New Enemies

Chapter 12

Miles raced towards the figure, dodging holes and monsters until he finally came to the figure and stopped dead in his tracks, surprise in his eyes. "Jua-Juanto?"

Juanto chuckled and stepped out into the light. He was the same age as Miles, with long silver hair sited back by a yellow bandanna. His eyes were a pure black, a spark of purple every now and then. His clothes were a simple Kimono, black as ink and a sword tied to his side. "Hello Hikastu. How long has it been?"

Miles shook his head in disbelief. "No, it can't be."

"Believe it, Hikastu. I'm surprised you never figured it out." He sneered.

Miles growled. "You dare sneer at me, you traitor! You betrayed the Moon Kingdom!"

Juanto chuckled and fingered the handle of his sword. "Yes. It wasn't easy, you know. Breaking into the computer base, disguising the true power of Bakuda's comet. It took almost three years of planning."

Miles shook in rage and fury. "I will destroy you."

Juanto looked at him and pulled out his sword. "Come and try to put your words into action."

Miles reached into the air and a column of light appeared. It faded and Miles pointed a long broadsword at Juanto, the blade glowing white with the power of Miles. Juanto gave a war cry and swung at Miles who easily blocked it. Their swords slid together, quivering in the air as the two men fought to overcome their opponent with strength. Miles was the one that won. He slammed Juanto into a crystal wall and with his left hand sent a ball of light at him. Juanto raised his sword in front of him and Miles watched as the sword began to glow black and absorbed the ball. Juanto chuckled. "You're not the only one with special powers, Hikastu."

Miles took a step back. "What are you?"

Juanto smiled. "I am your opposite. While you guard the light of the stars, I guard the shadows they cast."

Miles sent a deadly glare at Juanto and held his sword with both hands. "Nimulogi."

Nimulogi smiled and held his black sword. "Now, we may fight."

Kirala heard the sounds of battle and sparred Miles a glance and was captured. Miles had summoned is Sword of Light and was fighting with a man who had a sword that glowed black. What chaos had fallen on them? She looked over and saw the Sailor Scouts were fending for themselves but the creatures kept coming at them. Kirala sighed and searched for Bakuda who had disappeared. She sliced through the middle of a creature that had ventured to close and continued searching until she found her, sitting on a throne of ice. Growling, she ran towards her, jumping over creatures and landing nimbly.

Bakuda smiled a raised her hand and Kirala stopped, falling forward, holding her neck. Invisible hands were locked around her throat, blocking off air from her lungs. Bakuda raised her arm and Kirala floated in the air towards her until she was mere inches away from Bakuda. "You think you can come in here and in one heroic swoop, destroy me to avenge your precious Queen? HA! I think not. It will be I who will finish you, Kirala, Spirit of the Crystal."

She slammed Kirala down, the hands releasing her. Kirala gasped for breath, laying weakly on the ground.

Bakuda chuckled and looked up to find everything had worked out perfectly. "Look up, Kirala and see what you have brought."
Kirala propped herself up and looked in horror at the new situation. All of the Sailor Scouts had been captured, being held firmly by the creatures and had formed a semi-circle around the throne. And Miles was on his knees, the man holding him down by using the blade of his sword against his neck. "Kirala."

"Hikastu." She whispered.

"Now, it is time for you to die!" Bakuda cried and raised her sword up above Kirala. Kirala, knowing she had failed, did the only thing she could think of. She sent all of her energy and all of her life force and sent it towards the Crystal. She saw the blade come rushing down. It seemed to come so slow. Tears welled up inside. She had failed. She would never be able to help them avenge Queen Serenity. She heard the cries of the Sailor Scouts; saw the knowing sadness of Sailor Pluto. But most of all, she heard the painful cry of Hikastu. Then, the blade pierced through her.

Bakuda smiled in triumph and pulled her blade out. The sword glowed with the new soul and increased in power. She smiled and looked at Juanto. "Let him go."

Juanto nodded and let Hikastu go. Hikastu crawled forward, unable to hold back the tears. He came to her and picked up and wrapped his arms around her. "Kirala. No. Not yet."

Kirala looked up at him and smiled, lifting her hand to his cheek. "Hikastu. You have to keep fighting. For Serenity."

Hikastu shook his head. "No. I cannot do this without you. Don't leave me. Please."

Kirala smiled. "I'll always be with you. Always." Her hand slipped away limply to the side and Hikastu watched in horror as the light of life left her eyes.

He stayed there, starring at his love, now fading before his eyes until she disappeared. He closed his eyes, feeling the rage swell in him with frightening speed. He stood slowly up and turned to Bakuda and opened his eyes. And Bakuda gasped.

His eyes were a pure white, glowing. Bakuda took a step back, for the first time fear slipping into her eyes. "You have destroyed a precious gift given to this world. Now, you will pay with your life."

"Juanto! Kill him!" Bakuda roared.

Juanto lifted his sword and swung it at Hikastu. The blade never hit him. Juanto stopped and looked at his sword. The blade cracked and exploded along with his life force. Juanto screamed before fading away.

Bakuda gasped and took another step back. 'What is going on? This isn't what I planned!'

With Juanto gone, the holes disappeared. And the monsters faded away. The Sailor Scouts were freed. They joined Hikastu's side. Hikastu starred at Bakuda. He raised his arm and his sword appeared in his hand. He pointed to Bakuda with it. "This will be for Kirala. For my only love!"
"Wait for me!" A new voice called.

The Sailor Scouts turned and saw Serena, racing towards them. She joined their ranks and starred at Bakuda with hatred. "I know what you did Bakuda! And I will never rest until you get what is yours!"

Sniff. Sniff. I need some towels. Okay, well, you all know what to do. Sniff. Sniff.