Standard disclaimers apply. Most of these characters were created by Naoko Takeuchi, and rightfully belong to her. I'm only borrowing them for a while. New characters, and this story, belong to me. Ask before you use them. :)
AN: New chapter:) Not much to say this time, really. This one's a bit longer than usual; it was originally supposed to be two separate chapters, but in the end I decided to fuse them together and get rid of some unnecessary stuff. Now, on to the story!
Through Storm-Cloud Eyes
Part 4: Thunder and Lightning
by JG Chan
Screaming and shouting filled the air. The once green fields were stained red with blood, and bodies lay in scattered piles. A miasma of death and despair hung over the battlefield like a pall of choking smoke.
The lady stood on a hill overlooking the carnage. Her hair fluttered in the wind, two long golden tresses. Her posture was regal and calm, and the warriors arrayed beside her were equally composed. Her eyes, however, shone with tears unshed as she gazed upon the bloodbath that had torn so many families apart. So many lives lost.
A clarion sounded, crisp and clear in the heavy air. The sounds of battle slowly died down as fewer and fewer soldiers were left fighting. Sharp screams of sudden pain gave way to the low groans of the dying. From among the knot of remaining warriors, a young man appeared, heading for the hill, and the lady. His silvery hair was streaked red, as was the bright sword in his hand.
A dark-haired, lavender-suited man stepped in front of the lady, a crystal-tipped rod held up threateningly. Behind them, several of their companions tensed in readiness. However, the lady put a delicate, soothing hand on the man's arm, and he reluctantly stood aside.
The young rebel stopped a few feet before the lady, standing proud and defiant, even though he knew he had lost. His blood-splattered and torn clothing contrasted starkly with the lady's pristine white gown. Raging storm-cloud eyes stared into orbs of clear sky blue.
At first, the rebel glared at the lady, conveying to her all his hatred for those who would subjugate others to their will and let injustice run amuck. Anger flared like a hungry red flame, fueled by his passion for his cause and his devotion to those who fought beside him. He flung all his hostility at her, and braced himself for a contest of will.
What happened then caught the young man by complete surprise. He had fully expected an onslaught of magical power; after all, everyone knew of the might this single woman possessed. But instead, what he saw in those eyes was...
Sadness.
Pain.
Compassion.
His gaze faltered. Try though he might, she remained completely unfazed by the hate he displayed. Instead, she silently offered to help him, to clear away the pain and rejection that he and his friends had suffered. A flicker of doubt appeared in the stormy eyes, before his resolve hardened in stubborn pride.
But that did not last long. His sword slid from his hand and landed on the ground with a muffled thud. He had failed in his mission. And those enthralling blue eyes would remain engraved in his mind forever after...
The group had gathered in the mansion's large sitting room, except for Minako, who had volunteered to keep watch over ChibiUsa. Mamoru and Usagi, the latter nursing a mug of hot cocoa, were sitting on one couch, with Luna laying on the backrest. Ami, Jadeite, and Athan sat across the table on the other couch, listening as Mamoru and Usagi explained everything that had happened to them while they were under the spell.
"So this spirit woman never told you who she was?" Luna asked the two of them. Both shook their heads.
"It didn't feel like she was lying, though," Usagi added pensively. "She seemed so...sad. Like something really, really bad happened to her."
"I felt sort of the same thing," Mamoru agreed. "Still, it's too bad we couldn't find out anything about the visions. Knowing that there might be a mastermind behind these Black Moon people doesn't help as much as knowing what they want."
"Actually, we do have more information now," Ami corrected him. "While we were waiting for Sailor Moon to wake up, ChibiUsa-chan told us her story." She smiled at Usagi's shocked expression. "I think we finally convinced her that we really want to help."
"And...?" Jadeite asked impatiently.
"As you guys suspected, she's from the future," Ami told them. "From the thirtieth century, to be precise. She said she lived with her parents in the palace of Crystal Tokyo, and that one day the city was attacked by invaders. Something happened to her mother during the attack; ChibiUsa-chan said she has been asleep ever since then. She thinks the only thing that can save her mother is the Silver Crystal, so she came back to the past to find it."
"Those invaders would be the Black Moon, I suppose?" Athan guessed. Ami nodded.
"But how did she come here to the past?" Usagi asked.
"She has a key that she always carries with her," Luna explained. "That's what she used to come here, but apparently it doesn't work all the time."
"Well, this does clear up some things," Jadeite noted. "Not much, but some."
"Poor ChibiUsa..." Mamoru said sadly, glancing in the direction of the guestrooms. "She came here all by herself to help her mother..."
"Yeah," Usagi agreed. "I don't know what I'd do if I were in her place, stuck in a strange time without any of my friends. She must have been so lonely..." She turned to her friends. "We have to help her!" she said passionately.
"Definitely," Ami agreed.
"So we know the enemy is here to prevent ChibiUsa-chan from saving her mother," Luna summarized, "either by capturing her or the Silver Crystal. We'll have to protect both while we figure out how to beat them."
The others nodded, but before anyone could continue, the clock sounded seven times. As if on cue, Usagi's stomach growled at its owner, who looked up a bit sheepishly.
"Well, you girls have had a rough day," Mamoru noted. "How about we stop for today and get some rest? We can discuss this some more with everyone later."
With no one objecting, they all rose and prepared to leave, with Ami going to fetch Minako and ChibiUsa. Mamoru headed out back to retrieve his motorcycle while Athan offered to drive the girls home, and they all headed their separate ways.
"I'll call Rei-chan and Mako-chan and let them know what happened," Ami promised as she got out of the car. She waved goodbye as Athan started to drive off, heading for Minako's house.
"I've been meaning to ask, Ichirou-san," Luna said after a while, "just why is it that you're still around."
"Luna!" Usagi protested, a bit shocked at the bite in the cat's tone.
"I've told you before, Luna," Athan answered impassively. "I'm here to help the Sailor Senshi, nothing else."
"And what if we don't need your help?" Luna countered acidly. Usagi scowled down at her guardian and bopped her on the head.
"Then you're free to ignore me," Athan replied calmly.
Luna gave him a sullen look, but did not respond. The rest of the drive passed in silence, though Usagi and Minako exchanged several worried looks. Finally, they stopped in front of Minako's house. Artemis immediately jumped down from the window onto the sidewalk and came up to them.
"Is everything alright?" he asked them.
"We're fine, Artemis," Minako replied, then turned to Usagi. "Usagi-chan, why don't you take ChibiUsa-chan and Luna inside and get settled in? I'll come up later." She handed Usagi the key. The other girl nodded wordlessly and carried the sleepy pink-haired girl towards the door.
Luna threw another hard look at Athan, then followed after the blonde, avoiding Artemis' eyes all the while. The white cat glanced between Luna and Athan, then sighed and headed for the house as well, a worried look on his face.
A few seconds passed in silence.
"Was there something you wanted to say?" Athan asked quietly.
"Actually, I was going to ask the same question as Luna." Minako shifted slightly in her seat to stare at the man beside her. "Why is it that you're really staying?"
"Why do you want to know?"
"Because you don't make any sense, Athan, and it bothers me," she admitted candidly, giving the older man a cheeky smile. "You probably had more power than all of us combined, and then you go and seal it away. You said you did it to prove your sincerity to Luna, but you're obviously going to stay even if she objects. And to top it off, you're a former prince and war hero, yet all you're doing is hanging back and giving suggestions. How do you expect us not to be curious? Besides," she added a bit more seriously, "it's always easier when you have someone to share your thoughts with, isn't it?"
"True...but there are also times when saying too much only brings worry." He gave Minako a solemn look. "For what it's worth, I'm not keeping secrets because I don't trust you."
"That's good...but I still want to know," the blonde replied firmly.
Athan said nothing, turning in his seat to return Minako's gaze and making her swallow nervously. She could still remember that time he literally shut off her mind by just looking at her, and even though he could no longer do it, it still creeped her out. She didn't back down, however, and stared defiantly back into those night-dark eyes of his, conveying her thoughts to him without words.
For a long while, neither of them said anything, and Minako began to worry a little about making Usagi wait...or her cleaning out the fridge. Just then, Athan relented and sat back in his seat, looking straight ahead. Minako took the opportunity to rest her eyes a little, before turning back to look at him.
"You already know that I was exiled for killing Serenity's father," he began softly. "I've carried the guilt of that act with me for twelve thousand years, clinging to the hope that I could do something to redeem myself. When I finally reached the Moon fifteen years ago, I found out that Serenity would be reborn on Earth. I swore an oath then to protect her and aid her as best I can. That's my original reason for being here."
Minako blinked. "Original? You mean it's not true anymore?"
"No, my promise still holds...but I've come to realize--or rather, confirm--something more." He turned to look at Minako, a faint gleam passing briefly through the black wells of his eyes. "Watching Sailor Moon these past months...her power is completely different from mine or just about anyone else's that I know. I want to see where it leads her...whether she can bring an end to the great darkness. And for that, she has to grow on her own; I will do all I can to help, but help is all I'll do."
"Great darkness?" Minako looked confused.
"It's not something you need to worry about yet," Athan replied with a shake of his head. "Anyway, did that answer your questions?"
"Sort of," Minako answered with a small smile, "but I guess that's all I'll get out of you for now. You're a strange guy, you know that?"
Athan shrugged. "Old age does that, I'm told. You should probably go in now." Then he raised his voice. "And Usagi, it's not polite to eavesdrop."
There was a faint 'Eep!' from the vicinity of Minako's communicator, followed by the click of the device closing. The blonde smiled apologetically at Athan and got out of the car, watching him drive away without a word. Then she looked up at her window and winked at Usagi. In so doing, she caught sight of Luna sitting on the roof, watching the car disappear with a troubled look on her face, and Artemis watching Luna with a similar expression from further back.
'Good luck, Artemis,' she silently encouraged her friend and guardian. 'You'll get through to her. I know you can.'
And with that, she went inside to her waiting friend.
MONDAY
With school out, the girls were gathered once again at the Hikawa shrine, along with Mamoru, Jadeite, Ryo, and ChibiUsa. The pink-haired girl was sitting in Mamoru's lap, to Usagi's mild annoyance, but the blonde kept quiet.
"You know," Rei remarked as she slid the door closed, "if we're going to keep meeting in such a large group, we might want to find a different place. It's starting to look crowded in here."
"Well, we could use our mans..." Jadeite began, but trailed off as several warning glances were directed at him. He glanced at Luna and coughed. "Uh, actually, never mind, it's rather far to travel anyway." The black cat looked away a bit uncomfortably.
"Yeah, and our parents would throw a fit if they found out we were going to strange men's houses," Minako added. She then grinned evilly at Jadeite. "Or was that what you were hoping for? To lure innocent young maidens to your dark, secluded mansion?"
"Wh...what the hell are you talking about!?" Jadeite spluttered, a slightly panicked look in his eyes. The rest of them just sweatdropped at the blonde girl's antics.
"Minako-chan, that wasn't very nice," Ami said reprovingly.
"Well, men do get more lecherous with age, don't they?" Minako defended herself.
"She's got a point there," Rei agreed sourly.
"Alright, that's enough," Luna said, calling the meeting to order. "We can decide on a new meeting place later, if it becomes necessary. Rei-chan, didn't you have something you wanted to show us?"
The miko nodded and went to her desk, returning with the black crystal she had found the day before. She laid it on the table and explained how she had ended up with it.
"So there's another member of the Black Moon here," Artemis said grimly.
"But why would they target the shrine?" Makoto wondered. "They don't know who we are, right?"
"I'm not sure that this is directly connected with ChibiUsa-chan and the rest of us," Rei said. "I used the fire last night to search for information about that crystal, and it showed me something strange..."
"Strange?" Luna repeated. "Like what?"
"An ice cream stand, a cosmetics shop, a grocery store, and some other shop I couldn't really make out."
The others looked at each other in confusion.
"Are you sure you weren't thinking of shopping last night, Rei-chan?" Usagi asked her.
"Of course not!" she replied indignantly.
"ChibiUsa-chan, have you seen this kind of crystal before?" Minako asked. The little girl looked up from her lap and shook her head.
"I wonder..." Mamoru spoke suddenly, his tone thoughtful. "There might be something I can try..." The others turned their attention to him as he reached out and took the crystal. Holding it firmly, he closed his eyes in concentration...and almost immediately shuddered, dropping the crystal and bringing his hand to his temple.
"Mamo-chan!" Usagi and ChibiUsa both cried out in concern. The young man opened his eyes and took a steadying breath.
"I'm fine," he reassured them. "I was just startled, that's all."
"Was that object-reading?" Ryo asked a bit incredulously.
Mamoru nodded. "More or less. I just re-learned the basics of it not long ago, but I've never tried it before."
"What's object-reading?" Makoto asked.
"It's a form of what people call extra-sensory perception," Ami explained. "It's when a person learns about an object by touching it."
"So what did you see, Mamoru-san?" Artemis asked.
"A pentagram around a crystal palace."
There was a moment of silence as everyone considered this new information. ChibiUsa fidgeted a little in Mamoru's lap, and he unconsciously put one arm around her.
"A pentagram has five points, and the fire showed four locations...plus the shrine here," Ryo said speculatively. "There'd almost have to be a connection, wouldn't there?"
"That's certainly possible," Luna agreed. "Rei-chan, did you recognize any of the places you saw in the fire?"
"I think...the cosmetics shop was called Otafukuya...and there was Juuban Supermarket..."
"I know where that one is," Makoto said. "I go there sometimes." She paused. "Come to think of it, they've had a lot of their products go bad recently."
"Can you tell me the address, Mako-chan?" Ami asked, pulling out her computer. The brunette did so, and Ami typed for a minute before turning the screen around to show everyone. It displayed a map of Tokyo, with a number of pentagrams overlapping each other. "With two points known, there are four different ways of forming a pentagram," she explained. "We could check the locations of these other points to see if they match what Rei-chan saw."
"But what about Mama?" ChibiUsa suddenly blurted out. "You said you were gonna help me!"
"ChibiUsa-chan, we're not saying we won't," Minako said soothingly. "But if the Black Moon's planning something that could affect the future, then we have to stop them, right?"
"Wait, Minako-chan," Usagi interrupted. "I think ChibiUsa's right. We did promise her, and we can't go back on that." The pink-haired girl gave her a slightly surprised look, and Usagi smiled back at her reassuringly.
"Well, why not do both at the same time?" Jadeite suggested. "You guys can help the kid, like you said, and Athan and I can handle this other business. I'm sure we can manage."
Luna frowned, but did not say anything. Artemis seemed relieved at that. "That's not a bad idea," he said, moving right along. "Now then, how exactly do we plan to help ChibiUsa-chan's mother?"
Usagi turned to the little girl. "ChibiUsa, do you think you can use your key to bring us to the future?"
"Y...you're coming with me?" ChibiUsa asked, startled.
"We're going with her?" Rei said at the same time, equally shocked.
Usagi nodded. "Yes. If I just lend you the Crystal, I'm worried that the Black Moon might catch you before you can get it to your mother. If we go along, we can at least protect you until then." She looked around the room. "Is everyone okay with that?"
"Well, you do have a point, Usagi-chan," Makoto said uncertainly. "But is that possible?"
"I...I don't know..." ChibiUsa answered. "I've only used the key once."
"It won't hurt to try," Usagi said confidently. The others nodded their agreement one by one, until only Luna was left.
"Have you thought this through, Usagi-chan?" she asked seriously. Usagi nodded. "Alright...let's try it tomorrow, then. And let's hope everything goes well."
Meanwhile, aboard the crystal vessel of the Black Moon, the three members of the Black Moon clan stood before the ship's core. Floating above the black crystal was the image of cloaked man whose claw-like hands grasped an iridescent orb. Its face was hidden in darkness, but the rasping voice did not sound pleased.
"This is troubling," it said in a low tone. "The Rabbit is but a seven-year-old child. How is it that you, one of the top warriors of our Black Moon clan, have failed to capture her?"
"There has been unforeseen interference, Wiseman," Rubeus replied stiffly. "The Sailor Senshi are active in this time period, and they seem to have taken the Rabbit under their care. If you could just give me more time..."
"The Sailor Senshi..." the cloaked figure rasped. "They who hold the Illusion Silver Crystal of the past...Oniko, you were to retrieve the Crystal, were you not?"
"I had Sailor Moon in the palm of my hand," Oniko said. "She is little threat to us, despite what our great Rubeus might say. If her allies had not interfered..."
"I do not wish to hear excuses," the Wiseman interrupted her. "What matters is that you have neither the Crystal nor the Rabbit. Our forces in the future are at a stalemate, and delay is not to our advantage." He turned to the last warrior. "And what of your mission, Sin?"
The blonde girl kept her eyes averted from the cloaked image. "I...I have taken three of the crystal points, as you've commanded. I will have the remaining two shortly."
"Unless you're busy playing with your new little school friends..." Oniko muttered derisively. Sin cast a dark look in the woman's direction, but kept silent.
"I do not care what you wish to do with your time, Sin," the Wiseman said. "You have chosen this mission of your own will, and your failure is of little consequence to the rest of us. Though given the progress of your...companions...you might yet win your brother's freedom." He paused. "That shall be all; I expect results the next time I contact you."
The image faded, and the low hum of the ship's crystal reasserted itself over the room. Sin ignored the glares she felt coming from Rubeus and Oniko and headed back to her room. Once there, she let out a shuddering breath and sank down on her bed.
She still couldn't be sure whether the Wiseman was telling the truth about her mission, and now it was entirely possible that Oniko or Rubeus would attempt to sabotage her efforts. 'But I won't lose to them,' she thought. 'If I can complete my mission before them, then I can get you back, Anshar... That's all that matters. Even if...'
She shook her head, refusing to complete the thought. There was no point in doubting now. She had lost her friends and the prince's trust, and all she had left was her brother. And that's all she would need...
TUESDAY
It was early in the evening, though the summer sun was still visible in the sky. A warm wind blew across the lake, creating small waves that lapped at the shore with quiet murmurs. The girls and Mamoru were gathered on the dock where ChibiUsa had first appeared, while Luna and Artemis watched from the shore.
"Are you ready, ChibiUsa?" Usagi asked.
The little girl nodded a bit nervously, her uncertainty about using the time key mixed with anticipation at seeing, and maybe even saving, her Mama. Usagi nodded to the others, and as one they called on their transformations.
"MOON CRYSTAL POWER"
"MERCURY STAR POWER"
"MARS STAR POWER"
"JUPITER STAR POWER"
"VENUS STAR POWER"
"MAKE UP!"
With the Senshi and Tuxedo Kamen behind her, ChibiUsa took out the time key and raised it above her head. "Key of Space-Time! Take us back to the future!"
A sudden wind rose and blew across the lake, but then died down to nothing. ChibiUsa stared at the key in disbelief, and raised it again. "Key of Space-Time!" she cried desperately. "Take us to the future!"
A stronger wind appeared this time, swirling around the dock and churning the waters of the lake. The sky darkened, and above the group, it seemed to split open like a shadowy portal. The wind rushed upwards into the rift, and the Senshi felt themselves drawn to it as well by an invisible force.
And then it stopped, and the lake was calm once more.
"No... why isn't it working?" ChibiUsa cried. 'I was finally going to see Mama again...'
"ChibiUsa..." Sailor Moon tried to speak.
"No! Why won't it work? Why won't it let me go home!?" The last part came out as a scream, and then energy suddenly erupted around the little girl, knocking the Senshi back. The beam of intense light shone for several seconds before vanishing...revealing Rubeus floating in the air in front of the dock.
"We meet again, Rabbit," he said, eyes flashing. "I will not allow you to escape this time."
"ChibiUsa!" Sailor Moon shouted. The pink-haired girl was once again frozen before the Black Moon warrior.
"SPARKLING WIDE PRESSURE"
"SHINE AQUA ILLUSION!"
The two attacks struck the red-haired man, and Tuxedo Kamen took the opportunity to dash forward and scoop up ChibiUsa in his arms. As he turned to head back, however, an energy cluster hit him in the back, knocking him down on one knee. The vapors of the Senshi's attacks dispersed, and Rubeus landed on the dock, completely unharmed.
"What!?" Artemis exclaimed. At the same time, Mars and Venus ran forward and grabbed hold of Tuxedo Kamen, pulling him and ChibiUsa back to safety.
"There's some kind of forcefield surrounding him," Mercury told the others. "It's too strong for any of our attacks to penetrate."
"You are quite correct, Sailor Mercury," Rubeus said with a smirk. Above the water, the clouds parted as a huge, shadowy form descended from the sky. "Behold my power, Sailor Senshi!" he roared. "I will make you regret standing in the way of Crimson Rubeus!"
"We'll see about that," Venus said defiantly. She whispered something to Sailor Moon, and the two of them primed their attacks.
"VENUS LOVE ME CHAIN"
"MOON TIARA ACTION!"
The golden chain and disc flew out in two directions around the dock to strike Rubeus from both sides, but both were deflected by the shield.
"Nice try," Rubeus said sarcastically. He swung his arm in a wide arc, releasing several brilliant sparks that sent Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter flying.
"Guys!" Sailor Moon cried out. She turned to Rubeus, who had started to advance towards them, his shield shimmering faintly. Desperately, she crossed her arms before her.
"MOON STARDUST FLASH!"
Rubeus paused warily, but nothing happened. Dumbfounded, Sailor Moon stared down at her arms. "What...?"
"Trying to scare me, little girl?" Rubeus sneered. He resumed his advance, when suddenly several rings of fire impacted on the dock at his feet, setting the wooden structure ablaze. The red-haired warrior gave out a startled yell as he quickly took to the air.
"We have to retreat, Sailor Moon!" Luna said, running to her. The others had also recovered somewhat, and were standing ready behind her.
"You're not going anywhere, brats!" Rubeus snarled. "I've had just about enough of you Sailor Senshi. Time for all of you to die!"
A flash of light blinded all of them as a visible current of power flowed from the ship to Rubeus. It gathered in a sphere in his open palms, growing larger and larger.
Mercury glanced up worriedly at the others from her computer. Mars and Jupiter nodded, reading her thoughts exactly. They reached between them and shoved Sailor Moon back towards Tuxedo Kamen and ChibiUsa.
"What are you doing!?" Sailor Moon demanded.
"Take ChibiUsa-chan and get out of here!" Mars yelled back. "We'll hold him as long as we can!"
"No! I won't leave you guys behind!"
"He's too powerful, Sailor Moon!" Venus protested. "You have to get ChibiUsa-chan away from here!"
"Yeah, you said you'd do anything to protect her, right?" Jupiter added. "So move it!"
Sailor Moon stared at her friends uncertainly, as Rubeus' power continued to build. Still holding ChibiUsa, Tuxedo Kamen took her arm and started pulling her away, followed closely by the two cats. The Black Moon warrior bellowed angrily and unleashed a wide beam of energy at them.
"SAILOR PLANET POWER!"
The Senshi drew upon their planetary energies to block the attack, forming a barrier that stopped the beam cold. The five warriors contended fiercely with each other, but all too soon the Senshi began to weaken. Rubeus smiled. Without Sailor Moon, they never even stood a chance against him. Grinning, he intensified his power.
From an alley a few blocks away, Sailor Moon watched in horror as a large explosion illuminated the evening sky. She collapsed onto her knees. Behind her, Tuxedo Kamen, ChibiUsa, and the cats all stopped, staring speechlessly at the distant light.
"No..." Sailor Moon whispered. Her tears began to fall, as she curled up in despair.
"Hello?"
"Mamoru? It's Athan. Did you hear that message just now?"
"Yeah, I did. Usako and ChibiUsa are here at my apartment right now. You guys should probably come over."
"Right."
There was a click, and Mamoru hung up the phone before returning to his bedroom. The two girls were curled up together on his bed, Usagi having cried herself to sleep and ChibiUsa being just plain tired. He suppressed a yawn as he sat down; he wasn't in much better condition himself.
"Until midnight, huh?" Artemis said quietly from where he had been curled up on the floor. Luna was outside on the balcony, busy with her own thoughts.
"Yeah," Mamoru replied. "Rubeus doesn't seem to be bluffing...but when Usako finds out..."
Artemis nodded, both of them knowing how the blonde will react to her friends being held hostage. But there was little they could do now save rest and regain their focus. Soon, perhaps, none of them will have that luxury.
Slowly, her eyes opened. The first thing that registered in her still groggy mind was the throbbing pain in her head. Then came the duller aches in her wrists, the sensation of something hard against her back, and a slight moaning to her left.
She opened her eyes further. It was a painful task even in the dim light of the crystal-filled chamber. Slowly turning to avoid a worsening headache, she noted that the room was large and sparsely furnished. A large black crystal stood in the center, surrounded by a few scattered consoles, and numerous mirrors lined one of the walls. Around her, her fellow Senshi were hanging from crystal crosses, as she herself undoubtedly was.
'So, we're still alive,' she mused. 'But for how long?' She shook her head. 'I guess it doesn't matter now. Sailor Moon's safe, that's all that's important...'
Her thoughts were interrupted by voices in the room. Turning her head, she saw Rubeus standing with someone near one of the doors. She couldn't make out who it was due to the shadows and her own blurred vision, only that the person had long hair tied in pigtails.
"...really necessary?" the person was saying in a distinctly female voice.
"I don't see why not," Rubeus replied. "It would certainly be greater incentive for Sailor Moon to take the bait."
"But you already sent your message! There's no need to keep them up there."
"Mind your own business, Sin," Rubeus retorted. "I don't need to listen to a traitor like you." He sneered. "Why don't you go back to your room and figure out how to beg the Wiseman for your brother's life? You've obviously lost to me, after all."
The shadowed figure said nothing in reply, and disappeared through the doors. Rubeus glowered after her for a moment, then came back to the center of the room. Noticing one of his captives awake, he smirked and moved closer. "Had fun listening in on us, little Senshi?" he asked mockingly.
"...You won't win, Rubeus." Her throat felt parched, but her voice was steady.
"And why not? I know how your type thinks. Sailor Moon, foolish as she is, will come and throw away her life to save her friends, and I will have the Crystal. And without you five, the Rabbit will be easy prey. You might as well admit defeat."
She smiled, baffling the red-haired man. True, she had hoped for a moment that Sailor Moon would stay away. But if she did, she wouldn't be Sailor Moon, would she?
"What are you smiling at?" Rubeus demanded, glaring up at her.
"You're right, Rubeus. She will come." Her voice was calm and confident, such a contrast to her bedraggled state that it further unnerved him. "And she will defeat you."
Usagi leaned out over the balcony, staring blankly at the moon. It was past ten at night, and the city around them was quiet. Faint voices drifted out from the apartment behind her as Mamoru spoke with Jadeite,
Athan, and Ryo.
"Usagi-chan?" Luna hopped up onto the railing and peered at her charge's face. "Are you alright?"
"Luna...why did this have to happen?" Usagi asked in a small voice. "Everything was going so well up till now...we beat back their attacks, ChibiUsa told us the truth, Mamo-chan's getting his own powers back...and now..."
"Just because we're doing well doesn't mean the enemy won't get stronger, Usagi-chan," Luna told her. "You've all gotten much better at fighting, but that's no excuse for being complacent." She sighed. "Not that this isn't partly my fault, too. I should have argued against going so soon."
"But we promised ChibiUsa..." Usagi started to object, but Luna shook her head.
"I know you care a lot about her, Usagi-chan, but you can't make decisions just based on her feelings. It's natural that she would want to go back home, but you are still leader of the Senshi, and you have to do what's best, even if it means disappointing her. She'll understand, given time."
Usagi considered the cat's words in subdued silence. The balcony was dark; the light from the apartment didn't quite reach the blonde, leaving her illuminated only by the rising moon in the sky.
"I...I guess you're right, Luna," she said finally. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be," Luna replied gently. "You're still young. Right now, you have to concentrate on rescuing the girls."
"Can I do that?"
"Did you want someone else to?"
Usagi looked sharply at Luna, then smiled and shook her head. As the black cat prepared to head back inside, however, she reached out quickly and grabbed her, holding her close to her chest.
"Usagi-chan?" Luna said inquiringly.
"Thank you, Luna," Usagi whispered, the simple words filled with deep emotion. The two looked at each other fondly for a moment, until the glass door opened and Mamoru stepped out. His expression showed his concern for Usagi, though that lessened a little at the smile on her face.
"Usako?"
"I'll be okay, Mamo-chan," she reassured him.
"Any plans?" Luna asked. Mamoru shook his head.
"Not really," he said somberly. "There isn't much we can do with this kind of time limit." He looked around. "Where's ChibiUsa? She said she was coming to see you."
Usagi blinked. "I haven't seen her..." Her words trailed off, as the three of them exchanged rapidly darkening glances. "Oh no..."
ChibiUsa cautiously approached the burnt out docks, looking around for any signs of life. The path was adequately lit by streetlights, but beyond the docks the lake was shrouded in darkness. A cricket chirped somewhere nearby, and there seemed to be a low-pitched hum coming from the area, like the engines of a ship...or was that her imagination?
'Maybe this wasn't such a good idea,' she thought, clutching Luna-P tightly. 'If the girls couldn't beat him, then what can I do? But...but this is my fault...I wasn't strong enough, I couldn't make the key work. I have to do something! Even Usagi's doing her best, I can't let her beat me! Mama...'
"ChibiUsa!"
"AAAAAAAAAAHH!" The little girl shrieked and swung Luna-P around, smacking Sailor Moon right in the face. The blonde collapsed onto the ground, twitching.
"You little spore!" Sailor Moon shouted angrily. "What was that for!?"
"What are you talking about?" ChibiUsa retorted. "You're the one who snuck up on me, Baka-Usagi!"
"Don't you call me stupid, I'm not the one who ran off without telling anyone!"
"I..."
ChibiUsa's reply was cut short as the two of them suddenly found themselves within a beam of light coming from Rubeus' ship. Sailor Moon quickly moved over to hold ChibiUsa, even as they were lifted upwards toward the sky. There was a shout from below them, and she saw a black form rush towards the beam and jump. It caught the two of them in its arms just as the light became blindingly white, erasing everything from sight.
On a nearby rooftop, Oniko watched with calculating eyes as the rest of Sailor Moon's allies arrived and stared helplessly up at the crystal ship. A sly smile appeared on her face, and with a swirl of her cape, she vanished into darkness.
"I see you didn't pay attention to my terms, Sailor Moon."
The blonde girl shook her head, still a bit dizzy. Being pulled through the hull of a spaceship does that to people. She looked up and saw Rubeus floating in front of her. Tuxedo Kamen stood between them, and she still had ChibiUsa in her arms.
"I told you to only bring the Rabbit," Rubeus continued. "Now I guess your friends will have to pay..."
"WAIT!" Sailor Moon put the little girl down and stepped up next to her protector. She gasped in shock when she saw where her friends were.
Rubeus smirked. "Enjoy the scenery?"
She didn't hear him. She stood transfixed, staring in horror at her fellow Senshi hanging by their arms on the crystal crosses. How long had he left them there? Did he hurt them? They looked so lifeless... She turned furious eyes on Rubeus, blinking away her tears. "You monster...I won't ever forgive you!"
"You're in no position to say that, little girl," Rubeus replied. "Now hand over the Crystal and the Rabbit, and I'll let you and your friends go."
"You're lying, Rubeus," Tuxedo Kamen stated flatly.
"...So what if I am? What can you do to me in my own ship?" The red-haired man snarled and hurled an energy cluster at Tuxedo Kamen, who leapt above it and grabbed onto Rubeus. The two of them fell to the floor, locked in close combat, with Rubeus trying futilely to blast his opponent.
Meanwhile, Sailor Moon skirted around the struggling pair with ChibiUsa behind her. They reached the crosses without interference; apparently, Rubeus had chosen to face her alone.
"Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Venus, can you hear me?" she called out. "Are you okay?"
No response. She bit her lip and powered up her tiara, aiming it carefully. The glowing disc slashed across the shackles holding Sailor Venus, cracking them. A second shot freed the Senshi of Love, who fell into Sailor Moon's waiting arms.
"Venus, are you alright?" Sailor Moon asked. The other girl moaned and opened her eyes.
"Sailor Moon...? What...what are you doing here?" She tried to stand, then gasped. "What's ChibiUsa-chan doing here!?"
"We don't have time to explain. Help me get the others."
Venus hesitated briefly, then nodded. The two of them went to work on the other crosses, and soon had their friends back on the ground and conscious.
"Are they alright?" ChibiUsa asked anxiously.
"I hope so," Sailor Moon replied. "I don't think..."
Her sentence was cut short when Venus suddenly tackled her, sending her sprawling backwards. A second later the Senshi of Love was hit by an energy blast and hurled against one of the crosses.
"Venus!" Jupiter cried. They all turned back towards the center of the room. Tuxedo Kamen was standing against one of the walls, clutching his side, while a grinning Rubeus was once again hovering above them.
"You should be paying more attention, Sailor Moon," he sneered. He raised his arm, and streams of energy began to flow to him from the black crystal below. Then, with a sharp yell, he released it all in a massive blast directed at the Sailor Senshi and ChibiUsa.
"MOON PRINCESS HALATION!"
The attacks collided, forcing a pained whimper from Sailor Moon and nearly knocking her to the ground. Nevertheless, she managed to brace herself against one of the crosses and concentrate on repelling the vast amount of energy being thrown at them. The strain was enormous, however, and soon she could feel pain lancing through her entire body. She gritted her teeth and held on, even as Rubeus' smile grew wider.
And then she felt a pair of strong arms entwine with her own, and a surge of energy flowed into her from the warm, steady presence behind her that could only be one person.
'Mamo-chan...' She turned slightly to throw him a grateful look, and he gave her a tense but encouraging smile. For a moment, she thought she could hear his voice telling her to hold on, though his lips hadn't moved. And then another wave of energy poured into her, as four gloved hands joined theirs.
"SAILOR PLANET POWER!"
The combined powers of the Senshi pushed back Rubeus' attack slightly, but the Black Moon warrior was unfazed. Sailor Moon could sense it as well; her friends were still weak from their ordeal, and their strength wouldn't last long. She desperately wracked her brain for a way to even the odds somehow...and that's when she saw the pink-haired figure making its way around to the center of the room.
"ChibiUsa!"
ChibiUsa ignored her and made a grab for the crystal, but pulled back with a small yelp when it shocked her on contact. Her face screwed up in determination, she tried again. This time, just as she touched the crystal, her moonbeam suddenly erupted from her body and enveloped the black crystal. The intruding energy disrupted the crystal's power, and Rubeus cried out in pain as the backlash hit him. His attack faltered, allowing Sailor Moon's to strike him and slam him against the wall.
"Take that, creep!" Mars crowed triumphantly. However, before anyone could do anything else, a swirl of darkness formed above the black crystal, and a surge of energy sent everyone sprawling.
"My, my, how easily you fall..."
They looked up and saw Oniko appear next to the crystal, smiling coldly. She reached out with one gloved hand and lightly typed something on the main console. The black crystal flared again, knocking everyone else half-unconscious, then shattered into a thousand shards.
"Wh...what are you doing!?" Rubeus demanded incredulously.
"Fulfilling my mission, of course," Oniko answered. "With Sailor Moon dead now, victory will certainly be ours. We don't even need the Silver Crystal. Now, if you'll excuse me..." She laughed and disappeared as with an ominous rumble, the ship began to fall.
Outside on the docks, Athan, Jadeite, Ryo, and the cats watched in growing alarm as the crystal ship descended through the clouds, small explosions piercing its hull.
"Usagi-chan..." Luna whispered.
"They can teleport away from there, right?" Ryo asked hopefully. Athan nodded, but said nothing.
They watched for a little longer, when suddenly the entire ship exploded in a brilliant burst of fire. The blast was deafening even at that distance, and pieces of wreckage flew in all directions. The five of them stared in shock at the disintegrating vessel.
"Wh...where do you think they teleported to?" Ryo asked. "The shrine?"
"I'm not sure..." Artemis admitted uncertainly.
"I can't feel them anymore," Jadeite said grimly.
Luna gave him a sharp look. "What?"
"I can't sense the Prince anymore," he elaborated. "Kunzite and Zoisite, too. Since we came back from D-Point, we can usually feel each other's presence, but now..."
"You can't be serious," Ryo protested. "Maybe it's interference from the explosion, or..."
"Shut up, dammit!" Jadeite snapped. He took one more look at the falling wreckage, then stalked away, swearing darkly to himself. Ryo and the cats stared after him, speechless.
"He'll cool down in a while," Athan said. "Just let him be."
Luna glared at him. "And why are you so calm about this?"
"Because they're alive," the dark-haired man answered without hesitation.
"How do you know that?" Artemis asked him.
"Trust me," Athan replied enigmatically. He then walked off as well, fading easily into the night.
"...I hope he's right," Luna said softly. Artemis gave her a startled look, but the black cat had already turned away. Sensing her mood, he remained silent and sat next to her, absently noting that Ryo had left as well. The two guardians looked over the lake at the smoldering remains of Rubeus' ship, quietly holding on to the glimmer of hope in their hearts.
Elsewhere, four people were gathered in a large, windowless room, surrounding a large, jagged black crystal resting in its center. There were two men, one in white and the other in blue, a woman in green, and a figure cowled in flowing purple robes.
"So, Rubeus is dead," the man in white said dispassionately.
"It seems his ship's core went out of control," the one in blue reported, "most likely due to the battle against the Senshi. But what I'm concerned about is the signal we're receiving from the crystal. Something has entered the time stream without using the power of the Black Crystal..."
"It is the ones we seek," the cowled figure intoned. "The Silver Crystal... With its power added to the Black Crystal, we of the Black Moon shall become invincible, and the shield will fall before us."
The white-garbed man's gaze grew more intense. "And then she will finally be within my reach..." he said softly to himself. The woman's eyes hardened with hatred at those words, while the man in blue frowned. He ignored them both, however, as he stared at the images within the crystal. "Esmeraude," he said after a moment, "bring me the Rabbit and the Silver Crystal."
"Yes, Demande-sama."
To be continued...