Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Her Battle ❯ Doubt ( Chapter 28 )

Disclaimer - I do not own Sailor Moon, it belongs to those good people in Japan; you know who I'm talking about Toei Animation…Naoko Takeuchi…etc.

 

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Chapter 28 - Doubt

 

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Diana paced the floor in front of the bed she'd just slept in. She hoped sleep would ease her mind, but it only seemed to have the opposite effect. When she slept she had dreams. Dreams about things she recalled and things she didn't. In the dreams she didn't recall as being from her memories, she felt as though she was in someone else's body. She dreamt of times of peace on what appeared to be Earth. In her dreams, she was friends with other girls, but there faces were never visible to her. She didn't know what to make of those dreams, especially the feelings they conjured up in her, despite being what they were…dreams.

 

Diana cursed and kicked the end board in frustration. Before fighting with the other Sailor Senshi she was sure of herself. Now…now she was just confused. Thinking about the other senshi filled her with mixed emotions; they were her friends at one time after all. She knew this was likely to happen, but it was different experiencing it.

 

She was angry at them, but after some thinking through the night, she realized that after she learned everything, she really just wished to speak with them. She wanted to know their reasons, but when she finally came face to face with them she felt another part of her take over. It's that part inside of her that she could feel yearned for her to completely wipe them out. Fortunately, she didn't completely lose herself so she didn't kill that young senshi that she didn't even have cause to slay. Though she let the girl go and as a result she was left with more questions than answers.

 

Kei had an answer to every question Saturn brought up in her, except one, `Who is Usagi?'

 

Diana knew that name held some meaning deep in her mind, but it was as though it wasn't accessible and that worried her. `Why do I feel like this? How can I know and yet not know that name?' This made no sense to her no matter how much she thought about it. It seemed clear that Kei wasn't being honest about that then. That worried her even more because despite the confidence she had in her abilities she couldn't say that she detected dishonest in her voice. Of course, it was possible Kei really doesn't know such a person, but perhaps she does.

 

`I can't place my full trust in anyone. They haven't done enough to convince me of anything and I simply can't get over this feel of abandonment.' She hated being in an unclear state of mind. She suddenly felt the urge to meditate…in front of a large fire. `That's right; I can decipher things better in a meditative state in front of a fire.' It was something those of her planet could do, but everyone wasn't capable of it. Only those with a strong and pure spirit could truly succeed in using the fire.

 

`I need to find a room to meditate in, preferably one with some form of fire in it. Perhaps then, I will have a clearer look on things.' Diana looked around the room before closing her eyes for a moment. `This room will not do…' The dark haired girl, started to walk toward the room's only door, `I don't like the feel this room has; it suffocates me.'

 

Diana opened the door to her room and immediately came face to face with the youma that always seemed to be around Kei. She glared at the youma and said, “Would you mind getting out of my way?”

 

“Where exactly do you think you're going?” Ryuji asked with a snide smile.

 

“I do not need to answer to you. Now you'll stand aside, if you know what's good for you.” Diana said and clenched right hand into a fist at her side.

 

“You get a little power and you start having delusions of grandeur.”

 

Diana's gaze hardened further, “You wear my patience thin. I've put up with you disgusting presence thus far, but don't think that gives you the right to speak with me, let alone speaking to me in such a tone.”

 

“It might be time to take you down a peg or two.” Ryuji said and tightened his bulky fist in anticipation.

 

A smirk crossed Diana's face, “By you…I don't think so.”

 

“That cocky attitude of yours human will be your undoing.” He said and materialized his weapon in his hand.

 

“You want to die that badly…” Diana said and transformed. “I'd be happy to grant you that wish.”

 

“Foolish human…” He muttered and charged the sailor senshi.

 

“Ryuji!”

 

The large youma froze upon hearing his name called. He turned to the source of the voice and wave of fear washed over him as he saw her face, “I can ex…” Ryuji was silenced by fist smashing into his face, sending him to the ground soundly.

 

Mars stood over the youma with a look of disgust, “Don't turn away me!” She knelt down next to him and reared her hand back once more. As her fist sped toward the youma again, she felt another hand grab hers, stopping it. Mars looked at the hand and followed it up its arm to its owner. “This isn't your concern Kei.”

 

“I have to disagree. I'm sure you have your reasons, but I can't have you killing off all the youma I worked hard to gather.”

 

“Youma have no place here!” Mars said angrily.

 

“I've already explained to you their purpose. Until everything is finished they are needed.” Kei explained.

 

“And this one…what does it matter if he dies?”

 

Ryuji was in the process of sitting up when Kei glared at him, “While he is stupid at times, he's been important to everything I've accomplished thus far because it has been in part thanks to him. However, he hasn't done all I need from him yet.”

 

Mars looked the youma that was slowly inching away from her. His facial features were hard to see because his face was covered in a dark liquid, she presumed to be his blood. She felt a strong desire to beat that youma to the point where he'd be unrecognizable. She found her anger was hard to control, especially transformed, but it was obvious who won this fight so there was no need to prove herself further. Diana undid her transformation and Kei let go of her arm. She stood up and turned away from her two companions.

 

“I'm glad you understand.” Kei said.

 

“I'll kill him the next time he raises a weapon at me.” Diana said as she walked away.

 

“Where are you going?” Kei asked.

 

“To meditate.” She said simply and continued walking.

 

Kei watched Diana leave before turning sharply to Ryuji. In the blink of an eye, Ryuji found a hand around his throat, slowly crushing his windpipe. Ryuji winced as he was forcefully pushed back into the wall behind him. “What part of watch did you not GET!?” Kei said and lifted the youma off the ground, tightening her grip slightly in doing so. “She is not to be harmed until I get what I want from her! I thought I made myself clear to you on this!”

 

“…Y-Yes.” The youma got out in raspy voice.

 

“Remember this feeling…this feeling of your life draining from your body, because if you disobey me on this I will ensure that you become very familiar with this feeling. Your death would be substantially more painful than anything you've experience in your life.” Kei closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath, “Are we clear?”

 

Ryuji opened his mouth once, but nothing came out except for weak gasp. On his second try he finally managed to get the word out, “…Y-Yes…”

 

A smile spread across Kei lips as she said, “Very good.” She opened her hand, freeing the youma from her grip. Ryuji fell hard to the ground and held his throat as he gasped for some much needed air. Kei stared down at the youma with a look of indifference, “Now if it isn't too much for you to handle, I want you to do the task I've assigned you.”

 

After several more pants Ryuji stood up again and turned to Kei, “As you wish.” He said and bowed slightly. He started to leave with his head still lowered, when Kei's voice stopped him.

 

“Ryuji, you know you're the only youma remaining with any real abilities…so don't make me waste your talents.” Kei said, sounding apologetic to the unknowing ear.

 

The youma maintained his bow and said, “I understand.”

 

“I'm glad we're seeing eye to eye once more, because there is still much we must do. First, you need to catch up with Mars and watch her. Keep me informed of what's happening. She mustn't learn anything that hurts our cause. It would only delay things further.”

 

“I will do what I can.” He said walked away slowly.

 

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

 

“So, Hotaru are going to school?” Michiru asked.

 

Hotaru looked a bit sheepish as she said, “No. I haven't gone to school since I went to Mugen Gakuen. I was aging too fast for it to be possible, but it seems that my aging has stopped now.”

 

Michiru looked thoughtful for a moment before saying, “We should get you enrolled some where then. Right Ruka?” The aquamarine haired woman turned to her partner as she addressed her.

 

Haruka nodded in agreement, “I think we'd have to. It's going to draw enough attention that a young girl is now leaving with us. It'd only draw more if she doesn't go to school.”

 

“Is it really necessary?” Hotaru asked, remembering her experiences at Mugen, none of which she wished to happen again. Even though things were different now, namely she didn't have an alien inhabiting her body, but that didn't change how she remembered school to be.

 

“I think eventually it will be.” Michiru answered.

 

“Indeed.” A new voice in the room said. Setsuna walked into the dining room with a cup of coffee in hand and sat at the same table as the other three, beside Hotaru, who sat across from Michiru and Haruka.

 

“Where'd you go last night, Setsuna?” Haruka asked.

 

“I went to inspect the timeline again.”

 

“And…?” Michiru voiced, hoping Setsuna would tell them more.

 

Setsuna sighed and glanced at the three others present at the table, “The future doesn't look very promising with the state the present is in right now. Our only option is to do as Hotaru said.” Setsuna paused for moment, as if debating with herself over something. “The future is doomed without every Sailor Senshi alive. If we do save Rei though, the future becomes uncertain…clouded. I am certain that it will be a radically different future than we've known thus far.”

 

The room was pregnant with silence for some time, as the three outer senshi took in the information the eldest senshi told them. Radically different? Each thought about what such a statement from the senshi of time could mean. Fear gripped Hotaru's heart as she thought about a certain aspect of the future no longer existing. She wished she'd received some kind of indication that at least one major part of future remained definite, but even that seemed to be jeopardy now. `I must remain stead fast in my beliefs.' She told herself and took a deep breath.

 

“Are we going to tell the inners this as well?” Hotaru asked.

 

“I think it best to hold off on that for now. I'd rather they just focus on helping Rei.” Setsuna said as she looked at the young girl.

 

`Why the change of heart?” Haruka asked.

 

Setsuna looked directly at the sandy blond, “I wished to find another way, but there is nothing else. With the way the future looks now, I can't even tell if this will be successful. I wanted to prevent an unnecessary strain on Usagi's body. It could kill her…”

 

“I know it won't. She is ready.” Hotaru interrupted. The three women looked at Hotaru's confident face and found it hard to not believe her.

 

“What kind of preparations do we need to do before we try this?" Michiru asked.

 

Hotaru glanced at Setsuna for a moment, as if see if she wanted to say, but she remained silent. Hotaru looked across the table to her other companions, “Now that we, soldiers of the outer solar system, are one once again, it's time we be given a stronger power.”

 

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School was far less eventful then their last school day. On their way to class, Ami and Makoto agreed to act as they normally would, or at least as close to that as they could, until they could talk in a more private setting. Of course, that didn't prevent them, particularly the blue haired girl, from receiving some very confused looks when she arrived in the class room just before the final bell.

 

Both Usagi and Minako were already seated and ready for class before either girl arrived. As time grew closer to the start of class, they started to worry. In fact, they were about to go look for them, thinking the worst, just when they arrived. After fielding several questions, about their late arrival, the issue was finally dropped when they told their two friends that they'd explain fully later, but it wasn't anything bad.

 

With the exception of the morning's interrogation, one thing was very noticeable through out the whole day, at least to the brunette of the group. Minako was avoiding her. The most obvious reason as to why, likely steamed from the previous night, but as it turned out, things worked out rather well. Of course Minako wasn't aware of that. Makoto did attempt to start up a conversation with her blonde haired friend on their lunch break, but Minako didn't give her the time because she changed the subject, giving her the feeling it would be easier to strike up a conversion with a wall than with her at the moment.

 

The classes after lunch flew by and before everyone knew it, the final bell resonated through the school, finally giving the students and a reprieve for the day. The sounds of students getting up and preparing their belongings into order to leave filled the room. Makoto leaned over to fetch her school bag from the side of her desk, when she felt someone tap her on the shoulder. The brunette looked over shoulder and saw Minako staring back at her.

 

“Makoto…” Minako whispered as she lean up to speak into the other girl's ear.

 

Makoto observed her friend for a moment and saw her downcast expression. A look of concern crossed Makoto face as she replied, “Yeah?”

 

Minako looked at her hand for a second before look up to the brunette, but keeping her eyes from meeting the other girl's for any prolonged period of time. “Can we talk, alone?”

 

The taller girl blinked at her blond haired friend, she hadn't been acting like herself at all. Makoto was getting worried. Minako went off on her the previous night, but as it turned out things worked alright; better than she expected even. Did Minako want to talk to her about that or was it something else? There was only one way to know, “Sure. I'll just go tell Ami and Usagi go ahead of us”

 

Minako nodded and stayed at her desk as she finished collecting her things because by that time, both Ami and Usagi were already standing up from their seats. Makoto stood up and walked to the front of the classroom, “Hey Ami and Usagi, can you guys come here?”

 

The two girls made their way over to the other girl, both somewhat curious as to why she didn't call over Minako as well, “Do you think the both of you could go on ahead? Minako and I need to talk about something.”

 

“About what?” Ami asked curiously.

 

“Nothing too important, I'm sure.” Makoto said and smiled at the shorter girl. “I just think something's on her mind and she wants to talk about it.”

 

Usagi looked past Makoto to the other blonde, “Come to think of it, she hasn't quite acted like herself today…”

 

“Exactly, and she said she talk to me about it.” Makoto explained.

 

Usagi looked back to Makoto and said, “I'm glad she knows when she needs to talk to someone.”

 

Ami looked at Minako for moment; she did seem to have something to get off her chest, “As am I.” The blue haired girl's eyes again landed on the brunette in front of her, “I guess we'll see you and Minako shortly then.”

 

“Ami, wait a moment.” Makoto said and reached into her pocket and pulled out a set of keys. “Here.” She said handing the blue haired girl the keys and pointing at one she added, “That one opens the front door.” Ami gave her a curious looked, which prompted Makoto say, “I don't think we'll be that far behind you two, but there's no sense in waiting outside waiting on us.”

 

“Right.” The blue haired said after a moment of silence.

 

“We should get going then.” Usagi said, causing Ami to turn toward her and nod her head in agreement. Makoto watched them both turning to Minako, who was staring at her hands that lay on her desk.

 

“Minako?”

 

The blonde quickly looked up at other girl, “Can we go outside?”

 

“Sure.” Makoto said, shrugging her shoulders slightly.

 

Makoto followed the other girl, decided it would be for her to choose where they were going. Once they were outside Minako lead the brunette to a grassy spot with three trees, giving them plenty of shade. The blonde haired girl stopped and turned to Makoto, but she didn't look directly at her. She took a deep breath and looked to the ground. Minako kept her eyes directed at her shoes and played with the hem of her skirt, “Mako-chan…I…I'm so sorry for the way I blasted you last night.” Minako said still not looking up to meet the other girl's eyes. “It was uncalled for on my part and I'm sorry.”

 

`So it was about last night and not something else.' Makoto thought, feeling somewhat relieved. Makoto looked at Minako and could tell her silence wasn't putting the other girl at ease what so ever though. Makoto smiled and put her hand on her friend's shoulder, “Actually Minako…”

 

Minako's mouth was slightly agape as she listened to the other girl explain the events of the morning. A smile soon found its way on her face as she listened to the love-struck girl. It was really good to listening to Makoto, she was happy everything worked out for them.

 

“…but we just want to kind of keep it quite for now.” Makoto said as she finished her retelling.

 

“I'm…I'm really happy for you, for the both of you.” Minako finally said

 

Relief couldn't fully convey the emotion Minako felt. She felt so guilty about last night. Makoto didn't deserve to be yelled at like that. At the time though, she couldn't hold back out of…the only emotion she could equate to would be…pure frustration. The difficulties Rei faced in telling Usagi her feelings were harsh and unfathomable for any normal teenage girl. She could potentially destroy the future with her feelings, yet Minako could see all her two other friends needed was to reach out to one another. She was happy that it was still possible. She was beginning to lose faith in love. A ridiculous thought, the Senshi of love and emotion, the Goddess of love, giving up on what made her…her.

 

“Minako, what's on your mind?”

 

The blonde shook her head, “Nothing. We should hurry up and meet up with Ami and Usagi.” Minako said and started walking.

 

“It's alright. I gave Ami my keys so they can go inside even if we're not there yet.” Makoto explained as she matched the blonde's pace.

 

Minako could stop a mischievous smirk from crossing her features as she said, “Why you sly…already giving her keys to your home.”

 

One would think it humanly impossible for one's face to turn such a bright red, but at that very moment, Makoto seemed to be transcending human limitations, “I gave her my keys Minako…my keys, so she and Usagi wouldn't have to wait outside for us.”

 

Minako tapped her finger to her chin, seemingly deep in thought, “Oh right! You did say that didn't you? Although, if I didn't have to worry about parents at home…” She said trailing off as she gave her friend a sideways glance.

 

“Minako!”

 

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

 

As Diana walked through the hallways, she felt herself drawn to one area of the building, which was where she was currently headed. She traced the creaks in the wall to her left with her hand as she walked. `This place is a real wreck.' She thought as she observed the walls to keep her mind occupied. She walked purposefully down the hall as though she'd taken this path a thousand times and before she knew it, she'd unconsciously stopped in front of a door. Diana was unsure as to why she felt drawn to this room, but there here she was nonetheless. The dark haired girl grabbed the doorknob and opened it.

 

As she stepped into the room a thought entered her mind, `I know this room…' In fact, the entire building had a strange familiarity to it. But if it was the same place she remembered, it had greatly changed…it's merely a shadow of its former self. As she looked around the room, she thought about what could have caused its fall. `Judging only by the state of many rooms, a fierce battle was fought here. It's been cleaned up, but nothing could hide the facts.'

 

Diana stopped when she felt the ground's surface change from some type of hard marble to something softer. She looked down saw a circle of black powder. The dark haired girl bent down picked some up in her hand, “Fire powder…” she said to herself as she let the slightly grainy substance slide through her fingers. She rubbed her hands together to remove any lingering powder and stepped back. In a flash she transformed into Sailor Mars and held her hand out to the powder. A small flame formed in her hand and she threw it to the ground, igniting the black material. A rather large fire soon formed, but it didn't spread through out the room or anything, it remained in the same circle.

 

Diana smiled as the flame even lit the previously dim room. There wasn't much to see, like all the other rooms, unfortunately. Still, with the fire lit, she found herself feeling more at ease than she had in some time. The dark haired girl walked up to the warm flame and knelt in front of it.

 

She brought her hands together and prayed to the gods for guidance and answers to the questions lingering her mind. After several minutes, a frown crossed her features. She felt nothing, which wasn't right. Diana could feel her frustration building up, but she tried to control, less then successfully. The realization of what is happening sinks in, even though her pride refuses to let her admit it immediately. Several more minutes pass before she opens her eyes and stares at the fire, `I was rejected by the fire.'

 

“Why?!” she yelled at the fire.

 

A moment later an ember shot out from the center of fire and flew through the air, over her shoulder until it collided with what sounded like glass behind her. Diana turned quickly to see what it struck, “A mirror.” She said aloud.

 

She walked over to the object and knelt in front of it. The dark haired girl looked at her reflection. She saw a flash of something in her reflection and her eyes widened as a realization struck her, “I'm…I'm not pure…”

 

The door across the room suddenly opened, killing the fire in the room, and making it substantially colder within. Diana showed no sign of acknowledgment to the intruder; she knew who it was without looking anyway. “My mistress wishes to speak with you.”

 

“I'm not in the mood.” Diana said icily.

 

“It's about the Sailor Senshi…” Ryuji said trailing off at the end.

 

Diana quickly turned to the youma, “What about them?”

 

“I wasn't told. I was only told it was about them and to fetch you. Are you interest now then?”

 

Diana stood up and strode across the room. She paused when she reached the youma, almost expecting him to do or say something again, but he seemed content to just let her go this time, without a confrontation. She decided against wasting more time and continued past the youma, there were more important things on her mind. The Sailor Senshi came first because with them, she hoped to find answers, especially since they didn't seem to be forth coming from any other means.

 

Ryuji followed silently a short distance behind the senshi of fire. He had no intention of having a repeat of earlier, `She might not see it, but bringing her here was a bad idea, I'm sure of that. She's far from being under our control…and no good can come of that.'

 

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

 

“A stronger power?” Haruka and Michiru asked simultaneously.

 

Hotaru didn't answer, instead she stood up from her chair and addressed the three women with her, “We're going to need some space.”

 

“The living room should be spacious enough.” Setsuna said. Hotaru nodded and started toward the said room.

 

Michiru and Haruka looked at one another for moment before shrugging their shoulders and following their other two companions. Their curiosity was peaked, what did Hotaru mean? Setsuna seemed to know, but she was mum as per usual.

 

Once all four of them had entered their destination Hotaru spoke once more, “Let's form a circle.” Everyone did as the young girl instructed. Setsuna stood to Hotaru's left, with Michiru to hers, and Haruka to the Michiru's left. “Hold out your hands, close your eyes, and keep them like that until I say to open them.” Hotaru instructed. The three women did as she told them and waited for the senshi of death and rebirth to do whatever she planned on doing. After a few minutes, they could feel Hotaru had transformed into her senshi persona. Even with everyone having their eyes closed, they could feel that a warm light filled the room for a brief time. “You can open your eyes.”

 

The three women opened their eyes, to see exactly what happened. As they each looked around, they saw that they had transformed without even knowing it and that each held crystals in the hands. All eyes fell on Hotaru, including those of Setsuna, who appeared somewhat surprised herself. “These are symbols of our new power.” Hotaru stated.

 

“Hotaru…what are these?” Uranus asked.

 

“They're our heart crystals.” Pluto explained as she looked at Uranus and Neptune. She turned to the youngest senshi, “This isn't enough…you know that, right?”

 

“I do, this is only a step towards our goal.” Saturn addressed Pluto. With a quiet sigh, her gaze fell to carpeted floor, “Unfortunately we must now wait, I do not know what our enemy's next course of action will be.” She glanced at Pluto as she finished her statement.

 

“Nor do I.” Pluto added, upon seeing Saturn's eyes fall on her for that moment.

 

“So essentially we're forced to wait for Rei to come to us again.” Neptune surmised.

 

Saturn nodded her head, if Pluto didn't have knowledge of what their enemy would be doing next, that was their only option, “Yes, unless something changes.”

 

“We don't know where their base is either, so we can't exactly take the fight to them.” Uranus said, the frustration evident in her voice. Neptune stepped closer to Uranus and silently took the other woman's hand.

 

“I don't know what she's planning, but I'm sure Kei won't sit back very long and give us time to formulate a strategy.” Pluto said and looked at Saturn, “She is aware of what you're capable of.”

 

“I have no intention on going that far. There is only one thing that will prompt me to use that attack.” Saturn said.

 

“She doesn't know that though.” Pluto noted.

 

The corner of youngest senshi's lips curled up slightly as she said, “If she's worried about me invoking my greatest power, then she might slip up.” She added in a more serious tone, “Still, it doesn't change what actions we must take.”

 

“Speaking of what we must do, it's about time we went over to Makoto's place.” Neptune commented after her eyes caught the clock on the wall.

 

“Indeed. There will be time later for more discussion.” Setsuna said as she undid her transformation. The others followed her example and undid their transformations as well.

 

Hotaru nodded and said, “Agreed. Besides, we shouldn't keep our Princess waiting.”

 

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

 

Kei sat back in her chair, she just received information that the Sailor Senshi seemed to gathering at a certain building. Shortly after which, she told Ryuji to go fetch Mars. If they're truly gather together for some reason, this would be a good time to test the waters once more. There was little doubt in her mind that Mars could handle herself against any of them, but her will seemed to be lacking. `If this continues like this, I may have to take further actions to get her to do what I want….' The boom sound of the knocking at her door, forced her out of her thoughts and she called, “Who is it?”

 

“It's me and Mars is with me.” Ryuji said from the other side of the door.

 

“Please come in then.”

 

Ryuji opened the door and Diana stepped in before him as he was closing the door. She walked straight down the center of the room to Kei. “I believe you had word on the Sailor Senshi?”

 

“Of course, but we can get to that in a moment. First, let me ask you something. Did you find what you were in search of?” Kei asked.

 

Diana examined the woman for a moment before saying, “I wasn't exactly searching for anything, but I may have discovered something.”

 

“Something?” Kei repeated.

 

“Yes, but in order to be sure I must return to Earth and confront the others again.” Diana stated.

 

“You seem to be in luck then, because I just happen to know where they are at currently.” Kei said with a proud smile.

 

“I assume that's why I was called here the first place.” She thought aloud, prompting the seated woman to nod her head. “Then there is little to discuss. Simply tell me where I can find them and I'll be off.”

 

“You're certainly eager.” Kei observed. “Very well. They are at an apartment building, the home of one of them. It's not too far from where they were last night. If you go back there, you should be able to find them with ease.”

 

Diana nodded, “I'm glad you told me of this.” She looked at the other woman as if expecting her to say something more.

 

“Go on ahead, I need to discuss something with Ryuji.” Kei said when she saw the girl look back. Diana was silent, but nodded her head in acknowledgement once more. Kei watched the other girl leave, once the door was shut, she turned to Ryuji. “You are to go as well. Select however many youma you want to accompany you.” Kei said.

 

“What do want me to do?” Ryuji asked as he kneeled in front of his leader.

 

Kei looked at the youma and smiled, “Insure a fight takes place. I want Mars to clash with them once again and in the process, I want to you observe her for any hesitation she might show.” She paused “If you have chance strike down the Sailor Senshi I discussed with you yesterday. That means, I give you permission to fight, but don't go all out and avoid Pluto”

 

“Should I tell the other youma the same?” The youma asked.

 

“Humph…no other youma could poise much of a threat to Pluto or any of them. They are there to keep the Sailor Senshi busy while you watch her actions.”

 

“As you wish.” Ryuji said and bowed low to the ground. “I will be off then.” He said and stood up straight. The large youma turned around and walked to the room's exit at a brisk pace.

 

“Make sure no harm comes to Mars…protect her if you will.” Kei said when Ryuji reached the double door.

 

“I will do as you wish.” He said when he opened the door and left.

 

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

 

Ami opened the door, letting Makoto and Minako inside. As the brunette pasted her, she quietly asked, “So what did Minako want to talk about alone?”

 

“I told her.” Makoto said simply, but when she received a questioning look she added, “I'll explain later, I promise.”

 

As the three entered the living room, the two new arrivals found Mamoru was already there as well, so it seemed they were only waiting on the outers. Minako took a seat next to Usagi on the sofa, Mamoru was already sitting to her other side. Ami and Makoto sat next to each other on a love seat, to the left of the sofa.

 

Without the outers being present they group talked about random things, for the most part, since none thought they should start discussing senshi business until everyone was there. Added to that, it was most likely going to be Setsuna or Hotaru with the real strategy, since they seemed to be the only ones who knew how Usagi could become Eternal Sailor Moon, even Haruka and Michiru seemed to be in the dark.

 

Makoto looked at the time and stood up, “I think I'll make some snacks since we're still waiting for Haruka and them to show out.”

 

“I'll give you a hand.” Ami said and said and got up from her seat as well.

 

“Don't forget something for dessert!” Usagi called and paused for moment, as if she was expecting someone to say something. When the room remained silent, save for a few giggles from her friends, she sighed.

 

“What's wrong Usagi?” Minako asked as she saw the girl's downcast expression, despite the fact that she was discussing food, one of her favorite subjects.

 

“I never thought I say this, but I miss Rei's remarks about how I eat.” The future queen of Earth muttered quietly. The room became deafeningly silent as everyone in the room held various looks of sadness.

 

Mamoru put his arm around Usagi and whispered, “We have hope now though. Hotaru gave us that remember?”

 

Usagi nodded silently and snuggled deeper into the warmth her boyfriend provided. Just then the door bell rang.

 

“That must be Haruka and the others. I'll go let them in.” Ami said and quietly left the room.

 

Ami was gone for a few minutes, but when she returned, she was flanked by four other women.

 

Makoto stuck her head out of her kitchen and said, “Everyone can take a seat, I'll be done shortly.”

 

“Thanks, Makoto.” Michiru replied as they continued into the living room to take their seats. The outers had barely taken their seats when there was another ring of the door bell.

 

“You weren't expecting any other company today, were you?” Haruka asked.

 

“No.” Makoto called from the kitchen..

 

“I'll go check it out. It's probably just someone selling something.” Minako said and she stood up. As she reached the doorway to next the living room, she added, “I'll just use my charms to make him go away.” She winked at the group as she left.

 

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

 

Diana stared at the large building before her, `They are here.' She thought to herself and closed her eyes. `Their presences are unmistakable.' On top of that, she'd just seen four women enter the building, who each bore a very suspicious resemblance to a Sailor Senshi. She took a deep breath as she walked across the street, `Am I hear to fight…or…talk?' She thought as she walked up to the door and stopped for a moment when she reached the stairs. An odd feeling came over her, something reminiscent of déjà vu. She felt familiar with this place, despite this being her first time being here. She did her best to push that feeling out of her mind

 

`I think I'll let things play out on their own.' She thought and rang the door bell that had `Kino Makoto' written next to it. She waited a moment; she could hear talking, followed by someone making their way to the door. She closed her eyes and tried to pin point which one she was going to see first. Her eyes slowly opened as she heard the doorknob being turned. As she watched the door open, she was confident she knew who was on the other side of the door. Once the door was fully open, Diana saw the girl's head was turned away from doorway, her attention instead on something inside.

 

“Good afternoon, Venus.”

 

The blonde haired girl stumbled back, tripping over her feet as she did, and fell to the ground, landing on her backside. “REI!”

 

She looked at the girl on the ground for moment, but her ears caught the sounds of feet hurrying in her direction causing her gaze to leave the blonde in order to greet the others. It took no time at all for everyone to make it to the doorway, having heard Minako's loud voice moments earlier. Once everyone was present she felt it was time to inform them what her intentions were. “I'm here to…” She started to say, but was cut off by the booming voice behind her.

 

“…Finish the job from last night!”

 

Diana looked over her shoulder and stared angrily at the sight behind her. Ryuji stood in the street and behind him stood even more youma. A red flash brightened the immediate area for a moment. When the light faded, no one stood on the stone porch. However, her voice could be heard in the street. “What the Hell are you doing here?!” Mars asked and grabbed the youma by his shoulders.

 

“I'm only here on her orders.” He stated.

 

“And them?” She questioned further as she motioned to the dozen or so youma behind Ryuji.

 

“Her orders as well.” He explained calmly.

 

Mars looked at the youma in disgust, and pushed him away from her when she released his shoulders. `The stupid fool has ruined everything.' She thought and looked back to the building where the Sailor Senshi were, `I can't speak with them as I would have with him here.' She looked back to the youma once more and cursed silently, `There's only one thing I can do then…' The fire senshi turned back to youma once more and said, “Well, what are you waiting for?! Attack!” The youma behind her each let out their feral war cries and started to move forward.

 

“Umm…guys…isn't it about time we transformed?” Makoto asked as she met everyone's gazes.

 

“We have no choice. I haven't explained how we need to help Usagi become Eternal Sailor Moon yet.” Hotaru said. Everyone silently agreed and brought their respective henshin sticks, or rose in Mamoru's case.

 

Mamoru pulled out a rose and transformed into Tuxedo Kamen.

“Mercury Crystal Power, Makeup!”

“Jupiter Crystal Power, Makeup!”

“Venus Crystal Power, Makeup!”

“Neptune Crystal Power, Makeup!”

“Uranus Crystal Power, Makeup!”

“Pluto Crystal Power, Makeup!”

“Saturn Crystal Power, Makeup!”

“Moon Crisis, Makeup!”

 

With everyone transformed, the Sailor Senshi and Tuxedo charged out to meet the youma.

 

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

 

There wasn't a lot of space for them to fight, but the Sailor Senshi spaced themselves out. They were outnumbered after all and it wouldn't be good for any one of them to try to take on too many youma.

 

Mars and Ryuji watched the battle before them. Every so often Ryuji would glance at Mars, as though he was trying to watch her reaction to the fights. Mars studied each senshi, one by one. Her vision became stuck on one. With that one she felt a strong desire to fight, unlike with all the others, whom she only felt the urge to fight. It was different with this one; she couldn't feel the same bloodlust when she looked anyone else. Without a word she darted off to meet that one in order to get an explanation for it.

 

Saturn saw Mars run off in the direction of Sailor Moon and she cursed silently before slicing the youma she was battling in half. She took off after her, cut down a few more youma on the way, but sudden a long pole dropped down in her path.

 

Ryuji lowered his weapon, forced Saturn to stop. She followed the pole of the weapon up until her eyes reached the youma it belonged to. `The youma who Rei was just standing with.'

 

“It appears that she's chosen her prey…what do you say, you and I duel one another instead?” Ryuji asked.

 

Saturn glared at the youma and swung her own blade at the youma, but he blocked the attempted strike with relative ease. He pushed his weapon into hers, forcing her back a little. In one smooth movement he unlocked their weapons and swung his at her. Saturn hastily blocked it, as he had done with her. She looked past the youma for a moment and cursed, it appeared she'd have to deal with this youma before anything else.

 

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

 

Tuxedo Kamen had just bested one youma when he turned his attention to Sailor Moon to make sure she was fairing alright. Thankfully she was holding her own quite well. He smiled for a moment, but that faded quickly as a fist connected with the side of his face and sent to the ground.

 

“Tuxedo Kamen!” He could hear Sailor Moon yell that as he lay on the ground. He slowly pulled a rose out of the inside pocket of his tuxedo and reared back to throw the projectile at the youma who put him in his current position, but he dropped the flower when he looked up and saw Mars standing over him.

 

“You're not a Sailor Senshi…so what are you?” She asked. When he remained silent she continued, “Your aura bears the signature of this planet…of Earth. Yet I know there to be no Senshi of Earth. You're also a man, that alone means you are no Sailor Senshi. So, what are you?!”

 

“I'm Tuxedo Kamen…” He said, but was cut off before he could say anymore.

 

“I heard her say that.” Mars said gesturing toward Sailor Moon. “I'm asking you what you are?!”

 

“I'm the Prince of this planet, I'm Endymion.”

 

“Endymion?” She smiled a bit as repeated the name. “Even hearing that name drives me to make you feel pain.” Mars found it difficult to control rising anger the more she spoke to the tuxedo clad man, “You know…I find it easier to fight with you…more so than anybody else.” Mars said and clenched her fist at her side. “Do you know why that is?”

 

“I have no reason to fight with you!” Tuxedo Kamen exclaimed as he sat up.

 

“That's not answering my question.” She said, clenching her fist even tighter. She could feel her anger grow exponentially the more she stared at the tuxedo clad man. Her resolution to not lose herself to her anger was barely even a whisper in her mind. She felt even stronger when she allowed herself to be fueled by her anger.

 

“I…I don't…” He got out as even he could sense the foreboding aura the senshi of fire was giving off.

 

“Is that all you can say?” Mars said and looked at the man with contempt as she felt a warm liquid run down her fingers. The cement beneath her fists became stained with small droplets of red. She raised her right hand up and pulled it back a bit in preparation for her attack. “I'll end this nice and quick.”

 

Tuxedo Kamen closed his eyes and awaited the inevitable. `I won't fight you, but perhaps allowing you to do this will show you that this not what you want as well.'

 

“So you're going to make this easy then? I don't have a problem with that!” Mars said and punched the man on the right side of his jaw, knocking him on to his back again. She grabbed the front of his collar and pulled him up to his feet. As she held him up, she brought back her free hand and punched him the stomach, causing him to groan painfully. She repeated the process a couple more times before loosing her grip on his collar, letting him drop to the ground. He coughed violently as he held his stomach on all fours. Mars kicked him in the side of his rib cage, forcing him on to his back. She bent down lifted the tuxedo wearing man up slightly. “You can't even put up a fight…”

 

“I…won't…” He said through labored breaths.

 

“So be it then.” She said and raised her fist in what she believed would be one more time, the finishing blow. Flames manifested around her fist as she held it back a few moments longer. She brought her fist down, but a voice caught her ear, halting her attack.

 

“Stop!”

 

The senshi of fire's blood soaked fist stopped just short of its target. She turned her head in the direction of the voice and saw a youma fall to the ground. She released the tuxedo clad man and took a step back from him. From behind it emerged the senshi with blonde hair and pigtails running toward her. She didn't make another movement, she simply watched the blonde senshi come closer. Mars stared quizzically as the girl ran between her and the tuxedo man, `Does this girl think she can stop me?'

 

“Rei! Please stop this.” Sailor Moon cried as she stretched out her arms protectively.

 

“Who do you think you are?!” Mars yelled. She could feel the anger she felt when fighting the tuxedo clad man had lessened drastically, but she still felt like she was being urged on by her negative emotions.

 

“Please…I'm begging you…don't do this.” Moon cried as she fell to her knees. “

 

“Stay the hell out of my way! ” Mars lifted her hand up to strike the girl.

 

Tears fell from the crystal blue eyes of the girl kneeling on the ground, staining her cheeks. She tries to say something else, but word don't seem be able to come out. There was such a pained expression on the blonde's face, any one would think she was physically harmed, but she appeared perfectly healthy.

 

The fire senshi found herself gaze drawn to the other girl's eyes. When Mars looked into the other girl's eyes, she froze. She could see her own reflection clearly in her wet, glistening blue eyes and she felt powerless with her looking at her like she was. `What…is…this…feeling…?' Her eyes slowly began to blur as a light breeze blow past her, making her aware that her cheeks were no longer dry either. Her hand cautiously reached up to her face and wiped her eyes dry. `Why…?' She didn't know what caused the sudden flow of tears or how exactly to make them stop because even though she'd already wiped her eyes once, her vision was no better, in fact it seemed to be degrading even further.

 

“Rei..”

 

The other girl's voice brought her out of her thoughts. She blinked several times in order to get a clearly look at the other girl, she was only partially successful. `What's come over me?' She asked herself. `It's as though I don't have any control over my emotions here.'

 

“Rei…it hurts to see you like this. I want you back…the way you were. I'll help you, if you'll only let me." Sailor Moon said and extended her hand to other girl. “Please come back to me…”

 

Without even thinking her hand began to reach for the other girl's out stretched hand. Her body seemed to acting of its own accord, but subconsciously she wanted to know what this girl was offering. “I…I…” She said as her hand drew closer. When her hand was just short of Sailor Moon's, Mars fell to her knees and gripped the sides of her head with her hands. She closed her eyes and silently pleaded with a higher power to make it stop. She thought the pain from the headaches the previous night was bad, but this…this was on a whole other level. She could hear the blonde's movement on the pavement in front of her, “No!” she called out and the other girl seemed to stop. “Is this what you wanted?”

 

Fresh tears sprang to Sailor Moon's eyes as she tried to speak, “I-I don't even kn-know what's h-happening to you.” Her voice breaking at the end.

 

“Don't lie!” Mars screamed. She could feel pain lessen as her anger grew and while she didn't understand that, it didn't matter because now she felt coherent enough stand once again. “I through with this…” She said and stood.

 

“Wait Rei! You can't just leave!”

 

Mars ignored the other girl and started to walk away on semi-steady feet, but after only a few steps away, she could hear someone get up behind her as well. She glanced over her shoulder and saw it was the blonde she just spoke to. Her eyes widened as she saw one youma running at Sailor Moon from behind, apparently the same youma she thought to be slain by the very girl it was running at furiously. The closer the youma got, Diana could hear the other senshi trying to warn the blonde, but she wasn't even paying any attention. The other senshi seemed to realize that quickly, as they started to run toward the girl to protect her, most were stopped by the youma they were already currently fighting.

 

As she watched everything unfold in front of her, Diana felt an odd feeling she faintly recognized fill her soul. Without thinking she pointed her hand at the youma and called upon her powers. Flames manifested in her hand and instinctively the words of her attack rolled off her tongue.

 

“Hell Fire!”

 

The built up inferno shot from Mars's hand and sailed straight for the youma that was closing in on Sailor Moon.

 

Moon's eyes widened as she saw fire flying toward her. It took a moment for her to realize the flames weren't directed at her. Finally she could hear the calls of the other senshi…'watch out behind you!'…'Sailor Moon a youma!'…'Sailor Moon get down!' Something clicked with the girl, and where exactly the fire shooting toward was headed…the youma, who was now within arms distance. It was only a few short seconds after she realized that and dove to the ground, that the youma was engulfed in flames. The youma's loud screech drew everyone's attention to it, but in moments it was dead.

 

Confusion was an understatement, to describe the atmosphere. Mars was frozen in the same position as when she fired her attack. All she could do was stare at her right hand, as though she didn't believe what she'd just done.

 

The youma seemed to take Mars' action as betrayal, so they abandoned their fights with the other Sailor Senshi and charged the fire senshi. Mars looked to be in no state to handle the youma onslaught. There was a call from Sailor Moon to stop them before they could reach her. Before any of them could act, however, the large youma Sailor Moon had previously recognized as the youma that had taken Mars stepped in front of the fire senshi. He lifted up his halberd and sliced the youma down, before they were even a factor.

 

Mars didn't even acknowledge the events that just took place in front of her. She couldn't even wrap her mind around why she did what she did. She didn't even feel as though she was in control of her own body at that point. Out of the crowd Mars could hear someone yell something that was loud and clear to her ears.

 

“This is who you are Rei…she can't change that. You can't stand back and watch her get hurt. When Usagi is in danger!” Hotaru shouted to the fire senshi.

 

Mars looked up from her previously catatonic state and stared at the blonde senshi that she'd just saved, “…Usagi…”

 

Ryuji stepped in front of Mars once more and raised his halberd high into the air, “That's enough!” His weapon began to glow an eerie purple as he said, “I'm afraid this is where we take our leave for today.”

 

“We're not letting you go anywhere!”

 

Ryuji smiled, “I'm not exactly giving you a choice in the matter.”

 

“Eternal Pandemonium!”

 

Once Ryuji uttered those words, the entire immediate area became enclosed in some kind of purple doom.

 

“What is this?” Mercury asked as she looked around.

 

“I wouldn't move too much if I were you. Only I can move around this freely.” He said with a smile.

 

“You son of a…” Uranus said and began to take a step forward when wave of pain shot through her body. She screamed out in pain, but she wasn't the only one, all the senshi screamed with her.

 

“Did I mention the punishment for moving affects everyone?” Ryuji said with an evil smirk. “Now, I believe we'll be leaving.” He said and walked over to Mars.

 

“Get your filthy hands off of her!” Sailor Moon yelled.

 

“I don't think so.” He said and picked her up. He raised his weapon once more and seemingly sliced the air, creating a hole. He turned around when he heard the Sailor Senshi's screams again. “I guess you enjoy pain as much as this one. I guess that's something all of you have in common.”

 

“You aren't taking her!” Venus yelled and tried to take one step, but it yielded the same result. The youma didn't even bother answering that time, because was already stepping into the darkness of the tear he created with a smile on his face. The last view they saw of Mars was her being carried away by the large youma through the black opening.

 

End Ch. 28

 

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

 

Well, chapter 28 is finally done. It took me a little while, but I wrote a lot more in this chapter than I have for the past few, so maybe that makes up for it :). I finally gave the outers the Super transformations. I mixed how the anime did it and how the manga did it. I didn't really feel like writing long fight scenes here, so I didn't. I don't think many will complain anyway. Umm…I don't think I really have much more to say other than please leave a review if you have time, they are always nice to read, especially if I'm having a bad day :). So, until next time, bye everybody!