The busy airport terminal teemed with travellers headed to multitudes of destinations. Amongst the hordes of tired and weary passengers three figures moved restlessly though with purpose. Raye Hino, Jason Tinker and Marcus Ice drifted through the crowds hoping that by some twist of fate they would find two females who had shown that they didn't want to be found.
Marcus heard Jason growl under his breath and silently agreed with his friend's sentiments, this was a wild goose chase. Serena could be anywhere in this mob, she might not even be here. Marcus saw Raye place her hand on Jason's arm causing Jason to calm down and hid a smile, usually it was Jason's place to soothe her.
Marcus used his superior height to do another quick sweep of the crowd around them, not really expecting that he'd be able to pick either Serena or Selene out from the crowd. For a moment he thought wistfully of Darien's earliest description of Serena, she had blonde hair. Amidst all these Asians a blonde would have been easy to spot but the little wretch had to go and die her hair black, the same colour as a thousand other people in the wretched terminal.
"Bloody Meatball Head... bloody wild goose chase... bloody Darien... bloody lovesick twit... Ngngngngng..."
Marcus' eyes widened as he heard Raye's frustrated voice trail off into incoherency. In the corner of his eye he could see Jason nodding vigorously to her grumbled tirade, Raye's temper had finally gotten the better of her. Marcus spent a brief moment praying to whatever powers listened that Serena had chosen one of the other airports, if Raye found her in this mood then World War III was starting today.
Marcus' gaze moved out to the throng once more, mindful of the reason he was spending his afternoon off in a crowded terminal, bored out of his mind. Suddenly his attention was jerked back to his companions as Raye stiffened in shock beside him. His head whipped around to face her and he saw her face pale drastically as Jason reached to steady her.
"The Negaverse... they're here..." she stammered looking around wildly.
Marcus and his fellow general joined the woman scanning the crowd for a less benign entity than previously. Marcus motioned for the other two to split up so that they could cover more ground and pulled his communicator out of his pocket. He was about to send out an 'allcall' when all hell broke loose.
Several ordinary looking business threw down their briefcases and expanded, bursting out of their expensive suits and metamorphosing into monstrosities. The three warriors present immediately searched out a area of privacy to transform but even that brief hesitation cost them. One of the youma tore a segment of the wall down and tossed it into the crowd, crushing several figures. As if that was their cue the other monsters burst into motion, seizing bystanders and draining them of their energy only to fling them aside as they were sucked dry.
"Transform now!" Marcus barked, "No one'll notice and we can't wait any longer."
He didn't wait to see if they obeyed instead he triggered his own transformation into Malachite, first general of the Earth Guard. Instants later Sailor Mars and Jadeite stepped beside him awaiting his instructions.
"Jadeite, the green one's yours, Mars you've got the purple one. Finish 'em off and work your way inwards," his commands shot out as he moved to face his first opponent.
The youma was twice again Malachite's height and just as broad. It was a generic kind of monster, no special attributes to make it stand out from any of a thousand other Negaverse denizens that Malachite had fought before. Malachite shot a quick bolt of energy at it and while it reeled from the blast he halved it with a magically enhanced sword stroke. While it's dusty remains drifted to the floor Malachite began shouting for people to get out the way.
Those civilians still conscious began to stream past him obeying his directives in a panicked rush. Seeing that the people seemed to have woken up and started listening to their instincts for self preservation Malachite turned his attention to the next youma. He had heard Sailor Mars' war cry and seen a fireball fry an ugly lavender creature with six arms. Nor had he failed to observe the two youma flying overhead to connect with enough force to flatten the pair of them courtesy of Jadeite's telekinesis. However as he faced off with his next adversary he focused all of his attention on the battle ahead.
While ducking and dodging razor edged whips Malachite noticed that two more of the infernal beasts were creeping up behind him, preparing to launch a surprise attack. Gathering himself he lept moments before an energy beam shot through the spot he had occupied only moments before to go on to pierce the youma with the whips. While it doubled over in pain Malachite performed a slight twist midair, landing with his back to the injured youma and facing the two ambushers.
Minutes later Malachite was tiring radically and the first youma had recovered enough to rejoin the battle while he had only disposed of one of his new attackers. A weak energy blast destroyed the injured youma while a lucky sword stroke maimed the third seriously enough that it backed of for a moment. Using this breathing space to look around and assess the situation Malachite noticed Mars and Jadeite teaming up to heard five youma into a close group. Even as he watched he saw the deadly pair combine attacks to eradicate the clutch of monsters.
Malachite returned his attention to the injured creature in front of him long enough to finish it off. Three more quickly took its place, probably thinking that by himself he was an easier target than the two pyromancers who raged together. He was up to the challenge they represented but even as he destroyed his fifth youma of the battle he automatically counted the enemy remaining. The resulting numbers were disturbing, there were more creatures from the Negaverse than even the three of them could handle. They were low energy monsters, obviously on an energy gathering mission but they odds were on their side.
Malachite tried to manoeuvre himself to a clear area were he could hold the youma off long enough to call for help. He found himself backed against the pile of rubble that had been created at the very start of the battle. Malachite reached for his communicator but forgot all about it as some large chunks of cement moved. Realising that civilians had indeed been caught in the first offence Malachite began to shift the rubble hoping that the buried individual was alone, he did not have the time to dig a half a dozen people out of the wreckage while four times that many youma were on the loose.
Reaching a particularly large piece of debris Malachite heaved and it shifted to reveal two forms, one obviously a child. The smaller form was ominously still while the larger began to stir as soon as the weight of cement had been removed. Malachite was about to aid the adult, a woman, to free herself from the rest of the wreckage when she forestalled him by dragging herself out from underneath the heavy mass. He would have liked to gape at the strength she possessed, even while injured but a stray energy blast forced him to tackle her, knocking the woman out of harm's way.
She grunted as they hit the ground and he noticed that there was a thin trail of blood beginning from her mouth. Even as he examined her quickly he saw her brown eyes narrow and could literally feel the anger radiating off of her. She shrugged him off and stood unsteadily, her aura of anger growing and becoming visible as a halo of pure power.
Malachite rolled to his feet besides her, thinking to provide some protection for her when he heard her growl frighteningly. Even as he saw Sailor Mars and Jadeite freeze in his periphery he watched as for the merest instant the woman's silhouette was all that was visible of her as she was surrounded by light and feathers. A fraction of a second later and the woman had disappeared to be replaced by Sailor Moon.
"How dare you?" he heard her whisper hoarsely, "HOW DARE YOU?" Before any had the chance to react to her scream Sailor Moon unsheathed her rapier and pointed it at several youma who were gathering around Mars and Jadeite.
"MOONLIGHT REVOLUTION!"
A destructive beam of energy slashed, destroying the looming monstrosities as well as impacting into Mars and Jadeite with enough force to knock the pair off their feet. Malachite turned to the enraged Scout to reprimand her for her carelessness when she whipped her rapier to the side sending a razor sharp arc of light across the battle zone. Even from several metres distant Malachite could see both of his comrades pale as the light flashed across the room dismembering monsters as it travelled its savage path, passing several centimetres above where the pyrokinetic pair lay.
Malachite saw the youma touched by the arc of light dissolve into dust leaving three remaining stooges to continue or flee. Malachite quickly sent a burst of energy at one while Sailor Mars loosed a fireball from where she lay, setting the last two alight. Jadeite finished them, sending them careening into the nearest solid wall to collide with crushing force with a but a thought. Sailor Mars arose and began to stalk towards Sailor Moon with a very angry expression.
Malachite turned his attention away from Sailor Moon to inspect the vicinity, finding that the area was totally ruined. Chunks had been blasted out of the walls, pillars and furniture destroyed, the floor plowed up and the remains of four dozen youma scattered about. It all combined to give the impression of utter devastation, thinking this as he surveyed the scene he reflected that it was a miracle that no civilians had been caught in the crossfire or even injured seriously. Several people lay unconscious but as the youma were all destroyed the stolen energy would soon be returned to the victims and they would regain consciousness.
Thoughts of injured civilians in Malachite's mind suddenly gave way before recollection of one civilian who had been injured and instant comprehension of that civilian's identity. Malachite whirled to confirm that Sailor Moon was indeed returning to the pile of rubble he had helped unearth her from, where the still body of a child still lay.
"Selene..." he whispered and observing Sailor Mars' approach understood that a tirade from the fiery scout was not appropriate at the moment. He opened his mouth to silence her but it was too late.
"What in hell do you think you're doing? You almost killed us! You're a bloody menace, can't you aim? Do you understand that the Negaverse is the enemy not us?" Malachite caught Jadeite's eye and motioned to the small figure laying half buried in the dust. Understanding instantly the general moved to subdue his fuming lover while Malachite moved to Sailor Moon's side.
Sailor Moon bent to lift the last slab of cement and seeing her straining and her wounds beginning to bleed more freely Malachite rushed to help. He took the slab from her as she yanked it off of the child, gasping at it's weight, while Sailor Moon collapsed besides the child. Sailor Mars finally discovered the reason for Sailor Moon's behaviour and knelt slowly across from Sailor Moon while Jadeite moved to aid a struggling Malachite remove the slab.
The child's legs were crushed and her arm was bent at an unnatural angle. Blood mixed with dust to cover the child's face while it flowed freely from her mouth. Mars watched as Moon powered down instantly and without fanfare before she tenderly cupped the girl's cheek in her own bruised hand. Mars carefully laid her fingers on the child's neck. After a moment she looked across to the battered woman and shook her head, feeling both generals walk up behind her she forced herself to speak.
"I... I'm sorry... but she's... there's no... I'm sorry!"
"No... NO!" the three friends stared shocked as the battered woman drew back from the child and summoned a brilliant light to her hands. She placed one of the girl's forehead and the other on the child's chest and the light spread from her hands to Selene. The trio gasped as the light and the power behind it intensified, leaving all three of them breathless. As he watched the remarkable occurrence Malachite noticed Serena's face getting paler and more drawn and blood began to flow more freely from her cuts.
"Serena stop it!" he snapped, understanding the damage she was inflicting upon herself. "She's dead! There's no point in you following her," and he wrenched her away from the child's body but not before it shuddered and drew in a gasping breath.
The three warriors gaped in awe and as Malachite's grip went slack the battered woman tore herself from his hold and staggered to the coughing child. In the distance Malachite could hear sirens and their presence drew him out of the stupor he was in.
"Time to go," Jadeite quipped catching the drift of his superior's mind.
"What about them?" Sailor Mars motioned to where the two injured females held each other, "Are we just going to leave them?"
"No they're coming with us, they're both hurt too seriously to be left alone. Aside from that, bringing them back with us was the whole point of today's little excursion." Malachite answered as he gently prized Selene out of Serena's grasp. At her outraged cry he looked at her briefly before passing the child to Jadeite, "You're both coming with us, no arguments-"
"We are not-" Serena tried to stand but her legs gave out almost instantly, only Malachite's quick reflexes prevented her from hitting the floor hard.
"See? You can't even stand unaided. You're badly hurt and definitely need medical attention-"
"NO!"
Hearing the real panic in her voice he softened, "Sailor Mercury and Zoisite will see to your injuries but aside from them I wouldn't be surprised if you haven't slept in a month. Even under that grime I can see bruises beneath your eyes." He moved so that one of her arms was over his shoulder and placed his own arm around her waste. Before he moved he used his free hand to force her to look him in the face, "You need our help, it is our privilege and our pleasure, no burden. Please, if not for your sake then for Selene's..."
She turned away from him and he sighed, about to knock her unconscious when she turned back and mumbled, "I don't suppose one of you could dig up our stuff? Specifically my laptop?"
Malachite smiled in relief as he felt her rest her full weight upon him, "Mars, think you could handle that?"
The black haired scout smiled, nodded and threw a couple of fireballs at the pile. Malachite's smile turned into a small grin as he felt the woman in his arms flinch as the blazing orbs incinerated the rubble around her possessions. When her luggage was revealed unharmed her delighted smile surprised them all with its light.
"You're really good at that," she complimented the fiery scout.
Mars shrugged modestly before picking the laptop and knapsack up. "Practice makes wrinkles... or so his girlfriend always says," she nodded towards Malachite.
Serena looked towards him questioningly and he rolled his eyes as he swung her into his arms, "Don't ask me, I'm just an innocent male... Hey Jade, think you and Mars could combine to power up a teleport?"
The blonde general looked at his lover and the pair of them nodded. Malachite prepared himself as the other two gathered closer to him and the woman in his arms looked at the girl in his friend's arms in concern. Malachite smiled at her reassuringly as he accepted the energy the two pyromancers had gathered and began the teleport.
*****
Luna screeched in surprise as three figures appeared in the computer room. After a second look she realise that there were five figures not three and that two of the new arrivals were seriously injured.
"What on earth?" she exclaimed.
"Found 'em Luna," Jadeite explained to the startled guardian.
Luna just gaped until the taller form in Malachite's arms squirmed in his arms and Malachite gently helped her stand. "Better call the others back. Darien's going to want to know what happened and Amy and Zac need to check the pair of them out. Selene's OK now but Serena's still bleeding."
Luna nodded and glanced at the battered brunette in his arms for a long moment before turning to call the rest of the scouts and guards. While the cat recalled the other warriors Serena steadied herself with Malachite's help as they followed Jadeite and Mars as he carried Selene to a nearby bedroom. As they walked Serena cleared her throat and looked at Malachite out of the corner of her eye. He waited for her as she visibly braced herself and asked, "What exactly does Darien, Chiba I presume, have to do with all of you?"
Malachite's eyebrows rose and he answered, "He's our prince, Crown Prince Endymion of the Earth, and our leader Tuxedo Mask..."
"Oh just kill me now," he heard her mutter.
His eyebrows disappeared in his hair, "I take it you didn't know?" he took her sour glance as an affirmative, "He doesn't bite you know... you both seemed to get along while you were skating this morning."
"So that was him?" she asked as if hoping for a negative but having her hopes dashed by his nod, "Well I wasn't sure if it was and he didn't know it was me otherwise I wouldn't have... oh just kill me. Why couldn't you have left me under all that cement? I don't suppose there's any chance you could neglect to mention my presence to him is there?"
"I'm afraid not," Malachite answered wryly, wondering at her sudden levity as Jadeite placed the battered girl on a large bed. Sailor Mars place the bags she was carrying beside the bed and the pair left the room quietly. Malachite observed as Serena watched the child, motionless and broke the silence, speaking softly, "You should rest, Mercury and Zoisite will be back shortly and they'll see to your wounds. I'd advise as little movement as possible as you're still bleeding-"
"I'll be fine-"
"No you won't!" he snapped harshly before taking a breath and continuing in a softer voice, "As I told you before even I can tell that you're on your last legs, take it easy and when Mercury gets here you will let her treat you,"
"I'm not stupid Malachite, I know that I need help, otherwise I'd never have come, how about I take a shower to get this muck off so Sailor Mercury can actually see the cuts? No exertion, just a relaxing hot shower?"
He looked at her suspiciously, her previous humour and current stoicism striking a sour note to his thinking. She returned his look with one of weariness and indifference and he nodded slowly and pointed to the other side of the room, "There's a connecting bathroom through there," suddenly he powered down, back into his civilian identity, "And you may as well just call me Marcus."
She nodded and stared at him, he returned her gaze blankly and she sighed tiredly, "You don't have to stay."
"It's Ok, besides she shouldn't be left alone-" he replied.
"OK let me put it this way, leave us alone!" he looked at her, startled and she sighed again, "Look blame it on my nerves if you want. No offence but for all that I'm forced to trust you I don't know you and you're making me edgy, put it down to being by myself for too long. She's fine, trust me. You can get your Sailor Mercury to check her out when she gets here but I boosted her recuperative abilities beyond even the standards of a Lunarian. Give her a couple of hours and you'll never know that she almost died tonight." He looked unconvinced and she tried again, "Look she'll be fine, I'll be fine-" Malachite looked cynically at her and she unconsciously sniffed, trying to stop her nose from bleeding again, "OK I'm a bit bruised but I'll survive until your friends can patch me up. Until then grant me some privacy... please?"
She smiled as he nodded and left the room. As the door closed behind him she collapsed on the bed, exhaustion and wounds getting the better of her again. She turned her head to look at the child sleeping peacefully beside her and was relieved to see that the cuts and scrapes on her face were fading visibly. The grime and dirt causing her to itch all over, Serena gathered her strength and sat up. She reached to where Sailor Mars had lay her bags and tugged the knapsack closer. She retrieved the case for her coloured contacts from a side pocket and it was with considerable relief that she removed them. Rooting through the knapsack she found that dust pervaded the bag, most of the clothing was little improvement over what she was already wearing. She found a relatively clean pair of jeans and some underwear but her shirts were a total loss.
Unwilling to shower only to don filthy clothing she looked around the room, hoping for a wardrobe or something similar. The room had a minimum of decoration and ornamentation but was obviously not unused as small personal items could be seen. Her first thought as she surveyed the room was that its normal occupant was a neat freak but such musings were forgotten as she noticed the walk in closet. Dragging herself up she limped to the closet still carrying her clothes and opened it up. Finding an assortment of men's clothing she assumed that she was in the bedroom of one of the generals, one of the taller ones. She picked out a plain white shirt that would reach her knees and hobbled to the bathroom.
As she let the stream of hot water wash away the accumulated filth of the past hour she leaned against the wall trying not to let her exhaustion get the better of her. She needed to plan her next move and falling asleep would only leave her vulnerable to nightmares, or drowning. Still her thoughts wandered and as she lathered the soap they moved to mull over the pale scars on her wrists.
Her Lunarian blood, for all that she denied it, provided her with many advantages, not least of which was her regenerative attributes. Under normal circumstances she would heal without a scar from even the most grievous of injuries, if she could survive it then it would heal with out a trace. The scars which had resulted from her abortive suicide attempt, however, remained and four years later looked the same as when she'd left her royal mother's sanctuary. The silver weals trailed along her wrists, shimmering against her pale skin eerily and were normally covered by the long sleeves she affected.
She smoothed the lather over them, acknowledging the mental scars they represented. She hadn't needed Queen Serenity to know that as long as they remained she was still in need of psychic healing. Serena was well aware that it was only Selene which prevented her from just giving up and dying. Until her kidnapping Selene had invigorated her, with the girl Serena saw the wonder and joy in life just as she had when she was a child. Leni's abduction had ended that, reminding her how cruel the world could be and had crushing the tendrils of content she had managed to gather. That day's events had only driven that realisation home harder. Maybe Selene might be able to have a normal life but as things were it was unfeasible.
Serena rinsed herself off with cold water, a sudden resolve beginning in her. The cold water shocked her tired mind into a little more awareness, she stepped out of the shower and was instantly startled by the appearance of a black cat. Her shock was contagious and Luna lept into the air as the woman shrieked. They stared at each other, wide eyed for a few moments as they waited for their hearts to resume more sedate paces.
"Luna? What on earth are you doing here?" Serena yelped.
Luna shook herself and sat down out of the way as Serena reached for a towel and wrapped it around herself. When she could trust herself to speak she said wryly, "I'm glad to see you haven't changed too much, still loud and asking redundant questions."
"Huh?" Serena grunted, still trying to calm down her battle trained nerves and reflecting that the guardian was extremely lucky that she hadn't been vapourised after that stunt. She was wound way too tight.
"I mean aside from the fact that I was in the control room with you when you arrived I am well aware that you were informed that Darien is in residence here. If Darien is here than so am I, you yourself teamed us up, remember?"
"That's not what I meant Luna!" the woman replied sharply, "I was referring to the fact that I was in the shower, why are you in here? Afraid I'll faint and drown myself?" reading Luna's chagrined expression she groaned, "You were? Oh man, come on!"
"Well can you blame me?" Luna retorted testily, "I mean you make a brief appearance two days ago in which you get eaten, you make another short appearance this morning and vanish as if the entire Negaverse were after you and now you show up looking like death! Of course I'm worried about you!" Luna looked her up and down, examining the bruises, the cuts and scrapes, the shadows under her eyes, the weariness apparent in her stance and then she noticed the scars. "What on earth-?" she began and Serena realising what she was looking at lost her temper.
"That's it! Out! I want complete and utter privacy! You will leave this room and the bedroom as well, then you will inform the rest of your merry men that they will all stay out until I let them in!" Serena began to hustle the cat out wrapped only in a towel. As she was about to open the bedroom door for Luna the knob turned and a blonde woman peeked in.
"Oh you're out! That's great, I'll get Amy and Zac to check you out, you look like you need it. Darien's not back yet but I'll send him in as soon as his team returns-" the woman gushed cheerfully.
Serena ignored her and picked Luna up, shoved her into the blonde's arms and shut the door in their faces. She leaned against it, revelling in her solitude and enjoying the outraged squawks that could be heard through the door. They faded after a couple of moments and Serena straightened, confident that she was safe from more interlopers for a short while but locked the door anyway. As she moved a wetness at her side made her look down and swear inaudibly. Her exertions had caused several of her wounds to begin bleeding once more. She used the towel to staunch them as best she could and returned to the bathroom.
Discarding the bloodied cloth she dressed a fast as she was able in her handicapped state and returned to the bedroom. Moving so that she stood over the sleeping form of her daughter she reminded herself of what was at risk. Gathering the resolve that Luna's interview had scattered, yet had strengthened also, she brushed hair away from Selene's face. Bending painfully she kissed the girl's forehead and watched as Selene slowly opened her eyes.
"Mama?" she whispered drowsily.
"Yeah sweety-" Serena murmured.
"Sorry Mama, I forgot t'call you 'ntie Reen'," the child muttered as she tried to think through the grogginess of sudden awakening and induced healing.
"That's OK rat, I just wanted to give you something and then you can go back to sleep," Serena made a fist with her right hand and when she opened it a small sphere rested on her palm. Gesturing with her left hand she retrieved the brooch she'd been given so many years ago from her sub space pocket and opened it up. She placed the crystal inside and closed it. As she placed it the child's hands she whispered, "Keep this safe, don't give it away to anyone... Remember that I'll always love you. Always." Selene's eyes closed again and Serena smiled when she noticed how easily the girl was breathing and how good her colour was.
She returned to the bathroom and climbed onto the basin, grunting as her battered body protested the new abuse. She shoved at the small window placed high in the room for ventilation muttering as it gave way reluctantly. As soon as she had opened it as far as she was able she began to squeeze herself through it. Tears formed in her eyes at the pain she inflicted upon herself and she felt the window's edges grow slick and sticky with her blood. A last effort sent her tumbling, falling to the ground and rolling on impact.
She lay still for a moment, the pain overcoming her. Her inability to ride the agony and remain unaffected by it reminded her that she was running on fumes. Her reserves were exhausted and a kitten could probably overpower her but she had the strength to do what was necessary. She had to. She levered herself off of the ground and slowly looked around. She was kneeling amidst several rose bushes and she carefully raised her head above them to investigate her surroundings. Seeing that the bushes were located near the street she arose to her feet and reached into her sub space pocket. She fingered the disguise pen and moments later a healthy blonde youth was swaggering down the street.
*****
Amy Mizuno rattled the door knob and looked to Marcus and Mina helplessly. The silver haired man growled and gently pushed Amy out of the way. He drew his wallet out of his pocket and selected his Mastercard. Handing his wallet to his lover he turned to the door and after less than a minute of tampering the door swung open. The trio rushed into the room to find it empty except for the sleeping child on the bed.
While Amy checked on the child and Mina watched Marcus stalked over to the bathroom and seeing the door slightly ajar pushed it. It swung open with no resistance and Marcus peered in, apprehension beginning to grow. Moments later his sulphurous expletives echoed loudly through the two rooms as he rushed out of the bathroom and then through the bedroom door. Mina left Amy to her examination and went to investigate what was amiss. Her gasp was loud enough that Amy heard her and was drawn to join her. Her face paled as she, too, saw the window with rivulets of blood running from it down the wall.
Marcus heard Jason growl under his breath and silently agreed with his friend's sentiments, this was a wild goose chase. Serena could be anywhere in this mob, she might not even be here. Marcus saw Raye place her hand on Jason's arm causing Jason to calm down and hid a smile, usually it was Jason's place to soothe her.
Marcus used his superior height to do another quick sweep of the crowd around them, not really expecting that he'd be able to pick either Serena or Selene out from the crowd. For a moment he thought wistfully of Darien's earliest description of Serena, she had blonde hair. Amidst all these Asians a blonde would have been easy to spot but the little wretch had to go and die her hair black, the same colour as a thousand other people in the wretched terminal.
"Bloody Meatball Head... bloody wild goose chase... bloody Darien... bloody lovesick twit... Ngngngngng..."
Marcus' eyes widened as he heard Raye's frustrated voice trail off into incoherency. In the corner of his eye he could see Jason nodding vigorously to her grumbled tirade, Raye's temper had finally gotten the better of her. Marcus spent a brief moment praying to whatever powers listened that Serena had chosen one of the other airports, if Raye found her in this mood then World War III was starting today.
Marcus' gaze moved out to the throng once more, mindful of the reason he was spending his afternoon off in a crowded terminal, bored out of his mind. Suddenly his attention was jerked back to his companions as Raye stiffened in shock beside him. His head whipped around to face her and he saw her face pale drastically as Jason reached to steady her.
"The Negaverse... they're here..." she stammered looking around wildly.
Marcus and his fellow general joined the woman scanning the crowd for a less benign entity than previously. Marcus motioned for the other two to split up so that they could cover more ground and pulled his communicator out of his pocket. He was about to send out an 'allcall' when all hell broke loose.
Several ordinary looking business threw down their briefcases and expanded, bursting out of their expensive suits and metamorphosing into monstrosities. The three warriors present immediately searched out a area of privacy to transform but even that brief hesitation cost them. One of the youma tore a segment of the wall down and tossed it into the crowd, crushing several figures. As if that was their cue the other monsters burst into motion, seizing bystanders and draining them of their energy only to fling them aside as they were sucked dry.
"Transform now!" Marcus barked, "No one'll notice and we can't wait any longer."
He didn't wait to see if they obeyed instead he triggered his own transformation into Malachite, first general of the Earth Guard. Instants later Sailor Mars and Jadeite stepped beside him awaiting his instructions.
"Jadeite, the green one's yours, Mars you've got the purple one. Finish 'em off and work your way inwards," his commands shot out as he moved to face his first opponent.
The youma was twice again Malachite's height and just as broad. It was a generic kind of monster, no special attributes to make it stand out from any of a thousand other Negaverse denizens that Malachite had fought before. Malachite shot a quick bolt of energy at it and while it reeled from the blast he halved it with a magically enhanced sword stroke. While it's dusty remains drifted to the floor Malachite began shouting for people to get out the way.
Those civilians still conscious began to stream past him obeying his directives in a panicked rush. Seeing that the people seemed to have woken up and started listening to their instincts for self preservation Malachite turned his attention to the next youma. He had heard Sailor Mars' war cry and seen a fireball fry an ugly lavender creature with six arms. Nor had he failed to observe the two youma flying overhead to connect with enough force to flatten the pair of them courtesy of Jadeite's telekinesis. However as he faced off with his next adversary he focused all of his attention on the battle ahead.
While ducking and dodging razor edged whips Malachite noticed that two more of the infernal beasts were creeping up behind him, preparing to launch a surprise attack. Gathering himself he lept moments before an energy beam shot through the spot he had occupied only moments before to go on to pierce the youma with the whips. While it doubled over in pain Malachite performed a slight twist midair, landing with his back to the injured youma and facing the two ambushers.
Minutes later Malachite was tiring radically and the first youma had recovered enough to rejoin the battle while he had only disposed of one of his new attackers. A weak energy blast destroyed the injured youma while a lucky sword stroke maimed the third seriously enough that it backed of for a moment. Using this breathing space to look around and assess the situation Malachite noticed Mars and Jadeite teaming up to heard five youma into a close group. Even as he watched he saw the deadly pair combine attacks to eradicate the clutch of monsters.
Malachite returned his attention to the injured creature in front of him long enough to finish it off. Three more quickly took its place, probably thinking that by himself he was an easier target than the two pyromancers who raged together. He was up to the challenge they represented but even as he destroyed his fifth youma of the battle he automatically counted the enemy remaining. The resulting numbers were disturbing, there were more creatures from the Negaverse than even the three of them could handle. They were low energy monsters, obviously on an energy gathering mission but they odds were on their side.
Malachite tried to manoeuvre himself to a clear area were he could hold the youma off long enough to call for help. He found himself backed against the pile of rubble that had been created at the very start of the battle. Malachite reached for his communicator but forgot all about it as some large chunks of cement moved. Realising that civilians had indeed been caught in the first offence Malachite began to shift the rubble hoping that the buried individual was alone, he did not have the time to dig a half a dozen people out of the wreckage while four times that many youma were on the loose.
Reaching a particularly large piece of debris Malachite heaved and it shifted to reveal two forms, one obviously a child. The smaller form was ominously still while the larger began to stir as soon as the weight of cement had been removed. Malachite was about to aid the adult, a woman, to free herself from the rest of the wreckage when she forestalled him by dragging herself out from underneath the heavy mass. He would have liked to gape at the strength she possessed, even while injured but a stray energy blast forced him to tackle her, knocking the woman out of harm's way.
She grunted as they hit the ground and he noticed that there was a thin trail of blood beginning from her mouth. Even as he examined her quickly he saw her brown eyes narrow and could literally feel the anger radiating off of her. She shrugged him off and stood unsteadily, her aura of anger growing and becoming visible as a halo of pure power.
Malachite rolled to his feet besides her, thinking to provide some protection for her when he heard her growl frighteningly. Even as he saw Sailor Mars and Jadeite freeze in his periphery he watched as for the merest instant the woman's silhouette was all that was visible of her as she was surrounded by light and feathers. A fraction of a second later and the woman had disappeared to be replaced by Sailor Moon.
"How dare you?" he heard her whisper hoarsely, "HOW DARE YOU?" Before any had the chance to react to her scream Sailor Moon unsheathed her rapier and pointed it at several youma who were gathering around Mars and Jadeite.
"MOONLIGHT REVOLUTION!"
A destructive beam of energy slashed, destroying the looming monstrosities as well as impacting into Mars and Jadeite with enough force to knock the pair off their feet. Malachite turned to the enraged Scout to reprimand her for her carelessness when she whipped her rapier to the side sending a razor sharp arc of light across the battle zone. Even from several metres distant Malachite could see both of his comrades pale as the light flashed across the room dismembering monsters as it travelled its savage path, passing several centimetres above where the pyrokinetic pair lay.
Malachite saw the youma touched by the arc of light dissolve into dust leaving three remaining stooges to continue or flee. Malachite quickly sent a burst of energy at one while Sailor Mars loosed a fireball from where she lay, setting the last two alight. Jadeite finished them, sending them careening into the nearest solid wall to collide with crushing force with a but a thought. Sailor Mars arose and began to stalk towards Sailor Moon with a very angry expression.
Malachite turned his attention away from Sailor Moon to inspect the vicinity, finding that the area was totally ruined. Chunks had been blasted out of the walls, pillars and furniture destroyed, the floor plowed up and the remains of four dozen youma scattered about. It all combined to give the impression of utter devastation, thinking this as he surveyed the scene he reflected that it was a miracle that no civilians had been caught in the crossfire or even injured seriously. Several people lay unconscious but as the youma were all destroyed the stolen energy would soon be returned to the victims and they would regain consciousness.
Thoughts of injured civilians in Malachite's mind suddenly gave way before recollection of one civilian who had been injured and instant comprehension of that civilian's identity. Malachite whirled to confirm that Sailor Moon was indeed returning to the pile of rubble he had helped unearth her from, where the still body of a child still lay.
"Selene..." he whispered and observing Sailor Mars' approach understood that a tirade from the fiery scout was not appropriate at the moment. He opened his mouth to silence her but it was too late.
"What in hell do you think you're doing? You almost killed us! You're a bloody menace, can't you aim? Do you understand that the Negaverse is the enemy not us?" Malachite caught Jadeite's eye and motioned to the small figure laying half buried in the dust. Understanding instantly the general moved to subdue his fuming lover while Malachite moved to Sailor Moon's side.
Sailor Moon bent to lift the last slab of cement and seeing her straining and her wounds beginning to bleed more freely Malachite rushed to help. He took the slab from her as she yanked it off of the child, gasping at it's weight, while Sailor Moon collapsed besides the child. Sailor Mars finally discovered the reason for Sailor Moon's behaviour and knelt slowly across from Sailor Moon while Jadeite moved to aid a struggling Malachite remove the slab.
The child's legs were crushed and her arm was bent at an unnatural angle. Blood mixed with dust to cover the child's face while it flowed freely from her mouth. Mars watched as Moon powered down instantly and without fanfare before she tenderly cupped the girl's cheek in her own bruised hand. Mars carefully laid her fingers on the child's neck. After a moment she looked across to the battered woman and shook her head, feeling both generals walk up behind her she forced herself to speak.
"I... I'm sorry... but she's... there's no... I'm sorry!"
"No... NO!" the three friends stared shocked as the battered woman drew back from the child and summoned a brilliant light to her hands. She placed one of the girl's forehead and the other on the child's chest and the light spread from her hands to Selene. The trio gasped as the light and the power behind it intensified, leaving all three of them breathless. As he watched the remarkable occurrence Malachite noticed Serena's face getting paler and more drawn and blood began to flow more freely from her cuts.
"Serena stop it!" he snapped, understanding the damage she was inflicting upon herself. "She's dead! There's no point in you following her," and he wrenched her away from the child's body but not before it shuddered and drew in a gasping breath.
The three warriors gaped in awe and as Malachite's grip went slack the battered woman tore herself from his hold and staggered to the coughing child. In the distance Malachite could hear sirens and their presence drew him out of the stupor he was in.
"Time to go," Jadeite quipped catching the drift of his superior's mind.
"What about them?" Sailor Mars motioned to where the two injured females held each other, "Are we just going to leave them?"
"No they're coming with us, they're both hurt too seriously to be left alone. Aside from that, bringing them back with us was the whole point of today's little excursion." Malachite answered as he gently prized Selene out of Serena's grasp. At her outraged cry he looked at her briefly before passing the child to Jadeite, "You're both coming with us, no arguments-"
"We are not-" Serena tried to stand but her legs gave out almost instantly, only Malachite's quick reflexes prevented her from hitting the floor hard.
"See? You can't even stand unaided. You're badly hurt and definitely need medical attention-"
"NO!"
Hearing the real panic in her voice he softened, "Sailor Mercury and Zoisite will see to your injuries but aside from them I wouldn't be surprised if you haven't slept in a month. Even under that grime I can see bruises beneath your eyes." He moved so that one of her arms was over his shoulder and placed his own arm around her waste. Before he moved he used his free hand to force her to look him in the face, "You need our help, it is our privilege and our pleasure, no burden. Please, if not for your sake then for Selene's..."
She turned away from him and he sighed, about to knock her unconscious when she turned back and mumbled, "I don't suppose one of you could dig up our stuff? Specifically my laptop?"
Malachite smiled in relief as he felt her rest her full weight upon him, "Mars, think you could handle that?"
The black haired scout smiled, nodded and threw a couple of fireballs at the pile. Malachite's smile turned into a small grin as he felt the woman in his arms flinch as the blazing orbs incinerated the rubble around her possessions. When her luggage was revealed unharmed her delighted smile surprised them all with its light.
"You're really good at that," she complimented the fiery scout.
Mars shrugged modestly before picking the laptop and knapsack up. "Practice makes wrinkles... or so his girlfriend always says," she nodded towards Malachite.
Serena looked towards him questioningly and he rolled his eyes as he swung her into his arms, "Don't ask me, I'm just an innocent male... Hey Jade, think you and Mars could combine to power up a teleport?"
The blonde general looked at his lover and the pair of them nodded. Malachite prepared himself as the other two gathered closer to him and the woman in his arms looked at the girl in his friend's arms in concern. Malachite smiled at her reassuringly as he accepted the energy the two pyromancers had gathered and began the teleport.
*****
Luna screeched in surprise as three figures appeared in the computer room. After a second look she realise that there were five figures not three and that two of the new arrivals were seriously injured.
"What on earth?" she exclaimed.
"Found 'em Luna," Jadeite explained to the startled guardian.
Luna just gaped until the taller form in Malachite's arms squirmed in his arms and Malachite gently helped her stand. "Better call the others back. Darien's going to want to know what happened and Amy and Zac need to check the pair of them out. Selene's OK now but Serena's still bleeding."
Luna nodded and glanced at the battered brunette in his arms for a long moment before turning to call the rest of the scouts and guards. While the cat recalled the other warriors Serena steadied herself with Malachite's help as they followed Jadeite and Mars as he carried Selene to a nearby bedroom. As they walked Serena cleared her throat and looked at Malachite out of the corner of her eye. He waited for her as she visibly braced herself and asked, "What exactly does Darien, Chiba I presume, have to do with all of you?"
Malachite's eyebrows rose and he answered, "He's our prince, Crown Prince Endymion of the Earth, and our leader Tuxedo Mask..."
"Oh just kill me now," he heard her mutter.
His eyebrows disappeared in his hair, "I take it you didn't know?" he took her sour glance as an affirmative, "He doesn't bite you know... you both seemed to get along while you were skating this morning."
"So that was him?" she asked as if hoping for a negative but having her hopes dashed by his nod, "Well I wasn't sure if it was and he didn't know it was me otherwise I wouldn't have... oh just kill me. Why couldn't you have left me under all that cement? I don't suppose there's any chance you could neglect to mention my presence to him is there?"
"I'm afraid not," Malachite answered wryly, wondering at her sudden levity as Jadeite placed the battered girl on a large bed. Sailor Mars place the bags she was carrying beside the bed and the pair left the room quietly. Malachite observed as Serena watched the child, motionless and broke the silence, speaking softly, "You should rest, Mercury and Zoisite will be back shortly and they'll see to your wounds. I'd advise as little movement as possible as you're still bleeding-"
"I'll be fine-"
"No you won't!" he snapped harshly before taking a breath and continuing in a softer voice, "As I told you before even I can tell that you're on your last legs, take it easy and when Mercury gets here you will let her treat you,"
"I'm not stupid Malachite, I know that I need help, otherwise I'd never have come, how about I take a shower to get this muck off so Sailor Mercury can actually see the cuts? No exertion, just a relaxing hot shower?"
He looked at her suspiciously, her previous humour and current stoicism striking a sour note to his thinking. She returned his look with one of weariness and indifference and he nodded slowly and pointed to the other side of the room, "There's a connecting bathroom through there," suddenly he powered down, back into his civilian identity, "And you may as well just call me Marcus."
She nodded and stared at him, he returned her gaze blankly and she sighed tiredly, "You don't have to stay."
"It's Ok, besides she shouldn't be left alone-" he replied.
"OK let me put it this way, leave us alone!" he looked at her, startled and she sighed again, "Look blame it on my nerves if you want. No offence but for all that I'm forced to trust you I don't know you and you're making me edgy, put it down to being by myself for too long. She's fine, trust me. You can get your Sailor Mercury to check her out when she gets here but I boosted her recuperative abilities beyond even the standards of a Lunarian. Give her a couple of hours and you'll never know that she almost died tonight." He looked unconvinced and she tried again, "Look she'll be fine, I'll be fine-" Malachite looked cynically at her and she unconsciously sniffed, trying to stop her nose from bleeding again, "OK I'm a bit bruised but I'll survive until your friends can patch me up. Until then grant me some privacy... please?"
She smiled as he nodded and left the room. As the door closed behind him she collapsed on the bed, exhaustion and wounds getting the better of her again. She turned her head to look at the child sleeping peacefully beside her and was relieved to see that the cuts and scrapes on her face were fading visibly. The grime and dirt causing her to itch all over, Serena gathered her strength and sat up. She reached to where Sailor Mars had lay her bags and tugged the knapsack closer. She retrieved the case for her coloured contacts from a side pocket and it was with considerable relief that she removed them. Rooting through the knapsack she found that dust pervaded the bag, most of the clothing was little improvement over what she was already wearing. She found a relatively clean pair of jeans and some underwear but her shirts were a total loss.
Unwilling to shower only to don filthy clothing she looked around the room, hoping for a wardrobe or something similar. The room had a minimum of decoration and ornamentation but was obviously not unused as small personal items could be seen. Her first thought as she surveyed the room was that its normal occupant was a neat freak but such musings were forgotten as she noticed the walk in closet. Dragging herself up she limped to the closet still carrying her clothes and opened it up. Finding an assortment of men's clothing she assumed that she was in the bedroom of one of the generals, one of the taller ones. She picked out a plain white shirt that would reach her knees and hobbled to the bathroom.
As she let the stream of hot water wash away the accumulated filth of the past hour she leaned against the wall trying not to let her exhaustion get the better of her. She needed to plan her next move and falling asleep would only leave her vulnerable to nightmares, or drowning. Still her thoughts wandered and as she lathered the soap they moved to mull over the pale scars on her wrists.
Her Lunarian blood, for all that she denied it, provided her with many advantages, not least of which was her regenerative attributes. Under normal circumstances she would heal without a scar from even the most grievous of injuries, if she could survive it then it would heal with out a trace. The scars which had resulted from her abortive suicide attempt, however, remained and four years later looked the same as when she'd left her royal mother's sanctuary. The silver weals trailed along her wrists, shimmering against her pale skin eerily and were normally covered by the long sleeves she affected.
She smoothed the lather over them, acknowledging the mental scars they represented. She hadn't needed Queen Serenity to know that as long as they remained she was still in need of psychic healing. Serena was well aware that it was only Selene which prevented her from just giving up and dying. Until her kidnapping Selene had invigorated her, with the girl Serena saw the wonder and joy in life just as she had when she was a child. Leni's abduction had ended that, reminding her how cruel the world could be and had crushing the tendrils of content she had managed to gather. That day's events had only driven that realisation home harder. Maybe Selene might be able to have a normal life but as things were it was unfeasible.
Serena rinsed herself off with cold water, a sudden resolve beginning in her. The cold water shocked her tired mind into a little more awareness, she stepped out of the shower and was instantly startled by the appearance of a black cat. Her shock was contagious and Luna lept into the air as the woman shrieked. They stared at each other, wide eyed for a few moments as they waited for their hearts to resume more sedate paces.
"Luna? What on earth are you doing here?" Serena yelped.
Luna shook herself and sat down out of the way as Serena reached for a towel and wrapped it around herself. When she could trust herself to speak she said wryly, "I'm glad to see you haven't changed too much, still loud and asking redundant questions."
"Huh?" Serena grunted, still trying to calm down her battle trained nerves and reflecting that the guardian was extremely lucky that she hadn't been vapourised after that stunt. She was wound way too tight.
"I mean aside from the fact that I was in the control room with you when you arrived I am well aware that you were informed that Darien is in residence here. If Darien is here than so am I, you yourself teamed us up, remember?"
"That's not what I meant Luna!" the woman replied sharply, "I was referring to the fact that I was in the shower, why are you in here? Afraid I'll faint and drown myself?" reading Luna's chagrined expression she groaned, "You were? Oh man, come on!"
"Well can you blame me?" Luna retorted testily, "I mean you make a brief appearance two days ago in which you get eaten, you make another short appearance this morning and vanish as if the entire Negaverse were after you and now you show up looking like death! Of course I'm worried about you!" Luna looked her up and down, examining the bruises, the cuts and scrapes, the shadows under her eyes, the weariness apparent in her stance and then she noticed the scars. "What on earth-?" she began and Serena realising what she was looking at lost her temper.
"That's it! Out! I want complete and utter privacy! You will leave this room and the bedroom as well, then you will inform the rest of your merry men that they will all stay out until I let them in!" Serena began to hustle the cat out wrapped only in a towel. As she was about to open the bedroom door for Luna the knob turned and a blonde woman peeked in.
"Oh you're out! That's great, I'll get Amy and Zac to check you out, you look like you need it. Darien's not back yet but I'll send him in as soon as his team returns-" the woman gushed cheerfully.
Serena ignored her and picked Luna up, shoved her into the blonde's arms and shut the door in their faces. She leaned against it, revelling in her solitude and enjoying the outraged squawks that could be heard through the door. They faded after a couple of moments and Serena straightened, confident that she was safe from more interlopers for a short while but locked the door anyway. As she moved a wetness at her side made her look down and swear inaudibly. Her exertions had caused several of her wounds to begin bleeding once more. She used the towel to staunch them as best she could and returned to the bathroom.
Discarding the bloodied cloth she dressed a fast as she was able in her handicapped state and returned to the bedroom. Moving so that she stood over the sleeping form of her daughter she reminded herself of what was at risk. Gathering the resolve that Luna's interview had scattered, yet had strengthened also, she brushed hair away from Selene's face. Bending painfully she kissed the girl's forehead and watched as Selene slowly opened her eyes.
"Mama?" she whispered drowsily.
"Yeah sweety-" Serena murmured.
"Sorry Mama, I forgot t'call you 'ntie Reen'," the child muttered as she tried to think through the grogginess of sudden awakening and induced healing.
"That's OK rat, I just wanted to give you something and then you can go back to sleep," Serena made a fist with her right hand and when she opened it a small sphere rested on her palm. Gesturing with her left hand she retrieved the brooch she'd been given so many years ago from her sub space pocket and opened it up. She placed the crystal inside and closed it. As she placed it the child's hands she whispered, "Keep this safe, don't give it away to anyone... Remember that I'll always love you. Always." Selene's eyes closed again and Serena smiled when she noticed how easily the girl was breathing and how good her colour was.
She returned to the bathroom and climbed onto the basin, grunting as her battered body protested the new abuse. She shoved at the small window placed high in the room for ventilation muttering as it gave way reluctantly. As soon as she had opened it as far as she was able she began to squeeze herself through it. Tears formed in her eyes at the pain she inflicted upon herself and she felt the window's edges grow slick and sticky with her blood. A last effort sent her tumbling, falling to the ground and rolling on impact.
She lay still for a moment, the pain overcoming her. Her inability to ride the agony and remain unaffected by it reminded her that she was running on fumes. Her reserves were exhausted and a kitten could probably overpower her but she had the strength to do what was necessary. She had to. She levered herself off of the ground and slowly looked around. She was kneeling amidst several rose bushes and she carefully raised her head above them to investigate her surroundings. Seeing that the bushes were located near the street she arose to her feet and reached into her sub space pocket. She fingered the disguise pen and moments later a healthy blonde youth was swaggering down the street.
*****
Amy Mizuno rattled the door knob and looked to Marcus and Mina helplessly. The silver haired man growled and gently pushed Amy out of the way. He drew his wallet out of his pocket and selected his Mastercard. Handing his wallet to his lover he turned to the door and after less than a minute of tampering the door swung open. The trio rushed into the room to find it empty except for the sleeping child on the bed.
While Amy checked on the child and Mina watched Marcus stalked over to the bathroom and seeing the door slightly ajar pushed it. It swung open with no resistance and Marcus peered in, apprehension beginning to grow. Moments later his sulphurous expletives echoed loudly through the two rooms as he rushed out of the bathroom and then through the bedroom door. Mina left Amy to her examination and went to investigate what was amiss. Her gasp was loud enough that Amy heard her and was drawn to join her. Her face paled as she, too, saw the window with rivulets of blood running from it down the wall.