______________________________________________________________________________

A Date with a Vampire

or

I Will Always Be With You

by Nishi

webmistress@usagiandmamoru.com

http://www.usagiandmamoru.com

______________________________________________________________________________

*WARNING* Some stories may contain content of an erotic or violent nature *WARNING*

Sailor Moon is (c) Naoko Takeuchi.

This is a fan story only.

Some liberties with the stories have been taken:

1) T*A academy has male and female students.

2) The girls are all 18 years old now finishing up what would be the last year of high school.

3) And I may have unknowingly mixed up attack phrases between manga and anime.

**************

When Rei arrived at the T*A Private Academy that morning, news centered around the recent surge of supernatural murders. Rei took hold of a newspaper one of her classmates had left behind. Slipping into her seat, she looked at the front page.

October 1st, Tokyo

From bodies purged of their blood, to mauled and battered remains of

men and women, the Police remain baffled as to who or what

could be killing the people of Tokyo. City residents are asked to remain

indoors late at night and report any suspicious persons and activities to

the authorities immediately.

"Terrible isn't it?"

"What?" Rei looked up, startled to face deep green eyes.

"The killings," he said, pointing to the paper. "So many people are being brutally murdered."

"Do I know you?"

"No. You don't." His face lit into a smile. "My name's Jeremy Windham. I'm new." He held his hand out.

"Rei." Taking his hand, she shook it and warm electricity filled her. Jerking her hand back, she blushed and returned her attention to the newspaper.

"Beautiful . . .", he whispered.

"What?"

"Your name . . . it's beautiful.", Jeremy turned aside and faced front as class began.

"Thank you . . .", Rei replied sincerely, glancing at him. Dark-blonde hair, chiseled features, an aura of intelligence, nobility and power. The glance turned into a stare.

* * * * * * * * *

Rei was leaving her classroom at the end of the day when she felt his hand on her shoulder. She whipped around to face those green eyes again. "Hi.", she managed to utter.

"Hi.", he smiled at her and she noticed how tall he was. Six feet about, with broad shoulders. She noticed how well the academy's uniform for males fit him. She noticed she was noticing too much and blushed for a second time.

"I was wondering . . .", he continued as they walked into the hallway. "Are you doing anything special this Friday night?"

"Special? Um....no....not that I can think of right now." Rei couldn't remember the last time a boy had made her lose her cool. She wanted to stand closer to Jeremy but didn't.

"Would you like to go with me to that new soba shop that opened downtown? I love trying out new restaurants but I hate to eat alone. If you're not doing anything . . ."

Rei looked up and blushed. She was being asked out. She ran her hands through her hair and smiled up at him. "Sure. I'd love to. Friday around 6 is good for me."

A huge grin broke out on Jeremy's face and you could tell he was relieved she said yes. "Friday at 6 then. I'll meet you there?"

After agreeing to meet each other, they parted ways. Rei walked slowly . . . what was it about him that drew her so strongly?

* * * * * * * * *

At the Mall food court, Mamoru snuck up behind Usagi as she stared intensely at her homework assignment. Placing the single rose in front of her, he kissed the side of her head. Usagi looked up and her eyes widened happily.

"Mamo-chan!! It's beautiful!", she held the rose gingerly, kissing Mamoru on the lips. "What's the occasion?"

"Does there have to be an occasion for me to show how much I love you?", he said, tucking a stray hair behind Usagi's ear.

Just as they were about to get into a passionate embrace, Ami, Makoto and Minako ran up to them.

"We need to talk.", Minako whispered excitedly. She shoved that morning's newspaper into Usagi's and Mamoru's line of vision. "Too many killings. This is something for the Sailor Senshi to stop! "

"We need to pick up Rei and get to the Command Center." Spoke up Ami. "Luna and Artemis may be able to help us figure out who or what is attacking Tokyo's citizens."

"Wait! Here comes Rei." Mako-chan said, spotting Rei coming towards them from the other direction. "Maybe she can find out what's going on."

"Rei-chan!!!!" they all screamed.

Rei shook her head to clear her thoughts of the dark-blonde Jeremy and smiled at her friends. Walking up she slipped into an empty chair and smiled at everyone again. She didn't say a word.

"Uh....Rei....why are you smiling so much?", Makoto asked.

Rei shuffled around a bit in her seat. Not looking up for a few seconds. "I have a date." she said finally and a bit proudly.

"A DATE!!!!!", everyone screamed? "WITH WHO?!?!?"

"Yes. A date. His name's Jeremy . . .", she sunk back into her chair and breathed a dreamy sigh.

"Oh kami-sama, is this actually Hino Rei? Man-hater extraordinaire? Who said men are good-for-nothings? Who since she was 14 never dated a guy, ever? Hello Rei. Come in."

Rei laughed at her friends' teasing. True enough, she didn't like boys too much. They were immature, and her own father had let her mother die through neglect. She had too many reasons. But Jeremy . . . there was something special about him.

"We're going to this new soba shop that opened downtown. Friday.....6pm.....", she smiled again, lost in Jeremy-world.

Usagi and Minako exchanged a glance. "Rei-chan's in LLLOOOOVVVEEEEE!"

Rei's face grew red and she swatted the two blondes repeatedly, missing them. "Honestly!" she thought. "Even though we've all been friends for ages, and are nearing the end of high school, these two can never stop acting immature sometimes!" They all laughed good naturedly, when Ami spoke up.

"I hate to break into all the fun of Rei's love life guys, but we need to get to the command center and figure out what's going on with these murders."

Everyone agreed and headed out of the mall, walking to the Crown Game Arcade that was home to the underground command center of the Sailor Senshi.

* * * * * * * * *

Luna and Artemis sat before several newspapers which had detailed reports on the murders in Tokyo. Mamoru sat in front of a computer typing up an analysis of everything the cat-advisors and the Sailor Senshi could come up with.

"Ok....so far we know these attacks happen at night, in dark and deserted areas . . . pretty much like all criminals." He stared at the computer. "The method of murder - unknown. Signs of the attack include broken nails of the victims, probably from trying to defend themselves against the attacker, torn clothing, probably from the struggle, but the most tell-tale signs are deep puncture marks on the neck."

"Sounds like the work of vampires.", Luna said.

"VAMPIRES??!!", everyone screamed (except Mamoru cause he'd already thought about that).

Usagi shuddered, covering her neck. Every single story of vampires she'd ever heard ran through her head.

"But how can there be such things?", Makoto asked. "Vampires don't exist!"

"How do you know they don't exist?" Minako piped up. "They could be right here in Tokyo, living next door to us, and we'd never know." She thought a little bit. "In fact, I don't know that much about vampires . . ."

Artemis walked in front of the girls. "We don't know if it's a vampire yet, however we've compiled a list of everything you girls need to know about vampires."

He pushed a sheet in front of Usagi. She picked it up and glanced over it. Rei stood next to her and read it aloud.

"Vampires cannot step onto the hallowed ground of churches, they burn at the touch of holy water, the sign of the cross repels them, and they can be killed only with a stake through the heart." Rei looked up. "Not a problem. We'll find them and we'll kill them. It's what we do!"

"Rei, wait a second now. Read this list." Luna pushed another paper in Rei's direction.

Picking it up Rei read aloud. "Vampires are able to use the night as a cloak of invisibility. With the rays of the moon they can disappear. Their cape acts as a shield against attacks. They have super-human strength which controls a struggling victim. Some vampires have the power of hypnosis and are able to control the minds of their victims. Some vampires choose their victims at random, others select only certain individuals. Most importantly, a vampire has the ability to change a human being into a vampire by drawing their blood 3 times, and with the victim's willingness to join the vampire and become one."

As Rei stopped speaking, everyone stood silent. Something was out there, stalking people, killing them, and who knows what else they were doing. Jeremy's face appeared in Rei's thoughts . . . would he be safe? New to Tokyo - what if he was in danger?

"We'll put a stop to them!" Rei said with determination. "We're the Sailor Senshi! No vampires can stand up against us!"

"Rei's right everyone!" Usagi spoke up. "Tonight, we'll set up checkpoints and start watching for them. Let's use our communicators to call each other when we've spotted one, and we'll make certain that he or she never kills again."

Mamoru came up behind Usagi and hugged her softly. He knew that inside she was scared but that her strength as the Princess and future Queen always shined through in times of crisis.

"I'll take care of the north-part of the city." Mamoru volunteered.

"I'll join him.", said Usagi.

"Luna and I will take the West.", Artemis called.

"I can take the South, it's near my apartment.", said Makoto.

"I'll join Mako-chan.", said Ami.

"I'll take the East if Mina will join me.", said Rei, and Minako agreed.

"Then it's all set. Tonight.", said Luna.

* * * * * * * * *

Clouds rolled over the moon that night, not allowing for a clear view of the city below. Each of the senshi manned their posts looking for signs of the vampire.

"Nothing yet.", Ami's voice came over the communicator.

"Ok Ami. Nothing here either.", Usagi reported. She stood next to Mamoru with the city before her. "Mamo-chan . . ."

"What is it Usa?"

"I'm scared this vampire might attack one of us."

"Don't worry Usa. I'm here. I'll protect us both."

"I know Mamo-chan, it's not you and me I'm worried about. It's the others.", she shivered in the cool night. "I had a dream . . . about Rei . . . 2 weeks ago . . . she told me she didn't want to be a Sailor Senshi anymore. That she had found someone else she wanted to protect and be with." Usagi lowered her face. "Was that dream a sign I might lose her or one of the others?"

"Usa it was just a dream." He lowered himself to where she was sitting and kissed the side of her head. "You're just worried about losing your friends, and it's normal for dreams to play on that fear. You know how loyal Rei is to you and to all of us. She'd never leave us, no matter what!"

Usagi looked up, reassured. Somehow, Mamo-chan always managed to make her feel safe and better.

Suddenly she saw a commotion on the street below. "Mamo-chan! Quick! I think someone's being attacked."

With a swift leap, Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen flew down from the high-story building they were on to the ground. Catching site of the pair that were running, they chased after them.

"Mercury, Jupiter, we're pursuing 2 people on foot through Broadway and 6th. We need back up." Mamoru radioed to the others, who agreed to come quickly.

Usagi chased after the figures, trying to catch glimpses of them, but they kept losing their form in the shadows, and she couldn't make out if they were male or female.

Finally, Usagi and Mamoru came to a stop in front of a fence. No one was in site. The other senshi arrived behind them.

"Where are they?", Rei asked.

"We don't know. They just disappeared.", Mamoru explained.

Suddenly, from far off, they heard a scream. Ami turned around. "It's coming from Luna and Artemis' station." She tried to contact them on the communicator. No answer. "We've got to get there."

Everyone rushed to where Luna and Artemis had said they'd be and traveled the streets nearby before finding Luna and Artemis at the feet of someone laying sprawled on the ground.

"We were too late." Luna whispered.

"They attacked him . . . it happened so fast." Artemis was breathing hard.

On the ground was a man, approximately 35 years old, wearing a beige trench-coat. The collars of his jacket and shirt were pulled low. His sleeve ripped. His eyes were open filled with terror and signs of pain. He was dead.

The others stared in shock. How could they have not seen this. The 2 figures they had chased were just decoys. Usagi and Rei looked up at the sky and the nearby buildings.

"Do you hear anything?", Usagi asked Rei.

"No . . . but they're out there, somewhere . . . I can feel them."

The next few days and nights went by in a flash. No new killings occurred. Though the Senshi watched nightly, they didn't see anything suspicious again.

* * * * * * * * *

SCENE: Rei's bedroom.

Friday, October 4th

Time: 4:45 p.m.

"No! This isn't right!" Rei threw the dress on the bed.

5:00 p.m.

"No! Still not right!" Rei threw the jeans and sweater on the floor.

5:15 PM

"NO! NO! NO!"

5:30 PM

"I HATE CLOTHES!"

5:50 p.m.

"I love clothes." Rei inspected herself. She was wearing a pretty black skirt which came a little above her knees, and a v-neck red-sleeveless top. With a single, simple ruby necklace, matching earrings, black heels, and one matching bracelet on her right wrist, and her mother's watch on her left, she was ready.

6:00 PM.

"Rei. You have a visitor." Rei's grandfather called from in front of her door. "It's a male visitor. Who is he?"

"Just a friend grandpa. We're going to have dinner at a restaurant and I'll be home before it's late.", she smiled at her grandfather.

"Well ok. Be safe. Why don't you bring more of your pretty girl friends over? I'd like to go to restaurants with them too." He smiled cheekily.

"GRANDPA!!!", Rei yelled and went out to the front door.

She was greeted by Jeremy in a crisp white shirt, open at the collar. She could a thin gold chain around his neck, and felt herself blushing for staring at his skin and averted her gaze. He held casablancas in his hand.

"Casablancas!! How'd you know they were my favorite???", Rei said excitedly holding them.

"Call it a 6th sense. You seemed too beautiful for just roses."

Rei laughed softly. "Thank you. I'll put these in water and be ready in just a minute. Sit down and I'll be right back."

Jeremy seated himself and looked around the Hino residence. Living at a temple made no difference to how the Hino family's living room was decorated - with pictures of Rei growing up and with her grandfather. Jeremy spotted a picture of a woman who looked a lot like Rei. Her mother, he guessed.

When Rei reappeared, he stood up. He couldn't stop looking at her and hoped she didn't know how nervous he was. She was beautiful, elegant, and so intelligent. He had been going to T*A Academy for 2 weeks now and she hadn't noticed him, but he had noticed her and heard of her. Everyone in school talked about her, her psychic powers, how she wanted to be a shrine-maiden for the temple. When he had finally gotten the courage to speak to her, he'd been overjoyed, and now even moreso that she had agreed to go out with him that night. There was something special about her - more than what others said, more than what he could feel. Something about her was different - she wasn't totally normal - that he could feel. He wanted to know more about her.

"Are you ready?", Rei asked.

"Me? Sure of course!" Jeremy felt himself stammering.

They walked out the door and fell into a comfortable chatter about their favorite foods.

"Nothing better than curry ramen!" Jeremy said.

"You're kidding! I love curry ramen! But grandfather can't stand it so I can never make it."

"Well you'll just have to come over my house one day and try some of mine - it's my specialty!

They reached the restaurant in 15 minutes and were seated and choosing their meals from the menu when Rei saw something shiny in Jeremy's ear. "Is that an earring?"

Jeremy laughed. "Yes, does it bother you? My parents had a fit when I got it." He played with it shyly, aware now that Rei had been looking at him.

"No I love it. It suits you." Rei smiled at him.

"You know Rei . . . when you smile at me like that . . . I don't think there's any guy luckier than me."

Rei blushed and tried to look away, but she was caught by Jeremy's eyes. She felt herself growing warmer and watched as he rolled his sleeves a little when their food arrived. His forearms were developed well . . . everything about him was chiseled . . . perfect. She thought she'd never seen a more handsome guy before.

As they drank and ate, Rei learned about Jeremy's life growing up. Because of his father's constant job-changes, he'd been shuffled from city to city. He'd never stayed anywhere longer than 6 months.

"It must have been so hard on you growing up. I'm so sorry."

"It was hard but it all leads to something. Everything happens for a reason. For instance, tonight. If I hadn't moved here, I would've never met you . . . and how sad would my life have been without your face haunting me every day and night." Jeremy stopped, knowing he had said too much. He coughed with embarrassment, and looked everywhere but at Rei. Then he felt her hand on his.

Rei had felt a sudden warmth which she couldn't explain. A rush of emotion for this person who she'd barely known till today, who was opening himself up this much for her and she didn't want him to feel embarrassed. She reached over and held his hand, surprised by how warm it was and the electric jolt it gave her.

Jeremy slipped his fingers through hers and they stayed like that for a long time.

* * * * * * * * *

That night the Sailor Senshi, absent Rei, were at their checkout points, keeping watch for the vampires.

"I wonder how Rei's date with Jeremy is going.", Minako radioed to Mako-chan.

"I bet they're hot and heavy making out now!", laughed Makoto.

"Would you two quit using the communicators to talk nonsense?" Luna piped through.

Both girls, admonished, stopped their banter and went back to looking for suspicious people.

Out of the corner of Minako's eyes she spotted Rei and one of the most gorgeous boys Mina had ever set eyes on. "Jupiter, come IN Jupiter."

"Jupiter here, what's up Sailor Venus?"

"Mako-chaaaannnnn!", squealed Mina. "I'm watching Rei with her date, Jeremy, and he's unbelievably hot!"

"Really? Wonder if he looks anything like my old sempai . . ."

"Better than that! I'm going to keep an eye on them. Later!" Mina signed off on the communicator and decided to travel and watch Rei and Jeremy.

Below, Rei and Jeremy were unaware of Minako's busy-body-goddess-love-and-all-eyes.

They were still holding hands and Rei walked closely with Jeremy. She felt like she belonged there.

"So how about it? Next weekend? You come over and I'll make you my special curry ramen!" Jeremy laughed. "Although I hope you don't hate my cooking too much! My parents weren't home much in the evenings so I learned to cook for myself."

"I'm sure I'll love it and if I hate it, I'm a very good actress.", Rei responded laughing.

Suddenly, up ahead, they heard a shout and the sounds of a struggle. Rei's instincts were full-on and she ran ahead.

Mina, from above saw everything and ran down. Jeremy lost sight of Rei and began chasing after her. As he ran he came face to face with someone, or something, which was pushing a pedestrian onto the ground.

"Stop! I am Sailor Mars, Soldier of Fire."

"And I am Sailor Venus, Goddess of Love."

"We won't allow you to kill again tonight!"

Jeremy watched as 3 other women and 1 man showed up and 2 cats. "What the heck is all this?", he wondered.

He stood back against a building and watched as they closed in around the struggling victim and his prey.

"Shine Aqua Illusion!"

"Flower Hurricane!"

"Burning Mandala!"

Jeremy watched as each of the attacks hit the figure crouched over a man, and threw him back against the ground. The former-victim got up and ran for his life.

"Sailor Moon!!"

He watched as Sailor Moon, a beautiful woman with long blond hair flowing from 2 pony tails on her head, took out a wand and beams of light hit the crouching figure. Nothing happened. Instead, he watched as a another stunning woman in red with black hair sprang forward and jabbed the crouching figure with what looked like a wooden stake. The creature disappeared in a spray of dust.

Jeremy hung behind the shadows and marveled at what he'd seen, and watched as the group disappeared into the sky.

Suddenly Rei appeared to his left. "Hey! What happened? I heard yelling and ran up but couldn't find anything and when I went back I couldn't find you. Are you ok?"

"I'm fine. Are you ok?", he looked at her closely. She looked fine, not a hair out of place, and she was breathing normally, but he got a sense of something more.

"I'm fine.", she replied.

"I saw these people attack someone and kill him. They should be reported to the authorities.", Jeremy stated.

"What? Who? What do you mean?"

"These 5 women in sailor suits, a man in a tuxedo and cape, and 2 cats who talked. They were all attacking this guy with weird lights and beams. You didn't see them? You didn't hear them?" He looked at her carefully.

Rei didn't lose a beat and with perfect acting skills that Mina-the-Idol would've been jealous of, she hugged Jeremy. "Oh Jeremy I was so scared! I thought something had happened to you! I didn't see or hear anything but if you saw who I think you saw then you should know they're the Sailor Senshi! They're fighters for justice and have been protecting Tokyo for years now! They're wonderful!" She looked at him smiling.

A dark cloud flashed over Jeremy's face for just an instant, and was gone. "I don't know how wonderful they are, but they seem dangerous to me. We better head home." And with that they walked on.

Rei was confused by his reaction. If he had seen everything, hadn't he seen the vampire attack that man? She looked at Jeremy sideways. He looked back at her and took her hand.

"I'm sorry.", he said. "I'm just shook up by what I saw. Come here." He swept her towards him and held her close to his side as they walked.

Rei breathed his cologne and felt the softness of his shirt. She would make sure that neither Jeremy nor anyone else in Tokyo would be harmed again by vampires.

When they got to Rei's house, Jeremy watched and waited as she unlocked the door and stepped inside. He stood embarrassed for a second unsure how to kiss her good night but Rei took that decision out if his control, and stepped forward and kissed him softly on the lips.

"I had a wonderful time.", she whispered.

"So did I."

"I'll see you in school next week, and definitely next weekend for the curry ramen!"

"I can't wait."

He watched as she closed the door and then he walked down Sendai Hill and disappeared into the night.

* * * * * * * * *

The weekend passed uneventfully and the Senshi were relieved that no one else was attacked. Whoever they were, the Vampires knew they were being watched by the Senshi and must have decided to go into hiding. The first half of the week passed also with no new activity.

On that Thursday morning, Rei was called upon to read her answers to the class on. When she sat back down she found a folded note on her desk. Opening it, she read: "Teacher's pet." She looked up and met Jeremy's smiling green eyes. She smiled back. He had met her before class that day and given her a present - a small gold lapel pin in the shape of a casablanca.

"I saw it in the store window yesterday and had to buy it for you.", he had told her.

She had worn it over her academy uniform and hoped she wouldn't get in trouble for it. It was beautiful.

After saying good-bye to Jeremy, Rei rushed to meet her friends at Usagi's house for a meeting. As she stepped into the Tsukino's home, which smelled of the sweets Ikuko-mama had cooked all day, she wished for the hundredth time she had a family like Usagi's. She slipped her shoes off and gathered next to everyone at the table. Sitting down she helped herself to the delicious plates of food. Everyone was looking curiously at her.

"What?" Rei asked.

"Your date!! You never told any of us all weekend about your date!!" Usagi chirped.

Rei laughed. "Gomen! I had to help grandfather so much with all the duties and I lost track of things."

"No, no, we understand how it is.", Minako feigned dramatics. "Now that you have a boyfriend, you don't have time for your friends."

"I hope you're studying Rei-chan." Ami said sternly.

"Nevermind that! Since when am I not the first to know about boys?" Usagi said with an angry pout.

Rei laughed again and held up her hands in defeat. "Okay, okay, I'll tell you guys." And she proceeded to tell them all about her date, what she wore, what they ate, and showed him the casablanca lapel pin he had bought her.

"It's so pretty Rei-chan. This guy's special!." Usagi said, examining the pin,

"He is special. He's so smart and he's very athletic. He studied kendo for 3 years."

"Yeah I noticed his bod." said Mina.

"What?" Rei looked sharply at the blond.

"Err...uh....hehe I saw you guys come out of that restaurant." Mina laughed. "Rei he's totally gorgeous! You're so lucky!"

"So could this be the one?" Makoto asked, teasing.

"I think we're all rushing Rei-chan and should get back to the business at hand!" Ami said firmly. "Anyone heard anything more about the vampires?"

Everyone shook their head.

"I wonder where Luna and Artemis are. They haven't arrived yet." Mako-chan stated looking around the living room.

"I think they're still at Command Center working. They should be here soon." Ami offered. And is of on cue, in walked Luna and Artemis.

"Luna did you find out anything?" Usagi asked.

"Unfortunately, Artemis and I tried everything, but came up with nothing. These people are very elusive and know how to cover their tracks." Luna sighed. "All we can do is continue to watch for them until we learn something that will help us to defeat them and rid them from this city."

"Usagi! You have a phonecall!" Usagi's mother called from the kitchen.

"Ok mom! I'll take it in here." Usagi answered the phone and everyone knew it was Mamoru and tried not to listen as Usagi talked lovingly.

Rei thought about Jeremy. It would be nice to finally have someone like Usagi had Mamoru. Rei decided she would call Jeremy when she got home.

That night, after the meeting was over, and Rei was in her room preparing for bed, and felt it was the perfect time to call Jeremy. She took his number out from her schoolbag. His handwriting was neat and she felt like a silly school girl running her fingers over the writing - as if she could touch him. She remembered how it had felt to kiss his lips. Soft and smooth. It had been so quick, so brief. She wished she had kissed him longer. Or that he would have kissed her a second time. She shook her head and picked up the telephone and dialed. Jeremy's voice answered on the second ring.

"Jeremy? It's Rei."

"Rei! Wow this is great to get a call from you. I was just thinking about you."

"You were?"

"Yeah . . . these days I can't seem to get you out of my mind." He laughed. "I have something to ask you . . . there's a woman's photo in your living room. She looks a lot like you. Your mother right?"

"Yes she is. Why?"

"You don't talk much about your family, I'd love to know more."

"That's because my mom died when I was little and I blame my father for it. He's a big-time politician here in Japan and was always away. He wasn't there for mom enough!", Rei's voice broke a little. "I love my father, but I miss my mother so much."

"Rei . . . if you ever need to talk . . . I hope you know I'm here for you."

His voice was so soft, so encouraging, so loving. Rei wanted to lose herself in it.

"I know.", she responded.

They spent the next hour talking about their childhoods and what it was like growing up. Trading stories about their first days of school, and their most embarrassing moments. When Rei hung up, she was sorry to. She wished she could talk to him more.

That night as she slept, she dreamed of flying through the night, with the moon overhead, and Jeremy was next to her. He asked her in the dream to spend forever with him, and she said yes, she would.

* * * * * * * * *

When Rei walked into class that Tuesday morning, she found a single casablanca on her desk with a note attached. She picked up the flower and opened the note.

Rei,

I won't be in class today because of a family emergency.

But I hoped you would meet me after class lets out. There's

something special I want to show you. I'll explain everything then.

yours,

Jeremy

Rei could hardly sit still the rest of the day and when school let out, she rushed to the front gates and found Jeremy waiting.

"What happened? Is your family ok?", Rei breathed fast. She leaned against the railing and looked up at him.

Jeremy smoothed a strand from her face. "Everything's ok. Turns out my mom got sick at work and had to come home and I needed to take care of her. She's a nurse and has diabetes and she fainted at work early. I hope I didn't worry you!"

"No. No. I'm glad everything's ok." She had felt warm as he had touched her skin to smooth her hair. "Do you have diabetes too?"

A strange smile played on Jeremy's lips. "No. I guess I'm lucky I don't. But both my parents have it. It's hard to live with and a lot of people don't understand. Some people are even scared of it. They can't help it." Jeremy's face had turned very serious.

Rei didn't know what to make out of the things Jeremy said and decided to change the subject. "You told me you had something to show me." Her eyes lit up. "What is it?"

Whatever dark emotions had gripped Jeremy passed the instant he looked into Rei's eyes. "It's a surprise. I'll show you." He took her hand slowly and they walked past the school and into the Jubaan Park. Once inside, he took Rei to a clearing and to a large cedar tree. In front of the tree sat a wrapped package.

"What is that? You left that there? Someone could have taken it!" Rei gasped.

Jeremy laughed. "I know no one would've taken it.", he said mysteriously. "Go ahead. Open it."

Rei tore the wrapping carefully and as she did, the package was revealed to be a beautiful oil painting of Rei and her mother, as if they had posed for it. Rei's mother stood next to her with a hand on her shoulder and Rei's head was tucked in lovingly against her mother's chest. It was breathtaking.

"Jeremy....how....how did you?" Rei was at a loss for words. There had been very few pictures of her with her mother, 2 that she had been able to find and to have this now . . .

"I've been painting forever. Second nature to me I guess. I did this over the weekend and during this week. I was finishing it when you called last night."

Rei looked up at Jeremy with tears in her eyes. "I've never been given anything as precious as this."

Jeremy was stunned by those words and the tears in her eyes and didn't know what to say. "I just....felt how much you wished you could have been with her more and hoped you would like this."

"I love it!." Rei stood up and walked up to Jeremy. "I love it.", she said again, this time softly, whispering. Her hands traveled up his shoulders and around his face. And she looked up to meet his face as their lips met. This time she kissed him with all her heart.

* * * * * * * * *

Saturday, October 12th,

11 a.m.

Rei had been restless all Friday and all morning long. She couldn't wait to see Jeremy's house. In case she ran into his mother and father, Rei had picked out a pretty long patterned skirt, and a soft matching sweater. She wanted to look perfect. She wore the lapel pin on the sweater. The painting Jeremy had made her hung outside her room.

Jeremy met her in front of her door sharply at 11 looking as handsome as always in a dark blue v-neck sweater and gray cargo pants.

"My home's a little far from here so I brought the car." He motioned to a beautiful black 420 SEL Mercedes Benz. "If you'll allow me m'lady." He said as he bent and opened the door to the passenger side for Rei to get in. Rei laughed and got in happily. The car was warm compared to the cold outside and she was happy to be inside with Jeremy.

She learned they had the same taste in music when Jeremy put one of her favorite stations on and began singing a song she loved.

"You have a great voice!" she complimented him.

"Do I? Do you sing? Sing with me!"

"Who me? Sing? No, no I can't." She shook her head laughing.

"C'mon! 10 minutes to go. If you don't sing my heart will break."

"Well I can't let that happen now, can I?", Rei teased. And she began to sing with Jeremy and the radio, happier than she had been in a long time.

When they reached the house, she was amazed by its beauty. Tall oaks lined the driveway and the house was huge. Three stories tall. Jeremy led her inside while the car was checked in with a chauffeur. In from some room walked a woman who Rei knew Jeremy had gotten his blond good looks from. Jeremy's mother smiled warmly at Rei and hugged her.

"It's so nice to meet Jeremy's friends. You two go into the parlor! I had the cook make some delicious pastries for you. And after that, Jeremy the kitchen is yours! However - don't make a mess of it!!", and with another warm smile and soft touch on the shoulder, Jeremy's mother wandered into a library.

"She's so nice!" Rei exclaimed.

"She is. And she liked you too!" Jeremy smiled.

"You think so?"

They walked into what Rei assumed was the parlor and Rei now had a chance to see the many pictures and awards Jeremy had won over the years.

"Varsity Tennis - 1st Place. Wow Jeremy, this is amazing."

"It's nothing." But Jeremy was pleased that Rei liked everything he had accomplished.

Jeremy gave Rei the grand tour of the house. "This is our family home and when we left Tokyo when I was 12, we didn't sell it but it stayed unused and closed up. Now that we're back from America, we want to keep this house in good use. Lots of memories here." Jeremy smiled wistfully. "How about I start on that curry ramen now?"

Rei nodded happily and joined Jeremy in the kitchen. As they prepared the food, Jeremy regaled Rei with stories of the house. How his parents had bought it from the son of an elderly couple who had died the summer before it was sold. Their son had told Jeremy's parents that the man had built the house for his wife, the true love of his life, and that when she had fallen ill and died, his heart broke and he too died shortly. "This house is filled with their love." Jeremy finished.

The kitchen had delicious smells emanating and it brought in a tall, dark, and handsome man. "What smells so good?"

"Dad! I'm cooking!"

"Ahh....trying to impress a pretty girl with your cooking skills? HAH! Good luck!" the man laughed.

"Charles, you should know not to bother Jeremy when he's entertaining guests." Jeremy's mother had walked in and was playfully shooing her husband out the door.

"Fine. Fine. Carry on you two! But NO funny business!" and the parents left the kitchen.

Rei laughed. "Your family is so funny. You all seem so close."

"We are. A lot of things have happened in our family over many years which brought us very close. My parents are the best."

Rei smiled. "Can I taste some of that?"

Jeremy tried to play as if the food wasn't ready but finally allowed Rei to taste a little.

"DELICIOUS! I love it! You have to teach me how to cook like that!" Rei helped herself to more.

"Uh uh! That's a Jeremy specialty. I guess you'd have to marry me to get me to tell you it." Then realizing what he said, he looked away, cursing himself for saying the one thing that could scare any girl away.

Rei laughed. "Well then Jeremy Windham, maybe that's just what I'd have to do!" She winked at him as he turned around red in the face.

* * * * * * * * *

That night, as Jeremy dropped Rei back at the temple, he held her a little longer, kissed her a little longer, until it became obvious he couldn't stand to let her go. Rei felt the same way. When she finally got inside, she rushed and called Usagi and told her all about the day.

"Rei-chan I'm so happy for you! I've never heard you so happy before! Jeremy and his family sound so perfect for you." Usagi's happy voice came across clearly through the line.

"I know Usagi-chan. I'm thinking of becoming more serious with him. Become a steady boyfriend/girlfriend."

"That's wonderful Rei-chan! Better call Mina! Goddess of Love knows all!", she laughed.

Rei laughed back. "I will! She better give me a good analysis!"

After the phone call, Rei sat to do a reading. She wanted to make sure Jeremy and her would be well. As she read the cards, everything looked right. She went to sleep that night feeling wonderful. In her sleep though, she tossed and turned. Something was after Jeremy. Something wanted to take Jeremy away from her. Jeremy looked at her in the dream. "Rei, there's only one way to save me. Join me."

* * * * * * * * *

In the week since she had visited his home, Rei and Jeremy had grown only closer. During school time, they were almost inseparable. Rei was able to relax because there had been no attacks for a long while. Whatever or whoever had been attacking Tokyo's citizens had stopped. During the day, Jeremy and Rei talked, caught up on each others lives, and afterwards, Rei completed her temple duties and meetings with the Senshi. She wished she could tell Jeremy about being Sailor Mars, but she knew that if Jeremy were the right person, it would all come out in due time.

On Thursday when she arrived at T*A Academy, she looked for Jeremy, and although she waited at the gate and looked for him all day, he never arrived. When she came home and phoned his home, there was no answer. She found it strange and worried a little but decided everything would be fine tomorrow.

However, the next day, Jeremy also did not come to class. Rei couldn't understand why and she had found no note. When she came home that afternoon, she phoned his home again but, once more, received no answer. After worried calls to her friends, who reassured her everything was most-likely fine and that Jeremy would get in touch with her, Rei was able to go to sleep.

"Don't worry Rei-chan, I know Jeremy will contact you and everything will be ok." Usagi had said. Rei smiled. She could always count on Usagi.

That night, as she lay asleep, the light of the quarter moon shone into her bedroom and someone's image appeared through the beams. He stepped towards Rei's bed and softly sat next to her sleeping body. His hand reached out and softly touched her hair. Gazing at her, he let his fingers trace her face. Suddenly, he felt her stirring, and he quickly receded into the dark shadows and watched as Rei woke up.

"Who's there?" Rei's senses as Sailor Mars were heightened.

No answer came.

* * * * * * * * *

Rei spent the weekend taking care of her duties. Though she phoned the Windham residence, she never received a response. Monday came and went, as did Tuesday. Finally on Wednesday, she could take it no more. After school, she took the bus to the Windham's home.

Standing outside, she saw nothing unusual. She began to walk up the driveway. Large poplars lined either side and gardenia grew in the center of the lawn. When she got to the front door, she wasn't sure what she would say, but she rang the door bell anyway. The doorman answered.

"My name is Rei. Is Jeremy at home?"

"I'm sorry Madame, but no visitors are allowed." The doorman shut the door in her face.

Rei rang the doorbell a few more times but no one came to answer her. Giving up she walked back up the driveway and turned around. She looked up at the windows.

What was that motion she saw in the doorway? But it was gone quickly. Rei returned to the temple.

That night, as she changed into her robes and settled into bed, she uttered a silent prayer.

"Please if you are ok, tell me Jeremy, why I haven't seen you."

As she drifted to sleep, darkness descended her room, and the light of the half-moon shined in. Again, the apparition appeared. Parting the curtains, he stepped forward. Once more, he stood before Rei. Leaning forward, he placed one soft kiss upon her forehead and stepped back.

Rei awoke with a jolt.

"Jeremy?!" She had felt him. Certain as day, she had felt him.

"Jeremy?" she called. She wasn't sure why she felt she could call out to him in the dark but something inside her told to.

"Jeremy . . . if you can hear this, you weren't here today at school, or yesterday, or last week and I wasn't able to get in touch with you. I know it's silly of me, but I became worried. If you're ok, send me a message?"

Suddenly there was a movement by the window and Rei got up and rushed forward. Below the window was a single casablanca with a note.

"My Rei,

I am so sorry. I didn't mean to worry you. You don't deserve me.

I am writing to say good-bye. I want you to know that having you in my

life this past month made me the happiest I ever thought I could be. But

my life is not my own, and I'm afraid for you. Afraid because . . . I'm

falling in love with you Rei. And you and I . . . we shouldn't love each

other. I wanted to, I thought I could. I can't. I'm sorry.

Please, remember me. I will always be on your side and watch for you.

yours, always,

Jeremy

By the time she had reached the end of the letter, her tears had stained it.

* * * * * * * * *

It was the next day that Rei and the other Senshi were shocked to learn of the 4 murders that had occurred last night. None of them had been on duty, thinking it safe to take the night off.

Makoto was visibly upset and angry. "How could we let this happen!", she exclaimed.

No one said a word.

"We don't know this enemy enough." said Ami. "They come and go so easily. Under the cover of night, if they are vampires, they're one of the most smartest enemies we've encountered yet. What do you think Rei?"

Rei had been quiet the entire time. She had finally realized what her emotions and heart had been shielding her from. Jeremy was with the enemy.

"We have to find out how we can defeat them and stop the murders." She said. "We have to be on watch tonight. We can't fail."

The others agreed.

That night they were all at their posts. Rei watched carefully. She radioed Usagi, "Everything ok here."

"Here too Sailor Mars!", she replied. Usagi had been wondering how Rei was. Rei hadn't said anything about Jeremy all day and Usagi was worried. She could tell when her friend was upset, but she couldn't say anything.

Usagi watched with Mamoru as people walked the streets below. A 10 p.m curfew had been instated by the police and they were ready at almost every block corner of Tokyo. Usagi felt the vampires would have to be crazy to come out with all this protection.

Across the city, Jupiter and Ami kept watch and in touch with Luna and Artemis. Nothing had happened yet.

Rei was getting anxious and restless. She wanted to go home soon in case another message from Jeremy came. Suddenly, in a dark alley below, she saw it. Someone being dragged across the floor. Radioing in to everyone what she had spotted, she and Mina leapt down and ran into the Alley.

"STOP! We, the soldiers of love and justice are here. Unhand that man."

Rei was finally able to see the face of the vampire. He was human and then again, not human. His face was normal but his mouth was retracted in a snarl to show fangs. The would-be victim in his hands had fainted but was unharmed. Suddenly, Rei and Mina knew they were not alone. They turned around and were faced by 2 more. All 3 of them had dark hair, and were caucasian. All wore long cloaks and dark clothing underneath. Rei wondered where the other senshi were, but didn't have long to think as one of the vampires lunged towards her. Dodging she screamed "Burning Mandala" and blasted him. Minako's Venus Crescent Beam knocked the other one down.

The next thing Rei knew was that she was grabbed from behind, and Minako by the knees and they were being wrestled to the ground. Rei couldn't free herself from the viselike grips.

"Mina!", Rei gasped. "Can you get free?"

"I think so." Mina responded.

But then, two more had arrived and now the 2 senshi were being over-powered.

Rei heard Mina struggling. "Mina! Hold ON!!!!" But Rei could do nothing.

Then, out of nowhere, came a 6th man in black and Rei wondered if this is how she would die. She watched as this man, her face hidden from her, attacked the 4 vampires at once and in bright flashes of light incinerated them.

"What? Who are you??" Mina gasped.

Rei stood and watched carefully. What was that object glinting in the man's ear?

The stranger looked at the 2 senshi and quickly turned and fled.

"WAIT!! We don't want to harm you!! Wait!" Mina chased after him but to no avail.

Rei stood still. She recognized that glinting object. It was Jeremy's earring.

The other senshi arrived, explaining they had run into several more vampires and had to take care of them. Minako and Rei told them what had happened and of the stranger who rescued them. Rei kept quiet about seeing the earring and after they all made sure the man who had almost been a victim was ok, they headed home.

In her room that night, Rei switched the lights off, and slipped into bed.

She watched the darkness. Watched the moonbeams entering through the window.

Finally she spoke. "Jeremy, are you there?"

Out of the shadows he stepped forth. Dark-blonde hair, earring, and with a casablanca in his hand.

Rei jumped out of her bed and ran to him.

"Jeremy . . . whatever it is . . . I want to help you. I want to be with you."

"Rei . . ."

"No, don't say it. Jeremy I'll be with you." She looked up at his face, tears falling from her eyes. "I'll be with you."

Jeremy wiped the tears slowly from her eyes, and wrapped her in his arms and kissed her softly. Laying her down on her bed, they spent the night together.

* * * * * * * * *

When Rei arrived at the meeting for the Senshi she was unusually quiet. As they discussed what to do about the Vampires and the mysterious stranger, Rei did nothing but nod and agree.

"What about this mysterious stranger? What if he's one of them?" Ami asked. "Just because he helped Rei and Mina doesn't mean he isn't an enemy. He didn't stay around - he fled like he was guilty too."

"No!" Rei said forcefully. "He was innocent. He didn't do anything wrong."

The others looked taken aback by Rei's fierce tone.

"Rei-chan?" Usagi asked. "Are you ok?"

"I'm fine. I'm sorry everyone. I've been feeling under the weather. I think I should go home. We'll meet tonight at our posts."

As Rei left, she felt bad for lying to her friends. She knew they were worried about her but what could she tell them? That she had fallen in love with a vampire?

When she got home, she stepped into her bathroom and undressed. She fingered her neck. Two small puncture marks could easily be seen.

* * * * * * * * *

That night she wore the casablanca lapel on her Sailor Mars uniform when she transformed. She had told Jeremy everything last night. About her being Sailor Mars and her mission to protect Serenity. And tonight, he would show her everything.

As expected, there were no attacks. Rei had known there would be none. Close to 2am, everyone parted ways, and Rei waited in the shadows. He came softly but she knew him without turning around.

His arms slipped around her waist. "Are you ready?"

"Yes.", she answered.

Turning her around, he kissed her forehead, and holding her hand, in one swift leap they were airborne. Rei watched as she flew with Jeremy over the rooftops and saw her temple, saw Usagi's house, saw T*A Academy. She was soaring so high with Jeremy that she didn't notice when they slowed down.

She turned to him. "What is it?" she asked.

"I just want to look at you like this. To share this." Jeremy stared at her. "The first time I saw you at the school, I wanted to fly with you next to me. I didn't dare dream it would be possible."

He touched her face, and remembered their love making the night before. "Rei . . . I don't want anything to happen to you. I have to show and tell you everything." With that, he wrapped his cloak around them, and Rei closed her eyes as she felt them speeding somewhere.

When she opened her eyes, she realized she was in a small village.

"This is Edinburgh, Romania, 1466." Jeremy announced.

Rei watched as the village people all went about their day, cooking, shodding horses, and working on their houses. Suddenly, from the sky, her eyes filled with terror as she saw something dark descend and cloud the village. She heard screams and sounds of rage. When the darkness cleared, she found men and women wreathing on the ground, tearing at animals, and biting them savagely.

"That man. Over there." Jeremy pointed to a tall dark-blonde and handsome man in his late 20's, who looked as if he was having a seizure. "That is my ancestor. I have inherited his disease."

Rei felt time returning to normal and the speed increasing and closed her eyes. When she opened them, all of Earth was below her. The last time she had seen this, she had been on the Moon with Usagi and the Senshi.

Jeremy held Rei close. "I thought I had been spared. Both my parents have this disease. I never felt it, until recently. You have to understand, those of us who have it are not all monsters. This evil, whatever it is, is passed on through the generations, and many of us have been able to control it, but others have let the evil take them over, and they are the ones killing the innocents. Normal humans have fought back against the monsters amongst us with ingenious ways and we don't know why holy water burns us or wooden stakes kill us. We live and die like normal humans - we have the same problems as normal people. It's true my mother has diabetes."

Stopping, Jeremy looked at Rei. "Do you think I am a monster Rei?"

"No. Never. I knew you weren't"

"But to be with me Rei - you can never be a normal girl, and just a Sailor Senshi anymore. You will take what I am with you through life."

"I know. And I accept that fate. My loyalty has always been, and will continue to be with Usagi and the Senshi. She is my princess and I will do anything for her. But I love you as well. She will understand. They will all understand."

"I have a question though. How were you able to kill the vampires so easily?" Rei asked.

"Because my parents are the rulers of our cursed people. And I am their only son, our people's only Prince. We have inherited powers that help our people and protect other humans from the monsters amongst us. That is how I was able to protect you and your friend."

"When you saved me that night, how did you know I was Sailor Mars. . ."

"I have a 6th sense.....I felt it....and somehow it added up. I just felt it. I love you Rei. I knew you were in danger." Jeremy looked away.

The night had worn long, and the sun would rise soon over the East. As Jeremy and Rei traveled back to Rei's temple, she learned that sunlight did not kill Vampires; they were just stronger at night by the light of the moon. They were still humans, but with a disease.

As Rei said good-bye to Jeremy, when the sun rose in the East, two new fresh marks were on her neck.

* * * * * * * * *

Jeremy returned to school the following week. And life returned to normal. Rei and Jeremy laughed, talked, as if nothing had changed. They shared a secret deeper than others and it made life more beautiful for the two of them. The week passed with no more threats. Rei returned to her happy disposition and her friends were happy that Rei and Jeremy were ok again.

As Rei sat with her friends that Monday the 28th, the conversation turned to Halloween.

"Meimi-chan's Halloween party on Thursday night sounds wonderful! I definitely want to go!", said Usagi.

"What will you dress up as? I think I'll go as the Goddess of Love herself!" Minako struck a pose and laughed.

They all talked happily about the Halloween party and Rei joined in. She wondered if Jeremy would go. It had at first surprised her that someone like Jeremy, cursed the way he was, could lead a normal life, but then she thought of herself and the Senshi - how they also held a huge responsibility as soldiers of justice and yet they still led normal lives as well. She fingered her neck. Now she would have 2 stones to bear, but she was doing both for the two she loved most in her life - Jeremy and Usagi.

That night, Jeremy visited Rei again. She lay on his chest, stroking his arms, and enjoying the feel of his fingers through her hair.

"I'm going to tell everyone tomorrow. About you and me. Everything."

"Do you think they'll be ok with it?"

"They'll have to be. I know they will be." She moved closer to him and decided to bring up the Halloween party.

"I don't think I can go." Jeremy said. "Halloween is when the curse takes on its worst effect, because that is the date the darkness fell on our ancestors in 1466. I've never worried about it for all these years, but Rei - falling in love with you - the urge to have you overwhelmed me. That's why I stopped coming to school. I didn't want to endanger you."

"I know.", Rei kissed Jeremy's lips softly. "If that's the case, I think the Sailor Senshi and I better be on duty Halloween night. I'll tell them so."

Jeremy turned and there was fear in his eyes. "Rei - please be careful. I'll be watching over you. Please, shout my name if anything happens."

Rei laughed. "You forget who you're talking to! This is Sailor Mars! I've only died twice!"

Rei could see, though, that her words hadn't eased the fear in Jeremy's eyes. He held her closer. What would Halloween night bring? Involuntarily she shivered.

"Jeremy......could I ever lose you?" she asked all of a sudden.

"Never. I'll always be by your side."

But now it was Rei who could not control a fear welling up within her. She had to make sure she and the Senshi were able to stop whatever was to happen on Thursday night.

* * * * * * * * *

The next day, everyone had gathered at Rei's temple for the meeting. She watched Mamoru hold Usagi close and smiled warmly at them. Now she knew what they had, and knew how special and rare it was. She looked at Luna and Artemis. They would be upset. Rei took several deep breaths.

"Everyone, there is something I must tell you."

She looked at 14 pairs of expectant eyes. This was going to be harder than she thought.

"You all know about Jeremy and me. Well there's something else." Another deep breath. "Jeremy's a vampire and I'm going to become one too." And with that she revealed the puncture marks on her neck.

* * * * * * * * *

After everyone had finished fainting, and letting all hell break loose, Rei calmed everyone down. Or so she thought. Just as she opened her mouth:

"Rei are you CRAZY? A VAMPIRE???? Quick Usagi, HEAL HER!" Screamed Minako.

It took everything Rei had in her to calm everyone down AGAIN and explain everything about Jeremy and her. She explained about his being the Prince, about his powers, about the diseased curse.

Finally, in ending she said, "I love him. I want to be with him. I want his pain and sufferings to be mine as well."

"You're NUTS!" piped Minako. "Why can't you just love him and leave the vampire part out?"

"Because Mina, that's sometimes part of being in love - sacrificing yourself to be with the one you love." Spoke Usagi softly. "I can understand it. Unless Rei gives herself to Jeremy, he can't be with her - the disease he has will prevent him from loving her normally. Rei's still Rei. But this is a way to save both him and her and their love."

"But Usako, I don't think I could let you do that. To no longer be normal . . ." Mamoru said.

"Mamo-chan, we're not in the same situation as Rei and Jeremy. If we were, we might be doing the same as them. And besides, Jeremy didn't want her to do this either, Rei chose it."

The others listened. Ami spoke up. "Rei, will you still be a Sailor Senshi?"

"Of course! I will be one till I die and again in the next life!" She looked lovingly at her friends, and her Prince and Princess. "Nothing can stop me from fighting with you guys. And now we have a new ally - Jeremy."

* * * * * * * * *

Thursday, Oct. 31st - Halloween

The day had been uneventful. Usagi had met Rei after school for sodas and both had gone over to Minako's to get ready for that night's patrol. All had agreed at yesterday's meeting that Rei was right about Halloween night and to be on alert.

Rei had seen Jeremy at school and had kissed him quickly before leaving. The nagging fear had not left. She didn't know why, but she was scared for him.

As dusk hit Tokyo, the Sailor Senshi were ready. Brandishing stakes, crosses and holy water, they were ready for anything.

Rei stood next to Minako on the roof a building. She knew Jeremy was somewhere down there. Suddenly Minako's communicator buzzed and Mamoru's voice came through. "Usagi and I are in pursuit on foot. We're heading in your direction. Be ready!"

Rei and Mina leapt to the ground and saw Usagi and Mamoru chasing 3 cloaked figures on foot. Rei leapt and screamed "Burning Mandala" and struck all 3 of them. Minako wrapped her love me chain around them and held them in place. Usagi and Mamoru ran up, joined by Makoto and were getting ready to stake all 3 vampires when suddenly they were surrounded by dozens of vampires.

They were all standing on a construction site. Rei was worried about the metal beams above them. But she didn't have time to think. The vampires were slowly closing in around them. Rei couldn't believe her eyes but the men and women looked half-crazed.

"Is this what the disease did to them?", she thought.

One lunged towards her and she kicked them away. She saw all of the senshi and Mamoru struggling.

Then, she knew he was here.

Bright flashes of light incinerated the vampires one by one. She looked up and saw Jeremy. He flashed her a smile.

Finally free, Rei struck one vampire in the jaw, and staked him with her free hand.

More kept coming, but the senshi, Mamoru and Jeremy were at the top of their game. Jeremy leapt down next to Rei. "Having fun?" he asked.

"Definitely, now that you're here."

All of a sudden, there was a commotion. In all the fighting, and blasting, no one had seen that the skeleton structures of the newly in-construction buildings had been damaged. As the senshi ran to escape, Rei saw Usagi being pinned to the ground by one of the vampires.

"Usagi!!!!!" Rei screamed. "Jeremy!!"

Jeremy turned and rushed towards Usagi. In the second that he incinerated the vampires, and pushed Usagi out of the way, a huge metal beam came crashing down to where Jeremy was. No one could move fast enough to stop it.

Rei screamed.

* * * * * * * * *

Rei was clawing on the ground and had pushed Jeremy free of the beam that had landed on him. Tears and dust stained her face.

"No NO. God NO! Jeremy. NO! NO!"

She grabbed his hand and squeezed it. She felt him squeeze back and saw a smile on his face.

"Jeremy, hold on. We'll get help. Usagi - she can do something."

She stared at his body - crushed beneath the beam. She knew it was hopeless.

"No!" She sobbed.

"Shhh.....shh.....Rei....my beautiful Rei - don't cry....don't cry. Look at me." He squeezed her hand. "Don't cry. If it hadn't been for you, I'd never have known what it was like to love and be loved." He touched the casablanca lapel pin on her suit. "Will you wear it?"

"Always." Rei sobbed. She fell on his chest crying as her heart broke.

"Rei - I will always be with you." His voice whispered and faded.

Rei's sobbing screams were the only thing Usagi, Mamoru and the Senshi and cats could hear in that night. They watched as the puncture marks faded from Rei's neck, and cried too, for their friend.

* * * * * * * * *

Rei did not sleep much for days and weeks after. She hung the portrait Jeremy had painted of her and her mother in her room. She wore the lapel every day, everywhere she went. His empty desk at school was a constant reminder. She had driven to his home, and found that his parents had packed up and moved. They had come and taken Jeremy's body and left the country. They had been grief-stricken.

The Senshi did their best to comfort Rei but it was no use. They knew Rei would carry this pain with her forever.

One night, three months later, as Rei slipped into bed, she had a dream. She was flying over the rooftops again with Jeremy. He was smiling at her and holding her hand so tight. He looked at her and spoke.

"My dearest Rei. Somehow, some way, I'll come back and find you. And I'll be with you."

When she awoke the next morning she knew what she had to do. Wearing the pin, she rushed to Jubaan Park, to the old Cedar tree where Jeremy had given her the painting. She didn't know what she was expecting but she knew she had to go there.

As she walked up, she didn't see anything or anyone. She sat down in front of the tree and waited. Ten minutes passed and nothing. Tears once again fell from her eyes. What had she hoped for. A miracle? She began to sob.

Someone handed her a napkin. "Someone like you should never cry."

That voice.

She looked up.

"I told you I would always be with you."

* * * * * * * * *

Jeremy knelt before Rei, dark blonde hair, gold earring and all. In the distance, she saw his parents by their car.

"What? How?" Rei asked.

"I don't know. Rei, I died that day, but something brought me back. My parents say it's a miracle. They had taken my body when at the hospital, the machines said I still had vital signs. It was a long process and I had to stay in America for 3 months, but I've healed Rei. Part of being a vampire means I heal quickly. I don't know what brought me back Rei, but I think it was you. You're my miracle."

"Jeremy......" Rei couldn't get any more words out as she fell onto him sobbing.

"Ok if you're going to cry at that what am I going to expect when I show you this?"

Rei sat up enough to see what he was holding. In a gorgeous black velvet case, was a diamond solitaire ring.

"Rei - will you marry me?"

* * * * * * * * *

The senshi watched happily as Rei and Jeremy exchanged vows. They would soon become man and wife. Rei - who had sworn off men - had found the one she wanted to be with eternally.

The inscription on their rings to each other? "I will always be with you."

Usagi looked at Mamoru. "So when are you and I getting married, huh? Huh?"

And the rest, as they say, is history. :)

* * * * * * * * *

What can I say? I was going to end this with Jeremy dying and leave it with Rei sobbing but I'm a sucker for happy endings and can't bear another broken heart, so what the hell! Rei deserved happiness! :D

- Nishi