Chapter Six

The Planet Crystals

Previously…

"Tell us where the Moon Prince is, and we'll release him!" Kaiba hollered to the Sailors.

"Moon Prince?" The Sailors questioned among themselves.

"Give us the Moon Prince now!" Azariah yelled.

Sailor Moon cried harder. "We don't know what you're talking about? Who's the Moon Prince?"

"Hand him over now!" Azariah yelled again. "Or, I'll kill him!" She squeezed her fists, making the fire ring tighter around Darien. He screamed more while the rings squeezed his body and make his skin feel as if it were burning.

"NO! LEAVE HIM ALONE! PLEASE!" Sailor Moon cried.

The two Generals smirked. They had the Sailor Scouts just where they wanted them.

Continuing…

Tuxedo Mask screamed harder. The rings of fire squeezed his body so tightly that his clothing started to rip, and the rings dug into his skin causing blood to flow.

Kaiba shook his head. "Azariah, that screaming is annoying! Would you just cut it out and finish the job?"

"Oh, alright!" Azariah hissed. "What a shame. So cute." She clenched her fist tighter to make the rings tighter, but the fire started to dissipate. She looked up in confusion.

Another dark warrior stood amongst them. He held out his hand and the rings of fire started to move towards him and were slowly absorbed into his hand. Azariah glanced back and forth between the two Tuxedo warriors then looked at Kaiba. "Who's that?"

"I believe this one is Tuxedo Samurai."

Azariah playfully turned around and looked at Tuxedo Samurai. "It's about time I had a challenge!"

The dark warrior stood between the two Generals and the Sailor Scouts. Tuxedo Mask was collapsed on the ground trying to regain his strength. The other Tuxedo warrior looked to Tuxedo Mask. "Why don't you go free the girls?"

Tuxedo Mask rubbed his painful arms and sulkily picked up his cane. After a few seconds, he unhappily trotted over to the frozen Sailor Scouts. After all, it was always Tuxedo Mask who saved the day, not Tuxedo Samurai.

Tuxedo Samurai slowly reached for his katana and drew it out from the sheathe. He pointed it at the two Generals. "Leave now!"

Azariah stepped forward. "Make us!" She started running towards the dark warrior and formed a fireball in her hand. She threw it straight at Tuxedo Samurai, and he sliced it in half with his katana. She threw another, but he caught it in his hand.

"He has fire powers?" Azariah questioned. "Hmmm! I'll just have to show him!" She dug her feet into the ground and held her hands above her head. A huge fireball started to form above her head.

Tuxedo Samurai put his katana away and dug his feet into the ground. He stood their silently waiting for Azariah to finish the formation of her fireball.

Meanwhile, Tuxedo Mask chiseled the Sailor Scouts out from their frozen prison. Sailor Mars was already free after using her fire powers. She worked with Tuxedo Mask to free the other girls but noticed Sailor Mercury still frozen on the field. Sailor Mars ran over to where Sailor Mercury was frozen and started to unthaw her friend.

Seeing her opportunity, Azariah hurled her large fireball straight towards Sailor Mercury and Sailor Mars. Quickly, Tuxedo Samurai ran over towards the two straggling Sailors and held his hands out in front of him. He caught the large fireball, but didn't have the strength to push it back quite yet. He glanced back at Sailor Mars. "Your Flame Shooter would be appropriate about now."

Sailor Mars nodded. "MARS FLAME SHOOTER!" The energy attack smashed into the large fireball and sent it flying back towards Azariah. She quickly disappeared and reappeared to miss the attack. An aura of bright flames appeared around her as her emotions flared in anger. "I'll get you!"

"Azariah!" Kaiba hissed. "The boy isn't the Prince! Just forget it!"

"Oh, alright!" Azariah rolled her eyes and disappeared. Kaiba disappeared shortly after her.

The baffled Sailor Scouts walked up to Raye, Tuxedo Samurai, and the frozen Sailor Mercury. Tuxedo Samurai extended his hand and used his powers of fire to thaw out the Sailor of water. Soon, she came back to life, but collapsed over into Sailor Mars' arms.

"Are you alright, Sailor Mercury?" Sailor Moon asked.

"Yes, I'm fine. Just can't feel my legs quite yet."

Sailor Jupiter put her hands on her hips. "Yeah, my feet are still numb."

The dark warrior, Tuxedo Samurai, stood silently as he gazed off into the sunset. Sailor Mars glanced up at him, and she blushed a little. She was embarrassed, but someone needed to ask. "Tuxedo Samurai…" She uttered.

The Tuxedo warrior turned around and looked at her, giving her his full attention. She turned a darker shade of red as the warrior stared her down. "Who were those people?"

"The Negaverse," He said sternly.

The Sailors gasped.

The warrior pondered for a moment, thinking over his words. "I am not sure of everything, but the one thing I do know, Queen Beryl is alive."

"But…I…" Sailor Moon stepped forward. "…killed her."

"So you thought," Tuxedo Samurai sighed. "She is alive. I don't know how or why, but she is."

"What do they want? Why did they attack that boy?" Sailor Venus asked, motioning toward Daitatsu. "They said something about a Moon Prince—who is that?"

Tuxedo Samurai shook his head. "I don't know who the Moon Prince is exactly. Perhaps if you search your computer, Sailor Mercury, or search your HQ database, you will find the answers."

Tuxedo Mask folded his arms and scowled deeply. "And how is it that you know so much about our resources?"

Tuxedo Samurai glanced over at the other dark warrior. "I am only trying to help."

"And how do we know you're trustworthy?" Tuxedo Mask questioned.

"I suppose he does have a point," Sailor Jupiter chimed in.

"Fine. I will leave." Tuxedo Samurai turned around.

"No! Wait!" Sailor Mars exclaimed. Not even thinking, she reached out and grabbed Tuxedo Samurai by the arm and pulled him back. He turned around directly to look at her. She blushed furiously, but he only smiled and didn't pull his arm away.

"What is it?" He asked with a gentle and sweet voice.

"These people are obviously more powerful than us. What are we supposed to do if we want to defeat them?"

"Look for the Planet Crystals." He glanced over all the Sailors then turned around, pulling his arm away from Sailor Mars.

The Sailor Scouts watched the dark warrior walk off the field for a few moments then regained their attention to the situation. Serina and Darien split off to get some dinner. Ami and Leta decided to walk home together while Mina headed off to go shopping. But, Raye stayed back to make sure Daita was okay.

She glanced up to look at the beautiful earth. It was so clear that night. It was foggy that night on the Moon, but the sky was plum full of stars and the earth glowed brightly. Raye looked behind her. It was fairly dark in the gardens, but the light of the Moon Kingdom Palace shone in the distance. She thought she was alone as she sat on the edge of the fountain gently running her fingertips over the water, but strong arms wrapped around her shoulders.

His cheek pressed against her cheek, and her arms reached up to grab a hold of his. She closed her eyes and sighed deeply in contentment. She knew his touch. After a few moments, his arms shifted as he sat down next to her, but he still kept his left arm around her. Her right arm went across his back, and she slowly caressed her hand up and down his back.

"I love you," The man whispered to her.

"I love you too." She faintly smiled. "Hold me."

"But I already am." The man said, slightly confused.

"Forever." She uttered.

The man grinned. He reached his right arm over and took her into a tight embrace. "I could never let you go." He gave her a gentle squeeze then traced his hand up her arm. His fingers gently grazed over her neck then eventually rested at her chin. He positioned her chin then kissed her sweet lips.

The warm sunlight hit her face and rudely awakened her. Raye squinted her eyes from the bright sun and raised her hand to shield herself. She sat up, somewhat frustrated, from her bed. "I just had to wake up during the best part!" She thought. She pondered silently for a few moments before getting out of bed.

Every time the dreams seemed more real. She groaned as she covered her face with her hands. "Why in the world do I keep having fantasies about Tuxedo Mask—wait a minute!" She stopped her thoughts. "What if the dark warrior in my dreams isn't Tuxedo Mask?" Her heart skipped a beat. "What if it's Tuxedo Samurai?"

She quickly jumped out of bed as her heart started to race with excitement. Maybe it wasn't just suppressed feelings for Darien. Maybe it wasn't such an impossible thing anymore. Maybe it was just like Darien and Serina; Tuxedo Mask was destined to be with Princess Serina so maybe Tuxedo Samurai was supposed to be with her. Not even changing from her pajamas, she headed out of her bedroom towards the Fire Room. Perhaps this new revelation could be confirmed by prayer. While she stormed down the deck, one of the doors opened up, and Kyoji stepped out. He glanced up at Raye, and she stopped since he was blocking her path.

"Would you get out of my way?" She hissed.

The young Priest, dressed his white and blue uniform, stood silent turning deeper shades of red by the second.

Raye glanced down at her pajamas—a skimpy tank-top and a very short pair of shorts. She placed her hand over her chest to cover herself a little, but mainly ignored him and continued down the deck. She only managed to walk a few more feet before her grandfather hollered for her. She rolled her eyes and stepped into the house. He had called from the kitchen so she headed in there with her arms folded over her stomach.

"There's a phone call for you," Grandfather said, while drinking a cup of tea and looking over the newspaper.

Raye picked up the phone. It was Daita. She chatted with him for a few minutes trying to make plans for their date tomorrow afternoon.

Kyoji stepped back into the kitchen, but stared at the floor while still glowing red. Raye hung up the telephone but lingered at the counter for a few moments. Grandpa glanced over at Raye then elbowed Kyoji in the side when the boy walked by. "My Raye is quite the looker, isn't she?"

Raye spun around furiously to look at her grandfather while Kyoji completely froze in embarrassment.

"You should thank me, Kyoji! She'll be your wife someday!"

"Excuse me!" Raye spat. "I just got off the phone with my boyfriend!"

"What are you wasting time with that block-head for? I got you a man right here! Why you could be married and making babies by now if you'd stop wasting your time!" Grandpa laughed.

Kyoji closed his eyes in humiliation. "Master, please."

"Grandpa!" Raye hissed. "I've had enough of this!" Raye stormed out of the kitchen.

Raye's Grandfather looked back to his newspaper while Kyoji opened the refrigerator. Kyoji stood with the door wide open for a few moments to feel the cool air against his hot embarrassed face. He dug around and grabbed a pitcher of orange juice.

"Boy, I want you and Raye to scrub the deck today." Grandpa asked without looking up from his paper.

Kyoji pulled his head out of the refrigerator. "You mean her and me together?

"Yes." Grandpa took a slip of his tea.

"If you haven't noticed, Master, she hates me."

"Well, she has chores to do. After breakfast, go and get her then scrub the floors."

"Yes, Master."

It was a lovely day in the park as the two lovers strolled down the winding cobblestone pathways. His arm was around her shoulder and hers around his waist. With his left hand, he carried his jacket over his shoulder while her right hand swayed gently as they walked.

The blonde haired girl closed her eyes for a moment. It was moments like this that seemed eternal. Going on walks was one of their favorite things to do, and she imagined that they'd do it forever. They walked as boyfriend and girlfriend, soon to be husband and wife. Eventually, they'd be pushing a stroller with their first baby then there would be other children. And finally, when they were old and grey, they'd still be walking hand in hand until they died.

"What's wrong, Serina?"

Serina looked over at Darien with a dazed look on her face. She shook her head for a moment to regain her thoughts then she smiled. "Nothing. I was just thinking."

Darien nodded. "Are you hungry?"

"Yes, how did you know?"

"Well, you only daze off when you're bored or hungry, and I was hoping you weren't bored."

Serina smiled. "I could never be bored when I'm with you."

Darien looked forward. "Why don't we get some ice cream up ahead then head back to Luna and the girls."

Serina agreed and the happy couple continued to a refreshment stand. After Serina got her triple scoop ice cream cone, they headed over to a grassy hill on the edge of the park. There in the grass, Luna, Artemis, Leta, Mina, and Ami sat on a blanket. Ami typed furiously on her computer with Artemis and Luna looking over her shoulder. Mina and Leta sat causally enjoying baked goods and taking about the latest gossip at Matsumura High.

Serina sat down and continued to lick her ice cream furiously. Darien kept standing and would occasionally glance around the park. "So did you find anything?" Serina asked with ice cream in her mouth.

Ami kept typing. "Yes, I believe I have found some useful information. Everything Tuxedo Samurai said seems to be true."

"How are we supposed to know we can trust this guy?" Darien asked, sounding slightly irritated. "We don't even know where he comes from or what he's doing…"

"…or why he looks like you," Artemis interrupted.

"Yeah, that too," Darien said. He folded his arms over his chest. "I don't know what it is. I just don't trust that guy. I have bad vibes about this Tuxedo Samurai guy!"

"I think he's fine," Serina said. "After all, he's always been there to help us."

"He saved Raye's life," Leta added.

Mina chuckled, "Yeah, and made out with her too."

Ami looked up from her computer and raised her hand. "Hey, everyone! I found a file about the Planet Crystals!"

Everyone gathered around the computer and glanced at the file that Ami pulled up. She cleared her throat. "The Planet Crystals were formed after Queen Serenity used the Silver Millennium Crystal to give a rebirth to the future. The Planet Crystals are souls of the Planets of the past that were destroyed by Queen Beryl. Each of us has a Planet Crystal that is from our own respective planets."

"What good are these supposed to do for us?" Mina asked.

Ami scrolled down on the computer. "These Crystals contain all the life-force that used to exist on our planets. Now our planets are dead wastelands in outer space, but in the age of the Silver Millennium, they once were our homes—vibrant and full of life."

"So the power of the life force will help us?" Leta questioned.

"Yes," Ami nodded.

Darien pondered for a moment. "But where are these crystals?"

"That's a good question." Ami started typing again. "I'm going to try and run a search on the location of the crystals." After typing for a few moments, she found success and the computer started scanning for the location. She looked at the bottom of the screen. "The scan is going to take 24 hours."

"What?" The Sailors moaned.

Ami shrugged her shoulders. "This will just have to take some time. Don't worry, we'll find them."

"Well, I say we go over to Raye's and spend the night while we wait for the computer to scan!"

"Good idea!" Leta said.

"Are you sure Raye won't mind?" Ami asked.

"Naw!" Serina exclaimed. "Besides she missed the meeting because of work! She'll be happy when we inform her about the Planet Crystals."

Usually when scrubbing and polishing the deck, people would work side by side so they could talk, but this time, Kyoji started on one end while Raye started on the other. She scrubbed and polished out her frustrations of the wooden deck of the temple. The young miko had strong and toned arms from the years of doing chores like this. Her long white sleeves were pulled up to show of her strong arms. Likewise, Kyoji had his sleeves rolled up. As Raye and Kyoji came closer to the center of the deck, she started to notice intricate details of Kyoji's face and body. His arms were strong and muscular, and his beautiful blue eyes glanced up and down the floor as he polished the wood gently. She stopped scrubbing for a few moments and stared at the boy. He was a hard worker—she couldn't deny that.

Kyoji looked up, peering through his hair, and caught a glance into Raye's eyes. She immediately looked away and continued to polish the floor. Once they had finished and cleaned every square inch of the deck, Kyoji sat up on his knees and wiped his forehead. Raye sat up too sitting motionless for a few moments.

Kyoji sighted deeply. "About what your Grandfather said earlier, I just want to…"

"…I don't want to talk about it," Raye snapped. She stood up from her knees and headed back to her bedroom.

Kyoji's head dropped and his eyes fixed on the grains on the floorboards. He sighed again, frustrated.