Sailor Moon Z: Z is for Zodiac
By Sailor Zodiac
Chapter 8: Time Draws Near
Disclaimer: Sailor Z and all her stuff are mine but the original characters belong to the great Naoko.
AN: Well this is the second to last chapter before I start coming up with the next season! I hope you enjoy this chapter.
*thoughts*
Now on with the story!
Chapter 8: Time Draws Near
Ryoko was getting anxious. She should've brought Beryl back weeks ago. "It's those baka senshi soldiers fault," she muttered.
She knew she needed to act. Now. Since Ryoko had the time, she wondered how much energy Beryl still needed. Ryoko looked at the screen. "You need a little more, so I'll give you Washu's."
Ryoko placed the needles in Beryl's spirit. She then flipped the switch. Purple rays of light merged with the spirit. Ryoko began to wonder if she'd ever come around.
Suddenly it was quiet. "M'queen?"
"Yes Ryoko," said Beryl, "I am here."
Ryoko quickly briefed Beryl on the happenings. Beryl told her to lure the scouts to the hidden location and leave them to herself. "It's nice to see you again m'queen."
"Yes it is."
Meanwhile, back with the scouts @Raye's…
"I have a feeling we don't have much time before Ryoko comes for us," said Raye.
"Well," responded Serena as she reached for Darien's hand, "we'll just have to be ready."
Everyone nodded. "Can someone tell me what it was like fighting Beryl the first time?" asked Hotaru.
The room was quiet for a moment, and then Amy began. "Before we fought Beryl, Zoicite had captured Darien and warped his mind. He became her henchman, her prince that she's always wanted from Serenity."
"We had almost saved him once before," continued Lita, "but they took him right back. One day when we were exploring a cave we got sucked back to the time of the moon kingdom. There we learned our true past."
"Then shortly after we defeated Malachite we sailor teleported to the north pole. The minions of Beryl captured one by one all the senshi except Sailor Moon. Serena went on in hopes of finding them all and Darien," added Mina.
"As I walked into her lair I saw him kissing her hand," Serena paused as she gave Darien the look. "Once I had him confused I took out the moon locket he gave me in the moon kingdom. Evil Darien touched it and became himself again.
"Next Metallia gave what energy she had left to Beryl and Beryl enlarged herself. I emerged as Princess Serenity from a white flower and began to use my crystal, but realized I needed help. The inners came and we all joined our powers and defeated Beryl. Then I wished that all of us could have real peace, and that's why we're still here today."
"Wow," stammered Lana. "Do you think we can do it again?"
"Of course! We have you and the outers!" blurted Raye.
The outers and Lana, realizing that Raye was right, nodded. "Will she come for me again?" whimpered Darien.
"I hope not muffin," replied Serena, "I hope not.
Little did the senshi know that Ryoko had been listening to their entire conversation and hurried back to Beryl. Beryl loved the idea of kidnapping the Prince and using him as bait. "Go get him Ryoko," ordered Beryl, "but please be gentle!"
Back @ Raye's…
The scouts were having an enjoyable afternoon after the meeting. Raye, Chad, and her grandpa helped make the food so they had a nice picnic. "I wish we could do this more often," sighed Michelle, "right 'Mara?"
"Yes," Amara spat out as she was eating her cake.
As the senshi had their fun, Ryoko was on temple grounds walking up to the girls. *They'll never recognize me in this tourist get up*
Raye noticed the lady walking along. "Ma'am, if you're looking for a charm we aren't open now."
"But I really want one!" Ryoko whined.
"Miss, I believe my friend asked you to leave," said Darien.
"Ooooooooooh! Who are you tall, dark, and handsome?"
"Back off lady he's mine!" exclaimed Serena.
"No way, he's lady Beryl's!" screamed Ryoko as she grabbed Darien and the teleported away. "Darien!" yelled Serena as he disappeared.
She sniffed and began to cry. "It's all right Princess," said Hotaru.
"Well," Raye paused. "What's next?"
"What do you think? We go after the prince!" yelled Amara.
Serena looked up at the girls and gave a mild sniffle. "I don't want to lose him again. I want him back!"
"We have no choice then," responded Trista. "We must teleport to her lair and save the Prince."
The girls nodded. Each of them quickly transformed and grabbed each others hand all thinking of the same destination: where ever Beryl is.
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Will the senshi be able to get to Darien in time? Where is Beryl's lair? Stay tuned for the big battle and final chapter of Sailor Moon Z: Z is for Zodiac!