Hiya! Wow! My summer is slowly turning around, but what can you do. So here is the next action packed chapter. Man, I'm not showing the others to nicely am I? Oh well. Everything has a purpose and everything has an ending. Last chapter was more or less a tie in so everything get's squared off, but this ones a kicker. Well, have fun! Lu ya! Thanks everyone!
I don't own Sailor Moon.
Collides With Beauty
By: Rini
Chapter 8: Confrontations
She was pissed. She lost for one. She was made a fool of number two. She had failed her mission miserably number three. But that wasn't even what got her the most angry. Oh no. Not by a long shot. There was one thing about her failed attempt that got her seeing pure red and cursing.
Standing in front of a holographic screen of Tokyo, the image faded and was replaced by the image of the bane of the woman's existence.
Emerald swat her fingers through the image of Imperial Sailor Celestial Moon.
" How can I lose Diamond to that?" Emerald shrieked, feeling utterly insulted.
" Since when did you ever have him?"
Emerald's fingers curled into a tight fists at her side as the door to the room slide open and Rubeus walked in nonchalant. Around his right arm, tight bandages were securely tied and part of the bandages on his left shoulder that his vest couldn't hide could be seen as well. Rubeus cradled his arm momentarily before letting it fall to his side once more.
" I want her dead," Emerald snarled.
Rubeus stood next to Emerald and changed the projection back to the city of Tokyo. He slummed down on one of the four chairs surrounding the large holographic screen in the middle of the dark room. The walls were a deep shade of red that was more blackish than anything. The chairs were positioned on each of the opposite sides and were cushioned quite comfortably, but the same shade of bleak red.
Rubeus closed his eyes and reclined back," I assume you got chewed out as well."
Emerald tried to control her rage, but failed.
" I can't believe this. How is it we keep losing to her? We almost killed her before. Why is it so hard now?"
" Because we triggered something in her. When we almost killed her, she pushed herself harder. We underestimated her and believed she would give up and stop fighting. We foolishly thought after we beat the life from her that she would lie down and take it."
Emerald crossed her arms," But if we triggered it, then we should be able to stop it!"
Rubeus leaned forward onto the table and clasped his hands in front of him.
Emerald plopped down in a chair with a huff directly across from Rubeus.
" You have something don't you."
" I have been sitting on a plan for a while now. But I wasn't sure until today about it."
Emerald smiled," Then spill."
Rubeus changed the screen to the scouts fighting side by side with Sailor Moon.
" As you and I both know, when we first started fighting the Scouts they worked as a team. They stayed together and relied on each other. But every now and then, we saw friction among the ranks. It became more prevalent between Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask."
" He stopped showing up to help her all the time. He was cold to her. He was distant to every one of them. But I don't understand."
" Tuxedo Mask is Sailor Moon's lover."
" We all know that," Emerald replied annoyed.
" At first, I thought Diamond was doing something, but it became more apparent that the only one he was interested in talking to was Sailor Moon herself. If Prince Diamond wasn't doing anything to Tuxedo Mask, then the problem is because of Mask and Moon. I thought we could exploit that."
" So that's why you had me attack Moon alone in the park? Because you knew Mask wouldn't show up to help her?"
" Partially. But Tuxedo Mask wasn't the only one who Moon was having tension with."
" The other Sailor Scouts," Emerald smirked.
" We've witnessed the fights between Moon and Mars before. We've seen how the girls get in fights with each other. I came up with a plan to further push the rift between them all."
Emerald laid back far in her chair," I see. Sailor Moon was by herself in the park and since Tuxedo Mask was in no hurry to rescue her, that was one more person out of the way. With you attacking the Scouts in the city, they wouldn't help her either and they couldn't reach her. How perfect."
Rubeus stood up and crossed his arms as the screen showed images from the battle between Emerald and Sailor Moon in the park.
" Since Tuxedo Mask abandoned Sailor Moon alone in the park," Rubeus began," Moon would think he abandoned her altogether. The Scouts couldn't help her and she couldn't answer their pleas for help. The Scouts would think she failed them as a leader and open the gap wider. Moon would be scorned and weak and give up. They'd be completely lost without Sailor Moon and Tokyo would be ours for the taking."
" But it didn't work. Sure Tuxedo Mask didn't show up and the Scouts got in a fight, but she didn't give up. She came back even stronger than before. How is it possible? She should have been dead!" Emerald slammed her fist down hard against the table.
" Someone helped her. Plain and simple."
" Who would have helped her? She was in a fight with everyone else."
" It's not important who helped her. You're missing the point," Rubeus said calmly.
Emerald jumped up," Then get to the point already! I want her dead!"
" The point is, dear Emerald, that Sailor Moon died and she came back."
" Who has the power to bring her back?"
" My guess is either Diamond or someone I don't want to consider."
" Who else?" Emerald snapped.
Rubeus changed the image on the screen once more.
Emerald gasped," Queen Serenity? Princess Serenity's mother?"
" No one else has that kind of power. "
" But Diamond didn't bring her back. He was still in the future. So it must mean Queen Serenity did it."
" That's what I would bet on. But that works to our advantage."
Emerald eyed him," I don't understand."
" The Scouts know Diamond has intense power. He displayed that quite well already. They also know that Diamond is after Imperial Moon. Wouldn't it stand to show them Diamond resurrecting the dead Sailor Moon as Imperial Sailor Celestial Moon? They would never know it wasn't true."
Emerald smiled devilishly," Feed them lies. Show them what we want them to see. If we show them Diamond giving power to Moon then they'll believe she's with us. They'll break a part for good."
" Leave the rest to me. I want you to go down to Earth and start a big commotion. Make sure it's big enough to get everyone there. It's essential that Imperial Moon, Tuxedo Mask, and all the remaining Scouts show up. Keep them fighting and feeding them our story. Leave the finale to me."
" Absolutely," Emerald sighed as she conjured her fans and disappeared.
" Excuse me. I was wondering where I can look up newspapers for the past few weeks," Darien asked politely to the elderly woman behind the desk.
" Right in the back row. You can look them up on the computers."
" Thank you."
Darien walked through the multitude of rows of books in the library to the very back. There, in a row, were five computers set up. Sitting at one, he clicked up newspaper articles and searched under Sailor Scouts. He found a slew of articles that showed fleeting blurred photos of the Scouts leaving battles they won. All of which were of the girls together.
Next, Darien searched under Sailor Moon. Still, the same set of articles appeared and Darien sighed dejectedly. Yet, pushing the mouse away, it clicked on an article that caught his attention. So he opened it up and read it.
New Scout Appears?
After a battle in the mall, a mysterious figure appeared and quickly defeated the beast terrorizing the locals. This new Sailor Scout was alone if it indeed was a new Scout. No one could account as to who the new heroine was, but some witnesses said she was dressed in all white and silver. Victims on scene called her the Silver Senshi.
Darien was confused. There was no mention of the other girls in here at all. This was even days before Serena walked in on him and Andrew at the café. Finding another article, Darien opened it and read it.
Silver Senshi Returns
Once more, a mysterious Silver Senshi fought a battle against a new youma. The youma tried to steal citizens' energy, but was brought to a swift halt by the Scout once more. The Silver Senshi doesn't speak much during battles as the other Scouts do and so far there is no apparent connection between Sailor Moon and her Sailor Scouts and this new Silver Senshi. Which leads everyone to wonder, where is Sailor Moon?
Darien was floored, but there were more articles.
Senshi Speaks!
The Silver Senshi today once more stopped a recent attack. This soldier swooped in and defeated the youma with such ease and grace. She stopped by to check on all the innocent people affected and healed whoever needed it. She even offered to answer a few of our questions.
' What is your name?'
' My name is Imperial Sailor Celestial Moon.'
' Are you working with Sailor Moon and the Sailor Scouts?'
' I have no affiliation with the other Scouts. I do not work on their team. I work alone.'
' Do you know what has happened to cause the sudden disappearance of the Scouts and Tuxedo Mask?'
' They are none of my concern. I am here to protect the city and it's people as best as I can.'
' Is the Negaverse behind this?'
' I can't answer that.'
' Then tell us, where is Sailor Moon?'
' She is gone. Permanently.'
Darien stood up quickly and abruptly knocked the chair over. His face was white and pale and he could feel he was shaking. There were many articles. Each one for a new day. They were dated right after the day Darien remembered having that severe attack on his balcony. What happened that night?
He knew it had to have something to do with Serena, but could it have been the night she was changed into Imperial Moon? Sure, he heard from a worried Raye about the fight between her and Sailor Moon that night and how she left, but could something serious have happened? Could there have been something the girls and he missed?
Darien was panicking. If there were this many articles, then the girls couldn't have known Serena was fighting on her own. If they never told him, that means they were as clueless about these battles as he was! Something needed to be done. They needed answers. There was a serious part of the puzzle missing. What occurred the night of the battle with Rubeus and the Scouts?
A beep interrupted his train of thoughts.
" Darien!" Lita called," We have a serious problem. A blast was heard downtown and Amy picked up Emerald and another serious power down there. It might be Diamond or Serena. You have got to come to the shrine now!"
" I'll be right there. Wait for me!"
That was all Darien needed to hear as he raced out of the library. People worried over what could have triggered this from articles about the Silver Senshi.
" So which building should I destroy next?" Emerald pondered.
" Doesn't this ever get old?"
" Only when you show up Imperial."
Imperial Moon leapt to the top of the steeple of the church. Her blonde highlights in her hair mixed with the pale silver and shimmered as it caught the sunlight. The golden coil bands around her arms glinted, as did the chain around her waist. The wind blew curls around her and the soft chime of the charms was the only sound in the soft silence.
" You sure do look proud standing there," Emerald laughed.
Moon crossed her arms," And you look smug for someone who's going to lose. Again."
Emerald's frame shook and her features became pensive.
" Did I strike a nerve?" Moon feigned innocence.
" I shall never forgive you, but this party has only started. Let's have a little pre-battle before the finale!"
Emerald laughed menacingly as she shot out beams of light that struck all the buildings around her. Clouds of smoke and dust rose up as the buildings crumbled under the force of her attacks. Moon leapt up from the church as Emerald hit it next and blasted a deep hole in the roof.
" What do you think you're doing?" Imperial yelled.
" Making sure they know where to find us!"
" Stop it! You're destroying the city and hurting innocent people. Seal of the White Moon!"
" Emerald Dark Star Burst!"
The powers collided with each other and sent the two opponents back. Emerald summed her fans in each of her hands and struck out with wave after wave towards her most hated rival. She flung one out towards her that narrowly missed clipping her shoulder. Her fan came back to her hand and she crossed her arms over her chest and sent out an X shaped beam at the silver soldier.
Imperial raced off the roof of a building and jumped down, missing get hit again by slightly less than before. Imperial landed in a crouch in an ally and summoned up her staff to her hand. Sensing an incoming attack, Moon quickly rolled to her right and sprinted into the open area of the street.
" Emerald! Come down her right now and we'll settle this!"
Emerald appeared behind Imperial Moon and sent out an attack. Moon leaped up high in the air and flipped midair. Drawing in power, Moon sent out her attack just as she was above Emerald and landed behind her. Emerald drew up a black barrier and protected herself, but wasn't fast enough to miss the kick to her back from the angered scout.
" Nice moves," Emerald coughed.
Moon drew into a stance with her scepter in front of her.
Emerald tossed her long green locks behind her," You know. As one woman of power to the next, I must admit that you are quite the talented fighter. You're skills are wasted in this pitiful excuse of a city."
" Is that a fact? What would the great Emerald do I wonder?"
Emerald laughed," I would never concern myself with this past. Although, this world is weak and ready for shaping. All this time needs is one strong reason to shape it into a bright future."
" What do you mean by reason?" Moon questioned.
Emerald drew her fans once more and took a battle pose of her own," Defeat me and you shall know."
Moon and Emerald struck forward at each other at the exact same time. Both went back and forth in a dangerous dance of power and perception. Where one would block, the other would counter. One kick resulted in another punch. The women were fierce as they refused to show weakness or resistance. They fought hard and the ground was pummeled by their ferocious strength.
Emerald swung down with her fans as Moon countered with an upward swing of her scepter. Both weapons hit and stopped each other. Now it was a power struggle to see who would crack first. Sweat beaded down the curves of the women. Energy crackled out among the dead street and sparked the glass until it broke around them. From such force, the pavement under them shuddered before shattered and forming a crater around the two females.
Sailor Mars leapt ahead and kept pace with Jupiter and Tuxedo Mask. Venus stayed near the back with Mercury as she tried to pin point the exact location of the two power levels.
" The next building we should jump down. The power is down on the next street," Mercury stated.
" Then let's hurry!" Tuxedo Mask yelled.
The group of five leapt off the rooftop together in a flash of color and landed on the paved street below. Tuxedo Mask heard the glass cracking and quickly tried to cover the girls with his cape as much as possible. The girls stayed close to Mask as the glass sprayed out everywhere. Tuxedo Mask pulled his cape away and picked off the large shards stuck in it. Jupiter walked forward with Venus as they met with unbelieving eyes the very power they were searching for.
" Guys! I think you need to see this," Jupiter mumbled.
The others joined next to the fellow scouts and watched in awe the struggle between their best friend and their unwanted enemy. Mercury attempted to find the level of their strength on her computer, but it sparked and fell from her hands.
" This is incredible! I can't even get a read on how strong it is!"
" Mercury. Can't you just feel it?" Jupiter said.
" She's holding back," Tuxedo Mask whispered, more to himself than the others.
" What did you just say?" Mars asked.
" We need to move back now!" Tuxedo Mask yelled.
" Tell me you don't just love this!" Emerald shrieked.
" Here's something for you to hear! Stay out of my way!"
The symbol on Moon's forehead blazed to life and with a burst of new power, the ground shattered even more and Emerald was lifted off from the ground. With an earth-shattering scream, Emerald was flung back through a building behind her from the brunt of Moon's attack. Rubble and dust rose from the ground as a cloud of smoke and debris flew out everywhere.
The girls and Mask ducked down for cover and Mask was forced to shield with his cape once more. When most of the dust cleared, Mars was the first to her feet and she scanned the area for either sign of the two women.
" She's ok," Mars affectionately spoke.
Moon was on her knees panting heavily. Her scout uniform was lightly dirty and her skirts were slightly cut up. Her scepter was on the ground by her hand and her hair fell around her keeping face covered. Green light erupted from a pile of debris as Emerald slowly started to rise to the air. Her hair was matted in dirt and sweat. The three gems on the front of her dress with cracked and broken, as were the ones on her wrists. A small trail of blood was seen at the corner of her mouth.
Emerald wiped the blood away," You are the only one ever able to make me bleed."
Moon rose sluggishly with shaky legs and threw her hair back," You know. I can always count on you for a good fight."
" Too bad I can't count on you weaklings for this good of a fight."
Moon turned and her eyes widened as she took in the sight of her fellow comrades walking over to her. Venus sent her a reassuring smile and Moon could feel the gentle tug of a smile on her lips. Her eyes soaked in the sight of Tuxedo Mask, a figure that haunted her mind every moment of the day. His features were much more rough and angled when he was transformed. His jaw was more defined as were the sharp angles of his cheekbones. He looked taller and stronger, his face molded into a proud one as usual. How she missed seeing Tuxedo Mask.
" You've passed the test Imperial Moon."
Imperial Moon shot around quickly at the voice behind her. Rubeus stayed floating in the air with his arms crossed. The bandages once on his body were gone and he looked as good as new.
" What are you talking about? What test?" Mercury asked.
" Why our dear newest member of our family. Welcome, Sister," Rubeus smirked.
Moon took a step back and turned around.
" I don't know what he's talking about."
Everyone's eyes were trained on her. Many of the pairs of eyes held contempt and anger, while some were uncertain and in disbelief. Moon shook her head and tried to take a step forward, but they just took a step back.
" How could you?" Venus cried.
" Think about it," Emerald spoke," Who helped you against our Prince Diamond? Who danced with him with love in her eyes? Who ran off with him? Who's been helping you lately? Your dear little Moon Princess?"
" Shut up!" Moon screamed," You have to believe me. I would never join them!"
" Is that why you keep shoving us away? Is that why you did nothing to protect and help us against Diamond?" Jupiter yelled.
" Jupiter! I am your friend! Listen to me!"
" No! I won't hear any more of your lies!"
Moon turned to Venus and held her hands," Venus! You are like my twin. We're like sisters! I would not betray you! Look at me!"
Venus turned her tear stained sky blue eyes away.
" Venus. Please. Mina," Moon whispered.
Venus violently pulled her hands away, as though she'd been burned.
" Don't say that! Don't call me that! We aren't sisters!" Venus whimpered.
Moon took slow shaky steps back, her eyes searching her friends.
What's happening? Why don't they believe me?
" Tuxedo Mask. You have believe me. I would never help them! I saved all of you!"
Tuxedo Mask drew a rose and held it up," I can't help a traitor."
Imperial Moon's eyes shot wide open and tears glistened in them. She fell to her knees and tears streaked down her face.
" Do not cry my sister. You are a part of the Black Moon Family now. We will mold this world to our own liking. You can destroy them. Who needs Sailor Scouts in our perfect future?" Rubeus spoke.
" You belong with a strong team," Emerald began," A team that admires and respects your power. You belong with a team that understands true power and doesn't shy away from it when they see it."
" No," Moon muttered over and over, her voice as broken as her spirit.
" Would you like to see the truth for yourselves?" Rubeus called out.
Rubeus floated down to the ground right behind Imperial Moon. He reached down and grabbed her arm and roughly pulled her up. Her eyes were pooled in tears and her expression was that of defeat. In his other hand, Rubeus produced a black crystal and stuck it inside of Imperial Moon from her back. Her eyes shot open in pain and her eyes became empty blue orbs.
The Silver Crystal on her chest came out of its locket and shot up a beam of pure white light. Against the light, images took shape and a scene unfolded.
Luna was weeping against Sailor Moon as she collapsed down on the edge of the lake. She tried to talk as Sailor Moon said her good-byes and her hand fell limp as she tried to reach for the glowing butterflies. Luna wept against her as her charge died.
The image of the moon over the lake turned a deep red and above it, Diamond appeared. He walked across the lake and stood next to Serena. He bent down and picked up her body and carried her off into the center of the lake into the blood red reflection of the moon.
" My love," Diamond cooed," One great power deserves the next."
He kissed her and the circle of the full moon rose up as a circle of red light around them. Luna tried to call out Serena's name, but it couldn't be heard. The light slowly drifted down and became the reflection of the moon once more on the lake. In the center, Diamond held not a dead Serena but a very alive Imperial Sailor Celestial Moon. Her arms were snaked around his neck and pulling him closer to her warmth.
Diamond let her down and they both stood above the water of the lake together. Her eyes picked up the reflection of red off the water and made her eyes seem like two deep pools of dark water themselves. She bowed to him as her glowing gold crescent moon was changed to a black inverted one.
" I serve the one true Prince of the Earth. The rightful King."
" Then your allegiance I claim."
Imperial Moon was gently pulled to her feet by Diamond and he wrapped his arms around her.
" To you I pledge my loyalty and undying love."
" Then we shall rule together in darkness. You my Queen and I your King."
Diamond claimed her lips in another deep passionate kiss.
The Silver Crystal's light faded away along with the image and returned to the locket. Rubeus pulled out the black crystal from Imperial Moon's back and her eyes returned back to their normal form. They were empty now and lifeless. She closed her eyes and fell limp against Rubeus farther into his arms.
Emerald laughed her trademark piercing laughter," See for yourselves! Her loyalty is to us! Diamond revived her life after her death and she pledges her life to our cause. There is no room for you anymore."
Rubeus laid the fainted Imperial Moon on the ground," She'll take this world over for us. Have fun with your last few days."
Rubeus and Emerald left, Emerald's laugh still heavy in the air.
Mercury fell against Mars crying. Jupiter punched the ground hard and caused a fissure to split the earth. Venus was shaking her head, trying to rid the horrible image of Serena and Diamond kissing.
" How could she?" Mars wept bitterly," We swore to protect her and fight together for love and justice. How could she just throw it away like that?"
Tuxedo Mask couldn't move. She loved him. She kissed him. No. It couldn't be true. He loved her. She loved him.
" Endymion. My love," Serenity sighed against him.
The memories of her and him from all their past lives together flashed through his mind. He gave his life for her. She killed herself for him. But she pledged her love for another.
" To you I pledge my loyalty and undying love."
How can I protect you now? Is my dream coming true? Have you really chosen darkness over light? Can a future together still exist?
" Serena," Venus sighed as she took a step towards Moon's prone body.
Oh no Serena! How can this have happened? They have changed the truth to turn us against one another. The Scouts have betrayed us once more. We must get out of here and back to Luna. We need time to fix this.
Serenity's spirit inside Serena stirred and taping into the Silver Crystal's power, the princess used it to get away. The girls were helpless as they saw Imperial Moon fade away in a rush of feathers, praying she wasn't going back into his arms.
" My Prince," Rubeus bowed," The seed of doubt has been planted into the mind's of the Earth's Guardians. It will only be a matter of time before the Princess is by your side and leading the charge against them. The Queen will rise shortly."
" Excellent. You both have finally proven yourselves worthy of the Black Moon Family. Prepare for my trip to Earth. I plan to use this weakness to my advantage. Head back to Sapphire with Emerald in the future. I have business I need to finish."