Thorny Roses
Chapter 26
Kunzite paced in Usagi's living room, glancing at his communicator on the coffee table. Jadeite, Zoicite, and Nephrite were patrolling Tokyo for anything suspicious. They had even enlisted the help of the Ayakashi Sisters and Rubeus.
Luna and Artemis darted into the room through a window.
"Kunzite, we need to go!" Artemis panted.
"What? What's wrong?" Kunzite calmly asked, though he was slightly panicked on the inside.
"Just follow us," Luna gravely spoke. The two cats bounded towards the front door, Kunzite following behind them.
They raced down the hall into the elevator. The elevator shook, the lights flickering. Kunzite and the cats looked at each other warily. When the elevator reached the ground floor, the bell eerily dinged before the doors slid open.
Kunzite transformed and ran out of the building. Dark clouds were swirling in the sky, amassing above the center of Tokyo. A strong, cold wind blew through the city, keeping people from moving forward. Street lights were flickering as the electricity began failing.
Kunzite nearly stumbled when the ground began to shake. People screamed, running in and out of buildings. Kunzite scooped up Artemis and Luna, continuously running. Though he was in his transformation, few people noticed because of the chaos.
Kunzite made it to the center of Tokyo where Zoicite, Jadeite, and Nephrite were waiting.
"What's going on?" Nephrite asked.
"Not something good, that's for sure," Zoicite gravely answered.
"Everyone, transform," Kunzite ordered. He waited until the rest of the Shitennou were ready before he continued. "Zoicite, did you ever manage to tweak the communicators?"
"I did, but I'm not sure if it will work," Zoicite muttered, fishing his communicator out of his pocket.
"Try contacting the Senshi or Tuxedo Mask and tell them about what's going on here," Kunzite said. Zoicite nodded, immediately beginning to work with his communicator.
Rubeus and the Ayakashi Sisters arrived after a few minutes.
"We came as fast as we could," Calaveras gasped for air.
"You should have stayed away," Jadeite chastised. "You're human now—you don't have any powers to protect yourselves."
"We felt obligated to be here," Petz smiled. "These are our people you're dealing with."
"I'm most positive that Wiseman is the one behind this, though I can't be sure," Berthier said, warily eyeing the black clouds hanging perilously above their heads.
"I think it might be, as well," Rubeus nodded. "Diamond would have wanted a little fanfare with something like this." He placed a secure arm around Koan, her purple eyes wide with fear.
"Who is Wiseman?" Kunzite asked.
"He is Prince Diamond's right-hand-man, although we feel that he was only using the Black Moon Clan as a puppet," Koan sighed.
"So you think he has ulterior motives?" Zoicite asked as he furiously worked with the communicators.
"Yes, he always has," Berthier nodded.
They each cried out in shock as the ground shook viciously. They fell to the ground, feeling the vibrations deep in their bones.
The Shitennou and former Black Moon Clan members watched in shock as dark purple diamonds rose out of the center of Tokyo, reaching higher than skyscrapers and nearly 25 miles in radius. Lightning lit up the sky and the wind blew harder.
"Look!" Calaveras pointed to the top of the diamond towers.
Hovering above the towers was a hooded figure, shrouded in dark energy. His evil laughter echoed across the city.
"Tokyo has come under my control and soon, so will Crystal Tokyo! No one stands in my way!" He gleefully cheered.
"Kind of on the crazy side, isn't he?" Jadeite grimly joked.
Rubeus shrugged his shoulders in agreement.
"I got it!" Zoicite exclaimed. He quickly handed the communicator to Kunzite, who began to contact Sailor Moon.
…
The Senshi and Tuxedo Mask ran after Sailor Pluto, following her across Time and Space to their own present time.
Sailor Moon's communicator beeped and she was happily surprised to see it was from Zoicite.
"Hello?" She asked as she ran.
"Sailor Moon, it's Kunzite," his voice buzzed. "Zoicite managed to tweak the communicators. You guys need to get here fast! Tokyo is being attacked by Wiseman!"
The Senshi and Tuxedo Mask glanced at each other dismally. "We're on our way," Sailor Moon said.
"What do you think Wiseman will do next?" Sailor Moon asked Sapphire and Emerald.
"Wiseman is very unpredictable. However, I suppose that as soon as he has secured Tokyo, he will begin to take over other cities until he has conquered the world," Sapphire answered.
"And I doubt Diamond is aware of this as he had no plans for Chibiusa," Emerald added.
"Here's the door," Sailor Pluto announced, pointing to the door they had first entered in Usagi's living room.
"Senshi, go through immediately and find the Generals!" Sailor Moon said. They nodded and each acknowledged Sailor Pluto before running through the door.
"Thank you for all of your help, Sailor Pluto," Sailor Moon said.
"It is only my duty, your highness," Pluto smiled. Emerald and Sapphire went into the door and Tuxedo Mask and Sailor Moon turned to follow them.
"Sailor Moon," Pluto called.
Sailor Moon turned around. Pluto had a smile on her face but tears laced her eyes. "Please…save Small Lady."
Sailor Moon nodded and smiled, holding Tuxedo Mask's hand as they went through the door.
…
The Generals, Ayakashi Sisters, and Rubeus gasped as a door suddenly appeared close to them.
The Senshi ran out, followed by Emerald and Sapphire, then Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask. The Shitennou immediately ran to their respective Sailor and embraced them, glad to see them. The Ayakashi Sisters and Rubeus were having their own reunion.
Sapphire pulled Petz into his arms, towering over her as he strongly kissed her. Emerald was happy to see the rest of the Ayakashi Sisters and Rubeus, hugging them and crying tears of joy.
Sailor Moon watched beside Tuxedo Mask, touched by the temporary happiness exuding from their friends.
Another earthquake disrupted their happy moment.
"Wiseman is at the top of the tower," Kunzite informed Sailor Moon.
"Well, then we'll just have to pay him a visit," Sailor Moon smirked.
…
Diamond threw another wine glass against the wall. However, the loud crash and chinking sound of spreading glass did not ease his anger.
He clutched the base of the hologram image of Neo-Queen Serenity, not even her benevolent smile mollifying him.
"How could Sapphire do that to me?!" Diamond raged. "I am his brother! He should be loyal to me before anyone else! And Emerald…"
Diamond felt something squeeze his heart. Emerald had spared him a single glance before helping Sailor Moon to escape him. Though he had been distracted by Sapphire's attack, he did not miss the look in her eyes, one of detachment and raw pain.
He suddenly remembered the times before the calamities befell the Black Moon Clan…the golden days when everyone was happy…even him and Emerald.
"How…how did I become…like this?" He whispered. He felt so lost. He felt as though he had lost everything, even his brother, and the woman he once loved.
"Love?" Diamond questioned, baffled. He looked up at Neo-Queen Serenity's hologram. "Don't I love you? I do! I know I do!"
Diamond's gaze dropped, almost guiltily. "But…why does my heart hurt…when I think about Emerald?"
Diamond's musings were interrupted by the entrance of a Youma.
"Your Highness," it requested permission to continue.
"What?" Diamond sounded tired and confused. He was only half-paying attention to the Youma. He was still trapped by his thoughts.
"Tuxedo Mask and Neo-Queen Serenity have returned to the past, as have Prince Sapphire and General Emerald," the Youma answered.
Diamond whirled around. "Take this ship back to the past. I have a few questions that demand answers."
…
Black Lady gazed out at the city. She felt hatred for all the lowly beings within the city. They lived about their lives, their only concern for themselves. Just like Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask. They loved each other more than they had loved her. She had always been in the way for them. The Senshi and Shitennou were only the same.
A round black ball came floating up to the Dark Crystal Tower.
"Luna-P," Black Lady embraced the cat ball. "My only friend. You have never once abandoned me." Black Lady held Luna-P closer, her dark energy enveloping the ball, changing its gold crescent to one similar to the Black Moon Clan's crescent.
"Black Lady," Wiseman called.
"Yes, Wiseman?" Black Lady bowed obediently.
"The time has come for you to destroy Sailor Moon and her friends. They are approaching the Tower and intend to kill you and ruin our plans."
"Let them come. I can handle them."
Black Lady disappeared along with Luna-P while Wiseman chuckled darkly.
…
The Senshi and Shitennou decided to enter the Dark Crystal Tower while the rest of their companions remained outside.
Sailor Moon requested Luna and Artemis to check on all of their families to which they immediately agreed.
"Be careful, Sailor Moon," Sapphire warned. "Wiseman is not to be underestimated."
Sailor Moon nodded, grateful for the tip.
"Are we ready?" Sailor Moon asked. Tuxedo Mask grabbed her hand. Each of them nodded firmly.
Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask led the Senshi and Shitennou into the portal of the Tower. They slipped through with relative ease.
"That was easy," Jadeite commented.
"Too easy," Kunzite agreed, his eyes darting around with suspicion.
"It means they're expecting us," Sailor Mercury darkly surmised. She tapped her computer, analyzing the Tower. The room they had entered was completely dark save for the dimly illuminated staircase before them. Many shards of Dark Crystal randomly jutted into the room.
"We should be cautious," Sailor Mercury said. "This place has tons of traps and doors that could separate us."
"I'm feeling a horribly evil aura coming from this place," Sailor Mars winced. "It's stronger along the staircase."
"Of course, that's probably our route," Sailor Venus exasperatedly sighed. "Honestly, couldn't the bad guys think of something more unique? It's the same everywhere…"
She stepped forward and the tile beneath her foot sunk deeper into the ground. Venus barely had time to jump out of the way before three dozen shards of crystal zoomed past her, a few of them cutting her.
Kunzite immediately held her, attempting to heal her wounds. He was shocked and angered when her wounds did not disappear.
"What's going on?" Kunzite exclaimed, holding Venus close to him. "Why can't I heal her?"
"I guess what I feared most is true," Mercury grimaced.
"You're right, Mercury," Zoicite sighed, glancing around the room. "This entire place is made of Dark Crystal so it negates any of our powers or energy sources. We can't heal each other, or ourselves."
"We can only move forward," Nephrite nodded towards the staircase. "We can't turn back now."
"He's right," Sailor Moon nodded, her brows creased in determination. "We have to get to the top of the Tower. We have to stop Wiseman and save Chibiusa."
Sailor Moon took another step forward, alarming the rest of them.
"Sailor Moon, what are you doing?" Jupiter cried out. "There might be more traps!"
"Someone has to go forward, Jupiter," Sailor Moon smiled over her shoulder.
"Let it be one of us!" Mars yelled. "You need to be in the best condition to take on Wiseman."
"Don't worry," Sailor Moon assured. "I'll be fine. Just let me figure out—"
"Usako," Tuxedo Mask painfully called.
Sailor Moon smiled, walking up to him and kissing him. It was a strong but tender kiss, a kiss full of confidence. He responded but hesitantly. He knew that this was her way of convincing him.
She pulled away. "Just let me figure out a safe path and then the rest of you can take it, okay?" Tuxedo Mask did not reply.
"Please, just trust me."
He nodded, sighing in acceptance though his eyes remained trained on her as she stepped forward once more.
Sailor Moon summoned her staff and, taking a deep breath, stepped onto the next tile.
More spikes flew past her but she either deflected them with her staff or dodged them. She continued running towards the staircase, evading the various traps. When she nearly reached the staircase, a few of the tiles began to shake and fall into a seemingly endless abyss below their feet.
"Sailor Moon!" The Senshi cried out, watching as their leader flipped and jumped out of the way of falling tiles. The Senshi and Shitennou released a breath they didn't know they had been holding as Sailor Moon daintily landed on the first step of the staircase.
"Come carefully now," Sailor Moon directed.
The group followed the path their leader had taken, treading particularly cautiously as they neared the large gaps in the floor. After they had safely neared the staircase, they praised Sailor Moon for her skills.
"Thanks, but I'm leader for a reason," she smirked with false arrogance.
Sailor Mars rolled her eyes. "Dear Lord, her ego is expanding to the size of the moon."
"At least it's not the size of Jupiter," Venus grinned.
"Hey!" Sailor Jupiter exclaimed.
Sailor Mercury only laughed, shaking her head.
"Come on, we should keep going," Tuxedo Mask advised. The group nodded and continued up the stairs. They were alert for signs of anymore traps. The stairs continued on with the top nowhere in sight.
"How many more steps are there?" Jadeite exclaimed, becoming tired from all the climbing. The stairs began to spiral, blocking their vision from what was coming up ahead.
"Everyone, be ready," Sailor Moon ordered.
They reached the top of the stairs, only a trapdoor above them. The Senshi and Shitennou glanced around at each other with uncertainty. Sailor Moon took another deep breath before slightly opening the trapdoor. When everything seemed safe, she opened the door further and climbed up to the top of the Tower.
They were on the very top, the roof, of the Dark Crystal Tower. Dark clouds stormed above them and a ferociously cold wind blew straight through them. They could see to the farthest expanse of Tokyo, towering above every skyscraper in the city.
"How many stairs did we climb?" Sailor Moon muttered, looking over the edge of the Tower. Though the roof was very large, she felt as though no area was large enough when one was this high up. She felt as though she would fall off any minute.
"So, you've arrived at last."
Sailor Moon spun around, coming face to face with Black Lady. Though she was a grown woman, Sailor Moon could never displace those ruby eyes—it was Chibiusa through and through.
Black Lady continued speaking, floating several feet above the heroine.
"I was beginning to think that you had given up," Black Lady smirked, studying her nails.
By this time, the rest of the Senshi and Shitennou had made their way up. The Shitennou were shocked to see a woman who looked so similar to Chibiusa. The Senshi explained everything that they had missed in the future while Tuxedo Mask cautiously walked to stand beside Sailor Moon.
"Chibiusa, we would never give up on you," Sailor Moon sincerely said, tears glistening in her eyes.
Something flashed in Black Lady's eyes, so quick that it may not have even been there: pain. However, it was shortly replaced by anger and pure hatred.
"Do…not…CALL ME THAT!" Black Lady burst into an explosion of dark energy, aiming at everyone.
Everyone screamed, falling to their knees. So much power, so much pain. They never believed that Chibiusa could have been so strong.
"Chibiusa…stop…" Tuxedo Mask spoke, strangled by the pain.
Black Lady only screamed, hurling more energy at them. The Senshi and Shitennou struggled to keep their transformations, as well as their lives.
"Enough, Black Lady," Wiseman appeared. She immediately halted her attack.
"I'm impressed that you have made it so far," Wiseman spoke in wispy tones.
"We never give up on those we love," Sailor Moon gritted through her teeth. She looked Black Lady straight in the eyes. "Never."
"Well, there's a first for everything," Wiseman gleefully spoke.
"What do you want, Wiseman?" Tuxedo Mask snarled.
"I simply want the Silver Crystal."
"The one from the future?" Sailor Mercury grimly asked. "Sorry, but we don't have it."
"So, why don't you go back to whatever hole you crawled from?" Jadeite glared.
Wiseman scoffed. "I guess I couldn't have expected you all to be smart. I meant the Silver Crystal from this time. For, you see, I intend to destroy it."
The Senshi and Shitennou gasped.
"Yes, I wish to destroy the Silver Crystal. If I destroy the Silver Crystal of the past, then the Silver Crystal of the future will never exist," Wiseman explained. "Now, Sailor Moon, give me the Silver Crystal, or I will destroy all of you."
Sailor Moon remained silent, as though she were considering it.
"No, Sailor Moon!" Sailor Jupiter cried, standing up.
"We don't need to surrender! We can take him!" Sailor Mars insisted.
Sailor Venus placed a hand on Sailor Moon's shoulder, nodding with determination.
"Alright, let's do this!" Sailor Moon yelled, feeling new energy enter her. She looked to Tuxedo Mask, smiling in response to his determined grin.
So sorry it took so long! It's almost done, maybe three or four more chapters! Look forward to it!
Love,
Pegasus'Horn