Standard disclaimer - I don't own Sailor Moon (though that'd be nice!). All OCs belong to me.
Justice hit the ground hard, struggling to breath. He stared up at the sky, his vision blurring in and out of focus. It felt like he'd been hit by a car, even through his chestplate. The sound of cracking bones jarred him back to full consciousness; he knew that sound all too well. Reinforcements were here, and they weren't friendly. He tried to sit up but found that his body wasn't listening to him. Everything felt heavy and slow. A new shadow entered his peripheral vision, one he hadn't seen before. His eyes popped wide open as it raised its sword-arms. Behind it, he saw Usagi and Minako. Damn it. Why were they still here? As he tried to raise his arm to wave them off, Minako held up the same strange object from before, while a strange white object materialised in Usagi's hands.
"Moon Eternal, Make-Up!"
"Venus Crystal Power, Make-Up!"
He stared in wide-eyed astonishment as the two girls were surrounded with light. In moments, Sailors Moon and Venus – Titus had reminded him of her name – stood in their place.
"What the hell…" It was an incredibly surreal moment for the Guardian Knight. After all the time and effort spent trying to find and meet Sailor Moon, he'd already done so, entirely by accident.
Sailor Moon brandished her weapon, pointing it at each shadow in turn. "Hold it right there! Don't you know that three-against-one is unfair?" She swung her arms around in an odd pattern that Justice found…confusing. "I am the pretty sailor-suited soldier of justice, Sailor Moon! In the name of the moon, I will punish you!"
Venus turned to her and began clapping. "Yes! God, I missed hearing that!"
Justice shook his head slowly. He was dreaming. He must be. This was just too bizarre to be real. Not only did Usagi turn out to be Sailor Moon, but she was insane. And so was her friend, Sailor Venus. In fact, maybe he was the insane one for trying so hard to find these people. Justice was so caught up in his own internal critique of the Sailor Senshi that he almost missed the shadow youmas turning. Unbelievable. Sailor Moon's speech had actually succeeded in distracting them. Unfortunately, the attention of all three was now focused squarely on the two blondes.
Venus turned to Moon, a hint of nervousness on her face. "Uh…this may have been a bad idea."
Moon swallowed and nodded. "Yeah…I'm starting to think that myself." She looked at the tallest of the shadows as it took a step in their direction. "That one's really big. And it has swords for arms."
"Uh huh. Listen, let me give you some advice, from personal experience. Don't let them scratch you. It really, really hurts."
"Thanks, Venus. Very helpful."
"Anytime."
The three shadows dashed towards them, and the two Senshi scattered, leaping up and to the side, out of their path. The largest swung one of its arms at Sailor Moon, narrowly missing as she yanked her leg up awkwardly out of its way. The smaller youmas headed for Venus as she landed atop a car.
She smirked. "I remember this. Venus Love Me Chain!" Just like the first time, she swung the golden chain towards the approaching shadows. To her surprise, they dodged it, and she was forced to leap out of their path again. She ended up back to back with Sailor Moon. "Having any luck with your friend?"
The winged Senshi shook her head. "Nope. He's big, fast and pretty mad!"
"Wanna swap?"
"I'm good with just the one for now, thanks all the same!"
"Okay! More fun for me!" Venus leapt into the air. "Sailor V kick!" Her foot smashed into one of the shadows, knocking it to the ground. The second swiped at her leg, but she was able to roll around it and strike it in the back of the head with a punch. Venus ducked under its counterattack and stabbed a finger right into its face. "Peekaboo! Crescent Beam!" The blast of golden light blew a hole clean through the shadow's head, and it fell backwards in a cloud of dust.
"Nice one, Venus!" Moon called, diving out of the way of another swing from the bigger shadow. Its blade-arm lodged in the asphalt, giving her an opportunity she couldn't waste. She brandished her Eternal Tiare and invoked her attack. "Starlight Honeymoon Therapy Kiss!" Multiple blasts of energy lashed out, hitting the shadow dead on. When the light faded, it was seeping smoke into the air from several wounds, but was still intact.
"What?" Moon shrieked. "I hit one of you with a Spiral Heart Attack last time and it was dusted! Why aren't you dead?!"
"On your left, Sailor Moon!"
She reacted instantly to Venus' warning, diving to the right. Another shadow landed in the space she'd just occupied, its claws slicing into the street. "Thanks, Venus!"
"You got it!" Venus fired another Crescent Beam at her pursuer, putting a dent in its chest.
Sailor Moon turned her attention to the new arrival. It was another of the smaller shadows, yet it looked different somehow. She picked up on it about the same time the shadow raised its handless right arm and fired a blast of black shards in her direction. Despite her last minute dodge attempt, a flash of pain exploded in her leg and she fell to the ground. One of the shards had lodged in her leg, just above her right knee. The shadow tilted its head sideways, staring down at her, and raised its arm again. A familiar red rose lodged in the side of its head, and it fell to the ground stunned.
"Sailor Moon!"
She looked up and her heart melted. Tuxedo Kamen dropped down onto the street gracefully before her, smiling at her beneath his mask. It faded when he saw the shard embedded in her leg.
"Usako! You're bleeding!"
"I'm fine, Tuxedo Kamen," she replied, emphasising his name. He caught it, nodding back to her. She caught a flash of movement over his shoulder; the blade shadow was dropping towards his unprotected back. "Watch out!" Another blur of movement came from behind her, and a metallic clang echoed across the street. Justice grunted with exertion as he absorbed the impact of hits from both the youmas arms with his sword, barely a foot above the tuxedo-suited warrior.
"Not the time to have a moment!" he snapped, swinging his fist backhanded into his opponent's face. It staggered back, and he seized on the opportunity, dashing forward to take the offensive. They exchanged a quick flurry of blows, the shadow youma forced to retreat. The Sailor Senshi's attack had given him time to recover, and he felt re-energised.
"That's the knight Artemis was telling you about, I assume?" Tuxedo Kamen asked, helping Sailor Moon to her feet.
"Yes…" She winced as she put too much weight on her leg. "The knight…it's Corey."
His eyes went wide beneath his mask. "Your friend? The American?"
She nodded. "Yes." He suddenly moved around her and spun his cane in a circle, creating a shield as a barrage of black shards smashed into it. She turned and pointed her weapon at the resurgent shadow.
"Starlight Honeymoon Therapy Kiss!"
Another burst of light blasted out, hitting the shadow dead on. It was obliterated instantly, leaving behind a thin trail of smoke that dissipated in the air.
"Oh, so that time it works," she complained, turning to focus on the blade shadow that was locked in combat with the knight. "I guess he's tougher than most."
Justice parried another blow from the bladed youma, and while locked in a power struggle, brought his boot up in a powerful kick to its abdomen. It flew backwards, struggling to maintain its footing, creating all the separation he needed. He whirled about, swinging his sword backhanded in an arc towards the youma, sending a crescent blast of golden light sailing through the air. It slammed into the youma's raised blades and cut straight through then, continuing on to sever its head and shoulders from the rest of its body. At long last, the largest of the youma fell in a cloud of swirling smoke and dust.
"Mars Flame Sniper!"
Justice spun about just in time to see a flaming arrow burn clean through the remaining shadow's chest, dusting it instantly.
"Sailor Moon!" Sailor Mars dropped down to land beside her leader. "Are you alright?"
"I'm alright," Moon replied, "but Venus..."
Venus was cornered by two of the shadow creatures. As if in answer to Sailor Moon's shout, Sailors Mercury and Jupiter landed behind the shadows closing in on Venus.
"Jupiter Oak Evolution!"
"Mercury Aqua Rhapsody!"
The two attacks raced out from their hands, engulfing the remaining two shadow creatures. They collapsed into nothingness, completely destroyed.
Venus gave her friends a quick wave. "Thanks guys…that was getting scary."
The sound of whirling air drew their attention to the portal. A spinning vortex of black smoke and ash emerged, settling gently onto the street. It faded, revealing a tall, powerfully built man in black armour. Shadowy black smoke similar to the youmas curled around him, like a cloak. Justice narrowed his eyes. He recognised the armour. Despite its differences, he wore the same style.
"Who the hell are you?"
Venus stepped forward, realising Sailor Moon wasn't exactly mobile, and gestured to Justice. "He's not with us, but I'll ask the same question. Who are you?"
The armoured man turned his helmet towards her, the black slit over his eyes seemingly empty. "I am the Shadow-Knight Terror…how surprising to see all of you here."
"Knight?" Jupiter questioned, stepping forward to join Venus. "Are you with him?" She stabbed her finger towards Justice.
Terror laughed. "Justice? No…although it's strange you should mention that. We are old friends, of a sort."
Justice frowned under his helm. The armour was the same as his, with subtle differences. For one, it looked to be made of the same material as the blade youma's arms. Wicked black spikes curled up and out of the pauldrons and arms, and replaced the wings on the side of the helmet. Aside from that, though, it was definitely the armour of a Guardian Knight.
It seemed that fact wasn't lost on the Senshi either. Sailor Mars looked like she'd seen a ghost. "I saw you…the vision from the cloud. That was you!"
Terror regarded her coolly, his helmet tilting to one side. "Curious. Your words are strange and yet I understand your meaning. You speak of things you should have no knowledge of, Sailor Mars. Have you been peeking at things you shouldn't?"
"Enough!" Sailor Moon called, hobbling forward. Tuxedo Kamen came with her. "Are you the one in control of these…creatures?"
"Indeed I am, Sailor Moon," he agreed. "These are my Constructs. They are simple creations, but they get the job done. Usually." He glanced around at several piles of dust. "It appears I have underestimated you all. You are far more powerful than you used to be."
"You know us?" Moon asked, surprised.
"I recognise the much-vaunted Sailor Senshi…but not you, Sailor Moon. You…are an anomaly. The moon had no Senshi of its own. You shouldn't be here. Where did you come from?"
"That's not important. On behalf of the moon, and the Earth, I demand you cease your attacks at once!"
The Shadow-Knight laughed, a cold, mocking tone that sent chills racing down Justice's spine. This man was radiating evil; even he could feel it.
"I will do no such thing, Sailor Moon. My lord Revenant is awakening, and he is hungry."
"Your lord?"
Terror waved a hand at her dismissively. "You need not concern yourself with that any more. None of you will be alive to see his rise. Now, you may go. I'm done talking to you." He turned to face Justice. "But you, Justice…you and I have much to discuss."
"I knew it!" Jupiter spat. "He's working with them!"
Justice ignored her. He had a terrible pain in his head, like something was trying to break free from his skull. This Shadow-Knight…Terror…was familiar to him. The voice, the armour, even with its differences…he somehow knew this man. Why couldn't he remember?
"I have nothing to say to you. If you control these…constructs…then you are my enemy!"
"You wound me!" Terror stabbed a claw-like finger at him. "We have a great deal of history, you and I!"
"I don't know you," Justice managed. His head felt like it was going to explode.
"Liar! How could you not, after all that we went through together? After all that you did!"
"Shut up," Justice muttered, gripping his sword tightly.
"Tell me you know me!" Terror spat, raising an open hand and summoning a ball of purple-black fire.
"Shut up!" Justice roared, whirling about suddenly and unleashing another blast from his sword. It slammed into the Shadow-Knight and dissipated, causing no damage. "What? Impossible!"
Terror glanced down at his own chestplate, to see no visible damage. He slowly released his attack, letting it fade, and began to laugh. Justice glared at him, turning to see the Senshi defensive, but not getting involved. Of course not…they don't know me, and they don't trust me.
"I see…" Terror chuckled. "I think I finally understand your presence in this world. You wield Justiciar, you wear the armour, and you call yourself Justice…but you're not really him. That attack should have cut me in half, but it was pathetically weak. The Justice I knew was the strongest of the Guardian Knights…he would have destroyed me without a second thought." The Shadow-Knight shook his head. "You, on the other hand, aren't even worthy of my time." He stepped back, towards the portal. "Farewell, Pretender. Enjoy the time you have left on this earth, for when we next meet, you will die." He vanished from view, and within seconds the portal was gone.
Justice stared after him for several long seconds. His head was throbbing, but he still couldn't summon any memories of this Terror. He sighed. It didn't matter anymore. There was another important conversation he needed to have. He sheathed his sword and glanced back to Sailor Moon, finding her staring right back at him.
"Are you-"
"I can't-"
Both stopped, before gesturing for the other to continue. The other four Senshi regrouped around Sailor Moon, joined by Tuxedo Kamen, who stood protectively before her. Mars and Jupiter were both glaring at him, while Mercury and Venus didn't seem too bothered by his presence.
"What now?" he managed finally. It was directed at Sailor Moon alone.
She remained silent for several agonising seconds, looking him over. "I don't really know."
Venus took a knee beside her. "I missed something, didn't I?" Her eyes widened. "Oh, wait! Is Corey okay?" She leapt back to her feet and glanced toward the arcade.
"You're looking at him," Moon muttered, gesturing towards Justice.
Venus' response was almost comical. Her eyes went as wide as saucers and her mouth snapped open and shut several times without her saying anything. Finally, she just nodded and managed a faint 'okay'.
"Wait," Jupiter insisted. "You're saying Corey…the guy you just happened to randomly meet a week ago…is this Guardian Knight we've been so worried about?"
"I saw him transform with my own eyes," Moon replied, trying to stand.
"Well, that's incredibly suspicious, if you ask me."
Justice took a step forward, looking to help her, but her response froze him in his tracks. She stiffened, as if in fear. Tuxedo Kamen stepped forward, shaking his head slowly. He stepped back again, holding his hands up in what he hoped was a sign of peace. "I'm not going to hurt you, Sailor Moon. On the contrary, I've been looking for you for a long time."
"How can I trust anything you say?" she whispered.
It was like she'd stabbed him in the chest. "Sailor Moon…" He looked around, before continuing. "Usagi…it's still me. I haven't changed…"
"Of course you have!" she snapped back. "How can I not look at everything differently now? When you were in trouble, it was easy for me to ignore it all. My friend was in danger, and I had to help! But now…" She trailed off, and with the help of Venus and Tuxedo Kamen, made it back to her feet. She turned to Mars. "He already knows who I am…do you see any danger in bringing him back to the shrine to talk further?"
Mars regarded him coolly over the blonde's shoulder. "I suppose not. If he knows who you are, he could find it easily enough anyway. Hell, he's probably figured out who we all are too, if you've been your usually chatty self."
Moon turned back to Justice, letting Mars' barb go unanswered. He could see the hurt in her eyes. "Follow us. We've got someplace we can talk."
He just nodded in return; his throat was suddenly tight. As the Senshi leapt away, he followed.
AN: Chapter four was originally 6000 words, but on the advice of a couple of reviewers, I decided to split it in half. There's the big fight scene and villain reveal, folks! Chapter five follows right on from here - the Senshi and Justice hash things out.