Another school day had come and gone and the slightly warmer late spring air gently flowed trough the park. It had been two days since Nephlite had made an attempt to get the Silver Imperium Crystal using Naru to steal a crystal from her own mother. Naru had gotten a talking to from her mother when she returned home late that night but the older Osaka woman had decided against punishing her daughter out of fear it might drive her to do something even more drastic. Naru's mother just didn't know what to do about her daughter.

Naru and Usagi were in the park that afternoon enjoying the warm spring air. Usagi had asked to talk to Naru privately first thing that morning during school. She needed to get her friend to stop thinking about Sanjouin Masato. Usagi needed to tell Naru what she knew about him without blowing her cover as Sailor Moon. Taking a moment to think and do some people watching Usagi found the right words to say to the new friend she cared so much for.

"Naru I asked you here because I've been hearing things about Sanjouin Masato. There's been talk going around that he's involved in some dangerous stuff." Usagi began, "Some people have been saying that they've seen him hurting and manipulating other people. Naru I ran into your mother the other night and she told me what you did. He was using you like he used the other people I've heard about. Sanjouin Masato is bad news and I think you should stay away from him at all costs. Sailor Moon may not be around to help you out if you get into trouble again."

Naru listened to what Usagi had to say and it was a valid reason not to see someone but she was in love with the millionaire playboy. There was no way she would stop seeing him now.

"I'm sorry Usagi but I can't. No matter how bad he is I just can't forget about him." Naru said, "Usagi, is there someone you like?"

Usagi thought about it for a moment and remembered the kiss Tuxedo Mask had given her. She then realized that she was starting to have serious feelings for him.

"Well...yeah." Usagi said with a slight blush.

"Then you must know how I feel" Naru replied to her friend.

********

Queen Beryl sat in her throne room waiting for Nephlite to report in on his last mission. The Dark Kingdom general had been missing since his last attempt to get the Silver Imperium Crystal and Queen Beryl was fast becoming very angry with him. Nephlite's time was coming to an end.

As Beryl waited for any sign of the dark general Zoicite and his life partner Malachite appeared before their queen. The taller Malachite stepped back almost even with the horde of youma determined to let the smaller more effeminate man have his moment to shine before their queen. His chance would come but first he wanted to let the one he loved have his fifteen minutes of fame. The white haired general watched as Zoicite gave Queen Beryl a report on his findings.

"My queen," Zoicite began as he got to one knee and bowed his head, "I have news to report about General Nephlite."

Beryl suddenly became interested in what the effeminate general had to say. Placing her hand under her chin the dark queen leaned forward to listen to the report Zoicite was about to make.

"What is it you have to report?" Beryl wanted to know giving the general permission to speak.

Raising his head Zoicite began to tell Beryl the information he had on Nephlite and his next possible course of action.

"It seems my queen General Nephlite has taken a fancy to a human girl. Or at least she has taken a fancy to him. And because of these feelings I strongly believe the good general just might betray us to the enemy." Zoicite said, "During General Nephlite's last mission I sent a youma to follow him and relay back to me what she had seen. Through my link to her I could see that the young girl who fancies Nephlite possesses a strange power. It is my belief that General Nephlite will use this power in order to find the Silver Imperium Crystal. The girl showed a display of this power shortly before I lost contact with my youma. The old woman was my wisest youma."

Beryl took in everything General Zoicite had told her. And if what the dark general believed were indeed true then Nephlite would now be considered a flight risk and a possible traitor. The time had come for Nephlite to step down and Zoicite to take over.

"General Nephlite's absence as of late is cause for an immediate course of action to be taken. The time has come for him to be relieved of his duties. Zoicite go to Earth find General Nephlite and do what you must. I want him dead or alive preferably dead." Beryl proclaimed to her gathered minions.

With that Zoicite got up bowed to his queen and left to prepare for Nephlite's death. One way or another Zoicite was going to make certain Nephlite had a slow and painful death.

********

Guardians of the Earth
Episode Ten: Death of a General

********

Night had come to Tokyo and the residents of the Mintako ward slept. And as they slept they dreamed. Some like Motoki and Unazuki Furuhata dreamed about people they loved or secretly had feelings for. Others like Tendo Ami and Hino Rei dreamed about people long gone into the other world and the happy times they had together. And still others like Saotome Ranma who were avid sports enthusiasts dreamed about glory in the field of their sport. But there were some who were dreaming cryptic dreams about people, places, and events they could not recall. There were two such individuals dreaming those types of dreams on that night, Son Usagi and Chiba Mamoru.

The dream Usagi was having on that night was a repeat of the dream where she was bidding a tearful goodbye to a valiant warrior under a star filled sky. And like the prior time she had the dream Usagi still couldn't see the face of the man in her dream but she knew he was someone very close to her. This was one time Usagi was glad to be having the same dream over again. Usually repeating dreams for Usagi meant nightmares of her childhood coming back to haunt her.

Like Usagi Mamoru was having a repeating dream. This time the dream repeating itself was the slightly altered princess dream. Once again the dream princess was telling Mamoru he needed to go and find seven pieces of a greater crystal so they could be free. Mamoru had yet to understand what this dream meant and how the seven tiny pieces of a bigger crystal could set him free. But he figured he would begin to understand things when the first of those seven pieces showed themselves. For now Mamoru enjoyed hearing the sound of the dream princess's voice each time he dreamed of her.

While most people in Tokyo were at home in their beds dreaming the night away one man was quite busy with other concerns. Sanjouin Masato better known as General Nephlite of the Dark Kingdom was floating above the OSA P building. Finding the proper window he passed through the walls and floated into the small bedroom. In the bed below him sleeping without a single worry in the world was Osaka Naru. The auburn haired young woman gently stirred in her sleep and went from sleeping on her left side to lying on her back. And as she positioned her head to the right Nephlite pulled out his black crystal and passed it over the bed emitting a soft glow. Nephlite thought that the Silver Imperium Crystal just might be inside Naru's own body.

The crystal's power allowed the dark general to see beneath the layers of cloth that made up her bed linens and night clothes. Layer after layer was examined and made transparent before the dark general's eyes. And as he reached the final layer Nephlite could see the faint glow of the power that radiated within her but it was not what he had hoped it would be. The power within Naru was not that of the Silver Imperium Crystal. It was just the power of her love.

Nephlite was frustrated over the fact that Naru's body didn't contain the Silver Imperium Crystal. And as the dark general looked at the sleeping form of the young girl below him he began to wonder if Sailor Moon knew where the crystal was. It was at that moment Nephlite remembered that Sailor Moon had called Naru by her name. Nephlite began to wonder if Naru knew who Sailor Moon really was. Floating down to the floor below Nephlite stood over the sleeping form of the girl.

Naru could feel the eyes upon her and began to stir in her sleep. Slowly waking up Naru looked up at the man by the side of her bed. Thinking she might be dreaming Naru was hesitant to believe at first that he was Sanjouin Masato. When reality fully set in Naru sat up in her bed with a start and waited for him to address her.

"Naru what the Senshi said the other night is true. I am in reality an elite soldier of the Dark Kingdom and a general for my queen. My name is not Sanjouin Masato it's Nephlite." Nephlite began.

"I've learned about love from you Naru. You see where I come from we don't have any love only evil and hatred. The people of my world are told to destroy other worlds and the people within them. They are even told to destroy their own kind.

"As I spent more time here on Earth I began to realize that what I was doing was wrong. Your love made wake up Naru. I want to fight against these evil forces alongside Sailor Moon. If you know who Sailor Moon is can you tell me?" Nephlite told her.

Naru looked up at Nephlite with an apologetic look upon her face. No one knew who the Senshi really were let alone Sailor Moon. It was said she possessed great strength and amazing abilities. Naru had seen her a couple of times but that was all it was. The other night over the prior weekend was the longest time Naru had seen Sailor Moon. She hated to disappoint Nephlite but she really didn't know who Sailor Moon really was.

"I'm sorry I don't know." Naru told him.

"You don't believe me?" Nephlite wanted to know.

Naru looked at the dark general with a look of truth in her eyes.

"I do believe you. I just don't know." Naru said as tears began to fall from her eyes.

Nephlite had heard enough and turned to walk out of the room. Walking into the shadows of the room Nephlite phased through the wall and waited outside the building for Naru to contact Sailor Moon. If Naru really did know who Sailor Moon was she would contact her right away.

********

Zoicite stood in the small room waiting for his youma to arrive. The three remaining youma he had were quite rare in the Dark Kingdom. They were triplets and each one had a power connected to the elements. The three youma sisters were connected to the earth, wind, and fire. Alone each youma wasn't very strong but when all three were together they were almost unstoppable. The job the effeminate general had for the triplets was going to be a difficult one for their main target was considered to be quite strong. Zoicite was going to have to alter his plans if he were to bring about the death of his fellow general.

After waiting in the room for what seemed like an hour the youma finally arrived. The three sisters were not identical in looks but they did share a similar trait; each one had the same white hair though they all wore it in different styles. Yochi, the sister of the earth, had long white hair and light green skin with eyes the color of cornflowers. Kaze, the sister of the wind, had her white hair cropped off at the chin with light blue skin and light gray eyes. And Okibi, the sister of fire, had short white hair and deep red skin with yellow orange eyes. Zoicite addressed the three sisters.

"The time has come for the end of our dear friend Nephlite." Zoicite began, "Queen Beryl has become tired of his constant failures and has ordered he be relieved of his duties."

The eldest of the three sisters Okibi stepped forward to reply to her master's statement.

"My sisters and I will gladly take care of General Nephlite master." Okibi said.

Zoicite looked over the three Youso sisters and after a quick once over he knew the three of them together would not be able to take out Nephlite. Zoicite began to formulate a different plan of attack and decided to go after the lovesick young schoolgirl who defended the general in his last battle.

"Nephlite is too strong for the three of you to take on by yourselves. There is however another way to get the rouge general. Nephlite has a weakness, which happens to be a human girl. Get this girl and we will be able to get our dear Nephlite where it hurts the most. And once we do I will have his black crystal for myself." Zoicite instructed them.

The Youso sisters nodded their heads in understanding of what their master told them before giving them one final reply.

"We understand your orders master." The youngest sister Yochi replied.

"We will get the human girl and use her to trap General Nephlite and get the crystal for you." Kaze the middle sister added.

Zoicite looked at the sisters with a smug little smile upon his face.

"Good. Now go and prepare our trap for our dear friend General Nephlite." Zoicite commanded.

With that said the Youso sisters left the small chamber in a flash of light to carry out their master's orders and bring about the end of Nephlite.

********

Usagi was in the middle of a new dream when the telephone began to ring. Groggily Usagi gave up the happy retelling of the time when Goten had spoken his first word which happened to be an abbreviated version of her name, 'Agi. From then on it became his nickname for her. Walking over to the wall phone Usagi picked up the receiver and gave a quick greeting.

"Moshi, moshi." She said in a very sleepy tone.

The person on the other end of the phone replied to the tired greeting.

"Usagi it's me Naru." The young girl told her friend.

Upon hearing her friend's voice Usagi perked up considerably.

"Naru is something wrong?" Usagi asked her.

"Usagi you're the only one I can really talk to about this. Sanjouin came to my room tonight. He told me everything and said he wanted to know where Sailor Moon is." Naru told Usagi.

Usagi wanted to know why Nephlite needed to know where Sailor Moon was and tried to ask Naru the question now on her mind.

"Did he tell you why he wanted to know where Sailor Moon was?" Usagi inquired.

After waiting for a moment for Naru to answer her question Usagi could hear crying coming from the other end of the line. She knew Naru was upset about something.

"I feel much better now." Naru told Usagi, "Thank you for listening to me."

With that Naru hung up the phone leaving Usagi still on the other end of the line wondering just what Nephlite had said to her friend.

Usagi hung up the receiver and looked over towards her bed and the desks. Luna and Ami had not been woken up by the conversation she had with Naru. And as she looked at the sleeping form of her roommate whose head was now resting on her rather thick honors Physics book Usagi thought about whether or not she should go over to Naru's house and talk with her friend some more. Making her decision Usagi went to her closet and threw on her training clothes before grabbing the still sleeping form of Luna off of her bed. Then with a quick hop onto the tree outside her window Usagi was on her way.

"Psst! Luna wake up." Usagi said to the cat sleeping in her arms.

Luna groggily opened her eyes and looked up at Usagi wondering what was going on.

"Usagi what are we doing outside?" the black feline asked her charge.

"Naru was visited by Nephlite tonight and I have a feeling he's going to use her to try and get to me. But more importantly something he said has her in tears." Usagi explained.

"Well then we'd better get over to her house right away." Luna suggested.

"You read my mind Luna." Usagi replied with a small smile.

Putting Luna down the pair began running towards the OSA P building as fast as Luna's legs would take them. And as they made it near the park not too far from Naru's building something began to happen. Usagi let a small scream escape her lips as the ground began to distort around her. The moon Senshi didn't know what was happening but whatever it was she was certain Nephlite was behind it.

Hearing the scream from Usagi Luna looked behind her to see her charge caught in some type of trap. Knowing that female Saiyan could take care of herself Luna focused her attention back to the task at hand and headed off in the direction of the OSA P building and Naru. The lunar feline didn't know what she could do but she did know she could watch over Naru until Usagi showed up.

Usagi looked in Luna's general direction to see the lunar feline heading off towards Naru's building. Focusing her attention back to what was happening to her and seeing no other course of action Usagi reached for her henshin broach and called forth her transformation phrase.

"Moon Prism Power!" Usagi called out.

As the familiar ribbons and light surrounded the female Saiyan a shadowy figure watched her with great interest. The Senshi of the moon had revealed her identity to the one person in the universe she didn't want to have that knowledge, the dark general Nephlite. With her cover blown Nephlite could come and find her whenever he chose to.
"Quite the impressive light show Sailor Moon. Or should I say Son Usagi." Nephlite said.

Usagi knew she was in hot water now that Nephlite knew who she was.

"Okay so you know who I am. Now promise me you won't breath a word of this to anyone." Usagi said trying to reason with the dark general.

"What I say after I leave this little park is of no matter to you because you will be dead by then." Nephlite sneered at the female Saiyan.

Usagi had a good guess as to what was going to happen next. She figured Nephlite would make good on his words and try and do away with the Moon Senshi.

Nephlite true to his words powered up for his attack. Sailor Moon, or rather Usagi, could feel the rise in his Ki and quickly got into a defensive position. When the dark general's energy was at its greatest he let forth his attack.

"Starlight Attack!" Nephlite called out.

The blast of dark energy came hurtling towards Sailor Moon with great speed and ferocity that it took everything the female Saiyan had to stand up to the blast. The Moon Senshi knew Nephlite was giving it everything he had.

Nephlite let forth another attack at Sailor Moon and the Demi-Saiyan was finding it hard to withstand the blast. Somehow the dark general had gotten stronger since the last time they fought. Sailor Moon was finding it difficult to even stand up. And as she tried to dodge the next blast a red streak flashed across the sky and landed between Sailor Moon and Nephlite revealing the familiar red rose belonging to the tuxedo clad warrior, Tuxedo Mask.

"Tuxedo...Mask." Sailor Moon said between heavy breaths.

"Nephlite if you want someone to fight then why not take me on!" Tuxedo Mask challenged.

Nephlite was about to reply to the challenge brought forth by Tuxedo Mask when he received a strange flash of Ki. The Ki was very familiar and was connected to the Dark Kingdom. The dark general knew right away that it was a youma and it was coming from the direction of the OSA P building.

It was what happened next that changed everything for Nephlite, Sailor Moon, and Tuxedo Mask. A loud cry could be heard in the night sky. The cry was very familiar and very distinct and when the three warriors heard it, it sent chills down their spines.

"Please Nephlite-sama help me!" the voice cried out.

The moment he heard the female voice Nephlite knew that one or more youma were hurting Naru. Some of the things he had said to her earlier were beginning to sink into his brain and actually make sense. And if the lovesick schoolgirl really did care for him then he had to save her.

"Sailor Moon I know who you are. I can attack you anytime. You better be waiting." Nephlite said to the female Saiyan.

With that Nephlite left the park to go after the youma who had Naru.

Sailor Moon turned to Tuxedo Mask with obvious worry on her face. Now that Nephlite knew who she was he could come for her at any time. Sailor Moon knew she could stand up to him but she didn't want anything to happen to Ami. Even though the Senshi of wisdom knew some martial arts she wouldn't be able to withstand one of the dark general's blasts.

"He knows who I am and can come after my family and friends now." Sailor Moon said.

Tuxedo Mask tried to ease the Moon Senshi's worries.

"Don't worry if he found out about your identity." Tuxedo Mask said as he left the scene.

Sailor Moon was left to ponder Tuxedo Mask's cryptic message.

********

Luna ran as fast as her tiny feline legs could carry her. She knew she had to get to the OSA P building and somehow protect Naru from anything that might happen to her. It was her job as a guardian to watch over the Senshi and those they cared about and Sailor Moon cared about the young girl very much. There was no telling what the dark general might do to her in order to get at Sailor Moon.

As Luna ran down the street she felt a dark presence coming from the direction of the OSA P building. Pushing herself to the limit Luna ran as fast as she could. Maybe I could benefit from some of that turtle stuff. I certainly could stand to be faster, Luna thought. The thought that something was happening to the young schoolgirl kept the lunar feline going as fast as her body would allow.

By the time Luna finally reached the OSA P building she saw three feminine shadows carrying away Usagi's friend Naru. The defenseless schoolgirl was yelling out for Nephlite to come and save her from the three youmas. And as the three youmas left with their prize all Luna could do was watch helpless to do anything to stop them.

"Things just went from bad to worse." Luna said as the youmas vanished into thin air.

********

Nephlite arrived back in Naru's room too late to do anything to save the lovesick girl or see who her possible abductor was though he did have a good guess as to who was behind it. And by the time he got inside her room Nephlite was greeted by the sight of the empty bed with the bed linens folded over at one of the corners. And there on top of the bed was a crisp white note card with his name upon it.

Nephlite picked up the note card and opened it to read whatever message it contained. The note was written in cherry blossom pink ink from an honest to goodness fountain pen. There was only one person in all of existence that Nephlite knew about who used that particular color of ink, the effeminate general Zoicite. Glancing at the inside of the card Nephlite read its message.

"Nephlite," the card began, "I have the girl. If you wish to see your precious human again you will bring your black crystal to the lair of the Youso sisters immediately. You will get the girl in exchange for the crystal. Fail to show and the sisters will dispose of her. Zoicite."

Nephlite looked over the note one more time to make certain what he had read was really from Zoicite. And after confirming it was indeed Zoicite who wrote the message Nephlite burned the card in his hands and let out a maniacal chuckle.

"What a fool Zoicite is. I don't care about that girl one bit." Nephlite said as he watched the card burn and turn to ash.

********

The lair of the Youso sisters was dark and had a slight dampness to it. The youma triplets had bound Naru to one of the walls in plan sight of anyone who entered the large chamber. Yochi, Kaze, and Okibi waited for Nephlite to arrive so they could put the second part of their plan into action. They were going to catch the dark general off guard attack him before he could power up for his own attack. And with any luck the three sisters would be able to kill the general.

Nephlite appeared in the chamber in a flash of light and saw Naru bound to the wall. The lovesick girl was about to call out to the dark general but the Youso sisters began attacking him. Okibi sent a blast of fire towards the general. Nephlite barely dodged the blast and was clipped on his left arm. Seeing the slight injury Kaze directed her stinging blast of wind directly for the injured arm. Nephlite once again was grazed in the same place adding to injury. Finally Yochi sent forth tiny razor sharp rose thorns at the general ripping the upper arm to shreds opening the already large wound even further.

Nephlite was furious with the Youso sisters and prepared to send a blast of dark energy towards the triplets. Raising his good arm he let forth a weak yet effective blast of energy at the three sisters. The blast caused enough damage to weaken them but it wouldn't kill them. Nephlite didn't want the sisters dead yet. He needed them bruised and battered and still alive so they could go crawling back to their master and deliver his message.

"I won't give you my black crystal! Tell that to Zoicite!" Nephlite said defiantly to the sisters.

Then with a small blast of energy Nephlite freed Naru of her bonds and took her into his arms. The dark general walked out of the lair with the girl in hand.

Once the pair reached the outside world Naru looked up into Nephlite's eyes and thanked him for coming to her rescue.

"Thank you for saving me." Naru said to the general.

Nephlite looked down at the grateful girl and sneered at her in disgust. He didn't know why he was saving her. He thought he would have been better off if he left her with the sisters.

"I don't know why I saved you myself. I've been lying to you until now." Nephlite told her.

Naru kept on looking into the eyes of the general happy to be with him.

"I don't mind one bit as long as you're near me." Naru replied.

Naru went to bury her head in Nephlite's shoulders and noticed the injury to his left arm. Concern for the dark general swept over her and she knew she had to do something to help him.

"Nephlite-sama your arm is hurt. We need to get that fixed." Naru said making him put her down.

Naru took a hold of Nephlite's good arm and led him to Juban Park so she could fix it.

********

Ami had often found herself sleeping in the strangest of positions while studying. And it was no exception that she would fall asleep at her desk reading her honors Physics book. The young genius was actually now dreaming about the formulas and theories she had been reading about when the soft gentle beeping of her communicator woke her up from her slumber. Wearily Ami reached over for the pink calculator sized device and pressed the respond button.

"Hai." She said sleepily.

"Rei here." Ami heard Rei say.

"Ami, Rei we have a situation developing near the OSA P building." Luna told her.

Perking up right away when she heard the call dealt with Senshi business Ami replied to Luna.

"I'll be there as soon as I can but remember I'm not Usagi." Ami responded.

"Yes but being Mercury isn't all that bad. If my mythology serves me correctly he was the fastest god out of the entire bunch." Rei told her.

Luna gave the young genius and shrine miko a small feline smile and continued the conversation.

"Just do whatever you can to get here quickly." Luna said.

"I will." Ami replied ending the conversation.

"Okay." Rei added.

Seeing she was still in her loose tan pants and long sleeved blue t-shirt Ami threw on her canvas shoes and prepared to climb out the open window above Usagi's desk. How does she do this, Ami thought as she climbed onto the thick branch. After carefully climbing out of the tree Ami found a secluded place on the quad to change into her Senshi identity. Being Mercury had its slight advantages over being plain old Ami Tendo. Mercury was a bit faster just like the Roman god she was named for.

"Mercury Power!" Ami called out.

After the light show and water had faded Ami began to make her way to the OSA P building.

********

Rei was glad she had brought her communicator with her into the prayer room. The young miko in training had a feeling something might happen real soon and she wanted to be prepared in case it did. There was no telling when the Dark Kingdom might strike again. And when the call from Luna came Rei ended her meditation session and sprang into action not even bothering to change out of her red hakama and white robe top. And after seeing, or rather hearing, her grandfather was still asleep Rei grabbed her henshin rod and transformed into Sailor Mars.

"Mars Power!" Rei called out.

With the customary light and fire show the power of Mars wrapped itself around Rei transforming her into her alter ego the Senshi of War Sailor Mars. And when the transformation was complete Rei headed for the OSA P building to hook up with Luna and Mercury.

********

Naru had led Nephlite to a small out of the way place in the park and gestured for the dark general to sit against the large kaba tree. The dark chestnut hair of the general was greatly contrasted against the light bark of the tree. Knowing some basic first aid Naru knew she had to find something to wrap around the wound to stop the bleeding. Seeing that the only alternative she had available was her own pajama top Naru began ripping and tearing at the dark lime green cotton cloth at the bottom of the top. When she had a large enough strip Naru then began to gently wrap the piece of cloth around Nephlite's arm.

"You know ever since I first met you at the tennis tournament I've always dreamed of doing something with you." Naru said as she worked on the makeshift bandage.

"What's that?" Nephlite asked a bit curious.

"You might think this is silly but there's this little soda shop not to far from here that sells the best chocolate parfaits in the world. I've always wondered what it would be like to get one with you." She told the slightly surprised dark general.

"You want to eat a chocolate parfait with me?" Nephlite asked Naru.

"Yes, I've always wanted to go and have a chocolate parfait with the man I love." Naru replied.

Thinking about it for a moment Nephlite decided that it might not be so bad to indulge the lovesick young girl in her fantasy. Besides if he made it out of this alive Nephlite figured he should at least thank Naru for fixing his arm.

"I'd like to have one too. Especially if it's with you." Nephlite said with a small smile.

Naru smiled and began making plans as she tied off the makeshift bandage around Nephlite's arm.

"We could go on Sunday." Naru said, "Is Sunday a holiday where you come from like it is here?"

Nephlite was about to answer Naru when the three Youso sisters interrupted the touching little scene. Yochi, Kaze, and Okibi seemed to appear out of nowhere in a burst of light.

"Your time has come to an end General Nephlite." Okibi told the dark general.

"Our master has sent us to destroy you and get your crystal for him." Kaze added.

"No one escapes the Youso sisters." Yochi declared as she prepared to attack.

Calling forth her power Yochi brought forth a large spiky thorn in her right hand. And with the grace and skill of an Olympic javelin thrower Yochi sent the thorn straight at Nephlite and Naru.

Seeing the thorn heading for them Nephlite quickly shielded Naru from the attack. The thorn struck the dark general in the shoulder going clean through sticking out on both sides. Naru saw what had happened and screamed in shock and terror.

"That thorn was a gift from my master. It drains the energy out of any living creature it touches until they die a slow and painful death." Yochi informed the wounded general.

Naru knew she had to do something to save the man she cared for very much. Placing her hands on the thorn and her foot on Nephlite's back Naru tried to pull the thorn out.

"Try as you might but you won't be able to remove the thorn. No human can remove that thorn." Yochi said with a sneer on her face.

Naru defiantly looked back at the Yochi and gave the youma her response.

"I won't give up until this thorn is out. I love Nephlite too much to met him die." Naru told her.

As Naru pulled at the thorn with everything she had her body began to glow once again. The thorn began to budge little by little until it was finally out of Nephlite's shoulder. Grabbing the dark general in her arms Naru cradled his head in her lap.

"Everything is going to be all right. You'll see." Naru reassured the dark general.

The Youso sisters were about to send another attack at Nephlite when two distinct voices could be heard in the night air.

"Mercury Bubbles..." the first voice called out.

"Mars Fire..." the second voice added.

"Blast!" Mercury said.

"Ignite!" Mars finished.

The bubble wrapped spiraling flames took out one of the Youso sisters, Kaze the sister of the wind. The remaining two sisters Yochi and Okibi turned their attention to the two Senshi and their feline companion standing before them.

"How dare you attack them!" Mercury began.

"A love like theirs is sacred and we won't let you ruin it." Mars added.

"Protector of Mercury I am the Senshi of Wisdom Sailor Mercury."

"Protector of Mars I am the Senshi of War Sailor Mars."

Yochi and Okibi could care less who was who. All they cared about was the fact that they were the Senshi. Powering up their attacks the remaining Youso sisters prepared to avenge the death of Kaze.

Just as the two sisters were about to let forth their attacks a glowing disk came flying towards them clipping them on their hands. Then like a boomerang the disk flew back to its owner. The Youso sisters turned to look behind them to see the distinct figure of the Moon Senshi Sailor Moon standing defiantly before them.

"Protector of the innocent defender of love and justice I am the Senshi of the Moon Sailor Moon. In the name of the moon I shall punish you." Sailor Moon growled at the sisters.

The two sisters began rushing towards Sailor Moon in an attempt to double team her. The Moon Senshi leapt up into the air and came down upon Okibi with the heel of her boot knocking the fire youma to the ground. Then with inhuman speed she rushed Yochi sending a volley of kicks and punches at the earth youma. Sailor Moon obviously had the upper hand.

"Time to end this." Sailor Moon declared.

Raising her Ki level to its limit Sailor Moon prepared to do away with the remaining sisters. It would be tricky but if she did it right Sailor Moon would be able to perform two attacks within mere moments of one another. Placing her thumb and forefinger on her tiara Sailor Moon prepared for the first of two of her three most powerful attacks.

"Moon Tiara Magic!" Sailor Moon called out throwing the tiara at Yochi.

Then with a quick spin Sailor Moon powered up the blast that would do away with Okibi.

"Masenko Ha!" she said letting forth the powerful Ki blast.

At the exact same moment the tiara and the Masenko hit their marks and blasted away the two remaining Youso sisters. The three youma were no more.

Sailor Moon turned to face Naru and Nephlite to see if they were both okay when a strange cackle rang out throughout the park. Turning in the direction of the laughter the Senshi saw a slightly taller more effeminate looking man dressed in the same type of uniform Nephlite wore appear amidst a shower of sakura petals. The effeminate general addressed his fallen counterpart.

"My dear Nephlite it's over for you. Even if you somehow mange to survive Queen Beryl will still do you in. So why not just give me what should be rightfully mine and die like the good little man you are." Zoicite said to Nephlite.

"Zoicite...you'll never get...my crystal." Nephlite declared through heavy breaths as he tried to sit up despite all his pain.

"Too bad Nephlite but the crystal is mine!" Zoicite proclaimed as he used his telekinetic ability to draw the black crystal away from Nephlite.

The Senshi looked on as Zoicite took the crystal in his gloved hand and began laughing once again. The dark blonde general had a victorious smirk upon his face as he addressed the gathered crowd.

"I hate to just grab my prize and run but duty calls." Zoicite said as he left the park in another shower of sakura petals.

Sitting up was proving to be too much for Nephlite and the dark general laid his head back down in Naru's lap. Looking up at the lovesick young girl Nephlite gave her a weak smile.

"Everything's going to be all right Nephlite you'll see." Naru said to him.

Then the young schoolgirl turned her attention to Sailor Moon.

"Sailor Moon can't you do something to help him?" Naru pleaded as the tears began to fall.

Sailor Moon looked at the general and felt his Ki level. She knew there was nothing she could do for him. Even if she could perform her father's instant transmission and get to Karin's tower for some senzu beans she would be too late. Nephlite's energy was falling and fast. All Sailor Moon could do was look at her friend with an apologetic look upon her face.

Nephlite could see the look Sailor Moon was giving Naru and could tell she somehow knew he didn't have much longer to live. Wanting to let the female Saiyan know her secret was safe Nephlite addressed Sailor Moon one last time.

"Sailor Moon you don't have to worry about your secret getting out anymore." Nephlite said.

Sailor Moon tried not to cry as she watched what happened next.

"I'm sorry Naru but I guess I lied to you right up until the end. I won't be having that chocolate parfait with you after all." Nephlite told her.

The shock of what Nephlite said hit Naru like a ton of bricks. She now knew why Sailor Moon didn't answer her plea for help. There was nothing no one could do to save the dying general.

"Please don't die Nephlite. You can't die. Please don't die." Naru pleaded as the tears began to fall down her face even faster than before.

Naru's pleas were not enough to help the dark general. With one final breath Nephlite closed his eyes and his body began to glow turning into pure energy. And when the energy had dissipated all that was left of him was a blood soaked bandage made from a pajama shirt resting in the hands of its maker.
Naru cried out in pain and loss.

Luna, Mercury, and Mars cried for the young woman who had lost her first love.

And for the first time since her father died at the hands of Cell five years prior Sailor Moon cried.

********

The tall young figure stood at the edge of the large tiled courtyard and watched as one of his closest friends cried for the first time in five years. The young teenage guardian of the planet Earth, Dende, knew the events he had just witnessed had to happen in order for the great evil that he was sensing to be destroyed. Wearing the robes of his predecessor the once care free Namek turned to address his companion and assistant Mr. Popo.

"Mr. Popo it looks as though our friend Usagi is in for some rough times ahead of her. But she must go through this if she is to fulfil her destiny." Dende said.

********

In the small apartment in the lobby of Kinmoko hall Kimiko Yamamoto dorm director and counselor lifted her head from the book she was reading. Sleep was not important on this night. She could feel the dying Ki and the pain and anguish in the heart of the young woman who loved the dark general. The dark green haired woman knew the time had come for one chapter to end and a new one to begin. Ironically enough she had just finished the latest chapter in the book she was reading.

"The time has come for the next Senshi to make herself known." Kimiko said.

********

In the other world at the palace of the Grand Kai a lone figure stood watch over the Earth. A lot had changed since the obviously female individual had been alive but that was of no concern to her. She had other things on her mind. And the death of General Nephlite was one of them. His death signaled the coming of a more powerful general but more importantly it signaled the beginning of the resurrection of a group of warriors she hoped the Earth would never have to face. But if the Moon Princess was to be found then these warriors were going to have to be summoned for they held the key to everything within them.

"Soon my daughter everything will be known to you." She said.

********

Sniff, sniff snort. Another episode is finished. And is my runny nose due to the tear jerking nature of the episode or the bad sinuses I get when I swim too much. And boy was I doing a lot of that lately. Told you I was going to be busy for the rest of the month. But enough about my personal life and the minor health crises I get every summer that cause me to become real friendly with my nasal spray and over the counter allergy medicines (darn flies). It's now time to explain a few things in this episode.

You're probably wondering about all the Japanese in this episode so let me explain it to you. Thanks to an online English to Japanese dictionary I was able to find the Japanese equivalents of the words earth, wind, and fire Yochi, Kaze, and Okibi. Okibi doesn't literally mean fire but it is in the fire family. If I remember it correctly it means great fire or something like that. I thought those words made cool sounding names for the three youma. The last name I gave them Youso literally means element. Cool huh? I thought so. Oh and if you didn't catch the small reference the three youma were inspired by the seventies R&B group Earth, Wind, and Fire.

As you probably noticed I made some references to a few DBZ characters. I told you they would be showing up in later episodes. To clarify a few things King Kai will be at the Grand Kai's place as well as our surprise mystery female figure from the end of the episode. Wonder who she could be (wink, wink nudge, nudge)? I also put in Kimiko our ever mysterious all knowing somehow connected to Central dorm director again to not only let you know she's still alive but to also start giving her a bit of a bigger role. Maybe Kimiko isn't really her real name. But remember little things that get mentioned in prior episodes foreshadow what is yet to come.

So with that in mind we move on to the next episode and the next general. Zoicite has the black crystal and gets the go ahead to begin his search for the seven rainbow crystals and the warriors within them. What role do these crystals play for Usagi and Mamoru and will Ranma and Ami admit they have feelings for one another? And just what is Ryouga's connection to all of this? The answers to these questions and more when that boy crazy Senshi Jupiter makes her grand entrance for what will be ten of the best can't miss all important it will erase what Piccolo did when Usagi was five episodes. The Rainbow Crystal arch gets off to a thundering start in episode eleven Thunder and Lightning.