Secret Plans! Magasasu, Ruler of the Kin-iro Kingdom!
"So, what do you know about these scouts?" Both animals shrugged.
"We aren't sure. What were their names again?"
Peiti ticked them off on her fingers. "Sailor Star Fighter, Sailor Star Maker, Sailor Star Healer and Sailor Star Destroyer. All but the last had really long hair. Destroyer's was a lot shorter.
"Hmmm." Elara jumped down from the bed. "I'm still not sure. I'll check it out and let you know. Are you coming, Puck?" The monkey-mouse nodded and followed the fox.
"Now, here's a question. Who has the Silver Impirium Crystal? I seem to recall a bit about it, but.it's all fuzzy." Jirian nodded.
"I know. It's the same way with me. The harder I think about it the worse it gets." The girls sighed.
"We should probably be going to sleep since we have school in the morning."
"Yeah. Good night, Peiti." They moved to their beds and turned out the lights.
"Night, Jirian. Sweet dreams."
"Any kind in particular?" Peiti could hear Jirian grin.
"You mean like Yaten?"
"Maybe I was thinking of Sesshou."
"Good NIGHT, Jiru."
***
Peiti stifled a yawn as she took notes in class. A sharp jab to her ribs made her jump a little. She turned to look to her side and noticed a note with her name on it. She quickly picked it up and began reading it.
Peiti~
I think Puck and Elara figured something out. We need to get to the video arcade after school as soon as possible.
~Jirian
She quickly crumpled the note and stuck it in her pocket as she raised her hand to answer a question.
***
Jirian waited outside the school, checking her watch every three seconds as she waited for Peiti. 'Her class must be running late,' she thought, checking her watch yet again.
"Jirian!" The woman spun around, startled. Seiya was sitting in a gorgeous convertible near the curb, waving. She approached the passenger side with a low whistle.
"Wow! What a great car!" She ran her hands along the door. "A fitting color for you too: black."
"Thanks. Hey, I was wondering if you'd do me a little favor?" Jirian raised an eyebrow, brushing some of her blonde hair from her eyes.
"And what is this favor?"
"I need you and Peiti to convince Usagi to go out on a date with me." Jiru giggled.
"Is that all? Sure, no problem! Happy to help!"
"No, actually, that's not all. You see, my brother and I have this little.wager going on. If Yaten asks you out or if Sesshou asks Peiti out, I need you guys to 'think about it.' Know what I mean?"
"I think so. What are the stakes?"
"If they get dates first, they get to head the tour next month, and trust me, that'll be a big mistake." Jirian laughed a little.
"Ah, but see, I wouldn't know if it would be or not. Tell you what: if they ask us out, Peiti and I will delay for three days. If you don't have a date by then, you aren't going to get one."
"I guess I'll have to settle for that. Thanks, Jiru. Do you need me to drive you someplace?" She laughed again.
"I'm not the one you should be asking. Besides, Peiti and I are walking down to the arcade. Thanks for the offer anyway."
"No problem. See you later!" He zoomed off just as Peiti came out of the school. She raised an eyebrow questioningly at Jirian.
"What was that all about?" Jirian quickly explained everything to her. Peiti laughed.
"That is so like men! Anyway, let's get down to the arcade."
"Right."
***
"So, what did you two find out?"
"Those scouts are called the sailor starlights. Originally, there were only three, but Sailor Star Destroyer showed up about a month ago. They were involved in a battle along with their princess against Chaos and died. They were reborn, but for some reason their princess wasn't." Elara jumped up to Peiti's shoulder. "In any case, I don't think you need to worry about them."
Jirian nodded. "But where is the Silver Impirium Crystal? And who has it?"
"It's here in Tokyo, held by Sailor Moon, currently in her eternal phase. She hasn't been seen for about a year after the business with Chaos." Peiti frowned.
"Why do they want it though?"
"Various reasons. Everyone seems to have a penchant for it. They all want its power." The girls nodded.
"I wish we could remember more about our past lives. We can't do much if we're stuck here, clueless like this." Puck shrugged his small shoulders.
"Nothing to be done, really. You'll remember eventually."
"I'm STILL trying to figure out why this guy wants a silly crystal," Jirian said, handing her pet a few sunflower seeds.
"This is just some silly crystal, Jiru-san," Elara said, shaking her head. "This Silver Crystal holds much power. The power to heal anything and the power to destroy everything. If someone with the wrong intentions were to get their hands on it, the consequences would be great."
"So this mysterious man wants it so he can destroy the world, mystery solved."
"I'm not so sure," Puck spoke up, spitting sunflower seeds at Jirian's cheek as he spoke. "Oops, sorry. Anyway, I'm not entirely sure that that's what this man wants. The chances are equally good that he wants to restore something."
"Restore something?" Peiti repeated. "What do you mean?"
"The crystal can heal anything, remember? And that includes fallen empires. This man may want it to restore a fallen empire."
"Are you saying this guy might be good?" Jirian asked, narrowing her eyes. "Because from what I've seen-"
"No no no no no. You misunderstand," the monkey-mouse said, shaking his head so hard, his ears flapped. "All I'm saying is that this guy, whatever his name may be, may want to heal his fallen empire. I never said they were good."
"That's what I thought," Jirian said. "Now would you stop spitting sunflower seeds in my face?!!"
"I can't help it!!"
As the two argued and Peiti and Elara laughed hysterically, Haruka, hidden behind one of the racing games, called the other scouts together for an emergency meeting.
***
"So you think Peiti and Jirian are these two new mysterious scouts that have been running around Tokyo?" Rei asked. Haruka nodded.
"Hai. Think about it. These two scouts didn't appear until these two did. And their animals seem to have the ability of speech just like Luna and Artemis."
"Hmm.this is a distinct possibility," Ami said. "But they're doing good; why worry?"
"There is something about them that I can't place. And it isn't just being senshi," Makoto sighed. "We'll just have to watch and wait."
"Hai," the others agreed.
Usagi looked out the window. Would they ever get away from this?"
***
That night Usagi, Peiti, and Jirian sat in the Americans' room, eating popcorn and talking.
"So, Usagi, I saw Seiya after school today."
"Really? That's nice."
"He asked about you," Jirian said, grinning. Usagi blushed a little.
"He usually does."
"I think he wants to go out with you." As Jirian spoke, Peiti tried not to burst out laughing. It was exactly like the way Jirian had acted with a girl from Burlington. Usagi flushed, focusing her attention on the movie they were watching.
"Well, goody for him."
"Oh, come on, Usagi. He obviously likes you. One date couldn't hurt." Jirian was a master at wheedling.
"I don't like him like that."
"So? You could just go as friends. Maybe go to a movie, dancing, something."
"I don't think so-"
"And, of course, he'd pay for dinner so you'd get a free meal," Jirian added, tossing a few popcorn kernels in her mouth. Usagi's ears perked up.
"A free meal?"
"Yeah, just think, Usagi: you could go to some fancy restaurant then clean out his wallet. It could be fun." Jirian wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. Usagi was looking more interested by the second.
"Hmmm.well.maybe I could TRY to go out on a date." she said slowly, nibbling on her lip and thinking hard. Jirian threw Peiti a wink.
"I knew you'd come around."
"I'm not saying yes," Usagi said quickly. "I'm saying I MIGHT go out with him. IF he asks, that is."
"Oh, I'm sure he'll ask, don't worry."
***
"So, do you think he'll ask her today?" Jirian shrugged.
"How should I know? He might though." Peiti giggled.
"This is just like that one time with Ana." Jirian shrugged again and the girls continued their walk down to the ice skating rink.
"I can't believe I'm letting you try to teach me to skate."
"You know how, Jirian, I'm just helping you remember!" The girls laughed. The laughter soon died as the girl recognized the feeling of a youma. They ran off in that direction.
An ugly looking youma was waiting for them, its victims caught in mounds of earth. Its scales were a sickly-looking pale green and its hands oozed a greenish goop.
"How dare you ruin these people's days of fun and shopping? Guardian of the realm of the planet Jupiter, keeping watch beautifully from one of its moons, I am Sailor Callisto!"
"Guarding the realm of the planet Uranus, keeping watch beautifully from one of its moons, I am Sailor Oberon."
"And in the names of our moons, we'll punish you!" They both readied attacks against the youma.
"Diamond Hail!" Oberon yelled, clapping her hands together then spreading her arms out wide. Glowing shards of ice shot out from her palms, striking the monster. It let out a howl of protest, staggering back, its scales burnt.
"Callisto Lightning Thunder call!" With a snarl, the youma dodged to the side, throwing its palms outward. The green goop sprayed out, striking Callisto's side and sending her reeling with a scream.
"Callisto! That's it! You're in trouble now!" Oberon yelled. It sprayed some of the goop at her, but her wind cyclone sent it back. The youma howled again, crumpling to the ground. The blonde scout ran to her fallen friend. "Are you okay, Callisto?" she asked, panicked and pale.
"Yeah, I'll be alright," she said with a wince. "It just nicked me, nothing more." Oberon helped her up and the two faced the monster. "It's time to end this, Oberon. You ready?"
"Of course. Oberon Hail Shower!"
"Callisto Emerald Fury."
There was a bright flash of light and the monster shuddered before falling backwards. There was a light 'clack' as a crystal rolled away from the young man lying there.
"He wasn't so tough," Oberon scoffed, stepping forward to take the crystal.
"I don't think so, Sailor Brat." A blast of hot wind rolled over them, knocking the scouts back a few steps. The man they had seen from the last battle stood there, his face contorted in an ugly expression. He bent, picking up the crystal and tucking it away.
"Who are you?" Callisto demanded, gritting her teeth. "Why are you here?"
"I am Nishi, General of the West. Now I'll teach you a lesson you'll never forget!" He threw his hands out hard and another blast of hot wind rolled over them, mixed with a stinging sand. The two scouts cried out, ducking their heads and covering them with their arms to protect their eyes. "Die!" Oberon looked up in time to catch his fist in her face, something that sent her flying.
"Oberon!" Callisto tried to grab her, but Nishi knocked her aside as well.
"I'll teach you never to interfere with the General of the West!" He kicked Callisto out of the way and yanked Oberon up by the hair. She let out a shriek.
"Pig! Let me go!" She twisted, elbowing him in the gut. He grunted and hunched a little, meeting her elbow in the face this time. She kicked him hard in the chest, staggering him back. Callisto, who had by now recovered, delivered a round house kick that pitched him backwards into a nearby plate glass window.
"You okay?" she asked. Oberon nodded, pushing some of her hair out of her eyes.
"You?"
"Fine. You think he's down for good?"
"Guess again!" Callisto bent double when Nishi's fist slammed into her gut. His gloved fist swung around, aiming for her face, but Oberon caught his elbow, stomping down hard on his foot with her booted foot. "Wench!" He tossed her aside easily, but the glove she had been gripping went with her, exposing his skeletal hand. Both scouts screamed in horror. "Now see what you've done?!" He threw Callisto away from him, advancing on Oberon, who was still holding the glove. "I'll have both your heads for this!" He started forward.
"NISHI!" A thick grey mist suddenly rolled over them and Nishi let out a yell, whirling, his eyes wide. Oberon threw the glove away and ducked past the frozen general, falling to her knees beside Callisto.
They saw a shadow form in the mist, the shadow of a man. He strode forward, the vapor curling around his cloaked shoulders. A moment later, he emerged.
The man was very tall, about 6' 6", with very long black hair pulled back in a high ponytail. His acid green eyes glowed and shown starkly in his pale face. His clothes were dark, but embroidered in bright silver.
He walked past the scouts, not even glancing at them as he advanced on Nishi. The general fell to his knees before the huge man, his mismatched hands clasped together. "Please, my lord!" he cried.
"You have failed me again, Nishi. For the third and final time."
"Please!" he begged again, trembling.
"You are not fit to be my general!" He held a gloved hand above Nishi's head. The man on the ground let out a moan and shuddered, turning to dust as he fell forward onto the stones. Hovering in the air were two smoky crystals, both of which were gathered by the other man. He turned then and his eyes focused on the two scouts. "Well, if it isn't the meddling scouts."
"Who are you?" Oberon gasped, hating to admit that she was afraid of this man.
"I am Lord Magasasu, ruler of the Kin-iro kingdom." A slight smirk crossed his handsome features as his gaze traveled to Callisto. Surprise flashed through his eyes and he was silent for a few moments before letting out a soft growl. "You two scouts are nothing but trouble. However, I am a fair man and I will give you a chance to escape. It would be wise for the two of you not to meddle in my affairs again, for the next time I see you, I will not be so lenient." The grey fog grew thicker, as acidic as any kind of smoke. The two scouts began coughing and when the mist cleared, Magasasu was gone.
"What the hell was that?" Callisto shivered as she thought about Magasasu. There was definitely something disturbing about him other than the whole evil thing.
"I have no idea. We had better get back and let Elara and Puck know about this." Callisto nodded.
"You're right, Oberon." They dehenshined and started back home.
***
"Higashi." The black-haired general stepped forward.
"My lord?"
"Nishi has failed me. You are to take his place. Do not fail me, least you follow in your predecessor's footsteps."
"You have nothing to fear, my lord."
"No, I don't think I do." Magasasu sat back in his dark throne, resting his chin on his fist. "Tell me, Higashi, what are your plans for getting this crystal? I am quite curious as to how YOU expect to accomplish what Nishi did not."
"Nishi was a fool!" Higashi burst out, his cheeks flushing as they always did when he got worked up. "He was too sporadic! The best tactic is to target people close to the person who holds what we want."
"Ah, but you forget, Higashi: we don't know who has the crystal."
"It's quite simple: we'll go after these two scouts." Magasasu shot to his feet.
"No!" he barked, startling the general. Regaining control of himself, he took his seat once more. "I do not wished them harmed, Higashi. Especially not the brunette."
"My lord?"
"They may hold key information. If possible, take them alive. Or, if it is unavoidable, get rid of the blonde. But I want that Sailor Callisto brought directly to me. Understand?"
"Perfectly, my lord. What you command, shall be done."
"So, what do you know about these scouts?" Both animals shrugged.
"We aren't sure. What were their names again?"
Peiti ticked them off on her fingers. "Sailor Star Fighter, Sailor Star Maker, Sailor Star Healer and Sailor Star Destroyer. All but the last had really long hair. Destroyer's was a lot shorter.
"Hmmm." Elara jumped down from the bed. "I'm still not sure. I'll check it out and let you know. Are you coming, Puck?" The monkey-mouse nodded and followed the fox.
"Now, here's a question. Who has the Silver Impirium Crystal? I seem to recall a bit about it, but.it's all fuzzy." Jirian nodded.
"I know. It's the same way with me. The harder I think about it the worse it gets." The girls sighed.
"We should probably be going to sleep since we have school in the morning."
"Yeah. Good night, Peiti." They moved to their beds and turned out the lights.
"Night, Jirian. Sweet dreams."
"Any kind in particular?" Peiti could hear Jirian grin.
"You mean like Yaten?"
"Maybe I was thinking of Sesshou."
"Good NIGHT, Jiru."
***
Peiti stifled a yawn as she took notes in class. A sharp jab to her ribs made her jump a little. She turned to look to her side and noticed a note with her name on it. She quickly picked it up and began reading it.
Peiti~
I think Puck and Elara figured something out. We need to get to the video arcade after school as soon as possible.
~Jirian
She quickly crumpled the note and stuck it in her pocket as she raised her hand to answer a question.
***
Jirian waited outside the school, checking her watch every three seconds as she waited for Peiti. 'Her class must be running late,' she thought, checking her watch yet again.
"Jirian!" The woman spun around, startled. Seiya was sitting in a gorgeous convertible near the curb, waving. She approached the passenger side with a low whistle.
"Wow! What a great car!" She ran her hands along the door. "A fitting color for you too: black."
"Thanks. Hey, I was wondering if you'd do me a little favor?" Jirian raised an eyebrow, brushing some of her blonde hair from her eyes.
"And what is this favor?"
"I need you and Peiti to convince Usagi to go out on a date with me." Jiru giggled.
"Is that all? Sure, no problem! Happy to help!"
"No, actually, that's not all. You see, my brother and I have this little.wager going on. If Yaten asks you out or if Sesshou asks Peiti out, I need you guys to 'think about it.' Know what I mean?"
"I think so. What are the stakes?"
"If they get dates first, they get to head the tour next month, and trust me, that'll be a big mistake." Jirian laughed a little.
"Ah, but see, I wouldn't know if it would be or not. Tell you what: if they ask us out, Peiti and I will delay for three days. If you don't have a date by then, you aren't going to get one."
"I guess I'll have to settle for that. Thanks, Jiru. Do you need me to drive you someplace?" She laughed again.
"I'm not the one you should be asking. Besides, Peiti and I are walking down to the arcade. Thanks for the offer anyway."
"No problem. See you later!" He zoomed off just as Peiti came out of the school. She raised an eyebrow questioningly at Jirian.
"What was that all about?" Jirian quickly explained everything to her. Peiti laughed.
"That is so like men! Anyway, let's get down to the arcade."
"Right."
***
"So, what did you two find out?"
"Those scouts are called the sailor starlights. Originally, there were only three, but Sailor Star Destroyer showed up about a month ago. They were involved in a battle along with their princess against Chaos and died. They were reborn, but for some reason their princess wasn't." Elara jumped up to Peiti's shoulder. "In any case, I don't think you need to worry about them."
Jirian nodded. "But where is the Silver Impirium Crystal? And who has it?"
"It's here in Tokyo, held by Sailor Moon, currently in her eternal phase. She hasn't been seen for about a year after the business with Chaos." Peiti frowned.
"Why do they want it though?"
"Various reasons. Everyone seems to have a penchant for it. They all want its power." The girls nodded.
"I wish we could remember more about our past lives. We can't do much if we're stuck here, clueless like this." Puck shrugged his small shoulders.
"Nothing to be done, really. You'll remember eventually."
"I'm STILL trying to figure out why this guy wants a silly crystal," Jirian said, handing her pet a few sunflower seeds.
"This is just some silly crystal, Jiru-san," Elara said, shaking her head. "This Silver Crystal holds much power. The power to heal anything and the power to destroy everything. If someone with the wrong intentions were to get their hands on it, the consequences would be great."
"So this mysterious man wants it so he can destroy the world, mystery solved."
"I'm not so sure," Puck spoke up, spitting sunflower seeds at Jirian's cheek as he spoke. "Oops, sorry. Anyway, I'm not entirely sure that that's what this man wants. The chances are equally good that he wants to restore something."
"Restore something?" Peiti repeated. "What do you mean?"
"The crystal can heal anything, remember? And that includes fallen empires. This man may want it to restore a fallen empire."
"Are you saying this guy might be good?" Jirian asked, narrowing her eyes. "Because from what I've seen-"
"No no no no no. You misunderstand," the monkey-mouse said, shaking his head so hard, his ears flapped. "All I'm saying is that this guy, whatever his name may be, may want to heal his fallen empire. I never said they were good."
"That's what I thought," Jirian said. "Now would you stop spitting sunflower seeds in my face?!!"
"I can't help it!!"
As the two argued and Peiti and Elara laughed hysterically, Haruka, hidden behind one of the racing games, called the other scouts together for an emergency meeting.
***
"So you think Peiti and Jirian are these two new mysterious scouts that have been running around Tokyo?" Rei asked. Haruka nodded.
"Hai. Think about it. These two scouts didn't appear until these two did. And their animals seem to have the ability of speech just like Luna and Artemis."
"Hmm.this is a distinct possibility," Ami said. "But they're doing good; why worry?"
"There is something about them that I can't place. And it isn't just being senshi," Makoto sighed. "We'll just have to watch and wait."
"Hai," the others agreed.
Usagi looked out the window. Would they ever get away from this?"
***
That night Usagi, Peiti, and Jirian sat in the Americans' room, eating popcorn and talking.
"So, Usagi, I saw Seiya after school today."
"Really? That's nice."
"He asked about you," Jirian said, grinning. Usagi blushed a little.
"He usually does."
"I think he wants to go out with you." As Jirian spoke, Peiti tried not to burst out laughing. It was exactly like the way Jirian had acted with a girl from Burlington. Usagi flushed, focusing her attention on the movie they were watching.
"Well, goody for him."
"Oh, come on, Usagi. He obviously likes you. One date couldn't hurt." Jirian was a master at wheedling.
"I don't like him like that."
"So? You could just go as friends. Maybe go to a movie, dancing, something."
"I don't think so-"
"And, of course, he'd pay for dinner so you'd get a free meal," Jirian added, tossing a few popcorn kernels in her mouth. Usagi's ears perked up.
"A free meal?"
"Yeah, just think, Usagi: you could go to some fancy restaurant then clean out his wallet. It could be fun." Jirian wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. Usagi was looking more interested by the second.
"Hmmm.well.maybe I could TRY to go out on a date." she said slowly, nibbling on her lip and thinking hard. Jirian threw Peiti a wink.
"I knew you'd come around."
"I'm not saying yes," Usagi said quickly. "I'm saying I MIGHT go out with him. IF he asks, that is."
"Oh, I'm sure he'll ask, don't worry."
***
"So, do you think he'll ask her today?" Jirian shrugged.
"How should I know? He might though." Peiti giggled.
"This is just like that one time with Ana." Jirian shrugged again and the girls continued their walk down to the ice skating rink.
"I can't believe I'm letting you try to teach me to skate."
"You know how, Jirian, I'm just helping you remember!" The girls laughed. The laughter soon died as the girl recognized the feeling of a youma. They ran off in that direction.
An ugly looking youma was waiting for them, its victims caught in mounds of earth. Its scales were a sickly-looking pale green and its hands oozed a greenish goop.
"How dare you ruin these people's days of fun and shopping? Guardian of the realm of the planet Jupiter, keeping watch beautifully from one of its moons, I am Sailor Callisto!"
"Guarding the realm of the planet Uranus, keeping watch beautifully from one of its moons, I am Sailor Oberon."
"And in the names of our moons, we'll punish you!" They both readied attacks against the youma.
"Diamond Hail!" Oberon yelled, clapping her hands together then spreading her arms out wide. Glowing shards of ice shot out from her palms, striking the monster. It let out a howl of protest, staggering back, its scales burnt.
"Callisto Lightning Thunder call!" With a snarl, the youma dodged to the side, throwing its palms outward. The green goop sprayed out, striking Callisto's side and sending her reeling with a scream.
"Callisto! That's it! You're in trouble now!" Oberon yelled. It sprayed some of the goop at her, but her wind cyclone sent it back. The youma howled again, crumpling to the ground. The blonde scout ran to her fallen friend. "Are you okay, Callisto?" she asked, panicked and pale.
"Yeah, I'll be alright," she said with a wince. "It just nicked me, nothing more." Oberon helped her up and the two faced the monster. "It's time to end this, Oberon. You ready?"
"Of course. Oberon Hail Shower!"
"Callisto Emerald Fury."
There was a bright flash of light and the monster shuddered before falling backwards. There was a light 'clack' as a crystal rolled away from the young man lying there.
"He wasn't so tough," Oberon scoffed, stepping forward to take the crystal.
"I don't think so, Sailor Brat." A blast of hot wind rolled over them, knocking the scouts back a few steps. The man they had seen from the last battle stood there, his face contorted in an ugly expression. He bent, picking up the crystal and tucking it away.
"Who are you?" Callisto demanded, gritting her teeth. "Why are you here?"
"I am Nishi, General of the West. Now I'll teach you a lesson you'll never forget!" He threw his hands out hard and another blast of hot wind rolled over them, mixed with a stinging sand. The two scouts cried out, ducking their heads and covering them with their arms to protect their eyes. "Die!" Oberon looked up in time to catch his fist in her face, something that sent her flying.
"Oberon!" Callisto tried to grab her, but Nishi knocked her aside as well.
"I'll teach you never to interfere with the General of the West!" He kicked Callisto out of the way and yanked Oberon up by the hair. She let out a shriek.
"Pig! Let me go!" She twisted, elbowing him in the gut. He grunted and hunched a little, meeting her elbow in the face this time. She kicked him hard in the chest, staggering him back. Callisto, who had by now recovered, delivered a round house kick that pitched him backwards into a nearby plate glass window.
"You okay?" she asked. Oberon nodded, pushing some of her hair out of her eyes.
"You?"
"Fine. You think he's down for good?"
"Guess again!" Callisto bent double when Nishi's fist slammed into her gut. His gloved fist swung around, aiming for her face, but Oberon caught his elbow, stomping down hard on his foot with her booted foot. "Wench!" He tossed her aside easily, but the glove she had been gripping went with her, exposing his skeletal hand. Both scouts screamed in horror. "Now see what you've done?!" He threw Callisto away from him, advancing on Oberon, who was still holding the glove. "I'll have both your heads for this!" He started forward.
"NISHI!" A thick grey mist suddenly rolled over them and Nishi let out a yell, whirling, his eyes wide. Oberon threw the glove away and ducked past the frozen general, falling to her knees beside Callisto.
They saw a shadow form in the mist, the shadow of a man. He strode forward, the vapor curling around his cloaked shoulders. A moment later, he emerged.
The man was very tall, about 6' 6", with very long black hair pulled back in a high ponytail. His acid green eyes glowed and shown starkly in his pale face. His clothes were dark, but embroidered in bright silver.
He walked past the scouts, not even glancing at them as he advanced on Nishi. The general fell to his knees before the huge man, his mismatched hands clasped together. "Please, my lord!" he cried.
"You have failed me again, Nishi. For the third and final time."
"Please!" he begged again, trembling.
"You are not fit to be my general!" He held a gloved hand above Nishi's head. The man on the ground let out a moan and shuddered, turning to dust as he fell forward onto the stones. Hovering in the air were two smoky crystals, both of which were gathered by the other man. He turned then and his eyes focused on the two scouts. "Well, if it isn't the meddling scouts."
"Who are you?" Oberon gasped, hating to admit that she was afraid of this man.
"I am Lord Magasasu, ruler of the Kin-iro kingdom." A slight smirk crossed his handsome features as his gaze traveled to Callisto. Surprise flashed through his eyes and he was silent for a few moments before letting out a soft growl. "You two scouts are nothing but trouble. However, I am a fair man and I will give you a chance to escape. It would be wise for the two of you not to meddle in my affairs again, for the next time I see you, I will not be so lenient." The grey fog grew thicker, as acidic as any kind of smoke. The two scouts began coughing and when the mist cleared, Magasasu was gone.
"What the hell was that?" Callisto shivered as she thought about Magasasu. There was definitely something disturbing about him other than the whole evil thing.
"I have no idea. We had better get back and let Elara and Puck know about this." Callisto nodded.
"You're right, Oberon." They dehenshined and started back home.
***
"Higashi." The black-haired general stepped forward.
"My lord?"
"Nishi has failed me. You are to take his place. Do not fail me, least you follow in your predecessor's footsteps."
"You have nothing to fear, my lord."
"No, I don't think I do." Magasasu sat back in his dark throne, resting his chin on his fist. "Tell me, Higashi, what are your plans for getting this crystal? I am quite curious as to how YOU expect to accomplish what Nishi did not."
"Nishi was a fool!" Higashi burst out, his cheeks flushing as they always did when he got worked up. "He was too sporadic! The best tactic is to target people close to the person who holds what we want."
"Ah, but you forget, Higashi: we don't know who has the crystal."
"It's quite simple: we'll go after these two scouts." Magasasu shot to his feet.
"No!" he barked, startling the general. Regaining control of himself, he took his seat once more. "I do not wished them harmed, Higashi. Especially not the brunette."
"My lord?"
"They may hold key information. If possible, take them alive. Or, if it is unavoidable, get rid of the blonde. But I want that Sailor Callisto brought directly to me. Understand?"
"Perfectly, my lord. What you command, shall be done."