Chapter
8: Something sinister this way comes:
It had been three weeks since
Ami was cast out by her friends. And it had been miserable. Not wanting to stay
at her apartment at the girls dorm any more (only because her friends were also staying
there), Ami had moved into Gary’s spare room in his apartment and once there
she threw herself into her work. She had passed her chemistry test and a few
others with flying colours. But this did nothing to lift her spirits. Ami was
beginning to feel like how she used to feel like before she met Serena. Someone
who got good grades but didn’t have any friends. The only person who she can
truly call her friend was Gary. He stood by her and helped her in any way he
can. He even did most of the house work while Ami was studying. He also did the
cooking and would even tell funny stories to Ami in an
attempt to cheer her up. Even his puppets did their best to cheer Ami up too.
Now and then Ami would look at a photograph of her and her friends. The photo
was taken when they had graduated high school. Everyone was so happy back then.
They made a packed since junior high that they all have a graduation photo
taken together. But now that is no longer going to happen. Her friends made it
clear that Ami was no longer a Sailor Scout nor their friend anymore. And they even
been advoiding her in classes too. This was torture for Ami. Her friends were nearly
in the same classes as her and she couldn’t go and talk to them. She wanted to
but no. Ami even had to avoid them during their breaks and while they were
going to different classes. Ami never thought that she would be dreading about
going to school. She loved school but now it felt like going to a place of pain
and misery. The only time she felt relaxed and happy was back at Gary’s
apartment. Where she can find comfort with the only person who hasn’t turned
their back to her. Gary was a real gentleman and always did his best to make
the rest of the day happier for Ami. Ami was always thankful for Gary’s help.
She didn’t know what it be like if she was alone (Far worse she thought). Ami’s
feelings for Gary grew strong these past few weeks. And Gary even admitted that
he was developing feelings for her as well. And it was right there and then
where they had their first kiss. It was the happiest moment in both of their
lives. Both nineteen years old and they were kissing for the first time. It was
much needed relief for Ami. And Gary was happy to help her. The isolation from
her friends sadly continued until the first snow of winter came just after
November. When things began to get sinister.
It was the tenth day of December. Ami
was helping Gary decorate his apartment. Gary was celebrating Christmas and
wanted to get everything ready. Even though she didn’t celebrate this holiday,
Ami was touched by the fact that Gary wanted to celebrate it with her. Even
Gary’s puppets helped out. From Blade, Jester, and Tunneler helping with the
decorations. To Six Shooter, Torch, and Pin-Head arguing on what music they
should listen too. Ami just finished decorating one side of the tree that Gary
insist they put up and stood back to admire her work. “I think I did very well”
she said as Gary looked as well. “Very impressive” he said “I wish that you
could say the same for my side” It was a bit of a mess. But Ami helped sort it
out. Blade meanwhile had just told Six Shooter and Torch off for nearly getting
into a fight. It was then when he heard a tapping on the balcony doors. Blade
looked outside and saw shoulder deep in the snow…. Someone that he didn’t
expect to see. Meanwhile Gary was helping Ami put the finishing touch to the
tree. A big star that Ami had been given the privilege of placing it on the
tree. Gary was holding her steady as she place it on the top when Blade wondered
over and indicated that they were both needed. “What is it?” Gary asked as he
and Ami were led into the kitchen. And that’s where they saw him. Artemis
sitting on the counter, wrapped in a thick towel, trying not to sneeze.
“Artemis!” Ami said “what are you doing here?” “Checking up on you” Artemis
said “it has been so long since last time so I came to see you” “You came just
to see me!” Ami said “yes” Artemis said “when Luna and I heard about what
happened to you, we were shocked that Serena and the others could do that to
you. Luna and I protested at this but seeing that Lita was injured and also
angry that we didn’t continue. Only Luna knows that I’ve come here but I can’t
stay for long otherwise I’ll be missed” Ami picked up the cold, wet cat and
hugged him. “Thank you for coming over to see me” she said “I’m glad that you
and Luna still think of me as a loyal friend” A tear trickle down her cheek.
“Hey come on cheer up” Artemis said “it’s not going to last forever. And
everything will come out in the wash” Ami didn’t quite agree with this but said
thank you anyway. Gary left them two alone so they have some time to
themselves. Ami and Artemis talked for at least forty-five minutes. It was like
they had never met each other in a long time. If it wasn’t for the fact that
Artemis reminded themselves that he needed to get back that they eventually
stopped. Ami then took Artemis back to the balcony. “Thank you for coming to
see me Artemis” Ami said as she let him out “It was kind of you. But I don’t
want you to be found out. God knows what they’ll do to you” “Don’t worry Ami”
Artemis said jumping onto the rails “I’m more cunning then you think” and with
that he went off back to his place. Gary waited until Ami had closed the doors
before saying “I only just realised something. Isn’t Artemis a girl’s name?”
It was getting dark when
Artemis arrived back at Mina’s apartment. He had to avoid the traffic when he
crossed the roads which was always a problem nowadays. Anyway he climbed up the
drainpipe and tiptoed along the ledge towards Mina’s bedroom window. Luckily
she left it open slightly to freshen up everything. And what is also lucky is
that she wasn’t at home so he sneaked in without being noticed. Artemis made
his way to the living room where Luna was curled up on the carpet. She noticed
him as he settled down beside her. “How did it go?” she asked “is Ami ok?” “It’s
like she has gotten over it so fast” Artemis said “but she still feels
horrified about what happened. Gary is actually a decent guy and is helping out
the best he can” “Yeah I am starting to regret saying that he is a member of
the negaveres” Luna said “but all the same…” “Oh god enough already” Artemis
said “I’m getting annoyed with all this conspiracy crap!” Ok, ok calm down!”
Luna said “and since when did you started swearing?” “Only when I get annoyed”
Artemis said. He sat next to his wife and then asked “by the way where is Mina
and everyone?” “They’ve gone shopping” Luna said “they’ll be gone for hours. So
that means that we have the place to ourselves. Perhaps we should get started
with naming our kittens” “But they aren’t born yet” Artemis said “and besides I
would rather try and think of an idea on how to get everyone to forgive Ami and
get her back in the team” “We can’t” Luna said “we can’t force them to forgive
her. Sad as it is we must let them forgive Ami in their own time. And haven’t
you forgot what Blade did to Lita?!” Artemis sighed and nodded. “Ok then” he
said “I suppose I have to bide my time” But what he or Luna didn’t know is that
Ami’s homecoming would be sooner than expected.
Far off in the distant corner
of Tokyo is the abandoned warehouse district. A large group of buildings that
nobody used or needed (apart from the odd homeless person). They come in a
variety and shapes and sizes. And it is in one of these warehouses where that
thing arrived. An obese creature from parts unknown materialised and looked
around to figure out where it was. It grinned to itself as it was satisfied by
its surroundings. It then knelt down and placed a large bag on the ground. It
was going to make itself at home.
Meanwhile just on the other
side of Tokyo it was madness. The shopping district was having a half-price
sale and every shop was at least overflowing with shoppers. Among these were
Rei and Lita. Fighting their way through the waves of angry shoppers fighting
over the latest bargains. Lita was particular pissed due to the fact that
several women tried to steal the dress that she had already brought. “Get away
from us!” Lita said as she karate kicked yet another woman for trying to steal
a box of makeup from Rei. “I agree” Rei said retrieving the makeup box from the
woman (who was by now gasping for breath) “don’t these people understand that
we’ve already brought these things” With some luck they managed to get out of
the shop and stood panting outside in the frosty air. “So where to now?” Rei
said “I think we should go to the jewellery shop” Lita said “I hear that they
got those Arabian earrings in stock”. Rei nodded in agreement and the two girls
went off. While they walked, Rei was wondering if she’ll asked Lita about her
only purchase item. A blue dress that had blue jewels sown into it so it
sparkled when light falls on it. Rei had an idea why Lita brought it but dared
not asked because she didn’t want to stir up unconfutable memories. “Rei are
you ok?” Lita asked. Rei suddenly realised that she was staring and said “sorry
I was daydreaming” “You were wondering about this blue dress aren’t you?” Lita
said. Rei sighed and nodded. Lita looked ahead and said quietly “I brought it
for Ami” “For Ami?” Rei said “I thought you weren’t speaking to her again?”
“Rei it’s been two months now” Lita said “I just wanted to meet up with her and
tell her that I am sorry for all the mean things I said. And I hope this dress
would help as well. I was so angry at her for the first few weeks but as the
days past I began to feel regret. I have begun to notice Ami advoiding us when
we were in the same classes. I had seen her diving out of sight in the hallways
when she thought that we didn’t notice. I did wanted to call out to her but she
kept disappeared into the crowd. This must be absolutely torture for her” “I
understand” Rei said “I also want to apologise but I couldn’t find the right
time. I even went to the Gary’s apartment and almost rang the doorbell. But
then I heard something odd. I looked thru the letter flap and saw both Ami and
Gary in the hallway. And they were kissing! I couldn’t believe what I was
seeing. And when they paused before going back to it, Ami had a look on her
face that said that she was better now. That all of her troubles had gone away
now. I felt that I’ll ruin the moment between them if I rang the doorbell so I
left when they went back to kissing” “Ami and Gary?!” Lita said astonished “Our
brain box and that Englishman with the sentient puppets? Has the world stopped
or am I crazy? Do Serena, Darien, or Mina know too?” “No they don’t” Rei said
“and I think that it’s for the best that they don’t find out. Ami could get
into more trouble! And god knows what would happen to Gary” Lita agreed and
they continued on their way. But as they rounded the corner they came across
something strange.
There was the jewellery shop just insight of them. But next
to it was something that Lita and Rei did not expect. It was a toy shop. It was
brightly coloured and lights surrounded various doors and windows. As if it
wanted to be noticed. “When was the last time we were here?” Lita asked “Err…
last month” Rei said “I don’t remember there being a toy shop there before”.
They walked up to the shop and gazed inside through the windows. Inside was
everything you would expect to be inside a toy shop. Only a bit weirder. There
was nobody inside. Lita and Rei didn’t know either this is because the shop
just opened or that nobody had noticed. “I wonder how long this place has been
open for?” Lita said. Then she noticed Rei about to enter. “Rei what are you
doing?” she asked “I’m going to have a look around” Rei said “Come on when was
the last time we visited a toy shop. I haven’t been inside one since I was
little. When my mum brought be a cat plushy” She smiled at the happy memory and
then went inside. Lita groaned slightly and went in after her. Maybe some
nostalgia would be nice. Inside was completely different. Wood flooring and
wooden walls. Like that of a carpenter’s shop. Along the walls were shelves
full of old fashioned toys. From teddy bears and toy soldiers, to china dolls
and toy drum kits. All were well crafted and painted to perfection. Both Rei
and Lita were filled with nostalgia as they glanced around them. They did not
know where to start. Just as they were about to start looking, a door behind
the counter opened and a man stepped out. Obviously the shop keeper. “Welcome
ladies” he said in a quiet yet slightly strained type of voice “welcome to my
little shop. It is a privilege to attend you seeing that you two are the first
costumers to set foot inside my shop” “Are we really?” Rei said “so you just
opened” “quite right” the shop keeper said “and as you two are the first one to
enter then I’ll knock half of the price of anything you wish to buy” “Really?”
Lita said “that’s kind of you”. The two girls spent some time looking around
the shop. But all the while Lita was beginning to get suspicious. If this shop
had just opened, then why isn’t there any more people? Shouldn’t the shop keeper
splash out on advertisement? Make a huge song and dance act over the opening of
his shop? This was getting to sound weird. Rei didn’t thought about this cause
she was too busy looking at the various toys that lined the shelves. Then she
notice a huge pile of cuddly toy animals. As she lent closer to have a better
look at them, Rei noticed a small flower on one of them. Rei wondered if this
was part of the toy itself. But when she picked it up, she had a blasted of red
mist in her face. Rei had no idea what it was but she was beginning to feel
weird.
Lita was still browsing through the shelves when she heard Rei gasping
over something. “Rei what is it?” she asked as she walked over to find her
friend…… in amongst some plushies of various animals. She was literally rolling
around in the huge pile of cuddly toys as if she was a child. “Rei what the
hell are you doing?” Lita asked. “Aren’t these things so cute?” Rei said in a
voice that isn’t her own. She picked up a furry elephant and hugged it tightly.
“Rei stop this at once!” Lita said “you are acting very childishly! What is the
shop keeper sees you!?” “I don’t care!” Rei said hugging all of the plushies
that she can reach “I always wanted something to cuddle” “What’s gotten into
you?!” Lita demanded. Rei ignored her and laid back on the plushies. She was in
heaven right up to the moment when giant teddy bear claws sprung out from the
plushies and grabbed Rei around her waist. “WHAT THE HELL!?” Rei said suddenly
snapping out of her delusion. She struggling to get free but her efforts just
made whatever was holding her tighten its grip. “Rei!” Lita said “don’t move!
I’ll help you”. Dropping what she was holding and tied to free her friend. But
as she almost freed Rei, Something else grabbed Lita from behind and pulled her
back. “LET ME GO!” Lita shouted kicking who ever grabbed her. Then she found
out that she was grabbed by a giant toy solider. Then the shop keeper came
along. “I see that you two have found something interesting” he said in a less
friendly voice. Lita and Rei tried to break free from their captors but they
were too weak. Rei’s captor emerge from the mound of cuddly toys to be reviled
as a giant savage teddy bear. “LET US GO!” Lita said again “WHO THE HELL DO YOU
THINK YOU ARE?!” “Oh I’m nothing” the shop keeper said “I’m just a servant.
Following my master’s orders to the full” “Your master?” Rei said “who is your
master?” “Oh you’ll meet him in time” the shop keeper said “now sleep!” He then
blew some dust onto Rei and Lita faces and they fell asleep.
Serena was in a
tiswas. She has been waiting for fifteen minutes now and she was considering whether
to get angry or let Darien do it for her. She had been waiting for the shop
assistant to return with her requested item. Which is a catalogue of wedding
dresses. Even though she was nineteen, Serena and Darien were engaged to be
married and she wanted to start on the wedding plans. Serena didn’t want to
tell her parents yet due to the fact that her father hated Darien with a
passion (due to the obvious fact that Darien was five years older than Serena).
Anyway the shop assistant finally arrived with the catalogue and she happily began to flick through the pages. “You are very serious about weddings
aren’t you?” said a voice. Serena looked up to see both Darien and Mina
approaching her from the direction of the hair dressers and beauty parlour. Where
Mina had gone through a fall make over (well not quite she just had her hair
washed and her nails done) “yes I am darling” Serena said (she had been
secretly practising her young couples nicknames) “and I am wondering when will
it be. Seriously it has been five years since you gave me that ring and I really
want to marry you!” She was really serious about this. So serious that she made
Darien back away slightly. “Serena calm down!” Mina said “just wait until college
is over and then start planning your wedding. Meanwhile let’s just go about our
shopping. And hopefully meet up with Rei and Lita for a coffee” Everyone nodded
and they went off.
They went around the various shops and brought a lot of cool
items. Apart from Darien who had to pay for everything. While they were out
Mina suddenly thought of something. She wanted to get something for Luna and
Artemis’s kittens when they are born. But looking at the time, it was getting
late and most of the shops were going to be closed for the night. This is one
of those moments were you either save till tomorrow or hurry before the shop
closes. She was just thinking on what to do when she noticed something. There was
a toy shop just off in the distance. A small yet very modern toy shop. Mina
then noticed a sign in the window that read “we also do toys for your pets”.
Delighted, Mina headed towards the well-lit shop. Mina entered and was
surprised by what she saw. It was very modern with lots of tall, glass cabinets.
Each of them filled with very well made toys. From robots and Tablets to plushies
that talk and even mini Mecha suits. Mina really wanted to explore this weird
place. But realised what she had come in here for and started to look around
for pet toys. As she searched, Mina was thinking of something. Why aren’t any
other customers? Where’s the person at the till? It was very strange being in
an empty shop with no one around. Has the shop keeper gone in the back for a
cigarette while the shop had no one inside? Mina had no idea. But she then
found a display of pet toys so she forgot about it. Mina was looking for
something special to buy Luna and Artemis. Something that said “Congratulations
for your family” all over it. But there wasn’t anything here that said it. Mina
searched long and hard but nothing came up. She was about to give up when she
noticed something. A cat basket with a velvet interior. That was exactly what
she was looking for. Mina picked up and looked at the price tag. It was a
bargain so she decided to buy it. But as she turned to go to the check-out
counter, she heard something. A kind of rustling noise. Like something was
running around. Mina decided that it was just her imagination and went to find
the check-out counter. There it was again. Only this time it was closer. Mina
was getting nervous. She then turned a corner and then saw something that made
her jump. An animatronic snowman with a creepy smile on its face. But what was
creepier about it was the fact that it wasn’t here when she entered. Perhaps
Mina missed it as she walked in. Anyway Mina made the mistake by turning her
back on it. Because it then came alive and grabbed her from behind. Mina
screamed when she found herself in danger. Dropping the cat basket, she
struggled to break free but it was no use. The snowman’s grip got tighter. Then
it spoke. “If I were you, I won't struggle” it said "unless you want to be a human ice cream cone!".
Meanwhile somewhere
else, Serena was showing Darien a dress that she found. “Isn’t it beautiful?”
she said “it matches my eyes” “Doesn’t it make you look fat?” Darien said “look
at the woman wearing it, it makes her look pregnant with triplets!” “One thing
at a time Darien” Serena said a little sarcastic “well then what about….” She
was interrupted by a scream. A scream so loud that it could have been heard in
New Zealand. And it was a scream that Serena knew all too well. “That’s Mina!”
she said “she’s in trouble!” “You’re right!” Darien said “we must help her! But
where is she?” “I think that it’s coming from one of those shops Darien!”
Serena said. And she was right. The scream were coming from a toy shop. And
they ran inside. To their horror, they found Mina being pinned against a wall
by an animatronic snowman who was doing its best to silence her. “Stop
screaming witch!” it was saying in a robotic like voice. “HEY!” Serena said
making the snowman turn around. “LET MY FRIEND GO!” she added. “Can’t do that
sweetie” the snowman said “my master wishes to have her in his possession. In
fact he wanted you as well!” It then blew some sort of freeze breath on Mina
and she was frozen to the wall. The sheer cold was too much for Mina and she
passed out. Then the snowman turned and began to advance on Serena. “We can do
this the easy way or the hard way sweetie” it said as it prepared to snatch
Serena. Then suddenly a rose in beaded itself in the floor in-between it and
her. “WE’LL DO THIS THE WAY OF THE MOON!” someone shouted. Serena and the
snowman looked upwards. Darien was on top of a glass cabinet. Wearing his
Tuxedo Mask outfit (how he changed in a record time of 5.0 seconds is anyone’s
guess). “Serena!” he said “get Mina free and get out of here! I’ll take care of
Mister Frosty!” “But Darien….” Serena said “Don’t worry about me” Darien said
“just get Mina out of here……” he was cut short when a sharp icicle sliced
through his side. Causing a deep cut just under his kidney. “If you wanted to
fight me” the snowman said “then fight me. Don’t just stand around glorifying
about it!” Darien then fell off the cabinet and hit the tiled floor with a
thud. The snowman then shot three more icicles into Darien just for the hell of
it. “DARIEN!” Serena screamed. But the snowman silenced her by whacking her
across the room. Then it wondered over and picked Darien up. “And for your
information” it said raising Darien above his head “My name is Jack Frost!” and
with that it threw Darien out of the window. Darien flew for forty yards until
he landed in a huge mound of broken glass. And for some reason none of the
passers-by saw this. The snowman then laughed evilly. “That got rid of fancy
pants” it said. Then suddenly a bright light flared up behind it. And as it
turned around to see what was happening, it saw a very angry Serena. Now in her
Sailor Moon outfit plus a red face. “First you attacked my friend!” she said
“then you said that you in temped on kidnapping her. I was going to give you a
quick defeat but now you’ve severely injured the man I love! NOW IT’S
PERSONAL!” She said no longer holding back on her anger “IN THE NAME OF THE
MOON I WILL KILL YOU!” The snowman just laughed and sent hundreds of smaller
icicles at her. Serena managed to dodge them all and took a strike at the snowman.
Taking its arm clean off. But it just laugh it off and grew a new arm. Serena
fought the snowman for quite a long time until it managed to get the upper hand
and (after covering its fist with ice) punched Serena out cold. Serena fell to
the floor like a lifeless doll and laid there. “Snowman one, Sailor twerps zero!” the snowman said laughing. It then pick Serena up and
flung her over its shoulder. It then unfroze the still passed out Mina and
carried her under his other arm. “Time to pay the boss a little visit” the
snowman said "perhaps I could get a bonus for this" and it walked out of the toy shop. As it did, the shop vanished.
Leaving an empty alleyway in its place. “Looks like I’m going to have to walk
here” the snowman said annoyed. It then headed towards where its master is.
Completely forgetting about Darien and the fact that he was still alive. And
that not killing him would be the biggest mistake it had ever made.
