Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon. However, I do own all the new
characters featured in this story. See my other fics for more about them,
or contact me at: lady_polaris@hotmail.com Also, you can contact the
following for information: Cosmic Angel, aka Miss L.Lane, Miss H.Perrin
(who at this moment in time, has not signed up to ff.net) or Miss V.Lane
(who has changed her ff.net pen name to Ice Sprite.)
A Eye for an Eye
The day was crisp and clear. The storm from the previous night had subsided, leaving the air fresher. The sun bore down on Tokyo, but provided no warmth for Darien.
He had woken earlier than the others, sick with worry for Serena. Zabadws was the only other person awake, and he was busy searching through his books for a way to open a portal.
"Have you found a way yet?" he asked.
Zabadws looked at him gravely. "Not yet. I'll keep trying don't worry. We'll find a way, sooner or later."
"What if it's too late?" said Darien, slamming his fist against the countertop.
"It won't be," said Zabadws firmly.
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Nephrite stood on the corner of the street where Molly lived. He watched her house closely.
*My chance must come soon* he thought.
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Jasmine walked into the kitchen, and Darien and Zabadws looked up. Darien had begun to help Zabadws in his research, but wasn't having much luck.
"How's it going?" asked the brunette. Her face looked thin and weary. Zabadws knew that she hadn't had much sleep since Lee had been taken.
"Not too well, I'm afraid," he said.
"Can I help?" asked Jasmine.
"Of course you can, grab a book and start looking," said Zabadws.
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The hours passed slowly for the Scouts and Obsidian.
They passed by slowly for Molly too.
"Melvin, d'you think we should go and see Serena and the exchange students? I haven't heard from Jasmine," she asked Melvin.
"Well, if you wanna Molly, then I'll come and keep you company. I haven't heard a thing from Lee since he said he was staying at Lita's," answered Melvin.
"Okay, we'll go over to Lita's at about eight o'clock?" she asked in her thickly accented voice.
"Eight? You do know that sunset today is at eight thirty five?" asked Melvin, pointing at his digital watch.
"Yeah, and? We'll be fine Melvin, don't worry," said Molly, laughing.
Nephrite watched them from the shadows jealously. *At least I knew following Molly would be a good idea, she always was friendly with Sailor Moon. She'll lead me right to them*
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"Have you found anything on the 'net, Amy?" asked Zabadws.
"Nothing," said Amy downheartedly.
"Something's gotta come up soon," said Lita.
"We're getting nowhere," said Darien angrily. "If only we hadn't let her go in the first place," he added.
"It's too late now. We can't change the past. All we can do is hope," said Raye.
Darien buried his head in the book he was researching from.
The phone rang, and he dashed to answer it.
"Serena?" he said.
"Hi Darien, it's me Molly. Melvin and me were wondering if it was okay to come over, y'know see how everyone is?"
"Molly," sighed Darien. "Could you call over some other time? It's just that not everyone's going to be here tonight."
"Oh, right. That's okay then. See ya some other time then, bye," said Molly.
"Bye," said Darien, and then he hung up.
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Molly looked at Melvin, her eyes full of worry.
"There's something they aren't telling us," she said.
"Do you still wanna go down there tonight?" asked Melvin, polishing his glasses.
"Yeah," said Molly, nodding her head.
"Okay, I'll come and call you then," said Melvin. He kissed Molly quickly on her cheek, then waved goodbye.
Nephrite watched the pair from across the road. They didn't know that he was spying on them.
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{Seven o'clock}
Hope and Lita sparred in the sitting room. All the furniture had been pushed to the corners of the room, giving the two girls plenty of room to train.
Trista watched them train, studying their moves, and pointing out any weaknesses they had. Amy continued her search on the Internet, looking through occult websites in search of portal information.
Zabadws, Darien, Jasmine, Kalista and Catalina were looking through books in search of a way to open portals. Meanwhile, Mina, Raye and Hotaru were looking for information about Vespen, and Horned Hell Demons in general.
Charisma joined in with Hope and Lita's sparring, whilst Jacen busied himself with chasing up contacts over the phone who could help them open a portal. The two cats were talking amongst themselves, trying to plan a course of action for the Scouts and Obsidian to take.
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{Eight o'clock}
There was a knock at the apartment door. Lita answered it, and after she saw that it was Molly and Melvin, she closed the door so that all the two could see was her head.
"Molly, Melvin, hi! I didn't know you two were coming around," she said cheerfully.
"Well, we were in the neighbourhood, so it seemed like a good idea," said Molly, trying to see past Lita.
"Well, sorry, but I've got some guests over," began Lita.
"Oh Serena and everyone, I know," said Molly quickly.
"Well, not really. Y'see my neighbour's trying to sell her apartment and I've got some possible buyers with me. I've cooked dinner for them to give them a good impression and, hopefully, they'll buy the place," said Lita.
"Oh right, I'm so sorry. Tell you what, I'll call back tomorrow, okay?" said Molly.
"Okay," said Lita smiling.
"Bye now," said Molly, dragging Melvin away by his arm.
Lita waved a goodbye then closed the door. She turned to the others and sighed.
"I thought you said she wasn't going to come over!" she said to Darien.
"She told me she wasn't!" protested Darien.
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"Why does Lita have to live nearly on the top floor, and why did we come on the day the lift is closed for repairs?" grumbled Molly, as she trudged down the first of many stairways.
"Well, at least we know Serena isn't there," said Melvin, nearly tripping over a step. Before he fell, Molly grabbed him and pulled him upright.
"Thanks," said Melvin gratefully.
"S'ok," said Molly.
"So, where is Serena?" she said.
"Perhaps she went home?" suggested Melvin.
"Perhaps," said Molly quietly. She heard a footstep from behind.
"Huh? Melvin, did you hear that?" she asked, looking behind her. She could see nothing.
"Hear what? I didn't hear a thing," said Melvin. He too turned to look where Molly had.
"Look? There's nothing weird up here," he said soothingly. He looked at his watch.
"Hey it's a quarter past eight already. It doesn't feel like that much time's gone by, does it?" he said.
Molly shrugged. "Guess you were right," she said.
"Or perhaps you were right Molly," smiled Nephrite, stepping out from the shadows.
Both Melvin and Molly gasped.
"Maxfield Stanton! I thought you died in a car crash!" said Melvin.
"Nephrite! But, how? I saw you die. You died in my arms," said Molly, stammering. She held her hands to her mouth in shock.
"Molly, something's going to happen. Something big. Come with me, and I can look after you," said Nephrite.
"But, I've got Melvin now," said the girl, stepping away from Nephrite's advancing form.
"You're saying you want to stay with the spineless little worm, instead of me?" glared Nephrite.
Melvin ran between Molly and Nephrite.
"Leave her alone!" he yelled.
"Get out of my way!" shouted Nephrite, and he threw Melvin down the stairway. Melvin landed awkwardly, and hit his head with a loud thud. He lay there, at the bottom of the stairway, unconscious.
"MELVIN! NO!" screamed Molly. She ran past Nephrite, pushing him out of her way, and knelt beside Melvin.
"No," she said again, and began crying. With a shaking hand, she checked his pulse. He was still alive, but only just.
In shock, Molly began calling out for help. No one came to help her.
Nephrite was seriously pissed off. *She actually CARES about that piece of filth who isn't worthy to look at her, never mind love her* he raged.
He strode towards Molly and picked her up roughly, slamming her against the wall.
"Come with me Molly, leave him behind! He's not good enough for you!" he said, shaking her as he spoke.
"He loves me! And I love him!" screamed Molly. She beat at Nephrite's chest with her fists, but he didn't let go of her.
"I love you Molly!" said Nephrite fiercely.
"If you really loved me, you would be pleased for me and Melvin! Pleased that he's making me happy, something you could never do!" shrieked Molly, in desperation.
Anger surged through Nephrite.
"If I can't have you, then no one can!" he yelled, slamming her head against the wall.
Molly fell to the ground, barely breathing. Blood gushed from a wound on her head.
Nephrite felt no remorse. *At least now, no one else can take her from me* he thought darkly. He turned to walk away, and looked back at Molly for one last time.
*And I know where the Scouts and Obsidian are* he thought, and then laughed aloud.
"What type of person are you?" said a voice from the shadows.
A man stepped out from the shadows. He moved noiselessly, and he looked at Nephrite with midnight blue eyes full of loathing.
"Who are you?" asked Nephrite, slightly shaken.
"Why? What's it to you?" challenged the man.
"I'd like to know the name of the person I'm going to kill," said Nephrite, regaining his arrogance. *How stupid is this guy? Trying to pick a fight with me?*
The man laughed at him, and brushed his blonde/brown bangs away from his dark sapphire eyes. Nephrite studied him for the first time. He was quite tall, and was lean and muscular. He was dressed in dark clothes, and,
"You're not breathing!" said Nephrite.
"Clever boy, hey, you should win a medal or something for noticing that," said the man sarcastically.
Nephrite gritted his teeth, trying not to lose control. *Arrogant little shit* he thought.
"How are you here? I thought all the vampires were in Celeste's Realm," he said, speaking in a tone that suggested that he was the superior officer here.
The man laughed again. "You really don't know who I am, do you?" he said.
"What are you talking about?" asked Nephrite, confused.
"You know Anne, right? Of course you do, I can smell her on you," said the man with disgust.
He circled Nephrite, as if judging him.
"Well?" asked Nephrite impatiently.
"I'm Jack, her ex," said the man, morphing into his vampire face.
"And?" asked Nephrite. *Really, this guy is boring me to death* he thought.
"Well, I'm not like the other vampires, y'see, I actually live on Earth, not in Celeste's Realm. And, I also helped Obsidian," said Jack.
"And you're still alive? Why didn't she punish you?" said Nephrite.
"Because I didn't go back. And I'm still helping Obsidian, so that makes you my enemy," smiled Jack.
A cold sweat suddenly enveloped Nephrite. He stood back, putting space between himself and the vampire. Jack advanced once more, and Nephrite aimed a punch at him, aiming for his stomach.
However, Jack grabbed Nephrites fist, and crushed it in a vice like grip. Nephrite winced in pain, and stepped backwards. Not looking where he was going, he fell over Molly's prone form.
The portal orb rolled out of Nephrite's pocket, toward Jack's feet. The vampire knelt down and picked it up. He removed the velvet bag covering the orb, and held it aloft.
"One of Anne's little playthings," said Jack. He put the orb back inside its bag, and placed it in his own shirt pocket.
"Please, spare me," said Nephrite, cowering in fear at the vampire.
*I don't want something dead to touch me* he thought.
"Show mercy on me, let me live," he pleaded.
The vampire stared at him in disbelief.
"You showed no mercy to the girl and the boy," he sneered. "Why should I show mercy to you?"
*Wait, he's a vampire* thought Nephrite. He glanced at Molly. She was still breathing, but blood still oozed from her wound. *Perhaps he'd like some dinner*
"I'm waiting for your answer," said Jack mockingly.
"Why eat me when you can eat her, or even him? They won't resist you now," said Nephrite, indicating Molly and Melvin.
The vampire stared at the two bodies. *He's actually thinking about it* thought Nephrite happily.
"How long has it been since you last ate someone?" he asked. The vampire's eyes met with his own, and Nephrite smirked.
"Now I'm waiting for your answer," he said.
However, Nephrite's smirk had seemed to bring the vampire from his thoughts. Jack shook his head, and looked at Nephrite with loathing.
"You really think I'll go back to the way I used to be?" he said.
"When I used to murder and maim without a conscience, take pleasure from the pain of others? When I didn't know what love was, or how painful it is to lose someone?" said Jack.
The glimmer of hope Nephrite had found with his plan finally spluttered out.
The vampire picked up Nephrite by his neck and held him aloft for several seconds.
"Do I drain your blood, or just snap your neck?" he thought out loud.
Nephrite tried to plead with the vampire, but couldn't breathe. Jack threw him against the wall, winding Nephrite. From another pocket, he pulled out a small mobile phone. Looking at Molly and Melvin, he dialled for an ambulance, saying that he had just discovered them. When he had finished, he grabbed Nephrite.
"We're going to take a little trip," he told him.
"Where to?" choked out Nephrite, frozen by fear, unable to think his only hope was to flee.
"Celeste's Realm. Only a flying visit, mind you," said Jack.
"How? You need the orb. The gatekeeper won't let you leave," said Nephrite.
Jack laughed at him. "You think only Anne can open and close portals?"
Then, Jack lifted Nephrite up, and sank his fangs into Nephrite's neck. Nephrite tried to scream for help, but felt the life drain out of him. A few moments later, Jack opened a portal, and dragged the lifeless body of Nephrite through it.
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{Celeste's Realm- Vampire Palace, Anne's Chambers}
The portal opened up in the middle of the room.
Anne and Saffire jumped back in shock, and Anne grasped onto Saffire's arm. Michelle was still on the bed, with more cuts and bruises thanks to Anne's torture.
"YOU!" shouted Anne as Jack stepped through the portal, dragging Nephrite's husk of a body.
Jack threw the body onto the floor in front of Anne. Saffire eyed his ex- companion's body with contempt. Michelle stared at the corpse in fear.
Anne glanced at the body for only a second, and then looked up at Jack.
"Why have you come here?" she hissed. "You aren't wanted or needed here anymore."
Jack smiled cockily at the smaller vampiress. "I can see that I'm not wanted," he said, looking at Saffire with scorn.
"So why come here? Unless, by killing Nephrite, you think you can regain your place by my side?" asked Anne expectantly.
"Give me a break, I'd rather stake myself than go back to you," shot back Jack.
"Why are you here?" asked Anne again.
"To prove a point, my dear," said Jack, mocking Anne.
"You see, I don't need you, and I never did. You think that I've lost my killing instinct. Nephrite here is proof that I haven't forgotten what you taught me," he said.
Anne suddenly looked unsure of herself, almost nervous. *She almost looks scared* thought Saffire.
"So, what does this mean? It proves you're willing to kill, so what?" she said, in an attempt to look as if she was the person pulling all the strings.
"It means that, if push comes to shove," began Jack, who leaned in closer to Anne, as if he were going to kiss her.
"I won't think twice about killing you," he whispered.
Anne shoved him away from her roughly, and Jack laughed.
"Until next time, goodbye my former love," he said, creating another portal and jumping through it before Anne or Saffire could respond to his threat.
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Jack reappeared at the bottom of Lita's block of apartments. He saw that the ambulance he had called for had already arrived, and he walked over to investigate.
"Out of the way people!" the medic ordered to the gathered crowd, pushing a stretcher with Molly's body on. Jack saw that the wound had been dressed hastily, and that it was still bleeding- he could smell the fresh blood gushing from it.
A second ambulance arrived. *For the boy* thought Jack. An ambulance team rushed into the building, and after about five minutes, they came down with Melvin.
The ambulance containing Molly was about to set off, and Jack grabbed the medic attending to her.
"What do you want? Can't you see this is an emergency?" he snapped.
"I'm the person who called. I found them. Please, can I go to the hospital with them?" asked Jack.
The medic thought for a second or two, then nodded.
"Get in, and don't get in the way," he said.
Jack got in the ambulance, and it sped off towards the hospital. Not long afterwards, he could hear the sirens from the other ambulance blaring.
*At least now, these two will be safe* he thought, and he sighed, relieved.
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Lita and Hope put the last piece of furniture back into its original place.
"There," said Lita, dusting her hands.
She slumped onto the sofa, and accepted the tea Trista had made thankfully. She switched on the television, catching the news.
"News just in," said the newsreader. "Two youths have been the victims of a vicious assault. The person responsible for the attack is unknown, and both teens, Melvin Gurio and Molly Osaka are in critical condition."
"Look! Molly and Melvin are in hospital!" said Lita, dropping her tea in shock. The Scouts and Obsidian rushed into the room to look at the television, not believing Lita at first.
Two pictures, one of Melvin and the other of Molly, flashed up on the screen.
"Melvin, the elder of the two, is in a coma after apparently being thrown down a flight of stairs. Molly is currently still unconscious, although doctors predict that when she eventually comes round, she may have possible amnesia," continued the newsreader.
"The attack took place at the Sakura Apartment building at approximately half past eight," said the newsreader.
"So that's what the ambulances came here for," said Zabadws.
"And to think that we ignored them," added Mina, burying her head in her hands. "We knew them, and we were probably the last people to talk to them."
"If only I'd let them in, they wouldn't be there now," said Lita, her eyes filling up with tears.
"Police say that there were no witnesses to the attack. The ambulance services were alerted by a young man, who does not wish to have his name revealed, who says that he saw no one at the scene," said the newsreader.
Zabadws raised an eyebrow. *I wonder, was it Jack? Or would he show his face here now?* he thought to himself.
"Do you think it's him?" asked Hope, as if she had read his mind.
Zabadws looked at the girl.
"Who? Jack? Possibly," he said.
"Shouldn't we go there?" said Amy.
"And say what?" said Jacen. "Yeah we were the last people to speak to them, and no, when we heard the ambulances outside we ignored them 'cos we were busy training for a fight that we may not live through and also we were trying to find a way into a place called Celeste's Realm. They're gonna think we're crazy," he said, taking a deep breath after saying so much.
"Hey, they may think we're on drugs," said Hope.
"Don't we owe it to Molly and Melvin to find out who did this to them?" said Amy, looking from face to face in search of support.
After a few moments, the group nodded in agreement, deciding that they were going to say that Molly and Melvin had left them before they were attacked, and that they were friends of theirs and wanted to see how they were doing.
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They decided they were going to walk to the hospital, as that way they could look out for any vampire activity.
They walked out of the apartment building and Kalista stopped suddenly.
"What's the problem?" asked Trista.
"I've left my jacket in the apartment. Lita, can I have the keys to go get it?" said Kalista.
Lita fished around in her pocket and pulled out her keys.
"Here you go," she said.
"Do you want us to wait for you?" asked Zabadws.
Kalista shook her head. "I'll only be about five minutes. It'll be easy for me to catch up with you guys," she said, going into the building without waiting for an answer.
"Let's go then," said Lita, rubbing her hands together in a bid to make them warmer.
The group set off towards the hospital.
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Kalista slammed the door behind her absently as she rushed round Lita's apartment looking for her jacket.
*I know it's in here somewhere* she thought.
Kalista heard a window smash in the kitchen. Her eyes darted to the closed kitchen door wildly. She walked towards it slowly, ready to hit anything that came out.
She set the keys down on the coffee table and wrapped her hand around the door handle.
However, the door suddenly fell inwards, dragging Kalista with it.
"Heeeeeeeeey!" she screamed, diving into a forward roll in order to lessen the blow.
She looked up and saw a hideous youma. The creature roared at her, beating its leathery brown wings.
"Ever think about using mouthwash, ugly?" she quipped, darting backwards, away from the youma.
The creature leapt towards her, and pinned her down on the kitchen floor.
"I have a proposition for you, Polaris," it hissed.
Kalista squirmed beneath the youma's powerful grip.
"Go to Hell!" she snapped. The monster held her even more firmly.
"Don't you want to free Sailor Moon?" said the youma.
Kalista stopped struggling and looked up into the youma's gleaming red eyes.
"I'm listening," she said warily.
"If you agree to take Sailor Moon's place as Prince Diamond's hostage, he will free her," said the youma.
"How do I know you aren't lying? After all, you being on the side of the Queen Bitch of the Universe makes me wanna NOT trust you," said Kalista.
"You have Prince Diamond's word," said the youma.
"And let's face it; there are more Scouts than Obsidian. They will want their leader back, and if they found out you passed up the chance to bring her back safely, well, I'd wonder what they'd think of you?," added the creature.
"Fine," said Kalista, defeated.
"Thought so," said the youma.
It picked Kalista up and flew out the window. Then, it's eyes glowed brightly, and the two were gone, transported to Celeste's Realm.
Sailor Moon fell with a thud to the floor in Lita's kitchen, which was now ruined.
Shaking, she picked herself up and walked into the sitting room. She turned the television on, in search of information. The news flash about Molly and Melvin was repeated, and Serena detransformed, and then ran to the hospital as fast as she could go.
A Eye for an Eye
The day was crisp and clear. The storm from the previous night had subsided, leaving the air fresher. The sun bore down on Tokyo, but provided no warmth for Darien.
He had woken earlier than the others, sick with worry for Serena. Zabadws was the only other person awake, and he was busy searching through his books for a way to open a portal.
"Have you found a way yet?" he asked.
Zabadws looked at him gravely. "Not yet. I'll keep trying don't worry. We'll find a way, sooner or later."
"What if it's too late?" said Darien, slamming his fist against the countertop.
"It won't be," said Zabadws firmly.
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Nephrite stood on the corner of the street where Molly lived. He watched her house closely.
*My chance must come soon* he thought.
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Jasmine walked into the kitchen, and Darien and Zabadws looked up. Darien had begun to help Zabadws in his research, but wasn't having much luck.
"How's it going?" asked the brunette. Her face looked thin and weary. Zabadws knew that she hadn't had much sleep since Lee had been taken.
"Not too well, I'm afraid," he said.
"Can I help?" asked Jasmine.
"Of course you can, grab a book and start looking," said Zabadws.
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The hours passed slowly for the Scouts and Obsidian.
They passed by slowly for Molly too.
"Melvin, d'you think we should go and see Serena and the exchange students? I haven't heard from Jasmine," she asked Melvin.
"Well, if you wanna Molly, then I'll come and keep you company. I haven't heard a thing from Lee since he said he was staying at Lita's," answered Melvin.
"Okay, we'll go over to Lita's at about eight o'clock?" she asked in her thickly accented voice.
"Eight? You do know that sunset today is at eight thirty five?" asked Melvin, pointing at his digital watch.
"Yeah, and? We'll be fine Melvin, don't worry," said Molly, laughing.
Nephrite watched them from the shadows jealously. *At least I knew following Molly would be a good idea, she always was friendly with Sailor Moon. She'll lead me right to them*
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"Have you found anything on the 'net, Amy?" asked Zabadws.
"Nothing," said Amy downheartedly.
"Something's gotta come up soon," said Lita.
"We're getting nowhere," said Darien angrily. "If only we hadn't let her go in the first place," he added.
"It's too late now. We can't change the past. All we can do is hope," said Raye.
Darien buried his head in the book he was researching from.
The phone rang, and he dashed to answer it.
"Serena?" he said.
"Hi Darien, it's me Molly. Melvin and me were wondering if it was okay to come over, y'know see how everyone is?"
"Molly," sighed Darien. "Could you call over some other time? It's just that not everyone's going to be here tonight."
"Oh, right. That's okay then. See ya some other time then, bye," said Molly.
"Bye," said Darien, and then he hung up.
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Molly looked at Melvin, her eyes full of worry.
"There's something they aren't telling us," she said.
"Do you still wanna go down there tonight?" asked Melvin, polishing his glasses.
"Yeah," said Molly, nodding her head.
"Okay, I'll come and call you then," said Melvin. He kissed Molly quickly on her cheek, then waved goodbye.
Nephrite watched the pair from across the road. They didn't know that he was spying on them.
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{Seven o'clock}
Hope and Lita sparred in the sitting room. All the furniture had been pushed to the corners of the room, giving the two girls plenty of room to train.
Trista watched them train, studying their moves, and pointing out any weaknesses they had. Amy continued her search on the Internet, looking through occult websites in search of portal information.
Zabadws, Darien, Jasmine, Kalista and Catalina were looking through books in search of a way to open portals. Meanwhile, Mina, Raye and Hotaru were looking for information about Vespen, and Horned Hell Demons in general.
Charisma joined in with Hope and Lita's sparring, whilst Jacen busied himself with chasing up contacts over the phone who could help them open a portal. The two cats were talking amongst themselves, trying to plan a course of action for the Scouts and Obsidian to take.
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{Eight o'clock}
There was a knock at the apartment door. Lita answered it, and after she saw that it was Molly and Melvin, she closed the door so that all the two could see was her head.
"Molly, Melvin, hi! I didn't know you two were coming around," she said cheerfully.
"Well, we were in the neighbourhood, so it seemed like a good idea," said Molly, trying to see past Lita.
"Well, sorry, but I've got some guests over," began Lita.
"Oh Serena and everyone, I know," said Molly quickly.
"Well, not really. Y'see my neighbour's trying to sell her apartment and I've got some possible buyers with me. I've cooked dinner for them to give them a good impression and, hopefully, they'll buy the place," said Lita.
"Oh right, I'm so sorry. Tell you what, I'll call back tomorrow, okay?" said Molly.
"Okay," said Lita smiling.
"Bye now," said Molly, dragging Melvin away by his arm.
Lita waved a goodbye then closed the door. She turned to the others and sighed.
"I thought you said she wasn't going to come over!" she said to Darien.
"She told me she wasn't!" protested Darien.
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"Why does Lita have to live nearly on the top floor, and why did we come on the day the lift is closed for repairs?" grumbled Molly, as she trudged down the first of many stairways.
"Well, at least we know Serena isn't there," said Melvin, nearly tripping over a step. Before he fell, Molly grabbed him and pulled him upright.
"Thanks," said Melvin gratefully.
"S'ok," said Molly.
"So, where is Serena?" she said.
"Perhaps she went home?" suggested Melvin.
"Perhaps," said Molly quietly. She heard a footstep from behind.
"Huh? Melvin, did you hear that?" she asked, looking behind her. She could see nothing.
"Hear what? I didn't hear a thing," said Melvin. He too turned to look where Molly had.
"Look? There's nothing weird up here," he said soothingly. He looked at his watch.
"Hey it's a quarter past eight already. It doesn't feel like that much time's gone by, does it?" he said.
Molly shrugged. "Guess you were right," she said.
"Or perhaps you were right Molly," smiled Nephrite, stepping out from the shadows.
Both Melvin and Molly gasped.
"Maxfield Stanton! I thought you died in a car crash!" said Melvin.
"Nephrite! But, how? I saw you die. You died in my arms," said Molly, stammering. She held her hands to her mouth in shock.
"Molly, something's going to happen. Something big. Come with me, and I can look after you," said Nephrite.
"But, I've got Melvin now," said the girl, stepping away from Nephrite's advancing form.
"You're saying you want to stay with the spineless little worm, instead of me?" glared Nephrite.
Melvin ran between Molly and Nephrite.
"Leave her alone!" he yelled.
"Get out of my way!" shouted Nephrite, and he threw Melvin down the stairway. Melvin landed awkwardly, and hit his head with a loud thud. He lay there, at the bottom of the stairway, unconscious.
"MELVIN! NO!" screamed Molly. She ran past Nephrite, pushing him out of her way, and knelt beside Melvin.
"No," she said again, and began crying. With a shaking hand, she checked his pulse. He was still alive, but only just.
In shock, Molly began calling out for help. No one came to help her.
Nephrite was seriously pissed off. *She actually CARES about that piece of filth who isn't worthy to look at her, never mind love her* he raged.
He strode towards Molly and picked her up roughly, slamming her against the wall.
"Come with me Molly, leave him behind! He's not good enough for you!" he said, shaking her as he spoke.
"He loves me! And I love him!" screamed Molly. She beat at Nephrite's chest with her fists, but he didn't let go of her.
"I love you Molly!" said Nephrite fiercely.
"If you really loved me, you would be pleased for me and Melvin! Pleased that he's making me happy, something you could never do!" shrieked Molly, in desperation.
Anger surged through Nephrite.
"If I can't have you, then no one can!" he yelled, slamming her head against the wall.
Molly fell to the ground, barely breathing. Blood gushed from a wound on her head.
Nephrite felt no remorse. *At least now, no one else can take her from me* he thought darkly. He turned to walk away, and looked back at Molly for one last time.
*And I know where the Scouts and Obsidian are* he thought, and then laughed aloud.
"What type of person are you?" said a voice from the shadows.
A man stepped out from the shadows. He moved noiselessly, and he looked at Nephrite with midnight blue eyes full of loathing.
"Who are you?" asked Nephrite, slightly shaken.
"Why? What's it to you?" challenged the man.
"I'd like to know the name of the person I'm going to kill," said Nephrite, regaining his arrogance. *How stupid is this guy? Trying to pick a fight with me?*
The man laughed at him, and brushed his blonde/brown bangs away from his dark sapphire eyes. Nephrite studied him for the first time. He was quite tall, and was lean and muscular. He was dressed in dark clothes, and,
"You're not breathing!" said Nephrite.
"Clever boy, hey, you should win a medal or something for noticing that," said the man sarcastically.
Nephrite gritted his teeth, trying not to lose control. *Arrogant little shit* he thought.
"How are you here? I thought all the vampires were in Celeste's Realm," he said, speaking in a tone that suggested that he was the superior officer here.
The man laughed again. "You really don't know who I am, do you?" he said.
"What are you talking about?" asked Nephrite, confused.
"You know Anne, right? Of course you do, I can smell her on you," said the man with disgust.
He circled Nephrite, as if judging him.
"Well?" asked Nephrite impatiently.
"I'm Jack, her ex," said the man, morphing into his vampire face.
"And?" asked Nephrite. *Really, this guy is boring me to death* he thought.
"Well, I'm not like the other vampires, y'see, I actually live on Earth, not in Celeste's Realm. And, I also helped Obsidian," said Jack.
"And you're still alive? Why didn't she punish you?" said Nephrite.
"Because I didn't go back. And I'm still helping Obsidian, so that makes you my enemy," smiled Jack.
A cold sweat suddenly enveloped Nephrite. He stood back, putting space between himself and the vampire. Jack advanced once more, and Nephrite aimed a punch at him, aiming for his stomach.
However, Jack grabbed Nephrites fist, and crushed it in a vice like grip. Nephrite winced in pain, and stepped backwards. Not looking where he was going, he fell over Molly's prone form.
The portal orb rolled out of Nephrite's pocket, toward Jack's feet. The vampire knelt down and picked it up. He removed the velvet bag covering the orb, and held it aloft.
"One of Anne's little playthings," said Jack. He put the orb back inside its bag, and placed it in his own shirt pocket.
"Please, spare me," said Nephrite, cowering in fear at the vampire.
*I don't want something dead to touch me* he thought.
"Show mercy on me, let me live," he pleaded.
The vampire stared at him in disbelief.
"You showed no mercy to the girl and the boy," he sneered. "Why should I show mercy to you?"
*Wait, he's a vampire* thought Nephrite. He glanced at Molly. She was still breathing, but blood still oozed from her wound. *Perhaps he'd like some dinner*
"I'm waiting for your answer," said Jack mockingly.
"Why eat me when you can eat her, or even him? They won't resist you now," said Nephrite, indicating Molly and Melvin.
The vampire stared at the two bodies. *He's actually thinking about it* thought Nephrite happily.
"How long has it been since you last ate someone?" he asked. The vampire's eyes met with his own, and Nephrite smirked.
"Now I'm waiting for your answer," he said.
However, Nephrite's smirk had seemed to bring the vampire from his thoughts. Jack shook his head, and looked at Nephrite with loathing.
"You really think I'll go back to the way I used to be?" he said.
"When I used to murder and maim without a conscience, take pleasure from the pain of others? When I didn't know what love was, or how painful it is to lose someone?" said Jack.
The glimmer of hope Nephrite had found with his plan finally spluttered out.
The vampire picked up Nephrite by his neck and held him aloft for several seconds.
"Do I drain your blood, or just snap your neck?" he thought out loud.
Nephrite tried to plead with the vampire, but couldn't breathe. Jack threw him against the wall, winding Nephrite. From another pocket, he pulled out a small mobile phone. Looking at Molly and Melvin, he dialled for an ambulance, saying that he had just discovered them. When he had finished, he grabbed Nephrite.
"We're going to take a little trip," he told him.
"Where to?" choked out Nephrite, frozen by fear, unable to think his only hope was to flee.
"Celeste's Realm. Only a flying visit, mind you," said Jack.
"How? You need the orb. The gatekeeper won't let you leave," said Nephrite.
Jack laughed at him. "You think only Anne can open and close portals?"
Then, Jack lifted Nephrite up, and sank his fangs into Nephrite's neck. Nephrite tried to scream for help, but felt the life drain out of him. A few moments later, Jack opened a portal, and dragged the lifeless body of Nephrite through it.
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{Celeste's Realm- Vampire Palace, Anne's Chambers}
The portal opened up in the middle of the room.
Anne and Saffire jumped back in shock, and Anne grasped onto Saffire's arm. Michelle was still on the bed, with more cuts and bruises thanks to Anne's torture.
"YOU!" shouted Anne as Jack stepped through the portal, dragging Nephrite's husk of a body.
Jack threw the body onto the floor in front of Anne. Saffire eyed his ex- companion's body with contempt. Michelle stared at the corpse in fear.
Anne glanced at the body for only a second, and then looked up at Jack.
"Why have you come here?" she hissed. "You aren't wanted or needed here anymore."
Jack smiled cockily at the smaller vampiress. "I can see that I'm not wanted," he said, looking at Saffire with scorn.
"So why come here? Unless, by killing Nephrite, you think you can regain your place by my side?" asked Anne expectantly.
"Give me a break, I'd rather stake myself than go back to you," shot back Jack.
"Why are you here?" asked Anne again.
"To prove a point, my dear," said Jack, mocking Anne.
"You see, I don't need you, and I never did. You think that I've lost my killing instinct. Nephrite here is proof that I haven't forgotten what you taught me," he said.
Anne suddenly looked unsure of herself, almost nervous. *She almost looks scared* thought Saffire.
"So, what does this mean? It proves you're willing to kill, so what?" she said, in an attempt to look as if she was the person pulling all the strings.
"It means that, if push comes to shove," began Jack, who leaned in closer to Anne, as if he were going to kiss her.
"I won't think twice about killing you," he whispered.
Anne shoved him away from her roughly, and Jack laughed.
"Until next time, goodbye my former love," he said, creating another portal and jumping through it before Anne or Saffire could respond to his threat.
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Jack reappeared at the bottom of Lita's block of apartments. He saw that the ambulance he had called for had already arrived, and he walked over to investigate.
"Out of the way people!" the medic ordered to the gathered crowd, pushing a stretcher with Molly's body on. Jack saw that the wound had been dressed hastily, and that it was still bleeding- he could smell the fresh blood gushing from it.
A second ambulance arrived. *For the boy* thought Jack. An ambulance team rushed into the building, and after about five minutes, they came down with Melvin.
The ambulance containing Molly was about to set off, and Jack grabbed the medic attending to her.
"What do you want? Can't you see this is an emergency?" he snapped.
"I'm the person who called. I found them. Please, can I go to the hospital with them?" asked Jack.
The medic thought for a second or two, then nodded.
"Get in, and don't get in the way," he said.
Jack got in the ambulance, and it sped off towards the hospital. Not long afterwards, he could hear the sirens from the other ambulance blaring.
*At least now, these two will be safe* he thought, and he sighed, relieved.
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Lita and Hope put the last piece of furniture back into its original place.
"There," said Lita, dusting her hands.
She slumped onto the sofa, and accepted the tea Trista had made thankfully. She switched on the television, catching the news.
"News just in," said the newsreader. "Two youths have been the victims of a vicious assault. The person responsible for the attack is unknown, and both teens, Melvin Gurio and Molly Osaka are in critical condition."
"Look! Molly and Melvin are in hospital!" said Lita, dropping her tea in shock. The Scouts and Obsidian rushed into the room to look at the television, not believing Lita at first.
Two pictures, one of Melvin and the other of Molly, flashed up on the screen.
"Melvin, the elder of the two, is in a coma after apparently being thrown down a flight of stairs. Molly is currently still unconscious, although doctors predict that when she eventually comes round, she may have possible amnesia," continued the newsreader.
"The attack took place at the Sakura Apartment building at approximately half past eight," said the newsreader.
"So that's what the ambulances came here for," said Zabadws.
"And to think that we ignored them," added Mina, burying her head in her hands. "We knew them, and we were probably the last people to talk to them."
"If only I'd let them in, they wouldn't be there now," said Lita, her eyes filling up with tears.
"Police say that there were no witnesses to the attack. The ambulance services were alerted by a young man, who does not wish to have his name revealed, who says that he saw no one at the scene," said the newsreader.
Zabadws raised an eyebrow. *I wonder, was it Jack? Or would he show his face here now?* he thought to himself.
"Do you think it's him?" asked Hope, as if she had read his mind.
Zabadws looked at the girl.
"Who? Jack? Possibly," he said.
"Shouldn't we go there?" said Amy.
"And say what?" said Jacen. "Yeah we were the last people to speak to them, and no, when we heard the ambulances outside we ignored them 'cos we were busy training for a fight that we may not live through and also we were trying to find a way into a place called Celeste's Realm. They're gonna think we're crazy," he said, taking a deep breath after saying so much.
"Hey, they may think we're on drugs," said Hope.
"Don't we owe it to Molly and Melvin to find out who did this to them?" said Amy, looking from face to face in search of support.
After a few moments, the group nodded in agreement, deciding that they were going to say that Molly and Melvin had left them before they were attacked, and that they were friends of theirs and wanted to see how they were doing.
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They decided they were going to walk to the hospital, as that way they could look out for any vampire activity.
They walked out of the apartment building and Kalista stopped suddenly.
"What's the problem?" asked Trista.
"I've left my jacket in the apartment. Lita, can I have the keys to go get it?" said Kalista.
Lita fished around in her pocket and pulled out her keys.
"Here you go," she said.
"Do you want us to wait for you?" asked Zabadws.
Kalista shook her head. "I'll only be about five minutes. It'll be easy for me to catch up with you guys," she said, going into the building without waiting for an answer.
"Let's go then," said Lita, rubbing her hands together in a bid to make them warmer.
The group set off towards the hospital.
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Kalista slammed the door behind her absently as she rushed round Lita's apartment looking for her jacket.
*I know it's in here somewhere* she thought.
Kalista heard a window smash in the kitchen. Her eyes darted to the closed kitchen door wildly. She walked towards it slowly, ready to hit anything that came out.
She set the keys down on the coffee table and wrapped her hand around the door handle.
However, the door suddenly fell inwards, dragging Kalista with it.
"Heeeeeeeeey!" she screamed, diving into a forward roll in order to lessen the blow.
She looked up and saw a hideous youma. The creature roared at her, beating its leathery brown wings.
"Ever think about using mouthwash, ugly?" she quipped, darting backwards, away from the youma.
The creature leapt towards her, and pinned her down on the kitchen floor.
"I have a proposition for you, Polaris," it hissed.
Kalista squirmed beneath the youma's powerful grip.
"Go to Hell!" she snapped. The monster held her even more firmly.
"Don't you want to free Sailor Moon?" said the youma.
Kalista stopped struggling and looked up into the youma's gleaming red eyes.
"I'm listening," she said warily.
"If you agree to take Sailor Moon's place as Prince Diamond's hostage, he will free her," said the youma.
"How do I know you aren't lying? After all, you being on the side of the Queen Bitch of the Universe makes me wanna NOT trust you," said Kalista.
"You have Prince Diamond's word," said the youma.
"And let's face it; there are more Scouts than Obsidian. They will want their leader back, and if they found out you passed up the chance to bring her back safely, well, I'd wonder what they'd think of you?," added the creature.
"Fine," said Kalista, defeated.
"Thought so," said the youma.
It picked Kalista up and flew out the window. Then, it's eyes glowed brightly, and the two were gone, transported to Celeste's Realm.
Sailor Moon fell with a thud to the floor in Lita's kitchen, which was now ruined.
Shaking, she picked herself up and walked into the sitting room. She turned the television on, in search of information. The news flash about Molly and Melvin was repeated, and Serena detransformed, and then ran to the hospital as fast as she could go.