Chapter 8

The next morning, I didn't feel very well rested. I sat up slowly, my head pounding. Darien had already left his side of the bed. I touched the sheets and they were cool, indicating that he had got up a while ago. I staggered into the living room where the girls were sitting, already dressed, cups of tea on the coffee table and plates empty with the exception of bread crumbs. I rubbed my eyes as I went into the kitchen to get my own breakfast. When I made my way back to the living room, the girls and Darien all faced me, looking like their nights hadn't been kind to them, either. I situated myself on the floor in front of the coffee table and began to eat my toast. Everyone was silent for some time, occasionally taking sips of their tea. Eventually Lita stood up, sighing as she picked up her dishes. "I don't know about you guys, but I don't like the idea of waiting for trouble to come up. I've had this feeling that a storm is brewing, perfect weather for Valentino to make his next move."

Mina also stood up and collected her plate and cup, "You're right, Lita. I know it's been a while since we've really fought an enemy, but I'm ready for the challenge!"

Amy silently collected her things and followed the other two to the kitchen to clean up. I continued to eat my breakfast while Darien sipped his tea. Once I had finished, the girls announced that they were going to head into town to see if anything was happening. "I'll be there as soon as I can," I responded, following their lead and picking up after myself.

Darien retreated to the bedroom and made the bed while I picked out my outfit for the day. I continued my morning routine and realized that Darien hadn't spoken once this morning. I peaked my head out of the bathroom to see Darien standing next to large window in the bedroom, looking sullen. I carefully made my way towards him. "You aren't angry with me, are you, Darien?"

Darien turned towards me, doing his best to attempt a smile. "Of course not. I have no reason to be angry with you, Serena. I'm just worried about this enemy. Even with all of the strategizing, I'm worried that Valentino will find a way to defeat us."

I shook my head. "We can't chance thinking like that. We have to believe in ourselves, after all, that's what you said yesterday, was it not?"

Darien nodded, closing his eyes. "You're right, Serena." With a slight chuckle, he said, "Maybe I'm just getting old for the superhero business."

I walked closer to him and wrapped my arms around his waist. "I think we all feel that way today, but we are stronger than we think, we're just out of practice and need to get back in the swing of things."

He nuzzled his face into the top of my head, then inhaled deeply. "Let's do this," he finally said. I released my hold on him and led him out the door to join the girls in the center of the city.

Our walk was eerie. The sky had quickly darkened even more than it already had, few pedestrians walked around us, and even fewer cars were on the road. Passing the local electronics store, it was a bit easier to understand why. "The city is in a panic as another vampire attack occurred overnight. While no deaths or major injury has been reported, it is hard to tell what the long-term effects of these attacks are. Local officials have recommended that people stay inside as much as possible, keeping lights on to ward off the vampires. This is Bob Newland with your midday news update," the TV in the window said. Darien slammed the side of his fist into the window. "Damn! He got another attack."

I clenched my fists, "Ohh, how could he! We should have stayed on the lookout for him, not retreating to come up with a plan."

"This is just the beginning of it. I'm sure this storm is no coincidence."

Before Darien was even able to finish his sentence, we heard a scream coming from down the street. "That's our cue! Let's go!" I shouted, turning to run to the source, throwing my hand in the air to transform. Within seconds, Tuxedo Mask and I were ready for action. The rest of the scouts must not have been too far, either, since they were already on the scene by the time we arrived.

Valentino had already sucked the life-blood of several victims. "You again! Haven't you given up already?" he said, his smile menacing.

"Why would we do such a thing!" I shouted, assuming my fighting stance. "We are here to protect the citizens of Tokyo and that means we'll defeat you, no matter the cost!"

"Pity, you have already paid quite a price, haven't you?" he said, now mocking us.

"What are you talking about? We're here to defeat you once and for all!"

"What about your pal, Sailor Mars?" Valentino continued, barely able to contain his excitement that he had one-upped us. With a click of his fingers, Sailor Mars appeared from behind him, her violet eyes blank, her lips red with a victim's blood.

"Sailor Mars!" the Sailor Scouts and I shouted together.

Sailor Mars laughed wickedly. "Come to fight, huh? Will be a bit tough without me, won't it? I've taste the sweetness of victory and am not going to let you win me back."

I clenched my fists. This isn't the Sailor Mars you know. You have to find a way to win her back. But, how? I looked to the rest of the Sailor Scouts who looked as dumbfounded as me. C'mon guys, let's think of something! Finally Sailor Venus stepped forward. "You should know better than to say such a thing, Mars. Love and Beauty Shock!" she shouted, whipping her spell towards Sailor Mars.

Sailor Mars easily darted around the attack and like Valentino had done to her, Sailor Mars quickly arrived at Sailor Venus's side, her fangs barred and ready to be sunken into Sailor Venus's neck.

"Oh no you don't!" Sailor Jupiter shouted, attempting to pry Sailor Mars off of Sailor Venus. With one swift motion, Sailor Mars shoved Sailor Jupiter out of the way and sunk her fangs into Venus's neck. Venus struggled, only causing the blood to rush into Sailor Mars's lips even more quickly.

Sailor Mercury was the next to attack, but this time on Valentino. "Aqua Rhapsody!" she shouted, sending a powerful stream of water to the vampire. For once, he seemed to be a bit affected as he held the section of his abdomen that had been hit. "Now, that's more like it!" Mercury said.

Sailor Jupiter, rising from the ground where Sailor Mars had shoved her was the next to attack. "Supreme Thunder!" The bolts of electricity reacted with the water on Valentino and sent shocks through his body. He fell to the ground. As helpless as I felt, still unable to procure a wand, I was pleased to finally see my comrades make progress. However, it was short lived as we heard a thud on the ground to see Sailor Venus slumped on the ground, her eyes closed. Sailor Mars had dashed to her new master and cradled him in her arms. She leaned in, pressing her lips to his. The sight made me nauseous, even more so when Valentino came to and said, "Let's get out of here. I think we've had enough fun for one day. Don't forget Sailor Venus on the way out," his lips snarling.

"No!" I shouted, dashing to Sailor Venus. I wrapped my arms around her, attempting to shield her from Valentino and Sailor Mars. However, it was useless. With a snap of her fingers, Sailor Mars transported Valentino, Sailor Venus, and herself back to wherever Valentino had established his base. I collapsed into the spot that Sailor Venus had just been moments ago, letting my tears get soaked into the pavement. "Venus…" I sobbed, "Not you, too." My shoulders shuddered as a cold rain starting pouring from the sky. These attacks were taking my friends away much too quickly, especially without me being able to make any attack on the enemy on my own. I needed them and he was taking them away from me, one by one.