Sailor Moon V
*
The Dark Adventures of the Sailor Scouts
Episode Two
*
"By The New Moon's Light"
(Author's note: This episode follows parallel to the Sailor Moon R story line
and occurs five months after the end of the original story entitled "For
The Love Of Mercury".)
Ami Mizuno couldn't believe her luck. Her mother was going away for the
weekend and left Ami alone in the house. She was even generous enough to give
Ami permission to have her friends sleep over, provided that another pillow
fight wouldn't arise. Ami blushed at the memory, only because that was the
day she met Tolaris.
And the day she fell in love. Absently she fingered the sapphire pendant
that was given to her by Tolaris. "A gift, something to remember me by," he
had said. What he didn't tell her was it's hidden meaning and powers.
Tolaris was a Negaverse agent, sent to Earth to discover the identities of
the Sailor Scouts and to try to neutralize them. However, a kink in his plan
arose when he bumped into Ami on a street corner. Not knowing she was Sailor
Mercury, Tolaris became friends with Ami. Eventually they fell in love, but
at the same time he discovered who the Sailor Scouts really were.
A bitter battle took place that night between Tolaris and the two Sailor
Scouts. Both Tuxedo Mask and Sailor Moon were drained of energy and captured,
but Tolaris could not bring himself to defeat Ami. He restored the others,
gave Tuxedo Mask a strange crystal rose, gave Ami the pendant, and returned to
the Negaverse to face Queen Beryl's wrath. Now he lies eternally frozen in the
wastelands of the Negaverse, but all is not lost for him.
He knew what was coming so he fashioned Ami's sapphire pendant with part
of his own life-force. Even though he was frozen in crystal, part of him still
existed on Earth in the pendant and his spirit could travel between the two
points. But his powers are blocked by the light of the moon and he can only
travel to Earth during the one night of the lunar cycle when the moon didn't
shine at all.
And much to Ami's delight, the new moon was this Friday. She could spend
the entire night in Tolaris's company and still have her friends over Saturday
night. Usually the new moon occurred on a school night and Ami spent most of
the time either studying or sleeping. Although she did remember that one time
falling asleep in his arms....
Ami blushed again and went about helping her mother pack her luggage. Her
mother was naturally suspicious of Ami's zealousness in helping her pack, but
she was good-natured about it, and eventually chalked it up to excitement about
the planned sleep-over. And only Ami knew otherwise....
* * * *
"A sleep-over? Cool!"
Ami smiled at the enthusiasm in Serena's voice. "It's set for Saturday
night. If you want, you can come over in the afternoon."
"That's great, Ami. Umm.... who else is invited?"
"Luna, of course," said Ami, referring to their feline mentor. "Leda and
Mina said they'd be coming and I still have to give Rei a call."
"If you can tear her away from her meditations at her temple."
Ami smiled again. She knew their friend had thrown herself into her work
with a zeal that matched Ami's passion for study. Her reasons for doing so
weren't entirely clear, but Ami was sure it had something to do with Darian
falling in love with Serena instead of Rei. But that was predestined centuries
ago and Rei wasn't one to challenge destiny. "I'm sure I can do it. Oh, and
Serena?"
"What?"
"No pillow fights this time."
"Bummer. Oh, well. Thanks, Ami. See you on Saturday!"
"You're welcome, Serena. Bye!" She hung up and started to look around
for the piece of paper with Rei's number on it. She frowned slightly as a lock
of her blue-tinted hair got in her way. She tucked it back behind her ear and
vowed to get a haircut next week. I don't see how Serena can deal with having
long hair, she thought to herself. Or Rei for that matter. Or Tolaris. That
sent her mind wandering off on a fantasy tangent for a few minutes before she
finally remembered she was looking for Rei's phone number. You would think I
would have it memorized by now, she thought.
She finally found it between the pages of a textbook, remembering that she
was using it as a bookmark. As she dialed the number she idly cast about for
something suitable to use as a bookmark in place of Rei's phone number.
"Hello?" said the slightly tired voice.
"Hi, Rei, it's me."
"Ami! What's up?" Suddenly her voice didn't sound quite so tired.
She smiled to herself. "Oh, nothing much. Listen, are you busy Saturday
night? I'm having a little get-together sleep-over party...."
* * * *
Friday night. School was out for the weekend, her mother was gone, and
the moon was new. Ami could hardly wait for the fun to start. Unfortunately,
she had to wait until the new moon appeared on the horizon for Tolaris to be
able to cross over to Earth, and she didn't have a clue as to when the moon
was to rise.
"Of all of the things to forget on a night like this," she muttered to
herself, "I didn't check out the lunar schedule. Better fix that as soon as I
can." She crossed the room over to the desk, scribbled herself a note in large
letters, and taped it to her school books so she wouldn't forget it. Then, not
knowing what else to do, she decided to take a steaming-hot shower.
Ami always liked hot showers. She couldn't quite pin down what exactly it
was that she liked about them but it never occurred to her to try. The only
complaint she had about showers was that it took hours for her hair to air-dry.
If she used a hair-dryer, it cut the time down to thirty minutes but left her
blue-tinted hair in tangles.
Well, Tolaris will just have to deal with wet hair, she thought as she
took off her light blue socks. As she tossed the socks in the hamper, she
wondered if she should paint her toenails. She remembered what happened last
time she tried that, shuddered, and promptly decided against it. She swiftly
unbuttoned her blouse and let it fall to the floor where it was shortly joined
by her skirt. Then both articles of clothing were flung into the hamper.
Ami stretched, trying to work the kinks out of her back and shoulders. A
little hot water should fix that nicely, she thought as she unclasped her bra.
As she removed it, she noticed that the bra had gotten somewhat tight in the
past few weeks. She blushed slightly as she realized why. Well, it is part of
growing up, she thought, but it is still embarrassing. Her blush deepened as
she removed her panties. But it's not as embarrassing as finding more blue
hair where you least expected it....
She straightened up, naked as the day she was born save for the small
sapphire pendant she still wore around her neck. As she unclasped the pendant
and set it on her dresser, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and
stood back to admire the view.
Her blue hair was slightly unruly tonight but it was nothing new. Almost
automatically her mind went back to when Tolaris had described her features.
Soft, silky blue hair, deep blue eyes, soft rosy lips, and a gentle smile that
would forever captivate his heart. Ami smiled that same smile reflexively as
she remembered his words.
Her gaze wandered down, wondering what he would say if he saw her nude.
Her breasts weren't large, but they were average for her size and had a soft
tenderness to them. Even as she thought about it, her coral-pink nipples began
to harden. It's strange how they do that, she thought. She knew they did that
whenever she was around Tolaris. It made her feel strange but it wasn't an
unpleasant feeling. Something to think about later, she thought.
Her eyes wandered down further across the smoothness of her belly. Her
continuous exercise and training as a Sailor Scout kept her slender form fit
and trim. Definitely an advantage, she thought as she kept looking further.
Her legs were sleek and well-toned, another side effect of daily workouts. Her
gaze was then drawn to the small strip of blue hair covering her sheath. She
sighed to herself and shrugged. Genetics, she thought, go figure.
She grabbed a very fluffy blue towel and headed off to her bathroom. She
made a beeline for the shower stall before stopping for a moment and changing
direction towards the toilet. Business before pleasure, she thought wryly.
Outside, unknown to Ami and the majority of the world, the lightless moon
peeked up from the distant horizon. The sapphire stone on her dresser started
to emit a soft, blue light. But since it was no longer being worn, the energy
necessary for the magic to work couldn't focus itself and Tolaris was unable to
make the dimensional jump between the Negaverse and Earth. And so the crystal
sat there, glowing softly to itself, waiting.
* * * *
Ami emerged from the bathroom dripping wet and toweling her blue-tinted
hair furiously. Behind her, a steam cloud wafted out and dissipated into the
cooler air. She saw a flash out of the corner of her eye, turned to look, and
let out a small shriek of delight. It's time, it's time! she thought as she
ran over to the dresser. She was about to clasp the pendant around her neck
when she realized she was still quite naked.
A naughty though came to her mind but she decided against it. Don't want
to give him a heart attack, she thought as she rummaged through her dresser for
a nightgown. Then a second naughty thought popped into her mind, this one of a
slightly different nature. She froze as she considered it, grinned, and went
over to her bed. Reaching underneath the mattress, she pulled out a blue satin
nightgown and hoped she calculated the effects correctly.
As soon as she slid it on, she knew she was right. When she tried it on
before, it was a snug fit but didn't really show or accent anything. But now
that she was wet the sheer fabric clung to her form like a second skin. Ami
glanced in the mirror to make sure nothing inappropriate showed through. The
nightgown was slightly translucent to begin with and the water made it worse,
but it was still opaque enough to leave everything to the imagination. Almost
everything.
Ami smiled at her image. This will most definitely dazzle Tolaris, she
thought. Her mind flashed back to when she modeled it for Leda and Luna. Leda
was old enough to appreciate the effect and told her about the time she wore
something similar for her ex-boyfriend. Luna, on the other hand, was having
an absolute fit. The poor thing had fainted when Leda confessed the reason why
she had worn the outfit. The conversation took an interesting turn that night
and innocent Ami learned quite a lot about biology.
And now, she thought to herself, tonight is the perfect night to answer a
few of those questions. She smiled to her reflection again, winked just for
effect, and clasped the sapphire pendant around her neck. The air seemed to
tingle for a second, then a cloud of tiny blue motes coalesced into a very
familiar form.
"Tolaris," she breathed warmly as she embraced the figure. "I've been
waiting for you to come here tonight."
"I was starting to worry why I couldn't cross over. Did you take the
pendant off for a bit or should I start to worry again?"
Ami just smiled. "I had to take a shower. Can't you tell?" she teased as
she shook her head, sending water droplets everywhere. Tolaris's eyebrows went
up to his hairline as he took a closer look at her and her smile became even
wider.
"Umm...." was all he was able to say, his normally fair complexion turning
as gray as his blood. He watched as she stepped back from him and did a rather
graceful pirouette, showing him all angles of her slender form.
"You have no idea how much I've been looking forward to seeing you again.
Especially tonight...."
"Ami," the dark form interrupted, "Speaking of tonight, I have to warn you
that you could be in grave danger."
Her blue eyes became wide as she heard this. "The Negaverse again?"
Tolaris sighed. "Yes and no. It's a combination of the Negaverse's three
moons.... and myself. It is a rather lengthy explanation, but it boils down to
this: Tonight, my darkest side will eventually reign free for a few hours."
Outside, a storm began to gather, a result of Tolaris's emotions dominating his
control over the natural elements of the weather.
* * * *
"The Negaverse has three moons hidden in eternal darkness. The red moon of
Blood lies furthest from the planet. Next is the Dark Moon of Shadows. And
closest to the planet is the gold moon of Power. The three moons follow no
specific orbital pattern and trying to predict where each one will be during
any given time is an astrological nightmare. On occasion the moons will be
together in a straight line, the one blocking out the dim light of the other
two. It is called a conjunction, and depending on which moon shines various
effects occur.
"The most often occurrence is the PowerMoon conjunction. As long as the
gold light shines alone, the amount of magical energy in the Negaverse will be
increased a hundredfold. Queen Beryl had been trying to come up with a way to
cause a PowerMoon on the night she was to release the NegaForce. Fortunately
for the rest of the universes, she had been unsuccessful in doing so.
"The second most often occurrence is the ShadowMoon conjunction. During
that time the physical and mental powers of all that are evil are increased.
Since ninety-five percent of those who live in the Negaverse are evil, this is
viewed as a good event. Unless you happen to be part of the neutral faction,
like I am. In that case, it's a good night to stay home with the doors locked
and your favorite weapons ready just in case the neighbors get a tad unruly.
"But the rarest and most feared occurrence is the BloodMoon conjunction.
The red moon's light awakens the hidden demons in certain people and an evil
far more powerful than anyone can control is released: The bloodlust of the
vampire. Those who are bitten by the vampires during the few hours that the
BloodMoon shines are infected with a dark evil. When the next BloodMoon comes,
those unlucky few souls who survived the vampires' hunger will become vampires
themselves."
Outside the house, a thunderstorm rumbled softly to the world as it rode
in on the thermal currents of the wind. Tolaris bowed his head and made a
strange gesture. All light seemed to fade from the room as a ghostly image of
three celestial spheres appeared before him. Ami could only get a quick look
of their movements before they faded from view and the room returned to normal.
"It is as I feared," said Tolaris softly. "The moons will be aligned very
soon, perhaps within hours. Were I not still frozen in crystal I could have
sensed this coming and stayed away from you, Ami. My being here now puts you
in more danger than you could possibly imagine. I'm sorry, my love."
Ami walked over, wrapped her arms about his waist, and rested her head on
his chest, much the way she did when they fell in love. Time passed before she
softly asked, "Tell me how it happened."
"I was much younger then, perhaps in the late part of my third century of
life. I had only been a Dragoon for about four decades and was still assigned
to active field duty. My mission was to gather information on a rogue faction
of monsters opposed to Queen Beryl's ascension to power. I was at the edge of
their inside security perimeter when the conjunction started.
"I hadn't been around long enough to know what an impending BloodMoon felt
like but I knew something strange was about to happen. As it turned out, over
half of the faction were vampires. I had heard of the horror stories about
them but I had never seen a vampire before since I was born just a few years
after the previous BloodMoon. As soon as I realized what was happening, I ran
as fast as my powers would let me, ignoring the agony of the windshear as my
speed approached the sound barrier. I didn't care where I was going, just as
long as I got away from that dark evil.
"I had the luck to run across a solitary vampire just as she was finishing
off a border guard. She must still have been hungry, for all I can remember
from that time period was her hypnotic gaze and the sensation of her fangs
piercing my throat. I must have satisfied her hunger for I had enough blood
still in me to let me live.
"And I have been cursed ever since." He bowed his head and checked the
positions of the three moons again. Ami caught about as much this time as she
did last time but she could tell the moons were noticeably closer together.
"There have been two other BloodMoons since then. During those darkest
hours, I drained the blood out of five victims. Fortunately, none of them
survived. In the midst of my last bloodlust I learned that I had a measure of
control over the madness. I only took one life that night and it was because
she had lost too much blood before I gained control over myself."
Ami remained silent during Tolaris's recollections, not wanting to disturb
him. Outside, a gentle rain started to fall as the thunderstorm intensified.
The wind picked up, scattering leaves and small branches across the landscape.
She tightened her grip around his waist as she contemplated what lay ahead.
"Tolaris, do you think you still have control?"
He considered his options. Because of the strange effects of the magic,
he couldn't return to his crystal prison until the moon disappeared over the
horizon. He couldn't travel too far away from the pendant without destroying
the magical link, which would leave his mind forever traped in the wastelands
of the Negaverse. And Ami being Ami, he knew that there was simply no way for
him to convince her to leave him alone with the pendant and run.
His arms closed around Ami's delicate form. "I don't know, Ami, and for
your sake, I hope so."
* * * *
General Rune was not looking forward to the next few hours. She knew that
it would only be a matter of minutes for the vampires to unleash an assault on
her castle, a desperate attempt to get to the blood of the denizens inside.
Her only real choice was to cast the ForceWard spell, an immense energy barrier
that would completely surround the castle. The only problem was that most of
her energy reserves would be drained in the casting. Of course, she could save
that energy for other spells but that would leave the castle defenseless to a
horde of blood-sucking evil demons.
Best live to fight another day, she thought as she issued the necessary
orders to get all of her troops inside the castle walls. Meanwhile, a full
platoon of Dragoons were at the edge of the perimeter laying down the complex
network of crystals used to direct the energy waves that made up the ForceWard.
If one of the crystals failed or was destroyed, the energy could be routed to
another spot, thus saving that part of the Ward. About seventy percent of the
crystals had to be destroyed before the barrier would collapse.
Rune hoped that the spell would hold. Last time she had to use it was
after those Sailor Scouts had completely obliterated Queen Beryl and her most
powerful warriors. In the ensuing power struggle. she lost over half of the
crystals guarding her castle before she finally gained supreme control over the
rest of the denizens and what was left of the Negaverse. But Rune had other
concerns right now, ones that had to do with crystals of a different nature.
There were a few minions among her troops who were themselves vampiric,
but they had come forward to Rune and volunteered to be restrained. She knew
that Queen Beryl preferred to destroy those minions who were vampiric, but she
had been persuaded by her new Dragoon commander to let them live. Rune knew
that Lieutenant Commander Shar-Tei had her reasons for endorsing her rule over
the Negaverse, but one of the main reasons for her doing so was the fact that
General Rune was the only one capable of saving her from transforming into a
vampire once more.
Self-preservation is always a noble motive, thought Rune. Still, I will
have to have a long talk with her about this later. It was Shar-Tei's idea to
have the infected minions frozen in crystal. The idea served a double purpose:
Keep the vampires confined, and keep their natural talents and abilities locked
away so their vampire natures couldn't use them.
It made perfect sense to Rune. The majority of the Negaverse denizens had
only minor or weak powers, but there were quite a few like herself and Shar-Tei
that were very powerful. If their vampiric sides managed to gain control of
those powers, they would be almost unstoppable. And so Rune agreed to seal
each one of her infected troops in crystal shells, both for her and their own
protection.
Ten minutes later the last of the ForceWard network crystals were laid
down and everyone retreated into the castle. This had better work, thought the
general, or we'll all wind up with sharp teeth in a few centuries. Not really
wanting to know how much time she had to spare, if any, she didn't even bother
checking the three moons' position before starting the incantations to the
ForceWard spell. Outside, slender tendrils of energy leapt from crystal to
crystal, forming a delicate web.
Far above in the heavens, the three moons came together.
* * * *
Tolaris looked out the window. "So it begins," was all he said.
"Tolaris, what does it take for you to keep control over the bloodlust?"
said Ami. Her mind was working feverishly to come up with a way she could help
the love of her life deal with the situation.
Good question, thought Tolaris. What exactly was it last time...? Okay, I
think I see a pattern here.... "A focus. Something to keep my mind on other
than this siren's call in my veins." He began to concentrate on the storm that
was starting to rage outside. Controlling every single current of wind in a
storm this size should keep my mind quite busy, he thought.
"I think I can help...."
Something about her tone set off a small profusion of warning flags in his
mind. A strange feeling ran down his spine, a feeling that had nothing to do
with his blood problems. He turned around and his eyebrows hit the ceiling.
Ami was finishing unbuttoning her nightgown. She looked up at Tolaris and
smiled warmly. "Focus on this," she said simply as she let the nightgown drop
to the floor. All of Tolaris's concerns went out the nearest window as he
registered surprise, then panic over the fact that his heart had quit beating.
It restarted a full second later, but Tolaris would never forget the burning
sensation in his chest for as long as he lived.
All the Dragoon could do was stare as Ami pirouetted again, seeming even
more graceful when unencumbered by her clothing. She then bent down to pick up
her nightgown and started to dance a variation of the Arabian Dance of Veils.
As she twirled around, all she needed was one look at his face to know she had
his full attention. Just the way she wanted it.
Tolaris was waging an internal war. He wondered which siren call he would
succumb to first, Ami's or his blood's. His gaze never wavered from Ami's nude
form as she danced across the room. Lovely enough to stop my heart and a pure
delight to watch when dancing, he thought.
He watched as she let the nightgown flutter to the floor and pulled the
sheet off of her bed. She wrapped part of it around her neck like a cape and
started in on another seductive dance. Desire welled up inside Tolaris and he
knew that the bloodlust in his veins would most definitely wait.
Ami was lost in her dance, oblivious to the rest of the world. Deep down
inside she was a dancer. She had never told anyone about her interest in
dancing, not even her mother. To Ami, dancing was a personal experience not to
be shared except with a loved one. She had never danced nude before but it was
an exhilarating sensation, having both her body and mind free. A distant part
of her mind made a note to try it more often.
Tolaris was captivated by the power of Ami's dance. It wasn't a fast or
overly energetic dance, just a series of smooth and graceful movements. A
sudden thought came to Tolaris. He turned his mind inward, searching for a
long-hidden talent. It was a marginally undeveloped power, but it would serve.
Mentally shaking the rust out of his memory, Tolaris flexed his fingers and
summoned music.
It started out as a simple four-beat tempo, soft enough for only him to
hear. Slowly, he changed the sound and frequency waves to produce a soft but
definite rhythm, one that he thought Ami could find a way to dance to. I may
not have the skill Shar-Tei has with sound waves, he thought, but I can still
crank out some decent music. He added a few accompaniments for effect and
gently increased the volume so Ami could hear it.
The music never consciously registered in Ami's mind but it still had an
impact. She seemed to falter for a few brief seconds before her body started
to match the beat she was hearing. The beat was soft and smooth with slightly
more energy than she was used to, but she compensated easily enough. The sheet
whirled around her like a living being, concealing, revealing, and tantalizing
all at once.
Neither of them knew how much time passed nor did they care. Eventually
Tolaris realized he was starting to tire. He cursed himself when he remembered
that he stopped using his musical powers because they drained too much of his
energy. He changed the beat to a pattern that any dancer would recognize as
the closing sequence to a performance.
Ami responded, sending her body into a complex series of fast twirls. As
Tolaris ended the music she froze in a graceful pose. The sheet, still in
motion, settled to rest about her body in a perfectly calculated manner. Her
body was covered with a thin sheen of sweat that partially reflected the light,
making Ami seem to glitter as she slowly walked over to Tolaris.
Tolaris was hopelessly ensnared by Ami's graceful charm and did the only
thing he could do. He embraced Ami and kissed her with all of the passion he
had. Ami kissed him back with all of her might, her spirit still charged with
the power of her dancing.
The dark demon in Tolaris's soul erupted, shattering his control over the
bloodlust in his veins. The impact of losing control so suddenly threw his
mind into chaos, releasing the vampire's psyche. In a sudden surge of power,
the vampire-mind tore Tolaris's spirit from his body and locked it away deep
within Ami's sapphire pendant. Without Tolaris's spirit in his body, the evil
was free to control him.
Ami felt Tolaris's lips tighten suddenly and she knew something bad was
happening. She took a few steps back, sensing a great evil coming from the
dark form. As she watched, his eyes became a featureless yellow and his tan
skin turned a sickly shade of blue. When the sharp fangs emerged from his
gums, Ami knew that Tolaris had lost the fight and that she was in very serious
trouble.
Outside, a flash of lightning lit up the sky, illuminating everything with
a harsh white light. The vampire had his back to the window and all Ami could
see of him was a vague outline and two red pupils. The bolt faded, plunging
everything into darkness again. The only lights in the room were from the lamp
on Ami's nightstand, her sapphire pendant, and the vampire's yellow eyes.
The dark form began to move towards Ami. She tried to run but her mind
was frozen, captivated by the gaze of the vampire. Tolaris said their eyes
were hypnotic, but I didn't think it would be like this, she thought, the rest
of her mind in a panic. I'm too young to die, this can't be happening, get
me out of here, run! But despite her efforts, she stayed rooted in place.
The vampire stopped in front of her and reached out. Ami felt his hand
caressing her cheek before gently tilting her head up. But the creature made
no move to bite her. He just stood there, gazing at her throat with an inhuman
intensity. With a shock, Ami realized that he was staring not at her neck but
at her pendant.
Ami felt as if hours had passed before the vampire let go of her chin and
released control of her. Her hand flew to her throat, making sure the skin was
still intact. The dark creature chuckled softly. a low and ominous sound that
sent a strange chill down Ami's spine. Then the creature spoke.
"So that is how it happened," he said in a deep, inhuman voice. The dark
tone both aroused and frightened Ami. "You have nothing to fear from me, Ami
Mizuno, as long as you wear that crystal. I cannot take you as long as Tolaris
is with you, but I am in control of Tolaris's body until his spirit returns."
"What have you done to Tolaris?" she asked. Her tone was husky with fear
and something else, something she wasn't sure she wanted to identify.
"I was able to force his spirit to go elsewhere, something that cannot be
done unless there is a place for it to safely go for a period of time. He has
a special connection with that crystal you wear, something that allowed him to
take refuge. Most interesting."
A dim part of Ami's mind realized that the vampire's voice was having a
profound effect on her. Her nipples were tightening and her legs were getting
wobbly. It's like when Tolaris told me he loved me, she thought. What is it
about this creature's voice? Tolaris, help me....
"Who are you?"
"My name is Daigan. You seem surprised that I am talking to you instead
of feasting on your blood. What exactly has Tolaris told you about this blood
madness?"
In a slightly quavering tone, Ami recounted Tolaris's explanation of what
happens during the BloodMoon conjunction. The vampire said nothing, waiting
for her to finish. When she did, the dark creature walked over to the window
and looked out into the storm.
"Correct in all but one respect," he said. "This feeding frenzy is caused
by the conflict between the host's spirit and the darkness in the soul vying
for control of the body. The mind goes mad and focuses on the only impulse
that it can find: the vampire's desire to feed. Hence, the search for living
blood."
Daigan turned from the window to face Ami. "But the control is not there
so the insane one drains as much as he can, not as much as he needs. We do not
need very much blood, perhaps half a pint every few centuries. I could satisfy
my hunger with you and you would not feel any ill effects. At least, not until
the next BloodMoon, which shouldn't occur until your human body is long since
dust."
Ami's attention was split into two, one part absorbing the information the
vampire was giving her. But the other half of her mind was trying to deal with
her body's reaction. Her nipples were still tight and aching, but it wasn't a
painful ache. Her breathing was starting to get rough and unsteady and it
took a bit of effort to get it under control. But her sheath was getting damp
and she had no idea why, or how she could deal with it.
Daigan, however, knew precisely what kind of effect he was having on her.
He had that effect on all of the females he met up with. And now that he had
full control of his host's body, he could use that to his advantage. He moved
closer to Ami's trembling form and laughed softly.
"You seem troubled. Is your passionate desire for something or someone
making it hard to think?" He reached out and caressed Ami's cheek. "I can
help ease your desire, release your passions." His hand slid down to gently
trace the veins in her neck. "Let me to take you to new heights of pleasure."
"No...." Ami breathed. Daigan's touch was far more stimulating than his
voice and it was hard for her to focus. But the thought of her giving herself
over to anyone other than Tolaris repulsed her enough to gather her thoughts
together.
"I think you misunderstand me, Ami Mizuno. I hold no particular interest
in what pleasures your body could offer me. You will find that Tolaris would
willingly satisfy your needs, though he is no less a virgin than you are, even
after seven hundred and twenty-four years of life. He is, however, extremely
knowledgeable in the ways of giving women pleasure. He has never actually had
a chance to test that knowledge but that is none of my concern.
"The height of pleasure I am referring to is the act of sharing your blood
with me. You would not know this, but the Vampire's Kiss is a most pleasurable
experience for a female host. Granted the first seconds are painful, but once
your blood starts to flow it will be as if you were a goddess. It would be an
experience you shall never forget. Think of it. You could feel pleasure never
before even imagined on Earth in exchange for losing a small amount of your
precious blood."
Ami's mind raced as fast as her desire-muddled brain would allow. After
several seconds she arrived at a decision she thought was a good one. "If I
submit, you must promise to release your control over Tolaris and let his soul
return to his body."
The vampire considered her offer. He made a gesture and the light seemed
to fade from the room. The image of a red moon only appeared for an instant
but it was long enough for him to make a decision. "Done," he said.
Ami reached behind her neck and unclasped the sapphire pendant, setting it
on her nightstand. The pendant's light flared briefly before returning to its
normal soft glow. She heard the vampire come up behind her and felt his arms
around her waist. She closed her eyes and prayed that she didn't miscalculate
about the whole thing.
His hands slid up to cup her breasts as he kissed the rim of her ear. A
soft moan escaped Ami's lips as Daigan kissed his way down her ear while gently
massaging her soft breasts. As his lips trailed down to her throat, his thumbs
started to rub her nipples and Ami's hands covered his. He carefully tweaked
her hardened nipples as he bit into her throat.
Ami cried out, first in agony over the pain, then in ecstasy as the pain
melded into pure pleasure. Her whole body shuddered as she orgasmed, a wave of
unimaginable delight ripping through her very being. She was slightly aware of
some pain as her lifeblood was drawn out but it was drowned out by the sheer
pleasure of the Vampire's Kiss. Her body trembled as she orgasmed again.
She felt Daigan withdraw from her neck and she started to collapse as her
muscles overloaded. The vampire picked her up and carried her over to her bed.
Ami's mind slid into a fog of pleasure as her body recovered from the dual
orgasms. She looked into the vampire's eyes and imagined she saw a glimmer of
emotion there. Then Daigan blinked and turned toward the window.
Ami managed to sit up, though her muscles protested. She watched as his
skin color returned to a normal light brown. When he turned around, his eyes
were back to gray and he bore no trace of fangs. The vampire had done as he
promised and Tolaris was back.
* * * *
Tolaris's spiritual focus shifted to a well-practiced point and his legs
became overcharged with energy. He ran to Ami's side at a speed no living
being should have been capable of, doing his best to ignore the pain as the air
sliced across his skin like a knife. He knelt down and cradled her head in his
arms as he ran his fingers over the puncture marks on her neck.
"Ami, my foolish love, what have you done?" he whispered softly. He split
his concentration into three tasks: Soothing Ami's still-trembling body, trying
to determine the damage to her neck, and carefully probing her spirit for the
evil that the Vampire's Kiss was sure to awaken. But when he noticed that the
skin on her neck was regenerating, he gave it his full attention.
This is bad, Tolaris thought. Ami is human. She shouldn't be able to
regenerate any sort of wound by herself and I'not capable of doing it, either.
An icy chill ran down his spine as a possibility occurred to him.
"Tolaris," Ami said, her voice barely a whisper. Her breathing had calmed
and her muscles were no longer quivering but her mind was still deep within a
hormone-induced fog. "Tolaris, it was wonderful.... I've never felt like this
in my entire life...."
"Just relax, Ami, and rest for a bit." He focused his spirit to a very
fine point and gently probed Ami's spirit. What he found almost completely
stopped his heart. He thought vile curses as he waited for the pain from his
second heart attack to fade. This would be easier if I was telepathic, but am
I? Nooooo, I have to be psi-mute and have to use spiritual methods instead.
He sighed and braced for the worst.
Since Ami was human, the Vampire's Kiss didn't affect her like it had with
Tolaris and the other Negaverse denizens. Tolaris knew while that there was no
danger of her becoming a vampire during a BloodMoon conjunction, she would
still exhibit vampiric tendencies under certain conditions. Tolaris prayed as
he delved deeper into the pit of evil in Ami's soul.
Daigan's evil seed had taken root and the damage was rather widespread.
Strangely enough, the majority of the alterations were beneficial. She could
now regenerate most types of wounds, though the process would take longer in
direct sunlight. Her senses were slightly sharper, especially her sense of
smell and taste. All of her muscles were being altered, giving her a wider
range of flexibility and enhanced strength.
Tolaris cursed as he came across the downside of the alterations. Her
newly improved body now required trace amounts of chemicals and enzymes, and
those elements could only be found in human blood cells that differed from her
own. Her dental structure and gums were being altered to accommodate a pair of
extremely sharp teeth, fangs designed to protrude only when she was about to
feed on blood.
But what shocked Tolaris the most were the changes to her spirit. Her
emotional stability was weakened, leaving her more inclined to show her darker
emotions. An instinct was developed to release her vampire nature if she was
moderately injured or if her supply of blood nutrients was low. Already the
groundwork was being laid for her to acquire special abilities as she learned
to control her new nature.
The Dragoon sat back in a numb state of shock. Ami slowly stretched her
body, making a faint purring sound of contentment as her mind slowly recovered
from her experience with pleasure. Tolaris's mind turned inward, searching for
something, anything he was even remotely capable of doing to help Ami fight off
the darkness in her soul. He sighed in resignation when he could find nothing.
Ami sat up and made a face. "Yeech.... Tolaris, give me a hand here. I
am in dire need of a shower. I'm all sticky."
Tolaris smiled and concentrated. A tiny rain cloud formed over Ami's head
and started to rumble with thunder. "This should help," he offered. The look
he received was a glare designed to melt tempered steel.
"Not on my bed you don't. I don't need to deal with wet sheets."
"I hate to break this to you, dearest Ami, but in case you hadn't noticed,
you've done a rather fine job of soaking the sheets all by your juicy little
self." Tolaris had to laugh at the look of horror that crossed Ami's face as
the facts registered.
"Ewwww!" she squealed as she made a mad dash for the bathroom. Tolaris
sighed as his mind turned to the problem at hand. His thoughts were briefly
interrupted by a high-pitched shriek from the shower, followed by Ami's voice
yelling, "COLD!!" She must have forgotten about the water still in the pipes,
he thought.
A sudden inspiration clicked in his mind. Maybe, just maybe, he thought.
He cast about the room, looking for the one thing Ami always had nearby. He
found it on her nightstand where she usually left it before going to bed. He
picked it up and gazed at it, hoping that the silvery cylinder could help him
help Ami. Closing his eyes, he held aloft Ami's Mercury Wand and prayed.
"Mercury, swift messenger of the heavens, hear me. My friend and love has
been taken by a great evil, an evil that I am partly responsible for. I have
tried to help her but I am not strong enough. Please, help me rid the evil
that has taken root in Ami's spirit. Do not let her suffer from the darkness
within my own soul. Please, I beg of you to help her."
Inside the crystal bubble atop the cylinder, the symbol of Mercury started
to spin faster than its usual pace. Tolaris was answered by a voice that came
from everywhere and from nowhere. The voice was both a single voice and a huge
chorus of voices mixed together, whispering and shouting at the same time.
"We are aware of what has happened to our avatar, Dragoon Tolaris, but we
cannot help you directly. The evil that plagues our Sailor Scout comes from
another universe than ours and we are powerless to affect it. Ami Mizuno will
be forever cursed with this evil of your world's. The only thing you can do is
to render the darkness in her soul sterile so it will never pass on to those
who will eventually become her victims."
Tolaris's mind screamed silently. No! Ami, my love.... "Please, tell me
what I must do."
"Since Ami's soul was impregnated with the seed of your dark side, you
must do the same with the seed of your normal spirit. We are aware of the fact
that your present state is a physical manifestation of your spirit and that
your remaining time in this world is limited. There is no power in all of
Creation that can completely stop the flow of Time but we have the power to
slow it down. You will have the time you need to complete your task."
With a start, Tolaris realized that he indeed was almost out of time. He
concentrated for a brief moment, just long enough to find the dark moon in
relation to the horizon. Not much longer, he thought. Ok, we're going to have
to trust this guy and ignore time. Now what exactly did he mean by.... Umm....
Hold it.... Tolaris put two and two together and came up with five. "You mean
to tell me that I have to...."
The voice spoke again. "We understand your concerns. In simple terms,
you are to let your love for Ami take its natural course. There is no chance
for her to conceive without our intervention since you are barren and your
genetic structures cannot combine to produce life. Go to Ami and help her. We
shall meet again, Dragoon." The symbol in the Mercury Wand slowed down to its
usual lazy pace and all was quiet.
Tolaris sat down abruptly as the information sank in and he experienced
his third heart attack. Tonight is just full of surprises, he thought. First
Ami gets naked for me, then I wind up poisoning her soul with evil, and now I
have been ordered by her god to make love to her. I don't think my heart can
take much more of this.... He stood up and put the Mercury Wand back on Ami's
nightstand. All I need is her getting ticked at me about borrowing this.
He heard the bathroom door open behind him and he turned to look. The
doorway was filled with a thick steam cloud and Tolaris couldn't see past it.
Then Ami emerged from the cloud, dripping wet with a soft smile on her face.
Tolaris couldn't believe it was possible, but he found that Ami was even more
alluring when she was nude and wet.
Tolaris was about to say something when he felt the evil in his soul start
to stir once again. Surprisingly, it only did the equivalent of rolling over
and going back to sleep. Then all sensations stopped and his spirit was at
peace again, this time for good.
He sighed softly and made a familiar gesture. Once again the light faded
from the room as a ghostly image appeared. Ami only got another quick glimpse
but even she could see the edges of the other two moons peeking out behind the
red moon. The image faded and the room returned to normal. The BloodMoon
conjunction was over.
* * * *
General Rune sighed with relief as she let the ForceWard barrier collapse
in on itself. She wouldn't know the exact count until later but she figured
that she had lost roughly sixty-five percent of the network crystals. She knew
that the delicate web of energy had been broken in several spots but they were
small enough to have gone undetected by the blood-hungry vampires outside.
Wearily, she got up and ordered a full check on the castle and the grid
of network crystals. She then motioned a squadron of guards to follow her as
she made her way into her private chambers and to the denizens still frozen in
crystal shells.
The very first thing Rune noticed was an acrid smell. She motioned to the
guards and they spread out, trying to find the cause of the unholy stench. A
few seconds later one of them pointed to a crystal. Rune was suprised to see
that there were deep cracks running along the length of the crystal shell. I
think it's time to find out what went on in here, she thought as her powers
reached out and cracked the crystal shells like eggs, freeing their occupants.
While the guards tended to the others, Rune walked over to her fountain
and sat down. "So, Moirah," she said to the open air, "What exactly went on
in here?"
The water in the fountain started to swirl together and a column formed.
The water slowly took on a humanoid shape and solidified into the familiar form
of one of Queen Beryl's former bodyguards. It never ceased to amaze Rune that
someone could have the natural ability to become a liquid.
"It was rather calm, actually," came the silky voice. "Oh, they thrashed
about and tried to use their powers against the crystal, but none of it did
them any good. I, on the other hand, learned new inventive words."
Rune laughed at that. "I figured something like that would happen. What
happened to Brigadier Varnea's crystal shell? It was rather badly cracked and
I think that was what caused that awful smell."
Moirah frowned slightly. "Apparently she has a hidden talent that she's
not aware of. The conjunction was almost over when she started winging plasma
bolts around. None of them even scratched her, but you saw what they did to
the crystal. Fortunately, time ran out before too long. I think that if she
had another ten minutes to keep doing that she would have broken through. I
don't know about the rest of you, but I am quite sure I can't survive a direct
hit with a plasma bolt."
"Interesting. We shall have to keep an eye on her for awhile. How is our
Dragoon commander doing?"
"Still frozen in your Dark Crystal, General."
"Excellent. You have done a fine job, as usual. I want you to go keep
Varnea under a careful eye. If she does have other hidden talents I want to
know about them."
"As you wish, General Rune."
Rune waited until the willowy form of Moirah was long gone before dealing
with other matters of business. A sudden thought occured to her as she was
preparing to release Shar-Tei from her special crystalline prison. Of course,
she thought, they almost always work in pairs. She thought who would still be
in the room with her.
"I know it is your duty to guard me from harm, V'Kreeth, but you are going
to have to do it from outside the room for a while. I have private business to
attend to and I don't need anyone eavesdropping."
A being that was pure shadow detached itself from a dark corner of the
room and walked towards Rune. "Not wise," he said. His voice always reminded
Rune of dry leaves whispering across stone. "We have suspicions that another
attempt to assassinate you will be made quite soon."
Loyal if nothing else, the dark general thought. "Perhaps, V'Kreeth, but
I have given you your orders. I have every confidence in you to be able to
fend of any such attempt from outside my chambers."
"I would be failing in my duties if you aren't made aware of the possible
consequences of potentially unwise actions, especially when your life could be
at stake. If you recall, Queen Beryl had given such orders before she was
destroyed by the Sailor Scouts."
Rune smiled. "Direct as always, V'Kreeth. That is why I like you. Your
point has been duly recognized. Now go." The dark form bowed and seemed to
meld into the very walls. Rune knew that it was possible he just returned to
a dark corner again, but she knew him better than that. He might despise his
orders with a passion but he would obey them nonetheless. That was the other
reason she liked him so much.
The smile slid from her dark features as she concentrated on the task at
hand. The Dark Crystal was a very complex prison and it would take hours for
her to unwind the wards and spells surrounding it. She sighed and started the
first of her incantations.
* * * *
Ami smiled at Tolaris and shook her head, sending droplets of water flying
about the room. She grabbed her towel and started to dry her hair, knowing it
was a futile attempt but doing it anyway. She felt Tolaris's arms encircle her
waist and she ceased drying.
"My love, you seem to become more and more beautiful with each passing
hour," said Tolaris. He gave Ami a passionate kiss which she returned with
equal passion. "Now, where does this seem familiar? Ah, yes. You had just
finished dancing and was looking absolutely stunning. Now, where were we?"
"We were kissing and afterwards you were going to make gentle, passionate
love to me," she said matter-of-factly.
Tolaris blushed a dark gray and braced for his heart to stop yet a fourth
time. He was faintly suprised when it merely skipped a beat instead. "Uh huh.
And what if that wasn't exactly my intention?"
Ami's smile made Tolaris's blood shiver. "Then I'm going to rape you,"
she said simply. Her smile faded slightly as she saw the look of surprise and
pain in Tolaris's gray-green eyes. "What?"
"Umm.... ahh, there we go. Ami, dear, don't do things like that. Do you
realize that this is the fourth time my heart has stopped beating because of
surprises like that?"
Her blue eyes grew wide. "Will you be okay?"
"I should be. Unless, of course, you have any other surprises in store
for this evening." He swore he could hear the gears in Ami's mind turning as
she thought about something. When she smiled, he knew something was up. Oh,
no, here it comes....
"I think I can help keep your heart beating for a while...." Ami said as
she took hold of Tolaris's hand and drew him towards her bed. She gave him a
funny look when she thought she heard him mutter, "That's it, I give up," but
he just smiled in return.
When they reached her bed, Ami turned around and drew Tolaris into a very
passionate embrace. Her lips melded with his as her hands caressed his cheeks.
She moaned softly when she felt his fingertips glide over her bare skin, gently
tickling her ribs. She slid her hands down to his shirt collar but he grasped
her hands and kissed them. He smiled, released her hands, then stepped back.
Immediately, Tolaris was engulfed in a whirlwind of lightning. Ami had to
cover her eyes against the glare and she felt a heatwave wash over the room.
The light faded and Ami could see again. What she saw was more than enough to
set her pulse racing and get her nipples aching.
Tolaris's clothes were now a fine ash covering his body. A small storm
cloud formed over his head and started to drizzle. The rain washed all of the
ash off Tolaris, revealing skin and muscle. A blazing hot desert heatwave ran
across the carpet, evaporating the moisture before it could soak in. Then the
conjured weather disappeared, leaving Tolaris as naked as Ami.
Ami's jaw made a slight cracking sound as it fell open. "That's.... one
way of doing it," she said in awe.
Tolaris tried to smile but it was more of a tight grimace. "I always did
want to see if that would work. But I think I'll have to find another way of
doing that. You have no idea how much that hurt."
"Aww, don't worry. I'll make you feel better...."
* * * *
The thunderstorm slowly increased in intensity during the night. The wind
would pick up and drop off at random and bolts of lightning occurred with
greater frequency. Oddly enough, the rain continued to fall at a slow and
gentle pace despite the rest of the storm's rage.
In a modest house somewhere in downtown Tokyo, Serena tossed and turned in
her sleep as her subconscious acted on her fears of thunder to produce a nasty
nightmare. A black cat entered her room, dripping wet from the rain outside.
She had a strange smile on her face as she carefully shook the water out of her
fur and settled down to sleep next to Serena....
At a temple in an old district, Rei meditated before a small fire. Her
sleep had been disturbed earlier by a cat screaming in some part of the city.
She had tried to go back to sleep, but now it was the thunderstorm that kept
her awake. She sighed and tried to relax herself in her meditations....
In an apartment building on the edge of Tokyo, Leda showed no interest in
sleeping. She stood against her bedroom window with her face and hands against
the glass, watching as the lightning and thunder raged across the city skies.
Storms had always stirred her passions, and tonight was no exception. She let
her hand stray across her body as she wished she had someone to share the night
with....
In a studio apartment in downtown Tokyo, Mina was fast asleep. The storm
outside had no effect on her as she peacefully dreamed. Her white cat leapt
down from the windowsill, quite sure that his friend outside was finished
screaming to the rest of the world. He laughed softly as he laid down in the
crook of Mina's arms. She instinctively snuggled closer and sighed in relaxed
contentment....
In a condo in the center of the city, Darian was far from sleeping. His
mind was on Serena, and what their future might hold together. Occasionally,
a bright flash of lightning or a sharp crack of thunder would distract him but
his thoughts would always return to his girlfriend and the one he was destined
to love for all eternity....
The storm continued to grow in strength as the night passed. Without any
warning, the rain stopped and the wind became still. All of the animals in
nature fell silent as well until an eerie calm swept across the city. A great
bolt of lightning flashed across the sky, travelling from one end of the city
to the other in an instant. The sound of thunder echoed....
Serena cried out in fear as she lashed out, knocking Luna off the bed....
Rei's eyes snapped open as she felt a surge of unknown power....
Leda cried out as a wave of pleasure washed over her trembling body....
Mina sighed softly, tightly holding the sleeping form of Artemis....
Darian's eyes widened as he caught a glimpse of the future....
Then all was calm. The rumble faded as the rain started to fall again and
the wind stirred lightly. It's energy spent, the storm started to weaken. A
bolt of lightning would flash across the sky every now and then but it would
only be a small or weak bolt. Thunder continued to rumble for the rest of the
night but it was tame compared to its previous volume.
The city slept the rest of the night, the gentle sound of falling rain its
only company....
* * * *
Tolaris was stretched out on his side with Ami cuddled up in front of him.
Occasionally she would stir in her semi-conscious state, but he would lightly
caress her form and whisper in her ear and she would relax. He noted with mild
interest that the sign of Mercury had been glowing softly on her forehead since
they finished making love.
Its amazing that she could be like this, he thought. Here I am, still
hyper with energy and she curls up and drifts off like a newborn. She started
to stir again but he caressed her smooth belly and kissed the tip of her ear.
She made a soft purring sound and melted back into his embrace. I would give
up virtually everything for this to last forever, he thought with a soft sigh.
But until I am free of my crystal prison, we can only wish and enjoy the few
moments we have together.
He felt a surge of magical energy tug ever so gently on his spirit. With
a sigh Tolaris checked the moon's position. The celestial sphere was touching
the horizon and was slowly sinking down. His time was almost at an end.
Tolaris gently squeezed Ami and kissed her neck. "My love, I have to go
now." he whispered softly into her ear. Ami made a plaintive whimper and held
onto the arm encircling her waist. Tolaris chuckled. "I know, Ami, but you
know just as well that I can't help it. I'll be back on the next new moon."
Ami twisted around to kiss him. He kissed back, neither of them wanting
to let the moment end. On top of Ami's dresser, the sapphire pendant began to
glow, illuminating the letter that had been placed next to it. A single tear
slid down Ami's cheek as she held on to the one she loved, wishing he could
always be with her.
Tolaris let his mind focus on the storm outside, stirring up a light wind
and increasing the moisture content slightly. He knew Ami liked a gentle rain
every now and then and thought it would be enough to keep her company until
the light of dawn rose from the horizon.
Outside, the last sliver of the moon slid behind the horizon. Tolaris's
form dissolved into a cloud of blue motes, floating aimlessly about the room
before being drawn into the pendant. The last thing Ami heard was his voice
being carried across the winds. "I love you, Ami, and will always love you
for eternity." And then he was gone.
Ami closed her eyes as a second tear followed the first, trailing its way
down her cheek. "I love you too, Tolaris." she whispered to the empty air.
She reached down and drew the blue silk sheets over her bare body, wishing for
her love to come back. With Tolaris's touch and voice still in her mind, Ami
rolled over and drifted off to sleep, forgetting entirely about the events that
took place earlier that evening which would change her life forever.
Outside, a gentle rain began to fall.
* * * *
Leda was starting to get worried. She had been knocking on Ami's front
door for several minutes. I don't like this, she thought. First I get majorly
bad vibes from around here, and now she's not answering either her communicator
or her door. She waited another minute but still didn't get a response. Her
already limited patience at an end, she tried the doorknob and was surprised to
find that it was not locked.
"Ami? You in here?" she called out as she took a few careful steps into
the building and heard a faint noise coming from somewhere in the house. Maybe
she's in the shower, she thought. Her mind started to wander down a particular
tangent but she quashed the idea almost instantly. No, I don't think it would
go over too well.
Leda thought she heard someone moan in pain and took off running towards
the sound without thinking about it. I hope she didn't manage to hurt herself
or anything, she thought as she tracked downt he sound. "Ami? That you?" she
called out. She came to a stop, listened for a second, then backtracked.
She finally halted before the door to Ami's bedroom and knocked. "Ami?
Everything alright in there?" She heard another soft moan and recognized it as
Ami's voice. Leda opened the door and started to enter but came to a dead halt
at what she saw.
Ami was sprawled out on her bed, still naked from the night before. Her
body was twisting and turning as if she was locked inside a nightmare. Her
eyes were closed but Leda could see the expression of pain on her face. Ami's
lips moved but she made no sound. Her hands kept relaxing and contracting as
if flexing imaginary claws. Those same hands wandered over her body, lightly
stroking and caressing.
Leda ran to Ami's bedside, wondering if Ami was just having a very bad
nightmare or if something worse was at hand. Somewhere in the depths of her
mind, a small train of thought popped up but Leda derailed that one as easily
as she had the first. In another time and place, she thought, I probably would
wind up doing that. She reached out to check Ami's pulse and nearly yelled out
at her body temperature.
Great Zeus, she's burning up. Got to get some cool air onto here. Leda
moved over to the window, intent on opening it. She stopped cold when she saw
a letter lying on Ami's dresser that was addressed to the Sailor Scouts. The
letter had the words "Urgent - Read to help save Ami" written in red underneath
the address. Leda didn't hesitate and opened the envelope.
"Sailor Scouts, I don't have much time left, so I'll give you the short
version. Last night, Ami was bitten by a vampire and has been infected with
the vampire's evil. Her body is changing and I don't think there is anything
in this world that can stop it. Since the infection is not from Earth, I don't
exactly know how the vampirism will affect Ami. But I do know that she will
need human blood and soon, for her body used up her supply of trace elements
during her transformation. If she waits too long to get the blood, her newly
developed instincts will take over and you will have a full-fledged vampire on
your hands. Whatever you do, be careful. Her vampire eyes have the ability to
paralyze those who meet her gaze so watch yourselves. I can not do anything
more until the next new moon. Until then, please do what you can to help Ami.
Be brave, Sailor Scouts, for yourselves and for Ami. - Tolaris"
Leda felt her blood run cold as she re-read the message. She now knew
what was causing the bad vibes but she realized that she now had a much more
serious situation on her hands. Calm down, don't panic, she thought through a
mental haze of panic. What would Sailor Jupiter do in a situation like this?
Her subconscious immediately came back with a lightning blast. No, try again.
Ok, so that would be my first thought, but this is my friend and I can't just
blitz her like that.
"Leda...." whispered a voice behind her. Leda froze, her body starting to
tremble at the dulcet tone. Her mind flashed back to the last time she heard
her name used with that same silken tone.
She had been dumped by Freddy that day. Earlier that week, Leda had lost
her virginity to him and to have him say out of the blue that she should no
longer have anything more to do with him shattered her heart. She was a wreck
after school and it had been noticed by her classmate, Jenni Thorne. Jenni had
taken Leda home with her, saying she knew of several ways to make Leda forget
about her troubles with boys....
* * * *
Leda blinked in surprise. "You sure that would work?"
Her emerald-haired companion nodded. "Of course," she said. Her voice
held a soft, velvety quality to it. "A massage does wonders for me when I'm
feeling down or when I can't get something out of my mind. I don't see why it
wouldn't work for you. All you need is something to relax your body and your
mind will follow."
"I'm not quite sure of that. My body gets very relaxed after a hot bath
but my brain still runs in circles about whatever."
Jenni laughed softly, sounding to Leda like a set of crystal wind chimes.
"Soaking just eases the strain on your muscles. They don't completely relax
until they've had all of the tension worked out of them. I'm studying to be a
physical therapist and learning the skills of medical massage has been a hobby
of mine. Knowing everything there is to know about what you deal with has its
advantages."
Jenni got up and walked over to her dresser. She pulled out a pair of
soft white towels and a bottle of azure liquid. "Here," she said as she gave
them to Leda. "You need to start by taking a soak in warm water. Adding this
to the water will soften your skin, giving it a silky feeling and making it
easier to work with."
Leda wasn't quite sure what to make of the situation. She felt a hand
squeeze her shoulder and heard Jenni's voice behind her. "Trust me, Leda. I
can make you forget everything about your ex-boyfriend. All you need to do is
relax and I'll take care of the rest. You'll see. Now off to the tub with
you." Leda was given a gentle but firm shove towards the bathroom and she
decided to give it a try.
Half an hour later, Leda emerged from the bathroom with one towel wrapped
about her body and the other wrapped around her hair. She was rather surprised
to find that her friend had changed into a white robe and was practicing T'ai
Chi with a pair of medicine balls in her hands. Jenni stopped what she was
doing when she saw Leda and set the balls back on her bookshelf.
"The exercises help keep my body and mind focused. Helps keep my hands
in excellent shape, too. Ready?" Leda nodded and Jenni gestured towards her
bed. "Ok, just lie down and let your mind wander."
Leda stretched out on the bed with her arms folded beneath her chin. She
almost jumped when she felt Jenni's hands tugging at the folds of her towel,
unwrapping it and exposing Leda completely. She was about to protest when she
heard Jenni's voice.
"Calm down, Leda. Massages work much better when I can deal directly with
the skin and not folds of cotton. You have a wonderful body and it's nothing
to be ashamed of. Now just relax and let me work the tension out." Her voice
was soft and soothing to Leda's ears.
She heard a quiet snap as a bottle was opened and closed, then felt a pair
of cool hands on her shoulder blades. Leda could smell sandalwood as Jenni
rubbed a liquid across her back. "This will help cool your skin and prevent
friction burns," she said as she continued rubbing.
Leda could already feel the tension melting from her muscles as Jenni's
supple hands gently worked the oil into her skin. All thoughts of the outside
world faded as Jenni started in on the real massage, her touch becoming gentle
but firm as she worked with the flesh and muscle of Leda's back.
After a few minutes Leda could feel her mind starting to get fuzzy. She
wasn't kidding, she thought. It's not only taking my mind off my ex, it's
taking my mind off-line. She tried to focus on a mathematical problem but gave
up after a few seconds. Nope, body feels too good to think. She made up her
mind to try to find a way she could repay Jenni for the massage.
That was her last focused thought for a while as Jenni's hands smoothly
moved over to Leda's arms and continued the muscle relaxation. All sense of
time was forgotten as Jenni worked her way down Leda's body, adding a bit of
oil as needed. It seemed that her emerald-haired companion spent quite a bit
of time working on her thigh muscles but Leda wasn't about to complain.
After finishing up the foot massage, Jenni asked Leda to turn over so she
could continue her work. Leda was lost in the feeling of utter relaxation and
readily flipped over without bothering to think about it. She felt the bed
shake slightly as Jenni moved and heard a soft rustle of cotton, followed by
a soft plop as something hit the floor. She felt the bed sink in and knew that
Jenni had sat down next to her.
She felt a gentle touch on her temples as Jenni started a facial massage.
Leda was amazed at the feeling. It felt as if a butterfly was making its way
across her face, slowly rubbing her skin. Jenni's hands worked their way down
to her neck and the sensation increased as she resumed her normal stroking
motions.
Jenni's touch became very light as her hands strayed down across Leda's
soft breasts. Leda sighed softly to herself as her nipples tightened under
Jenni's delicate caress. Her sigh turned into a gasp as she felt Jenni's lips
close around her nipple and drew it into her mouth. Her tongue skillfully
teased her nipple as her hand moved down to caress the mass of auburn curls
covering Leda's sheath.
Leda's eyes flew open as she started to sit up, only to be gently pushed
back down onto the bed. "Jenni...." she started to say, but a finger laid
across her lips silenced her. Her eyes grew wide as she realized that Jenni
had taken off her robe and was not wearing anything else. Her brain exploded
into a panic as realization slowly sank in.
"Leda, please listen to me," Jenni said, her almond-shaped eyes showing a
strange emotion. She told Leda about her desires and how she preferred the
company of women to men. "I didn't mean for it to happen this way, but you are
very beautiful, Leda, both in body and in mind. My girlfriend was killed in a
accident a few months ago, and I have been lonely ever since. I thought that
I.... we...."
Her voice trailed off. She was silent for several seconds, her hands
resting on Leda's. "Leda...." she said, her voice taking on a soft and silky
tone. "Leda, will you let me make love to you?" she asked, her voice barely
a whisper.
Leda's mind stopped whirling in that instant. Several possible outcomes
flashed through her mind but her mind was already made up. She reached out and
drew Jenni's nude form to her. "Yes," was all she said as she hugged her.
Their lips met and all thoughts of the outside world fled again.
* * * *
"Leda...." the dulcet voice whispered again, drawing Leda back into the
present. "Leda, my friend, come to me...."
There was no mistaking the voice. It was Ami's. She turned around to go
to her friend's side but froze at what she saw.
Ami was sitting up in the bed, looking at her. Even from across the room
Leda could see the tiny fangs protruding past her lips. Ami's eyes were now a
steel blue color instead of their normal shade and they had an eerie gleam to
them. Ami's face split into an evil grin and Leda realized her mistake. She
tried to move away but she was held in place by the power of Ami's glance.
Ami got up off the bed and slowly walked towards Leda. Tiny tendrils of
desire made their way into Leda's bloodstream as she watched Ami's nude form
move towards her. Forget probably, she thought. In another time and place, I
most definitely would wind up seducing her. But I think I'm about to have a
bigger problem on my hands than hormones. Why can't I move?
She felt a warm hand caress her cheek and Leda knew there was no getting
out of this one. All she could do was look into those steel blue eyes and hope
that Ami wouldn't kill her. She could feel the burning heat of Ami's hands as
they unbuttoned her blouse down to her waist.
The blouse parted and Ami's hands slid inside to caress the base of her
neck. Ami's head dipped down and Leda could feel her lips brushing against the
skin of her throat. Leda tried to move but was still paralyzed by some strange
force. She felt Ami's hand cup her breast as she bit into her neck.
Leda found that she couldn't scream, couldn't move, couldn't breathe. Her
mind was starting to twist into a knot when she felt her blood being drawn out
of her body and everything changed. The sharp pain melded into an odd warmth
and her body relaxed. She was dimly aware of the fact that her muscles were
giving out and Ami was gently lowering her to the floor, but she simply ceased
to care.
It was as if she just had an extremely thorough body massage and was still
basking in the feeling. She could feel Ami's hand still caressing her breasts
but it felt soothing rather than stimulating. A distant part of her mind made
a note of the fact that Ami's body temperature was starting to drop back down
to normal levels. Leda sighed softly in contentment, wishing that the warm
sensation would last forever.
She felt her blood slow to a trickle, then stop as Ami withdrew her fangs
from her throat. Leda opened her eyes and looked at Ami in time to see her
eyes fade from steel-blue to a light blue. Those same blue eyes widened in
shock as she realized what she had done.
"Leda! Are you alright? Speak to me, tell me you're okay...." she said,
the words rushing out in a panic.
Leda reached out and pulled Ami down on top of her, hugging her tightly.
She kissed the rim of Ami's ear and whispered, "Relax, Ami, I'm fine." She
hugged her again, sighing in contentment. "Ami, it was wonderful. You have
no idea how good it made me feel inside. Question is, are YOU okay?"
Ami blinked. "I... I don't know. I feel fine now. All I could think of
was getting blood. I heard you come in and I couldn't control myself. Are you
sure you'll be okay?"
Leda just smiled. "I'm fine," she repeated. "But you are starting to
have an effect on me, so you might want to get dressed before I lose control
and want to make love to that beautiful body of yours." She mentally counted
the seconds it took for the full impact of her statement to sink in.
She had just reached two when she felt Ami's lips on hers, giving her a
rather passionate kiss. "I know, Leda. I could taste your desires in your
blood. I don't quite know how I could, but I did. I think I'll have to take
a raincheck on your offer until I can sort out my own desires first. Right
now, everything is a whirl and I just need time to think."
Leda sat up, only slightly disappointed. "Hey, I understand." She made
a face and sniffed. "Uh, I don't wish to offend here but you smell like you
need a shower." She paused for a moment, sniffed again, then smiled. "Mmmm.
Smells slightly familiar. I take it you and Tolaris were busy last night?"
Ami let out a shriek of indignation. "Hey! That's none of your business,
Leda." She sprang up, grabbed a towel and change of clothes, and dashed into
her bathroom. Leda chuckled to herself as she buttoned up her blouse. She
discovered that she was missing a button and starting to search around for it.
She froze when she heard a voice at the doorway.
"Looking for this, Leda?"
Leda turned to look and the blood drained from her face. Mina was there,
leaning against the open door and idly toying with her missing button. The
silence lasted for several seconds before being interrupted by a high-pitched
shriek, followed by Ami's voice yelling, "COLD!!"
* * * *
"Umm, I can explain, Mina...." she started.
"Don't," said Mina. "What goes on in bedrooms and bathrooms is none of my
business. You just shouldn't leave the bedroom door and the front door open at
the same time, especially when you're expecting company." She walked over and
handed the button to Leda.
Leda felt the blood slowly return to her face. "Umm, just how long were
you standing there?"
The blonde shook her head. "Doesn't matter. I just want to know if I
should be asking about Ami's mentioning of wanting blood. I try not to put
anything past anyone, especially when it comes to bedroom behavior, but I just
want to make sure I understand that one."
Leda stood up and got the letter off of Ami's dresser. "Mina, I think you
had better sit down for this one," she said as she handed the letter over to
Mina. "This is going to take some serious adjusting."
Mina said nothing as she read the letter, then read it again. Finally she
folded the letter and set it in her lap. "Artemis," she called out, her voice
absolutely flat. "You had better get in here. I think we have a very serious
problem on our hands." She looked up at Leda. "then I take it she bit you?"
Leda nodded silently. "I'll be okay. I don't think she took a lot of
blood from me since I'm not feeling dizzy or anything."
"What's all the fuss about?" said a slightly sleepy voice. Artemis walked
into the room, his white fur rumpled. The cat paused to stretch before walking
over to Mina. "You sound like you ate something unpleasant."
"Read this," she said simply as she unfolded the letter. Artemis jumped
into her lap to read the message and nearly fell out in shock a few seconds
later. He read the message again to make sure his eyes weren't playing tricks
on him.
"Well," he said, his usually steady voice wavering, "This explains the bad
vibes I've been getting. Where is she?"
"Taking a much-needed shower. She had a busy night," Leda added.
Artemis shook his head. "I heard that. Hoo, that must've been rough on
the poor thing. Well, Rei should be here soon but I think Serena might come a
bit later. I have a feeling that Luna won't be awake enough to get her out of
bed at a decent hour."
Leda and Mina blinked in confusion. "And why is that?" said Leda.
Artemis coughed slightly. "Well, umm, you didn't hear this from me, but I
swore I heard her caterwauling last night somewhere in the city."
"What makes you think it was Luna? There's hundreds of cats out there and
a lot of them howl at night."
The white cat seemed to blush for an instant. "Well,... let's just say
that when a cat screams in your ear in a particular way, you tend to remember
it and can then pick it out of a group of wailing cats."
It was Leda's turn to blush as she put the pieces together. "You mean to
say that at one time you two were.... umm...."
Mina laughed quietly. "So she's one of those enthusiastic types, right?"
"Very. But you didn't hear any of this from me. Anyway, we've got more
to worry about than Luna's lack of sleep. The message said Ami might need to
get blood, and soon."
"That's.... been taken care of," said Leda softly.
"Sit down and open your collar," Artemis ordered in a tone that would not
accept any arguments. Leda complied and he spent several minutes carefully
poking and prodding at the tiny marks on her neck. "Interesting. How long ago
did Ami bite you?"
"Couldn't have been more than half an hour."
"Mmm. The wounds are healing themselves at an incredible rate. That's
both good and bad. Good since I don't see any signs of bacterial infection or
scarring. But that's bad since you could have been infected with the same evil
that Ami was."
"No, I don't think so," said Ami as she emerged from the bathroom. She
was dressed in her usual blouse and bluejeans and was toweling her blue-tinted
hair quite rapidly. "I think I remember hearing Tolaris say that he had done
something to neutralize part of the vampire evil so it couldn't spread to those
whom I bite."
Mina pulled a brush out of a pocket and went over to Ami's side. "You say
you aren't sure you remember hearing that?" she asked as she started to brush
the kinks out of Ami's wet hair.
Ami blushed. "Well, my mind wasn't exactly in proper working order at the
time but I'm almost sure he said something to that effect."
"We can understand why, with the shock and all," said Artemis. Mina and
Leda exchanged looks and Leda could have sworn she saw Mina wink. Great Zeus,
how much does she know? thought Leda. Artemis failed to notice the exchange.
"Sit down for a bit, Ami. I want to take a look at your neck."
Ami did as she was asked and Artemis spent several seconds looking over
her throat. "So where did the vampire bite you?" he asked, puzzled. "I can't
find any marks whatsoever."
She blinked in surprise. "What?" Someone handed her a mirror and she
looked into it, trying to find the marks. "They're gone, even the bruises!"
Artemis dashed over to Leda, peering at her neck again. "This is odd.
Leda's marks are gone as well but she still has a bit of bruising around the
bitten area." He ran back to Ami. "But your bruises have completely healed."
He sat back, eyes closed and tail lashing back and forth. Ami and Leda
just sat there, watching the white cat. Mina was still busy brushing Ami's
hair and showing no signs of interest in the conversation.
An eternity passed before he opened his eyes again. "Ami, if you don't
mind I'd like to try an experiment. May I make a scratch on your foot?"
Ami blinked in surprise. "Uh.... sure...."
Artemis walked over to where Ami was sitting and raised a paw. There was
a quick flash of motion and Ami squeaked. As they watched, a thin line of
blood welled up from the scratch on Ami's bare foot. Within seconds, the cut
had stopped bleeding and was sealing itself. After a minute the cut had faded
into nothing more than a slightly painful memory.
"Interesting," he remarked. "Now, Leda, if you don't have any objections
I'd like to try the same thing with you."
"No problem here," she said as she took her socks off. The process was
repeated, but after several seconds the cut showed no signs of healing on its
own. "As I thought," said the white cat. "It seems that Ami's body has the
power of regeneration, or can at least heal itself. If we are to believe that
this is one characteristic of vampirism, then it is safe to say that Leda has
not been affected."
"That's comforting," said Leda. "Now will someone get me a Band-Aid?"
* * * *
The last of the magical barriers collapsed and the spinning crystal shell
shattered into millions of particles. General Rune watched as the purple motes
of energy swirled around a vertical axis before coalescing into the lithe form
of her Dragoon commander.
"Lieutenant Commander Shar-Tei," Rune said formally. "I take it you have
survived your experience with the BloodMoon conjunction with no ill effects?"
The Dragoon bowed. "Of course, General. I think it takes slightly more
than having my blood set on fire to destroy me." Her silver tresses swayed in
the light breeze that wafted through the chamber.
Rune smiled. "You'd be surprised by what you think you can live through
but actually can't. Now then, if you don't mind I would like to know why you
requested to be put in the Dark Crystal rather than in a normal stasis crystal.
The difference in energy between the two is quite costly and I feel that I am
justified in wanting to know why you wanted the one."
Shar-Tei lowered her eyes and glanced away. "I'm afraid I haven't been
totally honest with you, General. You see, I have several hidden talents and
one of them could have easily destroyed not only the crystal but half of the
castle as well if it wasn't properly controlled. The normal stasis crystals
didn't have the strength to contain such power but the Dark Crystal did. I am
fortunate that the Crystal's power wasn't needed, but it could have been."
Rune digested this in silence. After a few seconds she spoke, her voice
unusually calm and reserved. "And what kind of hidden talent can this one be
that it could destroy my castle?"
The voice was barely an audible whisper. "Reflex."
Rune's eyes widened in shock. "Is it possible...?" she said, her voice
cracking slightly. The Reflex power was one of the ultimate powers in the
known Creation. It created a beam of pure energy that destroyed anything and
everything in its path. No known force, natural or magical, could stop it and
there were very few forces that could affect it. The Dark Crystal could only
affect the Reflex by stopping the beam before it could form.
"Why have you kept this talent hidden from me?"
"The Reflex is not a practical talent to use, since the beam takes several
minutes to form and requires absolute concentration. If that concentration is
disrupted the energy merely drains away without effect." A single tear slid
down her cheek. "Plus, I knew you would want to use me as a biological weapon.
I don't want that. I'm just an intelligence officer. I deal with information,
facts, ideas, not weapons and violence. That's.... just not my style."
Silence descended on the room like a cloak.
"I see," said Rune after a lengthy pause. "And if I were to order you to
use your talents as I see fit?"
"Then you have my immediate resignation." the Dragoon said without any
trace of hesitation. "I sided with you since you are one of the last three of
Beryl's generals and hence my legitimate commanding officer. I had hoped that
I could continue to serve as I had sworn to do, but I will not voluntarily be
used as a weapon of mass destruction."
The dark general was silent once again. "I see," she said again. "I will
of course consider your.... position carefully before making any decisions with
regard to your singular talents. You are a fine officer and I would not like
to lose you for any reason."
"Thank you, General Rune." The silver-haired Dragoon turned to leave.
"One more thing, Lieutenant Commander. A personal question, if I may."
Shar-Tei paused momentarily. "I cannot guarantee any answers, but you may
ask, General."
"You turned down a promotion to full Commander when you were appointed as
leader of the Dragoons. Why is that?"
She turned to face her commanding officer. "For the simple reason that
the current commander of the Dragoons still lives and I will not be so brazen
as to take his place until he either resigns of his own free will or dies."
Rune's eyes narrowed slightly. "You mean Tolaris?" she said.
"Yes. He still lives and his name still carries a bit of respect among
the Dragoons. It does not matter that he is forever frozen in crystal." She
paused briefly before continuing. "Perhaps such loyalty is undeserving of one
who had been branded a traitor, but there are those among us who feel that his
reasons were justified. You can call it.... an honorable weakness."
"Do you think it will affect the performance and efficiency of the rest of
the Dragoons?"
"Absolutely not," came the confident reply. "Otherwise we never would
have allowed ourselves to form such deep loyalties. They may be a weakness to
you but they are a strength to us." She bowed to Rune and left.
Rune sat down next to her fountain. She idly stirred the bubbling azure
liquid as it spouted up into the air and rained back down. She sat there for
hours, so lost in thought she didn't notice when Moirah quietly entered the
chamber, transformed into her liquid state, and merged with the fountain's cool
waters.
* * * *
Rei arrived at the house around the time Artemis had expected. When told
of the news of Ami's transformation, she sank down onto the floor in shock.
After a minute or two, she got up and wordlessly made her way over to Ami's
fireplace. She sat down, focused her thoughts inward, and proceeded to ignore
the entire outside world.
Leda walked back into the den. "I think she'll be fine. She just needs
some time to herself to cope with the situation and to calm herself."
"I know how she feels," Ami said sadly. "She did something similar when
Tuxedo Mask was kidnapped by the Negaverse. I thought she would wind up being
a total basket case, but she was fine after she had the time to put her mind
in order and deal with it. She'll come back to us after she's got everything
stitched together."
"Well," said Mina, "You do know her better than the rest of us." She got
up and sat down next to Ami. "Ami, I don't know how you're feeling about all
of this and I know we are all going to have some serious adjusting to do, but
let me tell you that I'm still your friend, no matter what."
Ami felt Leda's hand squeezing her shoulder. "And me as well," she said.
"Don't forget, we're here whenever you need us."
"So nice to hear such sentiments from everyone," came a gentle voice from
the doorway. Everyone turned to look as Serena and Luna walked into the room.
"I would think, however, that there is something wrong for you two to be saying
so," said Luna.
Serena blinked her eyes in surprise. "Whoa, you guys look totally bummed.
What's up?"
Leda waved the letter in their direction. "You two had better sit down
for this one." She passed the note over to Serena, who sat down before reading
it. Mina watched with mild interest as Serena's blue eyes got wider and wider
with each passing moment. Luna's only visible reaction was her tail curled up
into a very tight knot.
"Well," said the black cat after a slight pause. "This is an unexpected
turn of events. How are you feeling, Ami?"
"I'm not entirely sure. I feel fine, but my mind is still whirling."
Mina spoke up. "Artemis checked her out already and she seems fine. The
only difference now is that she can regenerate cuts and bruises."
"Well, I suppose that is a good thing.... Serena, what's wrong?" Luna
asked in alarm as her blonde companion turned a ghastly shade of white. Serena
opened and closed her mouth several times as if trying to speak but she made no
sound.
Leda reached over to check her pulse and was shocked at how cold her skin
had become. "I think she's in shock. Her skin is ice-cold but her pulse is
racing."
"I-I-I, I'm fine," Serena blurted out. "But if Ami is a vampire, how come
the sunlight hasn't turned her into moon dust or something?" She started to
edge away from her blue-haired friend. "And didn't the letter say something
about wanting blood?" Her voice started to quiver in panic.
Leda clamped her hand around Serena's arm. "Calm down, Serena. Obviously
what we know about vampires doesn't apply to this situation, and you don't need
to worry about blood because Ami already got some."
"Serena, please, you've got to get a grip," said Luna. "Your behavior is
not helping Ami deal with her situation. She needs friends now, not someone
who is afraid of her."
Serena blinked, and look at Ami. She was being comforted by Mina but the
look on her face was one of intense sadness and loneliness. She's right, she
thought to herself, Ami's going to need all the help she can get to get through
this one.
"Ami, I didn't mean to upset you like that. It's just that I'm worried
about you and about...." she trailed off, unable to say anymore.
"About what I might do." Ami finished for her.
Mina put her hand on Ami's shoulder. "Ami...." she started to say.
"No, Serena has a legitimate point. I don't know what I'm capable of
doing now that I've become a.... monster."
"If that's the case," said a voice from the doorway, "Then we know how to
deal with monsters."
Ami turned around. Rei was standing in the doorway, holding a thin strip
of parchment with mystical symbols drawn in ash. She pointed the parchment at
Ami. "This will nullify any evil powers you might have while Serena uses the
Crescent Moon Wand to transform you back to normal."
Mina and Leda exchanged glances and there was the sound of at least three
heads being slapped. "Why didn't we think of this?" Leda asked the room in
general.
"Now there's a thought," Artemis muttered darkly. "Guess we couldn't see
the forest for the trees. Anyway, I think it might be best for you all to
transform for maximum power." There was a chorus of agreement as four silvery
Power Wands were pulled out of pockets.
Serena held up her hand. "Moon Prism Power!" she yelled, and the brooch
on her blouse began to glow as she started to transform into Sailor Moon. One
by one, the others held aloft their Power Wands and transformed into the Sailor
Scouts.
"Mercury Power!" Ami yelled in her crystalline voice.
"Mars Power!" said Rei, her voice slightly drawing out the words.
"Jupiter Power!" Leda thundered out in her strongest voice.
"Venus Power!" Mina called out in an almost sing-song tone.
Instantly, the five of them were wrapped in fields of light and energy.
Their clothes melted and reformed into the familiar uniforms of the Sailor
Scouts. Energy coalesced into earrings and tiaras as the transformation was
completed and new power flowed through their bodies. The energy fields faded
and the process was finished.
"As much as I see it, I am still impressed by the transformation," said
Luna. "You five make quite a team. No wonder the Negaverse couldn't stand up
to you."
"But not by much," said Jupiter. "Remember how we got killed going into
the Negaverse? Granted we got resurrected, but we almost got our butts trashed
again on the way back out."
"Speak for yourself. I had everything under control." Sailor Moon said
with an airy wave of her hand.
"Oh, yeah?" laughed Mars. "Was that before or after that shock wave blew
your skirt up to your chest?"
Everyone starting laughing uncontrollably as Sailor Moon's face turned as
red as the bow on her skirt. It certainly wasn't funny at the time but now
that they had to chance to relax and look back, it was rather humorous.
"Thanks for reminding me, Rei," she said tightly. "If I recall, you were
busy buttoning your top afterwards."
Now it was Sailor Mars' turn to blush. "Well.... I.... uh...."
Venus spoke up. "You too, eh?" she chuckled.
"Makes me glad all I lost was a bow." Mercury said lightly. "What about
you, Jupiter?"
Jupiter laughed for a few seconds, much to the annoyance of the others.
"Sorry guys, but I was behind him when he blasted you. I didn't get touched."
An evil grin crept over her face. "Wish I had a camera, though."
Venus started to chuckle to herself and Mercury suddenly developed a fit
of coughing. "Did I miss something?" said Luna as Jupiter blushed a fiery red.
"Nope." said Jupiter promptly. "Anyway, now that we've all been suitably
embarrassed, would anyone mind getting this show on the road?"
The mood dropped a degree as the current reality sank back in. Sailor
Moon concentrated and the Crescent Moon Wand materialized in her hands. She
and Sailor Mars exchanged glances before looking to Sailor Mercury.
"Ready in a second," said Mercury as she touched an earring. A band of
blue light formed over her eyes and solidified into her Virtual Visor. She
then pulled out her computer, programmed it for Tactical Analysis/Record, and
tossed it to Sailor Venus. "I just want to see how this is going to work," she
said with a small smile.
"Here goes nothing," said Mars as she took a deep breath. "I call upon
the Sacred Fire to neutralize this evil in our friend's soul! Fireballs....
CHARGE!!" The parchment grew as rigid as steel as she planted the spell on the
ribbon on Mercury's chest.
The reaction was immediate. Sailor Mercury screamed and her whole body
started to writhe. Her fangs emerged from her gums as she lashed out, knocking
Mars across the room and into the arms of Jupiter and Venus. But the spell
kept her rooted in place and she couldn't move.
Sailor Moon swept the Crescent Moon Wand in a broad arc over her head,
sending tiny glitters of moon dust racing around the room. "Moon Healing...."
she intoned as she drew a circle between her and Sailor Mercury. The Wand left
a visible trail as it passed over the air. "ACTIVATION!" she yelled as the
mystic circle was completed and the Imperium Silver Crystal imbedded in the
Wand shot a beam of energy towards its target.
The beam wrapped itself around Mercury's body as she screamed even louder
than the others thought was possible. But nothing was happening and the beam
was starting to waver. "We need to join our powers!" Sailor Moon said through
gritted teeth. She closed her eyes and released the full power of the Imperium
Silver Crystal. "Cosmic Moon Power!!" she intoned in a voice that belonged to
her and someone else.
A hand touched hers and a red beam of energy lashed out to merge with the
first. Seconds later, an orange and a green beam joined the wave of energy as
the other Sailor Scouts joined hands. But even with four beams nothing was
happening. "It's not working!" someone exclaimed. Sailor Moon was too busy
concentrating to identify who it was.
Mercury's arm twitched and something whizzed by Sailor Moon's ear, almost
breaking her concentration. Then she felt another hand on hers as a blue beam
of energy merged with the other four. The beams held steady for a few seconds,
then everything exploded in a blast of light. Then everything went dark.
* * * *
Serena awoke with a pounding headache. "Is it time for school already?"
she muttered. Then her memory came back and she sat up fast enough to make her
dizzy. "What happened? Rei, you alright? Leda? Mina? Ami?" she blurted out
as she looked around the room.
Everyone was picking themselves off of the floor. Their transformations
had reversed and they were back to normal. Leda was already on her feet and
helping Mina get up. Rei was wincing as she slowly sat up and muttered a few
choice words. Artemis and Luna were checking out Ami to see if their attempt
was successful. Serena was about to ask when she heard a muffled groan behind
her and turned around to look.
"Tuxedo Mask!" she cried out as she recognized the dark form. "Darian,
are you okay? Speak to me!" she said as she ran over to him.
Tuxedo Mask coughed as he sat up. "See if I do that again," he said as he
checked himself for bruises. "What happened?"
"I don't know. We were trying to cure Ami of her vampirism but we needed
more power. We tried combining our powers and something exploded."
"Ah, so that's why she threw this at me," he said as he held up Ami's
Mercury Wand. "I kinda figured you four were doing something like that, so I
tried to pitch in. This thing started working by itself as soon as I touched
your hand."
Without warning there was a loud shout behind them. Serena turned around
to find Leda and Rei trying to restrain a vampiric Ami. Almost casually, Ami
tossed Leda halfway across the room and was about to bite Rei when Mina kicked
Ami's legs out from under her. Rei scrambled away and Ami leapt up to attack
her blonde friend.
Mina smiled, held up an iridescent crystal, and started speaking softly.
No one but Ami could hear exactly what she was saying the but effect she had
was profound. Ami stopped cold in her tracks, her attention captivated by the
reflective gem. Mina continued to speak softly as she slowly reached out and
closed Ami's steel-blue eyes.
A few seconds later, Ami opened them. Her fangs had withdrawn and her
eyes were her normal shade of blue. Those same eyes gave Mina a very curious
look. "What happened? What did you do?"
Mina smiled again as she put her necklace back on. "Vampires aren't the
only ones who can use hypnosis," she said simply as she handed the computer
back to Ami.
"I guess it didn't work." Leda said glumly. "Major bummer. Now what?"
"Now someone is going to sit down and tell me exactly what is going on
here," said Tuxedo Mask as his own transformation started to reverse itself.
He waited until the process was completed before continuing. "I'm just walking
down the street when I feel the energy wave from you five transforming. I walk
over to check it out and I see the four of you joining your powers to try to do
something with Sailor Mercury. Now there's this talk of vampires and she tries
to bite Rei with very pointy teeth."
There was a sudden silence as a very soft growl was heard. Glances were
exchanged before Serena finally stood up with her hand over her stomach. "Uh,
my fault. Anyone got anything to eat?"
Good-humored laughs floated around the room as Ami walked headed off to
her kitchen. "I'll be right back with snacks for everyone."
Leda got up and followed her. "Need a hand?"
"Speaking of which," said Darian, "I think this belongs to you, Ami." He
tossed her Mercury Wand at her in a lazy arc. She caught it easily as the
cylinder sailed across the room.
"Thanks, Darian." She and Leda left the room as Mina started the process
of filling Darian in on the events that took place earlier.
"Umm, Ami?" Leda said when they were in the kitchen. "You said earlier
that you could taste my desires in my blood. Uh, just what kind of other stuff
did you learn?"
Ami thought carefully as she put a bag of popcorn in the microwave. "Not
much. Mostly what I could get was whatever strong emotions you were feeling at
the time. Your desire for me, the pleasure you were feeling, your wish for it
not to end.... and something else, though I'm not quite sure what it was."
Leda was silent as Ami set about getting bowls for the popcorn and drinks
for everyone. "Ami?" she said softly after a few minutes.
"What is it, Leda?" her blue-haired friend asked, puzzled at the tone Leda
was using.
"I wanted to tell you that.... well, if you ever need blood in the future,
just come to me, okay?"
Ami looked into the soft expression in her friend's eyes and couldn't come
up with anything to say. Time passed before she found the words to speak.
"Leda.... thank you, Leda. I don't think you know what this means to me.
I don't think I know what this means, either." She impulsively embraced Leda.
"I just hope I can be as wonderful a friend as you are."
Leda returned the embrace, her green eyes growing slightly misty. "You
already are." The microwave beeped, signaling the end of its cycle. "Come on,
Serena's probably dying of hunger out there."
The two returned to Ami's living room, Ami bearing a huge bowl of popcorn
and Leda holding several cups in one hand and a three-liter bottle of soda in
the other. It wasn't six seconds before Serena was making a mad-dash assault
on the popcorn.
"Thank you, Ami," she said between mouthfuls of popcorn. "Mmm, mmm, this
is so good. I can't remember the last time I had popcorn."
"Thursday evening," Luna said promptly. "And I'm still trying to get that
artificial butter smell out of your favorite pajamas."
Everyone laughed as Luna started dodging the unpopped kernels that were
thrown in her direction. Much to Mina's surprise, Artemis started following
Luna and eating the raw kernels.
"I didn't know you like to eat those," Mina said. She winced as the white
cat crunched a kernel quite noisily.
"Keeps my teeth clean and exercises my jaw. 'Sides, they taste good."
"Hey! Save some of that for the rest of us, Serena!"
"Calm down, Rei. There's plenty enough to go around."
"Not if you keep pigging it down like that, there isn't."
Six sets of looks were exchanged as the Serena and Rei started in on one
of their infamous arguments. Artemis looked at Darian and grimaced. "She's
your girlfriend." he said pointedly.
Darian chuckled. "Don't remind me." He sighed and stood up. "Come on,
meatball head, I have to go to work or I'll be late." He waved to the others.
"See you guys around. And Ami? If you ever need anything, just give me a call
and I'll see what I can do for you. Have fun with your sleep-over." He walked
towards the door.
"Oh yeah? Well if you think.... HEY! Darian, wait for me!" Serena ran
after Darian faster than anyone thought was possible. Surprisingly of all, she
was able to run and munch on a handful of popcorn at the same time without
falling flat on her face.
Rei sat there with her mouth open, not quite sure what had just happened.
"Okay...." she said slowly as she reached for the bowl of popcorn. "Did I miss
something?"
Luna just sighed. "No, that's just Serena for you."
"Five bucks says she won't be back for fifteen minutes," said Leda.
"Five says she will," laughed Mina.
"Clock says she's got fourteen minutes, fifty seconds," said Artemis.
"I don't believe you guys," Ami said, slightly shocked.
Rei laughed. "Lighten up, Ami. Just be glad they're not betting on what
they're doing out there."
"Hey, there's a thought," said Leda, grinning from ear to ear. "Two bucks
says they'll be tongue-fencing before they're through."
Mina chuckled as Ami turned a vivid shade of red. "Ami, we have got to
get you out more."
* * * *
Serena returned twenty-three minutes later.
"So," Leda said casually. "What did Darian have for lunch?"
"Lasagna, I think," Serena said absent-mindedly as she made a beeline for
the bottle of soda. She made substantial progress on draining the bottle when
a thought occured to her. "Uh, why do you ask?"
Leda smiled. "Just curious," she said as she held her palm out towards
Mina. The blonde made a face as she passed over a small wad of money. Serena
exchanged looks with Ami, who merely said, "You don't want to know."
"Uh huh." Serena said, shaking her head. "Anyway. So now what?"
Silence descended about the room like a cloak.
"Perhaps we're going about this the wrong way," Mina said softly.
Luna's tail twitched slightly. "What do you mean?"
Mina ran her fingers through her hair before continuing. "Well, who said
anything is wrong? I mean, sure this has changed Ami, but who's to say its for
the worse?" She sighed heavily. "Guess I'm not making much sense, huh?"
"Wait a minute," said Rei. "I think I see where you're going. We don't
know if its good or bad, so we shouldn't mess with it for now, right?"
"Something like that."
"Well, what do you think, Ami?" asked Artemis.
Ami said nothing.
"You okay?" Leda asked with concern.
"Yes, I'm fine. Actually, I was just wondering if this could have been
part of my destiny."
Rei spoke up. "If it is, that would explain why we can't reverse it. It
would be like we were trying to force the entire universe to change itself."
"So what are we going to do?" Serena said.
"Nothing," Mina said firmly. "I, for one, don't see any reason why any
action is necessary at this point." She turned to Ami. "How do you feel now?"
"Just fine, if a bit confused."
"Understandable. Now, how do you feel compared to yesterday afternoon?"
Ami thought for a bit. "Exactly the same, I guess."
"Last week?"
"I had the sniffles last week, but other than that, no difference."
Mina smiled. "Well then, since you don't feel sick or show any signs of
illness, then I don't think anything needs to be done. Anyone see any problems
with my logic?"
The room was silent for a few seconds.
"Nope," said Artemis.
"Don't think so," Leda said.
"What about the blood?" Serena said in a small voice.
"Good question. Ami?"
"Umm.... I don't think I'll be needing any blood anytime soon. I don't
know how long that will last, though."
"Then we'll worry about that when the time comes," Mina said.
"Already working on it," Leda said in a strange tone.
Mina looked at her and opened her mouth to say something, then changed her
mind. "Okay...." she said slowly. "Any other questions or comments?" No one
said anything else.
"Good. Now that we've got that settled, I think it's time we had a little
entertainment. And it just so happens I've got a great idea in mind. 'Scuse
me," she said as she left the room.
Artemis chuckled. "You girls may not know this, but Mina is a master at
playing the synthesizer. I've listened to her play for hours and it still has
an effect on me. I don't know how she does it, but her emotions somehow leak
into the music and produces that emotion in the listener."
Leda brightened. "Coolness. Why didn't she ever tell us this?"
Ami spoke up. "Probably because its a personal experience, like Rei's
meditation or my dancing."
"I didn't know you could dance, Ami," Serena said, still working on what
was left of the popcorn.
Ami blushed. "Like I said, it's a personal experience."
"Hey! You drank all the soda!"
"I was thirsty, Rei."
"But that was three liters!"
Serena paused. "That explains a few things. Excuse me," she said as she
dashed off to the bathroom. Rei just sighed.
"I have always wondered how in the world she could eat so much junk and
still be as slender as she is," Luna said from the couch. "You would think
that if she were to burn it off she wouldn't be quite so lazy."
Ami giggled as she stood up. "Don't worry, Rei, there's still plenty more
in the kitchen. I've known Serena long enough to know not to have everything
out at once."
"Something cherry-flavored if you got it!" Artemis called out as Ami left
the room.
"I didn't know cats could drink soda," commented Rei.
"Only if they want to sleep outside," Mina said as she carried a sizable
black case into the room. She caught Rei's questioning look and explained.
"Well, that carbon dioxide has to go somewhere."
"Ah," was Rei's only comment.
Mina sat down and opened the case. The only thing inside that was in one
piece was the actual keyboard. Everything else was neatly disassembled. She
pulled out a few of the pieces and went to work putting it together.
"Goodness," exclaimed Ami as she entered the room with a second bottle of
soda. "Are you setting up a construction shop in here or what, Mina?"
"Just my synthesizer. I've had a few extra components integrated into it,
and when it's put together it's just too massive to move. So I have to take
it apart and move it bit by bit. Get away from that soda, Artemis," she said
without taking her eyes off of her work.
The white cat backed away from the bottle and muttered something highly
toxic under his breath. Ami turned a delicate shade of pink and coughed.
"I don't think she's done that yet, Artemis."
Mina looked up. "What did he say?"
Leda chuckled. "I heard it too, and you don't want to know." A sly grin
crept over her face. "Hey, Luna, I meant to tell you earlier that I was rather
surprised to see you and Serena show up when you did."
A small smile crossed Mina's face as she realized what Leda had in mind.
Artemis realized it too and tried to sneak away as quietly and unobtrusively
as possible.
"What do you mean?" the black cat asked.
"Well, I just thought you'd be fast asleep after keeping half of the city
up last night with your caterwauling," Leda said in an innocent tone.
"That was you, Luna? I thought something was dying out there!" Rei said,
her eyes wide.
Luna gave Artemis a glare that was pure venon. He laughed weakly as he
started to backpedal. "Excuse us," Luna said in a tone cold enough to make Rei
shiver and to make Ami edge behind Leda. Artemis bolted but Luna was already
in motion.
"Hey, Luna, I can explain.... OW!! Hey, lemme go! OUCH! Watch it! OW!
OUCH! /#@*!! LEGGO MY EAR #$@#^?&!!" There was a crunching sound and Artemis
let loose with a stream of profanity. Luna raked his back with three sets of
claws for good measure before calmly walking away.
Both Mina and Rei had shocked looks on their faces. Ami was staring at
her feet and blushing furiously for some reason. Luna made a mental note to
ask why. Leda, on the other hand, was grinning from ear to ear and scribbling
something on a piece of paper.
"Leda, what are you doing?" she asked.
"Taking notes. Hey, Artemis, was that last phrase three words or four?"
There was a muffled groan of pain from some corner of the room.
"Okay, thanks." She scribbled some more before folding the paper into a
tiny square and putting it in her pocket.
"Did I miss something?" Rei asked.
"No," chorused Luna, Mina, and Leda.
"Checking...." Rei said softly in a sing-song voice.
All of a sudden, Serena came running into the room. "Whoa, what happened
out here? It sounded like World War Six was being waged." Her eyes went wide
as she first saw an injured Artemis curled up in a ball, then watched Luna pick
white hairs out of the pads of her paws. "What did you do to him?"
"It's called giving him what he asks for," Luna replied.
"Uh.... right...."
Leda walked over to the ball of white fur lying in the corner and held out
a piece of adhesive tape. "Band-Aid?" she inquired sweetly.
* * * *
"Okay, everything's all set up." said Mina as she finished her diagnostic
of her keyboard and the speakers. "Green lights across the board."
"How much power does that thing use?" Ami asked.
"Only about as much as a microwave would when it's running."
Rei chuckled. "If you mean Serena's microwave then that synthesizer is
going to use a lot of power."
"Ha, ha, very funny, Rei." Serena stuck her tongue out.
"Put your tongue back in your mouth," Artemis said in a deep voice. "It's
bad manners."
Leda's eyebrows went up. "Hey, that sounds familiar."
Ami spoke up. "It's a line from Vampire Hunter D."
The room grew silent as the implications sank in. Artemis blushed as well
as he could. "Umm, sorry, Ami."
Ami just smiled. "Actually, it's one of my favorite movies. And don't
worry about it, Artemis. I knew you didn't mean anything by it."
Mina flexed her fingers and played a few simple chord progressions. She
fiddled with a few buttons and tried it again. "That's better." she said.
"Uh, Mina? There wasn't any different between the two," Leda said.
Ami blinked. "You sure? I thought I could hear a slight difference."
"I couldn't," said Rei.
"Me neither," Serena admitted.
"I could, but that's because cats have better hearing." said Luna.
Mina shrugged. "Go figure. Well, here goes," she said and let her hands
dance across the synthesizer's keyboard.
What emerged from the speakers was unlike anything the others had ever
heard. It was as if Mina was directing an orchestra instead of playing on a
keyboard. It was a short piece consisting mostly of stringed instruments, but
it left her audience dazzled.
"Well?" Mina said after she finished.
"I keep telling you to go professional," Artemis said. "Your wasting your
talents by not practicing them to the utmost."
"He's not kidding, Mina," Leda said. "You really can play that thing like
a pro."
"Did you write that yourself?" Rei asked, still in awe.
"Well.... yes...." Mina admitted, blushing slightly. "Hey, Artemis, how's
your voice holding up?"
"In one piece, unlike the rest of me." That drew a round of chuckles from
everyone except Serena and Luna. "What did you have in mind?"
"Phantom," she said.
"I think I can manage that," he said as he painfully made his way over to
sit next to her. Part of his tail was bent slightly and there was a sizable
strip of adhesive tape wrapped around the area.
"You two are going to do 'The Phantom Of The Opera'?" Ami asked.
"Only the one part," Mina replied.
"I didn't know you could sing, Artemis," Luna said.
"Never asked," came the quaint reply. He looked up at Mina. "You still
have that voice-override wired in?"
She nodded as she started setting some of the controls. She looked up to
catch three different inquiring looks. "It's programmed to close down the
speakers if the sound frequency gets too high. Otherwise it could wind up
damaging eardrums and blowing out windows."
"Ready when you are," Artemis said.
Mina nodded and took a few deep breaths. Then she started playing. It
started out like an organ being accompanied by an orchestra. The beat was
strong and the tempo was fast-paced, but she played it easily enough. Then
she started to sing. Her voice was rich and golden as the words emerged from
her lips.
"In sleep he sang to me.... in dreams he came.... That voice that calls to
me.... and speaks my name.... And do I dream again.... for now I find.... The
Phantom of the Opera is there.... inside my mind...."
Her hands moved rapidly but fluidly as they went from key to key, never
faltering or hesitating. Her eyes were half-closed as if she were in a trance
of sorts. Then Artemis's strong voice could be heard.
"Sing once again with me.... our strange duet.... My power over you....
grows stronger yet.... And though you turn from me.... to glance behind.... The
Phantom of the Opera is there.... inside your mind...."
Mina continued to play with a passion the others had never seen from her
before. Her eyes were fully closed and she was still playing the music at a
fast pace by memory alone.
"Those who have seen your face.... draw back in fear.... I am the mask
you wear...."
"It's me they hear...."
Their voices melded into one and no one could claim they had ever heard a
finer sound.
"My spirit and my voice.... in one combined.... The Phantom of the Opera
is here.... inside my mind...."
Mina continued to play with unearthly skill and beauty as they momentarily
fell silent. But after a few seconds Artemis could be heard once again.
"In all your fantasies.... you always knew.... That man and mystery...."
"Were both in you...."
Their voice blended together once again, still producing a rich sound.
"And in this labyrinth.... where night is blind.... The Phantom of the
Opera is here.... inside my mind...."
"Sing, my angel of music...." sang Artemis softly.
"He's there, the Phantom of the Opera...."
Mina started to sing at the upper end of the scale, producing a highly
hypnotic sound. She then shifted her voice higher up into the scale, singing
as if in a deep trance. There were no words now, just the golden sound of
Mina's voice as she continued to sing.
Her voice went higher and Ami heard a very quiet chime. She looked at
the synthesizer and saw a digital frequency gauge. It was already registering
in the yellow zone and was steadily climbing higher with each second. That
must be the voice-override Artemis was referring to, she thought.
Mina's hands worked a steady rhythm even as her voice climbed even higher
than before. Ami watched the gauge enter the red zone, and heard a second
warning chime. She glanced around but no one else seemed to notice. They sat
there, entranced by the sheer power of Mina's singing.
Mina's voice topped out, going as high as it could go. The digital gauge
flashed red before it faded to black as the speakers powered down. Mina's
voice faded as well until all was silent. A few seconds later there was a
faint beep as the override reset itself and the speakers were turned back on.
That same beep brought Mina's mind back to reality. She opened her blue
eyes and smiled at her friends. She tried to speak but she started coughing
instead. Serena passed her a cup of soda and she nodded her head in thanks.
"Mmm, much better. Thank you, Serena." There was a harsh sound from the
cat next to her. "Yes, I know. Just don't make me regret this," she said as
she gave the mostly empty cup to Artemis.
"That was highly impressive, you two," Rei said.
"Now there's an understatement," commented Leda. "Mina, why didn't you
ever share this with us before?"
The blonde blushed rather shyly. "Well, it's not that easy to tote this
thing around. Besides, no one ever asked."
"More soda?" Serena offered.
Artemis coughed again. "I wouldn't mind some more."
"Actually, I would prefer some hot tea right now. It soothes my throat
and doesn't give me gas."
"No problem," said Ami as she stood up. "Anyone else want some? It'd be
easier if I could make a pot of tea instead of a few small cups."
"Sure, I'll take some," said Leda.
Rei got up to follow Ami. "Here, I'll help. Herbal tea is one of my
specialties."
"How long have you been practicing, Mina?" Serena asked as she wandered
over next to Artemis. She very carefully checked the claw marks on his back to
make sure they were healing alright.
"Oh, I'd say about eight or nine years."
Without warning, Artemis emitted a thunderous belch, startling everyone.
Serena, who happened to be standing right in front of him, reflexively dove for
cover behind Mina.
"Artemis!" Mina said sternly. "That was disgusting."
"You're telling me," came Serena's voice from behind Mina.
The cat looked abashed. "Sorry, wasn't expecting that. Still, you have
to admit it's better than the alternative."
"I give it a nine, considering you're a cat," Leda commented.
"Why, thank you."
Rei dashed into the room. "What happened? Serena's stomach start up
again or what?"
"No, just proof that cats and soda shouldn't be mixed," said Luna, still
trying to get her fur to stop sticking up from surprise.
"Uh huh," Rei said and went back into the kitchen.
A soft growl could be heard in the room. Serena moved out from behind
Mina and went after the popcorn bowl again. "Aww, nuts. Someone ate the rest
of it. Now I'm hungry again."
There was a chorus of groans. "Why do I get the feeling that this is
going to be another long night?" Luna muttered.
"I've got this one," Leda declared as she stood up and went over to the
phone. She picked it up and dialed a number. "Hello, Domino's Pizza? Yeah.
Listen, we seem to have a problem on our hands...."
* * * *
Mina started in on her serious playing. The music she had played before
were mere warm-ups in her eyes. And now that everyone was stuffed with pizza
she could get them to relax and unwind. And believe me, she thought, these
guys could use it.
She started off with her own modified version of the theme music to "The
Legend of Zelda III". It was a rather slow and lazy piece but Mina's skilled
hands played it with ease. As she played she kept glancing at her audience to
see their reactions.
Mina had always liked music. It had calmed her when she needed it and
made her feel warm inside. One of her fondest wishes was to be able to make
other people feel what she felt when she listened to music. When the chance to
learn to play the piano arose, she took it without a second thought. It took
her years to master the piano, and even more to master the synthesizer, but she
did so with her dream in mind.
And now this dream is becoming a reality, she thought as she played one of
her favorite pieces. Mina preferred soundtrack music to actual songs. She
felt that words tended to disrupt the purity of the sound. Of course, there
were exceptions like "Phantom of the Opera" and the Guyver theme, but given a
choice she would stick to soundtracks any day.
Mina spent several hours playing assorted soundtrack selections. Half of
them were taken from the recordings themselves and learned on her keyboard, but
the other half were her own interpretations of the music. The one thing they
all had in common was that they were low-energy and relaxing. Occasionally
she would play something with a strong beat but she always followed it with
something soothing to counter-balance the effect.
As she played, Mina found herself starting to make small, subtle mistakes.
To her trained ears they sounded like nails on a chalkboard. Looks like its
time for a break, she thought as she glanced around to see if anyone else had
noticed.
Artemis was giving her a knowing look, the expression "Break Time" written
across his face. Luna was also giving her a strange look, not entirely sure
why she was hearing so many sour notes. No one else seemed to notice, except
possibly for Ami. Her expression was neutral but her eyes seemed to be saying
something.
The piece ended and Mina decided it was indeed time to take a break. She
set the power control to idle and stood up to stretch. Rei got up and passed
her another cup of hot tea.
"Thanks, Rei," she said as she sipped at the steaming liquid.
"I'm telling you, girl, you're wasting your talents," Leda said. "If you
don't go down to see that music producer at Suncoast Records, I'm going to
physically carry you there."
"And I'm going to let her," Artemis chimed in.
Mina blushed and made a face. "And you wonder why I didn't tell you about
this earlier," she muttered.
"You know," Rei said slowly, "If you went professional after you get out
of school, you could make quite a bit of money. Probably enough to pay for
whatever college you want to go to."
Mina looked up, surprised. "Serious?"
Rei blinked. "Of course. That's how Chad is paying his way into college.
Of course, with his singing, it's going to be quite a while...."
Everyone laughed. They knew from experience just how bad the rock-star-
hopeful's singing was.
"Well, I've never looked at it like that...." Mina confessed.
"Perhaps it would be worth your while to check into it," Ami said.
"Thanks, Ami. I think I will."
Serena suddenly yawned. "I don't know about the rest of you but I'm
starting to get tired."
Luna's jaw cracked open. "But you slept all morning!" she protested.
Serena started to say something but it came out as another yawn. Leda
chuckled. "C'mon, Serena, it's not that late."
"Actually, it's past ten," said Mina as she looked at her synthesizer's
built-in clock.
Heads whipped around at the announcement. "You're joking, right?" said
Artemis.
"Nope. Clock says seven past ten."
"Well," Serena managed to say past a huge yawn, "In that case I'm going to
go to bed."
"Down the hall, second door on your left," said Ami.
Mina sat back down in front of her synthesizer and turned the power back
on. "Before you do, Serena, I have a few pieces I'd like you to hear. They
were written to help give good dreams and you just might like them."
"Cool. I could use a good dream after yesterday's nightmare."
"You and me both," Luna muttered. "I still have a sore spot where you
kicked me off the bed."
"No sympathy," said Artemis. He yelped in surprise as someone bounced an
ice cube off of his head with amazing accuracy.
Mina flexed her hands and went to work. With practiced ease her fingers
flew over the controls and reset the keyboard. It took all of one second to do
so, then she was ready.
What she played sounded vaguely like a Mexican guitar. It was one of her
own compositions, but the motivation for writing it was be a secret she would
never share with Serena. Mina could never quite pin what exactly it was but
there was something about Tuxedo Mask that never failed to remind her of guitar
music.
Even as she played the music she couldn't help but imagine that Tuxedo
Mask's dark form was somewhere in the room, listening. She glanced up at the
others and was surprised to see a sadness in Rei's bottomless black eyes. Of
course, she thought, Rei also loved Darian. Sorry, Rei, didn't mean to do this
to you.
Rei looked up at Mina as the piece ended. Their eyes locked for a brief
moment and Rei smiled gently. Mina nodded in return, and started playing
another one of her compositions. Now everyone smiled as they recognized the
piece: It was a modified version of the music Serena's star locket played. But
none of them were prepared to hear Mina's voice singing again, full of energy
as the music tenor changed.
"Fighting evil by the moonlight.... winning love by daylight.... never
running from a real fight.... she is the one named Sailor Moon.... She will
never turn her back on her friends.... she is always there to defend.... she is
the one on whom we can depend.... she is the one named Sailor...."
Her voice rose with the beat of the music.
"Sailor Venus.... Sailor Mercury.... Sailor Mars.... Sailor Jupiter....
Secret powers, oh so new to her.... She is the one named Sailor Moon...."
Her voice fell silent as she let the music play out, a high-energy tempo
with a strong, steady beat. Several seconds later, she started singing once
more.
"Fighting evil by the moonlight.... winning love by daylight.... With the
Sailor Scouts to help fight.... She is the one named Sailor Moon.... She is the
one named Sailor Moon.... She is the one.... Sailor Moon!"
Her voice faded as the music ended on a quick downbeat. She looked up in
time to catch Serena finish blushing. The blonde gave Mina a shy smile and she
chuckled to herself. Mina smiled as well before clearing her throat.
"This final one happens to be something that came to mind as I watched
Serena and Darian take a casual stroll in the park. I can't seem to be able
to play it the same way twice, but I hope that I managed to catch the right
emotional overtones." Her voice dropped to a soft whisper. "This is for you,
Serena, and for Darian. Together."
It was by far the slowest piece she had played for them. There were no
words, no strong beats or tones. Just soft music and emotion. No one was
ever sure how it happened, but the music seemed to speak.
It told of eternal happiness and friendship. It told of a beautiful young
princess and of her handsome prince. It told of their destiny to be together,
now and for all time. Most of all, the music told of their overpowering love
for one another, a love that lasted over a thousand years and would last for
a thousand years to come.
The music eventually drifted to an end and Mina looked up at her friends.
All of them were crying to some degree, herself included. Serena wiped her
tears away and smiled at Mina.
"That was wonderful," she said softly. "I don't know if I've ever heard
anything so lovely before in my life."
"Sleep well, Serena, and pleasant dreams." Mina's sentiments were softly
echoed by the others as Serena made her way down the hall and into bed.
"I doubt she'll have any trouble sleeping tonight," Luna said.
"I don't think any of us will have trouble sleeping after that," said Rei.
"Mina, how in the world did you manage to play that so well?"
"To be perfectly honest with you guys, I don't have a clue. Sometimes a
piece of music will just come to me and I simply play it."
"I think you do more than play it, Mina," said Ami. "I think you blend
with it, actually become it. I've seen the way you look as you play and you
look how I feel when I'm dancing."
"Would you mind dancing for us?" asked Artemis.
Ami let her gaze focus on the carpet. "Actually, I don't think I'm up to
it right now. My mind is still trying to cope with everything that's happened
lately."
"Hey, we understand," said Leda.
"Anything we can do to help?" Mina asked.
Ami shook her head. "No, I don't think there is, but thank you anyway.
All of you."
Rei stood up, "Anyone want some more tea before I turn in?"
Leda checked the teapot. "I won't be going to bed anytime soon, so if you
wouldn't mind making another pot I'd be grateful."
"No problem."
"Down the hall, first door on your left," said Ami.
Rei paused. "Actually, I was wondering if I could start up your fireplace
and stretch out in there."
"Of course. I'll have to find some matches for the fire, though."
"Who needs matches when you've got this?" she said as she held up the
silvery Mars Wand. "This is all I need to get a fire going." Everyone started
to laugh and Rei made her way into the kitchen.
Ami did some quick mental calculations. "Ok. Leda, you've got the first
door on the left, and Mina gets the second door on the right."
"But that's your room, Ami."
"So? I can sleep out here on the couch."
Mina shook her head, sending her blonde hair whipping about. "Sorry, not
happening. You can sleep in your bed. I'll take the couch."
Ami blinked. "Sure about that?"
"Very." A pause. "Unless you've managed to air out your room after you
and Tolaris made love last night."
There was a shocked silence.
"What?" Luna said slowly.
* * * *
Mina's eyes went wide as she realized her mistake. She looked at Ami, the
expression on her face was one of "Don't kill me, I forgot Luna was here".
"Umm...." was all Mina could say.
Luna just sat there, lashing her tail back and forth. No one could tell
if she wanted to hurt someone or just cry. With a dark sigh, she stood up.
"Ami, follow me, please," she said as she left the room. Her tone was
soft but it had an edge to it that was far more dangerous than the one she had
used with Artemis earlier.
Wordlessly, Ami stood up and followed Luna into her bedroom where the door
was shut quietly. Leda and Mina exchanged glances and Mina looked like she she
wanted to crawl under a rock and die.
"Ok, Mina," said Artemis from beside the synthesizer case. "For my ears
alone, how did you know that happened?"
The blonde couldn't meet the cat's gaze as she spoke. "I overheard Leda
saying that Ami's room smelled familiar and that if she and Tolaris were busy
last night. I knew that Leda was already familiar with the smell associated
with lovemaking and had construed that was the same smell she detected now.
That's why she asked if Ami and Tolaris were busy last night and that's how I
knew that Ami had."
She looked up to find Artemis giving Leda a curious glance. The brunette
opened her mouth to lash out but Artemis spoke first. "No, it really isn't any
of my business, Leda, so you don't have to say anything. Neither will I." He
got up and made his way out of the room. "I'll be outside looking for a decent
snack if anyone asks," he said as he left.
Mina could feel Leda's eyes boring into her but she couldn't bring herself
to meet those eyes. Rei walked back into the room with a fresh pot of herbal
tea and nearly choked on the tension in the room.
"Hey, what happened? Where is everybody?" she asked as she set the pot on
the table.
Leda yawned. "Artemis is out bug-hunting a snack and Ami is with Luna
getting checked out. At least, I think that's what Luna said she was doing."
"Makes sense. Would someone wish Ami good night for me? I wouldn't want
her to think I was rude and went to bed without saying so."
"Sure," said Leda. "Sleep well and thanks again for the tea."
"No problem. Good night, you two."
"Night," said Mina softly, still staring at the lights on her keyboard.
It wasn't until after Rei had left the room that Mina could bring herself
to look at Leda. She was quite surprised to find that her friend wasn't going
to kill her, at least not yet.
"Leda...." she started to say softly.
"Save it for Ami, girl, not me. I knew you were listening in on our talk
this morning but I didn't know for how long. Ami didn't even know that much,
so you can be the one to explain it to her. And don't worry about Luna this
time because she already knows I've not a virgin anymore. Excuse me."
Mina watched silently as Leda got up and went into the bathroom. It looks
like I've really done it this time, she thought. First I get Ami into serious
trouble, then Artemis stalks off, and now I've got Leda ticked at me. Wonder
if there's any other way I can screw up tonight.
Tears slid down her cheeks as she starting playing her synthesizer again.
She was playing Serena's love theme but this time it sounded like a totally
different piece.
The pace was the same but the tone was somehow different. Before, the
music spoke of eternal love. Now it seemed to speak another story, this one of
a lonely soul who feels she can never be forgiven for what she's done. Mina
closed her eyes as she played, still crying silently and letting her emotions
play the music instead of her mind.
She didn't notice when Leda emerged from the bathroom and stood silently
at the archway, listening to her play the music with her heart. Leda couldn't
bring herself to speak or do anything that would interrupt Mina's music. All
of the anger left her when she realized that Mina regretted the trouble she has
caused Ami.
Leda felt a breeze on her neck and turned around. The door to Ami's room
had opened and Luna was making her way down the hall towards the room Serena
was sleeping in. Ami came out of her room looking very tired and pale. She
came over to Leda and leaned against the wall, also listening to Mina's sad
lament.
The music seemed to stretch on forever, lasting much longer than the piece
before it. When it finally did end, the silence was profound, broken only by
the soft sounds of Mina's unsteady breathing. Ami crossed the room and sat
down next to her friend.
"Mina, you okay?" she asked softly.
It was several seconds before she received a response. "I will be if you
don't kill me first. Ami, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say anything about that
with Luna around."
"Doesn't matter, really. Luna said she could smell it as she passed my
room, and that she would have asked me about it if you hadn't said anything. I
would have still wound up dealing with Luna, just at a later time."
"Did Luna say how she could know what sex smells like?" said Leda as she
crossed the room to stand next to Ami.
"Actually, yes. Back in the Moon Kingdom, one of her human friends was a
gynecologist and that Luna routinely helped relax her patients while they were
being checked out. That's.... one of the reasons Luna wanted to see me."
Both Mina and Leda made a face. "You mean she.... umm...." said Mina with
a gesture of her hands. Leda looked like she was going to be sick.
Ami flushed. "Kinda. It was mostly question-and-answer, but she did make
a visual assessment to make sure I wasn't bleeding or anything."
Leda made her way over to the couch and sat down hard. "I don't think I
really wanted to know that, Ami, but I guess I asked for it," she said, still
looking queasy.
Mina was ready to burst into tears again. "Maybe you should kill me after
all. If someone did that to me, even by accident, I would still consider that
grounds for justifiable homicide."
Ami smiled gently. "Perhaps I'll kill you later if I think about it."
Mina looked up at her and smiled. "Thanks."
An evil grin slowly crossed Ami's face. "Maybe I won't need to kill you.
Ten years from now when I'm a doctor, I'll appear on your doorstep without any
warning. I'll strap you down and give you an extremely thorough physical exam,
and I'll make quite sure that the little probe-type thing is ice-cold before I
use it on you."
Mina wasn't smiling anymore. Ami heard a noise behind her and turned
around to find Leda curled up in a ball with a strange expression on her face.
"Great Zeus, Ami, now you're starting to make me want to run and hide, and
I haven't done anything to make you mad."
Ami just smiled sweetly.
"Kill me, kill me now," muttered Mina.
Leda chuckled. "More Vampire Hunter D?"
The color drained out of Mina's face as Leda reminded her about the origin
of the quote. "Please believe me, Ami, I'm your friend and I don't mean to be
doing this to you...."
Ami just laughed. "Relax, Mina, I'm not going to kill you or come after
you with cold metal or anything. I told you, Vampire Hunter D is one of my
favorite movies and it still is even if I am a vampire now."
Leda sneezed. "Excuse me. Anyway, you seem to be taking this vampire
business quite well, Ami. Sure you're not going to crack later about this?"
Ami shrugged. "Well, we tried our best and it didn't work, so what else
am I supposed to do? And if it happens to be part of my destiny like being a
Sailor Scout, then I might as well get used to it now."
Mina reached out and set her synthesizer power to idle. "Would you two
mind if I asked a semi-personal question?"
Leda and Ami exchanged looks, and Leda shrugged. "Go ahead," said Ami.
"What did it feel like to be bitten by a vampire? I mean, Ami got bitten
first, then she went after you, Leda, so you both should know how it feels."
"Orgasmic."
"Relaxing."
Ami and Leda exchanged looks again while Mina blinked in surprise.
"How can you call it relaxing?" asked Ami, her eyes wide in wonder.
Leda shrugged. "Well, it was. It hurt like mad at first, but then it was
like I just had the best full-body massage of my life. It was soothing and
quite relaxing. You say it felt different?"
Ami nodded her head. "Oh, very much so. It hurt as well, but then there
was this feeling of intense pleasure. The only thing I can really remember was
all of my muscles locking up and overloading."
Leda chuckled knowingly. "Let me guess. The over-ripe lemon effect?"
Ami blushed. "You could say that."
Mina was confused. "Over-ripe lemon effect?" she echoed.
Ami opened her mouth to say something, but Leda interrupted her before she
could start. "She doesn't need a textbook answer, Ami. I'm not surprised that
you don't know what we mean, Mina, since you're still rather inexperienced in
these matters.... Or so we hope. What happens when you squeeze an over-ripe
lemon?"
"The lemon squishes and juice goes everywhere."
"Now what happens to you when you think of dating Jack Silver?" Leda said,
referring to a hunky soap opera superstar that Mina had been drooling over for
the past three months.
Mina blushed lightly. "Well.... my pulse starts to race and...." Her
blush deepened to an impressive shade of crimson as she made the connections
between hormonal excitement and over-ripe lemons. "I see," was all she could
manage to say.
Ami was blushing as well. "That's one way of putting it," she said.
Leda just smiled. "Or would you prefer I got graphic?"
"No," said Ami firmly.
"So it's different from person to person?" inquired Mina.
"I would say so," said Ami.
"Keep in mind that Ami was bitten by a full Negaverse vampire and I got
bitten by a human vampire. Plus, each of us was only bitten once so it might
vary from vampire to vampire as well as from time to time."
Mina nodded. "Okay, just wondering." She paused briefly. "Umm, would
either of you mind if I asked a very personal question?"
Ami and Leda exchanged looks again. "Couldn't be too worse," said Leda.
Ami just shrugged. "Go ahead, Mina, though I can't guarantee any answers."
"I know that asking what making love felt like is futile since all I can
get out of my older friends is that there are no words for it, so I won't ask
that. My question is, was it worth it for either of you to do so?"
"Very much so."
"Not by a long shot, Mina."
Mina smiled. "You're not going to make this easy, are you?"
Ami chuckled. "Sorry. For me, it was a wonderful experience, something
that brought Tolaris and myself even closer than either of us had thought was
possible, and Tolaris has been around for slightly over seven hundred years."
"Seven hundred years?!" Leda and Mina chorused in shock.
Ami shrugged. "I'm told that most of his kind have an average lifespan of
two thousand years. Of course, their life expectancy is usually around four or
five centuries, given their dark and violent nature. But even with such a
background, Tolaris was very gentle with me." She blushed and added, "However.
he was a virgin as well. so that might have added to the feeling. I realized
that they call it 'making love' because it served to intensify the bond of love
between us. It will be something I will never forget."
"Wish I could say the same, Ami. For me, it was quite pleasurable but
there wasn't the true feeling of love, just wild passion. When I got dumped a
week later, it was like I had been used. No, without love it is most assuredly
not worth it."
"There's more to it, isn't there?" said Mina. "To your experience with
making love."
Leda fell silent for a few seconds. "Yes, there is," she said softly. "I
found solace in the hands of another woman not too long afterwards, a classmate
of mine. She introduced me to lovemaking of a different kind, and compared to
my previous experience I found it to be far more comforting and pleasing. I
can't honestly say there was love there as well, but there was.... something.
It was far more deeper than friendship, but I never figured it out. I would
say that my lovemaking experience with her was worth it."
Several pieces fell into place in Ami's mind. "Leda, is that why you said
you desired me after I drained you?"
"I can't say for sure, but that's most likely it."
"So it's not with who or even how you do it that matters, it's the feeling
of love that counts, right?" said Mina.
"I would say so," said Ami.
"I was just curious...."
Leda moved faster than Ami would have thought possible. She leapt off of
the couch and landed next to Ami, grabbing Mina by the shoulders.
"Don't you even think about it, Mina, because if you go out and get laid
out of curiosity I'll come after you with the cold metal before I staple you
shut until you're eighteen. You're too young."
Mina's eyes went wide at Leda's seriousness. "And how old were you?"
"Fourteen, but I was stupid and didn't know what I was doing. Ami is
fifteen but mentally she's older than the two of us put together. And even if
you are a genius fifteen is still too young, but in Ami's case that's now a
moot point."
"And if I wanted you to make love to me?"
Leda became absolutely still as she felt her blood turn to ice. She heard
Ami's head snap around to look at her but all she could do was look at Mina's
blue eyes and see the sincerity behind them. She means it, she thought again
and again, she really means it.
Almost a full minute passed before Leda could find her voice. "Mina, you
don't know what you are saying...."
Mina's gaze dropped to her keyboard. "I sometimes wonder what it would be
like to feel pleasure from someone else's attentions. I can't help but think
that the touch of another would feel different from my own and I have driven
myself crazy trying to imagine it. Now that I've learned that you would be an
ideal partner, I find myself wanting to try it."
She looked up into Leda's green eyes. "You are my friend, a good friend,
and I know you wouldn't do anything to hurt me. At least, not voluntarily. I
don't think I would ever restrict myself to one without trying the other, and
since you seem so adamant that I not try the one for several years, why not try
the other?"
Leda couldn't think coherently for several seconds. When she could manage
to do so she realized that this wasn't something she could answer with a quick
and simple yes or no. "Mina, I don't think I can answer that, not without a
lot of time to think. What you ask is more than a get-naked-and-party type of
experience and it could quite easily wind up destroying the friendship we both
enjoy. I'm.... not sure my conscious would even let me try. I hope you can
understand this much."
Mina smiled gently. "I believe I do, Leda. I'm just rather curious about
the whole thing, that's all."
Leda let go of Mina's shoulders and went over to the table and poured a
cup of tea. She tried to drink it but her hand was shaking so much that she
managed to spill half of it before giving up. "I think I need to go to bed."
"First door on your left," said Ami quietly.
"Thanks, Ami, for everything. Good night."
"Sleep well," said Mina as Leda went down the hall and into her room.
Ami and Mina looked at each other. Ami was about to say something when
they heard the sound of a window being opened and closed. Seconds later, the
white form of Artemis walked into the room.
"Hi, girls. Whoa, where is everybody?"
"Serena and Luna are in bed, Rei is meditating in front of the fireplace,
and you just missed Leda going to bed," said Ami.
"I see. And what are you two up to?"
"Girl talk," said Mina. "Find anything good?"
Artemis laughed as he ran a paw over his dirty tail. "Well, I would have
gotten that second cricket if it wasn't for that spider living beneath Ami's
house."
Mina chuckled. "You let a spider come between you and a snack?"
"Listen, girl, this thing was big enough to be addressed as 'sir,' okay?"
Ami blinked. "A big spider living beneath my house, huh?"
"Relax, it only hunts at night and it rarely comes out from underneath
the house since it can usually find all the chow it can eat right where it is."
"Uh huh. So why did it come out tonight?"
"I don't speak arachnid, but I swear it said something about the smell of
over-ripe lemon juice was driving it bonkers." He blinked in surprise as both
Mina and Ami burst out laughing for no reason. "Did I miss something?"
"No," they chorused.
"Huh," he snorted. "Why don't I quite believe you girls?"
* * * *
"Want some tea?" Mina offered as she poured herself a cup. She looked up
to find Artemis making a face.
"No thanks. I remember what happened last time I drank some of Rei's tea.
I must have spent twenty or thirty minutes getting it flushed out of my system.
That stuff works like Draino."
Mina smirked. "But I bet you felt better afterwards."
"Only when I could stop killing the grass," he shot back.
She started laughing at the image that came to mind. "I think I can see
how something like that would be a problem." she managed to say. Artemis gave
her a dark look.
Ami quietly walked back into the room. She gave Mina a curious look as
she sat down on the couch. "Do I want to know what's so funny?" she asked.
"No," the cat said firmly.
"Just thought I'd ask." Ami turned to look at Mina. "Well, Rei is fast
asleep in front of the fire, just like she said she would be."
"Hey, whatever works." Mina chuckled. She looked at Ami's expression and
sensed something was not quite right. "Something bothering you, Ami?"
Ami looked down at the carpet. "Well, I think Rei has set up some kind of
spell ward around her. I was going to put a few more logs on the fire when I
found that I couldn't get near her. It felt like I was running into a wall of
sorts. I could push through it, but only so far before it became too strong."
Artemis stood up. "I'll be right back," he said as he left the room. He
returned a minute later with a sour expression on his face. "She's got one of
her wards hanging over the fireplace. I can't translate what is says, but I
think its a ward against Ami since I didn't have any problems getting close to
her."
Mina made a face and muttered something toxic beneath her breath. Artemis
perked his ears up. "What was that about cold metal?" he asked.
Ami shuddered. "Artemis, trust me, you really don't want to know."
"Sorry about that," Mina apologized. "It's just that I can't believe that
Rei would be so cold as to do something like that."
"She's probably scared of what I might do, and did what she could to feel
safe so she could sleep. I know I'm scared of what I might do," Ami admitted.
"You should go easy on Rei," said Artemis. "She's trying to deal with her
fears the best she can."
Ami smiled. "Sorry we're not quite as fearless as you, Mina."
Mina stood up. "I am far from fearless, Ami. I just try my best not to
let it show and I try to deal with it when I can." She walked over behind Ami
and picked up her backpack. "Umm, would you be offended if I change into my
nightgown? These jeans are starting to get rather uncomfortable."
"Go ahead. No one would expect you to sleep in street clothes."
"Thanks. Be back in a bit," she said as she went into the bathroom.
Ami watched the hallway for several seconds. "Artemis, what is it about
her? I mean, everyone else, including myself, is worried sick about this new
transformation of mine and she just acts casual about the whole thing."
Artemis thought for several seconds. "Well, I think if you were anything
other than a vampire, then she'd be just as freaked out about it as well."
Ami blinked. "Why not about a vampire?"
"Well, there is no definite basis to this, but her maternal grandmother's
maiden name is Harker."
Ami made the connection instantly. "You mean as in the Harkers from Bram
Stoker's Dracula? But I thought that was mere fiction, a legend."
"I thought so too. However, I've heard her grandmother and mother telling
her about vampire lore. Very little of it sounds like you right now, but I
can't say that I'm absolutely convinced that it's all hot air."
Ami drew her knees to her chest. "Does this mean I should worry about her
wanting to put a stake through my heart to kill me?"
The cat chuckled. "I don't think she would. But don't forget that having
something rammed through your chest would kill you anyway, vampire or no."
Ami smiled. "True."
Mina emerged from the bathroom wearing a full-length silk nightgown. She
was brushing her hair out as she walked into the room and tossed her backpack
next to her synthesizer case.
"Ooo," squealed Ami, "That looks comfortable. Where did you get it?"
"Victoria's Secret."
Ami's eyebrows hit the ceiling as Artemis's jaw came to rest around his
knees. It wasn't very far, but for a cat it was quite impressive. "And why
did you get it from there instead of some other store?" he managed to ask.
Mina smiled softly and stretched. The cat's eyes bugged out as the silk
clung to every curve of her form. Mina took very good care of her body and
it showed quite clearly.
"Umm...." Artemis coughed. He would have said more, but Ami reached out
and tweaked his whiskers.
"It's not polite to stare. Besides, she's not your species so you can put
your eyeballs back in their sockets and pick your jaw up off the floor."
Mina laughed as Artemis somehow managed to blush a vivid shade of crimson.
"I, uh, think I'll go keep the spider company for awhile...." he said as he
backed out of the room.
Ami coughed discreetly. "So why did you buy it from that store?"
Mina chuckled. "Because it was inexpensive and comfortable. I usually
don't wear this but all of my other comfortable stuff is in the wash." She
smiled. "And I wanted to see what kind of reactions I could get."
"Just don't let Leda see you in that. She would probably think you were
trying to seduce someone with it."
"That was the third reason."
Ami's blood ran cold. I don't like this, she thought. "Umm, was that the
third reason for buying it or wearing it?"
Mina looked straight at her. "Both." She sat down in front of Ami and
took her hand. "It's not quite how you think."
Ami started to tremble. "Then what...." she said, unable to say more.
"I want you to seduce me, but as a vampire would," Mina said, her voice
nothing more than a whisper. She reached over and started programming her
synthesizer. It beeped softly and Mina moved around to sit in front of the
keyboard.
"Mina...." Ami said softly.
"I want to know what it feels like, Ami. I want to know if its something
I should welcome or fear. I don't like not knowing. Besides, you can't always
turn to Leda if you need blood. The blood loss would wind up being too much to
handle, so you need another source. And if I find out that I would welcome the
experience, then you have your second volunteer."
Ami opened her mouth to say something, but Mina laid a finger across Ami's
lips. "Say nothing and relax," she said as she adjusted the power level of her
synthesizer to normal. She made a few quick adjustments, then started to play.
She lost all track of time as she played the soundtrack to Ami's favorite
movie, Vampire Hunter D. Mina closed her eyes as she played, concentrating on
the music and letting her deepest emotions guide her fingers. She played the
music to suit her mood, first playing the original score then later playing a
modified version.
Some time during the night, Mina recorded several of her variations, set
the synthesizer to auto-playback, and locked the controls. She sat back and
looked at her blue-haired friend, wondering if she truly wanted this.
Ami's eyes were closed and she had a strange expression on her face, but
there was no mistaking the pair of tiny fangs protruding past her lips. So she
can become a vampire without needing to feed on blood, Mina thought. Then this
means that Ami is a different kind of vampire than the Carpathian legends say.
Ami opened her eyes and looked at Mina. The strange steel-blue shade of
Ami's eyes awakened a desire in Mina, a desire to feel the power that caused
such a change. She drew Ami's hand to her neckline where the clasp was shortly
undone. The silk slid down Mina's body, revealing soft skin and the white lace
of her bra and panties.
Mina trembled slightly as Ami drew her down next to her and embraced her
tightly. "Are you sure you really want this?" Ami whispered in her ear as she
slowly caressed her neck. Her voice sent a shiver down Mina's spine and turned
her blood into liquid fire.
"Yes," was her whispered response. Mina could feel the sharp points of
Ami's fangs as she kissed her ear. Ami slowly let her lips trail across the
length of the nerve in Mina's jaw before sliding down to the soft flesh of her
throat. A sixth sense guided her to a strong jugular vein and she bit down.
Mina went rigid, the flash of pain nearly driving her to tears. Then all
of the tension melted out of her muscles as Ami slowly drained her blood. Mina
couldn't describe the strange warmth she was feeling. Without thinking she
reached up and unhooked the front of her bra, releasing her aching nipples from
the confines of the fabric.
The sensation of bareness was somehow new to her. She had been topless
many times before, but never with someone else and it felt exhilarating. Ami
slowly teased her nipples and Mina felt like she was being electrocuted. She
found herself trying to moan but the pressure on her neck kept her from making
any sound.
Ami was aware of a growing desire in Mina and could feel her own body's
desires respond in kind. She didn't know how, but she could taste the passion
in Mina's blood as it washed over her tongue and trickled down her throat. She
could also tell by the beating of Mina's heart just how much blood she had left
in her and how much Ami could drink without causing any ill effects. Mina's
blood temperature rose fractionally and Ami could tell that Mina was losing
control.
Mina gently took hold of the hand that had been toying with her nipple and
guided it inside her panties. Ami's eyes widened as she understood what Mina
wanted. She complied slowly and carefully, trying not to scratch Mina with her
nails. Within seconds, Mina's whole body was trembling and her blood pressure
almost doubled.
Ami's mind was starting to shut down. So this is what an impending orgasm
tastes like, she thought. The fire in Mina's blood was driving her crazy and
she knew she couldn't keep control much longer. Mina started to twitch rather
violently and Ami winced as she felt her nail slice into the tender flesh of
Mina's sheath.
That same pain drove Mina's passion over the edge and for the first time
in her life, she orgasmed. The sudden rush of passion and pleasure in Mina's
bloodstream tasted so sweet that Ami lost control, biting down hard and taking
as much blood as she could. Mina's pulse wavered ever so slightly and Ami was
brought back to her senses. She had drained more blood that she had wanted to
but Mina would still be fine.
Mina moaned softly as Ami's fangs withdrew from her neck. The only other
thing she was aware of was the feeling that her body had somehow melted into a
puddle of golden warmth. She sighed in utter contentment and wished that the
feeling would last for eternity.
Ami slowly withdrew her hand from Mina's panties, noting with dismay that
her nail left a thin line of blood across Mina's supple skin. I bet that's
going to really hurt later, she thought. She licked her lips to get the last
traces of blood off of them, then grunted in pain as she accidentally slashed
her tongue on her fangs.
Ow, that hurt! she thought as she poked at her fangs with a finger. Makes
me glad I can regenerate. I wonder why my teeth are still protruding. They
should have retracted by now. But even as she thought about it she could feel
her fangs moving slightly as they recessed into her gums. Okay, she thought.
Go figure.
Mina stirred and opened her eyes. "Ami...." she said, her voice halfway
between a moan and a whisper, "Ami, it was incredible.... I could feel my heart
pulse as you drained me.... And then you touched me, made me feel like nothing
ever felt before...."
Ami smiled and slowly stroked Mina's face. "Relax, Mina, you're still
trying to recover. You shouldn't try to move for a few minutes."
Mina nodded her head. "I understand." She chuckled softly. "So, I take
it that was the over-ripe lemon effect?"
Ami laughed. "Kind of. I'm not quite sure where the effects of vampirism
leave off and your orgasm starts, so you'll just have to guess and say yes."
"So that's what the spider meant," said a quiet voice behind her.
* * * *
Ami turned around as Mina sat up quickly. Artemis was sitting on top of
Mina's synthesizer, his expression completely blank. "Ami, I do believe it's
time you and I had a nice little talk."
Mina slowly stood up, not bothering to hide her mostly-nude body. "Ami,
would you mind if I borrowed your shower for a bit?" Ami nodded and Mina
scooped up her nightgown and made her way into Ami's bathroom.
As soon as the door closed, Artemis seemed to wilt. He wearily leapt down
from the keyboard and walked over to Ami. "I want you to explain to me exactly
what you did to Mina and why."
"I drained her because she was curious and wanted me to. She said that I
couldn't be draining Leda all of the time since it would weaken her too much,
and she wanted to know if it would be worth volunteering as a second source of
blood."
Artemis's tail lashed back and forth in silence. "That explains part of
what I saw. Now tell me why she was bare-breasted and you were touching her."
Ami turned a soft shade of red. "The sensation of being drained ignited
her passions, which in turn ignited my passions. She wanted that as well and
I guess I did too. I could taste her desires in her blood and responded like
she wanted me to."
The cat seemed to age several years as he sat there in silence. "Ami, I
have watched over Mina since she was born here on Earth and I care very much
for her. I have seen how she grew from a tiny baby to a cute little girl to a
beautiful woman. And during that time, I have come to love her like she was my
own child.
"I don't doubt that if I were human, I'd have fallen in love with her in a
different way. To this day, I still have the occasional problem with my desire
for her, but that is not important. I have come to realize that I don't have
any idea what I would do if anything were to happen to her."
Ami opened her mouth to say something, but Artemis shook his head. "I
knew there would come a time when she would start dating and eventually wind up
making love, and I just prayed that she wouldn't be hurt by it. But I never
imagined that it would be with a Sailor Scout or that she would be bitten by a
vampire."
He looked up into Ami's light blue eyes. "I don't know what you and Mina
intend to do in the future regarding your need for blood, or what she plans to
do about making love in the future, but I want you to take good care of her for
me. I'm a lot older than you would think and even Luna doesn't know just how
old I am. I don't expect to be around for any great length of time and I want
her taken care of. Understand?"
Ami nodded wordlessly and Artemis seemed to relax. "Thank you, Ami. I
think I'll be able sleep a little better now. Take good care of yourself, Ami.
Good night." Artemis leapt up onto the couch and curled himself into a ball.
"Good night," Ami said softly. She left the cat alone to sleep and went
into her room. Mina had finished dressing and was busy combing stray water
droplets out of her hair.
"Hi, Ami," she said. "Hope you didn't get in any trouble with Artemis or
I'm going to feel really, really bad."
"No, he just wanted to express his concern for you.... and that he really
loves you, Mina."
Mina stopped brushing her hair and let her hands fall into her lap. "I
know he does, Ami. I also know he's a lot older than he lets on, and that he
feels he won't be around anymore in several years."
Ami gently laid her hand on Mina's shoulder. "Yes. That's why he asked
me to take care of you, or at least keep an eye out for you."
Mina grinned. "No surprise there. But I think the old coot is going to
be around for longer than he thinks." She stood up and impulsively hugged Ami.
"I want to thank you for everything tonight, Ami. I don't think any of us will
be forgetting this night soon."
"You're more than welcome, Mina. I'm just glad I have such good friends
who can be there for me when I need them."
"The feeling is mutual, Ami." Her eyes lit up as she saw the comforter
strewn on Ami's bed. "Umm, would you mind if I borrowed this for tonight?" she
said as she gestured to the comforter. "It looks nice and cozy."
Ami giggled. "To be perfectly honest, I had plans for curling up inside
it tonight. I think I might have a slightly older one in my closet." She went
over and checked her linen supply. "Yes, I've still got it. Here."
Mina gratefully accepted the fluffy blanket. "Thanks again, Ami. Hope
you sleep well tonight."
"You too, Mina. Good night."
Mina left Ami's room and returned to the living room couch. She carefully
laid down and tried to get comfortable, doing her best not to disturb the cat.
Despite her efforts he lifted his head and glared at her. She smiled sweetly
at him and Artemis just sighed.
"Just once, I wish I could stay mad at you for any length of time," he
muttered as walked over and laid down in Mina's arms.
"It's because you love me so much," she said as she kissed the tip of his
furry ear. "And because I love you. Good night, Artemis." She wrapped the
soft folds of the comforter around them and settled down to sleep. Artemis
wriggled in her embrace as he got comfortable and she unconsciously hugged him
close to her.
On the other side of the room, the synthesizer continued to play the music
stored in its memory chips, just like it was programmed to do until someone
told it otherwise. Mina made a mental note to get it later, then started to
fall asleep. The last thing she remembered hearing was her modified version of
the ending theme to Vampire Hunter D.
And then Mina Aino fell asleep, dreaming of a blue-haired vampire.
* * * *
Epilogue
Shar-Tei stood before General Rune in the grand Assembly Hall. She idly
fussed with several strands of her silver hair as she waited for Rune to ask
for her report on their latest assault on Earth. Shar-Tei was not looking
forward to it.
Rune smiled at the Dragoon, unaware of her discomfort. "Well, Lieutenant
Commander, how went our latest plan?"
"I must report that Brigadier Varnea was destroyed by the Sailor Scouts in
a direct confrontation, General Rune."
Rune just sighed. "Why am I not surprised this time? You don't need to
bother with the official report, just make sure you have it on file if I need
it. Dismissed."
Shar-Tei steeled herself against the next few minutes. "General Rune, I
think you ought to hear it. We have found some.... disquieting information on
the way she was.... destroyed."
That got Rune's attention. "I see," she said slowly. "What exactly do
you mean by disquieting information?"
"If I may show you a visual record of the events...."
Rune nodded. "Please do. This sounds most intriguing."
Shar-Tei made a gesture and a Dragoon tossed a holographic crystal on the
chamber floor. It sparkled for an instant before projecting its images up into
the air....
* * * *
The five Sailor Scouts stood at one end of the field while a red-haired
female Dragoon stood at the other. They eyed each other warily as they nursed
a collection of cuts, scrapes, and bruises.
"My, you girls are tough," the Dragoon said as she wiped up a trickle of
bright purple blood oozing out of the corner of her mouth. "But I don't think
you can last forever. Surrender now and I'll go easy on you."
"Here's your answer, scumbag!" shouted the Sailor Scout in red. "Mars....
Fire.... IGNITE!" she yelled, sending a fireball shooting towards the Dragoon.
The Dragoon leapt high into the air and flung her arms out wide, Several
dozen bolts of plasma arced through the air, hitting the Scouts and everything
around them. The resulting screams of pain weren't quite enough to drown out
the sound of the orange Sailor Scout.
"Venus Crescent Beam.... SMASH!" she yelled, sending a white-hot beam of
energy towards the Dragoon. The beam cut into her arm, sending a purple spray
of blood into the air. The Dragoon dropped to her knees, holding her arm.
Incredibly, the blue Sailor Scout stood up, blood dripping from a nasty
shoulder wound. "Sailor Moon," she said through gritted teeth, "Could I borrow
the Crescent Moon Wand for a bit? I don't need the Crystal, just the Wand."
Sailor Moon blinked in surprise and handed over the Wand after detaching
the Imperium Silver Crystal. "Uh, sure, Mercury.... Here...." Sailor Mercury
then turned to the Sailor Scout in green.
"Jupiter, when I give the word, blast her with your brightest lightning
bolts. Okay?" Jupiter nodded and tensed up, trying to keep her weight off of
a badly bruised ankle.
Sailor Mercury seemed to crouch down for a second, then an evil smile came
over her face. Her eyes darkened to a metallic shade of blue and a pair of
fangs emerged from her mouth. She touched an earring and a blue visor formed
over those inhuman eyes. "NOW!!" she yelled and charged forward.
Sailor Jupiter wasted no time. She crossed her arms in front of her and
a lightning rod extended from her tiara. "Jupiter Thunder.... CRASH!!" she
yelled, sending a blindingly bright bolt of lightning past the running Mercury
and at the Dragoon.
The Dragoon screamed and tried to shield her eyes against the glare. Just
then, Mercury reached her and swung the Crescent Moon Wand in a tight arc. No
one saw the actual hit but there was suddenly a huge spray of blood flying in
the air. Mercury did some sort of underhand roll-twist and the Dragoon's eyes
went wide before she vomited blood. Mercury calmly yanked the Wand out of her
abdomen and watched as the Dragoon collapsed into a lifeless heap.
The Sailor Scout carefully wiped the blood and gore off of the Wand before
returning it to Sailor Moon. She then turned her back on the whole mess and
walked away. Sailor Moon fainted while Sailor Mars threw up in a bush. Sailor
Venus motioned for Jupiter to follow Mercury while she made sure Sailors Moon
and Mars were okay.
* * * *
General Rune sat back as the crystal shut off. No one dared speak as Rune
pondered what this meant. "So we now have a vampire as a Sailor Scout to deal
with, and a highly vicious one at that," was all she said.
Shar-Tei spoke up. "We are aware of the strong possibility that there are
Earth vampires in existence, but that they cannot be touched by the sunlight or
they will be destroyed. The BloodMoon Conjunction was three weeks ago but we
are quite sure that no vampires from our world crossed over. We are currently
at a loss to explain the appearance of this vampire in broad daylight."
Rune sighed and waved her hand. "Lieutenant Commander Shar-Tei, when a
creature sees a rakketh hanging on their wall, they don't care where it came
from. They just want it destroyed as soon as possible." She stood and raised
her voice so everyone would hear it.
"I want all further Earth operations suspended until further notice. The
assignment of analyzing this new threat will take full priority. Until I give
a direct order, there are to be no more attempts to destroy the Sailor Scouts.
I want this vampire to be observed, recorded, and analyzed before any other
action is to be taken. This is a very serious situation here, and I want your
full cooperation in this matter."
She turned to her Dragoon commander. "Shar-Tei, I want you to organize a
squad of observers to be taken to Earth and blended in with the rest of the
humans. Have them report to me in eighteen hours, ready to go. Understood?"
Shar-Tei saluted. "Yes, General Rune."
"Good. Everyone dismissed." She turned around and walked into the hall
leading to her private chambers. She stopped in the archway and turned to a
nearby guard. "You, get me something for a headache. I have a feeling this
particular one will be with me for a very, very long time," she said and went
off to bed.
* THE END *
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