Disclaimer: Once again, I don't own Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon. Naoko Takenouchi-Togashi-sensei does. She created the manga and Toei produced the anime. Hmmm, maybe I should post my own universal disclaimer on my profile page... writing disclaimers every chapter are getting tedious.
I've completed five weeks of college. I haven't had much free time thanks to school since going back. Although, now that I've already adjusted to my classes, I should have more free time since I'm taking mostly art classes this quarter. I'll do my best to get Chapter 21 and 22 done. Hopefully, I can conclude Galaxy Stars Season 1 by the end of October and end it before my birthday on the 29th. In November, Galaxy Stars Season 2 should begin.
Anyway, we've finally reached the climatic end of Season 1. Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen face Kiba but not without Okami reappearing.
So, without any further delay, let's get the two-part season finale underway! The conclusion to the Lycan Arc!
Enjoy!
(Cue Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon theme Kirai Sailor Dream)
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Sailor Moon Galaxy Stars, Lycan Arc
The End of the Lycan Conflict? The Fate of Kiba Corvinus!
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Minato-ku District/Top of Tokyo Tower/11:59 PM
There was a stare down on the top of Tokyo Tower. With the intense winds blowing through the air, the Halloween night was still young - although there was only a minute before midnight. When midnight comes, the crimson moon would arise. The Night of the Crimson/Red Moon would finally occur after countless centuries. This was the night Kiba Corvinus had waited after an extended period of time - since the fall of his clan. He was one step from reaching his goal: restoring the most important member of his former clan - his own daughter. His own flesh of blood.
As his daughter was taken from him, Kiba had sworn to bring her back. Yet, bringing a lost soul back to the living would be simple. In fact, it would require a sacrifice. The desperate and lonely Lycan decided to collect Aoshi Inuki - son of Okami. The son of the same Lycan that Kiba had long despised. Bad blood boiled between these two Lycans for a long time. Aoshi was the unfortunate, innocent soul who stands in between these two enemies.
Now, these two enemies have reunited.
Not a reunion these two had hoped for.
Standing on one side was a Lycan that sworn to revive his daughter. On the other was another wolf driven and determined to take back his son.
Looking on from the sides were Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen. They eyed the two Lycans carefully and wondered just what could happen at any given moment.
"Sailor Moon? Is that man really Okami?" Tuxedo Kamen inquired as he whispered into her ear.
Slowly moving her head, Moon focused on the stare down. "It has to be. Mako-chan described him to me really well. And Kiba appears to know him."
"These two must have known each other for a long time."
Moon did not answer as she waited for either Lycan to move. Okami. Have you really come to take back your little boy? Poor Aoshi-kun... if he wakes up, he's going to be completely torn... But, how can he choose to stay with Kiba over his own father? "Tuxedo Kamen, let's stand our ground until something drastic happens. Okay?"
"Right."
Kiba snarled as he slowly backed off. "Okami. How do you show yourself in my presence! And how dare you attempt to interrupt this sacred rite!"
"Attempting to bring your daughter back, Kiba? Once again, you've shown just how foolish you truly are. You think you play God by reviving someone from the underworld?" Okami closed his fists tightly, gritting his teeth. His eyes slowly turned yellow while narrowing his pupilless eyes. "You're making a big mistake."
Jumping backward, Kiba kneeled beside Aoshi. Okami growled as he lunged forward and backhanded Kiba away from the boy.
"STAY AWAY FROM MY SON!!"
Kiba leaped back while staying out of Okami's reach. He watched as Okami kneeled over the sleeping child.
"Get away from him!! Aoshi is doing this by his free will! I..."
"DON'T FEED ME YOUR LIES!!" The older man lifted his head and shifted his feral eyes directly toward Kiba.
Noticing the change in Okami's demeanor, Sailor Moon shivered as she stepped back. Tuxedo Kamen placed a comforting hand on Moon's back and soothed her frightened spirit. The blonde-haired Senshi regained her sense of courage and looked back to the two Lycans.
"Don't let them intimidate you, Sailor Moon."
"No but I have to be careful if I want to approach them. Remember..." Moon reminded her lover as she rubbed her stomach. "I'll be carrying a bundle of joy soon if you recall."
"Oh... Yes..." Kamen nodded as he sighed. "How could I have been so foolish..."
"It's okay..." Moon was cut off as she was interrupted. Shifting her attention back to the Lycans, she watched Kiba snarling toward Okami ferociously. She wanted to step in to intervene but she didn't know what she could do to prevent the two from tearing each other apart. "I can't let them fight... not with the children there."
"What's the matter, Okami?!" Kiba called out, challenging the older Lycan. "Aren't you here to KILL ME?! I'm over here!! C'MON!!"
"Kiba. For taking my son away and corrupting his mind with your deceitful method of persuasion, I'll tear you to SHREDS!!"
"Why don't you come at me then?! In fact, you're already too late! If you haven't already noticed but the crimson moon is looking beautiful as ever! Like a red gem shining out of a black abyss... so grandeur and beautiful. Heh, yes... My true beast nature has been long overdue for a... REAWAKENING!! LET'S SETTLE THIS LIKE WE SHOULD HAVE CENTURIES AGO, OLD FRIEND!!" The younger Lycan declared as he stretched his arms out and widening his mouth. A toothy grin widened on his face as he prepared to unveil his true demonic nature and remove his 'sheep's clothing.'
Once Okami turned, he spotted the crimson moon floating above the clouds in the distance. It was already fully exposed and releasing a widening aura of intense red light.
"No... That's..." The crimson moon! Okami snarled as he, too, started to transform. Just like Kiba, this older Lycan was prepared to fight with his full demon strength. This was his only chance to end his long bad blood conflict with the younger Lycan. "Kiba... You'll realize the mistake YOU'RE MAKING!! YOU'RE ONLY DISCARDING YOUR OWN LIFE IF YOU DARE CHALLENGE ME!!" The man's voice deepened as his body started to transform.
Taking no chances, Okami immediately lunged at Kiba and pushed him off the top level. Kiba fell off as he landed below on a lower platform. The older Lycan leaped across as he landed next to Kiba.
Kiba sprang back to his feet and cruelly smirked. "Now, we're getting somewhere, Okami." His voice slightly altered with a deeper tone as layers of gray fur covered his body. Long, sharp claws grew out of his fingernails while using these claws to tear off his shirt. "You will never have Aoshi! I will protect him with my life!"
"He's NOT your son!!"
"But I've become more of a loving father to him than you ever hope to be!! I would never keep secrets from MY children!"
"You're poisoned his mind, Kiba. For that, I will NEVER FORGIVE YOU!!"
As the two Lycans encircled one another, they growled and roared toward each other. They were ready to tear each other limb by limb; and there would be nothing to restrain these two demons from creating a bloodbath. Only one of them would perish before the night is over.
However, their strength has yet to reach their peak as they still continued to absorb the energies of the crimson moonlight. This special moonlight would fuel their boiling blood and awaken their inner, barbaric demon natures.
While the two Lycans prepare to clash, Sailor Moon rushed over to Aoshi and scooped the boy's limp body in her arms.
"This poor boy... He's caught in between his father and that Lycan. Kiba wants to revive his daughter...?" Moon murmured, looking down at Aoshi's sweaty and dirty face. "Tuxedo Kamen! How is the girl?!"
The masked man stood up as he carried Yui in his arms. "She's in a state of shock right now. Now that I blame her. These poor children have seen enough this horror."
"Okami just transformed into a Lycan. Or at least... he was in the process of becoming one"
"Yes and his strength must have been heightened thanks to the crimson moon. Take a look for yourself, Sailor Moon," Kamen stepped aside as the red moon was out in the distance. "Kiba did mention it before."
While she stared off toward the crimson moon, the Moon Princess felt the cold winds blowing against her face. Chills went down her back as she shifted her eyes to the two Lycans. Their loud screams caused her to slightly flinch.
"Are we actually going to let them fight each other to the death? We can't afford to let Okami die."
"I know but Kiba can't die either."
"Sailor Moon...?" Tuxedo Kamen gasped.
"This boy apparently views Kiba as a second father. In fact, Kiba has taken care of this boy for the past few weeks. No harm has ever come to Aoshi-kun. Haven't you noticed? He's always been clinging to Kiba."
"Yes, you're right but Kiba has no love loss for Okami. There is no doubt some history between those two that we clearly do not understand."
"And I'm going to find out for myself. This has gone on long enough. For Aoshi-kun's sake, I will make sure those two don't kill one another! In the name of the moon..." The blonde set the boy down as she placed a hand on his left cheek. A smile curled on her lips while feeling the softness of the child's skin. "I will try and make it all better, Aoshi-kun. I made a promise to Mako-chan that I'd reunite you with your father."
"Wait..." Yui managed to speak up and ended the silence.
"Erm?" Moon looked over to the girl. "Did you say something? What's wrong?"
"Please, Sailor Moon... you have to stop them... Stop the fighting..." Yui pleaded as tears swelled up in her eyes. As she closed them, drops fell down her cheeks. "You have to stop them, Sailor Moon. If either one of them dies, Aoshi-kun will... I just don't think he'll take it..."
"Yui-chan..." The blonde's eyes softened as she noticed the stress on the girl's face. The princess could easily tell the girl had experienced enough trauma. This was especially true with the Lycan curse forever branded on Yui. "I'll do what I can but I need you to stay here with Aoshi-kun. Wait until he wakes up..."
"Sailor Moon. Can you even hope to stop those two Lycans on your own? Perhaps, I..."
"No," Moon answered, shifting her eyes to the two clashing monsters. "I need to do this on my own. Do me a favor and stay with the kids."
"But, Sailor Moon..."
Looking back to her lover, she gave him an assuring nod. However, even she wasn't too sure if she could convince the two long-time enemies to come into terms with each other and put aside any differences. This was a long feud that has embroiled into a fight to the death. This fight would determine who would live to see the next sunrise. It could be either Kiba or Okami that ends up dead.
Sailor Moon could not afford to let this outcome happen.
"Sailor Moon... Please, let me come."
Without hesitation, Sailor Moon took a deep breath with her hands pressed against her chest. Her heart pounded repeatedly at a rapid pace. She shut her eyes and flew down... directly into the fray.
"Sailor Moon! Don't do this!" Kamen called out as he raced over and stopped at the very edge. Don't do anything reckless! I can't stand the thought of you being harmed and our still unborn child... Your survival is crucial for the sake of the future.
Yui smiled, nodding her head. "Thank you, Sailor Moon." I hope you can wake up soon, Aoshi-kun. Suddenly, the girl felt a cold shiver down her back as she jumped out of Tuxedo Kamen's arms. "Auuugh!! This pain... It hurts..."
"What's wrong?!" Kamen asked with grave concern. He then noticed Yui's eyes turning yellow as fur started covering her hands. "Oh no..."
-
Meanwhile, as they hurried through a hall leading to the wax museum, Himura and Kotori stopped. They noticed the footprints left by Kiba and the children on floor. The footprint trail led directly to the elevator.
"So, the trail ends here," Himura said.
Kotori frowned as she followed the trail. "C'mon! What are we doing standing around? They obviously took the elevator to the very top level!"
"That's where the giant TV antenna is, Kotori! Let's be careful when we get up there!"
"Careful? Buddy, we have demon wolves up there. I'd be more worried about them!"
Himura wouldn't agree more. "Point taken."
"Besides, nothing is going to stop us getting Yui-chan and Aoshi-kun from those monsters!" The female CSI agent pressed the up button to activate the elevator shaft. "C'mon! Can't this thing go any faster?!" Balling up her fist, she punched the button. "Piece of shit! Hurry up!"
"Why don't we try the stairs?" Himura pointed to the stairwell leading to the top.
"Now, why didn't I think of that?" She sighed, pulling her fist back and rubbed her throbbing hand. "Let's move, Himura!"
"Yeah."
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As she arrived at the front of the tower, Cammy glanced up as she heard loud screams from the top. She sensed two demonic auras and listened to the screams well with her ears. The girl gasped as she hurried through the doors - that Himura and Kotori kicked open earlier.
"That was Yui-chan! She's in danger and these demonic vibes... I really don't like the feel of this. Such demonic and chilling vibes! I have to get up there and fast!" Cammy shouted while running down the first level hallway. "Yui-chan. Aoshi-kun. I'm coming you two! Don't let anything happen to you guys!" Hopefully my sister gets there first!
The dark-haired child gained a burst of adrenaline as she became determined to save her friends. She vowed to save them at any costs. This was her chance to become a hero just like her older sister. But, can she make it to the top of Tokyo Tower in time?
Only Cammy knows whether she can or not.
-
Meanwhile, barely arriving near Tokyo Tower, Sailor Venus stopped as she glanced at the crimson moon. Her blue eyes quickly shifted back to the tower while she noticed Tuxedo Kamen.
"Oh, Tuxedo Kamen!" Venus gasped. "But, what is he doing?"
"VENUS!!"
Twirling around to her opposite side, Venus noticed a winged figure flying over towards her. The blonde narrowed her eyes to get a clearer view of who was approaching her. To her relief, she saw that it was Sailor Jupiter. As Jupiter stopped, Venus flew over to her colleague and embraced her.
"Jupiter!! I'm so glad you're here!"
"Me, too. That Lycan I fought was a tough one."
"Yeah, the creep I just chased tried to kill Phillipe-kun! But, I saved the day and saved him!" The perky blonde proudly stated. "How's that grab ya?"
"I'm glad to hear you saved Phillipe. I'm sure Ayami-san and her sister will be relieved to know their cousin is safe," Jupiter smiled and turned her head toward Tokyo Tower. "Anyway, what's going on over here?"
"Tuxedo Kamen is over there but... I don't know why. I wonder if he and Sailor Moon found those kids!"
As Jupiter viewed the tower, she found Kamen backing away from what appeared to be a smaller, wolf-like creature. She gasped as she quickly looked over to Sailor Venus.
"What? What do you... Oh my god!" Venus shouted.
"You see now?! That wolf has to be either Himura's sister or Okami's son. Either way, we have to help Tuxedo Kamen!" Jupiter exclaimed as she flew toward the tower. "C'mon, Sailor Venus!"
"Right behind you!" The blonde answered while following her colleague. "Now, where are the others?" Venus wondered as she and Jupiter prepared to land on the level platform to assist Tuxedo Kamen. "Mars? Mercury? Uranus? Neptune?" I wonder if they're all okay.
-
Sailor Mars glared toward the tower in the distance and sensed the demonic auras grouped together within one area. She shut her eyes while reading the presence of the Lycans. As she opened her eyes, she gasped and flew toward the tower.
Then, she stopped and noticed Sailor Mercury coming within her range.
"Mercury?" Mars blinked as she abruptly stopped and shouted to her friend. "Sailor Mercury!!"
Once she heard the Miko calling out her name, Mercury quickly turned and noticed Mars flying toward her.
"Mars?!" The blue-haired Senshi paused as she waved out to her colleague. Flying over to Mars, Mercury was relieved to see the dark-haired priestess emerging very much alive form her encounter with Tsume. "I'm so relieved to see you're ok!"
"Hey, it's going to take more than a mangy wolf to put down this girl!" Mars winked with a smirk. "I'm glad you're here pretty much in one piece."
"Yes. Well, I had a little trouble but I did manage to come out on top."
"That's good to hear."
"Did you stop the Lycan you pursued?"
"Eh, well... I kind of let him live but he's been critically injured to the point where he's no longer a threat to us. With the Ofudas I used and the silver arrows, his power was pretty much neutered."
"So, he's weaker? Mars, you're taking a risk with this one."
"It'll be okay. You just let me handle him if he ever tries to stir trouble. That's my vow to you, girls!" Mars promised as she placed a hand against her chest. "Now, onto other business..." The Miko's eyes shifted to the tower standing at the center. This was the focal point of the final Lycan battle. "I'm sensing a gathering of demonic presences emanating from Tokyo Tower."
"That's where Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen are engaging the Lycan leader."
"Kiba..."
"Yes and I suggest we better head over there. I'm willing to go on a limb and say that the others are probably there."
"Yeah but we have to be careful. There's no telling the lengths Kiba will go to stop us."
Mercury nodded. "Considering he is the leader of this demon pack, we have to approach this situation with extreme caution."
"Good point. Let's not waste anymore time chatting, Mercury. It's time we put an end to this Lycan threat once and for all!" As she closed her fists, the Miko flew across to Tokyo Tower without hesitation as Mercury followed close behind her.
"Sailor Moon. I hope you and Tuxedo Kamen can handle this one without us but we're coming regardless," Mercury stated, focusing her sights on Tokyo Tower. Pressing a hand against her tiara, she activated her visor while scanning the tower. "We're at close proximity and I do see Sailor Moon. Wait..." She suddenly noticed Okami appearing on her scanner. "...Who is this? And why is he engaging the leader?"
Mars frowned as soon as she listened to Mercury's commentary. So, that's where the other demon energy is emitting. Could it actually be the boy's father? Can it be Okami?
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As he was backhanded by Okami, Kiba fell back as he landed on his back head. Kiba rolled across the platform but managed to spring back to his feet. Okami rushed up and punched Kiba in the stomach, which caused the younger Lycan to double over. As Kiba stumbled backward and favoring his gut, the older Lycan grabbed him by this shirt and slammed him against the platform. Kiba winced as he rolled over and favored his aching back.
"No, this will not be enough punishment. Not for the likes of you!" Okami growled as he stalked toward the fallen Lycan.
Spitting blood out of his mouth, Kiba panted while trying to maintain his defensive posture. "Bastard..."
"I'll never forgive you for kidnapping my son and converting him to your demented beliefs! Are you planning to turn my own flesh and blood against his own father?!" He shouted, his voice filled with bitter hatred and malice. "I will not allow this to go any further! Do you possibly think your own daughter would have wanted this?!"
"...Don't preach to me about family bond... My daughter had her life taken away too soon! She would still be here with me if... if that day never happened... That tragic horrible day." Kiba coughed while using his own strength to stand. His vision was starting to blur while losing focus of the surroundings.
"Kiba. You know deep in your heart that your daughter would have preferred you to live the rest of your life in peace."
"Don't patronize me... I don't want to hear you speak of daughter! Especially NOT FROM YOU!!" Kiba shut his eyes while clenching his fists tightly. As he took a stance, his entire body shivered. "Never preach to me about child care when you've concealed the truth from your own son!! Aoshi sees me more of a father than you ever could hope to become!" With that, his opened his eyes as they now shifted to their blood red color. The Blood Eyes was now activated and he was more than ready to fight. However, he knew that there wasn't much time. In fact, time was no longer on his side. The Lycan had to be extremely cautious and rely on cunning tactics to pull through if he's any lucky.
"Ah, yes. The Blood Eyes. I remember now," Okami frowned as he set a foot forward. He quickly shut his own eyes. "You and those within your clan specialized with this rare technique. It was passed down after each generation. However, you do realize the side effects for relying on them. Do you not?"
"It's a risk I am willing to take!"
"Foolish."
"But it shall be tool I will use to finally kill you, old friend. I can foresee your own impending death."
The older Lycan chuckled as his eyes slowly opened. "Funny. I, too, can foresee your demise."
"What are you doing...?" Kiba wondered as he kept a close eye on Okami. "No... It... can't...be" His face struck with immediate fear and disbelief while his eyes and mouth twitched.
Meanwhile, as she stood behind a support beam, Sailor Moon turned to observe the two Lycans. She waited for the right moment to interfere but her body became frozen stiff. Not out of fear but rather... disbelief. She didn't realize just how close Aoshi and Kiba became. Their relationship became close to that of a father and son. She somewhat could sympathize with Kiba for becoming attached and protective of the boy. The Moon Princess was reminded of her bond with Chibi-Usa. Even though they treated one another as sisters, Sailor Moon understood that she would soon bear a newborn Chibi-Usa in this timeline.
Moon would become a parent herself within a few months time.
She, at least, wants to prevent Aoshi from enduring heartbreak from losing either his biological father or his new foster father. Or even both.
"What can I do...? I have to stop them. Or Aoshi-kun... he'll be torn apart from within," Moon murmured as she eyed both Lycans. I can't let this go on any further! This is my only chance to prevent these two from killing each other out of bad blood! "Stop... Please... No more..." She felt warm tears swelling in her blue eyes. "This is not what Aoshi-kun wants..."
Suddenly, Moon heard the loud cries of Tuxedo Kamen from above. She glanced up and gasped in horror.
"Oh no! Tuxedo...!" She abruptly stopped as she noticed a furry creature wrestling with the masked man. "Is that Yui-chan?!"
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"Augh!!" Tuxedo Kamen screamed as Yui was on top of him. As he raised his cane, the child Lycan bit into the instrument and sunk her teeth through it. "Yui-chan! Control yourself!!"
She held a firm grip on the cane using her teeth but Kamen managed to kick her off. He quickly picked up his cane and jumped up. Yui landed on her feet and shifted a feral glare at the masked man. Kamen unsheathed his cane to reveal a sharp blade.
"Yui-chan! Listen to me! We're here to rescue you and Aoshi!"
The Lycan ignored his pleas and lunged forward to attack Tuxedo Kamen. He quickly leaped up into mid-air as Yui failed to tackle him. Kamen grabbed a piece of rope hanging from bar. He looked down as Yui tried leaping up to bite off his dangling legs.
"Yui-chan!! You have to listen!! Sailor Moon and I are here to stop Kiba! Hear me out!!" Kamen observed Yui jumping up repeatedly. Suddenly, he had realized that Yui was not completely in a normal frame of mind. "Wait." The transformation must have triggered some reaction and is causing her react like a rapid animal. Could it be that she may not have her beast nature under control? Shifting his attention over to Aoshi's motionless form, he pulled out several golden capsules out of his shirt. "I have to at least get the boy away from Yui-chan until she can regain her frame of mind. There's no telling what she might do if he awakens. All right. Here goes!"
As Kamen dropped the capsules near Yui, they exploded and released smoke. This enabled Kamen to release his grip of the rope and drop down. Yui was left caught inside the smoke cloud as this enabled the man to take advantage of the situation. He dove across and snatched Yui up.
"I have you!"
Suddenly, Kamen turned around as he watched Yui leap out of the smoke cloud. She opened her mouth as she prepared to tackle Tuxedo Kamen.
Before she could reach him, an Ofuda came shooting out of nowhere as it landed on Yui's forehead. The Lycan roared as she fell back and laid on the ground in a paralyzed state. Tuxedo Kamen was taken back by surprise as he turned around.
"Sorry that we're late, Tuxedo Kamen!" Sailor Mars' voice called out.
Much to his relief, Sailor Mercury and Sailor Mars landed in front of him. He turned around to the opposite side to find Sailor Jupiter and Sailor Venus. The Inners were once again assembled just in time to save Tuxedo Kamen from Yui's attack.
"Better late then never. Thank goodness you girls are all safe," Kamen smiled, holding Aoshi in his arms.
"Oh, you have Aoshi-kun!" Sailor Jupiter noticed the sleeping child. "Thank goodness!" She ran up and placed a hand over the boy's face. "I didn't know what I'd do if anything happened to him."
"Yeah, speaking of Aoshi..." Tuxedo Kamen said.
"I sense Okami is right. That's Aoshi-kun's father?" Sailor Mars inquired as she approached Kamen.
"Yes, as a matter of fact, they are below us," Kamen said as he pointed down.
"Oh, you're right! But, there's two giant Lycans down there!" Sailor Venus exclaimed.
"And Sailor Moon is down there, too..."
The Senshi gasped in unison as they prepared to move out. "WHAT?!"
"We have to get down there immediately!" Sailor Mercury exclaimed. "She's taking a big risk getting involved with those two!"
"Just what the hell is she thinking?!" Sailor Mars feared for her friend's life.
"What are we waiting for?! C'mon, guys!" Sailor Venus declared as she pointed her finger at the ground. "I'll handle this!" Gathering enough energy, she channeled it through her right fingers and fired a series of beams to blast open the section. "There!"
"Tuxedo Kamen, will you stay here and watch over the kids?" Sailor Jupiter asked.
"I will. You girls be careful!" Tuxedo Kamen nodded as he set Aoshi down. "Sailor Mars, how long can your seal hold Yui?"
"Ten minutes tops. Hopefully, she manages to turn back to normal before then," the Miko replied.
"All right then."
With that, the four Inners descended through the hole - made by Venus - and arrived on the same level as Sailor Moon. They proceeded to race down the ramp way to join up with Sailor Moon. Their biggest concern was Moon herself getting involved in a struggle with two angry beasts. However, doing so would prevent her from stopping the Lycans from killing one another. And if that happens, Aoshi would be without either his father or his new father figure.
Either way, the end result would have devastating effects on the boy.
-
"Please, stop!!" Sailor Moon shouted as she emerged out of hiding. As she stood her ground, she glared at the two Lycans. Both turned and shifted their attention to the blonde female. "No more... You two shouldn't fight. There's a child up there! Is this how you're going to finally settle your differences? Kill each other to gain custody over the boy?! Aoshi-kun is not some prized possession! He's human..."
"Leave here," Okami snarled as he turned away. "I'm giving you this chance to step aside, Sailor Moon."
"So, you know about me?"
"For the longest time, I've watched you and your Senshi. You've done well protecting this planet but this battle is something you shouldn't concern yourself with..."
"As long as that boy is involved, I'm going to make sure neither of you kill each other! This isn't right and you know it!"
Kiba faced the girl's direction and frowned. "No... I must settle my differences with this heartless monster. He's brainwashed my son and plans to use MY OWN son as a sacrifice! Just to bring back his daughter! He means to use my own child as a tool! Just for his own selfish means!"
"Aoshi made the choice by his own will! I did not advocate him to volunteer with this risky procedure! The boy has grown to hate you because you didn't tell him the truth!"
"What truth?" Sailor Moon wondered as she prepared herself for the shocking revelation. The secret that Okami had kept even from Aoshi. "What are you talking about?"
Pointing a finger of indictment at Okami, the younger Lycan trembled with anger building within. "Moon Princess, this man is responsible for murdering MY clan!"
Moon's heart paused as she gasped in horror. She couldn't believe what she had heard.
Just like that, this revelation managed to grab Moon's undivided attention. She wouldn't forget what Kiba had revealed.
"No... I can't believe what I'm hearing. Is this true?"
"He is responsible for taking away my entire clan. My brothers and sisters... all brutally murdered. Only my daughter and myself were left but it didn't take long for the humans to take the last important piece of my former clan. She meant everything to me... Those monsters raped my daughter and killed her. That is the reason for why I despise the humans. It was them that robbed me of my precious child!"
Okami scoffed as he snapped at his enemy's direction. "I killed your clan because several of your own brutally murdered my former love and my young brother. So, I had to do what needed to be done. I avenged my love and my brother."
"But there was no reason for you to kill nearly all of my clan! You left me and my daughter to survive on our own until she was taken from me! Raped and killed like her existence didn't mean anything! I will tell you, Okami... Your son has grown attached to me. I've never been this close to anyone since my daughter was taken from me. I've been alone for these last centuries. My heart grew cold, bitter and black like coal. Overtime, my hatred for humans escalated. Their sins cannot go unpunished. That is why many sleeping Lycan will soon awaken. You forget that there are some of us left out there in the world, Okami. They, too, share my hatred for humans. Okami, you are nothing but a traitor to our kind!" His crimson eyes shimmered as his body slowly bulked up. "The light of the Crimson Moon is granting me power. I will use this power to KILL YOU, old friend!"
"No..."
"You haven't changed, Kiba. You're the same arrogant brat that still hasn't learned his place! I am sorry for what happened to your daughter but I will NOT allow you to take away the most important thing in my existence!"
"Stop! Please!" The blonde pleaded as she watched the two Lycans encircling one another. Her knees trembled simply by being near these two monsters but who could blame her? She was only standing in their way.
Should she even be here?
This was not her battle yet she was determined to end this conflict. Even if she had to step in and possibly risk losing her life - thus altering the future and preventing Chibi-Usa from being born in this timeline.
"STOP!! AOSHI WOULDN'T WANT THIS!!"
Ignoring her pleas, both Lycans charged at each other and grappled. Okami and Kiba pushed each other back. Kiba felt a rush of new strength giving as he regained his momentum. His Blood Eyes released a glaring red aura that blinded Okami. This allowed Kiba to charge forward and backhand the older Lycan. The force of the blow sent Okami flying back and hitting the cold metallic floor. As he leaped across, Kiba stomped on Okami and repeatedly kicked his sides.
"Aoshi is with me, old timer!! He despises you for lying to him!!" Kiba shouted as he continued kicking. He bared his teeth while his red eyes glowed intensely. "I've even trained him to control his transformation. Under my watch, he has improved gradually. You never even gave him any special training to control his Lycan nature! What if Aoshi had lost his bracelet and he had been exposed to the moon's light? He might have lost control of himself and could have presented himself as a danger to people around him! Hasn't that ever occurred to you, old timer?! You're unfit to be a father!"
This immediately struck Okami like a nerve.
WHAM!!
Okami jumped up and kicked Kiba in the face. The younger Lycan was sent flying up as he hit the top platform. His back cracked as he grunted from the impact. Kiba fell down as he landed on the metallic floor. Okami's eyes turned white as he focused on his fallen enemy.
"DO NOT. And I mean... DO NOT lecture me on how to raise MY child!!" Okami picked Kiba off the floor. "I will forever be Aoshi's only father. Now, look into my eyes... Your Blood Eyes is indeed a rare trait passed down your clan for generations but my Angel's Eyes can and see all. I can even see your future and you aren't going to last, Kiba. You will die right here." As he raised his right hand, he prepared to deliver the finishing blow to Kiba. "AND RIGHT NOW!!"
"NOOOO!!"
Suddenly, Okami paused as his hand came down and stopped a few inches from Kiba's head. The older Lycan glanced over to see Sailor Moon grabbing his arm. The Moon Princess opened her teary eyes as she continued pleading.
"Please... don't do it! Think about Aoshi! What if he finds out you killed someone he considered a father figure?!"
"Are you mad?! This man has held my son captive!"
"But, I heard him say that you killed his clan! Is this true?!"
"Yes but it was out of revenge. At the time, I was clearly not thinking about my actions. To this day, I regret taking their lives... But that does NOT excuse a few members of his own clan killing my loved ones!"
Moon was frozen stiff as she listened to Okami and remained silent. She clearly could not choose who to side with. Both Lycans have endured centuries of pain, suffering and tragedy. Life turned out better for Okami as he married a human woman and had two children - a son and a daughter. Kiba, on the other hand, remained in the shadows for as long as he could remember.
"Now if you will relinquish your hold on me, Moon Princess. This bastard must die. I need to end his suffering."
"No! I understand you two have been through so much misery but your lives can't end like this! This isn't fair to Aoshi! How can he go on living if one of you die?!"
Kiba seized the opportunity as he bit down on Okami's right arm. This forced the older demon to let go of Kiba and hold his bitten arm. Regaining the momentum against his older opponent, Kiba head butted Okami in the chest and sent him flying back.
"Oh no! Okami!" Sailor Moon shouted to the older demon.
"Moon Princess... Do not show that man compassion... He clearly doesn't understand the pain I've had to endure. Centuries of being alone... Without my mate, my brother, my clan or my daughter. I've the most valuable pieces of my life. They were all taken from me in such a short period of time. My heart grew cold... slowly building hatred for you humans but more so toward Okami."
"There's always a chance for you to settle down. Look, I can help..."
He shot a terrifying glare toward the blonde, which caused her to back away. "I don't need your help! I don't need anyone's help... I can raise the boy on my own. If I can't bring my daughter back, the least I can do is care for Aoshi."
"How can you take Aoshi if he already has a father?"
"Heh. Aoshi has already denied his father's existence. In fact, all he sees is a murderous monster. I'm the only one who can soothe the boy's anguish. It was I that enabled him to control his Lycan nature without that necklace."
"Then explain why you sent Lycans after us!"
"Simple. In order to destroy the humans and make them pay, I needed to destroy Earth's defenders. You..." He looked toward Sailor Moon's direction and frowned. "I had to eliminate you Sailor Senshi. That is why I found the tombs of the Shichi'okamitai and revived them through the art of necromancy. They were the only ones strong enough to defeat you ladies. Unfortunately, I was proven wrong. I underestimated your extraordinary powers. After each battle, you adapted and learned of our weaknesses. Now, you've completely eradicated the entire Shichi'okamitai... I would not be surprised if your soldiers had destroyed them. Their deaths were inevitable..."
"My friends can't be beaten that easily, Kiba. You failed."
"Yes... I realized that the moment Okami arrived. I have no chance of reviving my daughter... since I am already at death's doors."
"What do you mean?" Moon's interest peaked. "Death's doors... No, you can't mean."
"My life expectancy will expire before sunrise. Maybe within half an hour... I'm already using the last of my strength..."
Sailor Moon was stunned after listening to this second startling revelation. Despite her vow to stop the two Lycans, one would be guaranteed to die. Kiba would be the one to fall.
"But, how...?"
"My Blood Eyes technique is like a double-edged sword. Overtime, I have used these powerful eyes to paralyze and even kill my enemies for centuries. They are both a blessing and a curse. When one relies on these eyes for too long, their life expectancy is shortened. I'll be joining my fallen clan soon... in the underworld."
"No... I can't believe..." Moon pressed her hands against her chest. "But, Aoshi... Does he know?"
"Yes... I've told him."
"And how did he take it?"
In response to her question, Kiba simply closed his eyes and walked toward Okami's fallen body.
"Answer me! What did Aoshi say?!" She called out to the Lycan.
As he stopped, Kiba turned and smiled. "...He told me that he wishes if he can take over after me."
"You mean to take over and become the next leader?"
"Yes. If he couldn't help me revive my daughter, he said that he'd want to take over as leader of a future pack once my time comes. And now... is that time."
"No..." Moon shut her eyes and wiped the tears flowing down her cheeks. I promised that I'd save them both but... I can't save one of them! There has to be something I can do!
"SAILOR MOON!!"
As the princess heard the unified cry of her friends, she turned and found the Inners arriving at the scene. She stood still and put her arms out. The Senshi stopped as their leader prevented them from advancing forward.
"Sailor Moon! Are we glad to see that you're all right!" Sailor Mercury was relieved.
"We thought something had happened to you!" Sailor Mars exclaimed, putting her hands on Moon's shoulders.
Sailor Jupiter nodded as she looked over to the two Lycans. "Oh my god! Is that..." She recognized the attire Okami wore - what was left out of it anyway. "Okami-sensei?!"
"Is that Okami?!" Sailor Venus pointed toward the older Lycan. "And... Kiba! Sailor Moon, why aren't you stopping them?!"
The princess sighed as she looked over to Kiba. "Because Kiba's life will end."
"What do you mean?" Sailor Mercury inquired with concern.
"He's going to die. Not because of Okami but those Blood Eyes of his. He said himself... he's probably only has half an hour left."
"By estimation?" Sailor Mars gasped. "You can't be serious..."
"I promised that I'd stop them both but... I feel like I've let down Aoshi..."
"No." Sailor Jupiter walked forward. "If Kiba knows he's going to die, then let him do it peacefully. Either that or Okami-sensei kills him. Kiba has caused us enough trouble as it is. And don't take it the wrong way. I'm not wishing death on him but there's nothing we can do. It's over for Kiba."
"No... Wait if..." Sailor Moon stared down at her brooch. "I can save him..."
"Sailor Moon! You can't use the Silver Crystal! Have you forgotten silver kills Lycans?!" Sailor Mars stepped in front of the princess. Putting her hands on Moon's brooch, the Miko nodded. "You can't save someone who's going to die naturally. His time has come. Jupiter is right. There's nothing more we can do... for Kiba."
"I have to at least try..." Moon pushed past Mars as she prepared to open her brooch's locket - to expose the artifact passed down to her by the late-Queen Serenity. She couldn't bear to see anyone die even someone who has had a life as tragic as Kiba's.
"Don't Sailor Moon! Don't use the Silver Crystal!" Venus shouted to the princess.
As Kiba stood over Okami, he kneeled over to pick him up. Before he could reach within inches of Okami's shirt, the older Lycan's eyes shot wide open. He sprang back to his feet and grabbed Kiba's arm. Catching the young demon off guard, he tossed Kiba over his shoulder and threw him off the platform.
The Senshi watched in horror as Kiba was thrown off the floor level.
"OH NO!!" Sailor Moon screamed as she raced off toward the other side. "Hold on!!" As she pushed past Sailor Mars, the princess leaped across and swooped down to catch up to the Lycan.
"SAILOR MOON!!"
"That crazy girl!" Sailor Jupiter snarled as she ran past Okami and glanced toward him. "Okami-sensei. Is it really you?"
The older Lycan gasped as he recognized Jupiter's scent. Makoto?! His eyes widened as he watched Jupiter leap off the edge. "WAIT!!"
"Those two are crazy!!" Sailor Venus shouted. "C'mon, guys! We have to..."
"You three stay where you are... Your two friends will be just fine."
-
Kiba closed his eyes as he stretched his arms out while plummeting to the very bottom. The air pressure pounded against him as his fur waved along with the wind. His Lycan body prepared to hit the ground with a tremendous impact. However, he did not seem at all concerned for his own well being. His werewolf body was durable enough to withstand huge falls and this was no exception.
"Foolish old man. This won't kill me... Erm?"
Just then, Kiba glanced up to notice a winged figure falling down near him. His eyes narrowed as Sailor Moon came into view. Then, he noticed Sailor Jupiter wasn't too far from her.
"Two of them...? What do you two intend to do?"
"Grab my hand! Please!" Moon shouted as she reached with her right arm. "Please, let me save you!"
"You possibly think I'll die from this fall?! I've survived far worse impacts than this! You two should be more concerned about your own sakes!"
"Sailor Moon!!" Jupiter called out to her friend as she approached Moon and grabbed her left arm. "What in the hell are you thinking?! You scared us half to death!"
"I have to save him!"
"He's our enemy, Sailor Moon!"
"Kiba's... been through so much pain. I want to relieve him of the anguish in his heart."
Jupiter gasped. "Anguish in his heart...? This guy was responsible for Aoshi leaving his father! He helped to orchestrate the recent Lycan attacks! Just how can we feel sorry for him?! I'm sorry, Sailor Moon but..."
"I was there to listen to everything he said. Jupiter... I'm beginning to understand what he wants," Moon said with a smile.
BOOSH!!
The two Senshi watched as Kiba landed on his feet with heavy impact. The weight of his feet crushed the pavement and formed a small crater as he landed. Jupiter scooped Moon up in her arms and stopped in mid-air. As Moon and Jupiter watched Kiba, the Lycan shook off the debris which covered his fur. As he turned, his Blood Eyes were exposed.
"Foolish women. There's nothing you can do to save me. It is over for me. What you two should do is sleep!" With that, he quickly prepared to activate his Blood Eyes.
"Close your eyes, Sailor Moon!" Jupiter barked as she shut her eyes. "You remember what happened to Uranus and Neptune!"
As Moon closed her eyes, she shook her head.
Suddenly, Kiba felt pain shooting out from inside his chest as he coughed blood and dropped down to one knee. The over usage of the Blood Eyes were - once again - taking its toll on his body. Jupiter and Moon opened their eyes as they saw the Lycan weakening.
"Oh my god... what's wrong with him?" Jupiter gasped in disbelief. "He's coughing out blood!"
"Oh no! He told me that he's already going to die and now it's starting to happen! Those Blood Eyes... they're like a curse. Since he's been overusing them, his lifespan has to be shortened," Moon expressed sorrow and pity for Kiba. "You poor man."
"Sailor Moon...?"
"Drop us down, Jupiter. I want to help him."
"But..."
"Please, no arguments. I know you find it hard to believe but I'm telling you what I heard."
"I'm not calling you a liar but what if Kiba is just doing this to trick us?"
The princess nodded and sighed with grief. "He wouldn't. This condition of his is gravely serious. I know he's our enemy but... how many times have I shown pity for some of our enemies before?"
"Many times."
"And this is no different. Please, Jupiter."
Nodding her head, the brunette seemed hesitant from the start but she began to understand. She wasn't too fond of the idea of giving aid to an enemy. However, she knew Sailor Moon wasn't the kind of individual who would leave anyone to suffer a painfully excruciating death.
"You're always one to heal wounds, Sailor Moon. All right but only because you asked."
"Thanks, Jupiter."
As Sailor Jupiter descended to the bottom, she released Moon and allowed her to move toward Kiba. The Lycan watched Sailor Moon come up toward him as he clenched his right hand.
"GET BACK!!"
"Please, Kiba. I know you've been through so much unbearable pain," Moon spoke in a kind, warming manner. A beautiful smile formed on her soft face. "You don't have to suffer anymore. It's okay..."
"No... I SAID GET BACK!!" He lashed out and slammed his right fist into the ground. He ripped the concrete off the ground and uplifted it to knock Sailor Moon off her feet. However, Moon paused her steps and did not budge an inch. "I don't need you to heal MY wounds! These wounds can never be healed by a human. Not even you can do it!"
"Do not hold it all in, Kiba. You're only making it worse. For yourself and your daughter."
"Daughter...?" Jupiter listened as she watched Moon speaking to Kiba.
"You know nothing about how precious my daughter was!" Kiba growled as he threw the slab of concrete at Moon's direction.
"Sailor Moon! Get out of the way!"
As Jupiter shouted, Moon did not move an inch. This prompted Jupiter to spring into action.
"MOVE!!" Jupiter dashed across as she pushed Moon out of the way.
The piece of concrete hit the area where the princess stood. Jupiter helped Moon back to her feet as both shifted their eyes toward the Lycan. They watched as Kiba was covered in a blanket layer of a dark purple light. This aura thickened as Kiba shivered.
"What's this freaky light?" Jupiter wondered as she put a protective arm around Moon. "Sailor Moon, are you okay?"
No response came from the princess.
Sailor Moon kept her eyes on Kiba as she stared into his red eyes. Those same eyes that indicated inner anguish, hatred and grief. She wanted to know learn more about Kiba if she wanted to help him but she couldn't. Kiba would not allow her to go anywhere near him.
"Kiba..."
"You cannot heal the wounds of a dying man... I've already accepted my fate. However, I cannot go until I have slain the old man and I have bid my farewell to the boy. I must state my goodbye to Aoshi... I'll never die in peace until I do."
Moon nodded. "I understand but I cannot let you kill Okami."
"I must..."
"You can't!" Sailor Jupiter stepped forward as she put herself in front of Moon.
"Jupiter?!"
"Okami-sensei is a man I've grown to respect! In fact, he's helped me to become a stronger individual and I will use his teachings to help kids move away from heading down the wrong paths in life. I'm determined to help improve a person's life just as Okami-sensei has done to counsel me and Ayami-san!" Closing her fists, she channeled electrical volts in her hands. "I'm warning you. No... I'm telling you that I will NOT allow you to harm him or Sailor Moon! I look up to both of them! Just because your life has been ruined, that doesn't mean you can make everyone else's lives miserable! If Okami-sensei dies, Aoshi will be without a father and I won't have him to advise me anymore!"
Kiba listened to Jupiter's powerful speech as convincing as it sounded.
"You want to get to them. You'll have to go through me first!" Jupiter challenged Kiba to come at her. "Just be warned, I'm NOT holding back even if you aren't 100 percent!"
"Foolish woman... challenge me when I'm in this condition? If I had been 100 percent healthy, I'd crush you..." Kiba stopped as he coughed. "No... not now... Not even the Crimson Moon is enough to grant me full strength with my blood deteriorating."
"Jupiter, please. That's enough," Moon placed a hand on the brunette's right shoulder. "Let me handle the rest."
"Ok but I'll back you up if you need."
"Thanks but I'll be fine." As Moon shifted back to Kiba, she pressed her hands against her brooch.
Ground Level/Shichi'okamitai Underground Lair/12:16 AM
"That's the last of them, Pluto."
"Good."
Sailor Saturn stood over the corpse of a Lycan as her eyes stared toward a tunnel ahead of them. She and Pluto faced each other before they advanced toward this tunnel. It appeared to be dark with no sources of light to guide the pair through.
"This must lead to the secrets of the Lycan's lair," Sailor Pluto said as she started walking through the tunnel. Her Garnet Orb flashed as it produced a flickering red light. This allowed for her and Saturn to walk through the dark tunnel. "There. We should be able to pass through."
"That helps a lot. So, what are we supposed to find down here, Pluto?"
"We'll see what we can find, Saturn. Let's press onward."
"Right," the younger Senshi replied as she followed the Time Guardian.
Once they moved along, the tunnel was leading them to a flickering beacon of light. They glanced ahead to what appeared to be the end of the tunnel and an opening leading to the outside. However, as they edged closer toward the tunnel, Pluto looked over to the left side. She put a hand out to halt Sailor Saturn.
"What is it, Pluto?"
"Look..." The green-haired woman pointed toward a platform sitting near the corner. It appeared to look more like an altar. Underneath the altar was a stone slab. From a closer view, it was actually a gravestone. But for whom? Who was it for?
Sailor Pluto kneeled down to wipe the layers of dust covering the gravestone. As the dust came off, she read the inscriptions engraved on the stone.
"What does it say, Pluto?"
"So... Sophia Corvinus?" The woman muttered as she read the rest. "Here lies my beloved daughter... Sophia Corvinus."
Saturn gasped. "What does it mean?"
"This is the grave of Kiba's child. We've stumbled onto the burial ground of his daughter. He must have buried her here and remained in hiding in this lair for centuries."
"Down here?"
"Yes. By keeping himself concealed from human contact for these past few centuries, Kiba has been active underground and monitored human progress on the surface for centuries. He's watched as Tokyo expanded into the metropolitan giant we know today. No doubt he's managed to study the human ways of living and learned to adapt to the changing environments. It was only a matter of time before he emerged from out of hiding."
"I see and he's kept himself concealed from our sights."
"Correct. I've been carefully observing Kiba but never did I expect him to be still alive. I had thought he died out of grief and loneliness following the loss of his daughter. Truly, it is astounding that he has lived this long being without a family. Loneliness and being without loved ones can make one's heart grow black and cold."
"So, we've discovered the grave site of Kiba's daughter. What else could we find here?"
"Nothing else. It appears this tunnel will take us outside," Pluto pointed another tunnel. Beams of light radiated a section of this tunnel as it was the only exit out of the underground lair. "We've taken care the remaining Lycans in this lair. Our work is finished here, Saturn. Let us go to Tokyo Tower."
"Yes. I am becoming concerned for Sailor Moon and the others. They might need our help."
"Possibly but I doubt Kiba has long to live. His life expectancy will surely end before we get there."
The younger Senshi nodded as she moved her hair from her face. "That's highly a possibility."
"In any case, we must go. Come, Saturn. There's nothing else we can do here."
"Right."
As Pluto faced the stone wall that seemingly blocked the exit, she raised her Garnet Rod and furrowed her chin. Her face contorted and shifted into a determined stare.
"Kiba Corvinus," Pluto whispered as she closed her eyes and focused on the Garnet Orb's mystical properties. An image of Sailor Moon confronting Kiba crossed her mind. "Either way. This Lycan conflict will be over with."
Minato-ku District/Site of Tokyo Tower/12:22 AM
"Sailor Moon!!" The other Inners shouted from above.
As Jupiter and Moon looked up, they watched Venus, Mars and Mercury descending around them. Kiba watched as all five Inner Senshi gathered together and stood his ground.
"Geez, don't go acting daredevil on us!" Sailor Mars remarked as she approached Moon.
However, the Moon Princess did not budge an inch while keeping her attention entirely focused on Kiba. Folding her arms against her chest, Moon prepared to activate her Silver Crystal.
"Sailor Moon...?" Sailor Venus murmured as she realized what the princess was doing. "No... No! Sailor Moon! Don't use the Silver Crystal!"
"Yes, you shouldn't its energies on this Lycan!" Sailor Mercury said.
Moon slowly stepped forward as a silver aura covered her hands. As her eyes softened, they became filled with tears. Kiba looked away to prevent himself from showing any signs of emotional weaknesses. He wouldn't let Moon affect his frame of mind.
"Do not look at me like that! Please... don't make me kill you..."
"Allow me to view the images of your past, Kiba. I want to see how much you loved your daughter. I would like to see her from the memories of your past life," Moon stopped as a silver light brimmed out. Forming in her hands was a crystallized orb - which was now shaped like a feather. Kiba stepped back while keeping away from its' brilliant, silver light. "Don't be afraid, Kiba. I'm no longer your enemy. I'm not like Okami and nor do I wish to kill you. Do not let paranoia get the best of you. Keeping things closed up within you, especially grief... it can bring tremendous pain. You've never always been like this."
"You don't know anything about my daughter and I doubt you even care!!"
Moon smiled as her brooch now exposed the Silver Crystal. "I do care, Okami. I want to know what kind of wonderful child you had raised before her unfortunate, tragic end."
"Aoshi... is like a son to me. If Sophia has still been around, she would have been the perfect big sister for the boy. I would have looked forward to raising two children. Of course, that can't happen now... the ritual has been ruined and my daughter can never return."
"You'll see your daughter soon, Kiba."
"With my failing health, yes..." Kiba shut his eyes but he quickly turned and looked up to see two unexpected arrivals. "What is the meaning of this... you two planning to attack me even in my poor condition?"
As Sailor Moon and the Inners looked up, they spotted Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune hovering above everyone gathered. The two Outers eyed Kiba and descended near the Inners.
"Uranus! Neptune! You two finally become Eternals?!" Sailor Venus was stunned to see them donning their new attires.
Sailor Jupiter raised an eyebrow. "Yeah but I know why you two are here."
"Why haven't you killed him already? He's clearly too weak to do anything else," Sailor Uranus faced the Inners as she looked over to Moon. "Sailor Moon. Why are you hesitating?"
"If you let him go, then no doubt he will continue to send more Lycans to kill us," Sailor Neptune said.
"He's no longer a threat to us," Moon sighed as she dropped her arms to the sides. Her eyes blues stared at the Lycan's direction. These same blue eyes expressed sadness and sympathy once again. She could no longer look at Kiba with hate. "He's already on his last hour. Uranus. Neptune. Let him go peacefully."
Uranus gawked at Moon's decision and scoffed. "Are you kidding me?!"
"Are you sure he's telling the truth, Sailor Moon? What if he's attempting to play you like a fool?" Sailor Neptune inquired, facing the Moon Princess with doubt.
"I can tell. Plus, he hasn't attacked us with his full strength. Am I right?" Moon asked Kiba.
"Correct..." Kiba lowered his head as he coughed more blood.
"Kiba!" Moon attempted to rush over to the weak demon.
Sailor Jupiter reached out for the blonde's right arm as she stopped her. "Don't. There's nothing you can do for him."
"But..."
Kiba took a few steps back as he turned to see Tuxedo Kamen. The masked man laid down both Aoshi and Yui. Fortunately for Yui, she had transformed back into her human form and was sleeping.
"Oh good. She turned back to normal!" Sailor Mars was relieved to see the girl.
"Yes but the Lycan curse cannot be lifted. It shall remain with her as long as she lives," Kiba explained. "Once she has been bitten by a fully-blooded Lycan, she will remain a Lycan until death."
"So, there isn't a cure for her then?" Tuxedo Kamen asked. "What can we do for her?"
"I'm afraid nothing... I'm sorry for what one of my pack members may have done to her. I never wanted this to the girl. Aoshi is very fond of her."
"YUI!!"
As everyone turned, they saw three figures running down toward outside the tower. Himura, Kotori and Cammy rushed over to two kids. Himura scooped Yui up in his arms as Cammy kneeled beside Aoshi.
"Thank goodness," Himura murmured as he embraced his sister. "I thought I had lost you."
"Man, you two had us worried," Cammy sighed with relief. She smiled while placing a hand over Aoshi's forehead.
Unfolding her arms, Kotori glared at Kiba's direction. She aimed her gun directly at the beast as she encircled him.
"Don't move! We know you were behind kidnapping these two! Okami-sensei told us everything as we found met him up on the tower!" The female officer barked.
Sailor Jupiter intervened as she grabbed Kotori's gun. "Stop it. We'll take care of this one ourselves."
"These monster took Himura's sister! Not to mention Okami-sensei's son! I'll never forgive him for this!" Kotori shouted as she grabbed Jupiter's hand. "This crime can't go unpunished!"
"Please, Kotori. I promise you that we will make sure he pays for what he's done. Now, put the gun away," Jupiter advised Kotori. "Please. I am not going to ask again."
At first, Kotori seemed hesitant to put away her weapon. She stared into Jupiter's green eyes and remembered that she was speaking to Makoto. Lowering her weapon, Kotori sighed and placed the weapon in her holster.
Suddenly, Aoshi slowly started to stir as he opened his eyes.
"Aoshi? Oh, Aoshi-kun!" Cammy watched as the boy slowly lifted his head up. She gently put an arm around Aoshi as she helped him sit up. "Take it easy. Don't rush yourself."
"...Kiba. Where's Kiba?" Aoshi murmured while opening his eyes.
"Hey. Did you just mention Okami?" Sailor Jupiter asked Kotori. "Did you by any chance see a giant wolf up there as you and Himura arrived at the top?"
Kotori blinked. "Uh? A giant wolf? No, all we saw was Okami."
The brunette gasped. "He... he must have turned back into human form before you guys came and we left..." Wait, but I don't see him arrive with Ayami-san and the others!
"Kiba...!" Aoshi called out to the Lycan.
Hearing his name called, Kiba turned his attention to the boy and smiled weakly. "Aoshi... Thank goodness." He once again coughed and held his chest.
"Kiba... Is it getting worse?" Aoshi asked with concern. "Please, you can't let it stop you... We have to bring back your daughter!"
"It's already too late, Aoshi. We tried... I overlooked the possibilities of your father interrupting the rite."
The boy uttered a gasp as he heard the mention of his father. "My father... was there?"
Before Kiba could say anything else, the Lycan sensed a presence approaching from close quarters. He quickly twirled around as something pierced through his chest.
SHICK.
Kiba's eyes widened as a long, silver blade pierced his chest. Lowering his head, his eyes glanced at the blade. The tip was dripping with Kiba's own blood.
Everyone else gasped in disbelief as they saw who had dealt the killing blow to the Lycan.
It was Okami.
Kiba didn't blink once nor did he utter a word.
Sailor Moon, Tuxedo Kamen, Sailor Jupiter, Aoshi and Kotori watched in horror at the events that had transpired. Most of all, this horrifying scene affected Aoshi. The boy watched his own father stab his new foster father.
"OKAMI-SENSEI!!" Kotori and Sailor Jupiter cried simultaneously.
"Oh my god..." Sailor Moon couldn't believe her eyes. She was utterly speechless.
Sailor Mars, Sailor Mercury and Sailor Venus were also stunned.
Once his eyes filled with tears, Aoshi screamed and ran across. "KIBA!!!"
As Kiba's body hit the ground, Okami stood over him with the silver blade in hand. His eyes expressed slight remorse for the younger Lycan. The conflict was finally resolved.
Okami had accomplished what he had set out to do for centuries.
Unfortunately, Aoshi was there to witness the events unfold and the boy would never forget this moment again. If Aoshi had hated his father now, his bitter resentment for Okami would escalate further.
Falling down to his knees and sitting next to Kiba's body, Aoshi lowered his head. "No... NO!! KIBA!!!!"
Sailor Jupiter immediately shot a glance toward Okami. "Okami-sensei! What is the meaning of this?! He was already going to die!"
"Why... Why did you do that?!" Sailor Moon angrily faced the older man. "Kiba was already dying... You denied him a peaceful death..."
Dropping the silver blade on the ground, Okami simply answered. "So, he wouldn't prolong his own suffering. I did him a favor. Besides, I've been meaning to kill him for the longest time. He became a dangerous rogue. Rogues like him needed to be eliminated. Now, he can join his daughter and his clan in the underworld."
"Okami-sensei! Why couldn't you have let the Senshi handle this?! Clearly you interfered in their battle!" Kotori retorted toward her own teacher. "I never thought you'd attempt this... The Lycan may have deserved it but he was already dying."
As she set her own foot down, Sailor Jupiter had seen enough. "Okami. I'm disappointed in you. You finally got what you wanted... but haven't you even considered how Aoshi-kun feels?! Aoshi-kun watched you just kill a man he considered a precious to him!"
Aoshi murmured as he stared at Okami's direction. "Father... Why? WHY DID YOU DO THIS?!" His voice deepened while inner rage built up from within the child. "Kiba... He was MORE of a FATHER than you could ever hope to be!"
"...Aoshi..." Kiba's weak voice was slightly heard.
Everyone shifted their eyes to the now dying Lycan. Despite having a blade driven through his chest, Kiba still had a little bit of life left in him. He only had - at most- a minute left.
"Kiba...?" Aoshi gasped in shock. "You're still with me! Right?!"
Sailor Moon watched this scene from the sidelines as she smiled. "He still has life in him."
Kiba smiled as he took Aoshi's hand. "I have... a few words I need to tell you... before I depart..."
Wiping the tears from his eyes, Aoshi nodded. "I'm listening, Kiba."
End of episode twenty-one.
Next Time
What Happens Next? Aoshi's Decision.
A/N: This is it. Just one more chapter to go and it will be all she wrote for Season 1. My original intentions were to make Chapter 21 a long season finale. Instead, I've split it into a two-part season finale. I hope that isn't much of a big deal to anyone?
No? Ok, good.
I understand a lot of you were expecting a lot of action but I'm going for more of a tragic end for Kiba here. Hey, at least the battles with the Shichi'okamitai members had action in them!
Next chapter will be fairly shorter but I'll do my best to wrap everything up. Heh, the end of Chapter 22 will include a scene that will set things up nicely for Season 2.
So, that said, I should have Chapter 22 done sooner than later. Before the end of October at the earliest. Season 2 will start in November and that will be the point where most Galaxy Stars updates will be monthly. I'll have other stories to work on, including my YuYuGiDigiMoon series and upcoming Naruto: Land of Darkness sequel.
Until then, take care and send a review!