Two updates in the same year!! gasps, and faints LOL!!!
Just a reminder to everybody that Melvin had heard about Maxwell Stanton (Nephrite's English pseudonym) after episode 26. Knowing what the "bandage" meant to Molly, he felt privileged that it was used on him. Thus started the crush …
My thanks to" S" of Happy Harbor Comics who lent me Season 1 of Sailor Moon so that I could review!
The usual disclaimer still applies. ;
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Chapter 20
Shadowed Stars
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A slight breeze fluttered the leaves in a nearby tree, allowing the shadowed figure to slightly shift in its position. It glanced at another shadowy figure and received a slight nod.
Soon. Soon they would complete their mission.
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Halfway through the meal, Luna and Artemis had arrived. Mika squealed with delight when Artemis presented her with a bag of sugar candies, then presented a second bag to Molly. Ikuko accepted a similar bag from Luna.
"Thank you, Luna." Ikuko reached out and scratched behind Luna's ears. "You are always so thoughtful."
Everybody had congratulated Sammy and Mika, kissing Mika's cheek and slapping Sammy on the back or shaking his hand. Melvin was loudest in his attempts to tease Sammy about the married life. When things finally quieted down a bit, and everybody had split up into games or chatting groups, Lita found her chance to talk to Melvin alone. He sat on a hill, watching his beloved Molly play with the others. Lita sat down beside him quietly for a moment, watching him out of the corner of her eye.
"Melvin, what's wrong?" she asked, her gentle voice laced with concern.
"Wrong? Me?" Melvin laughed aloud, "I'm married to the most wonderful girl in the world! What could possibly be wrong?" But Lita had caught a hint of the misery that he could not hide in his words.
"You're not fooling me, Melvin. Spill." She put a hand on his shoulder, and when he glanced at her, his mouth giving the slightest of trembles (A/N: will we ever see his eyes?), she gave an encouraging smile. Melvin glanced back down the hill and watched as Molly used a laughing Nephrite as a shield to avoid being tagged by Jadeite. Everybody was laughing and calling out cheers and good-natured jeers. Melvin slouched.
"Lita? Do you think that Nephrite looks like Maxfield Stanton?" He looked up at her, then looked away again and put his forehead on his raised knees and sighed. "Oh, I forgot. Maxfield died before you came to our school. You wouldn't know."
Lita's hand was still on his shoulder and she gave him a quick squeeze. "I know about Maxfield, Melvin, and you're right … there is a definite resemblance. Are you worried about Molly falling in love with Nephrite because of that?"
Melvin started to answer, and then stiffened, remembering whom Nephrite was here with. "Oh! Oh, no, Molly would never do a thing like that, Lita! She'd never try to steal your boyfriend from you!"
Lita laughed, then sobered as she realized that Melvin was serious. "Melvin, you baka, Molly loves you. You are her number one." She gestured down the hill. "See?"
Melvin looked to where Lita had indicated and felt his heart take a small leap in his chest. There was Molly, standing on the edge of the playing, staring up at them concernedly. Jadeite made a move to tag her while she wasn't looking and found himself blocked by Nephrite, who then allowed himself to be tagged instead. They both headed back toward the group and Nephrite dashed towards Serena. There were hoots and calls that Serena was a running champ and he'd never catch her. Through it all, Molly stood oblivious, watching her husband. Melvin gave a small smile and waved at her. She returned the wave and started to turn back to the game … but then turned back again and began walking up the hill towards them.
"You know, Melvin," Lita said quietly, "Nephrite knows about Maxfield Stanton too." Melvin jerked his head around to look at Lita, and she continued. "He'd never do anything to purposely hurt either of you, but he can't help the way he looks." Lita glanced at Molly, who was almost within earshot now. "And speaking of looks, I don't think Molly looks like she's thinking about Maxfield Stanton just now." She ruffled Melvin's hair. "You're a lucky man, Melvin."
Lita stood up and smiled at Molly as she jogged down the hill, leaving them to talk alone. She spied Nephrite and her jog became a run. He turned as she got close and, with a grin, opened up his arms wide to her, catching her in his arms and spinning her around, both of them laughing breathlessly.
Up the hill, Melvin smiled at the couple. His attention was distracted then, as his wife took his face in both hands and kissed him silly. And then he was smiling for a completely different reason.
"I love you, Molly."
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Tired and tuckered, everybody gathered back at the blankets and chatted. Nobody was ready yet to leave the gathering to go home. Nobody wanted it to end just yet. The garbage had all been collected earlier, so Serena and Molly each took a bag to the waste and recycle bins. Halfway there, Molly spotted some loose garbage that had blown away so she set he bag down and ran to catch it. Running back to the bag, Molly saw that Serena had gone on ahead and was now heading back.
"Did you want me to wait for you, Moll?"
"Nah, I'm okay. You go on and I'll be right behind you."
Putting the garbage in the bin, Molly paused for a moment to look at the scenery. The sun was just beginning to set and the faintest hint of colour was beginning to creep up from the waterline of Tokyo Bay. Feeling somebody behind her, she turned, expecting that one of the girls or Melvin had joined her.
She didn't even have time to scream.
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Darien glanced up from his conversation with Ikuko to see Serena headed back towards the group. Behind her was …
'OhGodspleasenoneverbefastenough,' was only the beginning of what ran through his panicked brain as he started to run towards her. Cries of alarm came from behind him as the others noticed the ball of energy shooting towards Serena.
Amara got there first.
Slamming Serena to the ground just in time, her hands protecting Serena's head as she rolled to take most of the impact, Amara recovered quickly and looked around for an enemy. Seeing nothing immediately in view she looked back to the others ... to find that the attack had dissipated on it's own. She swore silently to herself as she helped Serena up and started to dust her off as Darien came running up.
Not giving Amara any time to give them room, Darien enveloped both of them in a relieved hug.
"Amara," he said softly, "I am so going to Knight you later."
Amara gave a small smile as she reached up to give his shoulder a squeeze. "We all do what we can for those we love, Highness. Right now we have to figure out where that came from. Somebody wanted our attention; they won't stay hidden long."
Serena gasped. "Oh, Gods … Molly! Molly was behind me! Where's Molly?" But she was mobbed again before she could look around. Ikuko and Kenji both making frightened exclamations and checking for damage. Serena gave Darien a look, and received a nod before he pulled away and had a quiet word with Kunzite. Kunzite nodded and signaled the other three former Generals. As Darien made his way back to Serena's side, his companions began to gather the families of the Senshi closer together.
Serena broke free of her parents and took a few steps back towards the waste bin area, eyes searching frantically for Molly. She wasn't the only one. Nephrite caught up to Melvin before he got too far away and Serena could hear his assurances that they would find her, just stay with the group for safety. Melvin was protesting until Raye slapped a charm on his forehead. Serena heard Grandpa muttering something about how that's not quite what the charms were for as Amy came up beside her, her computer out.
Suddenly Michelle came running up and grabbed Amy's shoulder. "Amy, never mind that," she advised, pointing over to a spot just above the bay. "There."
Serena's fists clenched as she observed the blonde and green haired woman who was their Enemy. Smirking, the woman hovered, waiting for everybody to turn and notice her. She reached up and ran the fingers of one hand through her hair, brushing it back from her shoulder. The other hand was full. Slumped in her arm was Molly.
Serena looked over her shoulder and noted that Nephrite and Lita had a firm hold on Melvin. She turned back to the smirking woman. There wasn't much she could do with their families and friends there. The next move would be this strange woman's.
Rory obviously felt otherwise.
"Who the heck are you, lady? Give us back our friend!"
"Yes, the time for introductions has come, hasn't it? I am Andromeda. I seek what I sought before." She gestured to the unconscious woman held in her arm. "I know now that this one is not the one I seek."
"Then return her to us."
"No." The smirk disappeared and Andromeda pierced Serena with a firm gaze. "But I'm willing to trade for her."
Serena felt Darien step up behind her and put his arms around her protectively. Michelle took one of her hands and Amy took a partial step in front of her.
"What do you want for trade?" Rory continued.
Andromeda's eyes never left Serena's. "You know what I want. You have an hour to give me your answer." She disappeared, taking Molly with her.
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The group sat together on the blankets from their picnic, the joy of the occasion clouded over by the recent attack and Molly's abduction.
"Who was that wacko lady?" Chad wanted to know. "Who does she think we've got to trade her for Molly?" He glanced at Raye, hoping for answers, but Raye was staring intently at the ground, her fists clutched tightly. Jadeite sat close by, stroking the small of her back. His eyes weren't watching Raye though. Jadeite's eyes were watching Serena and Darien. Glancing around, Chad noticed similar looks of frustration and determination and most of those looks were resting on Serena, but even Chad could tell that they weren't directed at her so much as waiting. Chad was confused. Why were they waiting on Serena? He was startled when Michelle looked up and suddenly answered the questions that he had earlier spoken aloud.
"She's somebody that I thought I knew a long time ago." Michelle hesitated, and then shook her head. Amara's hand covered hers and squeezed. "We're not sure who it is that she thinks we have. She hasn't exactly been clear on the subject."
Chad snorted. "So she's a typical wacko."
Michelle didn't answer, but she did allow herself a tiny smile at Chad's response.
Raye's head shot up. "She's coming."
With a fantastic spray of water, Andromeda rose from the waves of Tokyo Bay, holding a now conscious and struggling Molly by one wrist in her left hand.
"Time's up, children. Give me the one I seek."
Darien's arm tightened around Serena, his free hand fisted and pressed against the blanket. Serena reached over and put a gentle hand on his cheek, making him look at her. The pain in his eyes was terrible, but there was no other real choice and they knew it. This was the best way.
Rory stood up and slowly, but purposely walked forward.
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The three shadows tensed, watching carefully, and ready to move. The moment was coming when they could shed their shadows and show themselves at last.
They weren't sure if they were looking forward to it or dreading it.
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Pee break!!!!!!
This commercial break is dedicated to healthy choices. Are you making yours?
In other news, if you haven't yet noticed, Venus Smurf is back from Africa. Are you all caught up on your reading?
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"No!" Rushing to Rory's side before Darien could hold her back, Serena caught Rory's arm and stopped her. "I've changed my mind. I will deal with this."
"Go back to your friends and family, Serena," Rory said softly. "I'm the only one that's dis-"
"You forget your place, Guardian," Serena interrupted, voice also low. Rory's calm face changed to one of surprise. "Or do you know something that we don't?"
Rory shook her head, determination to fulfill her duty now filled her eyes. Serena was left with the feeling that she would have been a formidable Sailor Scout. "You can't do this, Serena. It's not just about you anymore, is it?"
Trying to come with an argument, and finding none, Serena released Rory's arm. She took a step away from her and nodded. Rory looked at her for a moment, and then caressed Serena's cheek before turning and continuing her walk towards Andromeda and Molly.
When she was halfway to them, Andromeda raised her free right hand, palm forward, beckoning her to stop. Rory stood there and waited, the breeze lightly playing with her hair. She resisted the urge to look behind her at the others. At Darien.
Andromeda descended in the air slowly until she hovered just high enough that Molly could almost touch the ground. Molly renewed her struggles and offered a few choice words in regards to Andromeda's ancestry – specifically the possible breed of animal that was her father and whether or not her mother had married it or lured it in by smell.
Ignoring her captive, Andromeda looked Rory over carefully. "So, little lamb, you were the one they chose to sacrifice to me?"
"I chose myself. Release Molly."
"Oh, but we've become such close friends in the past hour. I'm not sure that I could just let her go."
"You offered a trade, woman. It was accepted, and another was brought forth to replace her. Are you going back on your word?"
"Going back on my word?" Andromeda chuckled. "I made no such promise. No bargain was made, simply a suggestion."
"Nevertheless, a trade is being offered due to that suggestion. I promise you that I will make a much better hostage, old woman."
Andromeda hissed, her grasp on Molly's wrist tightening, causing Molly to cry out. ""Old"? Who are you to call me 'old'?"
The rock seemingly flew out of nowhere, striking Andromeda on the forehead. Before she could recover from her surprise, a second rock cut her cheek, just below her right eye. Furious, Andromeda threw Molly at her daring attacker. Caught by surprise, Melvin barely managed to catch her before falling back. Rushing up, Zoisite and Nephrite grabbed them both up and carried them back to the group where Judith looked both of them over.
Andromeda seethed as she raised her hand towards her face, feeling her cuts. "You're gonna pay for that, you stupid –"
"You appear to have lost your hostage, old woman."
Snarling, Andromeda glared at Rory. "Then you'll have to replace her after all."
Reaching out, Andromeda summoned her power and threw it at Rory, expecting her to duck to save herself, allowing the energy to attack the group behind her. She was surprised when Rory simply held up her hands calmly, one leg slightly behind her for added support, and deflected it.
"Who are you?!" she demanded.
In a flash of pink energy, Guardian Eos stood before the fuming woman, the lialc skirt and bow of her fuku slightly fluttering in a breeze. "I am a Princess. Whether or not I am the Princess you seek, it does not matter. I am the only Princess you will be getting." As she finished her words, she swung her staff towards Andromeda, like a baseball bat.
"SOLAR FLARE STRIKE!"
Andromeda flew backwards with the force of the blast, shrieking as she fell into the Bay, engulfed in flame. She didn't stay there long.
Eos threw a series of roses in a line horizontally behind her. From them rose a wall of energy that she hoped would shield her friends and family from the fight. Turning back towards the Bay, she was just in time to see Andromeda rising from the waters with a powerful plume of spraying water. With a great cry of rage, Andromeda lobbed ball after ball of power at Eos, trapping her within a shower of her fury.
One blast hit Eos in the left shoulder, another smashed into her left side. Another hit her in the right hip, and yet another hit her on her right calf. She managed to block or dodge the others. The wall behind her held firm – that's all that mattered to her.
Panting heavily, Andromeda took a moment to study her opponent.
"I know you. We've fought before, haven't we?"
Eos looked warily at the other woman. "And if we have?"
Andromeda's eyes widened. "You're the key, aren't you? You are the one we need to find the Princess that we seek. All I have to do is get rid of you, and the Princess will appear." A smile of evil confidence grew on Andromeda's lips. She would be well rewarded for this from the Mistress.
"Fool."
Andromeda's smile slipped.
"GLARING ARROW!"
Javelins of piercing light struck Andromeda in the shoulder and right leg. Another shot through her left hand as she tried to form a shield. The brilliant arrows did not dissipate, however and Andromeda was in too much pain to wonder why. She was also far too angry.
Hate fueled Andromeda now, giving her the energy to take out her enemy. If she must die, so be it, but she was taking this redheaded snipe with her! Her eyes turned red, and her lips bared as she growled. A misty red ball of destruction glowed between her hands as she slowly raised them from her waist to over her head. With a wild cry full of anger, pain and loathing, she flung the power at Guardian Eos.
"Die, Princess!!"
"SOLAR WINDS!"
A glowing shield appeared around Eos, but the orb of fury slowly pushed her back until it had her pinned against the wall she had formed to protect her loved ones. The pressure increased until Eos thought she heard bones beginning to break, and still the negativity pushed at her. Glancing at her opponent caused her heart to clench. Andromeda was getting ready to launch another hate-fuelled attack. She didn't know if she could stop that … unless …
Freeing a hand she dropped a couple more roses beside her, but kept two in her hand. Fighting for breath now, she waited. Just as Andromeda began to throw her final strike, Eos threw hers. One rose hit her just below the left breast, the other slightly higher, in the spot between the throat and the collar bone. Reacting with the still implanted arrows, Andromeda was defeated by sparkling pink electricity. She fell to the ground below and did not get back up. There was only time for Eos to suck in one last breath before the second orb hit her.
She embraced her destiny.
"AURORA'S BOREALIS!"
The protective wall became a shimmering ribbon of light, enveloping Eos and both orbs. By the time protection began to fade, Serena and Darien were already running. Trista's face was streaming with tears and Amara held Michelle close while the other girls were each held by their own lovers. Hotaru stood slightly ahead of the group, her eyes chilled with death. The family members were slightly confused and shocked. They didn't quite understand what they had just witnessed, but they couldn't escape the sorrow either. Judith and Grandpa stood side by side, each viewing the final scene through different perspectives, but neither willing to be completely alone with their thoughts.
Serena and Darien fell to their knees on each side of Eos. Her shredded fuku hung limply about her, smeared with blood and dirt. Her buns and braids were matted and no longer smooth. Darien carefully eased an arm under her shoulders and pressed his forehead to hers. His tears ran down her cheeks.
Serena saw a brief flutter of movement on Eos's face. She put a hand on Darien's shoulder and leaned forward as he raised his head. Eos gave a bit of a cough and her eyes opened a fraction. She gave a tiny smile and tried to touch Darien's hand. Serena helped her move it.
"Don't cry," Eos whispered softly.
"Don't talk," Darien interrupted, "I'll heal you."
Eos tightened her grip on Darien's hand and shook her head slightly, coughing again.
"No. It is the Cycle of Life is to Live and Die, and to be Reborn to Live again. I could not escape the Cycle forever. Nobody can." She smiled a bit more. "Not even Pluto." She started to wink, but coughed instead. Darien held her close until she stopped.
"I am thankful that I finally got the chance to protect you. I finally got the chance to say 'good bye'. Tell Helios …"
"Yes?" Serena prompted.
"Tell him to be good to his Love." She looked at Darien. "Kiss me good bye, little brother, then get ready to fight for your family." She looked back to Serena. "I have one last thing for the Princess. I must speak to her alone."
Eos's body was starting to fade and sparkle. Darien knew he couldn't stall anymore. Kissing her forehead fiercely, he gently handed her to Serena, then stood and walked away. He didn't watch his sister slowly fade away, her essence drifting off into nothingness, until only her star seed remained. He didn't see Serena tuck it away in the safest place she knew for it. When he reached the group again, Ikuko gathered him into her arms. He rested his head on her shoulder, accepting her comfort, but refusing to cry anymore. Serena came up behind him and put her hand on his shoulder. He straightened, turning, and gathered her into his arms. She whispered something softly into his ear, but Ikuko didn't catch it. She glanced back at the body of Andromeda and found herself clutching at Serena and Darien.
Andromeda was still alive.
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Whew! I was planning on going a bit farther, but this is ten pages long already! I'll just give it a bit of a proof and then post it. Hopefully FF won't "fix" it for me in the meantime. ;)
Please let me know if I'm keeping the tone. I'm being influenced by so many writing styles right now that it's difficult to hang on to my own! sigh
PLEASE! Review! Let me know you were here!