::peeks out:: Um...so I'm not dead...not yet...but I've a feeling I will be soon...hehe...::sweatdrop::
Thanks to Ten'ousai, Soleil-Lune, aquaxeyes, amnesia nymph, X00001, RunningStorm for reviewing! And Soleil-Lune was first to review (other than Ten'ousai at least)! Nice going! As usual, the sneak peek competition is in effect. First person (aside from Ten'ousai) to review will get a sneak peek at the next chapter!
Hey! Guess what! That's right...it isn't mine...damn...and the character Rittou was designed and belongs to Ten'ousai.
Rated M for adult themes, violence, and language.
Michiru stared out of the hospital window, her arms folded over her chest. The rain kept hitting the window and streaking against the glass. Michiru bowed her head, praying that Alex was safe.
"You can't blame yourself Michiru-san. It's all of our faults," Usagi said. "We should've…" the Moon Senshi looked down.
"We should've given her a chance," Rei said.
"There's still a chance we can save her though, right?" Ami questioned.
"According to Kunzite and Safiel…our chance grows slimmer every second that ticks by," Minako replied.
"We could go back in time," Chibi-Usa suggested.
"That could make things worse," Hotaru pointed out.
"So do we just sit here and wait around or what?" Seiya demanded.
"We need a plan," Michiru said. "One that will show Alex we really do care about her…" The others nodded in agreement.
- - - - - - - - - -
Alex lay sleeping peacefully on the soft bed. Kyra smiled as she watched the Senshi sleep. She turned after a moment and left the room. She walked down the halls and made her way to the south tower. She glided up the steps and pushed the door open. Standing with his back to her was a young man who looked to be in his early twenties. He had short, spiked silver hair and wore a pair of black pants with an ebony silk dress shirt. As if sensing the evil queen he turned. His eyes of several shades of silver and blue were full of arrogance and pride. He nodded to Kyra before turning back to his work on the table.
"Is it ready?" Kyra demanded.
"Nearly," the man replied.
"You are certain this will work Rittou?"
"Of course it will," he snapped. "And it would go faster if you'd leave me alone until I call for you."
Kyra's eyes darkened. "Just finish it," she snarled.
Rittou watched as the evil queen left. He looked down at the black crystal on the table and held it up. He rose to his feet and walked over to a small altar. He set the crystal in the middle of it and stepped back, chanting under his breath. Black mist began swirling around the crystal, drawing in the light from the candles. The mist was then pulled into the crystal. He watched, a proud smirk on his face when the symbol of Uranus glowed red inside the black crystal. He picked it up and returned to the table, a dark blue stick lying on the furnished wood. He grabbed the pen and placed the dark crystal upon it, a low chuckle in his throat.
"Let there be darkness," he murmured. He walked out of the workshop and made his way through the halls of the palace to Kyra's study. Without stopping to knock he went inside, the door banging against the wall. Kyra's head shot up and she glared at him. The dark look faded when she saw the pen. She slowly rose to her feet.
"It…it's done?" she asked softly.
"No thanks to your constant interruptions," he replied, setting the dark henshin pen on the table. "When she takes this in hand willingly, it will seal the spell."
Kyra picked it up, a cold smile on her face. "Perfect…" she whispered. She picked up the pen and shoved Rittou aside. He glared at her but trailed after, curious to see if the dark henshin pen would work. It was rumored that the people of Uranus were strong, especially the guardian of Uranus. Kyra walked into the room and set the henshin pen down on the table near the bed. She gently caressed Alex's face and the young Senshi stirred, coming out of the effects of the potion.
Alex blinked and looked up at Kyra. "What…what happened?" she whispered.
"What do you remember last?" Kyra asked.
"Drinking the stuff…then…nothing…"
"You fell asleep after drinking the contents of the glass. After that, I went to ensure your henshin pen would be safe when the Senshi surprised me. I managed to escape…but they destroyed your henshin pen. I'm sorry."
Alex pushed herself up into a sitting position. "So there's no way for me to protect you now?" she asked.
"Not…not necessarily," Kyra began. "You've been unconscious for a few days. I had Rittou," she gestured to the silver haired man, "make a replacement henshin pen for you. If you want it though."
Alex looked at the black henshin pen. Something was telling her not to take the pen. "I…I don't know…"
"No one is forcing you Alex. If you want it, just tell me and I will give it to you," Kyra said, rising to her feet. She smiled warmly at Alex and left the room with Rittou.
"Your memory spell seems to be working," he said once they were far enough away from the room.
"Of course," Kyra retorted. "She believes that everything bad thing that has happened to her since awakening as Uranus is the fault of the Senshi. All the good things…" Kyra smirked.
"Were caused by you," Rittou realized. "I must admit, it is impressive…for you at least," he scoffed.
Kyra stopped and glared at him. "If it wasn't for who you represent…"
"You'd what Kyra?" he demanded, glaring at her. He smiled faintly when she turned away. He smirked to himself and walked away.
Kyra shook her head and returned to the room. Alex was standing in front of the window, her arms folded over her chest. "Alex?"
The Senshi turned. "I want the pen."
"Are you sure?"
"I can't protect you as I am now. But as a Senshi…I can. I want the henshin pen," Alex said. "Please."
Kyra nodded and held out the dark henshin pen. Alex reached out for it. Her fingers slid around the black handle. Kyra removed her hand from the pen so that Alex solely held it. A wind suddenly sprang up around the white haired teen and Kyra backed away as a black mist seeped out of the crystal and surrounded the Senshi. Once the mist had surrounded the young woman, it briefly plumed out before diving into Alex's body through her eyes, nose, and mouth. A black jet of air shot up around the Senshi and Kyra backed away a few steps.
The darkness faded and a cold smile formed on Kyra's face. The sailor fuku had appeared on Alex's body, but it was completely black save for the white bodice and gloves. A blood red jewel rested on the front bow and on the dark gold tiara. Kyra watched as the Senshi's eyes opened. Dark teal eyes full of hate and malice stared at Kyra, a cold smile on her face.
Dark Uranus knelt down, her right hand over her heart. "How may I serve?" she asked, bowing her head.
"Tell me who you serve."
"I serve the true ruler of this solar system, Queen Kyra of the Sun."
"Who does your heart belong to?"
"It belongs only to my Queen," Dark Uranus returned.
"What is your mission?"
"To kill the Sailor Senshi who have taken your throne."
A pleased grin formed on Kyra's face. "Rise my love." Uranus rose to her feet and Kyra caressed the Senshi's face. "I love you my Wind Senshi."
"I love you my Queen," she whispered softly, tilting her head towards Kyra's hand. Kyra smiled and pulled the Dark Senshi to the bed.
- - - - - - - - - -
Michiru bolted upright in the hospital bed, a terrible feeling growing in her gut. She looked out the window that was on the door and saw people rushing towards the window. She frowned and rose to her feet. She limped to the window in her room and opened the shades. Her sea blue eyes widened in disbelief and horror. A large black cloud was swirling towards the moon, blocking out its soft glow. Michiru turned and grabbed her communicator.
"Someone please answer me!" she said urgently.
"This is Makoto Michiru-san. What's wrong?"
"Look out the window and at the moon." The Sea Senshi could hear Makoto and several other voices that belonged to the Senshi cursing in shock. "You see it too then?"
"What…what's happening?" Makoto asked.
"Nothing good."
- - - - - - - - - -
Kunzite stared at the black cloud, a loose blanket over his muscled chest. The wind began whipping through the air, biting through his skin and chilling his flesh. A warm hand rested on his shoulder and he turned to look at Minako as she joined him on the balcony to her apartment.
"This isn't good, is it?" Minako asked.
Kunzite turned back to look at the darkness surrounding the moon. "No," he agreed softly. "Evil has been awakened." He sighed and looked down. "I fear it is too late to save your fellow Senshi." Minako nodded and Kunzite pulled her close. The two looked up at the overshadowed moon, wondering what would happen next.
- - - - - - - - - -
Rittou walked through the halls of the building he was in, a strange light in his silver-blue eyes. His boots thudded on the marble floor as he ignored the few people he passed by. He stopped at a door and composed himself, smoothing out his white shirt and adjusting the black leather and silver belt around his waist. An ice-blue undershirt could be seen through the white shirt. A black velvet cloak trimmed in an ice-blue silver rested over his shoulders. He lifted his fist and soundly knocked on the door. He slowly pushed the door open and it creaked on its hinges. He stepped into the room and shut the door. He stood in the center of the somewhat small room, chairs and tables surrounding him on all sides.
"What is the news Rittou?" a cold voice demanded.
"By thy shadows, the darkness of Ten'ousei as been awakened," Rittou answered, his head bowed.
"Excellent…" another voice smirked.
"Return to Earth and make sure that nothing interferes with our plans," the first voice ordered. Rittou bowed and left the room, cursing them softly under his breath once he had left the room. "I will not be your servant forever," he vowed. He swept down the hall forcing people to get out of his way.
- - - - - - - - - -
Alex silently got out of bed and walked to the window of the room. She stared out over the sunny landscape. A pair of warm arms wrapped around her waist and a chin rested on her shoulder.
"What troubles you beloved?" Kyra asked.
"Nothing," Alex replied. "I have everything I could possibly want."
Kyra smiled. "I'm glad." Alex turned and passionately kissed the evil golden queen. The Dark Senshi pulled away, a frown on her face.
"My Queen, what's wrong?"
"There is a mission you must do," she said.
"I would do anything for you," Alex quickly said.
"I know. But this mission is dangerous."
"I don't care. Ask what you will of me."
Kyra nodded. "I need you to take capture this woman," Kyra said, holding out a picture to the white haired teen.
Alex took the picture and looked down at it. It was a picture of a beautiful woman in a flowing silver dress. She had long silver-white hair and silver eyes. A Yin pendant hung around her neck. "Who is she?" Alex asked.
"She is known as Hikari. She works with the Sailor Senshi."
Alex glared at the picture in her hand and it began to burn. "Not for long," she vowed in a cold voice.
"Once you have captured Hikari, return here quickly and Rittou will be able to confine her."
Alex let the ash from the picture fall of her hand and she brushed the few clinging particles off. She turned to Kyra and gently held her face. "I will return soon my Queen. I swear it." She leaned in and kissed the golden queen. Kyra returned the kiss before Alex backed away. The young woman pulled out her dark henshin pen and raised it to the sky. "Dark Crystal Power! Make UP!"
"Be safe beloved."
Dark Uranus nodded and vanished from sight. "If she succeeds, I'd watch my back," a voice smirked.
Kyra turned and glared at Rittou. "Don't you have somewhere else to be?"
"I'm here to make sure you do your job, not do it for you. Just remember whom you serve," he shot back and vanished.
"Arrogant bastard," Kyra muttered.
- - - - - - - - - -
Uranus calmly walked to the large door with four guards posted in front of it. The four men stepped forward, weapons in their hands. "You are not permitted here Senshi," the Captain spoke.
Uranus smirked at them and pulled the Dark Space Sword out. "Does it look like I care?" she asked.
"We will kill you!" one of the other three said.
"You will try," Dark Uranus corrected. The four men rushed in. Uranus caught the sword blade of one of the men as he slashed down at her. She broke the weapon with her hand and slashed her black bladed sword across his stomach. She let him fall to the ground and rammed the sword into another's chest. She twisted the blade and kicked him off. She turned to the Captain and the remaining foot soldier.
"You are a Sailor Senshi! Why are you doing this?" the Captain demanded.
"Doing this?" she smirked and hurled her sword in the foot soldier's head.
The Captain glared at Uranus. "You are now weaponless."
Uranus laughed coldly. "I don't think so," she said, a black orb of energy forming around her right hand. "Darkness Shaking!" The Captain slammed into the wall and fell to the ground, his head hanging at an odd angle. Uranus walked forward and pulled her sword free. She flicked the blood off the blade and turned to the doors.
She pressed her hands against the ornate furnished wood and pushed. The heavy doors swung open revealing a lavishly decorated room. Uranus' lip curled in disgust. Her dark teal eyes scanned the room and saw a door ajar. She silently made her way to the door and paused just outside. She could hear a soft voice humming softly. Gripping her sword, she flung the door open. A silver haired woman jumped and turned to look at the intruder with silver eyes.
"Who are you?" she asked in a soft voice.
"You're coming with me," Uranus returned.
The woman, Hikari, rose to her feet from the piano. "For what purpose?"
"You'll see," Uranus returned.
Hikari studied the Dark Senshi. "What person has filled you with so much hate Uranus?" she asked.
The Senshi's eyes narrowed. "How do you know my name?" she demanded.
"You were once a warrior for good. I know many."
"I am a warrior for good," Uranus snapped. "I follow my Queen, no one else."
"Not even your own heart?" Hikari asked, closing the lid over the piano keys.
"My heart belongs to my Queen."
Hikari looked at Uranus. "I have known you in many lifetimes Uranus. Your heart in all of them has belonged to Neptune."
"Liar," the white haired Senshi hissed. She lifted the black sword. "Will you come willingly?"
"Guards will be here soon," Hikari said.
Dark Uranus chuckled. "If they're as skilled as those four guarding your doors then I have little to worry about."
"You killed them?"
"It was easy. They were hardly skilled."
"Then try me on for size," a voice challenged.
Uranus turned and watched as a gold armored Senshi stepped into the room, a sword in her hand. "And you are?" Uranus asked in a bored voice.
"Sailor Galaxia. Uranus, stop this madness, I beg you. There is no future down the path of evil."
The young Dark Senshi's eyes narrowed. "I'm tired of hearing the lies from you Sailor Senshi," she growled. "Shadow Sword Blaster!"
Galaxia leapt away, the attack grazing her arm. "Uranus! Come to your senses!" Uranus ignored her. Instead, the evil Senshi began stalking towards Galaxia. "I don't want to fight you Uranus."
"I wouldn't want to fight me either," Uranus smirked.
Galaxia sighed and slammed her sword down. Uranus caught the blade between her hands. "Wha…what?" Galaxia stammered. She grunted in pain when the Dark Wind Senshi plunged the Space Sword into her abdomen. The Golden Senshi gasped as Uranus viciously twisted the blade before pulling it out.
Dark Uranus pulled Galaxia close. "Just so you know, I have come to my senses," she whispered and let the older Senshi fall. She turned to Hikari who was staring in shock.
"By the light Uranus…what have you done?" Hikari whispered.
"Any more protectors for me to kill?" Uranus sneered. She walked over to Hikari and grabbed the woman by the neck. They vanished from sight, leaving only blood and death behind.
Well...Uranus is darkside again...she was lured by cookies...and milk...you can't have cookies without milk...
Be kind and review! Maybe Ten'ousai's streak will end!...I somehow doubt it though...