Sailor Moon: The Order of Black

Chapter Thirty Six - Check! Chaos' Endgame

Originally published 25/02/2016

"On behalf of our Princess, we'll punish you!"

The Huntress laughed, a cold, insidious chuckle. "Just as brash as ever." The empty, black sockets of her mask stared intently at Saturn. "Come here, Hotaru…"

Uranus grunted as she plucked a large splinter of wood from her forearm and tossed it to the floor. "Like we said, you're not having her!"

"How touching…" The woman's second laugh was far more ominous. "You care for her deeply, just as she cares for you. Like family, or perhaps something more?" The threat behind her words wasn't particularly subtle; sure enough, it came quickly. "I visited your father, you know. He was quite the hospitable host, if a touch…unstable."

The Senshi of Silence gripped her Glaive tight, twisting both hands around it. Father…

"I was shocked to discover that even he had no idea where you were. He begged me not to hurt you, though, even offered his own life in return."

Saturn couldn't hold back any longer. "What did you do to him?!"

"Oh, don't despair." The Huntress was smirking beneath her mask; she could hear it. "I left him alive, if a little…subdued. The pain you will continue to cause him is far worse than any I could inflict."

"That's a lie!"

"Is it?" Unnervingly, the mask never moved from Saturn's face. "How odd. Genuine concern…yet you can't even bring yourself to visit."

"I have…" The truth behind her taunts hurt most of all. It had been some time since her last visit with her father; the guilt came readily. I'm sorry...

"You don't have to answer to her, some…freak in a Halloween costume!" Uranus snapped, squeezing her shoulder reassuringly. "She's just trying to get into your head. It's pathetic!"

"Oh?" The mask finally moved, turning to study the tall blonde Senshi intently. "I find your concern a mite hypocritical. After all, it was you who murdered Sailor Saturn just two years ago."

"What?" Neptune's eyes widened in shock. "How could you possibly know about that?"

The Huntress ignored her, focused exclusively on Uranus now. "I'll make you a deal, Haruka. Subdue your friend Hotaru. Hold her down while I take what's rightfully mine…and I'll let you all live. You can even join me in hunting the rest of your friends-"

"We would never join you!" Uranus snapped, clenching her fist defiantly.

"Now that is disappointing. You were so quick to turn on her last time…along with that meddlesome Guardian of Time. The two of you snuffed out their lives like it was nothing; a most entertaining little diversion." Her cruelty came across loud and clear despite the blank, expressionless mask obscuring her face. "What's wrong? Lost your resolve?"

Somehow, deep down inside, Saturn already knew…but this perverse display only proved it. She felt her heart sink, plummeting into her stomach. This must be a nightmare. It has to be!

Her friends were similarly affected. Neptune seemed frozen in place, and strong, confident Uranus? She'd actually taken a shaky step backwards.

The Huntress focused on Saturn again. "They betrayed you, murdered you…yet you'd rather run off to Europe with them than go home to your father?" She chuckled coldly. "You're a fool, Hotaru, and a terrible daughter. You don't deserve his love! When they betray you again-"

"No!" She'd heard enough; it was her turn to speak. "They've made mistakes, yes, but I've forgiven them...because they're more than just my friends. They're my family too; Michiru-mama and Haruka-papa. I love them, and they love me...but you? You just want to hurt us, and for that, Chaos? I won't forgive you!"

The Huntress let out a heavy sigh of disappointment. "Pity." The two Hunters behind her snapped to attention with a click of her fingers, moving in a disturbing unison. "Kill Neptune and Uranus. I'll take care of Saturn myself."

The masked warriors vanished in a swirl of negative energy, reminiscent of a certain Guardian Knight and his 'blinks'.

"Big mistake!" Uranus let out an animalistic growl, slamming her fist into the floor. "World Shaking!"

The attack tore through the air, a violent orange orb of energy heading right for the masked woman. She made no move to avoid it, though, instead opening her cloak to reveal an impossible void where here body should have been. Uranus' attack disappeared within it, completely negated.

"What the hell?!"

Neptune was shocked too, but it didn't stop her calling her own attack. "Deep Submerge!" The aqua blast erupted from her hands, right on target, only to be swallowed up the very same way. "I think-"

The air shifted; one of the Hunters reappeared behind her, driving his dagger down at her vulnerable back. Neptune was already moving, though. She caught his arm on hers and batted it aside, using his own momentum to toss him over her shoulder. He recovered, landing on his feet, and hurtled an odd, metallic object that lodged in Neptune's shoulder; a dart?

The second Hunter struck next, popping into existence beside Uranus as he stabbed at her chest. She knocked him out of the air with a kick to his midsection, following with a punch. Her fist collided with the white-black mask he wore, breaking it in half to reveal…

"A Construct?" Saturn gasped, as his mask fell apart to reveal the featureless black mass beneath.

Uranus recoiled in disgust, flexing her aching hand. "I thought we took the rest of them out!"

"They must have…" Neptune trailed off, slumping against the bedroom doorframe. Her skin was pale and clammy, her fingers trembling as she tugged the dart free of her shoulder. "Is this…poisoned…?"

"Mich?" Uranus' eyes revealed sudden and uncharacteristic fear. "Michiru?" Blinded by concern, she failed to see the other Construct lunge and was driven to the floor.

The Huntress began to move, drifting across the floor towards Saturn. She cast a worried glance over at Neptune herself before raising the Silence Glaive defensively.

"Planning on killing me like you killed my servant inside the Sanctuary?" The masked woman allowed herself another indulgent chuckle as she continued forward. "That's right, Hotaru, I know all about it. You're a murderer, same as your friends. Perhaps you do belong with them after all!"

"It was an accident!" Her stomach lurched as it replayed in her mind, the Glaive sinking into his chest with ease… "I just wanted him to stop hurting my friends. I didn't mean to!"

The woman's hand rose slowly, ominously, fingers outstretched like talons. "Murder is murder, no matter how you try to justify it."

Saturn swung at her warningly, keeping the Glaive between them. "Stay back!"

"Or what? You'll kill me too?" The Huntress tipped her head back, launching into a full-blown cackle. "Don't worry. You won't…" She wriggled her fingers, a brief spark of energy arcing between them…

…and Saturn found herself frozen, trapped in a ghostly hold. Try as she might, she couldn't break free.

"Leave her…alone!" Neptune was cut off mid-command, backhanded by one of the 'Hunters'. She hit the floor hard as it dove on her, light gleaming off its dagger as it began to descend.

Uranus was still trapped under her own attacker, fighting for control of its weapon. "If you hurt her-"

"You'll do what, exactly?"

The Huntress' gloved fingertips brushed against Saturn's chest, painfully cold even through her fuku. Somehow, impossibly, one of her digits phased through fabric, skin and bone alike, grazing her heart. Saturn cried out in agony at the sheer, excruciating pain. I'm freezing from the inside out!

"At last…" the woman whispered, leaning in closer. "After so long, I am-" A knife whistled by Saturn's ear and buried itself to the hilt in her shoulder. She staggered back with a frustrated growl, and the hold was broken.

Free from the woman's clutches – Chaos – Saturn staggered away, shuddering with every ragged attempt at breath. A welcome sight greeted her as she turned; a defiant Neptune, standing tall over the dusty remains of a Hunter-Construct.

"She's not yours yet!"

A furious roar signalled Uranus' return to the fight as well. She tossed her opponent aside and drove right at the Huntress, catching her off-guard. Both women tumbled to the floor and Uranus began to rain blows down on her mask in an admirable if ineffective display of courage.

Saturn's relief faded quickly, however. The woman's robes shifted, revealing another dagger… "She's got a-"

The blade sank deep into Uranus' unprotected flank, right to the hilt. She let out an agonised shriek, struggling to pull away as the Huntress twisted the dagger within her flesh. Crimson splashed against the carpet she tore it free and tossed Uranus aside with disturbing ease. The Sky Senshi crashed into the far wall, then the floor…where she lay still.

"Haruka!" Neptune's lapse in using her lover's real name revealed the depth of her fear.

Saturn froze again, this time of her own volition…until a voice prodded the back of her mind.

Move or die, Hotaru. Which will it be?

She launched back into action, swinging her Glaive in a complex but familiar pattern. "Death Reborn Revolution!" A twisting, amorphous mass of ribbons sprang forth, slicing through the air to surround the Huntress. They entangled her, tearing at her robes and holding her at bay; this was their chance.

Seizing upon the distraction, Saturn joined Neptune by Uranus' side. Together, they were able to get her back on her feet. The tall blonde kept one hand clasped protectively over her side, blood seeping through her fingers at an alarming rate. She'd need healing fast…but they had to escape Chaos first!

Her ribbons actually seemed to be holding it fairly effectively. She paced back and forth behind them with a menacing air. "You can't hope to win this, Senshi. Run if you wish…but I will find you."

Neptune ignored her, tugging Uranus into the bedroom. Saturn followed behind, guarding their rear. "I don't know if she's truly Chaos or not, but we're overmatched either way. We must escape!"

"You know how much I hate running from a fight," Uranus said groggily, "but I don't think we've got any other options this time." She gestured to the large glass door in the far wall. "The balcony. We'll stand a better chance in the open. They may be Constructs, but they can't match our agility."

Saturn went ahead, tearing the door open and stepping onto the small platform. The street seemed quiet, only two cars in sight. "Come on, I'll cover you!"

The tall blonde hesitated. "I'm not so sure I can make the jump at the moment. It's further than I thought."

Neptune brushed her cheek tenderly. "It's easy, Haruka, one we've made hundreds of times before. I'll go ahead, just in case."

Saturn watched her clear the gap with ease, cringing as she landed somewhat unsteadily on the other side. "Your turn, Haruka. Go!"

Before she could jump, the remaining Construct rushed in. It had abandoned all pretence of 'Hunter' now, its tattered black robe all that remained. She stepped forward to meet its wild, reckless swings, absorbing the blows effortlessly on her Glaive. It attacked like a feral animal with no real technique, and made an easy target for her Glaive, hitting the floor in two pieces.

As she turned, her heart sank; Uranus was mid-leap…and she seemed short. Time slowed as the Sky Senshi flailed, her arms pinwheeling in an effort to drive her forward. Just as all hope seemed lost, a resurgent Neptune lunged forward over the ledge to catch her, pulling her up to safety. Relieved, Saturn made the jump herself, landing with ease beside them.

"What now?" Uranus asked, unable to hide her wince as she straightened up. Her pale and clammy skin was a real worry, shock likely setting in after such sudden blood loss.

"I don't know." For all her earlier confidence, Neptune looked even worse than her partner. Saturn was most concerned by her right shoulder. Swollen and inflamed, the veins stood out a sickly green, sign of the toxin flowing through them. "I'll feel much safer once we've put some distance between us and that…thing. We can figure out the rest later."

They traipsed across the rooftop, heading away from the hotel. This was new; never before had the Outer Senshi been beaten so thoroughly, so easily; not since their first encounter with Chaos. When Neptune and Uranus killed Pluto and I… The memory returned unbidden and unwelcome, reminding her of its taunts. I forgave them. It echoed in her mind like a mantra…though she now found herself a little less confident. I forgave them…

"Chaos…" Uranus said it like a curse. "And Constructs? Those were the Revenant Knight's toys."

Neptune pulled alongside Saturn, studying her intently. "What did it want from you, Hotaru?"

"I don't know, but it can't be…good?" She stopped, brow furrowed in concentration. "What is that?" It was distant for now, but rapidly gaining in volume; a deep, rhythmic thrumming, accompanied by a high-pitched whine.

Uranus perked up and began scanning the night sky. "A helicopter. Military, from the engine and rotor pitch. Maybe police if we're lucky…but I doubt it." She began hobbling for the edge of the rooftop. "We should get out of sight."

Unfortunately, they were relatively exposed, surrounded by several hotels and apartment buildings. Just ducking inside would be difficult with Haruka and Michiru's injuries, and then there was the not so small issue of Chaos; they couldn't afford to get cornered in civilian form again.

"Too late!" Neptune cried, raising a gloved hand.

Saturn hefted her Glaive as the unmarked black aircraft roared overhead, kicking up dust around them when it rolled to one side in a quick braking manoeuvre. She backed up as several ropes hit the rooftop, ready to call her Silence Wall at a moment's notice.

As a contingent of familiar black-clad soldiers descended, Uranus summed up their situation perfectly. "Damn it. Black Paladins!"

"Cover!" Neptune hissed, pulling the younger girl behind an old chimney stack, some sort of exhaust for a bakery or other large oven?

The Paladins fanned out, the flanking soldiers on the wings of the formation bringing up their submachine guns. The tactics were a repeat of their first encounter; they opened fire, spreading out to keep the Senshi pinned down as the other three drew bladed weapons.

"Just five?" Uranus asked, forcing a cocky grin. "We can handle five, no problem."

The helicopter hadn't departed though; it circled around above, revealing a sixth soldier…and a side-mounted machine gun. All hell broke loose when it opened fire as well, raking bullets across the rooftop and kicking up large chunks of brick and stone.

"Rinjirou said the Order likes to keep a low profile!" the Sky Senshi cursed, revealing some of her old fire. "This is about as far from low profile as it gets!" She ducked out of cover and fired off a notably weak World Shaking. It was deflected with ease, leaving her to shake her head.

"They can absorb our attacks," Neptune reminded her, "and that helicopter is swinging around for a clearer shot!"

Saturn raised her Glaive towards the aircraft, pressing her body against the chimney for protection. "Silence Wall!" The violet barrier sprang into existence just in time, deflecting dozens of rounds that would have otherwise hit them.

"It's time to change our tactics," Uranus declared, firing another attack into the rooftop itself. It tore apart, swallowing one of the Paladins as he fell through to the floor below. "It's not over yet!"

Her celebration was short-lived, however; a bullet winged Neptune as she tried an attack of her own. She hissed in pain and fell back into cover, hand pressed tightly to her hip. Then, mercifully, just as it began to look hopeless…the gunfire died out. The first of the Black Paladins had reached them.

"Face me, Senshi!"

A helmed woman lunged at Uranus, broadsword swinging at her neck. The Senshi parried sluggishly with her own blade, lacking her usual speed and grace. A second Paladin rounded the chimney with a spear at the ready. He engaged Neptune, keeping her from aiding Uranus with his greater reach. It was decided; that made him Saturn's target. Her Glaive flashed with violet energy as it crashed into his weapon, severing the blade from his polearm. Before he could react, she slammed the blunt end into his stomach, right where the armour seemed weakest. He doubled over in pain, temporarily out of the fight.

Neptune span out from behind cover. "Deep Submerge!" Her attack took out a gun-toting Paladin in an instant, slamming them into the concrete. "They need a free arm to block our attacks!"

Unfortunately, with the Paladins momentary withdrawal, the helicopter gunner deemed the Senshi safe enough targets and opened fire yet again. Saturn winced as a stone chip sliced across her bicep, drawing blood; their cover was on the brink of collapse.

Neptune exchanged a sombre look with Uranus. "We have no choice. Take it out."

The Sky Senshi nodded sharply and readied her weapon. "Space Sword Blaster!"

A pair of angry, red crescents fired from the blade, converging right between the fuselage and tail rotor. They tore through the metal with ease, separating the tail completely and sending the aircraft into a spin. The gunner jumped clear as it fell from the sky, hitting the adjacent rooftop hard, but the pilot stayed in the cockpit. A high-pitched whine filled the air as one of the turbines exploded, smoke billowing into the sky. It stalled and began tumbling towards the occupied buildings…before abruptly powering back into the sky, rolling over, and slamming into the hotel carpark.

Saturn felt the same stomach-churning guilt as before. "They were trying not to hurt anyone else…"

Neptune's return gaze revealed no trace of emotion. "Run, while we have the-" She glanced down as a round, metallic orb clattered at her feet, eyes snapping open in fear. "Grenade!"

The aqua-haired Senshi snatched it up and hurtled it into the sky with all her might. It exploded just a few seconds later, peppering them with shrapnel. Saturn yelped, a white-hot shard striking her in the shoulder, but there was barely any time to react before the Paladins descended on them again. They were relentless!

"Midnight Piercer!"

"Twilight Barrage!"

The Senshi scattered as the soldiers unloaded their magical attacks, narrowly avoiding further injury. Uranus was engaged by the sword wielding Paladin again and her fatigue was showing, sluggish after all the blood loss. Her fuku, skirt and thigh were caked in crimson; she needed healing and soon. A second Paladin came for Saturn, a knife in hand. She recognised him as the spear carrier from earlier; it seemed it was too much to hope that they give up after losing their weapon!

With the helicopter down, now was the perfect time to escape…but they needed some separation, a break from their foes. Saturn launched a kick but had her foot slapped away; Black Paladins were far tougher opponents than any of them had realised. It made 'just human' sound rather arrogant in retrospect.

Uranus took a hit from one of her attackers. It left a bloody gash in her bicep that was probably only superficial, but Saturn could delay no longer. She leapt back from her opponent and swung towards him with the Silence Glaive. "Death Reborn Revolution!"

The glowing ribbons lashed out again, slicing through the air between her friends and the Paladins to buy them time. Cut off, the Paladins immediately went for their guns.

"That rooftop!" Neptune called, formulating a plan. "Without transport, they've no way of keeping-"

A glowing violet square opened in the air between them, silencing her. A familiar staff began coming through, topped with a lustrous red orb...then a very welcome face.

"Pluto!" The relief in Uranus' voice was palpable, and practically unheard of.

"It seems the three of you have gotten into trouble in my absence once again." The Guardian of Time's staff rose in her hands as she stepped gently onto the rooftop to face the Paladins.

"Suppressing fire!"

Pluto raised her staff and shook her head. "If only this were unnecessary." The Garnet Rod pulsed to life and she thrust it forward. "Chronos Typhoon!"

The Black Paladins were scattered as the vortex tore through their squad, caught unprepared while they switched weapons. They hit the rooftop, one nearly flung off to the street below…leaving the Senshi in the clear.

"Quickly," Pluto called, waving them towards the portal. "We should leave while we still can."

Saturn gestured, relieved – and surprised – to see Uranus and Neptune comply with her silent command. They leapt through first, leaving her alone with Pluto. She turned to survey the scene, her heart aching as she lingered on the flaming helicopter wreckage in the distance…before it froze. The Huntress had stepped out onto the balcony of their hotel room, hand raised in an almost friendly wave.

Run if you wish…but I will find you.

"You okay, Usako?"

She glanced up from her watch, embarrassed to admit she'd jumped. It was almost four PM; not too long before he was gone from her life again. "I don't like this, Mamo-chan. It feels like I just got you back, and now…"

"I'm leaving again," he agreed, turning completely from Chibiusa so he could take her hand in his. "It isn't ideal, I know, but I have to do this. For me, and for us. For Earth."

Usagi shrugged noncommittally. "I know that, I just…" It feels like I'm losing everyone I care about of late.

She couldn't blame him - she was being unclear - but he completely misunderstood. "I'll be fine, I promise. I'm more worried about him than any possible danger we'll face."

Usagi turned her gaze on Rinjirou. "Him?" He stood several feet away, engaged in a rather animated discussion with Rei. From the look on Grandpa's face, it wasn't anything she wanted to know about.

The pink-haired teen beside Mamoru nodded sagely. "He does seem kinda shady."

"Why?" she asked, brow furrowing in confusion. "Yes, it took him a while to get around the Order's brainwashing, but he's our ally now-"

Mamoru squeezed her hand tight. "I'm not so sure. The way he asked for my help, the way he talked to all of you back at the shrine..." He shook his head quickly. "I think Titus was right; this is just about convenience for Rinjirou. Stay on your guard, Usako. I know I will."

"That's a good idea," Chibiusa agreed, stroking her chin thoughtfully. "A very good idea."

"Just once, I'd like to be able to trust someone," Usagi muttered, feeling her hopes sinking again. "It feels like nobody is exactly who they say they are anymore." Not even my friends, she thought, sad to have to even consider it. First Corey, then Minako. Who's going to turn on me next…and why? For that matter, will I be able to blame them? Have I brought all of this on myself?

"Say it!"

Usagi jumped again, startled by the ferocity of Rei's sudden snarl. What was the miko up to now?

Rinjirou sounded similarly confused. "But I already-"

"SAY IT!"

He raised his hands in surrender. "I'll keep your grandfather safe! On my honour!"

"And?" Rei's voice had softened greatly, though her cheeks practically glowed.

"And…?" Rinjirou appeared genuinely perplexed, right up until Grandpa leapt up and slapped him across the back of the head. "Oh! And, uh…myself too?"

"Gods," the old man muttered, staring at the ceiling in dismay. "Is the plane ready yet?"

"That's right!" The miko appeared not to hear her grandfather. She folded her arms across her chest and tipped her head back in a dramatic sniff. "You can go now."

Usagi stifled a laugh as Rinjirou glanced in their direction, looking incredibly lost. "But, Rei…I don't think the plane's ready yet-"

The blush on Rei's cheeks only deepened. "I said go!"

Mamoru cringed. "Have I mentioned lately how glad I am things didn't work out between her and I?"

"Only about a thousand times," Usagi answered, with a mischievous smile. Despite her melancholy, there was no sense in worrying him now. "But considering we wound up together…me too."

"Me three," Chibiusa murmured, shuddering briefly. "I like existing."

Mamoru leaned in to place a gentle kiss on Usagi's lips, brushing a thumb across her cheek. "I know I messed up, and things aren't exactly perfect between us right now, but…" He finally shrugged, giving her a wry smile. "I just hope you know…I love you."

"I love you too, Mamo-chan." She squeezed his hand a final time. "Be safe, and hurry back."

"I will." He laughed as Chibiusa practically tackled him. "Easy!"

"But I just got back and now you're leaving again!"

"I know, but look at it this way. We thought we'd never see you again. Not until…" He trailed off, not wanting to go further. "Well…I'm glad I got to see you one more time, as short-lived as it was."

"Me too," she whispered, hugging him tight. "I'll miss you."

Rinjirou's icy tone cut through the air like a knife. "Coming, Your Highness?" He was clearly unhappy, and taking it out on Mamoru.

"Yeah, I'm coming," he muttered, hefting his bag over his shoulder. "Take care of each other, okay?"

Usagi nodded gently as she watched him go, distantly aware Chibiusa had taken hold of her hand. It seemed their rift had mended through their mutual sorrow; one last parting gift from Mamoru.

A gentle buzz from her wrist set her stomach aflutter. What now? What else could go wrong? Usagi exchanged a worried look with Rei as she opened her communicator. "Usagi here." The image of a familiar green-haired woman greeted her. "Setsuna?!"

Chibiusa perked up quickly. "Puu?"

Usagi had so many questions. "You just disappeared before! Where did you go? What's going-"

"Come to the house," Setsuna said gently, with all her usual grace and refinement. "Quickly, Usagi. We have much to discuss." A grunt of pain was the last thing Usagi heard before the connection cut out.

She turned to Chibiusa, her own troubles forgotten for the moment. "Let's go."

Rei elected to return to the shrine, citing 'a headache'. Usagi considered teasing her about Rinjirou – how obvious could someone be, anyway?! – but she really didn't want a fight right now, not even a mock one. Luna met them on the way, and they hurried to the house Setsuna shared with the other Outer Senshi.

She met them at the front door. "Usagi, Luna. Please, come in. I-" Her eyes widened as she spotted the now-teenaged Chibiusa and words failed her.

The future princess squeezed past Usagi, wrapping the older woman in a tight hug. "Puu!"

"Hello again, Small Lady." Setsuna hugged her a moment before pulling back to study her. "Though I may not be able to call you that for much longer. My, you've grown!"

"Oh, stop it," the teenager muttered, blushing furiously. "I'll always be Small Lady to you."

"And I assume the reverse is true with 'Puu'?" The Guardian of Time chuckled quietly, before the mirth faded from her features. "Everyone, follow me, please." She turned and headed upstairs.

Usagi exchanged an anxious look with Luna as they followed the older woman. She led the way into one of the bedrooms, leading the ponytailed blonde to gasp. Haruka lay on the bed, wrapped in bandages. Her skin was pale, her eyes closed; she was in bad shape. Hotaru knelt beside her, hands pressed to a side exuding a soft, violet glow.

Chibiusa said what they were all thinking. "What happened…?"

"I rescued them from Brussels," Pluto murmured. "They were pinned down by the Order's forces. A sneak attack…by Chaos." She raised a hand towards the doorway. "I fear Michiru's in similar shape, in the other bedroom."

Luna slumped, her ears drooping in disbelief. "Selene save us. It's begun."

Hotaru's hands dimmed as she looked up at them. "Chibiusa…?" She slipped off the bed and stepped closer. "Is that really you?"

"Yep, it's me." She rushed forward and hugged the now-younger girl. "I missed you so much, 'Taru!"

Hotaru didn't return it, her arms remaining limp at her sides. "What are you doing here? When did you come back?" Her eyes lingered on Usagi, staring over Chibiusa's shoulders.

"Oh, some creep named Thorn abducted me from Crystal Tokyo and brought me back here." It was incredibly nonchalant considering everything that had happened. "It turns out he was Chaos, but it got forced out when Corey came to save me and-"

"My best friend came back." Hotaru's voice was worryingly flat, directed at Usagi, not Chibiusa. "She was in trouble…and you didn't think to tell me?"

Usagi unexpectedly found herself on the defensive. "Well, er…there wasn't really time. We…"

"You didn't think I'd want to know?!" The girl's fiery outburst even got Chibiusa to take a step back.

Setsuna chose that moment to intervene, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You have every right to be angry, Hotaru, but now is not the time. I need to talk to-"

"No!" she snapped, shaking Setsuna loose. "This is why Michiru and Haruka go off on their own, you know. Things like this! We're supposed to be a team, but you forget all about us until you need us! You left us in Brussels after the Sanctuary, abandoned us without a word, and-"

"Hotaru!" Setsuna's firm rebuke cut her off. "Why don't you take Chibiusa to your room? The two of you must have a lot of catching up to do." Despite her calm delivery, it was clearly not a suggestion.

Hotaru was the angriest Usagi could remember seeing her in…well, ever. She glared back at Setsuna in silence a moment, but finally managed a curt nod. "Come on, Chibiusa."

The pink-haired teen shot Usagi a sympathetic look as she passed, following the girl out of the room. Luna remained quiet as well, her tail moving gently from side to side.

"She's…seen things," Setsuna said quietly, watching her go. "Done things. She doesn't really mean it, I'm sure."

Usagi sank onto the end of the bed with a heavy heart. "I can't blame her. I haven't been a very good leader of late." She ran her hands over her face and sighed. "Anyway…tell me everything. Tell me all about Chaos."

"You can admit you miss him, you know. Maybe even both of them?"

I do miss Grandpa, Rei thought sullenly, and even Rinjirou…but it's never been easy for me to admit, and Makoto knows it. "You know who I don't miss right now? You two."

Ami shook her head slowly. "Hardly a surprising response."

"What are you even doing here anyway?"

Makoto folded her arms across her chest. "We're here because we need to talk, just us Sailor Senshi. The last twenty-four hours haven't exactly been easy. Corey's little jaunt to London raised some difficult questions."

"I still think Minako should be here too," Ami murmured uncomfortably.

Rei rolled her eyes in response. "What, so she can take Corey's side all over again? I think it's obvious she's lost any semblance of objectivity where he's involved."

The tall brunette shook her head reproachfully. "Come on, Rei, that's not fair. She's still our friend."

"I…" The miko rubbed her face wearily, focusing on her eyes in particular. "I know, I know. I just…it's like everyone got so caught up in rescuing Chibiusa, but Corey's whole argument got started with his defence of Titus' lies." She had to defend herself, after all. "Maybe I am a little biased when it comes to Rinjirou, but I'm the one who's talked to him. I'm the one who got to know him. Not Corey or any of you, not even Titus; me. He's a good person, girls. He could be our friend, an ally even, and lying to him wasn't a great way to secure his trust."

Makoto and Ami remained silent, allowing her to continue uninterrupted.

"The Order of Black lied to him for years," Rei said softly. "They murdered his parents, they used him in spite of that…and Titus nearly undid all of the work I put into convincing him we were better."

Ami met her gaze evenly. "Maybe so, but Usagi's plans to assault the Order's headquarters wouldn't have helped, right? You heard him, he doesn't want any more deaths. He wants to save the rest of the Black Paladins...and you were happy to attack them." Her determination faltered a little. "We all were."

"Yeah," Rei agreed, deflating just a little, "I know." I was trying to forget that part...

Makoto sigh sharply. "This is so messed up. I mean, Usagi's our friend and you never abandon a friend...but Corey's our friend too. That hasn't changed, right?"

There was little delay from Ami. "No. Whatever he may have done, he felt it was right. There was no malice on his part."

"Right, but what were we supposed to do? Let Usagi run off and face the Order of Black alone? You know that's what she would have done if we had said no…and things would have ended in blood all the same."

"Her blood," Rei murmured, trying to wish away the accompanying visual in her mind. "I could never let that happen…and I know the same is true for the both of you. That's where Corey was wrong. It's not about her role as a Princess. It's not about servitude; I'd follow her in there because she'd follow me if our roles were reversed. Simple. Usagi is my friend, and I would stand by her no matter where it led me, right or wrong…because that's what friends do."

"I just wish Corey could see that," Makoto said with a sad sigh. "Maybe it wasn't the right call, but it was the one we had to make all the same. For duty, yes, but also for our friendship. I…" She trailed off, a curious expression on her face as she peered out the window. "Rei, are you expecting anyone else?"

"This late? No." She pushed to her feet and moved to her friend's side, studying the courtyard. "Are your eyes playing tricks on you? I don't see anyone."

"I could've sworn…" The brunette rubbed at her eyes and leaned closer to the glass. "There was a shape, a figure. They were standing right there, under the gate."

The tell-tale beeps and boops of Ami's palmtop followed. "I'm not getting any readings one way or another, but Chaos Slivers don't show up on my scans."

"My thoughts exactly," Rei muttered, reaching back for her transformation wand. "I'll check it out."

Makoto took a quick step after her. "I'll come with you-"

"No, wait here. If it is the Order of Black, I'd rather you guys stay in seclusion. Maintain the element of surprise." She slipped through the door and closed it behind her, stepping cautiously into the old courtyard. It was cold, unseasonably so in fact. The shrine had been her home for so long, but now, in the darkness…she found it unsettling.

"The miko and the warrior." A woman's voice drifted out of the darkness. "It's a little clichéd, don't you think?"

Rei remained silent, her eyes darting around the courtyard as they searched for the intruder.

"Oh, I see. The strong, independent miko...who refuses to admit her feelings. And the warrior." It was a soft, very feminine voice, speaking perfect Japanese. "Come now, don't be shy. This is a safe place, Rei, just us girls. You can be honest with me, and yourself."

Her voice was coming from everywhere at once; Rei couldn't place her. Some sort of Order of Black trickery?

"Would you feel more comfortable if I confessed first?" A melodious giggle echoed around her; what manner of villain was this? "Alright, then. I'll share."

Her casual, conversational lilt was weirding Rei out. At the same time, her stomach began churning in a disturbingly familiar way. She's got a Chaos Sliver, that much is certain.

"I loved Rinjirou for the longest time, but he never so much as looked at me. Not in the way I hoped, anyway." Her tone grew wistful. "I longed for him, burned for him. My childhood friend, my best friend…so close and yet so distant, all at the same time."

By now, Rei had reached the centre of the courtyard. She began using a very different method to try and locate her mystery conversationalist. Not there, or there, but…over there! The nausea grew stronger with every step towards the trees; that's where the woman was hiding.

"I suffered in silence for years, Rei. Then, out of nowhere…he was dead." Bitterness now, almost the beginnings of anger. "I came looking for revenge, but what should I find instead? Not only was Rin in perfect health, but I finally found the look in his eyes I'd always wanted to see…focused squarely on you."

Rei's communicator buzzed. She flipped it open and found a message from Ami. Working on a scan, keep her talking. "I'm sorry Rin, er, Rinjirou didn't love you the way you loved him…but that's hardly my fault."

"No, I suppose not," she admitted, wistful again. "It doesn't really matter. It was never going to work out between us, just as it won't work between you two now."

"Don't be so sure." The miko immediately had to resist the urge to slap herself. What is wrong with me? Why would I say that?!

"He'll move on eventually. You know that, right? Rin always was far too hung up on duty and honour to commit to love…and rightly so. It's what I loved most about him."

Rei refrained from answering this time, not trusting her own emotions. Damn it, why am I so caught up on some…man?! I don't need men to be happy, I never have! So why can't I get Rin – RINJIROU! – out of my head?!

"Maybe you feel things will be different between you two," the woman continued sadly, "but I know Rin better than you, Rei. If it comes down to you or duty, he'll abandon you in a heartbeat. That's what happened to me, after all. He let me die…"

Rei's blood turned to ice water in her veins. "What?"

"Oh, dear." Her manner of speech changed in an instant, growing more deliberate and mocking. "That's a shame. I had intended to keep you in suspense a little longer…but Megumi's still new. Her memories are strong, easy to get caught up in."

"Megumi?" Rei took a careful step back, suddenly wishing she'd never come outside. The Huntress who attacked Sailor Moon, the one Rinjirou said died in London?

"Yes, that's right." At last, she revealed herself; a relatively tall, black-robed figure wearing the now-unmistakable mask of a Hunter. "Poor Megumi's dead now, Rei, but don't despair. You'll join her soon enough."

Rei's heart sank as she put two and two together. "Chaos…"

"That's one of my names," 'Megumi' purred, taking another step forward. "And you, my dear miko, I know who you really are. What you are."

"Oh?" Rei continued backing up, her wand held tightly in her hand as she prayed her friends were ready. "Do tell."

"You're her heart. Usagi's heart…" The mask's seemingly empty eye sockets flashed red, forcing Rei to swallow down a sudden urge to vomit. "And I'm going to crush her...by tearing out yours!"

AN: *Braces himself for the rage* I'm SO sorry about the cliffhanger, but it was the perfect place to end things. I tend to visualise what I'm writing like I'm watching an episode of the anime, and that final line from 'Megumi' seemed to flow into dramatic music and credits way to easily to pass up. If it helps, I've got a clear idea of where things go from here, so I'm hopeful there won't be too much of a wait for the conclusion.

The Outers reminded me how much I love writing big action scenes! I hope they acquitted themselves well enough in your eyes, because I was aware of avoiding making them too weak while remembering they WERE going up against Chaos (or someone claiming to be Chaos, as Uranus suspects).

I honestly don't have too much else to say at this point. Everything was fairly self-explanatory, from Rinjirou and Mamoru heading off on their 'quest' for Hyperion to the glimpse of an angry Hotaru finally laying into Usagi on her friends' behalf, to Rei's own meeting with 'Megumi'. I'm used to writing 'big bad' villains but this Chaos is very different from the Revenant Knight. Good old Rev was almost hammy and over-the-top, while I envision this 'Chaos' as bitter and angry, with a serious grudge against a certain Moon Princess and her friends. Considering it chose to 'wear' Megumi to hurt Rinjirou, I started thinking it likes hurting people...and its exchange with Rei seemed perfect with that in mind.

I hope you all enjoyed it. I admit, with the recent review numbers plummeting I'm not sure if I've lost some of you or not. I despise begging for reviews, or writers who hold their readers ransom - "I won't update until I get x reviews" - so I won't...but I would ask if you did enjoy this latest chapter, could you perhaps consider letting me know? A review, a message...just a quick bit of feedback to let me know you're there waiting for the next one. It won't make or break Order of Black's completion - I WILL finish this story, I know it - but I won't lie; knowing I've still got people waiting to read future chapters certainly helps me motivate myself. Thanks as always, everyone, back with the conclusion (maybe a couple of chapters, who knows) soon-ish!

Lisseas