Sweet RevengeII: Loss

Prologue

I am Serena, Sailor Moon and about five our people all in the body of a fourteen year old. Confused? So am I? You betcha. The Silver Crystal took me from my world and dropped me in the middle of yet another war, only this time, it's against myself. An evil Sailor Moon who calls herself Nimae. But I'm not alone. I may not have the senshi, but I've made some great friends: the Ronin Warriors. I don't know where I'd be without them.

And then there's the Dynasty. I've had the "honor" of meeting the warlords and Kayura. Emerald has nothing on her. Kayura is one of those people you know shouldn't be evil, but they are anyway. I haven't figured out how, or why. I also haven't figured out how or why for a lot of things at this point. For one, why am I here? Why was I taken from one life and stuck into another? So many uncertainties, so much I don't know, but there's one thing I'm sure of: whatever it takes to get back to Darien and the other scouts, I'll do it. As long as I don't have to destroy the world or some far out crap like that.

"In."

"Out."

"In."

"Out."

"The ball was in, Rowen."

"No it wasn't Serena. It was out."

"Guys-"

"It was in."

"It was out."

"We-"

"I'm telling you, Strata, it was definitely in."

"No, it wasn't."

"Really-"

"Yes it was."

"No it wasn't."

"Should-"

"Yes it was!"

"No it wasn't!"

"Be-"

"It was in, Row! I watched it hit inside the line. That makes it in."

"It was out, Serena. Usually when it hits on the other side, that makes it out."

"Going. Come on you two. It's getting dark," said Sage. I glared at Rowen one last time, picked up the volleyball, and followed them back to Mia's car. He was such a... such a... such a something, but I won't repeat my thoughts. Not exactly happy ones, those.

"That was fun," said Cye, brushing sand off of his legs. "We should come to the beach more often."

"Only next time," said Ryo. "No volleyball."

"Why?" I asked. "I wasn't having any problems with it until certain people missed the simple fact that the ball was in."

"Out. You're so blind, Serena, I'm surprised you don't walk into walls." I glowered at him, but he just smiled and tugged on one of my ponytails. "I'm only kidding and you know it. No hard feelings?" I considered this, then nodded.

"But only as long as you agree that I won."

"No way. I was ahead but at least three points."

"Yeah, fifteen minutes ago," I shot back. "Then you missed the over hand serve, the underhand one too, and then there was the pass back that landed you with a mouthful of sand."

"Then you're tied," said Cye. I shook my head.

"The ball was in, meaning I won."

"It was out, meaning I won."

"In."

"Out."

"Oh, for the love of-" said Ryo. "I don't know whose worse, Rowen and Serena, or Cye and Kento."

Chapter 1

"Moon Crystal Power!"

"Armor of Wildfire!"

"Armor of Halo!"

"Armor of Strata!"

"Armor of Torrent!"

"Armor of Hardrock!"

"What reason could they have for attacking?" asked Sage. I kicked a soldier in the head and he fell over, smoke billowing from the hole where his head had been. I never really liked that part, but it was the only way I had to beat the creeps.

"There are too many!" said Cye. "We need to use our sure-kills."

"And we all love this part," I added, pulling out my scepter. "Say the word, leader boy."

"Since when did you start following me?" asked Ryo. "I thought you lead the Sailor Scouts-"

"I did," I shot back. "When there were the Sailor Scouts. Now you're in charge, okay?"

"Alright," he said, slightly confused. "Flare up NOW!"

"ThunderBolt CUT!"

"Super Wave SMASHER!"

"Arrow Shock WAVE!"

"Iron Rock CRUSHER!"

"Moon... Scepter... Activation!" It took all of, oh, three seconds to get rid of the rest. I now got a sheer pleasure out of destroying the soldiers, something I never had before. So much had changed since I had come to this world... I wasn't as afraid, or as dependent on others.

The sure-kills and my power all combined together to form a super attack that I was actually used to. For some reason, they did that all the time. The Silver Crystal glowed, signaling Nimae's arrival.

"Very nice Serena, Ronins. You've grown stronger in three months time," she said. "But it will not be enough when the time comes. Go on, and train to your hearts content. It will be useless soon." She vanished, taking the few remaining stragglers with her.

"Sometimes," I said, detransforming. "I think she just does that to try and scare us."

"Really, Serena," said Rowen. "Whatever gave you that idea?"

"Oh, shut up, Rowen," I shot back.

"Both of you, shut up," said Ryo. His armor faded away, then his subarmor. "We need to try and figure out what she's talking about." My watch made a noise and I jumped. No way. It couldn't be. "What was that?"

"My Sailor Communicator," I answered, confused. I raised my arm slowly, trying to decide what the heck was going on. "Hello?"

"Sailor Moon," came a voice very similar to Luna's. "Where are you?"

"Luna?"

"Yes, it's me meatball head. Where are you?"

"Oh my god... Luna!" I looked at Ryo. He was a perplexed as I was, but he nodded. "I'm downtown, Luna. What's up?"

"It's about time I found you. After Beryl's defeat you disappeared-"

"Holy... Beryl? We're only past Beryl?"

"Whose Beryl?" asked Rowen.

"What do you mean, we're only past Beryl? You're the one that betrayed the Silver Crystal-"

"Whoa whoa whoa. Wrong Sailor Moon. Where are you, Luna? We seriously need to talk."

"I'm at your house, silly."

"In Tokyo?"

"Since when have you lived in Tokyo? I'm talking about your house in Toyama, Serena. Are you sure you're alright?"

"As of this moment, no, but I will be. Meet me at the... movie theater. And get the other scouts."

"Other scouts? What other scouts?"

"Oh, for the love of- just meet me there, Luna." I turned to the others. "Guys, this is beyond weird."

"Sailor Moon in Toyama?" asked Kento. "I'd never heard of her before you arrived, Serena."

"I thought that's what you said. All of my fighting in my world I did to protect mostly Tokyo. Now, apparently, I live in Toyama. Where, I haven't the slightest clue, but I intend to find out. You are coming with me, right?"

"Not all of us," said Ryo. "That might be a little much. How about just Rowen and me?" I shrugged.

"Works for me. But let's go. I want to get to the bottom of is, but I'm seriously hungry too." Ryo laughed.

"And I repeat: I don't knows who's worse, Serena or Kento."

"What's that supposed to mean?" I said. He shook his head and started walking away. "Ryo, you had better answer me. Get back he- Ryo!"

Chapter 2(Rowen)

Serena looked all around for any sign of Luna. She had said to watch for a black cat with a crescent moon on its forehead. Why, I had no clue, but she knew who Luna was, not me.

"Serena!" said a voice. It sounded like the one that had come from Serena's watch. She looked around, then moved her gaze up as a women in yellow with black hair came toward us. "Serena, there you are."

"Luna?!" asked Serena. "But... you're supposed to be a cat... no, no, I won't even ask. New world, I have to remember that."

"What are you talking about Serena? New world? And I've been human for a few months now, you know that." Serena cast a worried glance back at us to say she hadn't and I stepped forward. "Can I help you?"

"I'm Rowen," I said, extending my hand. She eyed me, then shook it.

"And I'm Ryo." She shook his hand too, then gasped.

"Oh, you're the... the... I should've known you'd find them. Wildfire and Strata. But what about Hardrock, Torrent, and Halo?"

"They're back... at home," answered Serena hesitantly. "Look, Luna. I don't know who you think I am, but I'm not the Serena you know. The Silver Crystal brought me here from another dimension to fight the Dynasty and an evil Sailor Moon, Nimae-"

"Nimae... I recognize that name. It was a name Princess Serena was called by her servants growing up. She would pick that. But if you're not her, then who are you?"

"I'm still her, only different. She's my double, or I'm hers, or whatever works for you."

"Ladies?" broke in Ryo. "We're standing in the middle of a street. Can we take this somewhere a little less..."

"Crowded?" I suggested. Luna nodded.

"Let's go back to the house. It should be empty. It will be more private there." She turned and headed up the street. I caught Serena's arm as she started to follow.

"Can we trust her?"

"Do we have a lot of choice?" she replied. "She's our only source of what's happened here and why Nimae's evil. Not to mention what's happened to the other senshi." She had explained to us about the other four scouts: Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Mars, her friends back in her world. "Hurry up, guys. She's getting away from us."

Chapter 3(Serena)

AHHHH! What the hell was going on?! Had everything basically done a 180 somewhere and left me in the dust?! Luna... was human. She didn't know about the other scouts, but she knew about Nimae, which could be helpful. And I was thankful for Ryo and Rowen being there. I probably would have passed out already, except they provided a little bit of comfort in that there was another reason other then the scouts to be here.

Luna turned down a side road that lead directly to a housing suburb. She walked up the front steps and into the door. I paused, not wanting to see where Nimae had grown up. If she was completely evil, maybe it stemmed from her home life. I walked inside, after some silent coaxing from Rowen, and found Luna back as a cat.

"After Ser- Nimae's parents died, we both lived here alone," she said.

"Dead?" I choked. "How?"

"A car accident. Sammy too, though he died of complications in the hospital. He told her that he had seen a monster just before their car flipped over in the ditch. It ended up being a Nega-monster she hadn't been able to destroy in enough time."

"Uh, Serena," said Ryo, coming in the door. "Where's Luna?"

"I'm right here, Wildfire."

"A cat?!" he said. "No way..."

"And the other scouts?"

"What other scouts? It's just Serena and me, primarily. If there were more... maybe she wouldn't have changed if she'd had more friends that knew."

"What about Molly, Melvin, any of them?"

"All dead. After Nephlite found out she was Sailor Moon, he tortured her with it until his downfall about a month ago. Nimae went to fight Queen Beryl, but never returned."

"She's turned the Silver Crystal into the Dark Crystal," said Rowen as I looked around. I felt so... lost. Almost dead inside. My parents and sibling were alive in a different dimension, but here, they were gone, victims of the one thing I was supposed to protect them from. "Serena, what is it?"

"This place is so... empty," I said sadly. "I never thought I'd miss Sammy getting into my stuff, or even Rini... oh, god, this is horrible." I thought about Nimae and the pain I had sensed sometimes. Was it from this? Or something worse? Could there be anything worse then this? "I'm going to find the senshi," I vowed. "They're the only ones who can bring Nimae back. Without them... this is what I'd have become." I touched my locket and felt power at my fingertips. "Luna, is there anyway to use the Silver Crystal to find the scouts?"

"Possibly. It will react when it senses their powers near, but it will be hard with so many people in Toyama."

"Trust me," I said. "It's a lot harder with all of Tokyo. We should be getting back. Everyone's probably wondering where we are."

"Luna, would you like to come back with us?" offered Ryo. Rowen raised an eyebrow.

"Ryo, White Blaze, tiger, remember?" he asked quietly.

"I know," ansered Ryo. "But it will be safer for her there, especially once the Dynasty's found out she's helping us."

"Please Luna," I said, a hint of begging in my voice. "I would feel better knowing you were okay."

"Why?" she asked. "You're not even from this world."

"Yeah, but knowing that you're all alone in this house... with the memories, and everything... please?" She hesitated, then shook her head.

"Don't whine, meatball head, I'll come."

Chapter 4(Keera- Sailor Mercury)

I watched the blonde girl walk down the street with a light blue haired guy at her side. They were laughing and eating ice cream, almost like a couple, but they weren't. She motioned to the door of the shop I worked at. He shook his head, but she tugged at his arm. Their voices floated through the open doorway.

"Come on, Row, you promised. Just one more shop, alright? Then we'll head back."

"You amaze me, Serena. You manage to turn a mission into a shopping trip." She gave him a curious glance.

"And that's a problem?"

"No, not really, just making a point. Okay, one more shop, then we go back. Kento's probably mad because we're stalling dinner."

"Speaking of, I wonder what Cye made," she said, coming out of the bright sunlight. I bowed my head back to the cash register, which was on the fritz again. It kept jamming up whenever we needed to get money out, so I was working on fixing it. The girl, Serena, lifted a small bracelet off of the counter across the shop. "This is pretty."

"Why are you so fascinated with jewelry?" asked Rowen.

"Oh, be quiet. I have a right to look if I want to." Suddenly, she gasped and whirled around. Rowen followed her gaze and I realized they were both looking at me. "No way..." They lowered their voices, but I was used to listening to conversations of customers, especially when they talked about me. This made the second group this week. First, that black haired lady and the guy she had been with, now these two. I was going to start keeping count.

"Serena, what is it?" he asked in a whisper.

"The crystal just started reacting to something. She looks a lot like Ami, Row. Maybe she's one of the senshi."

"You can't automatically assume that anyone who's a double of your friends is a scout. It would be too strange."

"Nimae's Sailor Moon and she's my double."

"Yeah, well... are you sure?"

"Do I have meatballs on my head?" I shifted my gaze back to the register as she came across the shop, bracelet still in hand. "Hello."

"Hey," I said. "Welcome the Hichan Jewelry shop. I'm Keera Hichan. Yes, it is a family business and no, I don't plan on staying in it."

"Oh, um, okay. I'm Serena. That's Rowen. Uh, listen, Keera, have you ever heard of Sailor Moon?"

"Until you said it just few minutes ago, no," I answered, twisting the screw driver. There was a metallic screech and drawer closed on it's own. I grabbed the key and opened it, no problem. "Oh, thank you," I murmured. "Thank you thank you thank you."

"You heard that," she said slowly. "Oh... er, uh, um, Keera, had you heard of her before I said anything?" Rowen groaned and shook his head.

"Smooth come back, Serena."

"Shut up, Rowen," she muttered. I shrugged.

"Sounds familiar, but I don't know." I dropped the screw driver back into my tool kit and it landed next to the strange pen I had found when I was younger. My hand closed around it as Serena sighed.

"Okay," she said. "I guess you're not who I-" She was cut off when the back wall exploded. Both of us were thrown into Rowen and out through the plate glass window. "Ow!" shouted Serena, holding her bleeding arm. "Son of a-"

"Dynasty Soldiers!" said Rowen. "Why now?"

"Because I'm bored Strata and I can," came a voice. A girl that looked exactly like Serena appeared above them, tapping a scepter in her hands. "Shall we do this the hard way, or will you just hand me the Silver Crystal?" she asked. Serena growled and touched her locket.

"Never, Nimae," she snarled. "Moon... Crystal... Power!"

"Armor of Strata! Dao Inochi!" I ducked behind a pile of what had been my family's store and watched as they transformed. Why was Nimae familar? And what about Serena? She became almost the same person, but without the evil vibes.

"Who are you?" I whispered. Nimae turned her attention on me.

"So you are the Sailor Scout I've been looking for. Well, Keera, I'm going to give you a one time chance. Join me and serve Master Talpa and you will receive unimaginable power."

"What's the catch?" I asked rising.

"You'll lose your soul," said Rowen harshly. Nimae raised her hand and he flew backwards across the street which had suddenly become very empty.

"Stay out of this, Ronin."

"Rowen!" said Serena, running over to him. He lifted his hand weakly and said something I didn't understand, then it fell back. "Rowen... I'll kill you Nimae. If he dies..." Serena stood back up and glared at Nimae. "You're toasted, bitch."

"You see?" said Nimae. "She's your other option. A smart mouthed little hot head who will get you killed."

"Smart mouthed... hothead? And that's a problem?" My hand tightened on the pen. Strength flowed into my body.

"No," I said. "My soul is more important. You destroyed my family's shop, Nimae, and attacked him when he didn't have a chance to fight back. I won't let you get away with this. Mercury Star Power!" The symbol in the top of the pen spun around and tendrils of light shot from it. Water wrapped around me and I felt completely... calm. She couldn't hurt me. I would hurt her.

"Alright Sailor Mercury!" said Serena. Then she paused. "Wow, that's familiar. I never thought I'd be saying that again." Nimae gave us each a severe look, then waved her hand dismissively.

"No matter. I still have three scouts left."

"Sailor Moon, Mercury!" I whipped my head and saw three more scouts. Venus, Jupiter, and Mars. "It's about time you guys called us."

"Jupiter?" asked Serena in disbelief. "What do you mean, called you?"

"We saw Sailor Mercury transforming and woosh, all of a sudden, we know we're the Sailor Scouts," said Venus with a toss of her blonde hair. "A little weird, but we're not letting you guys have all the fun."

"This is fun to you?" asked Jupiter. "Yeah, I guess, but how will we fight those things?"

"I have an idea," said Mars. "Let's combine our powers. That should get them."

"Not a bad idea, Mars," I said. "Shine Aqua Illusion!"

"Mars Celestial Fire Surround!"

"Venus Love Chain Encircle!"

"Jupiter Thunder Clap Zap!" All of our powers ripped through the soldiers like they didn't exist, but Nimae dodged. She growled.

"I am your leader! This Sailor Moon isn't even from this dimension!" she said angrily.

"And?" asked Mars. "She's the one that helped Sailor Mercury realize her power and ours along with it. Plus, you know, you're evil and we don't fight for evil."

"Traitors! You're traitors! I'll teach you to betray me! Dark Crystal Power!" I braced myself for her attack, but it didn't come near us. Serena's locket burst into life in enough time to stop it.

"They aren't traitors..." she said, fighting not to let the power control her. "You've betrayed them. And the memory... of your family. Nimae, you must stop!" Nimae pulled back, stunned.

"My family... how can you know about them?"

"I told them, Nimae," a woman stepped from the shadows. "You're reign of terror must end. When you left to fight Beryl, I never thought you'd turn against your friends. That's why I erased the memories of the scouts when I found out. And when Serena appeared and asked about them, I denied their existence for their protection. But now I see that she is the true one worthy of bearing the Silver Crystal."

"You too, Luna? I should've thought she'd brainwash you too. Fine, You will die with the other traitors-"

"Flare Up Now!"

"No, damn it! My plan... I'll kill you all yet!" She vanished as four armored guys ran towards us. Serena sighed with relief, then shot a look at the leader.

"You're a little late, Ryo," she said.

"Yeah, well, we just heard about the attack a few... holy..." Serena grinned and gestured at us.

"Guys, meet the senshi. Scouts, meet the Ronin warriors. Ryo, Cye, Kento, and Sage... oh my god! How could I forget?! Rowen's hurt!"

"I'm fine, Serena," he said, climbing to his feet. She smiled happily. "At least we found the scouts. I'd like to know who they are, if it's possible."

"I'm Keera." I said.

"I'm Veran." said Sailor Venus.

"Lara." said Mars.

"And I'm Cris." said Jupiter. "Nice to meet you."

"Sorry about your store, Keera," said Serena. "I didn't know she'd attack."

"No biggie," I replied. "My mom wanted to remodel anyway." They laughed.

Chapter 5(Serena)

Yes! We had the Senshi! Them, with the Ronins and myself, made a total of ten. The Dynasty didn't stand a chance. Let them try. See how they like their asses burned(and frozen and electrocuted and crushed and... well, you get the idea).

I walked along the beach of the pond, feeling immensely proud of every one of my friends. So far, the only ones to really fight were either me and Rowen, me and Keera, Cye and Kento, Cye and Veran, and/ or Kento and Cris. It actually wasn't that bad. All of the rest got along pretty well, it was just us who had some things to work out.

"Serena!" I turned and saw Ryo running down the beach towards me. I waved and he slowed to walk beside me. "What's up?"

"Nothing," I answered. "Isn't it great, Ryo? All of the scouts and the Ronin Warriors. We're going to be unbeatable." He grinned.

"I hope so. Nimae wasn't the least bit happy, from what Lara was telling us. Over Cye and Vera fighting, of course."

"Of course," I groaned. "I don't understand why their constantly at each others throats."

"Like you and Rowen?"

"Hey, that's different. Rowen's a... well, I won't say that." He chuckled. "What's so funny?"

"I was just thinking about the first time we saw you as Sailor Moon." I groaned again.

"Don't bring that up. I'm sorry I flipped you over, okay? I didn't know it was you."

"I know, I know, it's okay. But that was seriously the first time I had ever gotten the wind knocked out of me by a girl." I smiled and pushed aside a branch that threatened to catch my hair. It snapped back and hit him in the face. "Ow!"

"Sorry!" I said quickly, barely able to hide a laugh. "I'm such a klutz, but usually I don't injure other people." My laugh broke out, despite everything I tried. "I'm... sorry..."

"I'm glad you find this funny," he said, shaking his head. "Not that I see anything that funny."

"It's just my nerves," I remarked. "All of the pent up crap about the senshi is sort of coming out. We'll win, I know we will. There's no way we can't."

"I can think of a few."

"Nimae!" we said at the same time.

"Don't you ever give up?" asked Ryo. "You're beaten. We have the scouts now too."

"So?" she shot back. "One last chance, Serena. Give me the Silver Crystal, or die."

"Death's sounding mighty nice right now," I snapped. "I've told you before, I won't give up the Silver Crystal."

"Then you will pay." The ground started to shift underneath us. I grabbed for the tree branch, but everything caved in before I could reach it. I heard Ryo yelling for his armor, but a dark fog wrapped around us, closing off my voice.

I need the crystal... I thought just as I blacked out.

Chapter 6(Ryo)

"Ryo," hissed a voice. I shook my head and saw Serena's blue eyes through the darkness. "Hold still. You're hurt." She tore a piece of her skirt off and wrapped it around a deep cut on my arm. I grimaced in pain. "Stop moving, you idiot. You'll just open it up again." Her tone was tense and I saw blood staining her shirt.

"You're hurt too," I said quietly.

"Wrong, Wildfire. That's your blood. It was kind of all over the place. I hit my head somewhere along the way, but it's not that bad." Light filtered in through the door as the guard moved and I noticed dried blood in her hair. She touched a spot tenderly and blinked back pain. "I'll be fine," she muttered. "Rrgghh, where's Sage when you need him? I only got a C in first aid." She tied off the makeshift bandage and settled back on her heels. "I'm gonna strangle that woman if I ever get my hands on her."

"You did okay," I said, sitting up. It hurt like hell now, but it was only because I was moving it. "Where are we?"

"The Dynasty, Talpa's castle probably," she answered, standing up to look out of the bars. "I can hear voices, but none of them sound anywhere near sane. I think we're not the only ones down here." I joined her and listened carefully.

"My mother... my brother..."

"Talpa... warlords..."

"Nether... Spirits..."

"No... I... won't serve... no..." Serena shivered.

"What did they do to deserve this?" she whispered. "They all sound so... lost. Like they don't know what's going on."

"All they see is what's happened in the past," I answered grimly. A Nether Spirit floated past and she jumped. "Nether Spirits. They keep the memories going."

"This is horrid," she said. "It's not right. How can anyone stand to listen to all this? I know the soldiers aren't really human, but why these people?"

"They're next in line," Nimae said coldly, stepping into the way of the light. "All of those people are on the waiting list for either soldiers or-" Cruel, insane laughter echoed in the hallway and she smiled. "Nether Spirits."

"You mean those things were human?!" shouted Serena. "No way..."

"That's right, miss goodie two shoes, all these months, you've been killing humans. Makes you feel good inside, doesn't it? Now, a few things I really should warn you of: First of all, any and every mystical power is blocked. Since we can't take the crystal, or your kanji orb, Ryo, the spirits have gladly volunteered to keep you from using them entirely. And, as a real kick in the ass, you're first, Sanada."

"First for what?" I asked suspiciously.

"First to meet with Lord Talpa to discuss the terms of your surrender," she said simply, opening the door. A pair of soldiers stomped in and Serena stepped in between them and me.

"He's hurt," she said. "Take me first." Nimae shook her head.

"No way, my double. I want you to wait here and suffer knowing your friend is... well, I won't go into the nasty little details." She lifted her hand and pushed Serena out of the way. Serena slammed into the wall and fell to the ground, only half conscious.

"Ryo..." she groaned. "No..." I clenched my good hand around my kanji orb in my pocket and pulled her to her feet. "Please, Ryo, fight, you have to," she begged.

"Stop whining, Serena," I said harshly. "It's too much now. Talpa has the right idea. What have the other humans ever done for us? They're the ones that formed the Dynasty, with all their hatred and greed." She started breathing heavy and slapped me hard across the face.

"How can you say that?!" she yelled angrily. "How?!"

"Because it's true!" I shouted back. "Take a look around you for once, Serena. All everyone does is fight with one another. Even you, with Rowen, when you're supposed to be on the same side." Tears slid down her cheeks as she prepared to slap me again. I caught her wrist and brought it back down. "Don't fight me, Serena. You know I'm right."

"Liar!" she hollered. "Liar! You're betraying your friends, all of us! Why, Ryo?! I trusted you... Why?!"

"You said I'm your leader, so here's what I'm telling you," I said, lowering my voice and taking her hand in mine. "The human race is weak. There is always a stronger power, a higher power and if you fight it, bad things will happen." I let her hand drop and turned to Nimae. "Take me to... Emperor Talpa."

Chapter 7(Serena)

Ryo's words stung, but I couldn't let him destroy himself. He was deceiving everything we had literally been born to protect. I couldn't let him do it.

"You said I'm your leader," he said, his voice taking a softer tone, but the statement still bit like a viper's fangs. Even the warmth of his hand in mine had a darker purpose. "The human race is weak. There is always a stronger power, a higher power, and if you fight it, bad thing will happen. Take me to Emperor Talpa," he added to Nimae. She grinned wickedly and motioned out the door. He let go of my hand to follow her, but there was still something there. My sanity was all but stopped and I didn't notice it until he was gone.

"Ryo!" I screamed. "Traitor! You'll die for this!" I collapsed, sobbing, against the wall. The door shut, but I didn't care. How could he do this? How...

Something glowed from the palm of my hand. I opened it slowly and saw his kanji orb. But... why? How? Then it hit me. He had given this to me for a reason. "There is always a higher power," I repeated softly. "Oh, Ryo, you are an idiot." The Silver Crystal glowed too.

He has given you a power to use against the Dynasty. You must use it.

How? I can't use his armor. It's his, for cripes sake.

He gave it to you to use, Serena. You must.

I'll try, but you heard what Nimae said. It's blocked.

Do it, Serena and stop procrastinating.

Alright already! And I thought I took crap from Rowen. I stood up and grasped the orb. "Armor of Wildfire! Dao Jin!" I felt power coarse through me, but there was a blackness too. Pain, incredible pain. I wanted to scream, but I forced myself to keep with it. He's giving himself to Talpa so I can fight the Dynasty, I thought. I won't give in... I won't! The Silver Crystal reacted to my thoughts and started to shine. It pushed away the pain and I finished the transformation. "I'll teach you to take away my friends! Flare Up Now!" I put as much power as I could into blowing out the wall. More light came in through the door as guards started to come in. They were a little late. I leaped over a pile of rubble and was met by Nimae.

"I knew Sanada's performance was too good to be true," she said, throwing his unconscious body on the ground. "He managed to slip his armor to you under my nose. Tsk tsk tsk. I thought you were better then that, Wildfire."

"Ryo," I said, kneeling down next to him. "Answer me, Ryo, please."

"Stop... whining, Serena," he said with a weak smile. "I knew if I got you angry enough..."

"Don't die on me, Ryo!" I said. "I need you here. This isn't my armor. It's yours. Please, don't leave me. I can't do this alone."

"We're both... leaders... You're in charge now. Of the senshi... and the guys..."

"Don't do this to me," I said. "Don't you dare even think I'm going to let you die."

"Serena... you have to do this... it's your destiny..."

"Destiny nothing. Stay with me," I pleaded. "Don't leave me... Ryo, please..." He just smiled weakly and tried to lift his hand. The bandage slid down his arm and the gash started to bleed again. "Ryo..."

"It's your... game now..." He fell limp in my arms and breathed in his last breath. Fresh cries burst from my throat. A glow came from his lifeless body and it vanished, leaving behind just the bandage.

"NO!" I wailed. "No! Don't leave me! Ryo! Come back!" I gripped the dirty cloth and stood up, barely able to contain my pain. The Silver Crystal shone from the spot where I had left it on the floor of the cell. "Nimae... you've gone too far. He was the only person who... understood... I'll kill you, bitch!" The light of the crystal doubled and started giving strength to the armor. I gave in... maybe the power would destroy me too. I wanted it to, to take me away from all of the pain I was feeling...

"Don't give in." I lifted my head from my hands. Where was I? Somewhere safe, warm. Ryo and Darien stood over me, both giving me smiles mixed with anger. "If you give in, Serena, I'll never see you again," added Darien, hauling me to me feet. I buried my face in his chest, sobbing.

"Stop whining Serena," joked Ryo. "You're strong enough to handle this on your own. At least, I think you will be. If you don't stop balling, I might change my mind." I broke away from Darien and glared at him, hands on my hips.

"What is that supposed to mean, Ryo?" I asked. He just grinned.

"I knew if I got you angry enough, you could do it," he said. "Don't let it hurt so much, Serena. I'm still here and I'll be able to help you. All you have to do is ask."

"And you?" I said to Darien. He gave me one of his you're-such-a-ditz-but-that's-the-way-I-like-you smiles.

"I never left you, Serena," he answered, placing a rose in my hand. "We'll always be together, right?"

"If we can survive a thousand years and three forms of the Negaverse, I think we can do this," I agreed, wrapping my arms around his neck. "And I never left you, either, so don't even think that."

"I would never think that, meatball head. Now hurry up. You've got a destiny to do. I'll watch the kid."

"I don't think so, cape boy," shot back Ryo. "You couldn't handle yourself against the Dynasty if your life depended on it."

"The way I see it, Wildfire, it would, ..." The images faded and reality crashed back down, but I was ready this time. Forever in my heart, my princess.

You both make me sick, said Ryo. Tell Mia I said good bye, okay, Serena?

Yup, I replied. Stay safe, Ryo. I'll find you yet. I looked around, then down. The armor... had changed! It was a lot like the Wildfire armor, but where the diamond patterned badge had been was my symbol: the crescent moon. And the armor itself felt stronger. I would avenge Ryo's death... Nimae would get her just desserts now.

"What? How?" she asked, jolting backward. "You're alive! And the armor..."

"Is mine, Nimae. Ryo's last, great sacrifice and I won't let it go to waste. Moon... Sword... Flame!" I joined the katanas at their bases and made as much power as I could go through, aimed at Nimae. She screamed and put up her arms to block. It shoved her back into a wall. "And one last thing, Nimae. The Silver Crystal's gone. From now on, if you want the source of my power, you'll ask for the Fire Crystal, got it?" She glared at me. "If you don't want your ass to get further kicked, you'll send me home."

"This is far from over, Sailor Moon," she said coldly, waving her hand. "Far, far from over."

Chapter 8(Rowen)

"There she is!" yelled Keera from her spot at the window. "But-" I jumped up before she could finish her sentence and ran outside to meet Serena. She lifted her head from her locket and blinked in surprise.

"I didn't think... she'd actually send me back here," she said softly. "Rowen... he... I... she..."

"Serena, what's wrong?" I asked. She took a deep breath and released a sob.

"I tried," she said, fighting tears. "But she... I'm sorry..."

"Serena," said Keera firmly from behind me. "What the hell happened? And where's Ryo?" Serena opened her eyes and glared at Keera.

"He's dead, alright? He's dead because I'm such a wimp that I can't fight against my own self." Complete nothingness grabbed hold of me. Ryo... dead. No way, he couldn't be. Not Ryo... no way. "Rowen, I'm so sorry. He... he's gone." I shook away the blank, empty feeling.

"But... what about his armor?" She gave me a small smile and opened her locket. The Silver Crystal glowed red now and I could almost see a fire in it. "What the..."

"He gave me his kanji orb before... before Nimae killed him. And somehow, it combined with the Silver Crystal. I don't know how, but she'll pay..."

"Yea," I said. "She will."