Confrontation

Minako wandered across the vast space surrounding the old factory. The chemical explosion made the factory not useful anymore and area around it not attended. She knew it was cold outside but she didn't feel it. Her skin fell charged with disturbed emotions. The sky was grey, darkening with each minute. It was eerily quiet.

Minako looked up at the once powerful factory. Now it was completely abandoned. At its side were iron stairs. She took a few steps closer and climbed the stairs. When she was up, she rested against the metal railing and looked down the vast space. She had better view than from downstairs but she knew that scanning the field was pointless. She would see Yaten when he wanted to be seen.

And he wanted it right then.

She felt his eyes on herself before she saw him. Shiver run from the base of her neck down to her toes. Suddenly he was right behind. She felt his fingers running lightly along her bare arms and up her neck. She craned her neck.

"Miss me already?" His lips were breath away from her ear, tickling her. She turned around and met his intense gaze. "Always".

He raised one eyebrow and she suspected he didn't expect her to be bold.

"I see change in attitude," he commented.

"Disappointed?" She asked a bit playfully. She wasn't going to let him thrive on her fear and helplessness.

"A bit, yes," he nodded, taking strand of her hair in his fingers. "I enjoyed seeing you so fearful and trembling. That night, the rest of it, I could think only about you."

"Should I take it as a compliment?" she asked with a hint of irony.

"I think it is a compliment. If Nana knew, she wouldn't be happy." He shook his head and suddenly the small, false smile left his lips. His eyes became serious and cold as he let go of her hair. "I'm not happy with it."

"With thinking about me?" She knew what she had to do. Occupy him as long as she could. The rest of the group needed time. She had to talk to Yaten as long as she was able to. She didn't want to think what will happen when he's done talking.

"Yes. It's tormenting me," he admitted gravelly. His eyes held hers long before his mouth slowly stretched in a self-satisfied smirk. "I've missed you."

He seemed to be at ease again. The intensity that was there, in his eyes a moment before, now was gone. Or maybe not entirely. Minako didn't know what to think about his mood swings.

"Sweet Minako, you are….," he stopped suddenly, looking slightly above her eyes. He reached his hand and she felt him tugging at her bow. His eyes flashed black for a moment and then were green again. He stared at the bow, as if he noticed it just now, gripping it tightly.

"Yaten?" Minako whispered, looking up at him hopefully. Suddenly he tore the bow away from her head. Minako moaned in pain as the movement tore at her hair.

He stared at the bow in his hand.

"Why are you doing this?" She came closer and touched his cheek. "I know you're somewhere out there, come on Yaten. You're stronger than this. Fight this spell she put on you."

Yaten clenched his fist over the ribbon tightly, till his knuckles were white. Then he opened his hand, let the piece of material fly with the wind and looked at her incredulously. "You still don't get it? You're acting like the night before yesterday didn't happen." He moved away, her hand falling from his face. "This is who I am. This isn't any spell. I'm finally myself."

"I know you. And this is not you," she said with as much confidence as she managed to find in herself.

"You think you know me, but you knew someone hidden behind the burdens of this world. Now, I'm finally free. I just don't care anymore," he spread his arms and shrugged.

"It's a shame then, because I liked him better."

Yaten laughed. "Sure you did." His smile faded as soon as it appeared. "You died for him. For me. Stupid child."

Minako swallowed hard. "I wouldn't say that saving someone is stupid."

Yaten shook his head. "Here's a lesson you need to learn. First, think of yourself."

"I would do that again without blinking an eye." As soon as the words left her mouth he leapt forward. Before she caught her breath he had her pinned against the railing of the factory. His both hands clenched around the metal railing, trapping her in. Her feet were dangerously close to the edge. Her hair and dress swaying with the wind. She looked up at him.

"You could die for someone not worth living," he hissed and she could see anger in his eyes. Not this cold indifference anymore.

"Your life means the world," she whispered.

"Stupid girl."

"I thought you said you didn't care anymore."

Yaten's brows narrowed like he wasn't sure what he was doing. "You're messing with my head," he said.

She smiled, "Good." Then she stood up on her tiptoes, cupped his face in both her hands and pressed her mouth against his. She teased his lips until he let her in.

Yaten leaned down into her but his fists were still on the railing. Minako stroked his face gently and he angled his head, deepening the kiss. Their tongues entwined and started sensual dance as if they forgot whose mouths they belonged to.

He tasted so good she almost forgot it wasn't real.

Yaten didn't.

Suddenly he broke the kiss and caught both her wrists in his hands, pulling them off his face. Both their breaths were heavy. They were staring at each other before his lips stretched in an unpleasant smile. Minako's heart sank.

"You're playing with fire."

She couldn't give up. "Maybe I like fire?", she wiggled her eyebrow.

Yaten's eyebrows narrowed again. "You're such a fake," he let go of her hands. "You've always been."

She massaged her wrists. "Look who's saying that."

"I wish I could put some sense into you."

All of a sudden he hit her in the face. Her foot slipped and she gripped the railing. Her other hand tenderly touched her sore cheek. She looked back at him. "Yaten please, you don't want to do this."

He shook his head laughing. "The thing is I do! This is exactly what I want to do. To cause you pain the way you caused me all this time."

"I've never wanted to cause you any pain."

"But you did," he admitted. "You were constantly tormenting me." He seemed to be frustrated now. "Argh, see? You're doing this again."

"You are lying. You do care."

"No, I don't." He punched her again and this time she fell to her knees, bruising them. She brought her hand to her lips and saw blood on her fingers.

When she looked up at him, he sniffed the air and smiled. "Your fear smells beautiful."

Minako stood up, facing him again. "You won't break me. If you counted on it, you'd be disappointed."

"You are already broken. You were long before we've met."

Minako stepped away from the railing and took a few steps away from him, towards the stairs. Yaten moved forward. "You can't escape me."

When she reached the stairs she stepped down slowly, one step at a time. She would feel safer on the ground.

Yaten moved faster and caught her hand, that was on the railing.

"Not so fast!" he punched her again and she tumbled down the rest of the stairs.

"Get up!" Yaten's voice ringed in her ears. He went down the stairs and stood near her. "Get up now!"

She got on her arms, then knees and got up. Her palms and knees were dirty. Her face hurt and she could feel bruise forming there. She needed time.

"You love music, although you assured you were singing only to find your princess".

"What now….?"

"You like photography. Almost always you have a camera with you because you don't want to lose perfect moment."

"If you think that your talking will evoke some emotions in me you're wrong."

"You're mean to everyone around because you wouldn't stand them getting too close. If you'll let too many people in it will tear you apart…."

"Shut up."

"…because you are an empath. You feel what others feel. And it hurts, I know it does, so you have to keep distance."

"Shut up!" he repeated.

"You love your brothers. You fight with them, especially with Seiya but you would freely give up your life for them…."

"I said shut up," he reached her and clenched hand on her throat, pushing her against the wall of the factory.

Minako swallowed hard. It was difficult to breathe with his fingers curled around her throat so tightly. And her back was digging hard into uneven surface of the factory. However, she kept his gaze.

"You don't let people in but you made exception with me. Because you knew that deep down we're both the same. Behind the masks we hide from the world. We're the same and we need each other to fight the darkness around…."

Yaten's fingers tightened and Minako felt her voice stopping in her throat. "Yaten please," she managed, "reach out to me from whatever darkness you are in. I'm here for you. I'll always be."

"Stop it! Stop it!" Yaten cut her off. He seemed furious now. He let her go and turned around, hiding his head in his hands.

Minako coughed. Her neck hurt and she was sure Yaten was seconds away from crashing her windpipe.

"Yaten?" she tried, her voice hoarse and weak.

He turned around, his eyes wild.

"Stop doing this!"

"Yaten come back, please."

"There's nothing to come back to, don't you see? Living like that is constant pain. I don't want this!"

"And what do you want?"

"To end this and leave this planet once and for all. But first I need to get rid of one thing that don't let me have peaceful mind."

"Me," Minako guessed.

"You," he responded and then reached her and again. He pulled at her hair and threw her on the ground. "Fight!"

Minako looked up at him. She needed time. As much as she could get. She wasn't going to let him beat her to death. She didn't want to hurt him but right now fight sounded better than surrender.

She got up and without unnecessary words punched him back.

He clearly wasn't expecting that. He swayed and looked at her with wide eyes, his hand reaching his cheek.

His eyes held hers when his mouth slowly widened in a grin. "And yet she's up for a fight," he commented. "I like that fierceness. Alright, show me what you can do."

Minako reached for her Crystal Change Rod but he noticed the movement and kicked it out of her hand. It flew away and landed several feet from her.

Minako looked from the Rod to Yaten. "I thought you say you want to fight?"

"Not like that. I don't transform, you don't either. Our bodies the only weapon we have."

She raised her chin. If he wanted to play this way, she was all for it. "Show me what you've got."

Yaten smirked. "Can't wait, love."


Taiki pulled Chiharu forward, holding tightly onto her arm.

"Hey, a bit gentle maybe?" Chiharu opposed. They were crossing the forest. It was late afternoon, sky already dark grey.

"Shut up. You are a hostage." Taiki didn't even look at her.

"Easy Taiki. She's helping us." Seiya interrupted. He was looking all around, expecting Nana to surprise them at any moment. From what he's seen so far she wasn't stupid. And for what she's done to Yaten he wasn't going to go easy on her.

Soon they saw the house. Seiya nodded at Taiki. His brother nodded back and pulled Chiharu with him to the side of the house.

Seiya knocked. He didn't have to wait long. The door opened itself and he saw Nana sitting on the couch inside. One leg over the other. Her chin propped against her hand. "I thought you may come back. Please, come inside."

"I'd rather stay here," Seiya said, not making a move to cross the threshold.

Nana nodded, "Fine". She stood up and took a step toward the entrance but not close enough for Seiya to reach her if he wanted to. "I'm guessing you're here for your brother?"

"I'm here to make a deal."

"Let me guess, Yaten in exchange for Chiharu?"

"Exactly."

"I still wonder how you freed yourself and managed to took her with you. I should have known my sister wouldn't be able to handle this on her own."

Seiya didn't have to look at Chiharu to know she was gaping. Suddenly he realized that he never really appreciated the relationship he had with his brothers.

"Change Yaten back, take Chiharu and go back home."

"Leave everything and forget?"

"Yes."

"I don't think so. Where is she?"

Seiya turned his head and nodded at Taiki. Nana took a step closer when she saw Taiki appearing next to Seiya, holding Chiharu, towering over her.

"My stupid sister, how did you manage to let them free and get caught yourself?"

"Would you stop? Why are you treating me like that all the time?" Chiharu asked angrily.

"Because you are acting like that. Like a baby I have to take care all the time. You can't handle one simple task".

"Enough," Taiki spoke up. "What about Yaten?"

Nana shrugged. "I can't change him even if I wanted to."

Taiki took a step back, pulling Chiharu after him. "Then find a way or say goodbye to your sister."

For a moment Seiya wondered if Nana wouldn't just let Chiharu go. Fortunately, she wasn't as heartless as she would like others to think.

"Not so fast." Nana raised her hand.

Seiya turned around abruptly when he felt heat behind his back. A half ring of fire appeared behind them cutting their way back.

Nana smiled. "Now we can talk."


"How long since they've left us?" Jupiter asked

"About ten minutes", Mercury answered, looking in the direction Seiya and Taiki left. From where they were standing they could faintly see the outline of the house from behind the trees.

"It seems like forever," Sailor Moon complained. "I can't stand here just waiting and not knowing what's happening."

"I wonder how Minako's handling Yaten," Mercury said. "He's terrifying."

"He's harsh normally, so now we deal with his exaggerated, multiplied self," Jupiter noticed. "When we found out they had fiancées, I didn't expect something like that."

"Yaten's fiancée seems really fit for him. Their personalities match." Sailor Moon said, shrugging.

Jupiter smiled. "Have you seen how Seiya's fiancée looked at him?"

"She didn't listen to anyone but Seiya," Mercury added.

"I didn't notice." Sailor Moon turned away from them, hoping they wouldn't notice her blushing cheeks.

"Are you jealous?" Jupiter asked.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

Mercury smiled. "You know you can tell us."

Sailor Moon opened her mouth to say something but Jupiter was first.

"What's that?" She pointed at the house.

Two Senshi looked up and saw it. Bright, orange glow.

"Fire," Mercury voiced what they all realized by now.

"Let's go," Sailor Moon started running forward.

When they reached the house they saw that the entrance was surrounded by fire.

"Mercury!" Sailor Moon shouted and saw Jupiter disappearing around the house.

"Mercury Aqua Rhapsody!" Mercury shouted and materialized a watery harp. Her fingers started playing on it delicately, causing blasts of water fly toward the fire. Blue and orange mixed in fight.

When the fire was put out, Mercury smiled, "It's like riding a bike."

Sailor Moon smiled back before the both of them went inside.

"Well, well, well," Nana said. "I could expect that."

She was inside with Fighter and Maker. Chiharu stood nearby. Mercury raised her hand "We don't want to fight. Don't force us."

"We outnumber you," Seiya warned. "Just change Yaten and go back home. We will leave it here."

"I don't give up so easily," Nana answered and moved her hand in their direction.

"Jupiter Oak Evolution" Jupiter shouted from the entrance to the kitchen. Green balls of light pushed Nana off her feet and threw her against the wall. She slid down on the floor and looked up, surprised, at Jupiter.

"Nana!" Chiharu run to her sister's side.

"You forgot about the back door." Jupiter smiled.

"You won't get him back. And this is war." In a blink of an eye she caught Chiharu's sleeve and they both disappeared in green mist.

"Where did she go?" Sailor Moon asked. "We were so close."

"Factory," Fighter said. "She's going after Yaten. Come on!" Fighter run out of the house not wanting to waste any second. Nana's ability to teleport was huge advantage. They didn't have much time.


Minako tried to kick Yaten but he caught her foot and yanked her forward. Her back smacked into the ground hard and she yelped in pain.

"Get up, sweetheart," Yaten hissed and she moved backward, away from him on her elbows, before scrambling to her feet.

He raised his arm but she ducked his punch and landed her fist quickly against his jaw. He staggered back but too soon found his rhythm again. He darted in front of her and pulled at her hair strongly before hitting her jaw. She moaned, feeling another cut on her lip open and trickle of blood falling down her chin.

She quickly stepped on his foot and made use of his sudden confusion, pulling her hair out of his grip. She turned to him and kicked him hard in the stomach, making him stagger back. "Not so easy," he hissed and moved forward, catching her arm and bringing her closer. With her free hand she punched him again but it wasn't fast or strong enough. His head swayed only slightly. Still holding her arm, he brought her closer, with her back against his chest, and bend her arm at such strange angle that insufferable pain shot right through it.

She let out cry of agony, feeling tears coming to her eyes. Yaten used his free hand to curl it around her throat. His fingers smeared the blood that was still coming down from her lip. He leaned down so his lips were next to her ear. "You have no idea how I like this sound. Your pain is a melody to my ears. Do you have enough?"

She squeezed her eyes tight as the pain in her arm intensified. If she surrendered now she was dead. She wasn't going to ask him for mercy. She knew he would like that. "I'll never have enough of you," she managed and felt his lips stretch in a smile.

"Stupid girl. But I can't say I don't appreciate your courage and fighting spirit. He let her go and she staggered on her feet. She tried to move her arm but it seemed useless. She looked up at him.

"Hate me yet?" he asked simply.

"You wish."

He smirked and moved forward but she was faster and dogded down, reaching for his foot and making him fall down all the way on his face. Before he turned on his back she snatched the metal pipe she saw earlier, discarded by the factory wall with some other stuff, and hit him in the head hard.

"Oww," he yelled and his hand went weakly to his head. Big gush of blood formed on the side of his head, bathing his silver hair in red.

"I'm sorry," she whispered afraid that they've gone too far. They were hurting each other now. Making real, physical damage. If they get out of this alive, going back to reality won't be easy.

Yaten sat up, still touching his head. He didn't look steady but she held the pipe tight with her good hand. "Don't make me do this again. Come back Yaten."

He looked up at her, trying to smile but managed only a grimace. He must have been in real pain.

"How many times do I tell you this? The weak, pathetic Yaten is gone. Everything that were troubling me is gone. Well, except you but it's just a matter of time." He jumped to his feet but Minako raised her pipe and hit his ribs hard before he managed to advance on her.

Tears fell down her face, mixing with blood, as he made another painful sound. He fell to his knees and looked up at her again. She saw that blood was coming out of his mouth. "Ok, kill me then. This is also the way to end this suffering."

"Never," she shook her head.

"Well, sooner or later you will have to make a decision. Me or you?" He stared at her with those shining green eyes. His face was pale, contrasting with blood that covered his forehead, lip and chin. His hair, bathed with sweat and blood, plastered to his face.

"I won't make it that easy for you." She tried to sound strong but her voice was trembling. She was barely holding up on her feet.

"I know you play for time. Maybe your friends are on their way but they won't be here soon enough. Look at us. We don't need much to finish this off."

He made another attempt to step up and she swayed the pipe again. This time it reached his side and the sharp end of it dug in his lower back. He fell down again, screaming. The blood started seeping through his shirt.

Minako gasped. She fell to her knees next to him. "I'm sorry," she sobbed.

It was just a moment. She loosened her grip on the pipe and he used it. He snatched it from her and threw it away. Minako stood up but didn't have time to say anything as in blink of an eye he followed her, gripped her sore arm and janked her forward. How he still had strength she didn't know. She felt exhausted.

She fell on her face and felt his hand dig in her neck, fingers entangle in her hair as he pressed her harder against the ground.

"Goodbye my love," he whispered and she felt his lips on her temple. It was probably the last kiss she'll ever feel. A moment later he was on his feet and she felt strong kick in her stomach. It forced the air from her lungs and she coughed with blood. She couldn't breathe. She felt Yaten grabbing her hair again and yanking her head up. Then she felt another punch in her face that by then was probably one, bloody mess.

Her vision was going black and she knew she wouldn't last much longer. She was on the edge of losing consciousness. But before that happened she heard voice. Yaten seemed to hear it to because suddenly he let her go and her head fell down into dirt.


When Sailors Senshi and Sailors Stars were near the factory they could see two figures fighting. Or rather one of them advancing on the other.

"Minako", Sailor Moon whispered terrified.

"He is doing well, don't you think?" Nana spoke up. She appeared next to them out of nowhere. They didn't notice her earlier. Chiharu trailed behind her.

"Jupiter Oak Evolution", Jupiter shouted, aiming at Yaten who was abusing Minako.

Nana raised her hand at the same second and Jupiter's attack bounced against the invisible wall Nana put between them and Yaten and Minako.

"Watch out!" Fighter shouted as green balls of light jumped back from the wall and aimed at them. She pushed Sailor Moon and Mercury out of the way. Maker and Jupiter also jumped away.

"He will kill her", Mercury shouted, standing up. "Don't do this."

"Star Gentle Uterus" Maker shouted, catching Nana by surprise. Multiple balls of light hit her hard and she fell back.

Fighter used the moment and ran towards Yaten and Minako. Blondie was laying on the ground, looking terribly beaten up. Yaten was pulling at her hair.

"Yaten!" Fighter shouted and her brother looked up. He let go of Minako and took a step forward.

"You don't want to do this," Fighter said.

"Why everybody's keep saying that? I'm finally doing exactly what I want."

"It's not you Yaten."

"Do I look like someone else?"

"You act like her," Fighter pointed at Nana who managed to stand up and watched them. Sailor Moon, Jupiter and Mercury wanted to run to Minako but Nana put another wall. Fighter was in.

"Stop saying that! Why are you always so irritating Fighter? I'm finally able to tell you how annoying you are and how I wished I didn't have sibling. I'm tired of you."

"You don't mean it."

"I do. I really do. I'm sick of your stupid jokes, your cockiness and prankish attitude. I hate you."

Fighter just shook her head. "I'm sorry, brother. Star Serious Laser! "


"Mercury Aqua Rhapsody!" Mercury shouted when Nana put another wall. Nana let go and fought Mercury's water with her own fire which extended, burning Mercury. With other hand Nana send gust of wind at Jupiter and Sailor Moon, strong enough to push them out of their feet.

Maker raised her hand.

"Don't," Nana warned. "I'm stronger than you are".

"Let's see it," Maker encouraged and Nana waved her hand. Ball of fire appeared in her palm. She smirked at Maker but before she had a chance to throw it at her, something hit her in the back. She was pushed forward. The fire disappeared from her hand as she fell on the ground. Maker looked up and saw Chiharu with her hand still outstretched and aimed at her sister. Nana also looked up, shock painted all over her beautiful face. "You against me?"

"I have enough of you treating me like an underdog. And I'm sorry to ruin your plans but I don't want to kill them." Chiharu's voice shook only slightly. "You better leave it the way it is and go back home with me. It's enough."

"You're threatening me?" Nana asked and then laughed. "You're more pathetic than I thought." She made a move to stand but Maker was quicker.

"Star Gentle Uterus" Nana fell again but it wasn't enough to stop her. She seemed more furious and quicker with every blow she got. Like it didn't slow her down but fueled her instead. She only slightly moved her wrist and both Chiharu and Maker flew up in the air and landed far away from her. She stood up and turned to Sailor Moon and Mercury. Blue-haired Sailor had her arm burned and bleeding. She wasn't going to attack.


Minako looked up, observing what was happening. A few feet away from her Nana defeated Maker and Chiharu, and was now advancing on Sailor Moon and Mercury. Near her Fighter stood over Yaten, who was laying on the ground, beaten up and bleeding.

"I'm sorry I had to do this but maybe it will stop for a moment, you pain in the ass."

"Fighter," Minako managed, trying to lift her broken body on her arms.

"Minako?" Fighter looked as if she just remembered that Minako was there. She run to her and kneeled down, helping her to sit up.

Minako pushed her away. "Not me, Nana," she pointed at the alien princess and Fighter's head turned. When she noticed that Sailor Moon and Mercury were in danger, she stood up and run towards them.

"Star Serious Laser!" A laser beam struck Nana in the back. She stumbled back but didn't fall. Fighter stood abruptly, surprised.

Nana threw cloud of fire at her. Fighter jumped back but not fast enough. Her leg was burnt. The flesh started frying. Another attack, gust of wind, send her flying up in the air and down at Sailor Moon's feet.

"Fighter!" Sailor Moon screamed and kneeled down. "Are you ok?"

Fighter managed a weak smile and squeezed Sailor Moon's hand. "I'll be ok."

It seemed that Nana was unstoppable until white, solid light hit her strong enough to make her fall back and moan loudly in pain. She didn't get up.

Minako looked in the direction of light. Two powerful figures stood at the entrance of the factory. She recognized only one.

"Queen. King Anzai." Maker said. He seemed to recover from his fall and was now by Mercury's side.

"Father?" Nana asked in disbelief. Minako could hear hurt and feeling of betrayal in her voice.

The person whom Nana called father lowered his hand. White light was still flickering at the tips of his fingers.

"Dad," Chiharu spoke up. She looked like she got hit hard but she stood strong on her feet. "What are you doing here?"

"Your sister told me everything. How you decided to visit Earth without my knowledge."

"Amaya? How could she betray us?"

"She's the only obedient daughter I have, it turns out. Here I come and what I see? My daughters fighting with Earth Senshi. Do you want to cause war?"

"You don't understand father," Nana said. She managed to stand up, swaying on her feet.

Queen Kakyuu looked in Minako's direction. Minako knew exactly what she saw. Her own body sitting uselessly on the ground and one of her Stars laying nearby, looking as much uselessly. As Minako took a look at Yaten she decided that it wasn't the truth. He managed to get up on his feet after Fighter's attack and was now staring back at queen Kakyuu. His face was unreadable.

"Were you fighting against each other?" the queen asked in disbelief but Minako suspected she knew the answer already.

"My queen," Fighter interrupted, "because of princess Nana Yaten lost his soul and became a threat for us."

"Is it true?" Queen Kakyuu looked at the king next to her.

"You did this again Nana?" the powerful king asked, turning his gaze back on his daughter.

"Again?" Nana's green eyes widened. "You knew?"

"Of course I knew what you can do. I'm your father. You were the child we waited for the longest. Your mother almost lost her hopes for a third child. And then miracle happened. Everyone in the kingdom celebrated your birth. Many came to see you, to see the child that meant hope for better times for our planet. Because long awaited child always meant better future for the kingdom. You were gifted with many presents as an infant. Some of them were powers you now have at your disposal."

"The powers I have… they were gifts? That's why I'm stronger than my sisters?"

"Yes. You were treated like a miracle and we believed you can use your powers wisely to lead the kingdom to better future. How wrong we were. I should trust my eldest daughter with this."

"No, father, you don't understand," Nana argued. "They broke the conditions of the alliance. I had to do something."

The king didn't appear to be moved. "If someone breaks the alliance with me, it's my duty to do something about it. You can't just go to other planet, start war and take away people souls."

"But father….."

"Silence!" he stormed. "It's the last time you let me down." He raised both hands and aimed crystal light at Nana. The light pierced her and she arched her back, screaming. Yaten fell down on his knees and screamed as loudly as Nana. He covered his ears with his palms as the scream continued. Minako felt as if her heart was breaking in thousand pieces. She wanted to look away but she forced herself not to. It seemed as if he and Nana were connected by some invisible thread that allowed them to share pain.

It lasted for a few seconds and then the light disappeared and silence followed. Nana fell to her knees panting. Yaten fell on the ground too.

Everyone stared at two broken forms and then at the king and queen in front of them.

"What happened?" Fighter asked quietly.

"No!" Nana cried, her face wet from tears suddenly spilling from her eyes. "How could you?"

Everything in Minako's body hurt badly but she somehow managed to get on her knees and crawl to Yaten's broken form. He was laying on his side with his knees bent and hands covering his ears, his face in grimace. She put her good hand tentatively on his back. His shirt was soaked in sweat, his body shivering terribly, his muscles horribly tensed.

"Yaten?"

He was murmuring, the sound of a dying animal. The wound on his back, caused by her, was bleeding abundantly.

"Yaten, please," she said desperately.

"Taking away your powers was the only thing to do," king Anzai said. "I was wrong to trust you to use them wisely."

"No," Nana continued to cry. Chiharu looked away from her as if she couldn't stand seeing her sister so weak.

"You couldn't even control them. I can't let you go around and control other people beyond your own possibilities."

Minako looked up at the king and queen, still holding Yaten's broken form.

King Anzai turned to the queen Kakyuu. "I've punished my daughter for all the rules she broke. But the one thing she said is true. Your Stars broke the conditions of the alliance. It's unforgivable."

Kakyuu's eyes swept sadly over them and Minako knew what she saw: herself cradling Yaten's body as if her life dependent on it. Fighter holding Sailor Moon's hand. Even Maker was next to Mercury, looking worriedly over the burn Nana caused.

"I know," the queen said sadly. "There will be consequences. My dear Lights, I'll stay here on Earth till I make decision about what to do. King Anzai will accompany me."

"My queen, we never wanted to let you down," Fighter said as if every word hurt her. She looked at Sailor Moon guiltily. Minako supposed she was angry with herself for letting this happen.

"I think you didn't have much choice. Maybe I made mistake sending you here. I'll let you know when I make the decision."

"My daughters, you will not leave my side till we go back to Akira" He raised his hand and white light engulfed Chiharu and Nana. They disappeared. Then he put out his hand to queen Kaykuu and they disappeared to.

Silence that stretched across the area was broken only by Yaten's soft cries. Minako pushed hair from his face and let his head lie on her bare legs. It was cold but his face was burning with fever. She felt his trembling hand gripping her knee, digging his fingers in her skin. She run her hand across his still shaking back. She could take his pain. All of it. Willingly.

She bent down and kissed his temple where his hair was plastered by sweat to his skin. "It's ok, now. You're ok," she whispered.

Fighter let go Sailor Moon's hand with one look. She nodded and watched the black-haired star walking away.

Minako looked up as two figures stood over her.

"Don't," she whispered, trying to cover Yaten's body. She didn't want to part with him. She just got him back. Or at least she thought so.

"We have to, Minako." Fighter said gently.

"Let go of him," Maker added. "We're responsible for him. Not you."

Minako shook her head but they took Yaten anyway. She was left with empty arms and all the pain in her body that she was now aware of again.

Someone crouched next to her. She looked up, meeting Sailor Moon's blue eyes.

She smiled sadly, "Let's go home, Minako. It's over."