Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or any of the canon characters. Miyako, Cleo, Lia, Harper, and Owen, as well as a few others, are only figments that have escaped from my imagination.

Chapter Eight: Tension Rising

Since freeing Koan, they'd also fought and rescued Berthier, who was barely older than Koan. It had drained Usagi to heal her, but she'd also had to take out the droid, first, with help from Sailors Water and Air, and Knight Metal, while the others had faced Calaveras and Petz.

Like Koan, Berthier had been turned over to Sailor Sardonyx. And Lia still wasn't speaking to Usagi. In fact, she only spoke to Cleo, at present, justified by the fact that Cleo was the only other one without a power upgrade. After all, the two of them had to stick together, didn't they?

It had become clear, however, that even Isolde and Molly were close to losing their tempers with Lia, and they had always been the calmest of the group. Cleo, too, was getting close to blowing. She was always 'monkey in the middle', it felt like. She'd vented to the others, but she hadn't yet risked alienating Lia. Though, no one expected that to last much longer.

For the most part, Miyako tried to keep both Usagi and Andrew away from any battles with Lia, but it wasn't always possible.

And, of course, all of this gave Cleo no time at all to figure out her own confession, busy trying to keep peace and keep her temper. Not to mention they were all worried about something Sailor Sardonyx had mentioned. The Ayakashi sisters had a brother. If he was an enemy, too, where was he? How long would it be before he showed up to fight them? And, would he be even stronger?

"You didn't let her take them because of what I said, did you?" Miyako asked as they walked into their after school club. "About you being less trusting?"

"No. I really do trust her. I'm not sure exactly what it is, but there's something about her, the way she's worried about them," Usagi sighed.

Molly hurried over to join them, beings as her last class was on the other side of the building. She beamed at them, before taking her usual seat.

The after-school manga club was a recent addition at Firerose Academy. As the format became more popular among the high school students, as well as the recent influx of transfer students, all of whom had come from Japan, the school had willingly allowed its formation. Molly and Melvin had been the first to learn about the club being created, due to Melvin's uncanny ability to know gossip before anyone else. That certainly hadn't changed. But, when faced between the manga club and science club, Melvin had chosen science. Usagi, however, had been more than willing to join Molly, and Miyako had tagged along, too. Molly and Usagi had unofficially become the experts in the group, since they often were explaining things that didn't translate well in English, without understanding Japanese culture. Several of the books, Molly and Usagi had exchanged puzzled looks, over the differences in translation, too.

Miyako and Usagi took their normal seats, next to Molly and across from Mrs. Hersh, the faculty advisor. Most of the other members had already arrived, discussing their newest reads. The last member slunk in the door, just as Mrs. Hersh rapped her knuckles on the desk to signal that the meeting had begun. That member received a rather harsh look from Mrs. Hersh, but she didn't comment.

Sarah Augustine had begun attending Firerose Academy at the beginning of second semester. Like when Usagi had started, there wasn't much her classmates knew about the junior girl. But, there were two things that everyone seemed to know. One, she was super smart, a straight A student when it came to exams. And two, she was trouble. Trouble with a capital T. She constantly skipped class, talked back to teachers, rarely turned in her homework. She wore her skirts too short and her shirts were always untucked and too loose. She wore fishnet stockings, despite protests, with battered black high-top shoes. Part of her midnight black hair always covered the left side of her face. Rumor had it that she even had at least one tattoo, most likely what her hair was hiding.

No other extracurricular was willing to risk her presence. Only Mrs. Hersh seemed able to stand up to Sarah without getting upset. But, since Mrs. Hersh had let her in, that also meant that Sarah had to sit right next to the teacher.

But none of that was what made her mysterious to Usagi, Miyako and Molly. No, it was the fact that Sarah didn't have an aura. Nothing. Nada. Usagi couldn't see it. Neither could Molly or Lia, both of whom were also rediscovering the talent. Which meant she was a person of interest to all of them, even Darien and the Shitennou. Noland had said the stars had no idea who she was, either, and there was very little the stars didn't know. There were things they wouldn't tell him, but he could always tell when that was the case.

They'd all tried to keep an eye on Sarah, whenever possible, just in case it turned out that she actually was a threat. But, between everything else going on, Sarah's secrets remained elusive, just like the girl, herself. And, of course, as a junior, that put her two years ahead of everyone else and out of their classes, which made it even more difficult.

Still, as the club began, Usagi, Miyako, and Molly were all watching Sarah, waiting for some sign.

"Lia, just what, exactly, is going on?" Cleo demanded.

The two of them were heading to softball practice when she decided to press the question.

"What do you mean?" Lia asked, careful not to look at her friend.

"Your attitude. You've done this before, shutting people out, for whatever reason. And it didn't help then. And this isn't something you can blame on Kaiyah. Your past life was loud and quick tempered, but you always told us exactly what was bothering you. This shutting people out is unique to you, Lia."

"Mom's been ragging on me again. About how unladylike I am, how I'm never going to find a decent guy if I keep acting like this. You know what she's like. She's like a transplant from the Victorian era or something."

"There's more to it than that." Cleo narrowed her eyes.

Lia shrugged. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Really? Remember when Miyako and Isolde decided they didn't want to play t-ball with us, anymore? Back before middle school? You shut them out for months. We all thought it was because you were mad at them for quitting your favorite sport. Turned out your mom was threatening you with boarding school, because she thought you were too much of a hellion. At least, I think that was the word she used. And, then, when Isolde wasn't going to join us at Firerose Academy, you were getting your memories about the past and awakening your powers as Sailor Fire. So, what's really going on, this time? Just give me the truth. You always hide by pushing everyone away. I want to help."

"It's complicated."

"Fine. I really didn't want to tell you this, but I guess I'm going to have to." She took a deep breath. "I'm quitting softball."

"What!" Lia yelped, finally facing Cleo.

Cleo nodded. "I told Coach last practice. Softball and t-ball were always your thing. I never really liked them, but when Miyako and Isolde quit, I hung on, because I didn't want you thinking you were losing all your friends. Especially the way you were shutting them out. You've seen me, Lia. I'm probably one of the worst softball players, ever. I'm always on the bench. Coach barely even lets me play. I stuck it out for you. But I'm done. I'm done playing mediator between you and the others. Until you're willing to talk, I guess you are on your own. That's what you wanted, wasn't it?"

White blonde hair swinging, Cleo turned and walked away from Lia, leaving the golden blonde staring. With each step Cleo took, her heart felt lighter. She'd meant every word, and she was glad to have finally said them. It was time Lia learned she needed to grow up. And her heart wasn't the only thing growing lighter. Her ankh pendant slowly began to glow with a green light. The gold shifted, changing shape and color, until it became a green crystal, identical to the others. She'd found her confession.

A smile crossed her face and she ran across the campus, towards the classroom where the manga club met. She'd wait for Miyako, so that she could tell her the news.

However, when she reached the classroom, there was someone else waiting outside the door. Short, dark green hair in a swept up style, the young woman was peering into the classroom through the tiny glass window. There was something about that woman that was familiar. She wore a Firerose Academy uniform, but Cleo couldn't remember ever seeing her before. Dark green hair was rather unusual. She'd only met two people with that color of hair, Trista and Petz, and only Petz had it in that short, swept style. Wait, Petz couldn't, wouldn't be here, would she? Looking for the others to target?

"Hey!" Cleo yelled.

The woman turned. It was Petz, that same facial structure, the same eyes. Those dark eyes widened and she slowly started to back away.

"What do you want?" Cleo demanded, crossing her arms, one hand coming up to toy with her newly altered pendant.

"I was just looking for someone. I thought she might be here. I guess I was wrong." Petz stated, continuing to back away. "I'll just be going, now."

"Wait!" Cleo shouted, but Petz was already gone.

Cleo frowned and leaned back against the wall by the door to wait.

"Do you think she was waiting there to ambush us?" Molly asked.

The girls had convened a meeting at the farmhouse, gathering in the kitchen while Takara, Rini, and Aki ran around the basement. Science club ran later, so they were still waiting for Melvin to join them, along with Andrew. Only Lia was refusing to show up. And that hadn't surprised anyone. In fact, everyone seemed a bit relieved that she wasn't coming.

"I'm not sure what Petz wanted. But, we're going to have to keep a better eye out. She's got a school uniform, now. Who knows when she'll show up at school, again," groaned Cleo. "I used to think school was the only place we didn't have enemies."

"Speak for yourself," replied Lizzie.

Isolde nodded. "Yeah. We had Romera attack when we were leaving for the day."

"And Poppet attacked at our school gym," Miyako reminded them. "School isn't exactly safe. Except for the field trip to the science museum, though, I don't think we've gone up against an enemy during school hours."

Usagi shook her head. "For some reason, the enemies seem to acknowledge them. Then again, most of the time, they want energy and teens are the biggest source of energy. It makes sense to attack when they're all together, but schools can be harder to infiltrate."

"Just keep an eye out," ordered the ebon haired girl. "You, too, Lizzie, Isolde. If Petz can get into Firerose, I don't doubt she or Calaveras will be able to get into Terrarose High, too."

The others nodded.

"So, um, Usagi, Miyako, Molly, do you think the manga club has room for another member?" Cleo grimaced. "I sort-of quit the softball team."

"You what?" Isolde asked. "Why?"

Miyako tilted her head and gave Isolde a look that said 'Think about it."

"Oh!" Isolde realized, remembering the few times Cleo had been allowed to play softball. "Right."

Two more weeks passed without any sign of Petz. Calaveras had led another attack, but her sister had surprisingly been absent. The pair had always appeared together, and now it was only Calaveras. Had something happened to Petz? Or was she working on something more sinister? Her disappearance had really begun worrying all of the Elemental Warriors, and Usagi.

Owen was still keeping a fairly low profile, as well. Though that had more to do with him working on controlling his powers than anything else. It was Andrew and Miyako who were helping him the most with that. They'd taken to grabbing Owen after school and taking him to the Garden, to a place where it was alright if his powers went a little out of control. Miyako didn't hang around, since the power of the shadows wasn't very comfortable for her. Instead, she'd spend time with Rosebud and Phantasm, waiting until Andrew got done training Owen, and then she'd stroll through the Garden with her black knight, sending Owen home.

Things had gotten fairly quiet, which had only increased tensions. And, it didn't help matters that it was only a week until prom. Miyako had gotten permission to bring Andrew, and Usagi had gotten permission for Darien to come, since both were older than high school students. Surprisingly, Cleo had asked Owen to be her date for the night. Isolde was going to be in charge of watching the girls, and, since the Shitennou were supposed to be back, Kyle, Noland, and Harper could very well help out. Still, though, there'd been no sign of Zoisite. Usagi was beginning to think they wouldn't find the Northern King in time. And, if Zoisite was this difficult, how hard would it be to find Jadeite?

Usagi sighed and shoved her book bag into her gym locker. She didn't care much for gym class this semester. Last semester had been a lot of games. So far, they'd been focusing on fitness, which meant more running, more push-up and pull-ups, and a whole lot of fitness testing. Of course, their teacher wouldn't go easy on them, either. Glancing around, she quickly pulled out her phone and checked for any messages. But, nothing. Darien hadn't called at all in two days. She'd had to leave a reminder about prom on his voice mail. Maybe the silence was a good thing? Had they found Zoisite? Or, as her mind kept playing, had Beryl found them? Who knew what Beryl would do, if she managed to get her hands on the real Shitennou, and not the decoys.

Reluctantly, she slid the phone back into the pocket of her book bag and exchanged her maroon sweater and maroon and brown plaid skirt for the white t-shirt and maroon shorts of her gym uniform. Brown loafers were replaced with white and maroon sneakers. A quick check confirmed that her ponytail and bun were still in place, and she hurried out to the gym to join the rest of her class.

The only thing that made gym class bearable was that she shared the class with Miyako and Cleo. She really missed the way classes had been at Juuban, with keeping the same classroom almost all day. Soon enough, though, she'd be going back there. Well, maybe not to Juuban. Not with Lita and Amy there. She'd find another school, when they went back. Some place where she didn't know anyone. That would work.

To her surprise, her class wasn't the only one in the gym. Across the floor, one of the junior classes was gathered. She recognized a few of them from the softball team. Despite everyone's annoyance with Lia, they still did show up and watch the games to support her, which meant that Usagi could connect a few names and faces. But what cinched the group was that Sarah Augustine stood near the wall, looking utterly bored, black bangs still falling across her face. Even her gym shorts were shorter than they were supposed to be, though she'd at least gotten rid of the fishnet tights, trading them for tall black socks instead, though her sneakers were still quite battered.

Cleo and Miyako seemed to catch sight of the junior girl at the same time, as they moved to join Usagi and begin stretching.

"What's up with this?" Cleo muttered. "We never have class with the juniors."

Miyako nodded, looking around at the others. Several other freshmen were all eyeing the juniors nervously, especially Sarah. For the most part, the older girl seemed to be ignoring them, though she did seem to return the glances from Miyako, Cleo, and Usagi. Already pale, she seemed to lose all color as she saw someone behind them.

Usagi tilted her head, slightly, to see who Sarah was staring at. Petz, dressed again in their school uniform, stood in the doorway, her eyes scanning the room, looking for someone.

"Attention, students. Unfortunately, Mrs. Wright took ill this morning, so I'll be subbing for her," announced Mr. McCord, the beefy gym teacher who usually ran the juniors' gym classes. "At least until another sub can get here. So, we'll be having class together today."

Several of the juniors groaned. They knew what the freshmen were doing in gym class, and none of them were in a hurry to go back to fitness training.

"Alright, freshmen vs. juniors, in dodgeball," announced Mr. McCord, to resounding cheers.

Sometime during the class, Sarah had disappeared, unnoticed until it came time to leave. And, since no one knew when she left, no one knew where she'd gone. Petz, too, was gone. Were they connected? Usagi frowned as she turned over that idea in her mind. Was Sarah an enemy? Was that why she didn't have an aura? That would make sense, in some ways. It would be a good reason why her aura was hidden. Or was she also an enemy target? Was that why Petz had come to the school, looking for her? After all, Sarah had arrived about the same time as the Ayakashi sisters. And she knew there was more to the girl than met the eye. So, was she friend or foe? It was like dealing with Sailor Sardonyx all over again… Her thoughts trailed off. Sailor Sardonyx. They hadn't seen the other Senshi since she'd taken Berthier. The last time Calaveras had shown, she hadn't come at all, and she'd only shown up at the end of the previous battle, in order to take Berthier.

The rust-colored scout claimed to have friends helping her, but they'd never seen any sign of them. Where were these supposed friends of Sailor Sardonyx? Usagi worried about the two girls who had once been their enemies. She hadn't seen any sign of them since she'd agreed to turn them over to Sailor Sardonyx. Were they being treated alright? Was she wrong? Was Sardonyx really an enemy, after all? She didn't know. She could only trust that the other girl was an ally.

"She's been sitting there since shortly after school." Andrew nodded towards the far back corner, where Usagi and the others had once met.

"Since after school?" Usagi frowned, looking out at the darkened sky. "That was hours ago."

Sarah sat there, looking around, nervously, as if she expected someone to come walking in at any minute. What had the girl so scared? Though, there was no sign of Petz. Maybe Sarah hadn't been who she was looking for, after all.

Usagi nodded, taking the cup of coffee Andrew offered her and walking to a table near Sarah. Miyako claimed the chair opposite her, and Cleo rounded out their group. It was just going to be the three of them, today. Molly and Melvin were off on a date, somewhere. Usagi didn't have the details, and she didn't want to have the details. It was getting harder and harder to pretend she was alright with Darien being gone. Yes, it was less than a week until he was due back, but he was going to have to leave again. There was still one more Shitennou to find.

She signed, still keeping one eye on Sarah.

"Thinking about Darien?" Miyako asked, leaning forward, slightly. "Just one more week."

"I know," replied the blonde. "I miss him more than I want to admit. Especially to him. That's been the one thing I haven't minded about everything that's been happening. It's kept me busy. But this lull…"

Cleo nodded, just as a scream rang out.

"At least it's not here," grinned Miyako. "Thank goodness."

The three of them tore out of the building and down a block, to where Calaveras was directing a new droid. For once, it wasn't make-up themed. Instead, the droid wore a full bodysuit of navy, with what looked like a green bikini over it. A yellow, banana-like horn protruded from her forehead, with blue bangs falling on either side of it, and it had pale blue skin.

"Nightmare time," laughed Calaveras, waving to the droid.

"Not so fast!"

Usagi lifted her bracelet, as Miyako lifted her brooch and Cleo grasped her pendant.

"Serene Star Magic!"

"Rising Soul of the Void!"

"Crystal Soul of Earth!"

Sailor Serene Star and Sailor Element nodded to each other as they both drew their weapons. Crystal Sailor Earth took a quick glance at her new uniform as she summoned her sai. She blinked. Not only had her uniform changed, but so had the sai.

There wasn't much difference in her uniform. Her gloves and tiara were gone and her skirt had been replaced by a pair of dark green shorts. Her bow was thinner now, and the gem in the middle had become a round crystal. But, instead of the knee-high boots, she now wore flip-flops, which she found rather strange. The pommels of her sai now had round crystals, identical to the one on her bow, and the blades, once a silver-like metal, were now pale green crystal.

Calaveras merely gave another chuckle. "Akumuda, put them to sleep!"

"Cal, stop this, please!"

It was Petz who'd cried out, running up to them. She still wore the Firerose uniform, rather than her usual dark green short dress, with its leggings and shoulder pads.

"It doesn't have to be like this," pleaded Petz. "There's a better way. We don't have to destroy this world."

"You've always supported this as much as I have," snapped back Calaveras.

"No, I haven't. I only pretended because I was trying to protect you and our younger sisters," replied the dark-green haired girl.

"If you will not support our cause, then you can join the others." Her sister nodded to the droid. "Take care of her, too."

"Enough, Calaveras!"

Sarah strode out of the bookstore, her head high. She stopped, legs shoulder-width apart, arms folded. She glared at the brunette commanding the droid.

"Who do you think you are?" Calaveras demanded. "You don't give orders to me."

"Please, Calaveras. Think about what you're doing. This isn't you!" Sarah pleaded. "I remember a girl who loved to laugh and run and play games, especially hide-and-seek, a girl who wanted nothing more than a peaceful life, maybe even finding true love. Not this woman who desires destruction. You always wanted to create your own line of make-up, Cal."

"You know nothing about me!"

Sarah slowly pushed back the bangs on the right side of her face, revealing a thin scar than ran from her forehead down to her cheek, across her eye.

Calaveras slowly backed away, her eyes widening. "Chalcey?"

"Don't do this, Cal. Come back to me," pleaded Sarah, holding out her hand.

"Please, Cal," echoed Petz.

"Don't listen to her, Calaveras." The voice was cold and harsh, ice shard sharp. "They are only trying to trick you."

Red hair, the color of blood, swayed in the slight breeze as he materialized beside the brunette sister. His eyes, equally red, narrowed as he looked at them.

"Petz, you disappoint me."

Tears glimmered at the corner of Petz's eyes. "Rubeus!"

"Take care of them, Akumuda," ordered Rubeus, almost bored.

Sarah shoved Petz out of the way, a small white and rust stone in her hand. A flash of red-brown light and it was Sailor Sardonyx who stood between Petz and the droid.

Sailor Serene Star nodded to Sailors Element and Earth, as she lifted her wand.

"Serene Healing Radiance!"

The arc of light hit Calaveras, and she began to glow. Her light battled with the arc from Serene Star's wand. The droid moved to attack Serene Star, but she was blocked by Sailor Element's sword, before being cut by one of Sailor Earth's sai.

"Star Shards!"

Tiny pieces of sardonyx appeared in Sailor Sardonyx's hands, and she flung them at Akumuda, as she leapt over the two Elemental Warriors. She would have pressed another attack, but stopped as she was forced to dodge a blast from Rubeus.

"Please, Rubeus! Stop this," pleaded the rust-colored scout.

Rubeus smirked. "You can't trick me, Sardonyx."

Akumuda broke away from Sailor Element and Sailor Earth, her eyes glowing pale blue. Waves rolled away from her, as they both began to grow sleepy and weak.

Sailor Serene Star continued her battle to save Calaveras, finally breaking through and allowing her light to flow over the other girl. Unlike her sisters, her outfit didn't change as she finally lowered to the ground, but her brown eyes were gentler, now, the hatred gone from them. Petz hurried over and hugged her sister. Serene Star struggled to stay on her feet. Sardonyx had been right. The darkness was deeply entrenched in them. And Rubeus was even darker. She wasn't sure she'd be able to pull him back. She didn't want to lose him, knowing he meant so much to Sardonyx, but she didn't think she'd have the energy. She certainly didn't have it, now. Her henshin faded as she dropped to one knee, energy depleted.

Sailor Earth lifted her sword higher.

"Elemental Rose Tempest!"

"Piercing Stones!"

Akumuda dodged the flurry of rose petals, as well as the rocks that flew from Crystal Sailor Earth's sai. Time and again, she managed to avoid the attacks they threw at her.

"I can't land a blow," complained Sailor Earth, her hands shaking as she prepared to send another attack at Akumuda.

Sailor Element nodded. "I know. We can't keep this up much longer."

Sailor Sardonyx broke away from her battle with Rubeus, shoulders heaving as she tried to catch her breath. She wasn't in much better shape than they were. And, Sailor Element glanced over at Usagi, who could barely sit up, they were down one scout. There wasn't time for the others to get there, either. Well, unless Aethyr were nearby.

The droid suddenly stumbled forward, a pale blue arrow, almost like ice, through its chest. It dropped at Rubeus's feet, but it wasn't done yet. It slowly turned to smoke, diving towards Usagi. Not thinking, Sailor Element threw herself in front of the exhausted blonde, and the smoke flew into her. Her eyes rolled back and she dropped towards the ground, not even feeling the arms that caught her and slowed her fall.

Rubeus turned, as they all did, to see who had fired the shot to harm his droid.

He stood on a nearby roof, silhouetted against the rising full moon, a bow held in his hands, cape fluttering behind him. He notched another arrow to the string and raised the bow, pointing it squarely at Rubeus.

So, I actually started working on this before November. Had most of it already planned out and everything. Then, during the madness of NaNoWriMo, I managed to misplace the binder with all my notes! I finally found it and got to work on this chapter. Unfortunately, I was a little disappointed. I didn't receive a single review on chapter seven! So, I think I'm going to ask that I have at least two reviews before I'll post chapter nine. Since I need something to make up for no reviews last time. Sound good?

Don't worry, the next chapter is already at least partially written, though I have a feeling this story is going to be shorter than the previous one. We'll see what ends up happening.

Until next chapter!

Bookworm0913