Chapter 15 - SMG
* * * * *
The inner senshi, Sailor Chibi-Moon, the cats, Tuxedo Kamen, Lisa, the dog and Jadeite walked into the cavern outside of the room. The maze was gone, apparently an illusion of the now gone elemental's. They had no idea where they were however, except for Jadeite who did not bother to mention the fact.
As they looked around, Sailor Moon walked over to Lisa, and with an older sister type attitude she said, "I think you should give us the Shard of Light. It will be safer for you that way because the monsters won't go after you then."
Lisa shook her head quickly and says, "Nope. I'm not giving up the crystal till I get home." She then stuck out her tongue.
Sailor Chibi-Moon laughed and encouraged Lisa, "That'll show her."
"You are not being any help Sailor Chibi-Moon," Sailor Moon chided her.
Sailor Chibi-Moon just grinned.
"Well Sailor Senshi, and Lisa was it? To make it fair, I'll take the crystal, so neither one of you has it," offered Jadeite smoothly.
All the senshi replied, "No way."
Jadeite laughed darkly and said, "None of you trust me. Such a pity."
The others ignored him, which Sailor Mercury typed on her computer, trying to determine the way out. She had already concluded they needed to find the spot where they arrived. She noted, "There is a lot of interference in the area, from the negative energy and the recent massive release of positive energy."
"Maybe Jadeite is standing to close. His bad vibes are causing trouble," suggested Sailor Jupiter.
Jadeite smirked at that, then asked, "So, do you have any of the Shards? It would be difficult to face Lord Agate without some of them."
Sailor Mars told him, "They are somewhere safe, don't you worry."
Jadeite smirked again and said, "I don't know why you are so worries. If I really wanted them I could figure out where you kept them."
Sailor Mars rolled her eyes, "I'm surprised you were able to find the airport long ago."
With a chuckle Jadeite pointed out, "I found out who you are."
That made Sailor Moon, Sailor Mercury and Sailor Mars freeze, feeling a cold wave of realization flow over them. They remembered, he really had found out who they were.
Jadeite turned away satisfied they knew who was in charge. He then looked down to see the Scottish terrier at his feet, looking up at him, giving him a sad eyes look. "I have no time for you, dog," Jadeite told it as he tried to push it away with his foot. It didn't budge at all. Jadeite narrowed his eyes as he looked at it. Suddenly it got up and happily ran over to Sailor Moon to try to cheer her up.
Sailor Moon looked down at the dog and tried to put on a smile as she petted it.
"Enough of this. The Sage will be back soon. This way," Jadeite told them.
Sailor Venus, who wasn't as affected as the others said, "Why that way? Sailor Mercury was figuring it out."
"I lived here. Now lets go," Jadeite replied and he walked in that direction.
Sailor Venus and Sailor Jupiter looked at each other, then everyone quietly followed Jadeite, some paler then others.
The dog trailed behind, watching them all, trotting happily along.
* * * * *
Jadeite led them through tunnels and caverns, towards, they assumed, the exit.
As they walked Sailor Mars took the opportunity to whisper to Sailor Moon, "A great leader as always, letting a Dark Kingdom creep lead us around."
In a not so quiet tone Sailor Moon responded, "He seems to know where he is going. Besides the dog likes him."
The dog, which moved constantly between Sailor Moon and Lisa, wolfed enthusiastically in agreement.
"Now I've heard everything," Sailor Mars exclaimed, "You are getting advice from some silly little dog?"
The dog whimpered and moved back to where Lisa walked.
Jadeite hissed from the front of the group, "Can't you two resist arguing for just a few minutes? You'll bring them all down on us!" as his eyebrow twitched in frustration.
The two girls fell silent, but not for long. Sailor Moon whispered to Sailor Mars, "I've seen the little guy do some amazing stuff."
Sailor Mars rolled her eyes. "Face it, Moon," she said, "You are delusional. Next thing you'll say is you were talking to it."
Sailor Moon hurmphed and replied, "I'd rather talk to him then you. He has much better smelling breath."
'What?!" Sailor Mars cried in outrage.
"Yup," Sailor Moon said smugly, "Easier on the eyes too."
"Why you little twerp!" exclaimed Sailor Mars, "I bet he's twice as smart as you'll ever be!"
"Oh ya?" responded Sailor Moon, annoyed, but unable to think of a better response.
"Ya!" was Sailor Mars's almost automatic reply.
Suddenly they both fell quiet as everyone around them sweat-dropped, except for Jadeite who growled.
"I can not believe you squabbling children ever defeated me," Jadeite said in disgust. "I shall deal with this foolishness no longer," he continued, "You are on your own." With that he vanished.
"Ok guys, now what?" asked Sailor Venus, as she looked at where Jadeite vanished.
In silent response, Sailor Mercury took out her computer, and began to compute the way out once more.
* * * * *
The throne room was almost empty except for two figures. One was Lord Agate who held his staff in one hand and rested his face on the other, with his elbow resting upon the arm of the throne. His eyes rested upon the other figure, the Sage, who stood beside him.
Lord Agate finally said, "So the little girl has the Shard and the trapped senshi were freed."
The Sage nodded in agreement.
"That means since the girl is probably with the senshi, they potentially have five Shards," noted Lord Agate.
"Possibly," the Sage responded, "But not five of the same type."
Lord Agate nodded, thought for a moment, then commanded, "Sage, activate program, Prophecy."
The Sage stiffened up, losing the semblance of natural movement. As her eyes flashed red she intoned, "For the fire of Light to stay strong, it must be fanned by the cold wind of Darkness."
As the Sage returned to normal, Lord Agate murmured, "Fanned by the wind of Darkness. What might that mean?"
The Sage tried to respond but for a moment no sound came forth. She started over and sound kicked in and she said, "One of the Shards of Light powered up the senshi before. Perhaps they need to use the Shards of Darkness to do the same."
Lord Agate slowly nodded and responded, "Perhaps, but if so they have no chance. There is not enough darkness in them. I don't want to take any chances though. Take as many youmas as you need and destroy them."
The Sage nodded in respect and replied, "It will be done, Sire."
* * * * *
The senshi and others slowly made their way through the caverns. They had been forced to backtrack a few times, but slowly made their way closer to the exit. "You know I'm glad that creep is gone, though I would of liked to belt him for what he did to you guys," Sailor Jupiter told the others.
Luna noted, "Yes, but we can't track him now. Suppose he went and told the others where we were? It could be a lot of trouble for us."
"She's right. We need to be more on guard then before," added Artemis.
Lisa finally spoke up between the others talking, "Are we almost home?"
"Ya, how are you doing Sailor Mercury?" asked Sailor Venus as she walked over to glance over Sailor Mercury's shoulder.
Sailor Mercury replied, "I think we are close. One or two more caverns and we should reach it."
"Good, this place is creepy," Sailor Moon stated.
"And we should get home, grandfather will be worried, along with Lisa's father," added Sailor Mars.
They slowly made their way closer to the exit, and saw in the distance the opening to the last cavern.
"Finally," Sailor Moon spoke, perhaps a bit too soon.
As soon as she said that between them and the exit appeared ten different youmas, of different shapes and descriptions. In the middle appeared the Sage, and she asked, "Going somewhere?"
"Uhhhhh," Sailor Moon started, as she saw the number against then. She recovered though and said, "That's right. We are getting out of here and you can't stop us!"
The Sage shook her head and said, "You think so? And how shall you do that? Especially since," pausing for a moment for five more youmas to appear on each side of them, one of which quickly grabbed Lisa by surprise, and another grabbing Sailor Chibi-Moon, "Since we have these two little children now."
The senshi gasped and looked at the new youmas holding the two girls. The ones who were holding Sailor Chibi-Moon were four who all looked like large dolls of different colors. The fifth, the one holding Sailor Chibi-Moon, looked like a cross between a human female and a reptile. The ones who held Lisa looked normal women in strange outfits and different weapons for hands. Sailor Moon turned back to the Sage, shaken a little by the number of foes. She yelled, "You let them go, or we will punish you!"
The Sage shook her head and asked, "Do you think I can't feel your fear? You know very well, you have no chance. Surrender now."
Lisa struggled, trying to get free of the ball and chain weapons that were wrapped around her arms. She shouted, "Bean them on the head, Sailor Moon!"
The senshi desperately tried to think of a way to get the two girls free before they could get hurt, so that they could all get away. After a few moments the Sage directed, "Oh, this is not worth the hassle. Destroy them, in the name of Lord Agate."
The 20 youmas tensed up, ready to attack, when five more youmas appeared behind the senshi. Sailor Jupiter said, "Oh great. More youmas to trash?"
The Sage however looked puzzled. She asked, "Why are you here? Does not Lord Agate trust that I can decide how many I need to obliterate the senshi?"
The reply was cold laughter.
The Sage ordered, "How dare you laugh at me. Show yourself!"
"As you wish," replied Jadeite as he faded into view. The original 20 youmas gasped at the sight of him. He told the Sage, "While I would not normally mind the destruction of the senshi, the fact is I need them. Queen Beryl was the commander of the Dark Kingdom, and I am the true heir to the throne. I am here to help remove the pretender to the throne."
The Sage murmured in surprise, "The wind of Darkness. The Shard of Light must have released him too for some reason." She then narrowed her eyes and asked, "Do you think you can beat us with only the senshi and a paltry number of youmas?"
Jadeite smirked and told her, "The citizens of the Dark Kingdom are not stupid. They will recognize their rightful leader."
The Sage responded, "They already have."
The senshi just looked between the two groups in surprise, then turned to face the Sage in reluctant support of Jadeite.
The Sage and Jadeite both gestured at each other and said in unison, "Destroy them!" The area then broke out into chaos.
The four doll youmas, sisters in fact, looked at each other and nodded. One told Sailor Chibi-Moon, "Duck." Sailor Chibi-Moon did as well as she could, as she was wrapped in the lizard youma's tale. The lizard youma turned to the dolls in surprise right before all four blew kisses at her, which were made of energy. She was blown back 15 feet, and lost hold of Sailor Chibi-Moon who quickly scrambled to the senshi.
The youmas Jadeite brought ran forward and between the senshi to fight the youmas near the Sage, as the Sage and Jadeite sent energy blasts at one another.
The senshi turned to the youma holding Lisa. Within moments, a rose, a light ray, a blast of flame, a bolt of lightning, and magic from Sailor Moon's scepter struck the youmas knocking them back. Then the Scottish terrier ran in, jumped up on the youma holding Lisa and somehow bit through the chain holding Lisa, breaking it. To give her cover and help their allies, Sailor Mercury covered the area with fog. Lisa soon joined the senshi, followed by the dog, as youma and senshi fought youma.
Sailor Mars flamed one water-based youma to vapor. The lizard youma was destroyed by the doll youmas while the Sage's forces destroyed two of the youmas Jadeite brought with him, while his destroyed one of the Sage's.
Jadeite sneered and told the Sage, "Surrender while you can. Lord Agate will not be on the throne for long."
The Sage responded, "You are a fool if you think you can defeat him. No wonder you had been frozen." With that she launched three crystallizing blasts, two at the senshi and one at the doll youmas. Sailor Venus dived out of the way, while Sailor Moon fell out of the way. The doll youma was not so lucky and imprisoned.
Jadeite launched an energy blast at the Sage, which she dodged, while the senshi went more on the offensive, Sailor Mercury freezing one solid, and Sailor Jupiter shattering it while frying another of the Sage's weapon youmas.
The weapon youmas attacked the senshi back, one swinging her broken chains while two sword wielders moved forward. Sailor Moon ducked one of the sword swingers, and then she and Sailor Venus did simultaneous flying kicks, one into each of the sword wielders. As the youmas stumbled back Sailor Mars took the chance to set them both ablaze, and destroyed them. The chain wielder managed to wrap a chain around Sailor Mercury's torso and tried to drag her away, but surprisingly Lisa ran forward and kicked its knee. As the youma stumbled, Sailor Mercury broke free and put the youma on ice. She smiled sincerely at Lisa and said, "Thank you."
Jadeite's troops clashed more with the Sage. He lost another of those he brought along, while the Sage froze two more of the dolls. However he and his forces destroyed 2 more of the opposing youmas.
The senshi turned on the remaining youmas, only to notice the Sage slipping away. Without pause, Jadeite told the senshi, "Quickly catch her. We'll clean up here. Don't let her get the time to teleport!"
The senshi nodded, and the group ran to chase the Sage.
* * * * *
They chased the Sage into a dead end only a few caverns away. They poured into the room and Sailor Moon pointed at the Sage and said, "You have tormented the people of London and the world to long. I am Sailor Moon!"
The other senshi joined in saying, "We are the Sailor Senshi!"
Tuxedo Kamen stepped out to the side and declared, "I am Tuxedo Kamen."
Since everyone else announced themselves, Lisa piped in, "I'm just Lisa and this is a dog," gesturing to the Scottish terrier who barked in agreement.
"And we will punish you!" finished Sailor Moon.
The Sage turned to confront them coolly. With a gestured the opening they had come through was sealed with solid gold. She said, "Well now I know what to mark your plaques as after I defeat you." She then launched rays of golden light at the group causing them to shatter. While Sailor Moon was shaken as usual, Sailor Jupiter, Sailor Mars and Sailor Venus launched their own attacks on the Sage. The Sage ignored Sailor Jupiter's electricity which just passed through her, side-stepped Sailor Mars's flame, but was struck in the leg by Sailor Venus's light ray, destroying the leg.
Sailor Venus said confidently, "It's over lady, give it up!"
The Sage shook her head, as her leg reformed to the surprise of the senshi. She then launched another attack causing the senshi to scatter.
Sailor Mercury told Sailor Venus, "Let us combine our powers." Sailor Venus nodded, and called, "Venus love me chain!" as Sailor Mercury called off an ice attack. The chain wrapped around the Sage as the ice froze the chain in place around the Sage.
"Feeble," the Sage responded, easily breaking through the solid ice and chain. She then called forth the crystallizing magic and tried to freeze the senshi, who barely dodged.
"That's it!" cried Sailor Moon.
"You are going down!" added Sailor Chibi-Moon.
Sailor Moon shouted, "Moon spiral heart attack!"
Sailor Chibi-Moon cried, "Pink sugar heart attack!"
Two magical hearts appeared and shot towards the Sage. She tried to dodge but they stuck her, breaking her apart.
Sailor Moon jumped up and down and cheered, "We beat her!"
All looked at each other and cheered to celebrate. The dog's barking interrupted them.
As they turned, the Sage slowly stood up, becoming whole once more, her destroyed robe replaced by a golden one made of her own material. She asked, "Do you still think you can defeat me?"
Sailor Moon gulped, backed up, and asked, "Any idea guys?"
Lisa quickly ran over and handed Sailor Moon her Shard of Light. She told Sailor Moon, "Can you use this to help you magic?"
Sailor Moon looked uncertain so Luna suggested, "Hold it in front of your scepter to amplify the magic perhaps?"
Tuxedo Kamen, who had taken a defensive position next to Sailor Moon said, "Do something, Sailor Moon. You can do it!"
With that he threw a rose, striking the Sage's hand as she raised it to attack once more, buying Sailor Moon a few precious moments.
Sailor Moon held her scepter, close to her but pointed at the Sage, while holding the Shard in front of it. She chanted, "Moon princess halation!" The magic poured from the scepter into the Shard, and a beam of pure white energy shot towards the Sage. The Sage held up her other hand in an attempt to ward it off, as everyone was temporarily blinded.
As vision returned the senshi saw the Sage was still in one piece, blocking the energy with a Shard of Darkness. The Sage laughed evilly and invoked her own power. A ray of pure blackness appeared from the Shard and started pushing back the light and forced its way towards Sailor Moon.
Sailor Jupiter told her, "You can do it Sailor Moon, I know it!"
Sailor Mars said, "Come on Sailor Moon!"
"Don't give up!" added Sailor Venus.
"Concentrate on the Shard!" suggested Sailor Mercury.
The dog approached Sailor Moon looking up at her with wide eyes, keeping silent.
The black energy passed halfway and moved ever closer to Sailor Moon. Sailor Moon cried, "I can't do it! She's too strong!"
Tuxedo Kamen told her, "Use the love you have shown all of us!"
Sailor Chibi-Moon said, "Believe in yourself!"
Sailor Moon shook her head as the darkness approached. She cried, "I can't!" Then she screamed, as light flashed, blinding everyone once more. A pained howl was heard in the temporary darkness.
Sailor Moon rubbed her eyes to clear her vision. To her surprise she was ok, though both her and the Sage's energy blasts had ceased. She gazed about the room to search for the cause, and gasped. Next to her was the little Scottish terrier, cringing on the ground in pain as a field of positive and negative energy coursed around it.
Lisa ran over and cried, "Doggie!"
Sailor Moon grabbed her before she could reach the dog. She said sadly, "There is nothing we can do to help it, but you'll get hurt too if you touch it. I doubt it would want it."
Lisa looked rebellious as the Sage spoke, "Oh, you are all feeling sorry for that strange little dog. Good riddance to the menace, but I'll make you forget its pain, by making you feel your own." With that she used the Shard once more to shoot energy at Lisa and Sailor Moon. Sailor Moon fell backwards, pulling Lisa with her to get them out of the way. Lisa rolled to the side as Sailor Moon stood up and ran as the energy beam chased her.
Tuxedo Kamen threw his cane at the Sage, striking her hand and knocking the Shard of Darkness away. The Sage smoothly caught it in the air with her other hand.
"You only delay the..*" the Sage started but cut off in surprise. Her attention was on the dog, which had now begun to float off the ground, with the white and black energy combined into grey, flowing around it. The Sage said, "It couldn't be," as the dog started spinning head over tail in the air. Within a few moments it had blurred into the shape of a grey sphere.
Sailor Venus gazed at it in wonder and asked, "Could it be?"
The Sage lashed out with dark energy towards the sphere but it dodged it. Another sphere separated from the grey sphere and shot forward. As the Sage ducked it doubled back, changing into Guide, her small claws raking the Sage's back before the Sage knocked it away. Meanwhile another sphere appeared and shot at the Sage, transforming into Guardian, who leap at the Sage, knocking her over, then jumping away before the Sage could respond. The sphere split off one last sphere before it sped forward and struck the Sage's stomach, as she stood up, doubling her over. The last to separate from the original then flew forward.
Before the Sage could react, she found herself pinned to the wall by a glowing grey spear, held by Shade.
The Sage seemed largely unaffected by any pain. She snared, "You died!"
Shade backed off, still weak, and agreed, "Yes, I did.."
The Sage ignored Shade and reached for the spear. To her surprise, though it pinned her solidly to the wall, her hands passed through it.
Guide sent telepathically to the senshi, attack with strong magic, and focus on the spear. It will channel the energy. Strike quickly!"
The senshi nodded, and one by one they called forth their magic. Sailor Chibi-Moon began with, "Pink sugar heart attack!" and a heart of energy homed in on the spear.
Sailor Mercury gestured as if playing a harp and called out, "Mercury aqua rhapsody!" which caused a wave of water to focus on the spear.
"Mars flame sniper!" called Sailor Mars, firing an arrow of fire toward the weapon sticking from the Sage.
Sailor Jupiter followed with, "Jupiter oak evolution!" spun around and launched multiple bolts of energy at the Sage.
Sailor Venus cried, "Venus love and beauty shock!" and with a blown kiss, launched a light surrounded heart, to strike the spear.
Different energy forms coursed around the spear, not seeming to affect the Sage. She tried to free herself from the spear despite that but she was too late.
Sailor Moon called, "Rainbow moon heart ache!" and a giant heart struck surged towards the Sage. As it hit the spear, the spear began to vanish, letting the heart grab the energy and push it forward. It all struck the Sage at once, focusing on remnants of the spear. The Sage was obscured from sight as she was suddenly overwhelmed by the magic.
The magic faded away, leaving the Sage standing and in one piece.
Sailor Moon asked in concern, "That didn't work?"
Shade slowly moved forward. He gently pushed the Sage backwards. She stiffly fell back to lean against the wall. He said, "The Sage, or rather the golem Lord Agate created and called the Sage, is now nothing but a statue of gold."
Jadeite appeared in the air nearby and said, "And I'll make sure she doesn't come back." With that he used his telekinetic powers and broke off a large piece of stone from the wall. He launched it forward, to crash into the statue, breaking it to pieces. He then obliterated the piece with an energy blast. He then crossed his arms and told the senshi, "Sorry for not coming earlier but we had to defeat her support."
As he said that, two youmas, one of them the last doll, broke through the golden wall, freeing the senshi from the room.
The senshi were not sure how to respond, but Sailor Chibi-Moon stepped forward to the doll youma and said, "Thanks, for now and before."
The youma smiled slightly and nodded.
Sailor Chibi-Moon's eyes brightened as she thought of something. She grabbed the Shard of Light from Sailor Moon, and ran out. Some of the senshi gave chase to Sailor Chibi-Moon, wondering what she was up to, and not wanting to lose sight of her.
Sailor Chibi-Moon ran into the cavern where the youmas had been and saw the walls had taken a lot of damage, and there were several piles of dust in the room. There were also the other three doll youmas, encased in the Sage's crystal prison. She ran forward to the crystals and touched each crystal with the Shard.
As the two youmas, Sailor Moon, Tuxedo Kamen and Sailor Venus and Lisa arrived, the crystals glowed and faded away, freezing the three doll youmas. The fourth ran forward to greet the other three. She then turned to Sailor Chibi-Moon, gave a bright smile, and said, "Thank you."
Jadeite appeared and shook his head at the youma's reaction. He was taken by surprise as Lisa slapped a Band-Aid on a cut he had gotten during battle. "What the?!" he asked.
"You need a Band-Aid so you get better," Lisa told him with a serious face. Jadeite didn't know what to make of it, but didn't snear for once.
The other senshi came in, Sailor Jupiter supporting Shade, followed by Guide, Guardian, and the dog turned sphere, Host.
Shade told them, "The Sage managed to teleport the Shard of Darkness away at the last moment."
Jadeite frowned and said, "Great."
Sailor Venus turned to Jadeite and said, "We thought you abandoned us," then turning to Shade, she added, "And we thought you were dead."
Jadeite shook his head and told them, "I abandoned your company. We need to cooperate to achieve our goals."
Shade then answer to Sailor Venus, "I was.."
Jadeite glanced at Shade then back to the senshi and said, "I shall go and get my loyal followers to rise up and throw off Lord Agate's shackles. You should be able to reach him then, as his troops are distracted. Good bye. Perhaps we will meet again." The youmas vanished, teleporting away, but Jadeite paused as Guide stared at him for a moment. He then shook his head and teleported away.
Sailor Moon looked after him and sighed, "Even if we win, he knows who we are."
Shade shook his head, "Guide erased his memory of that.. He will probably keep his word, and once Lord Agate is gone, return to the Dark Kingdom, never to come this way again."
Sailor Mars nodded and said, "That is good to hear, though I still don't like helping that creep, though there is not much we can do."
Sailor Venus walked up to Shade and asked, "You said you were dead. How did you come back to life?"
Shade shrugged and said honestly, "I'm not sure, except I know I am not truly alive. I'm not truly dead either. I am now a real illusion, a living shadow. I am alive, but I'm not. I don't understand it but I know I am not as I was before." However he seemed to not be distressed by his statement.
Lisa wasn't sure about all of this, but asked, "Can I go home now?"
Shade turned to her and said, "Host, take her to her father."
Host flew over to Lisa but paused, as she smiled and waved. She said, "Thank you, and good luck against the big meanies!"
The senshi smiled and called out, "Bye!" in English or Japanese depending on how well they knew it.
Host then covered her, causing her to vanish then it zoomed away.
* * * * *
Lisa's father paced next to the police car, waiting for word of something of Lisa. He was tired but he didn't even think of that. "Pacing is not going to do much," his partner told him as she sat on the car.
Lisa's father sighed and said, "I know but I can't sit still. I don't know what might be happening to her."
His partner then squinted into the sky and pointed at something. He turned to look at the grey shape descending straight at him. The next thing he knew, he was flat on the ground, with a large Scottish terrier standing on top of him, and Lisa giggling as she sat on its back. Lisa hopped off it, and the Host jumped off of him, strangely seeming smaller then a moment before.
John sat up quickly and hugged his daughter. "Lisa!" he cried, "I'm so glad you are ok!"
Lisa giggled and hugged back. She then explained quickly, "Yup. I got grabbed by a tuxedo-wearing lady, but she turned out to be an evil gold statue. A bunch of girls in sailor outfits came and with this dog, saved me. We fought a bunch of monsters and I kicked one in the leg. Then we fought the statue and she almost beat us but this grey dressed guy appeared, and the senshi won!"
John blinked and said, "Ok. Well, lets get home and you can tell me it all, ok?"
Lisa protested, "But I just did," and grinned.
All three people turned to the dog as it suddenly whimpered. It looked up into the sky, and whimpered once more before jumping into the air, turning into a sphere, and flying away.
Lisa's father said, "I don't know what that's about, but I hope the senshi are ok."
* * * * *
"It's time to confront Lord Agate I think," Sailor Jupiter declared.
Shade inquired, "How many Shards do you have now?"
Sailor Chibi-Moon gave the Shard of Light to Shade, as Sailor Mars said, "That one and I have four Shards of Darkness in a safe place. Lord Agate has the others."
Shade asked, "Is the safe place with you by any chance? Time is of the essence."
"Um, no," Sailor Mars said reluctantly.
Shade stepped away from Sailor Jupiter and examined the Shard. After a few moments he said, "That is not good. You may need them."
"I disagree. I think that is good," said Lord Agate through a golden ring that appeared behind Shade. In his weakened state, Shade was caught by surprise as Lord Agate yanked him through. Lord Agate told the senshi as the ring closed, "Shade will be the most powerful when the Dark Kingdom wins, and his power will be mine."
Sailor Moon murmured, "He got Shade."
"And the Shard," added Tuxedo Kamen.
A moment later Guide started meowing loudly, as Guardian began to howl. Host returned and circled around, agitated.
"What now?" asked Sailor Jupiter.
Guardian and Guide fell quiet as Guide sent telepathically to the group, 'Lord Agate has called the Shards, even yours. They have flown to him, since you didn't have them with you, and he has them all now. He is using them, to open a path to the Shadow Realm, through Shade, to get its power. Time to overload.'
"Overload?" asked Sailor Moon, becoming more and more worried about the situation.
Inside of Guide and Guardian, a crystal became visible as it started to glow. Two appeared inside of Host. The senshi watched as their own shadows and shadows of things around them began to bend towards the three shadow beings.
Host glowed brightly for a moment as a ring appeared around it, with two smaller spheres, looking like a miniature planet.
Guide then meowed loudly, growing in size until she became a large panther, growling.
Finally Guardian howled. Her bones bent and muscles reshaped themselves. Her front and back legs lengthened at different rates. In a few moments, Guardian stood up on two legs, looking much like a female werewolf. Grey energy flashed around her, and plate armor appeared to cover her, and in her newly formed hands appeared a sword and shield. Guardian growled and for the first time she spoke, "Come. It is time to defend this universe. Lord Agate is guilty and must be punished."
Guide the panther said in the minds of the group, 'The final confrontation is now.'
* * * * *
The inner senshi, Sailor Chibi-Moon, the cats, Tuxedo Kamen, Lisa, the dog and Jadeite walked into the cavern outside of the room. The maze was gone, apparently an illusion of the now gone elemental's. They had no idea where they were however, except for Jadeite who did not bother to mention the fact.
As they looked around, Sailor Moon walked over to Lisa, and with an older sister type attitude she said, "I think you should give us the Shard of Light. It will be safer for you that way because the monsters won't go after you then."
Lisa shook her head quickly and says, "Nope. I'm not giving up the crystal till I get home." She then stuck out her tongue.
Sailor Chibi-Moon laughed and encouraged Lisa, "That'll show her."
"You are not being any help Sailor Chibi-Moon," Sailor Moon chided her.
Sailor Chibi-Moon just grinned.
"Well Sailor Senshi, and Lisa was it? To make it fair, I'll take the crystal, so neither one of you has it," offered Jadeite smoothly.
All the senshi replied, "No way."
Jadeite laughed darkly and said, "None of you trust me. Such a pity."
The others ignored him, which Sailor Mercury typed on her computer, trying to determine the way out. She had already concluded they needed to find the spot where they arrived. She noted, "There is a lot of interference in the area, from the negative energy and the recent massive release of positive energy."
"Maybe Jadeite is standing to close. His bad vibes are causing trouble," suggested Sailor Jupiter.
Jadeite smirked at that, then asked, "So, do you have any of the Shards? It would be difficult to face Lord Agate without some of them."
Sailor Mars told him, "They are somewhere safe, don't you worry."
Jadeite smirked again and said, "I don't know why you are so worries. If I really wanted them I could figure out where you kept them."
Sailor Mars rolled her eyes, "I'm surprised you were able to find the airport long ago."
With a chuckle Jadeite pointed out, "I found out who you are."
That made Sailor Moon, Sailor Mercury and Sailor Mars freeze, feeling a cold wave of realization flow over them. They remembered, he really had found out who they were.
Jadeite turned away satisfied they knew who was in charge. He then looked down to see the Scottish terrier at his feet, looking up at him, giving him a sad eyes look. "I have no time for you, dog," Jadeite told it as he tried to push it away with his foot. It didn't budge at all. Jadeite narrowed his eyes as he looked at it. Suddenly it got up and happily ran over to Sailor Moon to try to cheer her up.
Sailor Moon looked down at the dog and tried to put on a smile as she petted it.
"Enough of this. The Sage will be back soon. This way," Jadeite told them.
Sailor Venus, who wasn't as affected as the others said, "Why that way? Sailor Mercury was figuring it out."
"I lived here. Now lets go," Jadeite replied and he walked in that direction.
Sailor Venus and Sailor Jupiter looked at each other, then everyone quietly followed Jadeite, some paler then others.
The dog trailed behind, watching them all, trotting happily along.
* * * * *
Jadeite led them through tunnels and caverns, towards, they assumed, the exit.
As they walked Sailor Mars took the opportunity to whisper to Sailor Moon, "A great leader as always, letting a Dark Kingdom creep lead us around."
In a not so quiet tone Sailor Moon responded, "He seems to know where he is going. Besides the dog likes him."
The dog, which moved constantly between Sailor Moon and Lisa, wolfed enthusiastically in agreement.
"Now I've heard everything," Sailor Mars exclaimed, "You are getting advice from some silly little dog?"
The dog whimpered and moved back to where Lisa walked.
Jadeite hissed from the front of the group, "Can't you two resist arguing for just a few minutes? You'll bring them all down on us!" as his eyebrow twitched in frustration.
The two girls fell silent, but not for long. Sailor Moon whispered to Sailor Mars, "I've seen the little guy do some amazing stuff."
Sailor Mars rolled her eyes. "Face it, Moon," she said, "You are delusional. Next thing you'll say is you were talking to it."
Sailor Moon hurmphed and replied, "I'd rather talk to him then you. He has much better smelling breath."
'What?!" Sailor Mars cried in outrage.
"Yup," Sailor Moon said smugly, "Easier on the eyes too."
"Why you little twerp!" exclaimed Sailor Mars, "I bet he's twice as smart as you'll ever be!"
"Oh ya?" responded Sailor Moon, annoyed, but unable to think of a better response.
"Ya!" was Sailor Mars's almost automatic reply.
Suddenly they both fell quiet as everyone around them sweat-dropped, except for Jadeite who growled.
"I can not believe you squabbling children ever defeated me," Jadeite said in disgust. "I shall deal with this foolishness no longer," he continued, "You are on your own." With that he vanished.
"Ok guys, now what?" asked Sailor Venus, as she looked at where Jadeite vanished.
In silent response, Sailor Mercury took out her computer, and began to compute the way out once more.
* * * * *
The throne room was almost empty except for two figures. One was Lord Agate who held his staff in one hand and rested his face on the other, with his elbow resting upon the arm of the throne. His eyes rested upon the other figure, the Sage, who stood beside him.
Lord Agate finally said, "So the little girl has the Shard and the trapped senshi were freed."
The Sage nodded in agreement.
"That means since the girl is probably with the senshi, they potentially have five Shards," noted Lord Agate.
"Possibly," the Sage responded, "But not five of the same type."
Lord Agate nodded, thought for a moment, then commanded, "Sage, activate program, Prophecy."
The Sage stiffened up, losing the semblance of natural movement. As her eyes flashed red she intoned, "For the fire of Light to stay strong, it must be fanned by the cold wind of Darkness."
As the Sage returned to normal, Lord Agate murmured, "Fanned by the wind of Darkness. What might that mean?"
The Sage tried to respond but for a moment no sound came forth. She started over and sound kicked in and she said, "One of the Shards of Light powered up the senshi before. Perhaps they need to use the Shards of Darkness to do the same."
Lord Agate slowly nodded and responded, "Perhaps, but if so they have no chance. There is not enough darkness in them. I don't want to take any chances though. Take as many youmas as you need and destroy them."
The Sage nodded in respect and replied, "It will be done, Sire."
* * * * *
The senshi and others slowly made their way through the caverns. They had been forced to backtrack a few times, but slowly made their way closer to the exit. "You know I'm glad that creep is gone, though I would of liked to belt him for what he did to you guys," Sailor Jupiter told the others.
Luna noted, "Yes, but we can't track him now. Suppose he went and told the others where we were? It could be a lot of trouble for us."
"She's right. We need to be more on guard then before," added Artemis.
Lisa finally spoke up between the others talking, "Are we almost home?"
"Ya, how are you doing Sailor Mercury?" asked Sailor Venus as she walked over to glance over Sailor Mercury's shoulder.
Sailor Mercury replied, "I think we are close. One or two more caverns and we should reach it."
"Good, this place is creepy," Sailor Moon stated.
"And we should get home, grandfather will be worried, along with Lisa's father," added Sailor Mars.
They slowly made their way closer to the exit, and saw in the distance the opening to the last cavern.
"Finally," Sailor Moon spoke, perhaps a bit too soon.
As soon as she said that between them and the exit appeared ten different youmas, of different shapes and descriptions. In the middle appeared the Sage, and she asked, "Going somewhere?"
"Uhhhhh," Sailor Moon started, as she saw the number against then. She recovered though and said, "That's right. We are getting out of here and you can't stop us!"
The Sage shook her head and said, "You think so? And how shall you do that? Especially since," pausing for a moment for five more youmas to appear on each side of them, one of which quickly grabbed Lisa by surprise, and another grabbing Sailor Chibi-Moon, "Since we have these two little children now."
The senshi gasped and looked at the new youmas holding the two girls. The ones who were holding Sailor Chibi-Moon were four who all looked like large dolls of different colors. The fifth, the one holding Sailor Chibi-Moon, looked like a cross between a human female and a reptile. The ones who held Lisa looked normal women in strange outfits and different weapons for hands. Sailor Moon turned back to the Sage, shaken a little by the number of foes. She yelled, "You let them go, or we will punish you!"
The Sage shook her head and asked, "Do you think I can't feel your fear? You know very well, you have no chance. Surrender now."
Lisa struggled, trying to get free of the ball and chain weapons that were wrapped around her arms. She shouted, "Bean them on the head, Sailor Moon!"
The senshi desperately tried to think of a way to get the two girls free before they could get hurt, so that they could all get away. After a few moments the Sage directed, "Oh, this is not worth the hassle. Destroy them, in the name of Lord Agate."
The 20 youmas tensed up, ready to attack, when five more youmas appeared behind the senshi. Sailor Jupiter said, "Oh great. More youmas to trash?"
The Sage however looked puzzled. She asked, "Why are you here? Does not Lord Agate trust that I can decide how many I need to obliterate the senshi?"
The reply was cold laughter.
The Sage ordered, "How dare you laugh at me. Show yourself!"
"As you wish," replied Jadeite as he faded into view. The original 20 youmas gasped at the sight of him. He told the Sage, "While I would not normally mind the destruction of the senshi, the fact is I need them. Queen Beryl was the commander of the Dark Kingdom, and I am the true heir to the throne. I am here to help remove the pretender to the throne."
The Sage murmured in surprise, "The wind of Darkness. The Shard of Light must have released him too for some reason." She then narrowed her eyes and asked, "Do you think you can beat us with only the senshi and a paltry number of youmas?"
Jadeite smirked and told her, "The citizens of the Dark Kingdom are not stupid. They will recognize their rightful leader."
The Sage responded, "They already have."
The senshi just looked between the two groups in surprise, then turned to face the Sage in reluctant support of Jadeite.
The Sage and Jadeite both gestured at each other and said in unison, "Destroy them!" The area then broke out into chaos.
The four doll youmas, sisters in fact, looked at each other and nodded. One told Sailor Chibi-Moon, "Duck." Sailor Chibi-Moon did as well as she could, as she was wrapped in the lizard youma's tale. The lizard youma turned to the dolls in surprise right before all four blew kisses at her, which were made of energy. She was blown back 15 feet, and lost hold of Sailor Chibi-Moon who quickly scrambled to the senshi.
The youmas Jadeite brought ran forward and between the senshi to fight the youmas near the Sage, as the Sage and Jadeite sent energy blasts at one another.
The senshi turned to the youma holding Lisa. Within moments, a rose, a light ray, a blast of flame, a bolt of lightning, and magic from Sailor Moon's scepter struck the youmas knocking them back. Then the Scottish terrier ran in, jumped up on the youma holding Lisa and somehow bit through the chain holding Lisa, breaking it. To give her cover and help their allies, Sailor Mercury covered the area with fog. Lisa soon joined the senshi, followed by the dog, as youma and senshi fought youma.
Sailor Mars flamed one water-based youma to vapor. The lizard youma was destroyed by the doll youmas while the Sage's forces destroyed two of the youmas Jadeite brought with him, while his destroyed one of the Sage's.
Jadeite sneered and told the Sage, "Surrender while you can. Lord Agate will not be on the throne for long."
The Sage responded, "You are a fool if you think you can defeat him. No wonder you had been frozen." With that she launched three crystallizing blasts, two at the senshi and one at the doll youmas. Sailor Venus dived out of the way, while Sailor Moon fell out of the way. The doll youma was not so lucky and imprisoned.
Jadeite launched an energy blast at the Sage, which she dodged, while the senshi went more on the offensive, Sailor Mercury freezing one solid, and Sailor Jupiter shattering it while frying another of the Sage's weapon youmas.
The weapon youmas attacked the senshi back, one swinging her broken chains while two sword wielders moved forward. Sailor Moon ducked one of the sword swingers, and then she and Sailor Venus did simultaneous flying kicks, one into each of the sword wielders. As the youmas stumbled back Sailor Mars took the chance to set them both ablaze, and destroyed them. The chain wielder managed to wrap a chain around Sailor Mercury's torso and tried to drag her away, but surprisingly Lisa ran forward and kicked its knee. As the youma stumbled, Sailor Mercury broke free and put the youma on ice. She smiled sincerely at Lisa and said, "Thank you."
Jadeite's troops clashed more with the Sage. He lost another of those he brought along, while the Sage froze two more of the dolls. However he and his forces destroyed 2 more of the opposing youmas.
The senshi turned on the remaining youmas, only to notice the Sage slipping away. Without pause, Jadeite told the senshi, "Quickly catch her. We'll clean up here. Don't let her get the time to teleport!"
The senshi nodded, and the group ran to chase the Sage.
* * * * *
They chased the Sage into a dead end only a few caverns away. They poured into the room and Sailor Moon pointed at the Sage and said, "You have tormented the people of London and the world to long. I am Sailor Moon!"
The other senshi joined in saying, "We are the Sailor Senshi!"
Tuxedo Kamen stepped out to the side and declared, "I am Tuxedo Kamen."
Since everyone else announced themselves, Lisa piped in, "I'm just Lisa and this is a dog," gesturing to the Scottish terrier who barked in agreement.
"And we will punish you!" finished Sailor Moon.
The Sage turned to confront them coolly. With a gestured the opening they had come through was sealed with solid gold. She said, "Well now I know what to mark your plaques as after I defeat you." She then launched rays of golden light at the group causing them to shatter. While Sailor Moon was shaken as usual, Sailor Jupiter, Sailor Mars and Sailor Venus launched their own attacks on the Sage. The Sage ignored Sailor Jupiter's electricity which just passed through her, side-stepped Sailor Mars's flame, but was struck in the leg by Sailor Venus's light ray, destroying the leg.
Sailor Venus said confidently, "It's over lady, give it up!"
The Sage shook her head, as her leg reformed to the surprise of the senshi. She then launched another attack causing the senshi to scatter.
Sailor Mercury told Sailor Venus, "Let us combine our powers." Sailor Venus nodded, and called, "Venus love me chain!" as Sailor Mercury called off an ice attack. The chain wrapped around the Sage as the ice froze the chain in place around the Sage.
"Feeble," the Sage responded, easily breaking through the solid ice and chain. She then called forth the crystallizing magic and tried to freeze the senshi, who barely dodged.
"That's it!" cried Sailor Moon.
"You are going down!" added Sailor Chibi-Moon.
Sailor Moon shouted, "Moon spiral heart attack!"
Sailor Chibi-Moon cried, "Pink sugar heart attack!"
Two magical hearts appeared and shot towards the Sage. She tried to dodge but they stuck her, breaking her apart.
Sailor Moon jumped up and down and cheered, "We beat her!"
All looked at each other and cheered to celebrate. The dog's barking interrupted them.
As they turned, the Sage slowly stood up, becoming whole once more, her destroyed robe replaced by a golden one made of her own material. She asked, "Do you still think you can defeat me?"
Sailor Moon gulped, backed up, and asked, "Any idea guys?"
Lisa quickly ran over and handed Sailor Moon her Shard of Light. She told Sailor Moon, "Can you use this to help you magic?"
Sailor Moon looked uncertain so Luna suggested, "Hold it in front of your scepter to amplify the magic perhaps?"
Tuxedo Kamen, who had taken a defensive position next to Sailor Moon said, "Do something, Sailor Moon. You can do it!"
With that he threw a rose, striking the Sage's hand as she raised it to attack once more, buying Sailor Moon a few precious moments.
Sailor Moon held her scepter, close to her but pointed at the Sage, while holding the Shard in front of it. She chanted, "Moon princess halation!" The magic poured from the scepter into the Shard, and a beam of pure white energy shot towards the Sage. The Sage held up her other hand in an attempt to ward it off, as everyone was temporarily blinded.
As vision returned the senshi saw the Sage was still in one piece, blocking the energy with a Shard of Darkness. The Sage laughed evilly and invoked her own power. A ray of pure blackness appeared from the Shard and started pushing back the light and forced its way towards Sailor Moon.
Sailor Jupiter told her, "You can do it Sailor Moon, I know it!"
Sailor Mars said, "Come on Sailor Moon!"
"Don't give up!" added Sailor Venus.
"Concentrate on the Shard!" suggested Sailor Mercury.
The dog approached Sailor Moon looking up at her with wide eyes, keeping silent.
The black energy passed halfway and moved ever closer to Sailor Moon. Sailor Moon cried, "I can't do it! She's too strong!"
Tuxedo Kamen told her, "Use the love you have shown all of us!"
Sailor Chibi-Moon said, "Believe in yourself!"
Sailor Moon shook her head as the darkness approached. She cried, "I can't!" Then she screamed, as light flashed, blinding everyone once more. A pained howl was heard in the temporary darkness.
Sailor Moon rubbed her eyes to clear her vision. To her surprise she was ok, though both her and the Sage's energy blasts had ceased. She gazed about the room to search for the cause, and gasped. Next to her was the little Scottish terrier, cringing on the ground in pain as a field of positive and negative energy coursed around it.
Lisa ran over and cried, "Doggie!"
Sailor Moon grabbed her before she could reach the dog. She said sadly, "There is nothing we can do to help it, but you'll get hurt too if you touch it. I doubt it would want it."
Lisa looked rebellious as the Sage spoke, "Oh, you are all feeling sorry for that strange little dog. Good riddance to the menace, but I'll make you forget its pain, by making you feel your own." With that she used the Shard once more to shoot energy at Lisa and Sailor Moon. Sailor Moon fell backwards, pulling Lisa with her to get them out of the way. Lisa rolled to the side as Sailor Moon stood up and ran as the energy beam chased her.
Tuxedo Kamen threw his cane at the Sage, striking her hand and knocking the Shard of Darkness away. The Sage smoothly caught it in the air with her other hand.
"You only delay the..*" the Sage started but cut off in surprise. Her attention was on the dog, which had now begun to float off the ground, with the white and black energy combined into grey, flowing around it. The Sage said, "It couldn't be," as the dog started spinning head over tail in the air. Within a few moments it had blurred into the shape of a grey sphere.
Sailor Venus gazed at it in wonder and asked, "Could it be?"
The Sage lashed out with dark energy towards the sphere but it dodged it. Another sphere separated from the grey sphere and shot forward. As the Sage ducked it doubled back, changing into Guide, her small claws raking the Sage's back before the Sage knocked it away. Meanwhile another sphere appeared and shot at the Sage, transforming into Guardian, who leap at the Sage, knocking her over, then jumping away before the Sage could respond. The sphere split off one last sphere before it sped forward and struck the Sage's stomach, as she stood up, doubling her over. The last to separate from the original then flew forward.
Before the Sage could react, she found herself pinned to the wall by a glowing grey spear, held by Shade.
The Sage seemed largely unaffected by any pain. She snared, "You died!"
Shade backed off, still weak, and agreed, "Yes, I did.."
The Sage ignored Shade and reached for the spear. To her surprise, though it pinned her solidly to the wall, her hands passed through it.
Guide sent telepathically to the senshi, attack with strong magic, and focus on the spear. It will channel the energy. Strike quickly!"
The senshi nodded, and one by one they called forth their magic. Sailor Chibi-Moon began with, "Pink sugar heart attack!" and a heart of energy homed in on the spear.
Sailor Mercury gestured as if playing a harp and called out, "Mercury aqua rhapsody!" which caused a wave of water to focus on the spear.
"Mars flame sniper!" called Sailor Mars, firing an arrow of fire toward the weapon sticking from the Sage.
Sailor Jupiter followed with, "Jupiter oak evolution!" spun around and launched multiple bolts of energy at the Sage.
Sailor Venus cried, "Venus love and beauty shock!" and with a blown kiss, launched a light surrounded heart, to strike the spear.
Different energy forms coursed around the spear, not seeming to affect the Sage. She tried to free herself from the spear despite that but she was too late.
Sailor Moon called, "Rainbow moon heart ache!" and a giant heart struck surged towards the Sage. As it hit the spear, the spear began to vanish, letting the heart grab the energy and push it forward. It all struck the Sage at once, focusing on remnants of the spear. The Sage was obscured from sight as she was suddenly overwhelmed by the magic.
The magic faded away, leaving the Sage standing and in one piece.
Sailor Moon asked in concern, "That didn't work?"
Shade slowly moved forward. He gently pushed the Sage backwards. She stiffly fell back to lean against the wall. He said, "The Sage, or rather the golem Lord Agate created and called the Sage, is now nothing but a statue of gold."
Jadeite appeared in the air nearby and said, "And I'll make sure she doesn't come back." With that he used his telekinetic powers and broke off a large piece of stone from the wall. He launched it forward, to crash into the statue, breaking it to pieces. He then obliterated the piece with an energy blast. He then crossed his arms and told the senshi, "Sorry for not coming earlier but we had to defeat her support."
As he said that, two youmas, one of them the last doll, broke through the golden wall, freeing the senshi from the room.
The senshi were not sure how to respond, but Sailor Chibi-Moon stepped forward to the doll youma and said, "Thanks, for now and before."
The youma smiled slightly and nodded.
Sailor Chibi-Moon's eyes brightened as she thought of something. She grabbed the Shard of Light from Sailor Moon, and ran out. Some of the senshi gave chase to Sailor Chibi-Moon, wondering what she was up to, and not wanting to lose sight of her.
Sailor Chibi-Moon ran into the cavern where the youmas had been and saw the walls had taken a lot of damage, and there were several piles of dust in the room. There were also the other three doll youmas, encased in the Sage's crystal prison. She ran forward to the crystals and touched each crystal with the Shard.
As the two youmas, Sailor Moon, Tuxedo Kamen and Sailor Venus and Lisa arrived, the crystals glowed and faded away, freezing the three doll youmas. The fourth ran forward to greet the other three. She then turned to Sailor Chibi-Moon, gave a bright smile, and said, "Thank you."
Jadeite appeared and shook his head at the youma's reaction. He was taken by surprise as Lisa slapped a Band-Aid on a cut he had gotten during battle. "What the?!" he asked.
"You need a Band-Aid so you get better," Lisa told him with a serious face. Jadeite didn't know what to make of it, but didn't snear for once.
The other senshi came in, Sailor Jupiter supporting Shade, followed by Guide, Guardian, and the dog turned sphere, Host.
Shade told them, "The Sage managed to teleport the Shard of Darkness away at the last moment."
Jadeite frowned and said, "Great."
Sailor Venus turned to Jadeite and said, "We thought you abandoned us," then turning to Shade, she added, "And we thought you were dead."
Jadeite shook his head and told them, "I abandoned your company. We need to cooperate to achieve our goals."
Shade then answer to Sailor Venus, "I was.."
Jadeite glanced at Shade then back to the senshi and said, "I shall go and get my loyal followers to rise up and throw off Lord Agate's shackles. You should be able to reach him then, as his troops are distracted. Good bye. Perhaps we will meet again." The youmas vanished, teleporting away, but Jadeite paused as Guide stared at him for a moment. He then shook his head and teleported away.
Sailor Moon looked after him and sighed, "Even if we win, he knows who we are."
Shade shook his head, "Guide erased his memory of that.. He will probably keep his word, and once Lord Agate is gone, return to the Dark Kingdom, never to come this way again."
Sailor Mars nodded and said, "That is good to hear, though I still don't like helping that creep, though there is not much we can do."
Sailor Venus walked up to Shade and asked, "You said you were dead. How did you come back to life?"
Shade shrugged and said honestly, "I'm not sure, except I know I am not truly alive. I'm not truly dead either. I am now a real illusion, a living shadow. I am alive, but I'm not. I don't understand it but I know I am not as I was before." However he seemed to not be distressed by his statement.
Lisa wasn't sure about all of this, but asked, "Can I go home now?"
Shade turned to her and said, "Host, take her to her father."
Host flew over to Lisa but paused, as she smiled and waved. She said, "Thank you, and good luck against the big meanies!"
The senshi smiled and called out, "Bye!" in English or Japanese depending on how well they knew it.
Host then covered her, causing her to vanish then it zoomed away.
* * * * *
Lisa's father paced next to the police car, waiting for word of something of Lisa. He was tired but he didn't even think of that. "Pacing is not going to do much," his partner told him as she sat on the car.
Lisa's father sighed and said, "I know but I can't sit still. I don't know what might be happening to her."
His partner then squinted into the sky and pointed at something. He turned to look at the grey shape descending straight at him. The next thing he knew, he was flat on the ground, with a large Scottish terrier standing on top of him, and Lisa giggling as she sat on its back. Lisa hopped off it, and the Host jumped off of him, strangely seeming smaller then a moment before.
John sat up quickly and hugged his daughter. "Lisa!" he cried, "I'm so glad you are ok!"
Lisa giggled and hugged back. She then explained quickly, "Yup. I got grabbed by a tuxedo-wearing lady, but she turned out to be an evil gold statue. A bunch of girls in sailor outfits came and with this dog, saved me. We fought a bunch of monsters and I kicked one in the leg. Then we fought the statue and she almost beat us but this grey dressed guy appeared, and the senshi won!"
John blinked and said, "Ok. Well, lets get home and you can tell me it all, ok?"
Lisa protested, "But I just did," and grinned.
All three people turned to the dog as it suddenly whimpered. It looked up into the sky, and whimpered once more before jumping into the air, turning into a sphere, and flying away.
Lisa's father said, "I don't know what that's about, but I hope the senshi are ok."
* * * * *
"It's time to confront Lord Agate I think," Sailor Jupiter declared.
Shade inquired, "How many Shards do you have now?"
Sailor Chibi-Moon gave the Shard of Light to Shade, as Sailor Mars said, "That one and I have four Shards of Darkness in a safe place. Lord Agate has the others."
Shade asked, "Is the safe place with you by any chance? Time is of the essence."
"Um, no," Sailor Mars said reluctantly.
Shade stepped away from Sailor Jupiter and examined the Shard. After a few moments he said, "That is not good. You may need them."
"I disagree. I think that is good," said Lord Agate through a golden ring that appeared behind Shade. In his weakened state, Shade was caught by surprise as Lord Agate yanked him through. Lord Agate told the senshi as the ring closed, "Shade will be the most powerful when the Dark Kingdom wins, and his power will be mine."
Sailor Moon murmured, "He got Shade."
"And the Shard," added Tuxedo Kamen.
A moment later Guide started meowing loudly, as Guardian began to howl. Host returned and circled around, agitated.
"What now?" asked Sailor Jupiter.
Guardian and Guide fell quiet as Guide sent telepathically to the group, 'Lord Agate has called the Shards, even yours. They have flown to him, since you didn't have them with you, and he has them all now. He is using them, to open a path to the Shadow Realm, through Shade, to get its power. Time to overload.'
"Overload?" asked Sailor Moon, becoming more and more worried about the situation.
Inside of Guide and Guardian, a crystal became visible as it started to glow. Two appeared inside of Host. The senshi watched as their own shadows and shadows of things around them began to bend towards the three shadow beings.
Host glowed brightly for a moment as a ring appeared around it, with two smaller spheres, looking like a miniature planet.
Guide then meowed loudly, growing in size until she became a large panther, growling.
Finally Guardian howled. Her bones bent and muscles reshaped themselves. Her front and back legs lengthened at different rates. In a few moments, Guardian stood up on two legs, looking much like a female werewolf. Grey energy flashed around her, and plate armor appeared to cover her, and in her newly formed hands appeared a sword and shield. Guardian growled and for the first time she spoke, "Come. It is time to defend this universe. Lord Agate is guilty and must be punished."
Guide the panther said in the minds of the group, 'The final confrontation is now.'