Standard Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon, or its characters. All OCs are mine.

Corey glanced around his living room. Everyone was here. The Inner Senshi, minus Rei of course, and the three cats, as well as the Outer Senshi. He struggled to remember their names: Haruka, Michiru and Hotaru. Right. He was getting a lot of different looks from the room; curiosity, suspicion, annoyance and even outright hostility from the tall, short-haired blonde. Well…time to begin.

"Uh…I wanna thank everyone for coming. I know I asked you all here on pretty short notice." He would have liked even shorter notice but Minako had suggested letting everyone get a decent sleep before charging off into battle. He had to admit, getting a couple of hours of sleep in had been nice. Corey turned his attention to the Outers, forcing a polite smile. "Even the three of you…I appreciate it."

Michiru and Hotaru returned civil nods, while Haruka simply glared at him.

"I have a lot to cover…I had a rather eventful night." He clapped his hands together. "But I wanted to start with…the truth." He glanced at Titus, seeing the cat's ears perk up. "Yesterday…I found out that the accusations levelled against me by certain of you…are true." He caught a brief flash of panic on the ginger cat's face. So…you weren't expecting that one, old friend? Interesting. Corey kept his own face neutral, and turned to Minako. "When you told me what you all thought, at the shrine…I couldn't believe I could ever do something like that. But…it's true. The Justice of the Silver Millennium betrayed Queen Serenity." He didn't really believe that; especially after his conversation with Selene. But until he had proof to counter it, he needed to keep Titus guessing.

He looked around the room again, trying to gauge everyone's reactions. Usagi flashed him a gentle smile and a nod, supportive as always. So…Titus hadn't lied, at least about that. Usagi had known already. Minako was her normal self - if anything, she actually looked bored. That was…odd. Ami and Makoto were next up, and it was their reactions he was most interested in. Ami had been quite friendly so far, but they weren't exactly close. Makoto, on the other hand, had been much more standoffish since learning of his secret identity. Both seemed surprised; he wasn't sure if it was at learning he was guilty, or that he was admitting it. The Outer Senshi's response surprised him the most; he'd expected knowing smirks or further accusations, but instead they simply sat quietly, waiting for him to continue.

"I felt I owed it to you all to be honest." He nodded towards Mamoru. "I got some good advice recently about not letting the actions of my past dictate who I am. That's why I'm telling you this now; because I don't want to be that Justice in this life." He sighed. "I can't change what he did, but I can work with you all now, to earn this second chance I got."

Usagi was the first to speak. "I already trust you, Corey…this just confirms I made the right choice."

"It seems you did do some thinking after all," Mamoru chuckled. "You've got my vote, too."

"Thanks, guys."

Luna looked at the future king and queen before turning to face him. "I had my doubts about you, Corey…but you've proven yourself through your actions. I accept that you're genuine in your desire to help."

Ami nodded slowly, smiling towards him. "Like Luna says, you've given me no reason to doubt you so far, Corey, and I'm happy to have you with us."

Makoto leaned forward, looking around at everyone else. "Well…I guess Rei and I were probably giving you the hardest time out of our little group. At least until they showed up," she said, gesturing towards the Outer Senshi. "But…if you're working against us, I've got to admit you're doing an amazing job of hiding it." She exhaled. "I can't say you have my full trust…but you're on your way."

He nodded towards her. "Thanks, Makoto. I'll take it."

Minako just smiled. "You already know how I feel about you, Corey." She looked down to Artemis, and clipped him across the back of the head, provoking a startled yowl. "Don't you have something to say, Arty?"

Corey winced internally. Poor Artemis…that was not a request, no matter how sweetly Minako may have said it. I suspect she's coached him.

Artemis shot the blonde a dirty look, but turned to Corey and nodded. "I will accept that you have given us no reason to distrust your intentions. You're okay. For now."

Corey chuckled. "Guess that's about as much as I can hope for from you, Artemis. I appreciate it - I know that wasn't easy for you." Finally, he turned his attention to the Outers. "I don't know any of you…and I certainly know how you feel about me. I'm happy to agree that you don't like me, and I don't like you. That much is clear." He cleared his throat. "However…we don't have to like each other to work together towards a common goal. If nothing else, you have my respect – you clearly want to protect Usagi, and I can understand that."

Haruka glanced at Michiru and Hotaru. They nodded towards her, then nodded to Corey.

"We're not going to stop watching you," Michiru said, "but we can accept that we share the same goals. For now."

"It took courage to stand there and admit what you'd discovered," Hotaru added. "I can work with you, so long as you remain loyal."

"Great…thank you," Corey replied. He turned to Haruka. "Well, Stretch? What about you?"

"Corey…" Usagi called, her tone one of warning.

He grinned sheepishly back at her. "Fine, fine…sorry. Haruka…what do you say?"

Haruka glared up at him. "You were right, before. I don't like you. I didn't like you before you turned on the Moon Kingdom. In fact, I never liked the Guardian Knights much at all – I think you're all arrogant morons with over-inflated egos." She glanced towards Usagi, and sighed reluctantly. "But…I can respect you for what you just did. A little. I'm not going to take my eyes off you…but I won't try and take you out, either."

"Thanks…" he muttered. "I think?"

"Alright!" Usagi shouted, drawing everyone's attention. "Now we just need to get Rei back, and we'll all be friends!" She turned her excited gaze to Corey. "Speaking of which, you said you knew where to find her!"

"That I did." He produced the compass. "We follow this."

Ami peered at it. "A compass?"

Makoto leaned in for a closer look as well. "A ratty, old compass…"

"Hey!" he objected. "This was a gift from Selene…who I met last night."

A chorus of questions and general disbelief flooded at him from around the room. He held up his hand, waiting for everyone to quiet down. "I prayed to her for guidance…and she answered. After I stopped sulking, anyway. She gave me a little pep talk, told me to stop being so whiny, and gave me this compass." It was all true, if a little vague.

Titus spoke up. Corey could have sworn he was nervous. "Did the…goddess…say anything else?"

You sound worried, Titus, he thought darkly."No…I mean, she affirmed my decision to put the past behind me, but that was about it."

"Ah. Well…I'm glad you're feeling better about everything, at least."

"Thanks, buddy." You scheming little bastard…what are you up to? He turned his attention back to Usagi. "Sorry…got side-tracked there. This compass," he held it up again, for good measure, "belonged to me. Er, the Guardian Knight of Justice in the Silver Millennium. It doesn't point north, as Minako correctly pointed out last night…it points towards strong sources of evil, or injustice."

"So it's magical…" Luna mused. "And you're sure it's pointing towards the Shadow-Knight?"

"I can't think of a bigger source of evil in town than him right now," Corey shrugged.

"Where is he?" Usagi demanded, growing serious.

"Tokyo Skytree, I think…"

"That's a major tourist attraction," Ami said with a frown. "If he was there, surely someone would have noticed by now?"

"Uh…" Makoto held up her phone, displaying an image of the Skytree. "They have. Authorities have closed the Skytree building due to a 'training exercise'. There were reports of strange lights and sounds in the area early this morning. Sure sounds like our place."

"Well, Corey…it seems we didn't need your magic compass after all."

"Artemis!" Minako snapped, her eyes flashing angrily. "Be nice!"

The cat shuddered, and gave her an exaggerated nod. "Sorry, sorry!"

"So, Usagi," Haruka asked. "What's the plan?"

"Obviously, we need to get inside." Usagi gestured to the Outer Senshi. "I'd like you, Michiru and Hotaru to hang back though, in reserve."

"What?" Michiru objected. None of them seemed particularly happy with that plan.

"Hear me out," Usagi replied soothingly. "Terror was surprised to see us when we first met; he clearly didn't expect us to be here, alive and well. I'm hoping that means he has no idea that you're alive as well. That gives us the element of surprise. We'll enter the tower and work our way up, and call you in when it makes the most sense."

"I'm seeing one rather gaping flaw in this plan, Usagi," Michiru pointed out. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but Skytree's top floor is over four-hundred and fifty meters up. How are you planning on us getting in there?"

"Uh…" Usagi went silent. "Oh. I hadn't thought of that."

Practically the entire room groaned. Corey and Titus were caught out, not expecting such a synchronised response.

"Did I miss something?" the knight asked, confused.

"Stick around long enough and you'll catch on," Makoto assured him.

Usagi turned her pout on him. "Don't you dare…they haven't corrupted you yet, and I plan on you being on Team Usagi!"

"Uh…no. I'm neutral. Like Switzerland." He laughed quietly as she stuck her tongue out. It was good to see her laughing again, after yesterday.

Ami got them back on track. "Haruka…can you still fly a helicopter?"

The short-haired blonde grinned wide. "Oh, yes, I can! That's our way in!"

"I don't recall that working out so well the last time," Michiru shuddered. Hotaru just shrugged.

"It'll be fine, Michiru," Haruka declared, waving a hand dismissively towards the Inner Senshi. "They'll be there to draw the enemy's fire this time!"

"Gee, thanks," Makoto muttered, before turning to their leader. "So, Usagi…we have our plan. When are we doing this?"

"I don't see any reason to delay." She glanced to Luna. "Do you have any thoughts, Luna?"

"None." The cat looked around the room, smiling proudly. "You've all become fine Sailor Senshi…it looks like Artemis and I are about out of things to teach you." She turned to Usagi. "You don't need my guidance anymore, Usagi. You're the leader now, in every way."

Usagi blinked back a tear. "Thanks, Luna…I think that's the nicest thing you've ever said to me…"

Luna crashed face first into the floor. "I've said plenty of nicer things before…" she muttered. "Does anyone else have anything to add?"

"Yes," Titus said, addressing the room. "You all know how to fight these Constructs now. They're dangerous in groups, but one-on-one they're easily beaten. Take your time, watch each other's backs, and you'll be fine."

"Just be careful," Artemis repeated.

"Thanks, Titus, Artemis," Ami smiled. "Well…shall we?"

"About time!" Makoto agreed. "Jupiter Crystal Power, Make-Up!"

"Mercury Crystal Power, Make-Up!"

"Venus Crystal Power, Make-Up!"

"Moon Eternal, Make-Up!"

Mamoru produced a rose from his jacket pocket, and transformed into Tuxedo Mask with a shimmer of black. Corey summoned Justiciar and donned his armour in a flash of golden light.

Uranus, Michiru and Hotaru stood.

"We'll find a helicopter and see you down there," Haruka said. "What's our signal to go?"

"You'll know when to come in," Sailor Moon assured her. "Thank you."

"Don't mention it…see you soon." Haruka led the other two Outer Senshi out the door.

"Well...let's get this show on the road!" Venus called. One by one, they leapt out the window, heading for the SkyTree, and their showdown with Terror.

Justice manoeuvred closer to Sailor Moon as they ran across the rooftops. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure!" she called back.

"It's about Titus…"

"Oh?"

He dodged around an air outlet and returned to the blonde's side quickly. "On the first day we met you all…he stayed back to talk with Luna and Artemis. At least…that's what he told me."

Sailor Moon looked confused. "He didn't talk to them, though…he spoke with me as soon as you'd left."

"I kind of had a feeling that might be the case." He risked taking his eyes off the rooftop to look her in the eyes. "What did you talk about?"

"He asked me what I knew about you, and the other Guardian Knights," she admitted.

"And?" Corey prodded. "What did you tell him?"

"Does it really matter? I thought we just settled this?"

"I'll explain in a minute," he assured her. "Please, Usagi…just tell me what happened."

"Hold up a sec, guys!" she called, slowing to a halt.

"What's the problem?" Jupiter called.

"We just need a minute!"

"Well, make it snappy, I'm itching for a good fight!"

Venus shot Justice a questioning look, but he waved it off, and looked back at Sailor Moon.

She sighed. "When I told him what Luna and Artemis had told me - about your actions in the past - he confirmed that they were right. He told me what had actually happened, then added that he didn't know how you'd come to be reborn here on Earth. He said he assumed it was an accident."

He nodded slowly. So far, this matches with everything he's told me. "Was there anything else? Anything at all?"

"Corey…what's going on?" she asked. "You're worrying me."

Do I tell her, he wondered. Yes. He had to. She'd trusted him, now it was his turn to trust her. "I think Titus has been lying to me," he admitted. "Possibly for the entire time we've been together. I'm just trying to get an idea of what he told you…looking for inconsistencies."

"Lying to you?" She frowned, clearly not understanding. "But he's your friend…your guardian! Why would he do that?"

"I don't know. But Selene…she warned me not to trust him, in a roundabout way." He fixed her with a stare, his T-slit gazing into her blue eyes. "Please, Usagi…was there anything else?"

She looked down. "He told me…your headaches you started getting, they're memories. Memories of your past life, trying to resurface." She sighed, and looked up again, making eye contact. "Titus also told me that he blocked your memories, for fear of what would happen if you remembered who you really were." She shrugged. "I didn't think much of it at the time…I figured he knew you best. You didn't seem to be missing them, and you weren't threatening to kill us, so…"

Corey froze, his veins feeling like they were filled with ice-water. Her words faded out; all he could hear was the sound of blood pumping in his ears. There it was. Titus was the one who'd blocked his memories. He had the proof he was looking for; Titus was manipulating him. He'd likely been manipulating him for the last three years. His hand began curling into a tight fist as his anger mounted. Sailor Moon must have noticed, for she became very quiet.

"Corey," she whispered. "Now's not the time to worry about this. We need to save Rei, and stop Terror from carrying out whatever he's planning. Please…you can deal with Titus later!"

He nodded, exhaling slowly, trying to let any anger fade with the breath. "You're right, Usagi…you're right." He placed his hand on her shoulder. "Thank you for telling me." He glanced ahead, where the other three Senshi and Tuxedo Kamen waited. "Do me a favour, will you? Don't tell anyone we had this conversation. Not until I've had a chance to confront Titus. He's got this annoying habit of uncovering stuff he shouldn't be able to."

She thought about it for several seconds, looking uncomfortable with the thought. "Alright. I won't lie to anyone if they ask me directly…but I won't just volunteer any information, either."

"Fair enough." He nodded slightly. "Thank you, Usagi." He gestured at the distant Skytree. "Now…what do you say we go rescue Rei, and throw Terror's shadowy ass off the top of that tower?"

She grinned. "Sounds good to me!"

The group stood in an alley, around the corner from the SkyTree. There were police and emergency services everywhere, blocking street access to the building.

"How are we going to get in?" Jupiter asked.

"We could barrel our way through," Justice suggested. "Though, I suppose, that's not very good for your image."

"We usually prefer to avoid contact with the police," Venus hissed. "They ask a lot of questions!"

"Sailor Mercury," Tuxedo Kamen suggested, "could you give us some cover using your Sabão Spray?"

"That's a great idea!" Jupiter agreed. "We wait for the fog to settle, and we leap right over the top of them!"

Mercury nodded. "It's a solid plan."

Usagi's communicator beeped. "It's Uranus!" she announced. "How are you guys doing?"

As the ponytailed blonde spoke with the Outers, Venus stepped away, taking hold of Justice's arm and leading him deeper into the alley. "Hey…I didn't really get a chance to talk to you after the meeting. How're you feeling?"

"Pretty good. I think it went about as well as can be expected."

"Yeah…that was brave of you to admit the truth. I thought it was really cool." She wrapped her arms around herself, gripping her elbows nervously. "Um...I wanted to tell you something...before we go in there." The blonde was uncharacteristically anxious.

"What is it?"

"It's…" She looked up and sighed. "Could you…take off the helmet, maybe? It's hard enough to do this without having to look at a black hole in your face instead of your eyes!"

"Alright…" He reached up and removed his helmet, holding it under his arm. "Minako…what's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong," she insisted. "At least, I hope not." Her eyes moved rapidly between his face and back to her feet. "I just wanted to say…I…ikindasortalikeyou."

He stared down at her flushed cheeks and sparkling blue eyes and laughed gently. "You know…there was a time hearing that would have turned me into a stuttering mess. But after the last couple of days I've had…it doesn't seem like such a big deal anymore. In fact…it's actually a relief to hear you say that, because…" He reached out to brush a loose strand of hair away from her face. "I kinda sorta like you too, Minako."

"You do?" she asked, smiling shyly.

"Sure I do!" He took her hand in his. "What's not to like? You're warm, caring, funny…" He did feel a mild blush coming on, now that he thought about it. "Beautiful..."

She giggled, and squeezed his hand. "I'll admit, I wasn't sure...you were always so nervous whenever I flirted with you! I'm really glad you feel the same way." She paused. "But now that we've confessed our kinda sorta like for each other…what next?"

He considered it for a moment. "I figure once this whole mess with Terror is sorted, and we've rescued Rei…we go on a kinda sorta date."

She smiled happily and winked, a trace of her old confidence returning. "Or maybe even an actual date?"

Corey chuckled. "Even better."

A loud whistle interrupted them, and they both turned, blushing bright red.

"Hey, love birds!" Jupiter called. "If you're done making googly eyes at each other, we're ready to move!"

"Uh, sure!" Corey quickly replaced his helmet and followed Venus back over to the others.

Sailor Moon winked at both. "It took the two of you long enough!"

"Yeah, Minako, usually you're planning the wedding by now!" Jupiter laughed.

"Quiet!" Venus hissed, making cutting motions across her throat. "You'll scare him off!"

"Given your past approach to romance, it wouldn't really be considered scaring him off…more saving his life!"

Venus buried her head in her hands. "Et tu, Ami?"

Tuxedo Kamen gently elbowed Justice in the ribs and leaned in close. "Do you have any idea what you're getting yourself into, Corey?"

He turned to look at Venus one last time. "You know what…no. I really don't. And I love it!"

Rei groaned and opened her eyes slowly. It felt like she on the bottom of the ocean, struggling to reach the surface. Finally, the world around her came into focus, and she recoiled in fear. A Construct was staring right at her, its featureless black face bare inches from her own. It slowly backed away, and she was able to make out more of her surroundings. She was tied to some kind of pillar in…was this an observation deck? A sudden chilly breeze hit her, and she turned to the source. Something had torn a jagged hole in the side of the room she was in, and she realised with increasing horror that she was suspended on the very edge. The roof and walls were ripped away around her, leaving her exposed to the elements, under the sky.

"Ah…you're awake. Good."

She grit her teeth. Terror. "Let me go, you jerk! Give me my wand and I'll show you how awake I am!"

He laughed, the same mocking tone she'd heard before. "Oh, I'm sure. You are spirited, I'll give you that." The Shadow-Knight leaned in close, whispering cruelly. "We'll see how long that lasts when my lord Revenant takes possession of your body. I'm sure he'll enjoy…breaking you in."

Rei was silent as Terror's words sunk in. She'd heard him use the term 'vessel' earlier, but it was only now that she truly understood what they had planned for her. "My friends will come for me," she managed, swallowing back her fear.

He nodded, and gestured around at the various Constructs littering the room. "I'm counting on that, Sailor Mars. I've rigged this building with many different traps and surprises for your Senshi friends…I'm sure it's going to be a lot of fun!"

"You bastard!" she swore. "I'm going to enjoy watching them dust you!"

Terror chuckled evilly. "We'll see about that." A sudden crackling boom echoed in the distance, and Terror turned to the window. "Ah! Here he comes now…right on schedule."

Rei strained her neck, managing to catch a glimpse of billowing black clouds on the horizon. It was too small to be the Revenant Knight, wasn't it? He looked bigger than that when I saw him in the fire.

Terror seemed to pick up on her feelings. "Disappointed? Don't be. This is only a sliver of Lord Revenant's consciousness…his actual 'body' is still far too distant to assume anything more than basic shapes. That's why he needs a living vessel. His 'sliver' is far too weak to assume corporeal form." He leaned over and brushed a clawed finger over her cheek. "That's where you come in, Sailor Mars. First he will possess your body, then he'll crush your mind. Finally, he'll use his new body to destroy your friends, one by one, and then claim your Princess' precious Silver Crystal."

Rei tried in vain to move away from him, restrained by her bindings. His corrupted aura was almost physical at this range. Waves of negative emotion washed over her, twisting her stomach into knots.

Mercifully, a sudden explosion marked the arrival of the Sailor Senshi downstairs, and Terror withdrew, glancing down.

"If you'll excuse me, Sailor Mars...it's time for the endgame."

"Mercury Aqua Rhapsody!"

"Jupiter Oak Evolution!"

"Venus Love and Beauty Shock!"

"Silver Moon Crystal Power Kiss!"

A virtual kaleidoscope of colours flew out towards the advancing wave of Constructs, smashing several into dust instantly. Justice marvelled at the offensive display; the Sailor Senshi were deceptively formidable opponents when working as a team. He swung his sword in a backhanded arc, sending a crescent blade of golden energy flying through two more Constructs. As he watched them fall, he felt stronger than ever. Selene was right…letting go of all that anger and fear about my past is already paying off!

He charged the advancing line of Constructs, trying to make himself look as threatening as possible. This was all part of the plan. He distracted the Constructs in close, while the Senshi launched attacks from a distance. He slammed into one of the Claws – his name for the smallest sort – knocking it to the ground and swinging his sword down into its face. Another approached, but before he could swing at it a trio of roses lodged in its face, dropping it to the ground in a cloud of dust. He glanced over to Tuxedo Kamen, and gave him a quick salute.

"Keep up the pressure!" Jupiter called. "We've got them on the run!"

"Venus Love Me Chain!" The golden chain swung out in a wide arc, cutting through another Claw and wrapping around a Blade-Constructs forearm as it closed in on Sailor Moon. Venus set her feet and pulled with all her might, preventing it from swinging at her fellow blonde. "You might wanna take this one out!" she called, the strain on her face clear.

"Right!" Moon turned towards it and pointed her Tiare. "Starlight Honeymoon Therapy Kiss!" Pink light blasted the Construct, and it howled as it disintegrated.

Venus released her chain, letting it vanish. "Nice one, Sailor Moon!"

With a few more scattered attacks, they cleared the lobby of enemies and regrouped in front of the elevator. Moon reached forward to press the button, but Tuxedo Kamen grabbed her wrist gently.

"It's bound to be a trap," he said softly.

"He's right," Mercury agreed, her visor down and her computer in her hands. "The elevator cables have been altered. My guess is it'll get us to a certain height before dropping us."

"Nasty," Venus murmured, planting a finger on her cheek. "Note to self…Terror is a jerk."

"Jerk's too kind," Jupiter muttered, planting her hands on her hips.

"The stairs it is," Justice declared. "Stand back…" He summoned his Shield and ran headlong into the stairwell door, smashing it open. After a few moments, his poked his head back through. "It's clear, for the moment anyway."

"I've found Rei!" Mercury announced, her computer emitting a beeping sound. "She's on the higher of the two observation decks."

"We're only going to be able to get so high using the stairs," Jupiter warned them.

"We'll just have to build that bridge when we come to it," Venus said.

"Venus…" Mercury sighed. "Actually…never mind. Close enough."

"Come on!" Sailor Moon called. "We have to get to Rei!"

They entered the stairwell and started the climb.

"Interesting…" Terror growled. "I appear to have underestimated your friends once again."

"That dusting's looking more and more likely!" Rei taunted.

"I'm afraid not," Terror crowed triumphantly. "They've just entered the first of my traps. If you'll excuse me, I have an appointment to keep." He eyes gleamed red beneath his black helmet. "I'm going to kill Sailor Moon!"

Justice paused. Something felt…wrong. He pulled his compass from a pouch on his belt and studied it. The needle was alternating between swinging wildly back and forth, left to right, and spinning in circles.

"Huh. That's weird…"

"What's wrong?" Sailor Moon asked, pressed up tightly against his back.

"My compass…it's going crazy."

Mercury yelled up from the previous flight of stairs. "It's no longer pointing towards Terror?"

"I don't know," he called down. "It's like it's confused and can't make up its mind."

"Look out!" Tuxedo Kamen shouted, swinging his cane at the wall. A clawed, black hand was reaching out of it for Sailor Moon. His cane swung through it, and it dissipated into a cloud of smoke.

"There's more down here!" Venus shrieked, swinging punches randomly.

"Ow! Dammit, Venus, cut it out!" Jupiter swore. "That's me you're hitting!"

"Up the stairs!" Justice shouted, "We need to get out of here!"

He shoved past another of the hands, severing it with a slash of his sword. He could still hear panicked cries from below. He reached the door that lead to the next floor and smashed into it, but it didn't budge.

"What's wrong?" Moon screamed, sounding panicked.

"It's stuck!" He slammed against it again.

"Get it open!" Jupiter roared.

"One's got my leg!"

"I've got you, Mercury! Let…go…of…her!"

"Thank you, Jupiter!"

Justice roared and stabbed his sword into the lock. Just as he'd hoped, the magical blade slid right through the metal like it was butter, and he kicked the door open.

"We're through!"

Sailor Moon rushed past him, followed by Venus.

"Ugh! Get off me!" One of the hands had Tuxedo Kamen by his cape.

"Go!" Justice shouted, shoving Mercury and Jupiter past him. He leaped down the stairs and severed the shadowy hand holding the tuxedo-clad warrior.

"Thanks!"

"Don't mentio-"

A chill ran down his spine as he heard Sailor Moon scream. "I'm stuck!"

"Usako!" Tuxedo Kamen cried, rushing up the stairs, Justice following right behind him.

A sound like the crack of a whip filled the air, followed by a shriek of pain and the unmistakable thud of a body hitting the floor.

Justice crashed through the doorway behind Tuxedo Kamen and froze. Sailor Venus lay on the floor, unmoving, blood pooling slowly beneath her. Sailor Moon was on her knees beside her, frantically screaming her name.

"Venus!"

AN: Uh oh, another cliffhanger! I'm terrible, I know! Apologies all, but this was already turning into an insanely long chapter, and it was a natural place for a break. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Let me know what you thought. More to come shortly!