AN: Here is part 5. I'm sorry I'm a little late getting it out, but things got confusing for a few days. I'm still thanking everyone for their emails; keep them coming. We're near the end. I hope that I can finish this story to your satisfaction, and mine. Disclaimer: I really don't own anything. You should know that by now. Gargoyles/Moon Part 5: Darien's Transformation By Ahn Na Blue (Rated PG-13) Darien pressed his hands to the bulletproof glass of the window. He was starting to go crazy in the little room, spending his days pacing aimlessly, just waiting. He had watched the sun rise and then begin to fall, and now its golden orb was just touching the tallest of the New York City skyscrapers. Frustration coiled in him like a viper, and he banged his forehead against the transparent barrier. "Serena," he whispered, squeezing his eyes shut and thinking of his meatball headed love. He remembered her infectious laugh, her bright demeanor, her innocence as she slept. The memory of her shoe bonking him in the head made him smile. He opened his eyes and sighed, then pounded the glass once, angrily, feeling the solid wall stand firm against his attack. He hadn't heard the airlock of the door release, or sensed Dominique's presence as she slipped into the room behind him. But she had watched him, heard the name he whispered, and it didn't please her. Her red lips set into a firm line as she watched him strike the window. She forced herself to remain calm. Tonight was the culmination of all her plans. Nothing would ruin it. "Darien," she said in a clear tone, her voice resounding off the silence of the room like a bell. He turned to look at her, and she appraised him as he stood there. His hair was unkempt and wild, and he was dressed all in black, black T-shirt and black slacks, barefoot. Steel blue eyes flashed in sharp contrast to his dark drapings. Dominique smiled, she would not regret her choice. And in a few hours, she thought, neither will he. "Dominique," he said, startled but relieved to see her, to see anyone. He padded across the light carpet towards her. She looked tired, obviously their captor was working her very hard. Her jacket was unbuttoned and she wore no stockings, her red hair was loose and hung down to the middle of her back. Darien's brow knit as he noted the long, shadow of a bruise along her cheekbone. He lifted a hand to her face. "What's happened?" Dominique turned away from him, brushing his concern away with a flick of her hand. He noticed shallow scrapes along her palms, as if she had been thrown onto a rough surface, but he remained silent, as she seemed preoccupied. "Its nothing, don't worry. There's no time for it." She turned back to face him, and her emerald eyes glittered with a calculated excitement. "Don't be afraid. Something's going to happen tonight." She held out her hand, and in them were long steel chains fashioned into shackles. Darien backed away a step. "What's going on Dominique?" He demanded, but when he saw the hurt in her eyes at his accusation, he walked closer to her. "I'm sorry. I know what ever you're doing.. that she's making you do it. It's her, isn't it? That monster?" She turned her face away, her eyes swimming with tears against her will. The muscles in her throat worked painfully before she said, "Yes, it is her," in a tiny, choked voice. Darien sighed, forcing his fatigued brain to think quickly, but it wouldn't obey him, ideas tossed themselves around his head absently. He was too used to the circular, restricted thinking of the room. He held his arms out, wrists up, and Dominique, who had swallowed her tears, snapped the shackles around them tightly. He leaned himself in close to her ear. "Don't be afraid. This is our chance to escape. There are things you don't know about me Dominique. Just be ready to move when I tell you." She closed her eyes in thought, enjoying the feel of his breath on her neck. Things you don't know about me, she thought repetitively with a rueful smile. But there was no time to think of that now. "We have to go," she said, carrying the length of his chains and leading him out the door. Darien's mind leaped at being outside of his small enclosure. His eyes darted frantically from hallway to hallway, thinking of an escape route. "Do you think she hasn't thought of that, Darien?" Dominique muttered solemnly. "There's no way out of here except her way." "We'll see about that," Darien frowned. "Where are we going?" Dominique's gaze steeled as she faced forward. "The roof." ******************************************************************** MUNCH MUNCH MUNCH. SNARF GOBBLE GOBBLE SNARF. Raye sat straight up in the four poster bed she had shared with Serena. "What is that NOISE!" she shrieked angrily, yanking cotton and earplugs out of place. "That's Serena eating, if you can believe it," Luna said groggily from the pillow beside her. "She forced Lita to get up early with her and cook her an energy meal for the battle today." Raye pounded her fist into the thick coverlet. "She eats louder than she snores!" but secretly Raye was proud of her friend. Serena waking up before someone pulled her bodily from the bed was an event almost as rare as the lunar eclipse. The priestess pulled her mass of dark hair back into a low horsetail and swung her legs over to the floor and into her slippers. Throwing on a robe, she stormed into the sitting room, preparing to curse Serena out properly. "GEEZ MEATBAll HEAD! Do you have to wake up the whole neighborhood with your face stuffing? You sound like a Hoover wet and dry vac out here!" Serena looked up innocently from the vast array of food at her feet. She and Lita had set up an elaborate carpet picnic, and half empty bowls of food were strewn around on what was likely a priceless rug. "Good morning to you too Raye! Or should I say good evening." As if everything were settled, Serena snatched up her chopsticks and began to shovel food into her mouth with renewed energy. "And it wasn't Serena's eating that woke me up Raye," said a froggy voice from behind them. They turned to see Mina and Amy, Mina dressed in orange flannel pjs and Amy in a blue cloud print nightgown. "It was your yelling." Raye sweatdropped. "Sorry guys. But its almost time to get up anyway." She gestured to the window. "The sun is almost down." Lita had been standing near the window, already dressed in blue jeans and an oversized white dress shirt. She watched the sun fade from the horizon with anticipation, biting her lip and squinting, willing the glowing ball to drop faster. "You guys better get dressed. I'm going to wait for the Gargoyles to wake up." And then the leggy brown haired girl bounded away up the winding staircase. Serena was patting her bloated belly. "Ah," she sighed. "I'm ready to fight now." She looked up at her friends with a face caked with crumbs and other remnants of breakfast. "Let's rock and roll!" Raye, exasperated, smacked her hand to her forehead, while Amy and Mina groaned and fell into a heap behind her. ********************************************************************* Lita leaned against the stone wall, her elbows resting atop the ledge, looking out over the darkening city. Beside her was the statue of Brooklyn, his wings outstretched, mouth open and snarling. Lita sighed. She could feel this adventure coming to an end. Soon she would be back in Japan, back in her own apartment, alone. She looked up at the stone face, and why it was that she had to find someone so wonderful so far away from her destiny. She jumped a little as she heard the first crackling sound, and then watched, enthralled, as the Gargoyles eyes glowed white and they flexed, sending rock fragments flying as they roared, greeting the night. Moments later, Brooklyn hopped down next to her, smiling sheepishly and brushing dust off of his shoulder. Lita returned the smile and picked bits of stone from his white hair. "Good Evening," she grinned. "Are you ready for a battle?" Brooklyn stretched his arms. "Always. Especially when Demona is involved." She grasped his hand, leading him towards the castle doorway. "Sometime you're going to have to tell me about this grudge you're carrying around for Demona." "Its a long story," he admitted. "I hope you have a lot of time to listen." Lita turned away from him as her face fell. She nodded silently, not wanting him to hear the pained break in her voice that she knew was waiting to come out. Goliath swooped down before them from his sleeping position on the uppermost tier. "Lita, good evening. Is Elisa here?" "Not yet, but we're expecting her any minute. The Sailor Scouts should be ready to go whenever you are." Goliath's glance dropped at the couple's joined hands, and he smiled at the girl. "Good," he said, and then spotted his daughter lingering in the shadows. "Go on inside. I'll be there in a few minutes." As they walked inside, he listened to their conversation and laughter echo down the stairway. He walked closer to his daughter. "Angela," he said softly. "I know this is hard for you." She had her back turned to him, her wings folded around herself like a cape. Her tears were silent, but they were betrayed by the soft shaking of her shoulders. "I don't want to betray my mother." "You never betray someone by doing the right thing." Goliath set a steady hand on her back. "Demona is doing something evil to this man. She is holding him hostage for some diabolical purpose. She-" "NO SHE ISN'T!" Angela spun to face him, desperation and a little fury in her eyes. "She only wants to make him love her Father," she pleaded, trying to make him understand. "She loves him." Goliath was shaking his head incredulously. "You KNEW about this?!! You knew the whole time and you said nothing!?" His wings unfurled in a rage. "How could I Father? How could I when I saw how much she cares for him?" "Demona cares for no one but herself," Goliath growled, and then instantly saw his error. Angela's tears flowed freely now, and Goliath was ashamed. He knew how much Angela wanted to be loved by her mother, to be a family with both of her parents. He took his daughter by the shoulders. "Of course I didn't mean that. Your mother loves you. But beyond that...And certainly never a human!" "But she does Father!" She looked up hopefully. "When she's with him I see something in her that I've never seen before!" She searched for words to convey her hope, hope for her mother's redemption. Goliath understood. He saw how much Angela wanted her mother to be free of pain, to be the Gargoyle she once was. "Angela," he began, "If there is hope for her with this man, then there will always be hope with another. But she has kidnapped him, and I think it is obvious that he loves this girl Serena-" "But can't we just let her try? Just for a little while? I'm sure that if he grows to love her that-" "NO." Goliath said firmly. "This is wrong, my daughter." Angela's head hung low. "I know Goliath. I just wish...I just wish that things could be different. But I'll stand by my clan. And I'll help to fight for our- our new friends, the Sailor Scouts." She walked away silently into the castle, and Goliath swelled with pride. *************************************************************************** The girls and the Gargoyles had gathered near the fireplace, quickly comparing notes on fighting styles and strategies. Amy and Lexington were huddled on the carpet, poring over her palm computer. "What are you guys doing down there?" Mina asked, standing over them in black capri style pants and a coral scoop neck tanktop. Amy didn't look at her, just pushed up the sleeves of her navy blue sweatshirt and moved to kneel on the knees of her faded bluejeans. "We're making up a contingency plan," she answered simply. Lexington looked up at Mina. "Amy says its always best to have a backup plan." He smiled, obviously impressed by their little genius. "Backup plans seem a little unconfident to me,"Raye said haughtily, and Broadway nodded to agree with her. She rose from her seat on the sofa, stuffing her hands into the pockets of her jean cutoffs. Amy laughed, "Don't worry Raye, I'm sure we won't have to use it." Serena walked into the room, hastily buttoning a pink blouse over her drawstring khakis, Elisa following behind her. "It's time to go." Raye spun to look at her, the action causing her mane of hair to swirl around her shoulders. "Boy, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you sounded determined Meatball head." "Can it Raye," Serena said curtly, throwing her locket hand into the air. "It's time to go to work! MOON CRYSTAL POWER!" The Sailor Scouts grinned. "MARS STAR POWER!" "JUPITER STAR POWER!" "VENUS STAR POWER!" "MERCURY STAR POWER!" Blasts of light, ribbons, fire, electricity, golden hearts, and ice brought the Sailor Scouts onto the scene. Angela, who had never seen the girls transform before, stood silently, transfixed. Mina winked at her. "Wicked cool huh?" "Let's go!" Serena pointed to the doorway and started running to the roof, her Scouts behind her. As the night air hit her face, Lita jumped into Brooklyn's arms and they dove off the castle. Amy was scooped up by Lex, Mina by Broadway, and Elisa and Raye by Goliath. Gaining speed, they headed for Nightstone Incorporated. "Bronx and I'll guard the castle," Hudson called from the courtyard where Bronx lay munching a stick. "HEY WAAAIT A MINUTE!" Wailed an ear shattering voice. Serena had tripped shortly after reaching the roof. Angela's spine stiffened at the sound, but she doubled back. "Can I catch a ride with you?" The petite blonde wondered. "Oh, um, sure," Angela stammered, silently wondering why Darien had to be in love with this little girl instead of her mother, and then hating herself for thinking it. *************************************************************************** As Darien was pulled unceremoniously out the door and onto the open roof, he briefly allowed himself to enjoy the freedom of a brisk breeze through his hair. The simple joy of being unconfined was almost too much to bear. Then he remembered his manacled wrists. Looking out across the expanse, he noted a strange circle of candles in the center, and a smaller circle of colored sand just beyond it. Dominique was trembling, but as she turned to him, she was smiling also. He thought he understood. "Now Dominique. Now's our chance. Unlock these cuffs." She regarded him as if he was crazy. "I don't have the keys. Do you think our captor is a fool?" Darien shook his head hurriedly. "Doesn't matter. We've got to get out of here now, before she arrives." Dominique looked west, at the watery mix of oranges and pinks on the horizon. "There isn't much time for that. Besides, we're on the top of a skyscraper. Where exactly do you intend to go? There's no way out of the building. She's seen to that." He ignored the strange lilt of pride in her voice, focusing on what he was going to tell her. He glanced at the neighboring skyscraper. It was a big jump, but certainly not too far for Tuxedo Mask to make. "Dominique, I'm not who you think I am." "What a coincidence," she whispered too softly for him to hear, her eyes still on the fading sunset. Darien took a deep breath, preparing to call his transformation. He gathered his strength, and....and....nothing. He gasped in shock. Instead of the familiar wrap of a cape there was a void. His effort fizzled like simple static electricity, and the very attempt brought him to one knee with fatigue. He groaned. His heart was pounding and sweat broke on his brow. "She's-she's been drugging the food." Darien grasped his head, shaking. "Ah, gods, there's no way out now. Dominique, I can't save us. I've been waiting for the chance, but now that it's here, I'm powerless. She's drugged me." Dominique lifted him to his feet with surprising strength, guiding him into the large candle circle, and fastening the end of his chain to a stake located in the center. "Hush Darien. There's no time for that now." She seemed agitated, grabbing him by the shoulders and looking hard into his eyes. "It's me. I've been doing this to you." "What?" She shook her head, trying to find the words, glancing over her shoulder at the darkening sky. "It's time you knew the truth. From the moment I met you, I knew you weren't like the others." She moved away from him, saying a silent prayer that he would understand her. "So why should you have to be one of them? Humanity is my enemy Darien. They have betrayed me again and again. But you, you are so different, so superior. You've made such an impression." "Dominique, what are you talking about?" "I don't want to hurt you. But you must be made to see the fault of your species. Your kind is evil, filled with lies and stupidity. They murder each other on the streets like dogs. They have no sense of loyalty." She was walking determinedly out of the circle, then spun to face him, her eyes wild. "With you at my side we can right the wrongs. Change their thinking. Make them realize what they are-" Darien's eyes narrowed as he rose to his full height. "You're insane. You made an impression on me too Dominique. I thought you were my friend. Someone to be admired. But you're just crazy. You need help, and I will help you, if you'll let me." Her mouth turned to a snarl. "I'm not the one who needs to be helped!" She cried, then calmed herself quickly as she felt darkness strike. "You leave me no choice." She groaned as she felt her wings explode from her human back, and doubled over in pain. Darien watched in silent horror as her peach skin paled to gray, then brightened to blue. Before him stood a Gargoyle. His mouth moved without any sound, and the shock was evident on his features. "You! You're the monster!" "I am Demona, but I am no monster. I am a Gargoyle." "How could you do this Dominique? You kept me away from Serena, you kept me locked up for weeks! You drugged my food and weakened me, the whole time pretending to care!" "I do care," she said absently, lighting the candles around him with a wave of her hand and glancing skyward to smile at the full moon. "And of course I drugged your food. How else was I supposed to ready your body for the change? Sadly for you, the mutation boosters also have a temporary weakening effect. You surprised me Darien. Most men would have barely been able to walk. But you are obviously very special." He was ignoring her, only half listening, his captive brain whirling with the newfound knowledge, angry, sick of being contained. "You kept me from Serena!" The emotion boiled in the back of his throat. "Don't worry Darien," she smiled, stepping into the circle of colored sand and reaching down for a book resting on the ground near it. She flipped its pages absently. "In a few moments, you'll never think of that silly girl again." Ignoring his cursory scowl, she continued, "Now be quiet. I'm mixing magics here, this is delicate." "Oh I'm really going to listen to you Dominique." He began to pull at his chain, with little hope considering his weakened state. As a Latin incantation filled his ears, genuine fear creeped into his pores. Demona strengthened her voice as the powers started to gather, mingling Latin with Gaelic as an eerie green mist rose from the candles as if smoke. Her smile was poison. Darien was yelling at her to stop, trying to reason with her too late. The green mist was thickening into a swirling fog around him, and she repeated her incantation, calling her forces, controlling them delicately. Reaching into the tattered breast pocket of her jacket, she grasped a simple, palm sized green gem, with an ancient symbol hand carved into its center. "STOP RIGHT THERE!" Demona turned quickly, and was momentarily confused by the sight of a short skirted blonde girl who appeared to be impersonating a sailor. She quickly regained her focus however, as she noted that five gargoyles, including her daughter, accompanied her. Serena surveyed the scene as her Sailor Scouts fell in behind her. Darien was barely visible in a cloud of green smoke. He was down on his knees, hugging himself tightly and moaning. "I am Sailor Moon! I am the champion of justice! And whatever you're doing to my boyfriend, you must stop it now!" "Serena," Demona mused, gripping her green stone tightly. "I don't know how you know who she is," Sailor Mars shouted angrily, "But you won't live long enough to tell anyone anyway! MARS CELESTIAL FIRE! SURROUND!!" A shot of fiery rings flew from her hands, but Demona dodged them easily. "That was the slowest sorcery I've ever seen," she laughed, mocking. Brooklyn growled, his eyes starting to glow. Sailor Jupiter ran forward, angry at Demona's jibing. "JUPITER SUPREME THUNDER!" Jupiter had no time to finish, because Demona used a wind gust to swoop forward and slam bodily into her. For the second time since she was in the city, Sailor Jupiter found herself free falling off a building. "Jupiter!" Brooklyn cried, diving off after her. Sailor Moon's eyes were locked on the pained form of her love. Her fists clenched. "I said, stop what you're doing to him." Her tone was low, menacing, and the remaining scouts stopped to look at her. Demona smiled wickedly. "Little girl," she hissed. "There is nothing you can do." "You will not hurt him," Serena growled, walking forward, finding her moon wand and spinning it into her hand. She was within striking distance of the Gargoyle now. The two could have reached out and touched each other. Instead, Demona spun and sent Sailor Moon flying with a lash of her tail. The blonde skidded across the rooftop, finally rolling to a stop as she hit the doorway into the building. Demona wasn't finished. Following, she struck Sailor Moon just as the girl rose to her knees, sending her crashing back down. "Leave her alone Demona," Goliath growled, stepping forward, but his path was quickly blocked by three sailor suited soldiers. "This is our fight Goliath," Sailor Mars stated angrily. "Get away from her you fashion freak!" Demona cackled, walking towards her new enemies with no fear. "I'll take care of this carnival attraction Mars," Venus declared, pointing her finger into the air. "VENUS LOVE CHAIN..." "NO!" Venus stopped in the middle of her call to look at her leader, who had regained her feet, and apparently, her nerve. Sailor Moon was striding across the roof towards Demona, who regarded her with little interest. "This is my job Venus." For a moment the two adversaries just stared at each other. Then Demona struck out, aiming a roundhouse kick at Sailor Moon's head. The Sailor Scouts winced inwardly, waiting for the kick to connect and send Sailor Moon sprawling. But she ducked it. And with surprising speed, righted herself in time to land a kick of her own into Demona's exposed back, which sent the Gargoyle heaving forward. Her attack didn't stop there. She followed the enraged creature, grabbing her shoulder to spin her around. As Demona levied a punch, Sailor Moon raised her arm to block it, then twisted for a reverse punch that sent her rival spinning. Demona, the seasoned warrior, recovered and faked left, then ducking low to use her tail to sweep the girl off her feet. "Enough!" Sailor Moon grumbled, grabbing her tiara. "MOON TIARA MAGIC!" she shouted and sent the glowing disc flying. It hit Demona square in the stomach, and the Gargoyle's eyes snapped wide open. Sailor Moon rose to her feet just in time to snatch her returning tiara out of the air. Returning it to it's proper place on her forehead, she declared, "Now stop whatever you're doing to Darien." Demona was on her knees, clutching her wounded stomach. She cackled darkly. "Did you hear me?" Sailor Moon growled, walking towards her. "I win. Now release Darien. NOW!" The Gargoyle's cackling didn't stop. "You think you've won. But you're too late." She slowly unfurled her body, rising to her full, proud height. Her smile was pure evil. "I have only one more thing to do." "What-?" Demona wasted no time. She gripped her green jewel, raising her hand high over her head. "BY SCIENCE AND BY SORCERY, A TRANSFORMATION OF THE NIGHT, CREATES A CREATURE WHO WILL LOVE ME!" And her laughter filled the space between them. Angela, who had been silent and lurking in the shadows, ran forward. "Mother, stop! What are you doing?!" All eyes shifted to Darien. As the stone in Demona's hand began to glow, the green swirls around him sped up, encasing him like a cocoon. His screams rose above the wind, and then, the mist exploded, revealing the magic's evil work. Before them stood Darien, a Gargoyle. Breaking his chains easily, he spread his newly formed wings and walked to Demona. She laughed, wrapping him in her arms. "Go back where you came from," she told Sailor Moon. "He'll never think of you again. He is a creature who belongs to me now." "Mother!" Angela screamed painfully. "You lied to me!" "You'll forgive me eventually Angela. You'll come to understand." Demona faced Darien, caressing his wing. "It's time for you to try out the night." Together, they dove off of Nightstone Incorporated, and glided away, sharing the laughter of the newly united. "AFTER THEM!" Goliath ordered, running to the edge and leaping off. Broadway, and Lexington were quick to obey. Brooklyn landed on the roof with Jupiter in his arms. "She's getting away," he growled and ran after his clan. "Oh my God!" Jupiter exclaimed. "Darien-! What's happened?!" "Where's that contingency plan Mercury?" Raye demanded. Mercury shook her head in a panic. "It won't work. It- it doesn't apply! I never anticipated this!" "Guys!" Elisa said. "You'd better see to your princess." The Scouts looked behind them and saw Sailor Moon, who had sunk to her knees without a cry. TO BE CONCLUDED... Well there it is. We're very close to the end now. I hope you guys will hang with me until the very last sentence. I appreciate you who have offered feedback and encouragement. In my next fic I'll be sure to thank you by name. Please keep emailing at ahnnablue@hotmail.com. As I enter the homestretch, I'd like to hear your thoughts. Thanks for reading, everybody.