The Magic Force
Moon Crystal Reunion
Part 6: Malkyrion Strikes Back...And Hard

Ace got off the phone with Professor Surge and looked at his friends. "Everybody, it seems we forgot something. We were supposed to go to the Surge Consortium this morning, and—" He had to think quickly because Victor was the only person who did not know about the girls being Sailor Scouts. "We were so busy last night with catching up that it completely slipped my mind. Amy, you'll meet Professor Jonathan Surge this evening after dinner."
"You mean he won't be leaving tonight?" asked Amy.
Cosmo chuckled. "Amy, Professor Surge practically lives in that building."
"Hold it, stop," said Mina. "Mr. Cooper, you mentioned another person named Surge, Sonny Boy the crime boss. Are those two related in any way?"
Ace nodded. "Unfortunately, yes. Sonny Boy is Jonathan Surge's son. And you all know Mona is the daughter of 'Black Jack' Malone."
"Whoa… powerful families, yet with so different perspectives."
"I know, but we have something else to worry about." Angie, what are we going to do? Victor doesn't know about any of this – Malkyrion or the Sailor Scouts.
Let me talk with him alone about this, okay? Perhaps it's best if I tell him myself. "Vic, um, can we go to the practice room for a minute? There's something I need to talk to you about."
Victor shrugged. "Okay, Angie, sure."
As the pair walked to the practice room, Serena looked at Ace. "I don't get it. How come she has to talk to him alone?"
"Because Victor doesn't know about us," Artemis replied. "She wants to trust him with our secret, but all of us telling him at the same time would make him think we were nuts or something."
Angie waited until the door closed, then turned to Victor with a strange expression on her face.
"What's the matter, Angie?"
"Vic, there are a couple of things I need to tell you, and I'll understand if you don't believe either one."
"Angie, you're a magician. You can do some of the most unbelievable things. Go ahead and tell me."
"All right. First, there's this dangerous being named Malkyrion on the loose. He's out to drain the energy of all creatures here on Earth. That's the reason we were all a little tired this morning."
"All of you?"
"Yes. Now this leads to the second part. When Ace and I took a trip to Japan three years ago, we met a group of heroines called the Sailor Scouts when we had to stop a being called the Dark Princess. Those six girls in the living room are in fact the Scouts themselves. The only one who wasn't with us before is Rini, who is also called Super Sailor Chibi-Moon." She went on to explain which scout was which and about the cats. "If you think I'm crazy, it's okay."
Victor shook his head and smiled. "Angie, it may be far-fetched, but I do believe you. Captain Friedrichs almost never has a problem staying on his feet, in spite of all the yelling he normally does at Lieutenant Vega."
Back in the living room, Ace received a call from Vega himself. "What is it, Vega?"
"Ace, we got several eyewitness reports of strange lights flying around last night in Keaton Park. One was light blue, like Angie's magic, and the other was a golden light. Do you know anything about it?"
"Actually, Vega, yes, I do. Look, would you come down here to the Express so I can explain everything to you? It would be better if I told you in person."
"I'll be there as soon as I can."
After the vid-screen went off, Luna looked at Ace. "Are you sure this is a good idea? We don't want too many people to know about us."
"I know, Luna, but Vega and I have been friends for more than 20 years. I trust him with my life. Besides, I've learned more about Malkyrion."
"How?" asked Darien.
"I was able to make contact with Queen Serenity this morning."
"No way," gasped Serena. "I didn't know you could go back in time."
"Actually, I didn't. I traveled in a dreamscape and found her upon the ancient ruins of the Moon Kingdom." He went on to explain to the others who Malkyrion was.
Luna said, "Wait, I recall that name now. He was one of the most dangerous beings we ever had to face, even more dangerous than the Negaverse before. He has returned to this part of the universe, with Earth as the intended target for energy?"
"Yes," said Amy, "But would Lieutenant Vega believe our story?"
Ace nodded. "I know he would believe us. He's probably the only one who would. In the meantime, we just have to be on our guard about Malkyrion."
Angie continued her discussion with Victor. "You really and honestly believe me when I say this threat is for real?"
"Of course, Ange. How else can we explain the pale faces of those animals and Captain Friedrichs? I take your word for it. And I promise not to tell anyone outside the Express about any of this. I'd rather not take any chances on anyone, including Dad, thinking I should be in a mental hospital."
"Thanks for understanding this, Vic. Believe me, it wasn't easy to talk about."
Victor embraced her warmly. "It's okay, Angie. At least your friends have a good idea as to what you're all up against. Now, shall we go join the others in the living room?"
After a nod Angie took her boyfriend's hand and returned to the living room. There, Ace told Angie about Vega's knowing of what happened in the park the night before.
"He's on the way?" Angie asked.
"Yes, and I think we'll have to tell him everything about last night."
"I hope he believes the story."
Ace looked at Victor. "I assume Angie's told you everything, including about the girls being—"
"Yes, she did. Nothing goes beyond these walls."
Little Diana breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness. I was a little worried for a while."
"Let's just hope Vega can handle this," said Cosmo with some concern in his voice. "I mean, what if he doesn't believe us?"
Luna chuckled. "How can he not believe three talking cats?"
"Point taken, Luna."
Lt. Vega arrived at the Magic fifteen minutes later, and to his surprise found everyone there, including the girl he helped the day before. "Miss Hino? You're involved again?"
"Yes, sir, but this time I'm not doing it alone."
Ace walked up to Vega. "Vega, these are Raye's friends." After introductions were made, he turned serious. "The golden glow witnesses saw last night came from Sailor Venus."
"Sailor who?" said a confused Vega.
"Sailor Venus. She's one of five – I mean, six – young women who protect Earth. What we have here is a dangerous threat from space, and they know how to deal with these things better than I do. Not too many people know about their secret identities. In fact, the only two others who know the truth are Mona and Ashley. The six girls you see here are in fact the Sailor Scouts themselves."
Artemis stepped forward and spoke. "Mr. Cooper's right, sir. We're the ones who were busy last night in Keaton Park."
Vega gasped in shock. "Ace, what are you trying to pull? This is no time for ventriloquism."
Ace shook his head. "That wasn't me, Derek. Artemis can talk, as can Luna and little Diana."
"Oh, uh, I see—I think. Now, would someone please tell me what's going on?"
Artemis and Luna explained the danger posed by Malkyrion. Five minutes later, Vega was convinced. "So, Malkyrion's the one who severely weakened Friedrichs because he sapped the captain's energy from inside him."
"Right," said Angie. "He's taken up a new host body, but we don't know what else he can do. One thing we do know – Malkyrion does not like daylight. He spends the day within the host body, then emerges in the evening when the sun goes down. If we can somehow find him before he comes out at night, we may have a chance to stop him. Raye attacked the captain because she correctly sensed Malkyrion within him."
Vega nodded. "Okay, so how do we find this vampire? I mean, not even the police has anything to detect it."
"No, but we do have Raye. She has a unique ability to sense evil. The closer it is, the stronger the feeling."
"All right. I believe what you've told me. But don't worry about your secret. Nothing leaves the Magic Express about this. I need to get back, though. After all, I currently am the chief of police." Vega left the Magic to return to headquarters. "I'm gonna have one funny report to file, but I've got to make sure I don't say anything about those girls."
Inside, Diana spoke. "What should we do now?"
Victor said, "We'll just have to keep on our toes. What else can we do at this point?"
"Mm-hmm," said Angie. "We need to go about what we've been doing, but keep all our senses alert. I say we chill here until we go to the Surge Consortium this evening."
"It could give us time to whip up a killer dish," Lita noted. "How about it, Angie?"
"Lita, you read my mind. Let's get to the kitchen and see what we can make with what we've got."
During the day, everyone remained busy within the Express, and come dinner time, Lita and Angie were able to create a fantastic dish: calamari and grilled shrimp with wild rice and lo mein. Serena ate a normal amount of food instead of the extra servings, another sign she was finally learning after being the victim of Angie's prank.
"It's almost six," said Amy. "I think we need to be ready to meet Professor Surge."
Ace nodded. "Okay. Let's take the two vans, since it'll be a lot quicker with fewer vehicles." He turned to the cats. "Luna, I'm sorry to tell you this, but pets aren't allowed in the Consortium. Zina also has to stay behind. I hope you're not offended."
Luna smiled. "Of course not, Mr. Cooper. Rules are rules, no matter where in the world you are. Have a good time, but be on guard for Malkyrion, especially after sunset."
Serena said, "We'll be ready for Malkyrion this time, with the info we've got on him already."
After a 25-minute ride, Ace and the others arrived at the Surge Consortium, with Professor Surge waiting at the door.
"Hey, Professor," said Cosmo. "Did you know we were gonna be early?"
"No, but I know you and your friends a little too well." He saw the younger group of people and smiled. "Ah, you must be the friends. Which one of you is Amy Mizuno?"
The blue-haired girl stepped forward, holding out her hand. "I am, Professor."
He shook her hand. "I hear you have an incredible love of science."
Slightly blushing she replied, "Yes, but I long to be a doctor like my mother."
"That's good. No matter what you are, scientist or doctor, science is very important. Who knows, what you learn here could one day hold the cure for a disease."
"That is true, sir. This will be a wonderful learning experience."
"Now, if you'll all come with me, I'll show you around the Consortium."
Professor Surge walked the group through the building, showing them the various experiments being tried to help better mankind. After an hour, they all watched the sun set at a second-floor window.
"How beautiful," said Rini in awe.
Serena nodded. "You're right, Rini. That is beautiful."
Raye, however, felt something not right. There is an evil presence here, but – I can't figure out where it's coming from. Is Malkyrion close by?
"So," said the professor, "What do you think?"
Lita was first to answer. "I think this place is fantastic. The possibilities are endless as to what can be done here."
"Definitely," Darien concurred. "I hope we can see some of these inventions and ideas come to Japan one day."
"We'll certainly try, Mr. Shields. Anyway, I—uh… uh… oh…"
Victor noticed the professor's strange reaction. "Professor, are you okay?"
"Don't know… feel very funny…"
Raye quickly took out an ofuda scroll. "Stand back, everyone! Malkyrion's taken over Professor Surge's body!" She threw it at him. "Evil spirits – begone!"
The scroll landed on Surge's forehead, forcing him to fall backwards. As he lay unconscious on the ground, Malkyrion's spirit emerged from within the professor as the darkness of night had arrived.
"Foolish humans!" yelled the energy vampire as his true form solidified. "How many more must interfere with my plans!? I will stop you myself!" He noticed Victor standing tall. "Ah, a human with much energy I can use. I will possess your body next!"
Malkyrion tried to rush an attack against Victor, but Angie quickly created a magical barrier around herself and her boyfriend. The vampire crashed into the barrier and fell a good distance backwards.
Angie looked at Malkyrion with angry eyes glowing in light blue. "Don't you ever attack my boyfriend again!" She turned to Victor. "I hope you're not embarrassed by this, Vic."
"Not at all, Angie," he said. "Thanks for the save."
Malkyrion shook his head and looked at his enemies. "I don't believe it! All of you again!?"
Darien smirked. "Ah, so you know who we are, do you?"
"This time you will not defeat me! I have the entire night to do whatever I wish!"
"That's what you think," said Ace, grabbing his cape. "Angie?"
"Let's!"
The two magicians in unison yelled, "Magic Force, reveal the power within!" In a matter of seconds, both emerged once more in their custom costumes.
Serena looked at her friends. "Shall we join them?"
Darien, Rini, and the others all nodded.
"Mercury Crystal Power!"
"Mars Crystal Power!"
"Jupiter Crystal Power!"
"Venus Crystal Power!"
Serena and Rini took out their brooches and together shouted, "Moon Crisis Power!"
Darien took out one of his roses and felt its power as he transformed into Tuxedo Mask, joining Sailor Moon and her friends.
Malkyrion could not believe his eyes. "No… the ones I faced in that area of plants and trees before! I shall defeat you all this time!"
Angie spoke into her communicator watch. "Angel! Tell Luna and the others Malkyrion's back!"
Back at the Express, Luna and the other cats were enjoying their own dinner when Angel suddenly appeared. "Angie says Malkyrion has returned. He's currently confronting her and the others at the Surge Consortium."
"That's where they were going!" exclaimed Artemis.
Luna added, "Malkyrion must've been resting within Professor Surge! We have to get there fast! Zina, you're the fastest runner. Would you mind carrying all three of us?"
Zina gave a growl of approval and knelt down.
"Come on, you two. Zina will give us a lift."
Diana was a little concerned. "Are you sure this is okay?"
"Yes," said Artemis. "We can trust Zina."
All three little cats crawled onto the panther's back, and Zina quickly ran through the garage door to find Ace and the others.
In the Consortium, Malkyrion placed his hands on the professor to steal more energy. "I need more!"
Ace's eyes glowed in violet as he waved his hand. "Get away from the professor!"
Malkyrion soon had enough energy to deflect the attack – back at Ace! "Take this, human!"
Ace took the full brunt of his own attack and flew backwards into the wall.
"Ace!" yelled Cosmo and Angie as they ran to him.
Ace rubbed his head as his friends helped him back to his feet. "He's gotten more powerful. All the energy he's stolen – has made him even stronger than ever. I'm not sure how we can stop him."
Angie was about to say something when she heard a whisper in her mind. Help me, please – I'm trapped…
"That voice again – it's much closer."
Chibi-Moon also heard it much stronger. "I'm hearing it, too."
"What? You can also hear that voice? I wonder if…" She looked at Malkyrion and figured it out. "I don't believe it – the voice we've heard is coming from within Malkyrion himself!"
Super Sailor Chibi-Moon saw what happened to Ace. "You won't get away with this, monster!"
"You are sadly mistaken, little girl," said Malkyrion wickedly. "This will be the night I take over completely!" His cape transformed into wings once more. He flew into the window, breaking the glass and spreading the thousands of pieces everywhere.
"We've got to stop him!" yelled Tuxedo Mask. "If we don't, he'll drain everyone in Electro City and the world!"
Ace stood up, despite still being shaken by the deflected attack on himself. "He's right. We've got some serious work to do." Speaking into his communicator, he commanded, "Angel, call for an ambulance to the Surge Consortium to help Professor Surge."
"I shall do so immediately, Ace. Zina, Luna, Artemis, and Diana are on their way to meet you."
Using the unique bond between himself and Zina, he sent her a telepathic message. Zina, it's too late here at the Consortium. Malkyrion's gotten away from us. Watch the skies for him, and let me know when you see him.
Zina heard Ace's words and ran in a different direction. Luna noticed. "Zina, what are you doing? Where are you going?"
The panther ignored Luna and continued with her job of finding Malkyrion. It didn't take the three cats long to realize why. Artemis exclaimed, "Malkyrion must have escaped and is flying around somewhere!"
Diana looked at the sky. "How are we going to be able to see him?"
"We'll just have to leave it to Zina," Artemis replied. "Perhaps she's capable of spotting him."
Malkyrion flew in search of more potential victims when he spotted two people sitting in the top-floor office of a strangely configured building. "I need energy now!"
In that office, "Black Jack" Malone and his lawyer Clockwise were busy counting the profits from business the night before. "It appears we set a record for last night," said Black Jack with a raspy voice. "This is one of – no, the best night we've ever had here at the Croesus."
"Agreed, Herr Jack. Not even Sonny Boy can top this at any of his casinos."
Suddenly, the glass shattered as Malkyrion crashed through the window, which left Jack and Clockwise shocked.
"Who are you!?" Jack questioned angrily.
The drool dripping from his mouth, Malkyrion answered, "The one who will drain this world of energy – and you will be my next victims!"
Jack tried to activate the machine gun at the bottom of his hoverchair, but Malkyrion was too quick as he grabbed Jack's arms. The crime boss started to feel weakened almost immediately. "No…you can't!"
Clockwise ran to the desk to activate the alarm. "Spade, Diamond, get in here now!"
The two bodyguards left their position at the front of the casino to reach their bosses. However, the elevator ride was not fast enough, as they entered the top-floor office and found both Jack and Clockwise unconscious.
They quickly drew their guns on the intruder, floating above them. "What have you done to the boss?" demanded Diamond.
"The same I shall do to you for your interference!" Malkyrion went after Diamond, who shot his plasma gun as best as he could, but the vampire created a shield of his own against the shots and grabbed him.
What Malkyrion did not expect was Spade ramming into him and sending him into the wall. That released Diamond from the vampire's clutches.
"Hey, you all right?" Spade asked.
"I think so. That was some… good thinking."
Malkyrion stood up and realized Spade was too big. "I will return, huge one, and far stronger than you, that I promise!" He then flew out the window to continue his attack.
"We're gonna have to call the police," said Diamond.
"I'll handle it. Even I know 9-1-1."
At police headquarters Vega sat in his office when his phone started ringing. "Electro City Police Department."
"The Croesus has been attacked," said Spade. "Some strange-looking purple guy… looked like a vampire. He stole the boss's energy."
"Malkyrion," said Vega, shocked. "Spade, is anyone besides Jack unconscious?"
"Clockwise is out cold, but Diamond's okay."
"Okay. I'll send for an ambulance for Jack and Clockwise. How did the vampire get in there anyway?"
Spade did his best to explain what he had seen. "What should I do?"
"Don't touch anything. I'm going to head out there with a investigation team right now. Everything in there is a crime scene."
"I never thought I'd be glad to have the police show up."
"Remember, Spade, don't touch a thing." Vega contacted Ace on his wristwatch. "Ace, Malkyrion's on the rampage. He's already been at the Croesus and knocked out Jack and Clockwise."
"Oh, no. He's getting stronger than ever. Professor Surge was Malkyrion's host body this time. Any idea as to which way he was going?"
"Yeah. Spade said he went straight south out the window."
"Thanks, Vega. We'll get on it." Ace then thoughtspoke to Zina. Watch for Malkyrion. He's somewhere in the sky.
Zina stopped and looked up. She gave a loud growl in seeing Malkyrion.
Ace heard the growl. "Malkyrion's getting close to Keaton Park again."
"How do you know that, Ace?" asked Angie.
"Angie, there's something I didn't tell you before. Zina and I also have our own unique bond. That's how I was able to find you in Washington before."
"Even when I was blocking you out? I always wondered how you were able to find me there. Now I understand. So, what should we do? Head to Keaton Park again?"
"Yes, we must. Come on, everyone."
The group ran back to the van and immediately left for the park.

At Keaton Park, Ulene walked alone on a path. She wondered about Cosmo and Lita. "Why didn't he tell me he found love in Japan? We've always trusted each other. I wonder how many more secrets Cosmo's keeping from me. I've even had feelings for him at times, but now I wonder if we could ever work things out."
"What troubles you, dear child?" asked a creepy voice behind her.
She quickly turned around and saw him. "You again!? You won't get my energy!"
"I do not want your energy. I heard you speaking, of someone you love but have lost to another. There is only one way to regain what you have lost. You must have vengeance on those who have hurt you."
"Vengeance? I don't know. I mean, that's not how I solve things."
"Trust me, little one. You must make them suffer for creating such pain upon your heart." His eyes started glowing.
"I… don't…" Ulene started falling under his influence. "I… must…"
"Yes. You should be able to have whatever you want, including the man you love. If someone takes him from you, you have to take him back and destroy your competition."
Ulene's face had a nasty look as she smiled wickedly. "I have to destroy my competition. Cosmo belongs to me – and only me!" She clenched her right hand into a fist. "I must get rid of Lita immediately."
"To make sure you can, I will grant you powers beyond belief, including the power to drain a person's energy like my own. You will also be able to fly on your own. Your jealousy will fuel your powers, making you stronger. We shall meet again later on, where you will give me the energy of those from which you have taken and drained." He used his powers to transform Ulene's outfit from her standard off-white into a dangerous black dress.
The transformation caused Ulene's goggles to fly off her head. When the transformation was complete, Ulene's hair became a lot longer and more straight, and her eyes had changed from brown to glowing red. "I shall not fail you, Master Malkyrion."
The vampire snickered, "Excellent, my child. Now, I must continue my mission as you begin yours."
They flew into the sky, but in different directions.

A few minutes later, Ace and the others met up with Zina and the cats in Keaton Park. "Okay," said Ace, "We know Malkyrion's made a return appearance here, but where could he have gone?"
Everyone looked around, until Angie found something shining under a street light. "What's that?" She ran to where she saw the object. "They look like…goggles." Picking them up with her right hand triggered her telemetric powers in a terrible 'flare'. "Ahhhh!"
The rest of the group heard Angie's scream and ran to her.
Luna noticed Angie's odd hand movements. "What's wrong with her?"
"Her telemetric powers," said Cosmo. "Whenever she touches something, anything bad creates a 'flare' feeling."
It only took a few seconds for her to see images in her mind. "Malkyrion… convincing someone to harm others… that someone is… No!" Angie suddenly opened her eyes in fear.
"Angie, what's wrong?" asked Ace with much concern.
Cosmo grabbed her and demanded, "Who's the person? I—" When he saw the goggles in Angie's hand, he gasped. "Oh, no. Those goggles… are Ulene's."
"Oh, my God," whispered Sailor Mars. "Malkyrion must've hypnotized Ulene into working for him, but how?"
"Good question," said Mercury. "There was no reason for him to take her under his wing—"
Jupiter interrupted, "Unless Ulene has become jealous about Cosmo and me being together. Cosmo, did you ever tell her about us?"
"Uh… No, I didn't. I didn't think it would be that serious."
"I think you should've told her, or do you have feelings for her, too?"
"I've always thought of Ulene as more of a sister than a girlfriend. We grew up together when we had to survive on the streets. I may have had feelings for her when I was younger, but now. . ." Cosmo took Lita's hands. "My feelings are for you, Lita. You and I have a lot more in common… we've been delinquents, gotten into trouble, you name it. I just hope I haven't lost you, too." He let go and walked away alone.
Lita hung her head in shame. "Way to go, big mouth," she mumbled angrily.
Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask looked at each other. "Poor Cosmo," said Sailor Moon. "He does love her, but he feels confused, doesn't he?"
"You're right, Serena. Cosmo has given his heart to Lita, but he doesn't want to forget about his friends, either. I think he may still have some feelings for Ulene. Maybe some time alone would help."
Cosmo sat on a bench near a tree. "Why? Why did this have to happen now? I'm feeling torn apart between Ulene and Lita. Now Ulene's gone, and Lita probably hates me."
"How do you know that?" said a very squeaky voice.
"Huh? Oh, Diana."
"Are you okay, Cosmo?"
"No, Diana, I'm not. I got myself into a love triangle, and I'm gonna end up hurting everybody in the process."
"How can you hurt the people you love?" said Luna as she approached. "Mr. Cooper told me what you've had to suffer through in your own life, and no, I won't go into details. You've become a better person, Cosmo, and you finally have found feelings of love. This isn't a case of deciding who you will go with, it's more of how you can deal with it."
"That's just it, Luna. I've never dealt with this before. I care about both of them, and now I may have lost both of them forever."
Jupiter walked up and said, "No, Cosmo. You haven't lost me yet."
"Listen, Lita, I—"
"Cosmo, if anyone needs to apologize, it's me. I never gave you a chance to tell me anything else about your life. You see, I've had a lot more boyfriends than you've had girlfriends. Am I the first real girlfriend you've ever had?"
"Yes, Lita, you are. I never knew what love was until I met you. If I had feelings for Ulene before, it was when we were kids. You've got to believe me, Lita, I didn't know this was gonna happen."
She knelt and took his hand. "Cosmo, I really believe you. It's not your fault for this. Neither of us knew. It's part of life, that's all. We'll learn how to deal with it, but first thing we need to do is talk to Ulene and explain the whole story."
"Why bother with that?" said Ulene, sounding unusually evil in nature.
"Ulene?" gasped Cosmo. "Where are you?"
"Up here, you fool!" she said angrily while floating down from the sky. "How dare you find a girlfriend behind my back!"
Lita looked up. "That can't be Ulene. She has dreadlocks in her hair."
Cosmo, though, could not mistake her face. "No… it is Ulene. What's happened to you?"
"Master Malkyrion has shown me the truth. You are mine, Cosmo! I must get rid of the one who has taken you from me! I am the one you love!"
"Ulene, I didn't mean to hurt you like this. I didn't know you had feelings for me at this point."
"Do I look like I care about that? All I want is for my competition to be eliminated! Then, you and I can build our lives together. Isn't that what you want?"
"Not like this, Ulene. Malkyrion's lying to you. He's messing with your emotions, man. You don't have to listen to him."
"Don't you get it!? Lita Kino is the one standing in our way, and I must get rid of her immediately!"
"I've got to do something," said Jupiter, "but I don't want to hurt Ulene." She summoned the lightning around her and shouted, "Sparkling Wide Pressure!" She threw the ball of lightning purposely past Ulene as a warning shot. "I don't want to hurt you, but I will defend myself and the people I care about!"
"Foolish girl! You are no match for me! Have a taste of my powers!" Her eyes glowing in red, she created a large fireball and threw it towards Jupiter.
"Lita, get out of the way!" Cosmo yelled as he lunged and grabbed her just seconds before the fireball made impact with the ground.
Cosmo's actions made Ulene more furious, her eyes glowing in a brighter angry red. "You would take a shot for her!? You are supposed to be my boyfriend!"
"Venus Love-and-Beauty Shock!" The golden heart hit Ulene from behind her, almost making her crash to the ground.
The evil Ulene looked at the approaching group. "You dare to challenge me? You will pay for your interference!" She blasted fireballs from her hands towards Ace and his friends.
Angie yelled, "Get back!" She made a barrier appear to protect them all. She looked at the new nasty Ulene. "I don't know what Malkyrion did to you, but you can't believe what he's told you. He's played with your emotions. None of what he's said is true."
"Lies, Angela Jacobs! Ever since you arrived in Electro City, you've garnered so much attention for yourself it's sickening! Now my turn has come!"
Ulene tried to attack them again, but Ace stopped her with a freeze spell. "No, Ulene. I won't let you hurt anyone else. I know you're being influenced by Malkyrion's deceptive words. He's tricked you, and we're going to help you be free from his spell."
Malkyrion swooped in and grabbed Ace, flying back up with him to where they couldn't be reached. "Not likely, human! The girl is under my power, and she will remain under my power until my mission is complete! Now, suffer at my hands!"
Ace felt his energy starting to drain from within him. He's too strong! I can't fight it!
Suddenly, a light streaked through the sky and struck Malkyrion, forcing him to let go of Ace. Ace appeared to fall towards certain death, until the streak intercepted him.
Opening his eyes, he noticed where he was sitting – on a horse with wings and a single horn on its forehead. "This has got to be a dream… a flying unicorn?"
The Sailor Scouts were all shocked.
"Pegasus has returned?" said Sailor Venus.
Chibi-Moon interjected, "No! Helios is back!"
The flying unicorn landed safely on the ground, where Ace quickly jumped off. "I've never seen anything like you before, except in books of fantasy. Where did you come from?"
I came from the world of Elysian, the mythical creature answered by thought.
"You can… communicate telepathically?"
Yes, I can, but this is not my true form. A bright light surrounded the creature, transforming it into human form, but still with the horn sticking from his head. "I am Helios, guardian of the Golden Crystal and protector of the dream world of Elysian."
Chibi-Moon ran up to him and hugged him tightly. "Helios! What are you doing here?"
"A friend of yours told me Earth was in danger from a threat worse than Queen Nephrenia."
"Really?" said Ace.
Soon, the others approached and found themselves surprised. "Helios!" said Diana. "Welcome back to Earth."
"Hello, Diana. I wish this was under more pleasant circumstances."
Tuxedo Mask said, "You mentioned a friend explained the threat. Which friend was that?"
"That would be me," said a different female voice approaching from the dark. When she emerged in the light, she looked like a Sailor Scout herself, only taller than Chibi-Moon. She held the same weapon Ace had seen in his dream. "Hello, Ace Cooper."
Ace gasped, "Sailor…Saturn?"
"She's alive?" said a shocked Artemis. "But how can this be?"
Sailor Moon was surprised most of all. "I…I saw you be destroyed in your battle with Pharaoh 90. How did—"
"After learning how great the danger has become here on Earth, I asked Helios to give me one chance at life. The Golden Crystal granted me my wish, so that I could help you in your battle against Malkyrion."
"We've got to do something and fast," Ace explained. "Malkyrion's claimed many victims already, and now he's got Ulene helping him."
"So, conspiring against us both?" asked Malkyrion, as he flew in with his 'protégé'. "You do realize none of you are a match for me or my pupil."
Helios looked at the energy vampire. "You manipulate another human's soul to give you more power? I have never seen you stoop this low."
Malkyrion recognized the being. "The great Helios has come from Elysian to assist these fools. Unfortunately, you can do nothing to stop us. My child, attack them to your heart's content, and destroy the one who has taken the man you truly love."
"I hear and obey, Master Malkyrion."
"Meanwhile, I will collect more energy to make myself stronger than anyone on this planet!" He flew away, leaving Ulene to handle Ace and the others.
"Prepare for your downfall, foolish humans!" Ulene yelled as she was about to strike again.
Cosmo ran up and pleaded, "Ulene, you're human! You're not an alien like that creep is!"
"Silence! He's helping me get the one thing I've always wanted – you; but I want that girl Lita out of the way!" Her eyes glowing once more, she sent a larger fireball towards Sailor Jupiter.
Sailor Saturn, though, deflected the attack with her weapon, the Silence Glaive. "No! Malkyrion is only using you, Ulene. Once you get him what he wants, he will get rid of you very quickly."
"How dare you speak of my master with such words!" With a simple hand gesture, Ulene made all of them rise into the air. Even Ace and Angie's magic was not powerful enough to free themselves from her spell. She saw Cosmo and said, "You are coming with me, my love." She abruptly dropped the others to the ground but levitated Cosmo closer to her. "Farewell, humans! And do not try to come after us! I will take more energy for my master, and you will do nothing!"
Sailor Mars ran and tried to attack Ulene with her Flame Sniper, but the brainwashed Ulene blasted a ball of light at her, knocking her backwards and almost unconscious.
"Try that once more, and you will never see Cosmo again!"
As they started floating away, Cosmo screamed, "Guys, don't worry about me! Just help Ulene!"
The pair quickly disappeared, leaving all his friends in shock, and Lita heartbroken.
"No! Cosmo… Cosmo!" She looked at the now empty sky. "What can we do now?"
Angie stood up and noticed the helpless look on the faces of the others. "We need to go back to the Magic Express and figure things out. I think there's more to Malkyrion than we know."
Sailor Jupiter grabbed her by the collar and said, "You're just going to leave Cosmo to suffer at her hands!? How could you—"
"Stop!" yelled Chibi-Moon. "Angie's right. There is more to that creep."
"How do you know that, Rini?" asked Tuxedo Mask.
Angie answered for her. "We'll explain everything back at the Express. Right now, we don't have any other choice. Lita, we'll get Cosmo back, but we have to plan this just right."
Jupiter sighed as she let go of the female magician. "You're right, Angie. Just like with the Dark Princess before, we have to plan our strategy. Instead of just one threat, we have a double threat and a hostage situation."
"This is true," said Helios. "Perhaps the information Rini and Angela have learned can be of help to us in stopping Malkyrion and saving both your friends Cosmo and Ulene."
Saturn nodded. "Let's return to Ace Cooper's home and discuss the information and our available options for a rescue."
After Ace and Sailor Moon helped Mars get to her feet, the saddened group all walked to the vehicles and left the Keaton Park area, all of them wondering if Cosmo and Ulene would be seen safely again…