Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Her Battle ❯ Revenge ( Chapter 24 )

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Chapter 24 - Revenge

 

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Once she shut the door, Usagi stopped and leaned against it. `I got Rei so involved in this. Despite what Setsuna said, how it not my fault? If this woman, this former senshi wanted me, she didn't have to go after Rei.' She thought and pushed herself away from the door. Usagi began her slow departure, the same way she arrived, the way Setsuna lead her inside. Usagi knew Setsuna was holding back something, she told her as much. Despite knowing that Setsuna wouldn't tell her everything going into their talk, she couldn't help but feel that what the guardian of time left out was something important, something that could give her a better understanding of why she chose to take Rei. `I'm sure Setsuna knows more about why it was Rei because she made it seem as though it could have been any of them, but I'm sure she didn't choose randomly.' Usagi thought as she made her way down the stairs. After only a few moments, Usagi found herself in front of the house's main door. Usagi reached for the doorknob, when she heard voices from the outside.

 

“And that's everything.”

 

She heard Mamoru say, `He must have just explained what happened to someone.'

 

“And she's inside with Setsuna right now?”

 

“Yes.” Mamoru replied simply.

 

Usagi dropped her hand at her side and walked the short distance to a window, not too far from the door. One glance and her suspicions were confirmed, all of her friends were just outside the door. She sighed as she looked over her friends. All of them seemed to have seen a battle or two themselves; only Minako and Makoto looked as though they walked away unharmed for the most part.

 

Usagi sighed again as she thought about how she'd likely be bombarded by questions as soon as she stepped outside; questions she didn't really want talk about at the moment. It was a lot to take in everything Setsuna told her. Yet, despite everything she learned, she was no closer to finding Rei then she was before speaking with Setsuna. `I can't very well stand here forever though.' she thought and looked at the door again. `I can't lie to them, and they have a right to know what I know as well. It`s only fair. Afterwards, I'll have some time to think. I hope that I'll remember something that could be helpful. I'm sure if I could just remember what happened in the past it would help now.' She thought and walked back to the door.

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

“And that's everything.” Mamoru said, silently glad he didn't have to explain what happened a third time.

 

Ami was the first to speak up after she, Makoto, and Minako took in everything Mamoru explained, “And she's inside with Setsuna right now?”

 

“Yes.” Mamoru looked at the three newly arrived girls and waited to see if they had anything else to say. Meeting only silence, he added, “For the time being, the only thing we can do is wait for her, I'm sure Usako won't be much longer.” He said and glanced over to the outer's house. He was surprised to see the door start to open as he looked at it. He didn't say anything and instead he just waited until she full emerged from the building.

 

“Usagi-chan!”

 

“Hi Ami-chan.” Usagi addressed the girl who called her name. She looked over everyone else and added with a slight bow, “Minna. What are all of you doing here?”

 

“You didn't show up for school and we got worried what with…what happened to Rei.” Makoto explained.

 

Everyone was silent, remembering what happened the previous night. After about a minute Usagi finally spoke up, “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry all of you. I just needed to find some things out from Setsuna.”

 

“So, how did that go?” Minako asked anxiously. Usagi took a deep breath and proceeded to give an abbreviated version of what Setsuna told her.

 

“That's not possible! If there was another solider we would know and if what Setsuna told you is true, we should know.” Haruka said.

 

Everyone looked at Haruka curiously, but Ami was the only to voice the question all of them were thinking. “Why is that?”

 

“Our memories of our lives in the Silver Millennium have always been clear to us since we awoke in this time, or at least we thought they were.” Michiru explained and looked over to her lover, who seemed to be thinking everything over.

 

“But this is a step in the right direction, right? I mean now we know who has her.” Makoto said.

 

“And that's all we know. We're no closer to finding Rei then we were last night.” Minako said

 

“At least it's a start. Now maybe we can do some research in how to find this person, right Usagi?” Makoto asked and turned to Usagi.

 

“I'm sorry guys, but I'd really like to head home.” Usagi said.

 

Everyone looked at Usagi surprised. They would have thought she would have been the first to want to do some investigating to help find Rei. “Is something wrong, Usagi?” Ami asked.

 

Usagi held up her hands defensively and smiled, “No, no. I'm just…tired.”

 

Before anyone could ask anything else, Mamoru spoke up, “I understand. I'll take you home.”

 

The blonde princess looked at Mamoru and smiled, “Thank you, Mamo-chan.” She said and walked over to him.

 

As the couple started to walk away, Minako hurried after them and once she was out of earshot of everyone else she called, “Usagi?”

 

Both Usagi and Mamoru stopped and turned around to see Minako. Mamoru looked at Usagi and said, “I'll go start the car.” and Usagi nodded.

 

“What is it Minako?” Usagi asked.

 

“What's really on your mind? I know you're not just tired.” Minako said.

 

Usagi sighed and looked to the ground, “I want to think about a couple things and I want to ask Luna some things.”

 

“About the Silver Millennium?” Minako asked, knowingly.

 

Usagi looked up to her friend and answered, “Yes.”

 

“You know, I do remember some…things.”

 

“Do you remember anything from when we were kids?” Usagi asked quickly.

 

Minako frowned, but tried to think of anything anyway, “Not so much.”

 

Usagi's face fell and she couldn't hide her disappoint as she said, “Oh…”

 

Minako walked over to Usagi and put her hand on her shoulder, “Hey, if you think remembering our childhood in the Silver Millennium, I'll try to remember more, heck I'll even tell Ami and Makoto to do the same. Believe me; I want Rei back as much as you do. She's only been gone a day and it feels so wrong that she's not here with us. She's…she's important to all of us. She…” Minako stopped when she realized Usagi was hugging her.

 

“It's okay.” Usagi said comfortingly.

 

Minako shook her head, “I'm supposed to be the one telling you that.”

 

Usagi pulled away from her friend, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears, “Why don't we tell each other that?” Minako stared at Usagi for a moment before nodding and hugging Usagi this time. The two girls stayed like that for a couple more minutes before Usagi spoke again, “I should get going, Mamo-chan is waiting.”

 

Minako nodded again and released Usagi. She watched as Usagi walked away thinking, `She has got to have the biggest heart of anyone in this world.' Minako turned away from Usagi as she reached the car and headed back to her other friends.

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

Kei stepped outside the room and came face to face with Ryuji. She cooled her anger and looked at the youma curiously, “How did everything go?” she asked casually.

 

“Everything went as you expected. We are rid of Kenjiro and it appears all the Sailor Senshi were able to escape from their respective fights alive.” Ryuji replied

 

“All of them?” She questioned.

 

“Yes. None of the youma we sent out have returned. I'm sure you're already aware of this though…” Ryuji said.

 

“I didn't believe such a weak assault would be enough to finish them.” Kei said casually. “They are strong, stronger than I remembered them in the past, but I know where their true strength lies. Once they see what I'm capable of, their strength will fail and they will be easy prey.”

 

“All expect for Pluto?”

 

“Not true.” Kei said and received a curious look from Ryuji. “I have not decided on the fate of the other planets. Mars and the Princess' fates are sealed however. If the planets can accept the fates I lay out for them they may yet be spared, but if they dare to challenge me, I will crush them.”

 

“You know the likelihood them joining you willingly…”

 

“Yes, but if I were to kill all them, Pluto would not likely forgive me. However, if they stand in my way I won't hesitate to kill them, be it the Prince or a Sailor Senshi.” Kei said calmly.

 

Ryuji couldn't help but ask, “What exactly are your plans for him?”

 

Kei merely smiled and ignored the youma's question, “Ryuji, I have a new task for you, one that I'm sure you will be most pleased to do.”

 

“What do you wish of me?” Ryuji asked and bowed his head.

 

Kei smiled dropped as she spoke, “I'm afraid Mars is a little more resistant than I would like. Simple threats and intimidation techniques are less than effective in her case. There's also the fact that her feelings for Serenity are stronger in this time.”

 

“Why use her then, we could easily obtain a back up subject? One more susceptible to manipulation…” Ryuji asked.

 

“I've already thought about it, but that's only as a last resort. It must be Mars. Only then can my revenge truly be complete.” Kei said.

 

“What did they do to you?” Ryuji found himself asking, though he knew better.

 

Kei glared at Ryuji and said, “That isn't important to you. You merely have to carry out the orders given to you.”

 

“Yes, I understand.” Ryuji said quietly and added louder, “What do you want me to do?”

 

“I want you to show Mars how lucky she's had it. Show her what happens to those you anger me.” Kei said her anger from earlier returning.

 

“And I can do what ever I please with her?”

 

“Outside of killing her or permanently injuring her, yes do as you please. I want a useful warrior after all.” Kei said and started to walk away, when she added, “When you're done, I want to speak with you about our next course of action and bring Ichiro with you.”

 

Ryuji nodded and turned to the only door in the vicinity and smiled.

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

Mars inspected the room again, for what felt like the millionth time, in search for some way out of there. Everything always came back to the restraints around her wrists, if she couldn't do anything about them; she wasn't going to get anywhere. Mars got down on her knees and concentrated, `She said these restraints seal my powers, but it's impossible for them to completely seal them.' Mars surmised, or hoped rather.

 

Mars took a deep breath and set forth to do the only thing she could think of to free herself, call upon her senshi powers. Slowly Mars entered a meditative state, similar to when she did fire readings, since her concentration was highest at those times. The first thing she tried to do was the simplest thing to do normally, raise her ki. She whispered, “Mars Crystal Power.” and focused herself, but she didn't feel any difference. Her power was there, but it was blocked somehow.

 

`This is tougher then I thought it was going to be.' She thought, but continued to concentrate. Everything always came so naturally, she never had to force anything. Even the first time she used her powers as Sailor Mars, it didn't take any thought, she just did as her instincts told her. She was never in a position where she couldn't readily access her powers, and being in that position now was quite honestly…frustrating. Mars wouldn't let that frustrated part of her interfere with her concentration, but just as it felt like she was a bit of progress, she heard the door open causing her to lose her concentration.

 

Mars glared at the intruder, expecting it to be the woman that left a short time ago, but was surprised to see it wasn't. It was the youma that brought her here in the first place. `What would he be doing here? He's not the brains behind this; he seems more like the muscle.'

 

“It seems you're not feigning sleep this time.”

 

“What do you want? I've already made myself clear to your leader.” Mars said.

 

“My mistress is stubborn though and when she wants something, she has a tendency to get it one way or another. You must understand something, my mistress isn't one who likes to get her hands dirty, she leaves that to me. She understands that words are not enough convince you of what the right action is to take. So I'm here to persuade you in my own way.” Ryuji said and cracked his knuckles.

 

“I'm not afraid of you and it doesn't matter what you do, I will never lay one false hand against Usagi.” Mars vowed.

 

“You talk big now, but pain has a way of making one consider their allegiances.” Ryuji said and stepped toward the raven-haired girl.

 

“You would attack me when I have no means to defend myself?” Mars questioned.

 

“When did you ever come to the conclusion that I was honorable?” He said and raised his hand, summoning his halberd.

 

“Do you intent to kill me then?”

 

“No, the pole end will do just fine.” He said and swung the weapon down at Mars. She quickly reacted and blocked the weapon with her left forearm, preventing it from striking her head. She tried to hold back a wince as the pole connected with her arm, but she wasn't very successful. “See, you're not as defenseless as you claim to be. It does appear as though those chains have drained you much of your strength. That should make this quick…”

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

Usagi sat quietly in the passenger sit and looked out the window as the car zoomed down the street. Mamoru asked if it was all right for him to turn the radio on, she nodded in response. The car had been silent pretty much since they got in the car, except at the beginning Mamoru asked if she was all right. She said yes, but to Mamoru, didn't sound like she was, but he waited for Usagi talk to him instead of pressing her to talk and since then the car had been silent.

 

A few times Mamoru thought about striking up a conversation with her, but he thought better of it each time. Then after only a short while, Mamoru found himself parking in front of the Tsukino residence. They both sat in the car, but neither said anything. Finally, Mamoru made up his mind and decided to take his question to Usagi. Just as Mamoru was about to speak, Usagi spoke up instead, “Do you think I'm strong enough to get Rei back?”

 

“Huh?” Mamoru responded unintelligibly, not expecting Usagi to be the one to speak.

 

“I mean, our enemy is another Sailor Senshi. All Sailor Senshi have the same goal, right?”

 

“You've fought every evil that has threatened this planet and even though it was never easy, you never gave up and you always won. You're the strongest person I know and I believe there's nothing you can't do. Even if our enemy this time might be another Sailor Senshi, I'm sure we can still win.”

 

“How can you be so confident?” Usagi asked.

 

“Because I believe in you.” Mamoru replied and smiled. He hoped some of his words would give Usagi the confidence she needed for what lie ahead. Something told him, much of this burden would rest on Usagi's shoulders.

 

He found himself a little surprised when Usagi reached over and hugged him; “Thank you.” was all she said before kissing him on the cheek and exiting the car.

 

Mamoru waited until Usagi was inside before pulling away, `It seems that did help her a little.' He thought as he sped away from the Tsukino residence.

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

Mars knelt in front of Ryuji as he smirked at her. He crouched down, grabbed her neck with one hand, and pulled her up with him. Mars punched at his arm, but he didn't let go. Instead, raised her even higher, until her feet were no longer touching the ground. “You're weak. I would very much like to snap this neck of yours…” Ryuji said and tightened his hold.

 

Mars gasped more frantically for air. This wasn't good, she knew the chains around her wrists had weakened her, but this was impossible. `I'm no match for him…' she thought and shut her eyes. When she closed her eyes, she saw a reason not to give up, a reason to keep fighting, she saw Usagi. `No. I can't die here. I can't!' Mars focused all of her energy on trying to call upon her powers. `I'm going to die if I don't do anything now.' she thought and opened her eyes and stared at the youma holding her. For a moment, her tiara disappeared and the symbol of Mars blazed on her forehead, `Now!' Mars pointed her hands at the youma's stomach and released all the energy she could gather.

 

“Impossible!” Ryuji shouted as he was thrown backwards into the far wall, releasing Mars in the process. Once he let go of her, Mars dropped limply to the ground. Ryuji grunted as he made contact with the wall. The stone cracked under the force and Ryuji rested against the wall to recollect himself, “You're going to pay for that you Sailor bitch!”

 

Ryuji pushed away from the wall and charged the Sailor Senshi. When he reached her, he saw her laying motionless on the ground, “It appears you wasted the last of you energy on that attack. You won't be waking up for some time.” He said as he looked down at Mars. Ryuji turned away from her and said, “It's pointless to continue this now. Maybe when you wake up, I'll see you again.”

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

“What do you think Ruka?” Michiru asked as she locked the door.

 

“For Setsuna to tell bunny all that, she must really be worried. She kept us in the dark on exactly who we're dealing with. Yet, she knows this woman we're dealing with intimately.”

 

“I wouldn't say that…” Michiru countered.

 

“Okay, at one time she did. One thing that's clear is that Setsuna owns us an explanation!” Haruka exclaimed, balling her fist angrily.

 

Michiru walked over to Haruka and covered her fist with her hand, “You and I both know Setsuna well enough to know she always has a reason for what she does and I'm sure this is no different.” Michiru could feel the tenseness leave her blonde companion's hand. She smiled when Haruka intertwine her fingers with her own, “What do you say we clean those cuts and get you out of those dirty clothes.”

 

Haruka smiled as she asked, “How can I say no to that offer?” Michiru didn't say anything, instead she lead her companion up the stairs.

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

`She must have told the others by now.' Setsuna thought as she relaxed into her chair and closed her eyes, `Should I have told her everything?' She thought about it for a moment, `I hope I stressed enough how dangerous of a person we're dealing with. Perhaps it would have done her good to tell her, so she's truly understands that she can't take Kei lightly…'

 

---

 

“What are you planning to do, Kei?” Pluto asked as she stepped out of the darkness.

 

The woman stopped at the small bed and looked down, “Such a small child…how much blood do you think a little body like that holds?” She said and reached behind her back. She pulled out a metallic object and held it over the sleeping girl.

 

“What are you doing? Step away from her right now. She is but a child; you would harm something so innocent?” Pluto said, almost in a state of shock.

 

“Just watch me.” Kei said and lowered the blade.

 

When Pluto saw that, she reacted faster than she'd ever in her life. Not more than a few moments since she started to bring down the blade, Pluto was beside her and caught the blade in her hand. Pluto winced a little as the blade pierced her skin, but she maintained her focus on Kei.

 

“Why? I know you don't like this life you were forced into!” Kei asked angrily.

 

“How I came be a Sailor Senshi is of no consequence, I have a duty and I will allow you to harm the Princess.” Pluto said and gripped the blade tighter, causing blood to flow more profusely.

 

“Why do you protect her? She binds you to your fate and if she dies, there won't be another.”

 

“Why would you do this?” Pluto asked.

 

“Why? I'm doing this for you…and…”

 

“And…?” Pluto said, urging her to continue.

 

“To show you that some destinies can be shattered, that you aren't bound forever to a life of servitude.”

 

“You came to this on your own. I do not wish for you to do any such thing. My life is my own and I do not need you to decide what I want. I willingly gave up my freedom to Serenity so she could bring peace to this solar system.” Pluto said honestly.

 

Kei didn't know how to respond, so she just remained silent. Pluto hoped she was getting through to the other woman when she felt her lose some of her tenseness. “You're such a fool!” she said and doubled her efforts to get the child.

 

“I won't let you harm her!” Pluto declared.

 

---

 

`I should have been able to end it there, instead I was careless and only ended up involving…' Pluto thought and shook her head. `This must have happened for a reason, but why didn't I see it coming? If I didn't see this coming does that mean this shouldn't have happened, that someone stepped in to make this happen?'

 

Setsuna got up from her chair, walked over to her desk, and opened the top drawer. `Who or what could have the power to disrupt things so much?' she thought and pulled out a notebook from the desk. She opened it, took out a pen, and began writing her thoughts in it. After a couple lines of writing she stopped, a thought struck her. `It's not possible, that's only a legend.' She thought and shook her head before continuing to write.

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

Minako, Ami, and Makoto walked together away from the outers' house. Everyone was surprised when Minako returned from speaking with Usagi, and suggested they call it a day. It was already starting to get dark and even though the three girls wished to do some research on their new information, it would be better if they had a full night's rest before hand because although none of the girls would admit it, they tired from the day's events.

 

Minako had been quiet since they left the outers' house. There were a few times Ami and Makoto would strike up a conversation about nothing important and would unsuccessfully try to get Minako to join in the conversation. The most Minako usually added to the discussion yes or no. Both Ami and Makoto frowned, it seemed Minako really wasn't in the mood to talk and since that was the case, they at least wanted to know why she was in that mood. Ami and Makoto looked at each other and silently agreed to find out what was on her mind.

 

Ami, believing she had a good idea about where to started, “Minako?”

 

“Yes?” Minako responded.

 

“What did you talk to Usagi about?” Ami asked.

 

“Why do you ask?”

 

“Well, you haven't said much since then, so we were wondering if you wanted to talk about it or anything.” Ami explained.

 

“Yeah, it's not like you to be so quiet.” Makoto added.

 

“It's nothing to worry about, I'm just thinking.” Minako said.

 

“It doesn't seem like nothing. You wouldn't be spacing out like you have been if it was nothing.” Makoto said.

 

Minako stopped walking and looked at Makoto and Ami, “All right. I realized something when I spoke to Usagi.”

 

“What?” Ami asked curiously.

 

“I think she's putting too much on her shoulders alone, when she doesn't have to.” Minako said.

 

“What do you want us to do, Minako?” The tallest of the trio asked.

 

“We're here to lend her our strength and to protect her, but I want us to do something else to help her. I want us to remember.”

 

“Remember?” Ami and Makoto said together.

 

Minako nodded to them, “I've been trying to think of a way for us to regain our forgotten memories from our previous lives. Usagi thinks it will help, so I want all of us to concentrate on a way to recover our memories of the Silver Millennium.”

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

Kei looked to the door after she heard a knock; “Come in.” she called.

 

The door cracked open and Ryuji stepped out from the other side of the large doors. Ryuji walked into the room and knelt down in front Kei in the center of the room, “I've finished with Mars and am here with Ichiro as you've asked. He's outside.”

 

“Good. I trust you weren't too rough with her.”

 

“Of course not.” Ryuji said and bowed his head. He raised his head and spoke, “I do have a concern, though.”

 

“Let's discuss that after I speak with Ichiro. Bring him in.”

 

Ryuji bowed his head again and said, “As you wish.” He turned around and went back to the doors. He stepped outside for a second before returning with Ichiro at his side. “Ichiro is here at your request.”

 

“Thank you, Ryuji.” Kei said and turned her attention to Ichiro. “I hear you returned for your encounter with the Sailor Senshi without a mark. Tell me, what was your impression of the Sailor Senshi you fought? Uranus and Neptune, I believe?” Kei asked.

 

“They're weak. If I had five more, nay two more minutes with them, I would have killed them.”

 

“You realize the two you fought are two of the strongest among them?” Kei said.

 

“If they are the best they can offer, they're as good as dead the next time I meet them.”

 

Kei smiled, “That's a good attitude to have. If all goes well with our guest, I may have a new task for you very soon.”

 

Ichiro cocked his head to the side and asked, “Guest?”

 

“Yes, someone I've had my eyes on for a long time. I don't believe you're met this person, but your brothers did. In fact, most of them died by her hands.” Kei said and watched the youma's reaction. She was pleased to note he was unaffected by what she said.

 

“Is such a person trustworthy?” He asked.

 

“Not yet, but she has yet to break. When she does, she will be a most useful tool.” Kei said with a smile. She waited to see if Ichiro had any thing more to say before going on, “That'd be all, Ichiro. When I have need of your services again, you'll be called for. Until that time, remain in your quarters.”

 

Ichiro nodded, but didn't say anything. He simply turned around and walked to the room's double doors. Kei turned to Ryuji after Ichiro left and whispered, “I don't like that one. He's too reserved.”

 

“Would you rather he be like his brothers?” Ryuji asked.

 

Kei smiled at the thought, “No, I suppose when you put it that way, he's just fine how he is. Enough about him for now, you said you had a concern you wished to address?”

 

“Yes, I must again express my opinion on using Mars.” Ryuji said.

 

“You already know my stance on this matter and my opinion will not change, Ryuji.” She said quickly.

 

“Please, allow me to speak. I do not believe even you can control her. She has a strong will.”

 

“Strong will or not, she will bend to mine. I have a technique that will ensure that is the case. With what I want so close, I don't care how far I must go to get what I want.” Kei said rose from her seat and started walking out of the room.

 

“Where are you going?” Ryuji asked trying to catch up with her.

 

Kei stopped and looked at Ryuji, “I grow tired of waiting. I don't care if it's been twenty four hours yet or not, she will give me the answer I want or suffer the consequences.” She said and pushed open the double doors and walked out of the room leaving Ryuji there.

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

Luna leapt on to Usagi's bed and laid down at Usagi's feet assuming her charge was already sound asleep. She was proven wrong when the blonde haired girl spoke, “Is that you Luna?”

 

“You're still awake?”

 

“Yeah, I was waiting up for you.” Usagi explained

 

“What is it Usagi?”

 

“Luna, is there a way for me recover all of my memories from the Silver Millennium?”

 

“What?” Luna asked.

 

“Is it possible for me to recover all of my memories from the Silver Millennium? Right now, I don't remember much, but Haruka and Michiru say that they can remember. So I was wondering, if they have their memories, can I remember mine as well?” Usagi asked again.

 

“Why all of a sudden?” Luna asked.

 

“I think it will help us find Rei, and I don't know why, but it feels like Rei needs someone right now.” Usagi explained.

 

Luna frowned a little and said, “I understand that you're worried but its late Usagi and you need to rest. You can't do anyone any good if you don't get a proper rest. We can talk more in the morning, all right?” Luna saw Usagi nod slowly and lay on to her pillow. She knew Usagi didn't sleep well the night before and tonight wasn't off to a much better start. She hoped Usagi could put everything out of her mind for at least as short time to allow her to get a good night's sleep.

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

Mars pushed herself into a sitting position a groaned, she felt incredibly tired and a little sore. `I don't know how much more of this I can withstand. I need to find a way to get out of here.' She thought and sighed audibly. `Even if I free myself, I don't know if I could fight my way out of here, though. The longer I have these chains on, the weaker I feel.' Mars thought and tried to stand, but found couldn't muster up the strength at the moment. `And getting beaten up like that didn't help matters either.'

 

Mars decided to remain seated, when she heard foot seats growing closer. `Great, I'm not ready for another fight.' She thought and looked at the door. As she looked at the door, she noticed the wall next to it had a number of substantial creaks in it that she didn't notice before. `How did…?' she thought and remembered the moments before she pasted out. `Maybe I can get out of here if I concentrate enough.' She thought when the door opened.

 

“Have you given thought to my proposal?” Kei asked as she entered the chamber that Mars was being held in.

 

She wasn't expecting her, but she didn't let her surprise last long. “Go to Hell! I would never do what you want!” Mars said disgustedly.

 

sigh “You know, I had hoped you would make this easy on yourself. You don't seem to understand the lengths I'm prepared to go.” Kei said seriously. “You know...I'm very much aware of where you live and who you live with. Would you reconsider your current attitude if I were to…say…send some of my youma to burn down that shrine and kill its inhabitants, that old man and that younger man? Hey, while I'm at it, I could have my youma head to that school of yours once they're done at your home. It's only a short distance away and I'm sure you have friends there as well…” Kei said and smiled evilly at Mars.

 

“None of them have anything to do with this!” Mars shouted angrily.

 

“Don't think for a second I won't do that if it will get me what I want.” Kei said threatening.

 

“I'll kill you first.” Mars threatened.

 

“You shouldn't think so highly of yourself! I may not wish to yet, but if you force me to, I will eradicate you from this rural planet. Do you really think your life is that significant in the grand scheme of things? If you continue to be so resistant, I will take extreme measures to get what I want. I will kill as many as it takes for you to come around to my way of thinking. If I must, I'll even bring one or two of your fellow senshi so you can watch, as they're tortured to death. You know how easy it was for me bring you here. Do really think it would be any more difficult to bring others?”

 

“I'll kill you!” Mars threatened and rose to her feet.

 

`She shouldn't be able to move.' “Stop!” Kei yelled and held her hand out in front of herself, this seemed to slow Mars down, but she continued towards her. “I said, STOP!” She repeated, louder than before.

 

An invisible blast of energy left her hands and hit Mars in the chest, sending her back into the stonewall and pined her there. Mars continued to struggle, but she could do little to break whatever spell she had on her.

 

“Is pain the only way I can communicate with you?” Kei asked and approached Mars. As she approached her, Mars seemed to be pushed harder into the wall by some unseen force, even the stones behind her started cracking under the force. “I didn't want it to come to this. I wanted you to accept this willingly, but now you've left me with no choice!” she said and came closer to Mars and brought her hand up to her forehead.

 

`I can barely breathe.' Mars thought as her breath came out in short gasps. Mars saw her coming closer and tried to move, but she couldn't do anything, `What the hell is she doing?' She shut her eyes tightly as she felt the other woman's cold hand against her forehead.

 

Kei started muttering some incantation and finished by saying, “Boushitsu.”

 

Mars kept her eye shut tightly as she chanted and once she finished the chant, something didn't feel right, `What's happening to me?' Somehow Mars without much thought she realized what was happening, `No! I won't give up!'

 

“Struggling is useless; it will only make it worse for you in the end. No matter how strong a will you might have, you can't stop what I've set in motion.”

 

Tears started slowly escaping Mars' closed eyes and she forced herself to look up, `I'm sorry Usagi. I'm not strong enough. Please forgive me.' Mars forced her eyes open and let her tears fell unbridled down her cheeks and she screamed, “Usagi!” before closing her eyes again and finally being allowed to fall lifelessly to the ground.

 

“That was more difficult than I expected it to be. She does have a very strong will.” Kei said as she eyed the motionless senshi of fire.

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

Usagi was finally sleeping peacefully when suddenly her eyes shot open, something felt…wrong…very wrong. She didn't know what, but something was not right. Her thoughts immediately traveled to her only friend who was currently out of her reach, Rei. Suddenly she could have sworn she heard Rei's voice, `I'm sorry Usagi…I'm not strong enough…please forgive me.'

 

“Rei?” Usagi said and sat up quickly.

 

“What is it Usagi?” Luna asked, having heard the girl wake.

 

Usagi looked over to the black cat with fear in her eyes, “Something wrong, Rei is real trouble.”

 

“What?!” Luna exclaimed.

 

“I can feel it, she's in real trouble Luna!” Usagi said and pulled the blankets off and stood up. Usagi hurriedly grabbed her transformation brooch and prepared to use it when Luna spoke again.

 

“Usagi, what are you planning on doing? You don't even know where she is!” Luna pleaded with her.

 

“I can find her! She called to me for help! I have to help her!” Usagi exclaimed.

 

“You're not making any sense, Usagi. What do you mean she called for you?” Luna asked. `Maybe she had a nightmare? She so frightened though…' Luna thought.

 

“I have to go Luna.” Usagi said.

 

“Moon Crisis, Make…”

 

`Usagi!'

 

Usagi stopped just short of completing her henshin phrase, let her henshin brooch fall from her hands, and fell to her knees, “I-I can't feel her anymore. Luna, I can't feel her anymore!”

 

End Ch. 24

 

~~~~******~~~~

 

Sorry, this chapter took as long as it did. I tried to make it worth the wait and ended it with yet another cliffhanger, expect a lot of them for the upcoming chapters ; ) It may seem like I've revealed all the surprises, but I promise that I still have a few more up my sleeve ; ) I've also done what I've done before, adding a word in Japanese so if you don't know what boushitsu means, you're in the dark about what happened to Rei at the end and that's just how I want it : )

 

Hopefully this is enough to tide everyone over for a little while. I promise the next chapter will be longer then this one too and I hope the next chapter will be out quicker then this one.