Chapter Four
Nephrite rested his chin on his hands and heaved a sigh of boredom. Why should I have to watch the counter? No one ever comes in here these days. He straightened up. Maybe Ami will come in, though... He frowned. But why should she come back? I mean, after last night...
Despite his doubts, however, Ami walked into Crown just then and walked right up to the counter. "Good morning," she said to him.
Nephrite looked away and pretended to be preoccupied with a spot on Kamekichi's back. She doesn't seem upset, he mused. "Hi," he said shyly.
"Have Usagi-chan or the others come by today?" Ami asked.
"Usagi-chan?" She must mean Sailor Moon and the Soldiers. He shook his head. "No, no one's come in today."
Ami sighed. I should have known. Usagi's been very depressed about the power of the Mystical Silver Crystal lately...and Mako-chan and Rei-chan have their own troubles, as well. She looked up at Nephrite. "Um..Naito-kun? How's the kitten doing?"
Nephrite looked at her and managed a smile. "She's extremely...feisty. Would you like to see her?"
Ami nodded. "Yeah," she said.
"Come on, no one's going to come in here, anyway." He led her to the back room.
Ami smiled when she saw the pretty kitten curled up in her box, lightly snoring, her breathing deep and regular. The sound of Nephrite closing the door made the kitty lift up her head and yawn. Ami giggled. "She's precious. But you know, she should have a name."
Nephrite scratched his head. "I never thought of that. You're right, though."
"What should it be?" Ami wondered. "What do you think?"
Nephrite shrugged. "You choose."
Ami blushed. "Um, okay……How about……Fluffy?" She had no idea where that came from, but it seemed to fit.
"Yeah, that's perfect." Nephrite picked up Fluffy and gently cuddled her. Ami reached over to pat the kitten's head. She glance at Nephrite, then looked away. "I hope she's happy here," Nephrite said softly. I know I wasn't at first. But……I guess I'm used to it now. "Ami……" he began, but stopped when he heard a soft crying. "Ami?! What's wrong?" He set Fluffy in her basket and stepped over to Ami.
Ami shook her head. "It's……it's nothing. I'm fine." She started for the door, but Nephrite stopped her.
"Ami, please -- what's wrong?" he asked quietly.
She slowly looked up into his brown eyes and remembered him holding her. I just can't trust myself anymore! she thought in disgust. "You wouldn't understand even if I told you……" she said softly. It's just like several months ago……when I was blacking out a lot……not always sure of what I was doing…… She quickly wrenched herself out of his grasp and scrambled out the door.
Nephrite followed close behind her. He watched as she ran into one of the karaoke rooms down the hall. "Wait, Ami!" He sighed as she slammed the door behind her. He had wanted to go after her, but held himself back. She needs some time alone, he told himself. Poor Ami.
A few hours later, Nephrite sat behind the counter, still worrying about Ami. She had never emerged from that karaoke room. Motoki came out from the back holding two steaming mugs in his hands. "Here you go," he said, handing one to Nephrite. "Lately it's been getting cold at night. Hot chocolate should keep you warm."
Nephrite didn't feel at all thirsty, but accepted it anyway. "Thanks," he muttered. Motoki smiled and continued on his way.
Nephrite silently watched the steam rise from his mug towards the ceiling. Ami still hasn't come out yet……I hope she's okay. He picked up the hot mug, approached the door to the karaoke room she had disappeared into hours earlier, and knocked. "Ami?" he called softly, not wanting to alert Motoki. No answer came.
He knocked a bit louder this time. Still no response. Nothing, he thought glumly. Sighing, Nephrite opened the door, and nearly spilled the cocoa when he saw the room's interior. He was standing at the top of a tall silver staircase, overlooking a huge room bedecked with photographs and decorations. At the far wall, there was a platform for singing, and in the middle, a yellow table with multicolored chairs surrounding it stood. Against the wall was a plush red couch.
Nephrite gasped when he saw Ami sound asleep on the couch. He hurried down the stairs and stopped several feet away from her. What is this place? he wondered. It's certainly not like the other karaoke rooms here!
Ami rolled over in her sleep, her face contorted with pain. Nephrite set the mug down on the table, and gazed at Ami's sleeping form. She's having a nightmare……should I wake her up? He shook his head. No, I don't want to startle her. She seems so exhausted. He took one last look, and began to walk away, when her voice held him back.
"Nephrite……"
Nephrite sharply turned at the sound of his name. Ami was still sound asleep on the couch. Did she……say my name? he thought in confusion.
Ami began to toss and turn. "Nephrite," she whispered again.
Nephrite was frozen in his spot. She's……dreaming about me?
Ami's eyebrows furrowed. "No……look out!" she mumbled. "No……no……" She repeated the word over and over, her voice shaking as if she was crying.
She's having a nightmare about me, Nephrite realized. He couldn't take it anymore. Kneeling gently beside Ami, he began to gently shake her. "Ami," he whispered. "Ami, wake up."
Ami slowly opened her eyes and put her palm to her forehead. "I……" She blinked. "Oh, it was just……just a dream." She looked at Nephrite, as if just noticing him for the first time. "Ah! Naito-kun! What are you……doing in here……?" She trailed off, looking down at his hands on her shoulders.
Nephrite blushed, and he quickly moved his hands. "I heard you crying, and I wanted to check on you and make sure that you were okay. Are you?"
Ami hesitated, then nodded. It was so vivid……She shuddered when she remembered the nightmare she had been having……Nephrite's death. It had been haunting her nightmares almost incessantly for months now.
"Are you sure you're all right?" Nephrite asked gently.
She nodded. "Yes, thank you." She glanced around, and started. He's seen our secret karaoke room! How did he find it?! Luna said no one except the Senshi could get in!
Nephrite stood, and picked up the still warm mug of hot chocolate from the table. "Here," he said, "I brought you this. Drink it, it will make you feel better."
Ami smiled. "Thanks." She took a shaky sip. "That's good," she sighed. She nervously looked up at Nephrite. "So, um……doesn't this seem a little strange to you?" she asked, trying to sound casual.
"What?"
"This room," she said, looking down.
Nephrite raised his eyebrow. This must be the place the Senshi meet, he thought. Not that it matters, though. It's not like I want to go running to tell Beryl-sama anymore. He smiled at her. "No……it's just like any other karaoke room," he replied.
Ami nervously laughed. "Right. There's nothing different. I'm sorry, I think I'm still half asleep," she said, hoping he didn't find her behavior suspicious.
Nephrite nodded. "Well, if you're all right, then, I'd better……get back to work." He quickly turned and headed back up the stairs, Ami watching him go.
When he had vanished, Ami looked down at her feet. I dreamed about Nephrite……again. He haunts my dreams…… She felt her heart pounding hard in her chest. He's dead. Dead. She clamped her eyes shut. Oh, why do I care?! she thought in frustration. He meant nothing to me. He was the enemy. She shifted onto her side and buried her face into one of the heart-shaped pillows. That's a lie, she thought glumly. He did mean something to me……he saved me from Kunzite……She felt her eyes welling up with tears once more. Yet……I could not save him.
"Beryl-sama," Jadeite said, bowing to Queen Beryl.
Beryl appraised him. "Jadeite, what do you have to report?"
Jadeite looked up at her. "The youma have appeared out of nowhere once again, Beryl-sama!"
Beryl nodded pensively. "Queen Metaria is beginning to get out of hand," she said. "Her power is greatly intensifying. I won't allow her to take the Earth! It shall be mine!"
Jadeite bowed his blonde head. "Yes, ma'am," he said.
Beryl turned to him. "Jadeite," she murmured. "The only way to stop Metaria's powers from growing out of control is to destroy that hateful Princess. I want you to plan an attack to dispose of her immediately!"
Ami cradled the empty mug in her hands. I can't think about Nephrite anymore, she decided. He's gone. He's out of my life. She stared at the bottom of her mug. Naito-kun is very considerate, she mentally commented, thinking back on how he had come to check on her when she was having that nightmare. I want to do something for him. But……what?
Jadeite thrust his hand out, and a youma materialized before him. "Go! Destroy the Princess for Beryl-sama!" he ordered. The youma nodded, and disappeared.
Usagi, Rei, and Makoto ran up to the youma. "Stop right there!" Makoto ordered.
"Moon Prism Power!"
"Mars Power!"
"Jupiter Power!"
"Make up!"
In a flash of light, the girls transformed. Rei pulled out her Sailor Star Tambourine and hurled scarlet stars at the youma. It fell backwards, stunned, but quickly pulled itself together and began its attack.
Suddenly, a stream of bubbles rammed into the creature. Sailor Mercury ran quickly to her comrades' sides. Usagi grinned broadly at her. "Ami-chan!"
Makoto thrust her hands in front of herself, calling, "Flower Hurricane!" Bright pink flower petals emerged from her extended palms, spinning around the youma, dizzying it. The petals closed in, until the youma disappeared from view. In a bright flash of light, the youma was gone.
"Good one, Mako-chan!" Ami said, slapping Sailor Jupiter high-five.
Rei frowned, and abruptly turned. "Something in the air," she muttered. Usagi gave her a quizzical look, and the four soldiers turned to see a hideous spike-covered youma standing behind them. Ami and Makoto nodded at each other, and pulled out their own Sailor Star Tambourines.
"Jupiter Thunderbolt!" Makoto yelled, and a blaze of lightening struck the youma. It continued towards them, unphased. Rei hurled a ball of flame at the creature, which the youma aptly blocked, and fired a blast of energy back at the two offending Senshi. Rei and Makoto crumpled to the ground.
"Rei-chan! Mako-chan!" Usagi cried in dismay. She pulled out her Moonlight Wand. "Moon Twilight Flash!" she cried, attacking the enemy with brilliant discs of light, which merely bounced off its thick armor, creating explosions all around it.
Ami pumped her hand in the air. "Mercury Aqua Storm!" The youma merely reflected her own attack back upon her. The energy slammed into Ami's thin frame, knocking her flat onto the ground. At this rate, she thought desperately, Even with our combined powers, there's no way we can defeat it……She struggled to get to her feet, but couldn't find the strength.
Suddenly, her pink wristband began to glow purple. Ami's eyes suddenly had a strange, steely determination in them, as her transformation bracelet began to glow with dark energy, sending swirls of black rose petals to swarm around her body. She closed her eyes, and her Sailor Mercury uniform melted into that of Dark Mercury's.
Rei looked over and gasped in horror. "Ami-chan!" she cried.
Dark Mercury got to her feet and smirked. Extending her gloved hand, she summoned her ice sword, which she pointed at the creature. "Youma," she said in her deep, self-assured voice, "I cannot allow you to get in my way. I shall destroy you," --she grinned evilly-- "And take your powers for my own." With that, Dark Mercury charged the youma.
Usagi, Rei, and Makoto looked on, their eyes wide. "Ami-chan, no!" Usagi screamed.
"Stop!" Makoto shouted after her, but Dark Mercury paid them no heed. She slashed at the air in front of the youma with her weapon, and dark energy enveloped the creature, freezing it in its spot. Lunging forward, she plunged her saber through its middle with one sweep. In a huge blast, the youma exploded as Dark Mercury looked on silently.
"Ami-chan!" Usagi cried, struggling to her feet and running to Dark Mercury's side.
Mercury turned slowly to face her. "Princess," she said, her voice void of any emotion, "You're next." She slashed at Usagi with her sword.
"Look out!" Makoto shouted, grabbing Usagi and pulling her out of Mercury's line of fire.
"Ami-chan……" Usagi whispered in disbelief. "It can't be……" Mercury mercilessly hurled more dark energy at the Senshi, knocking them flat to the ground. Rei tried to stand, but her body wouldn't comply. "Not again……"
Determinedly, Usagi rose to her feet once more. "Ami-chan!" she cried, pulling out her Moonlight Wand once again. "Moon Healing Escalation!"
Bright beams of positive energy reached out to Dark Mercury. She rolled her eyes, and sliced through the energy with her sword, dispersing it with her own negative energy. A huge explosion rammed into Sailor Moon.
"Usagi!" Rei and Makoto screamed.
Dark Mercury smiled, satisfied. "Well, what do you think of your precious princess now?" She turned back to where Usagi had been standing and gasped. The smoke was clearing, and where Usagi had once stood, now stood Princess Sailor Moon. She looked on with an expressionless face. "Mercury," she said in her regal tone, "I will fight you."
Dark Mercury grinned maliciously. "I'm honored, Princess," she said sarcastically.
"Usagi, don't!" Makoto cried. "You said you wouldn't use the Crystal!"
Ignoring her, Princess Sailor Moon raised her sword and walked solemnly towards Mercury. Their weapons clashed against one another. Dark Mercury shoved her weight against her sword, staving Serenity back. She attacked the princess with her negative power, but Princess Sailor Moon didn't even flinch. Gathering the energy in her own sword, Serenity tossed it aside, creating a massive explosion.
The two fought on, attack and counter-attack, as the remaining two Senshi looked on, unable to do anything to stop it. Dark Mercury would hurl negative energy at the Princess; Serenity, in turn, would reflect it back onto Dark Mercury. Neither gained any headway.
Princess Sailor Moon launched her star attack at Mercury, who effectively blocked it. Mercury laughed. "Had enough yet, Princess?"
Expressionless, Serenity raised her sword for the final assault. "No!" Makoto shouted, struggling to her feet and grabbing onto Princess Sailor Moon's arm. "Usagi! You can't do this! Ami-chan is our friend!"
Rei chimed in, "You can't hurt her! Don't let the Princess control you!"
Serenity's tiara began to glow. Ami-chan! Usagi's voice echoed in her ears. Princess Sailor Moon's body began to glow; when the brilliant light faded again, Usagi stood in her place.
Rei turned her attention to Dark Mercury. "Ami-chan……" she said. "I know you can hear me."
Dark Mercury sighed. "How boring," she said. She smirked at her comrades. "Don't worry, though. I'll be back." With that, she vanished in a wave of black rose petals.
The Senshi stared at the spot Ami had been standing. "How is this happening again?" Rei questioned aloud, sinking to her knees. Makoto knelt and put her arm around Rei's shoulders. "I don't know," she admitted.
Usagi stared at the empty space where her friend had been moments ago, tears filling her eyes. "Ami-chan," she whispered, "Return to us. Please."
Author's Note: Bwa-ha-ha! The "Fluffy" thing is from my Silver Millennium Nephrite+Ami fanfic. AH-HA-HA-HA!!!!! Keep reading both stories!
