The funeral for Anne was a most solemn affair. Darien stood listening to the celebrant as she cast her words of comfort over the gathering. Darien wasn’t an atheist as such, but held to the belief that the sacred – whatever its manifestations -- was an arbitrary power, a self-organizing enigma that would unfold as it should. It made perfect sense to him. He had seen enough death and pain in his capacity as a private detective to understand that. But all the same, the ceremony in the small multi-faith bluestone chapel had touched his heart: the singing, the flowers and tributes carried him upon a tide of grief and regret. His eulogy touching the hearts of all as he struggled to complete it, tears streaming down his cheeks as Anne’s family, Serena along with heaps of Anne’s college friends and others whose lives in some small or significant way touched by Anne paid due homage as she embarked on the ultimate journey to the beyond.
He felt numb, as a sense of unreality overwhelmed him. Head lowered, his inner torment continued to rage, And we, the human race… constantly try to unpack it all and end up doubling upon ourselves, and during the process, create our harsh Gods and ideologies that eventually turn on us when our backs are turned, he thought angrily, blinking away tears. Darien’s heart weighed heavy with grief. As much as he cared for Anne -- albeit a mixture of guilt, genuine affection and appreciation of her beauty, but it was her unconditional love and companionship that really counted in the final analysis. He realized she felt for him something that he’d never felt himself – perhaps her greatest gift was her ability to love -- despite that love not being returned.
He supposed, in some small way, he did love her. But the glittering prize had thus far eluded him. She had taught him how precious love really was and he was thankful for that. Anne, he knew, had known what she was getting into – eyes open, as was her heart, it seemed -- and now she was gone.
He hung his head and cried, sobbing for Anne and the sorry son of a bitch he was. His pain reflected back to him in the eyes of Tanya -- Anne’s older sister -- a journalist with a well-known lifestyle magazine in the UK. She stood next to Darien and hugged him, her long silken black hair catching the afternoon sunlight, her hot tears wet upon the shoulder of his black suit.
She lifted her stricken face to his and spoke in a soft English accent – she had lived in London for ten years – her make-up smeared, her eyelids shrouding rich brown eyes red with crying.
She was the exact opposite in appearance to her younger sister: dark eyes and hair, tall, slim of build, almost a boyish figure and creamy skin as opposed to Anne’s coppery complexion, "Thank you Darien, for your kind words earlier at the service. I know it was a difficult time for you…," she told him, looking deeply into his ocean-blue eyes and continued, "She really loved you, you know… I was glad of that. I knew where things stood with you both… So don’t blame yourself, she wouldn’t have wanted that. Anne was truly happy as things were…"
"But it was--"
She placed a finger on his lips and shook her head. "Before you start berating yourself -- sister’s talk -- I can tell you, she was satisfied just being part of your life. She knew it wouldn’t last and she told me so, but she still wanted to bask in your warmth for however long it lasted…" she broke off suddenly, and Darien hugged her once more, as they continued to console one another. They stood like that for a while before she lifted her head and smiled, producing a tissue for each of them from her shoulder bag.
Anne and Tanya’s parents, Jack Rowan -- a former school teacher -- and his wife, Janette, who owned a small arts and crafts shop in their home town of Fortuna Indiana, moved in their direction, words of empathy passing between them . The couple looked to Darien’s mind as if they’d aged gracefully, but the loss of their daughter would weigh heavily on them he knew. Later, they all met at the hotel where Tanya and her parents were staying.
Serena left the chapel, watching Darien and Anne’s family climb into the waiting cars that would soon take them to the cemetery. This part of the funeral was a private family affair and she returned with Rei and Mina to the hotel where most of the mourners from out of town were staying. She was acutely aware of the heavy FBI presence wherever she looked, there they were, the imposing men and women wearing sunglasses dressed in black speaking into their cell phones and looking amongst the mourners for any signs of trouble. Even outside the hotel and in the lobby they weren’t difficult to spot.
~*~
At the hotel, Serena sat quietly -- Mina and Rei on either side -- making small talk. Serena, still reeling from the shocking news of Anne’s death at the hands of an assassin, was contemplated her own mortality. It could have been me… Anne died in my place… I feel so sad, she thought to herself.
Rei arched an eyebrow and looked at her quizzically, "Hey Sere, you okay, girlfriend?"
"Sure, you know…just spacing out…the old meatball head. I’m okay…" she left her words hanging like mist on a haunted mountain she dared not climb and shook herself, "Now for that hot chocolate and those chocolate-chip cookies Lita gave me for you guys," she said distractedly, before retreating into the kitchen.
"It’s not been easy on her," Rei said in a whisper as she looked after the retreating form of her friend.
"Yeah, I know, but given all that’s happened, I don’t know if either of us could have coped as well as she has… I suppose," Mina, responded, a hint of concern in her voice.
~*~
Ami had visited Serena the night before they’d flown from the airfield in Tucson to Chicago. Serena told Ami that the nightmares had stopped for the moment. She explained this as most likely because of the funeral and all that demanded her full attention. Ami had agreed with Serena’s assessment. My night daemons -- if they returned -- would have to wait, she told herself inwardly, dragging herself back to the present, smiling weakly at Rei as she placed the platter of delicious cookies before her friends. Rei squeezed her hand, all took a hot mug of chocolate, and the conversation began to flow.
~*~
Over the next few weeks, Darien spent most of his time alone in his apartment with his books and writing. His new laptop made him smile when he remembered how excited Melvin was that he had finally decided to invest in the lightweight machine. He helped Darien set up the software and coached him in the finer arts of what Melvin called – nerd canon – it was a lot of fun and the perfect distraction from thinking about Anne too much.
They were no closer to catching her murderer. All they knew was that whoever it was; they were looking for a female assassin. He had hit her when he fired Anne’s handgun -- wishing he had killed the bitch, who without conscience took Anne’s life.
Staring into the fire, he sipped his wine and tried to think of something else, but it was impossible. He stroked Luna who sat on his lap, having agreed to look after Serena’s cats – Artemis lay curled up on a rug at his feet – until Serena could return home, he didn’t mind caring for the two felines. He loved cats, and caring for them was yet another excuse to see Serena again, but this desire was unconscious.
**The Honeysuckle Ranch -- Arizona January 2005 **
It was a mild night, not a cloud to be seen in the moonlit sky. The small farm in Tucson Arizona serving as an FBI safe house was once an exclusive riding school for young ladies.
Melvin and Molly had been a great support -- calling regularly and staying over on weekends whenever the FBI could arrange it. It seemed Molly was head-over-heels in love with the kindhearted detective and she was happy for them both, and wondered when Melvin would pop the question.
Serena felt guilty for her feelings for Darien, yet should I feel that way? She asked herself almost every time the thought of Darien entered her head. At first, there wasn’t a single word from him. Then there was the day he had called during a particularly violent thunderstorm on the pretext of looking out for her welfare -- given the storm’s ferocity –this had melted her heart. Remembering how she had gripped the phone like an over enthusiastic schoolgirl with a bad crush, -- hanging on every word. And so it went, from once a fortnight, to once each week.
It was during the month of September when Darien began visiting Serena at the safe house that something had kindled between them. She was glad for the company. He began helping her with her studies as arrangements had been made to allow her to finish her degree by correspondence. She looked forward to his visits with great anticipation. He would stay in the guest room, ostensibly to keep an eye on her, but soon, a rapport began to weave itself between them and their friendship grew steadily.
For Darien’s part, he found himself drawn to Serena like a moth to the flame. It seemed perfectly natural and he knew Anne would approve.
By November, Darien had let go of his pain and guilt. Serena had graduated with honors, having received high distinctions as part of her degree, and to celebrate Serena’s academic achievements, they went to Taco Dream, a nearby Mexican restaurant she called her hacienda away from home.
Darien laughed, realizing it was the first time he had done so for a long, long time, "Hey that’s a great idea, Sere. I love Mexican cuisine…let’s go!"
"It’s on me, Dar… You shouted me a milkshake last time, remember, so no argument, my treat." She smiled up at his amused deep-blue eyes and felt herself shiver with something akin to warmth and excitement.
"Would the lady like to take my arm?" He said grinning as they rose to leave, Darien, wearing a tux and looking every part the stylish Cheshire cat as he looked over her silk hot-pink evening dress with its spaghetti straps and ruffled neckline and hem that flowed in a broad skirt about her calves.
"I would…" she replied smiling, and off they went. The drive was short and they arrived without incident.
The food and the service was second to none, Serena loved the atmosphere and music. A blazing fire and the scent of wood smoke added the magic that she enjoyed on camping trips and school excursions as a girl, oh how I miss those days and …mom, she mused as a far away look crossed her face. Darien, a look of concern in his eyes involuntarily patted her hand. She turned her palm upright and gripped his hand and squeezed – their fingers lingering for an imperceptible second or two longer than was necessary. The wine mellowed them, and soon they were actually talking about themselves, opening doors to one another that set an aura about them -- not lost on the passive observer. It was then a young adolescent Hispanic girl with the most beautiful soulful eyes and dark hair flowing to her waist. Hanging on one arm, a basket of stunning freshly cut roses, and in her free hand, she held a stunning blood-red rose. She smiled as she approached their table. Darien smiled invitingly and the girl stepped forward and spoke shyly, "A Flower for your lovely lady, sir?" Serena blushed and grinned, not contradicting the girl’s assumption.
He looked at Serena and spoke softly, "I am sure my lovely lady would adore such a treasure, thank you…" he said, pulling out his wallet and handing the rose to Serena, and as an afterthought, he bought another and told the girl it was for her. She blushed profusely and thanked him, wishing them both a wonderful evening before seeking out other couples.
"Thanks Dar, that is really sweet of you," she lifted her eyes to his and blinked, the movement of her long lashes captivating him.
"Think nothing of it, Sere. You deserve it, and I couldn’t think of a better way to thank you."
"Thank me?"
"Yeah, you know, I have been moping around for so long, trying to come to terms with Anne’s death. You helped me in more ways than you realize," he told her, taking her hand and holding it tightly for longer this time before letting it go.
"I did?"
"Yeah, you see, Serena… I had not known how to take that leap of faith into the world again. I was doing what we all must after any loss, surviving. I was dead on the inside and I forgot what Anne had told me before she died…and what she meant when she asked me to promise her to seek happiness and get on with my life. So I decided to stop feeling sorry for myself and get out there…"
"And that’s when you started phoning and visiting me…?"
"Yeah, it wasn’t just work related as Andrew and Melvin could easily have handled things alone. I guess I am trying to say… I like you, Serena. I like you a lot. I wanted to reach out, and your warmth and over-all personality was the perfect tonic."
"I don’t know what to say," she blushed again, "I have enjoyed every moment and you have been a big help with my studies, and the best study buddy I could have wished for," she grinned as he took her hand once again and on impulse, lifted it to his lips and kissed it. Liquid warmth flooded her heart and found its way to every corner of her being, "You showed me how to feel," he told her, letting her hand go. She smiled and they finished their wine, and spent the rest of the time making small talk. Then Darien gestured to their attendant. She stood before them as Serena placed money in the tray and Darien added the tip.
~*~
He was beginning to feel the stirrings of something more than friendship for Serena, this, he thought, was the real deal. He refrained from kissing her thus far, wanting to be sure of his ground and himself.
But Things had taken a positive turn after a fishing trip. He was accompanied by Serena, Molly and Melvin, and later their party was joined by Andrew and his partner, Sara. They spent a wonderful weekend together in the mountains, not far from the safe house. Fresh water fish, beautiful scenery, long walks and bon fires at night, spending many hours telling stories around the campfire, or listening to Serena and Sara singing beautifully, accompanied by Andrew on his acoustic guitar.
He felt as if he was tethered to the vivacious blonde’s heart, and Serena -- he suspected -- was feeling the same. One would catch the other out chancing the occasional glance, eyes darting away at the last second as contact between them was made, their fingers brushing at the meal table, and a series of other such encounters decided him that it was time to reveal his heart.
~*~
Christmas and New Year had been truly memorable. It was perfect. Blazing log fires, toasted marshmallows and good company to go along with the good food and wine completed the picture. Both he and Serena, along with Melvin and Molly and the others enjoyed the fishing and riding immensely. The ranch’s stables housed four beautiful horses -- one a black stallion called Onyx, the others Ishtar -- a white filly and 2 chestnut mares -- autumn and Dusk.
All were overjoyed to learn of Molly and Melvin’s engagement, though Serena suspected it was imminent, nonetheless, she was ecstatic. Molly had said yes to his proposal of marriage during a long walk beside the lake, and Darien enthusiastically agreed to be best man at their wedding.
**Mexico City February 2005**
Alexander Diamond stood arrogantly perusing his basement weapons machine shop. Winking at the Italian looking man -- a knowing smile on his face -- with a hand gesture, he signaled him to take a break and join him at a nearby table opposite the humming machinery. Diamond wore a white Safari suit, black silk shirt open at the neck and a pair of shades, his diamond-studded Rolex catching the light.
Anton Jadeite was his senior weaponry technician. Diamond, had always been impressed by the quality of his superb handguns -- high-powered automatics and other munitions. The former Navy Seal -- retired due to battle trauma was also a skilled strategist and explosives expert.
Diamond smiled, extending a hand to the taller man with an Adonis-like physique, his blonde hair accentuating his otherworldly countenance. His black three-piece suit adding executive panache to his God-like aura, "Anton… it’s been too long since I’ve personally visited the finest weapons expert in the Northern hemisphere. How are you?"
"Things couldn’t be better Mr. Diamond, sir. I have the new shipment ready and the information you requested on troop movements in Honduras. I have instructed the -- young-guns -- if I can be forgiven for my poor sense of humor, on the modifications for the rocket launcher and use of the depleted uranium shells we are deploying in the field even as we speak."
"Very good, so the company is more than ready to do business in South America -- just have to take out the trash, eh," he laughed, patting the other man on the shoulder.
"Thank you Mr. Diamond,"
The other man replied with a grin.
"Alex, you’ve earned that right…this is not only a celebration of your success on the battlefields of commerce and military accomplishment, but of your promotion to the IMF executive council as one of five personal advisors."
"Thank you sir… I mean, Alex… I am honored,"
He stammered, surprised by the unexpected honor bestowed upon him.
Lester Kunzite, who was watching this exchange, shrugged and turned his attention back to his work. The white over-alls and silver helmet gave Diamond’s staff a sense of pride in their work and themselves, the paychecks helped of course. But they liked Alexander Diamond. His wit and sense of humor was always welcome in any social setting in which they’d find themselves. He would show up unannounced at Christmas, and birthdays and at the most unexpected times, much to the delight of all his employees – be they in his legitimate corporation, or in such underworld enclaves such as this. He would turn up and shower all with fine gifts. Lester was given a white Porsche and Candy a gold necklace. Jessica and Tammy, their adolescent daughters, were given a pink and black Corvette Stingray and a beautiful wardrobe of clothes, the envy of their peers in college.
Diamond was all right, and if his people stayed on his good side, there was never a reason to feel otherwise. But if one did fall from grace in his eyes, one of two things would happen; either, these individuals would end up dead, or promoted.
He smiled at one of his newest recruits. Alyssa, a nineteen-year-old, dark-haired leggy beauty he had recently recruited the virtues of the new Diamond Trailblazer. This laser-guided handgun fired deadly bullets not only capable of their intended targets, but possessed nano-technology that would alter the body chemistry of its victims and transform The corpse into an explosive device capable of killing up to 100 men, operated by voice, , cell phone, or notebook computer.
**Lima Peru March 2005**
Beryl broke into a sweat. It wasn’t possible. Somebody was trying to scare her and ruin everything she had worked so hard to achieve all these years. Ten-year-old Sibyl, a coppery blonde happy-go-lucky girl, was approaching her eleventh birthday and attending a school in Lima Peru -- an exclusive college catering for the children of international embassy staff.
Somebody was being a smartass, claiming to be Eileen Silver come back from the grave, how macabre, she thought shaking her head. It was frightening how strange symbols were appearing on the walls and doors of their private townhouse, security was beefed up, but the strange omens kept on coming. She grew afraid when she’d opened a package addressed to Sibyl and immediately dropped it and screamed, it was a dead raven, a scroll tied to the poor things leg that read -- Death awaits the betrayer of the black rose -- she had no idea what or who was behind it. But she wasn’t going to let anyone threaten her little girl, Sibyl was a beautiful child, her bubbly personality and expansive imagination were quite infectious. Beryl had learnt a lot from her daughter, including how to love -- something she had always associated with good sex and power, but she was misguided. Love was something more profound than just physical love, and power had nothing to do with it.
She shrugged and loaded the automatic and slipped it into its holster, after disposing of the dead bird in the compost bin.
**Arizona March 2005**
Serena woke to find a gloved hand over her face, she tried to scream, but her only thought was of Darien, and then she blacked out.
Darien woke to the sound of glass breaking somewhere in the house. He cursed and climbed out of bed, dressing quickly. Gathering his wits, he picked up his machine pistol, slipped on his lightweight night goggles, stealthily crept into the hall, and surveyed the immediate area. The shadows loomed like demons all about him as the pale light of the moon caressed the furnishings in the living room.
He made his way up the stairs and crouched low -- his weapon at the ready. Two tall figures were struggling with something heavy in their arms, and it was with shock he realized it was Serena. He didn’t want to hit her, so he aimed his pistol at there feet and fired a rapid succession of shots. The first man, who was carrying Serena’s legs, had dropped them. Darien chose that moment to rush the second man, on his way delivering a Karate chop to the wounded man -- then pressing the barrel of his weapon against the second man’s neck, "Let go, you bastard!" The man complied, and Darien struck him on the back of his head. He picked up Serena and rushed downstairs, kicking open the door, made his way towards his car where he could alert the agents stationed outside, and get Serena out of there. "Bunch of incompetent fools," he muttered as he opened the passenger door in back and placed Serena inside before slamming the door shut -- his weapon extended – he moved in a slow half-circle, panning his surroundings.
It was at that moment he saw her, a slight, and yet beautiful Japanese girl in a black body suit -- a gun belt about her hips, "Darien Shields, fancy seeing you here…Alex will be most displeased that one of his trusted security staff is fraternizing with the enemy…" she laughed, almost hysterically. He lifted his gun towards her, but she was too quick for him and the familiar sound of a bullet suppressed by a silencer struck him in the shoulder and he lost consciousness.
~*~
The next thing he knew, he woke in a dingy hotel with Serena sitting up looking at him with startled eyes filled with tears, "What…happened?" Darien tried to stand up, but began to wobble unsteadily on his feet. Serena put her arms about his chest to steady him and eased him onto the double bed opposite the large purple couch. She crossed to a small table, poured him a glass of water, and handed it to him. She was still in her negligee, but a suitcase was by the bed and their assailant was nowhere to be seen.
He took in the wardrobe and writing desk, a vase filled with indigo flowers -- the only adornment -- these almost black. Serena stared at him with wide-eyes
Darien looked at her and examined the dressing over his shoulder, "They sent for a doctor. You were out for three days, Dar… We are somewhere in South America, Peru, I think."
He arched an eyebrow, "I need a shower…does this place have a bathroom?"
"Yup…let me help you," she offered. Darien nodded. He couldn’t help but be aware of the softness of her shapely form beneath her nightie that fell to mid-thigh as they struggled to the bathroom. He had a sudden urge to encircle her in his arms, hold her close and kiss her, but he pushed the thought aside and concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other.
Eventually, he had showered -- avoiding getting his dressing wet -- ten minutes later, he was dressed.
"She shot me!"
"Who…Beryl…? And let me help you with that," Serena told him, carefully helping him put on his leather jacket with some protestation from the dark-haired detective. She sighed inwardly, finding it difficult not to admire his magnificent physique.
~*~
"We’re out of here, Sere," he said, feeling a little better.
"And how do you intend we pull off that little Houdini trick, huh?"
"I have my ways," he winked and then gave her a boyish smile that brought an answering smile to her lips in spite of herself.
"The doors are locked and this building I suspect is an abandoned warehouse used as an apartment block -- now condemned I guess," she said thoughtfully looking through the dirty window that brought a rust colored light into the room.
He coughed, drawing her attention from the semi-industrial landscape downstairs to his deep blue orbs. She turned to look at him with those deep soulful eyes, "I need something for the pain. Have you looked in the kitchen and bathroom to see what they’ve left us?"
"Not yet, but I will see what I can find…stay there and I’ll be right back."
"Yeah, as if I’m planning on going anywhere," he muttered, watching the backs of Serena’s long shapely legs as she retreated into the kitchen and smiled before another sharp jab of pain brought him out of his reverie.
It seemed he was in luck; Serena smiled as she held the bottle of brandy like a trophy in one hand and a med kit in the other, "For medicinal purposes I assure you, he chuckled, as she handed him a shot-glass filled with the precious liquid.
He drank slowly, feeling the pain ebbing away.
He watched Serena’s scantily clad form as she stood like Psyche before the ornate vase and lifted one of the fragrant blooms to her nostrils and inhaled, "Beautiful, a rose, or lily? I’m not sure which... Well, lets see what there is to eat," she told him as she made her way towards the kitchen.
Ten minutes later, they ate a hearty breakfast. It seemed the fridge was well stocked with plenty of food, as were the cupboards. Even a small wine collection, and there were spirits, juices and soft drinks, along with desserts provided by their captors, Nice, must be friends of Alexander Diamond, he thought ruefully.
~*~
The mysterious doctor and a nurse appeared each morning at nine o’clock sharp, let into the apartment by a black clad guard -- a ninja, he thought. Darien had trained in Ninjitsu covering most of the hand-to-hand techniques as part of his paramilitary training while at the police academy. He had originally hoped to join the Special Forces unit, but opted out after the death of his partner, Rex Sorgaicy during a fatal car chase in Manhattan, the car had crashed into a department store window and Darien hadn’t been able to forgive himself for what happened. He knew it was bad luck, but this was cold comfort to his partner’s family, who like himself had kept vigil at his bedside in shifts around the clock until Rex died peacefully in his sleep.
Darien had learned a great deal from Rex. He sparred with him in hand-to-hand combat and what Rex didn’t know about explosives use wasn’t worth knowing. He was also a fierce opponent with the katana.
Darien’s thoughts returned to the present as the doctor went to work on his wound, showing Serena what to do and allowing her to assist. For three weeks this continued until Darien’s wound had mended sufficiently to allow him to tend to it himself with instructions for Serena to assist him.
Another week had passed, and they were getting a little antsy -- a natural reaction to being cooped up in the cramped apartment for a little over a month now. They were stuck in the middle of an industrial wasteland and were thoroughly sick of it, but they were alive and that was what mattered.
He turned to Serena, "Since the girl who shot me knew I was originally hired by Diamond Corp for legitimate purpose, she seemed to be surprised to find me there… I wonder—"
His words were cut off by the sound of a key in the lock. Stepping into the room was a tall blonde haired man in a black three-piece suit holding an Uzi machine pistol flanked by two dark clad women, now unraveling the dark fabric covering their heads, revealing two familiar faces. One was Kaori Diamond -- her tumble of jet-black falling to her hips as she shook it out -- and the other, Serena recognized with a shock, Hotaru Tomoe, "Hotaru! What is going on," She demanded, shaking her head in disbelief, glowering at the petite figure in black defiantly as tears streamed down her cheeks.
"We want Silver Corp… Make no mistake Serena, I’m playing for keeps and to prove it, I will have to demonstrate my determination," With a curt nod from Hotaru, Jadeite lifted his Uzi and pointed it at Darien’s head.
"All right…! I will do as you ask," she agreed resignedly.
"No Sere, don’t give into them…"
"Darien, I wont let them hurt you; they can have the damned company. I don’t care…I love you and I wont put your life at risk for anything," she told him, her eyes aglow with the unmistakable aura of love.
He just stared at her with admiration and disbelief, she actually loved him, hearing her say it pushed all other considerations aside as he looked at her tear splashed face and she went to him, their adversaries standing completely at ease, as if they had no care in the world.
Then Hotaru crashed through their emotional epiphany, "Serena, I am sorry. But you see, as much as I hate to break up this touching session between yourself and lover-boy here, I have little time to waste. And as much as I might care about you and your brother, Sammy… you’re both in my way… Kaori here is my mentor and has been like a mother to me, and it is to her I am most loyal… I have at least spared your lives…for the moment," she added, "I will let you live if you cooperate, but any deviation and its death for each of you."
Serena was stunned;; this was the ultimate betrayal. This woman had the gall to sit by her side and share her grief over her mother’s grave – once the faithful family nanny and friend -- she couldn’t believe it. Hotaru had supported Serena after her father shamed the family and after her mother’s death when she came back into her life, only to vanish once again. And now this,
She thought angrily, hurt and rage vying for supremacy within,
"But why, Taru-chan…? We were like sisters… I don’t understand," she told the stone-faced woman she barely recognized as her former friend, wondering what twisted logic drove her to become this deadly creature standing before her.
"That’s right, Sere. You don’t, and how could you. I lost everything as a girl, Kaori, the Black Rose also known as the Dark Glaive took me in…my family was butchered by a powerful warlord, and I was cast into the streets, if not for Kaori, well… I would have lived a life of squalor and died a prostitute – penniless and riddled with disease on the streets of Tokyo," she explained with a passion that almost had Serena feeling sorry for this woman. But what she had done was wrong and didn’t justify her actions.
"But why all this…?" Serena asked, waving her hand about the room -- then turning her gaze towards the blank expression upon Kaori’s face.
"In short, we want Silver Corp, and we want you out of the picture. So you have two choices, either sign it over to me, or die."
It was then Kaori sucked in a sharp breath and swore in Japanese, her eyes darting to her understudy and back at Jadeite, but before she could register what was about to befall her, Hotaru had turned with lightning speed and grace and in one swift motion, unsheathed her katana and struck Kaori a fatal blow.
Serena Screamed, "Taru…no!"
Hotaru laughed, wiping the blade of her weapon upon the corpse of the dead woman at her feet, "Why you ask? Didn’t you know…? Serena, you and Sammy should be thanking me… You see, Kaori murdered your mother! Yes, I’ve known it for years, but why? To gain a foothold in Silver Corp, of course, you know, in time she would have killed both Alexander -- poor deluded fool -- and yourself. So we can call it even. So my offer stands," she said, enjoying the moment with all the ardor of a Black Widow about to consume her mate.
Serena and Darien stared at Hotaru in shock at the sheer brutality of her attack upon Kaori Diamond and the unexpected revelation that had in that moment had her reeling from one emotional shock to the next. Serena’s fear turned to instant rage at the thought of her mother’s murderer lying on the floor in front of her, and then she lost it completely. "That bitch!" Serena couldn’t help herself, she kicked Kaori’s dead body until Darien and Jadeite dragged her back, she was completely hysterical.
"Get that dead ho out of here, and give Serena a sedative and we will be back later," Hotaru commanded, her tone sending icy shudders up Darien’s spine as she left the room.
~*~
It was two days later, Serena had sobbed into Darien’s arms as they lay beneath the bedclothes, not engaging in intimacy of any kind save the comfort of a warm body and heart, clad in their nightwear.
They rose to another hot and sticky morning, after showering and dressing, they sat on the couch and talked for a while, "Oh Darien, I am sorry for putting you through all this," she told him as with his index finger he lifted her face to his and kissed her. She wasn’t surprised, nor did she pull away. They deepened the kiss and lost themselves in whispers of love and endearments not hearing the key turn in the lock, "Okay, enough of the warm and fuzzy," spat Hotaru, "We will be back tonight to move you to our main base of operations in the Andes, I am sure you will love it. Its going to be your new home from now on."
~*~
James called Beryl with the news of Serena and Darien’s abduction, "Diamond didn’t order that! I bet its that bitch Kaori, or her side-kick, Hotaru Tomoe… I’m calling Diamond. Tell Hanna Seitz I know where they are being taken and to contact the FBI… I don’t care about Diamond, he has no idea. Kaori Diamond is up to something, but there is a third player, and I suspect the Tomoe girl. If we play our cards right, we might still be in a win-win position when its all over…all right, I will meet you at the Lima international airport terminus tomorrow night and I am bringing Sibyl. Don’t worry; I know who has been harassing me too, and why. Tomoe has seen the contract and has it in for Sibyl, and I wont let that bitch harm a single hair on her sweet head. I don’t care if I have to do a deal with the devil. I wont have anyone threaten our child," she told James Silver, who agreed and they spent the rest of the conversation discussing travel arrangements.
~*~
They were blindfolded and pushed into the back of a panel van and driven out of the city to a nearby airfield. Jadeite and Malachite frog marched them to the private jet waiting on the runway. They were quickly bundled into seats on the plane. Darien smiled at Serena in an attempt to re-assure her that all would be well, but she was terrified, "Hey, Serena. I wont let anything happen to you… I promise," he smiled, stroking her face. She kissed him lightly on the lips before Jadeite separated them and ordered them to strap in at gunpoint.
Soon they were flying over the Andes, the view was breathtaking. They had been flying for almost an hour when Darien asked if he could go to the toilet. Jadeite nodded and warned Darien not to try anything. Serena kept looking out the window below. She knew how to fly a plane, but a jet would be an incredible experience.
~*~
Once inside the cramped toilet, Darien reached down and removed his shoe, inside he had a transmitter and he activated it, knowing the signal would reach the FBI’s listening post in the region, the device was fitted into his footwear in case of such an eventuality. He knew a squadron of fighter jets would be dispatched and they would -- rough up -- the aircraft. This would create a narrow window of opportunity to take control of the jet.
He pulled the slim blade from the heel of the shoe of his left foot and lifting the cuff of his jacket, taped it in place -- ready for the right moment.
He emerged, Jadeite rolling his eyes as Darien made a bland comment about the scenery and he sat and winked at Serena, she knew he had something in mind, but had no idea exactly what it was and she smiled.
~*~
Suddenly, a series of curses filled the aircraft, and the howling of fighter jets forced the jet to dive. It was then Darien moved like a panther. He punched out Jadeite, and wounded Malachite with his knife. Throwing a pistol to Serena, he ordered Malachite to keep his trap shut and tied up the two men, "You’ll live…" he said examining the flesh wound.
"What the hell is going on out there?" shouted the pilot.
Darien hit the com, "Gentlemen, I’m afraid there is a change of command; I want you to continue on your way to your headquarters where agents of the FBI and Peruvian military will break up your little holiday camp. And oh, if you’re thinking of making a run for it, I wouldn’t you know, the Raptor 22 is a most formidable aircraft and there is an entire squadron of them out there. So boys, set your course, sit back and enjoy the scenery offered by the majestic Andes during the rest of the flight, okay," he chuckled as he heard Spanish and English curses emerging from behind the flight cabin door as the sound of the Raptors accompanied the private jet as it headed towards its destination.
~*~
The mopping up operation had taken less than an hour to complete; elite troops were in place and surrounded the jet. The Raptors fired upon the fortress as CIA and FBI accompanied by Peruvian Special Forces raided Diamond’s HQ in the Andean mountains. Fighting to the death, the Dark Glaive ninjas were soon wiped out by heavy artillery fire. It was over, and the hunt was on for Alexander Diamond and his minions.
~*~
Serena and Darien were flown to Lima and booked into a five star hotel, complements of the Peruvian government and slept a solid twelve hours before emerging from their individual suites to eat breakfast together on their conjoined balconies.
They were sipping coffee and relaxing when Serena was unexpectedly surprised to see her friend Mina rush out of her apartment to greet them, "Sere, they’ve got Black and her little girl," she said breathlessly.
"Little girl?" Serena replied incredulously, "You mean that bitch has conceived and given birth to a little brat!"
"Serena! Cut the petty bullshit; let it go will you… Beryl was a bitch, I agree, but that child shouldn’t be blamed for her mother’s actions -- not to mention your father," Mina chided, and Serena’s shoulders slumped, a look of shame on her face.
"Oh Mina, no…that poor kid," she said with genuine concern.
"She’s your little sister, you know, Sere," Darien said, taking her by the shoulders and looking into her azure eyes. She stared back at him stupefied, and it finally hit her. Tears began to roll down her cheeks.
Mina hugged Serena, and it was only when she had recovered herself that she noticed how Mina was dressed, "Oh know… you’re not risking your life the same way…" Darien squeezed Serena’s hand, "Poor Anne was murdered by these people, and I don’t want you to put your life on the line for me."
Mina shook her head and spoke quickly, "Your father and Beryl met at the airport, they had Sibyl with them on their way to their townhouse… I’m sorry, but they’re gone, any idea where they might be?"
"Yeah, we were held up at a warehouse that had been converted into apartments, but it was badly run down," she answered with a sigh.
"We can check with the local authorities,"
Darien supplied.
"But that will take hours, perhaps days. Kaori murdered my mother, and Hotaru murdered her without a second thought. I’m sorry Dar, but its likely that one of them had shot and killed Anne."
"But how can we save that child?"
"Perhaps I can help." Alexander Diamond stepped onto the balcony in a white safari suit wearing a Panama hat with a shark-blue band encircling it and sat on a nearby chair.
Darien jumped to his feet, about to hurl himself at the startled business tycoon when Mina stopped him with surprising strength. He sat back down, "All right, Diamond. What can you tell us," Mina demanded.
"I own the building of which you speak, and I think we best make a move lest that little girl and her parents be murdered before we arrive." he punched in a series of numbers into his cell phone and barked instructions to his security staff at the Peruvian office to head for the warehouse.
"I just hope we get there in time," Serena cried as they left the hotel suite.
"What a mess… I know its too little, too late Serena, but I had no idea. Yes, I might be a bastard, a crook, but I cannot countenance the death of a child. I will accept what’s coming to me, but I want to help you save Sibyl first." He handed Mina the address and moments later, they were climbing into Diamond’s limo.
~*~
"Such a pretty picture, the family is all but here. Pity Serena isn’t here to witness your demise. I will take Diamond’s company and Silver Corp. Good management needs to make cut-backs, don’t you think?" Hanna sat beside Beryl, shielding Sibyl as best they could, knowing that at any moment, the two people behind Hotaru holding the Uzi sub-machine pistols would end all their lives at a moments notice. "I think a nice touch would be a family portrait…don’t you agree?" she laughed as a second man entered the room holding a digital camera, "Before and after…how quaint!"
Then Sibyl broke from the group, crying as she ran past the cameramen, and Hotaru shouted at the woman whose weapon was trained on the girl, "Shoot her…now…Zoicite, you week bitch!"
The woman hesitated long enough to allow Sibyl to get past and into the labyrinth of corridors behind her.
The man opposite was looking away from James for only a second or two, but it was long enough. He flung himself at the distracted man. But the deadly tattoo of rapid fire struck him in the chest-- killing him instantly. Beryl screamed.
Hanna jumped to her feet, launching into a high-kick and took out James’s killer, his weapon flying across the wooden floor. Hotaru ran to pick it up. Rubeus lay sprawled on the floor at Hanna’s feet, out cold with a broken collarbone. She spat on the man she thought a friend, and knew how Serena’s would-be assassin had gained access to the aircraft hanger, "Bastard!"
Hotaru grabbed the weapon, turned it towards Beryl, and fired, hitting her in the shoulder. Beryl rolled out of Hotaru’s line of fire and took cover behind a large desk, and this saved her life.
Sammy kicked the machine pistol out of Hotaru’s reach, stamping on her hand in the process. She screamed with rage and the pain as both Sammy and Hanna ran after Zoicite.
The cameraman went to Hotaru’s aid, "Get the girl," she screamed, as the confused man ran after the frightened child.
~*~
Diamond and Darien rushed into the building; Mina scaled the fire escape and headed for the rooftop. Finding the door unlocked, she slipped inside.
"Call a paramedic, she’s still alive, she’s lost a little blood, but she’ll be all right," Darien told Diamond who spoke quickly into his cell.
Serena felt no anger towards the semi conscious woman who was whimpering her father’s name. She had dragged herself out of the room where minutes earlier, James was lying dead on the floor, "Serena, I am sorry… I am so sorry for everything, but I couldn’t prevent it…"
"What are you talking about?"
"Your father…he--"
"No!" Serena jumped to her feet and followed the trail of blood that led into the room where her father’s body lay. Darien ran behind her as she knelt beside James’s prostrate form. Diamond stood a short distance away watching, he was feeling his own pain, having just learned of the discovery in a back room of the body of his wife, Kaori. But as awful as it all was, she too had betrayed him it seemed.
Sobbing uncontrollably, Serena said her heartfelt good bye to her dead father, "Dad! Oh, crap… Darien, she’s killed my dad!" after kissing her fathers cheek, Darien cradled her in his arms.
Diamond patted Darien’s shoulder, "Take care of her, son… I will take care of Hotaru. Before Darien could raise any protest, Diamond was gone.
~*~
"Hello," Sibyl cried into her mother’s cell phone, I’m scared, she said to Mina who had been patched in to talk to the frightened girl.
"Hey sweetheart, where are you?"
"I don’t know, but there is lots of laundry in bags around me, I am hiding from the bad lady," she said in a tremulous voice, wiping mucus from her face with a rag.
"Stay put Sibyl; I will come and get you… I want you to stay perfectly quiet and not say a word, okay, my name is Mina, I am going to come get you, but first we need to get the bad lady and make sure you’re safe, K? Think you can do that honey?"
"I think so, Mina," she replied, feeling immediately re-assured.
"Okay, I will identify myself as Mina, and then I will take you for a big chocolate ice-cream, would you like that?"
"Sure,” Sibyl said enthusiastically.
"Okay then, sit tight and it will not be long before I come get you…not a word not even if the bad lady tries to scare you, just keep absolutely quiet."
Mina ended the call and moved down the wooden steps, careful not to make any wrong move lest Hotaru discover her.
~*~
Hotaru was getting frustrated, and began firing at shadows, she couldn’t see a thing, and all her training as a ninja had just about flown out the window. Images of her murdered family -- their mutilated bodies in the horrific photographs had taken their toll. Kaori deserved to die, she had killed her family as part of the Black Rose initiation rite. The idea being to eliminate the rival house that would clear the way for the Knight clans accession to the house of the Black Rose, thereby earning them superiority and authority over all their rivals.
Hotaru’s mind had snapped, betrayed by her so-called benefactors, of whom she had given years of dedicated service, only to discover they had betrayed her in the most grotesque fashion -- the truth too much to bear.
She had planned to use her pursuit of Silver Corp as a front, goading Kaori, who hadn’t suspected a thing to know betrayal and death -- a fitting end to her would-be Ninjitsu mistress.
She stopped suddenly, hearing the muffled sounds of a whimpering child and grinned malevolently, "Ah, so there you are, little princess…in that tiny little room…I wont hurt you, come out, I have a surprise for you," she whispered in a deadly saccharin tone, unsheathing her katana, lifting it over her head and began her chant.
"Rose of death -- hear me!" Hotaru spun around to see the figure with its familiar plaits at the end of the hall moving slowly towards her, almost gliding in her movements.
"Brat… you think me a fool…I know you’re Serena Silver. Oh yes, I killed her and I wished it were you, but now it seems I can correct that mistake…such a cheap trick. Seems your boyfriend is a pretty good shot, but, I’m afraid not good, enough to save your sorry butt, as you Americans put it. You’re not Anne Rowan. I--"
"Excuse me Hotaru, but I’m Serena, and you seem to be talking to yourself," Hotaru froze, the katana wavering in her grasp.
"The figure couldn’t really be Anne Rowan’s spirit," she muttered as she stared in horror at Serena, "You can’t, it must be…"
"I have come for you Hotaru, my spirit must be avenged!"
"No, get back!"
"Hotaru, I think you’re losing it, there’s nobody there," Serena laughed mercilessly as Hotaru began to back up, her katana held vertically before her, as if it would ward off the specter moving closer and closer towards her, "Stay away…"
In a panic she spun around, a look of terror upon her pale features. Images of her family and those of her victims began to appear staring about her -- a look of terror upon their dead faces.
Darien stepped up behind Serena protectively and he delivered the final blow, "Anne it is time to take your revenge and free your restless spirit… Take her!"
Hotaru looked behind her and screamed -- Mina was only a few meters away from her now – the terrified woman turned around brandishing her weapon and ran at Serena. Then three shots rang out and Hotaru Tomoe fell in a crumpled heap to the floor dead. It was finally over.
~*~
Serena hugged Mina, and Darien soon joined them as Diamond and the local police and several FBI agents secured the site. Mina nodded to Darien who led Serena a short distance away and five minutes later, a shy and very frightened girl ran into Serena’s arms, "You’re my older sister… I’ve wanted so much to meet you," she exclaimed as Darien and Serena put their arms about the little girl.
