Chapter 4 - SMG
* * * * *
In the grey study Shade was bent over, positioning a small grey pyramid in a tiny niche in the wall. Two other locations in the room already had matching pyramids within them. Shade frowned slightly and shifted the small pyramid once more then turned as he rose, satisfied for a moment with his work before he frowned imperceptively, spotting an uninvited guest.
With a cheerful smile Gallia said, "Hello there Shade. What a pleasant surprise to find you here."
Shade sighed, "I do live here.."
Gallia glanced around the room giving no sign that she heard Shade's reply to her comment but instead rested her eyes on a grey cat and wolf resting in a corner. "Taking after the earthling zoos I see," she remarked.
A shaking of his head was the only reply she got from Shade.
She looked at Shade for a moment then shook her head too. She then said, "Anyhow, did you hear that Argon got killed?"
Shade looked at Gallia now giving her his full attention and quietly asked, "How?"
Gallia smiled and impishly asked, "What will you give me to tell you?"
His response was a frown and he said, "Please.. just tell me."
She mock pouted for a moment and said, "What fun are you?" She then grinned, "One day I'll find out," she added though she received no response, so she told what was learned of Argon's demise, "Apparently he was trying to get the sailor brigade's attention by bringing a tornado youma, but somehow they escaped and destroyed the poor youma. Argon then went from being ok to being dead in a matter of moments. I don't know how."
Shade nodded slowly, "Was Argon's Dark Shard recovered?"
"No," answered Gallia.
Shade nodded again, musing "So back to 5 Shards on the Dark Kingdom side once more, now four Dark and 1 Light. Hrm.."
Gallia smirked at Shade and walked right up in front of him commenting, "Thinking so much could get you in trouble. Let Lord Agate figure it out. Talking about Lord Agate, we are required for an audience with him in about, oh, 3 minutes." She smiled and said, "Gotta go now, bye!" and she vanished, teleporting away.
Shade simply shook his head for a moment then in a flash of grey light he was gone.
* * * * *
There stood nine females, one male and two cats at the Hikawa Shrine late at night. Among them were the inner senshi with Luna and Artemis, along with a pink-haired young girl dressed up like Sailor Moon. There were also three other women in sailor fuku, all three looking a least a couple years older then the inner senshi thought younger or about the same age as Tuxedo Kamen who was also present. Two of the newcomers stood close together, one dressed in blues and yellows, having short blonde hair and the other having bluish-green hair and blue and green fuku. The third who was nearer the two other newcomers then to the inner senshi had long, dark green hair and a long metal staff that looked vaguely like a key.
Sailor Moon spoke first wearing a bright smile, "You guys came just in time. You dusted Argon and now we can relax again, right?"
The one with short blonde hair frowned and spoke, "No, Argon was not the main threat. Right now we have found forces occupying every planet in the solar system."
The one with bluish-green hair nodded and spoke next, "We found out as the magic hiding them fluctuated for a moment, around the fight you had before the last one. Sailor Uranus is right, there is something more to this then Argon."
Finally the long dark green-haired one stepped forward and said, "Correct, Sailor Neptune. The armies seem to organize much like it had been when the Dark Kingdom attacked the Silver Millenium. This time, however, they don't seem to have humans. I'd even guess the number of them that once had been human are less then ten. The closest one to a human that I saw was a half-human I believe. He has been on earth and I could only find him for a short moment during the fluctuation. The others I can still find now but he I can not."
Sailor Mercury sat down and opened her computer and said as she typed, "So what you are saying, is that this is the just beginning, Sailor Pluto?"
Sailor Pluto nodded, "they have some interest with earth, though we are not sure what. We must go now. I need to protect the Time Portal."
Sailor Uranus added, "And we have to try to gain some ground against them away from here."
Sailor Neptune then said, "And you have to keep them from winning here. Find out what they are after and get it first."
"So long, and good luck," Sailor Uranus said in farewell as Sailor Pluto, Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune made huge jumps and almost flew away from the shrine as the inner senshi nodded and waved.
* * * * *
Lord Agate was a thousand times less then happy. Argon was not a fool but somehow he had been killed, and not only that, the Dark Shard that had been Argon's for safe keeping had been lost. Shortly after that he also found the occupying forces on the other planets had been attacked in guerrilla warfare type style. It wasn't very damaging, but the attacks were with the same energy signatures as what had hit Argon, and they were also a sign that his troops had been discovered even under the disguise magic that the Sage had been secretly drawn from Shade without Shade even knowing. Something had disrupted that magic and the Sage had said it would probably fail enough so at least Shade would discover what was going on and it might even fall completely on it's own. He was not happy with all this bad news, but it was time for a new plan. That is why he had his other three Champions before him along with Shade who was, in theory, the subject of his with the most potential. Lord Agate decided he could distract Shade from noticing magic that was cast on him and remove the senshi threat at the same time. He got ready to begin to address his commands and the crowd of subjects behind them.
Lord Agate stood up from his throne. All in the room fell quite, and gave Lord Agate their full attention. Lord Agate then began to speak and he said, "For all of you who did not know, Argon was defeated and destroyed a few days ago." The announcement was greeted by silence so he continued, "The energy that destroyed Argon was very similar in makeup to the senshi's, so they must somehow be involved with Argon's demise and the minor attacks on our forces in this system. Furthermore Argon was carrying one of the five Dark Shards that my most trusted warrior carry to boost their power. That is now lost." The announcement that a Shard was lost created small moments of sound among the crowd, of concern and anger, that the mention of Argon's death had not. Lord Agate lightly tapped his staff on the ground and it almost instantly became silent once more. Lord Agate then commanded, "Tungsten, " then he pauses and added, "And Shade. You two are assigned to disable the senshi, with Tungsten, who as more experience, commanding the operation. Shade, you will do as he commands. I'm assigning you two together because Shade needs to learn more and his brother teaching him should be more effective."
Tungsten grinned at that, but Shade seemed somewhat less pleased.
Lord Agate continued, "Also, Tungsten, the report you read on Zoisite impaling Tuxedo Kamen with his ice crystal. Duplicate that by killing Tuxedo Kamen. Do you understand my orders?" Tungsten and Shade nodded to the question, so Lord Agate then said, "everyone else, you know your orders. Find those Shards of Light. Dismissed."
* * * * *
Another morning Ami, Rei, Makoto, Minako and Usagi sat on the steps of the Hikawa Shrine with the exception of Rei, who swept the temple grounds.
Usagi yawned and said, "Boy I'm tired. I should of slept in, but Mom insisted I get up even though it's summer break and there is no school. Sigh."
Rei muttered, "I'm not surprised. You are always tired. Maybe it's because of how lazy you are."
Usagi said, "I heard that Rei!" and stuck out her tongue.
Rei ignored her.
Minako just shook her head, "Well at least we have some time out from senshi work."
Makoto nodded in agreement, "Ya, fighting the Dark Kingdom can get annoying after a while. I'd rather be chasing guys then youma."
Through all the comments Ami just typed on her computer with a dark crystal item resting on it. Usagi looked over curiously and asked, "What is that, Ami-chan?"
Ami responded as she typed, "It's a shard, of some unknown material, that Luna found on what was left of Argon, namely his uniform. I think it might be of some importance." The other senshi crowded around Ami to take a look as she pointed to a map on the screen that showed a global map of the earth, and said, "I have been able to see nine other locations where the same or similar energy signatures are being given off. Four, not including this one, seem to be in the area of Japan with evidence there was a fifth up until the last several weeks. There are two in England, two in the United States and one in Brazil. Four of the energy patterns are almost exactly the same as this one, and have a negative energy. Four are similar except instead have positive energy. The last is faint, and has a strange energy pattern. It seems to be artificial unlike the others."
Usagi just responded with, "Huh?"
Ami said, "That means there might be up to 4 others like Argon, and they might be seeking out the others. I don't know for sure my information is correct though, because there are many factors."
"Oh, you are so smart Ami-chan. I'm sure you got it all," said Usagi with a smile.
Ami smiled back and returned to typing away at her computer.
Makoto rolled up her sleeves, "Well when the next one attacks here we'll be ready for them."
Usagi nodded to Makoto, "I know you'll show them, Makoto-chan."
Rei thought for a moment then said, "I suppose if they attack elsewhere we can use Sailor Teleport."
Usagi nodded again and almost began to jump up and down at the thought and said, "And after that we can try the food, see the sights..*"
Rei interrupted, "Usagi, it won't be a pleasure trip."
Usagi waved a hand and replied, "I know, I know, but we can't fight all the time. We'll have breaks. I wonder what Brazilian food is like."
Makoto then asked Minako, "Hey, how you doing with that guy, Shen I think."
Minako smiled and answered, "Oh, we are just friends. I did get lost going to his house before, which was annoying, but I called him and he said he'd wait outside for me there today. I forgot something there and wanted to give him a few decorating suggestions. The place seems a little empty and dreary." She shook her head and added, "I still can't believe I got lost going there before. I could of sworn I was at the place where it was."
Usagi said, "Don't worry, we all forget things."
Rei then said, "Oh, like how you were going to meet Mamoru-kun in the park in a few minutes?" She shook her head and added, "You are lucky he puts up with you."
Usagi smiled brightly, "I'm real lucky he's always here for me. I don't know what I'd do without him." Usagi then stood up, and continued, "Rei is right though, I have to run. Talk to you later guys!" She waved, and the others waved back as she ran off towards the park.
"Rei said quietly, "Real lucky." She smiled to herself and went back to sweeping.
* * * * *
Mamoru walked through the park, hand in hand with a somewhat out of breath Usagi. There were a few people around but it was mostly peaceful there. Next to him Usagi spoke.
"I'm glad Chibi-Usa decided to bug Shingo, though I do like her around sometimes. It's nice for just the two of us to be together, don't you think?" asked Usagi.
Mamoru nodded and smiled down at her. They found a bench and sat down together. Usagi put his hands on her knee and rested her own hands on top of them as she gazed at the trees and flowers. Mamoru did the same enjoying the quiet time. He murmured, "So nice here."
With a nod Usagi added, "With you." After a few more quiet moments she asked, "What happened to you in the park that night when we fought those Wraith things?"
Mamoru blinked at the question not having expected it at the moment then answered, "Well I guess I just got shook up a little bit there. No big deal I think. I'm fine now." Usagi smiled up at him. Mamoru paused, then decided to ask a question back, "Usako, if I looked much worse then I do, would you still of fallen for me?"
Usagi thought for a moment then answered, "Truthfully, your looks got my attention but your heart won me over." She leaned over and hugged him.
Mamoru hugged back gratefully then noticed Usagi was puckering up her lips at him. He also noticed a few people were looking at him and Usagi. With a little reluctance he pulled back from her. People went back to minding their own business and Usagi pouted.
Usagi sighed but said, "there will be other times," and leaned against him.
Mamoru nodded and repeated what she said, "Other times."
Usagi put her arm around him again. "Always and forever," she said and went back to enjoying the beauties of the park and the company.
* * * * *
Minako turned down the street as she had twice before, and frowned to herself. She knew this was the way she had gone last time, and hadn't found the house there but she was armed, this time, with directions from Shen, which she had gotten on the phone.
She saw Shen standing down the street, silent as always, and she ran up to him. "Hello Shen-san!" she exclaimed and looked around.
Shen nodded quietly and said, "Greetings." He was standing on the sidewalk in front of where Minako could have sworn the house was at last time but hadn't been.
Minako was able to see the house this time, in the shadows of the other two buildings once more.
Minako frowned and said, "I could of swore this is where I looked for your place before."
Shen just shrugged. "You wanted to come over. Come on it," he said as he walked up to and into the house. Minako hurried after him.
Inside Minako was greeted with the same dreary setting. The house being all grey started to bother her when joined with the belief that the house had not been here last time. Something was bothering her. Maybe it was just her memory.
Shen walked into the living room with Minako following behind him. He picked up a small package and handed it to Minako and said, "That is what you forgot last time."
Minako nodded slowly, feeling more uncomfortable all the time. Suddenly a beeping went off in her pocket, and she thought, 'Saved by the bell.' Out loud Minako said, "Oops, I think I'm supposed to call someone. There some place private to use the phone?"
Shen said, "Sure," and gestured to the kitchen.
Minako ducked into the kitchen and after making sure Shen was staying in the living room, she pulled out her communicator.
Over the communicator Makoto said, "Calling all Senshi. Sailor moon is in trouble. Get to the park!"
Minako said, "Ok!" and pocketed the communicator. She then ran out of the house yelling, "Sorry, I have to run! Cya!"
She didn't notice the mirrors on the wall, that had been near her, vanish.
* * * * *
Sailor Moon dodged another flying missile that had come from a female youma that had cannons for arms. "Help! Tuxedo Kamen! Sailor Senshi! Help!" she screamed as she dodged another cannonball.
Right at the last moment a red rose flew into the left cannon muzzle that had been aimed at Sailor Moon for a killing shot. The youma's left arm exploded promptly after it tried to fire it's gun. It's face got blackened a little.
"Tuxedo Kamen!" Sailor Moon cheered.
"I will always be by your side, Sailor Moon," was Tuxedo Kamen's reply.
All of a sudden a red-haired man rose up from the ground, wearing a blue uniform of the Dark Kingdom. He sneered and said, "Auw. How sweet. Heh. I am Tungsten, Lord Agate's Champion of Stone. Sailor Moon, surrender. Tuxedo Kamen.. die!" Tungsten raised a hand and from every direction shards of stone flew up from the ground at Tuxedo Kamen.
Tuxedo Kamen jumped out of the way and said, "Not today, thank you."
Tungsten raised his hand for another attack but was interrupted by a young voice. "Leave those two alone!" said Sailor Chibi-Moon.
She stood off to the side, with the four other inner sailor senshi standing behind her, all posing.
Sailor Mercury said, "She's right. Leave them alone."
Sailor Jupiter added, "Or you'll have to deal with us!"
Sailor Mars then said, "In the name of our planets, we will punish you!"
Sailor Venus finished with, "We took out Argon. You don't want to be next!"
Tungsten raised an eyebrow and replied, "You mean, Argon, Lord Agate's Champion of Air?"
Sailor Mars nodded and said, "That's right!"
Suddenly a familiar looking wiry figure appear out of thin air next to Tungsten. He seemed to be a very much alive Argon, with bleached blonde hair that was a bit over lightened. Tungsten gestured a thumb at him and said, "You mean him?" The senshi just stared.
The cannon armed youma took that moment to try to fire her other arm at the senshi but smoke was just emitted. The right misfired because of the trouble caused by the left exploding. As others talked she tried to get her right arm working which was not an easy endeavor.
Sailor Mercury was the quickest to respond to the appearance of Argon. She turned on her visor to analyze Argon. She then blinked and turned her visor off and on again.
Sailor Venus asked, "What is wrong Mercury?"
Sailor Mercury replied with surprise, "I'm not getting any readings at all. Not that he is alive, that he is an illusion, or has any kind of energy. According to my readings he just isn't there. Before when we faced the Wraiths with Argon I got bio readings and energy readings. With him now I get nothing."
Tungsten smirked and commented, "Looks like they figured your trick out, Shade. Too bad dear brother."
The Argon look-a-like blurred for a moment then became Shade. He frowned slightly, "They had only begun to figure it out. You gave it away."
Tungsten shrugged and replied, "Whatever you say. Make whatever excuse you want."
Sailor Venus jumped, smiling and said, "I knew we beat Argon!"
The youma tried to fire her right cannon once more at Sailor Moon, but nothing happened. The youma whined and looked at the cannon again.
After seeing the youma unable to do anything at the moment Sailor Jupiter turned to the other two and stated, "You two are going down!"
Meanwhile Sailor Moon whispered to Tuxedo Kamen, "Wasn't Shade the one who kind of helped us?" to which Tuxedo Kamen nodded in reply.
Tungsten yawned and said, "Well if you are done chatting we can talk about you surrendering to superior forces." Shade raised an eyebrow so Tungsten added, "Don't worry Shade, I didn't mean you were part of those superior forces," and Tungsten smirked again.
Sailor Mars shook her head, "We'll never surrender to evil scum like you!"
Tungsten sneered once more and said, "Well then I'll just have to beat you into the ground," and raised his hand.
Shade interjected, "Let me handle them.. Stick to orders perhaps."
Tungsten made a half-hearted attack with stones from the ground at the senshi, which the senshi dodged, and he muttered, "Whatever."
Sailor Mars yelled, "Mars Burning Mandelas!" as Sailor Venus attacked with her Love Chain. Meanwhile Sailor Mercury watched Shade and tapped keys on her computer as Sailor Jupiter guarded.
Tungsten easily dodged the burning rings that flew at him, while Shade seemed to just appear to the side of where he just was, the Love Chain going where he was no more, missing him. Quietly Shade whispered, "Pseudo Shadow Strike." And punched at the senshi. A grey cone of force expanded from his fist and surrounded the senshi, knocking Sailor Jupiter, Sailor Mars, Sailor Venus and Sailor Mercury to the ground, Sailor Mercury barely able to keep hold of her computer.
Shade turned to Tuxedo Kamen and Sailor Moon who Tungsten was also eyeing. He begun again saying, "Pseudo Shadow..*" but was cut off by a scoop of flying strawberry ice cream.
Sailor Chibi-Moon stood there grinning and holding the ice cream cone she had held before the crisis began. "You're now a mess! Soon you're going to be all washed up!" she said.
Tungsten laughed at Shade and Sailor Chibi-Moon, but Shade just shrugged, wiped the ice cream off and readied to strike once more. Suddenly events moved faster then anyone could follow though, and Shade didn't have the chance to attack Sailor Chibi-Moon.
The youma aimed at Sailor Moon one more time with her cannon. She fired and the cannon exploded, the explosion engulfing and destroying her. However the cannon ball flew out of the expanding smoke cloud, straight at Sailor Moon as Tungsten raised his hand to attack Tuxedo Kamen while he was distracted. Tuxedo Kamen saw Sailor Moon's plight and jumped to her as she dodged towards him, away from the ball. Around them the ground erupted with stone.
* * * * *
Sailor Jupiter was the first up after Shade's attack and she helped the others up. "Come on!" she said, "Sailor Chibi-Moon can't keep them distracted for long and she might get hurt!" The others nodded.
Sailor Mars got out two slips of paper with symbols on them and declared, "I'll use my Anti-Evil signs on them!"
Suddenly there was an explosion. They turned to see Tuxedo Kamen and Sailor Moon jump towards each other as the ground seemed to rise around them.
As smoke from the explosion engulfed the two a few moments later, a groan of pain was heard and nothing more.
* * * * *
Tuxedo Kamen knew there was going to be big trouble when the youma exploded. He saw the cannon ball race towards Sailor Moon and he jumped towards her to save her.
At that moment Tungsten chose to attack Tuxedo Kamen once again, and stones started rapidly rising from the ground.
Tuxedo Kamen and Sailor Moon met in the air. Tuxedo Kamen saw and felt her grab onto him and he used their momentum to turn in the air keeping Sailor Moon from the cannonball blast. To his horror he noticed the ground rising behind them. The smoke in the air covered over them, hiding them from all others. He looked to Sailor Moon as she clung against his chest to warn her. He didn't find the words as he saw he was too late. He saw Sailor Moon's eyes shoot wide open and heard her groan in sudden pain as he felt a sharp piece of stone pierce his shoulder. A shoulder Sailor Moon was held against.
* * * * *
Shade heard the sounding of pain in the smoke then the muffled sound of two people hitting the ground. He heard Sailor Moon as she weakly spoke, "Tuxedo Kamen.. Mamo..*" then she fell silent, unable to finish as the smoke cleared away. Amid the torn up ground knelt Tuxedo Kamen. Tuxedo Kamen held Sailor Moon to his chest and whispered, "Usako.."
Shade suddenly felt a great emptiness inside himself. He fell to one knee as the senshi screamed for Sailor Moon and ran to her. Shade was uncomprehending for a few moments, as he felt nothing. Then his mind screamed. However Guide's voice cut through the noise in his mind as she shouted mentally, 'Keep in control. Don't let the Balance Shift destroy your mind. The battle is not lost yet." Shade grimaced and slowly rose to his feet as the crying and angry senshi turned to him and Tungsten.
* * * * *
Sailor Mercury couldn't believe it. Sailor Moon was dead. Her wound was too great for Sailor Moon to take. Sailor Mercury tried to keep in control, using all her medical skills but after a minute or two she knew there was no hope, and let the tears run.
Sailor Jupiter stood and faced Tungsten and Shade, shouting with eyes red from anger and tears, "You, you two! A great and, and wonderful friend is gone forever. You are going to pay! You will not be forgiven, ever!"
Sailor Mars and Sailor Venus stood, shortly followed by Sailor Mercury. Sailor Mars said, "She was one of the biggest hearted people in the world, but you took her from us. We'll make you pay for what you have done."
Tungsten shook in mock fear. "Oh, I'm so afraid. Heh. To think I had meant to kill Tuxedo Kamen but got Sailor Moon instead. A pity," he said while grinning, "However if you want to fight I'm in for it. You are just a bunch of cry babies anyhow."
Sailor Venus looked at Tungsten and Shade grimly and said, "Then it ends now."
Tungsten smirked but Shade slowly shook his head and said, "No."
Tungsten looked at Shade in annoyance, and asked, "What do you mean no? I could wipe them out single-handed. They'd be all done and it'd be over."
Shade shook his head again and simply replied, "We must go."
Tungsten frowned and said, "No way! I'm in charge here."
Shade replied once more, "We were to kill Tuxedo Kamen and capture the senshi. You killed Sailor Moon, and a dead person is not quite capturable. Our mission is a failure. We must return to report."
Tungsten sneered at Shade and said, "You are going down for this, not me. Fine. Let's go."
Sailor Jupiter's lightning attack zoomed by Tungsten barely missing and she yelled, "You aren't getting away this time!"
Tungsten laughed and responded, "Oh, no?" He then sunk into the ground, vanishing. Shade shrugged and stepped into a grey nexus, also vanishing.
Sailor Jupiter's shoulders slumped as she whispered, "Not fair."
Sailor Mercury shook her head slowly and looked to where Tuxedo Kamen held Sailor Moon, silently grieving, a crying Sailor Chibi-Moon now at his side. Suddenly Sailor Chibi-Moon faded from sight for a moment then back into view. Sailor Mercury yelled, "Chibi-Moon!" and ran over along with the surviving inner senshi.
Tuxedo Kamen turned to Sailor Chibi-Moon and quietly said, "Chibi-Usa. Not you too. Please, no."
Sailor Venus took a hold of Sailor Chibi-Moon's hand, as Sailor Chibi-Moon fell unconscious, still fading in and out. Sailor Venus looked to Sailor Mercury and Sailor Mars, but Sailor Mercury looked at the ground, saddened that she couldn't do anything, and Sailor Mars just shook her head, tears still running down her face.
Sailor Jupiter sighed and looked to where Tungsten and Shade had been. She spoke softly, "I guess it's over then."
Unexpectedly Shade's voice came from the shadows nearby, though the senshi couldn't see him. He stated, "As long as there is Light and Darkness, it is never over. Never give up."
The senshi, except for Sailor Venus who stayed with Sailor Chibi-Moon, turned to where Shade's voice came from. Sailor Mars said, "She's dead, your brother killed her and you are on his side. We can't let you get away with this."
Shade gave no verbal response directly to that. However out of the shadows appeared a glowing grey sphere. Shade's voice said, "Host. Suspend." The orb then shot forward towards Tuxedo Kamen, Sailor Venus, and the fallen Sailor Moon and Sailor Chibi-Moon. Tuxedo Kamen and Sailor Venus blocked it's path with themselves but at the last moment it dodged around then and touched Sailor Moon.
Sailor Moon glowed grey for a moment then vanished.
Tuxedo Kamen shouted, "No!"
Sailor Venus saw the globe loop away then come back towards her and the fading Sailor Chibi-Moon. Try as she might she couldn't block the sphere completely. The sphere touched Sailor Chibi-Moon.
Sailor Chibi-Moon glowed grey like Sailor Moon had, and vanished too.
Sailor Venus jumped for the one foot wide sphere but it dodged her and zoomed back into the shadows, disappearing.
The senshi and Tuxedo Kamen stood still for a moment, too stunned for a moment at all at all that had just happened.
Finally Sailor Jupiter's voice echoed into the night. She yelled, "Get back here! Give us back our friends.."
* * * * *
In the grey study Shade was bent over, positioning a small grey pyramid in a tiny niche in the wall. Two other locations in the room already had matching pyramids within them. Shade frowned slightly and shifted the small pyramid once more then turned as he rose, satisfied for a moment with his work before he frowned imperceptively, spotting an uninvited guest.
With a cheerful smile Gallia said, "Hello there Shade. What a pleasant surprise to find you here."
Shade sighed, "I do live here.."
Gallia glanced around the room giving no sign that she heard Shade's reply to her comment but instead rested her eyes on a grey cat and wolf resting in a corner. "Taking after the earthling zoos I see," she remarked.
A shaking of his head was the only reply she got from Shade.
She looked at Shade for a moment then shook her head too. She then said, "Anyhow, did you hear that Argon got killed?"
Shade looked at Gallia now giving her his full attention and quietly asked, "How?"
Gallia smiled and impishly asked, "What will you give me to tell you?"
His response was a frown and he said, "Please.. just tell me."
She mock pouted for a moment and said, "What fun are you?" She then grinned, "One day I'll find out," she added though she received no response, so she told what was learned of Argon's demise, "Apparently he was trying to get the sailor brigade's attention by bringing a tornado youma, but somehow they escaped and destroyed the poor youma. Argon then went from being ok to being dead in a matter of moments. I don't know how."
Shade nodded slowly, "Was Argon's Dark Shard recovered?"
"No," answered Gallia.
Shade nodded again, musing "So back to 5 Shards on the Dark Kingdom side once more, now four Dark and 1 Light. Hrm.."
Gallia smirked at Shade and walked right up in front of him commenting, "Thinking so much could get you in trouble. Let Lord Agate figure it out. Talking about Lord Agate, we are required for an audience with him in about, oh, 3 minutes." She smiled and said, "Gotta go now, bye!" and she vanished, teleporting away.
Shade simply shook his head for a moment then in a flash of grey light he was gone.
* * * * *
There stood nine females, one male and two cats at the Hikawa Shrine late at night. Among them were the inner senshi with Luna and Artemis, along with a pink-haired young girl dressed up like Sailor Moon. There were also three other women in sailor fuku, all three looking a least a couple years older then the inner senshi thought younger or about the same age as Tuxedo Kamen who was also present. Two of the newcomers stood close together, one dressed in blues and yellows, having short blonde hair and the other having bluish-green hair and blue and green fuku. The third who was nearer the two other newcomers then to the inner senshi had long, dark green hair and a long metal staff that looked vaguely like a key.
Sailor Moon spoke first wearing a bright smile, "You guys came just in time. You dusted Argon and now we can relax again, right?"
The one with short blonde hair frowned and spoke, "No, Argon was not the main threat. Right now we have found forces occupying every planet in the solar system."
The one with bluish-green hair nodded and spoke next, "We found out as the magic hiding them fluctuated for a moment, around the fight you had before the last one. Sailor Uranus is right, there is something more to this then Argon."
Finally the long dark green-haired one stepped forward and said, "Correct, Sailor Neptune. The armies seem to organize much like it had been when the Dark Kingdom attacked the Silver Millenium. This time, however, they don't seem to have humans. I'd even guess the number of them that once had been human are less then ten. The closest one to a human that I saw was a half-human I believe. He has been on earth and I could only find him for a short moment during the fluctuation. The others I can still find now but he I can not."
Sailor Mercury sat down and opened her computer and said as she typed, "So what you are saying, is that this is the just beginning, Sailor Pluto?"
Sailor Pluto nodded, "they have some interest with earth, though we are not sure what. We must go now. I need to protect the Time Portal."
Sailor Uranus added, "And we have to try to gain some ground against them away from here."
Sailor Neptune then said, "And you have to keep them from winning here. Find out what they are after and get it first."
"So long, and good luck," Sailor Uranus said in farewell as Sailor Pluto, Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune made huge jumps and almost flew away from the shrine as the inner senshi nodded and waved.
* * * * *
Lord Agate was a thousand times less then happy. Argon was not a fool but somehow he had been killed, and not only that, the Dark Shard that had been Argon's for safe keeping had been lost. Shortly after that he also found the occupying forces on the other planets had been attacked in guerrilla warfare type style. It wasn't very damaging, but the attacks were with the same energy signatures as what had hit Argon, and they were also a sign that his troops had been discovered even under the disguise magic that the Sage had been secretly drawn from Shade without Shade even knowing. Something had disrupted that magic and the Sage had said it would probably fail enough so at least Shade would discover what was going on and it might even fall completely on it's own. He was not happy with all this bad news, but it was time for a new plan. That is why he had his other three Champions before him along with Shade who was, in theory, the subject of his with the most potential. Lord Agate decided he could distract Shade from noticing magic that was cast on him and remove the senshi threat at the same time. He got ready to begin to address his commands and the crowd of subjects behind them.
Lord Agate stood up from his throne. All in the room fell quite, and gave Lord Agate their full attention. Lord Agate then began to speak and he said, "For all of you who did not know, Argon was defeated and destroyed a few days ago." The announcement was greeted by silence so he continued, "The energy that destroyed Argon was very similar in makeup to the senshi's, so they must somehow be involved with Argon's demise and the minor attacks on our forces in this system. Furthermore Argon was carrying one of the five Dark Shards that my most trusted warrior carry to boost their power. That is now lost." The announcement that a Shard was lost created small moments of sound among the crowd, of concern and anger, that the mention of Argon's death had not. Lord Agate lightly tapped his staff on the ground and it almost instantly became silent once more. Lord Agate then commanded, "Tungsten, " then he pauses and added, "And Shade. You two are assigned to disable the senshi, with Tungsten, who as more experience, commanding the operation. Shade, you will do as he commands. I'm assigning you two together because Shade needs to learn more and his brother teaching him should be more effective."
Tungsten grinned at that, but Shade seemed somewhat less pleased.
Lord Agate continued, "Also, Tungsten, the report you read on Zoisite impaling Tuxedo Kamen with his ice crystal. Duplicate that by killing Tuxedo Kamen. Do you understand my orders?" Tungsten and Shade nodded to the question, so Lord Agate then said, "everyone else, you know your orders. Find those Shards of Light. Dismissed."
* * * * *
Another morning Ami, Rei, Makoto, Minako and Usagi sat on the steps of the Hikawa Shrine with the exception of Rei, who swept the temple grounds.
Usagi yawned and said, "Boy I'm tired. I should of slept in, but Mom insisted I get up even though it's summer break and there is no school. Sigh."
Rei muttered, "I'm not surprised. You are always tired. Maybe it's because of how lazy you are."
Usagi said, "I heard that Rei!" and stuck out her tongue.
Rei ignored her.
Minako just shook her head, "Well at least we have some time out from senshi work."
Makoto nodded in agreement, "Ya, fighting the Dark Kingdom can get annoying after a while. I'd rather be chasing guys then youma."
Through all the comments Ami just typed on her computer with a dark crystal item resting on it. Usagi looked over curiously and asked, "What is that, Ami-chan?"
Ami responded as she typed, "It's a shard, of some unknown material, that Luna found on what was left of Argon, namely his uniform. I think it might be of some importance." The other senshi crowded around Ami to take a look as she pointed to a map on the screen that showed a global map of the earth, and said, "I have been able to see nine other locations where the same or similar energy signatures are being given off. Four, not including this one, seem to be in the area of Japan with evidence there was a fifth up until the last several weeks. There are two in England, two in the United States and one in Brazil. Four of the energy patterns are almost exactly the same as this one, and have a negative energy. Four are similar except instead have positive energy. The last is faint, and has a strange energy pattern. It seems to be artificial unlike the others."
Usagi just responded with, "Huh?"
Ami said, "That means there might be up to 4 others like Argon, and they might be seeking out the others. I don't know for sure my information is correct though, because there are many factors."
"Oh, you are so smart Ami-chan. I'm sure you got it all," said Usagi with a smile.
Ami smiled back and returned to typing away at her computer.
Makoto rolled up her sleeves, "Well when the next one attacks here we'll be ready for them."
Usagi nodded to Makoto, "I know you'll show them, Makoto-chan."
Rei thought for a moment then said, "I suppose if they attack elsewhere we can use Sailor Teleport."
Usagi nodded again and almost began to jump up and down at the thought and said, "And after that we can try the food, see the sights..*"
Rei interrupted, "Usagi, it won't be a pleasure trip."
Usagi waved a hand and replied, "I know, I know, but we can't fight all the time. We'll have breaks. I wonder what Brazilian food is like."
Makoto then asked Minako, "Hey, how you doing with that guy, Shen I think."
Minako smiled and answered, "Oh, we are just friends. I did get lost going to his house before, which was annoying, but I called him and he said he'd wait outside for me there today. I forgot something there and wanted to give him a few decorating suggestions. The place seems a little empty and dreary." She shook her head and added, "I still can't believe I got lost going there before. I could of sworn I was at the place where it was."
Usagi said, "Don't worry, we all forget things."
Rei then said, "Oh, like how you were going to meet Mamoru-kun in the park in a few minutes?" She shook her head and added, "You are lucky he puts up with you."
Usagi smiled brightly, "I'm real lucky he's always here for me. I don't know what I'd do without him." Usagi then stood up, and continued, "Rei is right though, I have to run. Talk to you later guys!" She waved, and the others waved back as she ran off towards the park.
"Rei said quietly, "Real lucky." She smiled to herself and went back to sweeping.
* * * * *
Mamoru walked through the park, hand in hand with a somewhat out of breath Usagi. There were a few people around but it was mostly peaceful there. Next to him Usagi spoke.
"I'm glad Chibi-Usa decided to bug Shingo, though I do like her around sometimes. It's nice for just the two of us to be together, don't you think?" asked Usagi.
Mamoru nodded and smiled down at her. They found a bench and sat down together. Usagi put his hands on her knee and rested her own hands on top of them as she gazed at the trees and flowers. Mamoru did the same enjoying the quiet time. He murmured, "So nice here."
With a nod Usagi added, "With you." After a few more quiet moments she asked, "What happened to you in the park that night when we fought those Wraith things?"
Mamoru blinked at the question not having expected it at the moment then answered, "Well I guess I just got shook up a little bit there. No big deal I think. I'm fine now." Usagi smiled up at him. Mamoru paused, then decided to ask a question back, "Usako, if I looked much worse then I do, would you still of fallen for me?"
Usagi thought for a moment then answered, "Truthfully, your looks got my attention but your heart won me over." She leaned over and hugged him.
Mamoru hugged back gratefully then noticed Usagi was puckering up her lips at him. He also noticed a few people were looking at him and Usagi. With a little reluctance he pulled back from her. People went back to minding their own business and Usagi pouted.
Usagi sighed but said, "there will be other times," and leaned against him.
Mamoru nodded and repeated what she said, "Other times."
Usagi put her arm around him again. "Always and forever," she said and went back to enjoying the beauties of the park and the company.
* * * * *
Minako turned down the street as she had twice before, and frowned to herself. She knew this was the way she had gone last time, and hadn't found the house there but she was armed, this time, with directions from Shen, which she had gotten on the phone.
She saw Shen standing down the street, silent as always, and she ran up to him. "Hello Shen-san!" she exclaimed and looked around.
Shen nodded quietly and said, "Greetings." He was standing on the sidewalk in front of where Minako could have sworn the house was at last time but hadn't been.
Minako was able to see the house this time, in the shadows of the other two buildings once more.
Minako frowned and said, "I could of swore this is where I looked for your place before."
Shen just shrugged. "You wanted to come over. Come on it," he said as he walked up to and into the house. Minako hurried after him.
Inside Minako was greeted with the same dreary setting. The house being all grey started to bother her when joined with the belief that the house had not been here last time. Something was bothering her. Maybe it was just her memory.
Shen walked into the living room with Minako following behind him. He picked up a small package and handed it to Minako and said, "That is what you forgot last time."
Minako nodded slowly, feeling more uncomfortable all the time. Suddenly a beeping went off in her pocket, and she thought, 'Saved by the bell.' Out loud Minako said, "Oops, I think I'm supposed to call someone. There some place private to use the phone?"
Shen said, "Sure," and gestured to the kitchen.
Minako ducked into the kitchen and after making sure Shen was staying in the living room, she pulled out her communicator.
Over the communicator Makoto said, "Calling all Senshi. Sailor moon is in trouble. Get to the park!"
Minako said, "Ok!" and pocketed the communicator. She then ran out of the house yelling, "Sorry, I have to run! Cya!"
She didn't notice the mirrors on the wall, that had been near her, vanish.
* * * * *
Sailor Moon dodged another flying missile that had come from a female youma that had cannons for arms. "Help! Tuxedo Kamen! Sailor Senshi! Help!" she screamed as she dodged another cannonball.
Right at the last moment a red rose flew into the left cannon muzzle that had been aimed at Sailor Moon for a killing shot. The youma's left arm exploded promptly after it tried to fire it's gun. It's face got blackened a little.
"Tuxedo Kamen!" Sailor Moon cheered.
"I will always be by your side, Sailor Moon," was Tuxedo Kamen's reply.
All of a sudden a red-haired man rose up from the ground, wearing a blue uniform of the Dark Kingdom. He sneered and said, "Auw. How sweet. Heh. I am Tungsten, Lord Agate's Champion of Stone. Sailor Moon, surrender. Tuxedo Kamen.. die!" Tungsten raised a hand and from every direction shards of stone flew up from the ground at Tuxedo Kamen.
Tuxedo Kamen jumped out of the way and said, "Not today, thank you."
Tungsten raised his hand for another attack but was interrupted by a young voice. "Leave those two alone!" said Sailor Chibi-Moon.
She stood off to the side, with the four other inner sailor senshi standing behind her, all posing.
Sailor Mercury said, "She's right. Leave them alone."
Sailor Jupiter added, "Or you'll have to deal with us!"
Sailor Mars then said, "In the name of our planets, we will punish you!"
Sailor Venus finished with, "We took out Argon. You don't want to be next!"
Tungsten raised an eyebrow and replied, "You mean, Argon, Lord Agate's Champion of Air?"
Sailor Mars nodded and said, "That's right!"
Suddenly a familiar looking wiry figure appear out of thin air next to Tungsten. He seemed to be a very much alive Argon, with bleached blonde hair that was a bit over lightened. Tungsten gestured a thumb at him and said, "You mean him?" The senshi just stared.
The cannon armed youma took that moment to try to fire her other arm at the senshi but smoke was just emitted. The right misfired because of the trouble caused by the left exploding. As others talked she tried to get her right arm working which was not an easy endeavor.
Sailor Mercury was the quickest to respond to the appearance of Argon. She turned on her visor to analyze Argon. She then blinked and turned her visor off and on again.
Sailor Venus asked, "What is wrong Mercury?"
Sailor Mercury replied with surprise, "I'm not getting any readings at all. Not that he is alive, that he is an illusion, or has any kind of energy. According to my readings he just isn't there. Before when we faced the Wraiths with Argon I got bio readings and energy readings. With him now I get nothing."
Tungsten smirked and commented, "Looks like they figured your trick out, Shade. Too bad dear brother."
The Argon look-a-like blurred for a moment then became Shade. He frowned slightly, "They had only begun to figure it out. You gave it away."
Tungsten shrugged and replied, "Whatever you say. Make whatever excuse you want."
Sailor Venus jumped, smiling and said, "I knew we beat Argon!"
The youma tried to fire her right cannon once more at Sailor Moon, but nothing happened. The youma whined and looked at the cannon again.
After seeing the youma unable to do anything at the moment Sailor Jupiter turned to the other two and stated, "You two are going down!"
Meanwhile Sailor Moon whispered to Tuxedo Kamen, "Wasn't Shade the one who kind of helped us?" to which Tuxedo Kamen nodded in reply.
Tungsten yawned and said, "Well if you are done chatting we can talk about you surrendering to superior forces." Shade raised an eyebrow so Tungsten added, "Don't worry Shade, I didn't mean you were part of those superior forces," and Tungsten smirked again.
Sailor Mars shook her head, "We'll never surrender to evil scum like you!"
Tungsten sneered once more and said, "Well then I'll just have to beat you into the ground," and raised his hand.
Shade interjected, "Let me handle them.. Stick to orders perhaps."
Tungsten made a half-hearted attack with stones from the ground at the senshi, which the senshi dodged, and he muttered, "Whatever."
Sailor Mars yelled, "Mars Burning Mandelas!" as Sailor Venus attacked with her Love Chain. Meanwhile Sailor Mercury watched Shade and tapped keys on her computer as Sailor Jupiter guarded.
Tungsten easily dodged the burning rings that flew at him, while Shade seemed to just appear to the side of where he just was, the Love Chain going where he was no more, missing him. Quietly Shade whispered, "Pseudo Shadow Strike." And punched at the senshi. A grey cone of force expanded from his fist and surrounded the senshi, knocking Sailor Jupiter, Sailor Mars, Sailor Venus and Sailor Mercury to the ground, Sailor Mercury barely able to keep hold of her computer.
Shade turned to Tuxedo Kamen and Sailor Moon who Tungsten was also eyeing. He begun again saying, "Pseudo Shadow..*" but was cut off by a scoop of flying strawberry ice cream.
Sailor Chibi-Moon stood there grinning and holding the ice cream cone she had held before the crisis began. "You're now a mess! Soon you're going to be all washed up!" she said.
Tungsten laughed at Shade and Sailor Chibi-Moon, but Shade just shrugged, wiped the ice cream off and readied to strike once more. Suddenly events moved faster then anyone could follow though, and Shade didn't have the chance to attack Sailor Chibi-Moon.
The youma aimed at Sailor Moon one more time with her cannon. She fired and the cannon exploded, the explosion engulfing and destroying her. However the cannon ball flew out of the expanding smoke cloud, straight at Sailor Moon as Tungsten raised his hand to attack Tuxedo Kamen while he was distracted. Tuxedo Kamen saw Sailor Moon's plight and jumped to her as she dodged towards him, away from the ball. Around them the ground erupted with stone.
* * * * *
Sailor Jupiter was the first up after Shade's attack and she helped the others up. "Come on!" she said, "Sailor Chibi-Moon can't keep them distracted for long and she might get hurt!" The others nodded.
Sailor Mars got out two slips of paper with symbols on them and declared, "I'll use my Anti-Evil signs on them!"
Suddenly there was an explosion. They turned to see Tuxedo Kamen and Sailor Moon jump towards each other as the ground seemed to rise around them.
As smoke from the explosion engulfed the two a few moments later, a groan of pain was heard and nothing more.
* * * * *
Tuxedo Kamen knew there was going to be big trouble when the youma exploded. He saw the cannon ball race towards Sailor Moon and he jumped towards her to save her.
At that moment Tungsten chose to attack Tuxedo Kamen once again, and stones started rapidly rising from the ground.
Tuxedo Kamen and Sailor Moon met in the air. Tuxedo Kamen saw and felt her grab onto him and he used their momentum to turn in the air keeping Sailor Moon from the cannonball blast. To his horror he noticed the ground rising behind them. The smoke in the air covered over them, hiding them from all others. He looked to Sailor Moon as she clung against his chest to warn her. He didn't find the words as he saw he was too late. He saw Sailor Moon's eyes shoot wide open and heard her groan in sudden pain as he felt a sharp piece of stone pierce his shoulder. A shoulder Sailor Moon was held against.
* * * * *
Shade heard the sounding of pain in the smoke then the muffled sound of two people hitting the ground. He heard Sailor Moon as she weakly spoke, "Tuxedo Kamen.. Mamo..*" then she fell silent, unable to finish as the smoke cleared away. Amid the torn up ground knelt Tuxedo Kamen. Tuxedo Kamen held Sailor Moon to his chest and whispered, "Usako.."
Shade suddenly felt a great emptiness inside himself. He fell to one knee as the senshi screamed for Sailor Moon and ran to her. Shade was uncomprehending for a few moments, as he felt nothing. Then his mind screamed. However Guide's voice cut through the noise in his mind as she shouted mentally, 'Keep in control. Don't let the Balance Shift destroy your mind. The battle is not lost yet." Shade grimaced and slowly rose to his feet as the crying and angry senshi turned to him and Tungsten.
* * * * *
Sailor Mercury couldn't believe it. Sailor Moon was dead. Her wound was too great for Sailor Moon to take. Sailor Mercury tried to keep in control, using all her medical skills but after a minute or two she knew there was no hope, and let the tears run.
Sailor Jupiter stood and faced Tungsten and Shade, shouting with eyes red from anger and tears, "You, you two! A great and, and wonderful friend is gone forever. You are going to pay! You will not be forgiven, ever!"
Sailor Mars and Sailor Venus stood, shortly followed by Sailor Mercury. Sailor Mars said, "She was one of the biggest hearted people in the world, but you took her from us. We'll make you pay for what you have done."
Tungsten shook in mock fear. "Oh, I'm so afraid. Heh. To think I had meant to kill Tuxedo Kamen but got Sailor Moon instead. A pity," he said while grinning, "However if you want to fight I'm in for it. You are just a bunch of cry babies anyhow."
Sailor Venus looked at Tungsten and Shade grimly and said, "Then it ends now."
Tungsten smirked but Shade slowly shook his head and said, "No."
Tungsten looked at Shade in annoyance, and asked, "What do you mean no? I could wipe them out single-handed. They'd be all done and it'd be over."
Shade shook his head again and simply replied, "We must go."
Tungsten frowned and said, "No way! I'm in charge here."
Shade replied once more, "We were to kill Tuxedo Kamen and capture the senshi. You killed Sailor Moon, and a dead person is not quite capturable. Our mission is a failure. We must return to report."
Tungsten sneered at Shade and said, "You are going down for this, not me. Fine. Let's go."
Sailor Jupiter's lightning attack zoomed by Tungsten barely missing and she yelled, "You aren't getting away this time!"
Tungsten laughed and responded, "Oh, no?" He then sunk into the ground, vanishing. Shade shrugged and stepped into a grey nexus, also vanishing.
Sailor Jupiter's shoulders slumped as she whispered, "Not fair."
Sailor Mercury shook her head slowly and looked to where Tuxedo Kamen held Sailor Moon, silently grieving, a crying Sailor Chibi-Moon now at his side. Suddenly Sailor Chibi-Moon faded from sight for a moment then back into view. Sailor Mercury yelled, "Chibi-Moon!" and ran over along with the surviving inner senshi.
Tuxedo Kamen turned to Sailor Chibi-Moon and quietly said, "Chibi-Usa. Not you too. Please, no."
Sailor Venus took a hold of Sailor Chibi-Moon's hand, as Sailor Chibi-Moon fell unconscious, still fading in and out. Sailor Venus looked to Sailor Mercury and Sailor Mars, but Sailor Mercury looked at the ground, saddened that she couldn't do anything, and Sailor Mars just shook her head, tears still running down her face.
Sailor Jupiter sighed and looked to where Tungsten and Shade had been. She spoke softly, "I guess it's over then."
Unexpectedly Shade's voice came from the shadows nearby, though the senshi couldn't see him. He stated, "As long as there is Light and Darkness, it is never over. Never give up."
The senshi, except for Sailor Venus who stayed with Sailor Chibi-Moon, turned to where Shade's voice came from. Sailor Mars said, "She's dead, your brother killed her and you are on his side. We can't let you get away with this."
Shade gave no verbal response directly to that. However out of the shadows appeared a glowing grey sphere. Shade's voice said, "Host. Suspend." The orb then shot forward towards Tuxedo Kamen, Sailor Venus, and the fallen Sailor Moon and Sailor Chibi-Moon. Tuxedo Kamen and Sailor Venus blocked it's path with themselves but at the last moment it dodged around then and touched Sailor Moon.
Sailor Moon glowed grey for a moment then vanished.
Tuxedo Kamen shouted, "No!"
Sailor Venus saw the globe loop away then come back towards her and the fading Sailor Chibi-Moon. Try as she might she couldn't block the sphere completely. The sphere touched Sailor Chibi-Moon.
Sailor Chibi-Moon glowed grey like Sailor Moon had, and vanished too.
Sailor Venus jumped for the one foot wide sphere but it dodged her and zoomed back into the shadows, disappearing.
The senshi and Tuxedo Kamen stood still for a moment, too stunned for a moment at all at all that had just happened.
Finally Sailor Jupiter's voice echoed into the night. She yelled, "Get back here! Give us back our friends.."