Frozen Rain
Notes: As promised here is my second chapter in two day, wow speed record for me ^_^
Silence
Well don't everyone agree all at once. I understand that the last chapter might have seemed a bit rushed but this chapter is better.
Chapter Seven
The Living Death
Ami
'This is too easy' I mused to myself all the while trying to withhold a smirk that I know will break out any minute now.
I lifted a dagger to the bodice of my senshi uniform and sliced it various places, I had already tattered the skirt, put some very minor but serious looking cuts across my legs. The back of my bodice was ripped completely showing off "scars" in various stages of healing. My hair was chopped in some places to make it look like it had been torn at on occasion. The hardest thing for me to do was intentually scuff up and put holes in my adored blue boots. I even broke my palmtop in two that hurt a bit too. All of this for the sake of making my sudden reappearance looks "good". If I were to return looking whole and unharmed it would have raised questions even from the grandly oblivious Usagi.
One final light cut to my wrists and neck and I am done.
"Are you ready to leave?" Kunzite asked, clasping his cloak around his shoulders.
I nodded as I placed the "bloodied" dagger on top of the dresser. I prevent myself from running my hands through my already messy hair; we want to make this believable not sloppy.
I shutter as I feel fingertips lightly touching my neck, right where I had cut across the skin. I glanced up to see Kunzite examine my wounds, his expression stony and calculating all at once. He nods, letting me know that he approves of the measures I have taken.
An almost smile curls on my lips, feeling proud that he was satisfied with my handiwork.
He opens a portal between the room and the spot were I was to be "found". I moved to enter the portal only to have Kunzite's hands rest on my shoulders, the gesture a mix of reassurance and caution.
"Remember yourself. You can't allow them to become suspicious before the next stage. Answer their questions the way we rehearsed and most of all stay calm but act like your."
I snicker, "I know, I know Kunzite, we have been over the plan a thousand times."
I raised my right hand to cover the hand her rested on my left shoulder, "I promise that I won't fail you," I softly whispered before sliding into the portal. I smiled as I was surrounded by the darkness those three months ago I was terrified of.
The light slowly pierces the darkness as the portal opens slowly allowing me to step out into the land of the living once again. I flick a dagger off my wrist and back into my pocket. It's show time.
Part Two: Lita
After leaving Rei's temple the tall Amazon decided to take the long way back to her apartment building. She passed by several small shops even the Crown Arcade, but she didn't bother to even stop and say a quick "hello" to Andrew, the young man whom worked at the Arcade. She felt really down about Ami.
"Of all the people that bastard could have taken, he just had to pick Ami- chan," the young woman thought as she angrily kicked an empty soda can several feet in front of her.
Ami, alongside Usagi, were the only friends that she made upon arriving at Juban Junior High. She cared for all of the other senshi like a big sister would be fond of her younger sisters but Usagi and Ami were very special to her. Usagi because she saw her for what she really was instead of the bully everyone thought that she was and Ami because.well she was Ami. The little squirt was just so small and shy about the world around her that she looked absolutely adorable at times. Lita paused for a moment; digesting those words she felt a warm blush creep into her cheeks.
'No way, I don't think of Ami "that" way. I am just worried about her that's all."
But Lita really was beginning to wonder if she wasn't thinking about Ami that way.
She shook her head, almost wishing that some hottie would show up and take her the deep waters in her mind that she was treading into.
Lita turned the corner to wait at the crosswalk. Suddenly her eyes fell on a stilled form laying no more than ten feet away from her. Curiosity and months of trained senshi instincts told her to move towards the form and see what it was.
"Probably just some stray dog that got hit by a car," Lita muttered to herself but deep down she knew that the form was too big to be a dog.
After only a few steps did Lita realize just what she had found.
"A..Ami-chan?!" the brunette said as she rushed to the side of the fallen senshi.
Carefully she edged around the smaller girl; her form was laid out face down on the sidewalk, appearing to be lifeless, but Lita's fears were relieved when she saw the steady rise and fall of Mercury's chest. She was alive but in bad shape it seemed.
Her skull had some bald patches, her arms were laced with bruises and cuts and the entire back of her uniform was slashed away revealing a collection of scars.
"Oh Ami," the tall girl whispered softly. Her emerald eyes held an unexplainable tenderness as she moved to pick up the smaller girl's frame. She stopped herself, she didn't know much about First Aid but she did know that an injured person shouldn't be picked up just in case their neck, head, or spine has been injured.
Sitting across from Ami, Lita decided to call the girls first and then they would deicide whether or not Ami' s wounds were serious enough to call an ambulance or the hospital at least.
She clicked the communicator on. For a moment or two the screen was blank but then Usagi popped up, then Rei. She told them that she had found Ami. Both girls nodded and said that they were on their way, with that over with Lita shut the communicator off.
She gave the unconscious Ami a nervous smile. "Hang in there kiddo, we'll help you get better and then we'll kill that blonde bastard."
It wasn't long before Usagi and Rei came running up to her followed by Mina and the cats.
As soon Usagi saw them, she broke away from Rei and went to Ami's side.
"Kami, Lita what happened to her?" the "meatball" head asked.
"Duh, Usagi, she was tortured." Rei cut in tartly but Lita could tell by the young miko's expression that she was too worried about Ami to sound to annoyed by Usagi's question.
Mina and the cats finally reached them. Mina bit back a gasp while Luna was more vocal.
"Sailor Mercury!" Luna walked to the side of Ami's face, her dark amber eyes staring at the small senshi's too relaxed features.
Together the girls decided that they would not only call an ambulance but also contract the girl's mother as well; but before they could do that Ami began to wake up.
Dark blue eyes stared up at them, unfocused for a second but then she gazed clearly at them. A weak smile formed on her lips.
"Hi guys," she said hoarsely.
It was then that tears and hugs bombarded her as Usagi and Mina pounced on her.
After several minutes of reassuring everyone that she was fine, telling them that she just passed out of exhaustion.
As soon as they were wearily sure that Ami was alright they began to question here about her inopportune stay in the Dark Kingdom.
Ami's eyes welled up with tears, "It was horrible," she whispered, nervously ringing her hands together.
"Did you ever find out why Kunzite wanted to kidnap you?" Lita asked.
Ami slowly nodded, "He said that he captured me because he wanted to turn me against you guys."
"What did you tell him?" Mina asked, sounding very interested.
"I refused his offer." Ami said sharply, her face taking on a very determined expression only to deflate as she looked down at her torn uniform and her battered body.
"That of course pissed him off so he decided to torture me until I would give in.'
Tears welled up in the blue senshi's eyes as she leaned into Lita's motherly embrace.
"It was a nightmare every waking hour of the day. I tried to run away but he would always find me and punish me more," the small girl shook her head, her voice barely rising above a whisper.
"I was so afraid that he would abandon his plan of converting me and just one day take his punishment too far and kill me." Ami stated in a very haunted tone, her lips quivering while more tears fell down her face.
"That son of a bitch," Lita growled lowly in her throat as she continued to hug and comfort Ami.
Ami gave her a dry chuckle; "You're telling me. If only you knew the sick things he tried to d." her voice trialed off her face looking very crestfallen and ashamed.
The other quickly caught her drift.
"No!" Luna howled.
"He didn't." Rei said softly in muted horror.
Ami just nodded her head, burring her face into Lita's shoulder.
The taller girl glanced down at the blue haired child in sympathy.
As she gently stroked Ami's short blue hair to calm the girl down Lita silently swore that she would take Kunzite down personally.
It was decided that Ami couldn't go home to her mother in this state, at least not without some plausible story. So the girls unanimously voted that Ami should stay at Lita's apartment since the she was the only one who didn't have parents, or a grandfather in Rei's case, that would question the appearance of a house guest who's clothing was torn and body covered in cuts and bruises.
Again everyone went their separate ways but this time relief and renewed hope was evident in everyone demeanor.
Lita helped Ami to her feet and together they walked down the few blocks to her apartment. Unknown to the Amazon they were being followed by a well- formed shadow.
After they left a youma appeared from the alleyway, dark red eyes stared ahead at the retreating girls, a its mouth formed in a vicious smile.
'Lord Kunzite,'
'Yes what is it?'
'Lady Ami has been "reintroduced" into the world.'
'Did the scouts find her?'
'No sir, just some girls, they do look very familiar though, they might be them.'
'Good, just wait and watch over her carefully. I have wasted too much time and effort into that girl to have her turning traitor on me. I should be there to set the next stage into motion before midnight, wait for my signal.'
The youma nodded, before melting into the shadows, 'As you wish Lord Kunzite,'
Ami
"So do you want chicken flavored, chicken and veggie flavored, chicken and rice flavored, or chicken.chicken?" Lita asked, giving me the choices for tonight's supper of raman noodles.
I blinked, looking up from the newspaper spread out on the kitchen counter I asked, "Does rice even have a flavor?"
Lita's nose wrinkled as she thought, "You know what, I really don't know. Okay I guess that just leaves chicken flavored," she decided as she placed a pot of water onto the stove. She turned and gave me a nervous smile, "Sorry if you were expecting something fancy, I haven't gone shopping this week so all I have is soda and instant noodles."
"That's fine," I said softly, "Most of the time I order takeout anyway since my mom often works the late shift at the hospital."
"I don't think she'll be doing that often, not since you disappeared." Lita replied as she opened the package of noodles into the boiling water.
I gulped, suddenly feeling very guilty. "My mom was worried about me?"
The look Lita gave me told me that it was a very stupid question to ask.
"Of course she has been worried about you Ami, she's your mom sure but we have all been very worried about you. Why didn't you try to use your communicator to contact us?"
I stared at Lita, returning that you-just-asked-a-dumb-question-look.
"The dark energy surrounding Kunzite's quarters blocked the communicator's signal, besides I could never use it with Attila the Blond breathing down my neck twenty-four seven."
"Oh, sorry. I didn't think about that." Lita mumbled.
'Ami, the brains of our operation so that we don't have to think for ourselves.' I inwardly mused bitterly.
The noodles were ready soon, so Lita and I sat across from each other holding our own bowl of steaming noodles watching some random TV. sitcom on Lita's little black and white set up in the living room.
Even though I ate the noodles I really didn't taste it.
Kunzite had left out one "tiny" detail when he told me that my "positive" energy source had to be exchanged for dark energy. It was that since the transferee I have been "dead". I don't need to eat food to be nourished but at the same time I can't really die unless my energy source is either forcefully cut off or destroyed in this case the creature called Metlalia, that serves/commands Beryl is my source for both nourishment and power. But that's not all; since Kunzite created me so of course I have to go to him to be "fed".
.. Not like that you pervert.
It is really weird and difficult to explain. Think Ann Rice, only without the blood and fangs.
A few hours later, after watching a movie Lita a yawn announcing that she is ready for bed. I glance at the clock to the hands resting on 11 and forty-five minutes. Kunzite is due to arrive any minute. I agree with her and follow her to her bedroom. She changes and lies down immediately but I linger for a moment or two until I realize that I must look suspicious. Lying on the other side of the bed I pretend to fall asleep all the while keeping a close watch on the red digits of Lita's alarm clock.
At last the digits read 12:00. I slowly slip out of bed, making sure that I don't wake up Lita. Carefully I padded out into the living room and then the balcony. I slide the door behind me and breath a sigh of relief, all right now all that's left is to give Kunzite the signal. But before I can pull out the pen the door to the balcony slides open. I turn my head to see Lita staring at me questioningly.
"Ami, what are you doing out here? Are you feeling alright?"
I wanted to snarl at her and tell her that I was fine and to leave me alone for a few minutes but then I remembered that I am suppose to pretend to be shy and unassuming Ami-chan, the meek little mouse.
"Hai, I am fine Lita. I just wanted.." I suddenly felt my heart stop.
My mind was rewinding back. The moment the girls found me they were hugging me and telling me how worried they were about me. Lita taking me home to make sure that I was all right.
I felt real tears well up in my eyes.
How could I be so stupid!
My friends did care about me. They had been looking for me.
Choked sobs came from my throat as Lita wrapped her arms tightly around me.
Kami, what have I done?
I closed my eyes tightly. It's too late to change things, I have literally sold my soul to the devil and I can't get it back. I can never to at least pretend to be normal anymore. But at the same time I can't bring myself to hurt my friends.
"Lita, there is something that I need to tell you," I whispered between sobs.
At first I feel the taller girl stiffen but then she relaxes, "What's wrong Ami?"
Everything.
Before I could even open my mouth Kunzite's voice cut through my mind.
'What the hell is going on up there Ami? The signal is five minutes overdue.'
'I um I am working on it so shut up!'
He muttered a word not worth repeating.
'What's wrong?' I asked.
'You are not trying to double cross me are you?!' Kunzite growled.
'No, I would never.'
'Good. Please try to remember just who is in charge here Ami. Now ditch the bitch and give the signal.'
'Alright, alright, just give me a minute will you?'
"I really don't want to talk about it right now Lita."
Lita moved to speak but I just turned to face the skyline again.
"Please Lita, I just need sometime by myself to think for a little while." I said in a hushed tone.
For a moment Lita stayed rooted to the spot, "I understand Ami. Just don't stay out here too long, okay?"
"I'll be alright Lita, so stop worrying." I replied trying to sound lighthearted.
"Whatever, just remember that we still have to call your mom and come up with a plausible story on why you disappeared for three months."
"Don't worry, we'll manage." I replied.
With that Lita went back to bed, finally leaving me to set off the signal.
I pulled the tiny transistor back from the space pocket and then set it down on the floor of Lita's balcony.
Even as I punched in the code, I felt bad about betraying my friends. No more then bad, this is a guilt trip to be remembered for the rest of eternity. But I have come this far and there is no turning back.
'Kunzite, the signal is set. Are you ready?'
"You don't have to do that anymore. I am right here."
I spun around to see Kunzite standing behind me.
"Stop dong that! You scare me to death when you do that."
He smirked, "That's why I do it," he said.
"Yare, yare, you are hilarious I forgot to laugh. So is everything set?"
"Of course. The real question is, are you ready Ami?"
I tried to muster up another smirk, but it lacked conviction. "Sure I am."
"Hmm somehow that doesn't sound very convincing." Kunzite commented coldly.
"What is that suppose to mean!" I snapped.
Kunzite rolled his eyes, "You seem to have very convenient memory lapses. I can read your mind remember?"
Oh.shit.
Kunzite smirked, "My thoughts exactly. If you are serious about doing this then we'll do it tonight otherwise you know what will happen."
I cringed. "Fine, go ahead with the plan. I am not going to stop you."
"But you will not aid me either," Kunzite stated as his right hand briefly brushed against the left cheek of my face.
For a moment I leaned into his touch out of habit. "No I'll help."
I leaped up to stand on the railing of the balcony, my feet almost floating above the iron railing, a smug smirk stretched across my face I offered my hand to Kunzite.
At first he just stared at me like I was crazy, maybe he is on to something. I do feel horrible about what we're about to do but at the same time I know that if I can't stop it why not enjoy the ride?
He brushed my hand aside only to jump up beside me. "Promise me, that you won't betray me."
I laughed, "Under threat of death right? Don't worry I value my life more than you give me credit for "master"."
He shook his head, "That is not what I meant."
I shrugged my shoulders, "Whatever, enough talk we have to get this finished tonight." Before I lose my courage, I inwardly added.
"Ladies first," Kunzite quipped.
I sighed, causing a few stray strands of my hair ruffling up, "Always the gentleman," I replied sarcastically.
I tilted my head back and fell off of the balcony, my blue-black hair brushed around my face. I close my eyes, still not used to this type of teleportation, I don't care if Kunzite says if this is the easiest form of teleportation spells or not, free falling from high places still creeps me out. I swallow a gulp of air just before I whisper the spell, I mange to blink out of existence just before I could hit the pavement.
I opened my eyes to see the serene picture of a still and silent park.
"Took you long enough," Kunzite grumbled.
I placed my hands on my hips, "Well excuse me Mr. Perfectionist, I just learned that spell two days ago."
"Come on, we still have to set the final details in place before those senshi arrive."
Part Three: Rei
Something wasn't right. She could feel it in her bones. First was Ami infamous disappearing and reappearing act with a three-month lapse.
'Come to think of it she never did let on about just how she escaped from the Dark Kingdom,' the dark haired miko thought as she tried to clear her mind for a fire reading.
Of course the youma attacks had decreased but they all knew that their enemy was still out there lying and waiting for the right time. This time of relative quietness was disturbing. And to make things more suspicious Ami should have been killed. Not that she wasn't happy to see her friend alive but it was more than a little bit odd that Kunzite wouldn't kill a senshi if given the open opportunity. In short, something was rotten in the state of senshi-dom.
Crossing her legs underneath her Rei took in a deep breathe, opening her mind to the all-seeing eyes of the flame.
'Tell me, what is wrong with my friend Ami.'
She gasped as her mind was bombarded with pictures of Ami's capture, the three months that she was with Kunzite blurred by her but one thing was certain, the flame had clearly answered Rei's question.
Amethyst eyes shot wide open. Rei shuttered as the truth that she knew but refused to believe sank in.
Ami had betrayed them.
Rei left the fire room, bolting into her bedroom she quickly changed out of her nightclothes into a jeans and a shirt before she grasped her communicator. She was just about to alert the other senshi when a message came through.
She punched the enter button to see Lita's face appeared.
"Rei, Ami is missing!"
The girl sighed, "How long has she been gone?"
"A few minutes at best. I went to check up on her when I found out that she hadn't come back inside. I have searched my apartment and the entire floor."
"Keep looking," Rei commanded, "She couldn't have gotten far."
"Alright, I call you if I find anything."
"You do that," Rei whispered as she shut off the communicator. While Lita was distracted by looking for Ami in her apartment building Rei decide to follow the vision and head to the park where she knew Kunzite and Ami were setting up a trap, just for her and the others. From what the vision told her they're plan wasn't quite ready yet.
Rei didn't know why Ami would betray them but that didn't matter. Ami was still a traitor so she must be stopped before she could hurt the other girls.
Notes: Yes another cliffe. I understand that this chapter might seem a bit confusing but again all will be explained as the story continues
Thanks to Yui4: Sorry to disappoint you yet again by cutting the action short. I hope that you like this chapter though even if it was cut off at an abrupt point again.
Notes: As promised here is my second chapter in two day, wow speed record for me ^_^
Silence
Well don't everyone agree all at once. I understand that the last chapter might have seemed a bit rushed but this chapter is better.
Chapter Seven
The Living Death
Ami
'This is too easy' I mused to myself all the while trying to withhold a smirk that I know will break out any minute now.
I lifted a dagger to the bodice of my senshi uniform and sliced it various places, I had already tattered the skirt, put some very minor but serious looking cuts across my legs. The back of my bodice was ripped completely showing off "scars" in various stages of healing. My hair was chopped in some places to make it look like it had been torn at on occasion. The hardest thing for me to do was intentually scuff up and put holes in my adored blue boots. I even broke my palmtop in two that hurt a bit too. All of this for the sake of making my sudden reappearance looks "good". If I were to return looking whole and unharmed it would have raised questions even from the grandly oblivious Usagi.
One final light cut to my wrists and neck and I am done.
"Are you ready to leave?" Kunzite asked, clasping his cloak around his shoulders.
I nodded as I placed the "bloodied" dagger on top of the dresser. I prevent myself from running my hands through my already messy hair; we want to make this believable not sloppy.
I shutter as I feel fingertips lightly touching my neck, right where I had cut across the skin. I glanced up to see Kunzite examine my wounds, his expression stony and calculating all at once. He nods, letting me know that he approves of the measures I have taken.
An almost smile curls on my lips, feeling proud that he was satisfied with my handiwork.
He opens a portal between the room and the spot were I was to be "found". I moved to enter the portal only to have Kunzite's hands rest on my shoulders, the gesture a mix of reassurance and caution.
"Remember yourself. You can't allow them to become suspicious before the next stage. Answer their questions the way we rehearsed and most of all stay calm but act like your."
I snicker, "I know, I know Kunzite, we have been over the plan a thousand times."
I raised my right hand to cover the hand her rested on my left shoulder, "I promise that I won't fail you," I softly whispered before sliding into the portal. I smiled as I was surrounded by the darkness those three months ago I was terrified of.
The light slowly pierces the darkness as the portal opens slowly allowing me to step out into the land of the living once again. I flick a dagger off my wrist and back into my pocket. It's show time.
Part Two: Lita
After leaving Rei's temple the tall Amazon decided to take the long way back to her apartment building. She passed by several small shops even the Crown Arcade, but she didn't bother to even stop and say a quick "hello" to Andrew, the young man whom worked at the Arcade. She felt really down about Ami.
"Of all the people that bastard could have taken, he just had to pick Ami- chan," the young woman thought as she angrily kicked an empty soda can several feet in front of her.
Ami, alongside Usagi, were the only friends that she made upon arriving at Juban Junior High. She cared for all of the other senshi like a big sister would be fond of her younger sisters but Usagi and Ami were very special to her. Usagi because she saw her for what she really was instead of the bully everyone thought that she was and Ami because.well she was Ami. The little squirt was just so small and shy about the world around her that she looked absolutely adorable at times. Lita paused for a moment; digesting those words she felt a warm blush creep into her cheeks.
'No way, I don't think of Ami "that" way. I am just worried about her that's all."
But Lita really was beginning to wonder if she wasn't thinking about Ami that way.
She shook her head, almost wishing that some hottie would show up and take her the deep waters in her mind that she was treading into.
Lita turned the corner to wait at the crosswalk. Suddenly her eyes fell on a stilled form laying no more than ten feet away from her. Curiosity and months of trained senshi instincts told her to move towards the form and see what it was.
"Probably just some stray dog that got hit by a car," Lita muttered to herself but deep down she knew that the form was too big to be a dog.
After only a few steps did Lita realize just what she had found.
"A..Ami-chan?!" the brunette said as she rushed to the side of the fallen senshi.
Carefully she edged around the smaller girl; her form was laid out face down on the sidewalk, appearing to be lifeless, but Lita's fears were relieved when she saw the steady rise and fall of Mercury's chest. She was alive but in bad shape it seemed.
Her skull had some bald patches, her arms were laced with bruises and cuts and the entire back of her uniform was slashed away revealing a collection of scars.
"Oh Ami," the tall girl whispered softly. Her emerald eyes held an unexplainable tenderness as she moved to pick up the smaller girl's frame. She stopped herself, she didn't know much about First Aid but she did know that an injured person shouldn't be picked up just in case their neck, head, or spine has been injured.
Sitting across from Ami, Lita decided to call the girls first and then they would deicide whether or not Ami' s wounds were serious enough to call an ambulance or the hospital at least.
She clicked the communicator on. For a moment or two the screen was blank but then Usagi popped up, then Rei. She told them that she had found Ami. Both girls nodded and said that they were on their way, with that over with Lita shut the communicator off.
She gave the unconscious Ami a nervous smile. "Hang in there kiddo, we'll help you get better and then we'll kill that blonde bastard."
It wasn't long before Usagi and Rei came running up to her followed by Mina and the cats.
As soon Usagi saw them, she broke away from Rei and went to Ami's side.
"Kami, Lita what happened to her?" the "meatball" head asked.
"Duh, Usagi, she was tortured." Rei cut in tartly but Lita could tell by the young miko's expression that she was too worried about Ami to sound to annoyed by Usagi's question.
Mina and the cats finally reached them. Mina bit back a gasp while Luna was more vocal.
"Sailor Mercury!" Luna walked to the side of Ami's face, her dark amber eyes staring at the small senshi's too relaxed features.
Together the girls decided that they would not only call an ambulance but also contract the girl's mother as well; but before they could do that Ami began to wake up.
Dark blue eyes stared up at them, unfocused for a second but then she gazed clearly at them. A weak smile formed on her lips.
"Hi guys," she said hoarsely.
It was then that tears and hugs bombarded her as Usagi and Mina pounced on her.
After several minutes of reassuring everyone that she was fine, telling them that she just passed out of exhaustion.
As soon as they were wearily sure that Ami was alright they began to question here about her inopportune stay in the Dark Kingdom.
Ami's eyes welled up with tears, "It was horrible," she whispered, nervously ringing her hands together.
"Did you ever find out why Kunzite wanted to kidnap you?" Lita asked.
Ami slowly nodded, "He said that he captured me because he wanted to turn me against you guys."
"What did you tell him?" Mina asked, sounding very interested.
"I refused his offer." Ami said sharply, her face taking on a very determined expression only to deflate as she looked down at her torn uniform and her battered body.
"That of course pissed him off so he decided to torture me until I would give in.'
Tears welled up in the blue senshi's eyes as she leaned into Lita's motherly embrace.
"It was a nightmare every waking hour of the day. I tried to run away but he would always find me and punish me more," the small girl shook her head, her voice barely rising above a whisper.
"I was so afraid that he would abandon his plan of converting me and just one day take his punishment too far and kill me." Ami stated in a very haunted tone, her lips quivering while more tears fell down her face.
"That son of a bitch," Lita growled lowly in her throat as she continued to hug and comfort Ami.
Ami gave her a dry chuckle; "You're telling me. If only you knew the sick things he tried to d." her voice trialed off her face looking very crestfallen and ashamed.
The other quickly caught her drift.
"No!" Luna howled.
"He didn't." Rei said softly in muted horror.
Ami just nodded her head, burring her face into Lita's shoulder.
The taller girl glanced down at the blue haired child in sympathy.
As she gently stroked Ami's short blue hair to calm the girl down Lita silently swore that she would take Kunzite down personally.
It was decided that Ami couldn't go home to her mother in this state, at least not without some plausible story. So the girls unanimously voted that Ami should stay at Lita's apartment since the she was the only one who didn't have parents, or a grandfather in Rei's case, that would question the appearance of a house guest who's clothing was torn and body covered in cuts and bruises.
Again everyone went their separate ways but this time relief and renewed hope was evident in everyone demeanor.
Lita helped Ami to her feet and together they walked down the few blocks to her apartment. Unknown to the Amazon they were being followed by a well- formed shadow.
After they left a youma appeared from the alleyway, dark red eyes stared ahead at the retreating girls, a its mouth formed in a vicious smile.
'Lord Kunzite,'
'Yes what is it?'
'Lady Ami has been "reintroduced" into the world.'
'Did the scouts find her?'
'No sir, just some girls, they do look very familiar though, they might be them.'
'Good, just wait and watch over her carefully. I have wasted too much time and effort into that girl to have her turning traitor on me. I should be there to set the next stage into motion before midnight, wait for my signal.'
The youma nodded, before melting into the shadows, 'As you wish Lord Kunzite,'
Ami
"So do you want chicken flavored, chicken and veggie flavored, chicken and rice flavored, or chicken.chicken?" Lita asked, giving me the choices for tonight's supper of raman noodles.
I blinked, looking up from the newspaper spread out on the kitchen counter I asked, "Does rice even have a flavor?"
Lita's nose wrinkled as she thought, "You know what, I really don't know. Okay I guess that just leaves chicken flavored," she decided as she placed a pot of water onto the stove. She turned and gave me a nervous smile, "Sorry if you were expecting something fancy, I haven't gone shopping this week so all I have is soda and instant noodles."
"That's fine," I said softly, "Most of the time I order takeout anyway since my mom often works the late shift at the hospital."
"I don't think she'll be doing that often, not since you disappeared." Lita replied as she opened the package of noodles into the boiling water.
I gulped, suddenly feeling very guilty. "My mom was worried about me?"
The look Lita gave me told me that it was a very stupid question to ask.
"Of course she has been worried about you Ami, she's your mom sure but we have all been very worried about you. Why didn't you try to use your communicator to contact us?"
I stared at Lita, returning that you-just-asked-a-dumb-question-look.
"The dark energy surrounding Kunzite's quarters blocked the communicator's signal, besides I could never use it with Attila the Blond breathing down my neck twenty-four seven."
"Oh, sorry. I didn't think about that." Lita mumbled.
'Ami, the brains of our operation so that we don't have to think for ourselves.' I inwardly mused bitterly.
The noodles were ready soon, so Lita and I sat across from each other holding our own bowl of steaming noodles watching some random TV. sitcom on Lita's little black and white set up in the living room.
Even though I ate the noodles I really didn't taste it.
Kunzite had left out one "tiny" detail when he told me that my "positive" energy source had to be exchanged for dark energy. It was that since the transferee I have been "dead". I don't need to eat food to be nourished but at the same time I can't really die unless my energy source is either forcefully cut off or destroyed in this case the creature called Metlalia, that serves/commands Beryl is my source for both nourishment and power. But that's not all; since Kunzite created me so of course I have to go to him to be "fed".
.. Not like that you pervert.
It is really weird and difficult to explain. Think Ann Rice, only without the blood and fangs.
A few hours later, after watching a movie Lita a yawn announcing that she is ready for bed. I glance at the clock to the hands resting on 11 and forty-five minutes. Kunzite is due to arrive any minute. I agree with her and follow her to her bedroom. She changes and lies down immediately but I linger for a moment or two until I realize that I must look suspicious. Lying on the other side of the bed I pretend to fall asleep all the while keeping a close watch on the red digits of Lita's alarm clock.
At last the digits read 12:00. I slowly slip out of bed, making sure that I don't wake up Lita. Carefully I padded out into the living room and then the balcony. I slide the door behind me and breath a sigh of relief, all right now all that's left is to give Kunzite the signal. But before I can pull out the pen the door to the balcony slides open. I turn my head to see Lita staring at me questioningly.
"Ami, what are you doing out here? Are you feeling alright?"
I wanted to snarl at her and tell her that I was fine and to leave me alone for a few minutes but then I remembered that I am suppose to pretend to be shy and unassuming Ami-chan, the meek little mouse.
"Hai, I am fine Lita. I just wanted.." I suddenly felt my heart stop.
My mind was rewinding back. The moment the girls found me they were hugging me and telling me how worried they were about me. Lita taking me home to make sure that I was all right.
I felt real tears well up in my eyes.
How could I be so stupid!
My friends did care about me. They had been looking for me.
Choked sobs came from my throat as Lita wrapped her arms tightly around me.
Kami, what have I done?
I closed my eyes tightly. It's too late to change things, I have literally sold my soul to the devil and I can't get it back. I can never to at least pretend to be normal anymore. But at the same time I can't bring myself to hurt my friends.
"Lita, there is something that I need to tell you," I whispered between sobs.
At first I feel the taller girl stiffen but then she relaxes, "What's wrong Ami?"
Everything.
Before I could even open my mouth Kunzite's voice cut through my mind.
'What the hell is going on up there Ami? The signal is five minutes overdue.'
'I um I am working on it so shut up!'
He muttered a word not worth repeating.
'What's wrong?' I asked.
'You are not trying to double cross me are you?!' Kunzite growled.
'No, I would never.'
'Good. Please try to remember just who is in charge here Ami. Now ditch the bitch and give the signal.'
'Alright, alright, just give me a minute will you?'
"I really don't want to talk about it right now Lita."
Lita moved to speak but I just turned to face the skyline again.
"Please Lita, I just need sometime by myself to think for a little while." I said in a hushed tone.
For a moment Lita stayed rooted to the spot, "I understand Ami. Just don't stay out here too long, okay?"
"I'll be alright Lita, so stop worrying." I replied trying to sound lighthearted.
"Whatever, just remember that we still have to call your mom and come up with a plausible story on why you disappeared for three months."
"Don't worry, we'll manage." I replied.
With that Lita went back to bed, finally leaving me to set off the signal.
I pulled the tiny transistor back from the space pocket and then set it down on the floor of Lita's balcony.
Even as I punched in the code, I felt bad about betraying my friends. No more then bad, this is a guilt trip to be remembered for the rest of eternity. But I have come this far and there is no turning back.
'Kunzite, the signal is set. Are you ready?'
"You don't have to do that anymore. I am right here."
I spun around to see Kunzite standing behind me.
"Stop dong that! You scare me to death when you do that."
He smirked, "That's why I do it," he said.
"Yare, yare, you are hilarious I forgot to laugh. So is everything set?"
"Of course. The real question is, are you ready Ami?"
I tried to muster up another smirk, but it lacked conviction. "Sure I am."
"Hmm somehow that doesn't sound very convincing." Kunzite commented coldly.
"What is that suppose to mean!" I snapped.
Kunzite rolled his eyes, "You seem to have very convenient memory lapses. I can read your mind remember?"
Oh.shit.
Kunzite smirked, "My thoughts exactly. If you are serious about doing this then we'll do it tonight otherwise you know what will happen."
I cringed. "Fine, go ahead with the plan. I am not going to stop you."
"But you will not aid me either," Kunzite stated as his right hand briefly brushed against the left cheek of my face.
For a moment I leaned into his touch out of habit. "No I'll help."
I leaped up to stand on the railing of the balcony, my feet almost floating above the iron railing, a smug smirk stretched across my face I offered my hand to Kunzite.
At first he just stared at me like I was crazy, maybe he is on to something. I do feel horrible about what we're about to do but at the same time I know that if I can't stop it why not enjoy the ride?
He brushed my hand aside only to jump up beside me. "Promise me, that you won't betray me."
I laughed, "Under threat of death right? Don't worry I value my life more than you give me credit for "master"."
He shook his head, "That is not what I meant."
I shrugged my shoulders, "Whatever, enough talk we have to get this finished tonight." Before I lose my courage, I inwardly added.
"Ladies first," Kunzite quipped.
I sighed, causing a few stray strands of my hair ruffling up, "Always the gentleman," I replied sarcastically.
I tilted my head back and fell off of the balcony, my blue-black hair brushed around my face. I close my eyes, still not used to this type of teleportation, I don't care if Kunzite says if this is the easiest form of teleportation spells or not, free falling from high places still creeps me out. I swallow a gulp of air just before I whisper the spell, I mange to blink out of existence just before I could hit the pavement.
I opened my eyes to see the serene picture of a still and silent park.
"Took you long enough," Kunzite grumbled.
I placed my hands on my hips, "Well excuse me Mr. Perfectionist, I just learned that spell two days ago."
"Come on, we still have to set the final details in place before those senshi arrive."
Part Three: Rei
Something wasn't right. She could feel it in her bones. First was Ami infamous disappearing and reappearing act with a three-month lapse.
'Come to think of it she never did let on about just how she escaped from the Dark Kingdom,' the dark haired miko thought as she tried to clear her mind for a fire reading.
Of course the youma attacks had decreased but they all knew that their enemy was still out there lying and waiting for the right time. This time of relative quietness was disturbing. And to make things more suspicious Ami should have been killed. Not that she wasn't happy to see her friend alive but it was more than a little bit odd that Kunzite wouldn't kill a senshi if given the open opportunity. In short, something was rotten in the state of senshi-dom.
Crossing her legs underneath her Rei took in a deep breathe, opening her mind to the all-seeing eyes of the flame.
'Tell me, what is wrong with my friend Ami.'
She gasped as her mind was bombarded with pictures of Ami's capture, the three months that she was with Kunzite blurred by her but one thing was certain, the flame had clearly answered Rei's question.
Amethyst eyes shot wide open. Rei shuttered as the truth that she knew but refused to believe sank in.
Ami had betrayed them.
Rei left the fire room, bolting into her bedroom she quickly changed out of her nightclothes into a jeans and a shirt before she grasped her communicator. She was just about to alert the other senshi when a message came through.
She punched the enter button to see Lita's face appeared.
"Rei, Ami is missing!"
The girl sighed, "How long has she been gone?"
"A few minutes at best. I went to check up on her when I found out that she hadn't come back inside. I have searched my apartment and the entire floor."
"Keep looking," Rei commanded, "She couldn't have gotten far."
"Alright, I call you if I find anything."
"You do that," Rei whispered as she shut off the communicator. While Lita was distracted by looking for Ami in her apartment building Rei decide to follow the vision and head to the park where she knew Kunzite and Ami were setting up a trap, just for her and the others. From what the vision told her they're plan wasn't quite ready yet.
Rei didn't know why Ami would betray them but that didn't matter. Ami was still a traitor so she must be stopped before she could hurt the other girls.
Notes: Yes another cliffe. I understand that this chapter might seem a bit confusing but again all will be explained as the story continues
Thanks to Yui4: Sorry to disappoint you yet again by cutting the action short. I hope that you like this chapter though even if it was cut off at an abrupt point again.