Shadowed Love

Chapter 5

Tokyo, Japan.

Princess Fireball had waited a full week and three days for this specific day to arrive. Her loyal fighters had stayed with her, reclaiming their Earth forms. The three of them were out shopping; while she sat in the apartment, waiting. When the sun rose this morning, she knew this was the day.

Rising from the couch, she quietly walked across the room and left the apartment. She didn't know Tokyo very well; but her feet knew exactly how to take her through the city. As she walked, her gaze would go to the sky; human eyes would miss the threads of color that were appearing. All different colors, all different directions, like a delicate web of invisble color.

"The New Age," She whispered softly and continued walking. "It is almost time."

Across the city, Frost Stovick was seated on a park bench. She'd left the apartment this morning with a fire in her blood; she would find that third Jewel before anyone else. She would use it. Finally the White Moon would pay.

Frost had been forced to stop in her tracks as her thoughts processed those words. The...White...Moon...Would...Pay..., Frost had been stunned to stillness.

"I do want vengeance." She whispered gently, "Oh god, but I do."

Finally she'd sat down on a bench and let her mind wonder a million things at once. She had never realized until now how much of Chandra's Past was a part of Frost's Present.

"Who is Frost Stovick?" She wondered absently; who was she?

As a child, Frost had been aware of Chandra. She'd thought of her as an imaginary friend; someone she could talk to who would understand her; because Chandra always understood. It was one of her greatest strengths, she understood everything. The older Frost got, the more challenging it had become to resist Chandra's input into her mind. If something was challenging at school for Frost, Chandra would surface and figure it out. If Frost was every afraid of being on the track, Chandra would take over and find the best way to deal with it.

After so many years of surrendering to this other person, Frost realized she had no idea who she was. Chandra had become the driving force behind everything Frost ever did. From waking up in the morning, to what she ate, what she wore, everything.

"I have a split personality." Frost mused and didn't know if she did or not.

Somehow she didn't think the definition of 'split personality' included past life memories of a now mythical Moon Kingdom. It didn't include the ability to use powers and change the world. She even doubted that the definition included having visions of future events.

"No, definitely not." She muttered and looked up absently.

Her gaze followed a group of children as they purchased balloons and then chased each other, the balloons bobbing in the air as they ran.

She had never played with balloons. She'd never had friends who would play tag with her.

Her life on the race circuit had been exciting; how many thirteen year olds could say they'd seen the world already? How many sixteen year olds could say their first car had been a Mach 1 Turbo racer? How many young women could say they had faced death and walked away from a fiery crash before they were eighteen?

How many people on earth could say they knew the future with 100 accuracy?

Frost hung her head. "How many people know what it's like, period."

"I do."

Frost jumped and looked up quickly. The girl in front of her was about thirteen perhaps a little order. Her short black hair shimmered with a dark purple glow. Her dark purple eyes were far too old for that young face. She stood in front of Frost with a calm, almost sage-like feel to her. Her outfit was typical for someone her age and consisted of dark purple and black colors.

"Can I sit down? This might take a long time to explain?"

Frost had the distinct feeling she knew this person. "Sure."

The young girl sat down and her feet didn't quite touch the ground, her feet swung happily. "You're beginning to understand the life of a Senshi."

Frost stared at her for a long time, "I know you from somewhere...don't I?"

Those dark purple eyes focused on Frost, "Yes."

It was like falling backward through a thick, physical fog. It clung to her and tried to stop her fall, but as she went backward, she fell faster.

Her body crashed through the fog into a dark place. Frost gasped as her mind filled with images.

Flashback

Chandra had been expecting this visitor for a long, long time. There had been a rumor that her coming would herald the end of time. A part of Chandra was almost happy to see her. Finally, it would end.

The famed Princess of Saturn, stood not three feet from the throne of the Shadow Moon. Her black-purple gown shimmered in the dim light; her black hair was glossy with deep purple highlights. In one hand she held the infamous Silence Glaive. Her eyes were so old, yet her face was so young. She stood alone, now Guardian, no court. Just herself.

It was odd, considering how many people feared coming to the Court of the Shadow Moon, alone. They usually wanted to bring an army with them.

That was until Chandra had closed her Palace to visitors. She'd shunned the other kingdoms and isolated herself in her own world. A world where there was no treachery, no betrayal and most of all, no love. A place where the shattered remains of her heart could be thrown to the shadows and forgotten.

But here stood the Princess of Death and Revolution.

Shadow Moon and Saturn were equal in power. And in misery.

Both were feared, both were treated with false kindness. Both Princesses were stared at in when they went out. Neither were welcome at the White Moon Kingdom.

"Queen of the Shadow Moon," The young voice carried with a powerful strength, "Do you hold the line of the White Moon?"

"No." Chandra snapped, "To hell with them."

"When the Darkness comes? You will not stand?"

"No."

Princess Saturn's eyes showed the ages she held in her mind. "Why?"

"None of your business." Chandra snarled and stood up, her silver-black gown swirled around her. "I gave you an audience out of sheer curiosity. You've lost my interest, leave!"

"This world will end, Chandra. I will see to it. Where will that leave you?"

She lifted her eyes to Saturn's. The weight of ages and awesome power made the air groan and turn cold.

"I am not afraid to die."

"No, you're not." Saturn said gently, "Neither am I."

Chandra had laughed then, "Ironic isn't it? The two most feared kingdoms of the System, and we two are the only true defense against the Darkness. Sad, though, that neither of us really want to help."

"I am doing what my mission demands."

Chandra scoffed at her, "Mission?" She laughed brightly, "Oh how noble of you, Saturn. Tell me? Will you still be as noble when they try to destroy you?"

Saturn's eyes had widened slightly, "That will not happen."

"Fool!" Chandra had come down the steps then, angry with her. "When the Age of the Silver Crystal is upon Earth, you will be called from slumber. Darkness will split your soul and you will be two instead of one. Those of the outer Rim that you call friends, will turn against you. You will destroy the world; unless the sacred Chalice is found. Only then will your destruction be stopped and only if the Messiah holds it."

Saturn had stared at her with wide, sorrow filled eyes.

"You see now?" Chandra had said gently, "Neither of us have a place in the coming Age. You of Death and me of Shadow, both of the darkness that the White Moon shuns. Yet, you stand before me, saying you will end this Age; to preserve the Future. Yet, if you do, be aware that you will face your own death on Earth."

Saturn had taken a deep breath, "So be it." She had turned and walked away; her gown whispering on the floor. She paused at the great doors, "By ending this Age, I am ensuring the Future. The Princess' of the Alliance will survive and be called when it is time for them. But what of you, Queen Chandra? What of you? Your return is not guaranteed."

Chandra watched the younger woman, "I am immortal, Saturn. One way or another I will return and when I do, I will Herald the Age of the Future."

Their eyes had locked and they had a moment of understanding; Saturn was the end, Shadow was the start.

"I will see you again, Chandra." Saturn whispered.

"I will look forward to it."

End of Flashback

Frost was rocked as the vision ended; she held her head in her hands and had to breathe very slowly. "Oh, god! She's a monster!"

Hotoru shook her head, "No, Chandra is far from it. You must remember, these are memories near the end of the Kingdom. This was an extremely bitter, angry time in her life." The young girl touched Frost's shoulder. "Chandra once loved the Moon with all her heart; which is why she was so valuable. But something happened to shatter that love, to turn that heart cold. Tha is why she was feared near the end.

She is a good person; if she wasn't, then the Moon Kingdom would have been destroyed by here before the Dark Kingdom arrived, before Usagi and Mamoru met, before the Alliance was made."

Frost turned her head and looked at the girl beside her, "You were my friend back then."

"As the end drew near, you and I did share a common bond. We both knew what was coming, long before the others did." Hotoru sighed, "Neptune had a feeling of darkness, but did not know what it meant until it was too late."

"Neptune." Frost muttered the name, rage erupted through her. "She's...She's Michiru Kiaoh."

Hotoru glanced at Frost, "Yes. She is."

Frost suddenly realized that the rage in her heart came from Chandra's past, not Frost herself. There was more to that thought, but for the moment it remained hidden.

"Look..." Frost paused, "Saturn, I'm not sure what you're purpose is here, I mean you've already destroyed Mistress 9 and you've helped the Senshi Evolve to their current level. So what's left for you now?"

"You can call me Hotoru." There was a pause, "Until recently, I wondered the same thing. But since you arrived, since that day at the temple, I know what's left for me."

"Which is?" Frost pressed her gently.

"To stop you," Hotoru met Frost's eyes.

Frost was silent for a moment. "To what?"

"When you have the Neo Crystal, can you honestly say to me, you won't use it to break the Alliance?" Frost was quiet, Hotoru nodded. "Exactly. You may surrender it, you may not. That depends on how well you can heal the pain that drove Chandra into isolation. If you don't surrender it, I will destroy you."

"If you do that, you'll end the Age of Neo-Tokyo."

Hotoru's gaze held Frost's. "That is my mission."

Frost looked away and pressed her head into her hands. "Heal the pain of a shattered heart?" She shook her head, "That takes years."

"I know." Hotoru said gently, "To make matters worse, you actually fell in love with her, didn't you? It's not Chandra's pain now, but yours."

The words hit Frost hard, she looked over at Hotoru, "Yes."

There was a slow nod, "That will make it much harder. You and Chandra have a lot in common, Frost. Instead of letting her run things, you should try to understand her. The same power, knowledge and qualities that Chandra had in the Past, you have now."

"What's to say, that I have these 'qualities' because of her?" Frost countered icily.

"Chandra would not have chosen a lesser vessel. This means too much to her. You were born to be the Solider of the Future. The fact that you and your spirit haven't made peace is a challenge that can be resolved." Hotoru paused, "I know what I'm talking about."

Frost turned her gaze to the activity in the park, "They'll never know any of this, will they?"

Hotoru followed her attention.

The park was filled with people; families, kids and friends. They all enjoyed the warm weather. They sat on the grass eating picnic lunches or walked casually through the park.

"No," Hotoru said sadly, "They will never know of this."

Frost sighed heavily and pressed her hands against her face, she was suddenly so tired. "Neither one of us will ever have the love that our King and Queen do, will we?"

Hotoru shrugged, "I don't know."

Frost chuckled softly, "You don't know? I thought you could see things?"

The young girl smiled softly, "You can see more then I can."

Frost lost her joy, "The fact that we're meeting, like this, talking. We're closing the Age of the Silver Crystal."

The young girl beside her let out a sigh; "Yes."

"The last time that happened, there was an enemy attacking...the kingdom. But I don't sense any enemy now."

Hotoru stood up and turned to face Frost; her expression was grim, sad. "That's because you are the enemy."

"But how?" Frost demanded. "If I'm the Solider of the Future, how can I possibly be the enemy of it?"

"You know the answer to that." Hotoru turned away and paused as she left, "By the way, Chandra did say something to me once, something that I found interesting."

"Which is?"

The young girl smiled, "To know the Future is to know the misery of the World. To have the power to end an Age is to know the happiness of the world. But to live in it, as we cannot, that is to know the peace of the world." Hotoru glanced back, "She's not a bad person, Frost. Just misunderstood, like you."

Frost was startled and she couldn't speak as the young girl joined the crowd and vanished.

Rising from the bench she started to walk, she didn't care where she ended up.

Neocanus sprang across the rooftops, leaping easily over the gaps and landing silently on the surface. He bounded swiftly toward the house of the future Queen. He knew Luna would be there, she could summon Artemis and perhaps they could stop things from falling apart.

Luna sensed his approach; it was like a tsunami of raw power rushing toward a tiny island, her. She stood up quickly and made her way to the window. She saw him. His glistening black body moved as lightly as a feather despite his massive size.

Luckily, Usagi had left the window open; Luna climbed out and made her way to the roof. Neocanus appeared a moment later.

Luna gazed up at the ancient Guardian and didn't miss the worry in his eyes. "What's wrong?"

"Chandra and Frost have not united; they are still separate."

"What?" Luna blinked as her heart raced, "But how?"

"I don't know." He shook his large head. "It was not until this morning, when she said she would get the crystal; that I realized they're not joined."

"But Chandra will use the Crystal to destroy Usagi." Luna was suddenly very afraid. "Neo, she'll interfere with the Future."

He nodded, "And Frost is too hurt to stop her."

"Hurt?" Luna frowned at him, "What do you mean?"

"The love the same person, Luna. The same person."

Luna thought for a moment, "Haruka."

He nodded, "I came home last night and Frost was in tears. I know her heart, she is just as shattered as Chandra was near the end of the Age."

Luna closed her eyes and sighed, "Then we are finished. We cannot stop the Solider of the Future."

"There is one who can stop her," Neo said after a long pause.

"Saturn," Luna murmured. "Saturn can stop her."

"Yes, but it will end this Age. But at least the Alliance will be preserved, it will be born again."

"And so will the Shadow Moon. She's immortal, Neo. Just like you. As long as there is a change in Ages, which there always will be, there will be a Soldier of the Future."

Neo was quiet; neither of them spoke for a long, long time. Around them the sounds of the city filtered up; cars, people, birds. It was all so peaceful, so normal.

"Luna!"

They both looked up and saw Artemis making his way across to roof tops. He wasn't nearly as graceful as Neo had been, he proved that when he landed on Usagi's roof and lost his balance. Neo caught him in a single paw and placed him on the window sill.

"Sorry I'm late," He was gasping for air, "Mina dragged me to an autograph signing."

"Artemis," Neo said, "We have a problem."

"Yeah, she's not studying at all and there are exams coming up."

Luna smacked him around the ears, "Don't be an idiot. He's talking about Frost and the Neo Crystal."

Artemis sobered, "What about it?"

"She's going to use it to destroy the Alliance." Neo muttered, "Unless we can stop her."

"How can we stop her? She's...the most powerful of senshi." Artemis pointed out.

Neo looked out over the houses, "Frost still loves Haruka, I am hoping she'll stop from doing anything if we appeal to that side of her."

"What of Chandra," Luna asked, "If they're not joined, Chandra will resist."

Neo sighed, "Chandra's love turned to hate a long time ago. Her hate is for everyone, not just the Moon Kingdom."

"They're not joined?" Artemis blurted out, "But how? I've seen her fighting for us. You can't be a senshi if you're not joined to your Solider spirit."

"For a lesser, Senshi, perhaps." Neo shook his head, "But for Chandra and Sailor Shadow Moon, they don't need that union."

"Not even Saturn could take her senshi form until she united with her form." Artemis argued.

Neo stared at the white cat, "The point is, it's happened."

Luna interrupted, "What do we do about it?"

"We have to get Frost to join with Chandra and Sailor Shadow Moon has to evolve to her second level."

Artemis choked, "Make her MORE powerful?"

"In the off chance that we can prevent the end of the Age, we need the Solider of the Future at full strength to herald the coming of the Neo-Age of Tokyo. There is no other way." Neocanus shook his head, "It's a catch twenty-two."
Artemis snorted, "That's one word for it."

Princess Fireball paused at the building before her. She stood before the Tokyo Conservatory of Music and Art. Her gaze moved to the people around her; she felt the rushing energy of the Future. It was close, but she still couldn't see it. She closed her eyes and she saw the unmistakable brilliance of the Future. It burned with all the power and light of the Sun, it was just as all encompassing as the arms of a mother. Within the fire that was the Future, Princess Fireball saw the heart of the Solider.

She let out a sympathetic sigh, "Just like last time. It is your curse, to be broken hearted."

Opening her eyes she felt the wave of power crest, as if holding its breath and break, flooding the whole area. Fireball turned and could only give a sad smile. She looked the same as last time. Just as pale as the Moon, just as mysterious as the shadows.

Frost was blind to where she was; she was lost, spinning in the words of the young girl. Her mind was too confused to make sense of anything, except one thing:

I am the enemy.

Princess Fireball watched her pass by, the girl didn't see her. She followed the Soldier of the Future and knew where she was going. There was only reason she would come here.

It wasn't until the music filtered through her depressed thoughts, that Frost realized where she was. She looked up and took in the walls of art, the glass cases of sculptures. She was at the Tokyo Conservatory of Music and Art. Her gaze swept over all the paintings, they all seemed so empty to her.

She went further down the hall, following the sound of gentle music. The closer she got to the source of it, the more familiar the tune became. She recognized it!

Turning the corner, Princess Fireball watched the girl make her way into the room. "Listen with your heart."

Frost paused as she stepped into the room; there was no here, just the music playing from a lone CD player. There were chairs set up, like for a presentation. But no one was here, except her. The music faded and a moment later started over again. It was the same tune on repeat.

The words reached her..."Let me your shelter, let me be your light, you're safe, no one will find you...Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime. Let me lead you from your solitude. Say you need me, with you here beside you. Anywhere, you go, let me go too...that's all I ask of you."

Frost collapsed into a nearby chair, the Phantom of the Opera. She had gone with Haruka to the stage production one night, and this was the song were Haruka had taken her hand. She'd leaned over and whispered, "This is my song to you."

"Anywhere you go, let me go too, love me...that's all I ask of you."

Frost was over-run with grief, as another memory pushed to the surface.

Flashback

The Royal Opera Theater was bright, it sparkled like a shining star in the night. Everyone was there; from Mars to Neptune, to Mercury and Pluto. Everyone was there.

Chandra was among them, sitting in her private box; anxiously awaiting her private guest. The show was about to begin, why wasn't she here yet.

"You look nervous."

Chandra had spun around and laughed, "No, just happy."

Princess Uranus had stepped into the box, letting the silk curtain fall back into place. She sat down and they kissed lightly.

"I was worried you'd miss the opening."

Humor sparkled in those dark blue eyes, "I'm only here for one song."

Chandra frowned, "Which one?'

"Our song."

They kissed again and the show started.

Phantom of the Opera was one of Chandra's favorites; Uranus agreed to come because Chandra had begged her.

As the song started, the violins were sweet; Chandra was brought to tears at the first words:

"No more talk of darkness, forget these wide eyed fears, I'm here, nothing can harm you. My words will warm and calm you. Let me be your freedom, let daylight dry your tears. I'm here. With you, beside you, to guard you and to guide you."

A warm hand had taken hers; Chandra looked down, her tears dripped onto that golden skin. "This is our song. From me to you, my love."

It was in that moment, during that song, they had secretly sworn to love each other. Their souls had found their mates and there was no separating them.

Chandra lifted her eyes to those dark blue ones and smiled gently. "One love, one lifetime,"

"Until the end of time." Uranus slipped a black metal band on her left wrist; a symbol of their love.

They had sealed it with a kiss.

End of Flashback

Frost was crying uncontrollably now.

She couldn't be the enemy that this new age feared.

She hated war, hated it. Frost knew that Chandra did too.

They shared a common crime, however: Of being in love with someone. Their only crime was love.

You see, Frost. I'm not evil.

Frost gasped as she heard the voice whisper through her soul, "Chandra?"

Yes. I've been trying to reach you for a long time now. We need to talk.

"Saturn says, I'm the enemy of the Future. But how could I be? I don't want to fight anyone. I just want to wake-up with the one I love. How is that a threat?"

Chandra let out a sigh, it thrilled through Frost, I've been asking that for two-thousand years.

"Does Haruka love me?"

If you mean Uranus, I believe she never stopped. Chandra was quiet for a long time. We were forced apart by Queen Serenity. She used the Silver Crystal and erased Uranus' memory of our love. That is why she fell in love with Neptune; she forgot about me."

"But if her love was truly yours, then she would never really forget you." Frost mused.

True. That is why she is attracted to you. In this Age of the Silver Crystral; her soul remembers you; remembers us."

"Why didn't Haruka's soul remember you on the Moon, before all this?"

I was banished from entering the Moon Kingdom. Queen Serenity knew that if we ever saw each other again. Not even the power of the Silver Crystal could keep our hearts apart. Our love is just as strong and pure as that of the Moon Princess and the Earth Prince. We were just as destined to be together as they are.

"Do you suppose it's true, now? Two-thousand years later?"

If it's true for the Princess and her Prince, why not us?

Frost considered that, Chandra had a point. "But what do we do about it? I can't just walk up to Haruka and say, 'guess what? I'm the reincarnated Shadow Moon Queen, the one you swore to love until the end of time. What say we blow this pop-stand and just start over?' "Frost shook her head, "Somehow I don't think that will go over well."

Usagi and Mamoru found love through crisis. Their true love was solidified when they created the Imperial Silver Crystal.

"So what? If I find this third jewel it will do the same thing?"

It is likely, yes. But keep in mind, there is always Neptune to consider. You're going to have to deal with her and with Uranus' perceived love of this other woman."

"Oh that's just perfect. No problem, it'll be a walk in the park." Frost's tone was dark with sarcasm.

Chandra laughed, it sounded exactly like Frost's laugh. It wasn't easy for the Moon Princess either, Frost.

"Great." Frost sat up straight, wiped her wet cheeks and took a deep breath, "So where do we begin looking for this...jewel thing?"

First things first, you have to evolve your powers. You're not strong enough yet to begin searching.

"And how do I do that?"

The first step is to join with me, we can't be separate anymore.

Frost frowned, "I don't like the sound of that, no offense."

No offense taken. Believe, I'm not thrilled either. But it's the only way."

Frost let out a sigh, "So how do we do that?"

It will happen on its own. Now that we're aware of the other, the rest will just happen.

Suddenly, the opera music was drowned out by the screams of innocent people. Frost jumped to her feet and ran to the front doors. A monster stood in the centre of the grounds. Energy blasts were ripping chunks out of the ground and he was moving toward the building.

"Here we go." Frost willed her henshi device to appear and gripped in her hand. "Shadow Moon...Crisis...Make-Up!"

Shadow Moon stepped out of the building, "Hey ugly!" She caught the monster's attention, "Knock off all the noise, some of us were enjoying the opera."

He roared at her and fired. Shadow leapt straight up and dodged the attack. Flipping her self over, she landed on the building's roof top.

Call for Neo, you need him.

"Neo?"

Just do it!

Frost closed her eyes and thought of him; she saw his image in her mind and she thought his name. Somewhere deep inside she felt him respond. She gave him an image of where she was. In that same place, she knew he was on his way.

The monster had found her and fired again. Frost sprang out of the way, but was hit by the blast. It smashed into her, throwing her wildly through the air. She slammed into the ground and was too stunned to move.

Deep in her mind, she felt something shatter. In that same instant, a flood of energy filled the broken space. Power rushed through her body; engulfing her completely and sweeping over her soul and wrapping around her heart.

"Frost!"

She heard the deep voice and knew it. "Neo?" Her voice sounded distant, as if she were floating away from him.

Frost, you have to wake up. We've been joined, but you have to wake up.

But she couldn't. She was simply too tired. Her body was alive and filled with ancient power, but her heart was tired, her soul was tired and she just wanted to float away from it all.

"Frost, wake up!" It was Neo.

She lay there, floating in that empty place and didn't want to come back.

Somewhere in that empty place, she was aware of the outside world. She could feel the other senshi arrive; their transformations flooded the area with power and suddenly there was a battle. She heard the shouts, the attacks. The monster was focused on them, instead of her.

Frost, they can't defeat it. Only you can! Chandra was shouting in her mind. You must come back.

"Why?" She wondered to herself, "All you want to do is destroy them. I don't to be an enemy. I just want to be loved."

You can't be loved if your dead!

Frost knew she was right, but at that moment she just didn't care.

"Silence Wall!"

Frost knew that was Saturn; she was protecting Usagi from grave peril. They were defeated again, they needed her.

"But I don't want them to need me," She thought miserably, "I only want Haruka to need me and she doesn't. She never did."

"Frost!" Neo was suddenly beside her, "YOU HAVE TO WAKE UP! I know you don't want to, but you must. I know it hurts, I know you're tired. Believe me, I know how much you're hurting right now. But if you don't wake up, this age will end and the new age will not start. Think of the world, Frost. The world."

Frost thought of the world; the floating blue jewel that she used to watch from her palace windows. It glowed like a blue flame in the darkness. The day she had discovered her cousin's love of the Moon Princess, she'd been amused and inspired.

She thought of the all the people who lived on this planet. All the families, all the kids, all the happy couples.

They will never know of this...

"But I will." Frost whispered. "I failed the Moon out of bitter hatred. But I have no hate for my cousin, who ever he is now. I have no reason to fail the Earth."

Her eyes snapped open as she sucked in a deep breath. Her gaze focused on Neocanus. He stood over her like a giant black shadow with fur.

He sighed, "Thank god. Now we have to evolve you."

"Bring it on." She said and he smiled.

She sat up and realized she was in plain clothes; looking up she saw the Senshi crowded under Saturn's wall; she saw Uranus and prayed the wall would hold.

Neocanus took a few steps away and launched himself in the air. He flipped and landed as something flashed into the air. It fell from the caught it in his mouth.

"Say: Eternal Shadow Moon...Make-Up!"

Frost drew in a deep breath; she looked at the henshi device in her hands and let it out. "Eternal Shadow Moon...Make-Up!"

She was blinded for a moment as black and silver light flooded her body. SHe looked at her hands; the device was glowing like a captive star. She saw the Black Star Crystal, just below that was a second stone. It was burning with a silvery-white glow. There was a shape flowing between the two stones, it began to move; the 8 was the infinity sign. It began to pick up speed; a silver light flowed faster through the pattern, never ending, just flowing top to bottom and back, constantly.

The silver light exploded outward and showered in her with infinity symbols. Her hands were wrapped in black gloves that reached her elbows. Her black skirt and collar flared out from her white suit; their edges trimmed in silver and white. The trim of her boots turned silver and white. With the crescent moon turned to an infinity symbol with the moon on either side.

She looked over as saw Neo suddenly there, "What are you doing?"

"It's not me, it's you." He smiled at her, "We're evolving together."

There was a second explosion of silver light; her henshi device morphed into a long staff. The device sat on top holding two silver half-moons, stacked together. It reminded her of an image she'd seen in the Past. The Royal Orb...signifying the world. That's what sat on the top of the staff, along with the double moons.

Frost/Eternal Shadow Moon blinked away the light and focused on the battle.

"Go for it."

She looked beside her and was startled, "Neo?"

He grinned at her; he was huge; at least nine feet at the shoulder. He was just as long from his nose to his tail. Black armor covered his chest and paws, a line of protective plating when down his spine to the tip of his tail. He wore a head cover that had a silvery-white stone in the centre of it. His silver eyes burned with a powerful light.

"I told you, you're not the only one who evolved."

"Wow." She smiled at him, "It's very impressive."

He turned his head to the monster, "Shall we save the day?"

Frost looked over and saw the sailor team; the monster had been distracted by the transformation. It was staring at her, just like they were.

"Sure."

Frost lifted her staff to the sky; clouds rolled across the sun; throwing the area into deep shade. The Royal Orb sparked to life.

"Shadow Moon... Silver Eternal...Radiation!"

The Orb flared and the energy blasted from the staff; black energy bolt with double silver half-moons spiraling around it.

The monster vanished and Frost let out a heavy sigh. She lowered the staff and leaned on it. Closing her eyes she willed the transformation to reverse and wobbled a little as the light faded. Neo put his head under her free hand, helping her stand up-right. She offered a weak smile.

"I see you were reversed as well." She mused in a soft voice.

"For now."

"You're the mystery solider?" Rei shouted.

Frost looked up and realized that the group had seen her; she looked past them all to Haruka who was staring with wide eyes. Her expression was one of surprise and...could it be? Anger?

Haruka turned without a word and ran from the group. The others called for her to come back, but she was long gone.

Frost looked to Neo, "Let's go home."

"Happily."

Neo and Frost made it to her apartment; once the door was closed, frost went to her room. She was asleep instantly; not bothering to change clothes or anything. Neo jumped up beside her and stretched out. She cuddled up to his warmth and they were both asleep.

Continued in Chapter 6