Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon Sailor Stars: Chaos Theory
Act 39: Death Phantom
By: Sora Kazeno
A week had passed since the demise of the Black Moon. Usagi was thrilled for the start of the weekend she would finally be able to spend time with Seiya. They rarely had time to spend together throughout the week. She forgot how time consuming it was to be an idol. All she had to do was survive school today. Once the final school bell rang she could start her weekend.
"Usagi, hurry up or you're going to be late to school!" Ikkuko shouted from the bottom of the staircase.
"I'm coming!" Usagi shouted back as she leaned over to grab her school bag. She had a full weekend plan. Spend today with Seiya, study with the other senshi on Saturday for an exam and spend time with her family on Sunday. Nowhere in her plans did she have to worry about the Black Moon.
She quickly moved down the staircase. Usagi was getting a little better at making it to school on time.
"I thought I was going to have to leave you behind," Seiya teased Usagi as she walked down the staircase.
"Seiya!" Usagi exclaimed surprised. "What are you doing here?" She had barely seen Seiya outside of school all week.
"I made sure my entire day was clear. It seems Friday is going to be the day I will have the most free time," Seiya said with a wink.
"Bye, Mom!" Usagi called over her shoulder as she closed the front door. Usagi and Seiya walked quietly next to each other for a few moments.
"You seem really happy this morning," Seiya commented on Usagi's upbeat attitude.
"I can finally catch up on my sleep," Usagi responded with a smile. Her voice became softer. "It's also a chance for us to enjoy our lives before they change again."
"Odango…" Seiya whispered when he turned to face her. "You're still thinking about the Silver Millennium…and being Queen."
Usagi sighed. "Everyone keeps telling me it will happen soon… but I'm not ready to leave Earth yet."
"Who said you have to leave Earth right away when you become Queen?" Seiya asked her in a confused tone. "Is there a rule that you have to return to the Silver Millennium so soon?"
Usagi started at him with her mouth wide open. "I… I never thought about it like that…" She murmured. Her eyes beamed. "No! I can stay here for a while until I'm ready." Her mood improved at this realization. "I guess it doesn't matter when I become Queen after all. A lot has changed and as long as everyone is safe, that is what is most important."
"You sound like a ruler already," Seiya encouraged her. He reached over and squeezed her hand tightly in encouragement. "Starting tomorrow things are going to get more hectic," Seiya explained.
"What do you mean?"
"Since everything is going well, the Three Lights are making the official announcement tomorrow that we are regrouping, working on a new album, and will go on tour next year. Any sense of a private life we had before is going to be gone."
"So you're going to be bombarded by reporters even more once you go public again …" Usagi's voice trailed off when she thought about what happened after their last "official date".
"I wanted to let you know because… they might start chasing you too and asking questions about our relationship," Seiya said, his tone was solemn. "It's up to you on how comfortable you will feel about opening up to the public about our relationship."
Usagi was a little surprised by Seiya's response. "You never wanted to tell them anything in the past…."
"I thought about it and you should have a say as well," Seiya explained to her. "After all, they are going to hound me more and more in the future."
"More in the future…?" Her voice trailed off, not following what Seiya was saying to her.
"The more we're seen together… the more people are going to speculate about what kind of relationship we have."
Usagi blushed. She thought about all of the celebrity gossip she read about in magazines. The reporters became relentless when they suspected a wedding was in the air. Her face reddened a bit more.
Seiya noticed the color change in her face. "What are you thinking about?"
Usagi shook her head side to side. "Nothing!" Usagi stammered. She laughed nervously.
Seiya paused at the front entrance to the school. "Here we go again."
Class was nearly over for the day. The students anxiously watched the clock displaying fifteen more minutes until their freedom.
Usagi tried to stay focused as she wrote notes from the board into her notebook. The lines began to appear blurry. The writing in her book seemed to multiply filling up the page, turning the entire page blank. Her eyes were no longer focused. She began to see darkness.
Sailor Cosmos stood on the battlefield. She arrived late to the battle. She rushed over to Sailor Venus, who was unconscious. Next to her was Sailor Uranus, Sailor Jupiter, and Sailor Pluto. She looked up and saw Sailor Saturn, Sailor Mars, Sailor Umbriel, and Sailor Triton not far from her current position. She turned her head to the left and saw Endymion lying there by Sailor Charon, Sailor Oberon, Sailor Neptune, and Sailor Phobos. Everywhere she looked senshi laid on the ground. She rushed forward. She gasped when she saw Sailor Star Healer, Sailor Star Maker, Sailor Titan, Sailor Mercury, and Sailor Umbriel. Her heart raced. She hadn't found Fighter yet. She turned to the right and found Sailor Star Fighter, Sailor Callisto, and Sailor Ganymede. Everyone was unconscious. What could have caused this?
"You were told you were not strong enough to save this world."
Sailor Cosmos turned around and found a man with black hair holding a black crystal. The hairs on her arms rose and an eerie feeling rushed down her spine. She stood alone facing him. "Who are you?" Sailor Cosmos' staff glowed and the Maboroshi no Ginzuishou appeared between her fingers. Her now long dress shifting in the evening breeze.
"I am the Death Phantom."
Usagi fell out of her chair in the classroom, startling many of her classmates.
"Odango!"
"Usagi-chan!"
"Tsukino-san, what is the meaning of this?" The teacher demanded, upset his lesson was interrupted.
Usagi stared at the floor, too embarrassed to look up at the teacher. "May I be excused to use the restroom?" She asked quietly, her voice shaking.
"Hurry up," the teacher replied. Once Usagi quickly left the classroom he resumed his lesson for the remaining fifteen minutes. He needed to finish his lesson since the material would be covered on the exam on Monday. He finished the material in just enough time for him to conclude class for the day. He noticed Usagi had not return to the classroom but did not say anything. He dismissed the class.
"I'm going to check on, Usagi-chan… stay here." Minako said quickly. She had to make sure she was okay.
"Let me go with you," Makoto said standing up. She was worried about Usagi, her behavior was really strange.
The two girls rushed to the nearest bathroom. They found Usagi leaning over the sink with the water running.
"Usagi-chan, what happened? Are you okay?" Minako asked as she approached her carefully.
Usagi slowly looked up at them with tears in her eyes but she did not speak. She turned back to the sink in front of her and turned off the water.
"You're worrying us, Usagi-chan." Makoto walked forward to stand closer to her, Minako besides her.
"We didn't defeat the Black Moon…" Usagi finally said. Her voice eerily quiet. "There was no one left…Everybody laid on the battlefield unconscious…while I stood alone holding the Maboroshi no Ginzuishou."
"…are you sure?" Minako questioned. She didn't want to believe that the Black Moon was still looming around.
Usagi nodded her head slowly before she looked up at them. "Death Phantom…I have to face him…"
Minako and Makoto gasped when they heard the name. They remembered when Neo Queen Serenity and Neo Princess Serenity defeated the Death Phantom in Crystal Tokyo. Was Usagi strong enough to stop the Death Phantom by herself?
"Don't worry, Usagi…" Minako encouraged her. "You're a lot stronger now than you were several years ago. Besides, the rest of us aren't going to be stopped that easily." She tried to ease her worries but knew it would not be that simple. She also knew the others needed to be informed. "The Three Lights are waiting in the classroom for us. Seiya-kun is really worried about you."
Usagi nodded her head and followed the other two girls back into the classroom. Luckily everyone else had left for the day leaving the Three Lights by themselves with Ami.
Seiya rushed forward as soon as he saw Usagi. "What happened, Odango?" He asked. He placed his hands lightly on her shoulders. "What can I do to help you?" He waited for her to say something.
She stood there struggling to repeat what she had told the other girls without crying again. "… We didn't stop the Black Moon…" she finally whispered.
Seiya gasped. "But we saw you stop Eris!"
"You had a premonition in the classroom… that's why you fell out of your seat," Taiki commented as he began to put the pieces together.
Yaten and Seiya looked at Taiki in surprise on how he was able to pull everything together so fast.
"Everyone was injured on the battlefield… and I was the only one left standing holding the Maboroshi no Ginzuishou. The city was in ruins, surrounded by darkness…" Usagi slowly finished, a few tears trickling down her cheek.
"We're not going to let that happen, Odango," Seiya lightly squeezed her shoulders. He wanted her to understand he would do anything to protect her and this world. "We can stop whoever this is."
Usagi shook her head sadly. "You don't understand… the last time… it took two crystals to stop him."
"We traveled to Crystal Tokyo… and Usagi-chan, with the help of Chibi Usa-chan, defeated the Death Phantom," Ami interrupted; she wanted to spare Usagi from having to explain everything to them. Usagi was already extremely upset.
"But you're so much stronger as Sailor Cosmos…" Seiya tried to reassure her again.
"Not if I can't control all of my power," Usagi said glumly.
"We should inform the others…"Minako said. She wanted to give Usagi and Seiya a chance to be alone. She knew how much Usagi was looking forward to spending the day with Seiya and she hoped it would help cheer Usagi up. Minako gestured for the others to leave the two of them alone.
Once they were alone, Seiya leaned forward and hugged Usagi close to him.
Usagi couldn't hold back the tears anymore. She sobbed into Seiya's shirt letting go of all the frustration she felt. She thought she was finally past all of this, but once again her dream of a normal life was put on hold. She had to save the Earth again. But she wasn't sure she was strong enough by herself. She tried not to focus on the motionless bodies of the other senshi, but she could not push the images out of her mind.
"It's okay, Odango. No matter what happens, we will face it together. I'm not going to let this Death Phantom hurt you."
Usagi pushed away from Seiya. "You don't understand, Seiya… his power is like nothing you've seen. It would be like facing Chaos again. He is ruthless and hates the people of this planet."
Seiya pressed his lips together. He tried to imagine the foe they would have to face. He wasn't sure if there was anything he could say to comfort her other than he would be there for her. "What can I do to help you?"
"I… I don't know…" Usagi said. She rubbed her eyes to brush away the tears. She felt a little better after crying out her frustration. "All I wanted to do was spend the day with you… like a normal teenage girlfriend."
Seiya laughed slightly as Usagi's choice of words.
Usagi looked at him startled. "What's so funny?"
"That is the first time you referred to yourself as my girlfriend. I remember a time when if I said that to you it would rile you up. You were so cute when you would get upset at me." Seiya explained in an attempt to cheer her up.
Usagi opened her mouth to respond but then closed her jaw. She knew Seiya was right. The first time around many people assumed they were boyfriend and girlfriend based on how they acted around each other. "Well… you were really… full of yourself… and I needed to keep you in check!" Usagi retorted back.
Seiya leaned forward to whisper in her ear, "Don't change a thing, my sweet Odango."
Usagi's eyes widened slightly at the tender words. She could feel her cheeks reddening slightly. He always had a way with words when she was around him. She wrapped her arms tightly around him. "Thank you for not giving up on me…"
"I would never," Seiya said. He leaned over and kissed her on the forehead.
"Everything always seems to be related to Crystal Tokyo and the future that doesn't exist anymore," Yaten commented in a bored tone. "This place is turning into the infamous palace that never existed."
"Yaten-kun!" Minako exclaimed in frustration. "Don't say things like that when Usagi-chan is nearby. It is has been very difficult for her."
Ami closed her computer with a frown.
Ami didn't have to say anything, but Taiki read her facial expression immediately. "You didn't find anything."
"No…" Ami's tone conveyed her own feelings of frustration. "I guess we were right after all… it was too easy to defeat the Black Moon on Yokoate-Jima. We just didn't want to believe that we still had to keep fighting."
"What do you mean you knew it was too easy?" Yaten challenged as he walked over to Ami. He glared at her, less than a foot from her face. "You didn't say anything when your group rejoined us. Why?"
"Yaten, give her a chance to explain," Taiki scolded the man with silvery white hair. Taiki turned his focus to Ami before he continued to speak, "I am also curious for an explanation."
"It was just a feeling we all had. But we couldn't prove it. We found nothing that suggested there was someone else there. Their based was flooded! We're lucky the lava level didn't rise while we were there or we wouldn't have made it back!" Makoto quickly came to Ami's defense.
Yaten took a step back to look at Makoto, but he didn't say anything.
"We didn't want to have everyone worry if we were wrong. Ami-chan has been searching multiple times every day for any sign of the Black Moon but she has not found anything that may suggest they still live," Minako said with her hands folded across her chest. She was about to say more, but she heard footsteps down the hallway.
Usagi appeared next to Seiya, it was obvious she had been crying. She stood still trying to figure out what she would do next. She couldn't defeat any enemy she didn't know where to find. If the Death Phantom was still on Earth, why hadn't he attacked yet? What was he waiting for? A part of her was angry with herself for assuming Makemake was the Master that Eris constantly spoke about. "We have to find him," she finally spoke up. She looked at the others for a response.
"Where?" Yaten asked. No one responded. "So we have to try and stop someone that we don't know what they look like and where they are?"
"He's tall… with black hair. He also has the Black Crystal with him… he's young… but still an adult," Usagi tried to clearly describe the man she saw in her vision, any information would be helpful. "He's going to attack Tokyo."
"That narrows it down a bit, Usagi-chan," Ami said turning her computer back on and then quickly typing the data. She wanted to do something to find the Death Phantom but she didn't know where to begin.
"I'll alert the others," Minako said trying to take charge. "Try to relax today, Usagi-chan, we'll handle the rest." Minako began to drag the others with her down the hallway.
"Since when did the two of us become part of this?" Yaten questioned referring to himself and Taiki. He continued to grumble down the hallway.
Usagi stared at the odd sight until Minako, Makoto, Ami, Yaten, and Taiki were out of sight. "How am I supposed to relax now that I know the Earth is no longer safe?" Usagi asked Seiya, her eyes displayed the worry she felt.
"We are going to protect this planet," Seiya reassured her. "What did you want to do?" He waited for a response, but Usagi did not speak. "Did you want to… try to figure out what part of Tokyo you saw in your vision?"
Usagi's eyes lightened. "That might help. I want to do something… but I feel like I'm powerless."
"Odango, you are far from powerless." Seiya lighted touched her cheek. "You are the most powerful person I know."
Usagi smiled slightly. "…I think we should start with Atago."
"Where is that?" Seiya asked, unfamiliar with the different prefectures of city.
"It is Northeast from here. It's on the other side of Tokyo Tower," Usagi tried to explain. "Shiba Park is not too far."
"How about if you lead the way and I'll follow? I would probably get us lost in the city… probably worse than you would…" He teased thinking back to the concert she missed when she got on the wrong bus.
"I can't help if the bus left me at the wrong place!" Usagi pouted placing her arms over her chest. She then tapped her two fingers together... "I think I still need help with the subway schedule to Atago…" She placed a hand behind her head and laughed.
An hour later, Seiya and Usagi stood in Atago. "Does anything look familiar to you?" He kept a close eye on their surroundings for any sign of danger.
Usagi slowly walked down the street. "Some of the buildings looked similar…. But it just doesn't seem right." Usagi paused near a large interaction. "No… this isn't right…" She began to feel frustrated. She needed to be able to figure out what part of Tokyo she was in during her premonition. "It didn't look like Juuban… but it was somewhere that was similar…"
"We'll have to keep searching," Seiya tried to be supportive. He sighed loudly at a familiar face. "We need to get going."
"Going? But we just got here…" Usagi looked at Seiya confused. She didn't understand what was going on.
"Seiya-san!" A photographer shouted rushing over to them. "How about a picture with your girlfriend?"
"He's really persistent…" Seiya grumbled, "And seems to find me all the time."
"Yeah… let's go…" Usagi echoed. She wasn't ready for this yet, not after having the realization she had about the Black Moon.
"Can you tell me anything about a big announcement tomorrow?" The photographer tried to chase them while asking questions the entire time. "Are you announcing an engagement? Are the Three Lights reforming?" The questions continued to spew out of his mouth.
Seiya and Usagi kept moving and they were eventually able to lose the photographer in the crowd. "I guess I understand what you mean about the media chasing you all the time." Usagi said tapping her chin. "I'm not sure how you manage it."
"The joys of being an idol," Seiya said with a shrug. "Let's get back to the subway and try another section?"
Orcus stepped out of the small cave he had been hiding for the past few days. The sun was quickly setting and his presence would not draw much attention on a deserted mountain path. He smiled. In a way, he was hiding in plain sight. He held the Black Crystal in his hands. He rolled the sphere around. He didn't want to leave the crystal out of his sight. Soon the crystal shards throughout Tokyo would be full of energy, amplifying his powers.
He wished he could of have remained on Yokoate-Jima to observe the senshi fight, particularly the Guardian, but he would not risk jeopardizing the mission. He had been trained all of his life for this moment. His time was coming.
In a few hours, he would leave the cave for the last time. He had a few preparations to complete and it would give him a chance to check on the crystal shard's progress. He didn't want to leave anything to chance, especially when he was so close. He might be the only one left from the Black Moon. This was the Black Moon's Kingdom chance to destroy and remold in his way.
"Our instincts were correct," Akari said after learning about the Princess' premonition of the Death Phantom from Minako, Makoto, and Ami. "It was all a distraction… while the final piece was set."
"What are you guys saying?" Minako questioned as she took a few steps forward, her eyes narrowed. "You guys knew something was up this an entire time and didn't say anything?"
"It was a gut-feeling… sometimes it's better to kept to oneself until there is concrete evidence," Ayane explained, she eyed Rei. "You've also felt it, I believe…"
Rei looked away. She understood what Ayane insinuated.
"Putting everything aside, we know the attack will happen in Tokyo," Nanami added. She wanted to defuse the growing tension in the room.
"We should resume our search," Rin suggested. "But I'm not sure what we have left to search on this planet."
"Let's think about this," interjected Yui, "What do we know about all of the attacks? Where are they occurring?"
"Tokyo." Several voices responded in unison.
"Then that is where we start," Rin said, beginning to piece everything together. "Where would a person be able to hide?"
"Tokyo is home to millions of people. The person with black hair could easily blend in," Ami thought out loud.
"How do we know he's out among the masses? He could easily be hiding in a vacant house," Natsuki said in irritation. She didn't understand how some of the others would have such a casual tone when the Earth was still in grave danger. "We also have to address the possibility there may be more than one person. The Princess may have seen one, but I wouldn't be surprised to learn if he is not acting alone."
"This is getting us nowhere… we don't have enough to act on," Hana was tired of the discussion going around in circles. "It's almost as if all we can do is wait for this person to attack us again. I hate having to do nothing."
Sailor Pluto sighed as she closed the book and returned it to the shelf. She wasn't sure how many books she examined today. She had been at this for weeks and it was beginning to become more difficult for her to sneak away from Haruka and Michiru without raising suspicions. She knew they would gladly help her search, but Setsuna didn't know if her plan would work and she did not want to give them false hope. There was also the issue neither Haruka nor Michiru could speak or understand the language written in the books. She was on her own.
Sailor Pluto skipped a few books and her eyes gravitated to a book without any markings on the cover. She found it odd and picked up the book. It was locked and required a key of some sort. She was surprised this particular book is not in the rare materials collection were fewer people have access to the contents. She smiled slightly. Without a key no one would be able to open the book. The book would be secure wherever it was left.
She continued to examine the book determined to find a way to open it. She scanned each edge for any clue, frustration begun to sink in. Why was this book placed with other materials from Pluto? "What are you hiding…" she murmured in her native tongue.
The book glowed slightly and text began to appear on the cover. "A History of the Royal Family of Pluto," She read out loud. She narrowed her eyes when she noticed a symbol within the letter "O". She brought the book closer to her face. She smiled as realization hit her. It was a symbol of the garnet orb. "It can't be that simple…" she questioned out loud. Everything she needed was always tied in with her talisman. She lowered the staff to allow the orb closer to the cover. Nothing happened. "This has to open somehow…"
Sailor Pluto smiled when she realized the key. She had to speak in her native tone with the orb somehow. She asked the book to open. She sighed when the book began to open. She was convinced there was something of value to her quest hidden within this book. She read all of the topics listed in table of contents. Her jaw dropped when she found the phrase "Crystal Key". She quickly flipped to the appropriate section in the book reading everything.
Usagi sat down on her bed, exhausted from searching the city. She wasn't sure how many different areas of Tokyo she explored and none of them seemed right. She slowly undid her odangos while deep in thought. The city she saw in her premonition was in ruins… but she knew the area. She recognized some of the buildings. She was sure of it. She brushed her hair and noticed the change in her complexion since this morning. This morning she was so happy and full of excitement. Now, she felt dread.
"Usagi-chan?" Luna said while sitting on the bed. She waited for a response.
"Hi Luna," Usagi said in a tired tone. "I thought this was over…" She walked over to the bed and plopped down next to Luna. "The premonition I had earlier…. It was so vivid."
"I heard what happened. How are you holding up?"
"It's always the same Luna. Stop the bad guys until they come back or a new one shows up." Usagi sighed loudly. She knew she was over simplifying the situation, but there wasn't anything else she could do. "A part of me wants the Death Phantom to appear for the final battle. Even though I know what is going to happen."
Luna studied Usagi closely. She was surprised by how down Usagi appeared. She nuzzled Usagi's arm.
"Are we sure about this?" Seiya asked looking at Yaten and Taiki for confirmation. It was Saturday and in two hours they were scheduled to announce their return to the music world. Along with announcing that they were working on a new album set to be released within the next upcoming year. The potential of the world tour would not be announced until the following year, depending on the process of their album. Starting today, their work schedule would increase complicating their need to defend the Earth.
"We were the ones that asked to have the schedule be moved up and we can't change it now," Taiki stated. "What reason could we possibly give them?"
"Taiki is right," Yaten agreed. "I seem to remember..." he turned to Seiya to look directly at him during the rest of his statement, "a time when we had to do both… and we did both because that is what professionals do."
"I don't anticipate there to be an overlap for very long. The first month we will be working on writing music… which we'll have a lot of flexibility if needed be," Taiki stated matter of factly.
Seiya smiled and shook his head. "I guess it's settled then. In two hours, we'll officially announce the return of the Three Lights." Yaten and Taiki nodded their heads in agreement.
Usagi tried to sleep, but she had tossed and turned throughout the night. She couldn't get the image of a ruined city out of her head. She had to stop the Death Phantom.
She felt like she should have known the Black Moon was not defeated. King Endymion once spoke of a man that rose to power and was stopped by Neo Queen Serenity. She banished the Death Phantom back to Nemesis until his eventual return. This is their initial uprising.
Usagi's mind finally drifted off to sleep but all she could picture were the other senshi lying injured on the ground and Sailor Cosmos' battle against the Death Phantom. Sailor Cosmos' once beautiful feathered wings were broken, her fuku and cape littered with cuts. She was hunched over on her knees and her staff was on the ground between her hands. She looked exhausted but was refusing to give up. The Death Phantom looked down at her while laughing. The night sky was littered with dark clouds. Sailor Cosmos looked up at the Death Phantom determined to stop him; she had to summon the strength deep from within, a crescent moon symbol flashes on her forehead.
Usagi's eyes slowly opened. She looked around surprised to find herself in her bedroom. Then she realized everything she had seen had been a dream. She sat up and stretched her arms over her head. She turned around to look at her alarm clock; it was already 10am, which meant the Three Lights had already made their official announcement.
She stumbled over to the radio and turned it on. "The Three Lights have officially reformed and are working on brand new music for their first full length album set to be released sometime next year. When asked about recent reports of Seiya-san with a girl with long blonde hair, we received a lot of mumbled responses while he was blushing. We can speculate from his reaction that one member of the Three Lights in now unavailable. Sorry, ladies. You still have Yaten-san and Taiki-san to choose from."
Usagi smiled at the newscaster's remarks. She began to understand Seiya's comments more and more from the other day. She was used to being in the spotlight as Sailor Moon, but not as Tsukino Usagi. She sighed. The other girls at school would make even more comments about her and her relationship with Seiya. Usagi shut off the radio as the weather announcements for the day began.
She wasn't sure what she was going to do today. She assumed everyone would be searching for the Death Phantom, yet she was the only one who had forseen the battlefield. Her thoughts determined her plan for the day. She needed to resume checking different areas in the city. It was something she wanted to do alone.
Hours later, Usagi returned home. She ruled out several areas of the city and identified a few more sections, which she would have to examine more in detail another time. Today, she was like any other resident in Tokyo, disappearing among the masses. She wasn't attacked by a villain, just simply out running errands. It felt good to be on her own. It gave her chance to think about her premonitions.
She picked up a manga from the pile that Seiya had bought her from their last date. She opened the book and tried to read it. All she could see were the same images from her premonition. She sighed and closed the book. She couldn't focus on anything. She walked out of her room onto the balcony. She looked up into the evening sky to set her gaze on the rising half-moon. The moon would be full next week. Next week…. a lot could happen in a week.
She gasped at the time. She was supposed to be at Rei's to study for next week's exam. She still needed to pass high school.
The following days were uneventful. The Moon Senshi followed a few leads to try and find the Death Phantom. Each attempt was unsuccessful. Setsuna continued to read any material related to the Crystal Key. Haruka continued to attend morning runs and finally went swimming with Hotaru and Michiru. Ami prepared for college entrance exams while also running searches for any signs of the Death Phantom, without much success. Rei, Makoto, and Minako tried to help in any way they could. Mamoru was occasionally seen, but his focus was on resuming his studies and learning to control his abilities. The Three Lights worked on their music and offered assistance when time allowed.
Six days passed since Usagi's premonition in the classroom. She tried to recall all of the details. She doodled in her notebook, an eight pointed star. She began to shade around the star when an idea hit her. She was traveling too far from the school to search for the Death Phantom. A lot of the attacks were based around the school? How did she not realize this sooner? She looked up at the clock and noticed she had one hour left of class. She tapped her pencil on her notebook. She needed to tell the others.
A large rumbling sound was overheard. Several students looked out the windows and were surprised by the dark storm clouds. Yet rain was not predicted today. Ten minutes later the rumbling continued, but no rain or lightening appeared from the clouds. This continued for the next forty minutes, making many classmates worried they would be left in a downpour on their way home from class.
Usagi anxiously watched the clock as the minutes ticked by. The clouds now covered the entire sky, giving it a pitch black appearance. Usagi waited for some of the students to file out of the classroom before she spoke to the others. "I think the attack is going to happen near the school. We've been attacked in this area in the past and it seemed like Haumea seemed to focus on this point."
Minako's face fell. "We've searched just about everywhere else, and it never crossed our minds to start right here. I have a really bad feeling about this storm coming."
"It's not a storm," Ami stated, panic in her voice as she stood at the doorway to the classroom.
"What do you mean it's not a storm?" Yaten asked confused. He knew he didn't understand everything about Earth, but how could it look like a storm but not be one.
"It is a large built-up of dark energy causing the dark clouds." Before Ami could continue a large thunderous sound rumbled in the sky followed by a bright flash of lighting.
"…this is what the Earth look liked when Galaxia arrived on Earth and attack Princes Kakyuu," Taiki said in a monotone.
Makoto looked at the others to see if they all thought the same. Their faces all bore similar expressions.
"I guess…. This is it…" Usagi said clutching her crystal pendant tightly.
"We have to let everyone know…" Seiya said; his voice cut off by another loud clap of thunder.
Minako quickly tapped a few buttons on her communicator to reach the Outer Senshi.
"We're already on our way with the Moon Senshi," Haruka responded on the communicator before Minako could say anything. "Whatever it is seems to be centered on your location."
"I'll be there soon," Rei added in a worried tone
Sailor Mercury, Sailor Venus, Sailor Jupiter, Sailor Star Maker, Sailor Star Healer, Sailor Star Fighter, and Sailor Cosmos stood in the center of the downtown Juuban area. A large gust of wind blew past them.
"He is here, somewhere…" Sailor Cosmos said. Her eyes widened in recognition. This was the area seen in her premonition where the senshi laid on the ground defenseless. Her eyes darted back and forth for any sign of the Death Phantom. She found nothing. Suddenly the wind was knocked out of Sailor Cosmos as she was hit by a dark energy blast sending her backwards, flying into the city by herself.
Dazed, Sailor Cosmos slowly opened her eyes. Her back hurt. She had struck something when she was blasted. She turned around and realized it was part of brick wall to a building. She noticed none of the other senshi were around. She never saw the blast coming at her. She was about half a mile from the city center. It wouldn't take her long to return to the others.
A large group of classmates ran by shouting about another attack in the city. Behind them came countless crystal minions. The Death Phantom was trying to prevent her from rejoining the others. He wanted to keep them apart so he could defeat them before she arrived. Her mouth widened. This was her premonition. She would have to defeat the crystal minions in order to get to the others. She couldn't leave them running lose in the city attacking civilians. By the time she would get there… the others would be defeated. "No!" Sailor Cosmos shouted to no one in particular. She refused to believe she couldn't change what she witnessed in her premonition. She would find a way to save them. "Cosmos Twilight Flash!"
"Odango!" Sailor Star Fighter shouted in panic, she was about to run after her but a large dome appeared around them. They were trapped with no way to help her.
A man in a dark purple cloak slowly floated to the ground. Between his hands was the completed black crystal. The senshi were frustrated at the sight of the crystal, they had tried so hard to prevent Eris from reforming the shards.
"Where is she?" Sailor Star Fighter demanded.
Oculus smiled. "She had other pressing matters to attend to. But don't worry she isn't alone."
"We'll stop you first and then find her," Sailor Jupiter said raising her fists.
"Oh? I would like to see you try…" his head turned to the side. "I see we have two more arrivals." He gestured with his hands, allowing a small opening in the dome to allow passage to Sailor Mars and Prince Endymion. The dome sealed behind them again. "A few more won't make a difference."
"Who are you?" Sailor Mars asked. She assumed this was the person Usagi had described from her premonitions but she wanted to confirm it.
"I am Death," Oculus responded gleefully. "I am finally going to right a wrong that was committed by those of the White Moon. Sending my family out to Nemesis and then forgetting them. I blame your former Queen." He repeated similar rhetoric the senshi heard before from Eris and other members of the Black Moon.
"I understand that you are upset, but you do not have to destroy this planet out of revenge. The Earth Kingdom was destroyed that same evening," Prince Endymion said hoping to try to talk some sense into the other man, while trying to buy time for the other senshi to arrive to the battle.
"You are so naïve, Prince Endymion," Oculus said turning his attention to the Prince of Earth. "Have you not realized it yet… it was your kingdom that caused the destruction of the Silver Millennium?"
Prince Endymion's heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean…?"
Oculus laughed. "You still haven't figured it out? Because your kingdom couldn't stop one of its subjects, she destroyed the kingdom of Earth and continued on to the Moon… to kill Princess Serenity since she believed it was the Moon's Princess' fault." Oculus shook his head in disappointment. "For someone that tries to be a champion for this planet, you need to learn your own history." He paused for a few moments. "Not that it will matter soon. I'm going to create a new order, one that will be properly documented in history."
"Beryl…" Sailor Venus muttered.
"Very good!" Oculus applauded slowly. "Just think… Queen Serenity had all of you reincarnated just to be crushed by my hand. I guess I should really be thanking her."
"I've had enough of this guy," Sailor Jupiter said cracking her knuckles. "Jupiter Coconut Cyclone!"
Black energy flashed from the crystal between Oculus hands. "Tsk. Tsk. Such temper… but that is expected from those of Jupiter. You will have to try harder than that."
Sailor Star Fighter looked over at Sailor Star Maker and Sailor Star Healer, she nodded her head. The other two Starlights nodded their heads back. They knew what to do.
"Star Serious Laser!"
"Star Sensitive Inferno!"
"Star Gentle Uterus!"
The energy from the Starlight's attack collided into one large mass of bright light.
Oculus raised a hand to his mouth and yawned. "And here I expected more out of Kinmoku, the Senshi of the Stars." He barely moved an inch and directed a large bolt of black energy at the Starlights.
The trio scrambled to avoid the energy. The closer the energy came to the three senshi the more the energy radiated outward making it more difficult to escape. Some of the energy struck each of the Starlights.
"…. This is far worse than Galaxia…" Sailor Star Maker said reassessing the situation. "His abilities seem to surpass any adversary we've faced before."
"He is someone that cannot be reasoned with," Sailor Mercury concluded. She tapped her earring to activate her visor. As soon as the visor covered her eyes, she began to scan for any structural weaknesses in the Black Crystal. She found none.
"Someone that can't be reasoned with…." Oculus repeated slowly. "What is there to reason? My people were forgotten and left to die… the same must happen to those of the White Moon. I don't understand what you are confused by." He was done playing games with the senshi. "It is time you understand why I am called the Death Phantom." The Black Crystal flashed a few times.
Sailor Venus turned to the other Inner Senshi. "We have to try a planet attack!" The symbol of Venus flashed on her forehead.
Sailor Mars, Sailor Jupiter, and Sailor Mercury nodded their heads in agreement and seconds later the symbols of their home world grew brightly on each of their forehead. The four senshi stood by each other, gathering as much energy as they could.
Prince Endymion drew his sword.
The Starlights staggered forward ready to add their own power to the Inner Senshi's attack.
"Sailor Planet Attack!"
A large blast of energy erupted from the Inner Senshi and the Starlights added whatever power they could muster.
The two energies collided, light against darkness. The impact of the two blasts knocked the senshi and Prince Endymion backward. Injured from the impact they all lay on the ground in pain. Their plan had backfired.
Prince Endymion lifted his head to glare at the Death Phantom. There was little he could do. He could only attack his opponent at close proximity. His head lowered back to the ground as he felt unconsciousness wash over him.
"I can't believe we didn't find them sooner!" Sailor Callisto shouted in frustrated as they neared the section of Juuban enclosed in the dome.
"We can't beat ourselves up over this," Sailor Phobos shouted back. "We have to make sure we end the threat of the Black Moon tonight."
"Something is going to happen tonight that will change us all…" Sailor Saturn said softly.
Sailor Pluto turned her head sharply to the side to look at Sailor Saturn. She did not speak as she tried to make sense of the younger girl's words. She had assumed this battle would be dangerous based on the premonition Usagi had. But how would all of their lives change? She pushed it to the side, she had to stay focused on the battle they were about to enter.
Sailor Cosmos could feel her frustration building up as she continued to fight her way past the army of minions. She lost track of how many she had defeated. She occasionally came across a few civilians still fleeing the area. She wanted to move forward to help the other Senshi, but the crystals minions continued to rush her. She couldn't allow them to continue attacking the city.
"Starlight Breaker!" The light hit several more minions and they vanished from sight. Several more rushed forward to replace the ones that had been destroyed. The army seemed endless but she pushed herself forward. She needed to be able to help the other senshi.
She wasn't sure how far she was from the others and it was impossible to tell as the darkness seemed to expand outward over the city. She hoped the others were okay but all she could see in her mind was the image of everyone lying on the ground unconscious. She was determined to save everybody.
Sailor Callisto felt a strong sense of dread when they finally made their way into the center of the city. It was easy to determine the path of the Death Phantom; just follow the destruction. The only sound she heard were the sounds of their footsteps on the pavement. She gasped when the group arrived to see the other senshi on the ground. "We're too late."
Confused by their leader's remarks, Sailor Phobos, Sailor Charon, and Sailor Triton rushed forward. Sailor Phobos was able to see first. She gasped in surprised. "Are they…" She couldn't finish the thought.
"They're alive for now," Death Phantom said as he lowered himself to the ground.
"For now…" Echoed Sailor Ganymede, it was clear what he insinuated. As she looked at the senshi on the ground she realized there was one senshi missing. "Where is Sailor Cosmos?" She asked.
The other senshi gasped when they realized Sailor Ganymede was correct.
"What have you done with the Princess?" Sailor Uranus demanded. It seemed odd for all the senshi to be present without Sailor Cosmos.
"She had an errand to run before she can return here," Death Phantom answered them with a laugh.
Sailor Uranus could feel her anger rise at his snide remark. She raised her hand over her head to attack. "World Shaking!"
Death Phantom looked bored at Sailor Uranus' attack, with a wave of his hand the attack was cast to the side. "It's funny… you've started out the same way the others did and it didn't work for them." He turned to direct his next comment to Sailor Uranus. "It's not a surprise that the Silver Millennium fell with you as their "strongest warriors'."
Sailor Uranus' fist shook in anger as her talisman appeared in her hand. She could not sit back and listen to someone telling her she failed as a senshi to protect the Princess. "Uranus Space Turbulence!" Sailor Uranus' attack fueled an onslaught of attacks from the other senshi with water based element attacks.
"Neptune Violin Tide!"
"Mirage Wave!"
"Tidal Wave!"
"Lighting Strike!"
Death Phantom laughed at their efforts. "It was a clever attempt to use electricity after all of the water. But you are still far too weak to be able to stop me. I've seen your powers and now it's time for you to see some of mine." He waved his hand over the Black Crystal and beams of black energy shot outward at the senshi.
Sailor Saturn rushed forward, "Silent Wall!" She used her glaive to deflect the dark energy from the senshi.
"Hmm… you seem to have the most promise," Death Phantom placed his right hand on top of the crystal and drastically increased the energy output. He wanted to determine Sailor Saturn's capabilities.
Sailor Saturn narrowed her eyes at the resistance she encountered against her barrier. She had never experienced such difficulties. She wasn't sure how much longer she would last. The doubt she experienced in her mind was enough to cause her to lose focus. Sailor Saturn fell backwards into several of the senshi.
"Hotaru!" Sailor Pluto exclaimed, she wanted to make sure she was alright.
"He is much stronger than I anticipated…" Sailor Saturn said sitting up, clutching her glaive. She wanted to hold off her most powerful attack. For the first time since she became Sailor Saturn, she doubted she was strong enough to stop her adversary.
"You can't use your glaive here… there are too many people nearby…" Sailor Titian said in frustration. She knew what would happen if her ultimate attack was used in such a confined area. They would all die along with countless others.
Sailor Saturn nodded her head slowly. "What are we going to do?"
"Give it everything we got!" Sailor Callisto turned her full attention back to the Dark Phantom. "Morning Star!"
"Burning Storm!"
"Crystal Hurricane!"
"Destiny Spinster!"
The four attacks did little to stop the Death Phantom. He laughed at their efforts again. "I'm starting to grow tired of your nuisance." He gestured with his hand and a large wave of black energy hit all twelve senshi knocking them backward.
Sailor Cosmos finally arrived at the battle field. Her eyes began to well up with tears, she was too late. Death Phantom had already defeated the other senshi; they lay on the ground injured. They were alive… but some were significantly injured. If they attempted to fight in their current condition, they would most likely not survive.
She walked over to Sailor Venus, whom was closest to her. "Minako-chan… are you okay?"
Sailor Venus slowly opened her eyes. "You have to stop him, Usagi-chan… I'm sorry we weren't able to do anything else."
"It's okay, Minako-chan. Just rest," Sailor Cosmos responded fighting back tears. It was difficult for her to see her friends in this state.
Sailor Venus closed her eyes again. She seemed to be drifting in and out of consciousness.
Sailor Cosmos looked up and noticed the other senshi were in the same positions she had seen in her premonition. She frantically looked around for Sailor Star Fighter. She felt relief for a split second after locating the Starlight, and then the panic began to set in. She could tell from where she stood that the Starlight was injured. She rushed forward to the Starlight's side and lowered herself next to the Starlight. "Seiya…" she whispered but she did not receive a response. Sailor Star Fighter was unconscious. "I'll save everyone…" Sailor Cosmos whispered. She stood up and glared at the man floating in the sky.
"You were told you were not strong enough to save this world," Orcus said in a cruel voice. Now that he had defeated the other senshi, he was finally ready to take on the Guardian. He held the crystal suspended in the air between his hands.
Sailor Cosmos felt nervous standing before him; she could feel the hairs on her arms raise. This is the man that hurt the other senshi. It was just like she had seen in her premonition. She hasn't sure what she was supposed to do in order to stop him. "Who are you?" She asked stalling to develop a plan to defeat him.
Oculus smiled, "On this planet, I am the Death Phantom. The one that will finally eliminate the White Moon."
Sailor Cosmos knew she could not fight him on the ground. She needed wings. She summoned her long feather wings to allow her to take flight. She gripped her staff tightly. "I will protect everyone." She declared. Her wings flapped a few times and she rose from the ground. She couldn't hesitate anymore. This was the moment she had been waiting for to stop the Black Moon. "Divine Stardust!"
Death Phantom smiled at her efforts. The Black Crystal flashed, dissipating the energy. He gestured with his hands and black lightning bolts surrounded Sailor Cosmos.
Sailor Cosmos placed her staff in front of her. "Brilliant Barricade!" She was able to block a majority of the energy with her shield. The energy continued to press against the barrier she had created around herself. It was gradually pushing her back. She narrowed her eyes trying to focus her energy. She wasn't able to and the remaining dark energy hit her in the abdomen. She was knocked off balance causing her to crash on the ground.
Sailor Cosmos landed a short distance from the other senshi. The other senshi didn't stand a chance against this adversary. She should have been here helping them instead of fighting all of the crystal minions. She feels as if she let everyone down. She slowly stood up, clutching her staff close to her chest. "Luminous Hail Storm!" She tried another attack and was unsuccessful. It seemed that whatever she tried as Sailor Cosmos, the Death Phantom was prepared.
"I've studied all of your attacks. I know your every move. I know what you will do before you act. As you stand right now, you do not possess the strength to stop me."
"No…" Sailor Cosmos said in disbelief. She had to find a way to stop him the future of this planet depended on it.
Death Phantom muttered something inaudible summoning a large burst of energy. The energy hit Sailor Cosmos quickly before she had a chance to even attempt to create a barrier.
Sailor Cosmos cried out in pain as the energy hit her body. When the energy dispersed, she collapsed to her knees. She asked herself, how she could feel so powerless in front of the Death Phantom. She was supposed to be the Guardian, the most powerful senshi of the galaxies and the Death Phantom was on the verge of defeating her. What good were these powers if she still did not understand or have the knowledge to control them? She hunched over the ground. The ring on her pinky finger flashed brightly for a few seconds and then stopped. She looked down at her fuku and noticed the cuts within the fabric. She tried to move her wings but they were broken. Which each passing second, she witnessed her premonition. What was she supposed to gain from seeing this played out before her?
Her staff laid on the ground between her hands. She balled up her hands tightly in frustration. Tears trickled down her cheeks. She had to save this world.
"I guess you are finally understanding what I've tried to tell you and the senshi, you cannot stop me from destroying this world," Death Phantom smiled. He wanted to prolong her anguish for as long as possible. He was going to enjoy every moment.
"No…." Sailor Cosmos whispered softly as she struggled to find her voice. "I've seen my home destroyed once…. I will not see it happen again!" She felt a surge of power flow through her veins from an unknown source. Her forehead was warm as she slowly forced herself off the ground into an upright position. A silver light flicked from the eight pointed star on her forehead until the star was replaced with a golden crescent moon.
Death Phantom took a step back. He did not understand what was happening to the senshi before him. For the first time since the battle began, he witnessed determination in her eyes. He did not understand where this new found strength was coming from. "Are you finally ready to fight back?" Before he could wait for a response, light from above poured over his shoulder. Confused, he turned around and gasped.
The clouds parted in a small section of the night sky, revealing a full moon. Light from the moon began to wash over Sailor Cosmos, gradually lifting her from the ground. Her body was consumed by the bright, white light. The light expanded outward to where the other senshi laid.
As the light hit them, it restored their energy. They slowly sat up, injuries completely healed.
"What is going on…" Sailor Star Healer said rubbing the back of her head. She noticed a silver light emitting from her brooch. She looked down and noticed the once golden crescent mark was now silver. She looked over at the other senshi. Each had a glowing silver mark as they slowly stood up.
"It's begun…." Sailor Pluto said in a solemn tone. The change of color of the crescent moon on her brooch could only mean one thing.
"What do you mean?" Sailor Callisto asked in alarm. Before a response could be given she felt another wave of energy pass through her body and her fuku began to shift. The back of her bow grew in length and clear fabric was added over her sleeves. An extra white band was added to the collar of her fuku. She looked over at the other Moon Senshi and noticed similar changes in their fukus. They each bore a similar appearance to the super forms the Inner and Outer Senshi had prior to find their crystal pendants.
The Outer Senshi and Inner Senshi's appearances remained the same. They were already in their ultimate form.
"What…" Sailor Star Maker said when energy seemed to flow through her and the two other Starlights.
Sailor Star Fighter's collar on her fuku changed and now had a white band near the edge. The rest of the fuku remained the same.
The light began to dim. The group took a few steps forward to Sailor Cosmos. Her body was still surrounded in white light.
Death Phantom covered his eyes due to the bright light. He did not understand what was happening but he knew it would take more than a bright white light to defeat him.
The light slowly faded to reveal a different adversary for the Death Phantom to face. Her heart shaped odangos had now become round. She wore a floor length flowing dress with an oversized dark pink rose colored bow. She no longer wore any hair clips, instead they were replaced by a silver crown with a pale pink gem resisting into side the center heart. Sailor Cosmos' staff was nowhere to be seen as the Maboroshi no Ginzuishou floating between the young woman's hands. Her eyes remained closed, a serene expression across her face.
Although the other senshi could only see her from behind, it was clear she underwent some changes.
"Queen…" Sailor Pluto murmured softly, sending a shiver down her spine.
"I.. don't believe it…" Sailor Venus echoed; wide eyed. She looked at the other the senshi and they cast similar looks of disbelief. Usagi's transformation was something they expected but now that it had happened they were speechless.
Prince Endymion shook his head slightly. Things were not supposed to happen this way. It sent a chill through his body to see the Queen stand before him.
"…Odango…" Sailor Star Fighter whispered.
"Hmph," Death Phantom said staring down at the person below him. "I don't think changing your outfit will save you, Princess Serenity."
The Queen slowly opened her eyes and looked up at the Death Phantom. They no longer showed doubt or any side of unease. "No…" She said softly. "Neo-Queen Serenity," she declared her new title out loud. The Maboroshi no Ginzuishou flashed brightly in her hand.
I hope everyone stated warm during that polar vortex! It was nuts!
Somehow the Death Phantom might not make it. Neo Queen Serenity has ascended the throne of the Silver Millennium! How will she defeat the Death Phantom and how will the senshi handle this new change? Are they ready to serve their Queen? The conclusion to this arc! Act 40: The Ascension of Neo Queen Serenity