Very very close to the end! How exciting!!
Thanks to Ten'ousai, X00001, amnesia nymph, SithLibrarian, aquaxeyes for reviewing! You guys rock!
Hey guess what? That's right. I don't own it. And Rittou belongs to Ten'ousai.
Rated M for adult themes, language, and violence.
Hikari locked her door and walked to the window. She folded her arms over her chest and sighed, staring up at the hundreds of stars. Several moons lit the sky, bathing her face in soft light. Small tendrils of fear crept into her as she thought about dying. She looked down, knowing that if and when she did die, she would be reborn with her twin, Kaosu. The thought didn't prevent her from feeling fear though. She leaned her head against the window and closed her eyes. A small smile crept on her face.
"Here to kill me?" she asked.
Rittou stepped out of the shadows, his features slightly masked by the darkness. "No. I…oh forget it," he muttered.
"You don't have to go. I wouldn't mind some company," she said, causing him to stop and turn. She turned, her eyes faintly shimmering with tears.
Rittou's breath caught in his throat when he saw her framed by the moons light, looking like an angel. His heart thudded in his chest. I'd forgotten how beautiful…I can't think like this!
Hikari watched him, her heart aching. "Rittou…I know we've not gotten along in centuries…" she began, her silver eyes full of love. She walked over to him and gently held his face. She leaned in and kissed him, a tear escaping her eye.
Rittou pulled back; slightly aware his arms were around her waist. "Damn you Hikari…" he whispered.
"For what?" she whispered.
"For stealing my heart."
She arched a brow. "You've not loved anyone else?"
"It seems every time I love someone, it just opens up to more wounds."
"Love is not something to be feared Rittou. I know there are painful times when we open our hearts to someone, but if we sealed ourselves away and refused to love, that life would not be worth living."
The arrogance faded from Rittou slightly. "You're the only person who's ever been able to see through me."
She smiled. "That's because I love you."
He gently held her face. "I cannot save your life, but I can at least love you for one more night." She nodded and they kissed, their hands working on the other's clothing as they made their way to the bed.
- - - - - - - - - -
Alex stared out of the window, her arms folded over her chest. She heard the others come in but didn't move. "You ready?" she heard Rei ask.
Michiru frowned. "Alex?"
"Are you all right?" Usagi asked.
"How can you act like nothing happened? I tried to kill you all," she said, turning to them. Traces of tears were forming in her eyes but she refused to let them fall.
"That wasn't you," Minako replied.
"Yes it was. And don't try to tell me it wasn't. I could have fought Kyra's control but I didn't." Alex bowed her head and turned away. "I wasn't strong…"
Usagi placed a hand on the young Senshi's shoulder. "You don't have to be strong alone Alex-chan. We stand together, we stand strong. Okay?"
The platinum haired teen turned and nodded. "I bet Haruka got that right away…" she murmured.
The others laughed. "Actually, it took her a few years to realize that," Setsuna replied with a smile.
"Haruka-papa was very stubborn," Hotaru added.
Alex nodded, the shame leaving her face. "I'm ready."
The others nodded. "Then let's transform and find this Kaosu guy," Usagi said, smiling in triumph.
"No need to find me," a cold voice sneered. The Senshi turned and saw a man standing there. He had short, spiked ebony hair with several bangs framing his face. Cold, calculating green orbs stared at them, telling the Senshi that he can with one look a man will drop to his knees begging forgiveness. He stood at six foot four, and his stance screamed for respect or for others to stay out of his way. His armor is black marble, giving him a slight advantage in battle from being injured to intense. He wore a maroon-colored tunic, black boots, and slacks An ebony cloak shadowed his features from the Senshi. A yang pendent hung from a worn leather cord from his neck.
Alex's eyes widened as she recognized him from a description Rittou had given her. "K…Kaosu…" she whispered. "We need to transform now!"
Without hesitating the Senshi pulled out their henshin pens. "Mercury Crystal Power! Make UP!"
"Mars Crystal Power! Make UP!"
"Jupiter Crystal Power! Make UP!"
"Venus Crystal Power! Make UP!"
"Neptune Crystal Power! Make UP!"
"Pluto Crystal Power! Make UP!"
"Saturn Crystal Power! Make UP!"
"Uranus Crystal Power! Make UP!"
"Moon Eternal! Make UP!"
"Fighter Star Power! Make UP!"
Kaosu laughed, his voice harsh. "You think you can defeat me? I grew more powerful than ever when Uranus sealed Hikari in that cell! I HAVE NO EQUAL!"
Uranus gripped the Space Sword tightly. "We'll see about that. Space Sword Blaster!" she cried. They stared as Kaosu calmly knocked the attack aside.
"Star Serious Laser!"
"Submarine Reflection!"
"Chronus Typhoon!"
"Venus Love and Beauty Shock!"
"Mars Flame Sniper!"
"Jupiter Oak Evolution!"
"Mercury Aqua Rhapsody!"
Kaosu laughed as the attacks swarmed at him. He held out his hand, a black barrier deflecting the attacks back at their respective owners after strengthening them. The Senshi fell to the ground, a few cuts on their faces. "You need a few centuries of training to even hope of catching up to me." He turned to Moon. "Are you ready to die next?" he smirked.
Uranus stood protectively in front of Moon. "You'll have to go through me first Kaosu!" she snapped.
"Easily done," he returned. "Though I will make you suffer."
"Why?" Moon demanded.
"She betrayed me." He blurred in. Before Uranus could move Kaosu had grabbed her and vanished.
"NO!" Moon cried.
- - - - - - - - - -
Uranus blinked as they reappeared on the roof of the castle, the cold wind whipping through the air. She looked at Kaosu. "Now what?"
He smiled. "Now you will die." A black sword appeared in his hand and he slowly walked towards Uranus.
She bravely stood her ground, holding the Space Sword before her. When he was close enough she rushed in, silently praying to her deity planet for strength. She slashed down but he parried it and slammed his fist into the side of her face. She fell to the ground, stunned from the blow. She went to push herself up when he bent down and grabbed her hair. He hauled her to her feet as she stifled a cry of pain.
"You will be presented before Neptune, broken and bleeding before I slit your throat," he whispered in her ear.
"Burn in hell…" she snarled.
He laughed. "I was going to make you my right hand. Oh well. Another life maybe," he smirked.
"I'd sooner die than betray my friends again."
"So be it," he said. The sword vanished and was replaced by a dagger. He slid it down her back. "This might hurt a little."
Uranus frowned. The dagger was suddenly plunged into her spine. Her legs gave way and she slumped in Kaosu's arms. She barely held back a scream. Tears streamed from her eyes. "Damn you…" she growled as he let her fall to the floor. She pushed herself over, blood pooling around her. Kaosu knelt down and rolled her over. He placed a hand over the wound and healed the skin. Once done he rose to his feet and viciously kicked her in the upper back. She grunted in pain and skidded a few feet away. She pushed herself over and glared at him.
He smiled, tracing the dagger over her face. "I'm sure you would have also made a good lover."
"Sorry," she grunted. "I'm not into guys." She spat directly into his eye.
He chuckled. "You could have been my equal Uranus."
"Is everyone suddenly obsessed with me?" she demanded.
"I just find you worthy," he whispered. "You're strong, determined, loyal, and willing to do whatever it takes to achieve your mission. Just like me."
"I'm nothing like you!" she snapped.
"So you say." He chuckled. "I'm going to honor you Uranus."
"Gee, thanks," she muttered sarcastically.
"You will get to see my face," he whispered. He reached up and lowered the hood of his cloak. Uranus had to admit he was handsome. Not even a scar marred his skin. "Are you ready to be broken?" he inquired.
"Try it," she challenged. "Space Turbulence!" she yelled, hurling energy at him. The attack caught him off guard and he fell backwards. Uranus quickly pulled out her communicator and hit the alarm button before Kaosu knocked it away.
"You…will pay for that!" he thundered, a cut running down his left cheek. He lifted his hand, black energy swirling around his palm. The energy flew directly at Uranus. She watched it come, unable to move away. She braced herself for the hit but a figure jumped in the way. Uranus stared in shock, as did Kaosu.
"You…won't…kill…her…" the figure grunted.
"Kyra…" Uranus whispered.
The queen turned to Uranus, a sad smile on her face. "I did love you…I just…don't know where…I lost sight…of it…" Kyra's eyes rolled up and she fell to the ground, dead.
"Now there's no one to protect you," Kaosu smirked. A blast took him by surprise again.
"I'll fight you until I die," Safiel said. "You killed my brother and three of my friends. I won't forgive you for that!"
"Nor will I," Kunzite agreed.
Kaosu laughed coldly. "You think the two of you can stop me?" He waved his hand and the two men went flying. He looked at Uranus. "You are next."
"Star Gentle Uterus!"
"Star Sensitive Inferno!"
Kaosu knocked the attacks aside. "The Starlights. I should have figured."
"That's not all you have to worry about," Moon said as she and the others arrived.
Neptune immediately went to Uranus' side. "Oh my god…" she whispered.
"I'm fine…just can't feel my legs is all," Uranus grimaced. "Maybe a broken rib or two as well…" she added with a wince as she sat up.
Neptune glared at Kaosu. A body caught her eye and she stared. "K…Kyra?" she exclaimed.
"She covered for me," Uranus said.
Moon smiled. "Everyone has goodness in them." She turned to Kaosu. "Stand down and stop this."
"Why should I? I'm more powerful than my twin sister!"
"Sister?"
"Hikari," Pluto said.
"Who cares? We have to take him down," Venus said.
Kaosu laughed. "Fourteen warriors against me? Even with double that you wouldn't be able to touch me!"
Uranus chuckled. "I did," she smirked.
Kaosu's face darkened. "DIE!" he thundered, energy swirling around his hand.
"MOVE!" Uranus cried. Neptune grabbed the Sky Senshi and pulled her away as the blast ripped by. The others dodged the blast as well. "Neptune…forget about me. Focus on fighting," Uranus said.
"I can't do that," she returned as the others began attack Kaosu.
"You could die if you don't pay…"
Neptune placed a finger on Uranus' lips, silencing her. "I lost you once. I will not lose you again."
"I don't want to lose you," Uranus whispered.
Neptune smiled. "You won't."
"We'll watch her," Kunzite offered as he and Safiel limped over.
"Your friends need you," Safiel added.
Neptune kissed Uranus. "I'll be back koi."
Uranus grabbed her and kissed her again. "Don't you dare die on me," Uranus whispered. "Otherwise I'll kill you."
Neptune smiled and ran to her friends. "Are you injured anywhere else?" Safiel asked her.
"I think a few of my ribs are broken…or bruised at least." She looked over to the fight. I have to help them…this is all my fault…or at least partly… Uranus looked up at the star-filled sky. She easily picked out her planet. Uranus, please…help me right the wrong I made…help me protect the ones who love me. Let me be the Senshi I'm meant to be…I beg you…
"Uranus?" Kunzite asked.
The young Senshi ignored him. Instead golden blue energy filled her being and gave her a glow around her. The symbol of Uranus glowed on her forehead. She gasped as feeling returned to her legs. She slowly rose to her feet, the Space Sword scraping along the stone as the glow faded.
"How did…" Safiel began.
Uranus turned to the fight. Her eyes narrowed when she saw it wasn't going well. She ran towards the fight, determination in her teal eyes. She leapt up into the air and slammed her foot into Kaosu's back. He staggered away from the others and turned. He glared at Uranus.
"So you called upon your planet for help. Impressive for one so young," he said.
"I'm just full of surprises," Uranus returned, tightening her grip on the Space Sword. She pointed her weapon at him. "You will not win Kaosu."
"We shall see young one."
"I guess we will," she agreed.
"So give me everything you got," he challenged.
Uranus smiled. "I can do that," she agreed softly. She lifted the silver bladed sword up to the sky, the wind beginning to pick up speed as it whipped the hair of the others. "Akari no Ten'on!" she shouted (Light Blessings of Heaven). Golden energy descended from the sky, thin lines of navy blue energy crackling around it. The energy struck the blade and she swung the sword down. The light energy lashed out, heading straight for Kaosu.
She's turned the attack I gave her to light…impossible! Kaosu stared in shock. The attack struck him head on and he flew back several feet, bleeding from a dozen cuts and gashes.
Uranus sank to her knees, weakened. "Uranus!" Neptune and the others cried.
"I'm fine…just weak…keep fighting!" she ordered. The Sea Senshi helped her lover up. "Neptune…"
"I'm not leaving you," she replied.
"All right," Uranus agreed.
Kaosu staggered to his feet, his armor cracked. He angrily tore it off, his cold green eyes rimmed with hate. "I. Will. Kill. YOU!" he bellowed, dark energy crackling all around him.
"I think you made him angry," Neptune murmured.
"And weakened him," Uranus added.
"But you spent your energy," Neptune pointed out.
"And I'd do it again," she grinned.
Neptune smiled. "Mou…" she muttered. They turned back as the wind began picking up. "Na…nani?"
Kaosu smiled. "Let me show you what that attack is suppose to look like," he smirked. The sky darkened. "Kuro no Ten'on!" he bellowed as pure black energy engulfed him. His hands shot out, sending the massive wave of energy towards the Senshi, Kunzite, and Safiel.
"MOVE!" Kunzite bellowed. They did their best to get away but the General, Mercury, Pluto, Healer, Fighter, and Saturn weren't able to clear the blast. They hit the ground hard and lay still, barely clinging to consciousness.
"KUNZITE!" Venus cried.
Moon looked at Kaosu. He's too strong… she realized. Resolve formed in her eyes as her right hand went to her chest, gripping her brooch. "I have no choice…" she whispered softly.
Neptune saw and knew what her Princess was planning. "Sailor Moon! You can't! Onegai!"
"What?" Uranus demanded.
"She's going to use the Silver Crystal," Jupiter said.
"She'll die though, won't she?" Maker asked.
"There's no other way," Moon replied, her hands surrounding her locket. It began to glow and the Silver Crystal shimmered into view. She looked at Kaosu. "I can't keep letting you do this."
He laughed. "Letting me? If I am too powerful for my sister, what makes you think you and your pathetic little jewel can stop me?"
"I will protect this world and the galaxy!" Moon replied. "Even at the cost of my life." She extended her arms and raised the crystal into the air.
"So be it. Let's see the mighty Silver Crystal take down the avatar of Chaos!"
"You poor sap. She defeated Galaxia," Mars returned. "She can defeat you."
"I'm more powerful than Galaxia Chaos ever was. I AM Chaos!" he laughed maniacally. Black energy once again began to swirl around him. "You will die!"
Uranus and the others looked up from tending to their fallen friends. "We have to do something…" Uranus said.
"You're not doing anything more. You're drained enough as it is," Neptune said.
"Not yet," she returned stubbornly, rising to her feet.
"Alex…"
"Listen to her," Safiel agreed.
"Once Kaosu is dead," she replied.
Neptune sighed. "There's no changing her…"
"Minna, stay out of this!" Moon ordered as the Silver Crystal gathered in light.
"What?" they chorused.
"I will stop him. He won't hurt anymore of my friends!" The Silver Crystal flared with power, casting light to the darkness. Just lend me what strength you have…everyone…everywhere… she prayed. She closed her eyes. "Silver Crystal Power!" she cried out.
A beam of light shot out from the crystal and slammed into the black energy Kaosu hurled at her. "She's not strong enough…" Mars whispered.
"Then we'll help," Uranus returned. "Uranus Crystal Power!"
"Neptune Crystal Power!"
"Mars Crystal Power!"
"Venus Crystal Power!"
Maker looked over at the unconscious Senshi and saw that they were lending their power as well in spite of being unconscious. Maker even sensed Fighter and Healer's power flowing towards Moon. She turned to the Moon Princess. "Maker Star Power!" Safiel closed his eyes and gave what energy he could spare to Moon as well.
Moon felt the energy from her friends and loved ones fill her with strength. The Silver Crystal flared with power and began pushing the darkness back. "WHAT?" Kaosu exclaimed in shock.
"Even the faintest of lights can illuminate the darkness Kaosu," Neptune said. The blast slammed into him and he screamed in pain as he felt the light sear his black soul. His body began fading away into nothingness.
- - - - - - - - - -
Hikari looked up at Rittou, a small smile on her face. "Thank you love."
He frowned. "Huh?"
She giggled, hiding the wince as pain tore through her heart. "For letting me love you one last time." She gently leaned in and kissed him. "I will miss you."
"It…they…the Senshi…did it?" he asked in bewilderment.
Hikari nodded. "I had faith they would. They are ai no Senshi." She saw the faint traces of sadness in his eyes. "Don't be sad Rittou. I've lived long enough. Everything must come to an end." She winced as the pain increased.
Rittou held her. "I love you Hikari…and I'm sorry…for everything I've done to you over these past few centuries."
"I forgave you a long time ago," she smiled as she began to fade away. "You just need to work on your humility then you'll be the perfect man." He smiled and kissed her.
She vanished completely, leaving him alone in the bed. He tried to blink away his tears but they fell regardless. Balance is restored… he thought. All is as it should be…
The end is near! Only the epilogue remains. Until then, review please! Signed or unsigned is welcomed. Just no flames.