Sailor Moon Aeons.
Book 2: Rebirth.
Act 4: Death Busters.
Episode 72: Angel of Death.

By Razor Knight
Last update: January 5, 2014
Last edited: June 9, 2017

ChibiMoon leapt back, barely missing a sword slash, then tried to kick her foe's legs. Her foe, however, was faster than she thought, and leapt over her, trying another slash. She stopped her by quickly summoning her Luna-P, already transformed into a round shield, then knocked the sword off her foe's hands. "Had enough?"

"Moonlight Flash."

Aiko flinched as she saw ChibiMoon fly back. "You were right, they're not holding back as much as I expected."

Terry smiled. "I doubted I would see the day when Usagi actually enjoyed training."

"I doubted that, myself," Moon admitted, then saw ChibiMoon staggering up. "She's tough."

"Not going to lie, that attack hurts a lot," ChibiMoon said, "I knew I wouldn't beat you without my dual powers, but giving up before I try isn't something I do."

"Like mother, like daughter," Terry mused.

"Death Mark!"

"Light Wall." Dragon Sun saw the wall start cracking as soon as Saturn's attack reached it, and dove to the side just as the X-shaped atack broke through it, digging its way into the base's wall and the rocky ground beyond. "What the heck- I don't recall that one being that strong."

"Sometimes, feelings can make our attacks stronger," Terry said. "Feelings like anger, frustration, or fear."

Saturn glared at him. "I'm not-"

Dragon Sun sighed. "I should have noticed, but then again, I never saw you afraid bef-"

"I'm not scared!" Saturn snapped, then walked to the elevator as her form returned to normal.

"She is," Terry commented as the elevator's doors closed.

"It's no joking matter," ChibiUsa said.

"Wasn't trying to joke. I know Hotaru enough to understand she has a hard time dealing with her feelings."

"I'll go talk to her."

"Wait, maybe she just needs to be alone."

ChibiUsa shrugged. "Then I'll let her shout at me for not leaving her alone."

Usagi turned to Terry as her daughter left. "Aren't you also-"

"I trust everyone, I know you'll do your best, but we've seen it before, we can fail even doing our best."

"That doesn't really answer her question."

Terry looked at Kage. "Of course I'm scared of this. What if I am one of those 'carriers'? Shit, it's not like there's a lot of choices left. What if Hotaru is one?"

"I'm still not sure what Pluto said is true."

"Or perhaps," Kage noted, "it's true but she didn't tell us everything."

"That sounds like her," Terry admitted. He then saw Minako and Brad walk in. "What a face."

Brad chuckled, which caused Minako's frown to deepen. "Eh, I think you can figure out what happened."

"Your mother didn't want to teach her-"

"I don't think any of the Primes have a problem with that," Brad noted, "but it's still a matter they need to discuss and consult with their most trusted Hunters."

"I don't see why that would be bad," Usagi said.

"Not every Hunter is okay with the Senshi being the main line of defense," Brad explained.

"Remember how Aki reacted to you wanting to befriend her," Terry said.

"Oh, right," Usagi sighed. "It would be good to learn some of your tricks, but I suppose we can manage without them."

Minako smiled at that. "Light Wall."

"Holy shit," Terry exclaimed as a barrier of light appeared in front of Minako. "Wait, how-"

"What can I say, I don't agree with the Demon Hunters' rules, at least not with the ones born from distrust and selfishness," Brad said, "and I'm already a black sheep for many of them, because I'm a Senshi."

"So you decided to say 'screw it' and teach her?"

"I only taught her that one... Because it's hard to teach her spells which don't use her element."

"Element? When did this become an RPG?" Aiko mused.

Brad smiled. "It's a bit hard to explain. As a Senshi, our souls are linked to an element, and we can only use magic which either uses that element, or no element at all. Even I have a hard time summoning anything which doesn't involve light or raw magic nowadays."

Usagi smiled. "Wait, since my daughter and I aren't linked to any element..."

Brad chuckled. "I know what you're thinking, but it's actually worse. You are only attuned with raw magic, hence you will not be able to use anything but spells which use raw magic."

"There's always a catch, huh?"

Hotaru knew there was someone following her, but decided to let them be. After a few minutes of this, however, her mood got the best of her, and she turned around, glaring at her 'stalker.' She immediately shook her head as she saw who it was. "Why-"

"I was worried."

"Go away," Hotaru said, realizing her tone was much colder than she had meant.

"Why would I?"

"Because I'm in a bad mood. I may say something I'll regret."

ChibiUsa smiled. "You think this is the first time I ever saw you in a bad mood?"

Hotaru sighed. "What do you want? Want me to admit that I'm scared? Well, I am scared!"

"I already knew that."

"Then why-"

"I want to protect you, those women could attack you anytime."

Hotaru smiled at that. "Uh, thanks."

ChibiUsa was about to say something, but an explosion interrupted her. "Shit, are they-"

Hotaru looked east and groaned. "That's not a witch."

A humanoid, mantis-like creature was slowly walking around, seeking new targets. "Come out, petty humans, and fear the might of Gigale!"

"Oh, one of those," ChibiUsa muttered.

"You know about them?"

The pink-haired girl thought about it for a second, then shrugged. "I fought two of them."

Hotaru saw the girl about to transform, and smiled. "No need for that. Grim Edge."

ChibiUsa looked in awe as the blast cut the alien mantis in half, killing it. "Hey, since when can you do that?"

"Since yesterday, but I saw no reason to use it until now."

"Oh, right, I forgot you don't like to show off at all."

"Opposites attract, huh?"

ChibiUsa smiled. At least Hotaru wasn't scowling anymore. Still, she meant what she had said, she would not let the enemy get her friend. "They sure do."

"Since we are quite sure one of them is the target, then we should all stay close to them."

Usagi looked at Mako. "That won't work."

"Why?"

"I think we've showed the enemy we can beat them even on our own, so they will want to wait until there's nobody around, or at least as few allies as possible."

Terry smiled at Usagi. "I guess I'm a bad influence for you. But yes, that's what I would do if I were in their place, attack when my target is either isolated, or with as little support as possible."

"That's true."

Aiko looked to the side. "Stop that."

Pluto stared at Aiko, her face unreadable. "I apologize if my sudden entrance messed any of your systems, but I will skip formalities when they're just an obstacle."

"So the Senshi of Time doesn't like to waste time. Makes sense, in a way," Terry mused.

Pluto ignored Terry's failed attempt at comedy. "I came here to tell you that you must not worry. Neither of your friends has a Talisman." Well, that wasn't entirely true, but she had to keep that information from them, at least for the moment.

"Wait, you're telling us that those two are the carriers?" Usagi asked.

"Yes."

"Then why did you make them search for them?"

"I will ask you this: Have you, as a group, become stronger thanks to this war?"

"Yes, but-"

"Uranus and Neptune did not become what they are because of this war. They became this because of my decision to keep them away from you."

"That sounds like you're saying 'I messed up.'"

"In a way, I did. But those two... They have started realizing that their path is wrong. There may still be time for them to get back on track."

"I don't think they have much time left, if they're the carriers."

Usagi looked at Mako. "If they are, we'll protect them."

"Why don't you just tell us who they are?"

"Because it will be revealed to you soon."

Terry stared at the spot Pluto had been standing on for a few seconds. "I was expecting that."

Usagi fell silent for a minute, then smiled. "I've got a plan."

"Hope it doesn't involve being stabbed," Terry joked.

"Hush, you. I'm not sure if it'll work, but it's worth a try, I just have to tell Hotaru about it as well."

"So, what is it?"

Usagi turned to Aiko. "Call everyone, since we'll need them all."

"This is strange."

"What is?"

Eudial looked to the side. "Our two targets are at the same location, but there's nobody else near them."

Mimette frowned. "That has 'trap' written all over it."

"Perhaps I could help, then."

Mimette saw a woman walk to them, her green hair tied in buns, much like the two Moons, but with two more buns under the top ones. It was a strange sight, but after a while, one could get used to it. "Teruru, I was wondering when you would join us."

"The Twins are almost done with their part of the plan. Villuy may join us soon," Teruru explained. "It's a pity we lost Kaorinite, but we can learn from this. I want to see all the data we have on them."

Eudial waited as Teruru browsed their database. "Well?"

"I think I know what they're planning, so you should go and take those heart crystals... I'll turn their ambush against them."

Mimette smiled. "Time to go have fun, then."

Hotaru looked around. "Are you sure about waiting for them here?" She had to admit the mansion's gardens were quite a sight to behold, but if they waited for the enemy in there...

"Yes, last time there was an indoor battle here, I had to spend quite a bit for repairs."

"That's true." Hotaru noticed the guy staring at her, and sighed. "Stop that."

Terry shook his head. "Sorry, I was just thinking about how much you've changed since the first time we saw you."

"You have changed a lot too, from what I heard."

"Really? I think I've always been an amusing, intelligent, charming guy."

"... Don't make me glaive you."

"Gotcha. Speaking of changes, though, I didn't think Usagi would come up with such a good plan."

"Best laid plans..."

"I know. That's why I've done a bit of planning on the side."

"What-"

"It's a surprise."

"Fine, now I'm glaiving you for real."

Terry looked at his watch. "That will have to wait."

Hotaru leapt back as Eudial landed between them. "You!"

Eudial chuckled. "Sorry, did I interrupt your date?"

"What date," Hotaru said, emotionlessly.

"You're no fun," Eudial snapped.

"And you're too obvious," Terry said, summoning a couple of his metal spheres.

Yes, Eudial thought, the idiot would attack her, and that would leave them open for Mimette's strike. Wait, the spheres hadn't flown her way, but the complete opposite. "Shit."

Hotaru smiled coldly as Mimette, behind her, was trapped in a cold, noxious gas cloud. "Far too obvious." But was this the surprise Terry spoke of?

"Hey guys, need help?"

Eudial looked around and grimaced. All the Senshi, not counting the two rogues, were there, along with those magicians, the videogame freak, and the two aliens. "I knew it, this was all a trap."

"Too late to do a thing about it now," Terry commented, then noticed Eudial's mocking smile, just as he felt the blow.

"Damn it, who's that?"

Moon looked at the green-haired woman who had just taken Terry and Hotaru's heart crystals. "Careful, guys, she looks strong."

ChibiMoon frowned. "You be careful, I'll kick her rear. Earth Star Power!"

Teruru caught the girl's swords as they came down, with her bare hands. "Oh, you're stronger than you look, kid."

"Likewise," ChibiMoon said as she leapt back, then noticed Teruru didn't have the crystals anymore. "Hey, what did you-"

Mimette smiled. "I'll destroy these while you're busy."

"World Shaking!"

"Deep Submerge!"

The two attacks knocked Mimette back, and Uranus and Neptune got the crystals. "These are not talismans," Neptune noted, not sounding surprised at all.

Eudial noticed the Senshi were all moving to help the pink-haired one. "Sorry guys, but this is a private party."

Mercury looked at the barrier that had just formed around the area, and her visor appeared a second later. She took a few seconds to scan it, and then frowned. "That barrier's built to resist all of our attacks."

Dragon Sun closed his eyes, then flinched. "And we can't aim our teleports inside it."

Nova appeared right then, looking at the barrier in awe. "Shit, that wasn't in our plan."

"Can you break through it?"

Nova focused for a few seconds. "No, can't teleport in either." She then noticed something. "But I don't think we have to worry about that."

Mercury's visor warned her of the same thing Nova had sensed. "How can she- No way!"

Moon knew what Mercury meant. Saturn was up, but there was energy rippling around her. "Just like Nova and Warwitch..."

Nova was staring at Saturn. "No, it's different... She's completely in control."

Inside the 'bubble' things were just about to turn hectic for the witches. "What is that? Another one?"

Saturn smiled coldly at Eudial. "How foolish of you, to think you could defeat death itself."

"Death itself? Please, spare me the bluffing," Eudial snapped, and shot a blast straight at Saturn... Who didn't even notice it. "... Okay, so it's not a bluff."

Mimette was busy trading shots with the two rogues, and Teruru was still dodging ChibiMoon's sword slashes, but they both sensed the energy Saturn had. It was impossible, she couldn't be that strong!

ChibiMoon risked looking to the side, and saw Saturn standing there. Her eyes were lifeless, and her power was quite visible. "How..."

Saturn noticed her. "I am the Senshi of Death. Death gives me power. Being this close to dying... The closer I get, the stronger I will be."

Eudial decided to stop playing. "Damn you, I'm not going to let a soulless brat defeat me!" Her fist cracked with energy as she run, delivering a strong punch to Saturn's stomach, and the energy in her fist exploded. When the light dimmed, however, Eudial was staring down in shock, Saturn's glaive coming out of her back. "How can you be this... Strong?"

"I just explained that, moron," Saturn snapped. "Farewell. Death Mark."

ChibiMoon flinched. Saturn had killed Eudial, and was now looking at Mimette, while Teruru had seemingly vanished. "Something's wrong with her, I have to get the crystal..."

Saturn noticed ChibiMoon was heading for Neptune and Uranus, and realized what she wanted. "No!"

ChibiMoon stopped and saw Saturn walking to her. "Hotaru, you have to return to normal, you'll die if-"

"I have enough power to kill them now. The witches, and also those two wraiths."

ChibiMoon frowned. "No, I can't let you do that."

Saturn stared at ChibiMoon for a second, then nodded. "I understand. Grim Edge."

Neptune had noticed Saturn approaching, and saw her knock ChibiMoon out with an attack. "What is she doing?"

Saturn glared at them. "I'll take care of you after I deal with Mimette."

Mimette flinched. "Like hell you will!"

Uranus saw Mimette vanish, and looked at Saturn. "I suppose you're really willing to fight us. So be it. World Shaking!"

Saturn took the hit, and smiled. "Don't worry, this won't be much of a fight."

Teruru had appeared a minute earlier, and it was obvious she was not a weakling. "This is fun, you kids won't be able to get in there without defeating me, but if you don't hurry, those two rogues are going to die, or perhaps they will kill that death brat."

A barrage of attacks shot at the witch, but she simply summoned a barrier which stopped the blasts. "Please, you already tried this, kids."

Moon looked down, and saw things were looking bad. ChibiMoon was knocked out on top of the mansion's roof, while Saturn was... She could see it, Uranus and Neptune were fighting desperately, but Saturn was clearly on the winning side. She had to stop her. "Let us help our friend, or else..."

Teruru smiled. "Or else, what?"

Moon looked at Dragon Venus, who guessed what she wanted and nodded at her. "Or else you'll get a nice beating."

"Swift. Haste. Stone Armor. Quick."

Dragon Sun smiled. "This will be fun to watch. Titan Might. Thorn Armor. Windstep. Iron Fist."

Venus saw Moon vanish, then Teruru flew back, a surprised look in her face. "Nice."

Teruru didn't quite know what was going on, but suddenly she found herself lying on top of the barrier she was keeping around the mansion. Before she could do anything, she saw Moon appear right above her. "What the heck-"

"Moonlight Pulse!"

The blasts hit her one too many times to count, and the barrier itself zapped her as well. By the time the attack ended, the barrier was gone, and Teruru was coughing blood. "This can't be, you kids aren't supposed to be this strong."

"Moonlight-"

"Not today."

Moon frowned as Teruru vanished, then remembered what she had attacked her for. "Damn!" She rushed to were Saturn was, and saw things were worse than she thought. Neptune and Uranus were both kneeling on the ground, and visibly injured. "Hotaru, stop it!"

"Death Mark."

Moon rushed in front of the blast, taking it and noticing it hurt a lot more than she had thought. "Hotaru, don't do this. There's no need to kill them."

"Move."

"I won't."

Someone else moved in front of Moon. "Gee, good thing I woke up in time. Hotaru, stop this."

"You too?" Saturn glared at ChibiMoon, and rose her glaive.

"Seriously? Are you so focused on killing them, that you will go through one of your best friends, and your girlfriend?"

Saturn stopped her attack. "I..." ChibiMoon could take the blast, and she could also see Moon was using several buff spells. They could take the hit, and if she angled it right, it would deal with her two targets for good. So what was stopping her? No, she knew it. They were right. "Damn it," she shouted as she tossed her glaive to the side. "Go ahead."

ChibiMoon grabbed Saturn's heart crystal (which had dropped to the ground during the fight) and returned it to her. "I told you I would protect you."

Moon returned Terry's crystal and sighed as her friend stirred and opened his eyes. "Welcome back."

"I can guess I missed a lot."

"You sure did," Moon admitted, then saw Uranus and Neptune walking - or rather, crawling - to her. "What do you want?"

"We..." Neptune sighed. "Thank you."

Moon frowned. "I didn't do it for you. I did it for her. I know she would have regretted killing you, once she came back to her senses."

Uranus nodded. "Still, we would be dead if not for you. Thank you for that, even if it was an accident."

Moon sighed as the two walked away, then noticed Saturn looking at her. "Hotaru-"

"You didn't need to stop me, Usagi."

"Why, you weren't really going to kill them?"

"Oh, I was, but I was going to revive them afterwards."

Moon stared at Saturn for several seconds before shaking her head. "Don't joke about that kind of things."

"Who's joking?" Saturn said, then turned and walked away without waiting for an answer.

The others appeared near them. "Well, this was one fun battle," Venus commented.

Terry looked around. "Wow, they didn't destroy as much of the garden as I thought they would."

Mercury shook her head. "So my theory was right, having your heart crystal taken didn't improve your comedy skills one bit."

"What comedy skills?" Nova asked, causing most of the group to laugh.

Moon looked at ChibiMoon, who was quite silent. "Are you okay?"

"I- I'm okay. I'll just have to talk to Hotaru, see if she's fine after that."

"There was something weird about her," Moon admitted.

"I know. I hope it's just our imagination."

A/N: This one was fun to write... I think I managed to make Saturn look more 'evil' than last time I wrote this battle. There's a reason for that, it will be revealed soon.