her with more force. There were no signs of life. Michiru threw the door open once more and screamed for a nurse. A few nurses and doctors rushed in, checking Serena. They pushed Michiru out of the room, while they tried to resuscitate Serena. Michiru kept screaming Serena's name, drawing the attention of her friends down the hall. Upon hearing Michiru screaming Serena's name, of all things, Darien ripped the needles out of his arms, connecting his tubes to the machines, and rushed down the hall, as fast as he could. He had to use the wall for support and couldn't move very fast.

Thinking quickly, Haruka grabbed a wheelchair and ran up behind him. Without saying a word to each other, Darien sat in the wheelchair. Haruka ran as fast as she could down the hall, pushing the wheelchair. The rest of the group followed close behind. They found Michiru on her knees, screaming, tears spilling from her eyes. "Serena! Please! Wake up!" she called. Haruka slowed the wheelchair down, somewhat hard due to the speed. Darien jumped from the wheelchair and weakly tried to fight his way past the doctors. All the while, he called Serena's name. Haruka dropped to Michiru's side and held her, trying to reassure her that Serena would wake up. A nurse walked out and shook her head.

"She's gone into cardiac arrest, and we are doing all we can, but it is best if you prepare yourself for the worst. I wish there was more we could tell you, but her family must be present before we can release any more information. I can tell you this, it does not appear that she is going to make it..." She said softly.

Darien dropped back into his wheelchair, which rocked closer to a nearby wall. This couldn't be happening. Tears filled every pair of eyes in the group. Darien sat there, in disbelief. After a few moments, the shock wore off, and the pain rolled over him, like a tidal wave. Tears fell from his eyes. He reached over and slammed his fist into the wall. It was the screams of Michiru that once again, filled the hospital. Serena was gone...