Chapter 2: Once More, With Feeling
"In the name of the Earth, you shall be punished. I am Sailor Earth!"
Sailor Chibi-Moon couldn't believe her ears. There wasn't any 'Sailor Earth'. Who was this girl?
Sailor Phoenix growled in disbelief. "How did you get here, you nuisance? I thought we got rid of you back in our time?"
Sailor Earth grinned, menacingly. "Guess you thought wrong, huh? Miss me Phoenix?" She pointed at Sailor Phoenix. You're going to pay for what you did to the other Senshi!"
Sailor Phoenix sneered. "You couldn't stop me before. And, may I add, that was a very, very pathetic attempt." She laughed full in Sailor Earth's face. "And then you had a group of experienced Senshi on your side." She nodded at Sailor Chibi-Moon and Sailor Saturn. "What do you think you can do with these children?"
Sailor Earth glared at Sailor Phoenix. "I'll show you what I can do." She raised her hands above her head, the index and middle fingers on each hand extended. A ball of multi-colored light formed on her fingers. She pulled her hands apart in an arch that stretched the ball into a rainbow over her body. She then brought her hands together and the rainbow shrank back into a ball. As she did this, she shouted: "Earth Rainbow Beam Illumination!" The ball shot a laser of rainbow colored light at Sailor Phoenix, knocking the Onyx Hourglass from her hand. It flew threw the air and landed at Sailor Chibi-Moon's feet.
"You, the Senshi in pink! Grab that and aim it at Princess Serenity!" Sailor Earth yelled to Sailor Chibi-Moon
Chibi-Moon didn't hesitate. She grabbed the black hourglass, and pointed it at Usagi. Sailor Phoenix began to run at her to stop her, but Sailor Earth jumped in front of her and landed a perfect roundhouse kick to the side of Phoenix's head. Phoenix growled in anger and tried to punch Sailor Earth. Perfect, Sailor Earth thought, just stay mad enough to give the pink Senshi time to help the Princess.
Meanwhile, Sailor Chibi-Moon was trying to do just that. A pink beam of energy extended from the hourglass to Usagi. Usagi's Rainbow Life Hourglass appeared and traveled along the beam until it made its way back Usagi. As soon as it touched her, it disappeared into her chest. Her body shuddered and she de-aged back to her youth.
"No!" Phoenix screamed. She whirled on Sailor Earth. "You've meddled for the last time you miserable Senshi!" She raised her hands to attack, but stopped short when she felt the point of Sailor Saturn's Silence Scythe in the center of her back.
"Don't even try it," Saturn said.
Phoenix looked around. Sailor Earth stood before her with her arms crossed, Sailor Chibi-Moon was kneeling next to the unconscious body of Usagi with her Pink Sugar Wand pointed straight at her head. She sneered. "I'll be back," was all she said as she, and the Onyx Hourglass disappeared in a flash of golden fire.
After the fire dissipated, Chibi-Moon and Saturn looked at each other and then stared at Sailor Earth. "What?" Sailor Earth asked, oblivious.
"Who are you?" Chibi-Moon asked.
Sailor Earth smiled. She touched the globe jewel on her chest. Her fuku exploded in a flash of rainbow colored light. When the light cleared fully, in Sailor Earth's place stood a girl in black jeans and a tight black shirt with a red heart on it. She brushed a strand of her red hair out her face. Rini and Hotaru followed suit and powered down.
"We'd better get her home," was all the girl said.
Later, at the Hikawa temple, Usagi was resting peacefully, but she was still unconscious. Saturn had tried to use her healing power, but it had no effect.
"What could be wrong with her?" Rei asked.
"Her body's in shock from having both her powers and her Rainbow Life Energy taken at the same time," the red haired girl said from the corner. She'd been sitting there ever since she helped Rini and Hotaru carry Usagi into the temple. It was closer to their position than home was.
Minako stood up and crossed the distance between them. "And that's another thing," she said accusingly. "Just who are you? Where did you come from? And how do you have Sailor powers?"
The red haired girl smiled up at Minako. "You're just like I remember you," she sighed. "But of course you won't remember me. I don't think I was reborn in this time."
"What do you mean, 'just like you remember me'?" Minako asked.
The girl sighed again. "My name is Gaia Kimiko. I am Sailor Earth. I've come here to your time in an attempt to stop the 'Comet Senshi'."
Ami looked puzzled. "Comet Senshi?" she asked. "What are they?"
"A group of Sailors-gone-bad. I'm not sure how the Weird Sisters got these powers, or how they managed to get to this time, but I followed them. I want my revenge." Kimiko clenched her fists.
"What do you mean revenge?" queried Makoto.
Kimiko looked down at the floor. "The Comet Senshi killed the Senshi of my time."
The girls gasped in horror. "I'd better tell you the whole story, so you understand where they, and I came from." Kimiko stood and walked over to the bed Usagi was resting on.
"In the past, you were all princess of your planets, during the Silver Millennium. Then came Queen Beryl. She destroyed the Kingdom of the Moon, and the forces of the Dark Kingdom killed all of you. Then, using the last of her powers, Queen Serenity sent you all into the future to be reborn and live a normal life." The girls all nodded at the accuracy of this story.
Kimiko continued. "Queen Serenity also sent Prince Endymion, of Earth, into the future. In my time, the first King of the Earth was furious with Queen Serenity for doing this. Not because he lost his son, but because his children had been separated. Prince Endymion had a little sister, you see. Before she died, the King of the Earth pleaded with Queen Serenity to send his daughter to the future as well. The Queen was too weak, though. The last thing she had the power to do was split the Ginzuishou into the seven Nijizuishou.
"The King of the Earth, in desperation gave the crystals to his daughter. She managed to unlock their powers and she sent herself, her animal guardian, and the priest of Elysion to the future. She also became the Senshi of the Earth."
"That means that you're--," Rei stammered in disbelief.
"Yes, I am Princess Kimiko. Princess of the Earth, holder of the Seven Nijizuishou, and Senshi of the planet Earth."
Minako crossed her arms. "Okay fine, that explains you, but what about the 'Comet Senshi'?"
"I'm getting there. When I came to Earth, I immediately set out to find the Moon Princess and the other Senshi. After a long search I finally found all of 'you' locked in battle with the Children of the Black Moon. I helped you defeat the Four Weird Sisters, but it was odd. Every time we defeated one of them, their bodies would be teleported away. At first, Sailor Mercury thought that Ruebus was bringing them back to the Black Moon, but when we confronted him for kidnapping Sailor Moon, they weren't there.
"It wasn't until after we defeated the Death Phantom that they appeared. I don't know who brought them back to life, or who gave them their powers, but they are incredibly strong. I've only met Cooan, now calling herself Sailor Phoenix, in battle so far, but she decimated our forces.
"Sailor Moon, Sailor Venus, and myself went up against her in a battle similar to the one we had with her tonight. She killed Sailor V, my best friend, and put Sailor Moon into a coma." Kimiko looked down at Usagi's still body. Tears welled up in her eyes. "I'm sorry I couldn't do any better for you here, dear Princess," she whispered.
Minako put a hand on her shoulder. "It's okay. We'll make her better, you'll see. Besides, if it weren't for you, we might not have her, Rini, or Hotaru at all."
Kimiko smiled. "Thanks, Mina-chan," she took a deep breath so she could finish her story. "Before Sailor Phoenix could kill the Princess, I managed to use the powers of the Nijizuishou to form the Ginzuishou and seal the Princess inside. I left the Ginzuishou under the care of Sailor Pluto before she sent me through the gates of Time Space to follow the Comet Senshi. They somehow managed to cross timelines from mine into yours."
Ami raised a hand to interrupt Kimiko. "But if you gave up the Nijizuishou and the Ginzuishou the help the Princess how do you have powers now?"
"The priest of Elysion," Kimiko said matter-of-factly. The girls, save Rini, stared at her uncomprehendingly.
"Who?" Rei asked.
"Helios..." Rini said. She smiled, but then realized that the other girls had yet to meet him. They stared at her, but she waved her hand dismissing the conversation.
Kimiko nodded and returned to her previous line of thought. "I followed the Comet Senshi here to destroy them. Now that I know what to expect of them, I think we can beat them and save Princess Usagi. I believe that the only way to heal her is with the powers of the all the Senshi and the Ginzuishou."
Ami was typing on her supercomputer the entire time Kimiko was talking. "You might have something there. We might have more power now, with Rini and Hotaru here. It may be enough."
Kimiko shook her head. "No, I said all the Senshi. Earth, Moon, Venus, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Pluto, Uranus, and Neptune."
Makoto scratched her head. "We've met Pluto, but up until this point I didn't know there were Senshi of Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune?"
"I've met them," Kimiko said, tersely. She frowned. She didn't seem at all happy for having met the remaining Senshi. "If we truly need them, I have theory that Sailor Pluto can bring them from the past to us."
Rini beamed. "Of course she can!" Rini ran out of the room and came back with the Luna Ball. She pressed its nose twice. The ball became a pink glowing globe. The figure of Eternal Sailor Pluto appeared in the ball.
"You called for me, Small Lady?" the Sailor asked.
"Puu we need your help. We need you to bring back Sailor Uranus and Neptune from the past. I've found out who tried to destroy my mother, but we need their help, and yours, to defeat them."
"I'm afraid I cannot come to you, Small Lady, I must guard the Gates of Time. But fear not, I shall deliver the other Senshi to you." With that the vision in the Luna Ball faded.
"Wait-Puu!" Rini called, but it was too late. She was gone.
"I guess now all we can do is wait," Minako said.
* * * * * * * * *
"You failed me, Phoenix," the voice boomed across Tokyo Tower.
"I'm sorry, Mistress, but Sailor Earth--," Phoenix pleaded.
"Silence! I gave you a simple job. And you let yourself be defeated by two children and a Sailor that's not even supposed to exist in this time. You truly are the weakest power here."
The words stung into Sailor Phoenix's mind. First she failed Rubeus and Prince Diamond. And now she was failing again.
"Wow, you're not very good at this kind of thing are you?" giggled a voice behind Phoenix.
Phoenix whirled. Standing behind her was a girl in a blue and white fuku with white accents. It was her sister, Beruche. "Quiet, Unicorn. Nobody asked you."
The voice sitting on the throne before the Sailors boomed out yet again. "That is where you are wrong, Phoenix. I asked her. Maybe she can fix your mistakes."
Sailor Unicorn smiled. "Of course I can, Mistress. I don't fail like Phoenix. Allow me to do the honor of stealing the Life Energy of Sailor Moon." The Onyx Hourglass appeared in front of her. She snatched it from the air and said, "And, as and added bonus, I'll get Sailor Earth's power for you too."
The Mistress stood. She pointed a long finger at Sailor Unicorn. "Don't make promises you may not be able to keep. You're not that much more powerful than your failure of a sister. I would also like to add if you fail me, as your sister did, you shall suffer. Much more than you did when the Senshi killed you the first time."
Unicorn bowed. "Yes, Mistress," was all she said as she disappeared in a swirl of ice and snow.
The Mistress thought for a moment. "Phoenix, there may be a way for you to redeem yourself."
"I'll do anything, Mistress," Phoenix said eagerly.
"Your sister is too cocky for her own good. Follow her. Watch her. If she fails, bring the prize back for me."
"Yes, Mistress." Phoenix stood.
"Oh, and Phoenix? If you fail me again, I will burn you with your own golden fire. Now go."
Phoenix swallowed hard. "Yes, Mistress," she said as she disappeared.
The Mistress settled down into her chair. She wasn't pleased with performance thus far. She was about to call the other Comet Senshi to her when she felt a familiar pressure in her aura.
"So," she smiled, "they're opening the Gates, are they. Well, no matter. Whatever the reason it shan't help them.
"Soon," she whispered, "soon I will have the energy I need. Then I will be able to destroy the Gates and rule Time Space and all the universes." The Tokyo Tower shook with her maniacal laughter.
* * * * * * * * * *
Rini pushed open the front door to Usagi's house. She had the Luna Ball in her hand, primed and ready. Luckily Usagi's mother, father, and brother were all sitting in the living room. Rini pulled back her arm and tossed the Luna Ball at the back of their heads. There was a puff of pink smoke. Well, here goes nothing, Rini thought. She walked into the room.
"Hi everybody," she called.
"Rini, you're late," mom called. "Where were you?"
"I was studying with Rei and the girls. Sorry."
Usagi's brother, Shingo, looked up at her. "That's still no excuse, Rabbit," he said in a mocking voice. Rini just ignored him. Guess the hypnotism worked, she thought. She walked up to Usagi's, or rather, her room. She flopped down on the bed. She felt so lost. Even as her older self, she wasn't strong enough to protect Usagi. And now the future was doomed all over again. Rini buried her face in her arms and began to cry.
"What's the matter, Princess?"
Rini looked up. Diana was sitting on the edge of the bed. "I feel so useless Diana. I couldn't protect Usagi and now the future is doomed."
"I know just how you feel," said a voice from the corner.
Rini sat up with a start. Kimiko was sitting in an armchair in a corner of the room with a white cat with black patches on its body. The cat had a crescent moon shaped patch of fur on its forehead.
"Kimiko! What are you doing here?" Rini inquired, shocked.
"Diana brought me. She figured you wouldn't be feeling too great right now, and I guessed why, so I thought I'd come and talk to you."
Rini dried her eyes and sat up. "Is that your guardian animal?" She asked, pointing at the cat.
The cat straightened its back. "That's right, and my name is Eclipse. Pleased to meet you Small Lady."
Kimiko stroked Eclipse's back. "Yeah, he's my buddy." She looked up at Rini. "Rini, I know you feel bad about Princess Serenity. You feel like you let her down and now the world is going to suffer because of it. Am I right?"
Rini nodded.
"I thought so. Like I said I know just how you feel. You feel the way I felt when we lost Princess Serenity in my time. I felt like such a failure. But, Rini, you have to remember. Minako and the others are still here. And so am I. And so are you. We all have power, Rini. And we have to use it to save Princess Serenity. You called yourself Sailor Chibi-Moon, right? Well for now you'll have to be Sailor Moon. For the good of the Earth, for the good of time, for the good of your mother."
Rini smiled at Kimiko. "Thank you, Kim-chan," she said. "I think I feel better, now."
The rainbow colored watch on Kimiko's arm began to beep. She flipped open the top and looked at the little display screen. "Yes, Mina-chan?"
"Kimiko, could you and Rini return to the Hikawa Shrine? Pluto appeared in the Luna Ball again, and said that she'll be arriving with Uranus and Neptune soon."
Kimiko nodded. "Did you get all that Rini?" Kimiko stood up with her fist clenched and a determined smile on her face. "Let's roll!"
Rini stared at Kimiko. She does get excited, she thought.
Later at the Hikawa Shrine, the seven Senshi stood in the presence of Eternal Sailor Pluto. Kimiko had just finished telling Pluto her story.
"So you are from another timeline," Pluto said. "But how did you get to this timeline?"
"The Sailor Pluto of my time sent me here," Kimiko said looking Eternal Sailor Pluto up and down. "But I must admit, she doesn't look anything like you."
Pluto grinned. "I'm sure. Different timelines breed different results. You, yourself, are an example. Now if you would all follow me outside, we can call forth the Outer Senshi."
The girls got up and followed Pluto outside. "Maybe you should transform, in order to meet them on equal ground." Pluto suggested. The girls nodded and one by one cried out their transformation phrases.
"Venus Star Power, Make Up!"
"Mercury Star Power, Make Up!"
"Mars Star Power, Make Up!"
"Jupiter Star Power, Make Up!"
"Saturn Planet Power, Make Up!"
"Moon Prism Power, Make Up!"
The Sailor Senshi stared at Kimiko. "What about you?" Sailor Venus asked.
Kimiko pulled out a golden locket with seven circles surrounding a larger circled painted to look like the Earth. The seven outer circles each represented one of the Nijizuishou. Kimiko raised the locket over her head and shouted: "Earth Crystal Power, Make Up!"
The seven circles shined brightly. Each on shot a beam out into the air. The red beam hit Kimiko in the chest forming the base of her fuku. The orange and yellow hit her arms forming her gloves. The green and blue formed her shoes, the indigo her skirt, and the purple her tiara and other jewelry. When the whole process was over Sailor Earth struck a pose with her arms crossed over her chest.
The seven Senshi stood before Pluto, who looked on approvingly. "And now," Pluto said, raising the Time Staff, "to bring forth the rest of the Sailor Senshi. I, the Guardian of Time, shall split the heavenly sky and open the door of Time! I call upon you, the almighty god of time, Chronos! Bring forth the warriors on the road of light!"
The Garnet Orb began to shine brightly. A large set of double doors appeared and swung open slowly. The light from within the doors was blinding. Three shadowed figures appeared in the doorway. When the light dissipated, three Senshi were standing in the clearing.
"On the wings of the heavens, I am Sailor Uranus," Uranus said. She had white hair, and was wearing a navy fuku with a yellow bow.
"With the speed of the seas, I am Sailor Neptune," Neptune announced. She sported aqua hair and an aqua fuku with navy bows.
"By the force of the Underworld, I am Sailor Pluto," the second Pluto called. Her hair was dark green, and she wore a black fuku with dark red bows.
The Senshi looked puzzled. "Allow me to explain," Eternal Sailor Pluto said. "As the Guardian of Time, my presence is necessary at the Gates. But one of my cross-time counterparts would do just as well."
The Senshi looked each other up and down. Uranus was the first to speak. "Are we seriously expected to drop everything to help out some little girls?"
"We are not little girls," Sailor Venus said, insulted. "We are the Sailor Senshi, and we need your help."
"We need you to help us defeat our enemies," Sailor Earth said, stepping forward.
"We'd love to help you," Neptune said, tossing her hair, "but I'm afraid we work alone. We're stronger than all of you put together, anyway."
"We, the Outer Senshi, aren't here to do your dirty work." Pluto said.
Eternal Sailor Pluto frowned at her younger counterpart. "Was I ever this foolish?" she asked of no one in particular. She walked to the Gates of Time. "You will have to work this out for yourselves. I must return." With a flash of light she was gone.
Uranus crossed her arms. "You, in the purple, are you not Sailor Saturn, one of us? What are you doing there, with them?"
Sailor Saturn stepped forward. "We are all Sailor Senshi. Why does it matter what group I stand with?" Uranus didn't answer. In fact, the three Outers only stared at Sailor Saturn.
Sailor Saturn pulled Sailor Chibi-Moon, whom was now calling herself Sailor Moon, off to one side. "Maybe the best idea would be a divide and conquer tactic," she whispered. "I am a member of the Outer Senshi after all. Maybe while you are dealing with Sailor Phoenix, I can try to convince them get the Onyx Hourglass."
Sailor Moon frowned at Saturn. "But Hotaru, how can I fight without you? You're my best friend!"
"Don't worry Rini. We'll get the Hourglass and come back. Promise." The Outer Senshi began to walk away. "You coming too, Saturn, or you gonna stay here with them?" Uranus called over her shoulder.
Saturn turned to the Inner Senshi, bowed, and ran to join the Outers. Rini sighed and waved after her friend. She had a horrible feeling that this is not what was meant by gathering the Senshi together.
"Well, I guess there's nothing we can do right now," Sailor Venus said. "Maybe we should just go home for now."
Sailor Moon nodded. "Sailor Earth, would you like to stay with me at my house?"
Sailor Earth bowed. "Thank you, but no. I would prefer to stay by the side of the Princess. But thank you for your kind offer, and thank you all for accepting me so quickly."
"No need to thank us," Sailor Jupiter winked. "You're a Sailor, just like us, and you want to protect Usagi just as much as we do." Sailor Earth bowed again.
Venus piped up. "Are you sure she will be okay here, Mars?"
"Yes, Luna and Artemis said they would stay here too. We'll all keep an eye on her. Don't worry."
"Okay then," Venus said. Then we gather here again tomorrow to plan our next move."
The girls all nodded and began to walk off to their respective homes. They didn't know, though, that someone had been watching them from the shadows. Someone now knew where the Princess was hidden. Sailor Unicorn laughed to herself.
"See you tomorrow, Sailor Senshi," she sneered.
* * * * * * * * *
Rei sat before the sacred fire. She had been trying for hours, since the others left, to raise a vision, but to no avail. She sighed and stood up. I guess I should go check on Usagi-chan, she thought. Rei brushed the ashes off of her clothes and walked to the room Usagi was resting in. She was just about to barge in the room when she realized the door was ajar. She peeked in the crack in the door and saw Kimiko kneeling by the blonde's still body. Her cat, Eclipse, was sitting next to her, and Luna, Artemis, and Diana were sitting on a pillow on a small side table.
"I failed again, Eclipse. Luna, Artemis, I apologize. I did no better here than I did in my own time."
Eclipse nuzzled up to Kimiko's leg. "We've told you time and time again, it's not your fault."
"But I was too late. I'm the Sailor of Earth. I'm the strongest Senshi ever, and I couldn't defeat those four blasted sisters."
"They are quite powerful," Luna said. "But you have no idea where they came from."
"If we could figure out the nature of their powers, we could defeat them," Artemis added.
Eclipse strutted over to the other felines. "We've been at that puzzle forever. Looked at it six ways to Sunday, we have. All we know is that they've reached the Eternal level. If only we could communicate with the Outer Senshi. Pluto could help us. She always did in our time."
"Tell us about your time, Eclipse. What are your Sailor Senshi like?"
Eclipse stretched. "Not unlike yours, really. There are a few differences in appearance and attitude, but really they're just alike. Except our Senshi are always all together."
"Well then why couldn't the Outer Senshi prevent the murder of the Inners?" Artemis asked.
Eclipse made a face that clearly said 'No, no! Don't bring that up!' but it was too late. Kimiko whirled on the cats.
"Because Uranus and Neptune betrayed us!"
The cats, and, behind the door, Rei, all looked at Kimiko, shocked. "What do you mean, betrayed you?" Luna asked, puzzled.
Kimiko turned to face the felines, hatred naked in her eyes. "When we went up to the Black Moon satellite for the final battle, we encountered the Death Phantom. He invaded our minds and made us all these promises. Power, riches, love and whatnot if we joined the forces of Darkness. I thought we'd all overcome his lies, but we were wrong.
"After we defeated Diamond and the Death Phantom, things returned to normal. Or so we thought. One day Haruka, Michiru, and Hotaru didn't show up for our daily meeting. We didn't think anything of it because they were always rather solitary. Four days later they were still missing. Mars and Mercury set out to find them, but their house was empty. Hotaru still hadn't returned and her mother was devastated.
"Mina-chan and I were heading to the mall when Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune appeared. We were happy at first, but we realized something was wrong. Their eyes were vacant and they bore the symbols of evil. They had joined the side of Darkness, and killed Sailor Saturn to gain the powers of the Silence." Kimiko bowed her head and tears began to flow from her eyes.
"After a long battle, I managed to defeat Sailor Uranus, but Sailor Venus was forced to kill Sailor Neptune. Uranus was so upset she ran herself through with the Space Sword." Kimiko wiped a tear from her cheek. "That's why the Sailors in my time couldn't stand up to the Comet Senshi. Three of them were dead, and Pluto refused to fight because she didn't want to risk leaving the Gates unguarded, not to mention she was the only Outer left."
Rei, hearing this, wiped a tear from her eye. Kimiko seemed so sad. She couldn't believe that Sailors of any time could betray their allies. It all seemed so unreal. She knocked softly on the door and then pushed it open all the way. "Sorry to disturb you, Kim-chan, I just came to check on Usagi."
Kimiko smiled up at Rei. "Nothing to worry about, Rei-chan. Everything's okay here." Kimiko hugged herself as if she were cold. In fact, she was cold. "Rei-chan, do you feel that?" she asked.
Rei was looking over her shoulder. "Something's not right. We'd better check it out." She turned to Luna. "Get Rini...I mean, Sailor Moon here as soon as possible." With that Rei ran out the door.
Kimiko stood to follow her. "Call the other girls as well," she yelled over her shoulder.
When Kimiko arrived outside, Sailor Mars was standing in a fighting stance facing another Senshi in and white and blue fuku with white bows. She gritted her teeth and growled, "Sailor Unicorn. You're all crawling out of the woodwork."
Sailor Mars looked at Kimiko out of the corner of her eye. "You recognize her?"
Kimiko nodded. "Yes. She's another Comet Senshi. I haven't fought her, or learned the names of her two remaining sisters, but I know she's as powerful as Sailor Phoenix. She killed Mars and Mercury!"
The white haired Senshi giggled. "Don't tell me you aren't happy to see me? I'm hurt."
Kimiko grinned, and it was totally unpleasant. "Not as hurt as you're going to be. Earth Crystal Power!" Kimiko transformed into Sailor Earth and pointed at Sailor Unicorn. "You cold-hearted pretend Senshi. I will not allow you to corrupt yet another timeline with your evil. I am the vengeful hand of Mother Nature! I am Sailor Earth! And, in the name of the Earth, I will punish you!"
"Well that was a lovely speech," Unicorn smirked. "Now let's see...this must be the part where I cringe and plead, 'No, no, Sailor Earth, I'm ever so sorry! Please spare my life!'" She stuck her finger down her throat and made a mock gagging noise. "Not! Let's see how you handle this instead: Crystal Horn, Impale!" A large ice spike formed in front of Sailor Unicorn, and then flew straight at the two Senshi. Its speed was amazing, Sailor Mars and Sailor Earth dodged just in time.
"Mars, melt that thing before it comes back!" Earth yelled to the fiery Senshi.
"I'm all over it!" Mars yelled back. "Burning Mandala!" The flaming rings of Mars's attack smashed the ice spike into a million pieces.
Sailor Unicorn growled, but regained her composure quickly. "Not matter, second times a charm." She prepared to launch a second attack, but before she could, a voice from the trees yelled: "Pink Sugar Heart Attack!" A shower of pink hearts slammed into Sailor Unicorn's side, throwing her into a tree.
Sailor Moon dropped down from the tree followed by Sailor Mercury, Sailor Jupiter, and Sailor Venus.
Sailor Moon crossed her arms. "We are the Sailor Senshi, champions of justice. We will right wrongs and triumph over evil!"
The other Senshi joined her in yelling out: "And that means you!"
Unicorn looked at the Senshi. "No! This can't be happening!" She pulled out the Onyx Hourglass. "I'll take all of your energy back to Mistress Chronos! Then I'll be her favorite!"
"Mistress Chronos?" Sailor Earth demanded. "Who is that, your master?"
Unicorn laughed. "She is the great mistress of Time, and she'll destroy you all!" She aimed the Onyx Hourglass at Sailor Earth. "And I'll start with you."
"Not if I can help it!" Sailor Venus yelled. "Venus Love Me Chain!" A chain of golden hearts shot out from her hand and whipped the hourglass from Sailor Unicorn's hand.
"Destroy it! Everyone, together, it's the only way!" Sailor Earth cried. The six Senshi aimed their attacks at the flying artifact.
"Shine Aqua Illusion!"
"Burning Mandala!"
"Sparkling Wide Pressure!"
"Love Me Chain!"
"Pink Sugar Heart Attack!"
"Rainbow Beam Illumination!"
The six attacks juggled the Onyx Hourglass in the air momentarily and then it shattered into a million pieces. In its place, the Ginzuishou floated in the air, contained in its personal energy field.
Sailor Unicorn fell to her knees. "I...I...I failed. Mistress Chronos will destroy me for my failure!" She whirled on the Senshi. "You'll all pay for this," she screamed. Sailor Unicorn raised her arms above her head and released the full extent of her powers. Tongues of ice and snow whipped out from every part of her body in every direction. They slammed into the Sailor Senshi knocking them about like so many dolls.
From one of the surrounding trees, Sailor Phoenix watched, an evil smirk on her face. "So long, Unicorn," she whispered happily. She stood to teleport away, but then noticed the Ginzuishou still floating in the air unguarded. Smiling devilishly, she leapt into the air and grabbed it. "Mistress Chronos will love this." With that, she disappeared.
The Sailor Senshi were being smacked around repeatedly. Sailor Mercury and Sailor Mars had taken up shelter behind a few of the temple pillars, Sailor Jupiter and Sailor Venus were behind trees at opposite ends of the clearing, and Sailor Moon and Sailor Earth managed to get behind the same rock.
"What do we do?" Sailor Moon yelled over the deafening noise of random destruction.
"I'm not sure. I've never seen them do anything like this before," Sailor Earth yelled back.
Sailor Moon punched the ground. "If only we were stronger." She clasped her hands together in prayer. "Oh, Neo Queen Serenity...mother, please. What can we do? We don't have the power."
A small golden ball of energy appeared between the two Senshi. The form of Neo Queen Serenity appeared in the center of the ball. She smiled up at Sailor Moon. "Rini, my darling daughter," she said in a melodic voice, she then turned to Sailor Earth. "And Sailor Earth, time-lost ally...I shall grant you the power you need. Join hands, my children."
Sailor Moon and Sailor Earth grasped each other's hands and closed their eyes.
"That's right, concentrate. Feel the power within you."
The two Senshi's brooches began to shine and two objects materialized before them. In front of Sailor Moon there was a scepter that looked exactly like the Spiral Moon Wand, but the gold bow and trim were red, and the heart was pink. In front of Sailor Earth appeared what looked like a globe of the Earth on a golden base with a small golden top.
"These are for you, the Pink Sugar Spiral Wand and the Rainbow Terra Sphere. Use them wisely, as I know you can." With that, the vision of Neo Queen Serenity faded. Sailor Moon and Sailor Earth grabbed their tools and nodded determinedly at each other. They jumped into the torrent of ice energy together. Shards of ice sliced into their skin and clothes, but they didn't back down.
Sailor Earth raised the Rainbow Terra Sphere and yelled "Rainbow Terra Sphere Invocation!" The Terra Sphere began to glow in bright rainbow colors. As it began to glow brighter, it drew Sailor Unicorn's energies into itself until the air was still once more. "Your turn Sailor Moon," she called over her shoulder.
Sailor Moon raised the Pink Sugar Spiral Wand, spun around a few times, struck a pose and cried out, "Pink Sugar Spiral Heart Attack!" A shower of small pink hearts pelted Sailor Unicorn and then a huge one crashed into her body. Sailor Unicorn sank to her knees. Her eyes were glassy. "You'll...pay...for...this..." she croaked. "My...sisters...will..." Before she could finish, her body solidified into a block of ice and shattered.
The other Inner Senshi came out of their hiding places. Sailor Venus patted Sailor Moon and Sailor Earth on their backs. "Good work, you guys. She didn't stand a chance."
Sailor Earth looked down at the Terra Sphere. "So that was the missing factor," she whispered to herself. "The combined powers of the Earth and the Moon..."
Sailor Earth's thoughts were shattered, though, by Eclipse running to the door of the temple and yelling, "Everyone, come quick! Something is wrong with Princess Serenity!"
"In the name of the Earth, you shall be punished. I am Sailor Earth!"
Sailor Chibi-Moon couldn't believe her ears. There wasn't any 'Sailor Earth'. Who was this girl?
Sailor Phoenix growled in disbelief. "How did you get here, you nuisance? I thought we got rid of you back in our time?"
Sailor Earth grinned, menacingly. "Guess you thought wrong, huh? Miss me Phoenix?" She pointed at Sailor Phoenix. You're going to pay for what you did to the other Senshi!"
Sailor Phoenix sneered. "You couldn't stop me before. And, may I add, that was a very, very pathetic attempt." She laughed full in Sailor Earth's face. "And then you had a group of experienced Senshi on your side." She nodded at Sailor Chibi-Moon and Sailor Saturn. "What do you think you can do with these children?"
Sailor Earth glared at Sailor Phoenix. "I'll show you what I can do." She raised her hands above her head, the index and middle fingers on each hand extended. A ball of multi-colored light formed on her fingers. She pulled her hands apart in an arch that stretched the ball into a rainbow over her body. She then brought her hands together and the rainbow shrank back into a ball. As she did this, she shouted: "Earth Rainbow Beam Illumination!" The ball shot a laser of rainbow colored light at Sailor Phoenix, knocking the Onyx Hourglass from her hand. It flew threw the air and landed at Sailor Chibi-Moon's feet.
"You, the Senshi in pink! Grab that and aim it at Princess Serenity!" Sailor Earth yelled to Sailor Chibi-Moon
Chibi-Moon didn't hesitate. She grabbed the black hourglass, and pointed it at Usagi. Sailor Phoenix began to run at her to stop her, but Sailor Earth jumped in front of her and landed a perfect roundhouse kick to the side of Phoenix's head. Phoenix growled in anger and tried to punch Sailor Earth. Perfect, Sailor Earth thought, just stay mad enough to give the pink Senshi time to help the Princess.
Meanwhile, Sailor Chibi-Moon was trying to do just that. A pink beam of energy extended from the hourglass to Usagi. Usagi's Rainbow Life Hourglass appeared and traveled along the beam until it made its way back Usagi. As soon as it touched her, it disappeared into her chest. Her body shuddered and she de-aged back to her youth.
"No!" Phoenix screamed. She whirled on Sailor Earth. "You've meddled for the last time you miserable Senshi!" She raised her hands to attack, but stopped short when she felt the point of Sailor Saturn's Silence Scythe in the center of her back.
"Don't even try it," Saturn said.
Phoenix looked around. Sailor Earth stood before her with her arms crossed, Sailor Chibi-Moon was kneeling next to the unconscious body of Usagi with her Pink Sugar Wand pointed straight at her head. She sneered. "I'll be back," was all she said as she, and the Onyx Hourglass disappeared in a flash of golden fire.
After the fire dissipated, Chibi-Moon and Saturn looked at each other and then stared at Sailor Earth. "What?" Sailor Earth asked, oblivious.
"Who are you?" Chibi-Moon asked.
Sailor Earth smiled. She touched the globe jewel on her chest. Her fuku exploded in a flash of rainbow colored light. When the light cleared fully, in Sailor Earth's place stood a girl in black jeans and a tight black shirt with a red heart on it. She brushed a strand of her red hair out her face. Rini and Hotaru followed suit and powered down.
"We'd better get her home," was all the girl said.
Later, at the Hikawa temple, Usagi was resting peacefully, but she was still unconscious. Saturn had tried to use her healing power, but it had no effect.
"What could be wrong with her?" Rei asked.
"Her body's in shock from having both her powers and her Rainbow Life Energy taken at the same time," the red haired girl said from the corner. She'd been sitting there ever since she helped Rini and Hotaru carry Usagi into the temple. It was closer to their position than home was.
Minako stood up and crossed the distance between them. "And that's another thing," she said accusingly. "Just who are you? Where did you come from? And how do you have Sailor powers?"
The red haired girl smiled up at Minako. "You're just like I remember you," she sighed. "But of course you won't remember me. I don't think I was reborn in this time."
"What do you mean, 'just like you remember me'?" Minako asked.
The girl sighed again. "My name is Gaia Kimiko. I am Sailor Earth. I've come here to your time in an attempt to stop the 'Comet Senshi'."
Ami looked puzzled. "Comet Senshi?" she asked. "What are they?"
"A group of Sailors-gone-bad. I'm not sure how the Weird Sisters got these powers, or how they managed to get to this time, but I followed them. I want my revenge." Kimiko clenched her fists.
"What do you mean revenge?" queried Makoto.
Kimiko looked down at the floor. "The Comet Senshi killed the Senshi of my time."
The girls gasped in horror. "I'd better tell you the whole story, so you understand where they, and I came from." Kimiko stood and walked over to the bed Usagi was resting on.
"In the past, you were all princess of your planets, during the Silver Millennium. Then came Queen Beryl. She destroyed the Kingdom of the Moon, and the forces of the Dark Kingdom killed all of you. Then, using the last of her powers, Queen Serenity sent you all into the future to be reborn and live a normal life." The girls all nodded at the accuracy of this story.
Kimiko continued. "Queen Serenity also sent Prince Endymion, of Earth, into the future. In my time, the first King of the Earth was furious with Queen Serenity for doing this. Not because he lost his son, but because his children had been separated. Prince Endymion had a little sister, you see. Before she died, the King of the Earth pleaded with Queen Serenity to send his daughter to the future as well. The Queen was too weak, though. The last thing she had the power to do was split the Ginzuishou into the seven Nijizuishou.
"The King of the Earth, in desperation gave the crystals to his daughter. She managed to unlock their powers and she sent herself, her animal guardian, and the priest of Elysion to the future. She also became the Senshi of the Earth."
"That means that you're--," Rei stammered in disbelief.
"Yes, I am Princess Kimiko. Princess of the Earth, holder of the Seven Nijizuishou, and Senshi of the planet Earth."
Minako crossed her arms. "Okay fine, that explains you, but what about the 'Comet Senshi'?"
"I'm getting there. When I came to Earth, I immediately set out to find the Moon Princess and the other Senshi. After a long search I finally found all of 'you' locked in battle with the Children of the Black Moon. I helped you defeat the Four Weird Sisters, but it was odd. Every time we defeated one of them, their bodies would be teleported away. At first, Sailor Mercury thought that Ruebus was bringing them back to the Black Moon, but when we confronted him for kidnapping Sailor Moon, they weren't there.
"It wasn't until after we defeated the Death Phantom that they appeared. I don't know who brought them back to life, or who gave them their powers, but they are incredibly strong. I've only met Cooan, now calling herself Sailor Phoenix, in battle so far, but she decimated our forces.
"Sailor Moon, Sailor Venus, and myself went up against her in a battle similar to the one we had with her tonight. She killed Sailor V, my best friend, and put Sailor Moon into a coma." Kimiko looked down at Usagi's still body. Tears welled up in her eyes. "I'm sorry I couldn't do any better for you here, dear Princess," she whispered.
Minako put a hand on her shoulder. "It's okay. We'll make her better, you'll see. Besides, if it weren't for you, we might not have her, Rini, or Hotaru at all."
Kimiko smiled. "Thanks, Mina-chan," she took a deep breath so she could finish her story. "Before Sailor Phoenix could kill the Princess, I managed to use the powers of the Nijizuishou to form the Ginzuishou and seal the Princess inside. I left the Ginzuishou under the care of Sailor Pluto before she sent me through the gates of Time Space to follow the Comet Senshi. They somehow managed to cross timelines from mine into yours."
Ami raised a hand to interrupt Kimiko. "But if you gave up the Nijizuishou and the Ginzuishou the help the Princess how do you have powers now?"
"The priest of Elysion," Kimiko said matter-of-factly. The girls, save Rini, stared at her uncomprehendingly.
"Who?" Rei asked.
"Helios..." Rini said. She smiled, but then realized that the other girls had yet to meet him. They stared at her, but she waved her hand dismissing the conversation.
Kimiko nodded and returned to her previous line of thought. "I followed the Comet Senshi here to destroy them. Now that I know what to expect of them, I think we can beat them and save Princess Usagi. I believe that the only way to heal her is with the powers of the all the Senshi and the Ginzuishou."
Ami was typing on her supercomputer the entire time Kimiko was talking. "You might have something there. We might have more power now, with Rini and Hotaru here. It may be enough."
Kimiko shook her head. "No, I said all the Senshi. Earth, Moon, Venus, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Pluto, Uranus, and Neptune."
Makoto scratched her head. "We've met Pluto, but up until this point I didn't know there were Senshi of Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune?"
"I've met them," Kimiko said, tersely. She frowned. She didn't seem at all happy for having met the remaining Senshi. "If we truly need them, I have theory that Sailor Pluto can bring them from the past to us."
Rini beamed. "Of course she can!" Rini ran out of the room and came back with the Luna Ball. She pressed its nose twice. The ball became a pink glowing globe. The figure of Eternal Sailor Pluto appeared in the ball.
"You called for me, Small Lady?" the Sailor asked.
"Puu we need your help. We need you to bring back Sailor Uranus and Neptune from the past. I've found out who tried to destroy my mother, but we need their help, and yours, to defeat them."
"I'm afraid I cannot come to you, Small Lady, I must guard the Gates of Time. But fear not, I shall deliver the other Senshi to you." With that the vision in the Luna Ball faded.
"Wait-Puu!" Rini called, but it was too late. She was gone.
"I guess now all we can do is wait," Minako said.
* * * * * * * * *
"You failed me, Phoenix," the voice boomed across Tokyo Tower.
"I'm sorry, Mistress, but Sailor Earth--," Phoenix pleaded.
"Silence! I gave you a simple job. And you let yourself be defeated by two children and a Sailor that's not even supposed to exist in this time. You truly are the weakest power here."
The words stung into Sailor Phoenix's mind. First she failed Rubeus and Prince Diamond. And now she was failing again.
"Wow, you're not very good at this kind of thing are you?" giggled a voice behind Phoenix.
Phoenix whirled. Standing behind her was a girl in a blue and white fuku with white accents. It was her sister, Beruche. "Quiet, Unicorn. Nobody asked you."
The voice sitting on the throne before the Sailors boomed out yet again. "That is where you are wrong, Phoenix. I asked her. Maybe she can fix your mistakes."
Sailor Unicorn smiled. "Of course I can, Mistress. I don't fail like Phoenix. Allow me to do the honor of stealing the Life Energy of Sailor Moon." The Onyx Hourglass appeared in front of her. She snatched it from the air and said, "And, as and added bonus, I'll get Sailor Earth's power for you too."
The Mistress stood. She pointed a long finger at Sailor Unicorn. "Don't make promises you may not be able to keep. You're not that much more powerful than your failure of a sister. I would also like to add if you fail me, as your sister did, you shall suffer. Much more than you did when the Senshi killed you the first time."
Unicorn bowed. "Yes, Mistress," was all she said as she disappeared in a swirl of ice and snow.
The Mistress thought for a moment. "Phoenix, there may be a way for you to redeem yourself."
"I'll do anything, Mistress," Phoenix said eagerly.
"Your sister is too cocky for her own good. Follow her. Watch her. If she fails, bring the prize back for me."
"Yes, Mistress." Phoenix stood.
"Oh, and Phoenix? If you fail me again, I will burn you with your own golden fire. Now go."
Phoenix swallowed hard. "Yes, Mistress," she said as she disappeared.
The Mistress settled down into her chair. She wasn't pleased with performance thus far. She was about to call the other Comet Senshi to her when she felt a familiar pressure in her aura.
"So," she smiled, "they're opening the Gates, are they. Well, no matter. Whatever the reason it shan't help them.
"Soon," she whispered, "soon I will have the energy I need. Then I will be able to destroy the Gates and rule Time Space and all the universes." The Tokyo Tower shook with her maniacal laughter.
* * * * * * * * * *
Rini pushed open the front door to Usagi's house. She had the Luna Ball in her hand, primed and ready. Luckily Usagi's mother, father, and brother were all sitting in the living room. Rini pulled back her arm and tossed the Luna Ball at the back of their heads. There was a puff of pink smoke. Well, here goes nothing, Rini thought. She walked into the room.
"Hi everybody," she called.
"Rini, you're late," mom called. "Where were you?"
"I was studying with Rei and the girls. Sorry."
Usagi's brother, Shingo, looked up at her. "That's still no excuse, Rabbit," he said in a mocking voice. Rini just ignored him. Guess the hypnotism worked, she thought. She walked up to Usagi's, or rather, her room. She flopped down on the bed. She felt so lost. Even as her older self, she wasn't strong enough to protect Usagi. And now the future was doomed all over again. Rini buried her face in her arms and began to cry.
"What's the matter, Princess?"
Rini looked up. Diana was sitting on the edge of the bed. "I feel so useless Diana. I couldn't protect Usagi and now the future is doomed."
"I know just how you feel," said a voice from the corner.
Rini sat up with a start. Kimiko was sitting in an armchair in a corner of the room with a white cat with black patches on its body. The cat had a crescent moon shaped patch of fur on its forehead.
"Kimiko! What are you doing here?" Rini inquired, shocked.
"Diana brought me. She figured you wouldn't be feeling too great right now, and I guessed why, so I thought I'd come and talk to you."
Rini dried her eyes and sat up. "Is that your guardian animal?" She asked, pointing at the cat.
The cat straightened its back. "That's right, and my name is Eclipse. Pleased to meet you Small Lady."
Kimiko stroked Eclipse's back. "Yeah, he's my buddy." She looked up at Rini. "Rini, I know you feel bad about Princess Serenity. You feel like you let her down and now the world is going to suffer because of it. Am I right?"
Rini nodded.
"I thought so. Like I said I know just how you feel. You feel the way I felt when we lost Princess Serenity in my time. I felt like such a failure. But, Rini, you have to remember. Minako and the others are still here. And so am I. And so are you. We all have power, Rini. And we have to use it to save Princess Serenity. You called yourself Sailor Chibi-Moon, right? Well for now you'll have to be Sailor Moon. For the good of the Earth, for the good of time, for the good of your mother."
Rini smiled at Kimiko. "Thank you, Kim-chan," she said. "I think I feel better, now."
The rainbow colored watch on Kimiko's arm began to beep. She flipped open the top and looked at the little display screen. "Yes, Mina-chan?"
"Kimiko, could you and Rini return to the Hikawa Shrine? Pluto appeared in the Luna Ball again, and said that she'll be arriving with Uranus and Neptune soon."
Kimiko nodded. "Did you get all that Rini?" Kimiko stood up with her fist clenched and a determined smile on her face. "Let's roll!"
Rini stared at Kimiko. She does get excited, she thought.
Later at the Hikawa Shrine, the seven Senshi stood in the presence of Eternal Sailor Pluto. Kimiko had just finished telling Pluto her story.
"So you are from another timeline," Pluto said. "But how did you get to this timeline?"
"The Sailor Pluto of my time sent me here," Kimiko said looking Eternal Sailor Pluto up and down. "But I must admit, she doesn't look anything like you."
Pluto grinned. "I'm sure. Different timelines breed different results. You, yourself, are an example. Now if you would all follow me outside, we can call forth the Outer Senshi."
The girls got up and followed Pluto outside. "Maybe you should transform, in order to meet them on equal ground." Pluto suggested. The girls nodded and one by one cried out their transformation phrases.
"Venus Star Power, Make Up!"
"Mercury Star Power, Make Up!"
"Mars Star Power, Make Up!"
"Jupiter Star Power, Make Up!"
"Saturn Planet Power, Make Up!"
"Moon Prism Power, Make Up!"
The Sailor Senshi stared at Kimiko. "What about you?" Sailor Venus asked.
Kimiko pulled out a golden locket with seven circles surrounding a larger circled painted to look like the Earth. The seven outer circles each represented one of the Nijizuishou. Kimiko raised the locket over her head and shouted: "Earth Crystal Power, Make Up!"
The seven circles shined brightly. Each on shot a beam out into the air. The red beam hit Kimiko in the chest forming the base of her fuku. The orange and yellow hit her arms forming her gloves. The green and blue formed her shoes, the indigo her skirt, and the purple her tiara and other jewelry. When the whole process was over Sailor Earth struck a pose with her arms crossed over her chest.
The seven Senshi stood before Pluto, who looked on approvingly. "And now," Pluto said, raising the Time Staff, "to bring forth the rest of the Sailor Senshi. I, the Guardian of Time, shall split the heavenly sky and open the door of Time! I call upon you, the almighty god of time, Chronos! Bring forth the warriors on the road of light!"
The Garnet Orb began to shine brightly. A large set of double doors appeared and swung open slowly. The light from within the doors was blinding. Three shadowed figures appeared in the doorway. When the light dissipated, three Senshi were standing in the clearing.
"On the wings of the heavens, I am Sailor Uranus," Uranus said. She had white hair, and was wearing a navy fuku with a yellow bow.
"With the speed of the seas, I am Sailor Neptune," Neptune announced. She sported aqua hair and an aqua fuku with navy bows.
"By the force of the Underworld, I am Sailor Pluto," the second Pluto called. Her hair was dark green, and she wore a black fuku with dark red bows.
The Senshi looked puzzled. "Allow me to explain," Eternal Sailor Pluto said. "As the Guardian of Time, my presence is necessary at the Gates. But one of my cross-time counterparts would do just as well."
The Senshi looked each other up and down. Uranus was the first to speak. "Are we seriously expected to drop everything to help out some little girls?"
"We are not little girls," Sailor Venus said, insulted. "We are the Sailor Senshi, and we need your help."
"We need you to help us defeat our enemies," Sailor Earth said, stepping forward.
"We'd love to help you," Neptune said, tossing her hair, "but I'm afraid we work alone. We're stronger than all of you put together, anyway."
"We, the Outer Senshi, aren't here to do your dirty work." Pluto said.
Eternal Sailor Pluto frowned at her younger counterpart. "Was I ever this foolish?" she asked of no one in particular. She walked to the Gates of Time. "You will have to work this out for yourselves. I must return." With a flash of light she was gone.
Uranus crossed her arms. "You, in the purple, are you not Sailor Saturn, one of us? What are you doing there, with them?"
Sailor Saturn stepped forward. "We are all Sailor Senshi. Why does it matter what group I stand with?" Uranus didn't answer. In fact, the three Outers only stared at Sailor Saturn.
Sailor Saturn pulled Sailor Chibi-Moon, whom was now calling herself Sailor Moon, off to one side. "Maybe the best idea would be a divide and conquer tactic," she whispered. "I am a member of the Outer Senshi after all. Maybe while you are dealing with Sailor Phoenix, I can try to convince them get the Onyx Hourglass."
Sailor Moon frowned at Saturn. "But Hotaru, how can I fight without you? You're my best friend!"
"Don't worry Rini. We'll get the Hourglass and come back. Promise." The Outer Senshi began to walk away. "You coming too, Saturn, or you gonna stay here with them?" Uranus called over her shoulder.
Saturn turned to the Inner Senshi, bowed, and ran to join the Outers. Rini sighed and waved after her friend. She had a horrible feeling that this is not what was meant by gathering the Senshi together.
"Well, I guess there's nothing we can do right now," Sailor Venus said. "Maybe we should just go home for now."
Sailor Moon nodded. "Sailor Earth, would you like to stay with me at my house?"
Sailor Earth bowed. "Thank you, but no. I would prefer to stay by the side of the Princess. But thank you for your kind offer, and thank you all for accepting me so quickly."
"No need to thank us," Sailor Jupiter winked. "You're a Sailor, just like us, and you want to protect Usagi just as much as we do." Sailor Earth bowed again.
Venus piped up. "Are you sure she will be okay here, Mars?"
"Yes, Luna and Artemis said they would stay here too. We'll all keep an eye on her. Don't worry."
"Okay then," Venus said. Then we gather here again tomorrow to plan our next move."
The girls all nodded and began to walk off to their respective homes. They didn't know, though, that someone had been watching them from the shadows. Someone now knew where the Princess was hidden. Sailor Unicorn laughed to herself.
"See you tomorrow, Sailor Senshi," she sneered.
* * * * * * * * *
Rei sat before the sacred fire. She had been trying for hours, since the others left, to raise a vision, but to no avail. She sighed and stood up. I guess I should go check on Usagi-chan, she thought. Rei brushed the ashes off of her clothes and walked to the room Usagi was resting in. She was just about to barge in the room when she realized the door was ajar. She peeked in the crack in the door and saw Kimiko kneeling by the blonde's still body. Her cat, Eclipse, was sitting next to her, and Luna, Artemis, and Diana were sitting on a pillow on a small side table.
"I failed again, Eclipse. Luna, Artemis, I apologize. I did no better here than I did in my own time."
Eclipse nuzzled up to Kimiko's leg. "We've told you time and time again, it's not your fault."
"But I was too late. I'm the Sailor of Earth. I'm the strongest Senshi ever, and I couldn't defeat those four blasted sisters."
"They are quite powerful," Luna said. "But you have no idea where they came from."
"If we could figure out the nature of their powers, we could defeat them," Artemis added.
Eclipse strutted over to the other felines. "We've been at that puzzle forever. Looked at it six ways to Sunday, we have. All we know is that they've reached the Eternal level. If only we could communicate with the Outer Senshi. Pluto could help us. She always did in our time."
"Tell us about your time, Eclipse. What are your Sailor Senshi like?"
Eclipse stretched. "Not unlike yours, really. There are a few differences in appearance and attitude, but really they're just alike. Except our Senshi are always all together."
"Well then why couldn't the Outer Senshi prevent the murder of the Inners?" Artemis asked.
Eclipse made a face that clearly said 'No, no! Don't bring that up!' but it was too late. Kimiko whirled on the cats.
"Because Uranus and Neptune betrayed us!"
The cats, and, behind the door, Rei, all looked at Kimiko, shocked. "What do you mean, betrayed you?" Luna asked, puzzled.
Kimiko turned to face the felines, hatred naked in her eyes. "When we went up to the Black Moon satellite for the final battle, we encountered the Death Phantom. He invaded our minds and made us all these promises. Power, riches, love and whatnot if we joined the forces of Darkness. I thought we'd all overcome his lies, but we were wrong.
"After we defeated Diamond and the Death Phantom, things returned to normal. Or so we thought. One day Haruka, Michiru, and Hotaru didn't show up for our daily meeting. We didn't think anything of it because they were always rather solitary. Four days later they were still missing. Mars and Mercury set out to find them, but their house was empty. Hotaru still hadn't returned and her mother was devastated.
"Mina-chan and I were heading to the mall when Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune appeared. We were happy at first, but we realized something was wrong. Their eyes were vacant and they bore the symbols of evil. They had joined the side of Darkness, and killed Sailor Saturn to gain the powers of the Silence." Kimiko bowed her head and tears began to flow from her eyes.
"After a long battle, I managed to defeat Sailor Uranus, but Sailor Venus was forced to kill Sailor Neptune. Uranus was so upset she ran herself through with the Space Sword." Kimiko wiped a tear from her cheek. "That's why the Sailors in my time couldn't stand up to the Comet Senshi. Three of them were dead, and Pluto refused to fight because she didn't want to risk leaving the Gates unguarded, not to mention she was the only Outer left."
Rei, hearing this, wiped a tear from her eye. Kimiko seemed so sad. She couldn't believe that Sailors of any time could betray their allies. It all seemed so unreal. She knocked softly on the door and then pushed it open all the way. "Sorry to disturb you, Kim-chan, I just came to check on Usagi."
Kimiko smiled up at Rei. "Nothing to worry about, Rei-chan. Everything's okay here." Kimiko hugged herself as if she were cold. In fact, she was cold. "Rei-chan, do you feel that?" she asked.
Rei was looking over her shoulder. "Something's not right. We'd better check it out." She turned to Luna. "Get Rini...I mean, Sailor Moon here as soon as possible." With that Rei ran out the door.
Kimiko stood to follow her. "Call the other girls as well," she yelled over her shoulder.
When Kimiko arrived outside, Sailor Mars was standing in a fighting stance facing another Senshi in and white and blue fuku with white bows. She gritted her teeth and growled, "Sailor Unicorn. You're all crawling out of the woodwork."
Sailor Mars looked at Kimiko out of the corner of her eye. "You recognize her?"
Kimiko nodded. "Yes. She's another Comet Senshi. I haven't fought her, or learned the names of her two remaining sisters, but I know she's as powerful as Sailor Phoenix. She killed Mars and Mercury!"
The white haired Senshi giggled. "Don't tell me you aren't happy to see me? I'm hurt."
Kimiko grinned, and it was totally unpleasant. "Not as hurt as you're going to be. Earth Crystal Power!" Kimiko transformed into Sailor Earth and pointed at Sailor Unicorn. "You cold-hearted pretend Senshi. I will not allow you to corrupt yet another timeline with your evil. I am the vengeful hand of Mother Nature! I am Sailor Earth! And, in the name of the Earth, I will punish you!"
"Well that was a lovely speech," Unicorn smirked. "Now let's see...this must be the part where I cringe and plead, 'No, no, Sailor Earth, I'm ever so sorry! Please spare my life!'" She stuck her finger down her throat and made a mock gagging noise. "Not! Let's see how you handle this instead: Crystal Horn, Impale!" A large ice spike formed in front of Sailor Unicorn, and then flew straight at the two Senshi. Its speed was amazing, Sailor Mars and Sailor Earth dodged just in time.
"Mars, melt that thing before it comes back!" Earth yelled to the fiery Senshi.
"I'm all over it!" Mars yelled back. "Burning Mandala!" The flaming rings of Mars's attack smashed the ice spike into a million pieces.
Sailor Unicorn growled, but regained her composure quickly. "Not matter, second times a charm." She prepared to launch a second attack, but before she could, a voice from the trees yelled: "Pink Sugar Heart Attack!" A shower of pink hearts slammed into Sailor Unicorn's side, throwing her into a tree.
Sailor Moon dropped down from the tree followed by Sailor Mercury, Sailor Jupiter, and Sailor Venus.
Sailor Moon crossed her arms. "We are the Sailor Senshi, champions of justice. We will right wrongs and triumph over evil!"
The other Senshi joined her in yelling out: "And that means you!"
Unicorn looked at the Senshi. "No! This can't be happening!" She pulled out the Onyx Hourglass. "I'll take all of your energy back to Mistress Chronos! Then I'll be her favorite!"
"Mistress Chronos?" Sailor Earth demanded. "Who is that, your master?"
Unicorn laughed. "She is the great mistress of Time, and she'll destroy you all!" She aimed the Onyx Hourglass at Sailor Earth. "And I'll start with you."
"Not if I can help it!" Sailor Venus yelled. "Venus Love Me Chain!" A chain of golden hearts shot out from her hand and whipped the hourglass from Sailor Unicorn's hand.
"Destroy it! Everyone, together, it's the only way!" Sailor Earth cried. The six Senshi aimed their attacks at the flying artifact.
"Shine Aqua Illusion!"
"Burning Mandala!"
"Sparkling Wide Pressure!"
"Love Me Chain!"
"Pink Sugar Heart Attack!"
"Rainbow Beam Illumination!"
The six attacks juggled the Onyx Hourglass in the air momentarily and then it shattered into a million pieces. In its place, the Ginzuishou floated in the air, contained in its personal energy field.
Sailor Unicorn fell to her knees. "I...I...I failed. Mistress Chronos will destroy me for my failure!" She whirled on the Senshi. "You'll all pay for this," she screamed. Sailor Unicorn raised her arms above her head and released the full extent of her powers. Tongues of ice and snow whipped out from every part of her body in every direction. They slammed into the Sailor Senshi knocking them about like so many dolls.
From one of the surrounding trees, Sailor Phoenix watched, an evil smirk on her face. "So long, Unicorn," she whispered happily. She stood to teleport away, but then noticed the Ginzuishou still floating in the air unguarded. Smiling devilishly, she leapt into the air and grabbed it. "Mistress Chronos will love this." With that, she disappeared.
The Sailor Senshi were being smacked around repeatedly. Sailor Mercury and Sailor Mars had taken up shelter behind a few of the temple pillars, Sailor Jupiter and Sailor Venus were behind trees at opposite ends of the clearing, and Sailor Moon and Sailor Earth managed to get behind the same rock.
"What do we do?" Sailor Moon yelled over the deafening noise of random destruction.
"I'm not sure. I've never seen them do anything like this before," Sailor Earth yelled back.
Sailor Moon punched the ground. "If only we were stronger." She clasped her hands together in prayer. "Oh, Neo Queen Serenity...mother, please. What can we do? We don't have the power."
A small golden ball of energy appeared between the two Senshi. The form of Neo Queen Serenity appeared in the center of the ball. She smiled up at Sailor Moon. "Rini, my darling daughter," she said in a melodic voice, she then turned to Sailor Earth. "And Sailor Earth, time-lost ally...I shall grant you the power you need. Join hands, my children."
Sailor Moon and Sailor Earth grasped each other's hands and closed their eyes.
"That's right, concentrate. Feel the power within you."
The two Senshi's brooches began to shine and two objects materialized before them. In front of Sailor Moon there was a scepter that looked exactly like the Spiral Moon Wand, but the gold bow and trim were red, and the heart was pink. In front of Sailor Earth appeared what looked like a globe of the Earth on a golden base with a small golden top.
"These are for you, the Pink Sugar Spiral Wand and the Rainbow Terra Sphere. Use them wisely, as I know you can." With that, the vision of Neo Queen Serenity faded. Sailor Moon and Sailor Earth grabbed their tools and nodded determinedly at each other. They jumped into the torrent of ice energy together. Shards of ice sliced into their skin and clothes, but they didn't back down.
Sailor Earth raised the Rainbow Terra Sphere and yelled "Rainbow Terra Sphere Invocation!" The Terra Sphere began to glow in bright rainbow colors. As it began to glow brighter, it drew Sailor Unicorn's energies into itself until the air was still once more. "Your turn Sailor Moon," she called over her shoulder.
Sailor Moon raised the Pink Sugar Spiral Wand, spun around a few times, struck a pose and cried out, "Pink Sugar Spiral Heart Attack!" A shower of small pink hearts pelted Sailor Unicorn and then a huge one crashed into her body. Sailor Unicorn sank to her knees. Her eyes were glassy. "You'll...pay...for...this..." she croaked. "My...sisters...will..." Before she could finish, her body solidified into a block of ice and shattered.
The other Inner Senshi came out of their hiding places. Sailor Venus patted Sailor Moon and Sailor Earth on their backs. "Good work, you guys. She didn't stand a chance."
Sailor Earth looked down at the Terra Sphere. "So that was the missing factor," she whispered to herself. "The combined powers of the Earth and the Moon..."
Sailor Earth's thoughts were shattered, though, by Eclipse running to the door of the temple and yelling, "Everyone, come quick! Something is wrong with Princess Serenity!"