Chapter Twenty One
Moon stood, watching as her Senshi ran drills in the junkyard, interested to see some of their newer moves displayed with terrifying accuracy. Earlier in the week, the owner of the junkyard had approached them, thinking it had been teens setting off explosives or something. Imagine the shock when he found the heroes of the city staring back at him in curiosity. Needless to say, he'd readily offered the space for their exercises without another comment.
It wasn't a wasted gesture, as the superheroes soon realized through hours of practice every morning. Half the junkyard had already been completely obliterated beneath the gentle touch of Kamen's hand, shrapnel had coated every available surface outside the radius of the blast. Their attacks had certainly become more powerful, but the practice had given them much needed time to adjust. Even now that area before them was quickly freezing over, and a wicked blade grew literally within Mercury's hand. She'd somehow figured out the exact positioning of the molecules and the specific density in which the blade would have to be tempered before it could be used in combat. She was getting very close to perfecting the art, though there seemed to be some flaw in the form because of it's tendency to fracture when hit head on.
Mars was charging up about a hundred feet away, melding her spiritual ability with the fire. She had not yet shown what all she could do, yet there was no question that her attacks had become more than simply the physical. It would be interesting what that flame would accomplish against the droids….She had been quiet lately, much more than she should be. Though they lived in the same house, it was often as if neither were really there. Her senses had sharpened dramatically, though, and she seemed to be much more aware of the strengths of the others. Her sense of their powers would be very useful in the time to come. There was no doubt in any of their minds that a battle was coming.
Jupiter, on the other hand, seemed to be holding back from the rest of the group. It had been something that Moon noticed over the past few days. Mars and Mercury seemed to be able to fight much better together, and Jupiter seemed to always be alone. Much of her power hadn't even been seen; at least not if hers had jumped as the other's had. It was troubling. Obviously, Mars hadn't been able to create a cohesive bond between their new member and the originals, as it had been in the early stages of her training when Moon had first left. It brought up a few key points about all three people that would definitely need to be discussed.
Venus, on the other hand, had held back as well though Moon figured it was for a different reason altogether. It wasn't that her fighting abilities were not compatible with the others, Moon knew the look of determination in her eye. Venus had, after all, been leader in days past, it would be good for her to take the reigns again. A wistful smile crossed her face as she thought, taking a step back to allow Venus a better position to view the practices.
Moon was troubled. With all the new developments in the past weeks, it was difficult for her not to be. Mercury's computer had given no clue in particular as to why it had malfunctioned in the first place, Mars had become painfully distant and reclusive, and Jupiter…Jupiter simply didn't seem to exist outside of her powers. At every meeting she seemed to drift off into the corners of her mind, perhaps thinking that her views were not welcome in the discussions. What was even more troubling was the sudden end of all attacks, though everyone knew there would be more. Did the Dark Kingdom really believe the legendary Senshi to be fools, did they assume that a little break would throw off everything?
"Rose hurricane!" Jupiter's hoarse voice thundered through the yard, vibrating Moon's bones as she whipped around in curiosity. What appeared to be billions of tiny rose petals swirled thickly across the field, each charged with an explosive shock that send debris ricocheting through the air. Large cars were flung through the suffocating atmosphere to collide against solid earth. Moon's jaw dropped in open shock at the power behind the blast, eyeing the expanse before her.
If it weren't so potent, it would be…strangely beautiful; poetic even.
Funny, she'd never really taken Jupiter as the romantic of the group.
"It's odd," Usagi murmured to herself as they left the junkyard. The girls always exited in the opposite direction, leaving Mamoru and her time alone. It was a rare occasion when he wasn't working or studying, and she wasn't toiling away on the mystery of the ginzuishou. It had not yet been discovered, which caused Serenity more worry than anything else; the very fact that it could ultimately be in the hands of their enemies had kept her up at night. Apparently now that Mamoru and she had found common ground, her mind had latched onto something else that caused insomnia. No problem.
"What's that, Usako?" the little blond snapped out of her reverie, eyes rising to meet tender cobalt. Mamoru had been her rock since the beginning of this nightmare, making it easy to delve into every inner thought. It seemed that they connected on the most primal level, despite the fact of being complete opposites most of the time.
"The Senshi, Jupiter specifically; she's so closed off from everyone. I honestly didn't see her as antisocial when she first came into the group. Today was the first time she'd shown any power at all to me." Mamoru nodded quietly, understanding where the tall brunette was coming from. From what he'd wheedled out of Rei, Kino Makoto had always been angry, aggressive, even inflicting permanent damage on some of her victims. Of course, he would never pass that information to his beautiful girlfriend, she could never see anyone as that dangerous, especially not a friend of hers.
"She'll open up in time, Usako. Not everyone will spill their life story the second they meet you," he pressed gentle lips to her temple, pulling her along so she wouldn't forget about their walk. She nodded into his chest while her arms looped around his waist for comfort. A part of her felt guilty at leaving Makoto so soon after meeting her, it had never felt right. Not to mention the fact that the Amazon had been the only one to really reach out to her after she'd left.
Usagi drew her arms around his waist, trying to ward of the chill that had slipped into her heart. Confused blue eyes swirled with doubt and worry as they scanned the pavement before them. Each step seemed riddled with more and more questions, leading to few answers.
"Usako, did you…dye your hair?" Mamoru asked, his tone a little strangled. She glanced up into his worried eyes uncomprehendingly, feeling a little alien to the situation as he pulled a strand over her shoulder to view it. What had once been a brilliant gold, now seemed more muted; threads of silver glistened throughout the lock, enhanced by the morning rays breaking through the clouds.
"Eiie; though it does appear that way, doesn't it?" She mused quietly, reaching up to touch the silky piece herself. She hadn't even noticed the transition until now, and the resounding knowledge that it brought made her want to cry. It would not be long now…. "You are changing too, Mamo-chan. Your hair is darker and it looks like you've put on some weight."
He grunted noncommittally, nodding and rubbing one arm gingerly. "Tell me about it. I don't think any amount of training could have made me this sore."
Neither spoke of what it meant, words would have made it real.
The silence was comfortable, though, as they continued on their path down the street toward the arcade. Mamoru had had a nasty case of the munchies and was 'aching for some real coffee', Usagi had simply grinned and followed his silent invitation. It was these rare times that they could forget everything else and simply exist together; as if they were just as normal as every other person on the street, as if they had a right to enjoy themselves.
A sudden breeze filtered through the street, sending newspapers and scraps flying as it went by. One playfully hit Usagi's leg and stuck there as if refusing to let go of her. Slightly irritated at the distraction, she reached down and plucked the sheet free, ready to send it along to play with the others when something odd caught her eye. She relinquished her hold on Mamoru to flatten the rebellious paper and stopped dead in her tracks.
Twin pigtails, her twin pigtails were plastered across the front page.
Above the picture of her and Mamoru at that party a few weeks ago read the stomach-turning words that made Usagi want to puke. 'Under age and Over the Line', it read. Millionaire Tycoon, Chiba Mamoru, chooses a mistress from a local Jr. High.
"What the hell!" Mamoru growled, barely able to contain the rage building within him at whoever had printed that piece. Usagi had lost all color in her face and was heaving uneven breaths as fast as her tiny body would allow. Mamoru ripped the paper from her clenched fists, shoving it in a pocket and dragging her down the street. If these bastards had no problem looking into her past, then they certainly didn't have any qualms against following them around.
Which meant they might know about the junkyard.
There was only one place to go after that, and it was the Hikawa shrine. Mamoru already had plans of calling his agents at the firm to settle the dispute the papers had brought up. There was no way he would allow such an insult to Usagi's honor slide, no way he would allow these media whores their own way with the public –especially when so much was at stake; especially when the change was already begun.
But first, he needed to tend to Usagi's needs. She was shaking and pale, her little face scrunched up and close to tears. Mamoru fumed as he thought about some of the words in that column, no proper person would ever allow them into public, let alone refer to someone as…. He shook his head, helping Usagi to climb the stairs as he ripped out his cell phone.
"Rei-chan, I need you to take Usagi and get her to calm down a little. I'll be out back if your need me." His voice rang through the shrine, bringing with it both Grandpa and Yuichiro, who seemed understanding of his odd behavior. Rei emerged from the back moments later, mouth set in a tight line.
"I think your problem with the media is going to have to wait. Makoto just called, apparently she's had a run-in with a new friend."
"Let me get this straight," Kino Makoto took one last puff of her cigarette before flicking it into the wind and turning to the other end of the alley. "You want me to divulge secrets about one of my only friends in this world for the simple act of saving my hide?" she snorted, eyeing the newcomer as if it were unclean. "You must be some kind of idiot."
"Think of it as a biography," the woman smiled charmingly, crossing her arms in a self-possessed manner. It was one of those qualities that one couldn't help but dislike –passionately. Makoto was no different in this thought process as she took in her adversary from the ground up. Smart, pointed black heels clacked the cement impatiently, long slender legs led to a smart grey pinstripe skirt suit, topped with nothing but the finest grey jacket the tall brunette had ever seen. Piercing, hooded green eyes stared over a sharp nose and grim mouth, dark green-black hair swept gracefully from her perfect skin into a bun that was both classy and professional.
"How about you tell me who you really are?" the warrior within the Amazon lashed out, having seen through the pathetic disguise this woman had chosen to wear. "No self respecting reporter would wear heels like that on the job, let alone a woman who has to chase down leads. Who the hell are you and what do you want?"
The lady shook her head, hardly believing what she'd heard. "Great," she muttered, "I had to get the crazy one," she sighed, straightening again. "Look, all I want to know is how long her and Chiba-san have been sleeping together. Once I get that, I'll be out of your way."
Makoto snorted disbelievingly, taking a few steps forward and sizing up this 'reporter'. They had chosen the wrong Senshi to play this game with. The fakes were always easiest to see through, especially when they worked for the dark kingdom.
"I don't see how that's any of your business. I'm still waiting for the truth, by the way."
The bungled reporter smiled grimly, seeing her chance vanish like a puff of smoke. Leaping away from the obviously incensed Senshi, the eldest sister regained her true form, grim smile still plastered on her face. She took a moment to straighten her short dress out before facing the lightning Senshi once more. Resentment and anger filtered through the dark sister. Jupiter hadn't been shocked, hadn't even transformed to face her. Despite the massive insult to her pride, the older woman decided her own arrogance was not as important as the mission.
Despite the fact that her mission here had failed, she would have to move on the phase two.
"I've come to issue a challenge of sorts," she murmured, dark eyes scanning her enemy for any possible signs of attack. But Makoto seemed completely calm, if even a little smug at having discovered her so quickly. They had underestimated her greatly; had assumed that she would be the easies to trick despite her strength. Well, Calaveras had been off in her information gathering. Petz would have words with her later, though.
"I was wondering when we'd get to that part," the brunette stuffed both hands in her pocket and leaned back on the brick wall, completely unaffected by the other's sudden appearance. In the mood she was in, no one in their right mind would start a fight with her –especially not someone who knew what she was capable of. "So what are the terms, or am I going to have to beat them out of you."
"Watch your tongue, Senshi, unless you want your name out in the open." Petz warned, her tone frozen over. The other shrugged and stood straight, walking forward as if in challenge.
"I have no family to kill, so that's out of the question, and my only other friends happen to have a few tricks up their sleeve. So what would I gain by keeping my name a secret?" Makoto smirked, watching this woman's reaction with no small amount of mirth. "Next time you choose one of us to threaten; you better pick someone who has attachments. You should know that, since you took out Moon's."
"I had nothing to do with that," Petz bristled, remembering the beating the others had gone through for that particular slip up. Diamond had not been pleased to put Moon through such pain, and he was well known for spreading that burden around to lighten the load on himself. "We meet at dawn tomorrow. You face all the hordes our world has to offer; winner takes all."
The Thunder Senshi grinned in delight at the challenge and walked forward, tapping Petz on the nose like a child.
"We accept."
Early dawn. The sun rose like blood, spilling and clotting in a sickening display of color across the ground. The very earth seemed to tremor slightly beneath the heat of such an unbearable sunrise. It was painful to view for those who found themselves caught beneath the crimson tide. It was perhaps even more painful when one counted the fact that thousands upon thousands of shrieking, eager youma had come crawling up through the ground. Those unlucky enough to see what had happened turned and ran through the streets of the large city in absolute terror.
The sounds of fear-stricken screeches choked the air, the hissing, gurgling sound of droids filled the voids between. Atop a lonely hill overlooking the city stood the figures of the guardians. Though the enemy had chosen a strong place to attack from, they were simply no match for the small girls in deceptively innocent clothing. At the first sign of harm to a human, a single Senshi leapt from the height, plummeting toward the ground, and the invaders. The air suddenly went icy cold, filled with shrapnel-like ice shards that rained down on their attackers as a powerful voice called on the deity of her element.
"Ice sharingan!" The frozen shrapnel slammed into the attacking forces with horrific accuracy and the early morning air filled with shrieks of pain and fear. Hundreds fell beneath the pelting sheet of razor-like ice, but reserves were already cresting above the hills, spilling down toward the city. It was hardly even a matter worth noting as thick, ominous clouds blacked out the sun, raining lightening down like drops, slowly gathering within the palm of the tallest Senshi, a glare of pure righteous anger marked her brow as her resonating voice shattered the uneasy silence. Almost as if the sky itself was tearing apart, pure bolts of terrifying energy burst across the expanse and ripped toward the army before them. Legions upon legions obliterated beneath the heavy blast. The ground was littered with bodies and shards of metal-like ice that froze the ground beneath them on contact.
Jupiter grinned softly, blowing on her still smoking fingertips in approval and eyeing the other two Senshi with a pointed look. Growling at the challenge, Mars stepped forward, kneeling before the battlefield and stretching her hands toward the earth. Murmuring, whispering sounds filled the smoky air as the demons marched forward in complete determination. At the Senshi's apparent surrender, shouts of unearthly glee filled the air and many leapt forward in anticipation of the kill.
Within steps of their quarry, the ground began to smoke and hiss, tendrils reaching upward to lick at their unprotected ankles. A few of the demons began to notice the change as their feet stuck to the unrelenting ground, melting into the crust of earth beneath them. Screams began to issue from the alarmed warriors, some moments too late as the same smoke drifted up through open mouths and noses. The flesh stretched across meager bones began to slither and hiss, shrinking in on their forms as the souls within them literally burned from the inside out.
Shouts of horror could be heard for miles, echoing across the battlefield. The citizens of Tokyo watched in dread as the sky blackened again, this time slithering and writhing within itself, as if it could find a way to break free and tear the city apart in anticipation. Two figures stood away from the rest, watching in silence as the first attacks of the battle broke. Wispy tendrils of silvery blond hair fingered through the breeze, interlocking with the gentle flapping of a shadow black cape.
Tuxedo Kamen reached up with firm fingers to remove the mask from his eyes, no longer wishing to hide behind it's fake, leathery surface. Writhing black hatred uncoiled within him, snakelike venom racing through his veins as he locked eyes with a certain figure lurking behind the lines of his army. What an unexpected twist this was, he mused quietly, eyes slanting in hatred. A part of him had known something was off that night, the part that even now was beginning to gather it's strength.
The glint of hardened metal winked in the early morning light, shifting even as the figure raised his sword in salute. Though the distance between the figures was far too great for such a detail to see, Moon shuddered at the blatant adoration in the machine's eyes. The strong arms around her tightened and Kamen drew in a hissing breath.
"He will die for touching you." He whispered, voice lined with hate as he whispered it. Moon nodded silently, shuddering beneath the cold memory of it's hands. The moment between the three stretched on, until Venus calmly stepped between that shameless gaze and her princess with raised whip. If that thing wanted Usagi, he'd have to go through the most powerful of all the Senshi to do it. A grim look of determination crossed the blonde's face. No other fate mattered right now.
Kamen bent, pressing a tender kiss against Moon's cheek before stepping away. The air stifled beneath the power he exerted on it, clawing at the very air as if to tear the fabric of reality. His suit shifted, changing slowly from that of a proper tuxedo to a princely vest and leggings. Both shins were coated in black metal and a silver chain bearing the seals of mortality crossed his chest in two directions. Without waiting for the change to complete, Kamen reached backward, grasping the handle of his ancient blade and pulling it free even as the rest of it formed out of nothing. It's handle stretched nearly 14 inches long, more than enough for both his large hands to grasp it at the same time. The blade seemed taller even than Moon, the edge clean and razor sharp. Without hesitation, the weapon slashed through the air and easily separated a head from one of the many oncoming monsters.
Seeing her chance, Venus leapt into action, whip cracking through the air with deadly accuracy. Dangerous, passionate eyes locked onto her victim's moments before their deaths, striking them in both fear and awe at the beast before them. None could have ever been better than Venus, save her hell-bound counterpart or the Prince himself. That fact was better known now than ever. The leader of the Senshi team broke forward, strategic mind whirring into action as the harbinger of her destiny came under fire. No doubt that Moon herself was formidable, but for her to have to use that power would be nothing short of an insult to the Senshi. Venus tore through the ranks of droids as if they were nothing, chain whip licking hungrily at flesh as those who apposed her fell beneath it's deadly arc.
At the same time, Ail had quietly crept toward the demon prince, eyes flashing with blind hatred and jealousy. He had seen the gentle moment that… thing had shared with his Angel, and there would be no mercy for it. She would be his now, no need to put it off any longer. Saphir himself had reconstructed his arm using the strongest of metals, had peppered it with a few fun little toys and upped the power coursing through his mechanical leg. With all the improvements there was no way a simple human could ever win against him.
He swung, deftly placing the blow between the shoulder blades of the demon prince. He did not expect his enemy to duck or somehow get the upper hand by grabbing the joint his arm rested on. Kamen's eyes spoke murder as he twisted slowly, only hoping that this alien thing's arms were hardwired into it's brain. Unfortunately the snarl seizing Ail's curved mouth was of rage, not pain. The hold broke as both leapt away from each other, readying another attack. Kamen charged his power, focusing the energy to climb down his blade as they squared off again.
Ail, on the other hand, took the time to breath quietly and assess the situation. He'd been watching the live feeds from their morning training sessions, but it hardly included the man's knowledge with the two handed claymore he now wielded. Although, to see the power building around him there was no doubt in the alien's mind that a blast would soon be issuing from the other side. Instead of readying an offence himself, instead he sent electric shocks down his legs and gathered his reserves to dodge at the last minute.
Moon could hardly watch, let alone help as Venus and Kamen all but demolished the opposition before her. She hadn't even needed to lift a finger in her own defense. A part of her was slightly offended that they felt the need to fight for her, while the other part readily let them. She had not really practiced much in the past few weeks like the others had. In fact, she hadn't really fought at all since finding out about her heritage. Across the field, sparks of red and green could be seen. Icy mist hung through one region, and there was no doubt Mercury was using her sword right then. It filled Moon with pride to see them all fighting so well.
"My senshi, my prince…" She smiled as she spoke, reaching up to activate her tiara. "You don't have to fight alone anymore." The burning disk began to spin uncontrollably fast as she aimed toward a hoard of droids. Just as the attack was about to be released, a surge of energy hit the tiara too soon and it shattered, sending shards everywhere. Moon yelped, ducking from her own weapon and feeling the cuts seep into her skin as she screamed in pain.
Kamen stole a quick glance her way, afraid that one of the Youma had broken through. Seeing her huddled down against the dirt, a sudden thrill of panic leapt through him, causing his balance to waiver. With his enemy's line of defense crumbling, Ail lunged forward, the tip of his blade barely nicking off Kamen's raised sword. It had been luck alone that had redeemed the fight for the darker man, he realized this all to clearly as the alien recovered from the loss. Though the image of Moon still burned in his mind, he would do her no good dead. His battle had to be finished.
Far above the tide of bloodshed and screams lay the four sisters, each only mildly interested in the scene below them. Calaveras yawned tiredly, watching as the three Senshi were quickly separated from Moon and the others. Ail was doing his job quite nicely. To send him as a simple distraction had been masterful on Diamond's part. Tuxedo Kamen had taken the bait, and was even now swinging an impressive sword expertly against the half breed. Bertier wasn't even paying attention at all, since somehow her lipstick smeared the tiniest bit. Under that strenuous circumstance, she could hardly be expected to perform her duties.
"Hey, you stupid wench! Pay attention!" Petz barked, staring at the younger sister with nothing short of hatred. "The moment has come. Send in the bulk of the army and I'll make sure the others don't see it coming. Calaveras!" The brunette nodded, hovering down into the fray. Koan darted off toward the main arena, charging her powers and aiming for the three Senshi.
A single blast ignited from her outstretched hands, knocking all the warriors to their knees. Shocking, none of them were ready for the onslaught of what appeared to be the main army. More than ten times the droids quickly filled the area, all attacking at once. Mars could hardly control the situation as fire spurt in every direction. It wasn't working, though, there were too many of them! Jupiter was quickly swarmed over by the horde, lightning fizzling out as she lost control of her arms. Mercury was dragged down by sheer force, her ice blades hardly hoping to inflict enough damage to keep the monsters at bay.
Calaveras slipped quietly into their midst, sneaking through the carnage toward her goal. Now would be the ultimate time to test her theories, to gather information on her nemesis. Blonde hair whipped out in every direction as the lines were peppered with what looked like shining hearts. Confusion slammed the Dark Moon sister square in the face. Hearts? The enemy's best offense was…hearts? She guffawed in utter disbelief. Were these youma so greatly reduced to that? Saphir had only conducted so many tests on them that these pathetic youma look a likes were hardly worth their time. Thankfully, this tactic wasn't based on strength, but shear numbers. All they had to do was get Her alone…. Burnt amber eyes glanced back toward the lonely hill where Sailor Moon huddled like a frightened child. Unexpected as that last move was, there was still no guessing where Moon might go from there. With the Tiara gone, it would seem she had no other means of attack, all her other methods were of healing. By simple chance, the young Senshi had played right into their trap.
A murky, snarling laugh jolted through the rocks and dirt beneath Sailor Moon's trembling hands and a startled shriek erupted from her throat as the ground exploded. Serpentine vines clawed along her body, scraping and cutting the skin as it went. Moon screamed in pain, feeling herself rocket off the ground and into the air. Each plantlike limb closed across her torso in a crushing embrace until she could hardly breathe. Rivulets of blood drenched her fuku, drizzling down until it began to fill each boot.
Pain filled blue eyes drowsily rose to meet her attacker's, dazed as her eyes latched onto a sea of soft pink. The color stirred something soft and warm within her, made her think of sugar and sweetness, all the beauty of life. Despite the throbbing ache across her body, she felt warm at seeing the shade, and smiled tenderly.
Abhorrent eyes filled with blind hatred rose to meet hers; framed by the strangest dark lashes Moon had ever seen. A twisted, curling mouth dripped a solemn hiss that caused the Senshi's bones to shiver in fear. Freakishly dark olive skin met her eyes, riddled with tiny white scars that crisscrossed like netting across the slightly green tinged skin. Startling pink eyes crashed against blue as the thing reached forward to wipe at a spot of blood on Moon's face.
"So this is the girl." The woman-like thing growled, unimpressed by the sight of the sniveling, scrawny blond before her. "We have a few things to discuss, Moon." The smile widened, "but since I'm not so good at your inferior language, I'll revert to mine." A fist slammed into Moon's stomach, pain screaming through every nerve ending. She didn't stop, hardly thinking as a flurry of punches lit into Moon's abdomen. Her screaming echoed across the battlefield, filled with hurt and confusion. Why! Why would this….
But then, she had done the same to Zoicite, hadn't she? Her mind all but shut down beneath the torrent of stabbing pains and the sudden thought of the general. She had…had beaten him much like this…to death. Horror filled her mind as she realized that this could very well be the end of it all. How terrible, that she could do something so brutal, so…final. But what had Moon ever done to this woman? They'd never even met before! The confusion and pain was much too overpowering…the pain…. Her eyes darkened, filled with tears, and closed.
"MOON! NO!" Kamen roared in fury, the whites of his eyes filling with inky darkness. Ail fell back, shocked at the sudden outburst. His mechanical eye rose, narrowing at the figure being held in the sky. Ann was beating her! Ann was beating the Angel! Horror fled through the young alien and he lunged forward, frenzied in his rush to save the petite blond girl from his other half. Tuxedo Kamen hardly glanced his direction before the blade swung back, catching Ail directly in his mechanical side. The ground rushed up to meet his battered body, catching him in just the right angle to crush his living half beneath the weight of the machine. Agony lanced through his broken form, yet he couldn't tear his eyes from the Demon before him.
Shadows gathered from every corner of the battlefield, writhing across his tall, muscular form. The winds lifted his hell-black locks from his face, eyes now jaded black beneath the dusky half light that filled the area. The ground began to churn angrily as the Shadow Prince made his way toward the hill again, crushing the bodies of the Youma as he went. Afraid that the earth might swallow him whole, Ail tried to wiggle free of the confining weight atop him. All that happened, though, was that the now severed wiring came loose to dangle before his face. Well, no wonder that half wasn't getting the signal from his brain….
The whimpering, struggling figure on the ground was no longer Tuxedo Kamen's concern. His rage filled eyes focused intently on the pink thing now currently pounding the nails into her own coffin. It didn't take but two more hits into Moon's now bloody body before Kamen's hand grasped a large handful of candy pink hair and yanked back with all his strength. The woman was flung through the air with little dignity, hitting the ground and rolling away as she screamed in pain. The force of the pull and yanked off nearly half her scalp, now bleeding in the dark man's hand.
He didn't care. The tip of his sword buried into the ground as he reached forward with trembling hands to check for a pulse. The tips of his calloused fingers slid across bruised, tender skin, tracing the ugly dark splotches across her face. Tears slid from his eyes as those fingers found her neck, marking the soft pulse that beat a tattoo against the pads of his hands. She was alive, if barely. The panic softened once more and he leaned forward to press kisses to the few places untouched by that bitch's fists.
The blade was ripped mercilessly from the ground and dug into the plant, tearing it in half and releasing the broken girl into Kamen's arms. She fell forward limply, hardly breathing beneath the crushing weight on her lungs. Had the others seen what was happing to their princess, there was no doubt that all hell would have broken loose. But it was just him, rocking her gently, afraid to let go. Soft, broken sobs tore from his parched throat. His head bowed in misery and shame. He had known she'd needed help, had heard her cry out in fear. He had foolishly chosen his own life for hers.
Venus whipped around, hearing the crushed sobs. Horror gripped every nerve within her, causing her knees to bend pitifully to the earth. Her mind simply could not come to grips with the vision. Moon had been fine mere moments ago, had been watching her with pride…now…. Every inch of the once silver fuku had been stained red, torn and ragged edges revealed places where the flesh had been broken. Kamen's shaking hands were coated in blood.
Venus clenched both fists at her side. Inexcusable; her actions had been the cause of Moon's fall. Judging by Kamen's reaction, the princess was still alive, if barely, which meant Venus could still redeem herself.
Calaveras crept in quietly behind her blond nemesis, eyes trained carefully to her movements. Ann had broken their greatest taboo by attacking the future Queen openly, no doubt the Prince himself would finish whatever Tuxedo Kamen decided to start with her. Either way, the little princess was in for a rough couple of weeks, and the Senshi themselves were demoralized and useless. A wicked grin continued to slink across her face. Maybe with a little luck, and a few misplaced attacks, her Majesty would accidentally disappear all together.
A flash of infinite black slithered from behind her back; an obsidian blade cradled carefully in one hand. The other youma had backed down at her silent command, allowing her to perfect opportunity. The leader of the Senshi stood, head bowed in respect as her chain once more materialized in both gloved hands. Seeing her moment had arrived, Calaveras leapt into action, driving a powerful thrust deep into Venus' side. The Senshi cried out in shocked pain, careening into the dirt as the dark minion sent a crushing kick into her back.
How pathetic, Calaveras cackled gleefully, one down, four more to go.