"Why would you want to know about the Silver Millennium, Young Master?"

Brother Darklight Sunfire, the tall, grave minister of the Abbey of the Holy Gatherer, Protestant Reformist Church of Zephyrus, chief advisor to the Most Righteous Lady Nagaiwakai Moroboshi, gazes at his mistress' grandson and his lover over a private communications link to Lum's scoutship over Tomobiki. "You actually know what they were, Brother Sunfire?" Ataru wonders. "The Sailor Senshi, I mean."

"If the stories of their resurrection are true, they are the reborn crown princess of the Silver Millennium and her personal troop of bodyguards, all of whom were killed when the Moon Kingdom and her allies, the central elements of the Silver Millennium, were destroyed a thousand years ago."

"Who destroyed it?" Lum wonders. "I've never even heard of this Silver Millennium, not even on Uru."

"You would not have, Miss Lum, because it is a secret shared only by the Holy Republic and the Seifukusu Dominion," Brother Sunfire shakes his head.

The Oni tenses on hearing the name of her race's ancient conquerors. "A thousand years ago, the Silver Millennium were friends and allies to the Dominion," Brother Sunfire begins. "Before you judge them prematurely, let me remind you that this was the time of the Dominion's Renaissance, when great reforms were begun in hopes of turning the Dominion from its feudal past into a modern intergalactic state. The influence of the Silver Millennium was a large factor in the early success of that reform movement."

"But given the Dominion's nature, it was easy for others...to disapprove of such reforms," Lum shudders.

"Exactly," the Zephyrite monk grimly nods. "One particular House, who controlled territory closest to this star system, believed the Silver Millennium's influence on the Dominion was too great. Its Mage...Beryl, I believe her name was...launched a war...and in one decisive campaign, destroyed the Millennium and most of her colonies, save the one on Neptune."

Lum's eyes widen. "And?!" Ataru prods.

"The other reformist Houses, incensed at such an act, pressured the Magate Round to banish that House, strip it of name, title and possessions. While the exact circumstances are unclear, those Houses launched a brutal strike against Beryl's House. The war was fierce, nearly destroying the Dominion economically, but they succeeded in banishing Beryl's House, supposedly into another dimension."

Ataru and Lum exchange looks. "Then...the Dark Kingdom the Senshi are now fighting...is the last remnants of that House!"

"Exactly," Brother Sunfire nods. "Is there anything else?"

"No, that's enough," Lum smiles. "We're going to meet the Senshi later to help them fight these monsters. Thanks, Brother Sunfire!"

The communications link is shut down. Brother Sunfire sighs, staring at the pastoral scene of Nagaiwakai's farm. Beside him, his fellow monks stare expectantly at their leader. "To believe that the final act in the Dominion's Great Schism is now being played here," one cleric muses.

"What do you intend to do, Brother Darklight?" another asks.

He sighs. "This information must be passed to the Magate Round."

"What?!" the others exclaim.

"It is only just," Brother Sunfire reminds them. "A millennium ago, had not the House With No Name rebelled, the Dominion would have evolved into a more benign entity, instead of the monster which later ravaged worlds such as Uru and Neptune. The effects of their Great Schism are felt to this day. It would be only right that the Dominion should be given the chance to obtain a sense of closure concerning those dark days."

The others solemnly nod...

* * *

"Lonely They Who Guard..."
a crossover tale of the Sailor Senshi and The Senior Year
by Fred Herriot
fherriot@yahoo.com
**** **** ****
edited by E.B. Kushnir
kush1@iaw.on.ca
**** **** ****
Based on "Sailor Moon," created by Naoko Takeuchi and "Urusei Yatsura - The Senior Year," created by Fred Herriot and Mike Smith, in turn based on "Urusei Yatsura," created by Rumiko Takahashi.
**** **** ****

IN THE SECOND PART OF "LONELY THEY WHO GUARD..." Naru dreams of becoming the last Sailor Senshi, Sailor Terra, so she could always remain at Usagi's side. Chibi-Usa visits from the future to encourage her mother's friend, despite Sailor Pluto's attempt to stop her. Meanwhile, Sailor Mercury and Sailor Jupiter visit Tomobiki to learn more about the Tarouzakura and the Spirit War. It is confirmed that the energy produced by the Spirit War is now shielding the youma from the Senshi's power. But more problems are about to arise; Jeddite moves to contact a Niphentaxian observer team in Minato to gain allies in destroying Ataru...

**** **** ****

Plunging into the darkness now...ON WITH THE SHOW!!!!

**** **** ****

PART THREE: REVELATIONS

"It's a good thing that Ataru Moroboshi was handy," Haruka Ten'ou muses as she enters Hikawa Jinja with Michiru Kaiou, waving a newspaper. "Why didn't you call us when they showed up, Odango? I would've loved to have torn the bastards apart!"

"Sorry about that, Haruka-san," Usagi smiles apologetically. "Besides, Ataru cleaned things up pretty quickly."

"Further, we're uncertain if this new shielding power the youma now possess would be able to withstand your abilities," Luna chimes in, sitting beside the Senshi's leader with Artemis. "Also, we don't know who their leader is. Queen Beryl and her generals should be long dead by now."

"I thought Usagi destroyed the Dark Kingdom when she fought Beryl in the Arctic," Hotaru Tomoe muses.

"True," Artemis muses. "But with everyone later restored to normal and deprived of their memories, we didn't see need for further reconnaissance."

"An oversight on our part," Rei passes around tea, then notices who is missing. "Where's Ami and Makoto?"

Echoing her inquiry, the Senshi in question arrive. "We're back!" Makoto calls out. "Did we miss anything?"

"No, we're just getting started," Luna smiles. "Before we discuss new strategy, what did you two learn in Tomobiki?"

Ami relays the story of the three Tarouzakura and the Spirit War. Whistles of admiration and awe emit from many lips as they learn of how far Ataru went in separating himself from his former home. Then, Luna calls the meeting to order. "Now that we know exactly what we're up against, we'll have to devise the right sort of countermeasures to overcome their new power."

"Ataru said he'll help on that," Minako nibbles on some chocolate chips, then blushes. "After he sees to Lum, of course."

The others laugh. "I believe we'll just have to wait until he does come by," Setsuna cuts in. "There is another matter which requires our attention. Naru Oosaka knows who we are."

Eyes lock on the time guardian. "Usagi, did you tell...?" Luna spins on her charge.

"She figured it out on her own!" Usagi growls, the anger in her voice forcing Luna back. "Besides, I've always wanted to tell her!!!"

"There is a complication," Setsuna interrupts.

"What?" Usagi blinks.

"Naru wants to become a Senshi. Sailor Terra, to be exact."

Silence. "Can she?" Makoto asks.

"She cannot," Luna empathically shakes her head. "I do not remember her being a guardian of any world. Besides, Mamoru is Earth's proper guardian."

"Hold it! I don't mind if Naru joins us," Mamoru objects. "Besides, Naru and Usako were friends long before she met any of us. What's wrong?"

"It is impossible," Luna repeats. "Part of your power flows from the special link you each have to the Silver Millennium. Naru has no such link. How could we help her forge her own abilities without that?"

"Is there some way around it?" Minako wonders.

"I don't believe so," Artemis shakes his head.

"I go on record urging that Naru be immediately dissuaded from this rash dream," Luna adds.

"Why?!" Usagi snaps, angrily facing the feline who changed her destiny so much. "How many times has Naru-chan or her mother been victimized by the monster du jour we've had to destroy?! 'Sides, if we live to Chibi-Usa's time, I'd like to have something of my old life there with me!!"

"You already have, Usagi!" Luna reminds her. "They're here!"

"No, you don't understand!!" Usagi shakes her head. "To you, Artemis and Setsuna, I'm the reborn Crown Princess of the Moon Kingdom! But when I think of myself, I think first: Usagi Tsukino! And I'm pretty sure that everyone here is the same!!" She turns on Mamoru. "Mamo-chan, what do you think yourself as most of the time? Mamoru Chiba or Prince Endimion?"

"Mamoru, of course," he readily nods. "We all have lives outside the parameters of Tuxedo Kamen or the Sailor Senshi. Maybe in the future, that'll change. Howevr, that doesn't mean I want to shed that part of me now!"

Usagi looks around. "All of you feel the same way?"

Everyone save Setsuna nods. "My circumstances are different since I did not die in the first place," the time guardian sighs. "However, I do admit to wanting to take off my sailor suit and be a normal person now and again."

"So there," Usagi sees her argument being won. "Now, back to Naru-chan's wanting to be one of us. I personally agree that if she wants it, she should get her wish."

"She cannot!" Luna interrupts.

Usagi turns her back on the protesting Luna, continuing as if she had said nothing. "Now, in this matter, we need a majority vote to say 'she's in.' What do you think?"

"She is determined and has the right motivation," Setsuna muses. "With Ataru Moroboshi directly involved, a power source other than ours can be obtained for her."

"One which won't depend on a direct link to Usagi," Ami nods. "Remember the time we faced that dark dream monster wanting to keep children frozen in time? When Usagi faced it down and lost power, we were affected. Someone who has no link to Usagi would be a great benefit in those situations."

Others readily nod. "You gotta remember that Ataru doesn't really know how he becomes the Cyborg, nor can anyone predict how long he'll stay that way," Makoto warns. "I assume that if we want to power up Naru with his help, it'll have to be through that part of Ataru's personality."

"It will have to be," Setsuna nods.

"Can it be done?" Hotaru wonders.

"It can...and now would be the best time to take advantage of it," the time guardian nods. "Anytime after a year from now will be too late."

"Okay," Usagi smiles. "So, all in favour?"

Ten hands rise in response. "Well, if that's the way you want it," Artemis nods, then stares challengingly at Luna.

"I don't like it," she argues. "Are we really sure that this is the life Naru wants? But, if it can be done without weakening us, I shall keep my own council!"

"Alright!!" Usagi beams, then looks around. "So, now that's settled, where is that ex-hentai anyway?!"

A doorbell rings. "That must be him," Rei rises. "And stop calling him a hentai, dumpling head! He is a friend, remember?!"

Usagi growls as everyone else laughs. Rei slides open the door...to see several Kuromoroboshi ninjas, Nagaiwakai's personal bodyguard troop, kneeling before the priestess. "Mistress Rei," their leader bows. "The Young Master and Miss Lum have instructed us to see you and your friends safely and quietly transported to his home in Oshika. If you please...?"

* * *

"Wow, some joint!!" Minako gapes, staring at Ataru's beach house. "This must've cost a fortune!"

"It is a beautiful home," Ami muses as the Senshi walk across the sand to the front door. "Its secluded location deters any pursuit from Tomobiki."

"Check that out!!" Makoto points to the beautiful crystal palace sitting in the bay offshore. "Who owns that?!"

Ami pulls out her minicomputer and dials up the necessary data. "The palace belongs to a friend of Ataru's sister, Nicole McTavish. According to various Internet websites tracking Ataru, he doesn't live alone here. His adopted daughter Reiko, his sister, sister-in-law and twelve other friends hold permanent residence here."

"Sister AND sister-in-law?" Michiru wonders.

"That's the information I've obtained," Ami nods. "Supposedly, most of the others living here are women. Almost all of them hail from an all-female alien race calling themselves Nendo-kata. It's quite a mystery; no one on the Net has yet been able to figure it out."

"My!" Michiru blushes. "It seems we came to the right place, eh, love?"

"You can say that again!" Haruka chuckles...

...then gasps as a red rose is thrust into her hand! "Hi, tall, blonde and handsome!" a female double of Ataru suddenly appears beside the race car driver. "I'm Nokoko, Ataru's sister. You must be the Sailor Senshi and friends. C'mon in and make yourselves at home...and as for you, gorgeous," she bats her eyes at a sweating Haruka, "...if you're available, I'm MORE than willing!"

Haruka gags, falling back from the adventurous Nokoko. "BELOVED!!!!" a double of Lum in a sleeveless long skirt then appears beside her life-mate and yanks her away from Haruka, her arm wrapped tightly around Nokoko's neck. "What is it about these silly air-breathers which makes you turn away from me, the one who has stood beside you for a millennium?!! Honestly!!!"

"Geez, Mal, it's a joke, okay!" Nokoko gags, trying her best to breathe.

Mal drags her off to the nearby beachhouse. The Senshi nervously sweat as Ataru and Lum appraoch. "Sorry about my sister, Haruka-san," he smiles, nodding to Haruka, then faces the others. "Well, since you're all here, why don't you come in? Let's get started."

* * *

Soon, the henshin sticks and Usagi's transformation locket are turned over to Nicole and her life-mate Mujanba for analysis and upgrading. Luna and Artemis go with the crystal palace's mistresses to help them in their work. Ataru and Mamoru head out to do some target practice with the former's *qu'f-piaqu'r* and the latter's roses. Makoto is drafted by Mal and Lum for snack duty in the kitchen while everyone else waits in the living room. Stories are swapped between the Senshi and the others of Nokoko's school, who come down to join the party. "You mean you are actually a union of two living beings?" Ami stares incredulously at Nokoko.

"That's right, Ami-chan," Ataru's sister nods. "Part of me is Nokoko Moroboshi, age 19, Ataru's older sister. The other part is the matriarch of the school who lived in the Outland dimension for five centuries."

"Doesn't that give you a bit of an identity crisis?" Hotaru wonders.

"Of course not," Nokoko shakes her head. "Unlike what's going on within you all except Setsuna, I've made peace with my component parts. I am one person...and have been for twelve years."

"What do you mean within us?" Minako wonders.

"It's...obvious to us," Tatsuko Fujinami, Ryuunosuke's sister and the school's sage, smiles. "Each of you struggling with who you are and who you'll be. Are you Usagi Tsukino or Princess Serenity," she indicates the Senshi's leader. "The remainder of you ask the same question."

"Would it be a problem?" Rei wonders.

"It will if you allow it to, Rei-san," Tatsuko sighs. "Given the many conflicting signals you've received...from Usagi's future daughter, from your own guides Luna and Artemis, from your families and friends...your present state is, although displeasing to us, understandable."

"Any recommendations?" Hotaru blinks.

"Until such time as you fully vanquish the sub-creatures of the Dark Kingdom, I cannot recommend anything," Tatsuko shakes her head. "But as soon as they are truly gone from your lives, each of you must decide what you wish to do with yourselves. You must take control of the environment around you. You must keep your past at bay. There may come a time when you may give your other selves permission to return to the Cosmic Chain of Life from whence they arose."

The guests blink, exchanging looks. "Stop being Sailor Senshi?" Michiru wonders. "Live as normal people?"

"Could we actually do it?" Haruka muses.

"You can, if you feel that is the best way to preserve your personal Unity," Tatsuko nods. "Further, my race believes that any act will reflect on that person somewhere in her life. May I propose that you take a different set of tactics when you next encounter the Dark Kingdom?"

"Out choices are rather limited when all they want is to see us dead!" Minako snarls. "It's the way it's always been between us."

"Perhaps," Nokoko sighs. "But Ataru-chan and Lum-chan have come upon some information about your Silver Millennium, especially where the Dark Kingdom first arose and why it went to war with your previous selves' race."

"Very few of us have memories that accurate, even Setsuna," Usagi hums.

Setsuna nods. "Yes," Tatsuko nods. "And because of that, you have to rely on Luna and Artemis to provide you with information on dealing with the Dark Kingdom. Their information, as you know, is also woefully incomplete."

"How does this reflect on what we do?" Makoto wonders as she walks in with a tray of fresh cookies, Lum and Mal following her with their own trays.

Conversation ebbs as everyone digs in. "As I said, whatever one does in life will come back to haunt her sometime later," Tatsuko sighs. "Upon learning the origins of the Dark Kingdom, Ataru-kun and Lum-chan realized that in your quest to remove the threat they presented, you may have inadvertently condemned a whole race to its own destruction. And while we Nendo-kata will fight in Unity's name, we will NOT instigate nor permit a massacre to occur."

Silence falls over the room as everyone absorbs this information. Usagi looks down at her hands, Tatsuko's words echoing through her mind. The youma she had fought were always hell-bent on destroying her, her friends, her people. A simple, quite comfortable way of dealing with the problem she was literally reborn to handle. What had Ataru and Lum found out that warranted such a change of attitude?

* * *

Koeko shudders. When she left earlier, she wanted to escape the hypocrisy that dictated her fellow observers' behaviour. Upon her return, she discovers that her problems have just been compounded. True, there was no obvious physical sign of their transformation. But Koeko knew deep in her heart her fellow Niphentaxians had been contaminated in some horrible way.

The door opens, revealing Tsui...or the being who was now taking the role of the observation team's leader. "There you are, you bitch!" he snarls, grabbing Koeko's arm and yanking her to her feet. "Did you learn anything about those heathen Senshi and their connection to the Great Evil?!"

"Let me go!" she growls, yanking her arm away. "How dare you touch me like that, you animal?!" she punctuates her words with a slap to the cheek.

Tsui sneers, then roughly seizes Koeko by the neck. "Then do not come back here until you have obtained that information! We will move to destroy them as soon as you learn where they are!! Go!"

Koeko is catapulted out of the apartment. A four-point landing some distance away knocks the wind out of her! To her surprise, someone runs up. "Hey, you okay?!"

The Niphentaxian turns to see Naru kneeling concernedly beside her. "I am fine, thanks," Koeko coughs. "Just an argument I had with my roommates."

Naru blinks. "Hey, you're an alien!" she exclaims. "What are you doing here in Juuban?! I thought you were all supposed to be in Tomobiki!"

Koeko sighs. One of the first things she learned upon her arrival was that Terrans were a remarkably perceptive people. "It is a long story," she looks at her apartment, then at the Terran beside her. "Listen, do you know anything about the Sailor Senshi? Where they operate from and all that?"

*I know everything about them now!* Naru bites her lips, but says, "Not really. They're pretty secretive, you know! So, where are you from, anyway?"

"Phentax Two...it is a world in a trinary system fifty light years from here," Koeko stands, brushing herself off. "By the way, my name is Koeko."

"Naru Oosaka," Naru shakes her hand. "Hey, listen. All my friends are off somewhere. You want something to eat?"

"Sure!" Koeko nods as they head off, ignorant of the person who has seen the exchange from her room...

* * *

...thus giving Jeddite a perfect view of what was happening from the royal chambers in the Dark Kingdom. "Well, well, well!" he sneers, glaring at the familiar image. "Naru Oosaka, Neflyte's precious little bed warmer!! How sweet of her to present herself as a perfect victim for our next operation!"

Insane laughter echoes from the chamber...

* * *

"Your people want to destroy the Senshi?!" Naru exclaims.

Naru and Koeko relax in an ice cream shop downtown later. "Yes," the Niphentaxian nods. "In their zeal to spread their faith throughout the galaxy, my people are capable of unspeakable acts of brutality. But...now, I can't shake the feeling that something else is involved. When I returned from my walk, it was as if I was in a house full of strangers."

Naru shudders. She had experienced THAT before many times. "Did they act vicious...like they were up to no good?"

Koeko nods. "More so than usual. Before, they were willing to give the Senshi another chance to 'prove' themselves. Now, we're at war with them!"

"Uh-oh!" Naru shudders. "Something tells me the Dark Kingdom's now involved."

"What?! How...why?!!"

"It's the way they work," Naru explains. "They possess people, infuse them with youma so that when the time comes, they can seize control and do whatever they want! My own mother went through that once; it was horrible!!"

"Then, if that's true..." Koeko shudders.

"The Senshi have to be told about this right now," Naru stands. Koeko walks with her to a telephone booth. Naru makes a call. "Hello, Mrs. Tsukino?" she smiles. "It's Naru. Listen, is Usagi-chan there?" A pause, then, "Eh?! She's gone where?! Oshika?! Um...okay, thanks! Bye!!"

She hangs up. "Oshika?!" Koeko blinks. "That's where Ataru Moroboshi lives!"

"Of course!" Naru pulls out a slip of paper, then reading the number on it, dials. "Lucky thing he gave this to me last night before those youma showed up...!"

"Who's this Usagi?!" Koeko wonders.

"Never mind," Naru interrupts. While she had come to like her alien companion, she was not going to make the mistake of divulging the Senshi's secrets to everyone she met.

A moment later, the other end answers. "Moroboshi residence, Makoto Kino speaking."

"Mako-chan! It's Naru!! Listen, you've got to come back here as soon as you can! Youma are on the loose!!"

"Eh?!" Makoto exclaims. "How do you know this, Naru?!"

"I met someone, an alien from Phentax Two!" Naru explains. "She's here to keep an eye on all of you! The rest of her team's acting the same way my mom did when a youma possessed her!! Nothing's happening yet, but..."

Suddenly, an explosion rips up the street before the surprised women. "Naru?! Naru-chan?! What's going on?!" Makoto's voice bellows over the line.

"Correction," Naru sighs resignedly. "It's starting!"

* * *

"There, loves!" Nicole smiles as she places a tray before the Senshi. "All fixed up and ready to go!"

The henshin sticks do not appear changed from before. However, one additional henshin stick, a brown one with Earth's symbol on it, sits beside Usagi's locket. "You even made one for Naru-chan!!" Usagi beams.

"Yes, your lovelies here told me about your friend," Nicole smiles at Luna. "The power is directly keyed into Earth's bio-sphere, the same way the *saikoo jinseijitsu* in Ataru's head works. As long as life exists on Earth, Sailor Terra's in business! I have also put a block into that link between the rest of you and Usagi to prevent embarrassing moments!"

"Thanks!!" Hotaru takes hers in hand. "Can't wait to try this out!"

"Your wish just got answered!!" Makoto runs down from Ataru's bedroom. "Naru just called! Youma are on the loose in Juuban!!"

Usagi sighs. "What was that saying again, Mamo-chan?"

"'Once more unto the breech, dear friends,'" Mamoru smiles.

"Fine!!" Usagi fixes her locket on her chest. "Let's breech!"

* * *

"So there you are, you heretic!!" a giant snapping monster advances on Koeko and Naru. "How dare you try to protect those heathen from the righteous wrath of the Goddess?!"

"It is you who are the heretic, traitor!" the Niphentaxian snarls. "Bringing death and destruction to innocents is NOT Lum's way!! You've aligned yourselves with monsters who would destroy us all!!"

"LIAR!!!!" the youma bellows, swishing a sheet of flame at the two girls.

Before they could get roasted, a black-garbed form grabs them both and leaps clear. "Got you!!" Tuxedo Kamen exclaims.

"Tuxedo Kamen!!!" Naru gasps. "Where are the others?!"

The masked and caped knight smiles. "Just watch...unless you want to come join us!"

Naru blinks as he hands her the new henshin stick. "What's this?!"

"It'll help you fulfill your dream," Tuxedo Kamen smiles. "Hurry! We need you!"

Naru watches as he leaps back into the fray. Already, the Senshi were ganging up on the dozen youma who are trying to terminally inconvenience everyone in Juuban. Watching from the sidelines are Ataru and Lum, allowing the Senshi the chance to deal with this. "Wow, this is incredible!"

"There you are!" a voice calls out.

Naru looks around, then down to see Luna staring at her. "Luna?!"

"Quickly, Naru," the dark-furred cat urges. "If this is what you really want, now is your chance!"

Naru blinks, then stares at her henshin stick. "I gotta go, Koeko!" she hands Luna to the Niphentaxian. "Keep an eye on Luna, alright?!"

"I...I...sure!" Koeko stammers, tightly hugging Luna as Naru rushes off. She then gazes quizzically at the cat. "Forgive me, but I never thought Terran felines could speak."

"It's...a long story," Luna smiles. "I suggest we retreat to a safer location."

Koeko agrees. They join the crowd several metres away. Meanwhile, Naru ducks into an alley, then stares at her henshin stick. "I want this," she chants, steeling her nerves. "I want this! This is for me! This is for Usagi-chan! This is for all of them!! Okay, here we go!" she points the stick into the sky.

"***TERRA ETERNAL COSMIC POWER, MAKE UP!!!!!!***"

Her civilian clothes rip away as jets of lava seemingly transform the fragments into a brown collared top with green trim, a blue skirt, brown mary janes and brown trimmed gauntlets. Once the transformation is done, Sailor Terra stares at herself, feeling the massive surge of power race through her veins. "Alright! It's showtime!!"

She races into the fray...

* * *

"DEAD SCREAM!!!!" Sailor Pluto directs a volley of sound.

"WORLD SHAKING!!!!" Sailor Uranus adds her attack.

The bolts of energy smash through the youma, scattering them like nine-pins as the Senshi's enhanced powers, augmented by the ageless technology of Nicole's crystal palace and the eternal might of the Outland dimension, shreds the youma's new shields like tissue paper. "Impossible!!!" Kunoija growls as the Dark Kingdom warriors retreat. "This should not be happening!!"

"Welcome to reality, sleeze!!" Sailor Moon points her sceptre at them. "Actually stealing energy from a cursed cherry tree to beat us?! You must think we're really stupid to fall for that twice!!!"

"We'll see about that, murderers!!" the youma shinobi growls, then faces her allies. "Hit them!!!"

Suddenly, very high tech weapons appear, firing heavy stun bolts at the surprised Senshi. They are blown back into a heap before roses lash out to knock some of the Niphentaxian artillery out of the youma's hands! "That's not playing fair!" Tuxedo Kamen leaps down to place himself in front of Sailor Moon. "Care to try that with me?!"

"Hey, those are Niphentaxian weapons!" Lum exclaims.

"Niphentaxians?!" Ataru blinks. His eyes open wide and he rubs his hands together. "Oh, goody!! I get to play, too!!"

The two leap out of the crowd, Ataru transforming into the Cyborg as they move to stand beside Tuxedo Kamen, forming a human shield between the youma and the Senshi. "Darling, are they okay?!" Lum wonders.

"**A little groggy, but they'll recover!**" Ataru scans them, then faces the Dark Kingdom warriors. "**Now, which one of you wants to die first?!**"

"Arrogant worm!!" Kunoija snarls. "Attack!!!"

The three brace themselves when suddenly, the whole ground under the youma's feet buckles as if alive! Everyone screams as lava vents appear, followed by an indignant voice. "Defilers of Mother Earth!! Alien slime who have no place among us!!! You will never hurt me, my family or my friends ever again!!! ***EARTH-HEART FIRE GEYSER!!!!!!***"

"**Someone has to tell these girls not to make speeches. They're not Winston Churchill!**" Ataru hisses.

An explosion innundates the youma in fire and lava as a lithe form leaps out from the flow, back flips, then lands before Tuxedo Kamen!! The Dark Kingdom soldiers are scattered, several quickly recovering to face their newest enemy. "Who are you?!!" Kunoija demands.

"You'll find out..." Sailor Terra growls as air currents form a cyclone around her, "...in Hell!!! ***AIR WHIRLPOOL HEAT-FIRE STRIKE!!!!!!***"

A fiery cyclone lashes out, snaring the surprised youma and twirling them into a centrifuge-like vortex which tears at them like thousands of sharp daggers! After a half-moment, the cyclone melts back into the surrounding air and the burned youma plunge to the ground like broken marionettes. "*Tcha!!* They look like hamburger now!" Lum giggles.

The crowds cheer as the other Senshi recover. "What's going on...?" Moon moans as Tuxedo Kamen helps her to her feet. "Feel so out of it..."

"It's a stun shot," he reports. "But, don't worry. Our newest member is really handling things well!"

"Newest...?" Moon blinks, then looks around him to see Sailor Terra standing between them and the youma. "Sailor Terra!!"

"Saturn!" Terra calls out. "I need your Silence Glaive!"

"She's still out of it!" Neptune reports, holding the dazed Saturn in her arms.

Uranus picks up the Glaive and tosses it. "Catch, Terra!!"

"Thanks, Uranus!!" Terra snares the lethal looking staff, then infuses it with her own power. "Wish they'd provide something for me to do this!!" she suddenly swings the energized blade like Hercules throwing a chained boulder. "***SPIRIT-BREAKER...FIRE-SCYTHE!!!!!!***"

Burning torrents of energy lash out, lancing into each youma as the attack burns to their very souls. For those directly from the Dark Kingdom, the scythe is fatal, disintegrating their bodies as their spirits are flung forever from this realm of existence. To the possessed Niphentaxians, all that happens is that the youma controlling them are also destroyed, restoring them to normal (and that was pretty abnormal to being with!...F.H.).

The crowds cheer as Terra hands the Glaive to Uranus, then finds herself swamped by Moon's embrace. "You were terrific!!"

"Yeah, really awesome!!" Jupiter chimes in.

"Thanks!!" Terra smiles, then blinks as she realizes something. "Hey, what about the Niphentaxians...?!"

"Don't worry," Tuxedo Kamen nods down the street. "Our friends are handling them!"

The Senshi see the dazed observers cowering from a knuckle-cracking Ataru and a lightning-sparking Lum, both wanting the Niphentaxians to do anything to justify their beating the snot out of them. "I'd hate to be in their shoes," Terra wryly chuckles, then sighs. "Whoa!! I vote we get something to eat! Saving the world makes me hungry!!"

"I'll second that!" Moon laughs as the Senshi head for home...

* * *

To be concluded...