Hey Minna-san! Ohh goodness, my story is finally done! (grins) yeah! I am so proud! (sniffles) anyway, i must say, that i got this idea from 'Tenchi Universe!' ... i forget which episode it was called ... (sighs) but anyways, hopefully you'll like! I mean, I'm very proud of my story! Ohh! Remember to send emails! I've been lacking on that direction for my one parters ... (sighs) i mean, i tried so hard to get everything done in one single chapter and no one emails me! Isn't the most horrid thing?? (Pouts) Hmm ... during this story, I tend to switch from saying 'God' to 'gods' and well, all for a reason ... (i think) anways ... whenever I say 'God' it's usually refering to a positive event or something like that ... so yeah, it's a good aspect ... but when I say 'gods' something is amiss ... the Greeks believed that the gods bring tragedy ... hence the negitive prospect ... you see? (grins) anyways ... let me see ... I have lots of people to thank! I so want to thank the ever so wonderful Mellibea! Melli! You are such a sweetheart! Not only did she live though my constant babblings and encourage me to write this story, but also she says the sweetest things! (Grins) also, she writes the most captivating stories! Although I must say the latest chapter of Final Decision was very very cruel ... (shakes head) bad bad Melli! To Mizu and Namida who had to deal with my self-inflicted whining ... also, to my constant companions on ICQ ... ^-~ ... To Ri-chan, my onee-chan that i thought died ... (cough cough) you deserved that babe! Disappearing on me like so! Also to MMJ my other 'onee-chan' (cough cough) don't talk to too many freaky guys! (winks) ... Also, the Aimee, Angela, and Lilac Summers whom I doubt will ever read this fic ... Well, anyways, chat rooms would be so dull without you ... hehehe ... To Loraleil … what would I ever do without your honey eyed comments that you send me? And to Soul - the sweetest thing you can ever have! Almost like a surrogated mother ... i love you babes! Thanks for editing! Well, i do hope you enjoy reading! Eternal Angel ICQ - 62383193 AIM – cheriiangel Disclaimer: Do you know how they say that if you wish and pray very hard that you just get what you want?? Well … it doesn't seem to be working for me … (sniffles) Sailor Moon does not belong to me … it belongs to Naoko Takeuchi, TOEI Animation, and etc … Visit Cherii Ouka! My ever growing (hopefully) website! http://www.geocities.com/cherii_blossoms * * * Wishing You Were Here by Eternal Angel (Usako9@hotmail.com) * * * Prologue * * * In the abyss of happiness We see only what we want to see And all I see is you * * * He was barley five, so his golden hair flopped messily in his eyes. He sat next to his mother, as he glanced as her stomach, which was swelled up enormously because of her pregnancy. She smiled at her son, as he placed his hand onto her stomach and felt the baby kicking. "Auntie told me a story today," he told his mother, his blue eyes bearing into the adjacent ones. "She told me a story about a prince and a princess … the princess was from the moon … her name was Selenity," he had stated as he tried with all his might to recall the story perfectly. "And she fell in love with a prince from Earth named Endymion … they both died at the end." "Yes, I heard that legend before," his mother said, and then gently stroked her son's face. "It's a beautiful legend Motoki." He nodded, as his eyes perked up, "When the baby comes, let's call him Endymion!" He said happily, thinking of the courageous prince that had died for his princess. Two weeks later, Motoki was gifted with a little sister named Selenity. He promised to marry her when he was seven years old, after her brother, Motoki had told her that she was never going to get married to anyone because she was a crybaby. Of course that news just caused her into a large fit of tears as her silver hair flopped down around her. "Mamo-chan," she cried to her best friend, tears streaming down her face as she tried, in vain, to wipe them off. He stared at his neighbor and her tears in horror. He was never one that liked to see the bright angel cry. He tried to comfort her as best as he could. "What's the matter Bunny?" He asked her, as she looked up at the boy in front of her, becoming a tad more soothed by his use of the nickname he gave to her because of her hairstyle which made her look like a bunny. "To-to-ki-o-nii-ch-an said that I- I'll never be ab-able to g- get ma-rried when I'm older cuz I am a brat and I cry too much." She told him, and then broke into another round of tears. "I don't wanna be all alone when I grow up!" Her hysterics caused him to become jumpy so the seven- year-old boy quickly spoke up, "Don't worry Bunny, I'll marry you when you're older!" Her tears stopped and she stared at her best friend. "You will?" Her eyes filled with hope, he nodded. She grinned. "Now I don't have to worry about being alone! I love you Mamo-chan!" She said in a joyful way. "Love is for girls." He retorted back, but wasn't able to surpass a toothy grin. He was able to cheer up his angel. She didn't like the news, not at all. Being with him all of her life, she never had to be away from him more than a week – but now it was a whole summer! Who was she suppose to spend time with? She was eight years old, and the fact that her best friend was going to spend the summer with his grandfather didn't please her, it didn't please her at all. "But Mamo-chan! You can't go!" He cringed, as what he knew what was going to happen next did. She cried. "Bunny! My grandfather is old and alone. He *needs* me!" She then stopped crying, and sniffled. "He's alone?" He nodded sadly, as the girl looked down at her shoes. "You're coming back when school starts right?" She asked, her blue eyes staring intently into his. He nodded; she let out a ragged breath. "Do you promise to write?" She asked as her striking blue eyes looked at him, pleading. He nodded once again and she grinned. "Okay! I'm gonna write to you too! Everyday!" With that, they pinky swore. He stopped getting letters from her after the sixteenth of July. It was strange – why had she stopped writing to him? Was she mad at him for leaving her? Or was she mad at him for only writing her three times a week instead of everyday? He was busy with the karate that his grandfather was teaching him … and the sword fighting … He waited by the mailbox, as he looked up at the mail lady who just appeared. His eyes bored into hers – she shook her head. Selenity hadn't written to him for the past twenty-two days. His gaze was downcast. Why? His parents said she moved with her family far away from Azabu and that she had moved away to a place that did not have a postal service to send him letters. He moped about for the next year, missing his companion and her brother. He became withdrawn from the world. * * * Chapter 1 * * * Pull away from the world And all the evil that corrupts it I find myself alone To face a more horrid evil Myself * * * *Seventeen years later* When his grandfather passed away, he was given a large sum of money and the beautiful estate that he had grew up on every summer since he was eight years old. He moved into the secluded house as soon as possible. He loved the house, as it was placed on a hill. Thousands (or so it felt) of steps led uphill to the beautiful house that sat in the middle of the flatland, with sakura trees swirling around it. The land was very fertile for gardening. The gardens were filled with vegetables, and some fruit trees hung their branches which were heavy with fruit every summer. Not only that, but a garden of roses grew, littering the air with it's demanding scent. Everything was perfection. Sighing, he opened the sliding door made from paper and wood. Sunlight spilled in from the dawn's light. He loved seclusion – it brought him serenity. He liked being away from the harshness of the world, away from the troubles it had brought. When he was twenty-one he had already graduated from the university, getting his degree in medical. And from then on, he worked at Juuban's top hospital. And after seven years of working, he thought it was time for rest. He knew it was strange – only being twenty-six and retiring already, but he felt the world around him was too harsh. He had seen people come to him because of abuse from the ones they love, attacks from people they trust, attempted murders from their family! The world was a corrupted place, and he would rather be alone in the emptiness of his home then out there in the world with people who could possibly betray him … could possibly leave him. Dinner for one like always: steamed rice, boiled vegetable, fried meat with an already made sauce. He ate silently, his chopsticks picking up the food neatly, as he captured each piece with accuracy. He sipped his green tea, his eyes looking out into the world, as he watched the sun slowly set making the sky explode in brazen colors. He did want to be alone, to be away from the world … But why did it have to be so lonely? He took another bit of his food, took another sip of tea to wash it down. He began to despised the feeling … the feeling of loneliness, the feeling of being incomplete … the feeling of … being broken. He glanced at the food he ate. Every day the same meal … every day the same company … No one. He set down the chopsticks. He wanted someone, someone that would care for him. He wanted someone that could cook for him, someone that would never ever leave him alone in this insolent world. He closed his eyes, as he pictured that someone … A smiling eight-year-old filled his mind. "Bunny." But she was gone … out in a world that he knew he would never be able to fit into. "Selenity …" He called out to her, as he made a wish at the moon that began to slowly appear into the quickly emerging night. "I wish you were here with me." Hacking weeds wasn't his idea of fun, but it was tolerable, as he pulled out another stubborn root. "Jeez, why can't you get the point?" He asked questionably to the stupid freeloading greenery as he shook his head. He was slowly going insane, seeing that he talked to plants … no, weeds, he corrected himself. Shuddering, he shook his head. He was worst off then he though he was. "Maybe I should go to town." He said, as he frowned – maybe. He would probably pick up some more food, daily needs, who knows, maybe he'd find himself some girl that would match his personality. Wincing, he knew that was impossible. "What type of girl would like a guy like me?" Sighing, he pulled out another weed and threw it behind him. "A wonderful one … that's for sure." He liked to paint. Painting gave him a way to express himself. He began to draw the fields and fields of roses that were within his grasp. He squinted, as he looked from the painting to the reality. He couldn't tell the difference. He sighed, as he took the canvas into the house with him, being careful with it because of the still wet paint. He placed the wet work of art to dry in a spare room. Twenty other images laid in the room, discarded as they laid there, un-glanced at – untouched. It didn't matter; painting was just a pastime, and nothing he really cared about. Even though he was able to do it wonderfully, he didn't acknowledge the talent – why have a talent when no one would praise it? Frowning, he poured himself a cup of tea. He did wish he had someone to praise his work – to tell him that the paintings deserved better than the abandoned room where he stored them away. But no one was here. He took another sip of the tea. Life sure was lonely. He practiced his sword fighting by himself, as he did fantastic moves around the room, the blade cut the heavy air. His moves were graceful and quick, as the sword spun around hypnotically. Sweat beaded his face, he willed himself onward. Everything became more speeded, his tempo roused. He fought himself. He couldn't take it anymore, the decrease of tempo had come swiftly, and soon he stopped, welding the sword back into its place, as he took a deep intake of breathe – Someone began to applaud to him. He looked up and into deep blue eyes. He sucked in another breath. Silver hair. Two odangos and a strings of hair that fell from the buns like bunny ears on a rabbit. Bunny … "Selenity …" She smiled at him, as she stared at him still, unmoving. "You were wonderful Mamo-chan, wonderful." He felt as if he was in a dream world. Was this really Selenity? The girl he had promised to marry when he was only seven? The girl that brought immense joy into his life for the first eight years of it. The girl that left him. "Selenity." His voice was then harsh, as she took a couple stepped closer to him, her hips swaying lightly, as her blue eyes met his. They were now an arms length away. He leaned closer, taking away some space away from them. "Mamoru." She taunted back in reply, as her eyes then filled with emotions. "I missed you." Damn his grudge against her, her apology was the only thing he needed to hear. "If I could, I would have written to you … but it was impossible … so impossible …" He touched her arm, she looked surprise, and she reached out and touched him also, her eyes filled with joy at the connection of her hand onto his. "I missed you too." He replied back, and she smiled, her eyes blooming with happiness. "Arigatou," she stated to the heavens above, confusing him, as her eyes became misty. "Domo arigatou." With that, her arms then flung themselves around his neck. A swelling appeared in his heart … it was a pleasant feeling … a wonderfully pleasant feeling … "Bunny …" She stared at him with wonderful clarity. "I'm glad you're here." * * * Chapter 2 * * * I closed my eyes and made a wish – I wished for happiness, I wished for love As God graciously answered my prayer - He sent me you * * * It didn't take him much adjustment or trouble to get use to Selenity living with him In fact, it was quite the opposite. He began to wonder how he was able to survive with out her with him in the first place. She praised his every skill, making him swell up with happiness at the attention he got from her. He then began to try and do anything that would make her pleased with him. She was his best friend after all … Sighing, he laid down in the grassy fields with the laughing bunny as they watched the clouds slowly form shapes in the sky – he felt as if he was a carefree child again. "That one looks like a crane … and that … it looks like … like … you!" She said, as she pointed up at the cloud. His attention then reverted back to the smiling angel as she pointed out the cloud to him. The white fluff did not look like him. He frowned, "That doesn't look like me at all." "Of course you don't see it! In that cloud, you are actually *smiling*." He laughed at that comment, as her eyes filled with a brilliant happiness at his outburst. "That's much better! You are more fun to be around when you are happy!" He wanted to tell her that he had been happy this whole time, but warded against that as he watched her some more, the twinkle in her eyes, the softness of her voice, and the silk of her hair … God she was beautiful. "Where have you lived all this time?" He asked her, as all the mirth from her eyes slowly disappeared; as she took a deep breathe the blue orbs looking at him with softness. "Why do you want to know?" It was an odd questioned she had replied back to him with. Why did he want to know? Why did he want to know? For the past years of his life, he had wondered why his best friend in the whole world abandoned him … and if she was thinking about him too. "It's a simple question, I mean, I'm curious as to why you weren't able to write me or contact me … or say good-bye." He bit back bitterly, as she stared at him, emotions playing on her face as she looked away. "I couldn't … I just couldn't … everything is more complicated then you think." She stuttered out, as he sat up from her lying position. "I'm willing to listen." She shook her head, "I can't … it's … just …" She continued to shake her head as she looked down at her hands, "Mamo-chan, I would tell you if it wasn't so … vile." He stared at her in confusion. What had happen? Was she running away from something? Maybe a past crime? He shook his head, he knew with out a doubt that Selenity was incapable of anything of that sort. Was she running away … from a lover? His throat restricted at the thought, then he then scolded himself. Why should he care if she possibly has a lover? They were friends … "Why are you here?" She turned her head to look at him, her eyes filled with a calmness as she told him her answer with a smile. "Because you wanted me to be." He stared at her once again, in wonder … how did she …? "I'm hungry! Let me cook up some food for you! Hmm … maybe some curry! What do you think?" She asked him with a grin as he numbly nodded. She skipped away into the house, as he sat in the field of grass. 'Why are you here?' 'Because you wanted me to be.' 'Why are you here?' 'Because you wanted me to be…' He didn't understand her answer as he sighed and stood up. Maybe he'd get her to explain sometime later on. He walked back to the house as his mind still lingered on the smiling angel. His kitchen was a disaster. He had entered to watch her cook only to see she had made a mess of his unified serene home … all calmness had disappeared from it. He gawked in horror as he looked at the mess that made his stomach turn. Water had formed a small pond in the middle of his kitchen, as rice was splattered around the sink, slowly absorbing access water that was also splattered around. Vegetable peelings littered the counter. Then, he looked at her. She looked as though she was about to cry. He watched her in alarm, as he became the seven-year- old boy again; ready to promise her the world if it could prevent her tears. Hell, he would even volunteer to clean up this … mess, if she asked. When he was younger, he readily promised her marriage even though he thought girls were 'icky'. But then again, Selenity had never been a 'girl' to him … she had been a companion, a friend … But only her tears would make it possible for him to jump into an endless pit if she only asked. Others cried, pleaded, wailed for his attention – they never got a second glance. His body began to waiver under her gaze, as tears brimmed in her eyes. "Bunny … don't cry, …" He pleaded to her, as she stared at him in shock. "Cry? I'm crying?" She looked at her reflection by gazing at a silver pot. She let out a laugh. "Ahh, these onions, they always make my eyes water." He relaxed his body as he smiled at her. "You look wonderful when you smile Mamo-chan … I missed your smile the most when we parted." She said softly, as she placed the onions into the boiling pot of curry mixture, her eyes far off, recalling memories. "They were mystical gifts, your smile." She reverted her attention back toward the dark haired man, "And they still are." He was taken back by her words. Mystical gifts … his smiles … "Ahh, anything else you missed?" "I miss all those years where we could have been together …" she said, as she stirred the curry. "All those years …" she shook her head as she turned to the rice which was in the steamer, as she averted her attention towards the rice, she grinned at the results. "We can always make up for those years with the future." He told her, as she turned to him. "Yes, to the future …" With that, she placed a plate in front of him, as he gazed at the curry, taking an uneasy gulp. He was afraid, suddenly, that there wouldn't be a future for him anymore. She laughed, seemingly knowing his thought. "Afraid Mamo-chan? You once said you were afraid of nothing … why are you quivering now?" He gave her a distraught look and then used his chopstick to pick up a portion of the food, and placed it in his mouth, chewing it uneasily and then swallowing it. His eyes lit up. "This is good." He said, as he took another bite of the food. She laughed. * * * Chapter 3 * * * I found the beauties of life within your eyes The longings of the heart by your touch I found heaven within your embrace And hell when I'm away from you * * * He never knew that love would be so quick, as he shuddered at the thought. Was it because he wanted her, longed for her, so long that it was expected that he would fall in love with her? He didn't know, god, everything confused the hell out of him. All he knew was that one moment he was minding his own business, and then next, she appeared, with that smile of hers, causing his heart to feel things he could not explain. She looked at him, a smile on her lips, as she tugged him along, with her, into the deepness of the forest that lay within his property, as she stopped at the beautiful sight before them that he had not once seen before. A waterfall, with clear, unpolluted water that fell from the ledge above, and into a lake of clarity filled with beautiful water lilies. Serenity explored the area, as he even found himself in complete awe. "It's beautiful," he whispered, and she turned to him, grinning. He then found himself awed once more, "Almost as beautiful as you." She giggled, "Ahh, Mamo-chan, you always knew how to flower me with lovely words … everything about this place is filled with calmness and serenity … don't you ever get lonely?" "How can I get lonely with you by my side?" She shook her head: "Don't get all witty on me now … I'm serious. Aren't you ever lonely? You need other companionship besides me … you need a life other than the seclusion that you built … it isn't healthy …" Her eyes were far off, "You need to live and fall in love … get married, have kids … and then maybe you can join me after you have completed so much …" He stared at her confused, "Join you? Are you not here with me this moment? I don't need anyone … I have you." She turned to face him, her silver hair a tumbling around her as she shook her head. "I can't stay for long … I don't know when I'm going to leave … maybe tomorrow … next week …" she shook her head with uncertainty, "Promise me you'll find someone to love." Her eyes pleaded with him, as he wanted to tell her that he loved her. But her eyes willed him to try to understand. He nodded and she relaxed. "Now, why don't you go to town? Possibly say hello to your parents … but don't mention anything about me … it's too …" Now he began to understand. She was hiding from something, something that was able to take her away from him. He nodded numbly, and she smiled. Taking his hand, she began to lead him away from the beautiful spot and back into the clearing. "Are you going with me? I have plenty of room in my sports car for you and I …" She shook her head and paled at the word 'car'. "No, Mamo- chan, leave without me … be careful when you drive … please be careful." Her words were forceful, as he smiled at her. "Don't worry about it Bunny, I'm a doctor … I have some sensibilities." With a salute, he began to climb down the stairs as Selenity watched him leave, her heart aching. "Oh Kami, I don't want you to love another … I want you to love me …" She began to cry. He found life more fulfilling in the city; the strangeness of the world finally appeared sane within his eyes. He understood why people liked to live within the confinements of the noise, the hatred, the horrors of life – it was because all this had just strengthened their love for another. They were like tests of love, showing one how deep a love can become. He smiled, as he thought of Selenity. She was showing him this, introducing him to a new world. A world of beauty and awe: where he could see something wonderful that made life so rare and beautiful. Opening the door to the house of his childhood, he couldn't help but see the memories of so long ago with the two of them all around him. Joy lingered in him, and he felt happy. He closed the door with a soft bring, as his mother came to see whom it was. She was clad in a simple dress, a white apron covering it as her black hair was braided and reached her hips. Her deep aqua eyes gazed into him, as her feet stop moving at the sight of him, and she began to cry. "Mamoru! Oh why didn't you tell me you were going to come?" She then embraced him, her arms squeezing him tightly. "I was worried about you! You didn't contact anyone after you moved to your grandpa's house." With that, she let him go and gave him a stern look. "Chiba Endymion Mamoru, don't you ever disappear like that ever again! I should whoop you boy, but I need to check up on the odangos I was making for your father … you always liked them didn't you? Rei's here also. Your cousin will be glad to see you!" He nodded plainly as his mother jumped back into the kitchen, cooking furiously as a raven-haired girl emerged from it on cue. Her deep violet eyes gazed at him in surprise. "I was wondering who auntie was talking to … so I see that she really DOES have a son. A very horrid one who never calls her or tells her he's fine." She gave him a cross look as he responded to it with an amused one. She sighed and rolled her eyes, "Tell me, Mamoru, what do you do up there all alone? I would surely detest being all alone in the woods." "There's a house built there … and I'm not all alone … I have Buns with me. I would have stayed in the 'woods' if she hadn't convince me to take a time out from it." "Buns? You say? What a strange name … is this some girl?" He grinned at her, as she began to take interest in this. "I must meet her. I mean, if she was able to convince you to come …" "Why don't you swing over some time priestess? I mean, it wouldn't be that big of a deal … but of course, it depends on if you can find it … we all know you have a horrid sense of directions." He was whacked on the head quickly by and unknown flying object. He then stared at her as she smiled at him so innocently, her hands behind her back. "Don't worry, I'll find my way there – I'll see you tomorrow." * * * Chapter 4 * * * This game we play – The cruelties of the gods I love you, with all my heart As you love me all the same Devotion, fulfillment, completion Each ringing our soul after a simple touch But it isn't that easy, nothing is that easy - We were never destined To entwine in these emotions You see – we were never meant to be * * * Rei had not appeared the next day – or the next. He knew what had happened, and he couldn't wait to smirk at her for her foolishness. The very place was hidden from the rest of the world … and to think that Selenity had made her way here … He was puzzled about how she found this place. He had even asked her. She just smiled at him, caressing the nape of his neck as she told him that it was easy – she followed the trail his heart made. He didn't understand much of that, but he didn't mind, the idea of him leading her the way made everything have more of a wonderful aura. It made him love her even more so. She watched him, looking at the crest of the trees from the top of the steps. "What are you looking at?" She asked him, her eyes gazing at him intently. He turned to her with a smile and what appeared to be love within his eyes … she shook her head. It was not love … it could not be love. Love could not have happen to him – at least not with her as his mate. Her mind rang as she took deep breaths, uneasiness slid within her. "Buns, my cousin was suppose to come four days ago … but she hasn't appeared yet …" he laughed a hearty laugh while she turned pale at his words. "But I knew she has gotten herself lost … maybe today she'll find her way." Shaking her head, her stomach began flip-flops. "Oh Kami …" "What's wrong?" He asked her, as she shook her head, as her body was becoming ridged and tense. "Bunny?" He hovered about her, concern ringing his eyes. "Your cousin?" "Yeah, Rei-san … she's the Shinto priestess …" Her stomach turned even more as she recalled the fiery girl from so long ago, her brazen wild hair and her fiery eyes. And her intuition of evil and good … dead and living … "Dear God!" She shook her head in denial, his words getting to her. "A Shinto priestess?" Oh goodness, she knew everything was too good to be true. She was to be found out – she would be forced away. Once Mamoru knew the truth … she shook her head, this wasn't good. Hyperventilating, she tightened her hold on Mamoru. "When is she coming?" Her grip was painful as he replied back, "Any day, any hour, any minute now …" She took another deep breath as she closed her eyes tightly. "I didn't mean too … everything is crashing down … Oh Kami, why?" "Bun, tell me what's wrong and I'll right everything for you … please … tell me, you are killing me with this silence!" Before she could say another word, a voice boomed around. "Mamoru-kun?" "Rei!" He responded. She froze. "I finally found it then!" The other girl said, as Selenity pushed Mamoru away from her, and he stared at her puzzled. She nudged him in the direction of his cousin, and he hesitantly did as motioned. When he had his back turned, she did the only possible thing that rang in her mind … She ran. Rei sensed her though, as her eyes gazed at the disappearing form. Her throat running dry as her body went into numbness. She shook her head, but she knew her intuition was correct. Mamoru cut off her thoughts though, as he smiled at her wondrously. He smiled at her! All other thoughts disappeared from her mind other than that fact. Mamoru, the boy that never smiled at anything unless he was completely forced into it, was smiling at her now! She took a deep awing breath at the site. He looked so perfect with a smile of his face. "Rei, looks like you finally found the place … took you long enough!" He said, teasingly, as she rolled her eyes. "Well, why didn't you tell me that it was hidden … hidden very WELL … I got lost numerous of times … I was almost even crazed enough into thinking of asking for assistance! Almost of course, not that I would ever ask …" She said as Mamoru rolled his eyes heavenward, as Rei slapped his arm for that. "Where's the chit Buns you have been talking about?" He glared at her. "She's not a *chit*, her name is Selenity … you remember the girl that lived next door to me? Now that I think about it … you and her were close, weren't you?" She let out a horrid gapping noise, as her mind began to swim. So she was correct … But Selenity? A picture of the smiling silver haired girl from her childhood rang in her mind. Her body became numb, "Where is she now?" She asked in a hoarse voice, as he raised his eyebrow. "She's right …" He turned behind him to indicate her position behind him – but she was gone. "…there …" There was really no place to go. For if she left … she could never return … she could never see him again. But to stay, he would find out the truth. The complete truth of her – her stomach began to turn. And then Rei would … "Mamo-chan …" She couldn't leave him … even if it meant the end of her. She took a deep breath, and then emerged from the hiding place and walked towards the couple who looked blindly at the place she once stood, with a deep breath, she called out his name, saving each syllable. "Mamo-chan!" He then looked to the side and smiled when he saw her. Rei frowned. "Bunny! I was wondering where you disappeared off to." He said with a scold on his face, "Next time don't disappear on me like that! It's very rude." He directed as she nodded, and then turned his attention towards Rei, his hand then grabbing onto Selenity, afraid she might disappear again. Rei looked more perplexed at his motions. "Rei, this beautiful thing right here is Selenity." He said, with a grin, as she looked at the priestess who stared at her … and then within her soul. Her eyes boring … boring … She took a deep breath, as Rei then reached out her hand to her. She looked at her in confusion and surprise. "Nani?" Rei smiled at her slyly, as she said, "I went to the States a month ago … and this was how we would greet others … a handshake instead of a bow. Care to try?" Selenity paled, as Mamoru nudged her to do so, dropping his hand from hers. She bit her lip and stared at Mamoru, uneasiness written all over her. "Unless there is something you want to tell us …" She looked at her, pain wringing in her eyes as she reluctantly placed her hand out, and Rei gave a smirk. Rei reached for her hand – And her hand went through Selenity's. Mamoru's eyes widened, as Selenity cringed. "Just as I expected … a spirit." * * * Chapter 5 * * * And so this is it what I have feared I knew that this would happen one day But I always had hoped That it wouldn't have been so soon * * * Selenity took a step back, as Rei took a step foreword. "I remember that summer – you died … I attended the ceremony … I placed a Casablanca flower on your grave … I prayed for your soul to rest in peace … but what are you doing? You aren't supposed to be here!" Rei's angry words smacked to her, as Mamoru watched the two, and Rei's words hit him. Selenity had died … Selenity was dead … he was in love … with a ghost? "When did she die?" His horse voice asked, as Rei turned her attention to him, her eyes still violent as she replied back steadily, "When she was eight … she was turning nine in a week or so … you were gone that summer … you were at … you were here." "How…?" Mamoru asked, as his eyes laid on Selenity, as he stared at her as a stranger would to another. She hated the gaze, and she wanted to die … she held back a bitter laugh, but she was already dead. "I was waiting for your letter that day …" she frowned at the memory of her death, "the mailman was late … so I waited by the mailbox, and then a car came …" She closed her eyes, not wanting to remember the pain of lingering. All she had thought about was him. And how he would be disappointed at her for breaking her promise of not being able to write him a letter. "I didn't mean to come here, Rei, I heard your prayers … I heard you praying for me, hoping my spirit would rest in peace instead of wandering … I did rest … until I heard Mamoru …" her voice was broken, as she took another step back. "He was so lonely, and I wanted to be with him … But I wasn't strong enough … "He prayed for me more and more … and each time, I grew stronger, wanting to be with him … and one day, I found out myself here … and I could hear him … I could feel him … the loneliness … so unbearable …" She shook her head, not wanting to go on. "Selenity …" Rei's wispy voice then spoke up, as the silvery haired girl looked up. "You have to go … you cannot linger for so long … it's bad for your soul … reincarnation would be placed back longer … you cannot have that happen … you may fade out of existence." She warned her as Selenity then looked at Mamoru, her eyes filled with tears. "But I can't leave him here like this …" She closed her eyes, "I can't …" Mamoru reached out for her, as he grabbed onto her, pulling her to him. Everything she did was for him … everything she did … "Selenity, I wish you would stay … but it would be selfish, and unreasonable … you would fade away if you linger …" She held onto him tightly. "I don't want to leave you," she whispered to him softly, as she touched his hair, pushing it back from his beautiful eyes. "I don't want to leave you Mamo-chan." "Oh Bunny, and I don't want you to leave me either …" he turned to look at Rei, who stared at him with an incredulous look, as he looked down at the angel in his arms. "…But this is the way everything must be. Even if I want it …" She looked at him and whispered, "I love you." His heartbeat was harsh as he felt comfort in her words … and pain also. Pain for the astound knowledge that he was to let her go. "I love you too." He leaned towards her, and they shared a kiss. "Remember what you promised me by the waterfall," she told him, as she pulled away from him. Before she left, she pleaded to him one notation, "Wish, Mamoru, wish … if you want something hard enough, you'll get it." She then disappeared, as he broke down in tears. "I'm sorry Mamoru, I'm sorry …" All he could do was cry. * * * Chapter 6 * * * I find myself incomplete and lacking Loneliness begins to consume me As all I have to fend it are memories Bittersweet ones that fill me with ache So much that I begin to cry * * * He stayed lying in his bed for days, like an invalid, his eyes staring up into space, as his mind stayed on *her*. Unwanted emotions built up in him, as he asked why? Why did this happen? Why? He went through lists of things that he could have done to prevent her disappearance If he had not invited Rei to his house, he could have gotten to stay with her a bit longer … but even Rei said that she would have left sooner or later … for her very existence would depend on it. He began to think of ways he could have prevented her death. If he had not gone to his grandfather's house that summer, leaving her alone to wait for his letters, she would never have been killed … if the mailman had came EARLY … he shook his head … everything was horrible. He felt guilt for all that had happen, and felt a more of a guilt for not being able to prevent all that happened. He shut his eyes tightly, unable to look into the world. Everything inside him was broken. His life was tarnished, his heart was shattered … everything was … He ached with pain and numbness. Sometimes the pain was so much that he would become numb. All he could do was recall memories. Selenity laughing … Selenity smiling … His heart ached. God, how much he loved Selenity. He longed to see her again, to touch her, to kiss her, to tell her that he loved her over and over again until even the gods could not have denied his desire to be with her. His head was spinning as he recalled her voice. "Wish … wish …" How was he able to wish? How was he able to get her back? Was there a wishing well where he could drop a coin in and pray for her to appear before him? If there was – he would drop every yen in his possession, just so he could bring back her lovely smile and her warm embrace … Slowly sitting up, he thought how grand that would be, to be able to wish for her back … 'if you want something hard enough, you'll get it …' How come he wasn't getting her? He wanted … he longed for her so much that his mind was senseless and his heart ached – he never received her. 'The dead don't just come back to life …' he told himself, as he unceremoniously washed up, as he then remembered what he had not done but wanted to do for the longest while – He wanted to visit her grave. He placed roses on her grave. He could tell that no one had visited her grave for the longest while. Her parents moved away, probably saddened at the fact that they were force to bury their child under ground – it was never suppose to be that way. No parent is suppose to bury their CHILD … they were always the ones to die first … they were always the one … He knelt by the gravestone, as he traced her name. 'Selenity …' He then recalled his mother's explanation of why his middle name was Endymion. Motoki, Selenity's brother, had heard of the legend of a moon princess named Selenity, and the earth prince, Endymion. Selenity had fallen in love with the earth prince, even though it was forbidden, and he had fallen in love with her also. A great evil the consumed earth, and Endymion was the only one that was not corrupted. He had then denied the evil, and went to the moon to warn and protect Selenity and her court. In the end, he had died protecting Selenity, and she had killed himself. Motoki wanted to name Selenity, Endymion, but that didn't work out when he had found out she was a girl. Upon hearing the news of Motoki's distress, his mother had given him the name Endymion and Mamoru. Mamoru for protector, and Endymion for the prince … He stared at the grave, his mind still reeling with mindless quarrels. Selenity and Endymion … their names were entwined to match the lovers of the moon and the earth … He closed his eyes. "Selenity, how I wish you were here." He then stood up and walked away – tears running down his face. He returned to work, wanting a distraction from her. He closed his eyes, as he sat in his office, sipping some coffee. She would be happy that he was saving people's lives instead of moping over her right now … he forced a smile. Yes, she'll be happy … He felt his pager vibrate as he began looked at it and then left for the emergency room. She'd be happy … He was pushing himself too hard. Everyone told him so. They told him he should go home and get some rest. He recalled the apartment he had rented out just ten minutes away. He sighed, as he drove out of the staff parking lot, and into the dead of the night. He felt like the dead – and wished that he WERE the dead. If that meant that he could be with her … He shook his head as such foolishness. She would despise him for doing such a thing. And he wouldn't blame her if she did. For he would be giving up his life – while she lost hers … it wouldn't be fair. But he couldn't help but long … Oh God, how he longed. With his glasses on, his clipboard in his hand, and his long white coat on, he ventured in the room, as he stared up at his patient, he was surprised at what he saw. The girl was dark haired, and around the age of ten. She sat folding paper cranes by the dozens. He watched her, amused. He checked for her name. "Hotaru, what are you doing?" The child looked at him, her eyes dancing in pride at her doings. "I'm making paper cranes," she told him, in her beautiful voice, "There's a legend that if you fold a thousand paper cranes, that your wish will come true … I'm almost done … I have another twenty to go." "What are you wishing for?" He asked her, as he sat next to her, his eyebrow arched. She smiled at him, "I wanna get better." He looked at her record and cringed at the words. Her health was quickly failing … and she was only to live another two months with the chemo … "Could you teach me how to make these cranes?" He asked her, as he smiled, "I can help you." She nodded vigorously, "I would like that." He stared at the results in disbelief. Her health had turned around … she was getting better! 'There's a legend that if you fold a thousand paper cranes, that your wish will come true …' 'Wish, Mamoru, wish …' He took a leave of absence, to fold paper cranes. * * * Chapter 7 * * * One day you'll come back to me I just know you will * * * He had problems making the first crane, as it stared at him lopsidedly. He frowned – he was no origami wizard, but at least he put his heart into the paper folding. With that, he placed the crane into a bottle, as he made a wish – 'One - I wish that you were here …' He took another sheet of paper, and became intent on folding it, as he went through each step. He was going to fold all thousand of these the best he could, and all by himself. Selenity would be proud of him! He popped the second one into the bottle. 'Two - I wish that you were here …' Yes, he was going to reach a thousand in no time … 'Three - I wish that you were here …' He fell asleep at seven. 'One hundred and twenty one - I wish that you were here …' He was worried at the supply of paper he had bought … he was afraid that he would run out soon … He shook his head … no, he still had another three hundred to go … he did buy five stacks of the hundred, hoping that he would be able to make half of it in one day, and the other half the next. He shook his head - it was impossible! He was always falling asleep or called in for urgent emergencies at the hospital. Certainly his notice for his 'vacation' meant nothing. It was already a week, and he was worried that he wasn't going to be able to finish the cranes. 'One hundred and thirty eight - I wish that you were here …' He closed his eyes, but he had to do this. He had to get her back into his arms. He then reverted his attention back to the crane folding. 'One hundred and thirty nine - I wish that you were here …' 'One hundred and forty - I wish that you were here …' 'Two hundred and sixty - I wish that you were here …' 'Two hundred and sixty one - I wish that you were here …' Everyone called him an obsessed man. Crane folding? Wasn't that for kids? They had teased him, but he paid no heed. He was going to continue this … he was going to wish for Selenity no matter what! 'Three hundred and fifteen - I wish that you were here …' He had filled another glass container, as he smiled at the other eight that were filled up with multi-colored cranes. It had been a month since he first had started, and his fingers had become quite skilled at making the wishing cranes. 'Five hundred and three - I wish that you were here …' 'Five hundred and four - I wish that you were here …' 'Five hundred and five – Oh, Kami, how I wish you were here …' His mother slipped in and out of his apartment, leaving food behind, as she would watch him worriedly. He kept on folding those cranes … what in the world was he doing with them? She couldn't help but wonder, as she decided to make some curry for him. The smell entered his private study, as he folded them. 'Seven hundred and fifty two - I wish that you were here …' His stomach went into flip-flops as his eyes widened, making him bolt upward and exit the room … only to find his mother cooking him some food. Disappointment reeled his eyes. Curry … he had just thought that she … He closed his eyes tightly. "Mamoru …" He looked up at his mother with a curt smile. "It smells wonderful Okaa-san." He then shrank back in his room. 'Seven hundred and fifty five - I wish that you were here …' 'Seven hundred and fifty six - I wish that you were here …' 'Seven hundred and fifty seven - I wish that you were here making curry for me…' A month went by. His obsession grew … The numbers also grew … 'Nine hundred and eighty seven - I wish that you were here …' "I almost have it love …" 'Nine hundred and eighty eight - I wish that you were here …' He only had five to go … Four … Three … Two … One … He worked on his final one so carefully, as he then made his wish. 'I wish you were here with me …' He tightly shut his eyes and then took a deep breath. He opened his eyes, expecting to see her in front of him … She wasn't. He cursed. She didn't appear anytime in the next month. * * * Chapter 8 * * * Finally in your embrace I say the words I practiced for so long I love you * * * He was bitter and angry. He was angry with her, for not coming. He was angry with her because she was still dead. Shoving from his head from all the negative thoughts, he sought relaxation, some place to rest … 'Promise me you'll find someone to love.' Her voice had asked him, as his stomach arched. She had made him promise to let her go … to find another one … He shook his head – he couldn't do that … 'Remember what you promised me …' He held his hand to his racing heart as he step out of his car, the sight before him amazed him. A beautiful lake that was brazen with beauty. He tried to recall the legend of the lake. A jealous girl, that was, fell in love with a man whom was in love with a water sprite. With love, the two had cast the jealous girl deep within the lake and went up to the heavens to protect that lake. He sighed, as he decided that on this vacation, he would forget about everything … his mind would only be set in one thing – Peace. Nodding at the idea, he went to check in the hotel, and then hopefully getting into one of the hot water springs right away. Everything was harder to do than expected as he felt the pain of missing her inside of him ever so lively … He shook his head, life held no true meaning without her, as the warmth of the hot springs could not stop the shudder of coldness that ran through his body filled with aches. With an exhausted sigh, he stood up and placed the towel around his waist, the cold winds cooling him down as his dark hair shadowed the blueness of his eyes … (Ea: *grumbles* I have been listening to Aimee, Angela, and Lilac Summers too much … *shakes head* evil, evil people … *perks eyebrows up* wrath of God, I swear, the wrath of God …). He placed on his slippers, as he numbly walked to his room, working the quirks out of his legs. He couldn't help but wonder why the world could keep on moving on. How it could keep in motion at the fact that the only true perfection that had roamed the earth was … dead? His heart beat angrily in his chest at such injustice. She was his angel, trying to save him from pains of the world … He slipped into the covers of his bed as he discarded the towel. But now who would protect him from him? He continued to lay in the lonely bed with anguish tugging in his heart. They said that time healed a broken heart – They sure as hell hadn't seen his heart yet, for he found the pain more intense as the day went by. He had stayed at this resort for a month – hoping that peace could enter him … that the emotions within him would stop being such a bother … He had done all his best to get her back. Hell, he even folded a thousand cranes. But it didn't do him any good – he still was bitter and alone. Closing his eyes, he felt the sunlight brazing at him from the edges of the window that was slightly propped open. He groaned at the bright light and forced himself up from his uneventful slumber. Rising, he began to dress, hoping that some fresh air could do him some good. The summer's warmth attempted to penetrate his cold heart, without success. Not paying attention to where he was walking, he found himself by the lake, examining the beautiful statue that told of the water sprite and her lover; he couldn't help but envy the man. He was able to be with the one he loved. He was able to join her for the rest of eternity, watching the world from the heavens above. How he longed that was he and Selenity. "It's a beautiful legend isn't it?" A voice asked him, as he turned around, surprised. There stood a girl, but eighteen years of age, looking at him with wavy blonde hair and beautiful blue eyes … Eyes that mirrored Selenity's. He took a deep intake of breath. "Wouldn't that be wonderful? To join your love for all eternity? Side by side in the heavens above?" She took another step towards him, as his breathing became more harsh. "To know that you would never have to part?" She now stood but an arm length away from him, staring into his breezy blue orbs. "I always dreamed of something even stronger than that." She reached up to touch his cheek. "A love that could last even after death." She traced his jawbone. "A love that even destiny could not end." She touched his lips. "A love that God could not part." Her hand dropped as he continued to remain silent, as her eyes looked down from his and to her feet. "I use to have dreams, beautiful dreams of a little boy who promised me that he'll marry me …" she smiled at the recollection of the dream, "And then, the boy was no more. Instead, there was a man. A man that had the love of all the world within his eyes …" She looked up again, her eyes a haunting blue. "That man was you." Finally finding that he could speak, he finally questioned her, "What's your name?" "Tsukino Usagi … Tsukino Selenity Usagi …" He then pulled her in his arms as she cried with happiness on his shoulders. He looked up at the heavens above. 'Thank you God, thank you for my angel …' God smiled in return. * * * Can you believe it? Summer is almost over! (wah!) My sturdy schedule! (eat, sleep, sleep, eat, type, sleep, read, read read) .... (sniffles) ohh well, anyways, what did you think of the story? I mean, it's dark, yet has a good turnout! (grins) hehehehe ... I don't know if it's very depressing or not, but I like the whole feel to it! But I'm the author, of course I like it! Remember! Emails are food for the soul! (and i have a big appetite!) -ea