Chereth Soul Destiny- Part One Outside the Tsukino residence, a glowing halo of rainbow colors swirled, then formed a circle. With an echoing ring, the portal opened, releasing the gentle pink light. A sparkling pink orb wandered out into the night. Upstairs Luna casually yawned and looked out the window. Her eyes bugged as she saw a thin, black-robed figure float out of the sky. Ugly green light flooded out of a portal formed of swirling darkness. "Usagi!" she screeched. "Get up now!!!" "Wha-" she said sleepily. "There's no school tomorrow... go back to sleep. Nightie-" "THIS IS NO TIME TO SLEEP!!! A DEMON IS OUTSIDE THIS HOUSE!!! Transform, now!!!" "Aw..." Usagi complained. Seeing Luna's claw in her face, she got out of bed, then cried, "Moon eternal, make up!!!" Luna peered out of the window, spying on their possible new enemy. The brilliant flashing lights of Eternal Sailor Moon's transformation caught the eye of the cloaked figure. "Ah, I have you now..." He turned and began floating through the walls into the house. Eternal Sailor Moon looked down at her black cat. "Where's the enemy?" she asked. She rushed out the window but caught her wing on a branch. "Owwww!!!" "I don't know where it went. It must have found its target already." Luna casually hopped onto the tree, then onto the ground with Sailor Moon. "Wait! What's that?!?" "Where?" Sailor Moon cried, still slightly tired. Turning around, she looked to where Luna was pointing. A misty green glow echoed from her parents' bedroom window. "Oh, no! Mother, father!!! I've got to go save them!!!" "No, wait!!! It's not safe to go alone!" "I can't wait, Luna!" Determined, she flew back into her window and rushed to her parents' aid. Running down the short carpeted hall, she burst into the room. The black figure was standing in front of her parents' bed. They were partially hovering in the air, embraced by the green magic. Two small, black portals floated above them, with the green mist floating into their bodies. "Ah, so you have come, Lady Karma. It was so kind of you to lead me to this world, this world without magic." "Huh?" Sailor Moon asked. Then she went into one of her normal opening speeches. "I am the senshi of love and justice, Sailor Moon!" The teenage superhero went through a medley of poses, then pointed at her nemesis. "I demand you release them at once!!!" The enemy began laughing, not a hissing laugh, but a rich laugh that echoed through the room. "Well, well," he gasped. "Not only have you taken a new body but you cannot control it as well!!!" "Who are you? Why are you doing this?" she asked. She stared in horror at her fallen parents. "Hmm..... interesting. Can it be?" he muttered in reply. He raised a gloved hand and scratched his head. Then he raised his hands and whispered words to an unseen power. "Wha- hey!!! What do you think you're doing?" An unseen force surrounded her. Then she realized that she was glowing. "Pink!!!" the figure triumphantly announced. "I have you now, Karma!!!!" "Help!!!" the young heroine called as the unseen force tightened. "Someone...help...me..." she gasped. Slowly everything faded to black. A gentle pink glow illuminated the peaceful land. Everything felt calm and soothing. "Where am I?" Eternal Sailor Moon asked. She was floating in the air, resting on a cloud. The tinkle of bells echoed through the landscape. A bright pink orb floated towards her. "You are inside your mind, Sailor Moon." "Who are you?" "I am Lady Karma. I need your help." the weak voice was barely a whisper in the quiet landscape. "But how can I help?" "Please..." The light wavered, and Sailor Moon realized that it was going to fade away. "Wait! Don't leave me!" "I won't leave. Not unless you want me to go. I am too weak. Please, I need refuge," "The senshi and I will protect you." "Thank you." A small burst of vibrant colors swarmed around her head. Sailor Moon watched as the orb grew slightly brighter, then merged with the pink light of the rest of the land. Slowly, she felt herself being drawn away from the peaceful place. "Mars flame sniper!!!" A fiery orange arrow struck the enemy. He screeched in anger. "What is this?!? Who are you?" he demanded. Distracted, he released his prey. Eternal Sailor Moon looked around in wonder. Four familiar figures stood in the doorway. "I am Sailor Mars!" "Sailor Mercury!" "Sailor Jupiter!" "Sailor Venus!" "We're the Sailor Senshi!!" they chorused. They pointed at their new nemesis as Sailor Moon smiled in relief. "So you seek to trick me with your illusions, Karma. You are very skilled indeed. I have taught you well, but I am still ten times as skilled as you. You cannot continue putting up this silly charade." He chanted a few more words, then expectantly waited for them to disappear. Minutes passed. Everyone stood there in bewilderment, waiting for some nasty attack to be hurled at them. "Huh?!?" they all said to themselves. "Not illusions? How can this be?" he asked. Abruptly they all stood outside of the house. Usagi's parents lay against a tree, still surrounded by the green mist. "Karma!" the robed stranger hissed angrily. "Stop there!!!" A new voice shouted. Each confused person turned to stare at the newcomer. Two figures stood on the roof, illuminated by moonlight. Both held staffs, and were dressed as Sailor Senshi. "Return to Mystas, Astros." one said. "You may not have a soul, Astros, but these people do. And you will never take theirs away." the other declared. "You want to try to stop me? I am Astros, the lord of souls!!!" "You are lord over no one, not even over those of the people of the Tara system!!!" The Sailor Senshi stood there, watching the strangers argue. "Who are these people?!?" Sailor Jupiter asked. The first of the pair standing on the roof answered first. "I am the first of the celestial senshi, Sailor Tempest!" "I am the second of the celestial senshi, Sailor Lagoon!" She pointed at Astros with her staff. "We fight for the souls of our people." "We are sworn to protect the souls of the innocent. Return them at once!!!!" Sailor Tempest pointed at the necromancer. "Leave this world, Astros, now, or face the fury of the celestial senshi!" Astros burst into laughter. "You- you expect me to be afraid- of you?" he gasped. "I'm not afraid of anything!" "Oh yeah?" Sailor Jupiter challenged. "If you really have been stealing souls, you'll be afraid of us." "Return the souls at once, or we will punish you!" Sailor Moon cried. "We'll see about that," Astros growled. Pointing a finger at Tempest and Lagoon, he cast a spell. "Your souls are mine!" he cried. Two flickering purple stars flew out of his pale white finger. Sailor Tempest called upon her own special power. "Celestial silver gale!" she yelled. Air and energy coalesced around her, then funneled into her staff. A gust of sparkling winds spewed forth from her glowing staff and eradicated the attack. Sailor Lagoon began the counter-attack. "Eternal Lagoon!" A blast of magical water flew from her staff. The evil wizard raised his hand and created a shield. The attack bounced off of the barrier and flew right back at Lagoon. The line of water hit her like a speeding train, and she flew off the roof. "Lagoon!" Tempest cried. Setting aside her staff, she grabbed her companion by the arm and began pulling her up. "So, you want to fight, do you? Let me make this a fair fight, then, shall we?" He turned to the unconscious bodies of Usagi's parents. Rise, my minions, we have souls to collect." The converted humans rose while evilly laughing with alien voices. Their eyes were dark and clouded. Mr. Tsukino slowly turned to face the scouts. His face was green and scaly, while his eyes were bloodshot. "I am the Soul Reaper," he hissed. "Your souls are ripe for the picking. Let me take your souls and replace them with those who support our master." He licked his lips with a long, snaky tongue. Baring her long, pointed teeth, Mrs. Tsukino rose to face her enemies. Her nightgown had turned midnight black, while her hands had become wicked claws. "I am the Death Phantom," she announced, daring any to attack with her deep red eyes. "No!" Sailor Moon fell to her knees, crushed. "I can't fight my own parents." The other scouts looked on in horror as Soul Reaper and Death Phantom headed towards them. Grinning maliciously, Death Phantom reached for Sailor Moon with her deadly claws. Both enemies wore thick red battle armor which protected their torso, as well as shiny black boots. "Mercury Aqua Rhapsody!" "Mars Flame Sniper!" The combined attacks struck Phantom and knocked her flat. Nonplused, the monster stood up and raised her arm. "Your souls are mine!" she cried. Two flickering black stars shot out from her fingertips towards the senshi closest to her, Sailor Moon. Sailor Lagoon jumped down and raced to save her. "Celestial..." Silvery arcs of water formed around Lagoon's body. Her long, wispy blue hair matched the light blue 'V' bib-like flap around the neck of her white blouse. Her short, aqua blue skirt swayed to the energy forming around her. "...Silver..." Lagoon slowly spun in place, collecting the energy into her staff. "...Tide!" A spiraling arc of water flew from her staff, hunting the black stars. The stars dissipated into the air, torn apart by the magic. Phantom and Reaper grinned and both fired stars toward the scouts. One set headed for Venus and Mercury; the other set flew towards Mars and Jupiter. All four girls flew up in the air to avoid being hit. The attacks harmlessly struck the ground. "Is that the best you can do?" Jupiter taunted. Tempest and Lagoon stared in horror. "Destroy the stars!" Sailor Tempest yelled. "Huh?" The four inner senshi turned to see the black specters rising up from the stars. Red eyes and huge, grinning mouths with rows of jagged teeth were painted upon the monsters' faces. "Don't you just love my pets?" Astros asked. He juggled black stars while leaning against a tree. "They're called Shadow Demons. Made 'em myself." He started walking in circles while juggling when he stumbled over a tree root. "Ow!" he yelped. Rubbing his sore bottom, he watched as three more Shadow Demons rose from the fallen stars. "Oh well. I meant to do that." The senshi backed into a circle, with each sailor soldier facing outwards. Lagoon huddled near her companion, battered from her own attack. The Celestial Scouts' uniforms were much like the uniforms of the other Scouts, with a white blouse, short, colored skirt, and a large bow on the front and back, but with different colors. Sailor Tempest had a dark blue skirt and bows that matched her long, wavy hair. Two silver bands were on her sleeve and collar. Sailor Lagoon's uniform was very similar, except that where there was dark blue on Tempest's uniform there was a very light shade of blue instead. Lagoon's hair was also long and wavy, but she had a gentle, saddened complexion as opposed to Tempest's rugged, angered appearance. Both wore the golden tiaras of a sailor senshi. The seven Shadow Demons circled the group of senshi. Soul Reaper and Death Phantom stood near Astros, who was leaning against the tree, yawning. "This is getting pretty boring, and I must say that I need a nap. There'll be time to find Lady Karma later, I suppose. Come," he said to Reaper and Phantom, "we have a lot of work to do. The Shadow Demons will take care of them." "No! Mother- Father!! Don't go!" Eternal Sailor Moon desperately searched for a way to escape the ring of demons. She raised the Eternal Moon Tier. "Silver Moon Crystal Power Kiss!" Rings of light radiated from the top of her stick and struck the demons. The creatures did not even flinch. "What should we do?" Venus looked to Jupiter for backup. Let's blast our way through here. Then we can maybe make a run for it." "Jupiter Oak Evolution!" "Venus Love and Beauty Shock!" Two pulsing energy balls struck the targeted Demon. It shook with the impact, then screamed in agony as it was sucked into a portal from above. Mercury and Mars looked at each other briefly, agreeing upon their target. "Mars Flame Sniper!" "Mercury Aqua Rhapsody!" A flaming arrow struck the demon's head as the other attack hit its torso. The Demon left in a similar manner as the other. Tempest and Lagoon glanced at the other in agreement. "Elemental Storm!" "Elemental Waters!" A miniature thunderstorm funneled out of Tempest's staff as a small body of water rushed out of Lagoon's staff. The attacks met midway and formed a large ball of energy. The combined attack sped the Demon on the same path as its cohorts. When the Demons turned to flee the senshi mercilessly hunted them down. Sailor Moon stood there sadly, her attack useless against her enemies. Venus came up to her, slightly drained of energy. "Are you okay, Sailor Moon?" she asked, caring about her friend's welfare. "Yeah, I guess so. But my parents-" she looked down, tears welling in her eyes. "This wasn't supposed to happen. I should've been there sooner- it's me he was after, not Mom and Dad..." Tears began streaming down her face. "I'm going to get them back, I swear it!" Sailor Lagoon and Sailor Tempest looked at her with great empathy. Lagoon whispered a few words, and with reluctance, Tempest agreed. Suddenly there were a few silvery sparkles left in the air between Sailor Moon and the Celestial Senshi. Mars noticed this, and watched suspiciously as Eternal Sailor Moon stopped crying. Sailor Moon rubbed her eyes, then looked up with a controlled face. "I- I don't feel the sadness anymore. I wanted to kill them, but now I know I have to control myself if I want to get them back." The other scouts' jaws dropped open. This was not a typical attitude of Sailor Moon's, or at least not one commonly displayed. Mars looked back at Tempest and Lagoon, demanding an explanation, but they were gone. "Usagi," Jupiter said, after making sure no one was near, "are you sure you're okay?" Sailor Moon nodded and regained her composure. "Oh no!" she gasped. "What about Shingo? What are we going to say?" Sailor Moon looked to the other scouts for an answer. "C'mon, we'd better go check on them." The others followed Mercury into the house, heading towards Usagi's younger brother's room. "Oh no! Are we too late?" Mercury glanced at Sailor Moon in concern. "No, his room's always like this," she calmly replied. Mercury blushed at the obvious. "Just like your room," Mars muttered to Sailor Moon. Luckily, she hadn't heard, because she was rushing across the room to the empty bed. "Shingo-chan? Oh no, did he take him too?" Moon looked around the room in horror. "Usagi?" A soft whimper came from the closet. Sailor Moon ran through the toys and yanked the door open, brushing away the clothes. Shingo huddled against the walls, shaking with terror. "Shingo-chan? Oh, I'm so glad you're all right!" Sailor Moon hugged her brother close. "Sailor Moon?" Shingo looked at the Sailor Scouts in awe. Usagi had forgotten that she was transformed. "Shingo," she said, holding his shoulders as she kneeled, "I have some very important things to tell you." The other Senshi looked at their leader in alarm. "Are you going to tell him?" Venus gasped. Sailor Moon cleared her throat. "Shingo, your parents have been taken away. They were kidnapped by a very evil person. We're going to get they guys who did this, okay?" "Are- are you going to help them, then?" It was a plea, not a question. She nodded firmly in reply. Then he had another thought. "What happened to my sister? Where's Usagi?" She had been hoping he wouldn't ask that question. "She- uh, ran to get help. You're probably going to have to stay somewhere safe with her, so you'd better behave and do what she says, you hear me?" The boy nodded in reply. "C'mon, guys, we'd better go." The senshi filed out of the room. "Wait!" Shingo cried, snatching some pen and paper. "Can I get your..." He looked around the empty hall in wonder. "..autographs?" Usagi sighed, leaning against the steps of the Cherry Hill Temple, where Rei lived. "So now what do we do?" "I say we should find out more about those Celestial Scouts. We don't really know anything about them, or why they're here," Minako said. She looked up at the half moon, then at Usagi. "Yeah, they could be spies or something. Maybe the entire fight was just an act." Makoto sat on a stone, thinking about their encounter. "But why would they help us defeat the Shadow Demons? If they were out to get us, then it would have been easier to let us try to fight alone," Ami objected. Usagi stared at the moon, where she had grown up thousands of years ago with her real mother. She imagined the peace they had had in the Moon Kingdom, and wished that all the fighting would end. "Usagi? Are you sure that you're okay?" Makoto walked over to Usagi and sat next to her. "Yeah, I'm okay. It's just- well, I feel like something's missing. I feel like I should be sad and angry, but- it's not there. I don't feel my emotions building up or anything." "What do you mean?" Rei spoke up. "Sailor Tempest and Lagoon took away her pain. I saw it." Ami gasped. "Are you sure?" Rei nodded in reply. "I guess they are on our side after all," Minako said. "Okay, I guess that takes care of them," Rei concluded. "But where are Usagi and Shingo going to stay? Astros could return at any moment." "Hmm, maybe I can stay at Mamoru's place for a few days," Usagi mused. "NO!!!" the other girls cried. "That's sick! Are you trying to start a scandal or something?" Rei shouted. "Who, me?" "I have a better idea. Why don't you two come stay at my place for a while? I suppose there's enough room for both of you," Makoto offered. Usagi thought it over briefly, then agreed. "This'll be great! We can have lots of food every night!" She smiled while drooling. The other girls sighed with exasperation. "Usagi!" Rei nagged. "You're supposed to be a princess. You could at least act more ladylike." "Well, I'm not Princess Serenity right now or anything like that, so it's okay for me to do whatever I want." Usagi snapped out of her fantasy and listened to the discussion. "What do you think he's after, anyway? I don't really think he was after my parents," Usagi wondered. "If he was after me to begin with, then why did he go after them? He didn't even seem to know who the Sailor Senshi were." Usagi put her face in her hands. "Too bad the Outer Senshi are on vacation." "Yeah," Makoto agreed. "If they hadn't taken that trip to Malaysia, then we'd have enough strength to take on this guy." "Didn't he say he was after this guy- Karma or something like that?" Minako asked. "Oh, now I remember!" Usagi sat up, recognizing the name from the pink orb. Nausea washed over her. Please don't say my name! Lady Karma's voice pleaded in her mind. "What?" The other girls leaned towards her. "N-nothing," Usagi stammered. She began toying with one of her long pigtails, the hair style inherited from her real mother. "I don't think we should mention any of this to the authorities or anything like this. If word of this gets out, we might be forced into a bad situation." Ami thought a moment, then said, "We'd better go take care of Shingo now." Usagi reluctantly agreed. Running down the streets of Tokyo, she rushed into the house and searched for her brother. "Shingo? Shingo-chan?" Her brown-haired younger brother cautiously peeked out of the kitchen. "Usagi?" His face was covered with tears. She hadn't fully realized how much he loved her and her parents underneath all of his mischief. "Mom and Dad..." "Yes, I know. It's going to be okay, I promise." She hugged him tight. "Listen, we're going to get through all of this. We're just going to stay at a friend's house for a few days, that's all. Okay?" He nodded in response. "Good. Now go pack a few things in a bag. I don't know how long they'll be gone, but we're going to be safe." She gave him a light shove towards the stairs. Suddenly she just felt old and weary. "I'm getting so tired of this," she said to herself. "Why does it always have to be me? Why couldn't I be a normal teenager?" Be strong, came the voice in her head. You can get through all of this, if you just believe. I will help you. Your friends will help you. You have the power to succeed. "Thank you," Usagi said, as Shingo came running up behind her. "For what?" he asked. "Huh? Oh, it's uh, good that you hurried. We should get going now. Just let me get my stuff." Usagi blanched at the possibility that he would learn her secret, then ran upstairs. Makoto held the door open for her two guests. "I'm still really sorry about what happened to your parents," she said. She led them into her bedroom, where there was a single bed and a sleeping bag on the floor. "Uh, well, you know, I don't really have any other beds 'cause I live alone. Sorry, I guess one of you will have to sleep on the floor, unless you two want to share a bed." "Ewww," They looked at each other for a moment. "I'd rather sleep on the couch than with her," he said. "Sorry, that's my spot," Makoto answered, grinning. "Oh, you're sleeping on the couch! I'm so sorry!" Usagi thought for a moment. "Hey, I've got an idea! I'll take the sleeping bag and join you out there." "That'll be great! It'll be just like a sleepover!" Makoto helped her carry all the pillows and blankets in front of the fireplace. They lit the fire, and settled in as Sammy slept. "Do you think he's asleep yet?" Makoto asked an hour later. "Sounds quiet. I guess so." Usagi lay on her back, staring into the fire. The girls watched as Luna slipped in, almost magically, through an open window. "Oh, what a night. I was trying to track down those portals, but it's proved nearly impossible." The small black cat snuggled down at Usagi's feet and prompty fell asleep. "We'll get them back, you know," Makoto reassured, referring to her parents. She tossed a blanket over Luna, who purred in contentment. Usagi held a marshmallow over the flames with a stick. "I know. It's just- well," she said, struggling to find the words, "I can't believe this would happen. How did I save the world, and maybe the entire universe if I couldn't protect my parents?" "Hey, no one's perfect. We were all having problems there. It's not your fault." Makoto dipped her marshmallow in chocolate, then smooshed it between graham crackers. "Still," she replied, nearly turning her marshmallow into charcoal. "At least your powers work against this guy. Those Shadow Demons didn't even feel the attack. Do you think it's about time for me to retire?" "No!" Makoto exclaimed, turning to her best friend. "You're our leader. We need you. Besides," she said, with a wicked look in her eyes, "you can't retire until Chibi-Moon grows up." Usagi turned a deep shade of red. Why are you embarrassed? Lady Karma asked in her mind. Chibi-Moon is my daughter from the future, Usagi mentally explained. When I retire, she will become the next Sailor Moon. Hmmm, Karma thought. One of my children will also have to inherit my position. In time. "Your position?" Usagi asked, forgetting Karma was inside her mind. "What?" Makoto questioned. "Uh, nothing," she quickly replied. "Just talking to myself." "I kind of miss Chibi-Usa," Makoto said. "And Chibi-Chibi. She was so cute!" "Oh, I know," Usagi agreed, remembering the little kid with heart-shaped pigtails. "I sort of wish she was my child, or at least my relative. In any case, it's good that Galaxia got her good self back. She was truly sweet and kind inside." "Hey, you remember when we were pretending we were ditching you in order to trick the Dark Kingdom?" She laughed, thinking of all the good times they had shared as Sailor Scouts. "Hey, I didn't like that," Usagi scowled, rubbing her bottom as she remembered the pain inflicted there. "The best part has got to be the fame. Everyone knows the Sailor Scouts here in Tokyo." As Usagi and Makoto laughed, remembering their adventures, Shingo leaned against the door, wondering who they really were. "So, remember to be kind to our new students," Miss Jukina concluded. "Any questions?" A kid in the front row raised his hand wildly. "Yes, Umino-chan?" the teacher asked with a bored tone. He had already asked about 20 questions. He fixed his large, thick glasses and cleared his throat. "What are their names again? I had to change the batteries on my laptop." "Gekijou Kitaoroshi and Gin'iro Namida." "Oh, and how old are they again?" Miss Jukina nearly lost her temper. "They're 17! How many questions do you have?!?" she demanded. "Okay, I just need to interview them so I can finish their profiles." Umino finally shut off the computer. "You know, everything's been great since my parents got this new computer," he said to Naru, his girlfriend. "I'm ...sure," Naru said with her strange accent. "Miss Jukina, if they're 17, then why are they attending our class? Shouldn't they be in the higher classes?" another girl asked. "Well, there are some very special circumstances concerning their placement, so they are temporarily being put into this class until some decisions have been made." Two quiet girls stepped into the classroom. "Sorry we're late, Miss Jukina," one said. She pulled at her long, straight, dark blue hair. The other shifted nervously. "That's all right, girls. You probably had a lot of trouble finding the classroom." "Yes, Miss Jukina," they chorused. They glanced at each other quickly, sharing a private smile. "Here, there's an empty seat over to the right side of the room, and another up front," she pointed. She stopped them momentarily. "You two look amazingly alike. Are you sure you're not related?" She looked at the taller of the two. "You must be Namida." Both girls gave a startling smile. The shorter girl, with light blue hair and piercing grey eyes, announced, "I'm Namida, Miss Jukina." "I'm Kita." With a faint smile on her lips, Kita walked to the front of the room, while Namida went to the other side of the room. "Well, let's get on with class then, shall we?" Naru leaned towards her best friend, Usagi. "You know, they're so quiet when they're apart. But when they're together, they seem like- well, normal people." Usagi nodded faintly, but was watching the two new girls laugh. "Are you okay?" Naru asked. "You've been so quiet lately." "Yeah." "This isn't like you. Are you sick? You were actually awake during the entire class. I'm surprised Miss Haruna didn't faint with happiness when you actually answered a question. It was even correct!" "Yeah, sure, I'm okay. I've just been doing a lot of thinking lately, that's all." Usagi sighed and smiled inwardly. Thank you, Karma-sama, for your help today. Just Karma. Only to my people in the Tara system am I of nobility. Do you have people call you Princess Serenity here? She had a point. Usagi imagined telling the world she was Princess Serenity and that she was destined to marry Prince Endymion and rule Crystal Tokyo. How long would they keep her in the hospital? "Hey Usagi-chan," Ami called. Ami, Mako, and Minako were carrying their lunches. Rei attended a different school. "How are you?" "Yeah, I didn't see you this morning." Minako smiled. The two of them were almost always late to school, and usually ended up running late together. "Fine, fine, nothing's wrong." "I think she must've ate too many pancakes this morning," Makoto said. "Look, she hasn't even touched her lunch!" "What?" Minako said. She grabbed Usagi's lunch bag and peered inside. "It's- it's a miracle! I mean, she hasn't even moved anything!" The other girls gasped and took turns examining her lunch. "I made enough desserts and all- was there something she didn't like?" Mako took extra care to analyze her lunch. Ami felt Usagi's forehead. "No fever," she concluded. "Usagi, are you sure you're okay?" "Yes, yes, I'm fine!" Exasperated, she stood up. "Here. I'll prove it. I'll go see the new students." Undaunted, she walked up to Kita and Namida. "Hello. My name is Tsukino Usagi." Namida pushed away some of her long, straight, light blue hair. "Um, hello," she greeted. She straightened her school uniform slightly. "So, how are you?" she said with a smile. "Is there anything you need to know about our school, Tokyo, or anything like that?" "Um, no..." Kita replied. "Well, then tell me a little about yourselves. Where are you from?" Usagi squatted next to them. "We're both from Tokyo," Kita answered. "Oh, well, were you transferred from the private girls' school? I have a friend who goes there." The two girls exchanged looks. "We didn't exactly go to school there either." Usagi was puzzled. "What, you didn't go to school?" she joked. The girls nodded. "You didn't?!?" Namida spoke up. "We had private tutors who taught us." She smiled sweetly, making Usagi think of water illuminated by moonlight. She felt the faint tingling sensation of Karma smiling. What's so funny? she asked. You'll see. One day. She dismissed the cryptic answer and resumed talking. "So, are you two sisters or something? You seem very alike at times." "Us? Sisters?" Kita asked. "Not the last time we checked." This time Usagi felt the bubbling of full-blown laughter from Karma. What's so funny?!? she demanded. They saw the sudden cross look on Usagi's face. Kita suddenly looked equally cross. Namida placed a gentle hand upon her friend's shoulder. "Don't be upset by Kita-chan's manner," she quickly said, trying to avoid any conflict. "We all have our ways of speaking. She meant no disrespect." Another puzzled look was on Usagi's face. "Upset? Oh, no, I was thinking about someone else that she reminded me of. A good friend." Looking into Kita's piercing grey eyes, she had a feeling of a tumultuous storm calming down, becoming strong winds. "Well, then," Usagi announced. "I'd better be going now, I suppose. I hope I see you again soon." With a dazzling smile befitting a princess, she stood up and re-joined her friends. "See?" she called to her friends. "There is nothing wrong with me at all." "Hey, guys," Rei greeted. She was out of breath, having run from the other end of town. "How's Usagi-chan?" "Strange, but she seems to be fine. I don't understand it," Ami answered. She leaned over towards her brown-haired friend, Makoto. "Do you think we should ask Tempest and Lagoon to return her emotions? She's been acting so strangely lately, and what if they did something to her unintentionally?" "Yeah," she replied. "But I really think it was nice what they did. Maybe she's right. Maybe nothing is wrong with her. I don't want her to be in pain again. It was bad enough for her to lose so many people just to see them come back." Rei thought silently to herself, hearing every word of the conversation. "I think I'll do a fire- reading this afternoon after school," she declared to her friends. "We need to find out more about our new enemies." The others agreed. "Oh, hey, Usagi-chan," Mako remembered. "What are we going to do about Shingo?" "Oh, I forgot about him. I have an idea!" she excitedly said. "Maybe Yuuchiru could take care of him. I'd bet they'd get along really well." "Oh, sure," Rei answered sarcastically. She thought about the terrible singer who worked with Rei and her grandfather at the temple. "Maybe they can give each other singing lessons, too." Usagi seemed to ignore the comment and happily went skipping along the streets, going to the arcade. Rei looked up and saw a darkening cloud following Usagi over head, and knew that something definitely was wrong. "You know, I couldn't forget how Umino kept on asking you all those silly questions." Namida giggled like a child and smiled at her best friend, Kita. When she realized she wasn't paying attention, Namida nudged Kita with her elbow. "Kita-chan? Kitaoroshi?" If her friend had been paying attention, she would have been upset that she had just been called by her full name. "Gekijou Kitaoroshi!" Namida yelled loudly into her ear. Kita jumped. "Huh? What?" she said in another language. "Hush. We shouldn't speak Tpikari on Earth, remember? We have to speak these Earth languages. You said so yourself." Then she realized what had occurred. "I thought you didn't care," she quietly said in their native language. Kita looked down. "You were right. She was so full of pain- and I know Astros is after her. Couldn't you feel it? Her emotions were so strong. They're already building up again. Her powers are probably even stronger than ours." "I know," Namida replied. She looked down at the same spot as her companion. "It was so hard for us to un-transform for several hours. Who would've thought that anyone was capable of producing so much emotional energy?" Kita suddenly jerked her head up. "The cloud," she gravely whispered. "She is in danger. I can see the future- something significant is going to occur. Should we go?" Kita knew she didn't even have to wait for a response. They ran out into an empty room to transform. Usagi walked into the arcade with horror already asked on her face. People were strewn about the ground, soulless eyes staring into space. "Oh, no! What happened here? She turned to see the other girls following her. "They knew where to strike," Minako hoarsely whispered. They began to transform. "Mercury Crystal Power!" Ami cried. "Mars Crystal Power!" Rei yelled. "Jupiter Crystal Power!" Makoto shouted. "Venus Crystal Power!" Minako cried. "...Make up!" they chorused in union. The energies summoned by their calls transformed them into Sailor Senshi. Usagi stood there wordlessly, clutching the Eternal Moon Compact in her hand. "Well, what are you waiting for?" Mars demanded. "Transform!" "I don't know if I should," she replied. "I don't have the power to fight them." "What?!?" All the girls surrounded her. "Just transform anyway," Mercury said. "We need you. You're our leader," Jupiter reassured. "Besides, you've already saved the world several times. You need to save it again." Venus smiled. "Well, okay..." Usagi threw her hand into the air. "Moon Eternal, Make up!" she cried. She felt the warmth of the energy surrounding her, and soon she was the winged Sailor Moon, the senshi of love and justice. She pointed with her Eternal Moon tier. "Let's go!" I will help this time, Karma said. The love and life on this world has helped me regain my strength. On my world, the souls of the people had already been taken except for a few. Those survivors are the ones you know as the Celestial Senshi. Usagi breathed with understanding. "I see... that's why they helped me, wasn't it?" "What did you say?" "Oh, nothing," Sailor Moon replied. She knew Mercury was eyeing her suspiciously, but she strode confidently into the array. Exploring each of the areas of the room, she saw friends and people she knew. "No..." "They didn't even have time to run," Mercury noted. "Look. It appears that they were suddenly attacked all at once." Astros... Sailor Moon could feel the rising anger and frustration growing in Karma. This is all my fault. You needed to escape, Sailor Moon mentally reminded her 'guest'. You are the only one who can put an end to Astros's evil. Not exactly me, Karma slowly thought. Only Sailor Destiny has the power to stop him. With the power of Destiny, all the souls can be restored to their rightful owners. But if Astros is not stopped soon, and Sailor Destiny is defeated, then he will be able to eventually pervert all the souls into twisted beings who serve his will. "Look!" Sailor Jupiter pointed. "It's Motoki!" Furuhata Motoki, who worked at the arcade, had once been the love interest of Usagi and Makoto. He was huddled over, cradling his head in his arms while resting in a driver's chair. "Motoki-san?" she asked. "Are you okay?" Motoki whirled about, startling the girls. His ears were long and pointed, while all his skin was yellow. He had grown a greenish snout as well as antennae just above his eyes. Glowing red battle armor covered his entire body. "Oh no! He's taken Motoki too!" Sailor Moon cried. "I am the Black Ghoul," he declared. "I serve Lord Astros." Scythes materialized in both hands, gleaming with yellow magic. "He is tired of your meddling. He commands you to die!" With a mighty roar, Ghoul hurled both scythes at the senshi. "Astros-sama, give me strength!!!" The girls evaded the attacks, which released a noxious-looking gas when they struck the walls. "We'd better stop him," Venus said, "or else we're going to be trapped by the gas!" Mercury touched her earring to pull down her magical visor and computer. Scanning the monster from behind a plant, she noticed a flaw in its seemingly impenetrable armor. "Attack his shoulder!" she directed. The other scouts, trusting her judgment, followed her orders. "Mars Flame Sniper!" "Jupiter Oak Evolution!" "Venus Love and Beauty Shock!" The attacks were skillfully directed and scored a hit. "AAAHHHRRRRRGH!!!" Ghoul cried in agony. "Sailor Moon, heal him!" Mercury yelled. "Silver Moon Crystal Power Kiss!" The healing energies flowed through the mutated body, but had no effect. "Oh no!" she cried. You cannot actually heal him, Karma said. The good soul has been pushed aside by one of Astros's supporters. The demon that possesses his body must use the original soul to nourish him. In time, the souls will merge, but by then the demon will be too strong and will have permanent control over the body. You need to drive the soul out, then use your energy to call the soul of the rightful owner of the body back. "But... but how can I do all of that?" The girls watched her talk to the unseen entity. Hold out your Eternal Moon Tier, and say, "Moonlight Destiny Purge!" Eternal Sailor Moon held out her tier as instructed. "Moonlight Destiny Purge!" Glowing purple rings formed around her staff, then radiated towards the monster. She could feel the energy being drawn, but she was in thrall of the cosmic energies swirling around her. Black Ghoul shuddered, then cried out in despair as the demon soul was expelled from the body. Andrew fell to the ground, weakened from being possessed. The hideous features were gone, erased by the expulsion of the evil spirit. He groaned, then remained on the floor. "Sailor Moon! You did it!" Mercury cried. "What was that?" Mars asked, stunned by the usage of the new power. "I- uh, well," Eternal Sailor Moon struggled to find a reason without revealing the existence of Lady Karma inside her. I think it is time that they know the truth. I am slightly drained now, but the life on this world will help me heal quickly. Even if Astros attacks, you will be more prepared to defend yourself. The other senshi surrounded her, trying to see if she was possessed as well. "What do I say?" she desperately implored. Do you trust me? "Yes, I trust you very much." Mars pulled out a slip of paper, one of her infamous anti-evil signs. She was about to use the charm on Sailor Moon when she heard a familiar voice. "Don't harm her, Sailor Mars," Sailor Tempest said. She pointed at the Inner senshi with her staff. Sailor Lagoon skillfully twirled her staff, then pointed at the Senshi as well. "Although we are strangers to your world, we will not stand and watch you harm someone who can save your world." They stood back-to-back, pointing at the other group of Sailor Senshi. Suddenly all eyes were on Sailor Moon as she half-fainted. Her friends reached to catch her, but suddenly she stood up, floating gently to the ground. She was no longer Sailor Moon, champion of love and justice, but a tall, grey-eyed woman with a majestic aura. Long, royal blue hair covered her simple green dress. A different symbol glowed blue on Sailor Moon's forehead where a small, golden, crescent moon had once been. "I am Lady Karma of the first noble house of Mystas," she announced. "I am the one Astros is searching for." I think they're getting worried, Usagi nagged in her mind. You might want to say that I'm okay or something. You know, it's not so bad in this mindscape here. No school, no homework. I like it already. Lady Karma smiled at the young girl's remarks. "Your friend Usagi-chan is okay. I was hiding in her mind, regaining my strength." Mars noted that Karma looked remarkably similar to Lagoon and Tempest, as if she were an older version of the two of them put together. "Karma-sama," breathed Lagoon. Tempest and Lagoon looked as if they had just been granted their hearts desires. "At last, we have found her!" Tempest said. "As quoted by the high priest of Mystas: Now, with the power of Destiny, we can defeat the perils from within." "Yeah, I'm ready to go pick a fight." Jupiter cracked her knuckles and grinned. "I regret to inform you that I am not strong enough to challenge him yet," Lady Karma replied. "The theft of the souls in the entire Tara system left me weakened. Without the life energies to draw upon, I could not face him there. Here, on Earth, there is an abundance of life, and the self-proclaimed Lord of Souls is weak in this realm. He is growing more insane every minute, repulsed by the life here. Now he knows what I felt like in our homeland." She smiled sadly. "So- what do we do now?" Tempest asked. "We need to stop him. Our families' and friends' souls are being tortured in his grip!" "Please, we must go stop him," Lagoon pleaded. They had long lowered their staffs, and now were on the verge of tears. "We can't stop this endless cycle of pain and suffering if we don't act soon." The two Celestial senshi walked up to Karma, as if trying to feel the power that emitted by her presence. Lady Karma looked down at them sternly. "Now you know better than that," she reprimanded. "We need Sailor Destiny to return the souls. If we stand united, then with the help of Sailor Destiny we can return the souls to their rightful owners." "Yes, Karma-sama," they chanted, bowing their heads. "We will respect your wishes," Lagoon said. "But please hurry," Tempest added. Suddenly two green orbs struck the Celestial scouts. They cried out in pain, then crumpled to the ground. "No!" Karma shouted. "Kita-chan! Namida-chan!" The other senshi, including Sailor Moon, were stunned. Kita and Namida are the Celestial Senshi? Usagi asked, surprised. Lady Karma pointed at an unseen enemy. "Destiny Soul Quake!" she yelled. An enormous blue- green ball of energy flew from her hand. There was a cry of pain from the invisible attacker, and the sounds of a portal opening and closing could be heard. "He got away!" Jupiter said. The senshi ran up towards Tempest and Lagoon, but were pushed out of the way by Lady Karma. "Kita-chan! Namida-chan!" She knelt by their side. They were writhing in pain on the ground. "No... Mother! No..." Lagoon moaned. Tears flowed freely down her face. "Don't leave me, father!!!" She wailed pitifully, clawing at her arms in an effort to keep something from being pulled away. Tempest was acting similarly. "No! I'll get him for this! I'll get their souls back..." She clutched her head, as if trying to contain the forces that raged inside. What's wrong with them, Karma-sama? Usagi asked Karma. She could feel the tears flowing down Karma's face. "He struck them where it would hurt most," Karma replied, answering everyone's question. "He knew that if he took away their ability to contain the rage and suffering then he would also be striking out at me." Tears dropped onto the dusty blue floor, unnoticed. "How could he do this! I thought I could turn him back to good!" "Can't you heal them or something, bring back their control?" Mars questioned. The Inner Senshi held the arms of the fallen senshi, trying to prevent them from harming themselves. "They have absorbed a lot of energy," Karma wept. "If I take away the energies, then they will not feel the pain. But then, they will lose their powers as senshi forever." The other senshi silently pondered over the dilemma that faced them. There was a time when I would have given up everything to not be a Sailor Senshi, Usagi confessed. But now I understand that each scout has a destiny to accomplish. Let me take over, Karma- sama, I have an idea. The other scouts watched in wonder as the soul of Sailor Moon took over the body again. The uniform appeared with the Eternal Moon Tier, and long, glamorous white wings sprouted from Sailor Moon's back. Sailor Moon, her face devoid of emotion, reached into her Eternal Compact and drew out the Silver Imperium Crystal. The crystal was the source of all her power, as well as a symbol of the power of the moon. Removing the crystal subsequently left Sailor Moon naked with wings, but she had done it before when saving the world from Galaxia. Then, she invoked the power of the crystal. The masks of pain left the Celestial Senshi' faces. The Inner Senshi watched with dismay as their uniforms vanished. Reverting back to Kita and Namida, the two girls rested peacefully. "You did it!" Mercury cried. "I think they're going to be okay," Jupiter announced. But will they ever regain their powers? Karma asked. Sailor Moon hoped they would. She sighed, turning to the other girls. "I think they'll be fine for a while. The Silver Imperium Crystal should have healed them." But they weren't harmed! Karma said. Astros stole their magical abilities to contain emotional energies! He needs it to defend himself from the life energies of this galaxy. "Uh-oh..." Sailor Moon gulped, then nervously looked around. In a cheery voice, she spoke to the other scouts. "I think I just may have made a mistake." "Oh no," Jupiter groaned. She put her hand on her forehead, knowing what was coming. "What did you do now?" Mars demanded. Mercury and Venus simply sighed. "I think I may have just done what Karma didn't want to do," Sailor Moon admitted. "She explained that Astros actually took away their ability to cope with their emotions." "That's it? They were suffering because of their emotions?" She blushed as Karma chided her. Energies, Usagi-chan! Their emotional energies! "Oops. Emotional energies. Sorry!" Sailor Moon looked down at the fallen warriors. "So what do we do with them?" I don't know how much harm the energies may have caused. I think they surpassed their limit when they had absorbed your pain and anger. I have no idea how they managed to contain all of it for so long. They were probably leaving a trail of energy in their normal forms. "How could they have been so ...normal?" she wondered. She looked to Jupiter. "I don't suppose there's enough room in your house to take care of two more people?" Rei stood in front of the vibrant fire. "Oh great fire," she prayed, "guide us to our enemy!" The fire roared as if struggling for words, then contented itself with a picture of a tall towers, which had once been filled with people. The Starlight tower was still under repair from the time Jupiter had used her Thunder Crash attack on the wall in her eagerness to save Usagi from a trap. Of course, this was nearly a year ago, when they were battling the Dark Kingdom. Rei thought about the Moon Kingdom, wondering how it was like. She had never really fully regained her memories of her past life, although she remembered being Princess Serenity's closest friend and bodyguard. Will I ever really remember the Moon Kingdom? she asked herself. What was I like? The fire flared violently, jolting Rei back to reality. Peering into the fire, she realized a face with large purple eyes and brownish-black hair was staring back at her. "Hotaru?!?" she cried. The 10-year old face of the youngest and most powerful scout smiled. "Yes, Rei-san. It's me." "Uh-um, how, er, what..." Rei was simply bewildered. "The other scouts are helping me use my power to communicate. The world is in grave danger. We hadn't noticed the enemy presence until now." Rei nodded dumbly. After all, she was speaking to the Messiah of Silence, Sailor Saturn, who supposedly had infinite power. "Didn't Setsuna-san know what was going to happen?" she questioned, referring to Sailor Pluto, the Guardian of the Portal of Time. The innocent face smiled sadly. "Auntie Setsuna says something is wrong with reality. She doesn't really understand what is happening, except that this new enemy is a very dangerous threat to all." "Are you returning to Tokyo, Hotaru-chan?" Rei wondered. "Oh, by the way, we have some... guests." "Guests?" Hotaru asked, her brow wrinkling. "Oh well, Haruka-papa and Michiru-mama say that we're catching the next flight back to Japan. They are booking a flight now." "Uh, well, okay. Anything else?" "No. Well, see you soon!" Hotaru smiled cheerily, then the flames returned to normal. Rei picked up her pink communicator and called for a scout meeting. Contacting Minako, she watched as the face of a white cat came on the tiny screen. "Artemis, we need to have a meeting. The Outer Scouts are returning. Astros has something to do with the Starlight Tower." The white cat answered in a masculine voice. "If Uranus, Neptune, Saturn, and Pluto are returning, then it must mean that we are indeed in grave danger. Let's meet at Makoto's place." Rei agreed, then began contacting Ami. Karma was kneeling over Namida and Kita, praying for their health. Makoto quietly watched her whisper a few words in a strange, musical language. Nervous, she tugged at her ponytail, anxiously hoping the two were safe. Lady Karma turned and faced her. "Thank you, Makoto, for letting them stay here until they are well. I have been away from my daughters for a long time; I thank you for this time you have let me share with them, even if they are unable to respond." "Daughters? You're their mother?" Mako asked. "You look fairly similar, but I would never have guessed that you were their mother." She slid down the wall and sat against the wall. "That's because of Sailor Destiny," she replied, with a small, sad, smile. Karma turned slightly, tending to her children. "But- uh, aren't you Sailor Destiny?" "Yes and no. Sailor Destiny is like another entity, that merges with the next person. Even my personality as Lady Karma- I am not completely the person I once was." Who were you before? Usagi asked. She lay dormant in the shared body, enjoying the state of her temporary existence. "I was Meitzu Sachiko of the second noble house of Mystas. Each of the nobles had a special defender, one who protected the lands owned by a particular house as well as the planet. Being the eldest, it was family tradition for me to inherit that particular position, although my siblings probably had the talent for it." "But what happened to your brothers and sisters? Did they know who you were?" "No. I was trained in the ways of a senshi by my mother. Even my father did not know who I really was. We senshi are a very tight group. None of us knew the identities of other senshi. I'm not sure whether it would have helped or not, because we seldom worked together. In fact, we were often fighting each other." Wow. No outside attacker? Usagi marveled at the relatively peaceful life they led. Karma smiled. Not as peaceful as you think, Usagi-chan. The senshi in this system worked together because they were united by the Moon Kingdom as well as the outside threats, from what you tell me. It was quite a lonely life. Usagi was silent. Karma continued her narrative. "It was rather ironic. I was Sailor Misery, born of anguish and pain, yet I found happiness in marriage. He was Noguchi Takashi, the second son of the first noble house. We were in love, but I had a problem: who would defend the house of my family?" Makoto nodded. "I was wondering how you would work things out like that." "That was the least of it. My mother introduced my sister, who was the next oldest in the family. She became the next Sailor Misery while I retired to live with my husband's family. It was expected that I would never use my powers again, nor pass it on to my children." Lady Karma cleared her throat. Mako noticed she was crying, although her voice never wavered. "Then one day I returned to my parent's house for a visit. They were being attacked by the Dark Knight, who was once my enemy in particular. Our powers were equally matched, and we were bitter enemies." Her shoulders shaked lightly. Makoto came up and put an arm around her shoulder protectively. "I saw my sister, as Sailor Misery, fighting him. My mother was too old, and my sister had not yet completed her training. Dark Knight was able to defeat her. I transformed and chased him away. My sister died that night, it was too late to save her." Gomen nasa, Usagi said. It must have been terrible. "It was," she replied, forgetting Usagi was inside her. "My brothers were not as committed to training. I had to return to protect the house, which was often difficult. Dark Knight was relentless. Then, one day, I was looking out of the window, when I saw Dark Knight standing in front of our house! I was so angry and afraid, I transformed at once." "And then what?" Mako asked eagerly. "Did you catch him?" "Yes. I did," Karma said in a hollow tone. "He sensed me summoning my power, and came in when I had just transformed. I demanded to know why he was there, and he did the same to me. He answered that this was his domain, and that I was the intruder this time. Then- and then," Karma whispered, "I realized he was Takashi. Takashi, my loving husband, who had killed my sister." The other two were silent. "He called my name, just like he would before we were married. I ran out of the house with my two children. He tried to follow, but I lashed out in despair, injuring him terribly. Dark Knight was never seen again." Makoto was numb with empathy. What had the fates done to this poor woman? She wondered. "This shouldn't have happened to you," she quietly sympathized. "It goes on. A year later, he returned. As Sailor Fate. He told me about how he was able to regain his strength with the powers given to him. I was mercilessly attacked. He wanted the girls, but I had hidden them among other noble families for protection. I nearly died." She looked up, a sad look in her eyes. "Then came a beautiful woman, who woke me from my dying sleep. Sailor Fate was gone, having left me to die. She called herself Sailor Destiny, and asked me to succeed her. When asked, she replied that I was the counter to the Takashi's evil. I accepted the position." She swallowed, then went on. "I became merged with another entity, like another soul. I still have some of the memories and abilities, but I am mostly Lady Karma now. Otherwise known as Sailor Destiny. But I can't transform easily. That requires a lot of energy and need. It could mean breaking a cosmic law, I was not allowed to stop him, even I knew what was happening." Go on. "Then he declared himself Lord Astros, and struck out at everyone on Mystas. He steals souls, hoping to gain control over the cosmic powers." "The cosmic powers?" Usagi and Makoto asked simultaneously. "God," Karma clarified. "Oh." "Can he really succeed?" Mako asked. I mean, he couldn't possibly defeat... God." Karma sighed. "I really don't know. Everything is a cosmic mess. Things like this weren't supposed to happen. Destiny and Fate- they are supposed to be working together, not trying to kill each other. In fact, that's why there are the Celestial senshi. Their job is to keep senshi from fighting." Uh... then why weren't they there when Galaxia was fighting and all that? "The Celestial Senshi had tried to stop Sailor Fate, but were defeated. They were killed, but their souls were not taken. Somehow, they have given their powers to Kita and Namida, who shouldn't have been able to become senshi. They were not trained." Rei, Minako, Ami, and Artemis walked into the room. "Hey there, guys," Minako greeted. Makoto was surprised to see no evidence of tears on Karma's face. "How did you do that so quickly?" Makoto asked. "I was raised to be nobility. It's part of the skills we have to learn." "Oh." Karma heard tittering laughter from Usagi. "Do what so fast?" Ami asked. "Nothing." Karma and Makoto replied. They smiled at each other, sharing a semi-private moment. "Well, guess what! The fire says Astros is in the Starlight Tower," Rei announced. Just then, Luna proudly strode in and announced, "We have to go to the Starlight Tower. I think Astros is there." "Too late, Luna!" Artemis said. "Rei found that out a long time ago." "What?!? I spent the entire night roaming the city for nothing?" The small black cat's face was red with anger and frustration. The girls smiled. "Well, at least we can be confident that he resides in the Starlight Tower. There is a chance that only a portal will be there, though." The cats admired Karma's formal speaking. If only Usagi would start becoming as refined as her, Luna thought. She speaks with that same calmness as Queen Serenity. "Hey Usagi," Shingo called. He burst into the crowded room, looking at the surprised faces of five girls and two cats. Then he stared at Lady Karma's beautiful emerald dress. "Is there something I may help you with, young man?" Karma asked. "Oh, uh, I-uh, just needed to get something." Shingo nervously snatched his bag from the closet. "By the way, have you guys seen Usagi?" "No!" Ami, Rei, Minako, and Makoto said before Karma could reply. Shingo ran out of the room, too frightened to remain. "So, why don't we go and pay Astros a little visit? We have to get Usagi's parents back before anyone notices that they're gone," Makoto said. "No, we should wait until the Outer Senshi get here. Astros is going mad, remember? If we wait it will only be easier for us to win," replied Ami. "Ami's right," Luna said. Why rush in? Maybe the Celestial Senshi will be better by then." "Yeah, but what are we supposed to do? Sit around until more people have their souls taken?" Rei angrily asked. "Now, wait, guys," Artemis interjected. "Well why don't we just wait? It'll only be a few hours from now, how long could it take them to get here? Haruka's a fast driver," Mina urged. "Karma says that we shouldn't wait, guys," Usagi interpreted. "She says that the longer we wait, then the harder it will be to expel the demons from their bodies." She looked pained. "We have to go after them soon. I can't wait anymore, and I know Shingo is going to have more problems if we don't act soon." "She's right," Minako reluctantly agreed. "C'mon, let's go." The five girls threw up their hands, summoning their power. Power sticks appeared in the hands of four of the girls; magic light flowed from Usagi's hand. In another minute they were transformed. "All right, guys," Eternal Sailor Moon said. "Let's go!" Astros leaned against his chair, drooling all over his ebony throne. His black robes were damp with all sorts of liquids. Hundreds of Shadow Demons, freed from the black stars which imprisoned them, wandered aimlessly. Soul Reaper leaned towards Death Phantom. "Tell me why I work for this guy, Phantom," he said in a bored tone. Phantom was busy zapping Shadow Demons with lightening from her fingertips. "I don't know. He seemed so enticing as Lord Astros- shame he can't handle himself now." "What do you think's wrong with him?" "Who knows? Oh, you know, Black Ghoul had just been summoned back, when somehow his soul was purged from the body," Phantom announced, spreading gossip. "Oooh, really? Too bad, he wasn't such a bad guy. I just wish Lord Astros had sent us instead of that lesser demon, Walu. We're nobility! We should get all the best jobs," Reaper complained. "Sure," Phantom agreed, zapping another Shadow Demon out of existense. "You know, I'm not so sure we should have come back. There are prophesies of a lord who will bring our souls back to Earth, but I don't think Astros is the one anymore. Suddenly Astros burst into a fit of giggling. With a goofy smile, he hurled a pulsing green orb at the feet of his two major demons. "Want out moon!!!" he cried, waving his arms. "Use force now!" "What?" Phantom picked up the ball and examined it. "It's a Spirit Bomb," she reported. "Spirit bomb? Lord Astros, what is your will?" Reaper straightened his back, after noticing Astros did have some intelligence after all. Astros wrapped his hands over his head, then waved them around wildly. Calming down, he slowly whispered a single word. "Destiny." The five girls slipped ran up the stairs of the Starlight Tower. "Could-(huff) couldn't we have taken the elevator instead?" Sailor Moon asked. "Oh, come on, we're almost there. Besides, you don't want to be caught in another trap again, do you?" Mars chided. Sailor Moon recalled the events that had occured in the Tower the last time she had been there. She had foolishly followed Mamoru, an annoying boy who almost never called her by her real name, there, and in a trap set by the Dark Kingdom, she was forced to reveal her identity to him. "Look!" Venus cried. She pointed through the heavy metal door ahead of them The senshi were stunned to find hundreds of Shadow Demons roaming around the upper room. "So much for a surprise," Jupiter said. "Well, should we go in, or leave?" "I think it's a good time to leave now," Sailor Moon advised, looking about in fear. "You know, we really should wait until the Outer Senshi are here." "I'm afraid I cannot let you leave quite yet, Sailor Senshi," a dark voice announced. "Huh?!?" The girls turned to face Soul Reaper, formerly known as Mr. Tsukino. "What do we do?" Moon whispered. "Nothing," Reaper hissed. "I want something, and I'm going to have it." With a roar of fury, Reaper shot two black stars out of his fingertips. "Your souls are mine!" Mars and Venus jumped to the left, while Jupiter and Mercury dove for the right side of the room. Moon was pinned against the corner, the stars on both sides of her. "Mars Flame Sniper!" "Jupiter Oak Evolution!" The stars were torn apart by the attacks. Before the girls had a chance to react, Reaper laughed evilly and threw a pulsing green orb at Sailor Moon. "I want Sailor Destiny!!!" NO!!! Lady Karma cried. A Spirit Bomb!!! RUN!!! It was too late. The senshi watched in horror as the Spirit Bomb exploded, surrounding Moon with green magic. There were no other sounds in the room besides the girls' gasps of fear and the piercing cries of Sailor Moon. A glowing pink orb was extracted by the dark magic from Sailor Moon's body. The orb wobbled dangerously, but it emitted a warm light. It struck the ground, and the body of Lady Karma appeared. "No..." she whispered. Both women fell to the ground, too weak from the forced removal. "Sailor Moon!" Mercury cried. She cradled the unconscious body of her friend. Jupiter and Mars stood protectively over Lady Karma's body. "You're going to pay for that!" Venus shouted. "What do you mean? Removing Lady Karma was beneficial to both of us. We want Sailor Destiny, and you want to be left alone," Reaper replied. "Not at the price of the world, Reaper," Mars said. They stood in fighting stances, ready to protect the two fallen senshi with their lives. "World Shaking!" "Deep Submerge!" Two glowing orbs, the first golden, the other blue-green, struck Reaper and sent him flying down the stairs. The senshi looked up to see four familiar figures standing in an open windowsill. I've always wondered how they did that... Mars thought. Then she quelled her curiosity and thanked the Outer Senshi for their help. "Uranus, Neptune, thanks." "Uhh..." Sailor Moon groaned. She sat up, swaying lightly with dizziness. "Oh, good, she's okay," Mercury reported. Suddenly their was a deep intake of air from Lady Karma. She sat up, filled with more energy than Moon, but still weakened. Uranus looked on with horror. "You..." she gasped. "Not you again..." Neptune cried. "Huh?!?" Once again the Inner Senshi were left in the dark. "Dead Scream." A whispered attack from Sailor Pluto caused a pink orb to fly towards Lady Karma. "No!!!" Mars cried. "What are you doing?!?" "Celestial Waters!" A stream of sparkling water struck the pink orb, eliminating the threat. "Sailor Lagoon?" Jupiter turned to see two more familiar faces standing inside the top room with the Shadow Demons. "But how-" All the Inner Senshi were thoroughly confused. "Eternal Tempest!" Sailor Tempest hurled a small whirlwind out of her staff. It struck the ground, then picked up Lady Karma. "No! Tempest, Lagoon, don't do this!" Karma pleaded, realizing the threat. "Sorry, Lord Astros wants you alive," Sailor Lagoon said. Tempest skillfully directed the small tornado back towards the room of the Shadow Demons. Lady Karma screamed some unintelligible word from inside the eye of the tornado. Suddenly, all the senshi, except for Tempest and Lagoon, were back outside the Starlight Tower. They looked around in confusion, then looked up as Karma's body appeared in mid-air. Jupiter ran and caught her before she hit the ground, but Karma was unconscious again. "Tempest and Lagoon gone evil..." Moon whispered disconsolately. She looked at the menacing glares of the older Outer Senshi. Sailor Saturn, the youngest of the all the senshi, pointed her glaive at the Inner Senshi. "We have to kill her," Uranus growled. "No, she's our friend!" Moon cried, waving her arms. "She saved us many times already." Neptune pointed at Karma's body. "She," Neptune said," is the one who caused the destruction of the Moon Kingdom." Sailor Moon could only stare at her friend and protector in Jupiter's arms. "No..." she whispered.