Hey!Insert blurb here But I don't have one right now. Bad news. Sailor Galaxy won't have much to do in this chapter. Sorry! But she'll come back in the other episodes. I felt that Sapphire was kind of weak since he's part of the Black Moon Clan. So I made him into a rival for Aoshi. Oh, yeah. And sorry for the crummy cameo. Here we go!

Episode: Operation "Rescue the One"

Suspense was in the air. The men's eyes burned with a great fire as they declared a rematch. They prepared their swords in their respective stances.

Aoshi "You won't lay that blade on one strand of my hair."

Sapphire "You think so? Last time I recall, I had the upper hand."

Aoshi "That was because you took me by surprise. You didn't face me like a man."

Sapphire "Grr!"

Aoshi "You don't face your enemy head on. Coward."

Sapphire "Well, I'm facing you now, aren't I!? Now, let's battle!!"

He charged at Aoshi with his sword.

Galaxy "Aoshi!!"

Aoshi held his sword perpendicular to his body. Sapphire forced his blade onto Aoshi's. They began to struggle again for more power. Their eyes spewed more rage and fire within them as they tried to declare a victor. When Sapphire began to lose strength, he jumped back and returned to his original position. Aoshi sheathed his sword.

Aoshi "You're becoming weak. I expected a challenge."

Sapphire "Shut up! We're just getting started."

He prepared his stance.

Aoshi "Why would you, an alchemist, want to use a sword?"

Galaxy "An alchemist…?" (The mastery of mixing substances? So, he's a swordsman and a 'scientist'.)

Aoshi "You're nothing compared to me."

Sapphire "I said SHUT UP!!"

He charged at him once more. Aoshi guarded from his attack using his kodachi. He prepared for the struggle again.

Sapphire "You think I'm just going to abandon my life as an alchemist!?"

From under his sleeve, Sapphire took out a vial containing an unknown substance.

Aoshi "Gah!"

Galaxy "Aoshi, look out!!"

Sailor Galaxy and Sapphire ran for Aoshi. He didn't notice the scout coming from behind. The young swordsman felt a hand on his side, pushing force. Before he knew it, Sailor Galaxy took his place while he rolled over to the side. Sapphire got close enough and threw the vial, not knowing of the switch they made.

BOOM!!!

The ground flashed as Aoshi rolled to the side. He skidded and knelt on the ground with one knee. Aoshi stared towards the explosion with fear.

Aoshi "Anna!!"

Sapphire stood next to the explosion as he watched Sailor Galaxy encased by the chemicals. Her skin burned and the heat was rising.

Sapphire "Foolish girl."

The chemicals evaporated and left Sailor Galaxy with heavy breathing and numerous scorch marks. He body curled up on the ground, flinching to the cold wind.

Sapphire "It's foolish to jump into our battle. You should know your place."

Something changed about Sapphire. He looked up toward the palace and thought. He seemed hurt and calm at the same time. Sapphire finally smirked and stared towards Aoshi.

Sapphire "We'll continue this another time. I will beat you."

He shimmered away.

Aoshi walked up to Sailor Galaxy's side, afraid if moving her will cause her more pain. He knelt down next to her.

Aoshi "Anna…"

She looked up towards him and Aoshi looked away, thinking that her eyes will harbor anger. They finally reunite and she already received fatal injuries.

Aoshi (I failed to protect you.)

Galaxy "A…Are you hurt?"

Aoshi gasped. He looked back at Sailor Galaxy and pondered. Why was she smiling at him? She was exhausted from the explosion she took in Aoshi's place.

Aoshi "Why? Aren't you mad at me? You took the chemicals in my place while I didn't get a single scratch."

Galaxy "It's my destiny to protect this world. And everyone who's in it. You made a promise to be there for me. I have to return the favor."

Aoshi stared. It's not that he wanted to be equal and fair; he just wanted to protect Anna at all costs. Aoshi cared for her since the day they laid eyes on each other.

Galaxy "Also, you're the most precious thing to me. If I lost you there, I'd go crazy and I'll probably kill everyone. Wouldn't…want…that…"

She was close to losing all strength. She lost consciousness and didn't say another word. Aoshi picked her up in his arms and placed her head on his shoulder.

He walked into the palace with the injured solar scout. It's been a while since the last time Aoshi carried Anna. The feeling was nostalgic. He cherished it as he walked through the palace halls. As he walked, he wondered why Sapphire suddenly left the battle.

Aoshi was close to figuring out when the scouts ran up to him.

Mercury "Sailor Galaxy!!"

Jupiter "What happened to her?"

Aoshi "We met a 'friend' of mine and he threw some chemicals."

Mask "She needs to be treated right away!"

Tuxedo Mask and King Darien came as well.

King "We can take her to Rini's room."

They walked through the halls and found Rini's dormitory. Small toys were scattered on the floor with figures similar to the scouts. Rocking horses, building blocs, and crayons were off to the side.

Aoshi walked to the elegantly made bed and placed Sailor Galaxy in the center. King Darien flipped a switch on the wall.

Venus "What are we gonna do?"

King "Sailor Galaxy's injures aren't fatal, but they are severe."

A loud whirring came from Rini's bed and it was as if gravity disappeared. Sailor Galaxy floated and slightly dangled while the bed shined light on her. Her uniform unraveled and countless colored orbs covered her body.

King "The rooms can also be used for urgent medical treatment. It will take some time, but she'll be fully healed when the time comes."

He turned to Aoshi.

King "This 'friend' of yours, was it Sapphire?"

Aoshi looked down and nodded.

King "Just as expected. He was a decoy for Diamond."

Aoshi "That scum Diamond was here?"

Mars "If you mean some guy with white hair and a freaky third eye, then yeah."

Venus "Not only that, but he took Sailor Moon with him!"

Aoshi became outraged. He clenched his hand into a fist and shook with anger. The Black Moon Clan was going to pay for what they did.

Mask "Right now, we need to get Sailor Moon back here with us. Is it difficult to get to their base?"

Jupiter "They're probably going to have high defenses, so I say strength in numbers is the way to go."

Mercury "But what if they attack the palace while we're gone? Who's going to protect it?"

King "We're going to make this quick, so we better be fast. Sailor Mars, Mercury, and Venus, perhaps you should stay here while Jupiter, Tuxedo Mask, and Aoshi go to their base. I'll stay with Rini to calm her down."

Scouts "Okay."

As they left, Tuxedo Mask noticed that Aoshi was still gazing upon Anna. He walked up to the palace guard.

Mask "I know you're still angry, but don't worry. Anna's a strong girl."

Tuxedo Mask looked up at Anna.

Mask "She's been active and content. Still, I can tell that she missed you. Perhaps, when this is all over, you can come back with us to our time."

Aoshi "Maybe I will. After this, the king will have no need for me."

He turned to Tuxedo Mask and bowed.

Aoshi "Excuse me. I must prepare."

When Aoshi left the bedroom, Tuxedo Mask looked up at Anna once more. She didn't twitch or flinch. It was as if she was lifeless, similar to when he stabbed her when he was under Queen Beryl's thrall.

Mask "Everything will be ok. I promise."

He left the room, still feeling uneasy for Anna's safety. But now Tuxedo Mask had to protect the moon princess, his love. As he walked to the entrance, King Darien appeared before him.

King "I have something you can use. It will be helpful in your escape."

Tuxedo Mask nodded.

Sapphire walked up to the Dark Palace with a worried look on his face.

Sapphire (Prince Diamond's becoming blinder by the second! And now he has Sailor Moon with him! It's all because of that accursed Wiseman!)

He growled in anger. As he approached the palace, a woman smirked and looked down upon him. Sapphire glared as he walked up to her.

Sapphire "What do you want, Emerald?"

Emerald "Ha ha ha, it was fun watching you squirm against Sir Aoshi. You're no match for him, no matter how hard you try."

Sapphire "'Sir'? I thought you had the hots for Prince Diamond. So, you're dumping him now?"

Emerald's face grew as hot as lava. What was she saying? How could she betray her prince, the man she chased after until Sailor Moon became involved?

Emerald "Shut your mouth! I'll prove my worth to him once and for all. I just need the right time to strike."

Jupiter "How about NEVER!?"

Emerald stared ahead and Sapphire turned around. Aoshi, Tuxedo Mask, and Sailor Jupiter ran at top speed towards the base!

Sapphire "This is bad! Call up defense! I'll alert Prince Diamond!"

Emerald "Leave these jerks to me!"

Sapphire ran into the base and disappeared.

Jupiter "Tuxedo Mask! Go ahead! We'll handle the bimbo!"

Tuxedo Mask jumped over Emerald and ran after Sapphire. Aoshi and Sailor Jupiter skidded in front of Emerald.

Emerald "Ready to die, brats!?"

Aoshi "You should only be saying that if you really are going to kill us."

Emerald "Heh. Maybe I will…with the whole Nemesis Army!!!"

The walls behind her shimmered. Aoshi and Sailor Jupiter waited for anything, but froze with amazement. Arms with claws stretched out. They heard metal from armor clank and shift. Heads appeared with helmets and a pentagram on each forehead. A sudden rotten stench filled the air. The figures revealed their visages: glowing aqua eyes, rotting skin, dressed as a soldier rising from the dead.

Aoshi "Sailor Jupiter, which do you prefer: the skank or the zombies?"

Sailor Jupiter stepped up and prepared to fight.

Jupiter "The skank, if you don't mind."

Aoshi nodded. Sailor Jupiter ran towards Emerald as the zombies ran the opposite way, towards Aoshi.

The soldiers surrounded Aoshi with their swords covered in dirt and rust. He drew the kodachi and pointed it to the ground.

Aoshi (About 100 of them…)

The soldiers drew their weapons.

Aoshi (Too easy.)

The soldiers charged at him and struck.

SLASH!!!

Swords sliced through opposite soldiers. But the blades were rusty and dirty. They slashed into each other! Where did Aoshi go???

The slain soldiers fell into dust on the ground. The moon emitted light onto the dark ground. A dark shadow came into view on the dust. The soldiers looked up and saw a man above their heads. His kodachi was raised high into the air as the soldiers roared in surprise.

Aoshi slashed two more soldiers as he came down. He kicked behind as another soldier ran up to attack. The battle between Aoshi and the soldiers continued.

Jupiter "Let's do it!!"

Sailor Jupiter ran up and threw a punch at Emerald's smirking face. The skank teleported and disappeared, making Jupiter stumble a little.

Jupiter "That's cheating! Come out and fight!!"

Emerald "In due time…"

Sailor Jupiter looked up and saw Emerald floating in the air. Before the scout could react, the skank shot down boot first.

BAM!!!

The protector of Jupiter rolled to the side with a nasty bruise on her cheek. She rubbed it and groaned.

Emerald "Boring! I want some fun."

Her eyes glowed deep green as she chuckled. Smoke covered all around Emerald. Sailor Jupiter walked back as the smoke rose higher and higher in the air. An evil cackle filled their ears.

As the last of soldier dust flew away, Aoshi stared up at Emerald's new form. Claws stomped on the ground. Deep breathing came from crater-sized nostrils and green scales covered every inch of her body. Emerald became a dragon.

Sailor Jupiter was too shocked to notice a dragon claw coming to stomp her down.

Aoshi "Sailor Jupiter!!"

He dropped his sword and ran for Jupiter. He grabbed the scout and fell to the side as the claw came down and left a claw print in the dirt. The swordsman and the scout stood up from all the commotion.

Jupiter "Got any ideas? Thunder can't go through that shell."

Aoshi "I have one. I'll give you the signal."

Aoshi dashed for his sword.

Jupiter "Mr. Aoshi!!"

What's he doing? Jupiter waited if his plan was smart and effective. She hoped that no one would die…except for Emerald.

Jupiter (Anna will never forgive me if something happens!)

Aoshi grabbed his sword and turned to the dragon.

Aoshi "If there's one thing that can beat you, it's the power of the thunder princess. And here it is!!"

He threw his sword at the dragon and pierced the scales protecting it. It growled in pain, but chuckled still.

Emerald "You think this will stop me!?"

Aoshi "Now!!"

Sailor Jupiter hesitated, but reacted fast.

"JUPITER THUNDER CRASH!!!"

The lightning she summoned struck down from the sky. It bounced off the dragon's scales and went everywhere. The bolts suddenly became attracted to the sword. The electricity coursed through the sword and electrocuted the dragon. The sword acted as a rod to channel the current!

Jupiter "Awesome!!"

The dragon roared and froze. Its green scales turned gray and stone. It breathed its last breath. Emerald was gone.

Aoshi's sword fell from its place and straight to the ground. Aoshi held out his sheathe and the sword fell into place.

Cracks appeared on the dragon monument from where his sword was. They spread all over the monument and made a breaking sound. Dust flowed out of the spaces. It was going to collapse!

Aoshi "We have to go!"

Jupiter "Look!!"

Sailor Jupiter pointed to the sky. From high into the dark base, Tuxedo Mask and Sailor Moon used a glider to escape from the clutches of Nemesis. As they flew back to the palace, the monument slowly began to crumble. Pebbles fell down and attacked Aoshi and Sailor Jupiter.

Aoshi "Come on!"

He grabbed Sailor Jupiter's arm and ran back to the palace. None of them looked back at the falling dragon and the dying skank.

Aoshi (I haven't gotten my revenge for Anna, but I'll get you if it's the last thing I do, Sapphire!!)

They ran away, following the glider back to the palace.

Rini "Wow, I'm tired. It's good to be home."

Rini walked through the halls and felt safe to be home. She found her room and sighed. At last, she can rest. The door opened and she caught sight of the fallen scout.

Rini "Anna!"

She ran up to her bed and watched Anna lifelessly floating. The orbs covered her body as she slowly recovered.

Rini "Oh, no! What happened? Who did this?"

"It was you that drove her to insanity."

Rini turned and saw a figure floating above the floor. He was cloaked so she didn't see his face. In front he held a crystal ball with strange colored hands; it was like the enigma carried a disease within him.

Man "No need to fear me, child. I'm known as the Wiseman. I help young people, like you, with their problems."

Rini "Problems?"

She didn't have any problems. Unless…he knows…

Wiseman "You've been mistreated and ignored by family and friends for too long. They yelled at every little thing you did wrong."

Rini stared and thought. She remembered a time when she broke a vase and everyone blamed her. The queen punished her by not giving her the dessert that was served that night. Rini cried and said no one cared for her.

The present day Rini closed her eyes and refused. She couldn't believe it…could she?

As the Wiseman tried to persuade her, both he and Rini didn't take notice of Anna on the bed. The whirring continued, but her breathing returned to normal. In order to understand what happened around her, Anna finally opened her eyes and anticipated to learn.