http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Keep/5268/Fanfic/fanfic.html C&C is always welcome. Agreeable Komodo He who bought it, supplied it. Just say yes to prophylactics. "Logic and practical information do not seem to apply here." "You admit that?" "To deny the facts would be illogical, Doctor" -- Spock and McCoy, "A Piece of the Action", stardate unknown ************** They came, just like they always did. Five females in costumes with energy powers. Like always, there was horrific battle, the enemy destroyed and the costumed women left, leaving the Police to clean things up and explain things to the media. Molly Okasa, age nineteen, was sick of it. She sat on the rock next to the lake in Central Park, her knees pulled up to her chest and her arms keeping them there. Glumly, she watched as the officers stood there, scratching their heads in confusion. Eventually, it would be blamed on mass hysteria, gas, or bad food, the claims of monsters and women in sailor suits with superhuman powers dismissed as illusions. Hallucinations. Just like last time. And the time before that. And the time before that. 'You idiots!' She wanted to scream. 'Don't you think that there might be some grain of truth? Don't you think that so many mass fainting spells combined with monster stories might be more then just a coincidence?!' They wouldn't listen, why would they? She was just a Gaijn, a foreigner, and not even an important one. Just the daughter of a jeweler. Molly felt her hands curl into fists as the hot tears rolled down her cheeks. She wanted so desperately to fight back, even to the point of taking up Martial Arts. That had been no good. The tears flowed faster as she unwillingly remembered how the youma had simply laughed and then drained her of energy. Just like all the other times before. The tears became a flood, her shoulders shaking as she sobbed. Why? Why? Why? Why did they always seem to come to her? She raised her eyes up and looked at the lake. So cool. So inviting. All it would take would be one little movement, the shock of hitting the water would stun her, her weight would drag her under, the cold would numb her. They wouldn't find her body till tomorrow, or even the day after. No more pain, no more youma. No more. . . She looked up at the sound of shoe soles on rock. "Hey Moll," Said the shoes' owner, a pretty blond haired coed with her hair in a most peculiar style. "Hey Serena," Molly said, her voice flat and devoid of emotion as she resumed staring at the lake. "What's wrong?" "I'm sick of it." "It?" "The youma. The endless fighting," Molly waved a hand at the controlled chaos at the other side of the lake. "The way they go on like sheep because they don't want to think of what might really be going on." She sighed. "I'm sick of being attacked, I'm sick of worrying about my friends, I'm sick of answering questions from the police." She exhaled loudly, her breath forming into steam as it hit the night air. "I'm just sick of it." "You think we aren't?" Serena asked. "Not a day goes by that I wake up and wonder if today's the day when I'll be required to give my life up to keep the Earth safe. The others are the same way. We're sick of it too. But we do it because its got to be done." Molly let out a chuckle. "What's so funny?" Serena demanded. "Just thinking that six years ago you never would have said something like that." Serena smiled. "No, I suppose I wouldn't have," Serena admitted. "I guess I've done some growing up." "Everyone has," Molly said as she looked at Serena, her question clear on her face. "No." Serena said. "Are you sure?" "Positive," Serena said. "We even asked Pluto. I'm sorry Molly, there is no Sailor Sun, Earth, Asteroid, Nemisis, Andromeda, Comet, Cosmic, Red, or anything like that. None of us had a sister back during the Silver Millennium. Nothing." "So that's it then. I'm doomed to a life of being youma chow." Serena said nothing. There was nothing she could say. "Hey," she said at last. "How about some hot fudge sundaes at Tomoe's? My treat." "Sure," Molly said as she stood up. "Why not?" #--# Late afternoon, The Lake in Central Park, Two Weeks Later. . . Molly sighed as Melvin continued to babble about the latest project in his biotechnology class. Gradually, he realized she wasn't even listening and trailed off. "Hey Molly? Something wrong?" "I'm just sick of it all. Life, school, Youma." "Youma? Molly, have you been getting enough sleep?" Molly then remembered that Melvin had never been told and that therefore the mysterious "Central Control" hadn't released him from what Mina had, for God knew what reasons, dubbed "The Matrix", which was a field projected across the world that kept people from being too interested in what was going on in Tokyo. The thought that there was an entity out there capable of that kind of feat made Molly shudder and she tried very hard not to think about it. "Yeah Melvin," she said, forcing some humor into her voice as she screwed her face up into a somewhat rictus grin. "Youma. And they work for these aliens that want to steal all the life energy on earth." She waggled her fingers at him and made moaning noises. "You read to much Manga," Melvin said. Molly hmphed and turned, walking away. She hadn't gone more then a few feet when a pair of arms wrapped around her waist from behind and she heard Melvin's voice in her ear. "Bah, I'm a Youma, give me your life energy." He made slobbering noises. "Oooh Help!" Molly said, laughing, unable to help herself. "A big mean scary youma! Oh help!" Squirming, she broke free of his grip and started running, Melvin in hot pursuit. Laughing, she led him across the park and into the woods surrounding it, where he finally managed to bring her down in an isolated part, known affectionately as "Love Alley." Still laughing, Molly squirmed until she was lying on her back underneath him. "Oh Mister Youma," She said, making herself sound like one of the brainless female leads in a movie. "Now that you have me what will you do with me?" "I'll think of something," Melvin replied. "Just," She said breathlessly, "just keep it short." Then she fluttered her eyelashes at him "Short?" He smiled his best evil smile. "Never." He promised as he kissed her. "Good." Molly said, returning the kiss as she pulled him down, her body arching up into his. "Mmmmm" #--# The Sun was setting by the time they emerged from the woods, hand in hand. Both were faintly flushed and several people gave them knowing grins. They walked until they reached the rock by the lake and there they stood, watching the sun slip beneath the horizon. "Melvin? Have I told you that I love you lately?" "Hmmm, I believe the most recent thing you said to me involved some loud moaning." Melvin said, his tone of voice mockingly serious. "Well," She said, leaning against the rock as Melvin came closer. "I love you." "Say it again." Melvin said, leaning against her. "I love you." Molly whispered. "I love you too." Melvin whispered back and they kissed again. Things were just getting interesting when Melvin pulled away and put his hand in his pocket. "I got something to show you," He began when they heard shouting. There was a flash of color and some sounds that sounded like an animal growling. "Oak Evolution!" Someone cried. There was a blinding flash and Molly suddenly found herself hurtling through the air. She saw the water coming up fast, there was a jolt of pain and everything went black. She drifted in the blackness. A voice was talking to her and Melvin. Melvin insisting that the voice save her. There was a roaring noise and she felt something envelop her. #--# Her head was breaking the surface. Coughing, she tried to keep afloat even as she took her bearings. It was definitely nighttime. She was somewhere in the middle of the lake and she could see bright lights of what looked like a work crew at the lake's edge. Grateful for her choice of clothes, she kicked her sandals off and struggled out of her jacket, letting it all sink to the lake bottom before she struck out for shore. Looked like it was time to find out if all that time she put into swimming back in the Brownies would pay off. #--# She was nearly to shore before somebody spotted her. Shouts soon went up and she was helped to shore. "What happened to you?" A Paramedic asked as he put a blanket around her shoulders. "Did you get caught in the Tornado?" Molly took the cup of hot chocolate and had some in her mouth before his question registered and she spat the liquid out "T-Tornado?" She asked, wiping her mouth. "Yeah. Weirdest thing anyone ever saw. Freak Tornado ripped through the park tearing up everything. Conspiracy nuts are blaming the Americans." "Y-yeah. Those crazy Americans." Molly took another drink of hot chocolate to buy time to get her emotions in order. When she looked up again, she saw Serena, Amy Raye, Lita and Mina standing nearby. Mina had a bag slung over her shoulder and she could see Luna and Artimes peering out. Setting the Hot Chocolate aside, Molly wrapped the blanket tighter around herself and walked over to them. "Hey guys," Molly said, smiling brightly until she noticed that none of them were smiling back. "What's wrong." Nobody said anything for a long moment, then Serena indicated something with a jerk of her head. "I'm sorry," she half whispered. "Sorry for what?" Molly asked, turning to see. All she saw was Paramedics loading a body into an ambulance. Then the stretcher hit a bump and an arm fell out from beneath the sheet. On the wrist was a distinctly familiar wristwatch. A watch she had given to someone very special on his eighteenth birthday. "NOOOOOO!" Molly cried, half running and stumbling towards the ambulance. Shoving the startled men aside, she tore the sheet aside and stared at Melvin's face. He was bloated and blue, his face covered with cuts and bruises. "No," she whispered, clutching his hand and holding it to her face. The tears flowed down her cheeks and his arm. "Um, Miss? Ma'am?" Molly didn't hear the paramedic. She didn't hear anything except Melvin's voice telling her that he loved her. She didn't feel anything except his hands moving over her body, or see anything but his eyes, locked with hers. The only thing she tasted was his lips on hers. But she did feel it when the Paramedics pulled her away so they could load Melvin into the ambulance. "No! Wait!" She cried, reaching out for him. "Don't take him from me!" Then Serena was there. "They took him Serena!" Molly wailed, sinking to her knees, "they took him!" Serena held the trembling girl as she looked up at her friends. #--# One week later, A cemetery in Tokyo. "And so, we commend the body of Melvin Umino to the earth. Let us pray." Molly bowed her head, but did not pray. Instead, her eyes were staring at the diamond ring in her hand, which her mother had given to her. "He bought this from the store only a few days before. . ." She gave her daughter a wan smile. "I think he'd want you to hold on to it." "I would have said yes." She whispered under her breath. #--# 6 months later. . . "Molly!" Serena cried, running up to her. You look terrific!" Molly gave her best friend a smile and twirled. She wore a light blue silk thin dress, cut low, the ring Melvin gave her now on a twenty four karat gold chain that she wore around her neck. "I'll second that," said the tall, dark haired man who came up behind Serena. "Its a shame I'm already taken," he teased just before Serena's elbow dug into his ribs. "Ow. Take it easy Meatball Head." He protested, rubbing his side. "You'll pay for that later," Serena said, her tone of voice promising that the payment demanded could be interesting if he played his cards right. "Yes Ma'am," he said, tossing off a mock salute. "How about I get you ladies some punch?" "Thank you," Molly said and resumed staring out the window at the Garden. The girls were at an inter-school mixer held at the beautiful Asasho Gardens mansion, formal wear required. "Still miss Melvin huh?" Serena said. "Yeah," Molly said. "Every day it become easier to deal with but I still feel like I'm betraying him every I so much as look at another guy." "Aw come on Moll," Serena said, grabbing the redhead's arm and leading her towards the crowd of people. "You know Melvin would want you to find someone to be happy with." Molly let herself be led, mainly because deep down, she knew she was right. It was at that point that Destiny made a roll of the Cosmic Dice. Snake Eyes. The roof over the band all but collapsed as the youma burst in. It was a snake headed beast, with a sword in each hand. "Ethka," it hissed as the sword blades began to glow, drawing in energy. Molly, concealed behind the safety of a plant, curled herself up in a fetal position. She could hear the Senshi getting their butts handed to them. Closing her eyes, she prayed silently, trying to ignore the pounding sound in her ears. Opening her eyes, she saw Sailor Moon hit the wall and fall, not moving. The pounding in her ears became a roar that drowned out everything else. Whispered a voice in her mind. #--# Jupiter, Venus, Mars, and Mercury were in trouble and they knew it, Tuxedo Mask and Sailor Moon were both down for the count. Venus had the Moon Crescent Wand, and not a hope in hell of being able to use it. "This is it guys," Mars said. "Last call." "We can't give up," Venus said. "All we need is a plan." "All we need is a Miracle," Jupiter retorted. Destiny Made another roll. Two Sixes. The youma raised its swords high, intent on fulfilling prime directive number one: Terminate the Senshi. "And Lo," An electronically filtered voice said. "There shall come a warrior, clad in living armor, and all that the warrior faces, shall fall." Recognizing the words from a recent fantasy flick, the Senshi turned. Standing in the doorway was a figure, the body shape suggested a female. She was clad in what looked like living armor. That is, the armor seemed to resemble the hard carapace of a beetle or perhaps plates of bone. "And you are?" The Senshi looked at the Youma, surprised. It was the first time a youma had ever talked in its true form. "Just a concerned citizen," She said, looking at the ball of energy that was forming in her hand as though she had never seen it before. "Warrior will do." Almost casually as her arm snapped forward, hurtling the energy ball across the ballroom to smack the youma on the chest. It staggered back, hissing loudly. "I'm here to kick ass and take names." Warrior said as blades slid forward out of her forearms and over her hands. "What's that supposed to mean?" It demanded, dropping into a fighting stance, swords at the ready. "It means," Warrior said as she started forward at a steady walk. "That I've had a really bad day. You're about to have a worse one." At that, she broke into a run, leaping into the air, twisting as she jumped, and landing on the youma's shoulders, driving the blades into its brain. The youma howled, jerking back, swinging the deadly blades in an attempt to find its opponent, but Warrior was already moving, leaping off of the youma's shoulders to land behind it. Spinning on the balls of her feet, she slashed at its back, cutting a strip across its spine. The Youma howled again as it spun, bringing both swords down. But Warrior had backflipped out of harm's way, landing in a spider like crouch. "Not bad," the youma said, breathing heavily. "Thanks," Warrior said, rising and taking a fighting stance. The youma also took a fighting stance. For a long moment, they faced each other, each one sizing up their opponent. Then, seemingly as one, they moved. Their arms were a blur, a whirlwind of flashing blades. There was no room for mistakes. No room for even the tiniest error. Even Jupiter's trained eye had trouble following the battle. But it did pick out one thing. Warrior, intentionally or not, was buying them time. As one, they raced back to where Sailor Moon groggily lay. "Sailor Moon!" Mars cried, falling to her knees as Mercury grabbed the prone girl's other wrist, and began counting under her breath even as she was looking over Sailor Moon's face. "Pulse is good, everything looks normal, how are you feeling?" "What happened?" She asked, sitting up slowly. "New kind of Youma," Jupiter said curtly. "Where is it?" "It found a new playmate," Venus quipped. "Rather energetic one too." "Who is that?" Sailor Moon demanded, catching sight of the armored figure who had the youma's attention. "Dunno, as she put it, and I quote; 'Warrior will do'," Jupiter said, helping Sailor Moon to her feet. At that point, the youma made an error so slight even Jupiter couldn't be sure it was an error. Swinging its swords, the youma lunged with one, the other one held up to block. But it had over extended its reach just a little to much. Warrior feinted, batted the blocked sword aside, chopped off the outstretched arm then ran her blade right into where the Youma's heart roughly was. The Youma howled, glowing brighter and brighter, before crumbling into dust. Sitting on the dust was a brightly colored jewel with a black upside down crescent moon. As they watched, the color faded. Warrior picked up the jewel and looked at it for a moment, then her fingers closed tightly around the jewel, triggering a distinctive crunching sound. When she opened her hand, there was only dust. "Warrior?" Sailor Moon called. The helmeted head turned to look at them. "I'd like to thank you for your help." "Unessacary. They all have to die." "Yes. Well. . ." Sailor Moon said, obviously taken back by Warrior's bluntness. "Stay out of my way," Warrior snapped and then leapt into the rafters, from there, out the hole in the roof. Running to the window, the Senshi saw Warrior leap over the wall. "Damn," Jupiter breathed out as the distant sounds of sirens reached their ears. "Lets get out of here," Venus said. #--# The Next Morning Though she no longer lived at home, Molly did have a decent loft apartment near her mother's Jewelry store. The building was owned by a family friend and Molly got to live there virtually rent free. She lay on her stomach, bare back to the ceiling trying to process what the ringing sound in her ears was. At that point, the ringing stopped and Molly heard her own voice. "Hi, this is Molly's phone. Leave a message at the beep." "Molly? Its Serena. Again. There's a meeting at Raye's temple today. We could use some input. Molly, if you're there please pick up." Molly's flailing hand finally managed to find the button for the speakerphone. "Serena?" She asked, her mouth dry and feeling like it was full of cotton. "Molly?! Thank GodAreyouokayWecouldn'tfindyouafterthepartyI've calledlikefifteentimesalready!" "Party?" Molly asked. Then she remembered, along with the weird vision. "Oh yeah. I hid in the plants." "Oh. Okay! Well the meetings at five today. I'll see you then!" Molly hit the off button and rolled over in bed, her eyes falling on the clock on her wall. "Three in the afternoon?" She groaned as she sat up. "I hate Youma." #--# The Dark Kingdom. . . The man who walked through the hallways was not happy. He was tall, athletic m an, with bright red hair, and cruel eyes. He wore a vest, green pants, and boots. He bowed respectively to the man and woman sitting on the thrones as he entered the throne room through the double doors. The woman was all woman, tall, lush, with ripe curves and thick red hair. But there was nothing human about her eyes. All that had been stolen away millennia ago. The man lounged in his chair, a wine glass in his hand, laconic expression on his face. But his eyes were bright and alert behind half closed lids. "Well?" The woman demanded. "The youma/droid hybrid worked well," The man reported. "It collected more then enough energy to create another of its kind." "Then where is it?" Demanded a third voice. It was a woman's voice and the man in the vest raised his eyes to the crystal behind and above the thrones. "There was unexpected interference." "You let the Senshi interfere again Rubius?" Demanded the red-haired woman. "No," Rubius gestured and an image of the female in the strange armor battling the hybrid appeared. "She calls herself Warrior." "A Guyver Unit!" Hissed the man on the throne. "Guyver Unit?" Asked the voice from the crystal. "A device created by a long dead alien race. They were sent to planets that either had or possessed the potential for sentient life. They're a type of bio-armor and they fuse with life forms in a symbiotic relationship, providing protection and physical enhancement in return for some of the host's life energy." "Interesting," Said the red-haired woman. "If we could get our hands on such a device, it could prove most useful." "Then you shall have it Beryl," Said the man. "Rubius. Do whatever it takes to get the Guyver Unit!" "Yes Prince Diamant," Rubius replied. #--# Yawning, a cup's worth of coffee in her stomach, Molly stepped into the shower. The dream she had still haunted her, it seemed so real. "Must have been the caviar," She said to herself as she began to soap up. said a dry voice in her mind "Who?" Molly gasped, throwing open the shower door as she dropped into a fighting stance, her eyes darting around the loft. said the voice. "What? You're some alternate personality? I've gone skitzo?" "You'd better," Molly growled as she put on her robe and headed for the kitchenette even as the rediculousness of what she had just done hit her. 'Great. I'm arguing with a voice in my head. I must have flipped.' Part 2 "So you're some sort of biological armor?" Molly asked as she stepped out of the shower. Over the past hour, between bites of sausage, pancakes, and all through the shower, Molly's new friend had explained, in painstaking detail, exactly what he was. "But why did these Aliens-" "The Advent then. Why did the Advent build the Guyvers in the first place?" "And since no one else wanted the job, they took it?" "How did they stop it?" "A truce? They didn't conquer them?" "That's a lot of planets," Molly said as she laid out the shaving supplies. Though there were electric razors, Molly, like her mother, preferred the old fashioned way. Was the casual reply. "The whole universe?" Molly sputtered then swore as the razor nicked her leg. "A few star systems I can see, a whole sector of the Galaxy yeah, but the whole freakin universe?" "No kidding." Molly muttered. It was perhaps five minutes later that Molly had a thought. "Hey. If you're a suit of armor, and the other Guyvers are suits of armor, does that mean there's a bunch of other people walking around with voices in their heads?" There was a long pause. Several minutes passed. "Yes?" Molly asked, unable to take the silence anymore. #--# "Look," Molly said as she laced up her boots. "Its no big deal, I go to the meeting, then afterwards we go back to the park to have a look around that lake." "You're not taking this very well." She noted as she stuffed the Mandai Memorials cap into her jacket pocket. "I've just had my sanity called into question." Molly retorted as she scooped up her keys, wallet, and, almost as an afterthought, her camera. Was the reply. #--# Senshi meetings took place at the Cherry Hill Temple, a minor Shinto shrine located in Tokyo's prosperous Kiyon District. Run by an aged Shinto Priest with a weakness for female flesh and his granddaughter, the Temple catered to the spiritual needs of all who entered its gates. Unknowingly to the rest of Tokyo, It also served as the meeting place of the Inner Senshi. The Outer Senshi, despite an open invitation, did not attend these meetings for reasons of their own. Therefore, grouped around a table in the back of the living quarters, sat five girls and two cats. One cat was all black, one was all white. These weren't ordinary cats, mind you, these cats talked. "I thought you said she would be here," Said the black one. "Aw calm down Luna," said her counterpart, who was named Artemis. "Molly's still new to being included in Senshi meetings." "The least she could do is be punctual," Luna snapped. Artemis sighed. Luna was overly concerned with propriety and tardiness offended her deeply. "Relax," Said Serena. "She probably got stuck in traffic." "What Traffic? Ever since she won that Motorcycle--" "She's had to deal with bugs in her teeth," Interrupted the blonde sitting next to Serena. "What?" She asked when everyone glared at her. "Must you?" Raye Hino asked. "What?" Asked the blonde again, innocence all over her face. Raye rolled her eyes. That was Mina's one character flaw. She thought she was funny. #--# Tokyo Mall was a relatively new addition to the city skyline. Built partially on the bay, the mall contained a freeway that ran along the shallow bay bottom and then up through the mall before dipping back towards the city. It was relatively deserted since most people were apprehensive about driving underwater protected by only a heavy glass tunnel roof. Molly loved it. Grinning behind her helmet, she weaved in and between the cars with practiced ease. She loved riding. The feeling of freedom, the roar of the engine, and though she would never admit it, she liked the vibration of the steel frame beneath her. "C'mon," Molly said, haven't you ever done something for the sheer thrill of it?" Not that I can recall "Didn't your last host do anything for fun?" "No?" Molly asked as they roared into what she called Malltown. It was actually the section of the road that ran through the mall, but like most, she had her own name for it. "He sacrificed himself to save me?" "And I love him." She whispered, suddenly painfully aware of the cool metal against her skin that was the ring on its gold chain under her clothes. Setting her jaw, she twisted the throttle as high as it would go. The youma would pay. Every last one. Part 3 By the time the meeting was over, it was nearly dusk. Pleading work, Molly was partnered with an high school friend on a Manga as the writer, she had left as soon as Senshi bisnuess was over. In reality, she wanted to get in when the park employees weren't paying close attention to the cars going in and out of the parking lot, picking up friends or others who had spent the day at the park. "Nope," Molly said as she parked the motorcycle at the lot near the launching ramp for the boats. "Well, not for a while yet. We have maybe an hour." "Melvin and I used to stay here after hours a lot," Molly said, feeling her cheeks turn red. Partly it was from remembered passion, and partly because she was a little embarrassed to admit it. "Don't sound so amused!" Molly hissed, unable to shake the feeling she was being laughed at. Then she tried to change the subject. "Are you sure you're watertight?" "Are you trying to be funny?" Thinking very dark thoughts, Molly walked down to the lake's edge and stood there. There were answers in there. Least of all was whether or not the voice in her head was because she had suddenly developed Multiple Personality Disorder, or she was sharing her body with an alien life form. Taking a deep breath, she spoke. "Guyver." With nary a splash, Warrior slipped beneath the surface of the water, leaving behind only some ripples to mark her passing. #--# He shook his head as he stood in the empty room of the house on the hill. He-the past version of himself had created this place and the man who had lived here. Now he would resurrect that life. Now that he knew what he had done wrong. #--# Being underwater at night is no easy task. With little to no light shining in, you're essentially in pitch black darkness. Warrior, however, saw as clearly though it was day. The lake bottom was firmly packed mud and here and there she saw cans, bottles, and other things. "What?" "What is it?" "Before what?" "How helpful." It was then she noticed something. "What the?" It was faint, but against the inky blackness of water there was a light. As they got closer, they began to encounter debris that wasn't litter dropped in by lazy boaters. It looked like a piece of bone. "What the hell is this stuff?" She asked, crouching and picking up a piece of debris about as big around as her head. "It must have crashed." "Don't get sarcastic," Warrior retorted as she stood back up, letting the piece fall from her hand. "I doubt that piece is what we're looking for." Moving slowly, Warrior advanced towards the light. #--# Serena was scribbling in her notebook when something on the radio caught her attention. Quickly, she grabbed her tape recorder off of her desk and turned it on, holding the microphone towards the speaker. When the news byte was over, she placed the tape into her pocket and ran out. She had to get to Molly's. #--# The source of the light proved to be a woman dressed in flowing robes and long white hair. She was encased in some sort of field and appeared to be sleeping. "Oh my God," Warrior whispered, falling to her knees. "It's a Kami. . ." #--# Chapter 4 Warrior could only stare. A Kami, a real, live, Kami-she cut off that line of thought and tried to look at it rationally. She was underwater, and a woman was encased in some sort of stasis field was before her. That did not nessacarily mean she was a Kami, she could be human. The voice in her head asked. "A type of spirit. . .I think. They were, and in some places, still are worshipped as gods and goddesses." Were there male Kamis? "I shoulda paid more attention when Raye was explaining her religion." She grumbled. "I think so, she's a Shinto Priestess, but I'm not sure what it all means." Warrior got to her feet and reached out with one hand to touch the field. She saw Melvin, happy and smiling. "What the. . .?" She gasped, jerking her hand away. "Melvin. . ." "That was Melvin," Warrior said sadly. "Huh?" "Which was Melvin." "You said the energy was something you remembered from before you encountered me." "Meaning you were exposed to it for as long as you were lying here on the lake bottom?" "Well that makes a whole lot of sense," Warrior grumbled as she took another look around. It was then that she noticed the skeleton. It was next to the glowing field, its hand stretched out towards it in a gesture of longing. Walking over to it, Warrior noticed another one, and another, and still another. There was at least twenty of them, all with their hands stretched out in a gesture of longing towards the field. Careful not to step on any of them, she walked back around to the front and studied the face carefully. There was no hint of cruelty in that face. It was serene, peaceful. Nothing to suggest why she was in a stasis field in the first place. She looked over at the skeleton then back at the field. "I wonder. . ." She murmured and then placed her hand on the field. She saw Melvin over her, his hands unbuttoning her shirt. She felt the heat surging beneath her skin. ************** Then she was standing in a burning village as men in uniforms and swords ran amuck. For a brief moment, she saw a man with thick dark brown hair, and then she was lying naked on top of Melvin, kissing her way down his chest coming closer to him, to the center of his being. When she reached, it, she wrapped her fingers around it and for a moment, stared at it, then lowered her head and wrapped her lips around him. ************** Then she was back in the burning village, gesturing, as water from the nearby lake surged forth, washing through the village, putting out all the fires it touched. ************** She was on her back now, Melvin working his way down her body. For a moment, he did nothing, then his tongue was at the source of the fire that burned within her. But all it did was fan the flames. ************** She dodged aside as the man with the brown hair swung his sword. She couldn't hear what he was yelling, but she knew his face, it was etched into her soul. Nephrite. . . ************** Then she was on top of Melvin, his tongue still fanning the flames. Moans passed her lips as she grabbed his hair, trying to pull him deeper inside her. ************** She walked through the burning village, the men in uniforms yelling their batt le cries. She was searching for something. No, for someone. The source of this chaos. ************** She was on her knees, Nephrite in her arms, watching as he slowly became as light, surging upwards towards heaven. ************** She was on her back again, Melvin over her, teasing her. She heard her voice pleading with him to get inside her. ************** She stood in what was left of the main hall, watching the woman at the other end. ************** In. Out. Over and over, Melvin repeated his actions, pleasure surging through her in wave after powerful wave. ************** The woman at the end of the hall turned, her thick red hair seemed to be the color of blood in the light cast by the fires burning still burning outside. ************** She was on top of Melvin now, her hips grinding against his, her head thrown back. ************** Water and fire surged together. The water from her, the fire from her redheaded opponent. ************** The waves were coming closer together now. Dirty words poured from their mouths, alternately cursing for the way the other made them feel and begging to keep it up. ************** The fire and water surged around them both as they each tried stronger and stronger attacks. ************** The pleasure was stronger now, a near continuous wave boiling through their systems, forging a bond between their souls. No words were exchanged, only primal grunts. ************** She felt her skin boil from the fire and cool from the water. There was no end to the sensations, pain and pleasure, pleasure and pain. ************** At the zenith, she cried out Melvin's name, and he cried out hers, each heedless of who might hear. ************** The battle between them had ended in a stalemate and she was fleeing the burning village, towards the lake. An elderly man, his hand wrapped around that of a woman, her stomach swollen with life ran ahead of her. It went against her nature to run away, but she must protect these two. That was her job. ************** She lay in Melvin's arms, completely contented, the afterglow surrounding them like a haze. ************** A swirl of mist and the man and woman vanished, transported to elsewhere. She turned and looked towards the village. For a moment, she watched the inky black smoke boil upwards and then she turned back to the lake. Many years ago, she had been summoned up from this lake to protect the family of a young man. Now that family had been sent to safety but she and the red-haired woman would meet again. Turning, she stepped into the lake, weaving a spell about her. She would sleep until needed again, let all who touch her, save the descendants of they who she had protected be killed by their own memories. For a brief moment, she stared out through the yellow haze at a figure in armor made from bone and sinew, its glowing yellow eyes meeting hers and she smiled. Yes, they had survived and she, the Guardian, had a sister now. Then the figure jerked its hand away. ************** Warrior stared, half in shock, half in amazement, as the woman's eyes closed, but that smile remained. For next ten minutes or so, Warrior stood still, muscles tense, but the woman made no other movement. Warrior's senses however, were reeling. "I understand now. . ." She whispered. Warrior blinked. The voice was no longer genderless, but a woman's, full and rich. "Wha?" === File Separator ============================================== Agreeable Komodo He who bought it, supplied it. Just say yes to prophylactics. Bored with your enemies? Make new ones: Tell two of your women friends that they look alike. -Mignon McLaughlin *********************** Serena was sitting on the floor by the door, knees pulled up to her chest when Molly showed up. Serena instantly noticed that her friend's face was wan and pale and her hands were shaking slightly. "Serena? What are you doing here?" "I needed to see you. There was something on the radio that I thought you should hear," Serena said as she held out the tape. "Thanks," Molly said absently as she took it. "Come on in." Molly's loft was sparsely furnished with most of the furniture pushed against the walls and one wall dominated by a row of huge windows that offered a view of some of the shorter buildings of the Tokyo skyline. "Be right back," Molly said as she disappeared into the bathroom, leaving Serena to her own devices. Near the windows was a small desk dominated by "Morris", the powerful computer Molly and, Rei Asaymya, the art half of the two-woman team that was responsible for "Notes from the Edge," a monthly comedy/drama manga chronicling the adventures of a nerdy alien trapped on Earth, used to give the artwork it's powerful colors and photorealistic feel. Idly, Serena drifted over to the smaller laptop set at a right angle to Morris. This one, dubbed "Nine Lives", a move which had put Molly and Mina into hysterical laughter, was where Molly did the writing for the Manga and she reached over to the notepad peeking out from under a book on killer viruses. She knew the pad was where Molly put her ideas down on paper and if she could get a look at next month's plot. . . "And what do you think you're doing?" The question was asked in jest, but guilt, startlement, and perhaps the strained friendship that had existed between the two since Molly had found out about Serena's big secret, was a factor, but Serena exploded with anger. "I was just looking! Can you blame me for being curious?" "I. . ." Molly said, taken back, then her eyes narrowed. "Well it is my stuff." "Excuse me? Who got you hooked on Manga in the first place? And for that matter, who was willing to talk to you when you first came here?" "Well its not like I needed anyone!" "Oh yes, I forgot. Americans can't admit they might be wrong, world might blow up!" "Yeah, well Sailor Moon could save us, if she doesn't trip over her own two feet first!" Serena bristled. "What?" She asked softly, her tone of voice dangerous. "You heard me," Molly said, striking a pose. "In the name of the Moon, I'll punish you-whoops!" She finished the impression by pretending to trip over her own feet. "It's a wonder you ever got to the fight, let alone achieved victory." "Yeah, well at least my-" Serena broke off as her eyes fell on the picture of Melvin and Molly on the nightstand and her mind shuddered back from the line she had been about to cross. "My bus back home will be at the stop soon," she finished lamely in a more normal tone of voice. "Yeah," Molly agreed, her shoulders bunching under the short sleeved shirt she wore. "Right, "Serena said and stormed out of the apartment. It wasn't until she was in the elevator that she allowed herself to think about what she had almost done. 'My best friend, and I. . .I. . .' She shook her head. 'I nearly insulted Melvin's memory,' she thought. 'Molly would have-I never would have forgiven myself if I had done that.' Shaking slightly, she exited the elevator and left the building. It was some several hours later that Molly sat on her couch, the notepad on her lap covered in meaningless scribbles. Try as she might, she could not come up with a plot. "Hey, you in there?" Molly asked. "Kinsune? You there?" Silence. Molly sighed. The Guyver had been quiet since it had told her it's name after they had touched that energy sphere containing the Kami, and that experience had left Molly with more questions then answers. Standing, she tossed the notepad onto the table and started to pace. As she moved, her eyes fell on the tape Serena had brought over, laying on the table near the door. Almost curious, she picked it up and put it in her stereo. What she heard was the last thing she had ever expected. #--# He was putting wood on the fire when he heard the footsteps. He showed no outward reaction, but he stretched out his senses, listening for the movement of air that would tell him what the intruder was doing. "Is it really you?" A female voice asked. His heart leapt in his chest. It was a voice that had haunted his dreams. The one person he could never, ever, hurt. Turning, he saw her standing in front of the open doors to the balcony. She had grown up in the six years since he had last seen her. She looked magnificent. "It is you, isn't it Nephrite?" "Molly," he said softly, his voice filled with joy. Then she was in his arms and no more words were said. #--# Serena stared at the cordless phone as though she could make it ring by force of sheer will. "Relax, will ya Serena?" Lita said from where she was reading a magazine. "Molly's probably down at the publisher's office or something." "I know," Serena replied. "But after the fight, and then there was that news report about Stanton coming back, she might-" Serena broke off. She hadn't meant to tell them about Stanton. "What about Stanton?" Raye asked softly. "Who's Stanton?" Lita and Mina asked Amy at the same time. "The human identidy of Nephrite, the second Negaverse general we faced," Amy replied. Zoisite killed him a few days before we met Lita. He and Molly had a. . .relationship before he was killed." "Nephrite," Lita repeated, looking ill. In the days of the Silver Millenium, back on the Moon Kingdom. Princess Lita of Jupiter and General Nephrite of the Palace Gaurd had been lovers. Lovers until Beryl seduced him and 3 other generals away to become her Lord Generals and lead the assault on the Moon Kingdom. "Stanton's back?" Raye asked, her tone of voice indicating she was very upset. "Nephrite's human identidy? What if Nephrite came back with him?" "Oh come on," Mina spoke up. "Molly wouldn't go running off to deal with him." The girls traded looks, and then Serena paled and looked very frightened. "She would, wouldn't she," Mina deadpanned when she saw the look on Serena's face. "Call the Outers," Serena said softly. "Tell them to meet us on the edge of the woods near the old mountain road. That's a direct order from their Queen." She stood up, her eyes filled with determination. "If Nephrite harms even a hair on her head. . ." ". . .we'll harm every cell of his body," Lita finished. === File Separator ============================================== Compliments warm the heart...... Criticisim Strengthens the Soul..... Flames Shall Be Used As Target Practice. :-) **************** Disclaimer: The following was written for the enjoyment of the writer and those who read it. No money has been or is intended to be made off of this story and all characters are the property of their owners. You are free to MiST, review, or post this or any of my fics so long as you E-Mail me and tell me where on the 'net and/or web you're placing them. You are also free to wear sunscreen, speak your mind, and (insert surrealistic activity here) **************** "So did you learn anything new about sewage treatment?" "I learned one more way that we penguins are superior to humans: we do our bisnuess in the ocean-thus elimintating the middleman." -Beakman's World **************** Chapter 6 Molly awoke to the feel of a warm body next to her and the crackle of a fire behind her. Where? Oh yeah, she and Maxfield. . . Rolling onto her side, she studied Maxfield's face. He lay on his back, eyes closed, an exhausted smile on his lips. 'I suppose I should take that expression as a compliment,' she thought wryly as she kissed his forehead before standing. 'God, I need ta use the bathroom.' #--# It took some doing, but Molly finally found the bathroom and after using the facilities, she washed her hands. As she did, she caught sight of herself in the mirror and had to smile. A few years ago, she had spent the night at Serena's house, and since her parents and younger brother had been out of town, they had raided the liquor cabinet and gotten horrendoulsy drunk. While neither girl could fully recall the events of that night, they had woken up the next morning with evidence that not only had they cut each other's hair into horrificly short parodies of Haruka's hair, but that. . .other things had happened between them. Serena was letting her hair grow back out and it had since gotten long enough that she could wear it in odangos again. "But I didn't want my old hair back," Molly said softly. Instead, she kept hers cut slightly shorter then Haruka's, save for a few strands that hung down the sides of her face just in front of her ears which she then braided. As she reached for the towel, she spotted the ring Melvin had-would have given her if they hadn't been interrupted, still on it's chain around her neck. "Melvin. . ." she whispered softly, and then angrily dashed the tears away. She was supposed to get on with her life, damnit! "So why can't I?" Muttering a vile curse at whoever dreamed up the notion of love, she wet her fingertips and ran them through her hair, and as she ran them down the back of her hair, her fingertips brushed the back of her neck, causing her knees to buckle under her as twin explosions of pain and ecstasy ran through her. "Wha-what the hell?" She gasped out as she grabbed the sink for support. When she could stand on her own, she probed again at that same spot, this time braced for the twin bursts of feeling. There, just above the base of her neck were what felt like two bumps, sort of like masses of scar tissue. "Whoa. . ." she breathed out, pulling her hand away before it got too overwhelming. "I gotta remember those." After finishing cleaning up, she leaned on the sink, studying her reflection. "What do I do now?" She asked the mirror. The mirror didn't reply. #--# The first thing Maxfield saw when he opened his eyes was that the spot next to him was empty. Noting that her clothes, and his, for that matter, were still where they had thrown them, he concluded that she was most likely using the facilities. As he went to sit up, he felt the cold blade of a sword touch his neck. "Keep your head down and don't move," warned an unfamiliar female voice. "Now stand up, slowly, and keep your hands where we can see them. "I never refuse a lady," Maxfield replied evenly. "But might I have my pants back first?" A moment later, the requested article of clothing smacked him in the head. "Now, stand up," came the order once he had covered the lower half of his anatomy. Maxfield complied, and when he did, he found himself facing seven teenaged girls, all in Sailor fukus of different colors. But the fukus were different. The ribbons appeared to be longer, and he was quite sure the epaulets hadn't been there the last time. Four of the girls he recognized, the others he knew by reputation. "Sailor Moon, Sailor Mars, Sailor Mercury," he greeted them. "It's been a while." "Not long enough," Mars growled. "Sailor Jupiter," he adressed the fourth, receiving only an icy glare in reply. "Where's the girl?" Sailor Moon demanded, stepping forward. Her costume was the most distinctively different, particularly, the large white wings. Her hair was still the same style as it was, but the pigtails were much shorter. "Where's Molly?" Sailor Moon demanded again, her eyes cold and angry. "I don't know," Maxfield replied, and winced as he felt the sword blade press harder against his neck and mentally revised his total number. Eight. "I honestly don't know. Wandering around the house somewhere, I imagine." Sailor Moon stared at him for a moment, and Maxfield did the same. Sailor Moon had changed, and it seemed to be for the better. As a warrior, he approved of the difference, it suited her. "I'll go look for her," The Senshi in orange volunteered before running out. "So help me, Nephrite," Sailor Moon said, "if you've hurt her in any way. . ." "I couldn't do that, your highness," Maxfield replied gravely. "I-what?" Sailor Moon exclaimed. "A thousand years ago, I served the Moon Kingdom, until I allowed myself to be lured away by ambition, and until I met Molly, I never questioned that decision." He dropped to one knee, bowing his head. "My Queen, I ask-no-beg of you to allow me the chance to atone for that dreadful mistake." "Queen? But I-" she broke off as understanding hit her. As far as he was concerned, she was heir to the Moon Kingdom throne, which made her the Queen of that place. 'And when I found Crystal Tokyo, I'll be Queen there too,' she thought. 'But he doesn't know about that.' "All right, Nephrite," she said, crossing her arms. "You can start by telling me how you're alive after Zoisite killed you." "I wish, I could, your Highness," Maxfield replied, raising his head. But I'm as mystified as you are. The last thing I remember, was lying on the grass, feeling my blood flow out of me. The next thing I know, I'm back in the throne room of Beryl's palace, back in the Negaverse, along with everyone else." "Everyone else?" Mars repeated. "Yes," Maxfield confirmed. "Malachite, Zoisite, Jeddite, even Beryl was there." "So what happened next?" "We received unexpected visitors." #--# If nothing else, Venus had to admit that this Nephrite guy had good taste in decor. The interior of the house was spartanly furnished, in such a way that it made the house seem larger, rather then empty. 'Of course, how much furniture do you need when your house is just a base camp for world conquest?' She asked herself acidly, tracing a white gloved finger along a ornately carved doorframe. It was, she noted, dust free. 'Jeez, the Memorials could play the All-star game in some of these rooms.' As she continued her wanderings, she heard what sounded like crying. Following her ears, she came upon Molly, naked as the day she was born, sitting in an empty furo, knees pulled up to her chest, shoulders shaking slightly. "Hey, what's wrong?" Molly's head jerked up, eyes wide as her hands darted to cover herself. "Hey, relax, we're both girls here. You aint got nothing I haven't seen before." Venus said as she perched on the edge of the furo before raising an eyebrow and giving Molly a wide smile. "Right?" Molly shot her a look and then relaxed somewhat. "So come on, talk to Dr. Mina. What's wrong?" "What Doctor? You're pre-law!" "Same diff. C'mon, why you crying?" "I-" Molly started and then broke off, one hand playing with the ring on it's chain around her neck. "Ah, thinking of Melvin again." "Well, no. . .yes. . .kinda." Venus said nothing, just waited. "I'm such a slut!" Molly burst out a moment later "Melvin isn't even cold in his grave and I'm hopping into the arms of another guy!" Her fist clenched and slammed into the side of the furo. "I go give into my physical urges before I'm even finished mourning!" "There's nothing wrong with that," Venus pointed out. Molly shot her a "you would know" look. That hurt Venus a little, but she didn't let it show. "Look at it this way," she said, deciding to be blunt. "When Melvin were alive how often were you and he intimate?" Molly didn't answer, but she did blush a bit. 'More then once or twice a week. Almost nightly, I bet,' Venus thought, but didn't say it aloud. "Right, so your body just became used to it. It became another need, like a good book, and sooner or later, a need has to be satisfied." "You're not helping," Molly grumbled. "Okay, let's put it another way. You were lonely. You have, or had feelings for Nephrite." "Maxfield." "Maxfield. You had feelings for Maxfield. Then he upped and died, and you set them aside. Then, Melvin died, you heard Neph-er, Maxfield was alive, and all those feelings came rushing back. There's nothing wrong with that, and I think Melvin would understand. He wouldn't want you to be lonely." "I know that, it's just. . ." "You feel it's too soon," Venus said quietly. "Well, just chalk it up as a moment of weakness and leave it at that, there's not much you can do it about now except put it behind you and-" she broke off as the house shook. "Mars to Venus! Venus! Come in damnit!" Venus' wrist communicator screamed. "Venus here. What is it, Mars?" "Zoisite dropped by with a few friends! Get back here!" "On my way," Venus said, jumping to her feet. "Stay here," she told Molly before running out. "As the sound of Venus's feet faded, Molly stood and exited the furo. For a moment, she stood and stared at her reflection, then taking the ring, she kissed it before letting it fall back into place. "For you," she softly told it and then raised her eyes back to the mirror. "Guyver." #--# "Beryl will reward me when I bring her your head!" Zoisite screamed, not so much wielding her sword as she was swinging it wildly. The blonde's eyes were mad with rage, and when she spoke, froth flew forth from her lips. "I was watching you, Nephrite. I saw you rutting like a pig in heat with that girl and then you go and betray the Queen! Treason is punishable by death!" "Sailor Moon is the Queen, you brain-sick whore!" Nephrite shot back, hard pressed to keep her from penetrating his defense. "She's nothing! Nothing! Beryl gave us more then Serenity ever could. I'm proud to serve her!" 'So was I, once,' Nephrite thought silently as he redoubled his efforts. #--# Zoisite couldn't help it, she laughed. She had done it, she had the Sailor Senshi in her grasp. "At last! I've done what no one else could do. I, Zoisite, have captured the Sailor Senshi! Turning, she gave Sailor Moon a swift kick in the ribs. "How does it feel, Sailor Moon? Tied up like a dog," she paused to give her another kick. "Humiliated beyond all belief. . .beaten." "I am merely a representation," Sailor Moon replied in that strange tone that indicated it wasn't Serena talking, but the Moon Princess. "As are we all representations of that which you fear, and so long as one of us lives, you, will never win." "You mean Tuxedo Mask?" Zoisite burst into laughter. "He's only one half of the equation. Without Sailor Moon, there can be no Crystal Tokyo, and without Crystal Tokyo. . ." she trailed off and smiled. "Well, I'm sure you can work out the rest for yourself." After giving Sailor Moon one last kick, she turned to the Doom N' Gloom girls. "Start opening a portal," she ordered. "Make it big enough to take this entire house and most of the surrounding property, I don't want any spells to be activated that might interfere with the transport." "Yes, sir!" They chorused. Nodding, Zoisite started to turn back to Sailor Moon to gloat some more when she noticed the youma she had dispatched to apprehend Nephrite's girlfriend was standing in the doorway swaying slightly, as though drunk. "Well? Did you find her?" There was no response. "Well? Answer me blast you!" The youma fell forward and by the time it hit the floor, it was dust. For a moment, Zoisite stared at the dust and then raised her eyes back to the doorway. A pair of glowing yellow eyes stared back. "And who are you? Come out where I can see you." For a moment, nothing happened, and then the figure stepped forward into the light. "Let them go," it said flatly. "Well, well, Nephrite," Zoisite chortled. "It seems you've been keeping secrets." "What are you talking about?" Nephrite demanded. "Don't toy with me!" Zoisite screamed, whipping around and backhanding Nephrite. "You've been hiding the Guyver unit!" "What?" "Silence!" Zoisite screamed, slapping him again. "You are nothing! Do not lie to me! I will not permit it! Twice you have betrayed our Queen! Twice you have allowed some stupid human to distract you!" She was raving now, spittle flying every time she talked as her fists pummeled Nephrite, punctuating her words. "I am your mistress, Mettalia is your God! Say it! Say it damn you!" "Go to hell," Nephrite snarled back. "It was too much. Zoisite had never been the most mentally stable of people and Nephrite's defiance was too much. Letting out a primal scream of rage, she conjured a dagger and rammed it into Nephrite's heart. "Die!" she screamed. "Noooooo!" Warrior screamed and leapt forward, one hand outstretched as it began to glow. Zoisite turned and gasped as Warrior's hand punctured her abdomen. She stared at Warrior for a minute, and then her eyes rolled back in her head and she fell backwards, her entrails still clutched in Warrior's hand, creating a bloody leash that connected the two. Then, almost as though she was dropping a Styrofoam cup into the trash, Warrior dropped the intestines on top of the now dead Lord General and just stood there, watching as her body dissolved into energy. For about a minute or so, nothing happened, but then, one of the Doom and Gloom Girls, the blue one, in fact, shifted, her foot scraping on the stone floor. Immediately, one of the sliver spheres set into the side of Warriors helmet moved along the groove it was set in. The Girls froze. Slowly, Warrior straightened and then turned her head to look at them. Then, purposefully, she held up her left hand and clenched her fist, the blade sliding out of it's forearm slot with an ugly scraping sound. "You helped," Warrior said to them. What happened next was an act of violence so horrific, and so terrible, that decorum prevents it being described in this account. #--# By the time the Senshi managed to free themselves, the sun was beginning to peek over the hills and Warrior had disappeared. Guided by Venus, Sailor Moon, Jupiter and Mars found Molly where the Senshi of Love had left her, huddled in the furo. Afterwards, they returned to the main room, where Mercury was attempting to save Nephrite. While Molly got dressed, Sailor Moon met Mercury's eyes, silently asking a question. Mercury shook her head. "How long?" Molly asked as she knelt next to Nephrite and took his hand. "Minutes, hours, perhaps even days," Mercury said quietly. "There's no way to tell. All we can do is make him comfortable." "I see," Molly said quietly. Nodding, Mercury continued tapping at her computer and frowning. "You got something Mercury?" Venus asked, peeking over her friend's shoulder. "I don't know," Mercury replied. "Nephrite's body is showing trace amounts of the energy the Imperium Silver Crystal used when it resurrected us after Beryl." "What? You mean the Crystal brought him back? Why?" Mercury only shrugged. "I don't know," was Mercury's only reply. #--# "I have something for you," Molly told Nephrite some time later. "Oh?" Nephrite asked. Molly nodded and took out a wrapped object from her jacket pocket. "A chocolate parfait," she said, breaking it in half and handing one of the pieces to him. "You did promise we'd share one." "So I did," Nephrite said, taking the proffered piece and biting into it. For the next few minutes, neither one said anything as they ate. Outside, the sun continued to climb into the sky. "Molly," Nephrite said. "Yes?" "I think, I'm going to have to leave now." "I know." "Don't look so sad," he said, giving her a weak grin. "If the Crystal brought me back once, maybe it will do it again." He closed his hand around hers, gripping it tightly. "And if it does, I promise, I will find you." "I'll be waiting," she said softly, and then she sat there, watching has he faded away, the only sign of her sorrow, a single tear trailing down her cheek. ********************** http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Keep/5268/Fanfic/fanfic.html Agreeable Komodo (Otakus Nodateus) He who buys it, uses it. Just say yes to prophylactics.