The dark night sky above seemed devoid of light as a shadowed figure looks at it.
The only light to pierce the unusual darkness was a small blue orb the size of a bead.
"Bright isn't it?" Says a teenage girl stepping from a doorway.
"Yes, it's unusual," mutters the figure.
"Do you think that they defeated the shadow?"
"I'm not sure. They say that the guardians of that system are the strongest in this galaxy. I hope that's true.
We are scheduled for another training run soon and I don't want anything to happen while we're gone because
we won't be able to make it back quickly if something does. The next training session is on Malarte. That's a two day trip."
"Yes I know, but I don't think you need to worry Lily. We are leaving in a couple of days and I'm sure that...
Oh, what was that guardian's name again?"
"Sailor Moon."
"Oh, yes! I'm sure she has beaten it, and we have no problems as of yet so she must have." The girl states,
flipping her dirty blonde hair over her shoulder as she walks back in. The figure just nods and leans forward into
the small shaft of pale light, revealing and her jet black hair, and dark gray eyes. Her pale, white skin seemed to
glow like the orb. She fiddled with her necklace as she sits in thought. I hope for your sake sister that you are right. I hope...
**********************************
Two days later...
**********************************
"Mari... I'm worried. Maybe we should go back..." calls the girl with jet black hair to her sparring partner.
The other girl looks up at her with her cold ice-green eyes. "What do you mean? We're still training."
"I'm worried about everyone. What if something happens while we are gone? We are their only guardians so they are unprotected."
"Sis, you worry too much. I'm sure they are fine, and besides, Daren can fight just as well as we can and he is still there."
"But Daren is just one person..."
"Liliana! Just stay cool! We are going home tomorrow anyway."
"Alright, but I still have a bad feeling..." Mari sighs, exasperated, and picks up a worn staff.
"The next phase is staffing. Pick yours up and lets go!" Lily nods and grabs the other staff, taking her position.
"Ready." They charge each other, countering moves, bringing an offensive, and searching for openings. Meanwhile,
another person does the same, only a mistake could cost him his life...
******************************
Serena sits in class, staring at a math test. She bites the end of her pencil and slowly writes down an equation.
How do I do this?! I don't remember anything Amy told me! Argh! She bites her pencil again. "Time's up. Pass your tests forward,"
says the teacher. Serena sighs and hands in her test just as the bell rings. She walks out, and Mina comes up behind her.
"How did you do?"
"Horrible. I didn't even finish!"
"Well, your make-up exam buddy is right there with you!"
"You too?
"Yep! Oh, well. I need something to cheer me up. Wanna go for ice cream?"
"Yeah! Oh wait, what about volleyball club?"
"It was cancelled today. I told Amy and everyone to meet us at the restaurant when their clubs were over."
"Alright then!"
A little bit later...
"Hey Serena!"
"Hi Raye!"
"So how'd you do on your test?"
"Um..."
"You know you really should study more Serena."
"Huh? Oh hi Amy."
"Come on you guys, I'm sure Serena's had it a little ruff lately, especially after we just defeated Galaxia and Darien has gone
back to the states to get the education he missed because of what happened," says Lita, taking a seat. Mina nods and Serena
looks overjoyed that someone would say that it is okay that she got a bad grade. "Lita, you're too gentle with her!" Exclaims Raye.
"Yeah, well, I'll be less gentle once Darien comes back. Like I said, Serena's been through a lot." By now Amy had her nose in a
book and Mina was staring at an old magazine with a bio on the Three Lights. Lita gets a sweatdrop. "No one is even listening."
"I wonder how they are doing..." says Mina.
"Huh? How who's doing?" Lita asks.
"Seiya, Taiki, and Yaten."
"Oh. " Serena stares out the window. Seiya...
"Hey Serena! Helllooooo!! Earth to Serena, come in Serena!" Raye waves her hand in Serena's face. Serena snaps out of it. "What?"
"I said have you gotten any letters from Darien since last week."
"Yeah... He's fine. He's got a slight cold though. He says that he'll send me something special with the next letter and that he can't
wait to see me. He also said to tell you he said hi."
"That's good. Too bad he has a cold though."
Serena nods and looks back out through the window. Darien... I miss you...
****************************
"What happened?!" Screams Lily. She falls to her knees surrounded by the rubble and scattered debris that had once been
the shining capital of her homeland, Alahorme. Where there had once been their favorite little soda shop, now was a pile of ash. The
school that they had been at just a week before was nothing more than one wall made up of about fifteen stones. Bodies lay strewn
about the bits of wood and rock, some horribly mangled but still in one piece, and for others there was nothing left but an arm here
and a head there. Lily looked over the wreckage and almost automatically spots Mari's best friend, Nina, lying with her back twisted
in an odd way, holding her new husband's hand. As for Nina's husband, he had his entire lower body missing. It was apparent they
had died together. She glanced away before Mari notices what she is looking at, and turned her gaze to her home. The palace looked
dark and foreboding. The pillars for the entrance where shattered in the mid section and had fallen against each other, the only reason
why that section of the roof was still in one piece for the most part. Unfortunately, that was practically the only part of the palace in
one piece. The entire servant's quarters was demolished. The balcony to her room, which was at the front of the palace, had fallen
down on top of the garden, flattening the roses. Mari looks blankly ahead, her lips moving, but with no sound. Lily stands up,
snapping out of it. "M...Ma...Mari?"
"Huh?"
"We should go look for any survivors. Not to mention to see if father's okay..." she says, unnaturally calm. "Yes... I ... I ..."
Mari stumbles over her words and falls to her knees, crying.
"Maybe you should stay here..." Lily bends down by her sister and puts a hand on her shoulder. "It'll be fine."
"Da... Da... "
"I'm sure Daren is fine too." Lily pulls Mari to her feet. "Come on Mari, lets go look for Daren and Father." Mari nods as she tears
her gaze from her friends and the site of Lily's study buddy, who lay mangled beside her favorite book, Wizard's First Rule.
They walked towards the castle, passing the horrified faces on the dead bodies of those they knew, knowing that their expressions
would never change again.
****************************
The door slowly creaks open as they step inside, glancing left and right, seeing again the horrified faces and obliterated
bodies. Lily takes the lead and steps forward into the foyer. The new rug that their father had gotten as a present form the two of them
lay bundled up against the wall, torn and covered in blood. Mari followed and kept her gaze on the ground. "Perhaps we should check
Dad's office first," Mari said, eyes glued to her feet. Lily just stood there, mouth agape. "Yes, I... I suppose so." She closed her mouth
and started forward, Mari following. They began up what was left of the once grand spiral staircase. Higher and higher they climbed,
jumping gaps in the stone, tripping a couple of times. At last they reached the top, or what was left of it. To the right there was nothing
left. The entire upper right half of the building had been blown away, everything except the front wall, explaining why they hadn't seen it
before. The left hall was intact, but a horrible mess. "Well, at least father's office is on that side of the building, so there's hope." Lily
declared, trying to keep up her sister's spirits, or maybe even her own. She didn't know. I am the scout of new hope. I can cope with this.
My sister needs me to be strong. I can't let this get to me. If there is one thing I learned in training, it is that there is always hope, a way
to get through, or a path to the top. I AM GOING TO BE STRONG FOR MY SISTER!! They walked down the hall in silence, the unnatural
darkness creeping in around them. They didn't even bother looking into some of the other rooms, afraid of what they might find waiting
within them. At last they reached the king's office. The door was still there and seemed untouched. This brought new hope to them and
they looked at each other. "Maybe they managed to make it through. I'll go in first, okay Mari?"
"No. What if it's a trap?"
"It can't be."
"But something doesn't feel right about the door still being here and undamaged. I'll go first, you're the strongest so if you get killed
I won't last!"
"But..."
"No buts. I'm first."
"Okay..." Lily let her sister past and stepped out of sight of the door. Mari walked forward and slowly turned the handle. The shrieking
screams from her sister's throat said it all, something was still here, and it wasn't nice.
****************************
Serena stops in front of an empty house and shudders. That house always gave me the creeps. I don't know why, just does.
She thinks, turning to continue on her way home from school. Darien hasn't sent me that surprise yet. I wonder what it is... "Serena!
Look out!!!" Luna screams, rushing around a corner. Serena looks up at the car racing towards her, just before being tackled out of the
way. "Serena!" Luna screams rushing over. Serena doesn't here her as she looks at who saved her. "Seiya? Is that you?!"
"Hey Odango! How've you been?"
"Fine. What are you doing here? I thought you went home."
"We did, but something happened on the way home and we were flung back, so here we are." Taiki states walking up with Yaten.
"Taiki! Yaten! Wait. What do you mean thrown back?"
"Just what he said. Some dark force threw us back. It blocked our path home. " Seiya said standing up and reaching a hand down to
help Serena. She takes it and stands up. Luna jumps up on a small post. "What kind of dark force?"
"We don't know. It was very powerful. All we saw was a black wave and then, light's out. We woke up here on earth." Yaten replies,
crossing his arms.
"A black wave...?" Serena asks.
"Yes."
"Well, why don't we talk it over at my house? I can call the others and we can talk. I'm sure they'll be excited to find out you're back,
even though you weren't supposed to be."
"Well, What do you say?" Seiya enquires.
"Why not."
"Okay."
****************************
"So what are you going to do now?" Mina asks Yaten at Serena's house. Everyone was there, Serena, Mina, Lita, Raye,
Amy, Seiya, Yaten, Taiki, and even their princess, who had taken the alias Kara. They sat around the table and Lita handed out some
of the cookies she had baked a short time before she came over. Seiya swallowed and reached to get another one. "Well, we don't
know. I think we may continue singing, only know we won't be searching for our princess, we'll be searching for a way home."
"Do you think we can help?" Mina asks, grabbing a cookie herself.
"I don't know. We may just have to wait for it to pass... and hope it doesn't come here. "
"Oh no... You don't think that maybe..." Lita gasps, almost dropping the plate she had been taking to the kitchen.
"No. But it is a possibility and we should be prepared."
"Yes, of course. What do you say to this Luna?"
"I don't know Amy. Why don't you help Artemis find out what it is, while I try and contact Pluto and the others."
"No need." Says Trista, coming into the room, followed by Amara, Michelle, and Hotaru. Amara frowned when she say Kara and the
Starlights, but said nothing.
"Michelle! Amara! Trista! Hotaru! What are you guys doing here?"
"We have to talk." Trista stated in a deadly serious tone."
****************************
"I sensed something wrong with the time flow of a small planet in a parallel galaxy to ours. It was almost in another dimension, but
there seems to be a pathway connecting it to this one. Anyway, something went wrong there, and since it was close to earth I called
the others and we came over, just to be precautious." Trista explained, sitting down. "Amy, may I borrow your computer?"
"Sure." Amy hands Trista her computer and Trista starts to fiddle with it. In a moment she had made a hologram of gateway, the
planet, Earth, and the evil force. It was concentrated on the planet, like bees are around a hive. "Is that planet inhabited?" Lita asked.
"Yes, unfortunately, it was."
"Was?"
"Yes, was. The force has nearly obliterated everything on the planet, and not in a decent way either. The details are too
gruesome to talk about, so let's just say the people didn't die pleasantly. This force is extremely powerful and extremely dangerous.
We'll watch it for a while, and if it starts to make the slightest move towards earth, we'll know."
"Okay then. Everyone be ready to take action if it is needed. In the meantime, Seiya, are you guys all set up, or do you need anything."
Raye said, standing up.
"No. We're fine. We have an apartment downtown and we'll get our singing career back online until we can leave. Again."
"Alright, well I have to go to cram school so I'll see you later." Amy said, getting up.
"Yes. I guess we should all go." Mina gets up as well, followed by Lita.
"Bye Serena!"
"Bye Odango!"
"Bye..."
"Oh. Serena." Lita runs back and hands her a small package. "This came for you while you were in the bathroom. I think it's from
Darien. Bye."
"Thanks!" She calls as she closes the door and sits down to open the package, happy to here from Darien again. She tore off the
paper and pulled out a small envelope. She opened it and began to read:
Dear Serena,
How are you? I'm doing much better. I've finally gotten over my cold and things are going fine. I've gotten a lot better at
speaking and writing in English. My grades are fine and my teachers are wonderful. How have your grades been, or should I not ask?
Don't worry. I love you anyway, but if you get good grades you'll get more surprises from me, and don't bother lying. Amy is writing me
too and she'll tell me the truth. I miss you a lot. It is kinda lonely here without my meatball head. So, open up the rest of the package
and I'll see you soon.
With lots of love,
Darien.
Serena stared at the letter for a few minutes and then pulled opened the box. Inside was a key chain that said 'My boyfriend
went to the States and all he got me as this crummy key chain.' In English of course so Serena couldn't read it. There was also a tour
guide to the US, and an 'I love the U.S.' hat. Underneath the hat was another envelope. Inside was a first class ticket to Boston and a
note saying 'I'll meet you at the airport. See you soon!' Serena gaped and the screamed. "I'M GOING TO GO SEE DARIEN! YEAH!!!"
****************************
"Mari!" Lily cried as a wave of darkness burst from within the room. Mari was sent flying across the hall, crashing into the
opposite room, where she landed and lay motionless in a pool of her own blood. Lily ran to her side and pulled her close. The same
expression of horror that she had seen on so many of their friends was now carved into her sister's face. Her choker lay shattered next
to her, and clenched in tight in her hand was the small crystal heart that Daren had given her the day he proposed, untouched and
unbroken. She didn't even try to defend herself. Her choker is the key to her transformation, yet she didn't even try to transform. She
didn't try... She held her sister close and turned her gaze towards the darkness of her enemy. The void wavered there for a moment
and then started to take a form. It twisted and wretched until finally it took the form of a girl. Her long blonde hair was pulled up in buns
with long trailing ponytails. Her sparkling blue eyes were only matched by the outfit she wore. A long silken gown wrapped around her
body, a bow at the back made it look as if she had wings. A crown graced her head, though it paled in light of a glowing crescent upon
her brow. Lily gazed in wonder at the figure that now stood before her. "Wh.. Who are you?!" She shrieked through her tears. "I am Neo
Queen Serenity, the ruler of Earth and descendant of the moon kingdom."
"You cannot be who you say you are."
"How can I not? I am here before your eyes."
"Eyes can deceive, as words can be falsehoods."
"What proof have you that I am not who I say?"
"That you underestimate your opponent." She said calmly standing up and reaching towards the charm on her neck. "There is no
proof in your words." The queen replied, equally calm. "And there is no truth in yours."
"I speak truth, and you cannot prove otherwise."
"I can and will." She yelled, grabbing her charm. "Star ... Hope .... TRANSFORMATION!" A blinding light filled the room and a new
figure stood where Lily had been. She wore a pair of pumps that had laces going up to her knees, matching the silver mini skirt with
a top that looked something like a school uniform's, also silver. On the bow of the top was a white crystal starburst, the same as was
on her choker. Now the choker had a small crystal shard dangling from a silver angel. Her hair was done in a bun, and her bangs hid
a tiara, on which was another crystal shard. She raised her hands a there was another flash of light, revealing a staff in her left hand.
Her staff was also silver, and had a starburst at the top, glowing with a bright light from within. "I am Sailor Ara, the scout of New Hope
and I shall destroy you for what you have done to my sister."
****************************
She stood there a moment and then smiled. "Nice speech, but I would like to declare otherwise. Would you murder the
Queen of Earth?"
"No."
"Then you can do nothing."
"No. I said I would not kill the Queen, but I never said anything about not destroying your evil presence."
"How can you destroy evil that does not exist?"
"By exposing the evil masquerading around as good!" Sailor Ara gripped her staff and lifted it high. The starburst glowed brilliantly and
shone with a light to make the sun jealous. "Star of Alahorme, my guiding light, cast down the shadows of the night. Revealing... Star...
RADIANCE!" She cried at the top of her lungs, bringing her staff down in a swooping motion. A wave of light and color swept around her
and outward, repelling the shadows. The woman was thrown backwards and against the wall. Slumping to the ground, her figure wavered
and twisted, revealing a black void. It rose in the air, fouling it with the reek stench of death and destruction. Sailor Ara nearly gagged,
but held her ground defiantly. "Pitiful scout!" It called in a harsh croak. "I shall use your corpse as my throw rug!" It screeched rushing
at her. "Not if I defeat you first!" She lifted her staff once more, her eyes burning with tears. "I lost my friends, my father, and my sister
because of you, and you shall feel as they did when you took their lives! Light of the star of Alahorme! Aid me! Lend me the light sword
Elemental!" Her staff glowed and the burst into flames. They twisted and formed a new shape. Sailor Ara let it go and took a step back.
The void stopped charging and also stepped back. The earth shook and rose, enveloping the fire until it glowed red with heat. It seemed
the fire was about to burn it's way out again when a gust of wind cooled and hardened the outside of earth. Now Sailor Ara stepped back
up with a small shattered charm, her sister's choker. She held it up and a stream of water issued forth from the pieces, surrounding what
had been her staff. As the water fell away, it revealed a sword with a curved blade, a scimitar to be precise. It had a jeweled handle,
specifically with four gems, a topaz, a sapphire, a ruby, and a diamond. Sailor Ara reached out to grab the handle but the void was there
in an instant and grabbed it with a newly formed hand, but dropped it faster then it had grabbed it. Where it had touched the sword the
was now a large, blistering burn. "What is this trickery!" The shadow howled.
"It is not trickery. The blade can not be held by evil. Only good may wield it." To prove her point she picked up the sword and pointed it
directly at the monster. "Any last words?"
"Yes." It said twisting and forming a new shape. A scout with black hair, dark gray eyes, and
pale skin stepped from the disappearing shadow. "Can you kill yourself to stop me?"
****************************
Ara paused and then defiantly stated, "Yes, because you are not me."
"Attack then and see what happens."
"I shall." She lunged forward and ran the sword through her left shoulder, then screamed in pain, falling backwards, sword still in hand.
Her left shoulder was numb, blood dripping from a large gash there. "What the heck?! What did you do?!" She screamed. "Nothing. I am
you, so you are just hurting yourself." Ara stood there a moment, stunned, then gritted her teeth. "Fine then. I shall just have to die killing
you." The shadow stepped back, it's turn to be stunned. "You wouldn't!"
"I would."
"Why?! Don't you care about yourself?"
"No. I cared about my sister. Now she is dead, thanks to you and I am still living. If I die killing you then I at least get to see her again."
"So you would kill yourself..." It said twisting once more and abandoning Ara's form. "Would you kill another though." It said taking
another form. A girl with brown hair, green eyes, and slightly tan skin now stood before her, smiling sweetly. "Hello Sis!"
"No... Mari?"
"Who else silly?"
"No. It isn't you. You died. You were killed!"
"How can I be dead if I'm standing here talking to you?"
"No..." Sailor Ara spun around and glanced to where she had left her sister. Her body wasn't there anymore. "No... IT'S NOT
POSSIBLE!!!!"
"It is. It's me Lilianna, it is me." She said, taking a step towards her.
"No. It isn't you. You would never use my full name. You always insisted on using my nick name."
"Of course I did." She paused, as if searching the air for her nickname. "Lily. I'm telling you, it's me." Ara put her hands to her head
and fell to her knees. "It can't be you. It can't..."
"Come now... You know it's me. If you don't believe me, test me. Ask me a question only I would know. "
"Okay... When we were seven, something happened on your birthday, what was it?"
"You asked me what I wanted and I said a pony. Then you said that you would get it for me. We went outside and you pointed out a
chestnut colored one in the stables, your Coco. You said that from now on, he was mine. Now do you believe me?"
"No. One more. What did you get me on my birthday?"
"A book." She said confidently. Ara stood up and looked at her sister smiling and took a step toward her. She smiled back and raised
her arms for a hug, but received a sword through the heart instead. With a shocked look in her eyes, she asked, "Wh... Why?"
"Because my real sister was sick on my seventh birthday and couldn't get me a gift. She spent the day in her room, unconscious, and
later promised me that she would try to make it up with a trip to the park." Ara replied in cold malice. She fell to the ground, and lay
still. Ara stood there, staring at her sister's body for a few moments then fell as a black wave flew through her from her sister's body.
She shivered as she saw the shadow form in front of her and the dissipate. She dropped Elemental, and fell to the ground unconscious,
not noticing the fading burn at the center of her palm.
****************************
The only light to pierce the unusual darkness was a small blue orb the size of a bead.
"Bright isn't it?" Says a teenage girl stepping from a doorway.
"Yes, it's unusual," mutters the figure.
"Do you think that they defeated the shadow?"
"I'm not sure. They say that the guardians of that system are the strongest in this galaxy. I hope that's true.
We are scheduled for another training run soon and I don't want anything to happen while we're gone because
we won't be able to make it back quickly if something does. The next training session is on Malarte. That's a two day trip."
"Yes I know, but I don't think you need to worry Lily. We are leaving in a couple of days and I'm sure that...
Oh, what was that guardian's name again?"
"Sailor Moon."
"Oh, yes! I'm sure she has beaten it, and we have no problems as of yet so she must have." The girl states,
flipping her dirty blonde hair over her shoulder as she walks back in. The figure just nods and leans forward into
the small shaft of pale light, revealing and her jet black hair, and dark gray eyes. Her pale, white skin seemed to
glow like the orb. She fiddled with her necklace as she sits in thought. I hope for your sake sister that you are right. I hope...
**********************************
Two days later...
**********************************
"Mari... I'm worried. Maybe we should go back..." calls the girl with jet black hair to her sparring partner.
The other girl looks up at her with her cold ice-green eyes. "What do you mean? We're still training."
"I'm worried about everyone. What if something happens while we are gone? We are their only guardians so they are unprotected."
"Sis, you worry too much. I'm sure they are fine, and besides, Daren can fight just as well as we can and he is still there."
"But Daren is just one person..."
"Liliana! Just stay cool! We are going home tomorrow anyway."
"Alright, but I still have a bad feeling..." Mari sighs, exasperated, and picks up a worn staff.
"The next phase is staffing. Pick yours up and lets go!" Lily nods and grabs the other staff, taking her position.
"Ready." They charge each other, countering moves, bringing an offensive, and searching for openings. Meanwhile,
another person does the same, only a mistake could cost him his life...
******************************
Serena sits in class, staring at a math test. She bites the end of her pencil and slowly writes down an equation.
How do I do this?! I don't remember anything Amy told me! Argh! She bites her pencil again. "Time's up. Pass your tests forward,"
says the teacher. Serena sighs and hands in her test just as the bell rings. She walks out, and Mina comes up behind her.
"How did you do?"
"Horrible. I didn't even finish!"
"Well, your make-up exam buddy is right there with you!"
"You too?
"Yep! Oh, well. I need something to cheer me up. Wanna go for ice cream?"
"Yeah! Oh wait, what about volleyball club?"
"It was cancelled today. I told Amy and everyone to meet us at the restaurant when their clubs were over."
"Alright then!"
A little bit later...
"Hey Serena!"
"Hi Raye!"
"So how'd you do on your test?"
"Um..."
"You know you really should study more Serena."
"Huh? Oh hi Amy."
"Come on you guys, I'm sure Serena's had it a little ruff lately, especially after we just defeated Galaxia and Darien has gone
back to the states to get the education he missed because of what happened," says Lita, taking a seat. Mina nods and Serena
looks overjoyed that someone would say that it is okay that she got a bad grade. "Lita, you're too gentle with her!" Exclaims Raye.
"Yeah, well, I'll be less gentle once Darien comes back. Like I said, Serena's been through a lot." By now Amy had her nose in a
book and Mina was staring at an old magazine with a bio on the Three Lights. Lita gets a sweatdrop. "No one is even listening."
"I wonder how they are doing..." says Mina.
"Huh? How who's doing?" Lita asks.
"Seiya, Taiki, and Yaten."
"Oh. " Serena stares out the window. Seiya...
"Hey Serena! Helllooooo!! Earth to Serena, come in Serena!" Raye waves her hand in Serena's face. Serena snaps out of it. "What?"
"I said have you gotten any letters from Darien since last week."
"Yeah... He's fine. He's got a slight cold though. He says that he'll send me something special with the next letter and that he can't
wait to see me. He also said to tell you he said hi."
"That's good. Too bad he has a cold though."
Serena nods and looks back out through the window. Darien... I miss you...
****************************
"What happened?!" Screams Lily. She falls to her knees surrounded by the rubble and scattered debris that had once been
the shining capital of her homeland, Alahorme. Where there had once been their favorite little soda shop, now was a pile of ash. The
school that they had been at just a week before was nothing more than one wall made up of about fifteen stones. Bodies lay strewn
about the bits of wood and rock, some horribly mangled but still in one piece, and for others there was nothing left but an arm here
and a head there. Lily looked over the wreckage and almost automatically spots Mari's best friend, Nina, lying with her back twisted
in an odd way, holding her new husband's hand. As for Nina's husband, he had his entire lower body missing. It was apparent they
had died together. She glanced away before Mari notices what she is looking at, and turned her gaze to her home. The palace looked
dark and foreboding. The pillars for the entrance where shattered in the mid section and had fallen against each other, the only reason
why that section of the roof was still in one piece for the most part. Unfortunately, that was practically the only part of the palace in
one piece. The entire servant's quarters was demolished. The balcony to her room, which was at the front of the palace, had fallen
down on top of the garden, flattening the roses. Mari looks blankly ahead, her lips moving, but with no sound. Lily stands up,
snapping out of it. "M...Ma...Mari?"
"Huh?"
"We should go look for any survivors. Not to mention to see if father's okay..." she says, unnaturally calm. "Yes... I ... I ..."
Mari stumbles over her words and falls to her knees, crying.
"Maybe you should stay here..." Lily bends down by her sister and puts a hand on her shoulder. "It'll be fine."
"Da... Da... "
"I'm sure Daren is fine too." Lily pulls Mari to her feet. "Come on Mari, lets go look for Daren and Father." Mari nods as she tears
her gaze from her friends and the site of Lily's study buddy, who lay mangled beside her favorite book, Wizard's First Rule.
They walked towards the castle, passing the horrified faces on the dead bodies of those they knew, knowing that their expressions
would never change again.
****************************
The door slowly creaks open as they step inside, glancing left and right, seeing again the horrified faces and obliterated
bodies. Lily takes the lead and steps forward into the foyer. The new rug that their father had gotten as a present form the two of them
lay bundled up against the wall, torn and covered in blood. Mari followed and kept her gaze on the ground. "Perhaps we should check
Dad's office first," Mari said, eyes glued to her feet. Lily just stood there, mouth agape. "Yes, I... I suppose so." She closed her mouth
and started forward, Mari following. They began up what was left of the once grand spiral staircase. Higher and higher they climbed,
jumping gaps in the stone, tripping a couple of times. At last they reached the top, or what was left of it. To the right there was nothing
left. The entire upper right half of the building had been blown away, everything except the front wall, explaining why they hadn't seen it
before. The left hall was intact, but a horrible mess. "Well, at least father's office is on that side of the building, so there's hope." Lily
declared, trying to keep up her sister's spirits, or maybe even her own. She didn't know. I am the scout of new hope. I can cope with this.
My sister needs me to be strong. I can't let this get to me. If there is one thing I learned in training, it is that there is always hope, a way
to get through, or a path to the top. I AM GOING TO BE STRONG FOR MY SISTER!! They walked down the hall in silence, the unnatural
darkness creeping in around them. They didn't even bother looking into some of the other rooms, afraid of what they might find waiting
within them. At last they reached the king's office. The door was still there and seemed untouched. This brought new hope to them and
they looked at each other. "Maybe they managed to make it through. I'll go in first, okay Mari?"
"No. What if it's a trap?"
"It can't be."
"But something doesn't feel right about the door still being here and undamaged. I'll go first, you're the strongest so if you get killed
I won't last!"
"But..."
"No buts. I'm first."
"Okay..." Lily let her sister past and stepped out of sight of the door. Mari walked forward and slowly turned the handle. The shrieking
screams from her sister's throat said it all, something was still here, and it wasn't nice.
****************************
Serena stops in front of an empty house and shudders. That house always gave me the creeps. I don't know why, just does.
She thinks, turning to continue on her way home from school. Darien hasn't sent me that surprise yet. I wonder what it is... "Serena!
Look out!!!" Luna screams, rushing around a corner. Serena looks up at the car racing towards her, just before being tackled out of the
way. "Serena!" Luna screams rushing over. Serena doesn't here her as she looks at who saved her. "Seiya? Is that you?!"
"Hey Odango! How've you been?"
"Fine. What are you doing here? I thought you went home."
"We did, but something happened on the way home and we were flung back, so here we are." Taiki states walking up with Yaten.
"Taiki! Yaten! Wait. What do you mean thrown back?"
"Just what he said. Some dark force threw us back. It blocked our path home. " Seiya said standing up and reaching a hand down to
help Serena. She takes it and stands up. Luna jumps up on a small post. "What kind of dark force?"
"We don't know. It was very powerful. All we saw was a black wave and then, light's out. We woke up here on earth." Yaten replies,
crossing his arms.
"A black wave...?" Serena asks.
"Yes."
"Well, why don't we talk it over at my house? I can call the others and we can talk. I'm sure they'll be excited to find out you're back,
even though you weren't supposed to be."
"Well, What do you say?" Seiya enquires.
"Why not."
"Okay."
****************************
"So what are you going to do now?" Mina asks Yaten at Serena's house. Everyone was there, Serena, Mina, Lita, Raye,
Amy, Seiya, Yaten, Taiki, and even their princess, who had taken the alias Kara. They sat around the table and Lita handed out some
of the cookies she had baked a short time before she came over. Seiya swallowed and reached to get another one. "Well, we don't
know. I think we may continue singing, only know we won't be searching for our princess, we'll be searching for a way home."
"Do you think we can help?" Mina asks, grabbing a cookie herself.
"I don't know. We may just have to wait for it to pass... and hope it doesn't come here. "
"Oh no... You don't think that maybe..." Lita gasps, almost dropping the plate she had been taking to the kitchen.
"No. But it is a possibility and we should be prepared."
"Yes, of course. What do you say to this Luna?"
"I don't know Amy. Why don't you help Artemis find out what it is, while I try and contact Pluto and the others."
"No need." Says Trista, coming into the room, followed by Amara, Michelle, and Hotaru. Amara frowned when she say Kara and the
Starlights, but said nothing.
"Michelle! Amara! Trista! Hotaru! What are you guys doing here?"
"We have to talk." Trista stated in a deadly serious tone."
****************************
"I sensed something wrong with the time flow of a small planet in a parallel galaxy to ours. It was almost in another dimension, but
there seems to be a pathway connecting it to this one. Anyway, something went wrong there, and since it was close to earth I called
the others and we came over, just to be precautious." Trista explained, sitting down. "Amy, may I borrow your computer?"
"Sure." Amy hands Trista her computer and Trista starts to fiddle with it. In a moment she had made a hologram of gateway, the
planet, Earth, and the evil force. It was concentrated on the planet, like bees are around a hive. "Is that planet inhabited?" Lita asked.
"Yes, unfortunately, it was."
"Was?"
"Yes, was. The force has nearly obliterated everything on the planet, and not in a decent way either. The details are too
gruesome to talk about, so let's just say the people didn't die pleasantly. This force is extremely powerful and extremely dangerous.
We'll watch it for a while, and if it starts to make the slightest move towards earth, we'll know."
"Okay then. Everyone be ready to take action if it is needed. In the meantime, Seiya, are you guys all set up, or do you need anything."
Raye said, standing up.
"No. We're fine. We have an apartment downtown and we'll get our singing career back online until we can leave. Again."
"Alright, well I have to go to cram school so I'll see you later." Amy said, getting up.
"Yes. I guess we should all go." Mina gets up as well, followed by Lita.
"Bye Serena!"
"Bye Odango!"
"Bye..."
"Oh. Serena." Lita runs back and hands her a small package. "This came for you while you were in the bathroom. I think it's from
Darien. Bye."
"Thanks!" She calls as she closes the door and sits down to open the package, happy to here from Darien again. She tore off the
paper and pulled out a small envelope. She opened it and began to read:
Dear Serena,
How are you? I'm doing much better. I've finally gotten over my cold and things are going fine. I've gotten a lot better at
speaking and writing in English. My grades are fine and my teachers are wonderful. How have your grades been, or should I not ask?
Don't worry. I love you anyway, but if you get good grades you'll get more surprises from me, and don't bother lying. Amy is writing me
too and she'll tell me the truth. I miss you a lot. It is kinda lonely here without my meatball head. So, open up the rest of the package
and I'll see you soon.
With lots of love,
Darien.
Serena stared at the letter for a few minutes and then pulled opened the box. Inside was a key chain that said 'My boyfriend
went to the States and all he got me as this crummy key chain.' In English of course so Serena couldn't read it. There was also a tour
guide to the US, and an 'I love the U.S.' hat. Underneath the hat was another envelope. Inside was a first class ticket to Boston and a
note saying 'I'll meet you at the airport. See you soon!' Serena gaped and the screamed. "I'M GOING TO GO SEE DARIEN! YEAH!!!"
****************************
"Mari!" Lily cried as a wave of darkness burst from within the room. Mari was sent flying across the hall, crashing into the
opposite room, where she landed and lay motionless in a pool of her own blood. Lily ran to her side and pulled her close. The same
expression of horror that she had seen on so many of their friends was now carved into her sister's face. Her choker lay shattered next
to her, and clenched in tight in her hand was the small crystal heart that Daren had given her the day he proposed, untouched and
unbroken. She didn't even try to defend herself. Her choker is the key to her transformation, yet she didn't even try to transform. She
didn't try... She held her sister close and turned her gaze towards the darkness of her enemy. The void wavered there for a moment
and then started to take a form. It twisted and wretched until finally it took the form of a girl. Her long blonde hair was pulled up in buns
with long trailing ponytails. Her sparkling blue eyes were only matched by the outfit she wore. A long silken gown wrapped around her
body, a bow at the back made it look as if she had wings. A crown graced her head, though it paled in light of a glowing crescent upon
her brow. Lily gazed in wonder at the figure that now stood before her. "Wh.. Who are you?!" She shrieked through her tears. "I am Neo
Queen Serenity, the ruler of Earth and descendant of the moon kingdom."
"You cannot be who you say you are."
"How can I not? I am here before your eyes."
"Eyes can deceive, as words can be falsehoods."
"What proof have you that I am not who I say?"
"That you underestimate your opponent." She said calmly standing up and reaching towards the charm on her neck. "There is no
proof in your words." The queen replied, equally calm. "And there is no truth in yours."
"I speak truth, and you cannot prove otherwise."
"I can and will." She yelled, grabbing her charm. "Star ... Hope .... TRANSFORMATION!" A blinding light filled the room and a new
figure stood where Lily had been. She wore a pair of pumps that had laces going up to her knees, matching the silver mini skirt with
a top that looked something like a school uniform's, also silver. On the bow of the top was a white crystal starburst, the same as was
on her choker. Now the choker had a small crystal shard dangling from a silver angel. Her hair was done in a bun, and her bangs hid
a tiara, on which was another crystal shard. She raised her hands a there was another flash of light, revealing a staff in her left hand.
Her staff was also silver, and had a starburst at the top, glowing with a bright light from within. "I am Sailor Ara, the scout of New Hope
and I shall destroy you for what you have done to my sister."
****************************
She stood there a moment and then smiled. "Nice speech, but I would like to declare otherwise. Would you murder the
Queen of Earth?"
"No."
"Then you can do nothing."
"No. I said I would not kill the Queen, but I never said anything about not destroying your evil presence."
"How can you destroy evil that does not exist?"
"By exposing the evil masquerading around as good!" Sailor Ara gripped her staff and lifted it high. The starburst glowed brilliantly and
shone with a light to make the sun jealous. "Star of Alahorme, my guiding light, cast down the shadows of the night. Revealing... Star...
RADIANCE!" She cried at the top of her lungs, bringing her staff down in a swooping motion. A wave of light and color swept around her
and outward, repelling the shadows. The woman was thrown backwards and against the wall. Slumping to the ground, her figure wavered
and twisted, revealing a black void. It rose in the air, fouling it with the reek stench of death and destruction. Sailor Ara nearly gagged,
but held her ground defiantly. "Pitiful scout!" It called in a harsh croak. "I shall use your corpse as my throw rug!" It screeched rushing
at her. "Not if I defeat you first!" She lifted her staff once more, her eyes burning with tears. "I lost my friends, my father, and my sister
because of you, and you shall feel as they did when you took their lives! Light of the star of Alahorme! Aid me! Lend me the light sword
Elemental!" Her staff glowed and the burst into flames. They twisted and formed a new shape. Sailor Ara let it go and took a step back.
The void stopped charging and also stepped back. The earth shook and rose, enveloping the fire until it glowed red with heat. It seemed
the fire was about to burn it's way out again when a gust of wind cooled and hardened the outside of earth. Now Sailor Ara stepped back
up with a small shattered charm, her sister's choker. She held it up and a stream of water issued forth from the pieces, surrounding what
had been her staff. As the water fell away, it revealed a sword with a curved blade, a scimitar to be precise. It had a jeweled handle,
specifically with four gems, a topaz, a sapphire, a ruby, and a diamond. Sailor Ara reached out to grab the handle but the void was there
in an instant and grabbed it with a newly formed hand, but dropped it faster then it had grabbed it. Where it had touched the sword the
was now a large, blistering burn. "What is this trickery!" The shadow howled.
"It is not trickery. The blade can not be held by evil. Only good may wield it." To prove her point she picked up the sword and pointed it
directly at the monster. "Any last words?"
"Yes." It said twisting and forming a new shape. A scout with black hair, dark gray eyes, and
pale skin stepped from the disappearing shadow. "Can you kill yourself to stop me?"
****************************
Ara paused and then defiantly stated, "Yes, because you are not me."
"Attack then and see what happens."
"I shall." She lunged forward and ran the sword through her left shoulder, then screamed in pain, falling backwards, sword still in hand.
Her left shoulder was numb, blood dripping from a large gash there. "What the heck?! What did you do?!" She screamed. "Nothing. I am
you, so you are just hurting yourself." Ara stood there a moment, stunned, then gritted her teeth. "Fine then. I shall just have to die killing
you." The shadow stepped back, it's turn to be stunned. "You wouldn't!"
"I would."
"Why?! Don't you care about yourself?"
"No. I cared about my sister. Now she is dead, thanks to you and I am still living. If I die killing you then I at least get to see her again."
"So you would kill yourself..." It said twisting once more and abandoning Ara's form. "Would you kill another though." It said taking
another form. A girl with brown hair, green eyes, and slightly tan skin now stood before her, smiling sweetly. "Hello Sis!"
"No... Mari?"
"Who else silly?"
"No. It isn't you. You died. You were killed!"
"How can I be dead if I'm standing here talking to you?"
"No..." Sailor Ara spun around and glanced to where she had left her sister. Her body wasn't there anymore. "No... IT'S NOT
POSSIBLE!!!!"
"It is. It's me Lilianna, it is me." She said, taking a step towards her.
"No. It isn't you. You would never use my full name. You always insisted on using my nick name."
"Of course I did." She paused, as if searching the air for her nickname. "Lily. I'm telling you, it's me." Ara put her hands to her head
and fell to her knees. "It can't be you. It can't..."
"Come now... You know it's me. If you don't believe me, test me. Ask me a question only I would know. "
"Okay... When we were seven, something happened on your birthday, what was it?"
"You asked me what I wanted and I said a pony. Then you said that you would get it for me. We went outside and you pointed out a
chestnut colored one in the stables, your Coco. You said that from now on, he was mine. Now do you believe me?"
"No. One more. What did you get me on my birthday?"
"A book." She said confidently. Ara stood up and looked at her sister smiling and took a step toward her. She smiled back and raised
her arms for a hug, but received a sword through the heart instead. With a shocked look in her eyes, she asked, "Wh... Why?"
"Because my real sister was sick on my seventh birthday and couldn't get me a gift. She spent the day in her room, unconscious, and
later promised me that she would try to make it up with a trip to the park." Ara replied in cold malice. She fell to the ground, and lay
still. Ara stood there, staring at her sister's body for a few moments then fell as a black wave flew through her from her sister's body.
She shivered as she saw the shadow form in front of her and the dissipate. She dropped Elemental, and fell to the ground unconscious,
not noticing the fading burn at the center of her palm.
****************************
