Chapter V-Did We Win? Did We Lose?

It did not know what to make of the avalanche of new sensations: visual, audible and tactile. The last category in particular had proven…more difficult to tackle.

It had tried—like any decent being would, if stranded in a completely alien world—to find the way back home. Yet, the path would not reveal itself. Instead, a multitude of obstacles had surfaced. Others had come between it and its goal.

It knew they were hostile even before they had attacked. They had brought about the plethora of unfamiliar sensations.

Instinct dictated stealth and covertness. It did not retaliate. It adapted.

And further, they had attacked. It had experienced many different sensations. Until finally, it had decided to fight back, done it instinctively—and succeeded.

Then another sensation washed over it, very much different from the previous ones.

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The first thing she became aware of was the cold concrete, hard against her back. A second later, the chill was replaced by warmth, and the solid alley floor by soft hands she knew all to well.

"Come on… wake up…"

She enjoyed feeling the other's warmth, and was sorely tempted to just lie there for a while.

"Please…"

The note of fear in the other's voice made her eyes open almost instantly. She was greeted with a small sigh of relief and an almost unperceivable smile.

Once reassured her partner was alright, Neptune realized they were still in the middle of the same dire situation. Suppressing the temptation to prolong the intimate moment, she straightened her shoulders and made a move to rise to her feet.

With very little surprise, she felt Uranus's hand grab hers.

"You really are spoiling my comfortable position", the blonde complained in a low whisper; at the same time, however, she used her partner's help to pull herself up.

"Well, I would be more comfortable if you'd realize that using your head in a battle doesn't exactly mean slamming it straight on against the enemy!"

Uranus let out a small grunt as she dusted herself off, but did not retaliate. The short exchange was all they could allow during the current fight.

The two of them turned their gazes to the enemy, squinting to see through the bright display of colors that followed Sailor Moon's attack. As the rainbow of sparks wore off…

"Impossible!"

Agape, Neptune watched with intensifying panic as the burly, human-shaped black antagonist made its way back to its feet once more. Transfixed, Sailor Moon contemplated the failure of her strike.

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"None of our attacks are working!"

Wearily, the Senshi once more fell into formation around their leader.

Instinctively, Setsuna moved to join them, but stopped in mid-stride as she realized her presence would be more a hindrance than a benefit. Dejectedly, she drew back a few steps, forcing herself to witness a battle she could not take part in. She moved towards the remaining Outer Senshi, silently offering Uranus her assistance, as the sandy-blonde still swayed slightly on her feet and discreetly leaned against her aquamarine-haired partner for support.

"We don't have a choice", Sailor Mars declared, the increasing unease seeping through her words, "We should combine our powers!"

"We have no guarantee even that will be enough", Jupiter whispered worriedly. She cast a glance back, and felt a small measure of relief to see the Senshi of Wind standing, apparently unharmed.

The auburn-haired girl had perhaps butted heads with Sailor Uranus on more than one occasion, but she had a special consideration for Haruka Tenoh. Indeed, she admired her so, that she often found it hard to believe the feisty young racer was one and the same with the hard-headed warrior she so often disagreed with.

"We have to try it nonetheless" Mercury opined.

Venus simply nodded her agreement, and they all look questioningly towards Sailor Moon.

The blonde leader of the Senshi swallowed hard. A disquieting sensation settled in the pit of her stomach. She had always had a purpose in battle before—but now, with no clue to the new enemy's (or was it really?) identity or ambitions, she felt as if she fought blindfolded.

But…

…the creature had already hurt one of her friends—and it would have been two, if they hadn't arrived in time to stop it from attacking Setsuna.

"Let's do it!"

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The rapid beats of her heart sounded loudly in her ears. She clenched her fists and ran faster. She could hear their voices, not too far ahead. The alley had never seemed quite that long…or maybe she had never run that slow…

Chibiusa stopped right after turning the corner. The sight that greeted her was not a pleasant one. Sailor Neptune was in the process of slipping one arm under her partner's, and draping the other around Uranus' shoulders. The blonde warrior had scrape-marks and small burns across her legs and upper arms, and her skirt was ripped in a few places. The child let out a small sigh of relief as she also spotted 'Puu' next to the two.

In the middle of the lane stood Sailor Moon, holding the Spiral Moon Rod lowered towards the ground, an expression of insecurity in her eyes. The four Inner Senshi surrounded her, the weariness in their stances worrying.

A short distance further Chibiusa saw the enemy, poised to attack—the same dark creature from earlier, yet somehow different…

Her fingers instinctively tightened around her transformation brooch, but the rapid succession of events captured her attention.

"Mars Star Power…" the raven-haired warrior cried out, closing her eyes as a red aura surrounded her.

"Mercury Star Power…"

"Jupiter Star Power…"

"Venus Start Power…"

Sailor Moon watched her friends' powers emanating from their bodies, so real and warm…

"Moon Cosmic Power…"

Together, they focused their energy towards the intruder. Their thoughts reached out to each other, united by one wish—to protect their world and themselves from the new threat.

"Sailor Planet Attack!"

An immense surge of power built within the circle they formed, and a bolt of pure energy shot out of their midst. As it hit the gleaming black creature, a loud, thunder-like noise pierced the air. The Senshi were momentarily blinded by an intense white light.

One short second later, they opened their eyes…

…to face the now empty park alley.

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A/N: Thank you for staying with the story so far (although this has got to be the laziest fandom community as far as reviews go :-P well, from my point of view at least. My self-confidence is seriously bruised due to the lack of reviews…!)

Cheers,

Myosotis