In the beginning, there was a soldier

The ones you love: discoveries.

Hikari turned to Michael who was standing with his arms folded in front of him; looking her up and down. She surpressed from blushing as she felt herself begin to. Many of the senshi including Usagi and Angel had left for other business.

<<He wouldn't . . . not after getting released from the hospital. Then again he was down with those elephants just an hour or so; not to mention Mayhem. Now Raithe?>> Hikari asked cautiously. "What are you thinking of doing, Michael?"

"Give me that ball!" Michael shouted. "Those things are dangerous! Don't play around!"

Hikari was taken back for a moment; then smiled calmly. "I dare you to try to find a ball-"

Michael twitched a little, then dived at her.

<<Selene!?!>> Hikari thought as she was taken by surprize but Michael diving at her.

Hikari gasped instantly as he made contact the two fell to the floor. She looked up with surprise; yet for some reason she was unable to get her senshi training to start.

Michael began to quickly search her, not bothering to notice she wasn't struggling.

"Where is it?! Where is that nuclear device?!"

Hikari began to giggle as Michael's seaching hands began to look for a ball; unintentionally tickling her. She tried to keep her most ticklish spots away from Michael's searching hands.

<<Why does he have to tickle me?>> Hikari thought. <<Why am I letting him?>>

"Where is it?!"

Hikari was beginning to feel strange; she began to blush though with the tickling she was already flustered. Without hesitation she reached up and kisses Michael on the lips tenderly.

Michael froze. He stared wide-eyed at Hikari, unable to pull away.

<<What am I doing?>> Hikari thought a small part of her subconsous; she still kissed Michael.

Michael got up quickly. He was blushing up a storm and backed away. He looked at Mamoru with a pleading look on his face, then ran out of the room.

Hikari sat silently on the floor trying to figure what she was feeling. Her empathic ablities was al mixed up. She skin was anlost as pal as he hair was white.

Mamoru just stared at her.

"Nuts! How could I have acted so improper . . . Peperment would have had blown a gasket." Hikari replied finally.

Mamoru looked away in thought.

Hikari smoothed out her skirt as she stood.

"I don't have a Happy Fun Ball." She sighed and looked sad. <<What I do have is a really confused emotions.>>

"Then why didn't you say anything at the beginning?"

Hikari spoke calmly. "I did. In fact three times. Once when Michael ask about buying; I said "techichally, no I didn't buy one. Second when you asked me to get rid of it; I said I didn't have it. Then third when I dare Michael to find a ball; I don't have one."

" . . . . . . .then you shouldn't have said 'technically'."

Hikari thought amoment and then nodded. "I so honarbly sorry for casing you and Michael alarm, Mamoru."

<<Large jewel? Maybe Hikari would know what this lady is talking about.>> Sailor Haven stood ready for battle. "You're barking up the wrong tree, lady. I am Sailor Haven; protector of innocent souls."

Kayuu woke up by the noises and then she looked at the 2 strange girls in front of her. "Who are they, what are they doing here?" Kakyuu thought with trembled and then she decided to protect herself by moving to the back of the tree and watched them.

Haven noticed that Kakyuu was awake; without looking away from Raithe. "I was sent to watch over you by Hikari-hime, Princess."

"Uh? Is she talking to me or to that girl?" Kakyuu wondered and then she decided to keep silent behind the tree.

"Good idea; stay there by the tree, Princess Kakyuu." Haven said keeping between Raithe and Kakyuu. "While I deal with her."

"Uh? Me? Princess ?" Kakyuu became more confused.

"Hikari will answer your questions." Haven finished. <<Amnesia.>>

"S-sure..." Calestria gripped his hand to guide him slowly into the pool, as her other hand waved through the water, making a few degrees cooler. "Take it slow, alright?"

Mayhem nodded, sinking deeper into the water till it covered his chest. Sighing, he leaned up against the stone wall of the pool, letting the water relax him, untensing muscles strained from all the stress of the

past week.

"Mmmm..... I'd almost forgotten how good this feels. Thank you, Ruin-san."

"Quite welcome," said Calestria, also settling back. As Mayhem closed his eyes, an awkward silence soon followed.

Calestria looked up towards her canopy, and sighed sorrowfully.

~I haven't the slightest idea on what's going on anymore. I wonder why Uranus did that? Well, she always was one to jump the gun in battles... I don't know how to act in front of him.~ Her eyes averted to Mayhem's torso, and she was amazed that behind the brains, there was some brawn. Nice brawn, too.

~And he wanted ME as an opponent... petty...insignificant Calestri-... No... wait... that's not it... He was my opponent as Calest-... no, wait!!~

Mayhem looked over at Calestria, her eyes were closed, and she looked....confused. Now it was his turn to ask "Dijoubu??"

Calestria looked at him, and found herself wanting to delve into Mayhem. His personal thoughts, his way of life. All the more better to learn and study on how to become an elf. Worthy to be in this Court. The such said court as it was, without leadership.

"One could call this a Court of Madness," she said silently to his eyes, wondering what Mayhem was thinking. Out loud, she waved her hand.

"I'm thinking about the... first time I met you all... here..."

"Ah..." he said. He leaned forward, looking into her eyes and truly seeing for the first time all the turmoil that lay buried in them. "And what did you think that first day?" He asked softly. A lock of stray hair fell across his eyes, but he ignored it, intent on the woman sitting across from him.

"Mayhem... I thought that when I first came, I could make a statement, a point... I was Mizuno Ami," she said softly, breathing the last part, relieved that she remembered her name. "I was not afraid any longer, for the "sake of the world" was no longer in Usagi's hands, but now my destiny, mine to control. And I'll admit, I wasn't exactly welcomed warmly," said Calestria, rubbing her neck, remembering Carnage's too-close-for-comfort greeting.

"Of course, Ruckus-chan saved me from her..."

"...Her?"" Mayehm was confused for only a second, then he realized the only female that Ruin could be refering to "Carnage..." he breathed. "She's like that to everyone!" He rolled his eyes. "I can't even count the times she and I have tried to kill each other.

"As for 'making an impression', well, the Court has understandly been in a bit of turmoil lately."

"Honto?" asked Calestria sincerely. "I mean, I know Chaos has been destroyed, but what else could be wrong in the Court?"

Mayhem sighed. "You don't understand. Chaos wasn't just the Playking. He WAS the Court. He was the glue that held us all together. I mean, you've met us, and do we all really seem the sort to get together and act civilzed of our own free will? It seems Riot and Ruckus are going to try to take over his old duties, and I wish them luck. I'll bet that soon Carnage will challenge them, she's always wanted that power. The power to lead the Court."

Calestria made a face. "Lady Carnage? Leading the court? She'll lead them all to Ruin it what it sounds like," said Calestria, trying to note if Mayhem picked up on her pun.

He had picked up on it and chuckled in appreciation. His eyes widened and he looked around wildly for a second. "I forgot about my spell!"

Calestria was debating inside whether Mayhem would be the type for swimming when he made his sudden outburst.

"Your spell? What kind of spell?"

He smiled sheepishly. "I placed a spell on Michael shortly after I dropped him back off It's a monitoring spell. But I've been forgetting to monitor....good thing it has a record mode!"

He waved his hand and a silver circle appeared suspended in the air above the pool.

Calestria gazed in awe at the magik involved. "Don't you ever grow tired? The senshi can grow weary after long, hard battles, or every a quick fast blast can wear me out."

Mayhem shrugged "When I was younger it did.... but after a few hundred years you do build up some stamina..."

Calestria decided not to comment on what she thought of Mayhem's "stamina" at the moment, and instead slowly moved closer to Mayhem in the water to see the proceedings. "What are we looking for in here?" she asked.

He gestured to the mirror. "It's tied into Michael's life force. I can use it like a window, to see him and a limited amount of his surroundings."

He waved his hand and the "mirror" came to life, showing a picture of Michael....running?

"Na ni?" they both said. "What is he doing?" asked Mayhem incredulously.

"Let me rewind this and see what happened since I stopped watching it!"

Calestria then cocked her head. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that a female on the floor?"

Mayhem nodded, as he backed up the recording even more. "Yes, but what in the ninth level of Hades is a Happy Fun Ball?!"

Calestria grinned. "Sounds happy and fun... maybe something I'd like to place... in my first game."

Mayhem smiled. "You're first game, eh?" He looked back at the fleeing Michael. "He is my oppnent now....and a game might be in order... Would you like to join me?"

Calestria pouted, then gave Mayhem a sad look unknowingly. "But I thought I was your opponent..." she trailed off.

He shivered as the water turned positively arctic, and moved closer to her. He lifted her chin with his hand until she was looking into his eyes.

"You were, my dear Lady. But you've joined us...me, as an Elven. We do not Play with our own kind. I couldn't imagine ever even trying to do something that would mar the perfection of your form....." He ran a fingertip down her cheek and along her jaw. "....or your face." He whispered the last few words, his head only inches from her's as he stared into her eyes.

Calestria took his features in, now she was gazing his looks.

"Mayhem... tondemonai," she breathed, then kissed him on the cheek. Then searched for his lips, eyes closed.

Mayhem half-expected it, but still was slightly shocked when her lips brushed his cheek. She pulled back, and as her eyes closed he could only think of how he wanted to feel her mouth against his. His arms wrapped loosly around her waist, he dipped his head to hers, kissing her deeply.

She brought her ice-chilled hands to his neck, his back. The kiss was warm and sweet. She pulled her body against his chest, and stopped to breathe. "Mayhem... kami-sama... mayhem-chan..." she kissed and gasped as they pressed harder and harder, each trying to grip the other in a tight embrace.

Without breaking their kiss, Mayhem backed Calestria up against one of the walls of her pool, one hand cupping the back of her head, the other busy carressing her soft skin. His own skin tingled as he noticed the water getting considerably warmer again.

It was good, so right... she hadn't been treated right by any man, or so she felt. And Mayhem, in the moment, in this one blind moment, was all Ruin's.

Theforce leaned her onto her back almost, and she raised her legs on either side of his back, and gripped them tightly together. Breaking away, she brought her hands to her wrap, and pulled it off her chest. "Come here, you," she said huskily, throwing everything to the wind. She threw body around Mayhem's broad shoulders, pulling him deep underwater.

Aramis woke up at the splashings, and nudged the spring with his paw. Yawning really wide and loud, he rolled over and joined Porthos in his cat nap.

Hanging beside the huge cats, above the water, the mirror played it's images, while no one in the clearing cared whatsoever. Occasionally, a splash would send water thru it's magical feild, setting off ripples in it's surface.....

(Note from Usagi: Please keep in mind the previous scene is not hentai. Just in case you misunderstand it)

Taiki shouted to Seiya, "So, is she home or what?"

Seiya frowned, pounding once again on the door. After another long silence, she turned back to Taiki, who was now accompanied by both Makoto and Rei. "No, she's not. And that does worry me slightly."

She shook her head. "Well, who's next?"

Mamoru Chiba had broken away from the slowly declining group. He sneaked out of the apartment and climbed the stairs that lead to the roof. The door had been freshly used, so it wasn't hard to swing open.

A loud sigh passed his lips as he watched the sun slowly set across the Japan sky. Sunsets always made him melancholy and nostalgic. Well, as much of the past as he could remember, with his amnesia and frequent bouts of brainwashing, he never could remain in that state for very long.

It's been a very long few years. He could vividly remember every detail of those days. Meeting Usagi Tsukino for the first time; fighting alongside the Sailor Soldiers; discovering his future through his time-travelling daughter; fighting the aliens of Tau Ceti called the DeathBusters; the long battle against the vengeful Nehelenia and the Dead Moon Circus; and the war against the Shadowy Galaxia.

Was it too much to ask for a normal life? Mamoru would be willing to throw his costume away, everything, for a chance at what people take for granted. Forget the Ginzuishou. Forget Crystal Tokyo.

Forget Eternal Life that comes after the calamity. He would trade it all for a quiet life with Usagi.

But the enemy keeps coming. Despite all the sacrifices and pain and suffering of the Sailor Soldiers, the enemy keeps coming. It never ends. He had never asked for this, nor would take it if it were offered to him. And he dragged a friend into this. What was the end result of anything involving the Sailor Soldiers? Ultimately, it was death.

Those who follow this way of life will die. It cannot be avoided. But it is the duty and inborn desire of all human beings to strive for a better life. It was no surprise that it was the Sailor Soldiers that had been chosen to champion life. Their drive to protect life and the people of this planet was the strongest found in the species.

However, it's not so certain anymore that it's enough. Ami and Yaten have fallen victim to this new war. Their ideals, their dreams, all perverted by the enemy so easily. Usagi's emotions played for someone else's amusement.

Where does it all end? Can the Sailor Soldiers win this time? Will it be worth the cost? While the night was surprisingly warm, Mamoru shivered like it was cold.

What's bothering you, hime?" Hoshi asked.

"Nothing..." she managed to said. "It's...nothing."

Asahi looked at her, concerned. This was something he could not understand. She seemed cold and distant, concentrated in the subjects of their mission just a couple of minutes ago...and now, now it was a different thing. She probably missed her family of the Silver Millenium and all those new people from the White Moon recalled her memories once and once more.

"Leave me alone for a while." Getsuei said.

"I can't...we can't do that!" Asahi protested.

"He's right...Tranquility can attack at any moment." Hoshi continued.

"You two are more in danger than I am. And what I said it's not request it's and order you must obey." she commanded, tears start to appear in her eyes.

"Hai..." Hoshi and Asahi looked at each other. It was so unlike her to be that way.

"What are you waiting for! GO AWAY!!!" Getsuei yelled. She was suffering very deep inside. Asahi and Hoshi were worried, but they knew that the best thing to do was to leave their leader alone.

Once they left, Getsuei sit down and cried. "This is a torture to my soul..."

"Usagi?" Michael saw her coming down the street, glad the darkness was covering the rapidly fading blush. "Is that you? What are you doing here?"

"Ohayo, Michael-san. Actually, I'm going to...I'm going to..." Usagi doubted...Michael was Mamoru's friend and if she said what her plans were, he probably would tell Mamo-chan, and she didn't want him to interfere...he was still weak...

"Gomen, I can't tell you." Usagi answered.

"It's okay. If you don't want to tell me, don't tell me." Michael smiled at her and walked with her a ways. Walking with Usagi was a good way to take his mind of his own worries. Keeping her from tripping on stuff seemed to be a full time job. Still, there were gaps in which he could ask her questions.

"Why did you leave the meeting? Mamoru said he had something he wanted to ask you."

"He did? I wonder what it was...anyway, I left the meeting because...I have something very very important to do." An image of Ami's face when Usagi told her those horrible things came to her mind. She felt so bad, it was all her fault for sure. She sighed sadly.

"So, what were you doing out of the apartment?" She changed the subject.

"Out of the apartment?" Michael momentarily froze in place. Okay, time to put that creative brain to work. What could he say? 'I'm taking a walk because I accidentally knocked your Aunt Hikari to the floor in order to do a body search for a nuclear device and she decided to kiss me like you see on Showtime.' No, that wouldn't be appropriate.

"Um, I'm out for some fresh air. It was getting rather warm in there and I wanted to take a walk. How about you?"

Usagi looked at him, he had asked the same question three times,

but in a different way...

"The fact is I am going to find Ami-chan...." She finally decided to say. "And don't tell anyone!" She quickly added.

Michael's eyes widened a little at Ami's name. He had his own reasons for worrying about the missing Senshi. Reasons only Mamoru was aware of. Michael composed himself a little before responding to Usagi.

"I won't need to tell anyone because I'm coming with you. I know it's dangerous, but I want to help find Ami Mizuno just as much, if not more, than everyone else. I'm totally serious, Usagi, so don't even think of trying to stop me."

Hysteria bounded up to Ruin's doorway, in a rather agitated state. It had been longer than one cycle since Riot and Ruckus had made their announcement, and she was getting concerned. So, of course, the first person she went to, was her new best friend, Ruin-chan.

"C-chan!! Are you in your kawaii Realm-chan! Hysteria needs to talk! WAHH!! Aren't you there?!"

Not getting any answer, she decided to go look for herself. Not waiting for invitation, she ran into Ruin's realm, stopping in surprise to stare at all the oh so kawaii plants and animals. She heard some splashing from up ahead and followed the sounds.

The grass muffled her footsteps, so after she rounded the corner leading to the hot spring, it took a minute for the two elves in the water to notice her.

She may have been the youngest member of the Court, but she knew a serious make-out session when she saw one.

Before she could even think of a way to react to this, one of the two huge jungle cats at the poolside dipped his paw in the water, and flicked it, splashing the two Elves. They broke apart, and laughing, splashed the cat back, getting water on both him and his napping companion. Both of the huge animals roared in disgust and walked away, deeper into the jungle and away from the two silly people.

Still giggling, the two turned back to each other, and Hysteria decided this was the best time to make her presence known, with the least amount of embarrassment involved.

"Yay! Hysteria found her friend-chans! Hysteria-chan's been all alone and needs someone to talk to!!"

Ruin gasped, as Mayhem whirled around, towards the sound of Hysteria's voice. In less than a heartbeat, both were out of the spring, large robes appearing around them.

"Hysteria!" Mayhem cried. "You scared us!"

"Why didn't you knock?" Ruin seemed rather upset.

As soon as he returned home, Karasu reached into his cloak and retrieved the communicaton ball within it. he activated the ball and set it to his aunt Hikari's signal. "Hello? Aunt Hikari are you there?"

Hikari brought out the communication ball Karasu had given her from her space pocket. It glowed with an eery light. A 3D image of Karasu appeared above the ball.

"Yes. I'm here, Karasu." Hikari tenderly spoke.

After hearing a reply he spoke into it more calmly allowing it to float in the air.

"Well it has been a long time so allow me to inform you of what I've been doing these past 1,000 years. Well after a while of growing up in the palace I began to feel unwanted seeing as how only women could be rulers of the moon they got all the attention and I was left to practice for battle. Well after a while I caught on to this and decided to hit the road and never look back, nothing against mom or Usagi I just thought that my services were better used elsewhere. Well as you can guess within a week I was pretty well screwed and alone but luckily or rather unluckily I was discovered by someone you may be familiar with, Raithe. Anyway, she took me in and took care of me one day as I was wandering about my new surroundings I found something very intriguing. it was an exquisite sword that almost festered power being curious I retrieved it from the mount and was surprised that it was weighted to fit me. Suddenly, Raithe ran in and discovered I had found it but instead of being angered she was ecstatic. She told me it was called the 'Arashi' a divine blade no one had been able to wield for it was made of pure energy forged from zues's lighting bolts and each of the greek god's had given it something. Well when she discovered I had the ability to wield it she started instructing me in the black arts and I was cursed with immortality but at the time I had thought it was a insurmountable gift. Well, I lived there until I discovered that Raithe planned to use me to conquer the cosmos. For by then, my powers were unparalleled. As soon as I discovered that this was her plan I got out of there and made it to earth where I practiced my arts until I grew even better and I've been here ever since...but I never got over the guilt of leaving Usagi. When I came to Earth, I also discovered that all of the moon kingdom had been destroyed, and that was hard to live with. However I found a book that told me how to get rid of my immortality...and until thatI will always look 23 because that's how old I was when I left Raithe's domain. So one question, actually a favor could you tell this to usagi I plan to be there it just might be a little more believable from you thanks

Hikari listened intensively to her nephew's transmission; while finishing up cleaning the kitchen while the communications ball floated next to her in the air. He may look eight years older than her physically; he was still about half her real age of 3764 right now. She brought out a jewel from her space pocket.

<<If Raithe knew I had this; she wouldn't have left the apartment.>>

Hikari thought with a sigh. <<In fact; I'd say she'll kill for this.>>

Hikari turned the jewel around in her hand; feeling the essence within it. Karasu had mentioned a book that spoke of getting rid of his immortality. She had never once thought of changing herself, but she was concerned for Karasu's well being.

The jewel sparkled in the light and Hikari returned it to her space pocket. Hikari turned to the communications ball to transmit her own message to Karasu.

"Karasu, I shall do as you ask and speak to Usagi when you two meet; it will need to take place some time in the next two days." Hikari spoke tenderly and seriousness. "I will also need to speak to you urgently within this time about the following week to come."

Karasu sat in silence for a long period of time. He finally spoke up saying, "Maybe it's better that I tell Usagi myself. By the way, I can see pretty much everything that goes on concerning the senshi and the elven court while I'm in my realm, through the advantage of a crystal ball, and I have been watching what's going on. I feel on top of the world due to the fact that I am the top master of illusion in the world, so tell me about this impending order of events your talking about.

Hikari smiled tenderly; something about talking long distance made her smile. Though she would have enjoied being in the same room to talk. "That's nice, Karasu. Well in three days I will be leaving the present time period due to the fact that a younger self will arrive to spend some time here as I recall." Hikari began to explain to her nephew about her physical 3 and 8 year selves showing up in the present for the next few minutes. "Speaking of knowing what's going on. Raithe's up to something at the park and I'm sensing Usagi is planing something she feels no one would like to she her do by herself. Can you look on Usagi is doing; I'll go confront Raithe."

Hikari let the comunications ball rest on her palm of her hand. "Before, I do." Hikari replied with a tender smile. "Is there anything else you would like me to do, Karasu, for you?"

"You're still weak, Michael-san. And besides, I don't want anyone to get hurt. If I tell you what I was going to do, it's because you insisted. And also, I'm sure this problem with Ami is my fault. My responsibility." She told him, trying to sound determined, but

the fact was that she was very scared and the idea of having some help sounded good...

'No, I can't do that, I must do this myself,' she thought. "It's risky."

"I don't care about the risk, Usagi." Michael said, trying to shift this folder he had under his arm. "Life is nothing but risks. If we're not willing to take them, then we will never accomplish anything. I promise, if I start to show any signs of weakening, I will turn back, not questions asked." Michael had determination in his eyes, granting him strength beyond his injuries.

Usagi looked at him, no matter what she said she would not stop him.

"Ok, then. But remember you said you will leave if necessary."

As Hikari had asked Karasu, he had been watching and listening to this conversation. He quickly decided that this would be the perfect chance to meet his little sister he quickly teleported to a few steps in front of Usagi around a corner and stepped out from behind it when she got close.

"Greetings little one, do you know who I am?"

Usagi blinked. She felt something familiar about the stranger but with no clue of his identity. She looked deeply at his eyes. She knew that someplace, somewhere, somehow, both of them already met. Her heart tried to tell her that he was...he was...

"Who are you?" She said. "I feel as if I already known you..."

"Oh, for the love of God, not ANOTHER one!" That voice belonged to Michael, who was getting rather sick of people just popping in and out, seeing as how only the villains ever seem to know how to teleport.

"Whatever you want . . . " Michael stood in front of his best friend's fiancée protectively. ". . . spill it or lose some teeth."

Mei slowly sat on the sofa, trying to sort through everything that had happened. Everyone else had left for one place or another. Things were just getting stranger and stranger. And it was a relief to just sit in the quiet for a while. The things that Angel had told her made sense, but... Too many things to be uneasy about. It was a little tiring. Her eyes drifted closed as she curled up on the sofa and fell sound asleep.

As Hikari finished speaking to Karasu on the communicatios ball she took and returned it to her space pocket. The kitchen and living rooms were cleaned as she walked back to the living room and touched Mei's should, who was sleeping on the sofa. Mei opened her eyes.

"Mei, I need to step out for a moment. Can you watch over things till Mamoru retuns from where he had gone?" Hikari tenderly spoke.

With a nod from Mei; Hikari headed out to her own destination. The park. Hikari entered the elevator and as the doors closed she transported out of time and back in as she stood as Sailor Half Light a few feet away from Raithe. She saw Kakyuu notice her and motioned for Kakyuu to stay where she was so Sailor Haven can keep her safe.

"Maharet!?!" Sailor Half Light spoke as she stood ready for Raithe to notice her.

"You will give me what I want." Raithe demanded. Suddenly, her expression changed, and she looked to her left, paying no heed to either the Princess or the Sailor. 'A feeling...' She thought. 'a familiar feeling...' She slowly turned her attention back to her two guests, only to notice a third.
"Hikari.......what an unpleasant surprise. Do me a favor and never call me by my actual name. Now, Hikari...what is it exactly that you want from me?" Raithe attempted to cross over to Princess Kakyuu, only to be stopped by Haven. She took a step to the left, and looked at Kakyuu, a sweet smile on her face. "I only want to help you princess...I have come to make all your dreams come true."
"Liar!" Haven yelled.
"Hmph." Raithe said, spreading her midnight black wings from thier folded position. She smiled knowingly, and a gold medieval style locket floated in front of Kakyuu. Slowly, Kakyuu took it in her hand, and arched an eyebrow at Raithe. "Yes...that is a gift. If you ever need anything at all from me, simply open up the locket and call my name, out loud....Raithe." She eyed Haven and Hikari over. "And should you loose my gift, call my name, and I will hear you." Kakyuu nodded slightly.
"However for now I must depart. I have more important things to worry about." Raithe smiled evilly, and spread her wings out far. "Hikari, you and I have some unfinished business, I do believe. You know where to find me, and I know where to find you. Until we meet again."
Before either could speak, Raithe was off the ground, wings flapping. She took off the left, and flew with the speed and grace of a hawk to an old shinto temple located about four miles away. She landed slowly and carefully, and calmed herself once she realized there was no one around. She folded her wings behind her back and looked to her right. An oak tree. The one particular oak tree she had been searching for. Taking small steps, she approached the tree. Raithe stretched her hand out as she moved closer and touched the tree. Her other hand lifted and touched the tree. Simultaneously, her nails stretched out, and she sliced the tree with them. The tree fell, and from the trunk appeared a large orange gem. Raithe's nails retracted, and she took hold of the jewel. She held it firmly, and broke it in half. Three shadows swirled around her, and then stopped to form three identical, pale women who stood in a circle around her. They were dressed in all black, with red eyes, blood stained lips and black hair. The bowed to Raithe, and gave thier introductions.
"Clotho, the bringer of beginnings..."
"Lachesis, the embodiment of time...."
"Atropos, the heart of death..."
"At your loyal services, Empress."

The gentle flicker of candle light set a soft glow to the halls of the Elven realm and the air held a deathly silence, reflecting the thoughts and emotions of its occupants. The usually bright burning lamps that held a kanji for each title now seem barely lit, with two entirelyextinguished; Chaos and Rampage's lamps. The silence was broken by the
barely audible twins as they walked at a steady and forced pace down the hallway. Ruckus wore robes as black as night, made with the finest cloths and tailored to flow with his movements. On his back the kanji for 'Ruckus' contrasted with a bright white against the darkness, while silver lining decorated and added to the splendor of his outfit. Under the robes and across his chest he bore a highly detailed sash, colored like the red roses he was so fond of growing. His usual charm and smile were gone from his face, replaced by a simple yet solemn expression. His twin brother Riot was dressed much like he was, adorned in heavy ceremonial robes that hid from view much of his body. Riot's robes were as white and pure as the innocent hearts of young maidens whom he was known to be fond of. The kanji for 'Riot' that embellished his backside was a dark ebony that threatened to swallow any who dared look upon it. The decorative silver lining does little to brighten the dark visage in his eyes.
A candle flickered, casting a long shadow across the walls. From the shadow Havoc uncrossed his arms and pushed off the wall, falling into step with the twins. Gripped tightly in one hand, he carried the Zamba sword at his side as he always did. The dull and slightly chipped blade was in great contrast to Havoc's flaming gold robes which caught and reflected the candle light. On his back the kanji for 'Havoc' burned a blazing bright red, portraying his unparalleled fighting spirit. Despite his flamboyant wardrobe his demeanor held a somber aspect to it.

Hysteria appeared suddenly walking slightly out of sync with the rest of the group, Ruin following close behind. Her aqua hair was surprisingly free of the usual rainbow colored ribbons, and she didn't bounce or skip at all. Even more alarming was her expression, she seemed calm and serene, that alone being enough to frighten any wise elf. Hysteria's deep violet robes accented her eyes nicely, and despite her lack of expression, the ever present air of excitement was always with her. Lady Ruin wore a navy blue cape and cowl with her dark blue dress that was cut in a v-shape and wrapped behind her back. She did her best to appear calm, but she was unsure about what was going on. Ruckus took Calestria by the arm and gently guided her to the side. He lowered his voice to a soft whisper and set his hand on the side of her face.
"You know we all care about you here, don't you?"
Ruin paused a moment blushing and nodded.
"Then please understand when I say that what we are about to do, you cannot be a part of. Chaos was very important to us all and this is something we have to do. You may watch if you wish, but please do not interfere or even speak until the ceremony is over."
Calestria nodded slowly, "Hai, I understand Ruckus."
Ruckus smiled faintly and kissed her on the forehead before moving back into place next to his brother. Ruin stood there a moment wondering what was so important that she could not interfere? She shrugged it off and hurried to catch up to Hysteria.
The familiar grey mist poured out from nowhere, chilling the air as Mayhem emerged, the pain in his leg forgotten as he walked in unison with his fellow elven. As with the other elves, his heavy robes were highly decorated and ceremonial in appearance. The dark grey clouds that seemed to drift across his robes reflected perfectly the look in his
eyes. The kanji for 'Mayhem' was a deep ocean blue-green on his back, depicting the dark unexplored mind he possessed. Many thoughts clouded his mind but he pushed them aside, now was not the time to be concerned over them. Whatever he was feeling at the moment was perfectly masked by the grave look set into his face.
The elven group stopped short at a large round door encrusted with jewels and decorated with myths from ancient elven lore. Riot glanced around quickly to be sure everyone was present but frowned as he did not see Carnage among them. He shrugged and turned forward as Ruckus walked up to the large door and waved his hand over the center jewel. The large sapphire began to glow as the round door hummed to life, rolling to the side to allow them passage. Ruckus stopped short from entering when he looked inside to see a lone figure already waiting for them. Wrapped in crimson blood colored robes, Carnage stood tall, a thin hood hid much of her face from view. Without a word she turned her back on them to face the main chamber. With heavy feet the remaining elven Court of Chaos trudged into the ancient temple grounds.

Along all eight walls torches ignited, illuminating the chamber with burning fire. Above each torch a mural was set into the stone, carved by hand over one hundred thousand years ago when the elven race flourished. For every elf that stood in the room, each mural spoke to them in ways they could scarcely understand. Havoc paid special attention to the mural that spoke most to him, an ancient depiction of the Godswar. Vhalen the Father clashed against Grumnesh the Dark Ogre, each wielding unimaginable power. Below them their forces collided, elven striking down his once elven brother, now turned drow by Grumnesh.
Demi-gods and titans alike strode along side the common warrior, all intent on the destruction of the opposing force. Havoc closed his eyes, felt the drums pounding in his chest and heard the war cries ringing in his ears. He was a warrior of the purest blood, his fighting spirit was equaled only by the previous owners of the Zamba blade. Opening his eyes Havoc stepped into a large circle situated in the middle of the vast
chamber. Mayhem paused before a mural portraying a lesson in the pursuit
of power. A fateful meeting between Kilari, a talented and already powerful bladesinger who thirsted for power, and one of the fabled Mages of Arcania.
Kilari spotted the mage crossing over the promenade and quickly began pursuit. He was determined to receive the blessing of a Mage of Arcania, considered to be a great honor and sign of good fortune among his people.
Fafhrd sensed his eager stalker and turned to face him. "You wish my blessings Kilari?" the ancient elf spoke.

Kilari stopped in surprised but quickly nodded, "If you would so honor me, yes please."
Fafhrd gave Kilari one look over, "This I will not do, but I do have a vision for you. I see a hand reaching out from the darkness. Your hand. Millions of people are screaming your name."
"My followers?" Kilari asked eagerly.
"Your victims." Fafhrd paused a moment, "Good day to you, Kilari."
The Mage of Arcania walked off and disappeared, leaving the young elf to stare in disbelief.
Mayhem never allowed himself to forget that story, and so despised those who craved power. Probably the single most reason he disliked Carnage so much he mused. Without another moments thought Mayhem stepped into the circle.
Hysteria seemed distant and barely aware of her surroundings as she moved into position next to Carnage within the growing circle of elves. Her eyes were glassy and soft as memories from a time long past filled her mind. Chaos was a loss that would affect her more than she even knew, she almost considered him some sort of father. Its all her child-like mind frame could do but to find a suitable replacement, after losing her parents at a very young age. A single innocent tear rolled down her right cheek. Ruin looked up in awe as she caught her first glimpse of the entire chamber. The detail and artistry that went into this room was unheard of on Earth, whatever the murals portrayed she was sure it was of great importance.
Ruin watched carefully as the elves converged onto a large circle set into the floor, but instead of following she hung back and leaned against one of the many walls. It was her place to observe, and no more.

Carnage wondered if she would ever find happiness as she gazed upon the mural for the Passing to Arvanaith, where Chaos should be right now. The elven mistress once knew happiness, long ago before she discovered her true powers. She, Carnage the wielder of the 'Extreme Magiks', was once happily married to a poet. But her joy was short-lived as her husband was killed by the Sailor Senshi, they claimed it was an accident but to Carnage it made no difference. Her pain and suffering centered around the fuku wearing warriors and she would never find it in her heart to forgive them. That night she swore the Blood Oath, the most sacred pact one could make; she would avenge him no matter the cost. Carnage opened her eyes and looked at the mural one last time as she wondered about her life. It was said that the winds in Arvanaith could calm even the most troubled hearts, would it be enough for her?

The twins held back a moment, their eyes fixated upon a mural of their choosing. This story spoke to their very souls, it was the very inspiration for their magik and existence. The carving in the wall was of two people and the struggle they shared so that they might be together. Great opposing forces at each side threatened to end the love they held for each other. On one end a prince to a kingdom guarded by dragons, and the other was a cursed maiden with dove-like wings. In all history there was never a tale of such pure love as theirs, the kind that transcends space and time, even defying the laws which govern the universe. Though each one's own magical prowess was meager, the power of their love was so great that the universe changed itself so that they might be together. The story was awe inspiring to all who heard it, truly there was no greater power than love. The twins once knew that sort of love, but it was one sided and they were soon betrayed by the one that possessed their hearts and souls. The two elven did not wish to control the great power that was love, but rather to see it realized and understand it like no other elf had attempted before. In a way they were the most powerful, but even they were only mere apprentices to the mysterious power that pure emotion was capable of. In a way they were humbled by that knowledge and stepped into the circle, completing the elven ring.

Karasu ignored Michael's words and spoke to Usagi:

Think back long, long ago when the moon kingdom was in all it's glory, head of all the planets stature-wise. There lived a queen, a wise and merciful ruler. Now everybody envied her and her daughter who would rule the kingdom in her footsteps one day, as had many generations before her. Well unbenonst to most of her subjects, she also had a son who was older than the small princess, and despite how only women could rule the moon, had a great love for his little sister. Well one day, he decided to go out and become a great warrior, and leave the kingdom behind. After the kingdom was destroyed, he searched for millenia to find his sister, and at last I have found you...Serenity…Usagi...I am your brother.

"My...brother?" Usagi said. Think back long...long ago...yes, she remembered him. She remembered her brother and how much she used to love him, how sad she was when he disappeared. "Karasu-san..." She muttered. "Karasu-san!" She hugged him tightly. Her brother, her dear brother.

He hugged her back, knowing that finally he had found her, but he would have to make up for lost time ."Look at you, you've grown up...and you're as beautiful as mom. So…this may sound odd but what have you been up to?"
"Karasu-san! There has been so many things! Since I was 14 I had to fight with all these strange enemies...Queen Metallia, two aliens called Alan and Anne, Black Moon, Death Busters, Dead Moon Circus, Sailor Galaxia and more recently, the elves." She paused to breath. "They kidnapped Ami-chan, Mercury-hime, and turned her an elf! I need to help her! Karasu-san, why didn't you show up before?"
"I had some business to take care of, but don't worry, I'm never going to leave like that again. so, little one let's go save your friends shall we? I'll do everything I can to help."
"Arigatou gozaimasu" Usagi smiled to his brother. "But..." no wait, she stopped, it might be dangerous, but Karasu could be helpful if everything gets dangerous, especially to aid Mamoru's friend Michael...besides he said he became a great warrior himself. "It's OK, let's go...Oh, by the way, Karasu-san, this is Michael, Michael-san, this is my brother from the Silver Millenium, Karasu."
"Greetings, Michael, it will be an honor fighting next to you." Then he turned to Usagi. "So, fill me in on where we are going little one."
Michael just stood in place, a little weirded out by the whole encounter. It seemed like everyone in this damn town could teleport. He was slightly insulted that the guy seemed to show him about the minimal amount of courteousy before going back to ignoring him. Oh well.
A bus slowly pulled up to the three. The hissing of the doors and the following shutting sound, went largely unnoticed by Usagi and friend. Michael watched them from the bus window as it pulled away. However, his bord expression turned to panic as he noticed a brown manilla folder sitting next to Usagi's feet. The same folder he was supposed to have been carrying. Together with the fact that they really weren't paying attention, the new sound proofing on the bus windows didn't make thing any easier. The bus pulled away with Michael banging on the windows and making some muffled obscenities.
Michael's face was pressed against the bus window like a child's face on a toy store's window.
"Aww......."

"The only place I know is where the Masquerade took place...I ignore if the Elven Court is still there..." Usagi answered to Karasu. "Right, Michael-san? She looked at the place he used to be a few minutes ago, but he
wasn't there!
"Michael? Michael! He disappeared..." Usagi said. <Maybe it's better this way, now he won't be in the middle of a fight...if that happens> "Let's go, brother." But then she noticed a brown manilla folder next to her feet. "This must be Michael's. I'll return it to him next time I go to Mamo-chan's place." She picked it up.

Angel smiled seriously as she held her star brooch, & looked to the woods. "You say . . the woods to transform?"
Taiki gave her a smirk, but a kind one. "Unless you'd rather transform on the road for all passers by to see."
"Good point," Angel giggled. Heading towards the woods, she asked, "Coming?"
Taiki watched her head into the woods, then stared at Seiya and said, "Odds or Evens?"
"Evens," was the reply.
The two shot one hand out. Taiki's face took on a mask of indifference as he muttered, "Drats."
"Go get her, Taiki!" laughed Seiya, clapping him on the back.

Without a word, Taiki followed Angel, as Seiya made her way back to Rei & Makoto.
Angel reach a spot that couldn't be seen from the street and turned to see Taiki but no Seiya. "Hmm... just you, Taiki?" Angel gave a warm serious glance.
Taiki's response was to take a defensive posture that one always does before transforming. "Wouldn't want to leave the ladies by their lonesome, now would we? Maker Star-Power-"
But something new arose in him, the new power for words of a long ago
yet recent tresure arose to his lips.
"Maker Kinmoku Star Power, Make-up!!"
After the usual 28 second x-form, there she stood, to a snap of a finger. "Super Starlight Maker, Stage on!"
Angel nodded with a proud smile. She held up her star brooch. "Haven Star Power, Make Up!" After her 28 sec of x-forming. Sailor Haven stood in her black leather sailor fuku that almost looked like Super Starlight Maker. She smiled once again. "Anything else?" Angel replied calmly.

Maker grinned. "You look like you borrowed my old outfit," she said.
"Mine was black, but now... Tonikaku," she said, shaking her head, and standing to her full height. "Tell me more about Kakyuu-hime. How is she, really?"
"Well, she's not too clear on the male gender at the moment. That is why she refused to go back to Mamoru's place," Sailor Haven replied calmly. "N-na ni?" exclaimed Super StarLight Maker. With a quick SD balloon off to the side, her eyebrow twitched. 'So even if for some off the wall reason
I wanted to stay female, she couldn't help...' she thought.
Maker blew a puff of air out. "So, she's staying with Hikari, is that it?"
"At least until you go and pick her up." Haven nodded yes. "It was better than where she wanted to stay…"
Maker noticed Sailor Haven trailing off, looking at the ground. "Why?

What else? You're not giving the full story, are you, Haven?"
Haven nodded, then with a deep breath she began to explain the events. "At one point, Kakyuu decided to go take a walk and left the apartment without informing anyone. She was discovered missing and I went to search for her. Finding her sleeping under a tree in the Tokyo Park, there was with her a woman I recognized going after Michael at the Hospital. Later, when Hikari arrived, I discovered the woman was someone called Raithe."

Haven sighed. "Though physically keeping this Raithe from Kakyuu, Raithe did happen to give Kakyuu a locket. Then the conversation of Mamoru and Michael's differences and Hikari promising not to let them go to her apartment and a few explainations of where she is and a park not being sutable to sleep in. Hikari asked me to find you two and inform you so you don't become too worried when Kakyuu isn't at Mamoru's."
Maker crossed her arm, wishing to be back on Kinmoku. Before THIS had all started up again. "Isn't there anyone else who's sick of being a protector against evil that never seems to stop?" she asked herself.
Haven pulled out her sword and twirled it in her hand with a curious glance at Starlight Maker. "Actually I tend to enjoy the butt-kicking personally. That Raithe character left in such a hurry; I didn't get a
chance."

Maker actually laughed at that one, and said, "I guess we enjoy the thrill to put down the evil day in and day out, ne? That's what keeps me in my stasis everyday. That, and Hime, and Seiya... and Yaten..."
Haven smiled and nodded. "It's understandable, Hikari-hime is important to me and the others." Haven put her sword away and turned to Maker. "Since Hikari is looking after Kakyuu-hime as the moment; would you mind myself accompaning you in your mission to get Yaten back?"
Maker's head bowed, and her forehead furrowed, thinking hard. True, as Taiki, he was a self-centered jackass, but as SSLMaker, she had as Seiya put the "full right" to be bitchy. Instead, some points made themselves known as she calculated, and then retorted with this reply.
"Think no ill of me, or my friend, but please understand why I'm saying no. It seems that as soon as Kakyuu-hime decided to officially team up with us, she was injured in some way or another, and has know forgotten us... who she really is... can't even understand what a MALE is. Hikari, although a
nice girl, wanted eagerly to help us as well, but our chance temple meeting and brief conversation isn't enough to be sure. Also, she has problems of her own, now with this... what was her name? Rays?"
"Raithe."
"Hai... she sounds sadistic..."
"Don't underestimate Hikari just yet. She is . . . " Haven wouldn't what the correct term would be on Earth. "She seems to be concerned about Yaten very much ..."
<<Hikari tends to know about finding things out on her own.>> Haven thought remembering a few times when Hikari knew things she had no way of knowing at the time.
"Sounds like you don't even know your own Hikari very well," noted Maker.
"Still, it seems that Fate or in this case maybe... those Elves, or whatever, is not with us. Every time someone tries to fill Yaten's spot, it seems that she'll get hurt. Yet nothing has happened to me or Fighter as of yet..."
"Don't worry about me, Maker." Haven amusingly commented. "I do know Hikari quite well to know that even if you forbid her to help, she'll go ahead and find a way to get into the middle of things. There would only be two ways to keep her out of helping you. They are, 1) Hikari is somehow made to promise not to interfere in helping find Yaten, or 2) Hikari knows someone is there to help you two. In this case, me," Haven finished, giving a serious smile. "How do you think I found you, hmm?"
"By doing what we're best at, and that is spying." Maker sighed, then smiled faintly. "Well, Haven, if you wanna thrust yourself into the 'coveted spot'... then I guess I'll check with Fighter, and see how she
feels about it."
She started to head back to the car, when she tipped two fingers on her forehead as a mock gesture. Sticking outa tongue, she said jokingly, "And by the by, I think we've had enough copy-righting since the Inners and Outers all match. I don't think it'd be a good image for you if people thought you were a StarLight, ne?" Then she began walking back to the car, changing back into Kou Taiki.
Haven looked at her sailor fuku and shrugged. "Hmm . . . thought I looked more resembling the American character Xena than a Starlight. Oh well."
Haven tranformed to Angel and ran back to the car as well.
Taiki turned around the bushes and headed to the car...Seiya sat in the car, tapping the wheel with the palm of her hand patiently. She checked her watch. "Jeez... it's been half an hour..."
The Starlight peered into the woods nervously. "Maybe I should've gone, too......" She whispered to herself.
"Oh, lighten up." Came Rei from the back seat.
Seiya half-turned and saw Rei with her hands on her hips, and giving her a frown. "They're both big kids, and they can take care of themselves. I'm sure they'll be just fine."
Seiya half-smiled. "I suppose you're right. I'm just being paranoid. What with Yaten gone, I don't want to lose Taiki, too. Or Angel, for that matter."
Makoto folded her arms and leaned back in her seat, propping her feet up on the chair in front of her. "Well, I for one am getting bored with just sitting here while they play dress-up. I say we go out and explore." She said with a mischevious grin.
Seiya frowned and shook her head. "I don't think that's a great idea. I mean, what if they come back while we're gone?"
"Well, then, stay here. I'm getting out of this boring little car!" Makoto swung open the car door and stepped out, shoes clicking on the cement street as she walked off.
Seiya cursed, and fumbled with the door. "Rei, stay here." She said shortly, then ran after Makoto. "Chotto matte yo!" She called breathlessly after the taller, and, apparently, better winded senshi.
Rei sat in the car, folding her arms indignantly. "Hmph!"
Taiki knocked on the window a few moments later, startling Rei, who undid the lock for him. Opening the door, he breathed in to say something, ut sudden it came out as a blast as he saw what happened. "Where's Seiya & Makoto?!"
Yaten walked alone on a street some distance away from the studio, her hands in her pockets. She left the youma Dopleganger to help the youma girls after they fell asleep, conserving energy. She couldn't tell the girls since Bubbles had a reputation of giving the plan away. In a distance, she heard Seiya and Makoto running her way.
Great....Her first encounter with her former teammate and an inner senshi....
A tinge of guilt went through her body as she wondered what she was going to do. Sure, she was going to be outnumbered, but why not? She was bored anyway. It was nice to have a backup plan if the photo studio idea didn't work but there wasn't any shame in having a little fun, right?
She smiled silently to herself, wishing that she had brought a camera (even the rigged cameras back at the studio) just to capture Seiya's look when he finds out about her.
Seiya bumped into a silver haired girl with brown tinted glasses, coming her way.
"Excuse me...", She bowed, only to look up to see Makoto's horrified face, and Yaten sneering down at her.
"So...StarFighter turned feminine too, ne?", She thought, frowning in her mind. If Fighter turned female, Metallia knows what other changes to the StarLights happened while she was away.....

Seiya blinked, then grinned. She ran up to her former teammate with tears in
her eyes and flung her arms around her shoulder. "Yaten!" She wailed. "I
thought I'd never see you again!"
Makoto tapped Seiya hesatently on the shoulder. "Ano.. Seiya?"
Seiya turned to Makoto, annoyed. "What is it?"
Makoto pointed a shakey finger at Yaten. "Just... look at him... her..."
Seiya looked down at Yaten, who was grinning maliciously at her. She gave Seiya a smirk. "What's the matter, partner? Not so happy to see me anymore?"
Seiya took a step back, and gasped as she finally took a good look at Yaten. She was glad in a general's uniform, and looked every inch the evil villian, complete with narrowed eyes and evil grin.
"Yaten... what... what happened to you... ?" Seiya gasped.

Artemis tosses in his sleep....tossing and turning until he finally annoys Minako. Theres a disturbance...evil has over come the good in the world. A red blast in his dream...and the face of Queen Matalia. "What the?!!!!" Artemis finally wakes up. He is drenced in cold sweat. "But...Beryl was desroyed and the Dark Kingom was too...wasn't it?! That
was along time ago...when the senshi were finally awakened. Something is wrong...I better check it out" Artemis mummbles as he climbs out the window on onto the lonely street. "I hope it was just a dream. If it was... I gotta lay of the Catnip..............." He says as he continues down the street

Angel stepped up behind Taiki to hear Seiya and Mako-chan were not in the car. She opened her mini-compcuter and began to locate Seiya's signature again. She informed Taiki of Seiya's location just as she detected a similar signature as Seiya and Taiki's but with a slight diffience to it, almost like nega energy signature. She looked to Taiki than the screen. "Okay... Kakyuu is at Hikari and you are here ... then that would mean Seiya found Yaten." Angel shook head. "There's some bad news; Yaten's signature is reading as a nega energy signature."
"I need to get thing checked." Angel frowned at the mini-computer. She turned to Taiki and Rei. "I have an idea."
Angel began to inform Taiki and Rei of her plan to help Seiya and Mako-chan.

"The greatest thing that's ever happened to me, that's what!", Yaten answered. Her grin grew as Seiya stepped back in disbelief. She was finally getting the attention that she deserved. It was attention she had gotten mostly through her birthdate as Queen Metallia's grand-daughter, but it was attention nontheless
She shoke off the feeling of friendship that she once had for this jock, and laughed despite the fact that Seiya had tears welling up in her eyes.
Artemis turned the corner. He was getting a bunch of mixed up vibes. He stopped in shock as if his heart had stopped. There it was. The bad vibe he was feeling, Yaten. Working for evil. He was shocked. He stepped back slowly trying not to make any noise. But being a cluts that he was, he made a metal trash can fall down.
"Uh-oh" Artemis thought as he froze in disbelief...
Seiya's eyes began to unvoulintarily water, and two miniature waterfalls of salt water descended her cheekbones. "Yaten.... it can't be..."
Seiya clenched her teeth and balled her hands into fists. Rei and Makoto gasped. "How dare you, Yaten!" She growled. "After all we've been through together, after all we've done for each other, how DARE you betray us like this!" She squeezed her eyes shut,
forcing the last of the tears from her eyes.
She looked up solemnly at Yaten. "And right now is when we need you most." She said softly. "How could you?"
Yaten fell silent for a moment. Physically, she was ready to go up against the senshi, but was she mentally ready?
Was this some sort of test to see if she was loyal to the Dark Kingdom?
Would she have the heart to fight, much less defeat Seiya?
Seiya's words struck deep into her heart. She never relized just how much
she had meant to Sailor StarFighter untill now. Words affected the new general's heart (and yes, she did have one), but she'd never show it. She was going to make sure that Seiya and everyone else knew that Yaten Kou, general of the Dark Kingdom, was strong. No. She wasn't about to reveal her emotions. Not now, and not to these...
These senshi...
The silence was followed by the crashing of cans, and involuntarly sent a blast of energy out at the cans. She was frightened, and presence of her old teammate didn't help much. The figure trapped underneath was Artemis. The white cat guardian was fine, except for the bruise that he got when he fell down. Seiya and Makoto ran to Artemis's side, helping him up. They all glared at Yaten for a minute.
"You really outdone yourself this time, Yaten....", Rei snarled, taking up her henshin. Makoto followed, giving Artemis to Seiya.
"No kidding! First you pretend to be our friend, fighting against Sailor Galaxia, and now you join forces with the Dark Kingdom!!"
"WE WILL NOT FORGIVE YOU!!!!", They shouted in unison, thrusting their
henshins high into the air.
"Oak Make up!!"
"Fire Make up!!"
"In the name of loyality and friendship, we WILL punish you!!", They said, posing.
"You gotta be kidding me!! If you two fight as well as you make speechs, this battle's a cinch!!", Yaten laughed. Her conscience, which was growing weaker with each ounce of energy she was receiving from the Dark Kingdom, started yelling at her. Of course, at this point, the conscience's voice would have sounded like Mike Tyson on Helium....
Artemis was extreamly angry at this point. He didn't know what to do. He remembered what had happened to Mamoru such a long time ago. Artemis could see what Yaten was thinking in her eyes. He could read he like an open book. Artemis thought to himself....
" If Usagi, such a long time ago loved Mamaru enough to be loyal to him and heal him back to his normal self, then it might work with Yaten as well....but, is there someone out there who loved Yaten so much that he or she could convince Yaten to go back to normal again?" Artemis looked puzzled as he looked into the eyes of Seiya and Rei now in senshi form. Artemis looked into StarFighters eyes as of asking her a question...
"Seiya....is there anyone you know who can talk Yaten back to her senses???"
Seiya turned to Artemis with a thoughtful expression as Makoto and Rei distracted Yaten. "It's a great
idea, but I don't recall Yaten having any girlfriends..." She shrugged, and turned back to the group.
Yaten grinned evilly as she held out a hand, sending waves of dark energy hurtiling towards Sailors Jupiter and Mars. They were flung like rag dolls into the cement wall at their rear with an alarming crunch.
She turned back to Yaten, an amused grin playing on her face. "So, it's just you and me, old friend. What
are you going to do now, hmm? Fight me?" She laughed at the last part, knowing full well that Seiya Kou
would never attack a friend.
"Damn straight." Came a growl from Seiya.
Yaten nearly lost her teeth. She turned unbelievingly toward the seething Starlight, and her jaw dropped.
"What?"
Seiya narrowed crystal blue eyes at her former teammate. "You attack Rei and Makoto, turn your backs
on Taiki, myself, and Kakyuu-hime... I cannot forgive you!"
She pulled out her winged henshin. "Fighter Kinmoku Star Power, Make-Up!" A whirlpool of yellow, white and purple lights engulfed Seiya, coating her in white ribbons and yellow stars.
She emerged, taking the typical senshi pose. "Reawakened by a new enemy, sworn to defeat those who
harm the ones I love, Super StarLight Figher, stage on!"
She pointed a gloved finger at Yaten, eyes gone ice cold. "You have willingly chosen to betray your
friends. For that you shall not be forgiven!" StarLight Figher collected white energy in her hands.
"Star Serious LASER!"
Yaten rolled to the side, still slightly shocked that Seiya would attack her. And since when did they have these new fukus?!

"Yaten!"
She turned abruptly to see two other jump down from the top of the e-mail er- uh, outta the sky. Okay, they snuck up behind her, sue me!

Sailor Haven was behind on Yaten's left, while Fighter was in front. Maker had landed on the right, and switched her gaze over to the two fallen senshi near Artemis. Her jawline set into a fierce clench of the teeth, and her purple eyes narrowed at Yaten.
"I should have known... I should have..." she spat at her, now more angry at herself than Yaten.
"So you are Hikari's godchild Yaten; Mihat's daughter? You've grown." Sailor Haven gave Yaten a stren courious look. Haven was a bit uncertain to this individual being the one and only Yaten Hikari mentioned being very talented on the keyboards.
Yaten actually showed signs of remorse for what she did this time. It wasn't
obvious to the human eye, but it was there.
Was she still alive? Her eyes narrowed.
"What do you know of Hikari?", Yaten demanded.
"Only that she's alive and wishes to see her Neko-Chan again.", The senshi answered. Yaten fell silent again, her eyes widened in disbelief. For a moment, the senshi could have sworn they watched Yaten's eyes light up with love and affection....
"Nana...", she almost mouthed, staring past the senshi instead of at them.
She blinked, not having felt these emotions in what? A couple of weeks? She had gotten used to feeling cold, unwanted, and unloved that it was almost like a new experience to her. She quickly shoved those unnecessary feelings out of her heart. It looked like they were doing fine on their own. They received their new transformations despite her presence, and from the looks of it, they didn't want her on the team anymore...
No. She was not about to give in. She was not about to show that she was a weakling, and she was not going back.
"Looks like I'm out numbered....", She frowned, sitting in the air as if it was a lounge chair.
"I'll see you senshi later....", With the, the Dark Kingdom general disappeared in a swirl of musical notes. She didn't care where she went off to, just that she needed to get away from everything.
Super StarLight Fighter clenched her fists, the white leather making a creaking noise between her hands. "So now we know..." She said, tears flowing down her cheeks. "Now we know what really happened."
Makoto and Rei moaned, and shook their heads. The stood up slowly, and made their way over to Super StarLight Figher and Maker. Makoto rested a hand on Fighter's shoulder, and Rei on Makers.
Seiya wiped a stray tear away with the back of a gloved hand. "Daijoubu?" She asked the two.
Makoto smiled. "We'll be fine... but what about you?"
She squeezed her eyes shut and looked down. "Ever since the concert, I've been telling myself that I should've done a better job... I couldn't even protect my best friend! And now, because I failed, look at what's happened!"
She shrugged off Makoto's comforting hand. "I swear, Kou Yaten, I swear that I'll do everything in my power to get you back!"

Super StarLight Fighter clenched her fists, the white leather making a creaking noise between her hands. "So now we know..." She said, tears flowing down her cheeks. "Now we know what really happened."
Makoto and Rei moaned, and shook their heads. The stood up slowly, and made their way over to Super StarLight Figher and Maker. Makoto rested a hand on Fighter's shoulder, and Rei on Makers.
Seiya wiped a stray tear away with the back of a gloved hand. "Daijoubu?" She asked the two.
Makoto smiled. "We'll be fine... but what about you?"
She squeezed her eyes shut and looked down. "Ever since the concert, I've been telling myself that I should've done a better job... I couldn't even protect my best friend! And now, because I failed, look at what's happened!"
She shrugged off Makoto's comforting hand. "I swear, Kou Yaten, I swear that I'll do everything in my power to get you back!"

Maker's face showed anger set in the thin line of her mouth. She punched her fist into her open palm. "Kuso!"
Everyone looked at her. Maker powered down, then flipped up his jacket collar. "Just great! That... those THINGS that took Yaten made HER one of THEM! Did you see her get up?! Our Yaten would never be caught wearing something that didn't match like that!"
"It was all black," said someone.
"THE POINT IS," said Taiki, frustrated, "is now we have ANOTHER case of brainwashing on our heads. First, Ami-chan & the Elves, then Yaten....That's it! Everybody, get in the car!"

Sailor Haven looked that she was the only one still in senshi form now. With a shrug her senshi fuku disapeared in sparkling light to return her to her street clothing.
Angel let Rei, Makoto and Artemis pass her as she walked up to Taiki. "We'll get Yaten back . . . I'm sure . . ."
<<If Hikari had anything to do with it . . . there will be no dought in my mind. Hikari would keep at it till we did.>> Angel thought to her self. <<She's not the type to give up on someone.>>
Taiki said nothing as he walked to passenger door, and pushed back his seat so Angel could sit with Makoto & Rei.
Angel noticed she was invited and got into the car. Angel sat in the back seat for a moment.
"Any ideas?" Angel commented.
Taiki sighed, resting an arm against the window, and a head in his hand. First Ami-chan, then Yaten... who next? who would be taken away...?
Then, without warning, he nodded off.
Seiya sat pondering at the steering wheel. 'Yaten's gone evil now...' she thought to herself. 'But... how? WHY? Why would she do this? And now, of all times...' Seiya punched the steering wheel in frustration, and rested her forehead on the top of it.
"Why...?" Tears were now flowing freely down her cheeks. making darker circles on the leather-padded steering wheel.
Angel took the question to be a responce to her own.
"Every operation needs a good plan; though Hikari might try to figure more out about the ones who took Yaten first" Angel replied.
Seiya's eyes went cold. "Yes. I know Yaten. I've known her for years, and we've always been such good friends. She would never turn on us by herself... someone must have brainwashed her."
Angel opened her mini computer; began to key. "Did you catch the responce I got?"
Seiya shook her head, blinking. "Response? What response?"
Not looking up from screen Angel replied. "First remorse and then a faint glimmer of love and affection."
Seiya blinked again. "What? I didn't see any of that!" Her face fell. "Oh, Yaten, what's happened to you? Who's done this?"
After a while of silence of going through old files she obtained years algo while Hikari was visiting her from her Silver Age. Files of sesnhi training event with the Dawn system senshi. Angel smiled.
"Bingo . . . I have it." Angel cheerfully announced.
Taiki stired for only a second and went back to sleep. Angel blushed she looked at Seyia with the rearview mirror.
"The get up Yaten was wearing; it's a uniform worn by the Dark Generals of the Dark Kingdom during the Silver Age." Angel commented.
Seiya's eyes widened. "WHAT?!" She exclaimed. Taiki stirred once again next to her, and went back to sleep. "I remember Odang- er, I mean, Usagi telling me about them." She frowned. "But she also told me that she, along with Ami, Rei, Makoto and Minako, had destroyed them. How is it that some survived?"
"Beats me . . . " Angel brought up some information. "It seems you are correct about brainwashing. Aparently the origianl four general of the Dark Kingdom were brainwashed during the Silver Age by Metalia and a . . . Queen Beryl to go against Prince Endymion. They were Jedite, Nephlite, Zoicite and Kunzite."
For the next few minutes Angel discribed the generals physically. She then looked up from the screen.
"Does any of them sound familar?" Angel asked couriously.
"Yes, actually. Usagi told me about them..." Seiya paused, thinking of each name, and trying to remember how each was destroyed, according to Usagi's descriptions. "Wait a second... that Jedite..."
"Jadite?" Angel asked. "Is he the one you recall taking Yaten?"
Seiya shook her head. "I... I can't remember... I remember... fighting. All of us.. on stage. Youma were everywhere, and Yaten couldn't find his henshin... so StarMaker and myself were trying to protect him." Her face fell. "Then Yaten and I got into a fight. She stormed out of the door, and me, being the idiot I am, didn't give it a second thought." She said through gritted teeth, clenching her fists on the steering wheel.
"So this happened during the concert . . . Hikari just entered the time stream yesterday..." Angel trailed off in thought .
"You'll have to forgive me... some of my own dumb jock genes are starting to kick in. What does all this mean?"
Angel nodded; a bit suprised. "Not at all, Seiya. Hikari has a nack of traveling . . . in time/space . . . she told me she hasn't been in the time stream for a while making it capable for her to go back to that time period at a later time . . . ."
"But what does that have to do with this?"
"I'd say Hikari would go consider on going back in time; to the concert . . ."
Seiya frowned. "You mean and follow Yaten? See where he went and what happened to him? Can she do that without being noticed?"
Angel shook head and frowned. "Unless she learned how to do so recently; no. The chances of getting caught herself would be good; though I dought Hikari will think about that aspect."
Seiya sighed. "So rash and headstrong... reminds me of Yaten... " She rubbed her eyes, trying to force back more tears. Truth be told, she just wanted to be alone right now. She wanted to go home, lock herself in her room, and sob. The least she could do was come up with a good alibi. "Well, we'd best head back. It's pretty dark out. We can talk about this in the next meeting." Seiya even managed a weak, tired smile. "Anywhere I can drop you off at?"
"Sure; right here's fine." Angel replied tenderly. "Taiki and you need to get some rest so you can go pick Kakyuu up at Hikari's in the morning. You might need it to be alert with Hikari."
Seiya nodded, and smiled. "Good night, Angel. And," she added with a small smile. "Thank you."
"Welcome." Angel smiles; then teleports away.

* * *

Taiki was having the weirdest dreams as Angel and Seiya talked in the car...
It was a nice apartment, and he walked in through a red door marked "GT and Mizuno, Welcome!"
As he threw the door open, he saw Yaten in her general regalia talking as casual as you please to a group of girls. She was saying, "...Maybe, or I could bore her with tales of how Taiki would trick Seiya and me to duet for the Spice Girls...."
"No, it was Hanson, 'member? We owed them one after hitting their little sister with our car," said Taiki, interrupting.
The group looked at him, as Yaten scratched her head. "Oh yeah....I remember...."
One of the girls(who wore a tag that said Buttercup) sneered, "Don't you mean their little brother?"
A girl with the tag Blossom smiled. "What's the difference?"
"Good point..."
An hyper girl who was busy painting her nails (called Bubbles on the tag) yelled, "Hanson?! I LOVE HANSON!! They're just so beyond!!"
Taiki snorted. "Yeah. Beyond Pre-K."
Bubbles started tearing up as Yaten cracked her knuckles. "You mind repeating that little comment, Uterus Boy?" Buttercup and Blossom snickered."Anyway, before I was RUDELY interrupted," said Yaten, casting a dark look at Taiki, "Maybe she might be bored... or she could use that as a ploy
to give info on senshi in general."
"Who? Who are you talking about?" asked Taiki, confused. "And where's Ami? I saw her name outside the door..."
They all cast a glance at each other. "Indisposed," they chimed in unison, with Yaten using Taiki's smirk. Taiki now realized how much it annoyed others when he did that.
"And what has my old partner in crime been up to lately?" asked Yaten, switching the subject and handing Taiki a cup of smoking tea.

Taiki eyed it warily as he said "...I don't know. Evryone's bugging me... more like I'm bugging it.... IU don't know, Yaten! First, I get shafted by Ami, who I thought was at school, now shafted by you when I
should have known, and mysterious girls keep asking to hook up with the Starlight group. Enough to make me shave his head and check myself into a hospital for some r & r..."
Buttercup grinned as she pulled out a razer and shaving cream. "Allow me!!"
Taiki did a double take, as he backed, up, right into the arms of two scantily clathed women. "What the..?!"
"Who's this guy, Delta?" asked the one on his left.
Delta(who looked strangely like Amanda with odangoes in a tiny orange bikini with gold accessories) frowned. "I remember you from that last concert! I trailed you all the way to your home, listened to you and Seiya fight, then hailed a cab and paid your fare! I want my money back!"
The girl in purple looked like a short version of Seiya done all in purples, and with more clothing. "Wait-a-minute, Delta! You borrowed my money for that concert! YOU owe ME money!" she said angrily at Taiki, who was silently praying that he wake up, then gasped, "W-wait!! Isn't that Hanson I hear?!" He pointed out the apato window for the girls to see.Delta shook her head at her friend. "No, Epsilon, I believe that was MY money."
Buttercup moved in on Taiki with an insane smile. "And that means what to me?"
Yaten smiled tightly, as a sweatdrop went down her head.

"Ano...Buttercup-chan? You have to wait untill the lather's on his head, unless you want to cut him...."
Buttercup grew starry eyed. "Yes!!!"
Yaten's eyebrow twitched. "I almost feel sorry for him...Almost..." she whispered as she advanced forward to stop Buttercup.
Taiki was begin frisked on either sides by Epsilon & Delta, and yelled, "GET THE HELL AWAY!!"
Yaten stopped, blinking. "Anything you say, Taiki....." she began backing away slowly from Buttercup, "Anything you say."
Buttercup revved up her giant shaver. "10 Horsepower!!" and began barking like Tim Allen. Bubbles hugged Blossom very tightly. "I...I'm scared Blossom-chan!!"
Blossom turned an interesting shade of blue as she choked out,"Can't...breathe......"
A girl dressed all in green (with a name tag that said Gamma but bore a striking resemblence to Haruka) growled out that she did not want to be out-done, & jumped in with a chain-saw and wearing an Al plaid. Revving up hers, she tried to do the bark, as a sweatdrop went down the girls attached to Taiki's hip and himself.
Buttercup, however, was very impressed. "Awesome!! That is so him!!!"
She pointed at Taiki. "Let's go get Maker!!!"
Bubbles let go of Blossom, had gone through almost every skin hue known to man. "Awww!! How kawaii!!" she chirped. "Buttercup-chan found a new friend!!!"
Taiki tried to throw the girls, off, went he suddenly grinned, and in an instant snap, he super-deformed, managing to squirm away from Epsilon & Delta. "Anything can happen in a dream," he laughed, but then saw what was headed for him. "KYAAA!! Keep that away!!"
Delta head ended up being delt onto the floor. Picking herself up, she grumbled, "What a wuss! It's just a shaver!"
Taiki ran, shouting, "I meant Buttercup!!"
Buttercup surged after him, with cool lighting special effects in the background. "BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!"
Epsilon blew out Blossom's sparkler kit, as Delta tried to tackle Taiki for Buttercup. Bubbles was all starry eyesd. "Sugoi!!!!" she cried as a hundred sweatdrops converged on General Yaten's head. "Blossom, did you stuff her in that thing again?!"
Blossom looked down at her feet. "Hai...Gomen, General Yaten......."
Epsilon laughed. "If you want a real fireworks display, Blossom, you should go with me when I travel to Sigma 5. We're having a celebration on Sigma's 47th wife."
Blossom nodded. "Hey, that would be great! When is it?"
Taiki used Yaten's head as a spring board as he pushed down, with Delta quickly at his heels, then Gamma wearing a plaid pair of pants doing the bark. A sweatdrop went down Buttercup's face. "Who cares! For all we know, we'll be trapped with those living dead-heads untill we die!"
Epsilon giggled nervously, eyeing Buttercup and her shaver, and pulling out a giant Swiss-Army Knife. "Eh, hehe, I don't know how long she'll last since Sigma's already fooling around with Number 48."
Delta tackled Taiki, and yelled "I want my clothes back you stole!! I had a lot of money in those dresses!! Speaking of money, where's that!?"

Taiki spluttered as Buttercup gave an evil smile. "A drag queen huh? Do you know what I do to drag queens.....?"
General Yaten held out her gloved hands. "No!! Don't!! Remember when Dennis Rodman sued you?!"
Buttercup gave an even bigger smile. "And he liked it, too!!"
Yaten and Blossom facevaulted as Bubbles stared blankly at Taiki, then Buttercup. "I don't get it!!!"
Taiki certanly got what they were implying, and shouted, "I AM NOT A DRAG-QUEEN!! THEY WERE FOR AMI!!"
Epsilon rolled her eyes. "Sure they were. They had Return to Sender written all over the box when it was delivered to our house, straight from the Elven Realm."
Yaten watched as Buttercup started moving towards Taiki. "Buttercup, NO!!!!" Blossom tried to get the image out of her head as Bubbles said, "I still don't get it!!"
Taiki saw only one way out of his dream, and took it... he leapt out the window, thinking the falling experience would wake him up. Outside, there was an "OW!"
Epsilon looked out the window. "Ne, Yaten, who's that?"
Yaten's eyebrow twitched. "It can't be...."
Blossom looked over Epsilon's shoulder. "Who is that anyway?" Bubbles began pushing Blossom out of the way, saying, "Who?! I wanna see!!"

They all got a face-full of Taiki as he was punted back in the window. The voice from below yelled, "I come to see my Yaten-chan and I get men throwing themselves at me?! Pervert! Just wait 'till I get upstairs!!
Grr!!"
Yaten pushed Taiki. "Gross! Get offa me!!" Blossom and Bubbles sweatdropped, as Buttercup yelled back, "Yeah?! Well, we'll be ready!!"
Blossom's head looked like a raging demon. "She wasn't talking to you!!"
Taiki gasped as Ruin burst thru the door with a picture in her hands. R-Ruin?! I-I can explain!!"
But Ruin was ticked in her old high school outfit, and shouted, "Kou Taiki, you LEFT me hanging back at that bus stop!! Suuuure, Seiya picked Hotaru up, but did you pick me up when that girl in the brown car was chasing you two down the highway? NOOooOOOO!! It started to rain where I was!!!"
Taiki stammered, "Er, I was busy!"
Yaten snickered and shook her head. "Still the Casanova, ne Taiki?"
Bubbles threw an accusitory glance at her commander. "And just where were you, General Yaten?!"
Blossom and Buttercup had a dead pan expression as one said, "She was in the Dark Kingdom, Bubbles....."
Ruin grolwed, "You expect me to believe that? And THEN, I saw THIS!!" She holds up a picture of Epsilon, Delta and Taiki, all scantily clathed. "WHAT'S THE MEANING OF FRATERNIZING WITH FREAKS?!"
Buttercup yawned. "That shouldn't surprise her...I mean he DID know General Yaten, ne?"
"BUTTERCUP!!!!" chided Blossom as Yaten's forehead nerve stuck out.

"AND this one!!" hissed Ruin, pulling out a Taiki & Amanda picture, both wearing less.
Yaten face-vaulted, then said, "That's it! I'm outta here!" Blossom and Buttercup yawned and followed General Yaten out of the apartment. Bubbles had already fallen asleep, while the Shaver started sneaking up on Ruin & Taiki, who was trying to dig his own grave. Ruin yanked him out, and started smacking him with more photographs, all processed and filmed by Kou Yaten. "AND THIS!! AND THIS!! AND THIS!!!" she screamed, throwing photos everywhere...
Andd thissss thisssss thisss "This is where the cab stops...."
"Eh?!" said Taiki, balking out of a cold sweat. Evryone looked at his re-coiled with a puzzled look. Blinking a few times, he laughed nervously,
"Ano.... strange dream...", then ran a hand over his head to make sure his pony-tail was still there.