Chapter Eight: A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words 


"Hey Rei? Are you okay?"

Usagi's voice came over the steps and up to the sullen figure of Rei while she sat on them outside of the Hikawa Jinja. Her knees were pulled up to her chest and she rested her chin on them, staring blankly forward at nothing at all. Usagi was cautious to approach and left her things down at the bottom of the steps then made her way up towards her silent friend. Rei's eyes never moved as she took a seat next to her and she quietly waited for her to say anything. Then after a moment, she did speak.

"What do you do when you've found something so special that you feel like the luckiest person alive, only to lose that because of something that's not in your control?"

Usagi blinked a few times and furrowed her brows as she got a little lost in that whole question, "Uhm, what do you mean?"

Finally Rei looked over to her and the pain that was burning in her eyes outshined anything she had ever created as a senshi, "Yamito is the most confusing person I've ever known. He acts like a priest, but his spirit is always wandering. He's cold and quiet on the outside but.....kind and passionate on the inside. He'll do anything to protect those he cares about but sacrifices them to achieve his goals." Usagi was a bit overwhelmed as she heard all this and merely nodded. Rei just sighed and rested her chin on her knees once more, "I love him more than I thought I could ever love any guy, but he pushes me away when I try to get near him. When I look in his eyes.....I see pain at what he's doing, but he won't stop. He feels like everything is his problem and he has to take it all on alone."

"And that's why you slapped him?"

"No, I don't know why I did that. I just.....felt so angry about what he's doing right now. It's like he knows he's wrong, but he's too stubborn to admit it."

In a slight change of arrangement Usagi slid a bit closer to her and placed her arm around her, leaning her head in close and smiling lightly. Rei closed her eyes slowly and leaned into her as well while she spoke, "Rei, I know you see how much he loves you too. Every time he looks at you his eyes become brighter and he can't hide his feelings. I know you two have something special.....you just have to be patient with him. He'll come around."

Rei could only nod slightly as she was happy to be held by her friend like this, "Thanks, Usagi. Maybe you're right." Usagi smiled a bit and nodded again while she held her friend affectionately. The two stayed there a while until Rei leaned her head away for a moment and looked to her, "Usagi, what is it between you and Yamito, anyway?"

The subject change made Usagi freeze and twitch a moment, then lean back and laugh loudly while rubbing her head, "What do you mean?"

"Oh, don't play dumb. I've seen the way you look at him, odango. Can't you just be satisfied with Mamoru? Do you still need to chase other guys, especially mine?" She cooed while glaring at Usagi sternly. Usagi still just laughed out loud and tried to mutter her way through it.

"Me and Yamito? That's crazy, Rei! Just because he has those dreamy eyes and a gorgeous face doesn't mean I'm chasing him. Why....did he say something to you about me?" "Ugh, you're incredible, Usagi." Rei growled and whacked her in the back of the head harshly. Usagi covered the back of her head and weeped, though it did make Rei feel much better about a few things. Still she kept the curtain up and crossed her arms over chest with an annoyed huff, "The last thing he needs right now is some whiny odango lusting after him."


Within the next day the time had come for the final battle with the Shadow senshi. It was too soon for Usagi. All of the Sailor senshi had gathered at the place where the Shadow senshi told them and just seemed to be waiting for them to show up. Under the waning moon the senshi gathered in little groups and Super Sailor Mars tapped her foot impatiently while she looked out over the woods, "I think he likes us to wait for him."

"Maybe something happened to them and they can't come. It sounded to me like the Omega Master and the Shadow senshi were at odds." Sailor Mercury pointed out and took herself away from tapping on her computer for a moment. Just then Sailor Moon ran up with Luna following closely, the photograph in her hands like a ray hope for the senshi.

"At least you remembered it this time."

Sailor Uranus was smiling as she made the observation, though Usagi could tell she was annoyed at the news from before. It made Usagi smile that she had grown concerned about the Shadow senshi, even if it was mainly for Kage. Holding the photograph up for them all to see proclaimed her determination to win this battle, "With this, we'll get Yamito, Kage, Kurai and Suteki back!"

"You all are so confident. Performance before promise, ladies."

The voice instantly recognized by some and the Sailor senshi quickly looked at Dark Shadow Mercury while he stood facing them. A swirl of blue energy faded from behind him but was soon replaced by green lightning which paved the way for a second figure to appear. Dark Shadow Jupiter crossed his arms over his chest as he stood a bit behind Shadow Mercury, a wry smile on his face. Dark Shadow Venus was next to appear as he stepped out facing his friends, though looking to the Sailor senshi with a wink. And after a moment, swirls of flames danced through the air and formed over the grim figure of Dark Shadow Mars then destined to die in the cool night air. Standing in front of the other Shadow senshi he looked out over their advisari and pushed his hair back from his face, "And so it ends."

"Wait!" Sailor Moon yelled and waved the photograph around triumphantly, which made the Shadow senshi a bit curious when she spoke in a gruff voice, "Before we fight, you need to look at this picture! It'll help you see how wrong you are about this!"

Although the idea struck a curious glance in the others, Shadow Jupiter let out a frustrated grunt and looked to Shadow Mars quickly, "You've got to be kidding! Are you gonna let us fight them or have a photo album session with odango?"

Sailor Moon saw the look in Shadow Mars's eyes and started walking towards them, ignoring Shadow Jupiter for the moment, "Oh come on, what would it hurt to look? Look, it's a picture of you and......"

Suddenly a dull glow appeared in Shadow Mars's eyes and a burst of red light fanned out in front of her. The force knocked her back to the others and she hit the ground harshly. The other Sailor senshi were appalled by it and quickly helped her, though a number of angry glances were directed to Shadow Mars. He was as calm as ever, "Jupiter is right. It's not time to talk anymore. Your story ends here, Sailor senshi."

"You.....you have to look at it, Yamito! It's a picture of you four!"

"Venus." Shadow Venus blinked a bit and stepped up next to Shadow Mars curiously. Shadow Mars never took his eyes off the Sailor senshi but gestured for him to lean in closer. He did indeed and Shadow Mars whispered the order in a loud enough voice for them all to hear, "I want you to walk over there......and kill two of those Sailor senshi. No games, no jokes, just blood. Pick whomever you like, but just do it quickly."

Although the order shocked the Sailor senshi, Sailor Venus in particular, it made Shadow Venus smile widely and nod his head. Turning to face the girls he ran his hand through his hair and started walking towards them slowly, "Ah, orders I can enjoy. Whoever shall it be? I think I know just the two."

"Suteki....please don't....."

"Shhhh, don't speak, Minako. I know what you want to say, I feel it too. The love has gone from our relationship, so here's a little something to spice it up!" The twisted grin on his face was coupled by the orange glow that appeared along his arm. In movement so quick that made the Sailor senshi watch in shock, he hurled his arm forward and sent a ribbon of energy forward at Sailor Venus and Sailor Pluto. The speed overtook them too quickly and only watched as the energy came down on top of them, but was suddenly retracted by a loud yelp. Shadow Venus stepped back a bit and held his arm as a rose stuck in it deeply. Soon those blue eyes looked up to Tuxedo Kamen as he stood casually on a tree branch.

"How sad the warriors from another dimension have degraded into common villains. You four were once dark soldiers for righteousness, but now you've become no better than the Omega Master and his clones."

While he was busy preaching Shadow Mars turned his head and looked to Shadow Jupiter for a moment. Nodding with a grin he disappeared from sight and left Shadow Mars to look back to Tuxedo Kamen. While the Sailor senshi were happy to see him come to their rescue, the next event wouldn't leave them in such good graces. Shadow Jupiter suddenly appeared next to Tuxedo Kamen and landed on the branch next to him. Tuxedo Kamen was quick to look but slow to anticipate the move that accompanied his light laugh, "You talk too much. Let me show you how I give a speech." In the same movement he struck him across the chest with his fist and kicked his feet out from under him. Tuxedo Kamen yelped as he fell backwards off the branch but Shadow Jupiter wasn't done yet. Jumping into the air he flipped upside-down and grabbed the branch with his hands, letting his body swing down and catch Tuxedo Kamen with his feet before he even got close to the ground. The powerful kick sent the hero into the ground so hard that dirt was sent into the air around him. Sailor Moon yelped just as loudly and ran forward to help him, followed by the other Sailor senshi. While she and the other Inner senshi tried to help him, the three others stood ready to defend them with grim determination. Shadow Jupiter just flipped into the air from the branch and landed back by the others, a triumphant grin on his face.

"Very good, Jupiter. Now Venus, I trust you won't have anymore problems?"

Shadow Venus smirked and waved him off as he started towards the Sailor senshi once more. While Tuxedo Kamen was quickly brought around, Sailor Moon still held him tightly and cooed him as her lover. Soon enough though Shadow Venus was near the point of attack when Sailor Mars stood up and shouted at them all, "What would Shadow Moon think about this?" It brought Shadow Venus to a stop and the others physically winced at the words. Sailor Mars saw she made them think and slowly lifted the photograph up in her hands and walked towards Shadow Venus, "What would Shadow Moon think, Suteki? Would he agree with the path you've chosen?" She approached him slowly and the other Shadow senshi watched on, now not able to hear what she was saying to him. She walked right up to him and held out the picture for him to take, "He gave us this for you to see. To remember."

Slowly his blue eyes wandered from her and to the photograph. Suddenly a smile appeared over his face and he let out a quick breath, "Mother?"

He took the picture from her and looked over the section where his own image was, surrounded by members of his family. Sailor Mars smiled a bit and clasped her hands in front of her as she watched, "You look very happy there."

"I was. That's my mother standing next to me. This was taken before the war, before the Omega Master......." He suddenly trailed off and she saw his face suddenly become full of panic, "My family......my friends......Sentaku. They're all gone, aren't they?"

"Because of the Omega Master."

Far behind them the Shadow senshi were getting impatient and Shadow Jupiter sighed loudly, "Hey, are you going to kill them or what?"

Looking up from the picture Shadow Venus looked at Sailor Mars for a moment, then a weak smile came back over his face, "No."

"Would you mind repeating that?"

He could tell Shadow Mars wasn't amused at all but he still turned and looked at him with that same bitter smile, "I won't do it, Yamito. They're not the ones who killed my mother or Sentaku."

Now a dark energy surged through Shadow Mars's eyes and he stepped forward a few times, looking at him the same as he looked at the Sailor senshi, "I didn't think you would turn on me, Venus. Then step aside and I'll do it myself."

Although seriously overmatched Shadow Venus walked up to him and stood in his way with a fierce look in his own eyes, "Yamito, we're on the wrong side! The Omega Master killed everyone we loved......our families......Shadow Moon......and now almost had us destroy the only people that defend this world. What have we become?" The other two Shadow senshi were impacted by his words and thought about his words carefully, but Shadow Mars still was not amused. A long moment of awkward silence passed as the Sailor senshi watched the four, waiting for their hopes to come true. Sailor Moon's biggest worry was Yamito, as her eyes never left him as she held onto Tuxedo Kamen.

"I tend to agree with him, in retrospect. We have let out darker sides consume us and led us to become monsters." Shadow Mercury voiced out and stepped up closer to Shadow Mars as well, lending support to Shadow Venus in the silent battle. Shadow Mars was continuing to become more annoyed and called over his shoulder to his one constant conflict.

"What say you, Jupiter?"

Knowing the impact of his opinion made Shadow Jupiter think it over a bit more and let his eyes wander to Sailor Jupiter. She just looked at him hopefully and he let out a sigh and uncrossed his arms, "I hate to say it....but they're right. If we're gonna fight someone, it needs to be the Omega Master." "Yamito, please stop this. The others see how wrong this is, why can't you? You know they'll follow you so why can't you be a good leader and admit you're wrong!?" Sailor Mars's word made his eyes fall on her once more and a hand run up across the place where she had struck him. Seeing him do that made her wince and walk towards him, letting her guard down and not caring at all about it. Soon she stood in front of him and slid her hand up along his arm and rested it on his hand, all the while a loving smile graced her features and she spoke to him in a quiet voice, "I'm sorry that I hit you, Yami. You know how much I love you and I just wanted you to see that for once, maybe....you could actually be wrong. Shadow Moon may have lost faith in you......but I haven't."

The words about Shadow Moon hit him very hard and he rolled that over in his mind a few times. Feeling her warm touch on his hand seemed to be helping and finally, he closed his eyes slowly as she squeezed his hand a bit, "Very well, I will end this. I may have just found......" Slowly his eyes opened and he looked at her with almost the same affections as he had once upon a time, "The strength I need to destroy the Omega Master."

For the first time in a while the two groups of senshi were together as allies. The four Inner senshi for sure were the most happy and moved towards their fallen lovers with hope burning in their eyes. Even Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune seemed relieved as they stepped over to exchange a few careful barbs with the reluctant Shadow Jupiter. Sailor Moon watched two of the figures alone, just seeing how Shadow Mars and Sailor Mars looked at each other like they were. The sight made her smile and look down to Tuxedo Kamen, "We did it, Mamo-chan. We're all back together again."

The object of her observations was short lived, however, as Shadow Mars suddenly became serious once more. It was a look in his eyes dreadful enough to make Sailor Mars pull her hand back slowly and stare at him in fear. Soon a red aura surrounded him and she feared he was planning to take this opportunity to strike a deadly blow to the Sailor senshi. Suddenly he stepped around her and pulled her behind him with one arm while thrusting the other forward. A bright blue ball of energy was quick to strike a barrier of energy in front of him and exploded into a display of light and power. As the other senshi quickly looked to see what had happened, Sailor Mars looked up at the tensed face of her lover and was surprised at the new look in his eyes. Although he had just protected her and the others from the foreign attack, he was extremely angry as he stared forward at a sparkle of light that was glowing some distance in front of them. From that light eight new clones appeared and took positions to attack the senshi. These clones were not like any they had seen before. Some had large spikes growing from their bodies while others possessed long tentacles extending from their wrists. Two had altered hands that now resembled hammers while the last one had skin hardened like armor and claws at the end of her fingers. Suddenly a clapping could be heard from inside the light and a feeling struck all of the Shadow senshi at the same time, though Shadow Mars had already sensed it when he blocked the attack.

The Sailor senshi only watched as a look of dread came over the other four like a wave. Shadow Mercury even stepped back a bit and shook his head slowly, "It can't be."

"What is it?" Sailor Moon asked as she and Tuxedo Kamen rose to their feet. To answer her question two figures appeared from the sparkle of light and grabbed everyone's attentions.

"How touching, the Shadow senshi making up with their Sailor senshi friends. Almost brings a tear to my eye."

The words sounded so bitter and the sparkle of light disappeared to expose the two figures to the moonlight. Now the Sailor senshi couldn't believe their eyes. The figures had the same uniforms as the other Shadow senshi but lacking with the white hair. The symbols for Uranus and Neptune were set into their shirts and both of them looked at the other Shadow senshi with such contempt that it made Sailor Moon wince. Sailor Mars blinked a few times as she saw the look on Shadow Mars's face then looked down to the picture she had taken from Shadow Venus. Standing in the group of people were these two figures and were surrounded by families of their own. Suddenly the realization came to her and she stared at them in shock. Breaking the long silence was Shadow Jupiter's voice as he stared especially harsh at one of them.

"Shadow Uranus and Shadow Neptune."


Next Chapter: Old Friends Returned