Shinozaki closed his eyes, as he focused on the location he could sense Princess Jupiter in. She was in a deep sleep inside of Makoto's body, but not dead. He realized there was still a chance of hope. He could save her. He appeared in the Negaverse. It was so dark that he looked around to see if there was anything. He stopped, when he heard footsteps. He looked around and hid on the other side of the wall. He heard the footsteps get closer.

"Blast it," the man muttered. "If only I could get rid of that little tart and her lover," the man uttered. "Maybe then and only then will Beryl-sama noticed my existence. I have to kill Makoto myself."

Shinozaki's eyes widen slightly, when he heard that. 'Who was that guy?'

"Zoicite!" A voice called out to him. Zoicite turned to a man with red hair.

"Humph, what do you want?" Nephrite narrowed his eyes at Zoicite.

"Beryl-sama has summoned you to her with orders," he whispered. "I would go." Zoicite began to walk away. "If you even think of killing Makoto, I won't hesitate to kill you." Zoicite stiffened slightly. He turned and glared at Nephrite. After a minute of silence, Zoicite left Nephrite alone. He smirked slightly, as he held up to fingers. Shinozaki was frozen in place.

'Damn it,' he thought, as Nephrite came around the corner. His eyes narrowed, when he saw Shinozaki standing there, wearing almost the same clothing as Tuxedo Kamen.

"Well, what did I find? I found myself something quite interested." He whispered, as he allowed Shinozaki to move freely. Nephrite walked around him, as Shinozaki gripped the sword tightly in his hand. He promised Makoto that he would never hurt Nephrite no matter what. "What are you doing here and dressed like that?" Nephrite motioned to hand, raising a brow. Shinozaki took a deep breath, narrowing his prussian orbs at Nephrite.

"I am here to save Makoto and you, believe it or not," he whispered. Nephrite looked at him with a look of confusion.

"I understand why you would love to save her, but why me?" He whispered in a soft tone. "We detest one another, Shinozaki. Or have you forgotten that?"

"I haven't, however, she cares about you and I will save you both," Shinozaki whispered, realizing Nephrite wasn't evil. No way, was all of this evilness an act? Was he actually trying to save Makoto as well? "Aren't you at all..."

"No," he interrupted. "I haven't been for a while now," he continued to whispered. "I act like I am for the sake of trying to keep her safe. If they found out, she would be killed instantly by Beryl." Shinozaki bowed his head a bit, as he realized that Nephrite wasn't so bad after all. He raised his head, as he noticed Nephrite looking at him.

"What?" Shinozaki whispered in a hushed tone.

"I know a way you could save her," Nephrite whispered, "However, it will result in my death."

"No," Shinozaki whispered in a rushed voice. "I said I was saving you both. I'll have to kill Queen Beryl." Nephrite's eyes widen at that statement. No one has ever dared to challenge Queen Beryl, but Shinozaki seemed willing to do anything to save Makoto. He bowed his head, as he made a small fist. He was going to help Shinozaki to get Makoto out of there.

Nephrite motioned with his hand and Shinozaki followed him, as the two rounded a corridor they stopped. Makoto was standing there with Zoicite. Shinozaki hid quickly, as the two turned to face him.

"Nephrite," Makoto whispered. Nephrite looked at Makoto and then he looked at Zoicite. Zoicite smirked before walking away. He disappeared down one of the corridors and Nephrite let out a sigh. Makoto looked at Nephire, her eye brows raised in confusion. Nephrite motioned with his head for Shinozaki to step out. Makoto's eyes widen in horror and shock when she saw that he was there.

The evil in Makoto stirred, but tears fall from the brunette's eyes. Her best friend was there with Nephrite? It didn't make sense, but she gave him a small smile. Nephrite and Shinozaki were both relieved to see Makoto wasn't going to announce Shinozaki's presence.

"Let's go," Shinozaki whispered, looking at Nephrite and then Makoto. He turned, as he began to hurry out of the enemies hideout. Nephrite grabbed Makoto's hand gently and tugged her along. She was very confused, as the two were leading her out of the Negaverse. She didn't say anything until they were well out of harm's way. Makoto gently pulled away, as she faced them both.

"What the hell is going on here?" She demanded, as she stared at them both. "You two despise one another, yet here you stand together. What has happened? Have you gotten over your hatred for one another?" The 'real' Makoto was the one asking all these questions. She felt as though happiness could finally feel her soul. Before either one could answer, a white beam of light hit Makoto from behind. She let out a gasp, as she held her head out of pain.

Nephrite and Shinozaki looked in the direction of the white beam and saw Usagi standing there, in her Sailor Moon attire, holding her wand to cleanse Makoto of the evil inside of her. Before she could fully cleanse Makoto, another light engulfed Makoto as well. Everyone turned and saw Queen Beryl standing before them all. Nephrite got in front of Shinozaki, as he was watching the horror. Makoto screamed, as both lights hit her. They all knew it came down to will and strength, but who would gain Makoto?

Author's Note: Apologies for the late chapter update. But here you go and I hope you enjoy. Who will have Makoto on their side? Tune in next time to see what happens.

Makoto A. Yakushi
6/4/2013
12:30am