The Senshi drifted back in as the men finished their work. Jupiter and Mercury were carrying trays of food. Mars and Venus had been in the royal chambers, but their grim expressions made it clear they were keeping something to themselves.
"Serenity's just frozen," Mars told them. "She could've been dead. That seal- she's not moving, not breathing. It's hard to believe the Black Moon Clan forced our future selves to such an extreme."
"Why don't they undo it?" Mercury questioned.
"Because they are expending all of their energy to keep the palace protected," the king said. "Every ounce of power they possess is guarding what's left of our city. They can't leave their post even for a moment, because without one the others will fail. Even for Serenity, they can't stop."
"How have they sustained the shield so long?" Venus asked.
"The few surviving magic users we have are channeling their power to the Senshi, but they have to be the focal point. The Ginzuishou's power made this place, and they're linked to it. They can defend it when others can't."
"This city must have been glorious before everything happened," Jupiter observed. "Chibiusa-chan described it as paradise."
"It was," he agreed. "Serenity and I, with all of you, worked hard to rebuild after a terrible catastrophe sent the entire world into hibernation. This palace actually grew out of our clearing in Juuban Park."
"You and the planet are in tune, Endymion-sama," Kunzite observed. "How did you survive such an event?"
Endymion smiled enigmatically. "There are things I can't say, Kunzite. Our past is your future, and you have to choose the path to arrive here for yourselves." His hologram began to fade. "When you're ready, make your way to Dark Moon's headquarters."
Tuxedo Kamen pushed away the food he'd been picking at. "Let's go. We have to find her."
Kunzite set his plate aside. "To rush in unprepared is folly. You should eat and rest. The enemy would not have brought both Usagi-hime and Chibiusa-hime through time only to kill them."
"No," Venus said, putting her meal down as well. "We should go. Even if the Black Moon Clan doesn't intend to hurt them, the dark energy will. We can't leave her there for much longer."
"They could try to turn Chibiusa too," Mars added. "We've waited long enough."
Mercury frowned. "I would say something about being cautious, but it's already been a day. We at least need to make sure they're all right."
"Then we go," Jupiter said. "No more discussing. Once we see her, we can decide what to do from there. It's as simple as that."
With a sigh, Kunzite got to his feet. "I am clearly outvoted. Stand and join hands. Tuxedo Kamen-sama, I need you beside me. Venus, to my other side. The rest of you may arrange yourselves as you see fit."
Tuxedo Kamen took Kunzite's left hand as Venus took his right. Mars came next to her. Mercury stood in the middle, and Jupiter clasped Tuxedo Kamen's other hand.
"What about Luna and Artemis?" Mercury asked.
"Let them rest," Venus decided. "There may be fighting, and they'd be in danger. Endymion can watch them."
"Does everyone have a firm grasp?" Kunzite tightened his own grip. "Good."
Kunzite's aura flared as Tuxedo Kamen added his own, and it spread to encompass the entire group. The computer center melted away and became a room of black crystal. In a bed at the center of the chamber they spotted their stolen friend.
"Usagi-chan!" Jupiter called.
The blonde girl sat up and looked at them. "Everyone…"
Tuxedo Kamen released his companions and reached for her, but Mars threw out an arm to stop him. "Dark energy," she hissed. "It's all over her. I don't know what's wrong, but it's focused around a single point."
"Single point?" Venus repeated, worried. "It couldn't be."
Tears filled Usagi's eyes. "Venus, Mars, don't! Just let it go!"
"Has she been turned?" Jupiter demanded.
Usagi nodded, crying, but Mars blew out an angry breath. "No. No, she hasn't. That's definitely Usagi. Damn it, why are you lying?"
"Just let it go," she pleaded. "Please. It's better this way. Take Chibiusa and go."
"What's going on?" Tuxedo Kamen asked, worry in every word. "What's wrong with her?"
Venus marched forward, grabbing her friend's shoulder and pushing down the back of her gown. She jerked her hand away with a hiss. "This isn't- It can't be! Usagi-chan!"
"Mina, don't… Just don't…"
Mars nodded in understanding when Venus glanced her way. "Tuxedo Kamen-sama, she's in a lot of pain. See if you can help."
"Pain?" he repeated as worry turned to fear. "Tell me what's happening."
"It's a spell," Mars said grimly. "You're not going to like this."
He held out a hand to Usagi, and she collapsed crying into his arms. "Why was she trying to make us think she was against us?"
"I think she wanted to make it easier for us to leave without her," Venus answered. "Mercury, scan her. I want everything you can get."
Tuxedo Kamen focused for a moment and brought out a healing glow as he stripped off his gloves, taking her hands in one of his while pressing the other to her hair. "What's going on?" he asked coldly.
Kunzite, who had paused to regain his breath after the expenditure of power, looked at his mate before realization hit. "You cannot be serious."
Venus nodded, though it was little more than a stiff jerk of her head. "Would I joke about this? That… that…" She couldn't find a good word to describe their enemy. "He's trying to break your bond. There's a dark spell I learned of in the Silver Millennium that was made to corrupt soul bonds and tie the victim to the caster. When they're apart she's in pain. If we tried to take her away… It could kill her."
"What?" Jupiter whispered as color drained from her face. "No way."
"It's true," Mars agreed miserably. "I don't remember it, but I feel its malevolence and Venus said it was possible while we were talking. We can't bring her with us."
Mercury looked up from her computer. "I have the readings, Venus."
"Good. Go through it with a fine toothed comb. Anything could help."
Usagi shuddered against Tuxedo Kamen. "Please, take Chibiusa and go."
"We can't leave you," he said fiercely.
She looked into his eyes. "You have to! I promised… I promised I'd stay if they didn't hurt her. They were going to kill or turn her! I couldn't let it happen!"
He swallowed and closed his eyes. "No, you couldn't," he said. "I understand. Did you know he was going to do this?"
Usagi shook her head. "No," she murmured against his vest. "She was crying in my lap and they took her away and he- he did the spell. I wasn't expecting it. I couldn't stop it. The dark energy is so hard on my powers, and my broach is gone."
"The Ginzuishou?" Jupiter asked shakily. "That too?"
She shook her head. "It's with me, trying to keep me safe."
He looked at the Senshi, at his guard. "We can't leave her," he insisted, desperate. "There has to be something we can do."
"There is not."
Diamond materialized not far away. The Senshi tensed and more than one prepared an attack. Usagi just moved closer to Tuxedo Kamen.
"Diamond!" Venus hissed. "Let her go."
"No, I think not," he answered. "You see, we reached an agreement. She remains here and I let the child leave unharmed. Do you wish to abandon the little princess to an uncertain fate, Sailor Venus?"
Her stance wavered, but she shook it off and glared. "Then we'll fight. We'll fight you and win, and we'll take them home."
The prince of the Black Moon Clan took a pink enameled broach out of his pocket. "Would you prove victorious, I wonder, without the power of Sailor Moon?" The Senshi stared. "I am not foolish enough to leave a weapon in her hands. Really, this would not have been necessary if you had continued as you were a while longer."
Confusion settled across the group until Usagi and Tuxedo Kamen went pale. "Those dreams," she whispered. "Those awful, terrible dreams… That was you?"
His lack of response was answer enough.
"You bastard," Jupiter growled as her Pressure began to form between her palms.
"No!" Usagi cried, flinging herself at her taller friend. "Mako-chan, no. It won't solve anything!" She wavered on her feet and the electricity dissipated as Jupiter hurried to support her weight.
"Usagi-chan!" her friends cried.
"Come here, Serenity," Diamond said sternly. "Now."
Usagi shivered but nodded and stumbled across the room to him. He wrapped his arms around her and focused on the others once more. Tuxedo Kamen reached for his mate but reluctantly let his hand drop.
"You have to swear she won't be hurt by you or your people," he said. "You have to promise on everything you hold dear she'll be all right."
"What are you doing?" Venus demanded, grabbing his arm.
"I'm saving their lives," he snapped. "I'm doing what I can to protect them. Do you think I like this? It's killing me, but what choice do I have?"
The unfiltered pain in his eyes had her back off, and Mars nodded. "You're right," she whispered. "May the gods help us. There's nothing else we can do now."
Behind them, Jupiter punched a wall but agreed, as did Mercury. Kunzite voiced no opinion. Tuxedo Kamen stared at Usagi, wishing he could carry her out of harm's way as he had so many times in the past.
"I am glad you are seeing reason. I swear Serenity will be safe and the child will be released into your custody uninjured. As a gesture of further goodwill, the Senshi will be allowed to remain if they promise to make no attempts to spirit Serenity away."
Venus shook her head. "We can't agree to that. If there was a way we'd take her home, and you already knew that."
Diamond inclined his head. "I suspected as much. As you wish. I thought Serenity might appreciate the companionship."
She looked at them sadly but reached out to Tuxedo Kamen's mind. /I'm sorry./
"Esmeraude!" the prince of the Black Moon Clan called. The green-haired woman appeared, bowing. "Bring the child."
"Yes, Diamond-sama."
She vanished and returned with Chibiusa. Tuxedo Kamen snatched her away.
"Papa!" she cried, clutching his lapels as she sobbed. "I've been so scared!"
He caressed her hair. "I know, sweetie. It's all right. You can go home." He looked at Diamond. "If our deal is broken, I will find a way to save Usako. Count on it."
"You can try, but I would not be so confident if I were in your position."
The hero looked down at his daughter before turning to the Senshi. "We should go."
"What?" Chibiusa asked, confused. "Mama? Mama's coming, right? Mama?"
Usagi swallowed. "Go with Tuxedo Kamen, Chibiusa-chan. He'll take you home."
"You're coming, right?" When Usagi shook her heads, she cried harder. "Mama!"
"Go home," the Moon Senshi said, throat sore with pent-up sobs. "I love you, baby. I'm sorry."
The warriors silently reformed the ring as Chibiusa struggled to reach her mother's past self. Kunzite's power twined with Tuxedo Kamen's, surrounding the group and carrying them away.
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/I love you,/ Usagi whispered as he disappeared. There was a possibility Diamond would know she was speaking to Mamoru, but she couldn't let him leave without saying it one last time.
He did. His gaze slipped her and his grip on her waist tightened. "Why are you trying to contact him?" He was ready to teleport away again, and she knew the pain that would follow.
"I was saying goodbye," she answered as she averted her eyes. Usagi had been a terrible liar, but being a Senshi had given her a lot of practice. "I had to."
The prince relaxed and released her. "Understandable. However, it is best for you to forget about him and the Senshi."
Never! She cried in her heart, but she forced herself to nod.
His hand slipped into a pocket and removed a necklace. There was a pendant of black crystal suspended on a braided black velvet choker. He placed it around her neck. It felt like a dog's collar. Usagi had fight to keep from hurling it away from her.
"This will ease any pain you suffer when I am away," Diamond explained. "It is effective only within the bounds of this fortress, and the enchantment is restricted to areas you are permitted to enter. Tomorrow I will show you each one. I have some business to see to first, but it will not take too long."
She hated it. It was nothing more than another chain to make sure she stayed where he wanted her, to mark her as his property or his pet.
He pressed her forward, urging her toward the bed. "You should sleep. It has no doubt been a trying day."
"I had to sacrifice myself to save my daughter. No, it wasn't difficult at all," she retorted. He kept moving without a response, so she reluctantly cooperated.
Diamond continued as if she hadn't said a word. "While I cannot accompany you, I will assign you an escort to keep you safe. My clan bears some ill will toward you as it is your future self who banished our ancestors to Nemesis."
"And to monitor me," Usagi snapped, pulling away. "You already made sure I can't leave. Why do I have to have a guard too?"
"Even under normal circumstances, royalty is constantly in the company of a guard of some sort. You should be well aware of that."
"My Senshi are my friends."
"Yet they were always near, were they not? It was their duty to protect you. It is not my intention to force you to suffer the company of one who wishes you harm, Serenity, or to cause you pain," the prince of Nemesis stated.
"And your spell was meant to…?" Usagi trailed off, waiting for an explanation.
His expression seemed genuinely distressed. "I would have preferred another way, but Wiseman told nothing else would ensure your separation from Endymion."
It was the only way to force them apart, but his unhappiness caught her attention. And the 'Wiseman' she hadn't heard of. "Who is Wiseman?"
"He is my advisor and the one who taught my clan to harness the power of the Jakokuzuishou. He has been very helpful in our plans thus far."
Now Usagi was not only curious, but suspicious as well. "Where did he come from? Does he have a name?"
Diamond opened his mouth but paused. "I do not know." She nodded, unsurprised, and gestured for him to continue. He was encouraged by her lack of open hostility. "He suggested you be placed in his care, but I thought he might prove unsettling. I will ask my younger brother to do so instead."
She sat at the edge of the bed but leapt back up again when he circled it and seated himself on the other side. "What are you doing?"
He arched one pale brow as he met her gaze. "Nothing untoward, I assure you." He waved one hand and his white suit changed to silk pajamas. "I intend to sleep, as tonight is a rare occasion during which I am not to be bothered."
"Sleep elsewhere," she suggested nervously. "Another room. Far away."
"Serenity, due to the nature of your magic the protective wards here may fail. For your own safety it is best if you are not left unaccompanied at any time."
"I'll take my chances."
"Perhaps you are willing to do so, but I am not. Would it settle your mind to know I cannot touch you with ill intent while your bond to Endymion remains? I may take your hand or hold you as I did before, but actions beyond that are barred to me at the current time," he informed her. "Come to bed. I do not have the patience for an argument now."
"Fine," Usagi muttered, lying down. For caution's sake, she turned one of the large pillows so it was between them. "Just don't try anything."
He shrugged. "If you insist." He snapped his fingers once, and she almost leapt up again when she felt her gown shift to a nightdress. A second time darkened the room. She felt him lay back against the pillows and moved as far as she could before she calmed down enough to sleep.
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Chibiusa tore herself from Tuxedo Kamen's grasp as they arrived in the Crystal Palace, distracted as he was by Usagi's last words. "No! How could you leave Mama?"
"Small Lady," Endymion quietly. His eyes met his daughter's through the mask.
"Papa!" she cried, running for her father. She cried out in shock when her hands encountered nothing but air. "…Papa?"
He winced. "I can explain," the king began, but the little girl shrank away.
"Papa too?" she whispered before turning and bolting up the steps.
He reached for her but stopped. "I can't help her now," Endymion said sadly.
Mamoru released his henshin. "I'll go after her. I have to explain why we couldn't bring Usako too." The hologram nodded and Mamoru sprinted after Chibiusa. Kunzite shadowed them. "Chibiusa-chan!" he called. "Chibiusa, wait!"
The pink-haired child kept running, but he kept her in sight as they wove through the many corridors of the palace. Finally she burst into a room- hers, he guessed- and collapsed crying on the bed. He sat next to her and patted her head until she quieted.
"Why did we leave Mama?" Chibiusa demanded. "What's wrong with Papa?"
"I don't know what happened to your dad," Mamoru answered. "He was hurt in the fighting, but he'll be all right. He's using a hologram so he can help while he recovers."
"And Mama?" she demanded. "How could you leave her? Why didn't she come?"
He set Chibiusa in his lap. "I didn't want to leave her, Chibiusa-chan, I swear. I can't stand knowing she's trapped, but she had no choice. It's my fault. If I'd stayed with her, if I'd known what was happening, if I'd paid attention, this wouldn't have happened. You aren't to blame."
"I'm scared," she said. "Mama and Papa… Everyone is getting hurt. Am I next?"
"That's what we're trying to avoid. I swear, Chibiusa, I'll find a way to bring Usako home. I won't leave her there." Mamoru tilted her head back. "She'll be back. I promise."
"Really?" she pressed. "She's really going to be okay?"
"Really," Mamoru agreed.
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Usagi sighed and gazed out the window of what she considered her sitting room. The view had nothing to offer, but it was the closest she had to going outside. She felt caged. She was, but being forced to stay inside only heightened the sensation.
"If looking through the window distresses you, perhaps you should cease."
She faced her companion. Diamond was occupied, so his brother had become her chaperone and guard. Saphir wasn't poor company, but he was reserved around her. At least when he was there she wasn't alone.
"I can't stop wishing for fresh air. I've never spent so long inside. Even when it snows, I go out for a little while."
He nodded, unsurprised. "You always loved gardens and things of that nature, if I recall. Since this is a military base, I am afraid we have nothing of the sort."
"I know." Her gaze returned to the window. "I don't think there are any gardens left in this world anyway."
The days had passed without notice. She wasn't happy, but she couldn't claim to be suffering too badly. The brothers didn't mind talking to her when they had time and were good company on occasion. It annoyed her to like her jailer, but Diamond seemed to have something worth saving. Saphir did too.
Since her arrival she'd done her best to avoid drawing attention to herself. Rather than wander the public areas of the base, she stayed in her rooms. As she did, she drew every ounce of power the Ginzuishou could spare to slow Diamond's curse. It seemed to be working- an attempt to kiss her the night before had been instantly rebuffed.
Saphir closed his book and studied her, but she couldn't understand his expression. "You are unhappy."
"Is that a surprise? You know why I'm here."
"Serenity, my brother does care for you."
"I know," Usagi murmured. "I don't understand it though. I can't remember him in the Silver Millennium, so why is he obsessed with me? It's been a long time."
She'd considered asking for a while, once she understood Diamond had a decent side. Three days after her Senshi had taken Chibiusa, she'd been weeping on the edge of her bed. He didn't say a word. Instead, he'd shifted her so she was leaning against him and let her cry. She'd fallen asleep with her head on his knee as he stroked her hair.
Usagi had no idea if he'd answer. Quiet though she'd been, she knew Saphir was the clan tactician and a brilliant man. He'd remember she was an enemy and that she might find a way to get out. Still, since the question didn't concern any plans she was aware of, she hoped he might.
Finally, Saphir nodded. "I suppose it is only fair to answer since you do not know my brother well. Your beauty is what first drew my brother's eye. He went to the court now and then, hoping to beg reprieve for the clan, but he could not gain an audience. He saw you from a distance and grew entranced. Each time he would return with tales of a perfect young woman who was both beautiful and kind, who might be able to free us."
"So I was just a tool to get him what he wanted," she said quietly.
"That is what we believed, but it ran deeper than that. Perhaps he saw something in you that mattered in a way he never explained. I am sorry; I know no more."
Usagi frowned. She'd hoped for something definite, something that would give her a chance to prove she wasn't what he wanted. She knew Esmeraude cared for Diamond, even loved him, but he seemed blind to it.
Her thoughts turned to the mysterious Wiseman. She hadn't seen him, but on one of her rare excursions beyond her rooms she'd heard he'd been very angry when Diamond refused to name him her companion. She wished she could talk to the Ayakashi sisters about the people she was forced to live with.
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Mamoru spent those five days in agony. He hid it for Chibiusa, but every moment Usagi was trapped in Dark Moon was his own personal hell, and he was hard-pressed to say whether that or his time in the Dark Kingdom was worse. He felt it each time a strand of their bond snapped. It was dangerously thin, as he'd discovered when he made Kunzite show him.
That fifth day was the hardest. He'd been with Chibiusa as was habit, telling stories of Usagi's funnier exploits until she fell asleep. He tucked her in, but for a moment- she flickered. She faded before snapping back. Anxious, he waited several minutes but didn't see it again. He set Luna-P by her side and hurried to find the others.
The Senshi and Kunzite had been poring over Mercury's scans, looking for a way to save her. Endymion had only shaken his head when they asked. They all looked up from various papers as Mamoru burst in. "What's wrong?" Ami asked.
"Chibiusa," he gasped. "I think she's… I don't know. She- she flickered. I don't even know what it means."
Minako winced. "Already? The timeline must be approaching a point where she isn't born. Nothing happened here though."
"Then Chibiusa-chan might not exist, but Crystal Tokyo will?" Makoto suggested.
Rei nodded. "From what the king said, Chibiusa wasn't born until around the time Usagi-chan created Crystal Tokyo. The city might be having the same problem soon."
"Then we have to hurry," Mamoru pressed, desperate. "We can't lose them."
"No," Kunzite agreed. "Perhaps we should consider what little the prince said of the spell he used once more."
"What Diamond said?" Rei repeated. "A lot of things, letting us stay if we swore not to do anything, how we couldn't save her… He promised she wouldn't be hurt, but I can't think of anything useful."
Minako froze as she finally realized why that had been bothering her. "He promised she wouldn't be hurt. Sweet Aphrodite, that's it."
"What's it?" Makoto asked.
Ami frowned and her eyes widened in understanding. "Of course! Why didn't we see this sooner?"
"See what?" Mamoru demanded.
Rei nodded as she caught on. "That would do it, wouldn't it? Ami-chan, can your computer run scenarios?"
"Yes, if we can give it enough details."
"Then take what you got from the scan and change that," the blonde ordered.
She tapped the keys. "It could work."
"Will someone explain?" Mamoru fumed.
Kunzite looked at his mate, who winked. He considered before nodding as well. "I see what they mean. Prince Diamond gave his word Usagi-hime would not be hurt, did he not? He swore to it."
"Yeah, but what does it matter? It just means she won't be hurt too badly while she's stuck there."
"Mamoru-sama, magic is ruled by specific standards. One of the first things taught to any magic user is the need to be cautious when making a promise because their power may ensure it is kept, and it can be dangerous. You made a bargain with Prince Diamond. You agreed to let her remain under the condition she would be safe. What would happen if she were to be attacked?"
"The agreement would be null…?"
"Precisely. It places a loophole in the spell he placed on Usagi-hime, creating an opening through which we may be able to act. If no harm comes to her it will amount to nothing, but it is a viable option."
"So to save her, she has to be hurt? That can't be a good idea."
"Good or not, it's all we have," Ami commented as she continued to enter data.
"She's strong," Rei commented. "Even if she's attacked, she'll survive. It's being trapped that's the real problem."
Ami hit the last key and glanced at the screen as it started processing the variables. "The computer estimates an hour before the results are ready."
"Then someone should explain what we have to do if there is a loophole."
Minako frowned and considered. "It's hard to say. Even in the Silver Millennium, I don't remember any instances of this curse being broken. It must be difficult."
"If it wasn't, I'd be very suspicious. Still, what do we do?" Mamoru pressed.
Ami examined the screen. "Most of the details are very technical, but I'm afraid I don't understand several parts. Maybe one of you could?"
Minako took the computer. "Yeah. Some of it is stuff I might have to ask you to explain, but this is more up my alley. The simple version is that Mamoru-san has to be able to enter Usagi-chan's mind and magic to break the curse."
Makoto blinked. "If that's it, why do we need to wait? He can do that, right?"
"I don't think so," Rei disagreed, shaking her head. "He's already said he feels their bond snapping. It'd lack the depth to get so far into her power. Maybe if he was trained in that sort of thing… But he isn't, so we need the opening."
"I still don't understand," Mamoru moaned, frustrated. "How do I do that?"
"I can teach you," Minako promised. "At least, if Rei-chan and Kunzite help."
"Then do it," he pleaded. "Every moment she's there, the more our bond breaks."
"There's a point where nothing we do will be effective. If your bond is too far gone, that's it," Ami warned.
He paled. "Then this just got even more urgent."
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Usagi frowned and pulled her wrap around her. Members of the Black Moon Clan were eyeing her darkly as she hurried through the passages to reach the library adjacent to Saphir's lab. He wasn't with her because of work. Diamond had wanted to know the status of the available droids.
She was relieved when she reached the small library unmolested, tossing the black shawl onto a chair before turning to the books. Her conversation with Saphir the previous day had unnerved her- she had no way to combat Diamond's interest if it was genuine, so she thought it best to look for a way out. Rather than a magic book, though, she reached for one on Nemesis' history.
Wiseman troubled her, and her certainty he was responsible for the agitated state of the clan was growing. Diamond spoke well of him, but Saphir was reserved and wouldn't answer when she tried to broach the subject. Making sure she was alone, she opened the book and began to read.
Little is known of the early days of the Nemesis settlement. The few witnesses who chose to speak on the subject say they had been banished from Earth by a woman named Serenity (later known as the Queen of Crystal Tokyo, Neo Queen Serenity). Theoretically a crime was committed to result in such a punishment.
The first known figure was that of a mysterious magician. It was this magician who uncovered the Jakokuzuishou, or Evil Black Crystal, and instructed the new denizens as to its use. No records indicate his past or later actions, or indeed mention him at all.
Usagi closed the book with a snap. She'd glimpsed the Wiseman once and asked Saphir about him, but the younger prince had said little more than his title. A mysterious magic user wouldn't just find a planetary crystal- the Jakokuzuishou had to be the crystal of Nemesis, though she'd never been allowed near it to check- and teach others to use it. It would follow that the Jakokuzuishou had chosen the magician as its keeper and obeyed because it had been ordered to.
Wiseman was the one who knew how to use the Jakokuzuishou. Crystals never followed a second master once they chose a first. Their bearers would reincarnate if killed until the crystal itself was destroyed. A thing of dark magic, Usagi doubted it could give the kind of ageless immortality the Ginzuishou bestowed. The little she'd seen of Wiseman made her suspect he might be immortal, but he hadn't aged well.
The Jakokuzuishou had extended its magic to the inhabitants of its planet, creating the superhuman Black Moon Clan and granting them part of its power. She didn't know if they were immortal, but they were stronger than an average human and their magic made them dangerous.
Usagi put the book back on the shelf and left to return to her own chambers. Her mind was awhirl with the things she'd learned and the theories she'd formed.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't the little princess all alone," a malicious voice sneered.
She froze and realized she'd been so lost in her thoughts that she'd forgotten her wrap. Without it covering her fair hair, anyone could recognize her.
A second person spoke. "See it done, Esmeraude." Usagi swallowed hard and turned to face the general and her mystery companion. "Quickly. We must move her before the prince realizes."
Esmeraude looked at Wiseman disdainfully. "I am not sure this plan is wise. It will only anger Diamond-sama."
"Do you want to be queen? If that is your wish, you must get rid of all obstacles."
A dreamy look filled Esmeraude's eyes. "Yes. She's only in the way."
Usagi studied her. The woman loved Diamond and had become bitter when he paid her no attention. Now she suspected Wiseman was using that to manipulate her. Deciding bravery wouldn't help, she backed up until she hit the wall and glanced both ways hoping for a rescue or escape. If she ran screaming Diamond or Saphir might hear her and help, but she lacked the strength to go far and the library was in a remote area of the base. She hoped Saphir was in his lab.
The two moved to either side of her. Usagi caught a hint of the darkness pouring out of Wiseman and flinched. Esmeraude didn't feel quite as vile. That opinion altered when the general summoned a droid, which efficiently knocked her out with a fist to the jaw.
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Tuxedo Kamen froze without warning in the middle of their work. Mars had to tug on his arm several times before he even looked at her.
"Something's wrong," he panicked. "I can't feel her."
"Tuxedo Kamen-sama," Venus began, but he cut her off.
"I should feel her but I can't. Someone hurt Usako. I have to find her."
"Calm down!" Mars snapped.
"I can't calm down!" he argued. "She's hurt, she's unconscious. Someone might be trying to kill her!"
"Enough." Kunzite's voice rang through the room. "Tuxedo Kamen-sama, control yourself. We suspected such a thing would occur."
"Kunzite, that place is a viper's nest! They hate her!"
"Yes," he agreed without rancor, "but Prince Diamond will seek her out. We knew someone would raise a hand against Usagi-hime eventually. You have not yet mastered what you must know to free Usagi-hime. Until that is done you will not be able to help her. You must harness your emotions. When you are ready I will send you to her at once." Kunzite looked at his mate and Mars. "How much more?"
"He has the basics, so we don't need you to link him to us anymore," Venus replied. "Now it's time to refine tactics. He'll be ready in an hour or so."
The masked hero looked dismayed. "An hour? She's hurt now."
"Won't she be hurt more if we can't get her out?" Mars countered. "An hour in pain could save her life."
Tuxedo Kamen subsided. "I know," he said. "You just don't understand. When she's in pain, I feel it like she does. Isn't it bad enough he's keeping her prisoner? Does someone have to hurt her too?"
Kunzite set a comforting hand on his prince's shoulder. "She is strong. Whatever small physical harm they do will amount to little if she is free."
He nodded slowly and turned his attention back to the Senshi. Mars nodded, satisfied with the determination she saw in his eyes. "Follow our lead."
