Act 13 "The resurrection of Black Lady! Time to believe in one's own dream!"
There was a somber atmosphere in Rei's temple. The group had gotten to the temple and had spent a sleepless night there. Most of the girls have called home and found some sort of excuse to stay, but none of their parents were happy that they had to be out when the weather was behaving so erratically. Rei had to answer her grandfather's worried phone call (the old man was away with Yuuichirou in Kyoto for "training") and lied, saying that nothing was wrong even though the old man felt a strong evil presence from the strange snow that was all over the news.
It was now early dawn, but one could only tell by the clock hanging on the wall for it was still dark as a moonless night outside due to the accursed black snowstorm. Mamoru sat beside Usagi, his hand pressed tightly over hers. A towel still hung around the man's shoulders as he looked down at the blonde to make sure she was all right after a night without sleep. Usagi however, was watching the two strangers in the room, two people who had literately fallen into their hands after Chibi Usa was taken by Wise Man and his accomplice.
Oro and Eisen had regained consciousness a few hours after the senshis brought them to the temple where they were each given a set of miko kimono to wear and were given some simple foods and hot tea to recover their strength while everyone else waited. Finally Oro put her near empty tea cup on the table top and cast a grateful look at the blonde with twin pig tails.
"Thank you Sailor Moon, for trusting us. If you hadn't taken us in we might be dead by now."
Usagi shook her head "Please, call me Usagi. And honestly I wasn't sure if I could trust you at first," she replied honestly "but I don't suppose I'm in a position to judge right now." Usagi gave the woman a solemn smile and Oro returned it with understanding.
"Now please, tell us what you can about Wise Man and that woman, Bellona. What do they want?" Usagi begged.
"Yeah, just how did that jerk come back in the first place? I thought the power of two Silver Crystals would've blasted him to kingdom come, but the next thing we know he comes back and snatches Chibi Usa!" Makoto said gruffly, her arms crossed.
Eisen gave Makoto a look, her fur still a little flustered by the fact that she was rescued by her enemies. "How would we know? We didn't even know this Wise Man character existed until he almost killed us!"
"Guess your mistress wasn't very honest with you two, to say the least. Maybe you guys should've read the contract a little more carefully." Minako chimed in, slightly sarcastic in her remark.
Oro sighed "There was no contract between Bellona and ourselves. She rescued us from a life in an intergalactic prison and even granted us powers; who could refuse an offer like that?"
"Wait a second, you two were criminals!" Rei shouted in alarm.
The short haired blonde reluctantly nodded, looking apologetically at everyone "Yes, Eisen here was a bandit and I was-well, I was a con-artist." At this everyone shifted his or her eyes to her and looked at her guardedly "But I swear I have been and will tell you the truth; even criminals such as my self have our honor codes."
"I trust you Oro-san." Usagi said shortly, silencing any further protest from her friends.
Eisen looked at Usagi for a moment before saying "Why are you putting so much faith in us? Is that girl really that important to you?"
Usagi nodded, her blue eyes downcast but replied frankly "Chibi Usa is my daughter and as a mother I would do anything to get her back. That's what any parent would do." she said the last part of her sentence as she looked back and met Eisen's red eyes.
Eisen felt uneasy under Usagi's gaze, and the blonde's word bothered her even more. Finally she said evasively "She's your daughter? But isn't she a bit old? You two look about the same age to me."
Hearing this Usagi smiled but not quiet laughed. "It's complicated." Hearing this, the tension lifted a little as everyone in on the joke smiled while Eisen just looked at Usagi, mystified.
"Now that everyone's a bit more comfortable, I think its time I hold up my end of the deal since time is of the essence." Oro looked seriously at the occupants of the room and began reciting all the things that has happened since she arrived on Earth and the things Bellona had spoken to her. Eisen would some times add her own comments but most of the narrative was done by Oro who was a better spokeswoman. During this time, Ami came into the room to join the others and sat down quietly beside Usagi. At the end of the account, Rei touched her chin thoughtfully.
"So you're saying that Bellona is planning to use Chibi Usa's body. But why would she do that? And what does it have to do with Wise Man?"
"Don't know," Eisen replied candidly "She never took off her mask but I've seen one of her hands though. It looks like a dead tree branch with twig-like fingers."
Ami spoke up for the first time "My hypothesis is that this Bellona person is actually being drained by the Black Crystal, and that is why her body is deteriorating. Since Wise Man has a grudge against the White Moon family for defeating him, Chibi Usa would be a palpable target for them."
Minako nodded in agreement but her brows knitted together as she asked another pointed question "But why is Wise Man working for Bellona? Somehow I get the feeling Bellona just might get more than she bargained for."
Everyone nodded. They all remember what had happened to the Black Moon clan. Cunningly used by Wise Man than discarded and killed when they were no longer useful. It seemed that Wise Man was up to his old tricks again.
Eisen scuffed "From what you're saying it sounds like we might not be seeing Bellona again, is that right?"
"Yeah, Wise Man is a terrible manipulator..." Makoto agreed solemnly.
Everyone in the room remained muted for several long minutes before Usagi stood up and smiled to the two women "Thank you for your help Oro-san, Eisen-san. I think we should stop for today, and let you get some rest." Turning to Rei, Usagi said "Rei-chan, do you have any spare rooms for them to rest in?"
Rei nodded and was about to lead the two away when Usagi's voice stopped them.
"One last thing," Oro and Eisen turned around and saw Usagi with an uncertain look on her face "Um, by any chance..." Usagi demurred then said quietly "did Wise Man or Bellona ever mention the name Helios to any of you?" A hush fell over the group as Usagi asked her question.
Oro, surprised by the silencing power of that question, only shook her head and looked at Eisen who did the same. Usagi sighed and said good night to the two women before turning around after the door closed.
The room once again became silent. Usagi lowered her head before looking to Ami and Mamoru who were now standing not far beside her.
"How's Helios doing Ami-chan?" Usagi watched as Ami frowned
"Not very good, he wouldn't say anything or even respond to my presence. I think it must have been the shock, not to mention what Bellona said to him." Ami exhaled deeply "Poor boy. Someone has to get through to him though, convince him that this isn't his fault."
Usagi nodded "I know Ami-chan. We'll go see if we can do something to help, you get some rest. We'll need to talk about a plan later."
Leaving the living room behind them, Mamoru and Usagi walked wordlessly down the hall. They reached the room at the end of the corridor and slowly opened the rice paper screen door. The room was completely dark until the light of the hall way shone through; the dim light revealed a pale ghostly figure sitting huddled in the far corner of the room.
Helios had his arms around his legs. He lowered his face further as the light touched his face. His hair was still slightly damp and clinging in the cold room, proof that he hadn't moved an inch since the group got to the Hikawa Shrine the evening before. A small sparkle shone in the light from the hallway, coming from the pendent Chibi Usa wore, of which Helios now clutched tightly in one hand. Usagi and Mamoru stepped in quietly then hesitated before they closed the door behind them, letting the ethereal atmosphere return to the room.
Usagi kneeled beside Helios and said gently "Helios, are you all right?"
No response
Usagi tried again, this time by cautiously laying her hand on his arm. "Listen, it's not your fault. I know you tried to save Chibi Usa and I know you care a lot about her. Even though I don't know what Bellona meant by her words, I know you would never let anything happen to Chibi Usa. Helios," Usagi gulped "I know you feel awful right now, I feel guilty too. This is the second time my child has been taken from me and I was unable to protect her." After a long sigh Usagi continued "Please, I've already lost one person; I don't want to loss you too."
Still no response
Usagi stood up and turned to look at Mamoru. She raised her clasped palm to her lips and sighed, leaving Mamoru to try. Mamoru knelt down on one knee and looked evenly at Helios before he said "Helios, I would be lying if I told you I'm not upset that this happened. But there was nothing anyone would've done at that moment. I know I asked you to protect her in my absence and you did; you tried. As your prince you have done as you were asked, and I know even without my asking you would protect Chibi Usa. But blaming this on yourself isn't going to bring her back."
The only response from Helios was a barely noticeable blink of his eyes. Mamoru stood up in defeat. Looking helplessly at Usagi, both knew there was little else they could say. Usagi gave Mamoru's shirt sleeve a small tug, motioning with her eyes that maybe its best to leave the boy in peace for a while. The older man hesitated and glanced at Helios, so still and pale that he looked like a marble statue positioned in the room. Letting out a frustrated sigh, Mamoru was about to turn to leave when a small quaking voice pulled the couple back.
"No...it is my fault..."
Usagi turned and looked sympathetically at him "Helios..."
Helios lifted his face up somewhat, revealing a pair of half shut eyes that resembled dull ambers in the murky light. "Wise Man...he used my fear and recreated Nephrenia in my dreams..." Helios turned his face away in shame as Usagi gasped and Mamoru's eyes darkened in disgust.
His voice close to a mumble, Helios continued "he made me believe she was back, and out for revenge..." Helios took a sharp breath and said in a tearful voice "I was trying to keep her safe! I wanted to...I tried to distance myself from her because I thought Nephrenia was back to get her! Instead I only succeeded in pushing her closer and closer into their hands! I was the one who did this to her, even when she said she..." biting back a sob, Helios clutched the little pink and silver pendent in both hands "how could have I not known...how could I have been so blind? I should never have left Elysian! If I wasn't such a coward she would still be here!" he exclaimed, tears now beginning to drip from his tightly shut eyes.
Watching this, Usagi found her self speechless. So it seemed Wise Man had played Helios like a puppet, making him do things that were against his own will but had no choice against. He had employed the lowest form of trickery: using people's weakness against themselves and their loved ones. Usagi clutched her fist tightly, feeling anger bubbling in her heart. She was not going to let Wise Man get away with this, not this time.
A sudden commotion jerked Usagi's attention away from her thoughts. A loud and furious voice came down the hall. Usagi blinked as she recognized the voice, but by then Haruka had already stormed into the room, her thunderous eyes flashing, almost electrifying as her angry lips twitched.
"You!" she roared and was on Helios before either Usagi or Mamoru could stop her.
Picking up the boy by his shirt collar, Haruka slammed him against the wall and screamed "Why didn't you save her! Why didn't you do something! ANSWER ME!"
Helios turned his eyes away from Haruka's and said helplessly "There was nothing I could have done-!"
"LIAR! You have that crystal, the Golden Crystal! You could've used it to protect her!"
"No I couldn't!" Helios' eyes snapped to meet Haruka's eyes so suddenly even her eyes widened in surprise by the fact that he's actually confronting her. "I can't use the crystal! I'm not like Sailor Moon or Chibi Usa! I don't have that kind of power!" Helios whispered.
At this point Hotaru and Michiru ran into the room. Michiru grabbed Haruka's arms and looked pleadingly at the short haired woman. "Haruka stop it, let him go!" Haruka let out an angry grunt before she pushed the white haired boy back against the wall. Helios staggered a little before he found his balance. Michiru held onto Haruka's arm, looking with worried eyes between the tall blonde and the young man.
"Liar!" Haruka repeated accusingly "I felt it! When I first met you and took your hand I felt a strong pulse of energy from you! And when Hotaru detected that warm energy coming from your location I knew it had to have been you!" Haruka took an angry step forward "You say you're incapable of using the crystal, but I know you can! Why do you deny it you coward? Why!"
At this point Usagi had heard enough. She stepped between and looked sternly at Haruka "Haruka stop it! Helios can't use the crystal here in our world; it would kill him!"
Hearing this, Haruka took several deep breaths before she said in a more level but nonetheless, hostile voice "So what! Helios, if what I believe is true, that you have true feelings for Chibi Usa, then you would do anything to save her; even if it meant giving up your life for her in the process. Instead you're here sulking like a spineless wimp!" Finally she sighed resignedly and began to walk away "For someone who's been around for thousands of year you're pathetic; you can't even stand up for the person you love. What kind of a guardian are you?"
With those last words, Haruka exited the room, shaking Michiru's hands loose from her arm. Michiru gave Helios and Usagi an apologetic look before following her partner out of the room. Hotaru stood by the doorway for a moment longer, her violet eyes sad but otherwise unreadable before she closed them and strolled away after her family.
Usagi walked up to Helios who had slumped back down to the floor. She put her hand behind his head and said gently "Helios...is what Haruka said true? That you had used the Golden Crystal when Chibi Usa was kidnapped the first time?"
Helios mutely shook his head before a whispered "I don't know" answered Usagi.
Not knowing what else to say, Usagi remained at his side for a while longer, trying to comfort the boy with her presence. Finally, Mamoru made a small noise, at which Usagi gingerly stood up and saw that Helios' eyes were closed. Thinking he had fallen asleep, the two silently left the room and noiselessly closed the door behind them.
Looking into the open corridor, Usagi saw the black snow falling thicker and heavier than before. The blonde sighed and wondered how much longer this cursed snow will have to fall, how much longer before they can get Chibi Usa back.
Back in Bellona's fortress, Chibi Usa's body lay atop a giant table made of polished stone. Now dressed in a simple knee-length black dress, her eyes were closed and one would have presumed the room was a crypt had one not heard her breathe echoing lightly in the room.
Bellona approached the table and observed this fine specimen of human youth and beauty. She took off her mask and robs, revealing her ruined face and dark blue hair. Touching the girl's rosy cheeks, Bellona smiled to herself "What a fine body you have princess. But soon it will be mine, and my dream can take another glorious step forward"
"Shall we begin Bellona-sama?" Wise Man's voice asked from somewhere in the darkness. Bellona nodded and walked towards the twin stone table a few feet away from the one Chibi Usa laid on.
"Are you sure about this?" Bellona suddenly asked as a sense of suddenly fear seeped out "what if the transaction isn't successful? What will happen to me?"
Wise Man chuckled "Do not worry, mistress. Small Lady's soul has surrendered her body when she sealed herself in. You are safe in my hands."
Bellona nodded before she closed her eyes and laid still. Wise Man's hand reached out into the air and the Black Crystal promptly appeared above it. The crystal glowed and cast its evanescent light upon the two still figures. A plum of white arose from Bellona's chest and began floating toward Chibi Usa. As it neared the midpoint between the two tables the light from the Black Crystal suddenly faded.
What's going on Wise Man? Why did you stop! Bellona's soul asked in sudden panic. But before long Wise Man's sphere suddenly appeared behind Bellona's spirit and trapped it with in its glassy core. What is the meaning of this! Wise Man!
Wise Man laughed "You are so naive, Bellona. Did no one ever tell you not to believe in strangers when you were a child?"
You tricked me! I am your master! Release me at once you ungrateful-!
"SILENCE!" Wise Man's exploding voice forced Bellona's voice into submission. "You? My master? No, you are mistaken my queen. When you found me in that forest it was true that it had been your aura that awakened me. You see, the truth was you were never restoring the Black Crystal; you were in fact restoring me. I am the Black Crystal, and the Black Crystal is I. But to be indebted to you is preposterous! I could have regained my full strength again with time. You were simply a stepping stone to make things happen a bit more quickly."
Hearing this, Bellona's soul began to quiver, half with anger and half with fear.
"Now, as you've said your self, when a pawn becomes useless there's only one path for it to go." The crystal ball began conducting jolts of black energy, blasting straight into the soul's core.
Wise Man no! I don't want to die! But her cries were of course, futile. Slowly the black energy blasted away until the last speck was evaporated into nothingness. Don't do this to me! My dream! My wonderful dream...! at last the queen was silenced. The task complete, Wise Man turned his attention to Chibi Usa.
"I have been waiting a long time to see you again. Now live once again Black Lady, and become the dark queen of this planet!" The energy from the Black Crystal began flowing once again, except this time it sent all of its energy to Chibi Usa. "Arise! With the dark energy I am infusing within you, arise!"
The thick blackish-purple glow around Chibi Usa began shifting like clouds. The girl's hair began growing down past her feet and her teenage body grew into that of a mature woman. The black reversed crescent moon mark appeared on her forehead, and her dress melted into the long black outfit Black Lady wore, complete with her pointed Black Crystal earrings and magenta scarf.
As the glow dissipated, Wise Man waited patiently until finally Black Lady began to stir. Her blood-red eyes opened and with a long fluid movement, Black Lady arched her back off the table and dipped her head to find Wise Man looking at her. She moved her long slim legs off the table and looked questioning at Wise Man.
"Wise Man..." she cooed as a smile spread over her lips "It's been forever since I last saw you. Have I been asleep for all this time? I don't remember anything after Sailor Moon found me at the Dark Gates." She stepped onto the floor and sat down on the floor beside Wise Man like an obedient kitten. Wise Man reached down and stroked her cheeks.
"Yes, you have and it has been a long while my dear. But even thought we were defeated once, things have changed. This time we are stronger than ever, even the weather is under my control now." Wise Man said slyly as he showed her a picture of Tokyo covered in black snow with his globe. "However, I need you to do something very important for me."
Black Lady grinned back coyly at the hooded figure "Any thing for you."
Wise Man nodded in approval "I need you to fuse with the Black Crystal. Do you still remember our encounter with the sailor senshis?"
Black Lady nodded distastefully "Yes, those hypocritical bitches. How I despise them!"
"That's good! By fusing with the crystal you can be sure you will be able to put them out this time. Then we'll be able to do as we please on this planet and no one can stop us!"
"Whatever you say Wise Man; you're the only person who truly loves me, who truly understands me. I'll do anything for you." Black Lady laid her head down on Wise Man's lap before she stood up. Black Lady's hands reached out and held the Black Crystal. She looked gleefully at it "This time the senshis won't win!"
With that, the Black Crystal began to grow, shooting a thick spine down into the ground. From there spikes of crystal began growing in a circle around Black Lady who calmly closed her eyes. A seat formed from the crystal growing behind her, allowing her to sit as the monstrous gemstone augmented around her. Growing higher and higher, wider and wider until it towered above Wise Man, it suddenly stopped. Wise Man floated to where Black Lady sat, in the dead center of the huge crystal. Small flacks of black crystal began forming on her arm and the edge of her face. However Black Lady seemed oblivious to it all, and held the original piece of the Black Crystal like a little girl holding onto her favorite stuffed animal.
"Rest for a little while, no one will disturb you..." said Wise Man, his voice like a lullaby as the crunching and trembling of the ground sprouted more and more crystals until the chamber glowed a deathly purplish red.
"No one..." Wise Man chuckled to himself as he left the woman and crystal to integrate in the room that once belonged to Bellona.
Helios sluggishly opened his eyes and listlessly lifted his head from his knees. The commotion inside Rei's house had migrated back to the living room area and the only sound Helios could hear was that of the wind, blowing the polluted snow across the city. Helios reached with his hand to touch his face, cringing as he moved his tired muscles. How long had he shut his eyes? He did not fall asleep; that was something impossible to do at a time like this. Instead he had shut down his mind and simply closed himself in to keep himself from falling to pieces.
Something startlingly cold brushed against Helios' cheek, taking his mind away from the sore pain in his arm and legs. He moved his hand away and saw the silver necklace still held tightly in his grasp. The boy priest's eyes sagged, recalling the events of the day crystal clearly, more clearly than he wanted them to be. The vacant look in Chibi Usa's eyes, the two hooded figures who mocked him in his futile attempt to rescue his Maiden; everything came rolling back. Helios closed his eyes, and wished he could have undone everything that had happened.
The cool tap of the star and moon charm touched the exposed skin on his hand, almost as if trying to comfort him with its polished surface. The touch of the little pendent made Helios reopen his eyes. Looking at the little pink star reminded him of Chibi Usa, of her beautiful dream that shone in the skies of Elysian much like the North Star on Earth, always guiding the lost and lonely in the right direction.
The thought of dreams brought back memories of how strong Chibi Usa had been when faced with Queen Nephrenia. He had thought her incredibly strong and fearless then, but apparently that was not true. No one lived without some sort of doubts and even the strongest person can be made weak. A small thought bloomed in Helios' mind as his mind turned this over.
If someone strong can be weak, then can someone weak be strong?
Liar! I felt it! When I first met you and took your hand I felt that pulse of energy coming from you! And when Hotaru detected that pulse of warm energy coming from your location I knew it had to be you!" Haruka's words echoed in Helios' ears.
Could it really be me? Could I have done that unknowingly? Helios wondered to himself. Recalling the time when he had met Haruka, Helios had felt tense and nervous under the woman's intense glare and then at the abandoned building, there was that period where his mind had blacked out while Chibi Usa was in deadly jeopardy. Could it be that his deep sense of anxiety and anger have activated the Golden Crystal?
Something tugged at him from inside; his mind slowly converged on the thought of the Golden Crystal. Helios decided to gave it a try. Right now his anxiety level was much higher than any of the reported instances before. Shutting his eyes once more, he fixated his mind on the crystal lying dormant inside of him.
Summoning the crystal to him, Helios felt rather than saw the Golden Crystal hovering above his lap. Its glow was dim, like a lone candle light flickering in the darkened room. The rhythmic murmurs of the crystal's pulse were slow, almost akin to Helios' heart beat as he tried to strengthen his focus. However, after a few long minutes, little else happened and Helios sighed inwardly, letting the holy object fuse back into him.
It's no use... Helios concluded hopelessly. Gripping the little star shaped pendent, Helios felt a sharp sting as the edge of the pink crystal ornament dug into his palm. The sensation brought back to mind another voice, this time that of Mamoru's.
Why do you protect this land Helios? he had asked the priest during their short conversation in Elysian while the battle between the senshis and Nephrenia raged on the Earth's surface.
Because-because it is my destiny... Helios had answered uncertainly as he knelt before his master.
Mamoru had turned to him at that point and spoke with a questioning expression Is that the real reason?
Helios head lifted as he remembered his answer.
No...I protect dreams because I love beautiful dreams...it is my dream to protect them.
And have you given up on that dream? Mamoru asked with a knowing smile.
At this, Helios responded with the answer he had spoken four years ago.
"No, never" Helios said to himself. If I gave up on my dream then it will never come true. But it's still not too late, I can't give up! a rush of warmth returned to his body as this thought filled his mind. The radiant glow of the Golden Crystal appeared before Helios; its luster had returned and was shinning like the small sun it resembled before its keeper.
Helios stood up carefully and cupped the delicate looking jewel in his hand. Light has not only returned to the room but to the priest's eyes as well.
"I have to believe in my self first, only then can I help Chibi Usa. I have to have faith in my dream to protect her." The crystal seemed to react to these words and glowed even more brilliantly. Helios smiled for the first in ages and allowed the warm golden light to reach ever corner of the room.
Looking at the crystal, Helios' amber eyes shone and grew serious. "...if what I think is true, that you really love Chibi Usa, then you would do anything to save her; even if it meant giving up your life for her in the process..." Haruka's voice once again resonated in his mind.
Yes, he would give his life for her. It was worth it, Helios reasoned, to give your life for a dream, especially a dream as precious as his Maiden.
In Rei's living room, the senshis were formulating a rescue plan, but things weren't going smoothly.
"We can't just march in there! You've never fought Wise Man before; you don't know what that creep is capable of!" Makoto was standing up and yelling at Haruka who had suggested they rush into Bellona's strong hold by employing the element of surprise. "Besides, he'll probably anticipate that move from us! We can't let him get the upper hand!" Makoto said with a clutched fist.
"Then what do you think we should do? We can't just sit here and wait for him to hand us an invitation!" Haruka retorted hotly.
Makoto took a fuming step towards Haruka who stood up, equally ready for a fight. Michiru rushed in and pushed the two women back down. "Stop it, please! This is not going to help anyone if we fight amongst ourselves!"
"Michiru's right, arguing like this isn't going to get us anywhere." Ami agreed in a tight but controlled voice.
"But what options do we have? There is no sure way of getting to Chibi Usa and what if Wise Man has...has..." Rei's voice faded off and let the sentence hang.
Everyone sighed heavily and a long silence hovered in the room before Mamoru said softly to Usagi "I'll go check on Helios." Usagi nodded and Mamoru left the room.
Minako resumed the conversation and asked "Oro said that there are gates to the ship, but they're all closed shut like a safe. That leaves the only other opening: the air ducts that open to the outside. Problem is that ship is about a mile from the ground. How are we going to reach it?"
"We could try Sailor Teleportation. But who knows what kind of a situation we'll be faced with once we get inside. We might be walking straight into a trap and not-" Ami's sentence was sharply cut off by Mamoru's alarmed voice coming down the hall.
"Everyone! Helios, he's gone!"
"What!" everyone cried in unison. The group raced down the hall way, with Usagi in the lead. Looking past the opened door, Usagi saw no trace of the boy she had left behind. A neigh alerted the blonde leader as she ran across the room and rushed open the loosely closed screen door. Looking up she saw a white equine shape against the muddled sky.
"Helios!" Usagi screamed, but by that time Pegasus had disappeared into the clouds, flying straight towards the giant crystal ship.
"What the heck does he think he's doing!" Haruka groaned.
"Can't we stop him Usagi-san?" Hotaru looked pleadingly at the blonde.
"I don't think we can Hotaru-chan..." Usagi said with a heavy sigh. At that moment the ringing of a door bell snapped everyone's attention back to the house. Rei departed from the group and wondered what she should say to a customer who's probably here to buy a charm and ward off this evil snow.
Rei's voice was apologetic even before she opened the door as she said hurriedly "I'm sorry but we're closed to day, please come another time-" However, when she looked up, it was someone who was definitely not looking to buy charms.
On the other side of town, the streets were deserted. Everyone had retreated into his or her home and businesses have closed down in the face of this bizarre and unnerving phenomenon. Tokyo Tower stood out like a sore thumb in the sky; for the sky had turned so dark no one would've thought that this was suppose to be a quiet Christmas day.
Pegasus landed gingerly on the roof top of a large building near the enemy's ship. With a rush of white feathers that contrasted the blackened background of the snow, Helios reappeared, now dressed in his formal robe of white, blue, and mint green. The silver necklace he once held was now wounded around his wrist with the pendent dangling below his sleeve.
His gaze fixed on the monstrous ship a few hundred yards away from him, Helios' determined eyes shone as he surveyed the ship.
I'm not going to let other people solve my problems for me anymore; I have to do this on my own! Helios declared to himself as a cold wind picked up and blew across the ghostly city of Tokyo.
A/N Wow! I can't believe I've written this much! I started this fan fiction last year and I never expected it to do this well. Black Lady is back, yes, but to clarify, the Black Lady that haunted Chibi Usa was really an illusion created by Wise Man to ensnare her. The present Black Lady is the original Black Lady and things are about to get very interesting so stay tune...