Sailor Moon Fan Fiction / Magic Knight Rayearth Fan Fiction ❯ Darkness Within ❯ Insult to Injury ( Chapter 6 )

Insult to Injury

 

When the sun rose next morning, Jessie, Andre and Ray watched the huge white crystal that protrudes to the sky from the fringe of the jungle around it. As usual, the Indonesian quipped,

 

“Well, it seems we won't have difficulty after all…” The platinum-haired girl cut him cynically,

 

“Just in case you've forgotten, the question is not where and how we find the crystals, but rather which among that huge mass of crystal is the right one for us,” Ray didn't answer; he sulked only. It was very annoying for him to hear this `know-all-everything' girl. Andre ignored them, while he was thinking about what Leyon said to them before depart,

 

“OUTLANDERS, MAY GODS BE WITH YOU…THE FOREST CIRCLING THE SOUL PILLAR WAS INHABITED BY UNKNOWN CREATURES. THEY DON'T LIKE ANY INTRUDERS, MUCH MORE THE OVERLORDS. IN OTHER WORDS, THEY ARE NEITHER YOUR FOES NOR ALLIES…” The American tightened his fist; he usually avoided conflicts whenever it possible. Yet, Chiba Mamoru and Tsukino Usagi were in a grave danger. Nobody shall stop him from helping his friends, though it meant he had to spill blood again. Strengthened his resolve, he called his companions,

 

“Let's go…” Jessie and Ray were silent as he went into the forest. Without saying anything, they followed him.

 

 

From their lair, the Overlords watched them on the Eye of Bane. Lezon grumbled,

 

“I hate that place; it gives me creeps…” Siratyl agreed,

 

“I agree! I thought I can control those creatures inside with Requiem…but then they chased me out from the forest…” Sylvarius frowned,

 

“What kind of creature they are, I don't know! It is very upsetting to have my Undead devoured by those filthy creatures…imagine, they treat my beloved Undead like snacks!!” Then the young sorcerers said,

“If the creatures attacked them, then our little game will be in jeopardy!” The black sorcerer quickly allayed,

 

“Take it easy…we can find another to play with! Now, let's see the Outer Senshi…” When he waved his hand, the Eye changed scene to the Outer Senshi who was at the northeast from the strangers' location…

 

 

 

The Outer were in complete silence; the loss of Sailor Moon was too much to bear. Michiru was really concerned with her companion. Haruka and Setsuna didn't speak at all after they left Darkspyre last afternoon. She forced herself to ask,

 

“Are you still thinking Princess, Haruka?” The short-cropped woman glanced to her, yet she didn't answer. Again, the green-haired woman said,

 

“Haruka, don't blame yourself! We can't stop what already happened…Princess Serenity is gone and we'll try to find her…” Haruka answered with a pained look,

 

“Michiru, I appreciate your concern…but we had failed her! Had I disagree with her to go to the city, nothing would happen like this!” She sighed,

 

“For a long time since I learn who I am, I never feel so dejected like this, Michiru! Both of us centered our lives to a simple goal: Protect Princess Serenity with all costs. Then this thing happens…” She turned to Setsuna behind,

 

“I think Pluto feel the same way; she must be blamed herself for not foreseen this…” Michiru stopped her by putting her fingers to her lips,

 

“I don't think you blamed yourselves for that, Haruka-chan…you blame yourself for being defeated by the Overlords! Am I right?” The shorthaired woman instantly silent, while her companion continued,

 

“Look, I know you're feel unable to stop this but Haruka, don't shut yourself! Do you think I'm not feeling the same? Share our pain is better than keeping it yourself…” She hugged Haruka, laying her head to her chest. Michiru whispered,

 

“We shall prevail, Uranus! Our bond will strengthen our cause…we'll find Princess Serenity!” Haruka smiled, while caressing Michiru's emerald-green hair,

 

“You're right, Neptune! Forgive me for being closed! I promise we must find Princess Serenity…” She silently gritted her teeth in determination,

 

I must find…Andre Stevens! He's the key for all of this! Michiru Kaiou didn't reply; she gripped her companion blazer in her fingers. The gem at their necklace glowed faintly.

 

 

At the same time, Setsuna Meiou was deep in thought. It was true that she was troubled with the sudden disappearance of Sailor Moon, but there was something strange. They knew the one who had responsible for this was the Overlords, however what the Overlord looks like, they don't know. It was something or someone had erased their minds selectively. The only things they remember were the strangers; it was easy to blame them then. She actually didn't like Haruka to jump to conclusion like that, but she needed evidences first. Watching Haruka in front of her, Setsuna has feared the worst that Haruka would make the strangers as the scapegoats for her loss! Then Hotaru called her,

 

“Momma, are you all right?” The dark-green haired woman turned to the little girl and kneeled, smiling as she could,

 

“I'm all right, Hotaru…” The girl continued,

 

“Is Momma still thinking Sailor Moon's disappearance?” Sadly, she shook her head and followed,

 

“It is the first time I can't foresee what happened, Hotaru! I supposedly know this would come, but then…I failed! Not only I let down Neo-Queen Serenity, but also forfeited King's trust to me…” Then Hotaru patted her shoulders gently and spoke with determination,

 

“We shall find her, Pluto…and we won't fail this time” Setsuna wiped tears from her eyes, and then she asked,

 

“Hotaru, tell me what your impression to the strangers,” The short, black-haired girl said,

 

“Jessie Cross…she's hard to fathom; it seems she hid something dangerous; Andre Stevens…I senses something dark inside him, but he won't reveal it, and the last, Ray Evans…I have nothing to say about him…” Then the Guardian of Time quipped,

 

“Really? Yesterday, you're looked jealous when Jupiter talks to him…” Aghast, Hotaru shouted,

 

“Momma, I don't have any feelings to that jerk! He's rude, boastful and braggart! I wonder why Jupiter likes him!” Setsuna smiled meaningfully, while hugging her,

 

“Hotaru, you don't have to shout like that! It is all right, I just joking only…” Then she looked deeply to her little girl,

 

“You've grown up, Hotaru…since the last time I saw you with Tomoe,” The girl replied,

 

“I'm Sailor Saturn, the death and rebirth…the Silent One…it is my fate to be alone”

 

“Nothing lasts forever, even Time, my dear! Being alone don't mean without feeling…ah, let's continue our journey…” They followed Haruka and Michiru who's already farther.

 

 

 

Back to the Twisting Shade, De Haargen sat not far from the spirit sphere that encasing Tsukino Usagi and Shidou Hikaru inside. The skeletal staff planted on the ground; both of them watching the sphere. Then Soul Chaser asked,

 

“How long do we have to wait here, Master?” The Dutch replied,

 

“I don't know…Lord of Darkness has many things to attend, yet his entourage said to us that he was proud with our success…”

 

“Yes, though I prefer he says it personally to us…”They turned again to the sphere. The girls were in a stupor-like sleep; the Overlords intended so to preserve their condition. Then the sorcerer spoke,

 

“Do you think they are listening, Soul Chaser?” The skeletal head replied,

 

“Probably, their physical state is exhausted, yet their mental faculty still intact,” Thinking hard, De Haargen finally said,

 

“Use the Dream Speaker, Soul Chaser. I want to chat with them…”

 

Soul Chaser asked, “Why, Master?”

 

“Just do it, will you?” The skeletal head turned to the sphere, while the Overlord went closer. Then its eye sockets glowed with yellow light. The Dutch sorcerer watched them with adoration. Then he spoke with a gentle, melodious tone,

 

“Poor girls, your friends feel very miserable without your presence…had you been surrendered to us since beginning, it wouldn't be happening…” Slowly but sure, he put forth his hand into the spirit sphere. At the same time, the yellow-haired girl floated to his direction. De Haargen touched Usagi's face gently, saying,

 

“Princess Serenity, if you really know how your friend and fiancée cares you…” The sorcerer pressed further until half of his body already inside the sphere. He turned to Shidou Hikaru,

 

“You too…the Mage Knight had missed you so much. I would let you go, as long as you give me what I want…” The sorcerer began to touch their chest. Suddenly a flame came out from Hikaru and struck his hands. Before De Haargen could react, the blinding light from Usagi knocked him out from the sphere. Soul Chaser cried,

 

“Master…” The young sorcerer didn't answer as he watched his blistered hands and shook his head,

 

Unbelievable! Though broken, the Ginzuishou still protects Sailor Moon…and the Magic Knight's power still intact! Then he said with tinge of sadness,

 

“I thought you're understood, but you aren't…eventually you'll see that the darkness is invincible…” He turned to Soul Chaser, adding,

 

“Your friends will know the darkness inside themselves…” He sat again, doing nothing…

 

 

Meanwhile on the planet Anderion, Andre and his companions have traveled to the quarter of the jungle. The trees and the bushes were so closely tight, making it difficult to pass. The condition prompted Ray to launch his complaints. Jessie was greatly bothered by that. They always argued along the journey and every turn. The American could only sigh, as they now debated about the Japanese's attitude to the non-Japanese. It was clear that the Russian's cold logic and the Indonesian's hot temper didn't mix well.

 

“But Ms. Kino treats me well…” Ray protested. Then the platinum-haired girl answered bluntly,

 

“Then you're a fool! The Japanese treats the non-Japanese as a gaijin (foreigner), and it means they look at you as inferior. No matter how nice they are to you, there is always something that a gaijin should not know or participate…Do you think why her friends don't want to talk with you? Because you're a gaijin and not worthy for their attention…” The boy clenched his teeth, before he replied,

 

“Are you always doing this? Killing everyone's joy? Dampen enthusiasm?” Jessie glared back,

 

“I just to be logic! If those people don't trust us, how much more we could trust them?”

 

“Yeah, like we can trust you…”

 

Suddenly, Andre broke their conversation,

 

“Be quiet!” Instantly, they were silent and surprised when the American went into the bushes. Without thinking, Ray followed him, passing the thick bushes. Time seemed forever for him until he broke through the bushes and saw Andre fighting for his life against…five giant wasp-like creatures. Those creatures had the sparkling green-colored wings that buzzed endlessly. They circled their prey, while taunting with their sharp, jagged stings at the tail. The American tried to shoo them away with the broken branch, but no avail. Instantly, the Indonesian took the stones and threw them to the creatures,

 

“Get lost, you creeps!” At first, the Bite Bugs ignored him until the larger stone crushed one of them. The rest instantly turned upon him with unfriendly stare,

 

“Er, I terribly sorry! It's an accident, I don't mean to…” The bugs weren't impressed at all. Then they moved in unison toward Ray. The boy didn't waste any time to talk; he ran from them. However, wings are faster…when one of them almost sank its sting to Ray; a crackle of lightning struck the insect and fried it for good. The rest turned to…Jessie Cross. Another charged furiously toward the Russian, but she immediately sent a bolt of magical lightning from both hands. Instantly, the insect exploded into fleshy shards. The others went away, after seeing their friend's fate. Ray watched that without blinking. Jessie offered her hands to him,

 

“Be careful next time,” The Indonesian stammered,

 

“Are you a Dark Jedi?” She ignored the question, and pulled him to stand, before turning to Andre,

 

“Are you all right, Mr.Stevens?” The youth nodded, as he turned to Ray,

 

“Yes, I'm fine…thanks for your help, Ray…” The boy immediately cut him,

 

“Ho, don't so fast! What the heck are you doing with those bugs? Don't say I give my neck for nothing!” Andre sighed,

 

“I heard someone asking help; when I came, those wasps attacked me…” With a mock surprise, the Indonesian answered, as he wandered around,

 

“Oh, puh-leeze! Don't say that you've gotten to the old trick again? We listened to that and look what we get? In the middle of nowhere!” Suddenly, the ground below his feet gave away and he fell into the deep pit. Instinctively, Jessie and Ray caught his arms. Glancing to the pit beneath, Ray screamed with fear,

 

“Please, help me! I'm too young to die now…” The Russian girl shouted,

 

“Would you shut up? Mr. Stevens and I won't let you go! Right?” The American didn't answer; somehow he ignored Ray's cries and Jessie's question. A pleading voice spoke inside him,

 

Andre, please don't leave us! We need you…don't leave us to die…

 

He was jerked back to reality when a huge heave came and dragged them all before he could scream…

 

 

 

 

The Outer Senshi heard the scream; Haruka was the one, who recognized the scream,

 

“It sounds like the strangers…” Setsuna continued,

 

“Probably they're not far from us…” Hotaru added,

 

“Let's check it first…” They nodded in agreement and ran toward the direction. Before they even got closer, something blocked their way. It was something like the black, ovoid objects stood in row, forming the fence. An eerie, disembodied voice came to them

 

“Come not between the Soul Pillar and this way, the Unwanted will bear you to the lamentation beyond all darkness, where your evil shall be devoured…”

 

Haruka shouted aloud, “We're the Outer Senshi! We're not your enemy!!” Yet, the fence didn't give in

 

 

Beneath the underground, the strangers landed on the mossy, moist ground. The gnarled roots surrounded them, while the slick mud was around. Ray asked shakily,

 

“Where are we?” For a moment, Jessie couldn't answer. Then the American said,

 

“Your answer will be answered sooner than you expect, I think,” When they turned around, they saw the reptile-like creatures surround them. Their slit-like eyes glowed in the dark, while their skin was slick. Slowly but sure, those creatures went closer to them. Ray froze in fear, in contrary with Jessie who was ready for anything worse. One of those creatures closed to Andre and protruded its slimy tongue to him. The youth could only close his eyes. Yet, he heard someone spoke in…human language,

 

“You aren't the undead, but you're different from the Anderions? Who are you?” Trying to clear his tongue, Andre answered,

 

“We…are coming from…Earth…” Silence reigned for a while, until he opened his eyes and saw a wrinkled reptilian creature in front of him. Yet, the slit-like eyes glowed with warmth. The creature spoke with raspy voice,

 

“Welcome to our lair, Outlanders! We're the Salamandris people who guarded this place,“ Sensing the attitude, Andre asked,

 

“And you are…” The wrinkled reptile answered,

 

“Call me Wyvern…” He immediately instructed the rest to give berth around them. Ray watched it with disbelief, while Jessie still wary with the situation. Wyvern said,

 

“Come to our hall…and we'll try to explain what you need to know,” As Andre went, the Indonesian pulled him and whispered,

 

“Be careful, it might be a trap…who knows they're planned to eat us?” Jessie scolded.

 

“If they will eat us, you might be their first course…” Ray skulked only,

 

“That's not funny…” Nevertheless, they followed the aged Salamandris to the huge hall. It was filled with a sparkling crystal. The place was filled with creatures like him; all of them watched the strangers with leering suspicion. Ray and Andre felt uncomfortable, while the Russian ignored it with her deadpan expression. When they entered the corridor filled with tree roots, Wyvern began to tell his story,

 

“The Salamandris had lived here long ago, before the beast-men and your kinds…what my people wanted just peace…however it was broken when the Evil One sends his emissaries here…” Jessie whispered,

 

“The Overlords…” The ancient reptilian merely glanced back, before he continued,

 

“Since their coming, the planet know no peace…the beast-men were consumed by their passions, while the men were trapped by their prejudice. The unnatural creatures started to appear; violence and bloodshed reigned. Avarice becomes the only virtue…it seems everything good has been vanished in wake of the Overlords' reign…” The American asked,

 

“Who are they? Why are they done such terrible things?” In sudden, Wyvern snarled, which almost made Ray jumped. The creature hissed,

 

“Nobody knows the way of darkness, save those who were lost inside! They even began to defile this land with their putrid touch…” The Indonesian merely nodded with trembling. Then the Salamandris said,

 

“We don't know their real name…but we know their loathsome titles! They are the Deceiver, the Blackener, the Destroyer and the Terrible! First of all, never trust the Deceiver's words; beware of the Blackener's touch. Don't be swayed by the Destroyer and the Terrible's appearance! Behind their appearance, the hideous beast lurks…ah, here we are!” They arrived at the clearing where a huge crystal protruded from the ground. It continued high above the ground. The surrounding was looks like an ice lake. Ray exclaimed,

 

“Soul Pillar, finally we're arrived here! Andre! Jessie! Can you see?” The Russian girl didn't answer, while Andre turned to the wrinkled reptilian,

 

“Why do you lead us here?” Wyvern smiled with his toothy grin,

 

“Because your coming had been prophesied, Outlanders…the Summoner had spoken about you long time ago…” The crystals glittered around them.

Above the ground, the Outer Senshi waited to no avail. The black objects barred them from continuing their way. After few hours, Haruka finally shouted with exasperated voice,

 

“That's it! I tired to wait the charade! I will transform into Sailor Uranus and break this damned thing!” Setsuna quickly warned,

 

“No, you might send a wrong signal to whoever erected the barrier! They don't harm us…if you attacked them, they might think we are hostile to them…” Michiru added,

 

“Setsuna was right! If they wanted to harm us, they don't have to stop us like this…” The short-haired girl cut them off, while the necklace glowed faintly,

 

“I don't care! They stopped us from finding Princess Serenity and I can't let that happen! Nobody shall stand in my way without being destroyed!” She turned to her companion,

 

“So, would you be with me, Michiru?” The green-haired woman sighed only. She didn't like her thinking; however their love were stronger than any reason and it held her sway. She nodded,

 

“I'm with you, Haruka! No matter what…” Then Hotaru said,

 

“Count me in, Uranus…nothing will stop us from fulfilling our quest to find Princess Serenity!” Then the girl turned to Setsuna who looks shocked with the decision,

 

“I'm sorry, Momma! But we can't wait any longer…”

 

“It means three against one; how about you, Setsuna?” Everyone turned to the Time Guardian. Setsuna don't like Haruka's suggestion; she knew that the decision was influenced by her anger. For the second time, she felt odds to her companions. The first time was when they fought Sailor Galaxia. Uranus pretended to give her allegiance to the evil Sailor in order to use her own power against herself; Neptune always followed Uranus, no matter the situation, thus left her and Saturn alone. Now Saturn agreed with them. She felt alone-wanting only the sane path through these turbulent times but beset on all side by unreasonable opponents. She said quietly,

 

“I'm come with you… it is our duty to protect Princess as Outer Senshi!” Without wasting time, they lifted their pen and shouted,

 

“Uranus Star Power! Neptune Star Power! Saturn Star Power! Pluto Star Power! TRANSFORM!!” The place was filled with the bright and colorful lights.

 

 

 

Below, Ray took the crystals greedily, while Jessie went closer to the pillar itself. Andre still speaking with Wyvern,

 

“The Summoner knows that we would come here eventually?”

 

“Nothing is hidden from him, even though…you're supposedly with the others,”

 

“The others?” Instantly, his mind went to Sailor Uranus who attacked him at Darkspyre. He stooped his head in disappointment,

 

“You mean, the Sailor Senshi…”

 

“Not only them, there is another…however they were led astray by the darkness. They don't even know the real enemy. However, all of you must pass the test, before you can claim the Soul Fragments,”

 

“What test?” Suddenly the exploding sound was heard and the ground shook violently. Ray and Jessie immediately went to find shelter, while Wyvern stood calmly. A Salamandris ran hurriedly to its elder and whispered something. The aged reptile turned to the American with a meaningful stare,

 

“That will be your test…”

 

 

 

“Space Sword Blaster!” As Sailor Uranus swung her saber, the barrier instantly exploded into smithereens. Sailor Saturn whirled her Silence Glaive and cut the black barriers with a single, mighty slash. Sailor Neptune and Pluto stood nearby.

 

“That could have gone better,” said the Time Guardian, while holding the Garnet Key. Satisfied, the senshis turned back to their companions. In front of them, there were three pathways that going to the Soul Pillar. Uranus spoke,

 

“Neptune and I will choose the middle, while…” Pluto immediately moved forward to the other pathway, ignoring her completely. The short-cropped senshi fumed to see the attitude,

 

“What's wrong with Pluto? She never snubbed me like that…” Neptune quickly calmed her,

 

“Never mind, my love…probably she still upset with your decision,” Saturn added,

 

“Pluto will realize the action that we've taken; I'm sure of that…” Uranus gritted her teeth,

 

“I hope so! Such a pity that she doesn't understand our pain…” The necklace glowed brighter but still faint. Without wasting their time, they entered the forest and chose their pathway.

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile, the strangers were digging their way to above the ground. As usual, Ray launched his tirades,

 

“I don't understand why we still have to undergo this ridiculous test…we had already the Soul Fragments,” Jessie replied sarcastically,

 

“Could you do anything than whining?” The American quickly stopped them,

 

“Have you listened what Wyvern says? `The test will prove your worthiness for the Soul Fragments, and at the same time, reveals who you are…'” The Indonesian answered,

 

“Yeah, so? He also says that we have to fight whoever we have seen first. I don't get the point…” Andre was silent; for sure he already knows who he is, but the others…they don't know at all. What if they know? Then the Russian girl broke his musing,

 

“Mr. Stevens, are you all right?” Stunned, he replied,

 

“Ah, yes. I'm fine…what's wrong?” Jessie gestured to the three holes that leading to the ground, while Ray watched with a mocking startle. Andre scratched his head; somehow it was like déjá vu. While pondering which way he should taken, he was about to say,

 

“I will take…” The Indonesian immediately jumped,

 

“Hoo, this time let me be the first to choose the way! I choose the left!” Slightly shoving his shoulder, Ray immediately climbed the roots, going to the surface. Jessie patted the American's shoulder,

 

“Just let him first! I will take the right this time,”

“And I'm taking the middle…” Both took each way to above the ground.

 

 

 

In Darkspyre, the Overlords watched what happened from the Eye of Bane. Lezon exclaimed,

 

“There they are! I thought they already dead when falling into the ground!” Siratyl added,

 

“It seems they were unharmed…” However, Sylvarius merely cackled,

 

“Here is the suspense…we shall see the first confrontation between them and the Outer Senshi! I believe that they would not survive the encounter…”

 

 

 

When breaking through from the roots, Jessie immediately came out from the holes. She took something dangled around her neck. It was a crystal shard. Wyvern's words echoed inside her,

 

Though I give the Soul Fragments to you, it is a mere instrument to help you manifest what already inside you. It is up to you, or else, the Fragments might refuse you…

 

Suddenly, she heard something cracked nearby; the footsteps. Her instincts said that an enemy was closing to her. She quickly went to the source of the noise.

 

 

On the other way, Sailor Pluto walked steadily along the pathway. She didn't like to separate herself from the others, yet she must pursue the truth behind the disappearance of Sailor Moon. It could not be done as long as Uranus' blind prejudice toward the strangers still hot. Pluto had the reason to believe that their coming at Anderion was manipulated by power greater than anything else; it needed their help to defeat the Overlords. Even the strangers' coming was not a coincidence. She sighed silently, feeling helpless despite her power over time… Then she sensed something coming toward her with such ferocity. Swung her Garnet Staff, she blocked three consecutive attacks from behind, turned back immediately…and saw a platinum-haired girl in offensive position. She was one of the strangers!

 

She inquired, “You are the stranger; why are you attacking me?” The girl replied coldly,

 

“To make sure that your kind will not hurt me anymore! Die, senshi!” She attacked with a wide slash toward Pluto's neck; however the senshi instinctively blocked the attack again and counterattacked by sending a high kick. To her surprise, the girl caught her ankle and twisted it. Quickly, Pluto thrust her staff to the ground, and then spins her waist to left, sending another leg toward her opponent. Detecting the kick, Jessie quickly released her grip and blocked the kick. Yet she was forced backward by the double kick. Took her stance, the Time Guardian realized that the Russian girl didn't kidding; she really wanted to kill her! Holding her hand, she said,

 

“I am not your enemy! If we have misunderstanding, let's talk then…”

 

“Time to talk has been over, now it's your time to die!”

 

 

Meanwhile, Andre Stevens managed to get out from the tangling roots. He held the crystal shard that dangling at his neck, pondering Wyvern's words,

 

…it is a mere instrument to help you manifest what already inside you.

 

He never liked what inside him; it looks terrible and dark, even Adrian couldn't avail to allay his fears. Breathed deeply, the American tried to forget what happened after he left the orphanage…

 

“It is nice to see you again, Mr. Stevens…it seems you're well and alive,” Andre stunned when hear the gentle word and immediately turned to his right side. A green-haired woman stood gracefully, while held a mirror. She wore dark-green fuku and her eyes stared intensely to him. Andre recognized her as the woman who gave him the aspirin to relieve his nausea. Stammered, he said,

 

“Ms. Michiru…you…are…a senshi?!” Sailor Neptune nodded,

 

“I'm Sailor Neptune, Mr. Stevens…or should I call you, Andre?” The American was unable to say anything. Then the senshi continued,

 

“Come with me, Andre…My friend and I just want to ask you about what happened at the city…”

 

Andre didn't know what he has to do now,

 

 

 

Ray broke the roots that blocking him, and let out his outburst,

 

“Yipee, finally I get out from the hole! Now the only thing I have to do is meeting with Andre and Jessie and then…” He was unable to continue his speech as he saw Sailor Saturn in front of him. The senshi merely pointed her Silence Glaive toward him,

 

“Don't go, stranger! You have to explain what you've done to Princess Serenity!” The Indonesian gulped,

 

”Mati aku! (I'm dead!)”

 

 

 

Back to Pluto, she still tried hard to deflect Jessie's attack, however it was clear to her that she has to use the drastic measures or else. Then a disembodied voice spoke,

 

Hit her with your Death Scream… Pluto surprised to hear the voice,

 

What? Is it coming from myself? Her distraction almost cost her, as the Russian kicked her side very hard. She instinctively whirled her staff to force the enemy away. The voice spoke again,

 

She would kill you if you're not acting fast enough…do it! Kill her!

 

“No!” Before she could recover, Jessie had clamped her neck with a neckbreaker stance. The voice had cost him a little chance. Pluto was surprised; the girl possessed the agility and strength more than a human. She tried to tug her clamp out but no avail. She choked as the platinum-haired girl tightened the clamp over her neck.

 

“Now you're dead!” As the Time Guardian struggled, the green pendant that circled over her neck shone brighter. Like pushed by someone, she slammed her head to the Russian's face. It stunned her, but it was enough for Pluto to turn the table. She gripped her opponent's arm and threw her forward. Jumped backward, she detached the Garnet Orb from the Staff and shouted furiously,

 

“Death Scream!!” An purple energy ball whirled toward Jessie, who simply crossed her hand to block the attack. Without her knowledge, the shard glowed brightly and disappeared among the explosion.

 

 

At the other place, Sailor Neptune felt her patience was wearing thin. No matter how persuasive she is, the American still doesn't trust her. Then a voice came,

 

Force him! Is it the way of the Outers? To show the strength…She shook her head,

 

No, it is not the way of Princess Serenity…The voice taunted,

 

Come on, you're wasting your time! He won't believe you…how can you know the truth about the princess, if he doesn't want to speak? Neptune felt the voice had a point. In other hand, Andre still doubtful about Sailor Neptune's intention, until he remembered Adrian's words,

 

The only way a Pureblood to disarm an opponent without killing him or her is to use your charm. It works to the weak-minded, but also can be used to confuse the strong-willed. Few people can resists it… The idea snapped inside his head. Pushing his doubt, Andre sets his composure and breathed gently. He spoke, though his mind said the otherwise,

 

“You are right, Sailor Neptune! Of course, we can talk…I hope it can work…” The green-haired senshi stunned with the sudden change. In return, she replied,

 

“Strange, you look calm and confident now. I swore you were frightened awhile ago…”

 

“Well, I change my mind. You're trustworthy enough, so I'd better give myself up. Did she buy this?” Neptune frowned, yet she was glad that she doesn't have to use force.

 

“Very good, Andre. Come with me, and tell your friends to follow your example.” Walking quite closer, the American replied,

 

“Don't worry, I will tell them! Please tell me what happen inside the city and where is Mamoru? I don't believe it; it works! Probably I can probe the events from her…” Smiled, Neptune said,

 

“Prince is all right and she waited you there…” He moved more closely and spoke soothingly,

 

“Please bring me to him and I will explain the truth to him, Prince? She addressed Mamoru as Prince? Never mind, I will tell him and clear everything.” As he walked, Neptune turned her Deep Aqua Mirror slightly to him and frowned when she peered to it. He has no reflections…and his words were enthralling her. How can that be? Instead, I was persuaded by him! The thought of being controlled by Andre filled her mind with revulsion, but she opted to not show it. Instead she replied,

 

“Sure, just follow me, Andre.” When he almost a step from her, she turned her talisman to him and shouted,

 

“Submarine Reflection!” A powerful water blast instantly hit the American squarely at the chest and threw him very far to the bush. Neptune smiled,

 

“Don't blame me, you're asking for it…”

 

 

 

 

Far from them, Ray had his own problem; he faced Sailor Saturn who pointed her Glaive.

 

“Look, girl! I don't want to look for problems…stay away and let me go,” She mocked,

 

“Ha, do you think I believe you? A gaijin's word has no honor inside…” The word pricked him,

 

Gaijin? Is this what Jessie tells me about `foreigner' term in Japanese? Is she prejudices toward me? Calming himself, he asked the senshi,

 

 

“So, tell me if I'm correct…you don't trust me because I'm not Japanese, am I right?” His question was answered with a nod. The Indonesian cursed inside,

 

Damn, this girl is more difficult than Akiyo or Jessie! At least, Jessie still has a mot of trust to me, and Akiyo…well; she dislikes me but not this one! I never thought this little girl can have prejudice! Saturn shouted to him,

 

“Tell me, where is Princess Serenity!” Irritated, Ray answered,

 

“I told you many times, I don't know where your Princess is!” To his surprise, Saturn moved to kill,

 

“I will force you to tell the truth!” She slashed vertically, yet it was enough to trigger his synchronize ability. He leaped out to avoid the slash; however she followed him with the succeeding slash. He was surprised with her ability to match his movement. Suddenly the shard glowed brighter. Before the Glaive bit him, a flash came out from his right palm in form of a blade and blocked the attack. Ray quickly rolled out and stepped the ground. He shocked to see the bluish blade of light at his hand,

 

Wraithblade…I thought I could only summoned it in Zabriz's virtual world, but now it is come to…a real world? He already sees what the blade is capable: separating the soul and the virtual body like what he did to Zabriz before in order to free him from Durga's influence. Nevertheless, he really doubted the blade would work in a real world. His musing were abruptly cut by Saturn's yelling,

 

“Now you have showed your real intention! I will take you down, Ray Evans!” The boy fumed,

 

“You know, at my worst, I was morose. But you're really insufferable, girl!” The black-haired senshi surprised with the scathing words, nobody ever said that to her. Not even his father, Momma or even her best friend, Chibiusa! From the dark purple pendant, a voice came,

 

Fight him, for he has insulted you! Nobody has insulted you after you have a new life! Do you want the old one repeated again? Give what he deserves, Saturn! She replied angrily,

 

“You have insulted me, gaijin! Take your words, back or else, prepare for the consequences!” Ray put his fighting stance,

 

“You're the one who insulting me first by saying that! So you'll pardon me if I keep my sanity and focus my own way.” Then they were locked to a fight till death…

 

 

 

Back to the first, Pluto was horrified when she saw the explosion. It was never her intention to kill the Russian. She could turn the time, but her King would disagree with such course. Everything must follow their natural course. She fell upon her knees, helpless to prevent another misfortune. She already lost her Princess, and now she had killed someone in self-defense. What's wrong with her? As the dust subsidized, a crackle of electric current was heard. Slowly, the figure appeared in front of the Time Guardian. It was…Jessie Cross. Her clothes were shredded, but a silvery, glittering armor covered her. It was fit with her posture. Pluto couldn't help to surprise,

 

How could that be? Nobody can escape from Death Scream alive…In a sudden; fragments of memories came back to her…a horde of skull…a sneering white-haired man…a skeletal staff…and suddenly everything exploded. When it was over, she saw Jessie stood in front of her; the girl's eyes burned with fire until it dimmed and she fell unconscious. Pluto caught her immediately.

In another place, Usagi awoke and found herself back to Tokyo…at Juuban High School exactly. She was sure that she was at another planet a moment ago. She pondered,

 

Are the Overlords sending us back? The girl turned around but she didn't saw her friend. Everyone seems ignored her, but a gentle call came,

 

“Excuse me, are you all right?” She turned around and saw a fair-looking man behind him. The man introduced himself,

 

“I'm sorry for being rude. My name is Henry and your name is…”

 

“Tsukino Usagi, Mister! I'm sorry too; I have to find my friends first…” Henry offered,

 

“Do you mind if I join you?” The blond-haired girl nodded as they went into Juuban High School. The first person she saw was Naru. She greeted her,

 

“Hi, Naru! How are you?” The brunette-haired girl exclaimed,

 

“Usagi, how are you? Long time not seeing you after the accident…” Usagi frowned,

 

“What accident? I don't understand!” Naru was hesitated, until Henry intervened,

 

“Probably you don't know, Miss Tsukino! The terrorists had put the time bomb at the Crown Café…when it set off; the bomb exploded and killed everyone nearby…but you,” Usagi stared him like he was kidding; she asked,

 

“You are joking, aren't you? Then what happened to Ami, Mako, Rei and Mina?” A dread feeling filled her instantly, “And Mamo-chan?” Naru didn't answer, instead it was Henry. He spoke softly as he could, while held her shoulders,

 

“I'm sorry…they don't make it…I really sorry to what happened…” Usagi struggled to hold her tears back; she brushed his hand away,

 

“No, it must be a mistake! They aren't died…they can't be killed!” Finally, Naru called her,

 

“Usagi-chan, there is something I want to show you…” Numbly, she let herself led by her friend to a secluded corner…where the picture of her friends was hanging and flowers and incense around. The condolence writing fills the paper. She couldn't believe her eyes; her friends were dead…

 

“No, it can't be true! No! No! NOOO!!!” With that she scrambled out from the school,

 

“Miss Tsukino!!”

 

 

 

At another place, Neptune inspected the place where Andre was thrown out. To her shock, she couldn't find him; his body was gone from the site. Suddenly she realized that the place has been surrounded by a white, thin mist. Slowly but sure, the senshi couldn't see anything around her save her talisman. Neptune felt that she was watched by someone. Then a shadow passed over her shoulder, she turned only to see nothing. A cold, gentle but eerie voice came,

 

“ You should not do that...senshi! Such a grave mistake…very grave indeed.”

 

“Andre Stevens, is that you? Show yourself!” Another shadow swung nearby,

 

“I have offered peace, but you rejected it! Now what you have now is my mercy…” Trying to keep calm, the green-haired senshi said,

 

“What are you going to do? Hurt me? You aren't dare and Uranus will after you if you do so,”

 

“Ah, really! I realize that you have known my identity. See your mirror and you will learn who I am…” When she turned to the Deep Aqua Mirror, she was shocked to the core. At the mirror, she saw no mist but Andre who stood quite a step from her. His face was frighteningly pallid and his eyes were bloodshot, when he smiled two fangs appeared with glitter. Now he lurched toward her. Sailor Neptune immediately sent an uppercut filled with water elemental,

 

“Splash Edge!” The attack hits nothing. She knew well that the Outer Senshi never know fear, but now she learned it in a hard way. Her mind raced,

 

What kind of creature are you, Andre Stevens? That you are able to inspire fear inside me, who never know fear before! Andre spoke again,

 

“Are you afraid, Miss Michiru…or should I call you Sailor Neptune? Matriarch told me about the immortal beings other than us…it is unbelievable that you're one of them. In other sense, we're the same!”

 

She protested, “There is nothing alike between you and me, demon! Nothing!”

 

Suddenly, she felt her body immobilized and a presence was close to her. Andre appeared from behind and spoke directly to her ears,

 

“Yes, only one thing sets us apart. In my case, blood is my sustenance…” Neptune tried to struggle, but he held her hands very tight like iron clamps. He breathed close to her neck,

 

“You learn the first lesson that everyone else learn in a hard way: never make a vampire angry. You won't like it…” Michiru Kaio/Sailor Neptune screamed silently as Andre sank his fang into her jugular vein, ready to suck her blood. She whispered regretfully,

 

I'm so sorry, Haruka…I'm sorry…Everything turned dark for her.

 

 

 

At the same time, Uranus had arrived at the place. She sensed a danger to her companion, and hurriedly returns to her. Once there, she saw the white, thin mist surrounded the place; her visibility was decreased rapidly.

 

“Neptune!” She called, but there was no answer. Something twitched her inside and she saw a silhouette came. The short-haired senshi called hopefully,

 

“Neptune! Is that you?” When it came closer, she was unprepared to face what she saw.

 

Instead of Neptune, Andre Stevens appeared, but not in his usual look. His bloodshot eyes stared her hungrily. There was blood around his lips. He carried someone at his hand…when the mist slightly parted, Uranus could saw it clearly. It was…Neptune. She hung limply at the American's hand, her emerald hair fell. A bitemark etched at her neck. Haruka Tenou/Sailor Uranus felt she was hit by a huge boulder; however the shock instantly turned into a fury. The loss of Neptune was too much to bear. The yellow pendant glowed brightly. Knuckled her fist, she screamed furiously,

 

“NOOOOOO!! MURDERER!!” Without thinking clearly, she used Shadow Dash to charge Andre, but the vampire had vanished along with Neptune into a mist. She shouted,

 

“Come out, Andre Stevens! You have killed Neptune; I swear I will kill you as you have killed her!!” The cold taunt came,

 

“Follow me if you dare; are you eager to die only for her?” She snapped harshly,

 

“Bastard, are you not satisfied after depriving us from Princess Serenity? Now you wanted our lives as well…including Neptune!!” Andre appeared again; this time he looks confused,

 

“Princess? I don't know what you talking about? You are the one who attacking me first…” The senshi responded by slashing her Space Sword toward him, but he already vanished.

 

“Liar! You're lying! Don't hide behind this, come and face me like a man!” The voice came, but this time it was no longer cold and its tone was…full of concern,

 

“If I must face you as who I am now, you'll be dead, senshi…”

 

“Let's prove who's going to die first!” After Uranus said that, the mist departed, revealing Andre. Sailor Neptune was lying on the ground. Gritting his teeth, the short-cropped senshi pointed his talisman to him. It was oblivious that she was beyond reason; she was gone berserk. Letting out her war cry, Uranus unleashed Shadow Dash and intends to use Space Sword Blaster to him. At the same time, Andre moved as well. Their shadow was blurred due to their speed. In a blink of eye, they appeared. Before Uranus was able to cut him down, the American shoved his right hand and grabbed her neck. He also grabbed her sword hand, preventing her to attack directly. She choked and felt his hold almost like a clamp of cold metal. He stared her with a confused look,

 

“You're no match for my blood strength, senshi! You're nearly immortal like me, and there is no sense to kill you…” Uranus spat,

 

“There is…no…similarity…between us…, fiend!” The vampiric Andre nod gently,

 

“True, you're belonging to the light, while I'm to the darkness. But please, don't force me to break your neck…” He lifted the senshi to the air. Though they were same in height, the youth possessed inhuman strength that enabled him to lift her with ease. The senshi felt a tightening sensation upon her windpipe, yet she forced herself to talk,

 

“Do…it …and be…done with…this…”Andre stared her with disbelief, his right hand twitched…

 

As she ran away, she found out that everything is hard to accept. Few hours ago, she was together with her friends and Mamo, only to be spoiled by presence of Andre, Jessie and Ray, and then she fought the evil Overlords with Shidou Hikaru in another planet until all of them fell together. Now she had returned, but her friends were gone. A man named Henry claimed that they were killed by the terrorist's bomb. She didn't know whom she had to trust. But the picture…the flower and everything seems real…few minutes more; she will be at the Crown Café. Everything will be answered there…

 

 

Meanwhile, Ray and Sailor Saturn fought fiercely with Wraithblade and Silence Glaive. He almost tempted to use Lockdown ability, but then someone spoke inside him,

 

Don't do that! Sailor Saturn possesses ability to destroy a planet…nobody knows what happened if you lock her down…

 

What? This girl had power like a Death Star? Damn! She impacted the glaive to his blade, pushing him backward. Ray inquired,

 

“Girl, is that true that you have power to destroy a world?” Saturn smiled,

 

“I'm Sailor of Death and Destruction…and I will be your death…” The youth gritted,

 

“Great, I'm fighting a walking time bomb and a psychogirl…what shall I do?” The senshi pointed the glaive toward him,

 

“Silence Buster!” A chain-like projectile lurched to the boy, but he evaded the attack with his Synchronize ability; he moved faster than anyone could see. The Silence Buster grazed the trees to the ground. However Saturn had already followed Ray; she whirled her glaive toward her. In a split second, the glaive cut the Indonesian's shirt, but otherwise, he was unharmed.

 

He thought hard, “I have to beat her without making her to destroy this world! But how? She could match my Synchronize…” Then he remembered something,

 

Ultimate Synchronize! I use it to fight Rivena, Zabriz, Durga and…the alternate myself! Can I use against Sailor Saturn? It's better to try than fry! He focused her mind and ability, and suddenly he saw the plan, probability, execution and chance of his action…that made him startled! Ray knew that Ultimate Synchronize never fail, since it was given by Him! Slowly, he made into charging position. Sailor Saturn laughed the absurdity,

 

“You're going to charge me, gaijin? You are welcome to try and feel the consequences…” The Indonesian didn't answer; instead he focused to the Synchronization and ran toward her. The senshi put her glaive into a stabbing position and followed the same. Instantly everything was moved into a bullet time motion. As both opponents were close to each other, Ray halted and stabbed Wraithblade on the ground, exactly when Saturn's glaive went toward him. He shoved the blade at the curve of the glaive, and shocked the senshi by propelling his body upward and jumped above her. Doesn't want to lose, she whirled her blade above her head. One stroke cut Ray's right side. He grunted, but the Synchronize wasn't over yet. He let the blade at his right hand off, and produces another at his left. As he rolled and stumbled behind Saturn, he sent a mighty slash toward her. Then the time speeded again. Ray felt a warm sensation at his side; fresh blood dropped to the ground. He chuckled,

 

“Not bad, girl!” Sailor Saturn didn't answer; she suddenly put her glaive to support her. There is a bluish streak upon her torso and she stared him with disbelief and anger; her eyes filled with tears,

 

“You…defeated…me? I can't believe it…I can't accept this!” Slowly, she slouched and finally fell to the ground with her glaive. The youth said sadly,

 

“Everyone has their limitation…I'm sorry, Sailor Saturn…”

 

 

Through the Eye of Bane, the Overlords watched the battle with amazement and disbelief. Lezon is the first, who exclaimed,

 

“Do you see that, Sylvarius? These people aren't ordinary one! The skinny took Sailor Uranus and Neptune single-handedly, while the boy had beaten Sailor Saturn!” Siratyl blinked only, while the black sorcerer merely touched his beard,

 

“A vampire, a sorceress and a warrior…what an unlikely combination! They fight differently from the Senshi and Magic Knights, unfettered by idealism and empty jargons. More pragmatic and single-mindedness…full of darkness, no, they are more like us!” The young Overlord said,

 

“We must have them in addition of the Senshi and Magic Knights, by then we'll be unchallenged in Anderion!” The sorceress commented,

 

“Too bad, De Haargen missed this event! He will be sorely disappointed…”

 

 

Tsukino Usagi stood mutely in front of…the obliterated Crown Café. It was burned to the ground, leaving rubble and smell of burning flesh. There is nothing left from the place where she used to be hanging around. She couldn't believe that such evil exists. Her mind flew to her friends; Ami, Rei, Mako, Minako and Mamoru. She started to cry, while Henry has arrived,

 

“I'm truly sorry, had I tell you sooner…” The blond-haired girl sobbed,

 

“This is a mistake…it can't be happening…” The white-haired man offered her a handkerchief,

 

“Calm down, Miss Tsukino…you can't stop this to happen…probably the light has abandoned you,” He held her shoulders again, and she felt comfortable with that.

 

“I suppose I can…what the use of Ginzuishou if I can't protect my loved one? What is use of that if I can't prevent my friend's demise? I am Princess Serenity but no Sailor Senshi around me.” Slowly, everything turned into sunset. Henry smiled as the black wings sprouted from his back, covering Usagi, who said,

 

“I never did anything to deserve this fate…I have fought tirelessly for love and justice.” She gritted bitterly,

 

“Yet, only this ingratitude I have received. They took everything I had loved dearly…Silver Millenium…I have deluded myself to believe that I can make that idyllic place to reality!” Henry spoke softly,

 

“Then come to the darkness inside you, Tsukino Usagi. Embrace it dearly like your own possession…”

 

 

Slowly, Jessie opened her eyes and saw Pluto sat close to her. She distanced instinctively, when the senshi called,

 

“Wait, I don't want to fight you…I thought you're injured…” She stared her suspiciously,

 

“Why don't you kill me, while I'm defenseless?”

 

“Because you are not my enemy…” Not letting her guard down, the platinum-haired girl added,

 

“Jessie is my name…how can you explain that one of you has attacked me viciously yesterday?”

 

Now it's Pluto's turn to be surprised. “One of us? Are you sure?”

 

“Absolutely, she wore the costume, only the color is navy blue…” The Time Guardian pondered,

 

“Mercury…are you sure of that, Jessie?”

 

“Are you accusing me?” Slowly, both of them rose, and then Pluto explained,

 

“Look, Jessie! This is probably a misunderstanding…I have to admit that I never saw someone with the powers like you. In fact, it is the first time I see you, much more to attack you…” Jessie inquired further,

 

“You mean someone set us to fight you? Leyon was right then…the Overlords really exist…”

 

Pluto exclaimed in surprise, “The Overlords? You know them?” Jessie nodded,

 

“Someone warns us about them…oh, no!” Noted the look of concern, the senshi asked,

 

“What's wrong, Jessie?” The Russian said,

 

“It's about Andre and Ray…they didn't know this! They must be fighting your friends! I have to stop them!” Before she goes, Pluto stopped her,

 

“Wait, I come with you! Uranus, Neptune and Saturn are my friends; if they harmed your friend, I have to take the responsibility…” Jessie actually doubted her, yet her words were sincere and she didn't take the advantage. She decided it might worth a risk to trust her, and finally she said,

 

“Come!” They immediately went to find their friends

 

 

Back to the Twisting Shade, Henryk Pieter Van de Haargen watched the sphere with amusement as he continued to spoke,

 

“You can't escape nor deny the darkness inside you; it seeks you…it wanted you.” He smiled sinisterly,

 

“Embrace the darkness, Sailormoon…” The bright light inside the sphere dimmed slowly, while the purple hue filled inside. The Deceiver's smile grew wider as he saw the dark influence that he planted inside Sailor Moon began to grow. It was a matter of time before she would renounce everything and finally join with the darkness…

 

Author's note: What will happen with Tsukino Usagi? Would she yield to the overpowering temptations? What is the Inner Sailor's response to the Outer's defeat? What is the secret of the Soul Fragment? Find out at the second confrontation of the Sailor Senshi and Magic Knights with the strangers at `Breaking Point'. Your critics, reviews (and flames) are welcome!