AUTHORS NOTES
DISCLAIMERS: Rights to Sailor Moon are owned by Naoko Taceuchi, Kondansha Publishing, Toei, DiC, Optimum Productions, Cloverway...am I forgetting anything?
This story is supposed to provide an alternate story line to the Sailor Moon series. It starts after the Sailor Moon R series ends (the Death Phantom is destroyed and Rini goes home to Crystal Tokyo). The next events are of my own creation and do not relate to the Sailor Moon S series (at least not intentionally).
I finished this fanfic over a year ago, before the S and SuperS seasons were dubbed in America. Please excuse any attack names that are DiC-ish, because that is what I had to work with at the time. ;) This story, after looking back, seems a cross between Japanese and American references. So, please excuse the term "Negaverse" as opposed to "Dark Kingdom", because the story focuses on Jedite.
Also, PLEASE add a review after reading. I hardly ever get feedback on my storys and such, but I would like to know your opinions of this story. Good? Bad? Too DiC-ish? I'd like to know! Especially now, because things REALLY get good from here on out! (NOTE: This has been a shameless plea and self-plug on behalf of the author.)
Anyway, please enjoy!
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CHAPTER 11
Serena and Darien walked to the motorcycle parked by the lot, holding hands as they moved. Darien sat down on the motorcycle's seat, while Serena found a comforting spot upon his lap. Both looked at eachother with their eyes full of expression. There didn't seem need for words. Both the pain, anger, and joy mixed in their eyes said it all. Serena was the first to break the silence. "This is all happening so fast," she said.
"What?" asked Darien, half snapping out of a trance.
"This is just too weird," she rephrased. "I mean, first we lose the crystal, then we lose our powers. Now we have the crystal again, and now we have to take a test to get our powers back! It's only been one day! Everything is happening so fast that my head is spinning!" She held her head to add to the effect.
"I know what you mean," said Darien.
"Huh?" muttered Serena. "You do?"
"I've been in lots of situations like this," Darien explained. "Well, maybe not like this, but close to it. I mean, you know the feeling that you have so much to do in so little time, like all of your school work for the next day, or trying to get somewhere on time without being late." Serena nodded her head, knowing that feeling all to well.
"This is just like those simple situations," Darien restarted. "It's crunch time, and you only have a small amount of time to prepare. Only now it's something really big."
"Yeah," said Serena. "But Luna and Artemis said all I have to do is get in the right frame of mind. I know it's funny, but I feel like I've forgot something else to do, you know?"
"Right," said Darien. "I've had that feeling, too. But I know you'll do fine, Serena. You've always come through in bad times. Besides, you've got great friends who believe in you every step of the way." He put his arms around her shoulders, pulling her close. "I know I always have," he said softly, "and I always will."
Serena's lips met his as they began to kiss. But soon after the embrace started, Darien broke it off abruptly. Serena was slightly confused. "Darien?" she asked. "Is something wrong?"
Darien sighed. "I don't know," he said. "I just had something on my mind for the past few days."
"What is it?" she asked, concerned. "What's bothering you?"
"It's….It's dumb," said Darien, embarrassed. "I shouldn't have brought it up."
"Darien," said Serena, seeming serious once again. "You never had any problem telling anything to me before. Why now?"
Darien sighed again. "It's…something I never mentioned to anyone. It's something very personal to me."
"You can tell me," encouraged Serena, holding his hand. "I'm a good listener."
"Okay," said Darien, reluctantly. "Ever since I was in the car crash, I've been trying to find out who I really am."
"But now you know," said Serena, interrupting. "Your Prince Endymion of the Moon Kingdom."
"Exactly," restarted Darien. "Now I know that, I feel like I have to do something to live up to my past."
"Hey, you'll always be a prince in my eyes!" said Serena, trying to cheer Darien up.
"I know," said Darien, "but what about our future? We already know what's going to happen. But I'm afraid that it's not going to turn out the way we saw it."
"What do you mean?" asked Serena.
"I mean, if I make one wrong turn, we may never get married, or become rulers of the Earth, or Rini might not be born." Darien lowered his head. "There's so many possibilities for the future that I don't know what to think. Sometimes I feel that it's my job to protect ourselves for the future."
"Your right," said Serena, putting her free hand on Darien's shoulder. "They're plenty of ways the future can be. But what's important right now is the present. All we have to do is take it one day at a time. I mean, we might have changed the future already by losing our powers. But if we get new powers, the future might be changed again." Serena's head was spinning with all the possibilities. "For all I know, we could become performers in some bizarre space circus act with unicorns! But for now, lets not think about the future. When it comes, it comes! And nothing can stop it."
Darien raised his head. "You know your right? Good point, Meatball-head!"
"I'll ignore that," said Serena.
Darien laughed. "Thanks a lot, you really helped. But, don't tell me you thought of all that yourself."
Serena blushed. "Okay, so it was on a soap opera the other day, so sue me."
Both laughed a bit more, letting the stress of the day go for a moment. Darien and Serena spent the rest of the time talking about random things, remembering the fateful day of how they first met, the past monsters they fought, about Rini and hoping she's okay in the future, and other things to give Serena confidence in the tests.
Artemis bounded up to them when the hour was almost finished. "Hey guys," he said out loud. The two lovebirds turned his way. "It's almost time to go. You ready, Serena?"
She looked back at Darien with love in her eyes, and then looked back at Artemis. "As ready as I'll ever be," she said, standing to join her friends.
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The five Scouts gathered in the middle of the lot. Each in their own way, had prepared themselves for what was ahead. Amy recited every scientific fact she could remember. Raye sent silent prayers to the Fire Spirits. Lita practiced her fighting skills. Mina thought of times past to when she was Sailor V. Each of these methods gave the girls confidence to face the tests.
The girls, and Darien, stood in a semi circle before the two cats. "Does everyone feel ready?" asked Luna to the entire group.
"I'm totally pumped up!" said Lita, raising her fists in the air.
"Very much so," said Amy, nodding her head.
"I feel great!" said Raye.
"Let me at that test!" said an enthusiastic Mina.
"Do ya have to ask?" said a confident Serena.
Luna and Artemis looked at eachother, and nodded their heads. "It's time to open the portal," said Luna. "Serena, we'll need the Imperium Silver Crystal."
Serena nodded, and pulled the magical stone out of her pocket. It's brilliance was as astounding as ever. She handed it to Luna, who grasped it gently with her mouth. She took the crystal over to where Artemis was standing, and laid the it upon the ground. Both cats took a few steps back from the crystal, closed their eyes, and started to concentrate.
After a moment, the crescent moons on Luna and Artemis' foreheads began to glow. Soon, beams of energy shot forth from them, much like when Luna attempted the Luna Mindmeld. The energy beams struck the Silver Crystal, causing it to glow as well. The crystal started to levitate when the beams hit, and what looked to be expanding in the process.
The Scouts were captivated by the brilliant display. The Silver Crystal then pulsed, and a blinding white light burst forth into all directions. The girls had to shield their eyes from the brightness. When the light cleared, a portal stood in front of them, along with the two cats. "Woah," said Serena. "What a light show!"
"This is the doorway to the tests," said Luna.
"When you pass through," added Artemis, "you might feel dizzy for a few minutes, but that will pass."
"This is so wicked cool," muttered Mina.
"When do we enter?" asked Lita.
"When you are called in," responded Luna. "But before you do enter, please heed these words. You will be faced with some of the toughest situations you've ever encountered. Remember to use anything you have at your disposal!"
"We know you can do it, Scouts!" said Artemis. "We'll be routing for you on the outside!"
"Thanks, you guys," said Raye.
"Now," said Luna in a defiant voice, "the time has come!"
The portal flashed with a rainbow of colors. The colors stopped when it came to blue. "Mercury," whispered a mysterious voice, the symbol of Mercury appearing at the same time.
"They're calling you first, Amy," said Artemis.
Butterflies started to flutter around in Amy's stomach. "Well…" she said nervously, "I guess I'm first."
"You'll do fine, Amy!" encouraged Serena. "We all believe in you!"
Amy smiled. "Thanks, Serena." she said. She took a few steps toward the doorway, and paused. She turned around to face her friends once again. "Good-bye, my friends," she said with a tear in her eye. "And good luck!"
"Good-bye, Amy!" shouted Mina.
"Take care!" added Lita.
"Good luck!" said Raye.
"We believe in you!" added Darien.
Amy's smile widened as she turned to the portal once again. With caution, she stepped through the bright blue energy doorway, and out of sight.
The portal started to flash again, ending on orange. "Venus," whispered the same voice as the Venus sign appeared.
Mina stared wide-eyed at the portal, not knowing what to expect. Mina started to walk up to the portal, but stopped halfway to it. Like Amy, she turned back to her friends. "Well, this is it!" she said enthusiastically. "My big moment!"
"You'll do great," said Raye.
"We all know you will," added Serena.
"You're the goddess of love, right?" said Lita. "With all the love in your heart, you'll have no problem!"
"Thanks guys!" said Mina. She started back toward the portal. Artemis walked up to her when she was a few steps away. "Please be careful in there, Mina," he said.
This prompted Mina to pick Artemis up. "I will, Artemis," she said back. "You don't have to worry." Both smiled as Artemis was put back down. Everyone then said their good-byes as Mina took the step into the unknown.
This prompted the portal to flash once again, this time ending on red. "Mars," the voice whispered as the symbol for Mars appeared.
Raye curled up her fist and prepared to walk in the portal. Serena stopped her. "Be careful in there Raye, okay?" asked Serena.
Raye nodded. "I will, Meatball-head, don't worry. Sorry about your cheek," she said, referring to Serena's bruise.
"It'll be okay," said Serena. "Just be okay. I owe you one slap in return!"
Both girls giggled. Lita and Darien both gave their good-byes and good lucks to Raye as she stepped through the portal as well.
The portal flashed for the fourth time until it came to the green color. "Jupiter," the voice whispered, the sign flashing.
When Lita heard her planet called, her hand began to shake. Serena was the first to notice. "Lita?" she asked. "Are you nervous?"
"What?" answered a startled Lita. "Nervous? Whose nervous? I'm not nervous!"
"Lita," said Serena, taking her hand, "You're the bravest person I know. You're going to do fine!"
Lita's nervous spell subsided with those words. "You're right," said Lita, a wave of confidence washing over her. "I'm gonna kick butt!"
Both Darien and Serena said their good-byes as Lita faced the portal. She had a confident look on her face when she finally entered.
The portal flashed for the fifth and final time as the colors ended on pink. "Moon," the voice whispered as a crescent moon appeared.
Serena tried to push all her fears aside when she head her the Moon being called. She turned to face Darien. "Well," Serena said with a tear in her eye. "I guess this is it…"
"You'll be all right," Darien reassured. "Just believe in yourself."
"Right," Serena muttered. Darien put his arms around her shoulders once more, hugging her. Serena put her arms around his body as well.
"I love you," Darien whispered in Serena's ear.
"I love you," Serena whispered in return.
The embrace lasted for a few minutes. Serena didn't want it to end. But it finally had to when Luna called out her name. Serena reluctantly let go of Darien as she made her way to the portal. Before she entered, she turned around, and blew a kiss like a movie star. Darien made the action of catching the kiss. Serena smiled as she entered the new realm.
The two cats looked at eachother after Serena went through. "They're gone," said Luna.
Darien went to join the two cats. "They'll come back all right," he said.
It was then that the portal faded to a jet-black color. Artemis was confused. "Wait a minute," he said. "Isn't the portal supposed to disappear?"
Luna thought for a moment, and came up with the only solution. "It appears that the portal is calling one more," she said, looking at the only remaining human.
Darien was shocked. "Me?" he asked. "Why me?"
"Maybe you're being called in for the tests as well," suggested Artemis.
"I guess so," Darien remarked as he stood before the doorway.
"Don't worry," said Luna. "If I remember correctly, anyone entering the portal after the Scouts taking the test enters for a special purpose."
"Yeah," added Artemis. "And maybe this is for you to get your powers back."
"Right," said Darien. A warm energy began to course through his body. Images of Serena and the Imperium Silver Crystal flowed through his mind. "I guess I'm taking a test, too."
"But please be careful," wished Luna. "Serena wouldn't know what to do without you."
"I'll be alright," remarked Darien. "I think I know why I'm entering anyway."
Luna and Artemis wished good-bye and good luck to Darien as well as he stepped through. The cats looked at eachother with expressions of hope as the portal closed behind them.
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CHAPTER 12
As Artemis predicted, Amy felt dizzy for a moment. She tried to gather her bearings as she explored her new surroundings. She appeared to be standing on some rocky terrain. She could see a mountain in the distance. When Amy looked in the sky, however, it didn't look like a normal sky at all. Instead, it seemed to be pulsing, flashing all the different shades of blue. "I must have arrived," she thought to herself. "Now what am I supposed to do?"
As if someone was reading her thoughts, something flashed in front of her eyes. An object appeared before her. It was spherical, and the color of blue. Amy began to analyze it. "Hmm," she said aloud. "It looks like a crystal." She took out her computer to analyze it further. "The interior is some kind of power source," she read from the displays. "And there's something within the crystal." The screen began to magnify it's display of the crystal. "Strange," she muttered. "It's what looks like to be a model of the planet Mercury in a small scale."
She realized that this might be a new source for her powers. She tried to grab hold of it, but the crystal seemed to avoid her grasp. The blue sphere streaked away at blinding speeds, heading for the mountain in the distance. "What's happening?" she said aloud.
Amy began to feel a strange presence surrounding her. "SAILOR MERCURY!" said a mysterious voice.
This startled her. "What?" she asked. "Who's there? Who are you?"
The presence around Amy felt masculine to her. The voice of it proved her point. "YOU MUST RETRIEVE THE MERCURY PLANET CRYSTAL FROM THE MOUNT OF MERTOPIA," the voice began again. "THE BLUE LIGHT PATH WILL SHOW YOU THE WAY! TRAVEL THIS TO AVOID INJURY! BUT BEWARE OF THE CRYSTAL'S GUARDIAN!"
As soon as those words were finished, Amy felt the haunting presence leave her. "Wait!" she shouted. "Who's the Guardian? Who are you?"
Unfortunately, the only thing to answer her questions was silence. Amy sighed, and gazed off into the distance. "The mountain is at least ten miles from here," she thought. "And there are probably some traps along the way as well. How am I going to get there safely?"
Suddenly, the ground she was standing on began to glow blue. Soon, a blue path was shown from the rocky terrain. The path streaked toward the mountain. Amy saw the path curve and twist as it went on and on into the distance. "This must be the 'Blue Light Path' the voice mentioned," she said to herself. "I guess when I reach the end, I'll find the crystal." She began to walk towards the mountain, not knowing what to expect.
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Several hours later, Amy was coming to the end of the Blue Light Path. The hours and hours of walking were very taxing on Amy's feet, but she pressed on anyway. She noticed that hunger and fatigue didn't bother once upon her journey. She guessed that the test she was taking relieved her of these reactions. Under normal conditions, it would have took her several days to reach the mountain by herself.
The Blue Light Path came to a sudden halt a few yards to where the mountain began. Amy took some time to admire the mountain's beauty. From where she was standing, she could make out a faint blue light at the top of the mountain. That was where the Mercury Planet Crystal lay.
"This is going to take forever to climb!" Amy complained. Sighing, she took her computer out of her pocket once more to scan the mountain for traps. "Lets see," she said aloud, entering the data into the computer. "Scanning the mountain…wait a minute," she said, shocked at her readings. "The computer scans this as a sentient being, not a mountain!" Amy check a second time, making sure she entered in the data correctly. The results came out the same. "This is very strange," she said. "How can a mountain live?"
"Blue hairdo girl right," said a loud, thundering voice.
Amy was sure where that voice was coming from. "The mountain is talking?!?" she said in shock.
"Right again, smarty-pants!" came the voice again. "Mountain can live on own! And your life only gonna be for next few minutes!"
Amy became a witness to a great metamorphosis. The mountain began to change in front of her eyes! Legs began to rise from the mountain's bottom, and arms began to jut out from the "torso" on each side. From the top of the mountain, a head bean to form. As it did, the Mercury Planet Crystal became trapped in it's skull. Th mountain had now become a giant rock creature right in front of Amy's eyes. It appeared to be as tall as the dragon creature she and her friends had fought in Crystal Tokyo, maybe even more so.
"You gonna be mincemeat, Mercury!" boomed the giant. He raised one of his feet into the air, ready to bring it down upon his target.
Amy ran with all her life to dodge the attack. She succeeded with only an inch to spare. The rock monster began to get angry. "Hey!" he shouted. "You not supposed to run away! You have to be under foot so me can squash you!"
Amy began to run once more, as far away from the monster as possible. The monster began to chase after her, as slow as he was. Every step he took caused the ground to rumble with great force. Amy began to stumble and trip as well. The monster didn't catch up to her, though. She managed to duck out of sight behind a lone rock. The creature didn't see her when she did, and became furious.
"Where did blue-hair go?" he boomed. "She disappear on me! Where she at? WHERE SHE AT! Okay, okay, calm down. She here somewhere. Me gotta think! Me gotta beat sense into me!" He began to pound his head with ear-splitting cracks. Luckily, his thick skull protected his head from splitting wide open.
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As the rock monster tried to "think," Amy crouched under the rock, gasping for breath. "I can't possibly take this thing on myself!" she said to herself. "There has to be some weakness this thing has." She pulled her computer out once again, and attempted to scan the creature. She entered the new data into the computer, and began to gain new readings. "Okay," she muttered, reading the displays. "This guy's got a body of a tank, but has very low intelligence. Maybe I can use this to my advantage."
She then gazed up toward the monster, seeing him beat upon his head for a single thought. A plan started to formulate in her mind. "That thick head should give way at some point if he hits it enough," she thought. "I hope this works," she said as she began to climb the rock she was hiding under.
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"Gotta…OUCH…pummel…OUCH…thoughts…OUCH…in!" screamed the rock monster as he kept bashing his head.
"Hey you!" came a small voice.
The rock creature stopped hitting himself to see Amy standing upon a rock. "There she is!" he shouted. He then held his head in pain. "Oooooohhhh," he groaned. "Splitting headache!"
The monster made his way toward Amy, ready to squash her at any time. When he was a few feet away, Amy held out her hand. "WAIT!" she yelled.
The rock monster stopped in mid-stride. "Why me wait?" he asked.
"Let's make a deal," Amy shouted loud enough so the monster could hear. She knew he would be dumb enough to take it as well. "If you can answer me three questions correctly, than you can squash me."
"Me can?" boomed the creature with glee. "Okay, you ask!"
"Alright," said a fairly confident Amy. "What is your name?"
"Ooohhh, that toughie!" said the monster. "Me don't know that!" He began to get angry. "Me stupid! Me gotta bash some sense into me!" Once again, he began to smash his head. Amy could see tiny cracks appear on his scalp.
"Okay!" shouted Amy. "Next question. Why are you chasing me?"
The monster stopped bashing his head to hear. "Oh, no!" he shouted. "That even tougher! Me REALLY gotta think!" He started to bash his head even harder. He stopped suddenly when a huge crack appeared at the top of his head. "OWWIEE!" he shouted. "Splitting headache!"
Light began to pour out of the crack in his skull. Amy concluded that it was the light of the Mercury Planet Crystal. "Last question!" she shouted, knowing she was close. "What is two plus two?"
"AAAAHHHHHHHHHHRRRRGGGGGHHHH!" shouted the creature. "I DON'T KNOW!" He pulled his right fist back, and prepared to strike his head hard. He forced a huge blow square in the jaw, going through, and out the back of, his head. He stood motionless for a few minutes, realizing he just smashed his head clear off his shoulders.
Boulders began to fall around the area. Amy was in no danger, since the boulders fell behind the monster. Once he realized that he was, in fact, dead, he fell backwards upon the ground. Once he landed, a huge earthquake was created. Amy struggled to keep her balance, but the earth kept falling beneath her feet.
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One half-hour later, when the earthquake finally ended, Amy finally stood up, her legs shaking. It was then she noticed that there was no earth left to stand on. She seemed to be walking on thin air. The pulsing blue light in the sky seemed to absorb everything in the area. Amy was afraid. "Now what's happening?" she thought.
"Hold out your hands," said the mysterious voice.
At this point, Amy was ready to do anything. She did what she was asked, and the Mercury Planet Crystal flowed gently into her hands. Amy grasped the crystal, and felt a warm energy pass through her body.
"Well done, my child," said the voice.
A figure teleported a few yards in front of Amy. He seemed to be an old man, with a long, white beard. He wore blue robes of silk and carried a staff to lean on. Upon his forehead, the symbol of Mercury was shown.
Amy stared at the symbol, knowing she had the same. "Who are you?"
The figure began to walk towards her. "You do not recognize me, my child?" he asked. "I don't blame you. It has been so long since we last saw eachother."
Amy was getting impatient. "I still don't know who you are." she said.
"Oh, yes," he remembered, "my identity. I must be getting feeble at my old age. I am Elistar, guardian of Mercury."
Amy gasped. "Does this mean that I'm…"
"Yes, my child," said Elistar. "I was your father during the Silver Millenium."
Amy was at a loss for words. She didn't know how to greet him after all this time. "Are you still alive?"
"Oh, I'm just here in spirit, I'm afraid," he said with a sigh. "But you have been wonderful, Amy. You have passed the test. I am so proud of you."
Amy smiled. "I did? I passed?"
"From what I heard, you've passed everything you've ever done!" Elistar laughed. "Besides, you holding the Mercury Planet Crystal is proof enough."
Amy was overjoyed. "What do I do, now?" she asked.
"Just take my hand, and follow me," said Elistar with happiness in his voice. "You will know in time."
Elistar held out a hand to Amy, which she took. Together, they walked toward a specific destination, seemingly disappearing into the mist as they moved…
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NEXT TIME...
The guardian trials continue, with Mina Aino taking her test. Elsewhere, all those who were put to sleep in the Dark Kingdom era awaken! Jedite's plan becomes complete...
DISCLAIMERS: Rights to Sailor Moon are owned by Naoko Taceuchi, Kondansha Publishing, Toei, DiC, Optimum Productions, Cloverway...am I forgetting anything?
This story is supposed to provide an alternate story line to the Sailor Moon series. It starts after the Sailor Moon R series ends (the Death Phantom is destroyed and Rini goes home to Crystal Tokyo). The next events are of my own creation and do not relate to the Sailor Moon S series (at least not intentionally).
I finished this fanfic over a year ago, before the S and SuperS seasons were dubbed in America. Please excuse any attack names that are DiC-ish, because that is what I had to work with at the time. ;) This story, after looking back, seems a cross between Japanese and American references. So, please excuse the term "Negaverse" as opposed to "Dark Kingdom", because the story focuses on Jedite.
Also, PLEASE add a review after reading. I hardly ever get feedback on my storys and such, but I would like to know your opinions of this story. Good? Bad? Too DiC-ish? I'd like to know! Especially now, because things REALLY get good from here on out! (NOTE: This has been a shameless plea and self-plug on behalf of the author.)
Anyway, please enjoy!
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CHAPTER 11
Serena and Darien walked to the motorcycle parked by the lot, holding hands as they moved. Darien sat down on the motorcycle's seat, while Serena found a comforting spot upon his lap. Both looked at eachother with their eyes full of expression. There didn't seem need for words. Both the pain, anger, and joy mixed in their eyes said it all. Serena was the first to break the silence. "This is all happening so fast," she said.
"What?" asked Darien, half snapping out of a trance.
"This is just too weird," she rephrased. "I mean, first we lose the crystal, then we lose our powers. Now we have the crystal again, and now we have to take a test to get our powers back! It's only been one day! Everything is happening so fast that my head is spinning!" She held her head to add to the effect.
"I know what you mean," said Darien.
"Huh?" muttered Serena. "You do?"
"I've been in lots of situations like this," Darien explained. "Well, maybe not like this, but close to it. I mean, you know the feeling that you have so much to do in so little time, like all of your school work for the next day, or trying to get somewhere on time without being late." Serena nodded her head, knowing that feeling all to well.
"This is just like those simple situations," Darien restarted. "It's crunch time, and you only have a small amount of time to prepare. Only now it's something really big."
"Yeah," said Serena. "But Luna and Artemis said all I have to do is get in the right frame of mind. I know it's funny, but I feel like I've forgot something else to do, you know?"
"Right," said Darien. "I've had that feeling, too. But I know you'll do fine, Serena. You've always come through in bad times. Besides, you've got great friends who believe in you every step of the way." He put his arms around her shoulders, pulling her close. "I know I always have," he said softly, "and I always will."
Serena's lips met his as they began to kiss. But soon after the embrace started, Darien broke it off abruptly. Serena was slightly confused. "Darien?" she asked. "Is something wrong?"
Darien sighed. "I don't know," he said. "I just had something on my mind for the past few days."
"What is it?" she asked, concerned. "What's bothering you?"
"It's….It's dumb," said Darien, embarrassed. "I shouldn't have brought it up."
"Darien," said Serena, seeming serious once again. "You never had any problem telling anything to me before. Why now?"
Darien sighed again. "It's…something I never mentioned to anyone. It's something very personal to me."
"You can tell me," encouraged Serena, holding his hand. "I'm a good listener."
"Okay," said Darien, reluctantly. "Ever since I was in the car crash, I've been trying to find out who I really am."
"But now you know," said Serena, interrupting. "Your Prince Endymion of the Moon Kingdom."
"Exactly," restarted Darien. "Now I know that, I feel like I have to do something to live up to my past."
"Hey, you'll always be a prince in my eyes!" said Serena, trying to cheer Darien up.
"I know," said Darien, "but what about our future? We already know what's going to happen. But I'm afraid that it's not going to turn out the way we saw it."
"What do you mean?" asked Serena.
"I mean, if I make one wrong turn, we may never get married, or become rulers of the Earth, or Rini might not be born." Darien lowered his head. "There's so many possibilities for the future that I don't know what to think. Sometimes I feel that it's my job to protect ourselves for the future."
"Your right," said Serena, putting her free hand on Darien's shoulder. "They're plenty of ways the future can be. But what's important right now is the present. All we have to do is take it one day at a time. I mean, we might have changed the future already by losing our powers. But if we get new powers, the future might be changed again." Serena's head was spinning with all the possibilities. "For all I know, we could become performers in some bizarre space circus act with unicorns! But for now, lets not think about the future. When it comes, it comes! And nothing can stop it."
Darien raised his head. "You know your right? Good point, Meatball-head!"
"I'll ignore that," said Serena.
Darien laughed. "Thanks a lot, you really helped. But, don't tell me you thought of all that yourself."
Serena blushed. "Okay, so it was on a soap opera the other day, so sue me."
Both laughed a bit more, letting the stress of the day go for a moment. Darien and Serena spent the rest of the time talking about random things, remembering the fateful day of how they first met, the past monsters they fought, about Rini and hoping she's okay in the future, and other things to give Serena confidence in the tests.
Artemis bounded up to them when the hour was almost finished. "Hey guys," he said out loud. The two lovebirds turned his way. "It's almost time to go. You ready, Serena?"
She looked back at Darien with love in her eyes, and then looked back at Artemis. "As ready as I'll ever be," she said, standing to join her friends.
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The five Scouts gathered in the middle of the lot. Each in their own way, had prepared themselves for what was ahead. Amy recited every scientific fact she could remember. Raye sent silent prayers to the Fire Spirits. Lita practiced her fighting skills. Mina thought of times past to when she was Sailor V. Each of these methods gave the girls confidence to face the tests.
The girls, and Darien, stood in a semi circle before the two cats. "Does everyone feel ready?" asked Luna to the entire group.
"I'm totally pumped up!" said Lita, raising her fists in the air.
"Very much so," said Amy, nodding her head.
"I feel great!" said Raye.
"Let me at that test!" said an enthusiastic Mina.
"Do ya have to ask?" said a confident Serena.
Luna and Artemis looked at eachother, and nodded their heads. "It's time to open the portal," said Luna. "Serena, we'll need the Imperium Silver Crystal."
Serena nodded, and pulled the magical stone out of her pocket. It's brilliance was as astounding as ever. She handed it to Luna, who grasped it gently with her mouth. She took the crystal over to where Artemis was standing, and laid the it upon the ground. Both cats took a few steps back from the crystal, closed their eyes, and started to concentrate.
After a moment, the crescent moons on Luna and Artemis' foreheads began to glow. Soon, beams of energy shot forth from them, much like when Luna attempted the Luna Mindmeld. The energy beams struck the Silver Crystal, causing it to glow as well. The crystal started to levitate when the beams hit, and what looked to be expanding in the process.
The Scouts were captivated by the brilliant display. The Silver Crystal then pulsed, and a blinding white light burst forth into all directions. The girls had to shield their eyes from the brightness. When the light cleared, a portal stood in front of them, along with the two cats. "Woah," said Serena. "What a light show!"
"This is the doorway to the tests," said Luna.
"When you pass through," added Artemis, "you might feel dizzy for a few minutes, but that will pass."
"This is so wicked cool," muttered Mina.
"When do we enter?" asked Lita.
"When you are called in," responded Luna. "But before you do enter, please heed these words. You will be faced with some of the toughest situations you've ever encountered. Remember to use anything you have at your disposal!"
"We know you can do it, Scouts!" said Artemis. "We'll be routing for you on the outside!"
"Thanks, you guys," said Raye.
"Now," said Luna in a defiant voice, "the time has come!"
The portal flashed with a rainbow of colors. The colors stopped when it came to blue. "Mercury," whispered a mysterious voice, the symbol of Mercury appearing at the same time.
"They're calling you first, Amy," said Artemis.
Butterflies started to flutter around in Amy's stomach. "Well…" she said nervously, "I guess I'm first."
"You'll do fine, Amy!" encouraged Serena. "We all believe in you!"
Amy smiled. "Thanks, Serena." she said. She took a few steps toward the doorway, and paused. She turned around to face her friends once again. "Good-bye, my friends," she said with a tear in her eye. "And good luck!"
"Good-bye, Amy!" shouted Mina.
"Take care!" added Lita.
"Good luck!" said Raye.
"We believe in you!" added Darien.
Amy's smile widened as she turned to the portal once again. With caution, she stepped through the bright blue energy doorway, and out of sight.
The portal started to flash again, ending on orange. "Venus," whispered the same voice as the Venus sign appeared.
Mina stared wide-eyed at the portal, not knowing what to expect. Mina started to walk up to the portal, but stopped halfway to it. Like Amy, she turned back to her friends. "Well, this is it!" she said enthusiastically. "My big moment!"
"You'll do great," said Raye.
"We all know you will," added Serena.
"You're the goddess of love, right?" said Lita. "With all the love in your heart, you'll have no problem!"
"Thanks guys!" said Mina. She started back toward the portal. Artemis walked up to her when she was a few steps away. "Please be careful in there, Mina," he said.
This prompted Mina to pick Artemis up. "I will, Artemis," she said back. "You don't have to worry." Both smiled as Artemis was put back down. Everyone then said their good-byes as Mina took the step into the unknown.
This prompted the portal to flash once again, this time ending on red. "Mars," the voice whispered as the symbol for Mars appeared.
Raye curled up her fist and prepared to walk in the portal. Serena stopped her. "Be careful in there Raye, okay?" asked Serena.
Raye nodded. "I will, Meatball-head, don't worry. Sorry about your cheek," she said, referring to Serena's bruise.
"It'll be okay," said Serena. "Just be okay. I owe you one slap in return!"
Both girls giggled. Lita and Darien both gave their good-byes and good lucks to Raye as she stepped through the portal as well.
The portal flashed for the fourth time until it came to the green color. "Jupiter," the voice whispered, the sign flashing.
When Lita heard her planet called, her hand began to shake. Serena was the first to notice. "Lita?" she asked. "Are you nervous?"
"What?" answered a startled Lita. "Nervous? Whose nervous? I'm not nervous!"
"Lita," said Serena, taking her hand, "You're the bravest person I know. You're going to do fine!"
Lita's nervous spell subsided with those words. "You're right," said Lita, a wave of confidence washing over her. "I'm gonna kick butt!"
Both Darien and Serena said their good-byes as Lita faced the portal. She had a confident look on her face when she finally entered.
The portal flashed for the fifth and final time as the colors ended on pink. "Moon," the voice whispered as a crescent moon appeared.
Serena tried to push all her fears aside when she head her the Moon being called. She turned to face Darien. "Well," Serena said with a tear in her eye. "I guess this is it…"
"You'll be all right," Darien reassured. "Just believe in yourself."
"Right," Serena muttered. Darien put his arms around her shoulders once more, hugging her. Serena put her arms around his body as well.
"I love you," Darien whispered in Serena's ear.
"I love you," Serena whispered in return.
The embrace lasted for a few minutes. Serena didn't want it to end. But it finally had to when Luna called out her name. Serena reluctantly let go of Darien as she made her way to the portal. Before she entered, she turned around, and blew a kiss like a movie star. Darien made the action of catching the kiss. Serena smiled as she entered the new realm.
The two cats looked at eachother after Serena went through. "They're gone," said Luna.
Darien went to join the two cats. "They'll come back all right," he said.
It was then that the portal faded to a jet-black color. Artemis was confused. "Wait a minute," he said. "Isn't the portal supposed to disappear?"
Luna thought for a moment, and came up with the only solution. "It appears that the portal is calling one more," she said, looking at the only remaining human.
Darien was shocked. "Me?" he asked. "Why me?"
"Maybe you're being called in for the tests as well," suggested Artemis.
"I guess so," Darien remarked as he stood before the doorway.
"Don't worry," said Luna. "If I remember correctly, anyone entering the portal after the Scouts taking the test enters for a special purpose."
"Yeah," added Artemis. "And maybe this is for you to get your powers back."
"Right," said Darien. A warm energy began to course through his body. Images of Serena and the Imperium Silver Crystal flowed through his mind. "I guess I'm taking a test, too."
"But please be careful," wished Luna. "Serena wouldn't know what to do without you."
"I'll be alright," remarked Darien. "I think I know why I'm entering anyway."
Luna and Artemis wished good-bye and good luck to Darien as well as he stepped through. The cats looked at eachother with expressions of hope as the portal closed behind them.
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CHAPTER 12
As Artemis predicted, Amy felt dizzy for a moment. She tried to gather her bearings as she explored her new surroundings. She appeared to be standing on some rocky terrain. She could see a mountain in the distance. When Amy looked in the sky, however, it didn't look like a normal sky at all. Instead, it seemed to be pulsing, flashing all the different shades of blue. "I must have arrived," she thought to herself. "Now what am I supposed to do?"
As if someone was reading her thoughts, something flashed in front of her eyes. An object appeared before her. It was spherical, and the color of blue. Amy began to analyze it. "Hmm," she said aloud. "It looks like a crystal." She took out her computer to analyze it further. "The interior is some kind of power source," she read from the displays. "And there's something within the crystal." The screen began to magnify it's display of the crystal. "Strange," she muttered. "It's what looks like to be a model of the planet Mercury in a small scale."
She realized that this might be a new source for her powers. She tried to grab hold of it, but the crystal seemed to avoid her grasp. The blue sphere streaked away at blinding speeds, heading for the mountain in the distance. "What's happening?" she said aloud.
Amy began to feel a strange presence surrounding her. "SAILOR MERCURY!" said a mysterious voice.
This startled her. "What?" she asked. "Who's there? Who are you?"
The presence around Amy felt masculine to her. The voice of it proved her point. "YOU MUST RETRIEVE THE MERCURY PLANET CRYSTAL FROM THE MOUNT OF MERTOPIA," the voice began again. "THE BLUE LIGHT PATH WILL SHOW YOU THE WAY! TRAVEL THIS TO AVOID INJURY! BUT BEWARE OF THE CRYSTAL'S GUARDIAN!"
As soon as those words were finished, Amy felt the haunting presence leave her. "Wait!" she shouted. "Who's the Guardian? Who are you?"
Unfortunately, the only thing to answer her questions was silence. Amy sighed, and gazed off into the distance. "The mountain is at least ten miles from here," she thought. "And there are probably some traps along the way as well. How am I going to get there safely?"
Suddenly, the ground she was standing on began to glow blue. Soon, a blue path was shown from the rocky terrain. The path streaked toward the mountain. Amy saw the path curve and twist as it went on and on into the distance. "This must be the 'Blue Light Path' the voice mentioned," she said to herself. "I guess when I reach the end, I'll find the crystal." She began to walk towards the mountain, not knowing what to expect.
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Several hours later, Amy was coming to the end of the Blue Light Path. The hours and hours of walking were very taxing on Amy's feet, but she pressed on anyway. She noticed that hunger and fatigue didn't bother once upon her journey. She guessed that the test she was taking relieved her of these reactions. Under normal conditions, it would have took her several days to reach the mountain by herself.
The Blue Light Path came to a sudden halt a few yards to where the mountain began. Amy took some time to admire the mountain's beauty. From where she was standing, she could make out a faint blue light at the top of the mountain. That was where the Mercury Planet Crystal lay.
"This is going to take forever to climb!" Amy complained. Sighing, she took her computer out of her pocket once more to scan the mountain for traps. "Lets see," she said aloud, entering the data into the computer. "Scanning the mountain…wait a minute," she said, shocked at her readings. "The computer scans this as a sentient being, not a mountain!" Amy check a second time, making sure she entered in the data correctly. The results came out the same. "This is very strange," she said. "How can a mountain live?"
"Blue hairdo girl right," said a loud, thundering voice.
Amy was sure where that voice was coming from. "The mountain is talking?!?" she said in shock.
"Right again, smarty-pants!" came the voice again. "Mountain can live on own! And your life only gonna be for next few minutes!"
Amy became a witness to a great metamorphosis. The mountain began to change in front of her eyes! Legs began to rise from the mountain's bottom, and arms began to jut out from the "torso" on each side. From the top of the mountain, a head bean to form. As it did, the Mercury Planet Crystal became trapped in it's skull. Th mountain had now become a giant rock creature right in front of Amy's eyes. It appeared to be as tall as the dragon creature she and her friends had fought in Crystal Tokyo, maybe even more so.
"You gonna be mincemeat, Mercury!" boomed the giant. He raised one of his feet into the air, ready to bring it down upon his target.
Amy ran with all her life to dodge the attack. She succeeded with only an inch to spare. The rock monster began to get angry. "Hey!" he shouted. "You not supposed to run away! You have to be under foot so me can squash you!"
Amy began to run once more, as far away from the monster as possible. The monster began to chase after her, as slow as he was. Every step he took caused the ground to rumble with great force. Amy began to stumble and trip as well. The monster didn't catch up to her, though. She managed to duck out of sight behind a lone rock. The creature didn't see her when she did, and became furious.
"Where did blue-hair go?" he boomed. "She disappear on me! Where she at? WHERE SHE AT! Okay, okay, calm down. She here somewhere. Me gotta think! Me gotta beat sense into me!" He began to pound his head with ear-splitting cracks. Luckily, his thick skull protected his head from splitting wide open.
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As the rock monster tried to "think," Amy crouched under the rock, gasping for breath. "I can't possibly take this thing on myself!" she said to herself. "There has to be some weakness this thing has." She pulled her computer out once again, and attempted to scan the creature. She entered the new data into the computer, and began to gain new readings. "Okay," she muttered, reading the displays. "This guy's got a body of a tank, but has very low intelligence. Maybe I can use this to my advantage."
She then gazed up toward the monster, seeing him beat upon his head for a single thought. A plan started to formulate in her mind. "That thick head should give way at some point if he hits it enough," she thought. "I hope this works," she said as she began to climb the rock she was hiding under.
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"Gotta…OUCH…pummel…OUCH…thoughts…OUCH…in!" screamed the rock monster as he kept bashing his head.
"Hey you!" came a small voice.
The rock creature stopped hitting himself to see Amy standing upon a rock. "There she is!" he shouted. He then held his head in pain. "Oooooohhhh," he groaned. "Splitting headache!"
The monster made his way toward Amy, ready to squash her at any time. When he was a few feet away, Amy held out her hand. "WAIT!" she yelled.
The rock monster stopped in mid-stride. "Why me wait?" he asked.
"Let's make a deal," Amy shouted loud enough so the monster could hear. She knew he would be dumb enough to take it as well. "If you can answer me three questions correctly, than you can squash me."
"Me can?" boomed the creature with glee. "Okay, you ask!"
"Alright," said a fairly confident Amy. "What is your name?"
"Ooohhh, that toughie!" said the monster. "Me don't know that!" He began to get angry. "Me stupid! Me gotta bash some sense into me!" Once again, he began to smash his head. Amy could see tiny cracks appear on his scalp.
"Okay!" shouted Amy. "Next question. Why are you chasing me?"
The monster stopped bashing his head to hear. "Oh, no!" he shouted. "That even tougher! Me REALLY gotta think!" He started to bash his head even harder. He stopped suddenly when a huge crack appeared at the top of his head. "OWWIEE!" he shouted. "Splitting headache!"
Light began to pour out of the crack in his skull. Amy concluded that it was the light of the Mercury Planet Crystal. "Last question!" she shouted, knowing she was close. "What is two plus two?"
"AAAAHHHHHHHHHHRRRRGGGGGHHHH!" shouted the creature. "I DON'T KNOW!" He pulled his right fist back, and prepared to strike his head hard. He forced a huge blow square in the jaw, going through, and out the back of, his head. He stood motionless for a few minutes, realizing he just smashed his head clear off his shoulders.
Boulders began to fall around the area. Amy was in no danger, since the boulders fell behind the monster. Once he realized that he was, in fact, dead, he fell backwards upon the ground. Once he landed, a huge earthquake was created. Amy struggled to keep her balance, but the earth kept falling beneath her feet.
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One half-hour later, when the earthquake finally ended, Amy finally stood up, her legs shaking. It was then she noticed that there was no earth left to stand on. She seemed to be walking on thin air. The pulsing blue light in the sky seemed to absorb everything in the area. Amy was afraid. "Now what's happening?" she thought.
"Hold out your hands," said the mysterious voice.
At this point, Amy was ready to do anything. She did what she was asked, and the Mercury Planet Crystal flowed gently into her hands. Amy grasped the crystal, and felt a warm energy pass through her body.
"Well done, my child," said the voice.
A figure teleported a few yards in front of Amy. He seemed to be an old man, with a long, white beard. He wore blue robes of silk and carried a staff to lean on. Upon his forehead, the symbol of Mercury was shown.
Amy stared at the symbol, knowing she had the same. "Who are you?"
The figure began to walk towards her. "You do not recognize me, my child?" he asked. "I don't blame you. It has been so long since we last saw eachother."
Amy was getting impatient. "I still don't know who you are." she said.
"Oh, yes," he remembered, "my identity. I must be getting feeble at my old age. I am Elistar, guardian of Mercury."
Amy gasped. "Does this mean that I'm…"
"Yes, my child," said Elistar. "I was your father during the Silver Millenium."
Amy was at a loss for words. She didn't know how to greet him after all this time. "Are you still alive?"
"Oh, I'm just here in spirit, I'm afraid," he said with a sigh. "But you have been wonderful, Amy. You have passed the test. I am so proud of you."
Amy smiled. "I did? I passed?"
"From what I heard, you've passed everything you've ever done!" Elistar laughed. "Besides, you holding the Mercury Planet Crystal is proof enough."
Amy was overjoyed. "What do I do, now?" she asked.
"Just take my hand, and follow me," said Elistar with happiness in his voice. "You will know in time."
Elistar held out a hand to Amy, which she took. Together, they walked toward a specific destination, seemingly disappearing into the mist as they moved…
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NEXT TIME...
The guardian trials continue, with Mina Aino taking her test. Elsewhere, all those who were put to sleep in the Dark Kingdom era awaken! Jedite's plan becomes complete...