Author's note: This is a work of sailormoon fiction that takes place during the R season, just after the defeat of the Doom Tree. I will be using English names for characters in order to preserve my own sanity and because access to the Japanese material is difficult here in the UK. The story contains some strong language and violence and will be rated M to be on the safe side. As is the norm please don't read on if this sort of material offends you. You were warned.

This is my first attempt at a fan fiction so any feedback would be much appreciated. I welcome advice, suggestions or constructive criticism. Flames or hate mail will of course be deleted.

As for the disclaimer I might as well put it here. This is a work of fiction (Although if you couldn't figure that out the I commend you for managing to read this far), I do not own Sailormoon some rich people do, I do own this story (such as it is) and the computer I've used to write it.

PROLOUGE: A Dark Awakening

It was night time in the city of Tokyo. From dark clouds in the sky the rain seems to fall in sheets, and those still out move hurriedly to escape the deluge. Seemingly unnoticed by anyone, a lone figure staggers from the street and into a side ally. The figure is a young man, possibly in his early twenties. His dark hair is plastered to his scalp with the downpour. The ruins of a black shirt of some sort still hang off of a wasted body. He has one arm slung across his chest as though his ribs are killing him. He leans against a wall for support, his breathing a series of ragged gasps. He shakes his head a little as if to clear it and moves on, heedless of the deep indentations his fingers have made in the concrete.

The Street Vipers as they liked to be called were a small gang of thugs and petty criminals. Mostly school dropouts who had nowhere to go, and had yet to progress to serious crimes. Wheather the police even knew of the gang's existence was unknown. Even if they did it was unlikely that any action would be taken unless the group began causing serious trouble. It was far more likely that a new group that small would soon have a run in with one of the organised major gangs and that would be the end of them. They were led by Togawa, a ruthless and imposing figure who led by intimidation and an unsettling willingness to hurt people.

He'd called the gang out this evening because he needs the money. But this fuckin storm had all but killed any chance of grabbing someone from the street. No one who didn't have to would be thick enough to walk out in this weather.

Togawa was about to give in for the night when his phone rings. "Some guy's headed your way. An easy mark, looks like he's drunk or stoned or some shit like that. He'll reach you in about three minutes." Togawa waves the others toward him with a slow grin spreading across his face. Maybe tonight would provide a little entertainment after all.

"Right boys we got some stupid asshole and he's coming this way. Now we're going to make this fucker sorry he ever stepped on our turf got that!" Motioning the others to get in place he takes up a position on the rusted fire escape. He watches as the figure draws slowly closer. He pulls a switchblade, relishing the thrill of the impending violence and readies himself to jump.

The young man stumbles forward into the waiting ambush without seeming to notice or care. He doesn't respond even when Togawa leaps down in front of him brandishing a blade. Unimpressed by the lack of response Togawa raises his knife threateningly, the rest of the gang, following his lead also emerge from behind various walls and bins. "Alright asswipe, Looks like you've wandered into Viper territory. We don't like piece of shit trespassers like you so you're going to have to pay the toll."

The man finally looks up. His eyes are blank and uncomprehending at first, then with a suddenness that actually causes Togawa to hesitate for a moment they snap into focus. Several of the gang members pause; something isn't right with the light. The shadows in the alleyway seem to be moving even though everyone is stood still and the only light comes from a naked bulb over some service entrance. With a sudden terrible rush the shadows gather around the figure wrapping around him like a shroud. The Ally is suddenly filled with a fierce wind which seems to be centred on their victim. There is a brief movement too fast for the eye to follow; the light in the area is suddenly deepened to a shade of red as a spray of blood hits it. Togawa staggers back screaming, trying in vain to swing his knife with an arm that is no longer attached to his body. A pulse of darkness envelops him and the screaming stops abruptly. The figure looks up at the rest of the gang with eyes that are now blood red, and grins.

Three miles away, in the Cherry Hill Temple, fifteen year old Raie Hino wakes with a start.

Sorry it was a short opener. But I wanted to get to the story as soon as possible. Please let me know if this is any good and I'll post chapter one as soon as possible.