Tales of Younger Jupiter Episode 5 Chapter 1 Rei had followed Mamoru after he had brushed Usagi off at the hospital. Rei was angry. He hadn't seemed to have cared about her and now her promise to him was starting to hurt her deeply. She couldn't stand to see that deep hurt expression that entered Usagi's eyes. It had all moved off her face and planted themselves deep into her eyes. If it wasn't for Chibi-Usa, Usagi would of been a total wreck. "Mamoru!" Rei called after him. Mamoru stopped and didn't look pleased that Rei was following him. When she reached him Rei ripped into to him. "Why the hell did you brush Usagi off for?!? Didn't she come to you?!" "YOU sent her to me? You promised, Rei." "I didn't tell her about the dreams but she had something to tell you. I thought you might have been willing to help her through it." "No, she knocked. When I asked if she was dropping Chibi-Usa off and she said `no', I closed the door. I pretended not to hear her. After awhile she left. Don't ever send her to me again." Rei fumed visibly, "Mamoru go to her! If not for her sanity, do it for mine! I don't want to have to keep this promise. If it comes down to choosing between you and the safety of Usagi, you know exactly what I'll do." Rei glared at him, daring him to do anything but comply. He did. Mamoru turned around and continued walking. Rei was numb for a moment then she screamed, "Damn you, Chiba-kun!" ****** "Imouto, is something wrong?" Usagi asked as they were heading home from visiting Chibi-Usa's friend. "I just don't get it," Chibi-Usa said more to herself. "Get what?" Chibi-Usa continued on as if not hearing Usagi, "Minako-chan and Sako-chan get along really well in the future. When Mommy was busy they used to take me places... especially with Kimeko-chan." "Who's Kimeko?" Usagi asked. Chibi-Usa ground to a halt, her eyes going wide. "Oh no," she said softly, "I'm in trouble now. If Sako-chan finds out..." Chibi-Usa shivered a little at the thought, "I don't even want to know what Puu would do..." She looked as if she was going to cry. "Chibi-Usa-chan, what's wrong? Why are you in trouble?" Usagi asked in a worried tone. "I... it just slipped out. Onee-san, you can't tell Sako-chan! Please Onee-san, if she finds out... and then Puu will find out... and then Mommy..." Chibi-Usa gulped at that thought. "Imouto, calm down," Usagi said. Leading the little girl over to a low wall, Usagi sat down. "Now why would you get into trouble?" "Onee-san... I'm not supposed to talk about the future," Chibi-Usa said. "But Chibi-Usa-chan, you didn't. You only said that Minako-chan and Sako-chan were friends. I asked who Kimeko is and you didn't answer me so how could you get into trouble?" Usagi tried to tone down her natural curiosity to calm the child but the way Chibi-Usa was reacting worried her a little bit. "Usagi-chan, Sako-chan is responsible for me. Puu's always told me that if anything happened and I went to the past, I was never EVER to talk about the future." Chibi-Usa said seriously, "When Puu finds out Sako-chan will get into trouble. When she finds out why, I'll get into trouble, too." "But, Chibi-Usa-chan, how would Pluto find out?" Chibi-Usa gave Usagi a look that said that Usagi just didn't get it. "Puu WILL find out." Chibi-Usa said seriously, "When we save Mommy, then Sako-chan will tell her and..." The little girl trailed off, "Please don't say anything?" "I promise I won't say one word," Usagi said, "Now come on. If we're late, we'll have a hard time getting out of the house tomorrow." ****** "Sako-chan, what's wrong?" Makoto asked. Sakuya had been pacing back and forth like a caged tiger around the living room for the past hour. She barely ate anything at supper and now was steadily wearing a trench into the ground. Sakuya stopped at Makoto's words. "I... I'm nervous." "Why?" "Well... I might not be coming back after this." Makoto jerked as if hit. She looked at Sakuya for a moment and then softly said, "I knew it had to end sometime. But how do you know what's going to happen? You might have to come back." A tear began to roll down her face. "If not, I'll see you again in the future." Sakuya sighed, "My place is with Small Lady. No matter how much I love you, Obaa-san..." Sakuya smiled, "even from a different when. If she stays..." Sakuya lifted her hands in a show of helplessness. Chapter 2 He watched the five girls run from the massive black wave that was rushing toward them. He kept trying to yell at them but they ignored him. It first consumed Venus, swallowing her, her screams echoing in his mind. Mercury was next. Jupiter launched and attack but was overrun. Mars didn't even stand a chance. It reached out picked her up and flung her like a rag doll. Then there was only one girl left and it consumed her whole. "NOOOO!!!!!" Mamoru screamed as he jerked awake. ****** the girl thought. She could feel the massive wave they were running from coming closer. Then she heard Venus' screams as it took her. Mercury made a slight gurgle as it passed over her. Jupiter had stopped and vanished. she thought. She saw something pass overhead. It was clear it had been Mars. No she was alone and the darkness was coming faster, closer. It crashed over her and she felt herself caught in its embrace. She couldn't breathe! She pulled in as much air as she could... ****** Even if Usagi had been dead, the sheer volume of the scream that pierced the night at the Tsukino home would have revived her. Before she was even awake enough to recognize what was going on, she had bolted out of her room and bulled over her mother sending her to the floor. She stopped then and started to become more aware. Muttering a hurried apology to her stunned mother, she continued on to the source of the scream. She opened the door and proceeded over to Chibi-Usa's bed. The little girl was clutching something. She was having trouble breathing but as soon as the door had opened, she had bolted and taking a leap off her bed flung herself at Usagi. Usagi was lucky enough to see the motion and catch her. When they both made contact Chibi-Usa clung to Usagi tightly. She was soaked with sweat and trembling. She was extremely upset. Wrapping a comforting arm around Chibi-Usa, Usagi sat down on the bed and started to comfort the child. "It's alright. It was just a dream..." "Mommy?" Chibi-Usa questioned shakily and partially asleep. The voice sounded so like her mother's. "No, Imouto, it's Usagi," Usagi said stroking the girl's loose hair. "It was just a bad dream." Tears were falling freely from Chibi-Usa's eyes. Ikuko who had managed to pick herself up looked into the room. Seeing that Usagi was comforting the child, she felt it best not to interfere. She simply closed the door. Ikuko thought. She turned to find Shingo and Kenji both bleary eyed standing in the hall. Ikuko motioned them back to bed and glanced once more at the bedroom door head off to bed. After a few moments Chibi-Usa had calmed down a little. She was still tightly clinging to Usagi but she had stopped crying. Usagi looked down at this little girl who seemed so scared and vulnerable. "Imouto..." Usagi said softly. She waited for Chibi-Usa to look up. "I don't think I ever said this... I love you." The embrace Chibi-Usa returned in response was almost enough to cause Usagi to sufficate. Usagi could feel tears welling up into her eyes. Chapter 3 Early the next morning Makoto's phone rang. Sakuya being awake and closest, answered. "Hello?" "Sako-chan?" came a small voice. "Small Lady? What's wrong?" "Can... can I talk to you?" "Where are you?" "The park... please, I have to talk to you alone." "Okay, stay where you are." Hanging up Sakuya bolted out the door. "Who was that on the.... phone?" Makoto asked groggily to an empty room. ****** "Small Lady?" Chibi-Usa turned to see Sakuya standing there. Running she hugged Sakuya's legs. Bending down Sakuya lifted Chibi-Usa into a hug. "You know, Princess, soon I won't be able to do this. You're getting too heavy." "Hey!" Chibi-Usa squawked in protest. Then she turned solemn again. "Sako-chan... Please let's just you and me go back." "Why?" Sakuya said surprised, "Don't you want Sailor Moon and the others to help you save your mommy?" "Sako-chan, I had a dream last night. The others died. Jupiter died. That would mean you'd stop existing. Kimeko too. Sailor Moon wasn't there either. Please let just us go back... I can get the Ginzuishou from Usagi and we can go." She paused for a second, "Last night... Usagi came in when the bad dream scared me. She stayed with me." Turning her face slightly away Chibi-Usa whispered, "She said she loved me. I don't want to put her in danger. Please Sako-chan?" "That's very sweet, Small Lady, but I think we'll need their help. And I don't think Usagi would let you go alone, especially if she said she loved you. Where she goes the others go as well. I also must agree with them. The enemy is strong in the future and we need the help of all the Senshi." ****** "Sailor Pluto," Younger Jupiter greeted Pluto but it was just above the line of civility. They had journeyed into the timestream and found themselves in Pluto's domain. Younger Jupiter noted wryly that Pluto was at least living partially up to her reputation of killing trespassers, she had attacked Sailor Moon. Younger Jupiter darkly thought but kept her expression neutral. "YOUNGER Jupiter," Pluto responded. Sailor Moon had a firm grip on Chibi-Usa, or maybe it was the other way around. Looking around the vast expanse of nothingness Sailor Moon noted that Tuxedo Kamen was looking at both Chibi-Usa and Sailor Moon wistfully. Something was drawing him to both of them. She motioned him over but he just stood there and shook his head. "Tuxedo Kamen-sama, come on over you can buddy with us," Sailor Moon offered. Mars gave him a look which said "go to her". "Sailor Moon, we have a job to do. It's no time to cuddle," Tuxedo Kamen growled out. Sailor Moon's face fell into a small sad expression which turned into surprise as she heard Chibi-Usa mumble something acidic. Just as she was about to scold Chibi-Usa for saying something that naughty, Chibi-Usa spoke aloud. "You leave Onee-san alone. We don't need you. Younger Jupiter will help." With that Chibi-Usa reached over and took Younger Jupiter's hand. Tuxedo Kamen was hurt by this turn of events. He wanted nothing more than to hold both Sailor Moon's and Chibi-Usa's hands right now. Mars just sighed. "Small Lady, you don't have an older sister," Pluto said. "Sailor Moon is my Onee-san, Puu!" Chibi-Usa crowed proudly. Younger Jupiter watched with some amusement as she caught the cold look Pluto shot her. She just grinned back, Chibi-Usa seeing this grinned as well. "I'm glad to see that you and Puu are becoming friends," Chibi-Usa said to Younger Jupiter. Younger Jupiter thought, ****** "Small Lady get back from it!" Younger Jupiter yelled. She and her charge had become separated from the others when the droid attacked. It had used an illusion of Neo-Queen Serenity to fool Chibi-Usa into running towards it. As Chibi-Usa back-peddled, Younger Jupiter let go her most powerful attack. It wrapped itself around the droid and started pumping energy through its vines. Unfortunately the droid broke free and decided that Younger Jupiter was the bigger problem. Not wanting to waste time, it grabbed the surprised Senshi and tossed her through the portal to Crystal Tokyo that they had been heading towards. Younger Jupiter gave a yelp of surprise as she passed through the portal. Curling into as tight a ball as possible she prepared herself to roll. Hitting the ground knocked all the wind out of her. Younger Jupiter lay dazed but otherwise uninjured for a few moments before scrambling to her feet. she thought as Younger Jupiter raced back to the gateway. But it was sealed invisibly. She couldn't get in and the only thing she could see was the occasional diffuse shadow or bright flash of light. After a little bit the shadow became larger. Backing up she prepared to attack but was surprised when Chibi-Usa burst through. "Sako-chan! You're okay!!" "Yes, Small Lady. What happened?" "We nearly got our butts kicked," Venus said, "It took the Sailor Planet Attack to beat it." Venus gave her a long look before asking, "How'd you get out here?" "I was flung out by that monster. It apparently didn't like my tactics so it tossed me out," Younger Jupiter replied. She heard a gasp from Sailor Moon and turned around to see what was wrong. Her heart stopped. Crystal Tokyo lay before them or what used to be Crystal Tokyo. A beautiful city once full of life now was a smoking heap of rubble and ash. The sounds of laughter replaced by a low moaning wind as it raced its way through the desolate streets. "Mommy!!!" Chibi-Usa cried and took off into the swirling mass. "Small Lady, wait!" Younger Jupiter called out and took off after her charge. "Come on, we got to get Chibi-Usa," Jupiter said. But Venus put a hand on Jupiter's arm. "Stick together. Sakuya-san knows her way around better than we do. Come on we know roughly where she was headed. If we head for the palace, maybe we'll bump into both of them. ****** "Small Lady!" Younger Jupiter called, "Can't see a damn thing through this fog." "Younger Jupiter," came a voice. Wheeling around Younger Jupiter was confronted with a ghostly visage. "My Lord, what happened?" Younger Jupiter asked shocked. King Endymion was transparent. This was hardly a form she was used to seeing. "Younger Jupiter, Small Lady is safe. I guided her to the palace. I need to guide the others as well. Please go back. They will be well." "My Lord, maybe I should guide them back." King Endymion shook his head, "No, it has to be me. I remember that only Endymion appeared to us. Now please?" "As you wish, My Lord," with that Younger Jupiter turned and walked towards the palace. Walking on in a little more silence, she was disturbed. She'd walked through gutted cities before but this was her home. Buildings were lopsided, burned. Massive holes and gushing water turned the ground into muddy sinkholes in some places. It was a mass of devastation. As she started to approach the palace she could feel the barrier. Instinctively, out of sheer training, she knew where to go. Getting her bearings was a bit difficult. Finally she determined that she was just adjacent to what used to be the Royal Gardens. They now were silent and... Younger Jupiter thought as she saw the slowly decomposing corpse. Chapter 4 The Senshi tensed as they saw a figure approaching them from the thick fog. As he approached his features took on similar characteristics. It appeared to be a slightly older Tuxedo Kamen. However this older man was dressed in lavenders and missing the hat. "I bid you Senshi of the Past welcome to Crystal Tokyo." Tuxedo Kamen stiffened, He gave a guttural snarl and lunged at the figure but passed right through him. "You're not even man enough to faced me!" he yelled. "You sent those dreams! You told me to keep away from Usako!" "What?! What dreams?!" Sailor Moon gasped. Turning to Tuxedo Kamen, King Endymion introduced himself. This stunned the other Senshi. It also worked Sailor Moon into a fit of anger. Why would Tuxedo Kamen's future self send bad dreams? Did he still love her? "This was some sort of test of Mamoru's love?! How could you do this to us?! We were so happy before..." Sailor Moon was starting to get hysterical until the others managed to calm her down somewhat. Tuxedo Kamen slowly walked over to her. "Usako, I... I'm sorry. I don't know what to say except I love you." Sailor Moon reached out a tentative hand, Tuxedo Kamen gripped it and pulled her into a hug. "I've missed you so much, Usako," he said softly, "I even got drunk because I thought it wash away the hurt inside me. All it did was make things worse." Looking at him, Sailor Moon said, "Mamo-chan, are you just saying this? How can I know that you really love me? When you got your memories back before you said you loved me and would stay with me forever but you didn't. I know it's not entirely your fault this time but you should of told me. You should of trusted me. If it hadn't have been for Chibi-Usa, I don't know if I would have made it." Tuxedo Kamen stiffened, "Everything you've said is true... I was stupid and misguided. I only hope that you can forgive me. Can... can we at least try to start over, Usako?" Sailor Moon gave some thought to what he said. Looking deep into his eyes she saw the hope, the love. In a soft voice only Tuxedo Kamen heard Sailor Moon said, "You have always been my prince and I will always love you." With that, Tuxedo Kamen leaned down and kissed his beloved. The gallery was beginning to wonder if they would come up for air when Sailor Moon stepped back and turning to King Endymion and said, "Where's Chibi-Usa-chan?" "And Sako-chan?" Jupiter blurted out. "They are safe. Now come, we should go back to the palace where it is safe." He started to lead them off but Sailor Moon stopped him. "Why send the dreams?" "You will face more difficult challenges than this one... Your love must be strong to win over these challenges. Now please follow me, it is not safe here." ****** Making her way through the palace was difficult. It wasn't that there was so much rubble. It was just so eerie, still. She finally found the others in the Monitor Room. It appeared that Endymion was giving them a history lesson so she calmly stood in the background. Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen were standing next to each other, hand in hand. The floor opened and Small Lady, asleep, appeared on a rising platform. Younger Jupiter thought but kept quiet. Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen rushed over to her. Sailor Moon scooping up the little girl in her arms. "But who is her mother?" Sailor Moon demanded. King Endymion heaved a heavy sigh. "Sailor Moon... YOU are her mother," Endymion said. Tuxedo Kamen realizes what that meant and turned beet red. It took awhile longer for it to sink into Sailor Moon. To say she was shocked would be an understatement. "I lied to her," Sailor Moon said cryptically. Younger Jupiter just smiled. She also didn't miss the smug look on Mars' face. The other Senshi were stunned. Their expressions ranged from shock on Venus' to out and out disbelief on Jupiter. "But what about my DNA scan!? It should of detected..." Ami blurted out. Taking a step forward Younger Jupiter thought it might be an a good time to make herself known. "That was my doing." What she wasn't expecting was Tuxedo Kamen's reaction. Hearing a noise behind him he whirled. "You!" he shouted. "You knew all this time and you didn't tell us?!" Younger Jupiter took a step back but oddly enough it was Mars who stepped in front of him. "Don't blame her," Mars said coldly, "You mean to tell me that if you would have known, you would have got back together with her?" Tuxedo Kamen opened his mouth then closed it again. He turned to Sailor Moon who had her head bent and was mumbling something. After a bit she lifted her head. "Please, Mamo-chan?" Tuxedo Kamen walked over and embraced both Usagis in a hug. Mars gave a snort, "It's about time." "Younger Jupiter?" "Yes, My Lord?" The other Senshi looked at her sharply, especially Mars. "I'd prefer if you stay with the Senshi. They'll have limited access since I don't want them wandering around and discovering things they don't know yet." "Yes, My Lord, but I would like to request permission to go and see how the Younger Senshi are holding up." Endymion considered this for a moment. "It's not safe roaming the palace alone. We have the shield holding us but..." he trailed off. "I'll go," Venus offered. The others gave her strange looks. Endymion seemed reluctant so Younger Jupiter played her last card, "My Lord, I can have RH tell me. Their supposed to check in with him in case I'm off somewhere." Endymion nodded. Taking that as a "yes", Younger Jupiter bowed once and turned smartly. Heading out of the room she could hear Venus following after her. ****** Younger Jupiter was having trouble controlling Venus' curiosity. More than once she had to grab Venus by the arm to keep her moving. Venus kept wanting to peek into rooms. After a little bit more walking Venus seemed bored. "Who's this `RH'?" "My computer," Younger Jupiter replied and then stopped. "Wha..." Venus who hadn't been paying attention walked into Younger Jupiter. She noted that her companion was now cautiously approaching a door that was slightly ajar. Moving up into a supporting position Venus watched for a signal. ****** Younger Jupiter pushed the door opened and startled the young girl who had just been about to open the door. They looked at each other for a moment. The young girl was about fifteen. She had blonde hair and light green eyes. As she stared her lower lip started to tremble slightly before she bit it. In a throaty voice she said, "Sa... Sako-chan is that you?" "Kimeko?!?" Younger Jupiter was shocked, then she started to panic, Her train of thought was derailed as Venus stepped up and gasped. Younger Jupiter watched as Kimeko's eyes widened and her lip trembled just a little more. "Mom!?" Kimeko's only answer was Venus fainting. ****** Venus groggily opened her eyes. "Must have been a dream," she murmured. Then her eyes again focused on the young girl. She had a worried look on her face. Venus gave a yelp and pushed backwards. This was a mistake because she toppled over the chair. Younger Jupiter helped her up into a sitting position. Before Venus could say anything Kimeko spoke up, "I... I'm... I'm going to disappear?" The girl was clearly frightened. Venus looked sharply at Younger Jupiter. "No, however, I suggest you watch what you say though." Venus watched Kimeko stiffened. She raised an eyebrow but Younger Jupiter just sighed, "Kimeko-chan... I didn't... you didn't do anything wrong. How were you to know that this was Venus from the past and not the one powering the shield?" "But what if she..." "What?" Venus burst out. She didn't like having others talk about her as if she wasn't in the room. "Mom... er, Commander." This got a double eyebrow raise out of Venus but she kept quiet, "I'm sorry I'm not talking to you but it's easier talking to Younger Jupiter." Venus took on a hurt expression. "Younger Venus, why don't you go check on the others?" Younger Jupiter suggested. Kimeko bowed and then left the room. Venus watched her go. Venus said to herself, She looked at Younger Jupiter and gave a sigh. "That was... interesting. Kinda hurt too." "Minako-chan, don't feel too bad. Kimeko-chan is just really..." Younger Jupiter trailed off for a moment, "She's like you. Very friendly and outgoing. She's creative and once she gets a few more years under her belt, she'll make a good Senshi." Venus felt a certain feeling of pride for her daughter. Younger Jupiter smiled suddenly, "Kami-sama, it feels like home." Venus looked wary for a minute before saying, "In what way... Sako-chan?" Younger Jupiter just gave a lopsided grin. "Feel's like I'm giving yearly evaluation reports. I did that... RH?" "Yes, Sweet'ums?" Venus yelped and stood up. "Ah Commander, what's say you and I go out after this is all over with? I mean we would make a great couple. Your power could run my circuits for a long time." Venus stood in astonishment for several minutes. "Did... did your computer just make a pass at me?!?!" "I'm afraid so. RH?" Younger Jupiter growled. "Yes, Madam?" The grating voice was gone. Replaced by a medium base, rich and full sounding. "When was the last time I performed a yearly evaluation?" "Four months ago." Younger Jupiter smiled, Chapter 5 Venus walked into the Monitor Room with Younger Jupiter's warnings about revealing Kimeko's existence ringing in her ears. Younger Jupiter stepped in behind her. She noted that Small Lady was still unconscious. She was just about to ask King Endymion why when he vanished and the room was filled with dark swirling energy. Younger Jupiter thought as she struggled against the force that was holding them in place. Her efforts were being copied by the Senshi but they weren't having any better luck. She watched with just a slight hint of relief as Sailor Moon dropped Chibi-Usa from her arms and Tuxedo Kamen caught her. Then they were gone. Released from the dark power Tuxedo Kamen handed Chibi-Usa to one of the other Senshi and was about to take off when King Endymion appeared again. "There is no need to follow, I know where he has taken her." ****** Younger Jupiter was trying to console a very upset Chibi-Usa. Younger Jupiter thought as she saw the other Senshi pace back and forth. "Younger Jupiter?" came Chibi-Usa's voice. "Yes?" "Will they be alright?" "I think so, Small Lady, I think so." ****** "Makes you feel good, doesn't it?" Mars whispered to Younger Jupiter as they watched Chibi-Usa and Usagi hug. "I'm glad Tuxedo Kamen was able to rescue her. I don't think I could stand to lose both Usagi and Chibi-Usa." Younger Jupiter nodded. She noted that Endymion motioned her over so she approached. Bowing slightly she waited for him to speak. In a hushed tone he said, "Wherever Small Lady goes, you go." Younger Jupiter just did not respond although she could feel herself becoming irritated. Chapter 6 "The Ginzuishou of the future was taken by someone before the attack," Endymion said. They were standing in the room that held Neo-Queen Serenity who was encased in crystal. Younger Jupiter noted that Chibi-Usa started when her father had said that the Ginzuishou was missing. "But why is the Queen trapped in the crystal?" Mercury asked. "She was outside looking for Small Lady. The enemy attacked her. The Senshi used their powers to protect her but something went wrong. It was formed around her and there she remains," Endymion said with much emotion in his voice. Chibi-Usa approached her mother, "Mommy... I've brought Sailor Moon... She'll help you." Turning slightly she looked at Sailor Moon who nodded. Stepping back Chibi-Usa watched with clear signs of hope written on her face. Sailor Moon used all the healing power of the Ginzuishou but there was no effect by the Ginzuishou of the past on the crystal encasing the Queen. Giving a heart-wrenching cry Chibi-Usa ran from the room. Younger Jupiter wasn't long following despite Tuxedo Kamen's words that she'll be alright alone if she stays in the palace. Younger Jupiter thought darkly, Looking around she didn't see Chibi-Usa heading outside the protective shield. ****** Sitting alone on a swing Chibi-Usa heard a low laugh. As she started to run, she found that she couldn't move. Chibi-Usa was confronted by Wiseman who was standing in front of her. "You were safe inside the palace... But out here my power can affect you," Wiseman said. Wiseman rendered her unconscious and levitated her. Chibi-Usa was now floating several meters above the ground. Laughing again he began to probe the memories of the little girl. "Remember... What happened to the Ginzuishou?" Chibi-Usa relived memories in her mind... "No..." Chibi-Usa gave soft moan as the vision of her running from an accident with a vase. Someone scolding, telling her to be like her mother, graceful. Chibi-Usa reached where the Ginzuishou lay. She opened the case with Luna-P's assistance and when she was about to take it, the Ginzuishou vanished into a streak of light. "So it was your fault the Ginzuishou vanished," Wiseman said. "It was your fault that your mother's in crystal, your father hurt." "No, it's not my fault!" Chibi-Usa said. Making a gesture Wiseman kept up his quiet talk as an illusion taunted Chibi-Usa. "They'll blame you for this... for all that's happened," Wiseman said. "No, they wouldn't blame me!" Chibi-Usa covered her ears. She could hear the others but there was something wrong with one. "Sako-chan..." Chibi-Usa moaned, "Sako-chan wouldn't blame me. Onee-san wouldn't blame me." Chibi-Usa started to cling to these thoughts fighting the dark energy. "This is taking more power than I thought," Wiseman said, removing the one support he increased the activity. "They WILL blame you," he said softly to the hunched over girl. "They WILL punish you," he hissed. "NO... NO! IT WASN'T MY FAULT!" Chibi-Usa screamed. "I believe you. I'll help you. Just take my hand." Reaching out Chibi-Usa took Wiseman's hand and felt power rushing through her. She felt strange for a moment then felt strong, powerful. She no longer felt small and insignificant. She had grown up. She was no longer Small Lady, she was Black Lady now. ****** Younger Jupiter saw the transformation. "NO!!!" she screamed as she raced towards the Wiseman and now Black Lady. "I'll kill you for doing that to her!" Black Lady thought darkly, Raising her hand she sent for a blast of dark energy. It caught Younger Jupiter full in the chest sending the surprised Senshi sprawling backwards. "Small Lady, what are you doing?" Younger Jupiter said in a weak voice. "My name's not Small Lady. I'm Black Lady. But I wouldn't worry, I'm going to make you pay for not helping me. I'm no longer a little girl that you can just abuse." The attack lashed out and pushed Younger Jupiter along the ground. "You would have punished me eventually as you have done before. I'm going to make sure that never happens again." Bringing both hands to bear, Black Lady let loose a large blast of energy that drove Younger Jupiter off the ground and into a long arching flight path before landing on the ground. "Leave her! Don't waste your energy on that puny Senshi. She probably is dead anyway. Our main target is Sailor Moon." "As you command, Master," Black Lady laughed evilly. Chapter 7 "I don't understand," Wiseman said to himself. Chibi-Usa had reverted soon after they had teleported. Chibi-Usa's memories started to flow through her unconscious mind as Wiseman altered them. Her mother turned from loving and good into cold and cruel. Her father became a dark figure, someone to fear. a small voice in Chibi-Usa's mind said. But it was unheeded as more memories were altered. Sakuya, cold calculating. Instead of being dedicated to Chibi-Usa, it was a burden to watch her which Sakuya barely tolerated. Kimeko teased her without end. Usagi hated her, despised her. Didn't love her. Usagi hated being forced to take care of her and took sadistic pleasure making her life miserable. All the Senshi past and future taunted and teased her. The memories kept building until in a massive swirl of dark power Black Lady was once more. Wiseman kept going though. Altering more. He had to ensure that Black Lady was firmly under his control. The Rabbit would be no more and only Black Lady remained. ****** Artemis and Luna watched from the Monitor Room as the Senshi defeated the dragon that was battering the palace. Their jubilation was cut short when Endymion appeared and said that Chibi-Usa had vanished and there was no sign of Younger Jupiter. As the Senshi searched for both Chibi-Usa and Younger Jupiter, Venus became more worried. Her thoughts turned dark. As she tried to push them to the side and concentrate, she heard a noise off to her left. Looking she saw Kimeko coming out of a door. The younger girl looked at her and then started to reenter the room. "Kimeko-chan?" Venus called. The girl hesitated. "Yes, Commander?" Venus winced slightly, "Kimeko-chan, have you seen Younger Jupiter?" The younger girl shook her head slightly and then reentered the room she had just left. Venus thought. ****** "Oh Kami-sama!" Jupiter yelled as she saw the unmoving form of Younger Jupiter on the ground. "I found her. She's just outside the palace near some swings. Mercury home in on my signal." "How is she?" came Sailor Moon's voice. "It looks bad," Jupiter said as she raced over to the fallen Senshi. Kneeling down she wasn't sure what to do. There didn't appear to be anything broken but there was some blood trickling out of her mouth and nose. Feeling quickly for a pulse Jupiter breathed a sigh, it was strong. That was one good sign. She knew enough to do an initial check. Everything seemed to be okay except for some large bruises and a few bumps. Listening to her breathing Jupiter finally figured that Sakuya had probably broken a rib or two. Hearing running behind her Jupiter turned around to see Mercury and the others coming. She waved them over and got back up. Once Mercury reached the site, she started her scans. After a few minutes she turned to Jupiter, "We'll need a stretcher. She's unconscious. She has two fractured ribs and other trauma to her chest. There are various other lesser injuries. Luckily, she did not puncture her lung." "Will she be alright?" Jupiter asked. "Yes," Mercury replied. As if hearing that she'd be alright was a cue, Younger Jupiter groaned. she thought miserably, She heard voices, asking. She tried to shake her head but couldn't. "Don't move, we're getting a stretcher," Mercury's voice pounded into her ears. Younger Jupiter thought as the pain became apparent. ****** "Sako-chan, you're in no condition to go," Jupiter yelled at Younger Jupiter, "You can barely stand up! Even with this futuristic medicine, you need more time to rest." Forcing herself up and ignoring the pain Younger Jupiter said, "I have to, Obaa-san. I have a duty; something I need to do." Younger Jupiter thought, "What do you have to do in your condition?" Jupiter retorted. "I have to protect My Queen! I have a responsibility to Crystal Tokyo. I need to go after Small Lady and... and..." Younger Jupiter gave a shuddering sob. She clutched her head, "I have to. It has to be me. I failed in my duty to Small Lady. My oath to My Queen comes before any feeling for her." her mind retorted. "Stop this!" Jupiter yelled, "You're not going anywhere in that condition." "She has to," Pluto said calmly. Everyone turned to see a hologram of Sailor Pluto standing in the Monitor Room. "She has to go because she has something to do." "We have our own oaths to keep, Sailor Jupiter. Mine is not yet complete and I will go with or without your help... As Sailor Pluto has said, I have something to do," Younger Jupiter said quietly. ****** They had traveled back to Tokyo of the past in pursuit of Black Lady. Jupiter was still protesting Younger Jupiter's presence. However nothing Jupiter could say would persuade her granddaughter from completing her mission, whatever that mission was. Younger Jupiter hadn't confided in any of the Senshi what that mission was. That's when they noted the release of dark energy and headed towards it. A dense black mist swirled towards them blocking their way and out from it stepped Black Lady. Luna-P immediately floated to her. "Luna-P, my only friend!" Black Lady said embracing Luna-P. As she did, its golden crescent moon changed into the sigil of the Black Moon Family. "Chibi-Usa?!" Sailor Moon gasped. "No, I am Black Lady. Servant of Death Phantom and Queen of the Black Moon Family." Black Lady laughed, "Do you remember Sailor Moon when you last spanked me? On that day I promised revenge. Revenge comes today! I shall kill you and take the Ginzuishou for my Master." "No!" came a angry voice, "Small Lady, this is wrong!" "What?! You're still alive? No matter. Once I have the Ginzuishou, my Master will open the Black Gate and you will all be dead." Black Lady then aimed a blast at Sailor Moon. "No!" Younger Jupiter cried again as she placed herself in front of Sailor Moon. she thought as the blast caught her full in the chest and flung her back into the Senshi knocking them over. Younger Jupiter was knocked unconscious. "Sako-chan!" Jupiter yelled. "Never mind. You will all perish starting with Sailor Moon," Black Lady said. Then she started concentrating her attacks on Sailor Moon, "Why aren't you fighting back? I know you hate me. You made my life miserable!" "Please, Imouto, I love you! I will not harm MY daughter," Sailor Moon said as she tried to dodge. the voice that was suppressed by the dark energy thought. It renewed its attempt to free itself but nothing happened. Black Lady finally managed to pin Sailor Moon. Just as she was about to kill her, Tuxedo Kamen stopped her with a rose. "Hurry, Sailor Moon, and try healing her!" Nodding Sailor Moon lifted the Ginzuishou and started to heal Black Lady. Black Lady was surrounded in light. Her form began to oscillate between Black Lady and Chibi-Usa. "What's this?" a surprised Wiseman said when he appeared. Black Lady had almost fully reverted back to the Rabbit. Launching more dark energy Wiseman erased the good memories that were surfacing in Chibi-Usa's mind. "Remember how cruel she was to you? No birthday parties, no Christmas presents. You were expected to be good all the time," Wiseman said. Scenes changed. She had always been alone. Minor infractions were turned into serious ones. The Younger Senshi terrorized her. Her mother and father hated her. The Senshi of the Past were no better. Usagi was sadist who enjoyed spanking her at the slightest provocation. "Yes... no one loves me!" Black Lady cried out as Chibi-Usa's form reverted back, "You all hated me!" "Chibi-Usa-chan, we care about you," Venus said. "Imouto, remember Kimeko? She's your friend. Sako-chan and Puu, they're your friends too," Sailor Moon pleaded, "Mamoru-san, your father, he loves you like I do!" Black Lady simply laughed as the Dark Crystal in the distance flared with power. "Fools, I shall fill the world with Darkness." Then Black Lady vanished. The sun rose in the east, bringing with it the light of a new day. Sailor Moon picked herself up and looked at the rising sun. Tuxedo Kamen walked over to her. Placing an arm around her he said, "Don't worry Usako. We'll save our daughter." "Mamo-chan... How am I going to save Chibi-Usa-chan?" Chapter 8 The scene at the Tsukino home was dismal. Usagi and the others were watching a newscast about the Dark Crystal threatening the city while Sakuya dealt with her own thoughts. She hadn't spoken since their encounter with Black Lady. None of them could get her to talk. Buried deep in Sakuya's mind a old ghost raised its head. she thought, Sakuya covered her face, Getting up she started for the door. Then she felt a hand on her arm. Turning she saw Makoto looking at her with a look of worry on her face. "Sako-chan... where are you going?" Makoto asked softly. "I have... to go... to... stop her," Sakuya stuttered. "You don't have enough power and you're in no condition to go. If Usagi couldn't heal her, why do you think that attacking her would stop her?" "I have to... She's a danger to Crystal Tokyo... and My Queen. It's... my duty.... my duty." "Sako-chan... throwing your life away won't solve anything." Makoto said, "I don't want to lose you. I don't think I could live one thousand years knowing that someday you'd come back here and die." Any further discussion was cut short by Ikuko who came in carrying a service for tea. "That's dangerous, we should get to a safer place," Ikuko commented as she sat down the tray. "Now why did I bring this extra cup?" Ikuko asked puzzled. The cup had a rabbit head and the name "Chibi-Usa" on it. Usagi gave a start as she recognized Chibi-Usa's cup. "Musume..." Usagi whispered. "Usagi-chan? Could you come here please?" called Ikuko. Usagi walked into the kitchen and stopped, Ikuko was holding something. "Who's this little girl? She looks like a relative but I don't remember ever seeing her before," Ikuko asked as she turned the painting around. Usagi found herself looking directly into the eyes of the once sweet little girl, her little girl. She couldn't take it, something deep with in her snapped. She felt sick. Running upstairs she slammed the bathroom door. "What's wrong, Usagi-chan?" Rei came out and noticed the picture, Making her way up the stairs past a surprised Ikuko, Rei soon found Usagi. She was being sick. Walking over Rei tried to comfort Usagi, "We'll get her back," Rei said once it looked like Usagi was done. Wetting a cloth she handed it to Usagi, "We will make him pay for what he's done." "Rei-chan... My... daughter... I... I don't know what to do." Usagi sobbed, "I... I... The Ginzuishou didn't work." Usagi clung to Rei. She didn't really care what Rei did, she needed some support. "Usagi-chan... It will be alright but we have to work as a team." ****** Younger Jupiter looked on in horror as the Senshi were surrounded by black energy domes that Black Lady had created. Jupiter had told her to stay on the sidelines just in case something went wrong. She was about to intervene when Prince Dimando of all people confronted Black Lady and knocked something out of her hands. The black domes shattered as the object hit a tree. What happened next was fast and brutal. Saffir was killed with a energy blast from Wiseman, he said a few words then he and Black Lady vanished leaving a stunned Dimando looking on. Tuxedo Kamen and Sailor Moon ran to Saffir but it was too late, he was dead or dying. ****** "Usagi-chan!" Naru called out, "Usagi-chan, do you know anything?" Usagi started at this question, "No, what would I know, Naru-chan?" Usagi said in a cheery voice. "Usagi-chan, I think you do know something..." Naru looked at her before saying, "If you need to talk about anything, I'll listen." "Thank you for the offer, Naru-chan... But I really do have to go," Usagi said sadly. "That's okay. Be careful," Naru called to Usagi. ****** Getting into the crystal proved to be harder then it first appeared to be. Now Younger Jupiter and the others were looking for Sailor Moon who had dropped down a chute in the floor. They couldn't follow her since the chute had sealed with no way of opening it.. Younger Jupiter kept repeating over and over again in her mind, She was stopped short by a shout from Venus. "Over here... These are stairs leading up and I think they lead outside..." "Better than crawling around here in the dark," Mars grumbled. "But we haven't found Sailor Moon yet." "I'm here!" came Sailor Moon's voice. Turning they saw Tuxedo Kamen with her. "The creep tried to turn me against Tuxedo Kamen-sama and Chibi-Usa-chan..." A sad expression entered her eyes just for a moment soon replaced by anger. "Come on I want MY daughter back. This guy is going to pay for what he's done..." With that Sailor Moon lead the way up the stairs. The Senshi eventually emerged on the top of the Dark Crystal. Hanging low over head was a dark swirling mass of clouds. From these descended Black Lady laughing....