Chapter 12 - SMG
* * * * *
A lonely eight-year-old boy rested his elbows on a windowsill and rested his head in his hands, sadly watching the outside world. The room he was in had three windows, one to a wall. The wall on the opposite side of the room once had a door, but it was never used, so it was forgotten and had faded away. The young boy had been there so long he had forgotten what it was like to be outside. All he was able to do was watch what happened outside of his room, but never be a part of it. He saw things he wanted to do, things he wanted to be, but it just couldn't be. He was a forgotten child in a forsaken room in an unknown world. In a corner of his room lay the swept up fragments of a broken mirror.
Outside of that room was a larger room with larger windows so the interior room could clearly see outside of the second room. This room was dark grey in color and it had a metal door where in the interior room there was none, but it was blending into the wall and becoming difficult to see over time.
That room was incased in a third room, which was inside of a fourth room, which was in a fifth room, and a sixth containing them all. Each room was larger then the last and were of varied shades of grey. Each had a different door, with each door closed.
Outside of the sixth room there were colorful landscapes where the windows could see, but to either side of them were dull grey mists. Outside the door to the outermost room stood a silent sentinel, a mere shadow.
Then another approached, dressed in veils and confidence. She moved towards the door, and the shadow moved to block her way. She looked at it with eyes that were filled with clouds and lightning, and addressed the shadow, "Why do you block me, Shadow? I have come to return that which was lost. Repair what was foolishly broken."
The shadow stood there for a moment or a millenium, as time was meaningless, then spoke in such a way that no mortal could ever comprehend, Mistress of Dreams, here I am, as it was meant to be. I am to hide that which has been hidden. You are here but you do not need to be. Forget.
"You err in your ways but the Shadow Realm has realized the error. Not only do I come within my right, but with the Shadow Realms blessing. If you do not relent you will have to reconcile with both," Dreamerie told the Shadow.
The Shadow did not look pleased but without another word, stepped aside and vanished. The first door had the symbol of a cloak on it. Dreamerie then reached into the air and plucked a cloak from nothingness. She then placed the cloak, which had the silvery sheen of a mirror, against the door.
The cloak vanished, and the door opened. As she stepped through the walls behind her vanished. The next door had a symbol of a wolf, howling. Dreamerie produced a spherical silver mirror and placed it against the door.
The globe vanished, and the door opened. The walls behind her vanished once more. She produced a smaller mirror globe and placed it against the door, which had a picture of a walking cat. The door unlocked and brought her too a new door, one with what looked like a planet with a ring about it. She plucked another globe from the air, its size in between the previous two, and unlocked the door with it.
She then reached the room with the darkest walls. The metal door that was fading away in the wall had the symbol of a dragon flying in the air. This time she produced a much larger mirror sphere made of something darker then silver. She placed it against the door and the door opened.
With all the other walls having vanished behind her she reached the last room she had to enter. However there was no door. Dreamerie did not even pause but instead, pulled a whole new white crystalline door out of nowhere and placed it against the wall. The door fit into the wall as if it had always been there. On the door was a simple circle and nothing more. She paused for a moment to determine what it was and somehow decided upon something.
Out of the air she pulled out a mirror sphere much smaller then the others, and it glowed with a white luminescence of it's own. This is what she placed against the last door. This time the door itself vanished, to show the child inside. The child was surprised to see the tiny sphere zoom around him in circles. He watched it in wonder for a time, and then it flew out the window to an unseen distance. Where the broken shards had been before in the room stood a nexus-shaped mirror. It was mostly black but had 5 mirror circles floating within it, and it's edges faded to blend in with its surroundings.
Why the white one did not join the mirror Dreamerie wasn't sure but she was satisfied the mirror was finally restored, albeit in a somewhat altered form.
Everything then became blurry and faded out.
* * * * *
Shade was sitting alone in a hallway. There were others there, but he could only see them out of the corners of his eyes. Whispering abounded, and he felt eyes he could not meet on him. A figure swept into the room. A woman, dressed in many layered veils of white, gray, heather, smoke, silver, all shades of grayed colors. She wore a pair of black sunglasses, and she stood before Shade.
"Who are you?" he asked, crossing his arms.
She smiled and said, "I am. I have many names. Gray Lady. Dreamerie."
Shade quirked an eyebrow at one of the names, but then shrugged. "Where am I?" he asked.
"Look around you. You have not been here in a long time, Shadow Prince. This is a world that is not. You have a price to pay for your crimes," she told him.
"And what crimes are these?" he asked.
"You have not dreamt. So, I banish you to dreams. I shall attend to each one, Shadow Prince," she said. Her voice sounded as if it came from the bottom of a well, and it was muffled by the whispers. He could not place it. It was like it was all voices, but no voices at once. She removed the glasses, and eyes of dark storm cloud grey looked into his. Lightning flashed across them, across the pupil, in random spurts, like a gathering storm. She spoke, "If I must attend you for all of your eternity, so be it, but you shall not sin against the Realm again?"
Shade shrugged seeming indifferent and spoke, "I have done many things others don't like. I have done things I don't like myself. It is not of choice, but of necessity for what I was meant to do, even if consciously I don't fully understand it. I must survive and protect myself. If I dream, then if somehow someone used.. Dream-magic or the equivalent, they could find me. If you wish, I will endeavor to dream, until someone tries to use it against me and please understand I meant no offense. However the Shadow Realm is the authority I follow. I gave you it's blessing, but what does it matter to it? Is it a sin against that realm?"
"Not the Shadow Realm, Princeling." she chuckled. "You broke your mirror, and sinned against the Realm of Dreams and Nightmares. The world of half-formed wishes. You broke your mirror. Seven years bad luck, Shadow Master. Seven eternities bad luck, Mortal Child. To your forgiveness." She pushed at him, and the world rippled.
* * * * *
Shade sat quietly on top of a grassy hill. Near him was a road that went down the hill and lead to in the middle of what looked to be like a collection of buildings that should be in a city.
Little kids played jump rope and giggled happily. Older kids laughed as they roller-skated down the hill towards the town. Others, along with adults, walked in and out of the stores and restaurants. In twos or larger groups everywhere people enjoyed themselves and each other, chatting, smiling and laughing.
Shen walked there alone.
Shen walked through the streets, with no hint of joy on his face. He watched others interact but never participated. He was sad but he tried to hide it, even from himself. He finally sat down on a bench by himself to think and watch the world go by.
Then came a young girl, who enjoyed life and sharing it with others. She came and interrupted Shen, annoyed Shen, but all the same cheered him up a little bit. Others came, all friends of hers, and they all became determined to help him enjoy himself somewhat. He wasn't as sad anymore, though there was no obvious sign.
Then fires came. The city burned. Soon Shen found himself alone again. No one was around. No one was playing jump rope. No one was skating. No one was laughing. Darkness came in and encased it all. Soon the hill was all that was left in a sea of darkness.
Shade watched all this in silence.
A female voice spoke from no one direction. She asked, "What is it you are called?"
Shade answered simply, emotionlessly, "I am Shade.."
"No, what is it you are called?" the voice asked again.
Shade shook his head.
An image of a girl appeared nearby, seeming to talk to others, introducing Shade, "This is a friend of mine."
The voice spoke to ask another question, "What is that?" The image of the town and its surroundings appear again.
Shade answered, "A town, a world.."
The image vanished and the voice asked again, "What is that?"
"Nothing.." was Shade's reply.
The voice asked, "Why do you fight?"
"Because I have to," was Shade's simple reply.
The voice asked once more, "No, why do you choose to fight?"
"Because I don't want worlds like that to die.. and because.. I don't want anyone else to have too.." Shade said slowly.
The town appeared again, covered in flames. Shen stood at the edge of it and raised his hand. Three globes flew away, two at other edges of the town and one above them all. Grey energy lines linked Shen to the globes and the globes to each other forming a pyramid shape. Grey filled in, in between, blocking the sight of the city. The voice asked, "Do you understand?"
Shade shook his head slowly, and replied, "No, I don't.."
The grey sides disappeared from the pyramid, to reveal a town untouched by flames. The lines of the pyramid then disappeared. The globes moved back towards Shen, and faded away. Then Shen too faded away. The voice asked again, more slowly, "Do you understand?"
Shade lowered his head and answered, "As much as I will ever I suppose.."
The daylight started to fade, and sunset approached. At the bench at the bottom of the hill sat a little eight year old boy, looking over the back of the bench up the hill. He asked quietly, "But what of me?"
Shade just shook his head, and then both he and the boy looked to the sky.
The voice spoke once more, slowly and not unkindly, "Rest well, Shade-sama. Rest well.. Master of Shadows.."
In another reality dawn approached once more.
* * * * *
The rays of the sun spilled through the window in the room Shen found himself in. After a moment a cloud obscured the sun and Shen sat up. He ran a hand through his hair, pondering the dream he had. He had not dreamed in many years so he could not just discount it. He knew Actin was the Champion of fire and that Actin must be sought out before the city was destroyed.
First however Shen concentrated on where he was. By looking at the walls and furnishings he guessed he was in the Temple that Rei was a part of, perhaps a guestroom. He rose silently, grimacing slightly with pain from recent wounds. He then stepped outside and around Alice, who for some reason had curled up and fallen asleep at his door, her strange box at her side. He quietly moved on, letting her sleep.
Outside he found he was indeed at the temple. For some reason though, he felt it was different, a little less dull. Everything seemed a little livelier. Was it connected with the dream? He didn't know. He knew he shouldn't let it distract him though. As he idly gazed as some plants at the temple, he sensed someone approaching from nearby, but he gave no sign, letting them speak only if they wished too.
It was Rei. She asked, "You up already? You were pretty badly hurt and even with your quick healing I'd think you couldn't be fully healed yet. You sure you shouldn't lay down?"
Shen turned around and shook his head. He told her, "I don't want to wear out my welcome," with a slight smile. He continued, "I am.. mostly better now.. and I believe Actin will attack again soon.. not allowing for wounds to heal. I need to find him first.. or the city may burn to ashes."
Rei nodded and told him, "Well then I'll call up Usagi and we can go look for him."
Shen shook his head as he looked at the darkening horizon. He said, "I should go alone. I know him best.. I can travel quicker.. and I see no need for you to get hurt."
As Rei heard that she started to look cross, and told him, "Look, I can hold my own in battle and it's my home city, not yours. Don't pull that not getting hurt nonsense on me!"
Shen raised an eyebrow and shrugged. "Whatever.. You do have the freedom to make your own decisions. I do not like death of any kind, including yours or a youma's."
Rei pointed out, "But you killed one of the youma yesterday."
"Sort of," replied Shen, "I used his own power against him. If he hadn't attacked I wouldn't have killed him. I will not kill on my own if I can help it, but if necessarily I will weaken someone for another to defeat or use someone's own power against them. I should not alter the potential balance on my own."
"Potential balance?" asked Rei curiously.
Shen nodded, "Every life has the potential to alter the balance one way or another and they have their own destinies. If I remove someone they are permanently out of the system.. where if I only disable them.. if they are needed later on, they can be there. Therefore life should only be taken when there is no reasonable alternative. With the bomb youma's I could not tell how to direct the bomb to only disable it so in self-defense I had to remove it.. unfortunately."
Rei nodded though she didn't completely understand. Instead she asked, "So are you going to insist upon facing Actin without help?"
Shen smiled slightly again and told her, "Tell you what. I'll send Guide to tell you if I find him. In any case.. fare thee well."
Rei wouldn't quite let it drop there. She moved to block his way as he turned to leave. She told him, "Give me your word that you'll tell us, promptly. Don't just idly say it intending to forget."
Shen frowned but relented, "Ok, I promise to tell you, alright?"
Rei stepped aside and nodded. She replied, "Yes, thank you. Take care and good luck."
Shen nodded, bowed quickly, turned and left the temple grounds.
Rei turned back to the temple. She idly wondered as she passed the room where Shen had rested, where Alice had vanished to. She decided however that the girl would be safe now anyhow, and that she needed to worry about contacting Usagi.
* * * * *
Usagi and Luna ran up the steps to the Temple and onto the temple grounds. As they saw Rei and Mamoru there already Luna waited for Usagi to say hello. However Usagi seemed winded at the moment so Luna let out a loud, "Meow!"
Mamoru turned and smiled at Usagi, while Rei wore an opposite expression. "Late like usual," Rei told Usagi.
Usagi countered, "It's not *puff* my fault *puff* that this place *puff* is so far *puff* from home."
Rei shook her head and pointed out, "You could of taken the bus." "Well I would of had to wait for the bus, and I wanted to leave as soon as possible, after I grabbed a donut or two," Usagi replied.
"Well the bus arrived here before you did," Rei said simple.
Usagi scratched the back of her head and laughed sheepishly, "Oh."
"Geez, you are such a bonehead," Rei commented.
Before Rei or Usagi could say more though, Mamoru reminded, "Shen-san and Actin.."
Sure by now that no one was around Luna said, "Thank you Mamoru-san. Shen-san, according to Rei, was sure Actin would strike again soon. He headed out to search for Actin, though he is still hurt. He'll inform use if he finds Actin, but even if he does he'll face Actin alone for a few minutes, which is dangerous. Also just him looking would mean covering less ground. Therefore I believe what we need to do is look for Actin ourselves, splitting up."
Rei nodded and said, "Right, and if we see anything we'll call each other on our communicators."
Usagi nodded, smiled, wrapped an arm around Mamoru and stated, "And since Mamo-chan doesn't have a communicator he'll come with me."
Rei made a face and said, "Eh, whatever. Come on, let's get moving."
With that they left the temple, Usagi and Mamoru going in one direction, Rei and Luna in another.
* * * * *
Shen walked along the street, keeping an eye out for things. He had already sent Guide and Guardian to look at other places, keeping the less predictable Host with him. So far he had not noticed anything unusual as he moved through the city. It all seemed a normal day.
Kids played jump rope on the street, while other people shopped in store, or just walked besides one another, talking and enjoying each other company. Shen watched all of them and around them, and walked alone. Noticing that he paused, remembering the dream once more. Frowning he hurried on, not wanting to waste any time.
He turned around a corner down another street. He stopped at a bench when he found Alice there, sitting and looking up at him. "Hello," she said with a bright smile.
He hid his surprise and responded, "Greeting."
"I was wondering when you'd stop by," Alice said, leaning on her ever-present box.
"You were? Why? There was no guarantee I'd come this way on my travels," Shen asked her.
Alice just smiled sweetly and said, "The lady in the box said you were walking this way."
Shen sighed. He decided to assume it was probably coincidence since she was still young so possibly prone to making up things for fun. To humor her for a moment he asked, "And what is this lady's name if any? It's not The Lady in the Box is it?"
Alice grinned and shook her head, "Nope, its Dreamerie."
Shen could not recall anything related to such a name, but something about it troubled him. He shrugged deciding perhaps it was because the name had the word 'dream' in it and that he had been thinking about his. Shen nodded and said, "Ah. I must apologize though, but I am in a hurry and must move on."
"Ok," Alice said, "The lady wanted me to tell you though, that the weird guy with the monsters would return at the spot where one of his fellow mean guys had fought the senshi. Try those places."
Shen paused at this. Alice seemed to claim at least to know a lot more then she should. He wanted to look into it further but decided he didn't really have time. Perhaps another day, if he survived that long. He just said, "Alright," then added, uncharacteristically with a small smile, "Thank you and fare well."
Alice smiled and waved, "Bye!"
With that Shen walked off down the street, and when he reached a secluded spot, on the small chance she was actually right, he sent off Host to look at the tornado damaged area and the park. He knew the attack would be in Tokyo and only Argon had been there before. However to siege a city he thought it was still a better plan to go to a place of political power, or in the case of fire, someplace truly flammable, like a book publisher.
However he still wasn't sure where exactly it would be so he moved on, still searching.
* * * * *
In the park it was mostly quiet, beyond the birds and a jogger or two. For the most part people stayed inside because of reports of possible rain from the overcast sky. Under an older cherry blossom tree in the park smoke began to rise.
The smoke wasn't really noticed at all, nor the start of a small fire. Soon the fire spread though, and started to engulf the tree. As the inferno built, a large area of flames appeared momentarily nearby, and out of it stepped Actin and the last youma from the previous battle.
Actin handed the youma a fiery red gem and told it, "Get ready with this. Remember we must be ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for Lord Agate if it is necessary. Only if it is necessary, so don't do anything foolish. Understood?"
The youma nodded, carefully holding the gem in one hand.
Actin nodded and said, "Good. Let us prepare our welcome."
A short time later the burning tree's flames leap high into the air as Actin and the youma were ready and waiting. The youma spotted something and got Actin's attention.
"Looks like the battle will be joined soon," Actin said quietly, as he observed a grey sphere that zoomed around for a moment then flew off.
* * * * *
The skies were darkening over Tokyo as the storm clouds floated over the city. Shen paused on the street he was walking and sighed for many reasons. One was Alice had been right. Host found Actin in the park, but Shen didn't have time to find out how she had known. Another reasons for the sigh was that Host had also been spotted, as it hadn't attempted to hide. The last reason was for some reason he felt he did not have much time left to be there.
He silently became Shade, recalling Host and Guardian to him, sending Guide to tell Rei. He was sure he'd get there ahead of the others so he didn't really worry about that. He opened a Nexus and stepped into it, and after a brief moment in the Shadow Plane he appeared at the edge of the park. He could clearly see the smoke rising above. As rain started falling from over head he stepped into the park, stealthily moving forward towards the blaze within.
As he moved inward he saw a ring of burnt grass around the area. He didn't trust it but he realized teleporting might draw more attention. As Guide returned to Shade, he decided to risk quickly stepping over the ring of burnt grass. He found it puzzling but moved forward. In doing so his step caused a ring of fire to appear inside of the previous ring, and him stepping in it. He jumped forward before he got too singed from the quickly dying flames. He knew there was no more hiding then, however.
Actin, dry despite the rain, stepped around a tree and looked straight at Shade. He said as he pulled out his sword, "We've been expecting you. Make yourself at home here. You'll be staying for a while."
* * * * *
Usagi and Mamoru strolled around the Amusement Park looking around the area. Usagi had convinced Mamoru that since Actin had attacked at the Amusement Park before he might again. Unfortunately for him, soon as they got there she convinced him to buy her a bunch of junk food.
Still he didn't mind that much. It made her happy which generally made him happy too. Usagi smiled and ate her snacks as they walked along, Mamoru looking for signs of trouble, while Usagi was occupied by her food and Mamoru's mere presence.
Usagi's happiness turned to annoyance in a short time as rain started falling from above. People started hurrying out in case the rain got heavier. Mamoru was prepared though, and took out a large umbrella, unfolding it and putting it over them both. Usagi smiled and stayed close to Mamoru as if using the rain as an excuse. She told him, "I'm so very glad to be with you, Mamo-chan."
Mamoru smiled back at her and started to say, "I'm glad to be with..*" He was cut off by Usagi's communicator.
Usagi pouted and said, "What lousy timing." They both moved to a more hidden area and Usagi pulled out the communicator. Rei's picture appeared on it. Usagi smiled, and asked, "What's up, Rei?"
Rei didn't look happy though. She said through the communicator, "Guide says Actin's at the park. I'm not sure Shade will wait for us so we have to hurry!"
Usagi grinned as if there was no problem and told Rei, "But Mamo-chan and I are already at the Amusement Park. You don't have to worry."
Usagi could see Rei shake her head through the communicator as Rei told her, "No, I said the park, you know with the cherry blossom trees and flowers?"
Usagi looked crestfallen and complained, "But we aren't even close to that."
Rei didn't give her an inch and instead told Usagi, "Then run or something. Just get over there." With that the communicator went dark.
Usagi looked up at Mamoru and asked, "Now how are we going to get over there?"
Mamoru said thoughtfully, "I think I know. Come on. Lets go."
* * * * *
Rei and Luna ran as fast as they could. The park was relatively nearby, but it was still a bit of a run and the rain was soaking them. Rei puffed out, "If it is this bad.. for us.. Usagi will arrive next year."
Luna replied, a bit out of breath herself, "Well Usagi-san had better hurry or we'll be in even more trouble."
The rounded a corner and were finally able to see the park, and flames reaching high above. They also started hearing sirens in the far distance. Closer, however, in the park they bursts of light away from the large blaze and knew that must be where Shade and Actin where. They ran to the edge of the park and took a moment to catch their breath.
Suddenly out of no where shot a motorcycle. Light was reflected off of the helmet of the first of two riders as the motorcycle jumped into the air. It landed on the ground once more, speeding towards the park. As it approached the surprised Rei and Luna it turned perpendicular to where it had been going and skidded to a stop. The second rider hopped off and removed her helmet, revealing it was Usagi. As Mamoru took off on the bike to park it properly Usagi smiled and said, "I hope we didn't take to long Rei."
Rei looked very annoyed at being exhausted from running so far, yet Usagi looked as energetic as ever. She grumbled, "Just on time."
Usagi grinned and said, "Great. Better transform then," seeming to enjoy the fact Rei was annoyed.
Rei grudgingly complied. Soon the two senshi and Luna headed quickly into the park.
In moments they found the youma standing next to a completely fire engulfed tree, a tens of meters away. Closer still they saw Actin launching streams of fire, and sword swings at Shade who dodged the fire and blocked the sword with a glowing grey staff. Shade looked somewhat singed and Actin had a few bruises.
The two senshi and feline watched in fascination as Shade dodged many attacks and more amazingly some of the attacks seemed to just pass through him as he turned translucent for a moment. Actin meanwhile skillfully parried most of Shade's staff swings with his sword, and dodged the occasional grey energy shot.
Seeming not to be seen by Shade, the youma near the large fire pulled out a bomb and looked intently at Shade. Sailor Mars shouted, "Shade-san!"
Shade jumped out of the way of the bomb without pause, but then turned to look at the senshi, as if he had expected the bomb and thought they wanted to tell of something else. The lack of attention paid to Actin proved costly, as with a grim smile Actin stabbed Shade in the shoulder with his sword. Shade looked surprised and as he looked to face Actin he staggered back. Actin followed up by punching Shade in the face with the hilt of the sword, knocking Shade to the ground. The youma from the side threw another bomb, which landed near Shade. This time both senshi shouted, "Shade-san!" The bomb exploded, and even though it seemed weaker in the rain, it threw Shade a few feet from where he had laid.
Actin turned to face the senshi, with his stained sword held in a leisurely manner. He said, "Nice of you to join us. It seems Shade is a bit tired so needs to lay down," emphasizing it by placing a booted foot onto Shade's fallen form. Shade shifted slightly but made no real effort to stand. Actin bowed to the senshi and told them, "Now, surrender or die and surrender won't be accepted."
Sailor Moon demanded, "What kind of choice is that?"
Actin shrugged and replied, "I have my orders." With that he jumped forward towards the senshi, launching fire at Sailor Moon, and swinging his sword at Sailor Mars. Both senshi barely dodged out of the way.
Luna ran over to Shade to check on him. She saw he was very badly, hurt, but was uncertain how badly. She moved closer but she noticed that, beyond the pain, he looked like he was locked in some kind of mental conflict. Luna turned her head towards the senshi again as Sailor Moon screamed.
Actin launched flames to either side of Sailor Moon and trapped her between walls of fire. Sailor Mars chanted and threw an anti-evil sign at Actin. Actin simply used his sword to spear the piece of paper before it got close. He shook his head, "You think your tricks will work on me? I will show you the error after I dispose of Sailor Moon." With that he launched flame straight at Sailor Moon.
Tuxedo Kamen came out of nowhere and landed in front of Sailor Moon. He spun his cane at blurring speeds, blocking the flames.
Luna noticed Shade started to mutter to himself as rain poured down his face. As he shook his head slowly as she could make out was, "Why.."
Meanwhile Actin barely paused at the appearance of Tuxedo Kamen. Actin raised his sword and flames engulfed it. He then immediately attacked with the fire sword, putting Tuxedo Kamen on the defensive. He slashed at Tuxedo Kamen again and again. Tuxedo Kamen was forced to retreat and finally jumped back, grabbed Sailor Moon, and jumped out from between the walls of flame to where Sailor Mars stood.
Actin shook his head and said, "You are just making this difficult for yourself." He then nodded towards the youma. To everyone's surprise the youma dived into the inferno-engulfed tree, releasing the gem it head. The youma exploded, but the explosion was absorbed into the fire, and though the rain hindered it, a giant fire elemental started to animate. Actin glanced at the forming elemental for a moment then at the senshi, and said, "Now you know your doom. Surrender now and I might spare this city from the flames."
Meanwhile, Luna heard Shade sigh to himself. He was obviously still in pain, with many bleeding cuts and wound. Despite that, he slowly made his way to his feet, and as he painfully rose he recited a strange verse, "True shadows hear me.. Give extension to my will.. Ether to my hand.."
Sailor Mars accused Actin, "You'll burn the city and anything else you can either way!"
Actin shrugged, "Maybe so. However I'll do you a favor and not make you wait for my elemental." With that he raised his sword ready to strike again.
Shade's whisper was somehow heard by all, "Stop."
Actin paused, and turned towards Shade. He and the senshi looked on in surprise to see Shade standing despite many wounds. Shade told Actin, "Go now.. It's not to late for you.. Leave and don't return.."
Actin was taken aback that such an obviously hurt person would warn him away. Actin shook his head and replied, "Don't even try that nonsense on me. I'm no fool."
Shade nodded, a hint of regret on his face. "Very well.." he said. He closed his eyes and concentrated as three grey spheres appeared around him. Then as the others looks on strangely the blood from cuts and wounds started turning grey and into a mist, rising from him as a few bands of grey energy passed over him. After the bands vanished he opened his eyes and gazed at Actin.
Actin started to look worried. He shook his head quickly and said, "The elemental will take care of you all. I'll have other things to attend to." With that he raised his hand and the flames that he used to teleport appeared around him and he vanished.
However all did not go as planned. The flames appeared right in front of Shade and Actin reappeared again to find himself facing Shade. Actin's facial expression blossomed into shock.
Two spheres went to the other side of Actin and one floated above. Shade gestured gently and a nexus to the Shadow Realm opened up within Shade, the points of the nexus extending outside his body. Each of the spheres had a similar nexus open at its center.
Actin looked even more alarmed. Desperately he tried to teleport once more, but this time the flames did not even come. He realized he had suddenly completely lost the ability to teleport. He looked down at the sword at his side, the flames flickering in the pouring rain.
Shade lowered his head and glanced sideways at the others. With a weak apologetic smile he simply said, "Sorry.." With that lines appeared connecting him to each of the spheres, together creating a pyramid pattern.
Actin raised his sword, shouted, "No!" and thrust the sword point at Shade.
The pyramid suddenly became opaquely grey, blocking both Actin and Shade from the dumbfounded senshi's view. No sound issued from the pyramid. The only sounds were the crackling flames and the hissing of water striking the fire.
As Tuxedo Kamen held onto Sailor Moon, Sailor Moon looked at Sailor Mars, then Tuxedo Kamen hoping to see they understood what was happening more then her. They both looked as confused as she felt.
Then as quickly as it became opaque, the pyramid vanished along with the spheres. Only two figures stood. One was Actin, holding onto the sword with white knuckles, suffering from incredible shock.
The other was Shade, with Actin's sword point coming out his back, his left fist clenched tight. Shade's eyes were focused on Actin for a moment, then quickly grew unfocused as he collapsed forward on to the ground. Actin was almost pulled down with the dying Shade before Actin numbly let go of the sword. Shade's cloak settled over him, hiding the fallen figure.
The senshi looked on unable to say anything. The cloak settled to the ground, as what was underneath had vanished. Then slowly, the cloak itself faded away, out of existence. The sword that had been in him fell to the ground.
Seeing the sword free Actin weakly bent down to take it. However upon trying to stand once more he found he needed to use the sword to support him. He raised a hand slowly and tried to produce flame, but only got a small amount. He tried to teleport once more, and once again had no result at all. The once strong warrior gazed at the senshi. A loud crackle of flame went off behind him and he saw a way out. He weakly commanded, "Elemental.. Kill them.. Kill them all.. Now.." The almost complete formed elemental responded and moved forward.
Luna, the closest to where Shade had fallen, looked to where Shade's left hand had been. To her surprise she saw a Dark Shard resting there. At the same time Actin noticed it, and exclaimed weakly, "My shard! How'd he get my shard?" Actin bent down to retrieve the lost shard, but Luna was unhurt and quicker. She darted forward and scooped up the shard in her mouth then darted out of reach. Actin called behind her, "Give me back my shard.."
* * * * *
The senshi were not totally sure what had just happened. Shade did something to Actin, though they were not sure what, then he died. To the idealistic Sailor Moon it was a bit of a shock. However another shock came as she saw the giant fire element start to approach Tuxedo Kamen and the senshi. They scattered to avoid a large fireball it launched at them.
It began to chase Sailor Mars. She dodged its fiery attacks then shouted quickly, "Fire Soul!" and pointed at it. A streak of flame flew at it, hit it, and did absolutely nothing. A sweat-drop appeared above Sailor Mars as she muttered, "I can't believe I even tried that."
The elemental turned from Sailor Mars, deciding she was not a threat and instead it breathed fire at Sailor Moon. Sailor Moon was caught off guard, having been watching for an attack from what seemed to be the creature's hands, not it's mouth. She dived out of the way as flames scorched the earth where she had been a moment before. She then got up, ran at top speed and screamed, "Help!" as flames chased after her.
Tuxedo Kamen moved, about to jump to Sailor Moon to help her, but the elemental shot fire between him and Sailor Moon. Sailor Mars also tried to reach Sailor Moon but the elemental blocked her too, seeming to be able to attack in multiple directions.
Sailor Moon ducked behind a bench to get away from the flames but to her dismay to elemental arched it's flames to get beyond the obstacle. Sailor Moon was forced to run once more.
Tuxedo Kamen tried to throw a rose at the gem in the elemental's center, but even his magical roses were reduced to ash.
As a last resort Sailor Mars pulled out an anti-evil sign, chanted, " in, pyou, tou, sha, kai, jin, retsu, sai, zen. Akuryou taisan!" and threw the sign at the elemental. As the sign reached the elemental, it burned to ash like she expected. However the elemental's flames grew disorganized for a few moments as it froze, before it recovered and was able to move again. Realization struck Sailor Mars as she murmured, "He is an affront to the Sacred Flame, so the signs work even after they are consumed.." With that she pulled out many more anti-evil signs, chanted once more and threw them at the elemental. It tried to dodge them but its huge size hindered the attempt. The signs struck the elemental as a group and the elemental froze.
Flames began shooting out and orbiting the elemental in different directions becoming part of an almost hypnotic display. The senshi stood entranced for a moment. Tuxedo Kamen shook his head vigorously and threw a rose at the gem once more. The rose once again was destroyed but it managed to reach the gem first and chip it slightly. He turned to Sailor Moon and told her, "Hurry, use your tiara to shatter it, Sailor Moon!"
Sailor Moon nodded, reached for her tiara and shouted, "Moon Tiara Action!" She threw the tiara like a frisbee at the gem. It rocked from side to side as it hit the currents of fire flowing around the elemental but made it to the center. There it struck the gem. There was a high pitch ring. After a few moments the gem shattered at fell to pieces.
The flames that had been orbiting the elemental shot out in all directions but seemed to burn themselves out quickly. However in the center of the flames materialized the charred burning trunk of the tree that had been part of the original blaze. It crashed to the ground, sending sparks, ashes and senshi everywhere.
Once again, except for crackling flame and hissing rain, the area fell silent again except for approaching sirens in the distance. The senshi and Tuxedo Kamen looked at each other for a moment and just tried to relax. Then they remembered Actin and quickly looked for him. They saw him leaning against a tree, trying to rest. He saw that they had spotted him and turned to run. They chased after him and were able to catch up easily. They quickly surrounded him and Sailor Moon confronted him. She demanded, "Give up now, Dark Kingdom creep!"
Actin looked at them, weakly holding his sword before him. He told them, "Though I'm not sure how, it already becoming foggy, Shade seemed to weaken many of my powers and destroyed my ability to escape, before I killed him." He laughed cheerlessly and admitted, "This is not an event I expected, but I am nothing if not a soldier, and I know, sometimes in war, you have no choice," then he paused as his sword fell from his hand onto the ground and finished, "But to surrender."
Sailor Moon paused suddenly uncertain what to do. She had never been surrendered too before. She glanced at Sailor Mars but Sailor Mars just shrugged helplessly. Sailor Moon nodded and looked back to Actin said, "Um, surrender accepted." She scratched her head and told him in an uncertain tone, "Put your hands behind your head?"
Actin frowned, wondering how all this happened. He started to move to comply when a golden ring opened ten feet in the air above him. Actin asked, "Lord Agate?"
The senshi and Tuxedo Kamen backed off, wondering what new threat this might represent. A voice issued from the circle but it was directed at Actin. It reminded him, "I said, no surrender would be accepted. That includes you!"
Actin's eyes opened wide in fear. He began to plead, "Lord Agate, I had no..*" He was cut off as a beam of golden light shot from the ring and struck Actin. The senshi turned away from the bright light for a moment then risked a look back. Actin was now a solid gold statue.
The voice addressed the senshi, simply saying, "Your friends were asking for you.." With that the ring started to close but just before it did another golden ray hit the statue and the statue exploded. As the senshi and Tuxedo Kamen picked themselves up Luna cautiously made her way too them. While Sailor Moon was looking at the small crater left where Actin had been, Sailor Mars looked down at Luna and asked, "What are you carrying?"
Luna dropped the shard from her mouth and said, "Actin's Dark Shard. Apparently Shade had gotten it from him, when he did that strange thing to Actin. He died with it in his hand and I grabbed it before Actin did. Actin was not happy." Luna glanced to where Actin had been and added, "It was a pity Actin died but I can't say he didn't deserve it. We lost an ally and don't know what happened to the others."
Sailor Mars nodded slowly, with a sad look on her face. She bent down and picked up the shard from where Luna had dropped it.
Sailor Moon picked up a small chunk of gold that disintegrated as she held it. She remarked, "What a horrible day. I don't know how it could get much worse." Right as Sailor Moon said that her communicator started going off. She and Sailor Mars exchanged looks, and then she turned it on.
In the small screen appeared Sailor Venus. She looked panicked and quickly cried through the communicator, "An police officer in London named.. Oh I forget, Smith I guess. The Dark Kingdom captured his daughter. We tried to chase them down but they got Sailor Mercury and Sailor Chibi-Moon," as she became more panicky sounding as time when on, "Then they got Artemis and Diana and Sailor Jupiter. The creature is trying to find me now. I don't know how long we can hold up. Please get here soon so we can..*" Suddenly the communicator went blank and silent.
Sailor Moon and Sailor Mars looked at each other, alarmed. Sailor Moon murmured, "Sailor Mercury, Sailor Jupiter, Sailor Venus, Sailor Chibi-Moon.." Tuxedo Kamen put his arm around her gently, and was obviously concerned by what they just heard, himself.
Suddenly they heard a female voice behind them speak and say, "They have captured Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune also." The two girls, the cat and the man turned to see Sailor Pluto standing behind them. As the rain poured down from above she stood there with a determined look on her face and she told them, "We can't afford to lose any more time."
* * * * *
A lonely eight-year-old boy rested his elbows on a windowsill and rested his head in his hands, sadly watching the outside world. The room he was in had three windows, one to a wall. The wall on the opposite side of the room once had a door, but it was never used, so it was forgotten and had faded away. The young boy had been there so long he had forgotten what it was like to be outside. All he was able to do was watch what happened outside of his room, but never be a part of it. He saw things he wanted to do, things he wanted to be, but it just couldn't be. He was a forgotten child in a forsaken room in an unknown world. In a corner of his room lay the swept up fragments of a broken mirror.
Outside of that room was a larger room with larger windows so the interior room could clearly see outside of the second room. This room was dark grey in color and it had a metal door where in the interior room there was none, but it was blending into the wall and becoming difficult to see over time.
That room was incased in a third room, which was inside of a fourth room, which was in a fifth room, and a sixth containing them all. Each room was larger then the last and were of varied shades of grey. Each had a different door, with each door closed.
Outside of the sixth room there were colorful landscapes where the windows could see, but to either side of them were dull grey mists. Outside the door to the outermost room stood a silent sentinel, a mere shadow.
Then another approached, dressed in veils and confidence. She moved towards the door, and the shadow moved to block her way. She looked at it with eyes that were filled with clouds and lightning, and addressed the shadow, "Why do you block me, Shadow? I have come to return that which was lost. Repair what was foolishly broken."
The shadow stood there for a moment or a millenium, as time was meaningless, then spoke in such a way that no mortal could ever comprehend, Mistress of Dreams, here I am, as it was meant to be. I am to hide that which has been hidden. You are here but you do not need to be. Forget.
"You err in your ways but the Shadow Realm has realized the error. Not only do I come within my right, but with the Shadow Realms blessing. If you do not relent you will have to reconcile with both," Dreamerie told the Shadow.
The Shadow did not look pleased but without another word, stepped aside and vanished. The first door had the symbol of a cloak on it. Dreamerie then reached into the air and plucked a cloak from nothingness. She then placed the cloak, which had the silvery sheen of a mirror, against the door.
The cloak vanished, and the door opened. As she stepped through the walls behind her vanished. The next door had a symbol of a wolf, howling. Dreamerie produced a spherical silver mirror and placed it against the door.
The globe vanished, and the door opened. The walls behind her vanished once more. She produced a smaller mirror globe and placed it against the door, which had a picture of a walking cat. The door unlocked and brought her too a new door, one with what looked like a planet with a ring about it. She plucked another globe from the air, its size in between the previous two, and unlocked the door with it.
She then reached the room with the darkest walls. The metal door that was fading away in the wall had the symbol of a dragon flying in the air. This time she produced a much larger mirror sphere made of something darker then silver. She placed it against the door and the door opened.
With all the other walls having vanished behind her she reached the last room she had to enter. However there was no door. Dreamerie did not even pause but instead, pulled a whole new white crystalline door out of nowhere and placed it against the wall. The door fit into the wall as if it had always been there. On the door was a simple circle and nothing more. She paused for a moment to determine what it was and somehow decided upon something.
Out of the air she pulled out a mirror sphere much smaller then the others, and it glowed with a white luminescence of it's own. This is what she placed against the last door. This time the door itself vanished, to show the child inside. The child was surprised to see the tiny sphere zoom around him in circles. He watched it in wonder for a time, and then it flew out the window to an unseen distance. Where the broken shards had been before in the room stood a nexus-shaped mirror. It was mostly black but had 5 mirror circles floating within it, and it's edges faded to blend in with its surroundings.
Why the white one did not join the mirror Dreamerie wasn't sure but she was satisfied the mirror was finally restored, albeit in a somewhat altered form.
Everything then became blurry and faded out.
* * * * *
Shade was sitting alone in a hallway. There were others there, but he could only see them out of the corners of his eyes. Whispering abounded, and he felt eyes he could not meet on him. A figure swept into the room. A woman, dressed in many layered veils of white, gray, heather, smoke, silver, all shades of grayed colors. She wore a pair of black sunglasses, and she stood before Shade.
"Who are you?" he asked, crossing his arms.
She smiled and said, "I am. I have many names. Gray Lady. Dreamerie."
Shade quirked an eyebrow at one of the names, but then shrugged. "Where am I?" he asked.
"Look around you. You have not been here in a long time, Shadow Prince. This is a world that is not. You have a price to pay for your crimes," she told him.
"And what crimes are these?" he asked.
"You have not dreamt. So, I banish you to dreams. I shall attend to each one, Shadow Prince," she said. Her voice sounded as if it came from the bottom of a well, and it was muffled by the whispers. He could not place it. It was like it was all voices, but no voices at once. She removed the glasses, and eyes of dark storm cloud grey looked into his. Lightning flashed across them, across the pupil, in random spurts, like a gathering storm. She spoke, "If I must attend you for all of your eternity, so be it, but you shall not sin against the Realm again?"
Shade shrugged seeming indifferent and spoke, "I have done many things others don't like. I have done things I don't like myself. It is not of choice, but of necessity for what I was meant to do, even if consciously I don't fully understand it. I must survive and protect myself. If I dream, then if somehow someone used.. Dream-magic or the equivalent, they could find me. If you wish, I will endeavor to dream, until someone tries to use it against me and please understand I meant no offense. However the Shadow Realm is the authority I follow. I gave you it's blessing, but what does it matter to it? Is it a sin against that realm?"
"Not the Shadow Realm, Princeling." she chuckled. "You broke your mirror, and sinned against the Realm of Dreams and Nightmares. The world of half-formed wishes. You broke your mirror. Seven years bad luck, Shadow Master. Seven eternities bad luck, Mortal Child. To your forgiveness." She pushed at him, and the world rippled.
* * * * *
Shade sat quietly on top of a grassy hill. Near him was a road that went down the hill and lead to in the middle of what looked to be like a collection of buildings that should be in a city.
Little kids played jump rope and giggled happily. Older kids laughed as they roller-skated down the hill towards the town. Others, along with adults, walked in and out of the stores and restaurants. In twos or larger groups everywhere people enjoyed themselves and each other, chatting, smiling and laughing.
Shen walked there alone.
Shen walked through the streets, with no hint of joy on his face. He watched others interact but never participated. He was sad but he tried to hide it, even from himself. He finally sat down on a bench by himself to think and watch the world go by.
Then came a young girl, who enjoyed life and sharing it with others. She came and interrupted Shen, annoyed Shen, but all the same cheered him up a little bit. Others came, all friends of hers, and they all became determined to help him enjoy himself somewhat. He wasn't as sad anymore, though there was no obvious sign.
Then fires came. The city burned. Soon Shen found himself alone again. No one was around. No one was playing jump rope. No one was skating. No one was laughing. Darkness came in and encased it all. Soon the hill was all that was left in a sea of darkness.
Shade watched all this in silence.
A female voice spoke from no one direction. She asked, "What is it you are called?"
Shade answered simply, emotionlessly, "I am Shade.."
"No, what is it you are called?" the voice asked again.
Shade shook his head.
An image of a girl appeared nearby, seeming to talk to others, introducing Shade, "This is a friend of mine."
The voice spoke to ask another question, "What is that?" The image of the town and its surroundings appear again.
Shade answered, "A town, a world.."
The image vanished and the voice asked again, "What is that?"
"Nothing.." was Shade's reply.
The voice asked, "Why do you fight?"
"Because I have to," was Shade's simple reply.
The voice asked once more, "No, why do you choose to fight?"
"Because I don't want worlds like that to die.. and because.. I don't want anyone else to have too.." Shade said slowly.
The town appeared again, covered in flames. Shen stood at the edge of it and raised his hand. Three globes flew away, two at other edges of the town and one above them all. Grey energy lines linked Shen to the globes and the globes to each other forming a pyramid shape. Grey filled in, in between, blocking the sight of the city. The voice asked, "Do you understand?"
Shade shook his head slowly, and replied, "No, I don't.."
The grey sides disappeared from the pyramid, to reveal a town untouched by flames. The lines of the pyramid then disappeared. The globes moved back towards Shen, and faded away. Then Shen too faded away. The voice asked again, more slowly, "Do you understand?"
Shade lowered his head and answered, "As much as I will ever I suppose.."
The daylight started to fade, and sunset approached. At the bench at the bottom of the hill sat a little eight year old boy, looking over the back of the bench up the hill. He asked quietly, "But what of me?"
Shade just shook his head, and then both he and the boy looked to the sky.
The voice spoke once more, slowly and not unkindly, "Rest well, Shade-sama. Rest well.. Master of Shadows.."
In another reality dawn approached once more.
* * * * *
The rays of the sun spilled through the window in the room Shen found himself in. After a moment a cloud obscured the sun and Shen sat up. He ran a hand through his hair, pondering the dream he had. He had not dreamed in many years so he could not just discount it. He knew Actin was the Champion of fire and that Actin must be sought out before the city was destroyed.
First however Shen concentrated on where he was. By looking at the walls and furnishings he guessed he was in the Temple that Rei was a part of, perhaps a guestroom. He rose silently, grimacing slightly with pain from recent wounds. He then stepped outside and around Alice, who for some reason had curled up and fallen asleep at his door, her strange box at her side. He quietly moved on, letting her sleep.
Outside he found he was indeed at the temple. For some reason though, he felt it was different, a little less dull. Everything seemed a little livelier. Was it connected with the dream? He didn't know. He knew he shouldn't let it distract him though. As he idly gazed as some plants at the temple, he sensed someone approaching from nearby, but he gave no sign, letting them speak only if they wished too.
It was Rei. She asked, "You up already? You were pretty badly hurt and even with your quick healing I'd think you couldn't be fully healed yet. You sure you shouldn't lay down?"
Shen turned around and shook his head. He told her, "I don't want to wear out my welcome," with a slight smile. He continued, "I am.. mostly better now.. and I believe Actin will attack again soon.. not allowing for wounds to heal. I need to find him first.. or the city may burn to ashes."
Rei nodded and told him, "Well then I'll call up Usagi and we can go look for him."
Shen shook his head as he looked at the darkening horizon. He said, "I should go alone. I know him best.. I can travel quicker.. and I see no need for you to get hurt."
As Rei heard that she started to look cross, and told him, "Look, I can hold my own in battle and it's my home city, not yours. Don't pull that not getting hurt nonsense on me!"
Shen raised an eyebrow and shrugged. "Whatever.. You do have the freedom to make your own decisions. I do not like death of any kind, including yours or a youma's."
Rei pointed out, "But you killed one of the youma yesterday."
"Sort of," replied Shen, "I used his own power against him. If he hadn't attacked I wouldn't have killed him. I will not kill on my own if I can help it, but if necessarily I will weaken someone for another to defeat or use someone's own power against them. I should not alter the potential balance on my own."
"Potential balance?" asked Rei curiously.
Shen nodded, "Every life has the potential to alter the balance one way or another and they have their own destinies. If I remove someone they are permanently out of the system.. where if I only disable them.. if they are needed later on, they can be there. Therefore life should only be taken when there is no reasonable alternative. With the bomb youma's I could not tell how to direct the bomb to only disable it so in self-defense I had to remove it.. unfortunately."
Rei nodded though she didn't completely understand. Instead she asked, "So are you going to insist upon facing Actin without help?"
Shen smiled slightly again and told her, "Tell you what. I'll send Guide to tell you if I find him. In any case.. fare thee well."
Rei wouldn't quite let it drop there. She moved to block his way as he turned to leave. She told him, "Give me your word that you'll tell us, promptly. Don't just idly say it intending to forget."
Shen frowned but relented, "Ok, I promise to tell you, alright?"
Rei stepped aside and nodded. She replied, "Yes, thank you. Take care and good luck."
Shen nodded, bowed quickly, turned and left the temple grounds.
Rei turned back to the temple. She idly wondered as she passed the room where Shen had rested, where Alice had vanished to. She decided however that the girl would be safe now anyhow, and that she needed to worry about contacting Usagi.
* * * * *
Usagi and Luna ran up the steps to the Temple and onto the temple grounds. As they saw Rei and Mamoru there already Luna waited for Usagi to say hello. However Usagi seemed winded at the moment so Luna let out a loud, "Meow!"
Mamoru turned and smiled at Usagi, while Rei wore an opposite expression. "Late like usual," Rei told Usagi.
Usagi countered, "It's not *puff* my fault *puff* that this place *puff* is so far *puff* from home."
Rei shook her head and pointed out, "You could of taken the bus." "Well I would of had to wait for the bus, and I wanted to leave as soon as possible, after I grabbed a donut or two," Usagi replied.
"Well the bus arrived here before you did," Rei said simple.
Usagi scratched the back of her head and laughed sheepishly, "Oh."
"Geez, you are such a bonehead," Rei commented.
Before Rei or Usagi could say more though, Mamoru reminded, "Shen-san and Actin.."
Sure by now that no one was around Luna said, "Thank you Mamoru-san. Shen-san, according to Rei, was sure Actin would strike again soon. He headed out to search for Actin, though he is still hurt. He'll inform use if he finds Actin, but even if he does he'll face Actin alone for a few minutes, which is dangerous. Also just him looking would mean covering less ground. Therefore I believe what we need to do is look for Actin ourselves, splitting up."
Rei nodded and said, "Right, and if we see anything we'll call each other on our communicators."
Usagi nodded, smiled, wrapped an arm around Mamoru and stated, "And since Mamo-chan doesn't have a communicator he'll come with me."
Rei made a face and said, "Eh, whatever. Come on, let's get moving."
With that they left the temple, Usagi and Mamoru going in one direction, Rei and Luna in another.
* * * * *
Shen walked along the street, keeping an eye out for things. He had already sent Guide and Guardian to look at other places, keeping the less predictable Host with him. So far he had not noticed anything unusual as he moved through the city. It all seemed a normal day.
Kids played jump rope on the street, while other people shopped in store, or just walked besides one another, talking and enjoying each other company. Shen watched all of them and around them, and walked alone. Noticing that he paused, remembering the dream once more. Frowning he hurried on, not wanting to waste any time.
He turned around a corner down another street. He stopped at a bench when he found Alice there, sitting and looking up at him. "Hello," she said with a bright smile.
He hid his surprise and responded, "Greeting."
"I was wondering when you'd stop by," Alice said, leaning on her ever-present box.
"You were? Why? There was no guarantee I'd come this way on my travels," Shen asked her.
Alice just smiled sweetly and said, "The lady in the box said you were walking this way."
Shen sighed. He decided to assume it was probably coincidence since she was still young so possibly prone to making up things for fun. To humor her for a moment he asked, "And what is this lady's name if any? It's not The Lady in the Box is it?"
Alice grinned and shook her head, "Nope, its Dreamerie."
Shen could not recall anything related to such a name, but something about it troubled him. He shrugged deciding perhaps it was because the name had the word 'dream' in it and that he had been thinking about his. Shen nodded and said, "Ah. I must apologize though, but I am in a hurry and must move on."
"Ok," Alice said, "The lady wanted me to tell you though, that the weird guy with the monsters would return at the spot where one of his fellow mean guys had fought the senshi. Try those places."
Shen paused at this. Alice seemed to claim at least to know a lot more then she should. He wanted to look into it further but decided he didn't really have time. Perhaps another day, if he survived that long. He just said, "Alright," then added, uncharacteristically with a small smile, "Thank you and fare well."
Alice smiled and waved, "Bye!"
With that Shen walked off down the street, and when he reached a secluded spot, on the small chance she was actually right, he sent off Host to look at the tornado damaged area and the park. He knew the attack would be in Tokyo and only Argon had been there before. However to siege a city he thought it was still a better plan to go to a place of political power, or in the case of fire, someplace truly flammable, like a book publisher.
However he still wasn't sure where exactly it would be so he moved on, still searching.
* * * * *
In the park it was mostly quiet, beyond the birds and a jogger or two. For the most part people stayed inside because of reports of possible rain from the overcast sky. Under an older cherry blossom tree in the park smoke began to rise.
The smoke wasn't really noticed at all, nor the start of a small fire. Soon the fire spread though, and started to engulf the tree. As the inferno built, a large area of flames appeared momentarily nearby, and out of it stepped Actin and the last youma from the previous battle.
Actin handed the youma a fiery red gem and told it, "Get ready with this. Remember we must be ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for Lord Agate if it is necessary. Only if it is necessary, so don't do anything foolish. Understood?"
The youma nodded, carefully holding the gem in one hand.
Actin nodded and said, "Good. Let us prepare our welcome."
A short time later the burning tree's flames leap high into the air as Actin and the youma were ready and waiting. The youma spotted something and got Actin's attention.
"Looks like the battle will be joined soon," Actin said quietly, as he observed a grey sphere that zoomed around for a moment then flew off.
* * * * *
The skies were darkening over Tokyo as the storm clouds floated over the city. Shen paused on the street he was walking and sighed for many reasons. One was Alice had been right. Host found Actin in the park, but Shen didn't have time to find out how she had known. Another reasons for the sigh was that Host had also been spotted, as it hadn't attempted to hide. The last reason was for some reason he felt he did not have much time left to be there.
He silently became Shade, recalling Host and Guardian to him, sending Guide to tell Rei. He was sure he'd get there ahead of the others so he didn't really worry about that. He opened a Nexus and stepped into it, and after a brief moment in the Shadow Plane he appeared at the edge of the park. He could clearly see the smoke rising above. As rain started falling from over head he stepped into the park, stealthily moving forward towards the blaze within.
As he moved inward he saw a ring of burnt grass around the area. He didn't trust it but he realized teleporting might draw more attention. As Guide returned to Shade, he decided to risk quickly stepping over the ring of burnt grass. He found it puzzling but moved forward. In doing so his step caused a ring of fire to appear inside of the previous ring, and him stepping in it. He jumped forward before he got too singed from the quickly dying flames. He knew there was no more hiding then, however.
Actin, dry despite the rain, stepped around a tree and looked straight at Shade. He said as he pulled out his sword, "We've been expecting you. Make yourself at home here. You'll be staying for a while."
* * * * *
Usagi and Mamoru strolled around the Amusement Park looking around the area. Usagi had convinced Mamoru that since Actin had attacked at the Amusement Park before he might again. Unfortunately for him, soon as they got there she convinced him to buy her a bunch of junk food.
Still he didn't mind that much. It made her happy which generally made him happy too. Usagi smiled and ate her snacks as they walked along, Mamoru looking for signs of trouble, while Usagi was occupied by her food and Mamoru's mere presence.
Usagi's happiness turned to annoyance in a short time as rain started falling from above. People started hurrying out in case the rain got heavier. Mamoru was prepared though, and took out a large umbrella, unfolding it and putting it over them both. Usagi smiled and stayed close to Mamoru as if using the rain as an excuse. She told him, "I'm so very glad to be with you, Mamo-chan."
Mamoru smiled back at her and started to say, "I'm glad to be with..*" He was cut off by Usagi's communicator.
Usagi pouted and said, "What lousy timing." They both moved to a more hidden area and Usagi pulled out the communicator. Rei's picture appeared on it. Usagi smiled, and asked, "What's up, Rei?"
Rei didn't look happy though. She said through the communicator, "Guide says Actin's at the park. I'm not sure Shade will wait for us so we have to hurry!"
Usagi grinned as if there was no problem and told Rei, "But Mamo-chan and I are already at the Amusement Park. You don't have to worry."
Usagi could see Rei shake her head through the communicator as Rei told her, "No, I said the park, you know with the cherry blossom trees and flowers?"
Usagi looked crestfallen and complained, "But we aren't even close to that."
Rei didn't give her an inch and instead told Usagi, "Then run or something. Just get over there." With that the communicator went dark.
Usagi looked up at Mamoru and asked, "Now how are we going to get over there?"
Mamoru said thoughtfully, "I think I know. Come on. Lets go."
* * * * *
Rei and Luna ran as fast as they could. The park was relatively nearby, but it was still a bit of a run and the rain was soaking them. Rei puffed out, "If it is this bad.. for us.. Usagi will arrive next year."
Luna replied, a bit out of breath herself, "Well Usagi-san had better hurry or we'll be in even more trouble."
The rounded a corner and were finally able to see the park, and flames reaching high above. They also started hearing sirens in the far distance. Closer, however, in the park they bursts of light away from the large blaze and knew that must be where Shade and Actin where. They ran to the edge of the park and took a moment to catch their breath.
Suddenly out of no where shot a motorcycle. Light was reflected off of the helmet of the first of two riders as the motorcycle jumped into the air. It landed on the ground once more, speeding towards the park. As it approached the surprised Rei and Luna it turned perpendicular to where it had been going and skidded to a stop. The second rider hopped off and removed her helmet, revealing it was Usagi. As Mamoru took off on the bike to park it properly Usagi smiled and said, "I hope we didn't take to long Rei."
Rei looked very annoyed at being exhausted from running so far, yet Usagi looked as energetic as ever. She grumbled, "Just on time."
Usagi grinned and said, "Great. Better transform then," seeming to enjoy the fact Rei was annoyed.
Rei grudgingly complied. Soon the two senshi and Luna headed quickly into the park.
In moments they found the youma standing next to a completely fire engulfed tree, a tens of meters away. Closer still they saw Actin launching streams of fire, and sword swings at Shade who dodged the fire and blocked the sword with a glowing grey staff. Shade looked somewhat singed and Actin had a few bruises.
The two senshi and feline watched in fascination as Shade dodged many attacks and more amazingly some of the attacks seemed to just pass through him as he turned translucent for a moment. Actin meanwhile skillfully parried most of Shade's staff swings with his sword, and dodged the occasional grey energy shot.
Seeming not to be seen by Shade, the youma near the large fire pulled out a bomb and looked intently at Shade. Sailor Mars shouted, "Shade-san!"
Shade jumped out of the way of the bomb without pause, but then turned to look at the senshi, as if he had expected the bomb and thought they wanted to tell of something else. The lack of attention paid to Actin proved costly, as with a grim smile Actin stabbed Shade in the shoulder with his sword. Shade looked surprised and as he looked to face Actin he staggered back. Actin followed up by punching Shade in the face with the hilt of the sword, knocking Shade to the ground. The youma from the side threw another bomb, which landed near Shade. This time both senshi shouted, "Shade-san!" The bomb exploded, and even though it seemed weaker in the rain, it threw Shade a few feet from where he had laid.
Actin turned to face the senshi, with his stained sword held in a leisurely manner. He said, "Nice of you to join us. It seems Shade is a bit tired so needs to lay down," emphasizing it by placing a booted foot onto Shade's fallen form. Shade shifted slightly but made no real effort to stand. Actin bowed to the senshi and told them, "Now, surrender or die and surrender won't be accepted."
Sailor Moon demanded, "What kind of choice is that?"
Actin shrugged and replied, "I have my orders." With that he jumped forward towards the senshi, launching fire at Sailor Moon, and swinging his sword at Sailor Mars. Both senshi barely dodged out of the way.
Luna ran over to Shade to check on him. She saw he was very badly, hurt, but was uncertain how badly. She moved closer but she noticed that, beyond the pain, he looked like he was locked in some kind of mental conflict. Luna turned her head towards the senshi again as Sailor Moon screamed.
Actin launched flames to either side of Sailor Moon and trapped her between walls of fire. Sailor Mars chanted and threw an anti-evil sign at Actin. Actin simply used his sword to spear the piece of paper before it got close. He shook his head, "You think your tricks will work on me? I will show you the error after I dispose of Sailor Moon." With that he launched flame straight at Sailor Moon.
Tuxedo Kamen came out of nowhere and landed in front of Sailor Moon. He spun his cane at blurring speeds, blocking the flames.
Luna noticed Shade started to mutter to himself as rain poured down his face. As he shook his head slowly as she could make out was, "Why.."
Meanwhile Actin barely paused at the appearance of Tuxedo Kamen. Actin raised his sword and flames engulfed it. He then immediately attacked with the fire sword, putting Tuxedo Kamen on the defensive. He slashed at Tuxedo Kamen again and again. Tuxedo Kamen was forced to retreat and finally jumped back, grabbed Sailor Moon, and jumped out from between the walls of flame to where Sailor Mars stood.
Actin shook his head and said, "You are just making this difficult for yourself." He then nodded towards the youma. To everyone's surprise the youma dived into the inferno-engulfed tree, releasing the gem it head. The youma exploded, but the explosion was absorbed into the fire, and though the rain hindered it, a giant fire elemental started to animate. Actin glanced at the forming elemental for a moment then at the senshi, and said, "Now you know your doom. Surrender now and I might spare this city from the flames."
Meanwhile, Luna heard Shade sigh to himself. He was obviously still in pain, with many bleeding cuts and wound. Despite that, he slowly made his way to his feet, and as he painfully rose he recited a strange verse, "True shadows hear me.. Give extension to my will.. Ether to my hand.."
Sailor Mars accused Actin, "You'll burn the city and anything else you can either way!"
Actin shrugged, "Maybe so. However I'll do you a favor and not make you wait for my elemental." With that he raised his sword ready to strike again.
Shade's whisper was somehow heard by all, "Stop."
Actin paused, and turned towards Shade. He and the senshi looked on in surprise to see Shade standing despite many wounds. Shade told Actin, "Go now.. It's not to late for you.. Leave and don't return.."
Actin was taken aback that such an obviously hurt person would warn him away. Actin shook his head and replied, "Don't even try that nonsense on me. I'm no fool."
Shade nodded, a hint of regret on his face. "Very well.." he said. He closed his eyes and concentrated as three grey spheres appeared around him. Then as the others looks on strangely the blood from cuts and wounds started turning grey and into a mist, rising from him as a few bands of grey energy passed over him. After the bands vanished he opened his eyes and gazed at Actin.
Actin started to look worried. He shook his head quickly and said, "The elemental will take care of you all. I'll have other things to attend to." With that he raised his hand and the flames that he used to teleport appeared around him and he vanished.
However all did not go as planned. The flames appeared right in front of Shade and Actin reappeared again to find himself facing Shade. Actin's facial expression blossomed into shock.
Two spheres went to the other side of Actin and one floated above. Shade gestured gently and a nexus to the Shadow Realm opened up within Shade, the points of the nexus extending outside his body. Each of the spheres had a similar nexus open at its center.
Actin looked even more alarmed. Desperately he tried to teleport once more, but this time the flames did not even come. He realized he had suddenly completely lost the ability to teleport. He looked down at the sword at his side, the flames flickering in the pouring rain.
Shade lowered his head and glanced sideways at the others. With a weak apologetic smile he simply said, "Sorry.." With that lines appeared connecting him to each of the spheres, together creating a pyramid pattern.
Actin raised his sword, shouted, "No!" and thrust the sword point at Shade.
The pyramid suddenly became opaquely grey, blocking both Actin and Shade from the dumbfounded senshi's view. No sound issued from the pyramid. The only sounds were the crackling flames and the hissing of water striking the fire.
As Tuxedo Kamen held onto Sailor Moon, Sailor Moon looked at Sailor Mars, then Tuxedo Kamen hoping to see they understood what was happening more then her. They both looked as confused as she felt.
Then as quickly as it became opaque, the pyramid vanished along with the spheres. Only two figures stood. One was Actin, holding onto the sword with white knuckles, suffering from incredible shock.
The other was Shade, with Actin's sword point coming out his back, his left fist clenched tight. Shade's eyes were focused on Actin for a moment, then quickly grew unfocused as he collapsed forward on to the ground. Actin was almost pulled down with the dying Shade before Actin numbly let go of the sword. Shade's cloak settled over him, hiding the fallen figure.
The senshi looked on unable to say anything. The cloak settled to the ground, as what was underneath had vanished. Then slowly, the cloak itself faded away, out of existence. The sword that had been in him fell to the ground.
Seeing the sword free Actin weakly bent down to take it. However upon trying to stand once more he found he needed to use the sword to support him. He raised a hand slowly and tried to produce flame, but only got a small amount. He tried to teleport once more, and once again had no result at all. The once strong warrior gazed at the senshi. A loud crackle of flame went off behind him and he saw a way out. He weakly commanded, "Elemental.. Kill them.. Kill them all.. Now.." The almost complete formed elemental responded and moved forward.
Luna, the closest to where Shade had fallen, looked to where Shade's left hand had been. To her surprise she saw a Dark Shard resting there. At the same time Actin noticed it, and exclaimed weakly, "My shard! How'd he get my shard?" Actin bent down to retrieve the lost shard, but Luna was unhurt and quicker. She darted forward and scooped up the shard in her mouth then darted out of reach. Actin called behind her, "Give me back my shard.."
* * * * *
The senshi were not totally sure what had just happened. Shade did something to Actin, though they were not sure what, then he died. To the idealistic Sailor Moon it was a bit of a shock. However another shock came as she saw the giant fire element start to approach Tuxedo Kamen and the senshi. They scattered to avoid a large fireball it launched at them.
It began to chase Sailor Mars. She dodged its fiery attacks then shouted quickly, "Fire Soul!" and pointed at it. A streak of flame flew at it, hit it, and did absolutely nothing. A sweat-drop appeared above Sailor Mars as she muttered, "I can't believe I even tried that."
The elemental turned from Sailor Mars, deciding she was not a threat and instead it breathed fire at Sailor Moon. Sailor Moon was caught off guard, having been watching for an attack from what seemed to be the creature's hands, not it's mouth. She dived out of the way as flames scorched the earth where she had been a moment before. She then got up, ran at top speed and screamed, "Help!" as flames chased after her.
Tuxedo Kamen moved, about to jump to Sailor Moon to help her, but the elemental shot fire between him and Sailor Moon. Sailor Mars also tried to reach Sailor Moon but the elemental blocked her too, seeming to be able to attack in multiple directions.
Sailor Moon ducked behind a bench to get away from the flames but to her dismay to elemental arched it's flames to get beyond the obstacle. Sailor Moon was forced to run once more.
Tuxedo Kamen tried to throw a rose at the gem in the elemental's center, but even his magical roses were reduced to ash.
As a last resort Sailor Mars pulled out an anti-evil sign, chanted, " in, pyou, tou, sha, kai, jin, retsu, sai, zen. Akuryou taisan!" and threw the sign at the elemental. As the sign reached the elemental, it burned to ash like she expected. However the elemental's flames grew disorganized for a few moments as it froze, before it recovered and was able to move again. Realization struck Sailor Mars as she murmured, "He is an affront to the Sacred Flame, so the signs work even after they are consumed.." With that she pulled out many more anti-evil signs, chanted once more and threw them at the elemental. It tried to dodge them but its huge size hindered the attempt. The signs struck the elemental as a group and the elemental froze.
Flames began shooting out and orbiting the elemental in different directions becoming part of an almost hypnotic display. The senshi stood entranced for a moment. Tuxedo Kamen shook his head vigorously and threw a rose at the gem once more. The rose once again was destroyed but it managed to reach the gem first and chip it slightly. He turned to Sailor Moon and told her, "Hurry, use your tiara to shatter it, Sailor Moon!"
Sailor Moon nodded, reached for her tiara and shouted, "Moon Tiara Action!" She threw the tiara like a frisbee at the gem. It rocked from side to side as it hit the currents of fire flowing around the elemental but made it to the center. There it struck the gem. There was a high pitch ring. After a few moments the gem shattered at fell to pieces.
The flames that had been orbiting the elemental shot out in all directions but seemed to burn themselves out quickly. However in the center of the flames materialized the charred burning trunk of the tree that had been part of the original blaze. It crashed to the ground, sending sparks, ashes and senshi everywhere.
Once again, except for crackling flame and hissing rain, the area fell silent again except for approaching sirens in the distance. The senshi and Tuxedo Kamen looked at each other for a moment and just tried to relax. Then they remembered Actin and quickly looked for him. They saw him leaning against a tree, trying to rest. He saw that they had spotted him and turned to run. They chased after him and were able to catch up easily. They quickly surrounded him and Sailor Moon confronted him. She demanded, "Give up now, Dark Kingdom creep!"
Actin looked at them, weakly holding his sword before him. He told them, "Though I'm not sure how, it already becoming foggy, Shade seemed to weaken many of my powers and destroyed my ability to escape, before I killed him." He laughed cheerlessly and admitted, "This is not an event I expected, but I am nothing if not a soldier, and I know, sometimes in war, you have no choice," then he paused as his sword fell from his hand onto the ground and finished, "But to surrender."
Sailor Moon paused suddenly uncertain what to do. She had never been surrendered too before. She glanced at Sailor Mars but Sailor Mars just shrugged helplessly. Sailor Moon nodded and looked back to Actin said, "Um, surrender accepted." She scratched her head and told him in an uncertain tone, "Put your hands behind your head?"
Actin frowned, wondering how all this happened. He started to move to comply when a golden ring opened ten feet in the air above him. Actin asked, "Lord Agate?"
The senshi and Tuxedo Kamen backed off, wondering what new threat this might represent. A voice issued from the circle but it was directed at Actin. It reminded him, "I said, no surrender would be accepted. That includes you!"
Actin's eyes opened wide in fear. He began to plead, "Lord Agate, I had no..*" He was cut off as a beam of golden light shot from the ring and struck Actin. The senshi turned away from the bright light for a moment then risked a look back. Actin was now a solid gold statue.
The voice addressed the senshi, simply saying, "Your friends were asking for you.." With that the ring started to close but just before it did another golden ray hit the statue and the statue exploded. As the senshi and Tuxedo Kamen picked themselves up Luna cautiously made her way too them. While Sailor Moon was looking at the small crater left where Actin had been, Sailor Mars looked down at Luna and asked, "What are you carrying?"
Luna dropped the shard from her mouth and said, "Actin's Dark Shard. Apparently Shade had gotten it from him, when he did that strange thing to Actin. He died with it in his hand and I grabbed it before Actin did. Actin was not happy." Luna glanced to where Actin had been and added, "It was a pity Actin died but I can't say he didn't deserve it. We lost an ally and don't know what happened to the others."
Sailor Mars nodded slowly, with a sad look on her face. She bent down and picked up the shard from where Luna had dropped it.
Sailor Moon picked up a small chunk of gold that disintegrated as she held it. She remarked, "What a horrible day. I don't know how it could get much worse." Right as Sailor Moon said that her communicator started going off. She and Sailor Mars exchanged looks, and then she turned it on.
In the small screen appeared Sailor Venus. She looked panicked and quickly cried through the communicator, "An police officer in London named.. Oh I forget, Smith I guess. The Dark Kingdom captured his daughter. We tried to chase them down but they got Sailor Mercury and Sailor Chibi-Moon," as she became more panicky sounding as time when on, "Then they got Artemis and Diana and Sailor Jupiter. The creature is trying to find me now. I don't know how long we can hold up. Please get here soon so we can..*" Suddenly the communicator went blank and silent.
Sailor Moon and Sailor Mars looked at each other, alarmed. Sailor Moon murmured, "Sailor Mercury, Sailor Jupiter, Sailor Venus, Sailor Chibi-Moon.." Tuxedo Kamen put his arm around her gently, and was obviously concerned by what they just heard, himself.
Suddenly they heard a female voice behind them speak and say, "They have captured Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune also." The two girls, the cat and the man turned to see Sailor Pluto standing behind them. As the rain poured down from above she stood there with a determined look on her face and she told them, "We can't afford to lose any more time."