-1Chapter Six

Corruption And Colliding Worlds

Within two hours he had reached the shrine, as soon as he walked in Ami rushed to hug him: "Par-no, Alzurath. I'm so relieved you're alive!" She cried, as she put her arms around him. "Ami. I'm glad you're safe and sound. How about the rest of you girls? Where's Usagi?"

Rei smiled: "Well Usagi's over at Mamoru's place, she's alright. As for us, there are no serious injuries, just scrapes, bruises and scratches. All in a days work for a Sailor Senshi I guess. I see you got beat on Alzurath. Oh, by the way, Mina and Makato are sleeping in the guest room, so lets keep our voices down."

He sighed: "Yeah, those two fought the hardest, it doesn't "surprise me to see them get to bed early. Nobunaga managed to get a decent hit on me before he started babbling about heaven." Ami grew curious: "What did he say to you?" Alzurath shrugged: "He kept on mentioning the Hidden Truth, that I was to completely dominate mankind."

Rei gasped: "What? But that doesn't make sense at all. According to the sacred texts, Heaven isn't supposed impose onto man at all." Ami looked at him slightly amused: "You know Alzurath, I can't imagine you beeing a tyrant." Rei chuckled: "Yeah, you're too gentle a person. I wouldn't worry about it all that much. Oh, Ami. I almost forgot to tell you something."

"What's that Rei?" Ami asked confused. A sorrowed expression formed on the shrine mistress's face: "They have completed burial preparations for your mother. The day of the ceremony has been set for this Sunday, is that alright?" Ami tried to fight off her sorrow, but Alzurath gently put his hands on her shoulders: "Its alright Ami. Let your emotions roam free, it'll be less of a burden if you just let them out."

"Sunday? That means its in two days…I-I'm sorry." The sadness within the Ice Senshi overwhelmed her will to speak. She turned to face Alzurath, and began to cry on his shoulders. Alzurath sighed: "Ami. She's been so busy between school and fighting this new evil, she almost completely forgot about her mother's funeral."

Rei crossed her arms: "I can't really blame the poor thing either. She must be very exhausted by everything that's going on." Ami nodded as she wiped the tears from her eyes: "Y-you're right, I-I am very tired. Rei-chan, is it all right if I stay here at the shrine tonight?" "Sure Ami, you should know by now that you're always welcome to stay here" Rei assured her troubled friend.

A slight smile came over Ami's lips, then she walked to the guest room and closed the door. Rei and Alzurath sat next to each other by the fire, both in deep thought. "So, Rei…Have you found out any kind of information about our new foes?"

Alzurath asked to break the silence. Rei shrugged: "I've been in deep meditation the past couple of nights. The fire has shown glimpses of the Spirit world, though, activities of both Heaven and hell have been clouded. But I can sense that both sides are preparing for something. As to what it is, I can't even begin to fathom."

Alzurath stared into the blaze thoughtfully: "They probably both know by now that my Angelic powers have been awakened. I guess we can only continue to fight off Hell's assault until things become clear." Rei's communicator suddenly went off: "Someone's calling at this late an hour?" She picked it up: "Hello? Usagi, its 11:30, why are you calling so late? I'd thought you'd be asleep by now."

Alzurath could hear Usagi's voice, she was somewhat frantic: "Rei, check out the late night world news!" Luna's voice interrupted dumpling head: "Yes, it is important. I have already alerted the others." "All right. Give me a second, hey Alzurath?" She saw that he was one step ahead of her and had turned the TV on.

"Today on our series "A look closer", there have been several strange events mainly targeted in and around Tokyo. Monsters of unknown origin have been appearing and causing havoc to innocent people. These incidents have caused hundreds of thousands of yen in damage. So far, the legendary Sailor Senshi have been successful in defeating these creatures as quickly as they appear. But are they really our only line of defense against them? President Hiomasha has not acted nor commented on this matter.

However several high ranking officials, including the Secretary of Defense, have pressed for military action. Commenting that the Sailor Warriors are not enough to defend the people of Japan. While other politicians defend the Senshi, arguing that use of the military will only increase the casualty rate as well as damage costs. They prefer to let these mysterious female warriors handle the situation. We will bring more information to you as the debate unfolds. Coming up after the break, did the "miracle rookie" win her second championship in a row? We will have the results of this year's exciting Angelic Layer National Tournament."

A grim feeling came over Rei: "I don't believe it. Now the governments getting involved? As if things weren't complicated enough. Luna, what do you suggest?" The cat sighed: "I wish I knew. For now, lets just lie low and see what happens. Our enemies latest defeat has no doubt seriously hurt their forces. They won't be appearing for awhile, but when they do, we'll just go out there and eliminate them like always."

"Alright Luna, we will do the best we can. Good night". Frustrated, She closed her communicator. Alzurath smiled: "Well, at least we know now they're not beeing totally lazy" Rei grinned slightly: "Yeah, I guess that's one way to look at it. But this is a tight situation, if we get a bad rep with the government they could have us put in jail."

He put a hand on her shoulder: "Listen Rei, there is no one who could possibly know you and your friends identities other than me right? Than there is no need to worry." Reluctantly, she agreed: "Okay, Alzurath I guess I've got no choice but to believe you." "Actually, you have a choice Rei. Trust is a very key thing, especially in relationships. If there's no trust, then you're always walking on shaky ground. You can always count on me to remain true to Ami, you and your friends."

"Thanks Alzurath. Its definitely assuring to have someone like you on our side. I just hope that the government decides to like us.". With those words, the two decided to turn in for the night. Meanwhile, in the main government complex:

"President Hiomasha. Have you decided what to do with the Sailor Senshi? Congress is practically breathing down our necks." asked the president's advisor. Hiomasha crossed his arms: "Hmmm. Lets just leave them be for now, I don't want to let the military to get involved. They're much too proud of themselves. Until some changes are made in our own system, the Senshi are the best line of defense."

The advisor sighed: "Yeah, I guess I have to hand that one to you. It must be tough on those girls though. From what I could tell by our satellite footage, they don't even look like they're out of High School. I wonder who their identities really are?" Hiomasha gave him a stern look: "You know as well as I that the military would have those girls court-martialed if they knew who they were. Don't you ever pry into their lives, or you'll regret it."

The advisor backed off: "Okay, okay. Geeze, no need to get angry. I was thinking out loud is all. However, because of that late night news report, the press and public are in an uproar. We'll be crucified if we don't say something to calm them down." "Well then, tell them that I'll be making a public speech to clarify this whole mess." Hiomasha's advisor bowed: "As you wish sir" and left the room.

Ami and Alzurath were walking through the shopping district, peering through various shops for Christmas gifts. "Oh Al-err, Parker! Wouldn't that be perfect for Usagi?" she pointed to a "School for dummies" book displayed in the window. He smiled as the snow began to fall again: "Yeah. That might actually help her. I can't believe its already only two days away from Christmas. We've had plenty of snow this year that's for sure."

Ami nodded as they went into the store: "Yeah. A total of three feet to be exact, snow plow crews have certainly been kept busy." "Hey you two. Looking' for anything in particular?" A cheerful clerk asked. "Yeah, we'd like a copy of 'School For Dummies'". The clerk nodded: "That'll be 100 yen please. That one's been popular lately." Alzurath handed him the exact amount. The clerk waved at them as they left, with the package in Ami's hands. "Well, it seems you are in a good mood Ami, I'm glad." She sighed: "My mom's funeral a few days ago was hard for me to go through, this is my first Christmas without her. I miss her…I guess it's the fact that its Christmas time that I'm getting past it easier. Seeing everyone cheerful and full of joy, it really lifts my spirits."

She smiled at Alzurath as she put her arm around him: "Of course, not beeing alone helps. I love you, you've been here for me since day one. These Five months we've been together, have been both the worst, and the best five months of my life. Oh, before we go back home, I'd like to visit my mom's grave. I'm trying to get in the habit of visiting it once a day."

"Ami…I love you as well. With you and your friends in my life now, there's never been a dull moment. Do we have a gift for everybody?" Alzurath asked. She nodded: "Yes. Usagi was the last one we needed to get a gift for. Lets stop at the cemetery now."

Within an hours time they had reached her mom's grave site. Ami knelt down, as she placed a bouquet of roses on the grave. Her eyes beginning to show signs of tears: "Mother. Life, is a lot harder now that you're not with me anymore. I'm only seventeen, I still need your love and guidance. But…" she paused to wipe her eyes.

"But I have help in my time of grief. My friends, and Alzurath, my boyfriend. I'm sorry you couldn't meet him, I think you would approve of him though. He's very kind, gentle, and loving person. He's brings me such comfort and peace of mind when I'm like this. Mom, wherever you are, I hope you have a good Christmas."

Ami got up, and cried the last of her tears on Alzurath's shoulder. They were heading out when they ran into Doctor Yurisma: "Hey, Ami. How are you doing?" he asked concerned. "Better, thanks to Parker here. But I am still having a hard time, this is the first Christmas I've spent without my mom. My grades haven't been perfect either, I've gotten two B's this semester in classes I normally ace in."

Yurisma managed a laugh: "That's the Ami I know. I wouldn't be disappointed too much. Getting a couple of b's isn't a bad thing at all. If it were ds' or f's I'd be worried. Well, I'll let you two go, I'm going to pay my respects to your mother. Have a good Christmas Ami!" She nodded: "I will, merry Christmas to you Yurisma!"

Ami and Alzurath left the cemetery, both were still in a solemn mood. Until, however, they saw Usagi running after Luna, who had snatched a letter she had written Mamoru. Luna jumped up to the wall, after making sure no-one else was around; she dropped the letter and spoke: "Usagi! You're supposed to be getting Christmas cards for your friends, not writing love letters!"

Usagi tried to stop, however she realized too late that the ground beneath the snow was iced over. She fell and came sliding to a stop just in front of Ami and Alzurath, who both were red in the face from laughing. "Ow, that hurt! Yeah, I know Luna! Oh, hi you two! Have you heard the news lately concerning us?"

Usagi said cheerfully. Ami and Alzurath looked at each other questioningly: "No, Usagi. We haven't, what's going on?" Ami asked curiously. She got up and brushed the snow off her skirt: "Oh man, now I'm gonna be wet and cold the rest of the day. Oh yeah, President Hiomasha is going to make a public speech regarding the Sailor Senshi."

Alzurath sighed: "Wow. Press and Politicians certainly like to make big deals out of little things when it comes to pride. I guess the President is going to calm everybody down, I think he's on the Senshi's side." Ami looked at him worried: "How can you be so certain?" "Because he has not made a comment about the warriors. Now, all the other politics who hate them never hesitated to begin to let rumors fly and speak of false truths."

Usagi waved to them before she left: "The speech is on at eight tonight, don't miss it!" The two nodded, and also waved back at her. Ami couldn't help but to chuckle: "You know, that girl always does something stupid or klutzy that cheers me up, no matter how dark my mood is" Alzurath smiled: "Yeah. Its definitely good to have a friend like dumpling head around. Well, lets head home and start wrapping gifts." She nodded: "Sounds good, I've been looking forward to that. Are you any good at wrapping presents?"

Alzurath sighed: "No, I'm pretty bad at it actually. I think I'll let you handle wrapping. If you want to trade off I'll cook and clean tonight." She laughed: "Sure, anytime I don't have to worry about cooking dinner and cleaning dishes I'll be more than happy to switch." So the two walked home and began preparing for the Christmas party at Rei's shrine on Sunday.

Before long it was eight, and Alzurath had turned on the TV.

Meanwhile, the president Hiomasha was pacing back and forth behind the curtain awaiting for the right time. He was unsure of how his decision would affect his reputation within the government. His advisor gave Hiomasha the thumbs up: "Mr. President, you're on." He nodded: "Thanks. Well, here it goes…" To a roaring applause he walked out onto the stage:

"Citizens of Tokyo and all of Japan, I thank you for taking the time from your busy holiday planning to come out tonight. As you all well know, I have been approached several times to use Military action against these creatures that have been appearing recently. After days of pondering I have come to my final conclusion on this matter. The Military will not interfere with the Sailor Senshi and their battles against this evil. It is far too dangerous and destructive. It will only increase the civilian casualties. I have firmly placed my faith in these brave, mysterious girls, who have selfishly risk their lives time and time again to save our own. Many of you including myself are wondering why they would sacrifice themselves for us. I believe it is because they have a mission. A mission not only to protect us from evil, but to protect us from ourselves. Sailor Senshi, if you are watching this tonight, you have my sincerest gratitude and undying admiration. Let us hope that they will always be here to defend Japan from this unknown darkness, and bring us closer to everlasting peace. Merry Christmas, and a happy new year to all."

Ami, who was caught off guard by the surprise speech, nearly forgot to finish her wrapping: "I guess we know that the president likes us now. That's a big relief…" she thought to herself. Actually, she was in very deep thought until Alzurath snapped her out of it: "Hey there Ami. You alright? As I promised, the dishes have been cleaned and put away."

Alzurath tensed a little. "Alzurath..? What's wrong?" He pointed to her chest, and Ami also froze: "What the…" a red "Laser" like light slowly moved from her chest to the middle of her forhead. As if by instinct, Alzurath jumped on Ami as several loud gunshots echoed through the night. Two bullets hit Alzurath, the other three were lodged into the house. Broken glass was everywhere, the Angel struggled to get up.

Ami felt grim: "Why…Why do things like this happen to us..? Alzurath…" Alzurath despite his pain managed to talk: "Hey…Don't forget what I am. Two bullet wounds won't do much to me. Just stay underneath me until things settle down." She looked at his wounds, and sure enough they faded away. "Alzurath. I've checked my scanner… There's no one within the general area. Why would someone want to kill me?" The two could hear sirens outside and the door was kicked open.

"Is everybody okay in here?!" an officer said concerned. Alzurath got off of Ami, who was a little embarrassed. "Yes officer. We're fine, though I'm more than a little upset that someone has tried to kill my girl." He nodded: "Good. We're doing a search of the immediate area now, to see if we can catch the would be killer."

Alzurath picked Ami up off the ground and brushed pieces of glass out of her hair. "Alzurath…Are you sure you're alright? You were shot twice in the stomach." she asked after the officers left. He smiled: "Yes. If there's one benefit to being an Angel is, that I can heal small wounds." Ami let out a sigh: "I'm relieved…But, look at your door…it got knocked down again by the cop". Alzurath shook his head: "Yeah I know. By now I should have fixing those things memorized."

Usagi came rushing through the door way: "Ami! You're alright!" she cried as the others surrounded the two. She nodded: "Yes I am fine, once again thanks to Alzurath. I wonder who would want to kill me?" Rei, however, was not in the crowd surrounding Ami. She was standing outside, with an ominous look across her face.

Realizing this, Alzurath told Ami he'd be back in a few, and went outside to see what was bothering her. "Oi, Rei! What's up? You seem to be pretty disturbed about something." The psychic girl crossed her arms, and managed a small smile: "So you've figured me out huh? Yeah. Something about this whole thing stinks. I've been sensing an odd spiritual disturbance in the air lately."

"Rei…You think that there might be more troubles for me and her in the near future?" She took a step into the moonlight: "Yes. I want you to be with Ami always. There's more to her than just "Senshi Abilities", though I can't quite begin to guess what it is." Alzurath gazed at the stars thoughtfully: "So these people that almost murdered her, might be trying to seize those hidden powers for themselves? Rei, can I count on you?"

The Senshi of Flame nodded "Yes. I will look further into our situation and let you know if I come across anything of use. However, don't let the others know about this, not even Ami. She has enough problems to worry about anyhow." The Angel put his hand on her shoulder: "Alright Rei, you have my thanks. Let's join the others shall we?" He smiled as they walked in .

Ami grinned when she saw Alzurath and Rei come in: "Oh, hey guys! What were you two doing?" she said jokingly. Rei went slightly red, but Alzurath wasn't as quick to lose his composure: "Oh nothing. Rei just wanted to show me the stars tonight, they're unusually bright for this time of year." Alzurath received a stern look from Ami, he knew that she saw right through him. The others however did not catch on, as they were also star gazing.

"You're right, the stars are awfully beautiful" Usagi noted in bewilderment, oblivious to Ami's discomfort. Desperately wanting to change the subject, Alzurath suggested that the girls stay for Christmas dinner. Ami nodded, as she went into the Kitchen. Alzurath and Rei looked at each other: "You know…You just can't hide anything from that girl." Rei giggled, half serious, half amused.

Alzurath joined Ami. "You know Alzurath, you're a pretty bad liar. Is there something going on that's got Rei so tensed?" He sighed: "You remember that incident five weeks ago? When we performed that mind link?" Ami thought back: "Yes. Just before I came to, I felt an odd power surge through my body." "Well Rei seems to think that someone or some organization is after that power. Which would explain the attempt on your life just now."

Ami's expression was one of nervousness and sorrow: "You know you shouldn't hide things like this from me. All though, I appreciate you two trying to keep my spirits up that way." Alzurath hugged her, and she returned the embrace: "Listen, we will take on our future struggles one at a time. But for now, lets just enjoy the company of friends and the holiday."

"Okay. I'll go out and visit with them. Think you can finish up the cooking?" Ami asked. He smiled: "Yeah. Don't worry about it, I'll have it ready in about fifteen minutes." Makato was marveling at the Christmas tree that the two had made: "It must've taken you two a long time to decorate this tree Ami." She stated as the Senshi of ice walked in the living room.

Ami grinned: "We spent three hours, forty-seven minutes and thirty seconds working on it to be precise." Suddenly a small growl echoed through the room, everyone turned to Usagi. "What? I can't help it if my stomach tells me if I'm hungry." she said bluntly. Everyone laughed.

Luna jumped on the dumpling girl's lap: "If you put as much effort in stomach talking as you did studying, you'd have perfect grades." Usagi jokingly hit Luna's head: "I wasn't talking to you furball. When'll dinner be ready?" Ami couldn't help but to laugh: "Alzurath should be almost done by now."

Mina sitting on the couch, gazed out the window jealously: "Man, I wish I had a boyfriend who could cook." Rei sighed: "As long as his cooking is better than Usagi's I'm fine. Isn't that right Makato?" Usagi practically glared at Rei: "Rei-chan. My cooking isn't that bad, right Makato?" The guardian of Jupiter wisely stayed neutral: "Hey, don't put me in the spotlight. I've had some of his food, and his cooking is actually better than mine."

Alzurath came out just then: "Are you guys making fun of my cooking or Usagi's? I lost track of the argument when I was turning the stove off." Rei grinned: "Oh, just complaining about Usagi's. Not even the cats would eat her cooking." Usagi gave Rei an evil eye: "Well at least I have a boyfriend." Rei jabbed her in the ribs: "Leave our love lives out of this will you dumpling head?" Everyone burst out laughing. So, the celebration of Christmas went on through the night.

Meanwhile, the three outer Senshi were investigating the strange decline of demonic presence: "Haruka, do you think that this is a sign, or just a mere coincidence?" "I don't know. Something is definitely going on within hell, though I just can't put my figure onto why they would hesitate on a holiday like this."

"I think they're just waiting for the perfect time to strike." The Senshi of time spoke, as she appeared. Haruka smiled: "You're blunt as always. What have you discovered? The two of us haven't found anything unusual." She sheathed her long weapon: "My spy tells me that hell plans to launch a final attack at dawn. Christmas day, where most mortals are enjoying themselves with family."

Haruka shook her head in disgust: "Tsk. The Senshi are going to be most vulnerable then. I know Usagi isn't going to be even awake yet. Should we alert them?" She nodded: "Yes, but I don't want to ruin their night, let's break the news slowly, talk to Alzurath first."

The other two nodded, and by the time they teleported to Alzurath's place, everyone had gone home. Ami had gone to bed and was sleeping soundly as Alzurath was cleaning up. He answered the knock on the door:

"Talk with us outside for awhile, its urgent." Before Alzurath could say anything, Haruka closed the door softly and led him to a park where they could speak without risk of eavesdropping. "Who are you three? I don't recall meeting you in the past. Are you friends with Usagi and her gang?"

They looked at each other: "We're not friends per say, consider us more like allies."

Alzurath scratched his head: "Allies? Oh, that explains it, I knew you three weren't normal human beings. I sensed planet powers within you all as well. What has brought you to my attention?" Uranus crossed her arms: "Hell plans to launch a final grand assault on Earth, at first sunrise as a desperate move."

He went pale: "Do we have that kind of power to fight them off? What's going to be their focus in this attack?" Haruka sighed: "To kill us and take over Earth obviously. Lucifer plans to use Earth as a stepping stone to Heaven. Needless to say, there'll be chaos if we don't win this fight." The Senshi of time placed her hand on his shoulder:

"Rest easy lord Alzurath, I have re-enforcements coming our way. The Samurai warriors that helped you in the engagement at Tokyo Tower Two, will be joining in the battle." "Oh…So that explains how they appeared in our time. You used your powers as the Senshi of time and space to warp the past into the future." She smiled: "Very bright of you, I think Heaven's future will be secure once you take the throne." "So Alzurath. When were you going to let me know about all this?"

Surprised, He turned around: "Oh, Ami! I thought you were asleep." As he noticed she was still in her pj's. She crossed her arms: "I was until my mini super computer started to beep from your guy's teleportation power. Don't worry about letting the other's know about this. I overheard the entire conversation, and told them over the communicator. They're getting ready as we speak." Haruka sighed: "Well, that's the future Princess Warrior for you."

Ami and Alzurath looked at each other: "Princess Warrior? Usagi is the only future Princess of our group, I don't understand what you're saying." Ami said, trying to deny what she knew was to be inevitable. "Are you trying to deny what you know is to be true? As you are destined to be Alzurath's wife, you will be put back in control over your home planet, Mercury."

"Haruka! Its almost time. Things should be getting interesting very shortly!" Setsuna reminded everyone. Just as she spoke, the other Senshi appeared along with Endymion. "Everyone!" Ami said, amazed as to how quickly they got there. "Mercury Star Power! Make Up!" She transformed, knowing that this might be the last time she will dawn her Senshi uniform.

A red sun began to rise above the horizon, children were waking up in their homes, excited of the presents under the trees. Not knowing of the horrifying battle that is to come. The snow was plentiful, and still falling, giving a false sense of peace and beauty. The warriors savored this, for they knew that in any moment it could vanish in a sea of blood and violence.