Sailor Moon Z: #14 - New Moon Princess Serenity walked silently down the hall, her white heels clacking on the stone floor. The hall was unusually dark, most likely due to the fact that the light from Earth wasn't illuminating the Moon's surface on this night. She lifted the folds of her white dress as she carefully walked down the steps into more darkness. She looked around fearfully, but regained her composure, this was no time to be a coward. She had to meet her destiny. '~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~' Neo-Queen Serenity gazed out into the night. The usually radiant moon was missing from the starry sky making it unusually dark. She sighed heavily and weakly walked over to the throne room of the Crystal Palace. Each and everyday she grew constantly weaker, in addition she saw that she was beginng to fade away..beginning to fade from existence. Until yesterday she had no idea why she was disappearing. That was the day Neo-Princess Serenity faded from existance. Something in the past had been strangely altered..and had to be changed. It was too late for her daughter, and if it wasn't stopped, too late for herself and her court as well. She took a small key out of her pocket and unlocked a crystal case and picked up the Illusion Silver Crystal. She carefully closed the case and walked out of the room, carefully holding the Crystal and gently fingering the golden chain that it hung from. She turned into a dark hall, her wings lightly brushing against the crystal walls. She lifted the folds of her dress and carefully walked down a stair-well, the goodness and light radiating from the crescent moon on her forehead guiding her way. She had to face her past. '~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~' Usagi looked up, two figures were walking towards her, both dressed in white. They looked like ghosts. Spirits from the past and future. "Princess Serenity? Neo-Queen Serenity?" Usagi asked in shock. "Hello, Usagi-chan.." Neo-Queen Serenity smiled, "Good to see you again.." she replied. Her face then took a look of seriousness, she glanced at Princess Serenity, who looked nervous. "Usagi, turn around.." Princess Serenity whispered. Usagi looked at her former self in confusion, then turned. She gasped at the sight. She saw herself..in present day Tokyo, lying near-death on her bed. The window was open and a breeze ruffled the lace curtains, it was incredibly dark in the room. She looked to the side and saw Mamoru asleep by the bed, grasping the body's hand. Usagi looked down at her own hand, and to her surprise she saw she could see right through it. She too was a spirit..a spirit of the present. "What..happened to me?" Usagi asked, her eyes welling up with tears. "You were given you Princess form, possibly too early..and the sensitive bond between you and the Silver Crystal suddenly collapsed. You died on the spot. However, doctors saw you weren't trully dead, for your brain was fully active. A phenomenon no one could explain. You would have remained that way forever, but Sailor Saturn saved you..she awakened you. The others thought she hurt you more, and she ran away in shame.." Neo-Queen Serenity explained, tears filling her eyes as she remembered her own past. "Poor Hotaru-chan.." Usagi murmured, looking saddened. "Yes, but Usagi..listen. We are not sure what caused the bond to collapse. Your friends think it was the Zodiac Senshi's fault, others think it was Sailor Jupiter's fault. Neither is correct. Something that should have never happened did happen..It has to do with the Golden Millenium, I'm not sure what..but something wrong. You must awaken, become Princess Sailor Moon, and overcome your enemies." Princess Serenity explained. "I know what battles you must overcome, and they are difficult..but you must learn to fight them yourself to become Queen of Crystal Tokyo.." Neo-Queen Serenity replied. "You ascend in only five years, Usagi-chan, you MUST be prepared..more importantly, you must be alive. But without the Silver Crystal you can't..so you must take this.." Neo-Queen Serenity said and gave her the Silver Crystal of the future. "Oh no! I can't..listen..I've heard the future, if I take this, then Crystal Tokyo will be destroyed by alien invaders..and..and..Sailor Charon will become killed!" Usagi exclaimed. "Usagi no. That's not what is important, just remember what is to happen..and it won't happen, because you'll be able to prevent it in the future." Neo-Queen Serenity explained. "Yes..and be sure you trully know who your enemies are." Princess Serenity added. "We must go now..return to your body, Usagi-chan.." Neo-Queen Serenity directed. Usagi drifted back into her body, taking the Illusion Silver Crystal with her. As the spirit of Usagi entered her body, so did the Silver Crystal. It touched Usagi's body, and she instantly was filled with light and healing. Princess Serenity and Neo-Queen Serenity turned around, a healing light emitting from the crescent moons on their foreheads before they slowly faded away. Usagi's bed clothes slowly melted away until she was dressed in her Princess fuku. A crescent moon shined on her forehead, the silver crystal slowly reformed on her brooch as she opened her eyes. The light brought Mamoru to open his eyes, he shaded himself from the light. He noticed Usagi wasn't in the bed. He jumped up in fear, "USAKO? (Note: its his term for endearmeant, it means 'bunny child') Where are you!!" he shouted frantically. Sailor Moon stepped forward from the light. Mamoru stared at her in shock, she had never looked so beautiful as she did now to Mamoru. "Usako..?" he whispered. She smiled gently and touched his arm, filling him instantly with light. The light entered him and slowly began to fill his body with energy, his clothing melted away with the light and when it dimmed, he was dressed in a suit that somewhat resembled his clothing as Prince Endymion of the Silver Millenium. On his face he wore a white jeweled mask. Mamoru looked stunned. Instinct took over, however, and he pulled a red rose out of nowhere and gave it to Usagi. "My Princess, Usako.." he said quietly to her and opened his arms for an embrace. "My Prince, Tuxedo Knight.." she smiled and ran into his arms. * * * * * The Senshi had all gathered, everyone..except Sailor Saturn. No one was sure where she was. Nearly everyone was in tears, "Usagi!!!" Rei had screamed when she first saw her, there had been alot of hugging, alot of laughing, but also alot of tears. Now they were subdued, all gathering in a circle in the night. Everyone had taken notice of Tuxedo Knight, Mamoru's new form. "You look so dashing!" Minako had swooned earlier. Haruka had just smirked. "The time has arrived..for us to defeat this evil that has encircled us.." Sailor Moon said, looking to everyone. The Senshi immediatly looked at each other and stared at Sailor Moon in confusion. "When did you obtain such an expanded vocabulary, Usagi-chan?" Sailor Mercury asked. Sailor Mars stared at Mercury in shock. Sailor Mercury ducked her head and blushed. Sailor Moon smiled and shook her head a little. "I have done a bit more growing up than expected.." she admitted. "Don't be embarassed, Ami-chan, I'm sure everyone else was thinking the exact same thing.." Sailor Moon said, giving her another assuring smile. "Speaking of growing up..I want to apologize, for what Hotaru-chan did to you, Usagi-chan." Sailor Pluto sighed. Sailor Moon's smiled faded as she turned to Pluto and gave her a serious look. "She didn't do anything to me but help me. Please, forgive her.. she's a very important part of the Sailor Team. I realize my mother said that Sailor Saturn should never be awakened, and I know if she does the world will supposedly end..but I have more faith in her than that." Sailor Moon replied and gazed at all her friends. Sailor Neptune smiled to Sailor Uranus. "Your Majesty, you are finally begining to be ready enough to be the Queen of the Crystal Millenium.." Sailor Pluto said quietly. Sailor Moon turned to Pluto and smiled gently. "There are many things on our agenda. Aquiring the Golden Key, finding out who the Zodiac Senshi trully are..and defeating the invaders of the Golden Millenium." Sailor Moon said after a brief moment of silence. Sailor Venus spoke up, "Usagi-chan..do we even know who the invaders are?" she asked. "Well..its got to be one of the people looking for the Golden Key, since the Zodiac Senshi are protectors of the Golden Millenium, I'd say it is the Black Star Galaxy. However, I could be wrong, and it might be the least likely person." she replied. Sailor Mars was shaking her head amusingly. "What is it, Rei-chan?" Sailor Moon asked worriedly, "Hehe..nothing..its just weird seeing you talk so seriously..and taking command..and having such a big vocabulary..its eerie..and scary. Are you the same Odango atama?" Sailor Mars said. Sailor Pluto stared at Sailor Mars in shock, but Sailor Moon grinned and stuck out her toungue at Sailor Mars, a pleasant relief for all the rest of the Senshi..for they too doubted if this was trully their Usagi. "Usagi-chan....what about Chibiusa-chan?" Sailor Jupiter asked suddenly. She had been quiet the whole time. Sailor Moon looked down, "I don't know. I only hope she returns to us.." she said quietly. "She will..I know she will.." Sailor Neptune replied. * * * * "She's back? HOW?" Shikami demanded. Janie shrugged, "I just heard it on the radio or something. They said 'the missing superheroine Sailor Moon, has returned after a month long absence'." she reported. "You know what that means, ne? It means the Silver Crystal MUST be back!" Jessica exclaimed gleefully. Shikami threw her a harsh glance. "Shi-chan..what do you want us to do?" Tenshi asked quietly. She had adjusted quickly to Shikami being leader. Something Jessica hated. "You heard what Hikari-san said. Today the Invaders of the Golden Millenium will have their first major victory. What we must do is destroy the Black Star Army..once and for all. Then, the Millenium will not be ravaged." Shikami explained. "What if they aren't the Invaders?" Joanna asked. Shikami snickered, "Who ELSE would attack it? The Sailor Senshi?" she laughed. "They are so called, 'fighters of good' not barbaric beings. Get your head on straight." she snapped, she was already tired of Joanna's insolence. "Isn't LEADAN part of the Black Star Amry?" Jessica quipped, seeing now was a perfect moment to question Shikami. Shikami glared at Jessica, "Don't even say his name. You aren't fit to speak the words of such a man." she warned. "And what exactly are you going to do to me, SCORPIO? Kill me?" Jessica demanded. Shikami turned her back, "I just might." she muttered. Hikari looked at the two girls and sighed. "Surely this isn't pleasing to Her Majesty. Will the two of you please stop your teenage bickering? It tends to get vexing." Hikari said and rubbed her temples. "Sorry, Hikari-san.." Shikami apologized immediatly. Veronica raised an eyebrow. She had never heard Shikami apologize to ANYONE. Hikari smiled at Shikami. Veronica cleared her throat, "So like..what are we going to do?" she asked. She was entralled with her hair, but her voice sounded eager. She wanted to fight. "My plan is to lure Arseniru here..after we destroy him I'll teleport us over there somehow, and we'll destroy the Black Star." Shikami explained. "And finally save Leadan from a place he so hates.." she added under her breath. "Oh thats a great idea..just lead us to obvious death." Jessica muttered sarcastically. Hikari gazed at Jessica. Shikami turned at glared at her. "Did I ask your opinion? No. Didn't think so. So just keep your mouth shut." she snapped. Jessica smirked, "Glad to see your open for debate." she replied coolly. "SHUT UP! Your BOTH getting on my nerves!" Joanna exclaimed, she looked extremely angry. "I am so SICK of having a selfish, MEAN, leader! If one of you doesn't sit down and just shut up, then I swear to god I'll kill you all." she warned. Tenshi wiggled nervously in her seat. She hated fighting. So did Alana, "You guys..how can we be a successful team if we don't work together?" she asked. The room was silent. Natalia looked down at her hands, Tenshi still looked nervous. Joanna was sulking in the corner. Veronica looked a bit..ashamed almost and was staring at her braid. Hikari had her head in her hands. Janie looked upset, and Jessica and Shikami were glaring at each other. "Alright, so lets go now..once we defeat the Black Star Army..then the Golden Millenium won't be invaded." Shikami said finally. The girls stood up, and reluctantly followed Shikami and Hikari out the door. * * * * The Circle of Senshi were done meeting, and they were all freely talking to each other, all still in their Senshi forms. They were alone so they didn't fear freely calling each other by their real names. Suddenly, Mars looked up. "I feel something..strange.." she said looking up, and took a ward out. "Something..sinister.." she whispered. "No, just us." said a cold voice. The Senshi all turned towards the location of the voice. From the shadows stepped a Zodiac Senshi, it was Sailor Scorpio. "What are YOU doing here?" Sailor Uranus hissed, she raised her hand to the sky, ready to attack. "Exactly what I was here to ask YOU. I'm planning to destroy the Black Star Army once and for all." she said, keeping herself and the others a safe distance away. "That's what we were planning to do..sort of..perhaps..we should work together..?" Sailor Moon suggested. All heads turned to her. "What?" Sailor Mars asked. "Are you insane?!" Sailor Uranus demanded. "How can you trust them after all they've done to us?!" "We work alone." Sailor Leo snapped. "Wait. I think maybe we should. Why not, if we're both working to destroy a common enemy." Sailor Scorpio answered. All heads turned to Sailor Scorpio, they where all very surprised. Was this the same ruthless Scorpio who was unfeeling and unkind? Scorpio seemed to sense their thoughts and frowned. "Look, all I want done is to save the Golden Millenium. I'm mature enough to put my conflicts aside, are you?" she asked, keeping her eyes glancing towards Jessica. "You really ARE a traitor, aren't you, Scorpio-chan?" said a familiar snickering voice. Scorpio's eyes darkened. "Always interuppting.." she hissed and turned around to face the man she so detested. "Arseniru..just the little twit I wanted to kill." "You'll never destroy us, Scorpio. Never. I will DIE before that happens." he frowned. "You shouldn't say such things. You'll never be able to defeat me alone..and who'll walk with you? Your brother? If only you had been nicer to him." Sailor Scorpio smirked. Arseniru's eyes flashed. He raised his arm and shot a stream of fire towards her. Scorpio was unprepared. She tried to flip out of the way, but wasn't fast enough. The stream surrounded her and she began to scream. Sailor Aquarius quickly jumped to the scene, "RAIN FLOOD!" she shouted and a cloud appeared above Scorpio, the rain instantly putting the fire out. But it was too late to save her from pain. "Stupid, stupid humans.." Arseniru spat, "Always getting in the way of family affairs." he raised his hands above his head and a rain of fire came pouring down on all the Senshi. Screams filled the air. "Why can't you just die? Just give us what you want..you cannot win." he replied and continued the firey rain on the Senshi. Aquarius looked frantic. She hurriedly created a rain cloud large enough to cover all the Senshi, Zodiac or not. Sailor Cancer looked at Arseniru, and closed her eyes. "Wind FLASH.." she said, a huge gust of wind came up abruptly from behind her, blowing her hair into her face, the wind knocked Arseniru over. Sailor Cancer too collapsed, the pain from the burning was too much for her. "DEEP..SUBMERGE!" Sailor Neptune shouted and threw the ringed blue ball of energy at Arseniru, who was knocked off guard. He fell to the ground. "Mercury Aqua..Rhapsody!" Mercury exclaimed, a small blue harp appeared in her hand, then grew. She expertly played the strings and a beautiful music accompanied by streams of ice came flying towards Arseniru "DAMNABLE WENCHS!" he shouted, and intensified the rain of fire. The screaming grew louder. Sailor Leo and Sailor Mars were on the ground, writhing in pain. "He can't do anything to us.." Mercury shouted to Sailor Neptune, Aquarius, and Gemini. "It seems the fire can't harm anyone with a water power..but those who have fire or anything else are harmed." she explained. "Smart one are you? How long can you stand to listen to you friends suffer? Just give up.." Arseniru said in a hypnotising voice. "Oh..shut up!" Sailor Gemini exclaimed, she closed her eyes and said, "Mind Split.." A blue light emitted from her forehead in dizziating waves and hit Arseniru. He instantly stumbled, "URUSAI!" (Note: it means shut up, it just sounded better to say at this time than 'shut up') he shouted and once again intensifed the rain. "Combine attacks!" Sailor Gemini shouted over the screaming, "Double Ice Freeze!" she shouted, "Mercury Aqua Rhapsody!" Sailor Mercury exclaimed, "DEEP..SUBMERGE!" Sailor Neptune shouted, "Rain FLOOD!" Sailor Aquarius exclaimed. Like magic, the attacks worked together. The streams of ice wrapped themselves around Neptune's blue glowing ball of energy and was surrounded by Aquarius' cloud, which in turn was surrounded by braiding ribbons of ice and water. The attacks headed towards Arseniru. He quickly disappeared in a burst of flame, just missing possible annihilation. "I told you, you could not defeat me. Next time I appear, I will totally vanquish you pests." his voice laughed in the air. Sailor Moon struggled to stand up. All the Senshi had been badly hurt, including herself. No one was left standing except for Neptune, Mercury, Aquarius and Gemini. "My God.." Sailor Gemini said in shock and looked around her sadly at the fallen Senshi. Sailor Leo raised her head, tears of pain and suffering in her eyes. She and Sailor Mars, who was unconscious, had felt the most pain out of any of the Senshi, "When..nine Stars have risen..and the Moon is black..the invaders.. shall....have..their first major triumph..." she choked, repeating the prophecy of doom.