Chapter 10 - SMG
* * * * *
He slowly felt his awareness returning. An awareness not of the world around him so much, as the universe as a whole, not any one piece. Then more local awareness started to fade in and he heard voices nearby.
'You are resting at the temple that Hino Rei associates with,' Guide told him telepathically.
He chose to remain silent at first and to listen to those nearby.
It sounded like someone was complaining.
"This is boring. Can't we do something more interesting then watch over him," asked Chibi-Usa pleadingly.
"Someone has to watch over him," replied Usagi, putting on a noble expression.
Chibi-Usa, with Diana resting on her head, smiled all to sweetly and asked, "Well, weren't you complaining a few minutes ago?"
Usagi dropped the noble expression and made a face at Chibi-Usa, "That's different, pipsqueak." She then resumed the noble face and said, "I was just looking out for our well being, so we don't starve."
Chibi-usa stood on the tips of her toes and poked Usagi's cheek, messing up the face, and commented, "You mean you don't starve."
Rei chided both of them, "Let him rest without your racket. As for watching him, it's because I still sense evil on him. It's still the only thing I sense with him, but it's more then I did before. The evil seems on it's own though. I don't understand this and I don't want to ask Grandpa because he'll be asking all sorts of questions then."
'Can't sense me?' Shen thought to himself, 'Interesting.' He mentally shrugged to himself and then sat up startling the others who hadn't even realized he had gained consciousness. Do to the sudden movement Rei immediately threw an Anti-Evil sign at him, just in case. It just slid off his head like a normal piece of paper and fell on the floor. Shen noted dryly, "Be careful or you'll poke someone's eye out." He frowned, glanced around and asked, "So, how long have I been here?" then added as an afterthought, "Though thank you for keeping an eye on me I guess."
Rei still kept herself and the other two at a distance, and answered the question, "You've been unconscious for 2 days. We thought you were dead at first but then you transformed back to your current form and Guide assured us that you would recover. You looked beaten up though." She then hesitated for a moment and added, "And you do see to have some evil influence on you still."
Shen frowned for a moment and thought, then shook his head. He countered, "No, I don't think I am. This might explain it." Out of a pocket he pulled out the Dark Shard that Gallia had given Paradox. He picked up the fallen Anti-Evil sign and wrapped it around the Shard, then stood up. The others blinked in surprise as he stood up and handed it gravely to Rei.
Minako, Makoto and Ami moved into view. Ami looked more surprised then the others. She ducked by them and moved to support Shen in case he fell and said, "You shouldn't be standing. Just yesterday your body was in such poor condition that I thought you might be paralyzed."
Shen shook his head slowly and reminded her, "I heal quickly. I'm ok." Then he added sincerely, "Thank you for your concern."
Chibi-Usa cocked her head sideways somewhat and asked Shen, "Did you have any nice dreams?" but almost immediately became distracted as her kitten almost fell off her head and Chibi-Usa had to catch her.
Shen waited until Chibi-Usa had gotten Diana back into place with Minako's help before he replied, "I don't dream. I stopped dreaming when I was about 8 and my powers started manifesting. Actually somewhat because of that I need less sleep for some reason. It seems others dream consistently though, so I seem to be an exception, but I suppose no one is quite like another."
Diana and Chibi-Usa auwed at the same time and Chibi-Usa remarked, "You are missing out. They are fun a lot of times."
Shen just shrugged. After a few moments of quiet, Rei decided to ask Shen, "So, what exactly are you? Why are you involved? I mean, weren't you on the Dark Kingdom's side before?"
Shen shook his head, "I can answer some of that, but I don't know all of it."
A grey globe appeared near Shen and floated to the floor. There it changed into the form of Guide. She then said telepathically to all in the room, 'Then it is time for you to learn.'
* * * * *
Lord Agate's throne room was crowded. He had ordered that as many of his minions should be allowed in the throne room as possible, though his aides carefully made sure they were all still a fair distance from the throne. At the front of those attending stood Actin, dressed up in full military uniform, much like Lord Agate was currently. The only one not in the traditional Dark Kingdom uniform, was the Sage, who stood at Lord Agate's side, wearing her robe like always. Other then the required space to give Lord Agate, the Sage and Actin a fair amount of free room the room was crammed with all other things removed. Even the golden statues had all been destroyed and cleared away. Everyone knew something very important was going to happen this day, and it would choose the direction of the Dark Kingdom forever.
Lord Agate rapped the end of his staff on the ground and almost instantly everyone fell silent and at attention. No one dared speak up now. They had all heard rumors Gallia was dead, and they didn't want to join her. Lord Agate took a few moments to size up his audience, looking directly at as many as he could, to make sure each and every one was at attention. After he was certain he began his speech, "As you all know from before, two of my four champions have been lost. Now Gallia joins their ranks, destroyed by the one she hoped to control. The senshi have vanished but we can not assume they were also destroyed by the Grey One. Therefore, with the assistance of the Sage and Actin, we have come up with a plan. We are informing you so you all know your place in this. Uncertainty of what you are to do will be no excuse for failure now. Failure will mean death."
Lord Agate paused to let what he had said sink in. Those in the hall still were quiet but glanced around as each one came to terms with the fact that the end was on the horizon finally but there was no hint that it would be easy. Lord Agate continued, "We currently have three of the Shards of Light," and he held up the three Shards, there white glow making some of the weaker beings present wince at the positive energy, "And we have two Shards of Darkness." As he said that statement the Sage held up the two Shards of Darkness they had in their possession. Lord Agate spoke, "The senshi could have in their possession up to three of the Shards of Darkness but there are two Shards of Light left. The first part of the plan is therefore multifaceted. My loyalist and strongest of my original Champions, Actin, will go to the location called Tokyo, Japan and seek out the Shard carrier there. If the senshi are still active this will, no doubt, bring them out. The senshi have been lucky and able to defeat the other Champions with the help of Shade, and Tuxedo Kamen, but this time we will cut down their odds. That is because the Sage has already located where the last crystal is and will seek it out when the senshi confront Actin. That way to try to stop both, the senshi will have to split up. We will divide them and conquer. If any of you face the senshi, Tuxedo Kamen or Shade, we no longer wish to capture them. Destroy them quickly, and give them no ground. They must be obliterated. We will find where they hid the other Shards," then he paused before he finished the statement, "When we attack the Earth, in full force."
This time a few of the youma murmured to each other in surprise that they would be attacking before they had all the Shards. Lord Agate rapped his staff on the ground and all fell silent once more. He motioned to Actin and told him, "Please explain to them why we chose this course of action and what it involves."
Actin bowed to Lord Agate then turned to face the others and spoke, "While we have occupied the other planets of the system, we have been harassed by three defenders of it, causing all our forces to be pinned down. However, we had in place a few spells onto Shade to unknowingly draw onto his power to protect the planets. Most but not all of it was lost when he rebelled but some was left and he was taken over by Gallia's magic and then changed his form to that of Paradox, the magic around the planets also changed before the rest of the spells were destroyed. The flux in the magic caught two of the three attackers by surprise and allowed our forces to capture them. They are now being held by the Sage for future experimentation when this is all over. Now there is only one of the defenders left and she has retreated. Since that time there have been no further assaults. The military on earth, while strong, is not strong enough to defeat us without help, and that help is gone. After we get the last two crystals the assault will begin."
* * * * *
The sun was shining high in the sky, casting light on most of the steps of the temple. Somehow Shen managed to find one of the few shadows to stand in, and Guide found another while the others sat in the sun to look at the two. Shen looked at Guide and said, "You have shown again and a again that you know more then you should, considering your origin. You know more about me, then I do."
Guide nodded slowly and said telepathically, 'Guardian, Host, and myself are creations of Shade, facets of his being and power brought out through use of shadow crystals. Guardian was the first creation, and the most conservative. I was the second, for which you tried to draw in more shadow stuff then you did with Guardian. For the first two you used one crystal each, but as you were running out of time, you used the last two shadow crystals you found in Host, making him the most powerful but least stabile of the three.'
Rei spoke up for a moment then and asked, "What exactly are the shadow crystals. Are they related to the Shards?"
Guide turned to Rei, shook her head and answered, 'Shadow crystals are as related to the shards as a diamond might be. Shadow crystals are normally found on the Plane of Shadows occasionally where unusual forces there compressed shadow stuff into a concentrated and more solid form. In one of Shade's experimentations in his teleportation ability he came upon four of the crystals, and took them with him. They have some substance as you know it, unlike most shadow stuff beyond the Shadow Plane. Shadow stuff is what makes up shadows in dimensions beyond it, but instead of being mere silhouettes, in the Shadow Plane it is the most common substance. That is what you perceived as a sort of fog around you when Paradox took you into that dimension.'
Shen continued for Guide, "In creating the three I basically took the crystals and bound spells to them to create, golems or robots of sorts. I used shadow stuff as the material, the crystals for a power source and borrowed from myself for their intelligence and personality, because I had no other reliable source. When working on their forms I relied on the crystals to draw and concentrate more material from the Shadow Plane. I just happened to have the exposure longer for Guide then the others, at least relative to the number of crystals that made them up. None of them turned out quite as planned."
Makoto asked, "So, what happened with them? Why did each end up as they are?"
Guide responded to Makoto with, 'Guardian was made to be the first. Since Shade did not trust anyone he wanted something to protect him, so Guardian was focused on protective aspects. On earth, wolves tend to protect each other in a fight, working as a group, so that is why she had that form, and she was female because a she wolf is most protective of all, if in relation to her cubs. Host was the last and never was able to maintain any form. He was made for power and flexibility of ability. He was male because Shade was unable to fully control his creation so he automatically took the same as Shade himself. Host has many abilities, including like you have seen, able to capture others in a pocket dimension where time is not applicable. He had used that in two occasions in relation to you.'
Chibi-Usa frowned at that, suspecting she had experienced both of them. Shen saw Chibi-Usa's reaction and commented, "It saved your life both times actually or at least from injury I believe." He then looked to Guide and asked, "What about you though? You didn't come out quite as planned."
Guide nodded slowly and replied, 'I am partly how I am because of them,' she said pointing a paw towards the senshi, who blinked as a group. She continued, 'I am female because they are and I have the form of a cat, because of their guides, Luna and Artemis.' On top of Chibi-Usa's head, Diana meowed, so Guide amended, 'And Diana also. I have Shade's intelligence and knowledge, but I also drew knowledge from another source, in relation to Shade, and what he is needed for. And though I know you would like to know what that source is, Shade, I cannot tell you now, only that it is part of what makes you what you are, and it does not have malign intentions for you.'
Shen frowned and muttered, "Just what I like to here.. some think I know too much but I don't know enough.. is this.. entity.. the one who says what my mission is?"
Guide nodded once more, 'That is correct. It is also the one who assisted the senshi in creating the electric light dragon, to occupy Paradox so you could be returned to your normal state. It is too early for Paradox in your existence.'
Usagi looked to Guide and asked, "Did it give us those dreams too? The ones that told us to do to beat Paradox?"
For once Guide got a look of bemusement on her feline face and responded, 'No, I don't think so, though it is connected some how. That I don't fully understand.'
"Well, knowing everything seems a bit much anyways I guess. I am strangely relieved you don't, though it'd be useful if you did I suppose," commented Shade.
Minako asked, "Well, what exactly is your mission exactly? And why are you so gloomy?"
Guide volunteered, 'I can answer that for him, perhaps better.' Shen shrugged and listened, so Guide began, 'Shade was born half-human and half of the dark kingdom and that reflects his purpose. He is always meant to be, if needed, between two sides, good and evil. The universe will collapse into the Void if the balance sways too much one way or another and becomes unbalanced. The Void will destroy all life and even existence here if it comes. Shade is meant to stop that. He is most likely gloomy because it's not the most enjoyable line of work, but he knows someone needs to help things, and doesn't want anyone else to have to do it. It weighs heavily on him though.'
Shen muttered, "You can say that again."
Minako smiled brightly, looked to the others and said, "Looks like we have a job to do. Cheer up Shen!"
Shen just looked at Minako, much less enthused then the girls present were. He asked, "Do I have a choice in this?"
"If you had that, what fun would it be?" asked Makoto.
Shen then reminded them, "We still have the other two Shards to try to find."
'The only activity looking for one is here in Japan, however. You can keep your eye out anyhow. It is better then staying here,' countered Guide, who then turned back into a grey globe and vanished.
Chibi-Usa grinned, "Even Guide agrees. Your stuck."
Rei's grandfather stuck his head out the door and asked the others, "What are you girl up to? Who were you talking about, and who is he?" as he gestured at Shen.
The girls stood up and Rei answered, "Oh he's just a friend of ours. We are going out now. I'll be back for chores later, don't worry!" as the girls rushed off the temple grounds.
Rei's grandfather said, "But, but.." but Rei had already set her mind to something else and he knew he'd have trouble changing that.
Shen just shrugged at Rei's grandfather, bowed to him, stuck his hands in his pocket and walked out.
* * * * *
Makoto, Rei, Minako, Artemis walked down the street, followed by Shen. They walked towards the local Amusement Park, as it was Minako's idea. Makoto went along hoping to spot a cute guy or two and Rei just wanted to get a break from her chores. Shen lagged somewhat behind the others with his own thoughts and watching the area, until Minako realized what that he was hanging back. She moved back to where he was as the group walked and asked him, "What are you staying back here for?" She looked up at his face and told him, "Remember you are here to have fun."
Shen just shrugged and replied, "I'm looking out for what I need to find. Less then a face in the crowd but a mark."
Minako smiled and told him, "Oh lighten up. We'll spot it, don't worry. We found the others, didn't we?"
"And lost them," Shen reminded her.
Rei moved back to join Minako and Shen as she heard them talk and said, "Well we do have three, even if they were not the ones we meant to find."
Makoto joined the others, and Artemis jumped up into Minako's arms. Makoto said, "It'll be fine. Now just enjoy your time here." She winked and added, "And don't worry. I'll be watching plenty of the guys."
Rei and Minako chimed in, "Me too!"
Artemis sweatdropped while Shade just shrugged apathetically.
Minako grinned at him after paying for tickets to get into the park and told him as they passed the gate, "Oh lighten up, we aren't that bad."
Rei leaned over and stage whispered to Makoto, "Well some of us aren't at any rate."
Minako hurmphed and told them, "I heard that." She then herded Shen along to the rollercoaster to try to have him have more fun, and the others followed behind all the while chatting happily.
* * * * *
Usagi, Mamoru, Ami, Luna and Chibi-Usa with Diana riding along, headed towards the park later then the others because Ami had needed to drop off some library books and the others decided to keep her company.
Usagi was still reeling from the book titles and complained, "I don't even know what half of titles mean, nevermind the inside."
Chibi-Usa told her, "Well if you spent more time studying and less time feeding your face, maybe you would," and stuck her tongue out at Usagi. For once Usagi ignored her.
As they walked by a small family waiting outside the park and a quiet girl sitting on a box, Ami said, "They are just books I'm reading for extra credit. Chibi-Usa might have a point that you should study more though."
Usagi waved her free hand, the other was around Mamoru's arm, and she said, "Oh come on. Let's enjoy ourselves. I'll worry about studying later."
They suddenly heard a scream in front of them. They ran to a corner and stopped there, poking their heads to look around. What they saw was what looked like a large figure that was formed out of roasted marshmallows. Around it a few people were laying on the ground, unconscious and stuck with melted marshmallow.
Mamoru looked at Usagi. She nodded and said, "We better stop this. Come on guys." After they contacted the others, in hiding they transformed into the senshi.
Sailor Chibi-Moon looked around for a moment and asked, "Where is Diana? She's not with me."
Luna looked around with concern, and told them, "You stop that, I'll go find her. Good luck." She then ran back to where they had been.
Then Sailor Moon came forth from her hiding place and shouted to the marshmallow, "Stop where you are! You may be a yummy treat but that doesn't sweeten our disposition towards your evil acts. We are the beautiful Sailor Senshi of love and justice and in the name of the Moon, we will punish you."
Sailor Venus, Sailor Mars, Sailor Jupiter and Shade showed up on the other side of the create. Sailor Venus grinned and said, "We have you surrounded. We'll have no smoore of your attacks. Surrender now!"
Meanwhile Shade glanced around and frowning, he unexpectedly teleported away. The others didn't have time to wonder about that as the youma spoke, "I am Marshamallow. You crack me up thinking you can beat me. Prepare to become tasty treats yourself!" and is so saying she launched globs of marshmallow in both directions.
The senshi dodged the all out attack. Sailor Mars cast Fire Soul at it but the only effect was melting more, enabling the youma to throw more globs, and Sailor Jupiter's and Sailor Venus's follow up attacks made it worse. Soon the youma was throwing steaming hot globs of marshmallow everywhere. Tuxedo Kamen's rose that he threw to distract it only flew into the melting youma, causing no obvious damage in the goo. Sailor Moon shouted, "What can we do?"
Sailor Mercury said, "If heat makes it melt more, perhaps my ice can solidify it." She then cast her most powerful ice attack at the youma. Steam rose from it and fogged the area, obscuring everything from sight.
The senshi heard the youma shout, "Brrr. You can't beat me so easy! I'll get you!" though it spoke more slowly then before. The steamy fog cleared quickly and the creature got ready to attack Sailor Mercury who had caused it such trouble.
Suddenly Artemis darted towards it. It didn't react to him because since he was white it thought he was just some lose glob of itself that got thrown by one of the senshi in a pathetic attempt to distract it. However the slashing claws attack it received for a moment or two did distract it as it realized it had been mistaken. Artemis ducked away and while the youma was distracted Sailor Mercury took the chance to freeze it more. Sailor Mercury shouted, "Sailor Moon! Use your tiara!"
Sailor Moon nodded and said, "Right." She then reached up to her tiara and shouted, "Moon Tiara Magic!" and threw it at the youma. The tiara burst threw the solidified youma, which first broke into pieces then to dust.
Everyone took a moment to catch their breaths. Sailor Mars muttered a little reluctantly, "Good work Sailor Moon."
Sailor Moon smiled and replied, "Thanks Mars."
However Sailor Venus looked around, still concerned. She paused for a moment then asked, "But where is Shade?"
* * * * *
Actin almost never went invisible, so if he was not around, Shade knew something was up. It was just one youma, so Shade left the senshi to handle it, so he could seek out whatever the youma was supposed to distract them from.
He reappeared from the dimension he teleported into to leave, somewhere down the street and around a corner. He sensed a Shard carrier was near, and then he hurried as he felt another in the area of the opposite polarity. He knew Actin was close to the carrier.
Shade hurried down the streets keeping to the shadows and invisible in them. In an alley up ahead he heard a young girl shout, "Leave me alone!" He quickly teleported to the edge of the alley, still using the corner to protect him from site and looked in.
Seven figures stood in the alley. Three on one side were creatures in dark trenchcoats that went all the way to the ground, and smoke rose from them. On the opposite side were two more of those figures standing at attention and Actin in his spotless uniform stood between them. In the middle stood a frightened girl holding a strange box. The figures blocked Shade's view of the girl but he guessed that she was the Shard of Light carrier.
Actin ordered the girl, "You will say, 'You can have the Shard,' or we will have to treat you as an enemy soldier. No mercy will be given. However if you say that, you will be let go."
The girl cried, "Go away or I'll box you!"
Actin shook his head and told her, "I'm sorry young lady but you will lose if you try such a thing. Even if you get a lucky shot, we outnumber you six to one and we are not as easy to take out as normal people. Say those words or we will be forced to crush you."
Shade started to spread his magical influence through the shadows, but meanwhile the girl backed against a side wall to protect her back and shouted, "Fine, take the stupid Shard or whatever it is. Just leave me and my stuff alone!"
Actin nodded and said, "Close enough." He then raised a hand towards the girl. One of her shoes disintegrated to dust to reveal a white mark on her foot. He glanced at the two figures next to him and said, "Remove the witness after I get the Shard from her." A moment later the mark departed from her foot and rose, becoming one of the Shards of Light.
Shade had the shadows whisper to the girl, "Close your eyes. The light from the crystal may blind. I shall get you away from these people. You don't need to trust me, just take the opportunity you will be presented."
Shade sensed the girl nod as he let his hood fall over his face. A moment later there was a blinding flash of light as the dark alley suddenly turned very bright, the contrast blinding those unprepared.
Actin shouted a rare curse and he shouted, "Get the Shard and the girl! Keep the Shard top priority too! We might not be so well off in another encounter!"
As the light faded, the alley was clothed in dark shadows once more. A moment later there was a flash of grey light, as Shade stepped out of a nexus, next to the girl. Actin recovered his eyesight first and pointed at Shade. He said, "Traitor, this is not your battle. You will be taken, do not doubt that, but you do not wish to trifle with us now."
Shade in the alley shook his head and said, "What is an inopportune time for you is an opportune time for me. Give up the Shard and let the girl go." The girl just stood at his side, her features also partially hidden in the shadows.
Actin told Shade, "You know we can not let her go, and you will not trick us. We do not have the Shard so you must of taken it. This will not be tolerated. Surrender now or this will be the last image of life you will see."
A rare smile appeared on the face of Shade in the alleyway shadows. He shook his head for a moment then said, "An image is a picture. Some of the humans say that a picture says a thousand words.." and in saying that the Shade in the alleyway and the little girl vanished. The real Shade at the end of the alley finished, "Just not always the right ones.." A quick glance showed him the girl he had hidden with invisibility had successfully gotten away, so he teleported away, leaving Actin to ponder his failure in peace.
* * * * *
Dreamerie's Subchapter - SMG (by Lady Cinnibar)
* * * * *
Alice sat on The Box(tm) and frowned. "What do I do? That weird man might come after me again." She looked at the crystal shard she held. "I can store this in The Box(tm). At least, I hope I can."
When Alice opened it, she met soft warm fabric. She pulled.
The figure that popped out rolled some, groaned, and shook her head. "Who dares interrupt my solemn duties?" She stared at Alice. "Oh. It's just you. I give my greetings to you, Box-Holder. What great trouble is it that My Box(tm) felt determined to summon its Master and Creator?"
The stranger's eyes startled Alice, a colorless mass that looked more like a storm cloud. As she looked into the fathomless depths, a bolt of lightning danced in the iris, and then flew across the pupil. Alice was terrified, but there was something familiar about this figure. She sat on The Box(tm) again and began to cry out the story. Her peril, her mysterious rescuer, and the odd crystal. She held it out for the stranger's perusal.
"Indeed. Little One, you need me greatly. Or, rather, I need you. I shall guard you, but you must help me find your hero, for he has transgressed greatly against my people." The figure said. "I am called by some mortals Dreamerie, and I am Mistress of the Dream Realms. All dreams that were, are, or will be, are under my command. He has thrown off my rule, and thus I must return to him his dream-mirror. He broke it, a long time ago, when he was young. It is not right for the Avatar of the Shadow Realm to be without Dreams."
Alice blinked. Did this mean she'd get out of school? That she could be free of this horrible world? "I'll agree, but only..."
"Tell me." Dreamerie sat next to her, the myriads of gray, silver and ghostly blue veils shifting and flowing. She wore nothing but veils that formed a robe of sorts, and her long white hair, but she had a nature that no man would dare to whistle at.
"When you leave, to return to ruling... Take me with you."
"Very well. It is agreed, Box-Holder. May I ask you a right, Little One?"
"What?"
"I know the names you use in your dreams. Would you like a certain one?"
"Alice. Just Alice."
"Very well, Alice. Let us begin our Quest. I for the Master of Shadows, and you for the freedom of dreams."
The crystal glowed as Dreamerie held it, and within seconds it was trapped in a cage of silver, on a chain. She looped it about Alice's neck. "Here, Shard Bearer. As a being of Neither Good Nor Evil, Nor Neutrality, I cannot carry that. But you can, and you have. But bear it well, and only give it to those who would use it for good."
"Dream Lady, who was that man? Why do you call him the Master of Shadows?"
"Alice, there is my realm, of course. It is all realms, but none. One of its borders is the Realm of Shadows, the half-life state between waking and dreaming. Between Night and Day. The Realm of Shadows in intelligent, although there are few whom it can talk to, myself, a strange cat like beast, and my Realm among them. It creates an Avatar to balance it, to perform it's missions in the worlds. The cat like beast, that calls itself Guide, assures that it fulfills the principles of Shadows. In time, he shall gain enough of Shadows that he, too, will be able to talk, but as of yet he is too young."
The two set off into the world to fulfill a Quest. One mortal child, wounded by the world, and one Dream.
* * * * *
He slowly felt his awareness returning. An awareness not of the world around him so much, as the universe as a whole, not any one piece. Then more local awareness started to fade in and he heard voices nearby.
'You are resting at the temple that Hino Rei associates with,' Guide told him telepathically.
He chose to remain silent at first and to listen to those nearby.
It sounded like someone was complaining.
"This is boring. Can't we do something more interesting then watch over him," asked Chibi-Usa pleadingly.
"Someone has to watch over him," replied Usagi, putting on a noble expression.
Chibi-Usa, with Diana resting on her head, smiled all to sweetly and asked, "Well, weren't you complaining a few minutes ago?"
Usagi dropped the noble expression and made a face at Chibi-Usa, "That's different, pipsqueak." She then resumed the noble face and said, "I was just looking out for our well being, so we don't starve."
Chibi-usa stood on the tips of her toes and poked Usagi's cheek, messing up the face, and commented, "You mean you don't starve."
Rei chided both of them, "Let him rest without your racket. As for watching him, it's because I still sense evil on him. It's still the only thing I sense with him, but it's more then I did before. The evil seems on it's own though. I don't understand this and I don't want to ask Grandpa because he'll be asking all sorts of questions then."
'Can't sense me?' Shen thought to himself, 'Interesting.' He mentally shrugged to himself and then sat up startling the others who hadn't even realized he had gained consciousness. Do to the sudden movement Rei immediately threw an Anti-Evil sign at him, just in case. It just slid off his head like a normal piece of paper and fell on the floor. Shen noted dryly, "Be careful or you'll poke someone's eye out." He frowned, glanced around and asked, "So, how long have I been here?" then added as an afterthought, "Though thank you for keeping an eye on me I guess."
Rei still kept herself and the other two at a distance, and answered the question, "You've been unconscious for 2 days. We thought you were dead at first but then you transformed back to your current form and Guide assured us that you would recover. You looked beaten up though." She then hesitated for a moment and added, "And you do see to have some evil influence on you still."
Shen frowned for a moment and thought, then shook his head. He countered, "No, I don't think I am. This might explain it." Out of a pocket he pulled out the Dark Shard that Gallia had given Paradox. He picked up the fallen Anti-Evil sign and wrapped it around the Shard, then stood up. The others blinked in surprise as he stood up and handed it gravely to Rei.
Minako, Makoto and Ami moved into view. Ami looked more surprised then the others. She ducked by them and moved to support Shen in case he fell and said, "You shouldn't be standing. Just yesterday your body was in such poor condition that I thought you might be paralyzed."
Shen shook his head slowly and reminded her, "I heal quickly. I'm ok." Then he added sincerely, "Thank you for your concern."
Chibi-Usa cocked her head sideways somewhat and asked Shen, "Did you have any nice dreams?" but almost immediately became distracted as her kitten almost fell off her head and Chibi-Usa had to catch her.
Shen waited until Chibi-Usa had gotten Diana back into place with Minako's help before he replied, "I don't dream. I stopped dreaming when I was about 8 and my powers started manifesting. Actually somewhat because of that I need less sleep for some reason. It seems others dream consistently though, so I seem to be an exception, but I suppose no one is quite like another."
Diana and Chibi-Usa auwed at the same time and Chibi-Usa remarked, "You are missing out. They are fun a lot of times."
Shen just shrugged. After a few moments of quiet, Rei decided to ask Shen, "So, what exactly are you? Why are you involved? I mean, weren't you on the Dark Kingdom's side before?"
Shen shook his head, "I can answer some of that, but I don't know all of it."
A grey globe appeared near Shen and floated to the floor. There it changed into the form of Guide. She then said telepathically to all in the room, 'Then it is time for you to learn.'
* * * * *
Lord Agate's throne room was crowded. He had ordered that as many of his minions should be allowed in the throne room as possible, though his aides carefully made sure they were all still a fair distance from the throne. At the front of those attending stood Actin, dressed up in full military uniform, much like Lord Agate was currently. The only one not in the traditional Dark Kingdom uniform, was the Sage, who stood at Lord Agate's side, wearing her robe like always. Other then the required space to give Lord Agate, the Sage and Actin a fair amount of free room the room was crammed with all other things removed. Even the golden statues had all been destroyed and cleared away. Everyone knew something very important was going to happen this day, and it would choose the direction of the Dark Kingdom forever.
Lord Agate rapped the end of his staff on the ground and almost instantly everyone fell silent and at attention. No one dared speak up now. They had all heard rumors Gallia was dead, and they didn't want to join her. Lord Agate took a few moments to size up his audience, looking directly at as many as he could, to make sure each and every one was at attention. After he was certain he began his speech, "As you all know from before, two of my four champions have been lost. Now Gallia joins their ranks, destroyed by the one she hoped to control. The senshi have vanished but we can not assume they were also destroyed by the Grey One. Therefore, with the assistance of the Sage and Actin, we have come up with a plan. We are informing you so you all know your place in this. Uncertainty of what you are to do will be no excuse for failure now. Failure will mean death."
Lord Agate paused to let what he had said sink in. Those in the hall still were quiet but glanced around as each one came to terms with the fact that the end was on the horizon finally but there was no hint that it would be easy. Lord Agate continued, "We currently have three of the Shards of Light," and he held up the three Shards, there white glow making some of the weaker beings present wince at the positive energy, "And we have two Shards of Darkness." As he said that statement the Sage held up the two Shards of Darkness they had in their possession. Lord Agate spoke, "The senshi could have in their possession up to three of the Shards of Darkness but there are two Shards of Light left. The first part of the plan is therefore multifaceted. My loyalist and strongest of my original Champions, Actin, will go to the location called Tokyo, Japan and seek out the Shard carrier there. If the senshi are still active this will, no doubt, bring them out. The senshi have been lucky and able to defeat the other Champions with the help of Shade, and Tuxedo Kamen, but this time we will cut down their odds. That is because the Sage has already located where the last crystal is and will seek it out when the senshi confront Actin. That way to try to stop both, the senshi will have to split up. We will divide them and conquer. If any of you face the senshi, Tuxedo Kamen or Shade, we no longer wish to capture them. Destroy them quickly, and give them no ground. They must be obliterated. We will find where they hid the other Shards," then he paused before he finished the statement, "When we attack the Earth, in full force."
This time a few of the youma murmured to each other in surprise that they would be attacking before they had all the Shards. Lord Agate rapped his staff on the ground and all fell silent once more. He motioned to Actin and told him, "Please explain to them why we chose this course of action and what it involves."
Actin bowed to Lord Agate then turned to face the others and spoke, "While we have occupied the other planets of the system, we have been harassed by three defenders of it, causing all our forces to be pinned down. However, we had in place a few spells onto Shade to unknowingly draw onto his power to protect the planets. Most but not all of it was lost when he rebelled but some was left and he was taken over by Gallia's magic and then changed his form to that of Paradox, the magic around the planets also changed before the rest of the spells were destroyed. The flux in the magic caught two of the three attackers by surprise and allowed our forces to capture them. They are now being held by the Sage for future experimentation when this is all over. Now there is only one of the defenders left and she has retreated. Since that time there have been no further assaults. The military on earth, while strong, is not strong enough to defeat us without help, and that help is gone. After we get the last two crystals the assault will begin."
* * * * *
The sun was shining high in the sky, casting light on most of the steps of the temple. Somehow Shen managed to find one of the few shadows to stand in, and Guide found another while the others sat in the sun to look at the two. Shen looked at Guide and said, "You have shown again and a again that you know more then you should, considering your origin. You know more about me, then I do."
Guide nodded slowly and said telepathically, 'Guardian, Host, and myself are creations of Shade, facets of his being and power brought out through use of shadow crystals. Guardian was the first creation, and the most conservative. I was the second, for which you tried to draw in more shadow stuff then you did with Guardian. For the first two you used one crystal each, but as you were running out of time, you used the last two shadow crystals you found in Host, making him the most powerful but least stabile of the three.'
Rei spoke up for a moment then and asked, "What exactly are the shadow crystals. Are they related to the Shards?"
Guide turned to Rei, shook her head and answered, 'Shadow crystals are as related to the shards as a diamond might be. Shadow crystals are normally found on the Plane of Shadows occasionally where unusual forces there compressed shadow stuff into a concentrated and more solid form. In one of Shade's experimentations in his teleportation ability he came upon four of the crystals, and took them with him. They have some substance as you know it, unlike most shadow stuff beyond the Shadow Plane. Shadow stuff is what makes up shadows in dimensions beyond it, but instead of being mere silhouettes, in the Shadow Plane it is the most common substance. That is what you perceived as a sort of fog around you when Paradox took you into that dimension.'
Shen continued for Guide, "In creating the three I basically took the crystals and bound spells to them to create, golems or robots of sorts. I used shadow stuff as the material, the crystals for a power source and borrowed from myself for their intelligence and personality, because I had no other reliable source. When working on their forms I relied on the crystals to draw and concentrate more material from the Shadow Plane. I just happened to have the exposure longer for Guide then the others, at least relative to the number of crystals that made them up. None of them turned out quite as planned."
Makoto asked, "So, what happened with them? Why did each end up as they are?"
Guide responded to Makoto with, 'Guardian was made to be the first. Since Shade did not trust anyone he wanted something to protect him, so Guardian was focused on protective aspects. On earth, wolves tend to protect each other in a fight, working as a group, so that is why she had that form, and she was female because a she wolf is most protective of all, if in relation to her cubs. Host was the last and never was able to maintain any form. He was made for power and flexibility of ability. He was male because Shade was unable to fully control his creation so he automatically took the same as Shade himself. Host has many abilities, including like you have seen, able to capture others in a pocket dimension where time is not applicable. He had used that in two occasions in relation to you.'
Chibi-Usa frowned at that, suspecting she had experienced both of them. Shen saw Chibi-Usa's reaction and commented, "It saved your life both times actually or at least from injury I believe." He then looked to Guide and asked, "What about you though? You didn't come out quite as planned."
Guide nodded slowly and replied, 'I am partly how I am because of them,' she said pointing a paw towards the senshi, who blinked as a group. She continued, 'I am female because they are and I have the form of a cat, because of their guides, Luna and Artemis.' On top of Chibi-Usa's head, Diana meowed, so Guide amended, 'And Diana also. I have Shade's intelligence and knowledge, but I also drew knowledge from another source, in relation to Shade, and what he is needed for. And though I know you would like to know what that source is, Shade, I cannot tell you now, only that it is part of what makes you what you are, and it does not have malign intentions for you.'
Shen frowned and muttered, "Just what I like to here.. some think I know too much but I don't know enough.. is this.. entity.. the one who says what my mission is?"
Guide nodded once more, 'That is correct. It is also the one who assisted the senshi in creating the electric light dragon, to occupy Paradox so you could be returned to your normal state. It is too early for Paradox in your existence.'
Usagi looked to Guide and asked, "Did it give us those dreams too? The ones that told us to do to beat Paradox?"
For once Guide got a look of bemusement on her feline face and responded, 'No, I don't think so, though it is connected some how. That I don't fully understand.'
"Well, knowing everything seems a bit much anyways I guess. I am strangely relieved you don't, though it'd be useful if you did I suppose," commented Shade.
Minako asked, "Well, what exactly is your mission exactly? And why are you so gloomy?"
Guide volunteered, 'I can answer that for him, perhaps better.' Shen shrugged and listened, so Guide began, 'Shade was born half-human and half of the dark kingdom and that reflects his purpose. He is always meant to be, if needed, between two sides, good and evil. The universe will collapse into the Void if the balance sways too much one way or another and becomes unbalanced. The Void will destroy all life and even existence here if it comes. Shade is meant to stop that. He is most likely gloomy because it's not the most enjoyable line of work, but he knows someone needs to help things, and doesn't want anyone else to have to do it. It weighs heavily on him though.'
Shen muttered, "You can say that again."
Minako smiled brightly, looked to the others and said, "Looks like we have a job to do. Cheer up Shen!"
Shen just looked at Minako, much less enthused then the girls present were. He asked, "Do I have a choice in this?"
"If you had that, what fun would it be?" asked Makoto.
Shen then reminded them, "We still have the other two Shards to try to find."
'The only activity looking for one is here in Japan, however. You can keep your eye out anyhow. It is better then staying here,' countered Guide, who then turned back into a grey globe and vanished.
Chibi-Usa grinned, "Even Guide agrees. Your stuck."
Rei's grandfather stuck his head out the door and asked the others, "What are you girl up to? Who were you talking about, and who is he?" as he gestured at Shen.
The girls stood up and Rei answered, "Oh he's just a friend of ours. We are going out now. I'll be back for chores later, don't worry!" as the girls rushed off the temple grounds.
Rei's grandfather said, "But, but.." but Rei had already set her mind to something else and he knew he'd have trouble changing that.
Shen just shrugged at Rei's grandfather, bowed to him, stuck his hands in his pocket and walked out.
* * * * *
Makoto, Rei, Minako, Artemis walked down the street, followed by Shen. They walked towards the local Amusement Park, as it was Minako's idea. Makoto went along hoping to spot a cute guy or two and Rei just wanted to get a break from her chores. Shen lagged somewhat behind the others with his own thoughts and watching the area, until Minako realized what that he was hanging back. She moved back to where he was as the group walked and asked him, "What are you staying back here for?" She looked up at his face and told him, "Remember you are here to have fun."
Shen just shrugged and replied, "I'm looking out for what I need to find. Less then a face in the crowd but a mark."
Minako smiled and told him, "Oh lighten up. We'll spot it, don't worry. We found the others, didn't we?"
"And lost them," Shen reminded her.
Rei moved back to join Minako and Shen as she heard them talk and said, "Well we do have three, even if they were not the ones we meant to find."
Makoto joined the others, and Artemis jumped up into Minako's arms. Makoto said, "It'll be fine. Now just enjoy your time here." She winked and added, "And don't worry. I'll be watching plenty of the guys."
Rei and Minako chimed in, "Me too!"
Artemis sweatdropped while Shade just shrugged apathetically.
Minako grinned at him after paying for tickets to get into the park and told him as they passed the gate, "Oh lighten up, we aren't that bad."
Rei leaned over and stage whispered to Makoto, "Well some of us aren't at any rate."
Minako hurmphed and told them, "I heard that." She then herded Shen along to the rollercoaster to try to have him have more fun, and the others followed behind all the while chatting happily.
* * * * *
Usagi, Mamoru, Ami, Luna and Chibi-Usa with Diana riding along, headed towards the park later then the others because Ami had needed to drop off some library books and the others decided to keep her company.
Usagi was still reeling from the book titles and complained, "I don't even know what half of titles mean, nevermind the inside."
Chibi-Usa told her, "Well if you spent more time studying and less time feeding your face, maybe you would," and stuck her tongue out at Usagi. For once Usagi ignored her.
As they walked by a small family waiting outside the park and a quiet girl sitting on a box, Ami said, "They are just books I'm reading for extra credit. Chibi-Usa might have a point that you should study more though."
Usagi waved her free hand, the other was around Mamoru's arm, and she said, "Oh come on. Let's enjoy ourselves. I'll worry about studying later."
They suddenly heard a scream in front of them. They ran to a corner and stopped there, poking their heads to look around. What they saw was what looked like a large figure that was formed out of roasted marshmallows. Around it a few people were laying on the ground, unconscious and stuck with melted marshmallow.
Mamoru looked at Usagi. She nodded and said, "We better stop this. Come on guys." After they contacted the others, in hiding they transformed into the senshi.
Sailor Chibi-Moon looked around for a moment and asked, "Where is Diana? She's not with me."
Luna looked around with concern, and told them, "You stop that, I'll go find her. Good luck." She then ran back to where they had been.
Then Sailor Moon came forth from her hiding place and shouted to the marshmallow, "Stop where you are! You may be a yummy treat but that doesn't sweeten our disposition towards your evil acts. We are the beautiful Sailor Senshi of love and justice and in the name of the Moon, we will punish you."
Sailor Venus, Sailor Mars, Sailor Jupiter and Shade showed up on the other side of the create. Sailor Venus grinned and said, "We have you surrounded. We'll have no smoore of your attacks. Surrender now!"
Meanwhile Shade glanced around and frowning, he unexpectedly teleported away. The others didn't have time to wonder about that as the youma spoke, "I am Marshamallow. You crack me up thinking you can beat me. Prepare to become tasty treats yourself!" and is so saying she launched globs of marshmallow in both directions.
The senshi dodged the all out attack. Sailor Mars cast Fire Soul at it but the only effect was melting more, enabling the youma to throw more globs, and Sailor Jupiter's and Sailor Venus's follow up attacks made it worse. Soon the youma was throwing steaming hot globs of marshmallow everywhere. Tuxedo Kamen's rose that he threw to distract it only flew into the melting youma, causing no obvious damage in the goo. Sailor Moon shouted, "What can we do?"
Sailor Mercury said, "If heat makes it melt more, perhaps my ice can solidify it." She then cast her most powerful ice attack at the youma. Steam rose from it and fogged the area, obscuring everything from sight.
The senshi heard the youma shout, "Brrr. You can't beat me so easy! I'll get you!" though it spoke more slowly then before. The steamy fog cleared quickly and the creature got ready to attack Sailor Mercury who had caused it such trouble.
Suddenly Artemis darted towards it. It didn't react to him because since he was white it thought he was just some lose glob of itself that got thrown by one of the senshi in a pathetic attempt to distract it. However the slashing claws attack it received for a moment or two did distract it as it realized it had been mistaken. Artemis ducked away and while the youma was distracted Sailor Mercury took the chance to freeze it more. Sailor Mercury shouted, "Sailor Moon! Use your tiara!"
Sailor Moon nodded and said, "Right." She then reached up to her tiara and shouted, "Moon Tiara Magic!" and threw it at the youma. The tiara burst threw the solidified youma, which first broke into pieces then to dust.
Everyone took a moment to catch their breaths. Sailor Mars muttered a little reluctantly, "Good work Sailor Moon."
Sailor Moon smiled and replied, "Thanks Mars."
However Sailor Venus looked around, still concerned. She paused for a moment then asked, "But where is Shade?"
* * * * *
Actin almost never went invisible, so if he was not around, Shade knew something was up. It was just one youma, so Shade left the senshi to handle it, so he could seek out whatever the youma was supposed to distract them from.
He reappeared from the dimension he teleported into to leave, somewhere down the street and around a corner. He sensed a Shard carrier was near, and then he hurried as he felt another in the area of the opposite polarity. He knew Actin was close to the carrier.
Shade hurried down the streets keeping to the shadows and invisible in them. In an alley up ahead he heard a young girl shout, "Leave me alone!" He quickly teleported to the edge of the alley, still using the corner to protect him from site and looked in.
Seven figures stood in the alley. Three on one side were creatures in dark trenchcoats that went all the way to the ground, and smoke rose from them. On the opposite side were two more of those figures standing at attention and Actin in his spotless uniform stood between them. In the middle stood a frightened girl holding a strange box. The figures blocked Shade's view of the girl but he guessed that she was the Shard of Light carrier.
Actin ordered the girl, "You will say, 'You can have the Shard,' or we will have to treat you as an enemy soldier. No mercy will be given. However if you say that, you will be let go."
The girl cried, "Go away or I'll box you!"
Actin shook his head and told her, "I'm sorry young lady but you will lose if you try such a thing. Even if you get a lucky shot, we outnumber you six to one and we are not as easy to take out as normal people. Say those words or we will be forced to crush you."
Shade started to spread his magical influence through the shadows, but meanwhile the girl backed against a side wall to protect her back and shouted, "Fine, take the stupid Shard or whatever it is. Just leave me and my stuff alone!"
Actin nodded and said, "Close enough." He then raised a hand towards the girl. One of her shoes disintegrated to dust to reveal a white mark on her foot. He glanced at the two figures next to him and said, "Remove the witness after I get the Shard from her." A moment later the mark departed from her foot and rose, becoming one of the Shards of Light.
Shade had the shadows whisper to the girl, "Close your eyes. The light from the crystal may blind. I shall get you away from these people. You don't need to trust me, just take the opportunity you will be presented."
Shade sensed the girl nod as he let his hood fall over his face. A moment later there was a blinding flash of light as the dark alley suddenly turned very bright, the contrast blinding those unprepared.
Actin shouted a rare curse and he shouted, "Get the Shard and the girl! Keep the Shard top priority too! We might not be so well off in another encounter!"
As the light faded, the alley was clothed in dark shadows once more. A moment later there was a flash of grey light, as Shade stepped out of a nexus, next to the girl. Actin recovered his eyesight first and pointed at Shade. He said, "Traitor, this is not your battle. You will be taken, do not doubt that, but you do not wish to trifle with us now."
Shade in the alley shook his head and said, "What is an inopportune time for you is an opportune time for me. Give up the Shard and let the girl go." The girl just stood at his side, her features also partially hidden in the shadows.
Actin told Shade, "You know we can not let her go, and you will not trick us. We do not have the Shard so you must of taken it. This will not be tolerated. Surrender now or this will be the last image of life you will see."
A rare smile appeared on the face of Shade in the alleyway shadows. He shook his head for a moment then said, "An image is a picture. Some of the humans say that a picture says a thousand words.." and in saying that the Shade in the alleyway and the little girl vanished. The real Shade at the end of the alley finished, "Just not always the right ones.." A quick glance showed him the girl he had hidden with invisibility had successfully gotten away, so he teleported away, leaving Actin to ponder his failure in peace.
* * * * *
Dreamerie's Subchapter - SMG (by Lady Cinnibar)
* * * * *
Alice sat on The Box(tm) and frowned. "What do I do? That weird man might come after me again." She looked at the crystal shard she held. "I can store this in The Box(tm). At least, I hope I can."
When Alice opened it, she met soft warm fabric. She pulled.
The figure that popped out rolled some, groaned, and shook her head. "Who dares interrupt my solemn duties?" She stared at Alice. "Oh. It's just you. I give my greetings to you, Box-Holder. What great trouble is it that My Box(tm) felt determined to summon its Master and Creator?"
The stranger's eyes startled Alice, a colorless mass that looked more like a storm cloud. As she looked into the fathomless depths, a bolt of lightning danced in the iris, and then flew across the pupil. Alice was terrified, but there was something familiar about this figure. She sat on The Box(tm) again and began to cry out the story. Her peril, her mysterious rescuer, and the odd crystal. She held it out for the stranger's perusal.
"Indeed. Little One, you need me greatly. Or, rather, I need you. I shall guard you, but you must help me find your hero, for he has transgressed greatly against my people." The figure said. "I am called by some mortals Dreamerie, and I am Mistress of the Dream Realms. All dreams that were, are, or will be, are under my command. He has thrown off my rule, and thus I must return to him his dream-mirror. He broke it, a long time ago, when he was young. It is not right for the Avatar of the Shadow Realm to be without Dreams."
Alice blinked. Did this mean she'd get out of school? That she could be free of this horrible world? "I'll agree, but only..."
"Tell me." Dreamerie sat next to her, the myriads of gray, silver and ghostly blue veils shifting and flowing. She wore nothing but veils that formed a robe of sorts, and her long white hair, but she had a nature that no man would dare to whistle at.
"When you leave, to return to ruling... Take me with you."
"Very well. It is agreed, Box-Holder. May I ask you a right, Little One?"
"What?"
"I know the names you use in your dreams. Would you like a certain one?"
"Alice. Just Alice."
"Very well, Alice. Let us begin our Quest. I for the Master of Shadows, and you for the freedom of dreams."
The crystal glowed as Dreamerie held it, and within seconds it was trapped in a cage of silver, on a chain. She looped it about Alice's neck. "Here, Shard Bearer. As a being of Neither Good Nor Evil, Nor Neutrality, I cannot carry that. But you can, and you have. But bear it well, and only give it to those who would use it for good."
"Dream Lady, who was that man? Why do you call him the Master of Shadows?"
"Alice, there is my realm, of course. It is all realms, but none. One of its borders is the Realm of Shadows, the half-life state between waking and dreaming. Between Night and Day. The Realm of Shadows in intelligent, although there are few whom it can talk to, myself, a strange cat like beast, and my Realm among them. It creates an Avatar to balance it, to perform it's missions in the worlds. The cat like beast, that calls itself Guide, assures that it fulfills the principles of Shadows. In time, he shall gain enough of Shadows that he, too, will be able to talk, but as of yet he is too young."
The two set off into the world to fulfill a Quest. One mortal child, wounded by the world, and one Dream.