By: Lady Isis

Rating: M

Disclaimer: Don't own, don't sue.

Chapter 15

Frustration!

Amy sighed as she entered the apartment; it had been a long and tiring day at the hospital. Groaning she thought of the Charity Ball, she was very tempted to throw it all in and go to bed; but she couldn't as she was forced to give the thank you speech. For gods sake! She couldn't stand big crowds and having to speak in front of all the rich guests invited put the cherry on top. Mumbling sadly she felt totally alone, figuratively and literally. She still had her great boyfriend, but she was beginning to realize he wasn't as 'great' as she'd thought and the apartment was empty – Serena was out somewhere and Ray had moved back with her ex-boyfriend.

Raking her fingers through her hair Amy kneaded the aching muscles in her neck, caused by many hours of preparing the stupid ball. She scowled, she wasn't a bloody party planner she was a god damned doctor with a medical degree!

She was shattered but expected to attend; dropping her bag on the couch she headed towards bath and enjoyed a full hour of pampering. Sliding a terry cloth bath robe on, Amy returned to her room and slid the ball gown from its coat hanger. Laying it on her neatly made bed, she first put on the matching appropriate underwear and then slipped into the dress. She had to admit the dress was lovely, the only good thing about the ball. It was an elegant number with a halter neckline and deep teardrop hole in the front. It showed more cleavage then she ever thought she would dare, but she needed to feel feminine tonight.

The luxurious material curved over her waist into a cone shaped skirt and the soft blue brought out her natural bluish hair and eyes. For effect, she applied some makeup and wore her chandelier earrings, which matched her sapphire pendant resting in the teardrop hole. With a puff of perfume she selected a blue pair of heels that increased her height, and transferred her essentials into the evening bag. Just as she was done styling her hair there was a knock at the door.

Jogging to the door she wrenched it open, Greg whistled as he saw her, "You, look, fan-tas-tic!"

"Thanks," she muttered, "you look nice, I'll just grab a coat."

Entering Serena's room she borrowed her blue velvet cloak – a little medieval but stunning all the same – and swathed it around her shoulders.

"Lets go," she said re-entering the room.

"Did I mention how good you look?" Greg asked.

Amy's heart thumped in her chest, she was so nervous. Taking a deep breath and trying to control her churning stomach, she walked onto the platform and smiled at the rich mob, dressed in tuxedo's and ball gowns.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen," Amy started, "my name is Dr. Amy Anderson and I would like to say, on the behalf of our hospital thank you for all your generous donations."

Just as Amy was about to continue, she saw him. He was standing near the back, looking extremely delicious in a tuxedo, his arms crossed as he smiled at her.

Amy broke contact, her nervousness increasing, "The money that you donated to us, shall be used to pay for our new children's and maternity wards, which in the long and short-term will benefit our society, thank you all! Your contributions were greatly appreciated. I would also like to say special thanks to Mr. Fearon who gave a staggering amount and ask him to do the honours of cutting the ribbon to officially open our new wards."

To her horror she saw the crowds' part to let, him, the mysterious angel through. Standing before Amy he smiled suavely and she numbly handed him the pair of large gold scissors. Taking the scissors his long fingers brushed hers and Amy quickly stepped away, a blush forming on her cheeks.

Opening the scissors Mr. Fearon closed them upon the red ribbon, causing the two newly formed halves to flutter apart towards the floor. As soon as this was done the room erupted into riotous claps, Greg appeared at Amy's side and gave her hand a squeeze before leading her off the platform. She heard Reynold begin to converse with Mr. Fearon and felt a strange want to be there.

"Here Amy," Greg said, pushing a glass of champagne into her hands, "you did brilliantly!"

"Thanks," Amy said, feeling emotionally drained her mind far away.

Zach scowled as the chunky man, Marcus Raynold, stopped him before he could to talk to Amy and worst of all, he saw over Raynolds shoulder, a man take Amy's hand and lead her away, Damn. His eye never left her as the man gave her a glass of champagne and chatted away. Idiot, he thought as he noticed the suppressed strain on her face, but the man kept chatting and whisking her around to meet people.

"Your interested in Dr. Anderson I take it?" Raynold commented, following Zach's gaze.

Zach's eyes swivelled back to Raynold, "So what if I am."

"You'll have trouble getting her," Raynold said, drinking his champagne, "she's already got a boyfriend."

Zach scowled at the second remark, "Excuse me," Zach muttered, walking off.

Zach surreptitiously watched Amy and her 'boyfriend' from the shadows. The brunette man suddenly stopped his incessant chatter to answer his cell phone, finishing his call, he slipped his phone back within his tux and focused on Amy. Pulling an object from his pant pocket, he resumed his talking, this time a serious expression upon his face. Zach noticed as the man offered her the object; a note, Amy's shoulders slumped and she turned around to leave. Zach growled as the man grabbed her bare upper arm, forcing her to stay put, then rapidly began to speak, forcing the note between her fingers. The man was begging Amy to do something she didn't want to do. Zach clenched his fists wishing to hit the man, he would never force Amy to do anything she didn't want to.

Eventually cracking under his persistence, Amy took the note and the man swooped down, kissing her on the lips before heading towards the exit. Facing in Zach's direction he watched her, with delight, swipe her hand over her mouth, removing her boyfriends essence and tucked the note into the strap of her lovely dress. With a swish of her skirts she was off to the other side of the room, towards the balconies overlooking the city.

Zach smiled, this was his opportunity, and followed her steps.

Looking up at the stars winking in the night sky Amy sniffed, hot tears pooling in her eyes, Greg had been called away by the emergency room. However, that wasn't what upset her; it was because he had given her more of his work! Amy hated it! She was beginning to get the feeling the only reason he dated her was so that he didn't have to do the boring tedious paperwork.

"Good evening Dr. Anderson," the familiar musical voice purred.

Amy spun around coming face to face with him, Mr. Fearon, forcing the tears down she smiled.

"Hello Mr. Fearon, are you having a nice time?" She asked.

"Now I am," he said, moving closer.

Zach knew he was making her nervous, but he couldn't resist; he was like a moth drawn to flames, she was perfect. His eyes quickly scanned her body, being drawn to her chest, where he found himself wishing he was the necklace that sat snugly in the v of her breasts – next to her heart.

Amy licked her lips nervously, "T-the hospital appreciated you large donation," she blurted, silently cursing at how stupid it sounded.

He stepped in front of her and cupped her cheek feeling the heat travel up his palm, "I only did it to see you."

Amy's eyes widened. Before she could say anything his head dipped to catch her delicious lips, if it had been anyone else she would have protested but it was him and she just couldn't. Relaxing against him Zach's hand slipped to the small of her back, pushing her intimately against him. Amy's lips parted allowing him entrance and he took it, his hand tracing up her arm. At her shoulder he encountered the note in her dress; deviously he slid it free, flicking it over the balcony where it spiralled towards the ground below. You're gone, she's mine.

Jed sighed leaning back in his home office chair; he had so many conflicting emotions running through him! He didn't know what to do with Ray, their relationship had been, in short, strained. Ever since he'd taken her back she had slept in another room and avoided him. The primitive animal within him screamed in anguish – he desperately wanted her, but he was afraid to loose her again. It didn't help that he went rock hard every time he saw her.

"God Damn it!" He cursed, thumping his fists against his desk -- he would surely go insane without making love to her.

Ray opened her eyes and gazed into the alluring flames within the hearth. She was stressed not even the great fires could answer her questions. She felt desperate, not just for answers but comfort, she was so tired. Ever since the dark presence at Jupiter she had secluded herself and tried to find answers. Why did it want Serena?

In her own world she had ignored everything and she was aware it hurt Jed. She was still miffed about his episode at Jupiter, but that was old news, she'd gotten over it and was willing to re-start with him. Her little experience with Sere and Amy had been refreshing; however she could never permanently stay away from Jed. Since that night he had been edgy, afraid he might drive her away again, he was hurting, she could feel it, and it hurt her. She needed to resolve their issues head on and stop procrastinating.

Pushing the heavy door of his office, Ray entered the room, "Jed," She called.

Instantly his head snapped up, "yes?" He murmured.

Ray felt a pang in her heart at the vulnerable expression on his normally confidant face. His eyes were drained, with dark smudges and his hair messily sticking up all over the place. Gliding to his seat she placed a hand on his cheek and caressed it, feeling the stubble beneath her fingers. Jed closed his eyes and placed his hand on Rays, leading it towards his mouth where he gently kissed her fingertips.

"Come," Ray called, taking his hand.

Rising, Jed followed her, his heart lightening as she led him to their bedroom, pushing the door open she stepped into the dark red room. Stopping in the centre Ray gently, but firmly, undid Jed's rumpled tie and started to undo his shirt. Jed's breathing increased and his tentative finger suggestively traced the contour of her hip.

"No," Ray chided, stripping him to his boxers and laying him in bed.

Sliding next to Jed she curled up against him and felt him unwind. Jed sighed and closed his eyes in happiness and relief. Nervously he moved his hand over her belly, hearing no protest he pulled her closer and buried his head in the crook of her neck. Sighing he breathed in the seductive musky scent that was Ray.

"I'm sorry," he murmured, "I love you."

Ray brushed Jed's hair and softly kissed him on the temple, "I love you too."

Serena wanted to hit herself, she was so stupid! After a few days she had realized how damn close she was to visiting her creator.

"Stupid, stupid, stupid!" she yelled, beating her pillow.

Sitting up, her hair a large birds nest, she scowled at the sheets. She'd tossed and turned all night, the reason: her dance with death. Not only did she almost die, but she was so damn pathetic! She couldn't stand the fact that she was unable to utter a simple defence spell; she should have kicked that god damned vampire to hell. What would Aunt Meredith say? Serena groaned this probably the worst thing she had ever done.

Flash Back

"Where we going?" A six year old Serena asked.

"We're going to a special place," Meredith said, her usually gentle face tight.

"Is this it?" Serena asked, glancing at her surroundings.

Meredith nodded, dropping her bag on the dusty ground.

"This isn't a special place, it's the woods." Serena stated.

Kneeling down Meredith gripped her by the shoulders, "Listen Serena," She said, her voice cold, detached. Serena had never heard that tone before and nodded mutely, confirming her attention.

"Your not full human," Meredith broke.

"Waddya mean?" Serena squeaked.

Taking a deep wavering breath, pain rippled through Meredith's eyes, "Remember those creatures I told you about."

"Vampires?" Serena said.

Meredith shuddered and nodded, "Tell me about them."

Serena shrugged, "Vampires are creatures that run around in the darkness, they attack people and drink their blood."

"You know how your mother died?"

"What does this have to—"

"Just answer the question!" Meredith snapped.

Serena's eyes widened at her sharpness and tears welled in her eyes.

"Don't you dare cry! You will never cry again. Now answer the question."

"Mummy died having me," she sniffed, rubbing her balled fists across her eyes.

"She died because you father was one of those creatures!" Meredith scowled.

"You mean my da-"

"Don't call him your daddy, okay! He is not your father, he is a monster. Because he was your biological father your mother's mortal body couldn't take the pressure of your birth."

"Y-y-ou mean --- you mean I killed mummy?" Serena's chin wobbled.

"That creature killed you mummy, those monsters are hideous and they must be destroyed, they only hurt people, like mummy."

"I'm half a monster," Serena mumbled in despair, dipping her head, hot tears brimming in her eyes.

"No!" Meredith hissed, tightening her grip on Serena's little shoulders, "You are a gift, don't you see?"

Serena looked up, confusion troubling her features, "I don't understand."

"You have been given the abilities to stop these monsters! You have their strength and healing, but you also have a pure heart and your mother's power. You can help people, protect them!"

"I want to protect people," Serena nodded solemnly with a little sniff.

"Good, because if you're willing I will teach you everything you need to know. Teach you how to kill them," Meredith said standing up.

"Kill? I don't want to kill anything," Serena cried.

Meredith paused, "Well then you can't help people, and more will die – just like your mummy." Meredith accused, turning around and walking away.

"Wait, I want to --- k-kill these things, please teach me."

Meredith turned around and smiled, "That's what I want to hear and I'll be willing to teach you, but I want you to be strong, be willing. Some of the things you won't like, but to survive you'll need to learn."

Serena nodded in understanding and Meredith continued.

"Lesson one: never ever trust a vampire. They'll pull you down and always betray you in the end, like the monster that hurt your mummy."

A sob chocked in Serena's throat, she always thought that her da-the monster, had loved her mummy but was forced to leave for a strange reason.

"You remember the electricity Andrew showed you to conjure," Meredith asked.

"We were just playing, I didn't know you saw –"

"I don't care what you did; I want you to throw one at me."

"What! But I'll hurt you!"

"Don't argue Serena, do it!" Meredith snapped, walking a small distance away.

Hesitantly Serena closed her eyes and concentrated hard. Grunting softly she felt a prickle form within her hand, opening her eyes Serena smiled proudly at the tiny ball of energy swirling within her palm. Looking up at Meredith, calmly poised in the shadows, Serena began to feel the dread mount within her, what if she hurt Aunty Meredith? Gulping down her apprehension Serena drew her hand back and threw the ball at Meredith.

As the ball made contact, Meredith flicked it into the ground, effectively neutralizing it.

"Come on Serena! You've got to do better than that," Meredith chided.

A smallish, crackling ball easily formed within Meredith's palm. Flicking the ball Serena felt something burn her shoulder a second later, it was agony. Serena squealed dropping to the ground, the flood banks breaking as she curled into a foetal position.

The crunch of footsteps resounded through the silent night, "Serena," Meredith murmured, crouching and touching her back.

Serena looked up, her eyes filled with hurt, "Why did you do that?"

"Serena, I'm sorry, but if you can't take that you're not strong enough, come," Meredith muttered, kneeling and unravelling the little girl.

Serena hissed as Meredith peeled her charred shirt from her skin, "That will heal easily. Now what did I say about those tears?"

"Sorry," Serena croaked, furiously wiping at her cheeks.

"Don't ever let them see your tears, remain proud no matter what, don't let them see your pain."

Flash Back

If Meredith ever found out she would be furious, she hadn't been able to defend herself and worst of all she was falling, hook line and sinker for a night creature – the thing she pledged to destroy.

"Goddess, please help me," She muttered, slumping back into the bed.

Sighing angrily, Serena flicked the sheets off and swung her legs onto the floor. She needed to burn some steam in the best way possible; hunting. Stomping to her wardrobe she selected a snug fitting pair of jeans, black tee-shirt and a plain zip up jacket. Sticking her hair into a messy pony, she slipped on some socks before lacing up a pair of modest boots, time for the artillery Serena smiled. Pulling the sheets out of her way, Serena slipped a key into the lock (built specially into her bed) and eased the concealed draw open.

The draw was large and heavy with the soft scent of wood, the cavity within contained her special hunting equipment – many gifts from Aunt Meredith. Slipping a gun holster around her hips, Serena lovingly picked up her humble Sig Sauer.40 and slid it within the leather case. She had a variety of useful knick-knacks: metal knuckles, switchblades, tear-gas, handcuffs, whip…you name it, she had it. All stored safely under her bed.

The likelihood of her meeting any nasties were slim, but she didn't take the risk and slipped a silver tipped stake into a second holster. Closing the draw she glanced at the clock, 1:22am. Creeping quietly from her room she tip-toed to the door, glancing around making sure she hadn't woken Amy.

Making her way to the more dingy area of town, Serena made sure to act surreptitiously – avoiding all eye contact. The young vampires often were exhilarated by their new power, they loved to wreak havoc and inflate their egos. However they are forced to keep it under wraps otherwise, not only would vampire hunters be after them, but the big vamps like Darien too.

On the topic of Darien, Serena was in emotional turmoil, she was confused and torn. She wanted to be with him but it went against everything she had worked so hard for – life was full of difficult decisions.

Ducking from the safety of the wide littered streets, Serena moved within the labyrinth of alleys. Resting her hand on her Sig she moved with a lithe grace coming across her first sucker within a matter of minutes. It was a young woman, well dressed in a pair of black pants and long sleeved green top, obviously a young vampire from the ill suppressed blood lust as she clawed at her victim.

"Hey lady," Serena called, her voice sharp.

"What do you want?" The woman snarled, obviously pissed at having her dinner interrupted.

"Nothing," Serena answered, whipping out her Sig and nailing the young woman in the chest.

The woman sputtered and fell hitting the floor with an ominous thud. Serena warily prowled towards the vampire woman and formed a ball of magical fire within her hand. Dropping it on the vampire, and her dead victim, the fire moved rapidly, eating away at their bodies. Serena turned away and left, feeling sad for both victim and vampire, they would never be found or recognized as dead.

However she wasn't finished, she needed to hit something, the opportunity came as a buff man blocked her path.

"Hey little one," He smiled sweetly, scuffing the ground with his shoe, "you shouldn't hang around here, there are lots of scary people around."

"You don't say," Serena scoffed, whacking the vampire right in the nose.

The vampires false kindness evaporated and he rolled into a crouched position, snarling like the animal he was. Before he could utter a single word Serena scissor kicked him under the jaw and sent him sprawling, adrenaline pumped through her body, a welcome friend. Positioned on the balls of her feet, fists up in a defensive stance, she watched the vampire stand up and proceeded with a sloppy punch. Serena ducked and retaliated sinking her fist into his gut. She did however, receive an elbow in the cheek and grunted, grabbing her gun she slammed the butt into his side, he howled at the crack of ribs.

Ending the struggle she shot him and set his body a flame. The fight did nothing to hamper her depression, no matter how many she killed it wouldn't erase the fact she had been beaten spectacularly. Still, venting her frustration had helped. Prowling the alleys she came across more foes, which she eradicated with ease and minimal damage. Peering at her watch, she found two hours had passed since she had started and returned back home for a shower and a little nap.

Emptying the barrel, Serena carefully placed her artillery back and had a well deserved shower, dying to scrub off the sweat and blood she had accumulated. Patching a couple small cuts and examining her split lip she climbed into bed, this time with success as the darkness claimed her in a dreamless sleep.

000

Nightmares, they tormented him, made him suffer. Every night he dreamt about his sweet lady, his little butterfly. However, she was gone and he for one knew there was no way to bring back the dead, not as they were in the past anyway. He had loved her from the minute he saw her, she was his oasis in a hot desert, an addiction he could never break.

There had been an instant attraction between them, which soon lead to midnight rendezvous behind her husbands back. He knew she was often full of guilt as to what they did, but as the selfish man he was – he didn't care. As much as he tried to forget, he wouldn't do it, he was alone and no other woman would suffice. In other words a huge part of him had died, leaving only a hard cold rock.

To ease the pain the pathetic 'witches' brewed him sleeping potions and plenty of hocus pocus crap to dull his missing heart. God he hated witches, even more intently then he did in the past, he targeted and killed them, they were his primary food source, yet each death did little to satisfy him mentally. The vampire hunter 'Serena' was a witch too, no real surprise though – witches always seemed to be against him. He probably hated her more than De Silva.

The little vampire hunter destroyed his only chance of happiness, she had murdered his lover, his love, his soul mate and for that she would pay. He was so close to eradicating the start of his pain, but then De Silva had turned up, he had ruined everything. The vampire hunter was a manipulative little bitch; she had De Silva twisted around her little finger, especially with the innocent act she put on. That woman had killed many of his kind – not that he cared – but she stepped onto his turf, she probably didn't even remember the woman she had killed.

Well if she was with De Silva he could destroy them both – together. He licked his lips and smiled thinking about it, or maybe, if they were soul mates (as he suspected) he could kill De Silva off and watch her suffer just as he had, after all, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Then he could re-claim his reign on the Night World and condemn De Silva's followers. Yes; then after he dealt with De Silva he would put a bounty on every witch and watch them slowly die out, then all his problems would be solved. Except for the one he truly wanted the most, to bring his love back to life.

"My lord," the servant bowed.

"Yes?" His cold voice cut.

"We have one," the servant shuddered.

"A witch?" He questioned.

"Yes," the servant answered.

"Blonde?"

"As requested," the servant said, fear pricking down his back.

"Excellent, your dismissed, send her in."

"Yes ," the servant shuddered, walking towards the exit.

"And tell her she'd best pray to her 'goddess' because tonight her blood will run cold."

You know I'm really beginning to despise that vampire guy, his attitude sucks. Does anyone know the name of the third starlight?…I know Seiya and Yaten but not the other guy. Thank you Kochokwalo for checking this out for me.

I received many comments about how Serena was becoming a wishy washy. DON'T WORRY! There is going to be MUCH denial and rejection in the next chapter. The spunky Serena WILL return.

Not much Serena and Darien action. I'm lucky I was able to complete this, June was the first official day of winter for us people in the Southern Hemisphere and the bad weather came with a vengeance. I've been blown around, rained on and even battered by hail. My tootsies are just about to drop off and my fingers are numb T-T.

WOW I reached four hundred reviews, you people are AMAZING! Check out my live journal for my responses to your reviews.