Just forewarning Standard disclaimer. Sailor Moon is not mine, the idea and the show belong to people much richer than I. Please don't sue!
Dimmer however is mine.. of course if someone wants to use him or any of his transformations for ANY reason "thbbt" go ahead. You have my complete and total permission. I only request you tell me, mainly cause I'd like to read it… Hell, I don't care if you don't tell me, it's not like I could find you anyway.
Warning: mild language. Violent scenes, no worse than most action movies, but they actually sound worse when described…
It was a while before everyone settled down to work again. It was Talenite and Darien that managed to get their mind back on things.
"So what are we facing?"
"Probably something different than what I seen when I left. Malachite and Zoicite will change things to see what kind of surprise they come out with, but its not the underlings you'll have to worry about anyway. Deliath is the Demon King of Nightmares. The only true demon in that plane. Beryl will be summoning him tomorrow, her preparations have been too tedious to start over, besides, as things are, she may not need to."
"A true demon… I can try to set up some prayers to protect us, but I'm afraid I'm just not advanced enough in my studies here to help against something like that…"
"Maybe your grandfather?"
Rei shook her head. "I'd have to tell him who we are for that, that would only put him in danger."
"He's already in danger Rei." Darien pointed out, "He's one of the crystal bearers. Talenite has already said they'll be going after them tomorrow."
"Oh no! Grandfather! What are we going to do?!"
"Actually we can use this as an advantage. That means they'll have to come here lookin' for him, that's when we can confront them. Here at the temple there ain't no one who will be here who is uninvolved, not to mention this is our turf, here we hold some advantage. We all know this area, its our trainin' grounds after all."
"A good idea, Chad is it? It may give you an edge, and you need every edge you can get against Deliath, or he will crush you." Talenite could feel his fists clench involuntarily.
"I'll see what I can do, maybe I can find something here locked away."
"I hope so Rei. We've come up with our positions. Have a look at them." Lita passed her a bunch of maps of the temple grounds
"Okay… Serena is… no I think she should come from behind him, over in the park. Serena no speeches, we'll need surprise and every second, you have to show them what you've learned. No time for finesse. Lita should take Serena's spot out front, they won't care what one of us they spot. Any sign of us and they'll probably know, and Lita can hide the best among the trees here. What number are we looking at here?"
"10 lizards, 4 rock men, 2 scythers, a King of Demons."
"And a partridge in a pair tree. Jeez they're really going all out aren't they?" Rei arced her eyebrow, than smiled. "Well it makes sense because so are we."
"Dimmer? Please come to pray to the flame with me." Rei's grandfather asked through his door.
"Huh? Sensei? Uh yes sir! I'll be right there!"
True to his words Dimmer was up in a flash and kneeling beside his teacher by the flame.
"Dimmer, I sense a tremendous evil entering into our world."
"Sensei?"
"I fear it may come here, looking for something, though I'm not sure what. It maybe they've finally realized who my grand daughter is and have come after her, though I doubt they would send something this powerful after her."
"Sensei… when did you find out?"
"Ha ha ha ha! Dimmer my boy, you don't really think that all your training exorcises and with the girls have gone unnoticed. I had my suspicions before than, but being able to survive what you and Chad put them through, well, things were rather simple after figuring out after that. Not to mention the craters in the back yard after your tournament. You will have to fill those in. The thees will also now have to be made presentable."
"Yeah I guess so huh?" Dimmer sweat dropped So why did you want to talk to me Sensei, they've become so strong I can no longer even fight beside them. The power I once held is lost for a better life here. I'm afraid it's them you need to speak to."
"Yes, I see that the darkness has left your aura. I worry about the tint of green to it. You do not seem any closer to nature than usual, but these are not the reasons I must speak to you tonight, and I was correct in my choice of people to talk to. You see Dimmer, I do not wish for Rei to know that I know about her. It will stop her from worrying about me. Yet I may be able to help her against this threat. What do they seek at this temple Dimmer?"
"They seek you Sensei. There is a crystal deep inside you from the legends of the moon kingdom. If they gather all of them the can release a monster the likes which ain't been seen since the fall of the moon kingdoms long ago."
"And I have been chosen as this crystal's bearer? I see… When are they coming?"
"Tomorrow night."
"Very well." He thought for a moment. "Dimmer go to the altar, and take there what I have offered to be blessed."
"Yes Sensei." Dimmer stood and walked over to the altar. There lined across its wooden planks, lie seven skinny narrow papers with very powerful signs and runes written on them. "Sensei? What are these?"
"They we'll help to protect my daughter and her friends. Dimmer I ask that you not tell Rei where you got these."
"You have my word, but I'm not very good at lying, let alone to your daughter. She'll probably see right through that…"
The old man sighed. "Then there is nothing to be done about it…It doesn't matter, take them to Rei. She will know what to do with them."
"Yes Sensei, I'll do it now. They're planning to defend against the demon on the temple grounds right now."
"Than go, and Dimmer, though you do not fight, there is a power still in you. I have a horrible feeling about tomorrow night. Something bad may happen, and another type of evil may awake. Tell my child that I will be praying to the flame tonight, for there are answers I seek. There are more dangerous things out there even than Demons Dimmer. I feel one of these things will awaken tomorrow. Look after Rei for me tomorrow won't you?"
"Yes. Of course."
"Now go give Rei those wards, and go to bed. Also tell her that her friends may stay the night, and to go to bed soon. They will need their rest."
"What will I tell her?"
"I'm sure you'll think of something!" The old man cackled.
"Sure." Dimmer shook his head smiling as he walked away. There's no doubt about it. The old guy had to be the smartest person he'd ever meet.
He walked up and knocked on Rei's door.
"Yes? Oh Dimmer it's you, come on in, I thought you were going to bed."
"I still am, but I found these in your grandfather's room. I know it was snooping and all, but in this case I think the ends may justify the means."
"Really?"
"No."
"I didn't think so, you've never believed in that, even as Sundown."
"True, but I swore not to tell ya where it came from. You're allowed to have your friends over tonight too. G'night."
"Goodnight Dimmer."
It wasn't until after he left that Rei looked down at what he'd given her. Wards! Some of the most powerful a priest could perform! It was obvious they were from her grandfather, but how did Dimmer get them? It was obvious he didn't do anything wrong, Dimmer had gone back to being read like a book, that's why she figured out what he said was a pathetic attempt at a lie. Yet that didn't tell her how he got a hold of these. He swore not to tell? With Dimmer that could be anybody... Wait! I'm allowed to have people over? How could he know that unless he was talking with grandfather! Than he knows!
"Oh yeah Rei?"
"Huh? What is it Dimmer?"
"Your grandfather said it was his turn to use the flame tonight." Dimmer yawned.
"Grandfather?" But he hardly ever used its power anymore.
"Yeah, goodnight. I'm gonna try to think of where I got all that stuff."
"What stuff?"
"Huh? Oh. Amy will fill yas in." He looked in the room. "Goodnight girls and guys. Hey Chad, wanna let Tale and Darien use your room tonight? I'm gonna sleep, and if any body wakes me I'll kill them, and don't doubt me! I've had a strange craving for raw meat lately. Besides…" He scratched behind his head, "You don't wanna be scratching tomorrow like I am. I might be catchin' somethin'."
"Deal Dimmer, we'll stick with my room, go get some rest, goodnight."
At that Dimmer left them to finish up their planning to sleep for the rest of the night. As he went to bed he heard the weather for the next night. It was going to be partly cloudy with a full moon. The sky would clear off of any clouds for the rest of the nights the moon was full. "Hmph, star gazers dream night. Hope they don't go to the park beside the temple tomorrow though. I don't think they'll appreciate the sights they'd see."
The next day went by quickly and quietly. Dimmer held true to his promise of teaching them some manners during the training, but everyone was solemnly quiet while they waited for the night to come. Everyone except Dimmer and Talenite took a nap in the early afternoon to recover from the training in time for that night.
Right now Dimmer and Talenite were talking as the strolled through the park.
"I've been meaning to ask you, Dimmer, why did you give up on your powers?"
"They were too dangerous. Fate itself was against me using them, not to mention Rei."
"Fate? As in the council?"
"You've heard of them?"
"Yes. I am from another dimension myself Dimmer. I did not belong to the Negaverse. They merely recruited me after they found out about my powers during the moon wars."
"So how did you hear of Fate?"
"It warned me about messing with the scouts. Alas I haven't had a choice in the matter truthfully. I was hoping to do away with them to begin with, than maybe Fate would send me back to my dimension as a punishment, but it was not meant to be I guess."
"Yeah, well if fate's against it, it probably wasn't. I know you don't belong here anymore than I do. Where are you from?"
"A world of magic and elves Dimmer. A world where the god of Night is worshipped for stopping Fate's control over us."
"What? You mean a world without Fate? Why would you want that? Fate usually works it out in everyone's favor."
"Yes well, there are some that believe that isn't such a good thing. We preferred to make our own destiny, than fate showed up with its mysterious power of making things turn out for the better of everyone, the needs of the many outweigh the needs of a few. It is those "few" that didn't enjoy what Fate had done. They wanted to live their lives free of its rule. The freedom of choice.
"It is said that Nightfall came from the heavens and destroyed Fate's destiny designed for our world, than used his great powers of darkness to hide us from it's sight. The legend held true for a very long time, but even the great Nightfall's power does not last forever, and Fate came back. My people fought against it, me along with them. He seemed to feel the need to "save" me though. It sent me here, to a world it already ruled. Probably to get me used to of the idea of everything being destined. I have to admit, it was working. That is until I met you."
"Me?"
"Well not you in particular. Sundown. He asked to used the powers of darkness for good. That is what Nightfall had done for us, that is what we did for each other. You reminded me of my people, and for that Dimmer I can never thank you enough. I will never forgive Fate for this."
"Than is Fate evil to you? Because it's Fate that's going to save this world, and what were trying to do is change it back from where I entered into it."
"I will not betray you Dimmer, my race lives until killed. I will deny Fate its power over me on my own time, not on yours."
"Thank you Tale. It seems I named you appropriately You weave a good story."
"Well I've had lots of time to learn."
"Tale, could've you summoned Deliath?"
"No Dimmer, I cannot defeat him. You must defeat all others before you go against him, and his bride… his second hand, stopped me, I couldn't defeat her. She uses a most deadly power against her enemies. He himself would've made sure there was nothing left of me. One way of living as long as I have, is to know your limits, and how to avoid them."
"Do we have a chance?"
"No, but Fate is with you, that's something I never had. Remember Fate's warriors are even stronger. Especially one called Knight's Valor."
"What? He's just a kid!"
"Than you've seen him? Well, it doesn't matter. It isn't age that gives one power. Make no mistake, Valor would make quick work even of Deliath, for he has killed Deliath before in several other dimensions and realities. There was only one that could ever match his power, that was what we call Nightfall and he has passed out of time and knowledge long ago. That is how we know Valor must have beaten him."
"Huh?"
"Valor holds the power of time. To pass out of time, is to die on his blade in our world. Though he's only ever killed a few there. The ones he killed were as evil as your dagger is black. They were killed, and that is all we remember of them, though that matters little as well, for with the power of time, comes the power to wipe memories away, for the past is all that memories are. The past is part of time's jurisdiction, and no one knows that better than Valor, except maybe the guardian of time herself…."
"He's on our side."
"I know, as I said, I will not betray you, even to get at him. There would be nothing I could do against him anyway. He is the one with the "Wings of Valor" The wings that span the brink of time and space!"
"What is he? God?"
"On some worlds, yes. That is exactly what he is. The son of Father Time, Father time, he who created all things. He who created the "Wings of Valor". It is said Valor is being trained to succeed the guardian of time, and after that, the Father himself.
"Woah. Glad to see some part of me is going up in the state of things."
"Some part of you?"
"Uh huh. His real name is Arkand. My name is Arkand, see any coincidences? He's what I was at nine years old."
"Impossible. Fate and he found my world millennia ago, they both must be older than that."
"Of course he is, he's as old as me. As for millennia ago? His power is time right? Why wouldn't he just go back a few millennia?"
"What you say is true. This is definitely an unforeseen circumstance."
"Yeah but since Valor is on our side, things'll turn out alright, eh?"
"We'll find the answer to that tonight, my friend. Tonight when the moon is full and shining down, when it sees whose blood is gathering in puddles on the ground."
"There's a pleasant thought…"
"The truth, not often is."
"No wonder you got along with Sundown and me so well, you're just about as gloomy."
"The sun's light is leaving us. If Fate is not with you, this sundown will be the end of the Sailor Scouts and of our lives."
"We better be getting back now. I hope Fate is with us, I need all the help I can get. Woah! That was different!"
"Excuse me?"
"The street lamp back there turned on."
"They tend to do that when night comes in, it startled me as well the first time I saw it. They are rather helpful at times."
"Yeah, but usually they turn off when I go under them… it's weird it's not often they're any help to me whatsoever."
"Well than, maybe it is a good omen, an offering of help. The nature of light offers its assistance to you and yours."
"Do you really think so?"
"I hope not. Light is fine for those born with it, but to those not born with its essence it is unreliable at best. It only helps itself and what it needs to continue living, never those who use it. If the user seeks their own way, and it's a separate agenda from its own, it immediately abandons them. I think I prefer the powers of dark that are yours to use no matter what path you choose."
"Putting it that way, the powers of the dark definitely "do" seem more of a friend that sticks by you no matter what, but light seeks what's best for people everywhere, as long as you have good intentions, its power can defeat any odds. It's the power of light we'll be counting on tonight." A small trickle of moonlight escaped from the cloudy skies above as Dimmer unconsciously scratched at the arm it shone upon. "Let's just hope the moonlight out shines the darkness around it tonight."
"The moonlight depends on the sun for it's light, so even in the night the sun has power through it and the stars. Do not worry light will make itself known on the battlefield tonight for the betterment of everyone under Fate's rule. That means little for you and me though."
"Huh?"
"Neither of us are from this realm where Fate rules the decisions of all. It is impossible for him to plan our futures, unless we, like the scouts and others from this world, have nothing but the best intentions. If we enter into the fight, it is very likely we will die unless our dark powers are up to our opponent, which mine, I know, are not. And you've given up on yours."
"But Rei has broken Fate too!"
"Maybe, but her intentions and reasons for this fight have not changed. She will be fine."
"I hope so."
"So do I Dimmer. I would hate to have to watch your life go to ruin here as mine has."
"No. You know what? Things WILL be alright. In the end, light will always have things made for the better."
"Though not always for its user."
"What's that supposed to mean."
"Just that. Remember Dimmer, light looks out for itself not the ones using it. It will sacrifice anything it needs to become what it needs to be stronger and win out in the end. I've seen cases where that sacrifices the user for its own purposes."
"You think that will happen here?!"
"I see no other way unless Valor enters the fight. I do not think he's coming though. He is the protector of the unknowing, protector of the heroes that need help every now and than. Heroes protect the ignorant masses of people, who usually do not know of their existence. He protects the heroes without their knowledge of his existence in the same way."
"So there may be something bigger that he's fighting right now?"
"Or doing something bigger, Fate has been set off course here. Fate has also many enemies. It's working night and day to fix things, and it needs Valor's presence to act as a guardian while it weaves it's tale of this universe."
"So we may be on our own…"
"We very well maybe. You asked me earlier what drew me to you. I said Sundown's words, but that was not everything. Sundown wears a belt with a golden buckle. On that buckle there is a sign of two crossed black thunderbolts shaped like an "X". They are the symbol of our god Nightfall. I believe he maybe the successor that we pray for."
"Why are you telling me this now?"
"I have noticed you are wearing a belt, it's just like his."
"Huh?" Dimmer looked down at his waist. He had taken the cool looking belt from his backpack of familiar things and put it on that morning. Sure enough, it was decorated with a golden buckle with the crossed, black thunderbolts Talenite spoke of… "But I have no idea where this came from…"
"Nor I. But you wear the symbol. I was not a religious person on my world, or else I would be bowing to you immediately. Only the highest are allowed to wear such things. Before you ask I don't know what it means, perhaps just a sign that you are Sundown? But the dagger is the key to that transformation no doubt. You have a connection to my God, Dimmer, it is not something you or I can take lightly. That is all we know for now. Perhaps after tonight's battle we can discuss things further. Ah, finally." Talenite smiled, "I thought those steps wold never end."
"Dimmer where have you been?!" Rei called out as she skidded to a stop in front of them after going full sprint.
"Me and Tale have been going through a lot of things why?"
"You had us scared to death!" Serena called out as she ran by them
"What for?"
"There's been an attack. Andrew's girlfriend, was taken ten minutes ago. Greg just reported it to us." Amy calmly stopped to explain things
"The police that were staking out her house?"
"Found lying unconscious, completely drained of energy. They managed to report it in right before being attacked."
"Rei get everybody calmed down, take battle positions and transform. Chad?"
"Right here Dim."
"You come with me and Tale. You'll be the halfway point between the battlefield and me. That okay?"
"Fine with me, Rei only had me playing sniper anyway, she didn't bother giving me a position."
"You have one now. Go take your position, but first, have any binoculars? I'd like to watch what's going on."
"Top shelf, by the guitar stand and my dresser."
"Thanks, get going."
"Will do. Here's that communicator you asked for a bit back. Just put it behind your ear."
"Great Timing." Dimmer said sarcastically as he slipped the earpiece on.
"Better late than never."
Dimmer watched his best friend take off out the door. "Things are really heating up here Tale. Lets get them spyglasses and get into position ourselves."
"A good idea."
The two rushed by Lita and Mina, who were sitting by the radio. "The cat was just taken Dimmer!" Lita called out as he rushed by.
"Get into position, tell Greg that Chad's got an ear piece to him now, and to see if he can patch any further communication through it."
"Okay!"
The girls gathered in a circle in an open field where the battle would probably take place.
"Where's Darien, Serena?" Mina asked looking around.
"He went home for supper, he'll be here soon."
"Good lets transform now."
Dimmer's face turned beet red, as he quickly looked away from the binoculars. "Hahhahahha…." He laughed nervously as Talenite stared at him in curiosity.
"They sure don't show THAT in the Canadian version…" He stated in a stupid voice.
Talenite just laughed.
Daybreak sat in the woods looking on through his scope. "That had to be the most rewarding part of this whole gig since I first joined up…" He almost drooled.
"Daybreak? Daybreak? Are you there?"
"Huh? Oh Yeah! I sure am Greg."
"My code name is Telepath for the rest of this operation Daybreak. They've been spotted by some civilians coming your way from the west in the air. They'll head there next."
"Gotcha, I'm giving the signal now." He took out a mirror.
"Hey! Chad's already in position, and he's giving us the signal!" Mina pointed to the woods."
"What?! That pervert was probably watching us! Oh never mind! Everyone take your positions! Make sure all the weights are out of your suits, we don't need any handicaps against these guys." Rei called out, immediately taking over.
"Right!" At that every one separated, and ran out of the clearing.
"What's happening?" Talenite looked at the field far off. His eyes were good but not quite that good to pick out the hidden scouts, just barely the clearing.
"Chad just gave them the signal… Chad? Can you hear me?"
"Yeah man."
"Has Greg got your frequency already?"
"Yeah it was him that programmed the thing for me."
"Oh, what's up?"
"They're coming in from your back, and from the air. You know that Sensei is all that's left?"
"Okay, me and Tale are getting out of sight now." Dimmer nodded to Talenite who moved under the branches of some near by trees. Dimmer followed him.
"That's the place Malachite."
Zoicite, Malachite, and numerous amounts of nightmares and two youma flew in the night sky just under the dark clouds above, using them to hide from the viewers below.
Malachite stared at the large temple below him. "Yes Zoicite. This will be where they will make their stand. They'll be in hidden in the woods down there. That clearing is the only possible landing point for an amount of this size. The perfect spot for a trap."
"What are you planning Malachite?"
"To spring it of course. It will be interesting to see just what these scouts are capable of before we kill them."
"That sounds unmistakably good to me."
"Remember Queen Beryl's words tonight Zoicite. The one named Daybreak is to be captured and brought back, failing that, Tuxedo Mask."
"She can keep the trigger happy maniac. Tuxedo Mask will know my vengeance!"
"Be careful of your anger Zoicite, the rose that pierced your cheek will pierce your heart as well if you are overcome with nothing but vengeance."
"Never! He is beneath everything I am! He could never defeat me! You will see when I bring "his" heart back held in my hand!"
"Calm yourself Zoicite. Keep a clear head, I do not wish to lose you, especially to those insects, but even insects can kill if given the opportunity to strike. Keep to the plan."
"Of course Malachite, the plan gives me my shot at vengeance, there's no reason to strike out on my own…"
"Just remember the plan."
Without word the small army landed. The exact numbers Talenite mentioned. "Hey I thought they were going to change things?" Dimmer whispered to Talenite. "They probably have. Watch for the lizards, their ability to blend serves their masters well."
"Huh? Yeah there are some, but they're not landing with the other ones, just a little further off in the trees. It looks like they're searching for something. They know we're here! They have to."
"Yes, they probably do."
"The "trap" was way to obvious, but the terrain may give us a hand. There is not one tree in the realm of nightmares. The Nightmares won't know how to deal with them, and you trained the girls to fight even with obstacles in the way."
"Yeah even with Zoicite, and Malachite there, that small army doesn't stand a chance. Where's the demon?"
"He will be their trump card. Beryl didn't know I learned about him. I was "spying" at the time I learned that she could summon him. Than I learned of this attack. Beryl wants to finish this. I figure he will be here tonight."
"I think I'll put my money with yours."
"Crap, they know we're here." Jupiter thought to herself as the nightmares began to search he woods. "Than let's get things started... Dimmer style."
"Jupiter Thunder Crash!" Jupiter jumped out of the woods and began. Before they had a chance to react, three lizards lit up like they stuck forks in a socket.
"Mars Fire Ignite!" Two more lizards got toasted.
"Mercury Bubble Blast!"
Confused and without any sight of what was around them the night mares tripped over themselves and the branches and roots around them, lashing out at any and all in the way. The scythers and Rock men killed three of the lizards for them.
"Venus Crescent Beam Smash!" Venus turned and her beam turned with her, taking out the last two of the lizards and two hammers of four rock men.
"Moon Tiara Magic!" The glowing discus ricocheted off of both hammerless rockmen to end up back on Sailor Moon's finger. She quickly put it back on. The two rockmen fell into small piles of dust.
"Heh, they've really improved. Now, all of you! Attack! Zoicite! Play your part! The scouts obviously aren't here to play games! So neither are we! If they want a war, I'll be the first to give it to them." Malachite smiled. Finally, the scouts had become worthy opponents! How he so longed for the day he could once again wreak havoc among the forces of his enemies!
Zoicite nodded and immediately took off from the battle.
"Look at that, it's Zoicite! Where's she going? The temple!!" Dimmer yelled into the binoculars.
"Not so loud! We've no idea where the lizards you seen before have gone to! You may lead them straight to us!"
"Sorry Tale. I gotta tell Daybreak!"
"Daybreak? Come in!"
"One minute, one minute…" his scope fixed on a scyther giving Venus a run for her money. He pulled the trigger. The scyther's blade went wide of its target place by a foot. Venus round housed it away, it was immediately blasted with lightning and a fireball before it even hit the dirt from the kick. It got up again, but was too hurt to be any use fighting against the scouts.
"Yes! What is it Dim?"
"Zoicite took off toward the temple! Sensei is there!"
"What?! Okay I'm there!"
"Huh? Daybreak! You got some help! Tuxedo Mask spotted her! Give him a hand in case she gets their first, it will be two against one!"
"Right on! Telepath?"
"Already on it, the Pidge and John are on their way in from staking out the temple, they'll try to get Rei's grandfather out of there."
"You know it's useful having a psychic communications officer."
"Thanks. What! No! Daybreak get out of there now! There's danger!"
"Huh? Daybreak just finished starting the Harley when he noticed many pair of yellow eyes appear around him. "Lizards!"
"So he's in there." Zoicite smiled looking down at the temple. "Open up gramps!" She laughed as she blew a hole right through the roof. The old man didn't budge from where he sat by the fire.
"Not going to run Gramps? Good that's just going to make it easier." She held out the dark crystal."
In response the old man simply looked up, smiled, and pointed behind her.
"Huh?"
CRACK
Another hole was made in the temple roof that night, and one in the far wall besides to match it as Zoicite flew into the pond not far away from it.
Tuxedo Mask smiled as he stood back up straight from throwing a punch. Only he and Dimmer, he suspected, knew his full capabilities, and it was time to let loose. "Zoicite! I've been waiting for this!"
He jumped off the roof and charged at her just missing by inches as she reacted from instinct. Again she had to dodge as three razor sharp roses, buzzed right beside her.
She stopped for a second's breather rubbing the large red welt on her face. "He's making me look like that blonde twit!"
"Augh! Take this you overdressed pig!" Then next barrage of roses were melted in a pink energy blast. It came into too quick to dodge.
Tuxedo Mask smiled, than rushed toward it.
He ignored the pain as his cloak ripped up in back and his sleeves became a shredded mess as he held out his arms to protect his face.
"Was that it?!" He yelled up at her as he neared the end of her chi blast and came up with a flying uppercut. His hat flew off in the wind.
"Woah… monkey boy actually did something cool…" Dimmer's jaw nearly dropped, before recognizing the move. "Heh, I taught him that." he bragged.
Talenite couldn't help but chuckle as Dimmer went back into watching the fight.
"Hey there's Pidge and John! They're going in to get Sensei. I hope they'll be alright. Where's Daybreak, the way he can drive that thing I thought for sure he'd be there by now.
"Daybreak? Where are you?"
"Busy." He grunted in reply as he ducked under a tree branch. The lizard that was about to jump on his back wasn't so fortunate and broke its own neck as it got it straight to its head.
"I never knew these lizards could run this fast!" He took out an uzzi and emptied a magazine into the one to his right. If that didn't kill it, the tree it hit after being tripped up by the bullets, certainly did. "This is nuts! 50 mph, in the woods, and in the opposite direction than I was supposed to be going! Why do they want me so fuckin' bad?!"
"Dimmer. Telepath here. The tracking beacon on Daybreak's bike is going the wrong way, he's head for the city."
"Get them to keep an eye on him! He's being chased! Tale? I think we found where those other lizards got off to."
Talenite nodded his response
"This just in! There are another troop of monsters in the city by the warehouse district at the docks! They came out of the water and are clearing the area! Dimmer! Daybreak's headed that way!"
"Daybreak! You're headed into a trap!"
"Nothing I can do Dimmer. Do you trust me?"
"What are you planning?"
"The girls can't spare the time Dimmer. People are gonna get hurt. It's a bummer, but I'll take these guys."
"You can't! You can't take on all of them!"
"He's right Daybreak. Lead them around, the police will help you corner them than they…"
"Forget Telepath, the police are only going to get in the way, I don't wanna kill any by accident. Dimmer ya gotta trust me! Trust me the way I trusted you!"
Dimmer was about to say something before sighing. "I trust you. Don't get killed buddy."
"These things are dead, don't worry about it."
"Telepath? Get the police outta his way. I don't wanna hear about any friendly fire, make sure they're around in case back up is needed alright?
"Will do Dimmer, I'm also making a plea to the Prime Minister. I'll see what other assistance we can get."
"Sounds good." Dimmer turned to Talenite, worry in his eyes. "Sacrifice?"
Talenite nodded.
"No way! The demon hasn't even arrived yet! The problem is we're being separated! We're already in three groups, I didn't even notice it until it was too late!"
"It is not your fault Dimmer, Malachite has been planning this for awhile, and has years of experience behind him. He had no idea about Beryl's demon summoning until last night. He expected to defeat you with what he had. You managed to surprise him despite all of this. You're doing well. Perhaps the girls can still hold their own."
The Youma with half a head of hair laughed as it gathered the scouts' powers in a biology beaker and shot it back at them. Venus just barely managed to dodge away after bringing sown the almost dead scyther. Behind her Jupiter ran forward. The powers hit the ground in front of her from where Venus just dodged from. The resulting explosion showered her body with small sharp, and jagged rocks. Lita didn't even take the time to notice as she slammed her fist into its stomach right through the glass beaker, she brought her knee up hard to the youma's chin. It flew up into the air. It twisted to try to find its prey only to find that it was the prey. Mars was already in the sky ahead of it.
"Mars Fire Ignite!"
The creature screamed in pain and landed in a newly made bubble mist below.
"Moon Healing Activation!"
It was the mist that covered the escape of Venus with Andrew's girlfriend unconscious body in tow. Venus quickly re-entered the battle as soon as she managed to get her to a far enough away spot.
"Now, THAT was a combo!"
"Yes. That was quite a show Dimmer. What was that explosion over by the temple?"
"She's at it again. Huh? Oh shit, Tuxedo's getting cocky! He knocked her into the temple! Telepath! Get Pidge and John out of there!"
"Too late! They just made contact with the enemy!"
"Shoot! Jeez shoot!" John yelled as he punched his partner who stood there stunned. It was all he needed. The two detectives stood there and shot at the blonde woman in uniform. Their shells bounced harmlessly off of her forcefield.
"These damn pea shooters aren't doing a thing! We need bigger guns!" Pidge yelled before Zoicite noticed their presence. She stared coldly at the two as she got up to her feet. "You're mine." It was all she said. Pidge was blasted.
"Pidge!" John through away his useless gun, and ran to his partner's side.
His partner looked up at him in a pained expression. "Fool. Now we're both dead. Run!" He said in the loudest voice he could muster. John's image faded from Pidge's sight. Pidge would never take another step.
John picked back up his gun and shot at her.
"YOU FUCKING BITCH!!"
"Ooo. I felt that" she laughed as she walked toward him, his bullets bouncing away. "Show me your anger, show me your hatred. Your partner lies dead on the ground, and you can do nothing."
She was clobbered from behind. She slammed into the wall and slid down to the floor, looking up to see the black clad figure she knew would be there, but he wasn't. He didn't have enough time to get here that quick. "Than who?"
"You foul disease. You have spilled innocent blood on these holy grounds." The little old man took a stance. His eyes glared dangerously. He still didn't know what to expect form her, but he had been watching the fight between her and the man clad in a tuxedo. He was hoping the inexperienced young man would be able to solve this, but she had committed an unforgivable sin, right before his very eyes. He could no longer ignore this, it didn't matter if she did take his life.
"So you're not so old after all Gramps. Fine, punish me. Let's see if you get any more lucky strikes in. She blasted at him, but he expected that. He flipped over the beam easily, coming down on her from above, only to be shot with another blast. He quickly jumped back to his feet. "I underestimated her speed. I will not make the same mistake twice."
Next thing Zoicite knew she was staring at six of the old men circling her. "What the…!?"
An uppercut from behind, a punch to her stomach, than a kick to her side followed by a spin kick to her head. For a split second the other versions of the old man disappeared. They started circling her again in less than a moment. It was all she needed.
"Ha!" A swipe of her hand and the old man fell backwards as a bolt of solid energy stuck out of his shoulder like a dagger.
"Not bad old man. Here let me help your strength a little." She held out the dark crystal and yellow energy rings wound their way around him. The old priest screamed.
"Stupid!" He berated himself, "stupid, stupid, stupid!"
Tuxedo Mask jumped toward the temple where the scream came from. He knocked her away, and hadn't even noticed where he had punched her. It seemed even he hadn't known his own strength, as he knocked her through about twenty trees, when he expected her to stop at the third one. "If only I had of fought like the others in that tournament! Dimmer was trying to show us our power! I didn't see, and now Rei's grandfather may pay the price. Never again! No mistakes."
It was a lesson he learned too late as he saw the black clothed, red faced lion charge out of the wall. What he wasn't expecting was Zoicite to be jumping backwards away from it.
"Zoicite! So you can't control what you've created? What did you expect, that priest had many years to learn his ways."
"It's true I underestimated him, but that mistake is yours to deal with. Ta ta!" She faded into the shadows around her."
"Dammit!" He turned to face the enraged lion youma.
"Shit! They got Sensei!" Dimmer yelled out loud. "If only there was something I could do!"
"Not without Sundown. You will be defeated, just like the old priest was."
"But that means Zoicite's coming back to the battle against the scouts..."
"Zoicite? What happened?!"
"This is nothing Malachite. Mission accomplished. The Youma is berserk though, I left Tuxedo Mask to deal with it."
You're injured, the scouts are too good for you to go against with anything but full power. Proceed back to base. Inform Queen Beryl, that it will soon be time."
"No! I can deal with these brats!"
"It was you who asked my advice, I give it to you! Take my orders Zoicite I do not wish to witness your death because of pride. You will be there to see them die, that I promise you."
"Very well Malachite. I will relay your report to Queen Beryl. I'll be back scouts!"
"Good riddance!" Mina yelped as a hammer came toward her. She flipped up onto the hammer and ran up it to deliver a chop to the back of the rockman's head. The scouts regrouped behind her only to be scattered by the Cat Youma and scyther.
The Youma grabbed hold of Mercury and its eyes gleamed evilly as it bear hugged the smallest of the scouts. Electricity raced along its whiskers. Mercury screamed.
The scouts had no time to look on in horror as electricity coursed through every part of Mercury's body.
"Jupiter Thunder Crash!" The hammer protecting one of the two remaining rockmen blew apart. It was Quickly followed by the rockman him self as Mars Gave it a full punch to its stomach, putting a hole right through it.
She didn't stop there.
She rained down blows on it until it was rubble. Sailor Moon and Venus kept dodging all of the scyther's attacks, distracting it from its ally's perils. The same held true for Jupiter. She put both arms up. The weight of the hammer fell down upon her from the last of the rockmen. It came at her with the strength of the boulder that Dimmer through at them. It was to its surprise that it's hammer stopped completely. It came as another surprise as she ducked underneath it to deliver a double open fisted attack to its leg, than seeing its leg get knocked into the trees behind it.
Being the first to be finished with hers, Jupiter turned around to see Mercury's trouble. Mercury wasn't able to predict what that youma did. She never seen it fight before and it came directly after her. She was caught in its torturous arms having the her breath crushed from her only to be slammed up and down her spine with high voltage.
Jupiter growled. She rushed the thing in a rage. She failed to predict its catlike reflexes. It quickly dropped Mercury and caught her. It kicked Mercury away only to perform the same maneuver on Jupiter. It was Jupiter's turn to scream.
Than there was a flash of camera light from behind her. The picture would make front page news on the mornings paper.
She had no idea where it came from, but it didn't matter. It blinded the monster, its eyes were obviously not meant for the light.
"This'll teach you just who the master of electricity is around here! Jupiter Thunder Crash!" She blasted both herself and it. They both fell to one knee after the attack.
"Now." Jupiter whispered.
Sailor Moon had hopped out of the battle with the scyther as Mercury used bubbles to blind it. She now bathed the youma with healing light. Venus quickly got the injured cat out of the way.
The scyther was alone, and now, it deemed itself the champion. It was going to fight like one. It went all out against the scouts. Before it was only doing what it was told because it was being summoned, but with the death and fighting all around, it was in its glory, and planned to show it.
"I can't hold it!" Mercury called out, "I know the moves it makes, but it makes them to quick! I'm going to blind him! Mercury Bubbles Splash!"
"What's she still doing in there?! She was seriously injured against that youma! Start using sense girl!" Dimmer was really getting into things now. He had thrown the binoculars against the ground several times over. There were several breaks in the glass and wouldn't have held together if they weren't military grade.
"Good Venus is getting her and Jupiter to help guard the girl."
"What girl?" Talenite could not say he, also, wasn't getting interested by Dimmer's broadcast.
"The one saved from being a youma, Andrew's girlfriend? You know that one."
"Oh, I see." He looked up. The clouds were finally starting to break. The fullness of the moon would be able to be seen soon. He turned back to Dimmer who was scratching in frustration as he looked through the binoculars.
"Sailor Moon! Cover me!" Mars yelled as she charged at the scyther.
"Cover you? How?!" The pigtailed on cried out as she rushed in right behind her to see what she was doing.
"Huh? Sailor Mars! What are you doing!" She wasn't putting up any defenses against the nightmare! She would be cut to ribbons just like Dimmer was that night! Before she knew it she was defending the blows for her. She bounced around blocking every strike she seen the creature attempt to make. Her friend's life was at stake, and she was counting on her.
Mars continued with her assault on the scyther, disregarding Sailor Moon as she defended every strike for her. One back, one front, one more back kick to its head, a follow through left elbow, followed by a back fisted uppercut, "Mars Fire Ignite!" Sailor Mars yelled point blank at the creature as she finished a huge chain of combinations. She looked to Sailor Moon and gave her a thumbs up and a smile. Sailor Moon looked back up. The speed she just had to move at was sickening, literally. She was heaving trying to get her breath under control before it made her throw up. She was down on her arms and knees. Her eyes felt watery, as her stomach heaved, and she could no longer hold it down.
Mars watched as her friend heaved up on the ground. She wanted to comfort her. She had no idea how fast that thing must've been moving. Before she could though, a movement behind her caught her eye. She grabbed Sailor Moon and dodged for all she was worth. Malachite missed her with his beam by a good foot.
"Very good girl, I underestimated your speed. Be glad for your luck it will not happen again."
Sailor Moon now had her breathing under control and stood up beside Sailor Mars. Venus jumped in beside them, Jupiter and Mercury weren't far behind them.
"Ha! Go ahead Sailor scouts hit me with all of your powers at once! You will beg for my mercy after this!"
It was his surprise when they all jumped him instead of shooting him. Mars knocked him to Mercury who performed an eight kick combo to send him flying toward Jupiter. She sent him ten feet into the air. Some blood trickled from his mouth from that blow. Sailor Moon drill kicked him into the ground by his head. Venus sent a crescent beam at his head which he quickly absorbed, only to find out it was a distraction as she flipped over his head, grabbing him by the hair, and twisted around. He felt a horrible jolt in his neck as he was flipped over her head into a tree. They snapped his neck! He may have been dead for a second before slamming him into the tree and getting it knocked back into place. The scouts would never be able to tell. It may have just looked like his head was at an unnatural angle. Either way when Sailor Moon went to check for a pulse he released Venus crescent blast he absorbed earlier, or at least he tried to.
An unconscious black lion with a red face was thrown into him, knocking him through a lot of trees. There, at the edge of the clearing, limped an injured Tuxedo Mask. He had long ago lost his mask, and what was left of his shirt was filled with claw marks and blood stains. He held on to the shoulder of the arm he obviously through the youma with.
"How's that taste?" he spat, and fell to one knee.
"… I'm not sure what to believe … Tuxedo Mask doing something cool, or the fact that he didn't spout of some crap that could outdo some of "my" jokes when it comes to corniness…"
"How can you tell? It's not as if we can hear him."
"True, but his mouth wasn't moving a mile a minute either. Yap yap yap yap yap, that's usually all you ever hear from the guy, than he throws another rose or two and leaves. I think the guy's views have changed a little."
"War tends to do that…"
"How?" Malachite muttered in pain as he used what was left of his strength to push the body off of him.
"Dimmer told us that you are able to use our powers against us. So we just didn't use them." Sailor Mars stated simply.
"How… how did he know?"
"That's for us to know. Malachite! Your days of tormenting the innocent and causing wars are finished!" Sailor Moon walked over to him, ready to finish this business. Too many friends were hurt by this guy and people like him. He tested them for weeks just to do this to them. He lost.
"I know… Talenite… The traitor told him… Talenite!" He yelled out so even Dimmer and Talenite could hear, "Your betrayal is obvious! We will never stop hunting you!"
"I am with you forever now Dimmer. There is no going back."
"You had nothing to go back to anyway. At least you will be treated like a person here."
"Thank you."
"I'll see you again scouts…" Malachite wiped some of the blood from his lip as he teleported away.
"We won girls now…Moon Healing Activation!" Sailor Moon healed the old priest.
"Where's the demon?" Mars asked suspiciously.
"Talenite said their plans might change…"
"They've done it! They won! Let's get down there Talenite!"
"No Dimmer! Too late…" He stared suspiciously at the sky and watched a sickeningly black glow come from behind them. "Damn!"
He bit his lip as he watched the cheerful young man run to the clearing. It would only take a few minutes for him to get there. If they do not receive any help, he may be there in time to comfort them as they die.
"Just when I like the kid. Damn you Fate. You better follow through with your end of the bargain to that boy, or I will, yet, find some way to destroy you."
The clouds above the girls parted and the demon came forth. The girls all jumped back for the beast like man. Black horns curved in front of its head, and a razor toothed grin made it look more the monster the knew it to be. It's skin was red and muscled, with black spikes trailing down its back to the tip of its dragon like tail. It now stood on the ground before hem and towered over them a good twenty feet high. Its wingspan was tremendous. Its powers were immense, anybody could feel his arrival any where within a mile of the place. Everyone who slept in Tokyo that night reported nightmares of their worst fears haunting them.
It laughed a deadly growling laugh. In a deep, dark, guttural voice it spoke.
"Know the name of the cause of your destruction. I am Deliath! Welcome to the end of your life. Heaven will welcome you ones of the light. Be glad you will not be here see the rest of your world got to hell…"
Dimmer heard the monstrous voice. He felt his dagger glowing at his side. The scouts were all hurt! They couldn't take this thing in the best of situations! Sensei's wards were their only chance. They would have to understand! He took out the dagger from its sheath. He tried the lines. Nothing. What was he going to do? He would never be Sundown again, would light help him as Talenite figured it might?
Mars acted, she whipped all seven wards at it. Magical energy flowed through the air.
"Now!" She called over the crackling, conflicting powers. Before they could do as told though, the demon let out a final grunt of pain. Its powers were sealed. It shrunk down to seven feet, but still towered over all of the scouts. All of the scouts attacked in unison. It laughed, and as quick and jagged as black lightning it moved through them.
Mars attacked with a horrible kick that would probably broke even Sundown in half. The demon caught her foot in its palm, and punished her impudence, by slamming its fist into her face until she made a large imprint in the hard ground. Still having a hold of her leg, it twisted with a heartfelt, monstrous laugh as he heard her muffled screamed and the loud snap in her legs. Sailor Mars was no longer in the battle. It had taken less than a second. Sailor Moon came at it in a rage, once a gain bringing all of her speed to bare, hoping to help her friend. What she hit was its afterimage. It was too fast to see. It backhanded her face into the tree behind it, a smug smile on its face.
"Mercury Bubble Splash!"
Mercury looked up hoping to surprise the demon only to see it wasn't where she last looked. She looked around quickly in the fog hoping beyond hope it wasn't too late.
Outside of the fog Jupiter's heart wrenched, and Venus trembled as the almost inhuman, pain-filled screech split the air around them in voice they recognized as Amy's.
The fog cleared and the dark silhouette strutted toward them. A gleeful look on its face. Neither could move. They just seen their best friends possibly die all around them in less than a minute. Amy's screams still echoed in the woods around them.
Once again he was found running for all he was worth. He tripped over twelve times in the last minute. It felt like he'd never get there. His whole body itched, not a single place he could focus on. The itching was starting to turn into thousands of pains. His bones creaked and ripped as he ran. He didn't care if he had to run so fast his body would tear up, he WOULD get there in time.
The clouds were completely dispersed by the demons arrival, a full moon shone down on the clearing. Both of the scouts left standing stood together shaking. It laughed as it walked toward them.
To everyone's surprise several roses entered its arm. It cried out in pain. The Flowers inflicted more damage to it than any other attack so far. Venus struck first with new energy. This thing could be hurt! That meant it could be beaten! Maybe not by physical attacks, but the wards must've made vulnerable to their magic somehow!
"Venus Crescent Beam Smash!"
Jupiter was right behind her.
"Jupiter Thunder Crash!" To protect their friends! To protect the world! They had to defeat this thing!
It cried out in pain as the attacks hit their mark while it was focusing its attention on Tuxedo Mask.
Suddenly out of nowhere a glowing discus sliced through its stomach and out the other side! Than a Fireball! Sailor Moon! Sailor Mars! They were alive!
"I.. I won't let you hurt my friends." Sailor Moon whispered in a way that everybody heard. Even Dimmer who was just arriving at the clearing.
"Everybody! Now!"
Each scout lit into the demon with all of their attacks in unison. Dozens of red blurs came from Tuxedo Mask. It screamed in agony. Than broke away. It was little more than a blur itself as it bulldogged into Tuxedo Mask. The scouts still poured their powers into it, and it started beating the young man caught in its grasp. The scouts had to stop in fear of hurting their friend. Deliath slowly rose with Tuxedo Mask's feet in hand. He than proceeded to beat him like a rug into a nearby tree. It was insane! Blood splattered on the tree in a horrible splat and Tuxedo Mask slumped to the ground. It than charged the scouts.
Dimmer kneeled down scratching feverishly at his entire body. He couldn't stand it! Everything had gone nuts! He felt a warm liquid splat against him as he heard Venus scream. Blood flooded his senses. He could smell it everywhere. The blood of his enemies, the blood of his friends. His bones squeezed together, they knitted themselves together in a different shape. All he felt was anger as the full moon's light rained down on him fully, now that he was no longer hidden by the shadows of the trees. Anger… and an emotion he didn't know a name for. So he expressed it in the only way he knew how…
An inhuman howl that had everyone there stop and shudder as a large amount of chills ran up and down their spines… It echoed off into the city.
The people that had nightmares in Tokyo that night had one similarity. They all dreamt of a white wolf.
It was a white streaked blur that attacked Deliath. Deliath took the attack head on. Whatever creature, it was no match for a true demon. Strangely, the first real look Deliath got of the creature was seeing it with Deliath's own arm in its mouth.
There was no mistaking the creature. It was an age old, only known in folklore and myths. The only known cause came out f the same tales it was known from. The cause? The bite of another on like it. The disease from this bite would turn you into a creature that was beyond every humanoid's nightmare. Man long ago forgot what its natural enemy was in nature, but the fear of lyncanthropy has lingered on in their most primal of instincts. The tales tell of many kinds of lyncanthropes, including, weretigers, werepanthers, werecats, wererats, but none held more fear than the one that was the most famous of all of these. The werewolf. A lyncanthrope stood in front of him now. It was either an albino wolf, or an arctic one, the large amount of fur left little doubt that it was the latter, though the red eyes could say the first. Deliath stopped this line of thinking as he watched as it swallowed and crunched down the last of his own hand. He looked down stupidly at his right arm, or at least the stub of it. He looked back at the wolf to see it for his last time, as this time it took his throat.
The scouts stood stunned. Before their very eyes Dimmer turned into a werewolf. The true effects were lost on all of them. That meant he could be normal again after the full moon right? And only a silver bullet could kill him. Right?
The feral red eyes of the Garou, their native name, may tell differently…
Sailor Moon Says: "Hello again!" Serena's cheerful voice came on. "So now things are just getting weird! Dimmer is a werewolf! And what happened to Daybreak?! All coming up next time on Sailor moon! A Change of Fate!"
"It was a real tough battle today, and all of us have more than our fair share of bruises and injuries… All of our work paid off as we fought against the Negaverse without holding anything back. After you find a goal you want to attain, we know we have to hang on to it with all we got, and never let it go! When you decide on something you believe needs to be done, don't hold back, and whether you win or lose, you won't regret it, because you'll always be able to remember, I gave it my best."
Reality Check:
"What the shit? They turned Dimmer into a freaking werewolf? On Sailor Moon? That don't seem right at all…" Mitchell turned the TV off, and sat back to think. Dimmer had caused him a lot of trouble lately, and he didn't particularly like jail all that much. The press was still going near crazy out his door, and he hardly got a moment's peace any more. He sighed, and got an ominous feeling right before his phone rang. Who would be calling? Katie and Mike would still be at the college, his parents at work, and his sister at school. He had skipped on the account off the press, and his class mates weren't much better…
He walked over to the phone and picked it up.
"Hello?"
"Good day, is there a Mr. Mitchell there?"
"If this is any kind of reporter!"
"No Mitchell this isn't. My name is Jamie…"
Endnotes: Here we update again. Once again thanking everyone who reviewed for the last chapter.
Like Cats: I'm glad you liked the song =D, cause my fic tends to focus around songs a lot… Fair warning to all… they are not all love songs…
Himitsu-no-hi: =D I'll try my best to keep up with your standards of story greatness, that way that bargain don't go down any… and I'm glad you like the reality bits. I'm still a little iffy on them myself, I haven't yet found away to connect them to the main story plot, any ideas would be helpful!
I'm gonna keep at it, and hope that I don't let anybody down. Anybody caught by surprise by the werewolf thing? Worried it might effect the show in a little too weird of way?
Well make sure!
Review, tell me what you think, and I can send ya some future chapters to put your worries at rest.
And for actually making it this far, here is a
useless fact that I have learned recently. Did you know that the same voice
artist who did champ bear on care bears does Sailor Venus' voice? lol
See ya later sports fans! ;)