Chapter Two

Wiseman's Inheritance

Meanwhile, millions of miles away, in a far corner of the Negaverse, Prince Diamond of the Black Moon stood in front of a large crystal mirror, puzzling over the diagram in front of him. The more he looked at it, the more irritated he became. Two of his comrades had already failed him, and if he didn't find some way to appease his master, he would soon join them. As if summoned by his thoughts, a hooded figure rose from the floor, his multi-colored hands circling a crystal ball.

"So Diamond," he rasped as he eyed the prince. "It seems your plans have been thwarted once again. Too bad Emerald didn't succeed with her mission. She would have made a good Queen, don't you think?"

Diamond sighed wearily, well aware that Wiseman was toying with him. "What do you want, Wiseman?" he growled.

The figure seemed to shrug, a sympathetic laugh emerging from under the silky hood.

"Don't be discouraged, my prince," he said smoothly. "You may still get your wish. There are other ways to conquer the Earth, ways that are far more subtle than our prior tactics."

Diamond was curious despite himself. "And how do you propose we do it?" he asked. "We've tried everything."

Wiseman's hands froze in mid-air as the turquoise orb began to glow, revealing the Earth and its surrounding planets.

"There is a planet, my prince," he chanted. "One that mirrors Earth almost exactly. It was the first to join the alliance of the Silver Millennium, under the rule of Queen Serenity. Their princess, Minako, is the leader of the Sailor Soldiers, guardians of the Moon Princess."

Diamond pressed two fingers to his forehead, his patience wavering. He was well aware of the history of the Silver Millennium; did Wiseman think him so incompetent that he needed to be filled with this nonsense?

"Venus?" he asked, his restlessness coloring his tone. "What about it?"

"Patience, prince," Wiseman drawled. "The conquest you seek lies not with the Earth, nor the Silver Crystal, but within the Venetian princess."

The image of the planets faded, replaced with the face of the blonde scout, a picture taken from the latest battle.

"Forgive me if I seem a bit skeptical," Diamond said with a sigh. "But our objective has always been to obtain the Silver Crystal to reek vengeance on Earth. What makes you think the key to our victory lies with this girl?"

Wiseman chuckled. "Appearances can be deceiving, Diamond. Take your new partner, for instance."

Diamond started. "New partner?"

"Indeed," Wiseman replied as the crystal went dark. "She's something of an inheritance, you see. When Queen Beryl perished against her battle with the Sailor Scouts, her young protégé was entrusted into my care. Cassandra, give Diamond the pleasure of introducing yourself."

From beyond the shadows, a slender young woman emerged, the Negamoon symbol displayed plainly between her bangs. She stood slightly shorter than Diamond, wearing a floor length black dress. The neckline plunged dangerously, her pale skin glowing in the faint light. In her hands she brandished a long staff, a sphere of brilliant jade sitting atop it. A choker of black lace adorned her neck, a glittering diamond dangling from it. Her brown hair flowed from her face in elegant waves, highlighted with streaks of black. A pair of striking emerald eyes stared back at him, cold and unforgiving.

"Prince Diamond," she purred, her voice like velvet. "I look forward to working with you."

"I see you're surprised," Wiseman remarked. "She's really quite the gem. It's hard to believe she used to be a pathetic human."

Diamond took a step back. "She's…I mean you were…mortal?"

"Yes," she told him, a sad tone creeping into her voice. "Before Beryl found me, I was just like any other girl living on Earth. Everything was perfect until I lost both parents in an explosion, leaving me with no one to turn to. I was convinced I was alone in the world, until Queen Beryl took me in. I remember nothing of my old life, nor do I ever want to. I serve the Negaverse now, and will do anything to see this mission through."

As Diamond watched her, her eyes seemed to grow darker; she was more involved in this mission than she was letting on.

"Well, now that you two are acquainted," Wiseman concluded. "I expect you to start right away. Crystal Tokyo can't wait forever, you know."

With that, Wiseman's form began to shimmer before disappearing entirely.