Chapter 18

A villain exposed

Near some trees as Tellu was standing in the shadows watching Usagi, Hotaru, Chibi-usa, Ami, Minako, Makoto, Hitomi, Mamoru, and Rei were all gathered. She opened the container holding this so called powerful new Daimon. The monstrous creature emerged from its container revealing its form. It was a horribly deformed version of a Saimyoushou combined with various parts such as on its lower torso were claws that had seemed to come from a pray mantis while its head had somewhat of a human like resemblance. Overall the creature was just plain ugly and ghastly in appearance, but that didn't mean it wasn't powerful.

It possessed far greater power than any other Daimon the Sailor Senshi had encountered in the past. Tellu watched with a smile as the creature became transparent and phased into the ground disappearing as it was moving towards it prey. It was targeting Usagi and the others since it is known among the well…three witches now was that Ami, Minako, Makoto and Rei had heart crystals, and more than likely it was thought that Chibi-usa might have one. The Daimon's mission was to capture their heart crystals to hopefully lure out Naraku, his minions or the Sailor Senshi.

The group was chatting with one another nicely and peacefully until the moment was ruined when an energy field surrounded them and in a blinding flash it soon appeared that they were transported to some remote area. They were atop a mountaintop as a strong wind was blowing kicking up some dust. "Where are we?" Rei asked as she looked around; Ami answered followed by Usagi who had a question.

"It looks like a mountain range of some kind."

"But how did we get here?"

Hitomi or rather Naraku could already sense what had happened. A Daimon: a rather very powerful one created and trapped them in an alternate dimension. He could easily change his form and deal with the problem and escape, but he couldn't risk exposing himself before Ami and the others. All he could do was wait and see if the Sailor Senshi were going to be able to get out of this fix. Hitomi remained calm, but he decided to play dumb for now as he asked.

"We were at the park one minute ago, and now we're here. How did that happen?"

Before the group could figure anything out something rose up from the ground creating a small explosion that sent rocks and dust flying everywhere, but it also sent Hitomi, Ami and Hotaru flying into the distance as they landed behind some rocks. Usagi saw that Hitomi and Hotaru were out of their line of sight and now that they couldn't see them she and the others took this as an opportunity to transform. Once they were transformed into their respective Sailor Senshi forms.

By the time the dust cleared; the horrible Daimon appeared before them with venom dripping from its mouth. "Whoa that is one ugly monster. Is that one of Naraku's monsters or the Death Busters?" Makoto asked as she was ready to strike at it, but Rei was the first to notice the black star on the creature's forehead.

"No that thing is with the death busters. Look there is their emblem on its forehead."

"Sailor Senshi…I wasn't expecting you here. No matter I'll just take the cup and your heart crystals." The Daimon hissed as it began flying up into the air with its insect wings. In mid air the creature began to bombard them with poisonous spit as it made several fly bys over the Sailor Senshi. Usagi jumped to the side just avoiding getting hit in the head with some very deadly spit that had the same potency as Naraku's miasma.

"Oh that is so gross."

"Sailor Moon! Look out!" Rei shouted as some large boulders began rising up and were sent flying at the champion of love and justice. She ducked and rolled to the side as the rocks flew over her head. The wasp was making a nosedive towards the Senshi warrior, but suddenly Makoto blasted it with a powerful lightning attack while Rei and Minako followed it up with a combination attack. Meanwhile as Hotaru and Ami were unconscious from the explosion, but in the distance Chibi-usa had transformed into Chibi-moon and had just joined the others as she hit the creature with a Pink Sugar Heart Attack. Naraku watched the battle as he thought: Such abilities…Hmmmm he'll make a very useful new part for my body. The power to connect this world and places with other dimensions and alter space. I must have it before the Sailor Senshi destroys it, but how to claim it without them noticing?

Meanwhile outside of a gigantic blue energy bubble that formed over the spot where the others had vanished. Arriving on the scene was Sailor Uranus, Sailor Neptune, Sailor Pluto, Sesshomaru, Inuyasha, a grown up Shippo, Miroku, Sango and of course Kilaia. "What happened here?"

"It appears that Usagi and the others are trapped in another dimension. This is the death buster's doing." Setsuna pointed out.

"How do we get them out?"

"I am afraid they are on their own."

Back inside the alternate dimension as Makoto blasted the Daimon with her Sparkling wide pressure attack, but the creature created a pink colored energy barrier around itself protecting it from Sailor Jupiter's assault. Minako and Rei tired their combo again along with some aid from Usagi and Chibi-usa, but their attack also failed to harm the creature. From the ground below the scenery changed into a grassy field appearance right before large giant green roots shot up from the ground seizing the Sailor Senshi. Trapped and being held by the roots the Daimon was controlling as the creature was closing in to take their heart crystals and the cup. Unfortunately before that could happen something else shot up from the ground and seized the Daimon as greenish tentacles with spikes were digging themselves into the creature while it was screaming as it was pulled underground before disappearing from sight. Waiting underground was Naraku as he absorbed the Daimon completely into his being assimilating its powers.

Once he was finished he unburied himself from the ground back near Ami and Hotaru, as they still lay unconscious. Fortunately for him no one noticed what had happened as the roots suddenly withered away and the dimension they were held in came apart returning them to the real world. It was at that moment Ami and Hotaru were regaining consciousness. The dust from the collapsing energy bubble began to clear as Haruka, Michiru and Setsuna ran up to the girls as they were picking themselves up. Ami helped Hotaru stand up as Hitomi was walking over to Ami, but suddenly Haruka saw Hitomi and taking the space sword she rushed him before the half demon could react he was stabbed by Haruka in the stomach.

"Haruka!" Ami screamed in horror, as everyone was shocked.

"Naraku we know who you really are now!"

Hitomi was shocked as he turned one eye to see Inuyasha standing there. At that moment he knew there was no point in hiding his identity anymore as his eyes glowed red and he unleashed a small cloud of destruction powerful enough to send Haruka flying back. A whirlwind of Miasma surrounded him as Hitomi's voice boomed through the cloud of poison.

"So you figured it out. I must say that I am almost impressed. However do you think a piece of metal is going to be enough to finish me?"

The cloud of miasma cleared as Hitomi reappeared dressed in his usual robes was smiling at everyone as his eyes had changed color from his once normal human eyes to his demonic eyes with the purple eye shadow above them. Naraku held his hands as he was cracking his knuckles. "You're not getting away this time Naraku!" Inuyasha roared as he swung his sword at him unleashing a cutting wind attack. However a powerful energy barrier Hitomi blocked the blast of energy created.

"The cutting wind cannot harm me father, but since I got something the Death Busters had so kindly sent against you all. I think I'll call it a day and retreat."

Naraku disappeared in a whirlwind cloud of miasma as it escaped skyward into the air. "Be warned I will return once I have taken care of the Death Busters. My victory is already insured." With those words Hitomi a.k.a. Naraku disappeared into the sky. Ami was in shock as she was unable to accept and comprehend what had happened. Back at his castle somewhere deep in the Japan countryside; Naraku entered his private chambers as he laid down on a futon lying on the ground. He laid there motionless for a time right before he doze off into a dream like state where he was in a dark void having a conversation with someone or something as a voice was heard within the half demon's mind.

They found out they didn't they, and she found out as well didn't she?

Yes they did.

No matter…once you have the power of the cup and the Messiah of Silence nothing can stop you. With the power you will gain you will become a full-fledged demon and the most powerful being on this planet. You will be free to do as you please. You don't need her you don't need anyone…all you need is power.

You're right if not even my own parents will accept me then who will say that she will.

Exactly.

I was wrong and foolish to think that I could ever find love.

Don't blame yourself child. After all it is said that to be old and wise you must first be young and stupid. Making mistakes is something that happens every once in a while. Ever since I helped you gain your powers you're journey onto becoming me as a very powerful Youkai is well underway. You only have to wait till tomorrow when the next incarnation is born. Remember I will always be here within you mind; I am the shadow that lurks in your subconscious and in every dark corner of your mind. I am Naraku…no we are Naraku!

Yes we are Naraku!

Back at the Higurashi Shrine: Inuyasha, Usagi, Mamoru, Rei, Ami, Minako, Makoto, Haruka, Michiru, Setsuna, Miroku, Sango, Kilaia, and Shippo were gathered near the Shrine itself while Sesshomaru was by a tree with Jaken and Rin. Ami was still in shock as Inuyasha explained what happened.

"So Hitomi is really Naraku?"

"Yeah." Inuyasha said answering Usagi's question.

"But why would he do that? I mean we trusted him only to find out that he is one of the bad guys." Rei said as she slammed her fists together on her lap. Minako soon added to the conversation, as Ami remained silent throughout the whole thing still partially in shock about what had happened.

"What on earth is that guy to?"

"Well we can probably assume he knows who we are." Mamoru noted.

"If that is so it means we need to be extra careful." Luna said as she agreed with Mamoru.

"Well what do we do about him?" Haruka said as Inuyasha stepped in and said.

"We take him down."

"But he is your own son." Sango said as Inuyasha who face showed that he didn't want to say it, but it had to be said.

"He is not Hitomi…he is Naraku reincarnated and he must be destroyed before he can make anyone suffer."

"If we are going to defeat him then we need a plan." Setsuna suggested.

"Agreed. Anyone has any thoughts?" Artemis said as he stood in the center of the circle.

"I don't got any." A grown up looking Shippo said as he looked to see if anyone else had any ideas.

Meanwhile at the Death Busters HQ after Hotaru was returned home Dr. Tomoe was receiving an explanation of the situation by Tellu who was there when Naraku was exposed for who he really was.

"So Hitomi Higurashi is indeed the demon Naraku. If I am not mistaking that young man goes to Mugan academy."

"Well Viluy do you have any ideas…if I am also not mistaking is that young man in the science club?"

Another woman emerged from the shadows a woman known as Yuri Viluy a.k.a. one of the "surviving" three witches remaining aside from Kalonite. "Yes he is professor…he was an extraordinary young man with exceptional talent and intellect. I worked with him very closely."

"Did you ever notice anything that might have hinted to you that he wasn't as he appeared to be?"

"No sir…I suppose needless to say that he might have enrolled in our school as a means to infiltrate the school grounds."

"Then if that is the case he may already know who we are and who and where the Messiah of Silence is."

"Perhaps we should move her here until the Messiah of Silence awakens."

"An excellent idea…we must step up our plans as well. How soon can you two gather enough heart crystals to awaken her?"

"With my plants all I need is a day." Tellu commented as Viluy followed up with a comment.

"During the exams the day after tomorrow I'll execute my plan to steal more than enough Heart Crystals for our plans."

"Excellent…you two may go ahead, but work quickly. We have come too far to leave anything to chance. We cannot afford any more failures now, do you all understand me?" Professor Tomoe said as his expression was very serious and it was an expression that basically said fail again and you will be punished. The following day came as Tellu put her plans of using her plants with the purpose of taking the heart crystal from those who buys them from her while Hotaru was moved out of her house to a safer location. At his castle: Naraku was in the basement as he had decided to take this day as his day of weakness where he would dismantle his whole body and make it stronger for the upcoming conflict. His body had reduced itself back to the demons that made it up, as he was hard at work discarding what was weak and making what parts of his body were strong and making them much stronger.

"Soon unlimited power shall be mines."

At the Shrine a short time later after Tellu was defeated after Usagi who had brought one of the plants for Mamoru, and the Sailor Senshi discovered her plan had obtained a clue to where the Death Busters were headquartered. They recovered: Terurun's Mugan High Textbook. With that they had learned where the Death Busters could possibility be hiding at.

A plan was being laid to search the school grounds tomorrow, but in her room still in shock from the events that taken place. Upon learning that someone she had valued, as a friend was indeed a very powerful and horrific half demon transformed after some incident that happened years ago. A she sat in her room a Saimyoushou wasp flew in though the window carrying a small mirror. It dropped the mirror into Ami's hands as she looked up to take notice of the incest.

"Well Ami…sorry for leaving so scurrying away like that, but I wasn't interested in fight your friends."

"Why? Why?"

"So you want to know why I am like I am now. Very well I'll show you what happened to me really." Hitomi said as images on the mirror showed Ami the events, which transformed him into the creature I am now. Ami saw everything: his body being burned, his merger with the demons, and how his father brutally rejected him. Once everything was showed to Ami the mirror became blank before Naraku or rather Hitomi's face appeared on its surface. "Over time after the incident I began to understand and what kind of power I had. Ever since then I had been openly rejected by others because I was different…a demon. I began searching for ways to be rid of the pain and longing I felt as a human, as well as the weakness my human side possesses. So I can never be hurt again."

"You're hurting innocent people!"

"Perhaps, but the only people I have killed so far where those who wanted to destroy the world. I could have finished you and your friends off, but I had no real intent of taking your lives since we are both friends after all. I would never harm you." Hitomi said with a sincere filled expression.

"But you don't have to do this."

"I have to…if I do not my father will hunt me down. I need power to protect myself. Besides it will all end tomorrow. The Death Busters will be destroyed; if you care about your friends then all I have is but one thing to ask. Stay out of my way. I hope to see you again soon." Naraku a.k.a. Hitomi said as his face disappeared from the mirror's surface. The wasp flew away leaving Ami deeply concerned.

The following day at Mugan Academy as snow was falling from the sky; Rei and Usagi was standing outside the school grounds as they watched many students make their way into the buildings. "Wow! So many students are here even though it's cold and snowy. They must be study-holics." The young Moon Princess commented.

"They're totally different from you."

"Don't remind me!"

Watching the students starting to gather at the school in his office was Professor Tomoe, and with him were Kalonite and Viluy. "Many have gathered today!" The professor said as he was smiling as he watched more students arrive. Kalonite stepped forward and offered a few words.

"Yes, Mugan High's fame has spread and most of the top students have gathered here. With so many, not all are that smart, but their enthusiasm for competing in the exam is high."

"Professor." Viluy asked as she approached.

"Viluy, I heard that your project is progressing well."

"I hope you're plan is good enough to awaken the Messiah of Silence."

"Thank you for saying so. If you have the time to play around, why not collect pure hearts?"

Inside the school: Usagi, Rei, Minako, Makoto and Ami were there as they had managed to get into the school. "We managed to sneak in by joining the crowd of students." Usagi said as Makoto took one glance at the students in the area around them.

"Their faces look like life-is-only-competition."

"I'm not interested in being one of these people." Rei commented as Ami offered something to say.

"But I believe they're studying for their dreams."

"Studying for your dream? Compared to them, I'm a lazy girl." Usagi said as Rei offered one of her usual comments at Usagi.

"It's too late to re-think your life!"

"I know! I'm foolish, stupid and a slowpoke! You don't need to tell me!"

Suddenly a woman dressed as a teacher judging by her appearance approached Ami and asked. "Are you Ami Mizuno? The same person that always scores top marks in nation-wide exams? I always wanted to meet you."

"Who are you?"

"Yuri Viluy. We scored the same on the last exam."

"Oh! You earned top marks!" Usagi said as her commented drew Viluy's attention upon the blonde.

"Who are you?"

"I'm not worthy to have my name mentioned."

"As Ami's friend, you must be an intelligent student."

"What are your best subjects?"

"An afternoon nap and lunch break."

"You're good at jokes!" Viluy turned to Ami and asked her. "Ami, this is good timing. I have something to show you. Come with me." The two departed from the group and left leaving Usagi to simply comment.

"The teen years are a very important stage of life! Studying isn't the only thing!"

"Usagi, you've changed your attitude. Let's investigate." Minako noted as all of the other girls agreed as they turned and went away to explore a different area of the school. "See you!" The four Sailor Senshi soldiers said to one another as they spilt up. Unknown to them Hitomi dressed in a Mugan Academy uniform poked his head out from behind a corner and watched the girls walk away. Meanwhile outside of the school: Inuyasha, Miroku and Sango along with Shippo were waiting in a car with a spare Sailor Senshi communicator as planned if the Senshi found anything or if they find Naraku. They are to use that to call in the cavalry.

"So do you think Naraku will show up here?" Shippo asked as he was playing with a handheld video game.

"Well I don't know, but if he is after the Death Busters then maybe he'll show." Inuyasha said as he kept one hand on his sword.

Elsewhere on the roof of one of the academy's buildings were Michiru and Haruka as they had already transformed into Sailor Neptune and Sailor Uranus. "The waves are becoming restless and the ocean is getting wild." Michiru said as Haruka also had a few words to say.

"Michiru, you feel it, too?"

"Yes, something strange and unexpected is coming."

"There's a ghostly and horrifying energy circulating in the building. I've felt it for a long time. I'll find out what's in here this time."

"Do you want to go back downstairs?"

"Yes, we'll find out what's there."