Amusingly, if you're me, this has been ready since Sunday, I've just had problems uploading it.

I have made a decision: I'm going to concentrate on this fic until it's done. I've got some major block on my original writing project, and I figure if I really work at this I'll finish it soon and perhaps work through the block. So the good news: many updates on the way :) I do still have work and obviously that will take preference, but I know where this is going over the next few chapters anyway - I think there are maybe six or seven left to go :D

Hurrah :) As much as I like Minako it's nice to see some of the others get some screen time in edgeways xD

Once again, thanks to my lovely lovely reviewers :) I'm glad to see people were intrigued/confused/etc by the last chapter :p I rather liked that one myself, which makes a nice change.

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R.I.P. Jake AmaraMichelle

a couple of people asked how to contact me. PM is enabled, but please note that even if you ask questions I entirely reserve the right to a) be annoyingly cryptic, b) become internet deaf and totally forget to answer them :D


"These shall be your chambers for the duration of your stay," the maid said, bowing as she moved back to the door, "I hope you find them to be suitable."

"I'm sure they'll be fine," Ami said warmly, "Thank you." The door closed and she was left alone. The room was only a little smaller than the one she used on the moon, but that did not matter to her either way. She moved straight to the window and set the Mercury console down upon the sill. She had set the scan to begin the moment they arrived via the Elysian portal (there were as of yet no star paths connected to the Earth) and it would be another hour or so until there were any results. Dinner, she had been informed, would be served shortly after that to give her the chance to relate her findings to the king and queen. There was a knock at her door, "Come in," she called and Rei came entered the room.

"They don't even have a ceremonial fire," she grouched, "How am I supposed to help search if I can't even pray?"

"Talk to Zoisite," Ami shrugged, "I'm sure he'll see to it that they build a fire for you."

"Yeah," Rei sighed, "But I was going to see if I could find anything before dinner."

"I've set the scanner to go already," Ami told her, "I'll get you a more defined area to search and we can move on from there."

"We could get in some training before dinner," Rei suggested, "We certainly have the time."

"Sure," Ami nodded, moving over and retrieving the console, "Although we should ask Persephone and Zoisite to come with us so that we can figure out how we work best as a team." They headed to Persephone's room across the hall and, after a little bit of searching, located Zoisite in the garden. He showed them to the room he and his fellow Shitennou used when training and they were pleasantly surprised to find that it was not dissimilar to their own gym. They worked well together, even with their distinct style differences. Ami's powers were, while strong, usually defensive or wide area, while Persephone only had attacks for individuals. Rei's moves, as could be expected of the Senshi of flame, were all offensive and all powerful. It was clear within moments of beginning their training that she was the most powerful there. Zoisite was more reserved than any of them. While he had a number of attacks they were all long range and all specific which, coupled with his ability to float (something that greatly distressed Ami as no explanation seemed rational), made him perfect for high observation and back up.

"Psht," Rei had laughed as he launched himself above them, "Call that flying? You're just sitting there," she paused, "And the petals are a little feminine."

"Thank you Sailor Mars," Zoisite nodded, "I shall take your comments into account next time I get to choose my powers."

"Whatever petal boy," Rei shrugged, "Just hope your attacks are as good as they say they are." It soon transpired that they were. Ami had created a number of small ice sculptures and placed them around the room and within moments Zoisite had shattered each one with controlled shots of his magic. They were about to call it a day when the console in Ami's pocket beeped. She pulled it out, barely registering as a pair of blue goggles slid into place over her eyes, and tapped a few keys.

"It's odd," she said finally, "There's an island here," she moved over and indicated a section on the globe that her screen was showing her, "That has significantly less energy than it should when the population density is taken into account, but there's a tiny spot at one end where there's a concentration of energy unlike anything I've seen outside the sun or a star seed."

"Metallia's presence on Earth?"

"Probably," she nodded.

"The islands halfway around the world," Zoisite said frowning, "I can have the Elysian portal set up to take us here," he pointed to the nearest land mass, but we'll have to reach the island ourselves. The portal exit there was destroyed during the war."

"I think it would be dangerous to go straight in at the moment," Ami shook her head, "Whoever's holding this power has got a lot of it, maybe more than we do combined. We'd have a better chance of survival if we waited until the energy had been sent to the sun."

"How long could that be?" Persephone asked as her henshin faded, revealing loose black trousers and tunic.

"Anything from minutes to days," Ami shrugged, "I'll set another scan to search the area specifically."

"It's odd that it should be there of all places," Zoisite mused.

"Why do you say that?" Rei asked.

"That's where the war began," he shrugged.

"Could Metallia's vessel be someone who felt wronged by the war?"

"Probably," Ami nodded, "But we'll know better once the scan is over."


"Highness," the guard bowed, "Persephone's stand in has arrived."

"Thank you," Makoto nodded, "Please send..."

"Him, majesty."

"Please send him inside." She fidgeted a little. The throne was large and she felt a little ridiculous sat alone at the end of the large room, but it was a part of her duty to remain free for the morning hours so that any one of her subjects could raise an issue important to them. This morning had been slow, but then they all were.

"Your highness," the familiar voice sent shivers down her spine and her head snapped forward. Nephrite was bowed low.

"You may stand," she said, rising herself. It was almost time for lunch and she was tired of waiting for no one to come. She signalled to the guard at the door who pushed it closed, leaving her and Nephrite alone in the large chamber.

"Did Sere arrange this?" she asked finally, "Or was it Queen Serenity herself?"

"I believe the two of them were working together," Nephrite responded, "They make quite a terrifying team."

"They are certainly unbelievably similar," Makoto smiled. There was a period of silence, but Makoto was grateful to find that, instead of an awkward silence, this was a companionable moment.

"Do you wish to see the greenhouses?" she asked at last, "I take time to visit them every day."

"I would be honoured if you would show me, highness."

"Nephrite, please call me Makoto I already told you once."

"Of course high- I mean, Makoto."

"That's better. Just give me a moment to change out of this ridiculous dress."

"I... I don't think it is ridiculous," Nephrite stammered, "It is rather becoming."

"Thank you," Makoto grinned as Nephrite cleared his throat. "If you go wait in the gardens I will meet you soon."

About ten minutes later she found him standing at the bottom of a flight of worn stone steps. She now wore only a white blouse and long green skirt, her hair pulled down from the curls it had been in and placed in a high ponytail. "This way," she took his arm and led him to the greenhouses, showing him the different flowers she had grown.

"There aren't many here from Earth yet," she said, "But I hope that will change soon now that you've joined the alliance." The next morning when Makoto came down for breakfast there was a large pot beside the table in which grew at least four different varieties of Earth flower. There was no note, but she knew who they were from nonetheless.


"Sailor Venus," Minako, panting a little, allowed her chain to vanish and turned to see two figures standing in the door.

"Kunzite, Jadeite what a pleasant surprise."

"Liar," Jadeite laughed.

"Got me," she shrugged, grinning, "Are you here to train or to laugh at me?"

"We thought we could perhaps learn something from you," Kunzite rumbled.

"And I from you almost certainly," Minako nodded, "Let's give it a shot." As a result of this, Minako then spent the better part of two hours having one on one combat training with Kunzite. She had, perhaps unwisely, attempted to block his sword with her own wink-chain sword in a sparring match and he had taken it upon himself to correct her technique. Jadeite sat to the side, roaring with laughter.

"Well I guess I learned something after all," Minako shrugged as her henshin disappeared.

"And I too," Jadeite volunteered.

"Really?" she was astounded, "What?"

"That you are a far better combatant than stories suggest."

"There are stories?" Minako gulped.

"Of course," he leapt to his feet, "Everyone on Earth remembers the Senshi who saved them, so the idea of stronger Senshi is something that fills them with hope and inspiration. There are tales of the fierce and deadly Sailor Mars," he stopped and thought for a moment, "Those are probably the most accurate."

"Definitely, I would say," Kunzite sighed, "Jadeite, I'd really stop while you're ahead."

"But what do they say of Sailor Venus?"

"Erm..." Suddenly Jadeite didn't seem so willing to speak.

"Say it," her eyes narrowed threateningly and suddenly Jadeite was glad she had dropped her henshin so soon after training.

"I think the key word would be... flighty?"

"In what way."

Kunzite closed the door as he left the gym. He did not want to be there when Minako realised what Jadeite meant, even if the lashing he would get as a result would provide enough amusement to keep him entertained for a good few days.


"The energy concentration fell significantly during the night," Ami told them as the boat bobbed up and down in the waves. They were tied to the jetty and ready to disembark. It had been decided that they would scope out the area in civilian clothing first, so as to attract as little attention as possible. Of course Zoisite and Persephone were quite well known in the area and so a message had been sent to the moon requesting a way to disguise them. Luna had replied, sending them a pen of brushed pink metal which, with the right phrase, allowed them to disguise themselves. Ami had also borrowed it, but only in order to make her hair the same black as Rei's; blue would rather give them away.

"Everyone ready?" Rei asked, tightening the ribbon she had used to secure her hair in its plait.

"As I'll ever be," Persephone nodded, her usual long red hair cropped short and her loose tunic replaced by a rough vest and skirt.

"I'll lead the way then shall I?" Zoisite asked. His transformation was perhaps the most remarkable. He appeared older than his usual self, his skin creased and his hair streaked with grey. It was, Ami admitted to herself, an effective disguise even if she didn't particularly like it. Ami had shown him exactly where they were headed that morning and he strode confidently before them, "The Gersemi clan have their camp over this way," he said, "So it's likely to be one of them we're looking for."

The tents were sporadic at first, but started appearing more regularly as they moved deeper into the camp. "That one," Ami said softly, gesturing towards the largest of all the tents. Zoisite winced.

"Are you quite sure?"

"Positive," she nodded, "Whatever's doing all this it's coming from that tent."

"Well then let's go inside," Zoisite said resignedly. They moved towards the entrance and were stopped by a guard.

"What business have you with our clan leader?"

"I bring my daughters," Zoisite said, falling back onto the cover they had previously agreed on, "In order to sell them to work with your clan." A muscle twitched in Rei's forehead, but other than that she managed to keep herself under control. The guard took a step back to asses them and grinned.

"Go right in," he said, "I'm sure they'll be well received."

"Eurgh," Rei moaned as they collapsed into the thankfully empty entrance of the tent, "I hope you get that sorted out sooner rather than later."
"Selling girls for sex is not uncommon in Gersemi culture," Zoisite sighed, "I think it will take some time to completely eradicate it.

"Is there something I can help you with?" Turning, Ami saw an imposing figure with pale skin and bright red hair. Unlike the others of the clan her clothes were of the highest quality – a low cut purple dress that easily matched those she had once worn to balls in terms of quality and craftsmanship. Zoisite glanced at Ami, who nodded.

"Beryl," Zoisite stood and bowed, the disguise falling away as he did so, "In the name of the alliance you are apprehended due to suspected treason."

"What nonsense is this?" Beryl recoiled, her face darkening as the disguise fell from Persephone and Ami as well.

"We have detected a lessening of the energy within your clan and, at the same time, an increase in the amount you hold personally. This is in direct contradiction of all planetary laws, stating that it is illegal to drain and use another's energy."

"Really Zoisite I have no idea what you're on about," Beryl laughed, "Perhaps you have spent too long upon the moon?"

"There is no use lying, Beryl," Persephone said, "We have more than enough evidence already." A change came over Beryl. Her eyes flashed red and she straightened up.

"I would suggest you left," even her voice had changed, becoming deeper, more commanding, "Before one of did something we might come to regret."

"We cannot do that," Persephone replied, blinking as a flash of olive green light signalled her transformation. Ami and Rei murmured their henshin phrases and took a step forward.

"I will not go with the likes of you!" Beryl screeched, black lightening crackling down her arms.

"Not good," Rei said through gritted teeth.

"You think?" Zoisite's eyes darted around the confined space, "Ami, we need cover!"

"Shabon spray!" she shouted, filling the tent with bubbles that then popped to create a thick fog. The blue visor slid over her eyes and she could see as clearly as if the fog were not there.

"Rei to your right!"

"Fire soul!" the attack ripped through the fog towards Beryl who phased from the spot she had been stood in, materialising moments later behind Persephone. Ami didn't have time to warn her. Beryl's hands clamped down around her neck and she twisted. The crack resounded in Ami's ears like nothing she had ever heard before and Persephone slid lifeless to the ground. Beryl vanished again even as Rei shouted, "Burning Mandela!" the attack was widespread (the fog still hadn't cleared and she wanted to be sure she hit Beryl this time) and Zoisite leapt forwards to push Ami out of the way. He just wasn't quick enough. One of the fiery rings caught the end of her hair and she screamed as it burned away, instinctively summoning a splash of water, soaking both herself and Zoisite but putting out the fire at the same time.

"She's dead," Rei said dumbfounded, kneeling beside Persephone's motionless form. Olive green ribbons spilled across the floor of the tent and her eyes looked towards Rei without really seeing her.


Tacita turned away from the crystal panel as Queen Serenity's image faded from it, fingering the pen of gold and Amethyst she had been given long ago. She had not yet approached her daughter about her heritage, unwilling as she was to burden her with such a task, but it seemed that she had no choice. The death of Sailor Persephone made her even less willing to bring Hotaru into the fight, but she also understood that if the fate of the alliance rested upon her daughter's shoulders then the sooner she knew the better prepared she would be.

"Hotaru," she murmured, knocking lightly on the bedroom door and half hoping she would not get an answer.

"Mama?" Hotaru seemed surprised and Tacita's heart skipped a little guiltily as she realised she had been avoiding her daughter in the weeks since the meeting with Serenity and the other rulers. She pushed open the door and moved over to sit at the end of Hotaru's bed.

"Hotaru, I have a present for you. See this?" she held up the pen, "This is really important, and Queen Serenity wants you to have it."

"Why?"

"Because it's a part of your heritage, as crown princess of our beautiful planet."Hotaru reached forward and took the pen. The moment her fingers made contact with the oddly cold metal her head snapped backwards and her eyes darkening until they were completely black. "Hotaru?" Tacita's voice was fearful, edging on panic, "Hotaru, what's wrong?" Almost as soon as it had begun the fit was over. Hotaru's breathing was heavy and she clutched a hand to her chest, the other splayed on the covers of the bed. When she looked up at her mother once more her eyes had changed. They no longer sparkled with the delightful innocence of youth, but were wise with the knowledge of many years.

"Thank you mama," she said, swinging her legs out of the bed and standing. She held the pen high above her head, "Saturn power, make up!" The flash of purple light made Tacita throw up an arm to protect her eyes and she blinked. Saturn's fuku was elaborate – more so than any Tacita had ever seen. Her sleeves were like petals, and a shining crystal rested on the bow that fastened her sailor collar. "I must go," she said, her voice distant as she turned from her mother.

"No, Hotaru I won't allow it." Tacita's voice was firm, "You're barely eight years old. I gave you the pen so that you might train, nothing more than that." She was about to go on, but stopped as Saturn held out a hand and a long staff materialised. She clasped it tight and swing the point so that it was inches from her mother's face.

"You cannot stop this," she shook her head, "The wheels have been set in motion, the clock is ticking."

"Hotaru, what do you mean?" Tears shone in her eyes.

"With this, the silence glaive, I will cleanse the Earth; give it a chance to begin again, but not yet... soon, but not yet."

"Silence... glaive?" the name was dreadfully familiar to Tacita.

"Yes, the double edged glaive. The soldier of ruin, born only to die again as is my duty and as will be forever more." Tacita made no attempt to stop her daughter as she turned and left.


"Sailor Pluto," Pluto did not move. She, of course, knew who was speaking.

"Saturn. You are prepared?"

"As I always am," she replied.

"You are younger than usual," still Pluto did not move, remaining rigid in her guard position.

"In body, perhaps, but my spirit is old."

"Not as old as some."

"Not as old as you, perhaps," a wry smile flitted across Saturn's face, "But older than most. How long?"

"Days... Weeks... the timelines bleed together as the end approaches, but it comes with a thundering certainty."

"Our great alliance meets its end of days."

"For now."