The Magic Force
Moon Crystal Reunion
Part 4: Truths Come Out...
and So Does the Vampire

Cosmo and Lita were still awaiting Serena when the young lady ran up to them. "Cosmo," she said frantically.
He turned and paled slightly. "Ulene?" Oh, man! I didn't tell Lita about Ulene! I'm so dead!
Lita realized another girl knew Cosmo. "Uh, hi. Are you a friend of Cosmo's?"
"Yeah. I'm Ulene. And you are…?"
"Lita…Lita Kino." She shook hands with Ulene and noticed how rushed it felt. "Are you okay? Is something wrong?"
"I think so. I saw a girl get arrested by Captain Friedrichs. She had black hair with purple highlights and purple eyes. The only thing I remember seeing is a piece of paper stuck to Friedrichs's forehead."
Lita gasped in alarm. "A piece of paper? That must've been Raye! She's the only person I know who could freeze a person with one of her evil scrolls, the paper on his forehead."
"You mean she's being taken to jail right now?" Cosmo questioned in growing concern.
"Yeah, she's being taken to headquarters for questioning."
Cosmo looked at his watch. "We're supposed to meet the others at the front door in five minutes. Ulene, go tell Ace what's happened to Raye. He'll be at the front door with the rest of the group."
"Okay, but what about you?"
Lita rolled her eyes and answered, "We're waiting for Serena to make the purchase of those shirts, but she always takes so long."
"You go on, Ulene. We'll go in and get Serena, even if we have to drag her out of the store."
As Ulene ran to tell Ace the situation, Cosmo and Lita had had enough of waiting for Serena. They entered the store and demanded Serena speed up her purchase.
"What is your problem?" she asked angrily. "We've still got time."
Lita went nose-to-nose with Serena. "We only have five minutes left, and we have a new problem – Raye's been arrested!"
"What? Raye's gone to jail? Good, she deserved it after the treatment she'd been giving me."
Cosmo said, "This could have serious international implications, Serena! We don't have time for your selfishness!" He then looked at the shirts. "Sir, how much are they?"
"With tax, it comes to $15.98."
"Here's $16. Keep the change and the receipt. Thanks."
He and Lita both grabbed Serena's arms while Lita took the bag with the shirts. "We're sorry, sir. Our friend can never make up her mind sometimes."
Back on the first floor, Ace's group and Angie's group were still waiting for Cosmo's group to join them when Ulene ran up to them. "Mr. Cooper, Mr. Cooper!"
Ace heard Ulene's shout and turned as she ran up. "Whoa, take it easy, Ulene. What's the matter?"
"A girl named Raye – she's been arrested by Friedrichs and is being taken to jail even as we speak."
Rini was shocked by Raye's arrest. "No, not Raye."
"What!? Raye Hino's going to jail? Why?"
"He charged her with assault with a deadly weapon, but the only thing I saw was a small sheet of paper on his forehead. Another girl called it an 'evil scroll.'"
"That's Raye all right. Thanks for the information, Ulene. Oh, the other girl, what was her name?"
"Lita…Lita Kino, that's it."
"Raye was supposed to be with Cosmo, Lita, and Serena. Ulene, I want you to stay calm. The first priority for us is to get Raye out of jail as soon as possible." Ace suddenly noticed Cosmo and Lita dragging Serena by the arms. "Guess she spent too long in a store?"
"Sorry, dude," said Cosmo. "She took way too long in getting two shirts. Anyway, looks like you just got the info, huh?"
"Yes, we did. Ulene, will you be all right?"
"Yeah, I think so. I'll try to keep things in order here with the rest of the gang."
"Okay." Ace turned to Cosmo. "I want you to take them home while Angie and I take the other van and get Raye out of jail."
"Got it, dude. C'mon, guys, let's move."
Serena was not too pleased about leaving so soon. "But I'm not finished yet!"
Darien grabbed her left arm and said, "You are now, Serena. Let's go!"
Serena started bawling again, much to the dismay of all her friends.
"The sooner we get out of here the better," said Mina, covering her ears.
Cosmo noticed another security guard at the front door. "Don't worry about us, sir. We're leaving right now."
The guard tipped his hat and allowed them to leave the mall to proceed to the vans.
"You know what Raye would be saying right now?" asked Amy. "She would say, 'Meatball-Head, you're as thick as mud.'"
Rini nodded. "I think that's exactly what Raye would say to Big Mouth."
Serena heard that comment and snapped, "Watch it, brat! I'll send you back to Japan by air mail!"
"That's enough, Serena!" yelled everyone in the group, including Ace and Angie.
She suddenly cowered and hung her head in shame, finally realizing how much embarrassment she had caused to the group.
When everyone reached the two vans, Cosmo said, "We're gonna take this one. Ace and Angie will take the other to bail Raye out."
"Oh, and Cosmo," said Ace as he helped Angie get into the other van, "please tell Angel to keep a close eye on Serena. Make sure she doesn't sneak into the kitchen for any food."
"I may not have to worry. Remember, she's got a tough little cat in Luna."
"Yeah, that's true, too. We'll meet you back at the Express as soon as possible." Ace got into the driver's seat of the van and immediately left for police headquarters.
Cosmo eventually got everyone into his van and left in the direction of the Magic Express. "We're heading home, guys."
The entire ride was silent, as most did not want to speak to Serena because of her childish actions.

Raye's ride in the back of the police car was also silent, but she did not show anger about being arrested.
When she was escorted by the officer into the police headquarters building, he said, "I'm sorry I have to do this to you, Miss, but you did assault the chief."
"I – I know," she said quietly.
"You're the first teenager I've met who didn't resist arrest. Around here, teens resist all the time."
"I didn't know that."
Lieutenant Vega was checking a report at an officer's desk when he noticed the officer bringing Raye in. "Excuse me," he said as the officer walked up. "She doesn't look like the typical juvenile delinquent."
"No, sir, but she's been charged. Assault with a deadly weapon, although I'm not sure a piece of paper is a deadly weapon."
"Friedrichs isn't here at the moment. Take her to my office, and remove the cuffs. I don't think she's going to try anything."
"Yes, sir." He released Raye from the handcuffs and escorted her to Vega's third-floor office. "There you go, Miss."
"Thank you."
After the officer closed the door behind him, Vega asked her to sit down in front of the desk. He took his seat and started asking some simple questions. "Miss, what's your name?"
"My name is Raye Hino. It's spelled R-A-Y-E H-I-N-O."
"Raye Hino – Japanese, correct?"
"Yes, sir. My friends and I came from Tokyo, Japan."
"Oh, dear…international visitors. I'm a little concerned this could create implications. Now, the officer says you assaulted someone. Who was it?"
"I believe his name was – Captain Friedrichs."
Vega gasped, "You assaulted the chief of police? With what?"
She went into the inside pocket of her jacket and took out a small piece of paper. "This, sir, it's called an ofuda. It's an anti-evil scroll." Raye gave the scroll to the lieutenant.
Vega took a look at it very carefully. "This doesn't look like anything that could do a lot of damage to a person – then again, I've known the Magician for more than 20 years. In all that time, I've learned that anything is possible."
"You…know Ace Cooper?" Raye asked in surprise.
"Of course. Do you?"
"Yes, sir. My friends and I are staying with him in the Magic Express here in Electro City."
"Where were you when you were arrested?"
"In the DNA Mall."
"Then Ace somehow has gotten word. There are a lot of teenagers in that mall, and whenever something goes down, the news spreads very quickly."
"What will happen to me, sir?"
Vega smiled at the young lady. "There's no way Friedrichs could hold you for a piece of paper, so I'll let you go with just a warning, okay, Miss Hino?"
"Thank you, sir."
"Please, Lieutenant Vega's fine. 'Sir' is just too formal for me. I'll notify Ace that you're here, and he'll meet you here in my office."
"I'd appreciate that, Lieutenant."
In the van, Ace spoke with Angie. "What could Raye have done to get herself arrested?"
"Maybe she sensed something and reacted to it. Remember, she has that sixth sense for evil."
"Yes, but from where? There hasn't been anyone around who is evil – other than the assortment of criminals here in Electro City." Ace heard his watch communicator. "Ace Cooper here."
"Ace, it's Vega. I've got a young lady named Raye Hino here in my office. She was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, but I don't think a piece of paper is going to hold up in court. Can you come pick her up?"
"Angie and I are already on our way there. Thanks, Derek." Ace looked at Angie. "Raye's with Vega in his office right now. All we have to do is go pick her up."
"Thank goodness," said Angie in relief. "I'm almost certain she sensed something. Whoever she assaulted must've been it. We'll ask after we leave."
A few minutes later, Ace and Angie arrived at police headquarters and went straight to Vega's office. Raye was relieved to see both of them. "I'm so sorry about this, Mr. Cooper. I probably overreacted."
"It's okay, Raye. Derek, just whom did Raye assault?"
"Would you believe Friedrichs himself?"
"Friedrichs?" said Angie in shock. Could it be Friedrichs is the threat? Or is something within him the threat? "Man, Raye, you got lucky. Lieutenant Vega's a lot friendlier than Captain Friedrichs."
"Well, Ace, since you're already here," said Vega, "there's a report here from last night that seems weird. Take a look at these pics."
Ace did, then shook his head. "The poor creatures. What happened to all of them?"
"I don't know. The really strange part is there's no physical evidence of foul play – as if the energy they had was just taken from them."
"Could I look at them?" asked Raye curiously.
"I don't know if you can help."
"Please, maybe I can shed some light, even if it means nothing."
After a second, Vega nodded and handed the photos to Raye. "What do you think?"
"They barely moved – their faces look like they're just out of it – yes, someone or something has stolen the energy from each of these animals."
"Guess who Friedrichs wanted me to question."
"Mr. Cooper?"
Ace smirked. "Naturally. When it comes to weird things happening, I'm the first person at which the chief points his finger."
"Yeah," agreed Angie. "Something strange happens, Ace is the first suspect on Friedrichs's list." She spoke into her wrist communicator. "Cosmo, where are you?"
"Just got back to the Express, Ange. Serena's not too happy right now. She thinks we've all gone against her."
"Okay. We're going to leave in a minute with Raye. She's getting only a warning because an evil scroll won't hold up in a court of law anyhow." Angie looked at Vega. "Thanks for looking after Raye."
"No problem, Angie. Just keep her out of trouble, okay? I don't think Friedrichs will be too thrilled about a prisoner being released, but a judge wouldn't believe a scroll, even if we do."
"Don't worry, Vega. We've got it covered."
All three walked out of headquarters and back to their van.
As Ace started the vehicle, he asked Raye, "What was it you sensed from Friedrichs?"
"I don't know, Mr. Cooper. I felt this evil presence coming from the captain, so I tailed him to the main office of the mall, where I overheard him and another man talk about Angie being kidnapped last year or something."
Angie gasped, "You…heard that?"
"Yes, I did. Angie, is there something you haven't told us?"
"Well…yes. However, I'd rather discuss that with all of you when the time's right. Now's not it."
Raye nodded. "I understand. If you have to tell, it's better if everyone knew about it at the same time. Besides, Rini and Diana still don't know the truth yet. Of course, with what I've sensed, I think Sailor Saturn's warning has become real."
"You're right, Raye," Ace concurred. "The danger has arrived on Earth, and it apparently slipped under our noses. It's already attacked innocent animals. When there aren't any more animals, humans will be next. We have to be on our guard at every moment."
Both girls nodded.

A few minutes later, Ace's van arrived back at the Express.
The first to greet the three was Darien. "Hey, you guys okay?"
"We're fine," Raye answered. "I got off with just a warning because the other man, Lieutenant Vega, said a scroll wouldn't hold up in court. The judge would've thought the captain was crazy."
"But why did you attack him?" asked Lita. "Did you sense something?"
"Yeah, but I just – overreacted, that's all."
"Hey, as long as you're not sitting in jail, that's good enough."
"What about Meatball-Head?"
"She's been acting selfish," answered Rini. "She said she was glad to see you in jail, but Amy said you would've told her she was thick as mud."
"Amy took those words right out of my mouth. Maybe some time to herself will knock some sense into her."
In her room, Serena continued crying loudly. "They all hate me!"
"No, Serena," said Luna. "They are just tired of your constant talking. You've caused nothing but embarrassment for everyone on this trip because you're either talking about Darien or bawling because you can't get your way. Your childish behavior is driving people to the breaking point. What if something were to happen here?"
"That's not possible, Luna. Every one of us knows that whenever there is danger, Tokyo's at the center."
"Not all the time."
"Talk to the hand, Luna."
"Don't blame me if something does occur here in Electro City. You can come out when your attitude changes." Luna left the room with her nose in the air. That girl will never learn.
Angie looked at her watch. "Say, do we still have time to work on my dragon illusion?"
"In all the confusion I forgot," Ace noted. "Let's get to the practice room. Angel, please tell Serena to meet us in the practice room, please."
Serena continued crying until she saw Angel again. "Serena, you may go to the practice room to watch Angie practice with her dragon illusion. If you will follow me, please."
The girl dried her eyes and walked to the practice room behind Angel. When she walked into the room, she was impressed. "So – this is where you practice your tricks for shows?"
Angie smiled. "That's right, Serena. Here is where we conjure up new tricks, improve ones we've done, and who knows what else. Right now, though, I need help with the dragon illusion, which is where Ace and Cosmo come into play. Whatever input I get from them will help me."
"Can it sometimes be negative?"
Ace shook his head. "What we try to do is give constructive criticism. There may be some negative input, but we don't do it to the point of yelling, 'You can do better than that!' We try to keep it in perspective as much as possible. After all, Angie's been here more than four years now, and she loves to hear what we have to say. She absorbs all the input we give her to make her illusions better."
"It's good that you let her know what she is doing wrong without putting her down," noted Amy. "It's important to tell her what is wrong with the trick constructively, because if you don't say anything at all, she won't believe there's room for improvement."
"Exactly, Amy. That's why this always works out for us. Now, Angie, let's see if we can help you with your dragon illusion. Go ahead and do what you need to do first."
Angie placed her hands in front of her and instantly created a basketball-sized fireball between her hands. Closing her eyes, she concentrated on creating the dragon illusion from fire. It took almost a minute, but the dragon began forming into shape.
Immediately, Ace noticed something. "Angie," he said, "I think I know what's wrong. You're holding back. Remember that dragon we looked at in the book? Picture that complete dragon in your mind, and remember to let go. Don't let anything hold you back from completing the dragon."
The female magician heard Ace's words and reached deeper into her heart to concentrate. The complete dragon – I can see it now. No holding back, no more. She glowed in her light-blue aura, a sign she was in full concentration. In a matter of seconds, the dragon with the complete plume of feathers was alive and floating around her.
Serena and her friends were in awe in the sight of the dragon, but Rini became concerned. "Will she…get burned?"
"Oh, no, Rini," Cosmo noted. "The fire is under her control, and she can judge where the fire is by picturing that in her mind."
"She's definitely gotten better and stronger since the last time we saw her," said Mina. "I still remember when she levitated Amy in that performance back in Japan. She was fantastic then, and she's showing her strength now."
With a simple hand gesture, Angie made the dragon vanish. "Thanks for the input, Ace. I guess I was holding myself back because I was afraid I'd burn myself."
Noticing the clock, she said, "Oops, time to start dinner. Lita, could you give me a hand?"
"Sure thing, Angie. Time for a double dose of culinary skills."
As they walked towards the kitchen to start cooking, Serena was in deep thought. She wondered why Angie was so aggressive toward her at one moment and nice the next. I wonder if someone told her something that's not true. It's not like her to be so moody.
When Angie and Lita entered the kitchen, Lita asked, "What will our first combination be?"
"Hmm. How about shrimp scaloppini with the, uh, what were they called again, the squid…"
"Squid cakes. Yeah, a wild and crazy combination."
"Okay, but I'm gonna have to eat light tonight. I have some errands to run this evening, if that's no trouble to you."
Lita nodded. "Angie, you don't have to worry about us. You live here. If anyone has to ask anything, I think it's we having to ask Mr. Cooper for anything."
"Thanks, Lita. I just don't want anyone to worry." And I don't want anyone else to know what's really going on.

Back at police headquarters, Friedrichs returned from his lunch break to find the officer who had escorted Raye. "Where is the prisoner now?"
"She's been released, sir."
"Released!? Under whose orders?"
"Lieutenant Vega."
"Thank you," he said angrily as he stormed his way through the floors to Vega's office. "Vega!"
The lieutenant heard the shout from the far end of the hall. "Uh-oh. Miss LeSage, I think you'd better get out of here for the moment. This could get very ugly."
"I understand." Miss LeSage quickly walked out of the office to steer clear of the shouting match to come.
Seconds later, Friedrichs charged through the door, causing it to slam against the wall. "Vega! Just what do you think you're doing? Why did you let that girl go?"
"Because paralysis by a small piece of paper will never hold up in a court of law. Who's going to believe it?"
"A judge!"
"Not likely, sir. Were there any witnesses to it besides yourself?"
"Well…no, there wasn't, but that doesn't mean—"
"It means with no other witnesses and no solid proof that a piece of paper was used as a deadly weapon, we couldn't hold her. I let her off with a warning."
Friedrichs breathed like a dragon spewing fire out its nose. "What about Cooper? I suppose you haven't even bothered to question him yet about the Keaton Park mystery."
"Actually, sir, I already did. He doesn't know anything about what's happened in Keaton Park."
"You'd better not be trying to cover his tracks like you normally do."
"Sir, I am doing my job, which is more than I can say for you!"
"How dare you speak to me in that tone! I…" Friedrichs suddenly stopped.
"What's the matter, sir?" Vega asked sarcastically.
"I don't – know," he answered. "I feel so – weak…" He suddenly fell forward and passed out.
"If this is some kind of joke…" Vega turned the captain on his back and noticed how pale he had suddenly become. "This isn't a joke." He went to the phone and called for an ambulance.
Paramedics arrived less than 10 minutes later, and they quickly got Friedrichs onto a stretcher.
As he left for the hospital, Vega looked at the other officers. "Listen, everyone. Until we know all the details, I'm in temporary command. I've asked the hospital to contact me immediately when they have word of his condition. Is that clear?"
"Yes, sir," responded the group of officers.
"All right, now everyone back to work, and for those of you about to head out on patrol, check all your gear."
As the officers got back to their duties, Vega wondered, "How long will Friedrichs be out? I won't know that for a little while. In the meantime, I'd better notify Ace of this situation."
Back at the Express, everyone relaxed while Angie and Lita were busy cooking supper for everyone.
Ace read the newspaper when his wrist communicator activated again. "Cooper."
"It's Vega. Listen, I need to speak to you alone. Something really crazy's happened."
Ace went to his private study room and took the call there. "What's going on, Vega?"
"You're not going to believe this, but Friedrichs and I were arguing when he unexpectedly passed out. I thought he was kidding, but he suddenly turned very pale. He's at the hospital now, and I should be getting a call soon about his current condition."
"That's strange, even for him." What if – Raye was right about sensing something from Friedrichs? I have to talk to Angie and Raye only. If everyone found out, this could be serious. "Okay, Vega, but what happens now?"
"When the chief goes down, the next officer in line is temporarily in charge, and that's me. We'll just have to wait and see what happens from this point."
"All right, Vega. Good luck." After the line disconnected, Ace summoned Angie by thought and told her to get Raye.
The two met Ace in the study. "What's wrong, Mr. Cooper?" Raye questioned.
"Raye, you may have been right about Friedrichs. He suddenly passed out in Vega's office this afternoon, and he was extremely pale, like the animals from the park."
"Oh, no. He's become the first human victim by whoever or whatever's doing this."
Angie realized how serious this situation had become. "We've got to keep this under wraps as much as possible. If the rest of the gang finds out, I don't even want to think of the consequences."
"Right," said Raye in agreement. "I'm worried about Serena's reaction to this. Not to say she's not brave, but I know how panicky she can be."
"Understandable right now, considering her behavior. When we're positive of who or what we are dealing with, we'll tell the truth."
Soon dinner was ready, and everyone gathered around the table. Angie, though, was eating very light due to the "errands" she needed to complete. The others noticed.
"You're not eating your own dinner?" asked Mina. "Don't you feel well?"
Ace said, "She'll be okay, Mina. Angie's not the type of person who does things without eating something. Go on, Ange." Have a good time on your date, and be on your guard.
"I'll have Sally come get me." Victor's already waiting at the other end of the tunnel. See you later on tonight, and don't worry, I'll have every sense alert.
Serena was suddenly very curious. Why would Angie be running errands now? Something isn't right here.
Leaving the Express with her purse, Angie walked normally. Reaching the other side of the tunnel, though, she did one spin and quickly transformed into her pink sleeveless evening gown for her date. "Hello, Victor."
"Hi, Angie. You look gorgeous this evening."
"Thanks. Sorry about having to come out the way I did first."
"Hey, if we want to pull this off on Serena, it had to be this way. Don't worry about anything."
"Okay, let's just enjoy the night." And I'd better watch out, too.
In the Express, everyone gathered around the TV in the living room to see Kendra Rayler, the news anchor at Sensa-News, announcing a stunning report. "Captain Howard Friedrichs, chief of the Electro City Police Department, was admitted to the hospital this afternoon, apparently due to exhaustion. The hospital is saying he is currently in guarded condition. Because of this situation, Senator Dobbs has named Lieutenant Derek Vega as interim chief until Friedrichs is well enough to be back in command. We received this statement from Lieutenant Vega earlier."
"I will do the best I can as interim chief of the police department," he said to reporters. "I will see to it the force is as efficient or even more efficient than ever before. Our first order of business is to tend to the Keaton Park mystery, as we have very little to go on in terms of how the animals became very sick. That is all I have to say for now."
When Kendra came back on, she added, "Police have been telling us that animals in the park have become very ill, but there has been no report of any foul play, or if this is the result of a teenage prank."
Raye knew better. If you only knew.
Cosmo said, "Hey, Darien, up for a video game?"
"Sure, anything to get my mind off things. Where to?"
"My workshop here in the Express. I've got a good system of games, including a cool simulator."
"Okay, I'm in." The two boys went into Cosmo's workshop to have some fun.
That did not sit very well with Serena. "Now hold it! I haven't had a chance to spend time alone with Darien!"
"That's because you do enough of that back home," replied Raye. "You are such a ditz."
"Is that so…jailbird? After all, I didn't end up in jail like you did."
"You really are as thick as mud! The only thing you think about is Darien every five seconds! Do you think Lita's been able to think about Cosmo every five seconds with everything that's happened to us?"
"I don't know why you came on this trip, Raye!"
"The real question is why you came on this trip, Meatball-Head!"
Ace quickly levitated both girls into the air. "Stop it, ladies. This is my home, remember? I will not have continuous arguing between the two of you. Is that clear?"
Raye looked at him and nodded. "Yes, Mr. Cooper, I'm sorry."
Serena was actually bold enough to give Ace a mean look.
"Rini gave me the phone number to your home. All I have to do is call them and book you on the next flight back to Tokyo."
With a gasp, she swallowed and said, "Y-yes, sir. I'll stop."
"Thank you." He returned the two girls to the ground again. "No more arguing, okay?"
"Yes, sir," they both said.
Ace walked away and thought to himself, What is it with Serena? I know she's the Moon Princess, but—wait. Perhaps if I can get in contact with her mother, I can see why Serena's acting so possessive. However, Angie will be coming home soon from her date, and hopefully Serena will see what's going on.
Serena went back to the room with Mina, Luna, and Artemis. "Raye is such a jerk."
"Look who's talking," remarked Luna sarcastically. "Everybody here is tired of your attitude. When will you ever learn?"
"Why are you taking her side, Luna? You're my cat, remember?"
"I also think for myself! And right now what I think is you're going way too far about Darien. If you keep this up, you'll lose him. Would you love someone who's been behaving the way you have?"
Mina and Artemis soon turned to face the window and hopefully tune out Serena and Luna. Something caught Mina's attention, though. "Wait a minute. Is that Angie in that car?"
A convertible stopped at the front door of the Express, and a gentleman escorted Angie from the car to a moonlit spot in front of Mina and Serena's window.
"I had a wonderful time, Victor."
"So did I, Angie. I'm glad you ate light here. Seeing King Lear at the Ring was a great idea."
Mina quickly turned to Serena. "Hey, get over here, quick!"
"What is it?"
"Angie's out here with a guy!"
"What!?" Serena quickly ran up to the window and noticed Angie in her evening gown and in the arms of a handsome gentleman. "Is that…Darien!?"
Angie and Victor kissed each other intimately with Serena and Mina watching in shock.
"I knew it!" Serena shouted angrily. "Angie really was after Darien! I'm gonna go give her a piece of my mind right now!"
She stormed out of the room, where Rini noticed her. "Something wrong, Serena?"
"Yes, there is! Angie's outside kissing my Darien!"
Cosmo's door opened, and he and Darien stood in the doorway. "Whatcha talkin' about?" said Cosmo. "Darien's been here the whole time. He's been showing me how to make the simulator more realistic. He's a pretty decent tech wiz."
Serena gasped. "He's here? Then who the heck's outside with Angie?" Running back to the room, Serena looked outside the window again. "But – that's impossible!"
"What is, Serena?" Artemis questioned.
"I thought Angie was kissing Darien, but he hasn't left Cosmo's workshop at all tonight."
"Who is Angie kissing?" asked Mina.
Outside, the pair released their kiss.
Victor noticed the girls out of the corner of his eye. "I think they've seen us." He walked her to the entrance to the Express.
"Good. Now, remember, return tomorrow for the finale of my prank plan."
"You got it, Angie. I'll see you tomorrow. I love you."
"I love you, too, Victor." She gave him one last peck on the cheek before seeing him walk back to his car and leaving for the evening.
Entering the Express through the front door, Angie spun once and instantly changed back into the clothes she had worn earlier. "I can't wait to see the look on Serena's face," she said to herself.
As she walked into the living room, Serena was the first to ungraciously greet her. "Okay, Angie, spill it! Who was that guy with you?"
"What the heck are you talking about?" asked Angie, shaking her head in pretended confusion.
"You know exactly what I'm talking about! Mina and I both saw you kissing a guy, and you were wearing a pink evening gown. Now you'd better tell me who that guy was!"
"Excuse me, Serena, but I was out running errands for this evening and got them all accomplished. Besides, this area is a popular romantic spot because of the moon's reflection on the banks of the Grand Canal. Now, if you don't mind, I need to give Ace the box he wanted from the cutlery store near the Sinsun Hotel."
Angie walked past Serena to reach Ace's room. "Ace, I've got the box you wanted for the act next week." Serena's right behind me.
One box, coming up. From his room, Ace concentrated on creating a special glass box within Angie's purse. "Come on in, Ange."
Angie reached into her purse and gave Ace the box he requested. "I hope it's the right size."
Serena looked into the room and saw Angie give him the box. How – no way. I know she was outside kissing a guy, and Mina's the other witness! We can prove it! She ran back to her and Mina's room. "Come on, Mina, we have to tell the others about this."
Mina was dragged out of the room. "But – Serena, wait! What if it was another couple?"
"Mina! You and I both know that was Angie!"
Everyone else heard the commotion and joined Serena and Mina in the hallway.
"Serena, what's going on?" questioned Amy. "What's with all the yelling?"
"Angie was outside just a few minutes ago kissing a guy. I thought it was Darien, but he's been here the whole time. Face it, Angie's holding something from us!"
Raye rolled her eyes in annoyance. "Serena, Angie specifically said she would run some errands tonight. Besides, the way you've been acting lately, is it any wonder you're finally losing your mind?"
The rest of the group agreed with Raye.
"On top of that," added Darien, "you can't just go around prying into people's personal and private lives. Angie has a right to her privacy."
"Come on, guys," said Lita. "Time for bed. Angie said she'd cook up some killer steak biscuits in the morning."
Ace added, "And Amy, I got you an opportunity to meet Professor Jonathan Surge at the Surge Consortium tomorrow morning at 9:00, if that's okay with you."
"Thanks, Mr. Cooper. I look forward to meeting one of the most well-known scientists in the world."
"I told him about you, and he said he can't wait to exchange ideas with you tomorrow."
Angie let out a long yawn. "All those errands have knocked me out for the night. I'm heading to sleep."
"Not until you tell me the truth!" demanded Serena.
The female magician snapped at her. "Listen to me, Serena! I live in this Magic Express, okay? I do not have to reveal everything to you! You think you can run this place like you're some kind of royalty or something?" Turning to Ace, she added, "Keep that phone number handy, Ace. Serena may be heading home if she doesn't stop with this attitude of hers."
"Why you—"
"Serena," Ace said, "that's enough. What obviously happened is either a trick of the light or it probably was another couple. Just because this area near the tunnel belongs to me doesn't mean I have to cordon the place off to anybody. I have seen couples come out here before."
Mina agreed. "Yeah, it probably was another couple. I'm off to bed. Good night, all."
As everyone went to sleep, Serena could not stop thinking about Angie's situation. I know that was Angie kissing a guy, but everyone else thinks I've gone mad! I've got to find a way to get it out of her.

In the hospital, Friedrichs needed help breathing through a respirator machine.
Meanwhile, the vampire within Friedrichs could not sustain himself in the host body any longer. He is now too weak for me. I must have more energy! A vapor trail exited from his nose and left through the open window in the hospital room.
In mere seconds the vapor formed itself into the vampire, complete with wings this time. "There are humans who enjoy the night. I need more energy to survive, and I must find a new host body."
He flew into the night, looking for not only victims to give him energy, but also a new body to which he could rest during the day. Within just a few minutes, he noticed a group of friends walking through the park.
"Perfect!" he shouted. "Children often have endless amounts of energy." He quickly landed in front of the group.
One of the boys in the group said, "What is this, Halloween?"
"Give me your energy," the vampire demanded. "I need it now!"
The leading boy just laughed. "Buddy, you don't know what you're doing, do you?"
"We shall see, human!" He flew into the boy and grabbed his arms tightly. "Give me your energy!"
The boy felt his energy draining away from him. "No!" he yelled. "Please help me!"
"Spud!" yelled Ulene. "Come on, Stick, we've gotta help him!"
Stick and Ulene both ran up fast and pushed the vampire off Spud.
"Leave him alone!" shouted Stick.
The vampire just scoffed. "How can two puny humans stop me?" He extended his wings and started flapping them as hard as possible, causing the two teens to freeze in place. "No human can match my power!"
"I – I can't move," said Ulene desperately. "I'm stuck!"
"Yes, human girl, and when I am complete with this boy's energy, the two of you are next!"
Stick struggled to move. "What can we do now?"
"I can't even call for help!"
Back inside the Magic Express, Angie slept soundly until she heard a soft voice. Please help me…please help me…
Awakening with a jolt, Angie breathed heavily. "What was that? I know that wasn't Ace. Something's definitely wrong, but should I tell Ace first or check it out myself? No, the last time I checked something out myself I got into trouble." Ace, wake up, quick.
In his room, Ace heard Angie's alarming thoughts and quickly woke up. Angie, what's wrong?
I don't know, but I'm hearing this little voice, calling for help. It sounds male this time, but it's definitely not you.
Ace was deep into their thought conversation when Raye knocked on the door of his room. "Come in."
As soon as the door opened, Raye quickly entered. "Mr. Cooper, I'm sensing evil somewhere in the city."
"Angie's picking up something, too. Problem is, where do we go to find this evil?"
"I can lead the way, but we can't have everybody wake up."
"You're right. Get dressed and meet Angie, Zina, and me in the garage in five minutes."
Meanwhile, Rini was also unable to sleep. "What was that weird voice? I know that wasn't Helios." She walked out of her room only to see Raye, fully dressed, running towards the garage. "Where's she going at this hour?" Out of curiosity, Rini followed Raye from a safe distance.
In the garage, Ace, Angie, and Zina waited for Raye, who joined them a minute later.
"I'll drive," said Ace. "Raye, you'll be our psychic navigator. Let's move."
They all jumped into Ace's Magic Racer car and immediately left the garage.
Rini became very concerned for all of them. "I don't know what's happening, but I'd better tell Serena fast." The little girl ran to Serena and Mina's room, only to find the door locked. "Uh-oh, what should I do?"
Just then, Angel appeared in front of her. "Rini, can I help you?"
"Angel, can you open the door please? It's an emergency."
It only took a second for the door to open, and Rini ran inside. "Serena, Serena, wake up!"
Serena was in the middle of a disturbing dream. I know Angie's hiding something, and I'm gonna find out what.
"Serena!"
The loud scream awakened not only Serena but everyone else in the Express.
"You little cream puff! Why did you have to yell so loudly?"
"I had to get your attention! Something weird's going on."
Soon all the other occupants were outside Serena and Mina's room.
Rubbing her eyes, Amy asked, "I heard you screaming, Rini. What's wrong?"
"I saw Mr. Cooper, Angie, Zina, and Raye all leave in this odd-looking car."
"That's the Magic Racer," noted Cosmo. "Why would Ace be taking it at this hour?"
"He said Raye was to be the psychic navigator or something."
This even aroused Serena's worries. "They must know something we don't. Come on, guys, we have to find them, but how?"
"I can track Ace with the wristwatch communicator. Let's get to the van and see if we can find 'em."
"Can I come?" asked Rini.
Serena nodded. "Come on, squirt, and bring Diana with you."
In mere minutes, everyone gathered into the larger van, with Cosmo driving and navigating. I sure hope they're all right, but what's going on?
They would all learn what was happening soon enough…