SWORD OF THE MOON

	Prologue: The Search Begins
Chapter 1: New Kid In Town	Chapter 2: Two Jupiters Meet	Chapter 3: Uneasy Alliance
Chapter 4: Mars Has A Vision	Chapter 5: Jupiter's Questions Answered	Chapter 6: Two Mars Collide
Chapter 7: Necessary Alliance	Chapter 8: Shadowstalker's Rampage	Chapter 9: Battle Royal

Prologue : The Search Begins

     Salnon stared at the fires burning on the plain below, turning the night into day by their 
sheer numbers. There were hundreds - no, thousands of campfires out there, stretching out as far 
as the eye could see. So many Youmas, he thought. They could bury us with sheer numbers,
should they gain these walls.

     The castle had stood for over a thousand years now, and its tall, thick walls had withstood 
many a siege. But could it withstand the attack of half a million, a million Youmas? Salnon 
shook his head slowly. The enemy has the advantage of sheer numbers here, and the final time was 
approaching.

     A guardsman approached him along the narrow rampart, came to attention, and snapped off a 
rough salute. "The Mage reports everything is ready, my Prince."

     Salnon turned to look at him. "Very well. Where is Knight Saturn?"

     "Here, My Prince."

     A shadow moved into the flickering torchlight, the dim light reflecting off the burnished 
steel of the figure's armor. Slightly taller and broader then Salnon, the purple surcoated 
knight went to one knee with more grace the Prince ever could. "I live, but to serve, My 
Prince."

     "The first thing you can do," replied Salnon, letting some of the anger he'd been holding 
back creep into his voice, "is stand up and face me like a brother, Haron. We've fought too long 
together for that type of ceremony."

     Haron stood again with the grace uncommon with the armor he wore. "You're still the Prince, 
and nothing will change that."

     "Maybe not, but now is not the time." Salnon turned to the guardsman. "Tell the Mage I will 
be there shortly. I need to consult with Knight Saturn before we leave."

     The Guardsman saluted and dashed away. Salnon waited until the darkness of the night 
swallowed the man. "Are you sure you don't want to come? It's still not too late to change your 
mind."

     Haron shook his head. In the light of the torch, he looked several decades older then he 
really was. "My place is here, My Prince. You need Ayron's wisdom, Lyter's strength, and the 
other's skills for your task to be completed. My powers are best used here, where only the Youma 
will suffer."

     "And the Image crystals?"

     Haron patted a pouch at his belt. "All here. I will use them sparingly. With luck, The Evil 
One will not miss you for a while." 

     Without another word, the two embraced with the emotion that only two men who have stood 
back to back in countless battlefields, and fought for their lives against an enemy could 
produce. They detached themselves slowly, and Haron stepped back, his expression sad.

     "I must go and make sure the sally parties are ready to go, My Prince," he said slowly. 
"They will keep the Dark One's Mages busy until you've made your passage."

     "Luck, my brother," replied Salnon, clasping arms with Haron. The knight turned and walked 
off into the darkness. Salnon turned and stared out at the campfires again for several minutes 
before he turn and left the wall. 



     The others had already assembled in the casting room by the time Salnon entered. Located 
deep below the castle, the casting room was a large circular chamber with a high ceiling, and an 
intricate pattern on the floor. Besides Salnon, nine other people stood in the room quietly 
talking amongst themselves until his presence was noticed.

     A blue haired boy nodded to him. "We are all here, My Prince."

     "I know, Ayron. And thank you, Brothers."

     He looked at each of them for a moment, burning the image of their faces in his mind. They 
were closer then real brothers; each had saved the others at one time or another, until no mere 
words could describe the bond that bound them together. As he stared at each of them, he thought 
about each of them.

     Knight Mercury: Ayron. A serious boy, who wanted to be a healer, but robbed of the chance 
because of the War. Now that mind was the Healer of the Knights.

     Knight Venus: Malan. The one with the dreamy voice and stunning handsome features that 
charmed women near and far. On the Battlefield, no one could match his skill with a bow.

     Knight Mars: Revan. He was the emotional one, hiding his fears and his bad memories behind 
a shield of sarcasm and bitterness. He was always the first one into battle, and the last one to 
leave.

     Knight Jupiter: Lyter. The physically largest and strongest of the Knights, he was in some 
ways, the most gentle. Even tempered to a fault, Youma long ago found out to enter anywhere near 
the reach of his battle-ax was death.

     Knights Uranus and Neptune: Pelen and Nelen. They were twins, from the two closest allied 
Great Houses. Fighting as a team, they were the banes of many Youmas. And they always talked as 
a team, with one starting a sentence, and the other finishing it.

     Knight Pluto: Savar. Like his planet, he was the most distant of the Knights. He was the 
only other one besides Haron to send hordes of Youma into headlong flight simply by his 
presence. Those that didn't run didn't live long. 

     The Mage, trailed by a single apprentice, approached and bowed to Salnon. "The spells are 
ready, My Prince."

     Salnon nodded to the white bearded  man, the most powerful Mage in the land still living. 
"We will change first, then we will be ready."

     "Very good, my Prince." The Mage withdrew, still followed by the apprentice. 

     "I don't see why we have to change into these clothes," muttered Revan. "Why don't we just 
power up and go through armored and ready for battle?"

     "Because we would attract attention, Brother," replied Malan lazily, picking up a white 
shirt from the small pile of clothes on the floor. "The dimension we're traveling to has no 
Youma lying in wait for us."

     "So the Mage said," said Revan. "But I don't like this."

     "You could stay behind," said Lyter, shrugging out of his tunic.
      
     Revan turned and glared at Lyter. "You would like that, wouldn't you?" he snapped. "You 
want me to stay behind while you go, don't you?"

     Before Lyter could respond, Malan and Ayron stepped between them. After that, they finished 
dressing in silence. Salnon adjusted the unfamiliar tunic with the buttons down the front, and 
picked up an item the Mage had called a jacket. "Are we ready?"

     A few nods were the answers. Salnon motioned to Malan. "Tell the Mage we are ready to 
continue."



     The park was one of the smaller ones in Tokyo, located north of the heart of the city. It 
was early summer, and the park was deserted at this time of night. So, no one saw the portal 
open and the eight Knights stride through from their dimension to this one. Salnon was first 
through, followed by Revan, then Malan, the twins, Savar, Lyter, with Ayron the last through.

     "Interesting," remarked Malan, looking around. "This dimension really does uses technology, 
not magic. I hadn't really thought it was possible."

     Salnon turned to Ayron. "Will our Amulets work here?"

     The blue hair boy nodded. Most of his attention focused on a small gem floating in from of 
his face. "There are some traces of magic here, enough for our use."

     "Good. I -"

     A large, misshaped arm shot out of the still open portal, and just missed grabbing Revan by 
the neck. He cried out in pain as his training took hold, rolling away from the grasping hand, 
and staggering to his feet. 

     "A Shav!" cried Ayron. "Kazarn must have seeded the space between the dimensions with 
them!"

     "Knights!" shouted Salnon, pulling his amulet free of his shirt and gripping it tightly. 
"Change and attack! We must prevent the Shav from entering this dimension!" 

     He closed his eyes and shouted "Knight Moon - Armor up!" He felt the amulet become warm 
under his touch, and the power inside himself build up quickly. It then released itself 
suddenly, his clothes fading as the chain mail of his armor encased his body. He felt the boots 
and gloves form over the chain mail, then the pure white surcoat with the moon symbol etched in 
gold on its chest. The reassuring weight of the Moon Sword in the sheath across his back felt 
good. Finally, the great helm of his armor formed over his head, and he felt ready for battle.

     "Knight Mercury - Armor up!" Ayron's armor was similar to Salnon's save for the light blue 
surcoat with Mercury's symbol etched in silver. His battle staff was in his right fist, but he 
stepped back, the fingers on his left hand weaving a protection spell. It was up to him to close 
the portal, and all the Knights knew it. He pulled a small crystal for a pouch at his belt and 
started murmuring a spell.

     "Knight Venus - Armor up!" Malan's surcoat was a pale yellow with Venus's symbol etched in 
red. A longbow was in his left hand, and his left hand was already pulling out the first arrows 
from the quiver on his back.

     "Knight Mars - Armor up!" Revan's cry still echoed as his armor formed around him. He 
gripped his doubled head war hammer tightly in his left hand, and adjusted the large shield, his 
blood red surcoat flapping in the wind from the open portal.

     The other Knights' cries were lost as the Shav roared a challenge, and stepped into this 
dimension. It was a misshapen giant of a beast, over nine feet tall on its two powerful legs, 
with scale-like skin the color of old bone. Two long, thick arms ended in three thick fingers, 
and each finger was tipped with a razor sharp claw the length of a normal human hand. Four small 
eyes peered out from beneath a protruding bony ridge set in the middle of the hideous lump that 
passed for its head.

     Salnon pulled the large broadsword from its sheath slung across his back, and barked out a 
rapid succession of orders. "Mars, Jupiter, occupy the Shav's attention. Venus, try and blind 
it. Pluto, try and knock it off balance. Neptune, Uranus, protect Mercury." Without another 
word, Salnon left forward and attacked.

     Mars charged the Shav, shouting "Flame Hammer Ignite!" The head of the war hammer in his 
hand exploded into a mass of flames as he swung it at the monster's leg. The hammer connected 
with the Shav's shin, sending splinters of skin in all direction.

     Jupiter ducked a grasping arm, and swung his large, double headed battle ax at the offend-
ing arm. His shout of "Lighting Ax Radiate!" turned the edge of the ax into a shimmering light 
that bit deep into the creature's arm. The Shav screamed in pain and tried to grab Jupiter, but 
the green surcoated Knight rolled out of the way, his large round shield protecting him from the 
creature's grasp.

     "Light arrow activate!" Venus's first two light arrows bounced off the bony ridge protect-
ing its eyes, but his third shot flew true, and buried itself deeply into one of the eyes. It 
staggered, just as Pluto decomposed the concrete beneath its feet. Now off balance, the monster 
forgot all other distraction, and tried desperately to keep itself from falling.

     "Now, Salnon!" shouted Mercury, sweat pouring from his face as he stared at the spinning 
crystal. "Push it back into the dimensional void, so I can close the portal!"

     With a war cry, Salnon stepped forward, the sword a blur of steel. Mars and Jupiter joined 
the charge, while Venus continued to shoot at the Shav's eyes. The twins stood in front of 
Mercury, their spears poised to join the battle if they were needed.

     As Salnon shouted "Pluto, Now!", Savar slammed the butt end of his halberd into the ground 
at his feet. The pavement shattered as the released energy shot across the distance between the 
Knight and the Shav, leaving a narrow trail of broken cement in its wake.

     Before the energy wave reached them, the three Knights leapt toward the Shav, weapons 
poised to strike. Jupiter's Ax bit hard into the monster's left knee, while Mars' Hammer smashed 
near the creature's right elbow, sending shards of the Shav's scaly skin spinning away into the 
darkness.

     Salnon brought his sword down on the Shav's left arm, his shout of "Moon Sword Activation!" 
lost in the roar of the monster's pain. The creature's cries got even louder as the sword cut 
clean through the creature's arm, sending the arm spinning away. Salnon landed well clear of the 
monster's reach, just as Pluto's energy blast shot clear of the pavement and struck the Shav in 
the chest, knocking the creature backwards. It fell backwards, into the portal. Its screams of 
pain and anger faded in the night air. With a sudden inrush of air, the portal snapped shut, and 
there was silence for several minutes.

     Salnon changed out of his armor, allowing the light breeze to ruffle his wavy blonde hair. 
The others also changed out of his armor, all except Pluto. He stood there, leaning on his 
halberd and watching the others, his face expressionless.

     "What's wrong, Savar?" asked Salnon uneasily. "The Shav has been sent back."

     The Knight shook his head. "I have a visit to make, my Prince."

     The prince's face clouded out in puzzlement. "What visit?"

     Pluto straightened. "I must visit my counterpart in this dimension."

     "What counterpart?" snapped Revan. "Try and make sense, for once."

     If Revan's words had any effect on Pluto, the Knight didn't show it. "My counterpart serves 
the same purpose in this dimension as I do in ours. She will know much that will be helpful in 
our quest."

     Revan turned and stalked away. Salnon stepped over to Pluto, and placed a hand on the 
Knight's shoulder. "If she can help us, brother, then we would be fools to ignore it. Go, and 
may fortune smile on us all."

     With a small smile, Pluto stepped back from Salnon, opened a portal in the space next to 
him, and quickly vanished through it. Salnon turned to the others. "Let us put some space
between us and this place as quickly as we can."

     "Good idea, Prince," replied a voice from a nearby lamppost. A large raven was perched on 
the lamppost, looking at the group below with more then idle curiosity.

     "Hunin!" shouted Lyter. "What are you doing here?"

     "To guide you to a place of safety, you idiot," replied the raven. "And the Prince is 
right. We must be away from here and quickly." The raven spread his wings and flew down to land 
lightly on Salnon's shoulder. "This way, Prince."

     "What about that?" asked Ayron, pointing to the Shav's severed arm still lying near where 
the portal had been.

     "Leave it," replied the raven. "We don't have the time to hide it."

     "But won't the people panic when they see that?" 

     The raven was silent for a minute. "There's been some unusual activity in this area for the 
past year or so. The authorities will add this to that list of events." He glanced up at the 
sky. "It will be daylight soon. We had best be moving out of here."

     With Salnon leading, the Knights disappeared in the surrounding darkness. 

     The afternoon meeting of the Senshi at the temple had degenerated into an argument between 
Usagi and Rei, involving Usagi dribbling some sauce over one of Rei's mangas. Ami strolled 
outside, leaving Minako and Makoto to officiate the contest, while she sat outside and read a 
book she'd brought along for such an occasion.

     She heard someone approaching, the heavy tread of the visitor's footstep becoming louder. 
She glanced up at the visitor's approach, and she brightened when she saw who it was. "Mamoru-
san!"

     Mamoru smiled at Ami, his hands casually thrust into his pocket. "Hello, Ami, is Usagi 
around?"

     Just then, the yelling inside increased volume, and Ami sighed in resignation.

     "I guess that answers that question," replied Mamoru dryly. "What's the problem now?" 

     As if to answer his question, both Usagi and Rei came storming out of the building, their 
argument still going at full blast.

     "How could you do that?" shouted Rei, her face coming close to matching her red robes. That 
was one of my favorite mangas!"

     "How would you know?" replied Usagi, hands on hips. "You said you never read it!"

     Rei opened her mouth to say something, but Mamoru beat her to it. "Hey, meatball head!"

     Usagi turned, and all the combativeness dropped from her face, replaced by a soft wonder 
and joy. "Mamoru-chan!" she squealed in delight and covered the short distance between them in a 
flash of seconds, and threw herself into his arms, staggering him. "Miss me?" she asked hope-fully.

     "Always." He looked up at the other Scouts. "Where's Luna and Artemis?"

     "Off somewhere," replied Minako, stepping out of the building. "They didn't say where they 
were going."

     "Well, in that case," said Mamoru, smiling. "Anyone ready for an ice cream cone? My treat."

     Even Rei agreed, and after she changed into something more suitable for an ice cream 
parlor, they left the temple chattering about anything and everything.



     The small park had been closed to the public. Those few civilians who were interested in 
the reason the park had been closed were told that a gas pipe running under the park had 
ruptured, and needed to be replaced.

     In a nearby tree, two sets of eyes watched the soldiers and government people working 
quietly in the afternoon sun. The ruined pavement was being turned up, and replaced. Other 
personnel were slowly walking around the area, pausing here and there to pick something up and 
place it into a plastic bag before continuing.

     "I don't like it," said Luna, her eyes watching the scene in front of her.

     "I know," replied Artemis. "But I'm not getting any vibes of any sort from out there."

     "Wait!" hissed Luna. "Over there. Do you see it?"

     Artemis stared at the area Luna was indicating. A cluster of soldiers was clustered around 
something lying on the ground beyond where the pavement was being repaired. "Something's got 
their attention all right. But what?"

     "Stay here," replied Luna, turning around on the branch, and working her way toward the 
trunk. "I'm going to take a closer look."

     "Are you crazy? They'll never let you get that close!"

     "The large beech tree off to the left there is the closest I plan to get." 

     "All right, but be careful."

     Luna bounded down the tree, and became a blur among the trees. Artemis watched her and the 
humans standing around for any signs of alarm. Neither he nor Luna had bothered looking farther 
up in the tree, where a raven sat on a branch, watching the activity below with more interest 
then a raven should.



     The ice cream parlor was near the temple, so it didn't take long for the girls and Mamoru 
to walk the distance. After ordering their cones, the six of them sat at an outside table, and 
talked quietly. It was an enjoyable afternoon all around, and only when the late afternoon 
shadows lengthen did the group break up and head in different directions.

     Makoto strolled into her apartment house, checked her mailbox, then turned and collided 
with someone standing next to her.

     "Oof!" she said, taking a step back to regain her balance. "I'm sorry -" she started to 
say, but stopped short as she saw the person she had bumped into.

     The fact she'd stepped back should have given her the clue. Most of the time when she 
bumped into someone, they had to give ground, not her. The stranger she'd bumped into was taller 
then her by half a head, broad shouldered, and she'd guess he was no more then a year older then 
herself. His brown hair was cut close to his skull, and the look he gave her was one of acute 
embarrassment.

     "Excuse my clumsiness, Miss," he said with genuine sorrow. "Are you all right?"

     Makoto smiled at him. "No problem," she replied. "Are you new in the building?"

     "Er . . . yes," came the stammered reply. "My room mates and I moved in last night. We 
slept most of the day."

     "Oh, which apartment?"

     He managed to stammer out an apartment number, and Makoto's smile widened. "I live right 
below you." She stuck out a hand. "I'm Makoto Kino."

     He took her hand carefully. "Lyter . . . jup . . . Zane." His grip was solid, but not 
crushing. "It's a pleasure to meet you." 

     Before Makoto could continue, a blond haired boy with  stunning handsome features stuck his 
head around the corner, and called out "Lyter! The Pr-- Salnon wants to have a meeting with the 
entire group right now." 

     "Er . . . yes, Malan," replied Lyter quickly, releasing Makoto's and turned to look at the 
messenger. "I'll be up in a minute."

     The boy nodded and his head disappeared. Lyter gave Makoto a weak smile. "It was a pleasure 
to meet you . . . Makoto. I hope to see you again."

     "Likewise." She watched him leave, her face a mixture of emotions that conflicted with each 
other.



     Lyter tapped on the apartment door, and Revan let him in, but not before giving him a hard 
stare as he went by. He collapsed in a chair the groaned under the sudden addition of weight, 
and scanned the room. Salnon was standing at the window, watching the street. Revan sat beside 
the front door, his face holding a long frown. Malan was sitting in another chair, strumming his 
lute that he had brought along. The twins sat on the couch, with arms folded, and eyes closed. 
Ayron was no where to be seen.

     "We'll start in a minute," said Salnon without turning. "Hunin will be back soon, and I 
want to hear what he has to say first."

     Malan stopped strumming, and looked at Lyter. "What was her name, brother?" he asked 
softly.

     The words took several seconds to startle Lyter. "What?"

     "The girl downstairs. Who is she?"

     "Er . . . Makoto Kino," replied Lyter hurriedly. "She lives right below this apartment."

     Malan smiled lazily. "A bit tall for my tastes, brother. But she did seem to suit you 
nicely."

     Revan snorted in disgust. "We're not here to find Lyter a new girlfriend. We are here for a 
more important mission."

     "I haven't forgotten," replied Lyter coldly, staring at Revan. After several seconds, Revan 
lowered his gaze.

     "Sorry, Lyter," he said quietly. "I spoke in haste."

     "There is nothing to forgive, brother. You are right to remind us of our purpose."

     "Hunin's here," said Salnon, breaking the quiet mood. He opened the window, and the raven 
sailed into the room and perched on the back of a high back chair. He ruffled his feathers into 
place and stared at the Knights before him.

     "What happened?" asked Salnon.

     "As we expected," replied Hunin. "The local authorities sealed off the area."

     "What about the Shav's arm, and the other debris?" asked Ayron, emerging from one of the 
bedrooms, a small black case tuck under an arm.

     "The authorities made a thorough search of the area, and collected everything. The damage 
has been repaired, and the Shav's arm was taken away."

     "So we're safe for now," said Salnon.

     The raven shook his head. "Maybe not."

     Lyter leaned forward. "What happened?"

     "When I was observing the authorities' activity, I spotted a pair of cats in the tree below 
me. Cats who were watching the activities with the same interest as I was."

     "You're exaggerating," said Revan.

     The raven turned his head to look at Revan. "Knight Mars, cats in this dimension don't 
talk, and these cats spoke to each other."

     "Are you sure?" asked Salnon.

     "I'm sure, Prince. Munin is tracking them now."

     "What about Savar?" started Nelen. "He mentioned . . . "

     "...a counterpart in this dimension," finished Pelen.

     Hunin turned to look at the twins. "A counterpart?"

     Salnon nodded. "He thought that his counterpart could help us with our quest."

     "Hmm," mused Hunin. "Could this dimension have their own guardians?"

     "We can worry about that later," replied Malan, placing his lute next to his chair. "The 
quest comes first."

     "Very well," said Hunin. "We'll look into that possibility later. Knight Mercury, you have 
the crystals?"

     Ayron held up the case. "Right here."

     "Good." The raven looked at each of the Knights before he continued. "I have some good news 
and some bad news to report. We located the portal Narasan used to arrive in this dimension, and 
we've isolate the area where the portal he used to leave this dimension."

     "What's the Bad news?" asked Salnon, folding his arms across his chest.

     "The Bad news is that the portal is located somewhere within a twenty square miles' radius 
of this building."

     "That doesn't sound that bad," said Lyter.

     Hunin turned his head in Lyter's direction. "The REALLY bad news is there are a minimum of 
fifty-three dimensional portals in that area, and the gods know how many others there are that 
we haven't found yet."

     Revan groaned. "How are we going to find the one Narasan used?"

     "With these," replied the raven. "Open the case, Mercury."

     Ayron opened the case, and displayed the contents. Four small crystals, each about the 
length and width of a middle finger, sitting nestled near the one of the case's four edges. A 
larger, flatter crystal sat in the middle of the case. Each crystal was clear in color, 
reflecting the soft red velvet they sat on.

     "What are they?" asked Nelen. "They look -"

     "Like sensory crystals," finished Pelen.

     "They are," replied the raven. "Created with one purpose - to detect Narasan's aura through 
a portal."

     "Will they work after all this time?" asked Malan. "We aren't taking about a recent event 
here."

     "They'll work. But we have another problem with the portals that will make the quest more 
difficult."

     "What now?" asked Revan.

     "The portals are unstable on this world, and are not easily accessible as they are at home. 
Between Munin and myself, we have calculated the best times to scan the portals for the most 
part. But the portals are irregular, and must be scanned at exactly the right time, or the 
chance is wasted. It will take a minimum of three weeks to scan all the known portals for the 
right one, longer if Narasan used and unknown one."

     "Great!" snarled Revan. "Any more good news?"

     Hunin stared at Revan. "We cannot rush this, Mars. It took the Mages seven years to find 
the right portal that Narasan used to gain this world. And that was a massive and constant 
effort that occupied precious time we could not afford to waste otherwise."

     Revan didn't reply, but just stared at Hunin. The raven ignored him. "We should split up 
into four teams, each team with a crystal. Mercury has the lists of the portal sites, divided up 
by geographic location. I suggest we start in the morning."

     "Fine," said Salnon, striding over to Ayron. He picked up a crystal and handed it to Pelen. 
"You and your brother start in the south."

     "I'll be the odd man," said Lyter, hauling himself out of the chair.

     Salnon handed him a crystal. "East."

     "Start with the park you used last night to get here," said Hunin. "There's a portal that 
will open at nine-fifteen tomorrow morning about fifteen hundred yards northwest from where you 
entered this dimension." 

     "It'll be my first stop," replied Lyter.

     "I'll take Revan," said Malan.

     Salnon shook his head as he handed Malan the third crystal. "I'll team up with Revan and 
check out the portals on the west side. I want you and Ayron to investigate the northern 
portals. Any questions?"

     "What's the other crystal for?" asked Malan.

     "You'll find out later," replied Hunin, ruffling his feathers. "Now is the time to relax 
and rest. Tomorrow will be a difficult day."



     The small park had been reopened late in the afternoon. The few people who have taken the 
opportunity to visit found nothing out of place, save for the new laid concrete. So when night 
fell, the park was already deserted.

     The gentle breeze that had been blowing suddenly picked up, swirling around the area like a 
live thing, scattering the few traces of litter. At the spot where the Knights had come through 
the portal the night before, the air shimmered. With a crack that sounded like thunder, the air 
split apart like a glass pane being broken. A black circle appeared and grew until it was the 
size of a doorway.

     A cloaked figure stepped out of the portal, followed by eight shadows. The cloaked figure 
turned and hissed something in an arcane language, and the portal slammed shut. He turned to the 
shadows that had followed him out and pointed to one. "Stay here," he said in a harsh voice. 
"Stop any of the Knights that try to escape back to our dimension."

     The shadow bowed. "Yes, Lord Kazarn. None shall pass me."

     Kazarn smiled coldly. "See they don't. The rest of you, follow me. We have some Knight 
hunting in store for us."

     The shadows surrounded Kazarn as he walked away from the portal, cloaking him in a cold 
blackness that hid him from any prying eyes. The shadow left on guard merged with the 
surrounding blackness of the night.     


Chapter 2: Two Jupiters Meet


     Luna stood outside Usagi's door and listened to her softly snore. She pushed the door open 
and jumped up onto the bed. Usagi was in her normal position, on her back, mouth open, and 
snoring very unladylike. Hard to believe she really is a princess thought Luna. Oh well, time 
to wake her up.

     The waking up was accomplished by several strategic pokes. Usagi mumbled something in her 
sleep, turned over on her side, and saw Luna through half closed eyes. "Whatsmatta, Luna?" she 
mumbled, her eyes closing again.

     Luna sighed. She didn't need Usagi's reluctance to wake up today. She extended one claw, 
and pricked Usagi on the tip of her nose.

     Usagi screeched, and her eyes flew open. She grabbed her nose with both hands, her cries of 
"ow ow ow ow" coming in rapid succession. After about five seconds, she rubbed her nose and 
glared at Luna. "What was that for?" 

     "We have a problem."

     Usagi was fully awake now. "What could be worse then me losing my beauty sleep?"

     Luna sighed again. "We need to have a meeting of the Senshi, and now."

     "Why?"

     "Because Artemis and I found something that could signal a new threat to Earth."

     Usagi gave Luna a nasty look. "You woke me up to tell me that?"

     "Quit complaining and get dressed. Then contact the others, and have them meet you at Rei's 
temple."

     "I sometimes wonder if being the moon princess is worth it," Usagi mumbled, throwing the 
covers off and sitting up.

     Luna drooped her head, a big sweat drop showing on her forehead. "I sometimes wonder 
myself," she murmured.



     Usagi was the last to arrive at the temple. Rei stood at the top of the stairs and scowled 
at Usagi as the blonde dashed up the stairs, Luna beside her.

     "This had better be good, meatball head," she growled as Usagi reached the top of the 
stairs. "I've got a whole bunch of chores I have to do this morning, and I don't have time for 
anything trivial. Grandfather won't be back until the weekend."

     "I told her to call the meeting," replied Luna, "Is Artemis here yet?"

     "Yes, he got here about five minutes ago. What's wrong?"

     "I'll explain when we're together."

     Usagi spotted the small sack in Rei's right hand. "What's with the bag, Rei?"

     Rei pulled a handful of grain and showed it to Usagi. "For the ravens. I usually feed them 
this time of the day."

     "Oh," replied Usagi, looking slightly disappointed. She managed to have only a hasty 
breakfast before running over here, and her stomach still grumbled at her. "Where are the 
others?"

     "On the steps of the temple. Give me five minutes to finish feeding the ravens, and I'll 
join you."

     "OK."

     Five minutes later, they were all assembled. Luna waited until Rei seated herself on the 
steps before starting. "Yesterday, while we were doing some exploring in the area north of here, 
Artemis and I noticed something going on at a small park, not from where you live, Makoto. It 
had been closed to the local population, and the place was crawling with soldiers and police."

     "Yes, I remember that," said Makoto. "I wanted to get in some running in that park yester-
day morning, but the police turned me back. I had to take another route."

     "Why did they close it?" asked Ami.

     "They stated that a gas line under the park had ruptured, and had to be replaced."

     "Possible," said Makoto. "But you don't buy that reason, do you?"

     Luna shook her head. "Artemis and I saw the damage. There was a fight there last night, a 
fight that involved a monster of some sort."

     "How can you be sure that there was a monster?" asked Ami.

     Artemis spoke up. "Because Luna saw an arm the monster left behind."

     "Oh, gross," said Usagi, her face a mask of disgust.

     "Describe the arm," said Ami. "Does it look like it was from something we've fought 
before?" 

     "No, and that's what has me worried. It was an arm from a hideous creature of some sort, 
and the size of the arm seems to suggest it was a large monster. We both also felt a disturbance 
in the dimensional fields near where they found that arm. I'm certain that somebody used a 
dimensional portal in that area the night before last."

     No one spoke for several seconds, then Mina said, "What are we going to do about it?"

     "For now, nothing," replied Artemis, who was sitting in Mina's lap. "Except stay in contact 
more with each other, and keep an eye out for anything unusual. Also, that monster fought some-
one who had enough strength to sever its arm. That someone may be on this side of the portal, 
but we don't know anything else right now. We may have a new enemy, but we might have a new ally 
also. So be very careful, sailors."

     "What about Mamoru?" asked Usagi. "Shouldn't he be alerted?"

     "Artemis and I will warn him," replied Luna. "After we talk to him, we'll look around some 
more. Any questions?"

     "Yes," replied Usagi brightly. "Anyone want to join me for breakfast?"

     Luna felt a big sweat drop form on the back of her head. "I'm getting too old for this."

     After that, the meeting broke up. Neither the girls nor the cats noticed that a strange 
raven had quietly joined the others feeding in the courtyard before the meeting started. It 
stayed there, pretending to feed itself, until everyone had left. Then, with slow, lazy strokes 
of its wings, it flew off. The Prince had to be told this dimension did have its own guardians, 
and they might cause problems with the quest.



     Makoto walked back to her apartment house, her mood thoughtful. The possibility of a new 
threat to the Earth concerned her. Is there a sign out there saying "Habitual planet - come 
on down?" 

     She was still smiling at her own joke when she started up the stairs to the front door of 
her apartment building. As she reached the top step, Makoto's smile deepened as she spotted 
Lyter and two others emerging from the building.

     Lyter was startled at the sight of her. "Oh . . . er . . . Hi, Makoto," he said lamely.

     "Hello, Lyter."

     One of the others spoke up. "Is this the young lady . . . "

     "...You met last night?" finished the other.

     Startled, Makoto turned to look at the other two for the first time. They were both the 
same heights and build, which made them slightly shorter then her, and they shared the same 
features. They were even dressed similarly in dark pants, white shirts, and sky blue wind-
breakers. Only their hair color was different: one had sea green hair, while the other was a 
blonde.

     "Oh . . . Makoto," said Lyter, his face twitching. "Let me introduce two of my room mates. 
Pelen Dusa," he motioned to the one with green hair. He then motioned to the blonde. "Nelen 
Dusa, this is Makoto Kino."

     "The pleasure is," began Nelen.

     "...All ours," finished Pelen.

     "Er . . . yes," replied Makoto, uncertain about how to continue.

     "Lyter," said Pelen. "We had better be going . . . "

     "...So we will leave you now," finished Nelen.

     Lyter nodded "Sure, brothers. I'll meet up with you later."

     "Good bye, Makoto Kino," said Nelen, bowing toward her.

     Pelen copied his brother. "It was a pleasure to meet you."

     Makoto watched the twins take the stairs two at a time and walk away. She turned back to 
Lyter, trying hard not to smile. "Are they always like that?"

     Lyter smiled. He seemed more relaxed now. "Always. You get use to them after a while, and 
they are the kindest, most considerate people I know."

     "Where are they off to?"

     The smile slipped slightly, and he shrugged. "They had some errands to run."

     "What about you?" 

     The smile came back. "Going for a walk. Care to come along?"

     Makoto was tempted to say no, but something in her mind told her to say yes. "Why not? 
There's a park not too far from here."

     "Funny you should mention the park," said Lyter. "That's where I'm going . . . "



     Setsuna Meiou gazed out across the wide expanse of Tokyo from her penthouse balcony. Below 
her, the city glittered in the morning light, and the sounds of a large city echoed faintly in 
her ears. It was a peaceful scene overall.

     She sighed. If only she felt as peaceful as the city lying before her, but she didn't. For 
the last couple of days she'd felt . . . something. Nothing clear or definite in her mind, but 
there was some sort of like an . . . echo of some sort. Some meditation had confirmed the 
feeling, but hadn't done anything else to clear up her uneasiness.

     It didn't have anything to do with the Inner Senshi, of that she was sure. They didn't even 
know she was here yet, and if everything went well, they never would. Setsuna wasn't sure how 
Usagi would take it if she'd found out Setsuna was here at the orders of Neo-queen Serenity 
herself to monitor the future queen's progress at this time. 

     She shook her head. She hated time paradoxes, and being here to keep an eye on a person at 
the orders of the person's future self was a paradox of sorts.

     All of a sudden, she felt the feeling growing stronger, more defined. She closed her eyes, 
trying to capture the knowledge lying just outside her grasp. It felt familiar to her, like she 
was sensing . . . herself?

     She opened her eyes. No, not herself, but someone who had many of the same powers as she 
did. The thought chilled her. People with power like hers were few and far between in the 
Universe. Something was wrong, very wrong, but she wasn't sure what.

     A knock at her front door startled her. The person she had felt was standing outside her 
door! She glanced down at the gray dress suit she was wearing, trying to decide if she should 
change into Sailor Pluto now, or wait. Wait, she thought to herself. Do not give him 
any reasons to believe that you are scared of him.

     She was halfway to the door before she'd realized she knew the person on the other side of 
the door was a male. A new enemy, perhaps? No, it didn't feel like that. An equal perhaps? 
Likely, but she didn't know for sure.

     She unlocked the door slowly, mindful to keep the chain lock on. Not that it would slow a 
determined attacker, but it would give her a few precious seconds to transform and deal with 
him, if she needed to.

     She opened the door slightly, and stared out at a tall lean man about her age, with dark 
hair collected up into a loose pony tail, and violet eyes. He was dressed conservatively, but 
stylishly in a coal gray suit and dark purple tie that matched his eyes.

     "Good morning. Are you Meiou Setsuna?" he asked in a low, clear voice. His Japanese was 
flawless, but stilted.

     "Yes," she replied, reaching into her pocket, and slowly pulling out her make-up pen. "I'm 
sorry, I don't know you, do I?"

     The man nodded. "In a way. You've been feeling my presence in this time zone for the last 
several hours."

     "Have I?" 

     "It's fortunate that you are here at this time. I would not want to venture to the future 
and Crystal Tokyo to ask your help."

     "Where?" she said brightly. "I'm sorry, you seem to have the wrong address."

     He sighed deeply. "My name is Savar Sasan. I think this will explain a lot." He reached 
slowly into his coat pocket, and Setsuna tensed for action. But he only pulled out an amulet 
about the size of his palm. He closed his eyes for a second. Setsuna felt the hair on the back 
of her hands begin to rise, as she felt time on this and several floors below slow to a crawl.

     "I'm afraid I don't have much time or patience to try and convince you who I am," he said, 
opening his eyes and staring at her. "So, I'm going to show you who I am." He raised the amulet 
over his head.

     "Knight Pluto - Armor up!"

     In front of her eyes, Savar went from being a business-suited man to an armored knight 
straight from a fantasy novel. He held a halberd in one fist, the amulet in the other. He put 
the amulet inside his dark blue surcoat, bowed to her, then straighten, and took off his opened 
faced helmet.

     "I am Savar Sasan, Knight Pluto in the Knight Defenders. My brothers and I have crossed 
over from another dimension on a quest that could save our world from chaos and destruction. In 
order to save time, I have come to ask you, in you capacity as the guardian of time here, for 
your help."

     She unhitched the chain lock and opened the door. He was a bit theatrical, but he was 
telling her the truth. "Come on in," she said without emotion. "Just make sure you speed up time 
again where you slowed it."

     He smiled, and stepped inside. "Already done."

     "And could you change back, please? I don't want to talk to you looking like that."



     Makoto was enjoying herself.

     The day promised to be a spectacular summer day, with warm sunshine and a near cloudless 
day. There were few people out at this time of the day, and the sounds of the city were muted by 
the trees. Lyter had chosen one of the outlying paths in the park, and they strolled along, 
chattering aimlessly.

     Lyter hadn't said much about his past. He'd mentioned he'd grown up in a large household 
that he had several brothers and sisters, but didn't say anything about where he was from. 
Still, he was polite and friendly, and Makoto felt comfortable walking next to him.

     "About the twins," she said, gripping his arm.

     She felt him tense slightly. "Oh?"

     "You called them brothers."

     Lyter chuckled softly, and relaxed again. "We've shared a lot of things with each other 
over the years. They're closer to me then my actual brothers are."

     "How many room mates do you have?" 

     He shrugged. "There's seven of us, no, eight of us. One of us had some business to take 
care of before he joined us. We have two apartments on the floor above yours."

     Something occurred to Makoto, and she asked "And what brings you to Tokyo?"

     "Ah . . . er . . . research."

     Not quite a lie, she thought. But not exactly the truth. What are you hiding?

     They reached a fork in the trail, and Lyter placed a hand on her arm. "Could you wait here 
for a minute, please?"

     "What for?"

     "I need to check on something." He pointed down a side trail. "I'll be back in a couple of 
minutes."

     Makoto smiled at him. "Sure."

     He smiled back at her, turned and strolled down the trail. Makoto waited until he was out 
of sight before she started after him.



     Lyter moved down the trail carefully, alert for any signs of danger. He heard nothing but 
the birds singing mingled with the light rustling of the trees in the breeze. He nodded to 
himself. *So far, so good*

     He reached a small clearing, really nothing more then a widening in the trail. Around 
here somewhere, according to Hunin's map. He spotted a small wisp of red ribbon draped over 
a branch about twelve feet off the ground. Right where Hunin said it would be. 

     He pulled the crystal out of his pocket and held in his hands as he had been instructed. He 
stood about fifteen feet away, facing the open space below the branch that held the ribbon. He 
cleared his mind and concentrated of the short phase Hunin had taught him, and said it slowly 
and clearly. The crystal flared to life, and turned a deep blue in color. He smiled. There was 
an open portal here. 

     He waited for ten seconds, twenty seconds, but the crystal remained its color. After 
another twenty seconds, he repeated the phrase he'd used to activate the crystal. The blue died 
away, and Lyter sighed and pocketed the crystal. A bit much to hope for the first time out, 
but still . . . 

     He felt the danger before he heard it. He dove to the right, all thoughts of portals 
forgotten in the drive for survival. Even as he dove, he felt the attacker's claws miss his head 
by several inches. He tucked into a roll, placing distance between himself and his attacker. His 
hand dove for the amulet as he stood, and as he touched it, he shouted, "Knight Jupiter - Armor 
Up!"

     He felt the armor form around him, the familiar heft of his Battle-ax coming into his hand. 
The Shield formed around his left arm, and he felt the power course through his body. Ready for 
battle, he spun to face his attacker.

     The sun had just gone behind one of the few clouds in the sky, throwing the clearing into 
shadow. One darker shadow moved suddenly, and Lyter hissed a curse under his breath. "Shadow-
stalker."

     The Shadowstalker stepped forward. It was about as tall as Lyter, but thinner, and its skin 
was a blackness that drank the sunlight into its depth. It looked like a crudely drawn picture 
of a man. "Lord Kazarn was right," it hissed with glee. "Knights are here. Knights will die."

     Lyter brandished his battle-ax. "Come and try it, Shadowstalker. Better Youma then you have 
tried, and none of them are living."

     The Shadowstalker hissed a laugh. Its face was nothing more then two red orbs for eyes. It 
has two slits for a nose, and a gaping maw filled with sharp teeth for a mouth. "Brave words for 
one about to die."



     Makoto knew there was something wrong before she stepped into the clearing. The first had 
been Lyter shouting something, followed by a burst of energy the flashed through the trees in 
front of her for an instant, then nothing. She felt the hairs rising on the back of her neck. 
Something was going on. Something she knew wasn't normal. Nodding to herself, she reached for 
her make-up pen. "Jupiter Power - Make Up!"



     The Shadowstalker charged Lyter, its claws extended to rip and tear. Lyter waited until the 
last second before he stepped to his right, swung his shield up and slammed it into the Youma as 
it charged past him. The Youma staggered, then leaped back to avoid the downward swing of the 
battle-ax. Now back on balance, the Youma charged again, claws seeking Lyter's face. The shield 
came up again, and the screeching of the Stalker's claws against its metal surface chilled 
Lyter.

     Several swings of the battle-ax persuaded the Youma to back off again, and it stood there, 
its body swaying slightly as it planned its next attack. Lyter didn't give it the chance, but 
charged the Stalker, the ax a blur of metal in his hand. He managed to slash it across its right 
arm, but not deep enough to cripple it. The Youma dodged to it's left, and slashed at Lyter's 
eyes. Lyter's shield snapped up at the last second, saving him from being blinded, but he had to 
jump back to prevent the Youma from gutting him with the other claw.

     For several seconds they stood there, staring at each other, trying to gauge the strength 
of their opponent. Then, the Shadowstalker feinted several times, trying to measure Lyter's 
reactions. Each time, the Knight was careful not to give the Stalker an opening.

     I must finish this now he thought. No telling how many other Youmas made it into 
this dimension. And Makoto isn't safe here. I have to get back to her

     With a howl of anger, the Stalker charged again, its talons a blur of darkness in the light 
of day. Lyter was forced to give ground, and the Stalker pressed his attack. His bright green 
surcoat was slashed several times, only his armor saving him from several serious wounds.

     With a cry, Lyter struck at the creature's legs, forcing the Stalker to jump back again. As 
it landed a dozen feet away, Lyter heard a voice off to his left cry "Jupiter Supreme Thunder!" 
A massive lighting bolt shot from the trees and into the Stalker. The inhuman scream of the 
Youma grated on Lyter's ears, and the smell of something burning sickened him.

     He glanced to his left, looking for the person who had launched such an attack. A girl 
stood there, hands on hips, wearing an outfit Lyter thought would be indecent at the best of 
times, and this was far from the best of times. She stared at them, in anger.

     She threw her head back, her eyes shining with purpose. "I am Senshi Jupiter, one of the 
protectors of this realm," she announced forcefully. "I want to know why you are here before I 
pummel you into little pieces." 

     The Stalker went to one knee, wisps of smoke and stench floating above it. "I hurt . . . 
Girl hurt me . . . girl will pay..," it muttered, its claw tipped hands opening and closing in 
pain.

     Lyter felt his jaw drop. Senshi Jupiter? Hunin was right - this dimension did have its own 
guardians, and he was looking at his counterpart. But a girl? He blinked twice, the sudden 
appearance of this girl stunning him for a brief instance of time.

     Out of the corner of his eye, He saw the Stalker move, and he spun to meet its charge. But 
the stalker angled away from the Knight, and toward the girl. He snarled a curse, then shouted 
"Lighting Ax Shimmer Radiate!" as he swung the Battle-ax above his head and pointed it at the 
Youma's back. A tight wave of energy shot from the ax head at the Youma. 

     As he did so, the Girl cried "Jupiter Supreme Thunder!" and directed another bolt of 
lightning at the closing Youma.

     Just before the twin impacts struck, the Stalker opened its mouth and spat a glob of green 
slime at the girl. She dove to the side, but the need to direct the lighting bolt had slowed 
her. Some of the slime splashed her arm, neck and face before she made it to safety.

     The Youma's screams were high pitched and full of pain and terror as the two energy blasts 
struck it at the same instance. It stood there, energy coursing through its body, until it 
dissolved like a piece of paper being consumed by fire. Then, the last echoes faded away and 
there was silence in the clearing.

     Lyter ran over to where the girl had fallen, his face showing alarm. The slime the Stalker 
had spit at her at the last moment was poison, very deadly, and very painful. She was still 
lying there from her dive, face down, and when he saw she'd been splashed by the slime, his 
heart skipped a beat.

     He carefully turned her over, and brushed away as much slime as he could, thankful for his 
thick gloves. He went cold as he realized who she was. "Makoto?" he stammered.

     She opened her eyes and smiled weakly at him. "I was never good at getting out of the way. 
What is that stuff?"

     "A venom the Shadowstalkers use. I'm taking to you to some help."

     "All right . . . I feel funny . . . sort of loooooooooo . . . " Her eyes closed and she 
went limp.

     Lyter bit his lip. He had to work fast, and damn Hunin's orders not to bring trouble on 
themselves. He slung his shield and battle-ax over his broad back and picked her up carefully, 
cradling her gently in his arms. He took a deep breath and spoke the emergency portal spell he'd 
first learned as a novice, and felt the spell take hold. 

     To his right, a few feet away, the air shimmered, and a narrow doorway came into being. 
Without hesitating, he stepped through the doorway with Makoto, and vanished. Three seconds 
later, the doorway also vanished, leaving nothing but the slight smell of burnt meat in the air.



     Several miles away, a cloaked figure standing alone on the observation level of the Tokyo 
tower looked in the direction of the small park. A cold smile crossed his lips as he found no 
life signs of the Shadowstalker that he'd left guarding the park. So, that was a portal spell 
he'd felt seconds ago, a spell common to his dimension, but not to this one. 

     He nodded to himself. The Dark Lord was right after all - the Knights, or some of them at 
least, were here. Very well. He hadn't intended to use the Stalker he'd left on guard as bait, 
but it was too late now.

     He turned and snapped out a name to a large patch of shadow near the elevator doors. "Cyr!"

     The observation deck was deserted at this time of the day. Kazarn used a spell on the 
tower's personnel to convince them there had been a small accident on the observation deck. A 
Shadowstalker drifted out of the darkness, and bowed. "Yes, Lord Kazarn?"

     "The Stalker I left at the portal has died. I am convinced a Knight did the deed."

     "I see." Cyr opened and closed its claws rapidly in a sign of impatience. "What is your 
command?"  

     "Send two stalkers to the park. I want to know which Knight did the deed, and I want the 
trail followed to it's source."

     "As you command. And the others?"

     Kazarn's smile grew even colder. "We are going to announce our presence to the people of 
this world. I want you and the other Stalkers to start a wave of destruction through the center 
of this city. That should bring the Knights running."

     "And if it does not?"

     "Then continue the destruction until they do show up." He turned to stare out across the 
view before him.


Chapter 3: Uneasy Alliance


     Revan glanced up in alarm as a portal opened in the corner of the living room, and Lyter 
strode through, carrying a girl in his arms. "Salnon!" He shouted, as he jumped out of his 
chair. "Ayron, trouble!"

     Salnon strode out of the kitchen, trailed by Malan. Ayron stuck his head out of a bedroom 
door, glanced at Lyter and what he carried, then disappeared back into the bedroom. Hunin and 
Munin sat on the back of a chair, watching everything.

     "What happened?" snapped Salnon.

     "Shadowstalker," replied Lyter. He motioned to the unconscious girl in his arms. "She was 
splashed by some of it's venom."

     "Malan, Revan," said Salnon, his voice taking on the commanding tone they were all familiar 
with. "Take the girl into Ayron's room, and assist Ayron. Go with them, Munin." He pointed to 
Lyter. "Change back, then tell me exactly what happened." 

     The two Knights carefully lifted Makoto out of Lyter's arms and carried her gently into the 
bedroom. Munin flew into the bed room after them, and the door closed. Lyter changed back, and 
slumped into a chair. 

     "When I left with Pelen and Nelen earlier, the girl I'd met last night, Makoto Kino, was 
just coming into the building - I guess she'd gone out early, or something."

     "Go on," urged Salnon.

     "I introduced her to the twins, and they left us. Makoto asked about them, and you know how 
I am . . . "

     The raven nodded. "You're a lousy liar. Continue."

     "So, I asked her to come along for a walk."

     Salnon's eyebrow went up. "Oh?"

     Lyter's face reddened slightly. "Not like that. I thought a couple walking in the park 
would be less conspicuous then a single boy."

     "That makes sense," said Hunin.

     "I excused myself and found the portal with no trouble." He shook his head slowly. "But 
after I scanned it, with no results, the Shadowstalker attack me."

     "Did it say anything before it attacked you?" asked the raven, his head cocked to stare at 
Lyter.

     The Knight nodded. "It said `Lord Kazarn was right. Knights are here. Knights will die.'"

     Salnon stood back and tightened his jaw in anger. "Kazarn must have come through the Portal 
after us."

     Hunin nodded. "And it looks like he brought some Youma along to do the dirty work. This is 
not good."

     "We'll worry about that later," said Salnon. "What happen after the Youma attacked you?"

     "We fought for several moments, then this lightning bolt appeared out of nowhere, and fried 
the Shadowstalker. Then this girl appeared and said she was Sailor Jupiter, one of the protec-
tors of this world and she wanted some answers. Her sudden appearance . . . it . . . er . . . 
kinda of caught me off guard."

     "I understand. And the Stalker attacked her?"

     Lyter nodded. "She used another lightning bolt, and I use my Battle-ax's shimmer lightning, 
and between the two attacks, the Youma was torn apart. But the Stalker managed to spit a dose of 
venom at her, and she couldn't get out of the way in time."

     "I see. And then?"

     "I went over to see how she was, and I found the protector. . .was. . . " 

     "Makoto Kino," said Ayron from the doorway of the bedroom, Munin sitting on his right 
shoulder.

     Salnon turned to toward Ayron, before the realization hit him. He spun around to look at 
Lyter. "The girl you were with?"

     Lyter nodded. Salnon closed his eyes and whispered, "The gods of chance in this dimension 
are truly perverse."  

     Ayron stepped into the living room, the raven staying on his shoulder. "Munin recognized 
her from the meeting at the temple," the blue haired knight said slowly.

     Lyter looked up. "How is she?"

     Ayron gazed at Lyter carefully. "If she was a normal female, she would have died before you 
ever stepped through the portal. As it is, she'll need an amount of life energy to save her."

     "That serious?" asked Salnon.

     "Very serious. That venom is fast acting. I've managed to cleanse her system of the poison, 
but it wreaked a lot of havoc internally. I need to -"

     Lyter stood up. "Let's get started," he said slowly. "I will supply the life energy you 
need to save her."

     "Are you sure?" asked Salnon. "You haven't any chance to recover from the battle with the 
Stalker."

     The look Lyter gave his prince would have frozen lava. "It is my fault she's in there now. 
I didn't have to ask her to come along. I should have killed the Stalker before it could attack 
her. I did not, and she will die, unless I help her now."

     Salnon nodded. "Go do what you can to save her, brother," he said quietly, placing his hand 
on the larger man's shoulder. Lyter returned the gesture, and went to the bedroom door.

     "Ayron, do you need Revan and Malan's aid in the healing spell?"

     "No. It is best I do it alone, with only Lyter and the girl present."

     "Send them out here. I have a mission for them and Munin." He motioned to Hunin. "And one 
for you, too."

     The raven flew off the chair back and landed on Salnon's outstretched arm. The prince held 
up a small flat, round crystal. "I want you to find the twins, tell them all that's happened 
since they left, and give them this contact crystal."

     "Is that wise, Prince?" asked Hunin. "If Kazarn is here, he'll pick up the spell threads 
easily enough to track them."

     "He already knows we're here. He must of already picked up the threads from Lyter's portal 
spell. I want communications over stealth right now. If we give Kazarn more then one source of 
spell threads, he'll have to scramble to track them down."

     The raven nodded. "His resources in this dimension are limited."

     "Exactly. If we keep him chasing us, he's less likely to tear this city apart."

     "We cannot do it for long. You know how short Kazarn's temper is." Hunin carefully picked 
up the crystal and flew over to and out the window. 

     Revan and Malan emerged from the bedroom. "Ayron said you had a mission for us," said 
Malan.

     Salnon nodded. "I want you to scout the temple where Munin followed the cats to. It quite 
possible there's another guardian of this dimension living there."

     The raven nodded. "One of those the cats talked to appeared to be a priestess at the 
temple."

     "Do you want us to contact her?" asked Revan.

     "No."

     Revan looked surprised. "Why not?"

      "Because there's too many unknowns right now," replied Salnon, pointing to the bedroom. 
"The largest being the injured girl in there. We already have Kazarn and several Youmas to duel 
with. Do you want to add this dimension's protectors to the list of people wanting our heads?"

     "And what if she dies?" 

     Malan spun to face Revan. "That's cold, even for you."

     "But Revan's right," replied Salnon. "We do have to consider the possibility the girl dies. 
If she lives, I will welcome her as an ally if she chooses to side with us. If not . . . " He 
left the rest unsaid.

     "A cold choice, My Prince," said Malan slowly.

     "I can't remember the last time I had a pleasant decision to make," replied Salnon quietly, 
staring in the direction of the closed bedroom door. "If we can avoid trouble, for now, then I 
will consider ourselves ahead of Kazarn."

     Malan nodded. "We will do our best to avoid trouble."

     "Good. Take Munin with you."

     "And why do we need him?" asked Revan.

     "To keep you from doing something stupid," snapped Munin.

     Revan turned to glare at the raven, but the Knight didn't say anything. Salnon handed Malan 
a contact crystal. "Don't use it unless you have to. This should be a quiet scout around. If you 
can avoid a fight, do so. And that means you especially, Revan. No fighting if it can be 
avoided. Understood?"

     Both Knights nodded, and they clasped arms with Salnon. "Good luck Brothers," the prince 
said, and the two Knights slipped out of the apartment. With several strokes of his powerful 
wings, Munin shot out the open window and into the sky.

     Salnon walked over to the window and stared out into the surrounding neighborhood. He stood 
there for a long time.



Chapter 4: Mars Has A Vision


     Rei looked up from her sweeping for the third time in as many minutes. Besides herself, 
there was maybe half a dozen people in and around the temple. None of them seemed out of place, 
or acting unusual in any way. But she felt something was wrong, and try as she could, she failed 
to find what was troubling her.

     She sighed in irritation, and walked back to the main temple. She needed to make a fire 
reading. That would at least give her something to look for.

     The main temple had only a couple of visitors, regulars that Rei knew wouldn't disturb her 
while she performed a fire reading. She quickly and quietly prepared the firepit, lit it, and 
settled herself in front of it. She relaxed and began the ceremony, chanting slowly and clearly. 
Then, with a cry of "Sacred fires show me the cause of my uneasiness!" she leaned back and 
waited.

     She didn't have long to wait.

     The fire rose higher and brighter, the flames going from the normal red and yellows to the 
white and intense blues of the special fires of readings. Images formed in the flame's depths, 
staying clear for a brief time before changing to show another image. 

     The first image was a castle standing on top of a mountain peak. This was followed by 
several images of medieval knights in armor, each wearing the symbol of a different planet on 
their surcoats. The next several images were of different creatures that Rei knew were Youmas. 
The final image was of a large broadsword. All the images flickered across her senses in rapid 
succession. She blinked twice, then the fires flared up to almost the ceiling before they died 
away.

     Rei sat there, suddenly weary. What have the flames shown me? she thought. It 
didn't make any sense to me. 

     She felt someone approach her, and she stood up and turned. One of the very regular visi-
tors to the temple stood there, Mr. Yamada. He bowed deeply. "Forgive this intrusion, Rei-san," 
he said quietly. "Could I request a prayer for my departed wife?"

     "Of course, Yamada-san," she replied, pushing the images she'd seen in the fire aside, for 
now. She had responsibilities to take care of first.



     Ami, Usagi, and Minako had turned the breakfast stop into a full fledged window-shopping 
event.

     It was Usagi who suggested it first, and seconded by Minako. Ami declined the idea at 
first, saying she wanted to go home and get a head start on the next semester's classes. But, 
after twenty minutes of Usagi's pleading and Minako's gentle prodding, Ami gave in.

     They worked their way up the street, looking at the items in the store's windows. Occasion-
ally, the trio would go inside and browse the store's shelves. They discussed possible future 
gifts for Rei, Makoto, and Mamoru. In short, they had a pleasant morning.

     They stopped for lunch at a small restaurant, and sat at a table near the window. They 
talked and laughed about different things, and forgot being anything but normal teenagers. 

     Minako happened to be looking out the window when she saw something. She frowned in 
puzzlement.

     Ami noticed Minako expression. "What's wrong?" she asked.

     "Nothing."

     Usagi looked up. "What's nothing?"

     Minako motioned with her head. "The two boys across the street."

     The others followed Minako's gaze and saw what she was puzzled about. They were both the 
same heights and build, and they looked alike. They were both dressed in dark pants, white 
shirts, and sky blue windbreakers. One had sea green hair, while the other was a blonde.

     "Twins," said Ami with a shrug.

     "That's what I thought," said Minako. "But I've never seen identical twins with different 
hair color before."

     It was Usagi's turn to shrug. "Maybe one of them dyed his hair, so people could tell them 
apart."

     "But then continue to dress alike?"

     "They look harmless," said Ami. But she opened her small computer and began a quiet scan of 
the boys.

     As they continued to watch the twins, a black bird flew down and landed on the green haired 
boy's shoulder. The boy looked startled for a second, but then relaxed. The other boy continued 
to look around.

     "A raven?" said Usagi. "A pet, maybe?"

     "Like Rei's Phobos and Demos?" replied Minako. "I suppose so. But why let it fly free here 
in the city?"

     The boy put his hand up near the raven's beak. The raven dropped something into the green 
haired boy's hand. Something that glittered before the boy closed his fist over it. With the 
raven still sitting on his shoulder, the green haired boy leaned over and whispered to his 
brother. They then walked around a corner and out of sight.

     "That was odd," said Usagi. "What was that all about?"

     Ami frowned at her computer screen. "I've got some strange reading here. I haven't seen 
anything like them before."

     "How strange?" asked Usagi in a depressed tone of voice.

     "Like . . . " She looked at Usagi and Minako, and frowned. "It's hard to describe."

     "Try us," said Usagi. "But try and keep the words under three syllables."

     Ami sighed. "Every person has an electromagnetic field around them. With me so far?"

     A sweat drop appeared on the back of Usagi's head. "I'm not that stupid," she grumbled.

     "Well, one of the ways I could track members of the Dark Kingdom was by their electro-
magnetic field. Their fields was just different enough so they would stand out when I scanned."

     "And these boys' electromagnetic field are wrong?" asked Minako.

     Ami looked doubtful. "Yes and no. Their electromagnetic fields are not quite human, but 
they're not too far off the norm." 

     "Define `not quite human'," muttered Usagi. "Are they leftovers from the Dark Kingdom, or 
what?"

     "Wherever they came from," replied Ami, still frowning at her computer screen. "It wasn't 
from the Dark Kingdom. But there is a 35 per cent chance that those boys are not from earth, or 
maybe I should say, not from this earth."

     Usagi put her head on the table. "Let me guess," She moaned. "You want us to follow them, 
right?"

     "I think we should. Remember what Luna told us this morning. They could be scouts for 
another invasion, or they could be aliens stranded on this planet. I think we should find out 
now then later."

     "Ami is right," said Minako. "If we find out why they're here, we could stop it before it 
got too big for us to handle."

     Usagi sighed. "I suppose we should follow them."

     "And besides," replied Minako with a smile. "I thought the green haired guy was kinda 
cute." 

     Usagi groaned again.



     The Shadowstalker sniffed the air in the clearing. "Knight was here," it said.

     Cyr had sent both of them to track the murderer of their pack member that Lord Kazarn had 
felt. They had quickly found the clearing where their pack member, Has by name, had died, and 
they started tracking the scents they found in the clearing. What little remained of Has was 
already decaying, and would be dust in a matter of heartbeats.

     The other Shadowstalker nodded in agreement. "The one called Jupiter," it replied. "Can 
smell lighting used in battle."

     The first one, Kir by name, sniffed the air again. "Another has been here."

     "Another?" asked Neh. "Another Knight?"

     Kir shook its head. "Another who wields lightning, like the Knight, but different."

     Neh found the same scent. "And stronger scent. Knights have found allies among the people 
here."

     "Can we track Knight?" asked Kir.

     Neh shook its head. "Knight has spells that hide scent when not in armor. But other scent 
is not hidden. We track that."

     "But Lord Kazarn ordered us to track down Knight."

     Neh gazed at Kir. "We find ally. Ally will lead us to Knight. We still follow orders."

     With that, the pair started up the trail, following the scent trail like a couple of 
shadowy bloodhounds.



Chapter 5: Jupiter's Questions Answered


     Makoto felt herself brush the edge of wakefulness several times, only to be drawn into the 
depths of unconsciousness again. When she felt herself rise again to the surface of conscious-
ness, she fought to break through the barrier, only to start slipping back into the darkness 
again. Desperately, she pulled on her strength, knowing that there was almost nothing left of 
it. But when she touched it, she found more then she expected, more then she dared to hope. It 
wasn't a lot, but with it added to her will, she felt herself rising to the surface again. She 
reached the surface . . . 

     ...And opened her eyes.

     She realized she was in a room somewhere, lying on a bed. The dim lighting was supplied by 
a single lamp at the other end of the room. She turned her head slowly to the right, and saw 
another bed several feet away from hers. Lyter was lying there, apparently asleep.

     "Good, You're awake," said a voice from the foot of the bed. She started to push herself 
up, but a firm pair of hands pushed her down again. "Not yet," the voice said. "Rest for now."

     She shook her head, and tried to speak, but all that she managed to get out was a croak. 
She struggled to sit up again.

     A face appeared above her. A boy with blue hair cut short, with a worried look on his face. 
He sighed. "Just like Lyter," he muttered. "Look, if you promise to say in the bed, I'll allow 
you to sit up and drink some water, all right?"

     She opened her mouth to agree, then closed it, and just nodded. The boy gently lifted her 
upper body up far enough to prop several pillows behind her, then eased her back. "I'll be back 
with the water in a minute," he said soothingly, giving her a quick, but tired smile. He left 
the room in a hurry, leaving Makoto alone. 

     She looked around the room, noting it was an ordinary bedroom. She glanced down at her 
body, noting she was still in her Sailor Jupiter outfit. A rope of some type was tied to her 
right wrist, ran across the distance between the beds, and ended tied around Lyter's left wrist. 
The rope glowed weakly.

     Makoto started thinking. Was she a prisoner? She started to pull her memories into some 
type of order, more for her own piece of mind then anything else. The meeting with Lyter outside 
her apartment building came back to her, then the walk in the park, her following of Lyter to 
the clearing . . . 

     And the fight . . . 

     She remembered Lyter shouting something, followed by a burst of energy the flashed through 
the trees in front of her for an instant, then nothing. She then felt the hair rising on the 
back of her neck, she knew something was wrong. She remembered reaching for her make-up pen and 
transforming. 

     The memories were now firming up, and she now recalled everything. She had stepped into the 
clearing and saw a man in armor, wielding a huge battle ax, fighting a shadowy creature. She 
remembered being surprised at the symbol for Jupiter etched in the middle of the Knight's green 
shield. Reacting quickly, She'd hit the monster with a lightning bolt. The monster turned and 
attacked her, and she'd hit the Youma with another lightning bolt just as the Knight had done 
the same from his own Ax. But as the attacks hit it, it had spit something at her, and she felt 
the slime strike her in the face, neck and shoulder, then the pain . . . 

     She shuddered, remembering the pain. She was still shuddering when the blue haired boy came 
back into the room, a glass of water on a tray. At the sight of her, he looked concerned. "Are 
you all right?" he asked.

     She shook her head. He nodded, put the tray down and back to the door. He spoke to someone 
out in the room, but she couldn't make out what was said. The blue haired boy left the door 
opened and brought the tray over to the side of the bed. With his help, she managed to down half 
the glass in one gulp. She finished the rest of the it slower, then fell back into the pillows. 
"Thank you," she said weakly.

     He smiled. "You're welcome. My name is Ayron. You know Lyter over there." He motioned to 
the other bed, then picked up the rope that tied her and Lyter together. "I think it's safe to 
remove this now," he said in a distracted tone. He mumbled something Makoto couldn't quite 
catch, and both ends of the rope fell away. Ayron picked up the rope and wrapped it up quickly.

     "Who are . . . you?" she asked. "What is . . . happening?"

     Ayron looked at her thoughtfully. "You've been out of it for over an hour. Someone will be 
in to answer your questions shortly. Rest until then." He examined Lyter quickly, nodded to 
himself, smile at her again, and left the room.

     She closed her eyes and allowed herself to rest. She didn't seem to be a prisoner, and if 
she was, she was too weak to escape anyway. Ayron seemed like he was a doctor of some sort, but 
she had no idea what the rope had to do with her condition. 

     She opened her eyes and looked over at Lyter. He was still asleep, his breathing regular. 
She remembered the look of fear and horror on his face as he held her, wiping the slime from her 
face. He had told her that she had been struck by venom from something called a Shadowstalker, 
and he was taking her to get some help. She looked at him carefully, and smiled. He truly was a 
knight in shining armor.

     Her thoughts were interrupted by Ayron, carrying a tray with a small pot and several cups, 
re entering the bedroom. He was followed by another figure. The second figure was hidden in the 
shadows of the room until he sat on the edge of her bed and looked at her. She judged him to be 
about Mamoru's age, slightly shorter then Mamoru, and broad shouldered. He was handsome, with 
blue eyes, and wheat colored, shoulder length hair. He stared at her intently, but calmly.

     "How are you feeling?" he asked.

     "I felt better," she replied with a small smile.

     "Well, considering the state you were in when Lyter brought you here, you should be glad 
you're feeling anything at all."

     "That bad?"

     The man nodded. "We had to transfer some of Lyter's life energy to you to save you."

     She looked over at the still sleeping Lyter. The man smiled at her. "He volunteered. He 
felt badly about what happen in the park."

     "What was he fighting? I'd never seen anything like it." She felt her voice get stronger, 
as her strength started to return.

     "A Shadowstalker. A Youma from my dimension."

     "Your dimension?"

     The man nodded. "Before we go any farther. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Prince Salnon 
Yasadis, Knight Moon, First Knight of the Knight Defenders, and heir to the United Kingdom of 
Solas."

     "The person responsible for saving you." He waved to the blue haired boy behind him. "Is 
Ayron Micas, Knight Mercury. Our healer and Mage."

     He looked at Lyter, and said slowly, "You already know Lyter Zanan, Knight Jupiter." He 
turned to look at her, his face unreadable. "Your counterpart in our dimension."

     She looked at him, seeking some hint of deceit in his face, and finding none. She looked 
over at Lyter again. "Will he be all right?"

     Salnon nodded. "Before you ask, we are not here to cause you or your world trouble of 
grief. We do not come to seek your help in our battles. We are, in effect, passing through your 
dimension on our way to another dimension."

     "Why are you here, then?"

     Salnon's answer was delayed as Ayron handed the prince a steaming cup of tea. He sipped it 
as the blue haired boy sat on the other side of the bed and held a cup of tea for Makoto to sip. 
The tea was sweet and spicy, and it went down easily. Salnon waited until Makoto looked at him 
again before he continued.

     "This is not a short story, or an easy one, so I will tell it all at once, and you can just 
listen. Fair enough?"

     Makoto nodded, and Salnon began. "In our dimension, Solas is the largest and strongest 
kingdom in our world. Unlike your world, We went down the path of magic and never created the 
need for industry or technology."

     "There are ten major noble houses in Solas, nine named after planets in the solar system, 
and one house - mine - named after the moon. The Royal House that holds us together and united 
is House Terra."

     He sipped his tea before continuing. "But enough of the political landscape. About thirteen 
years ago, a hoard of Youmas, lead by renegade Mages, appeared on the borders of our neighboring 
kingdoms, and laid waste to everything in their path. They annihilated any army that opposed 
them, and killed most of those that didn't fight."

     "In desperation, the kingdoms still free of this hoard allied themselves with each other. 
With Solas leading the way, the Youma War began."

     "I won't bore you with details of battles and campaigns. But after seven years, the 
combined armies were pushed back into Solas itself. We were losing the war, with little hope of 
success against such might." 

     "What the Mages had learned about the enemy during that time was the renegade Mages served 
a being of such evil that the Mages gave it the name of Malas. Malas had given the renegades 
such power that our own Mages couldn't stop them."

     He finished the last of his tea, and waited until Makoto has taken some more tea. "In 
desperation, the Mages of Solas turned to ancient books of knowledge to try and create weapons 
that could stop Malas and its Youma hoard. They had limited success, creating only enough 
weapons and armor to outfit a small number of Knights. It was decided that a new order would be 
formed, each great House of Solas sending a champion to represent the House in the Order - The 
Knight Defenders."

     "At the same time, the most powerful Mage in Solas, Narasan, created two swords of great 
power. One was the Sword of the Moon, which I wield in battle. The other Sword, the Sword of the 
Sun, vanished along with Narasan seven years ago. It is the Sword of the Sun we seek, because we 
believe that only both swords, used together, will destroy Malas and his evil power."

     "So why are you here?" asked Makoto.

     "It took our Mages seven years of intense research to find out where Narasan had gone to, 
and another year to determine what part of your world he passed through. So, we are here to find 
out where Narasan went, and follow him to retrieve the Sword of the Sun."

     "And the Shadowstalker?" queried Makoto.

     Salnon looked at Ayron before he continued. "We are sure that we were followed into this 
dimension by one of the Renegade Mages, one of Malas' senior lieutenants, Kazarn. And he must 
have brought a small group of Shadowstalkers with him." 

     He looked at her carefully. "I'm sorry for bringing our war into your world, Kino Makoto," 
he said quietly. "I'm sorry for exposing you to dangers you were not aware of. I'm am relieved 
that you still live. And I ask for your help in convincing you fellow guardians of this world 
that we mean them no harm. We are not your enemy."

     "Am I free to go?"

     Salnon looked at Ayron again, and the blue haired boy nodded before he left the room with 
the tea tray. "Ayron said you can leave. But I think he would recommend that you go straight 
down to your apartment and get some rest in your own bed. If you wish to change back to your 
normal clothes before you depart, I will leave the room. Fair enough?"

     Makoto nodded, and sat up slowly. She waited several seconds to allow her head to clear 
before she slipped out of the bed. She swayed a bit as she stood up, but she waved off an 
offered arm from Salnon. She clung to the small night table next to the bed until her balance 
steadied.

     "Are you sure you want to go through this?" asked Salnon, his face showing his worry.

     Makoto nodded, not trusting herself to speak right then. After several seconds, she felt 
strong enough to stand on her own. "I think," she said slowly. "That I will transform first, if 
that's all right with you." 

     Salnon took a deep breath. "I will depart, as I promised. But I will be just outside the 
door, if you need a hand."

     She waited until the prince had left the room before she changed back. She felt worse, but 
she was still standing. She made it over to the bedroom door in reasonable shape, as long  the 
term "reasonable" was defined loosely. She paused from a second before she open the door, only 
to hear a voice behind her. 

     "Are you that sure you want to leave here?" asked Lyter quietly.

     She turned to face him slowly, letting the wall brace her. "I have to," she replied. "I 
don't know who you are, or if Salnon told me the truth."

     He nodded and slid off the bed. He pulled an item from his pocket and gave it to her. "You 
dropped this when the Stalker's venom struck you."

     She took it from his hand with trembling fingers. "My communicator," she breathed. She 
looked up at Lyter. "Thank you."

     "You're welcome." He looked at her again. "You're going to need help to get to your 
apartment."

     "I can make it," she said. "I just need -"

     She cried out in alarm as Lyter reached out and picked her up. Cradled in his arms, she 
didn't have the strength to fight him. He opened the door and stepped out into the living room, 
Makoto yelling at him to put her down the entire time.

     Both Ayron and Salnon looked amused at Makoto's plight, but neither said nor did anything 
as Lyter carried her out into the apartment, and down the hall to the elevator. Makoto stopped 
yelling when they'd left the apartment, too embarrassed to attract attention. So, she had to 
content herself with muttering dire predictions of what she was going to do to Lyter when she 
felt better.

     Luckily, they met no one on Lyter's floor, the elevator, or Makoto's floor. With bad humor, 
she unlocked the door while he still held her. Once inside her apartment, she started yelling at 
him again, but he ignored her until he gently put her down on her bed and stepped back.

     She glared at him, too tired to do anything else. "Are you done?" she asked angrily.

     To her surprise, he glared back at her. "I will be outside this door for a while," he said 
with a growl. "And I will stay here until you are asleep. So, get some rest!" He stormed out,
careful not to slam the door behind him. 

     Part of her wanted to use the communicator to call her friends, but she felt too weary to 
try. She tried to sit up, but even that was too much for her. Her eyes became heavy, and she 
dimly wondered if maybe the tea had been drugged.

     She stared at the door until sleep claimed her shortly afterwards.



     "More tea?" asked Setsuna.

     Savar shook his head. "No thank you."

     She leaned back and stared at her guest. Her role as Guardian of Time left her isolated 
from the other Senshi most of the time. It was a lonely job, but she had gotten use to the 
isolation. Or at least she thought she had.

     But here was a person who did the same thing as she did, abet in an another dimension. In 
the short time they had been together she had felt herself become...comfortable with him. Not 
anything deep or profound, no love at first sight or anything like that. Just the forming of a 
bond between them that only someone like themselves could understand.

     "I agree," he said with a smile.

     "Pardon?"

     He put his teacup down and stared at her. "I can see it in your face. We are more alike 
then I hoped, or I feared when we entered this dimension. My brother Knights do not understand 
my role in my world, as your sister Senshi do not understand yours."

     "Not here and now they don't," replied Setsuna. "They will know in time."

     "As will my Brothers," said Savar, smiling.

     "We can discuss the problems that we have with our `siblings' later," said Setsuna. "I need 
more information before I can decide to help you. You explained about Narasan disappearing with 
the Sword of the Sun. How did this happen?"

     Savar took a deep breath. "Narasan was probably the greatest Mage Solas ever had known. It 
was he who led the Mages in the reforging of the armor and weapons of the Knight Defenders."

     "He gave himself the task of creating the most powerful weapons. Over a period of twenty 
days and nights, he personally forged two magnificent swords, infusing them with such power..." 
He trailed off, and looked at his teacup for a second.

     The passion in his voice made something click in Setsuna's mind. "You watch the Mage create 
those swords, didn't you?"

     Savar nodded. "I was Narasan's apprentice for five years before the Youma attacked. I was 
the only one who watched him create the Swords of the Sun and Moon. I saw him work for hours 
infusing the Swords with strong magic, and . . . " He trailed off again, this time in thought.

     "What is it?"

     He looked puzzled. "As I tell you the story, I can see him working at the forge, the 
expression on his face as he worked binding the magic to the blades of the weapons. He wasn't a 
man easily frightened, but now I remember seeing him looking scared for most of the Swords' 
creation."

     "Maybe he was terrified of the Youma?"

     "Of Youma?" He shook his head. "Not him. No Youma would come willingly within his reach, 
and those that did tried to attack him never lived long enough to realize their mistake."

     "Malas, maybe?"

     Savar thought for a minute, then stared at her, nodding slowly. "He might have been. I had 
never thought about it before."

     "What about the Swords?"

     "I remember that after he finished the Swords, he ordered me to get some sleep. I refused, 
telling him that he needed the rest more then I do. He looked at me, and said `After this, I 
will never rest. I have something that only I can do. Leave me.' I remember now he looked tired 
and fearful, and I thought it was the effort he'd put into the creation of the Swords."

     "When I awoke, I found that he had disappeared from the magic chamber, taking the Sword of 
the Sun with him. What he left me was the Sword of the Moon, and a note." He reached into an 
inside coat pocket and handed Setsuna a rolled-up parchment.

     She took it gently and unrolled it. It was a letter, written in a neat, precise hand. She 
frowned as she scanned the note before she looked up at him. "I can't read it."

     "My mistake." Savar uttered a harsh sounding word, and the letters took on a blue haze. 
When the haze faded, Setsuna found the words made sense.


          Savar,

          I sorry, but I cannot stay any longer. I thought I could fight it, but I 
	now know I cannot. To stay any longer would increase the danger that I would 
	succumb to Malas and his influence. To prevent his ultimate victory, I have 
	taken the Sword of the Sun with me, leaving the Sword of the Moon for the 
	defense of Solas. 

          Until the prophecy is fulfilled, the Sword of the Sun is useless. When the 
	time arises, you will need your special abilities to find me. In the meantime, 
	do not think harshly of me - I wanted to stay and fight, but I found myself 
	drawn to the darkness that is Malas. I could not let that happen.

			                              Narasan




     "It took us several days to discovered he has used a dimensional portal," said Savar. "But 
we didn't know where he had gone. While the Youma fought our armies, All those Mages and 
apprentices who could be spared worked feverishly to discover where he had gone. We finally 
tracked his trail to this dimension, but lost him again."

     Setsuna looked up at Savar. "He didn't stay here?"

     "He used this dimension as a stepping stone to another."

     "And there are several dimensional portals in the area."

     "More then several. That's why we're here, scanning each portal for the Mage's trail."
     
     Setsuna glanced down at the parchment. "What prophecy is he talking about?" she asked, 
folding the parchment and handing it back to Savar. He put it back into his pocket.

     "It was found ten years ago in a forgotten tome in a library. It states that two of the 
House of the Moon must unite the Sun and Moon to vanquish an encroaching darkness. One of the 
royal male bloodline, one of the royal female bloodline, and two Swords."

     "What's the problem? It seems clear enough. You need a Prince and Princess from the House 
of the Moon and the two swords."

     Savar frowned. "There hasn't been a princess born into the House of the Moon in two hundred 
years."

     "Oh. So, why are you after the sword anyway?"

     Savar stood up and walked over to the balcony. He stared out into the city. "Because we are 
desperate. We are on the brink of darkness, and we are clutching at straws." He was silent for a 
minute. "Before I came across, I followed the time stream of my dimension, as it now flows, to 
the future. I found nothing there but darkness and death. I will have nothing left to guard 
should Malas win."

     "Did you tell the other Knights?"

     "That I found their bones in the ruins of the last citadel?" He shook his head sadly. "I 
cannot, and will not. Their hope is fragile. Some of them feel we are on a fool's errand. I will 
do nothing to break their hope."
  
     Setsuna stood up. She couldn't stand by and let this happen. "I will help you in your 
quest."

     "Thank you." He turned slowly. "I will leave and inform my brothers that we have an ally in 
this dimension." 

     Setsuna let him out, then turned and walked into the center of the living room. She needed 
to examine the time stream at the time when the Mage came through the portal, find him, and 
track him to the next portal he used. It would also be an opportunity to find the truth of 
Savar's words to her own satisfaction. He didn't lie to her, she was certain of that, but she 
needed to know the facts first hand.

     No time like the present. She changed into Sailor Pluto, opened a portal into the time 
stream, and stepped through. The portal closed, and the room was empty and quiet.     


Chapter 6: Two Mars Collide


 
     "Very nice," said Malan as he climbed the stairs leading to the shrine.

     "If you say so," huffed Revan. He stopped to stare into the sky. "Do you see Munin 
anywhere?"

     "Hard to tell," replied Malan. "There's a lot of ravens around this temple."

     "So, what do you think of the girl Lyter brought through the portal?" 

     Malan shrugged. "Like I said to Lyter, She seems to suit him."

     They reached the top of the stars and stared at the shrine before them. There wasn't anyone 
around the shrine. Save for a few birds singing, there was no sound in the warm midday air. A 
raven landed near them and began to peck at the ground.

     "Munin?" asked Malan carefully, not looking directly at the raven.

     "Yes," replied the raven out of the corner of his beak.

     "Anything we should know about before we go in?"

     The raven continued to stab at the dirt. "There's only three people on the shrine's grounds 
right now. Two are visitors, inside the main shine itself. The other is the priestess who's part 
of the group Lyter's houseguest belongs to."

     "Anything else?"

     The raven looked at him. "Be careful. Something's wrong here, but I don't know what."

     "Understood," replied Malan.

     Revan smiled. "Good. I hate sneaking around. I want a battle."

     "I'll be in the air, in case Kazarn decides to make a personal visit." With that, the raven 
launched himself into the air. Both Revan and Malan watched the raven until Munin circled lazily 
above the shrine.

     "Ready for any trouble, brother?" asked Malan carefully.

     Revan's smile turned into a huge grin. "I'm always ready for trouble."

     "I know," murmured Malan sadly, as they started to walk toward the shrine. "That's what 
scares me."



     Neither of the Knights saw the two Shadowstalkers in the woods nearby. They stayed in the 
deepest shadows, invisible to everyone. They had trail the Knight's ally to the shrine before 
they lost the trail in the confusion of several hundred other scents. Now they sat in the deep 
shade of the trees, watching the shrine. 

     Neh gazed at Kir. "What now?"

     Kir replied. "We look for ally of Knights here."

     "How do we find ally?"

     "We find one who attends to the shrine, and ask them."

     "And if they do not know?"

     Kir's smile was wide and showed all its razor sharp teeth. He held up a claw and wriggled 
the fingers. "Then we consult their entrails."



     Rei's feelings of something being wrong grew more pronounced as the morning turned into 
afternoon. And while the feeling grew, she still had no idea what was causing it.

     She was standing at the doorway to the shrine, quietly talking to Mr. and Mrs. Zuikaku, who 
were long time visitors to the shrine. She saw two more visitors reach the top of the stairs, 
and sighed to herself. She hoped she would have some time alone to think about what the fire 
showed her. 

     "Are you all right, dear?" asked Mrs. Zuikaku suddenly. "You look pale."

     Rei was startled. She gave the elderly woman what she hoped was a warm smile. "I'm just 
worry about my Grandfather, that's all."

     "He's attending a retreat, isn't he?" asked Mr. Zuikaku.

     Rei nodded. "He'll be back by the weekend, but I worry about him."

     "Of course dear," replied Mrs. Zuikaku. She tapped her husband on the arm. "Come, Keio. We 
had better go. Good-bye, Rei-san."

     "Good-bye."

     She watched them walk away and she sighed. She looked for the two new visitors, and saw 
them standing in the courtyard, talking to each other. They were maybe about her age, dressed 
causally, but nicely. One was a yellow haired boy, while the other was a dark hair boy slightly 
shorter then the other.

     She nodded to herself as she stepped inside the shrine's doorway. She would have to keep an 
eye on them, just to make sure they weren't going to try and vandalize the shrine.

     She was so intent on watching the two figures out in the courtyard, she never heard the two 
Shadowstalkers emerge from the darkness behind her. Before she could cry out, a claw covered her 
mouth and hands drug her clear of the door.



     Revan glanced up in time to spot the diving raven. Munin pulled up just short of the 
ground, and flew at them. He passed between the two boys, and both heard the raven cry out, 
"Shadowstalkers in the shrine!"   

     Both boys pulled out their amulets and transformed into Knights. Without a word, they 
dashed for the shrine.



     Rei found herself helpless in the grip of whatever had captured her. She knew there were at 
least two of them, but she couldn't see them in the darkness of the shrine. She could smell them 
though, a dry desiccated smell that threatened to gag her. She struggled weakly in their grip, 
unable to scream because of the claw holding her jaw shut in an iron grip.

     The were five meters from the doorway when Rei heard someone run up the stairs leading to 
the doorway. She saw someone enter the shrine, and her eyes widen. It has to be one of the 
boys from in the courtyard, she thought in horror. Whoever had her, they weren't human, and 
probably killers too. She responded by increasing her struggles to break free, shout a warning, 
ANYTHING. But she remained firmly in her captor's grip.

     "Hey!" someone shouted. "Stalker breath!"

     She heard her captors hiss in anger, the figure in the doorway turned, and Rei blinked 
hard. Was that a shield the figure was carrying? And was he wearing armor?

     "Mars Firesnap!" thundered a voice. The dim light in the shrine suddenly exploded into red 
and yellow brilliance, accompanied by a loud noise like a sonic boom. Rei was slightly aware 
that she'd been released, but wasn't cognizant of being dropped until she hit the floor hard. 

     Stunned by the combination of bright light, loud noise and slamming hard into the floor, 
Rei was slow to recover. All she could see was gold and orange light dancing across her vision. 
Though her ears rang, she could hear sounds of fighting, but it seemed distant and hollow to 
her.

     After what seemed like an eternity, Rei managed to get on her hands and knees. Her head 
hurt, and she felt lousy, but at least her hearing and sight were beginning to steady. She 
gritted her teeth and stood up. She wobbled, but after several more seconds, her balance became 
more firm.

     She was angry now. Angry at whoever had grab her, enraged at the idiot who had used such a 
spell as a 'Mars Firesnap' inside HER shrine, and furious at those who were fighting on a site 
devoted to peace. She reached for her make-up pen.



     Venus brought up his bow again, the arrow notched and ready to fly. And again, the 
Shadowstalker closed in on Mars, making a shot impossible. His face a hard mask, Venus moved to 
another position for a better shot.

     It had begun better then he'd hoped. Mars' Firesnap had enraged the Stalkers to the point 
of carelessness. Instead of retreating, the Stalkers had charged out of the shrine after Mars. 
Mars had jumped down to the courtyard and yelled at them as they barreled out of the shrine.

     "Come and get me, uglies!" screamed the red surcoated Knight, waving his war hammer and 
shield like a madman. Venus stood at the far end of the courtyard, bow ready.

     "I've got the one on the right!" yelled Mars. He ran to his right just as the two stalkers 
launched themselves off the top of the shrine's stairs.

     "That means I have the one on the left," Venus murmured, tracking the target. "Venus Light 
Arrow Storm!"

     He released, and the arrow shot from the bow. Three feet from the bow, the arrow shimmered 
and split in two, equally sized arrow-shaped lengths of light. Three more feet, and the two 
became four, then eight, then sixteen. By the time it reached the Stalker, it was a swarm of 
arrows sufficient to take out a fair sized group of Youma.

      Unfortunately for the Shadowstalker, it was the only target. The swarm punched through the 
Youma's body like hail through a glass window, killing it instantly. It managed only one step 
before it fell over, but Venus was already tracking the other Shadowstalker.

     But the other Stalker, either smarter or more fearful then his dead comrade, kept the fight 
close to Mars. Venus could only watch in frustration as the Stalker would back off long enough 
and far enough to gather up for another attack, than attack Mars before Venus could shoot.

     He wasn't having an easy time with Mars, though. The war hammer had inflicted severe 
injuries, and the Stalker was beginning to show the effects. Still, it continued to attack with 
complete abandon, forcing Mars onto the defensive.

     Suddenly, the Stalker dove at Mars' legs. In reflex, Mars dropped his shield low and 
stepped back. But the Youma's hands slapped the stone, turning the dive into a handspring. Two 
large clawed feet passed over the top of the shield, and struck the Knight hard in the chest.

     With a groan of pain, Mars flew back, struck the ground, bounced, then skidded to a stop 
ten meters away. In the meantime, the Stalker had recover long enough to spit a glob of venom at 
Venus. Forced to move unexpectedly to avoid the poisonous attack, Venus dropped the arrow. 
Seizing its chance, the Stalker made a leap for the injured Knight.

     Unexpectedly, someone shouted "Fire Soul!" A trail of fire shot from the doorway of the 
shrine and struck the Stalker in mid-leap. It screamed as the fire covered it, and it fell to 
the ground, seeking to roll over and put out the flames.

     Venus snatched another arrow from his quiver, aimed carefully, muttered "Light Arrow 
Disintegrate," and fired. The arrow struck the Stalker in the head and went deep. The entire 
body of the Stalker glowed for a second with an intense light before the body dissolved away 
into wisps of smoke that climbed into the air and slowly dissipated.

     Venus dashed over to Mars, slinging the bow over a shoulder as he ran. He saw Mars moving 
slowly, and even at this distance, he heard the red surcoated Knight cursing loudly. He reached 
Mars, and knelt beside him. "Are you all right?"

     Mars looked at him, his face a mix of fury and pain. "No, I'm not all right," he snapped. 
"My chest hurt, my head is spinning, and my pride is suffering. What happened to the other 
Stalker?"

     "All right, you two," said a female voice from behind Venus. A VERY angry female voice, 
Venus noted, and getting angrier. "You got two seconds to start explaining what just happened 
here, or I'm going to do the same thing to you I did to that...creature!"

     Venus turned slowly to look at the girl yelling at them. She was slighter shorter then him, 
with long dark hair flowing down her back. Her pretty features were currently contorted in fury, 
and she stood there, hands on hips, staring at them. Venus's eyes widen slightly when he 
realized that this girl wore the same type of uniform Makoto had when Lyter had brought her 
through the portal.

     The girl stared at Venus. "I'm waiting for an answer," she yelled.

     Venus stood slowly, removed his helmet, and bowed deeply to her. "My name is Malan Ansar, 
Knight Venus of the Knight Defenders. My friend here." He motioned to Revan, who had now managed 
to sit up. "Is Revan Hanser, Knight Mars of the Knight Defenders. We are -"

     The girl had lost interest in Malan, and had turned her attention, and fury, on Revan. 
"You're the one!" she yelled, kneeling beside Revan, and grabbing the Knight surcoat with both 
hands. "You're the idiot that nearly killed me!"

     Revan looked at her in puzzlement. "I didn't try to -"

     "That `Mars Firesnap' you used in the temple nearly killed me!" The girl had pulled Revan 
close until they were nose to nose.

     Malan saw that familiar gleam of anger in Revan's eye, and stepped back. He didn't have 
long to wait for the explosion.

     "Well," Revan said, his words low and menacing in tone. "At least you can say is thank 
you."

     "Thank you!" the girl yelled. "For trying to kill me?"

     "For saving your life!"

     "You have a funny way of saving people's lives, you rusty lowlife!"

     "I should have let the Shadowstalkers skin you alive!"

     "And I should roast you in that tin suit!"

     The screaming match continued for several more minutes until Munin landed on Malan's 
shoulder and cleared his throat. The girl glared up at Malan, assuming that it had been he who'd 
cleared his throat. 

     "What?" she snapped.

     "Are you finished your outburst?" asked the raven calmly.

     "What?" she asked, less certain then before.

     "If you're finished yelling at Revan, why don't you let him up?"

     "A talking raven?" she asked uncertainly.

     Munin looked at her. "You have conversations with two talking cats. Why not a talking 
raven?"

     She stood up, her face puzzled. "Who are you?"

     Munin looked at Malan. "You didn't introduce yourself?"

     "I did," replied Malan. "I introduced both of us. But once she found out who Revan was, she 
went after him."

     "Oh. What reason?"

     "Because when he used his Firesnap spell to spook the stalkers, it went off too close to 
her."

     "Oh." The raven looked at the girl again. "Are you all right?"

     She nodded slowly. "I suppose so." She glared at Revan. "No thanks to him."

     "Why you ungrateful -"

     "Enough, Revan," said Munin sharply. "The lady does have some justified anger against you. 
I think it best you apologize to her, here and now."

     "All right," muttered Revan. He stood up slowly, removed his helmet, and bowed to her. "I 
ask your forgiveness Lady, in the matter regarding the use of my Firesnap spell."

     "So why did you do it?" The girl looked at him, her anger fading.

     "I reacted the way I did, because my comrade and I wanted to lure the Shadowstalkers out-
side, and away from the shrine. I did not realize they held you captive until I released the 
spell."

     "A fair explanation," said Munin. He looked at the girl. "My Lady, I've know Revan for many 
years. He has his faults, but they don't include lying. If he says it was an accident, then 
that's what it was."

     "I'll accept on one condition," the girl said.

     "And what is that?"

     "That you tell me what's going on."

     The raven sighed. "I think it best to talk inside. This could take some time."


Chapter 7: Necessary Alliance


     It took Ami, Usagi, and Minako ten minutes to find the twins. They wouldn't have found them 
at all had not Ami used her computer to track them. Minako spotted them first, the green hair 
and the raven sitting on his shoulder giving them away. They were halfway down the block, 
walking along unhurried.

     After a hurried conversation, Minako crossed the street to pace them, while Ami and Usagi 
continued to trail behind them. If the twins noticed the new shadows, they didn't show any 
response. They continued to walk down the street, not stopping to look in store windows, or do 
anything else to slow them.

     They continued to follow the boys far another half hour. Usagi was becoming bored, and 
glared at Ami, who was still glancing down at her computer. "How long are we going to follow 
them?" Usagi hissed.

     "Until we find out what they're doing here," Ami replied in a distracted tone.

     "Has it ever occurred to you that you might be wrong, and we wasted the last forty-five 
minutes following a pair of boys who just happened to have strange electromagwhatsit?"

     "Electromagnetic fields," said Ami automatically. "And yes, that thought has occurred to 
me."

     "So?"

     "So what?" 

     "So, maybe -"

     An explosion interrupted Usagi's complaints. A long rolling explosion that sounded like 
thunder. Usagi's face went slack as she watched the smoke from several blocks ahead. "I've got a 
bad feeling about this," she muttered.

     Both their communicators beeped for attention. Despite holding her computer, Ami answered 
first. Usagi was still trying to see the cause of the explosion. 

     Minako's voice was distant and hard to hear over the static. "Di . . . ou see . .at? 
S....dn't we .o and inv . . . iga..?"

     Ami looked up in alarm, the thought that Minako had gotten out of communicator range 
foremost in her mind. She felt relief when she saw her friend half a block down and across the 
street from her. 

     She saw Minako try again, but this time her words were even less understandable. "C.. you 
h. . . . e? Th..e's s..et...g g..ng on .p t.. blo.. ..om us!"

     Ami saw the blonde look up from her communicator at them, and she replied by pointing to 
her ear and shaking her head. Minako nodded in understanding and put her communicator away.

     The three met at the next intersection. Usagi and Ami waited until Minako crossed the 
street to join them. "Didn't you guys hear me?" she asked in puzzlement.

     "Not well," replied Ami. "Despite the short distance between us, something was making it 
difficult to hear you. You kept breaking up."

     "Did you see what's going on up there?" asked Usagi. 

     Another explosion, just like the first, interrupted Minako's answer. They saw people moving 
quickly away from the explosions, a mix of fear and uncertainty on their faces. A police car 
pulled to a stop not from form the girls and the two police officer got out and began directing 
traffic away from the explosions.

     Minako shook her head. "I couldn't see much of anything, but there's something going on up 
there." 

     "Did you see the twins anywhere?" asked Usagi. "We lost them in the crowd."

     "They ducked into an alley about a block ahead when the first explosion occurred."

     A large group of people forced the trio of girls back the way they'd come. Seeing an alley, 
Ami pulled her friends into it. The three of them stood there, watching the large number of 
people stream past them. They moved further into the alley, and crouched behind a large trash 
dumpster.

     Ami typed furiously into her computer. After several seconds, she nodded, and looked up at 
the others. "I'm picking up unusual readings from the area where the explosions came from."

     "Define `unusual readings'" said Usagi, looking uncertain.

     "If the Dark Kingdom was still around, I'd say there were several Youmas in this area," 
replied Ami, reading from her monitor. "But the readings aren't quite right."

     "We'd better go look," said Minako. "Maybe it's a last gasp from some of Beryl's Youmas 
that managed to escape the destruction of the Dark Kingdom."

     Usagi nodded. "I think we should investigate, but as the Sailor Senshi."

     "I agree," replied Ami. "But how are we going to get there?"

     Minako went to the mouth of the alley and glanced down the street in the direction of the 
explosions. After several seconds she returned. "We can't go that way," she said. "Not only are 
there two police cars in the intersection, but there's also an Self Defense Force APC and at 
least a dozen soldiers standing there."

     "Ami," said Usagi. "Can you find a way of getting us through the police lines?"

     "I think I can." Ami typed several commands into her computer, and stared at it for several 
seconds. "Got it. We'll have to stick to the alleys, but we can slip through with no problems. 
Follow me."

     Led by the blue haired girl, the three of them jogged deeper into the alley.



     "Makoto?"

     Makoto opened her eyes slowly, blinked twice, and Rei's face became clearer. "Rei?"

     Rei's face brightened, and she sat on the bed next to her friend. "Are you all right?"

     Makoto pushed herself onto her elbows. "I think so. What time is it?"

     "After three o'clock."

     Makoto sat up, and wiped the sleep from her eyes. "How did you get in? I was sure . . . "

     The bedroom door opened and Ayron entered, carrying a tray with a teapot and cups. He 
beamed as he saw the pair of them. "Good, you're awake. How do you feel?"

     "Never felt better, Ayron." Makoto stared at the blue haired boy. "Where's Lyter?"

     "Still out there. He will not move unless there is trouble." Ayron placed the tray down on 
a bureau and picked up the teapot. "Would you care for some tea? I just made it."

     "That isn't the tea you gave me before," Makoto asked suspiciously. "Is it?"

     "Not unless there's something wrong with your own tea," he replied, with a smile. He turned 
to Rei. "What happened at the shrine? Revan won't say, and Malan's talking to Salnon."

     "What happened at the Shrine?" asked Makoto quickly. "Are you all right?"

     Rei nodded, and looked at Ayron. "Two Shadowstalkers attacked the shrine."

     The smile left Ayron face, and he became grim. "That is not good."

     "Especially with the idiot Mars - I mean, Revan, using a spell inside the shrine."

     "Mars Firesnap, right?"

     "Yes."

     "He didn't hurt you, did he?"

     Rei hesitated. "Compared what the Shadowstalkers would have done to me, no."

     "That's good. Revan's a bit excitable, and has a tendency to throw himself into battle 
without thought of his actions."

     "I noticed," replied Rei darkly. "Which Knight are you?"

     Ayron straightened and bowed formally. "Knight Mercury, at your service."

     "Ami's counterpart," murmured Rei. "It fits."

     "Excuse me?" asked Makoto, but Rei ignored her.

     "And the big guy out in the living room is Knight Jupiter, right?"

     "You are right. But how could you tell?"

     "Rei, what's going on?"

     Rei turned to look at her friend. "Don't you see?" she said carefully. "Doesn't Ayron 
remind you of Ami in some ways? Or Lyter remind you of yourself? These people are more then just 
guardians from another world - in some ways, they're our . . . " She groped for the right word. 
"I guess you would call them our counterparts." 

     Makoto thought for a minute, then nodded slowly. "That makes sense." She looked at Rei. 
"Who's your counterpart?"

     Rei grimaced. "That armor-plated idiot, Revan."   
     
     Ayron chuckled, and Rei fixed him with one of her glares. "I don't see anything funny, blue 
hair."

     "Forgive me, I was not laughing at you, but at the description of Revan. I've know him for 
several years, and I've never heard him called an armor plated idiot before. Hot headed, 
reckless, irritating, and aggravating he has been called many times, but never an idiot."

     "It's about time someone told him," replied Rei.

     "It's true Revan can be a...burden at times, but there are none of us who will question his 
bravery or loyalty to our cause."
     
     Makoto sat up, a sudden thought sending a ripple of fear through her. "Have you tried to 
contact the other Senshi?" she asked Rei.
 
    "No." A sudden flash of worry crossed her features. She pulled out her communicator and 
tried to contact the others. She looked up, her face tense. "There's some type of interference."


     "Can you find the source of the disturbance?"

     "Who did I look like," snapped Rei, "Mr Spock?" She made adjustments on her communicator, 
and shook her head. "All I can tell is the interference is covering a three-block area of 
downtown."

     "Wait," said Ayron, pulling a crystal out of a pocket. "I might be able to help." He cupped 
the round, flat crystal and stared at it. Rei felt the room become cold, as if the heat was 
being sucked into the now glowing crystal. Around the edges of the blue glow, She could see 
flecks of red swirling around like leaves caught in a wind.

     Ayron relaxed and the crystal dimmed, then stopped glowing altogether. "Kazarn has thrown 
up an elemental disturbance - that's why your communicators will not work." 

     "You don't suppose . . . "

     "That the Shadowstalkers might be attacking your fellow guardians?" said Ayron quickly. "A 
very possible occurrence. It would be the type of thing he would do to draw us out." He turned 
to the bedroom door and shouted, "Lyter!"

     The big man filled the doorway. "What?"

     "Get Salnon, and tell him that Kazarn has used a spell in the middle of the city, and he 
might be going after this world's guardians."

     The big man vanished from the doorway, and all three of them heard the front door fly open, 
then close with a loud thud. Makoto scrambled out of bed and started out the door. Ayron grabbed 
her by the arm. "Where are you going?"

     "My friends could be in trouble!"

     "Which is why you must wait until we are together. We know Kazarn, how he thinks. If we 
arrive without a plan, we would be playing into his hands."

     "But my friends . . . "

     A brief flash of light interrupted her. An armored knight wearing a dark blue surcoat stood 
in the doorway, a halberd in his hands. His violet eyes were narrow, and his face was grim. The 
symbol for Pluto was etched in bronze on the surcoat, and both Rei and Makoto knew this was not 
a man to argue with.

     "Ayron, what has happened?" he asked, his voice commanding.

     The blue haired boy laid out the day's events in short, precise sentences. The Knight 
nodded, and when Ayron finished, Pluto turned to Makoto and Rei. "Ayron is right. We must fight 
together to defeat Kazarn. I do not know who you have defended your world against in the past, 
but I doubt they rival a renegade Mage such as Kazarn."

     "We've fought Mages before," said Makoto angrily. "And defeated them."

     Pluto gazed at her and Rei for several seconds before he nodded and said, "You speak the 
truth, Guardian. But be careful of this one. He has no interest in this world right now for 
anything more then a convenient battlefield to fight us on."

     Makoto's front door abruptly open, and Salnon dashed in, followed closely by Malan, Revan, 
and Lyter. Lyter closed the door behind him and stay near it, fidgeting with his amulet.

     "Savar?" asked Salnon, his face tense and tight. "Did you have success in your mission?"

     Pluto nodded. "She comes even now to help us, my Prince."

     A portal opened up near the far wall, and Sailor Pluto stepped through. "What has 
happened?" she asked, her eyes narrow and her face showing signs of anger.

     "A threat to the timeline you guard," replied Knight Pluto. "Kazarn is moving against those 
Senshi who are not here, even as we speak."

     "Then we must go to them."
     
     The Knight nodded. "We have an idea where they are, but we need you to open the portal in 
the time local time-space continuum."

     "Should we transform first?" asked Revan.

     "Not until we are certain what is going on," replied Salnon. "I want an idea of what's 
happening before we charge into battle."

     "What about the twins?" asked Lyter. "Should we not contact them?"

     "They are near the disturbance Kazarn created," replied Ayron. "They know what to do."

     "We go now," said Sailor Pluto. She lifted her staff, and the ball on the staff began to 
glow. In the far corner of the room, a gentle blue haze appeared.

     "Let's go," said Salnon, striding toward the haze. He walked through the haze and 
disappeared. Ayron, Revan, Lyter and Malan followed, and they too disappeared into the haze. 

     Knight Pluto bowed to Makoto and Rei. "Ladies first."

     Makoto looked at Rei. "Are you ready?"

     The dark-haired girl nodded. "Let's go."

     After the two Senshi had gone through the portal, Knight Pluto held out an arm to his 
counterpart. "My Lady?" He said in a formal tone. "May I escort you through?"

     She stared at him for a moment, then with a nod, she reached out and took his arm. They 
walked into the haze and disappeared. Then the haze itself faded slowly from sight, the room 
empty and silent.  

Chapter 8: Shadowstalker's Rampage


     Mamoru looked up from the book he was reading, a flash of fear crossing his mind. Without 
thinking about it, he closed the book, gathering his things, and quickly left the University 
library. Once outside, he turned slowly, trying to gauge a direction where the fear felt 
strongest. He stopped when he was facing toward the downtown section. He could hear distant 
sirens.

     He broke into a run for his motorcycle, which was parked nearby. Stopping only long enough 
to put on his helmet, he kick started the motorcycle, and roared off in the direction of where 
he knew Usagi was in serious trouble. Hold on, Usagi. I am on my way. 



     Usagi screamed and ducked the Shadowstalker's slash. She heard the screech of the stalker's 
claws cutting into the wall behind her, and was pelted with small chunks of stone. She turned 
and ran, trying to put some distance between her and the Youma. As she ran, her mind flashed 
over the last ten minutes.

     It hadn't been a good ten minutes. Still led by Ami, the three Senshi had managed to elude 
the police roadblocks. From the shelter of an alley, the three peered out into the street. the 
sight that met them chilled them.

     This section of the city looked like a war zone. All the store windows were broken, the 
contents of their displays scattered along the sidewalk with the broken glass. Several cars had 
been tipped over, and a couple of them were burning. Lampposts and traffic lights were twisted 
and bent out of their normal shape. A pail of smoke hung heavily in the air. The only sounds 
were the crackling of fire and the distant sounds of sirens.

     "I don't like this," said Usagi nervously.

     Minako nodded. "Neither do I. Ami, what does your computer say?"

     Ami looked up. "There's something here," she said slowly.

     "Youma?" asked Minako.

     Ami nodded. "The readings are still off, but they're definitely Youma."

     "How many?"

     "I can't tell. There's too much interference."
 
     "We'd better transform first."

     "Are You sure about those readings, Ami?" asked Usagi, who was slowly going from being 
nervous to outright panic. "I mean, you say the readings are off, right? Maybe there's something 
wrong with your computer."

     Ami touched several keys on her computer, waited for the results, then shook her head. "The 
diagnostics program shows that my computer is running at one 100 percent efficiency."

     "Oh," replied Usagi, a sweat drop forming on the back of her head. "I suppose we should 
transform and see what's going on."

     "I knew you'd see it my way," said Minako brightly. "Shall we?"

     "Mercury Power - Make Up!"

     "Venus Power - Make Up!"

     "Moon Power - Make Up!"

     Their transformations complete, the three sailor Senshi stepped out into the street, ready 
for action. Silence greeted them.

     "All right," said Sailor Moon, still not completely happy. "Where are those Youma now?"

     Ami's visor had formed into place over her eyes. "Three hundred meters in front of us."

     Suddenly, a car exploded a hundred meters in front of them. The three sailors flinched, but 
none of the wreckage came close to hitting them. A figure wearing a long black cloak emerged 
from the smoke and stood close to where the car was burning furiously.

     "Is this the best this world has to offer for defenders?" the figure yelled in a loud clear 
male voice that carried a trace of amusement. "A trio of young girls?"

     Sailor Moon stepped forward. "I am Sailor Moon, defender of this world. Your have caused 
enough destruction, Youma. In the name of the moon, I will punish you!"

     The figure chuckled, the sound cold and and hard. "I am Kazarn, and I'm no Youma." With a 
sweep of his hand, three shadows leapt out of the smoke, and landed in front of him. "My pets, 
however are Youmas, Shadowstalkers to be exact, and I'm sure they will be more then willing to 
entertain you." 

     The three Shadowstalkers leapt toward the Senshi, claws extended. Mercury cried out "Subron 
Spray!" sending out a cloud of obscuring bubbles directly at the Youmas. Two of the three Youmas 
managed to avoid the cloud, but the third blundered into it, and was lost from sight. 

     At the same instant, Venus shouted "Crescent Beam!", and a beam of light shot from her 
finger. Her Shadowstalker target shifted out of the way of the beam at the last second, and 
charged toward her, claws extended to rip her apart.

     Sailor Moon ducked just in time to avoid being decapitated by the third Youma. She leapt 
back to avoid another slash, uncertain what to do next. Desperate for help, she glanced at her 
friends, but they had their own problems. The Youma lost in Mercury's bubble spray was now clear 
of the cloud, and advancing on the blue haired Senshi. Venus was locked in close combat with her 
opponent, with only the Senshi's agility keeping her out of the Shadowstalker's reach.

     She felt a wall behind her, and knew she'd run out of room. The creature reached back and 
aimed a powerful slash at her head. She screamed and ducked below the Shadowstalker's blow. The 
screech of the stalker's claws cutting into the wall behind her set her teeth on edge. She too 
preoccupied to notice the small chunks of stone that pelted her. She turned and ran, trying to 
put some distance between her and the Youma.

     She managed three strides before her foot caught the edge of a concrete block, and she 
fell. She handled the fall well enough so she didn't hurt or stun herself, but she knew she had 
no time to lie there. She heard the Youma roar in triumph, but she was too busy trying to regain 
her footing to be scared.

     "Tidal Wave!" cried out a new voice. Usagi looked up just in time to see a solid column of 
blue-green water pass over her, and slammed into the Youma behind her. The Youma, unable to 
resist the column, was smashed back into a lamppost. The pole, not designed to withstand a Youma 
crashing into it, was nearly bent double under the force. The Youma collapsed into a heap and 
didn't move.

     Usagi crawled over to the nearby wall, and used it to steady herself. Her mind was a jumble 
of thoughts and feelings. Who was that? she thought. Who has that type of power? 
She looked at the Shadowstalker, and swallowed a breath when she saw it start to twitch.    

     Another voice shouted "Gravity Sphere Collapse!" A slightly translucent yellow sphere 
formed around the awaking shadow-stalker, displacing air and the lamppost with incredible force. 
Realizing what was about to happen, the creature fought to escape. The yellow haze became 
thicker, until the creature inside was visible only as a vague shadow.

     Usagi's recoiled in horror as the sphere suddenly shrank in size, collapsing around the 
Shadowstalker. In a space of three heartbeats, the sphere was reduced to the size of a marble 
before it disappeared in a bright flash of light. 

     Sailor Moon heard someone approaching her, and she tore her gaze away from the lamppost. 
"Thank you for your help," she began to say, but she stopped and her mouth dropped open.   

     She blinked, and looked at her rescuers again, not trusting her eyes. She wasn't sure what 
she'd expected, but two guys dressed up in medieval armor suits was not high on her list. They 
were both about the same height and build, and wearing the same type of armor. From what she 
could see of their faces under their helmets, they even looked alike. Each was armed with a long 
spear with a broad, tri-bladed spearhead. One wore a blue-green surcoat, while the other's 
surcoat was a brilliant yellow. There was something familiar about the symbol each wore on their 
surcoat, but she couldn't place them.

     The One wearing the blue-green surcoat asked, "Are you all right?"

     "Er, yea." Really brilliant reply, Usagi.

     "Good. We must assist -"

     "Your comrades at once," finished the other one. "Kazarn and his Shadowstalkers must be 
stopped."

     Usagi's jaw dropped slightly. This is weird. "Who are you guys, and why the funny 
outfits?"

     "We are friends," said the yellow surcoated guy. "And we are here-"

     "To help you," finished the blue-green surcoated guy.

     Oh great, Usagi thought. We need major help, and these guys show up. Something 
REALLY weird is going on. "Er . . . you wouldn't happen to know who this Kazarn is, would  
you?"

     The guy's faces harden. "We will talk later," replied the Blue surcoated Knight. 

     "Now, we fight," finished the other one. Without another word, the pair dashed toward the 
struggling Sailors Mercury and Venus. 

     Sailor Moon shook her head in disbelief. This is getting too weird for me.  

     She shouted, "Hey! Wait for me!", and charged off after them.



     Not far from the scene of battle, in an alley, a gentle blue haze appeared. Salnon, 
followed by Ayron, Revan, Lyter and Malan charged out the haze. By the time Makoto and Rei were 
out of the haze, Revan and Lytar has dashed to the alley mouth, and were looking out into the 
street.

     Revan dashed backed to Salnon just as the two Plutos emerged from the haze. Salnon asked 
"What is going on out there?" 

     "As Pluto - Knight Pluto - said," replied Revan, his eyes bright with excitement. "The 
twins had allied themselves with three girls I believe are the other Guardians, but they face 
two Shadowstalkers and Kazarn himself."

     "I will distract Kazarn while you transform, My Prince," said Knight Pluto. 

     "No," replied Sailor Pluto. "WE will distract Kazarn while the others transform."

     The Knight smiled and bowed to the Sailor. "Very well, my lady. Just be careful of his 
spells." With that, they both vanished.

     Salnon shook his head, a ghost of a smile on his face. "Transform Knights!" he shouted, 
pulling his own amulet from beneath his jacket. "Knight Moon - Armor up!" He felt the  chain 
mail of his armor encase his body, felt the boots and gloves form over the chain mail, then the 
pure white surcoat with the moon symbol etched in gold on its chest. The reassuring weight of 
the Moon Sword in the sheath across his back felt good.Finally, the great helm of his armor 
formed over his head, and he pulled the sword free.

     "Knight Mercury - Armor up!" Ayron's battle staff was in his right fist, his armor forming 
around him like a protective cocoon. When the light blue surcoat finished forming over his chain 
mail, he started forming several spells with quick precise motions of his free hand.

     "Knight Venus - Armor up!" Malan's surcoat was a pale yellow with Venus's symbol etched in 
red. His longbow was in his left hand, and his right hand had already drawn the first arrows 
from the quiver on his back. He moved toward the mouth of the alley.

     "Knight Mars - Armor up!" Revan's cry still echoed as his armor formed around him. He 
gripped his doubled head warhammer tightly in his left hand, and adjusted the large shield. His 
blood red surcoat with the symbol of Mars etched in silver rippled in an nonexistent breeze.

     "Knight Jupiter - Armor up!" He felt the armor form around him, the familiar heft of his 
Battle-ax coming into his hand. The Shield formed around his left arm, and he felt the power 
course through his body. The green surcoat carried Jupiter's symbol in bronze, as did his 
shield.

     "Ready for battle, brothers?" asked Knight Moon.

     "Always, My Prince," shouted Knight Mars excitedly.

     Both Knight Venus and Knight Jupiter nodded, Knight Mercury was too busy to respond. The 
white surcoated Knight turned to Makoto and Rei, and asked politely "Are you ladies joining us?"

     The two girls, who had watched the entire transformation sequence with a mix of surprise 
and amazement, were slow to respond. "Y..y..yes," Makoto managed to stammer out. "We're right 
behind you."

     "Come Knights," said Knight Moon. "We have a battle to fight!"

     Both girls waited until the Knights charged out of the alley, and around the corner. "I 
don't believe it," muttered Rei, pulling her makeup pen from her pocket. "It's nearly the twenty 
first century, and we're working with a bunch of guys in chain mail!"

     "But they're not bad looking guys," said Makoto. "Lyter reminds me of -"

     "Your last boyfriend?"

     Makoto frowned. "No, not my boyfriend. More like an older brother."

     "We can discuss this later," said Rei briskly. "Right now, we have a battle to fight!"

     "Right!"

     "Mars Power - Make Up!"

     "Jupiter Power - Make Up!"

Chapter 9: Battle Royal


     The sudden appearance of the two Knights caught everyone off guard, even Kazarn. Scowling, 
The Mage quickly weave a spell that lifted him free of the ground. Now, he floated ten meters in 
the air, watching his Shadowstalkers battle the combined might of the three girls and the two 
Knights. The fact the fight had become a stalemate surprised Kazarn. While he knew the power of 
the Knights, the power these girls wielded was an unpleasant discovery. Could there be more of 
them here, on this world?

     He felt a stirring in the magical threads. More magic was in use nearby, but not quite what 
he was familiar with . . . 

     He heard the shout of "Time Break!", followed a split second later by a whispered "Dead 
Scream." Instinctively, Kazarn strengthen his personal wards just as the twin blast of energy 
struck him, sending him head over heels. 

     He quickly stabilized himself, and he floated higher, continuing to increase his defensive 
wards while taking stock of his situation. He had been lucky - the two attacks had been strong 
enough to shatter his shield wards, had he not reinforced them at the last instance. He glanced 
in the direction where the attack had come from, the street below. As soon as he spotted the 
armored figure with the dark-blue surcoat standing there, he hissed "Savar."

     There was someone else standing beside the Knight, another of this world's defenders. She 
looked somewhat like him, and from the way she held the staff, she was no novice in the ways of 
battle. Very well, he would give them battle . . . 



     Sailor Venus didn't realized help had arrive until two armor-clad figures charged into the 
fight. With twin cries, both Knights attacked the Shadowstalker she was fighting. The Youma 
hissed a challenge, and turned to meet the new attackers.

     One of the Knights, his yellow surcoat flapping with the speed of his movement, launched 
himself high into the air. With a cry that startled the Senshi, he flew through the air toward 
the Shadowstalker, his spear aimed at the Youma's eyes. The other Knight, wearing a blue-green 
surcoat, charged in low and hard, his target the knee of the Youma.

     Caught between two dangerous enemies, the Youma tried to move and block at the same time, 
with limited success.

     "Hey!" yelled Venus, surprised by the sudden change. "What are -"

     Sailor Moon grabbed Venus by the arm. "They're friends!" she shouted. "Let's help Mercury 
while our new allies keep this one occupied."

     "Er . . . Right." With that, Venus turned and followed her leader.



     Mercury was having a tough time with the other shadow-stalker. The Youma was quicker then 
she was, and more agile. She'd managed to avoid the sharp claws more by luck then skill, but she 
was tiring, while the Youma seemed to be unaffected.

     So, when Venus's shout of "Crescent Beam!" was followed by a laser hitting the shadow-
stalker in the arm, Mercury was more then ready for help. She followed Venus's attack with one 
of her own. "Ice Storm!" 

     The air around the Youma suddenly became a mass of frozen water that pelted the Shadow-
stalker. Snarling in anger, it fought clear of the hail of ice and leapt at Mercury, claws open, 
and seeking Mercury's throat.

     The impact knocked the Senshi onto her back, the Youma above her, poised to rip her throat 
out. Mercury's hands shot out, and caught the Youma's wrists. The creature's eyes narrowed as it 
found itself unable to overpower his prey's grip on its wrists.

     Robbed of its chance to kill the girl quickly, the Shadowstalker opened its mouth, and 
Mercury battled the urge to become sick to her stomach at the whiff of the creature's foul 
breath. Turning her head away, she saw her friends running toward her, but they were still too 
far away. She heard the creature gag, as if to spit out something.

     Suddenly, she heard someone behind her shout "Ice Entombment!" She turned her head toward 
the Youma, and saw its head was suddenly incased in a ball of ice. Surprised, the shadowstalker 
forgot all about Sailor Mercury, and reared up, any scream lost in the ice. 

     It started pawing frantically at the frozen mass surrounding it's head. Seeing her chance, 
Sailor Mercury scrambled away from the Youma as quickly as she could. Once clear, she stood 
slowly, feeling weak and uncertain.

     A yell startled her. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw something red flash by her, and 
slammed into the Youma, sending it flying. It recovered slowly, and the new combatant was doing 
their best to keep it off balance.

     "Are you all right?" asked Sailor Moon. Mercury blinked, only partly aware of her friend's 
presence. She was staring at the person who had slammed into the Youma she had been fighting 
only seconds before. What she was witnessing should not exist.

     The person was dressed as a Knight from the European medieval age, wearing a red surcoat 
over his chain mail armor, swinging a hammer-like weapon in his right hand, with a large kite 
shield strapped on his left arm. As the person swung the hammer, she heard them shout "Flame 
Hammer ignite!" The head of the weapon ignited into a mass of flames, and the blow sent the 
Shadowstalker down again. 

     By now, most of the ice around the Shadowstalker's head had been either melted or chipped 
off. It coiled and leapt at the Knight, but the still burning hammer smashed into the side of 
its head, and sent it reeling again.

     "Sailor Mercury!"

     She turned, startled by the voice of Sailor Moon. "W-what?" she managed to stammer.

     "Are you all right?"

     She blinked again, her mind finally working to put the last few seconds together. "I think 
so."

     They heard someone approach from behind them, and the three spun as one. Two other people 
in armor were coming toward them. The first was slightly shorter then Mamoru, and broad 
shouldered. He wore a pure white surcoat with the moon symbol etched in gold on its chest. A 
large sword rode in a sheath across his back. The great helm didn't completely hide the fact he 
was handsome, with blue eyes, and wheat-colored, shoulder length hair.

     The second Knight was shorter and slimmer then the first. Sailor Mercury's eyes widen in 
surprise as she saw that his light blue surcoat had the symbol for Mercury - her symbol - etched 
in silver. A staff, each end sheathed with steel for a quarter of its length was in his right 
fist. Two small crystals floated near his head. He was staring at the battle between the Knight 
and the Shadowstalker.

     "Are you three all right?" asked the first Knight, in a voice full of power and command.

     "I think so," replied Sailor Moon. "But who are you?"

     "We will speak later on this -"

     "My Prince!" shouted the other Knight. One of the floating crystals had begun to glow. 
"Kazarn is trying to weave a major spell!"

     "Jupiter! Venus!" shouted the first Knight over his shoulder. 

     Sailor Venus opened her mouth to respond, but flinched as someone else a dozen meters away 
responded. "Yes, My Prince?"

     "Distract the Mage!"



     The Mage got his second rude surprise in as many minutes. Two more attacks slammed into his 
wards, knocking him back several more meters. He didn't need to know who had attacked him this 
time - he recognized both Knight Venus and Jupiter's attacks as soon as they touched his 
shields.

     He looked in that direction, and hissed in surprise. Not only were Knights Venus and 
Jupiter here, but also most of the other Knights, plus a couple more of this world's guardians. 
Was there no end to them?

     Very well, they wanted a fight, he would give them one. He started weaving a powerful 
offensive spell, one that would destroy a large section of the city. He would show them -

     A long stemmed Rose passed easily through his wards and slashed the back of his hand before 
it struck the ground and punched into the concrete. His concentration shattered, Kazarn barely 
managed to stay floating, but the spell his was weaving was lost.

     Damm it!, he thought. You strengthen the energy wards, and not the physical 
wards! Gripping his wounded hand, he glared in the direction where the rose had come from, 
and his eyes widen. A figure stood on a rooftop overlooking the Mage, a figure dressed in formal 
robes simular to what Kazarn had seen in the shops below. The figure also had a long cape, a 
cane, wore a mask and a funny looking hat. If the Mage had been more in control, he would have 
laughed at the absurd figure.

     "Hear me foul villain," the figure said. "Your presence here is not -"

     "OH SHUT UP!" yelled Kazarn as he fired a blast of energy at the strangely dressed figure. 
The figure dodge clear of the attack, much to the Mage's disgust. Kazarn looked for the 
strangely dressed figure, but the man had disappeared.

     Kazarn glanced down at the Knights and others charging to help their allies against the 
wounded Shadowstalkers, and shook his head in anger. His Youmas were losing, despite the spells 
he'd used to strengthen them before the battle. There were too many guardians to fight, and he 
had too few Youmas left. There was no other choice - he would have to retreat and come back to 
this dimension with more and stronger Youma. But he couldn't allow the Knights and their allies 
in this world to pursue him.

     He looked down at the last pair of Youma waiting for the order to leap into the battle, and 
nodded to himself. It would involve the sacrifice of the two Shadowstalkers to cover his escape, 
but it could be done. He began to weave another spell.



     Sailors Jupiter and Mars ran up to the other Senshi just as the two Knights moved off to 
join the third Knight battling the Shadowstalker.

     "Miss anything?" asked Makoto with a smile.

     "These your friends?" asked Sailor Moon, pointing at the Knights.

     "We sort of ran into them," replied Rei with a straight face.

     "We can discuss this later," said Minako. She pointed at the Knights battling the two 
Youmas. "We have a fight on our hands, and we're just standing here yakking."

     "Right!" cried Makoto.

     Usagi nodded. She pointed at the three Knights fighting the nearby Shadowstalker "Mars, 
Jupiter, help your new friends. Mercury, Venus, and I will give the other two . . . " Her voice 
faltered as she tried to think of a name to call their new allies.

     "Knights," said Rei.

     "Right . . . Knights," continued Usagi. "A hand." 



     "Do we join this Battle, My Lady?" asked Savar quietly.

     "We do." replied Setsuna, her gaze on the small bubble of energy floating far above the 
battle.

     "Can your teammates handle the Youmas?"

     "They can."

     Savar smiled. It wasn't a warm one. "We go after the Mage, correct?"

     She turned and smile at him. "Of course."

     With that, Sailor Pluto opened a portal, and both stepped through, and disappeared.



     "Fire Soul!"

     The blast of fire just missed Revan, and slammed into the Shadowstalker. The Youma screamed 
and leapt away. The Red Knight turned to glare at Sailor Mars. "Nice going. Whose side are you 
on?"

     Rei glared back at him. "If you don't shut up, I'm going to find out how heat resistant 
that armor is!"

     "You and what army?"

     "Both of you quit bickering!" yelled Salnon angrily, "And concentrate on our common enemy!"

     "Over there!" bellowed Lyter, pointing with his axe.

     The Youma had managed to put out the fire on itself, and was preparing to attack again. 
Lytar charged the Shadowstalker, his massive Battleaxe a blur in the afternoon sun. The Youma 
darted away, but a cry of "Supreme Thunder!" sent a lightning bolt crashing into the creature's 
body, knocking it down. 

     Makoto shouted at the others, "Everyone - Hit it again!"

     "Flaming Mandela!" 

     "Lighting Axe Shimmer!"

     "Supreme Thunder Dragon!"

     "Moon Sword Eclipse!"

     "Ice Spray!"

     The Shadowstalker was torn apart by the combined might of the quintet of guardians. With a 
final scream of agony, the Youma dissolved into nothingness. 

     Ayron glanced up at the shimmering globe that held Kazarn. "He's spell weaving again! 
Something strong and complex!"

     Malan ran up to the others, his bow held in his left hand. "My attacks can't get through 
his wards now!"

     Salnon nodded, the started snapping out commands. "Malan, Lyter, Ayron, come with me. 
Revan, go with these guardians and aid the others."

     "What are you going to do?" asked Makoto.

     "See if was stop him before he finish casting his spell."

     "Prince!" shouted Malan, pointing at the roof of a nearby building. "Savar and his counter-
part are challenging Kazarn!"

     "By the Gods!" shouted Salnon. "We cannot waste any more time! We go!"



     Out of the corner of his eye, Kazarn saw two newcomers come charging out of a portal, and 
onto a nearby roof. Still in the middle of composing his spell, he couldn't do anything to 
challenge the pair.

     Twin beams of energy crashed against his wards, seeking a weak point in his defenses. 
Kazarn ignored the assault, and with a final, complex gesture, he released the spell. Freed at 
last, the Mage turned to face those who opposed him. 

     He recognized the grim visage of Pluto, the familiar halberd in his hands, his surcoat 
rippling in the breeze. The Knight's companion was holding a staff of some sort that crackled 
mystical energy. In flash of insight, He knew this woman standing next to his old foe was his 
counterpart in this world.

     "Foul Mage!" shouted Knight Pluto. "Challenge me, if you dare!"

     "Not today!" Kazarn shouted back, his bubble floating up and away from his foes. "But look 
below, and you'll see I left you a small present to remember me by!"

     Kazarn saw the pair dash over to the edge of the roof and look down into the street below. 
After several seconds, Pluto looked up at him and pointed his halberd in anger, then turn to his 
companion and start speaking to her rapidly. By then, he was too far away to see what the Knight 
was saying, but it didn't matter. His escape was complete. 



     "Moon Scepter Elimination!"

     The Shadowstalker, weakened by coordinated attacks from both the Knights and Senshi,was no 
match for Usagi's powerful attack. It struck the Youma, and the creature dissolved into wisps of 
smoke.

     Just then, the other Senshi and Revan came into sight. Rei asked, "Are you guys all right?"

     "Fine," replied Minako. "What about the other Youma?"

     "We took care of it," replied Revan wearily. He knelt, his head lowered in exhaustion. 
Usagi looked at him. "Are you all right?" she asked gently

     He nodded slowly, not rasing his head. "Fighting is always demanding," he said slowly.

     "But is it always necessary?"

     This time, he did look up at her. "Against Shadowstalkers?" He stood slowly, and removed 
his helmet. His dark hair was plastered against his head, his face covered in sweat. "They are 
Youma," he said harshly. "They don't know anything but hate and killing. They understand only 
death. They can't be reasoned with, pleaded with, and wealth has no meaning to them. You kill 
either them, or they kill you."

     "Back off, iron breath," snarled Rei, moving to impose herself between Usagi and the 
Knight.

     Revan looked at his counterpart. "Don't threaten me, girl."

     Rei stood defiantly, hand on hips and glared at the Knight. "You stuck up, arrogant, 
little -"

     She suddenly found herself staring at another Knight, as the blue-green surcoated warrior 
stepped between her and Revan. The new Knight shifted the spear he held and looked at her cooly. 
Over his shoulder, Rei could see another Knight facing Revan.

     "We do not have time -" said the Knight standing in front of Rei.

     "- For pointless bickering," finished the other one.

     Revan sighed. "You are right, brothers. I -"

     A howling scream tore through the air, followed by another one slightly father away. A 
sound like rocks being smashed together echoed through the night air, followed by another, then 
another, getting louder.

     The reaction of the Knights was instant. Revan yanked on his helmet, and started to run 
toward the sound. The other two Knights turned toward the sound, their spears lowered. 

     Usagi took in a deep breath, her eyes wide. "What was that?" she whispered.

     "I don't know," replied Minako, her voice breaking slightly. "But it sounds awfully large, 
doesn't it?"

     Just then, Sailor Pluto appeared, followed by another Knight holding a halberd. "Are you 
all right, Princess?" she asked formally.

     "Sailor Pluto?" said Minako in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

     "We can discuss that later," said Sailor Pluto, her manner brusk. "Are you all right, 
Princess?"

     "I guess so," replied Usagi slowly. "I just wish I had an idea what's going on. Can you 
shine any light on why we're battling Mages and Youma with guys that wear armor?" She pointed in 
the direction the sounds were coming from. "Or what THAT is?"

     "Princess?" asked the Knight. His Surcoat was dark blue, and Usagi's eyes widen as she 
realized that the symbol etched upon the surcoat was the same one as Sailor Pluto wore. Her jaw 
dropped slightly as she realized that the other Knights had been wearing other planetary 
symbols.

     Sailor Pluto nodded. "Salnon's counterpart," she said to the Knight.

     The Knight nodded sagely. "That explains much." He turned to the twin Knights. "Go aid 
Revan against the Shav, but be careful. We will be right behind you."

     The two nodded silently, and ran off after Revan. Knight Pluto turned to the assembled 
Senshi. "Greetings Guardians of this world."

     Sailor Pluto smiled. "Their story is too long to tell here. Suffice it to say that the 
Knights are friends, and they need our help."

     Just then, Tuxedo Mask dashed out of one of the buildings and over to the group. He was not 
his usual elegant self, as he was covered in dust and dirt. The top hat he wore was slightly 
askew, and his mask was showing signs of wear. 

     "Tuxedo Mask!" cried Usagi, looking stricken. "Are you all right?"

     "Yes," the usually dapper hero said with a little irritation in his voice. He brushed 
himself off. "Are you Senshi all right?"

     He was greeted with a chorus of yes. Sailor Moon threw herself into his arms, looking up at 
him in total adoration. Knight Pluto looked at Sailor Pluto, his face puzzled.

     "The Princess's future Husband," said Pluto, with a shrug.

     "Ah." The Knight bowed to Tuxedo Mask. "Greetings, Future Husband."

     The expression on Tuxedo Mask's face was priceless. Usagi and the others had never seen 
Tuxedo Mask look anything but elegant, dashing, and full of confidence. Right now, the hero's 
expression was pure shock and amazement. He blinked twice, then said, "Who are you?"

     Pluto sighed. "We shall explain later. They are allies at a time that we need them. But we 
still have a problem, one that will need the combined strength of both group of guardians to 
overcome."

     Usagi nodded and stepped away from her beloved. "Let us help these good Knights against the 
evil that is trying to destroy them. Are you with me?"

     Another chorus of "Yes" answered her. 

     "Then let's go!" she shouted, and dashed off in the direction where the sounds of battle 
were coming from. Hard on her heels were the other Senshi and Tuxedo Mask. 

     The two Plutos didn't move for several seconds. Finally, Knight Pluto asked his counter-
part, "She has no idea what a Shav is, does she?"

     "Not in the slightest, but the Senshi have battle magical Youma before, so they will not 
throw themselves blindly into battle."

     "Is she always that...forceful?"

     Sailor Pluto shrugged. "She is her mother's daughter," the elder Senshi said. "Once she 
tempers her drive with foresight, she will be a great ruler. Until then, She must learn 
patience." She smiled at Savar. "Ready for battle?"

     The Knight return her smile. "Always, my lady, always."



     Lyter dodged a smashing blow from the Shav, and swung his battleaxe hard at the creature's 
arm. It connected halfway between the hand and elbow, sending bits of bone-like skin flying in 
every direction. The Youma roared in anger, and tried to backhand the Knight. Jupiter ducked 
below the wild swing, and swung at the creature's arm again, but missed.

     Salnon's sword was a blur of steel in the late afternoon sun, and his battle cry stirring 
and frightening at the same time. His assault on the Youma's legs forced the Shav to keep 
moving. When the Shav tried to grab a lamp post for use as a weapon, Salnon made it costly for 
the Youma by inflicting several deep and painful cuts along the length of the arm.

     Just then, Malan shouted, "Light Arrow Storm!", and several dozen light arrows impacted in 
and around the creature's eyes. The bellow of anger turned into a scream of pain, and the Shav 
pawed at its face in an attempt to stop the pain.

     "Yow!" shouted a new voice. "What is that thing?" 

     Lyter glanced in that direction. Sailors Mars and Jupiter stood there, flanking another 
guardian with a strange hair style. They were standing in a cluster on top of a small mound of 
rubble, staring at the hulking Shav. Another guardian, male and dressed strangely, was with 
them.

     Just then, Savar and his counterpart from this world ran up to the quartet of Guardians. 
Without pausing, Lyter's fellow Knight stopped and slammed the the butt end of his halberd into 
the ground at his feet. There was a rumbling like an express train as the released energy shot 
across the distance between Pluto and the Shav, buckling the roadway and pavement as the 
powerful wave ripped through the ground toward the Youma.

     The energy came crashing out of the earth and collided with the Shav, knocking the Youma 
through a department store window, and destroying the entire window display of mannequins and 
clothing on display. The creature roared in anger, and struggled to rise. Bits and pieces of 
glass, mannequins, and cloth came flying out, littering the pavement. 

     With twin shouts of battle fury, Salnon and Lyter charged toward the opening, while Ayron, 
Savar and Malan covered them. Lyter reached the opening first, just in time to catch a full 
backhand from the enraged Shav. Jupiter landed five meters away and rolled to a stop.

     "Light Arrow Disintegrate!"

     "Ice Swarm!"

     "Time Disruption!"

     A trio of powerful attacks slammed into the Shav as it tried to charge out of the opening 
after Lytar, slowing it, but not stopping it. Like someone moving against a strong wind, the 
Shav slowly made progress.

     "Flaming Mandela!"

     "Supreme Thunder Dragon!"

     Two more attacks impacted against the Youma. It fell back into the store, destroying even 
more of the store window and surrounding framework. With a cry filled with anger, joy, and 
defiance, Salnon avoided the Shav's flailing legs and left onto the Youma's chest. He reversed 
his grip on his sword and lifted high over his head.

     "Moon Sword Purification!" the Knight bellowed, as he thrust the sword into the Shav's 
chest. The Shav screamed as a nimbus of light began to surround it. The nimbus became stronger 
and brighter, until the Youma was awash in light. Then, with a thunderclap, the light exploded, 
forcing everyone to cover their eyes.

     Lyter got up slowly, gently rubbing his ribs. He heard someone run up to him, and he looked 
up. Makoto, or more correctly, Sailor Jupiter, stood there, her expression showing concern. "All 
you all right?"

     "I am well," he replied slowly. "But it is a experience I would not want to repeat soon."


     "Neither would I. At least this Youma didn't try to spit poison at you."

     He smiled at her. "I think we've both had too much experience with dangerous beasts. Make 
me want to take up farming again. At least there, I only have to worry about small pests, not 
giant ones that can tear me limb from limb."

     She returned his smile. "I know how you feel."

     Salnon emerged from the shattered remains of the store window. There was nothing left of 
the Youma except a fine dust that was already beginning to disperse into the air. He held the 
Moon Sword in the air with one hand. "Knights!" he yelled. "To me!"

     "Forgive me, Lady," said Lyter. "The Prince calls, and I must answer."

     "I understand too well."

     In a matter of seconds, The Knights had surrounded their prince. The Senshi, along with 
Tuxedo Mask, stood in a group several meters away, watching the Knights. Salnon started issuing 
orders, his tone commanding. Both Lyter and Malan took off running, heading toward the sound of 
the other battle. Ayron followed several seconds later.

     Salnon turned toward the Senshi and took off his helmet. He walked toward them, stopped and 
bowed to Usagi. "Greetings Princess of the Moon. I am Prince Salnon Yasadis, Knight Moon, First 
Knight of the Knight Defenders, and heir to the United Kingdom of Solas." 

     "Er . . . thank you," replied Usagi. She felt Mamoru's presence next to her, and took 
comfort in it.

     "The Knight next to me," continued Salnon, "is Savar Sasan, Knight Pluto, and guardian of 
our world's time stream."

     "I am Usa . . . Princess Serenity, Moon Princess," replied Usagi. She placed a hand on 
Mamoru arm. "This is Prince Endymion, Prince of Earth, and future King."

     "My firm greeting to the Earth Prince," Salnon said, extending a hand toward Tuxedo Mask. 
After several seconds of hesitation, Mamoru took the offered hand. The handshake was strong, but 
not overpowering. After several seconds, they broke the handshake.

     "We must leave this area, Princess," said Salnon, putting his helmet on again. "And 
quickly. From what we know of this world, your rulers do not handle the idea of magic well."

     "But what about the other . . . " began Rei, then stopped in confusion. "What was that 
thing?" 

     "A Shav," replied Savar. "A horror from our world, a creation of Dark magic. Kazarn used a 
spell to morph his last two Shadowstalkers into those . . . creatures to cover his escape. He 
has fled, for now, but he will be back, and we must be united against him."

     Usagi blinked. "Excuse me?"

     Salnon shook his head. "Savar is a teacher, and will use twenty words when five will do. 
The remaining Knights can handle the other Shav. We are use to fighting such Youma. But Savar is 
right. We must discuss many things as soon as possible, preferably somewhere else."

     "The Prince is right," said a voice from above the group. A raven circled several meters 
above them. It fluttered to a landing on Salnon's shoulder, and looked at all of them. 
 
     "The local militia are beginning to move into the area now," it said in a male voice. "They 
will be here shortly."

     Usagi leaned over to whisper in Rei's ear. "A talking raven? This is getting weirder by the 
minute."

     "We're not exactly ordinary when we have Luna and Artemis to advise us, are we?" whispered 
Rei.

     "If the princess and her friend are finished decided what is weird and what isn't," said 
the raven in irritation. "My fellow raven, Munin, is tracking Kazarn right now. Once the others 
have finished off the surviving Shav, it is important we leave here."

     A bellow of pain echoed in the distance, followed by a thunderclap and a explosion of light 
from the direction of the other Shav. Usagi shuddered at the noise, and he felt the comforting 
arm of Mamoru encircle her shoulders. The Knights looked in the direction of the sounds for 
several seconds, then turned back to the others.

     "The Shav is dead," said Salnon slowly.

     "How do you know that?" asked Minako.

     "We are familiar with Shavs," the raven said simply.

     "The others will arrive shortly," continued Salnon. "I suggest that we go to our lodgings 
to discuss matters. They are in the same building as your guardian Jupiter's abode, and will be 
quite safe for the time being."

     "I agree," replied Usagi. "But won't such a large group of people walking out of here 
unharmed cause problems?"

     "I will handle that problem," replied Sailor Pluto, who had remained silent throughout the 
conversation.  

     "How?" Usagi was curious, VERY curious. Unlike the other Senshi, Pluto was a complete 
mystery to her. Pluto's role as guardian of time forced her to remain aloof from the others 
Senshi. Usagi understood that, but she wanted to know more about this Senshi, the one with the 
youthful features and the age filled eyes.

     The smile Pluto gave her was enigmatic. She turned and lifted her staff. The ball on the 
staff began to glow. Several meters away, a gentle blue haze appeared.

     "What is that?" asked Ami, looking at the haze carefully.

     "Dimensional time portal," replied Sailor Pluto.

     "Oh," said Usagi. "Where does it lead to?"

     "The apartment the Knights are using for a base in this dimension," replied Sailor Pluto. 
"It is quite safe, and is quite comfortable."

     "Come on, Makoto," said Rei, "Let's show the rest of them how it's done." 

     "Right behind you," replied Sailor Jupiter with a smile.

     With that, the two Senshi walked into the haze and vanished from sight. The others looked 
uncertain.

     Knight Pluto shifted his halberd to a more comfortable carry position, and stepped forward. 
"With your permission, My Prince?"

     Salnon nodded, and the raven flew off his shoulder, and landed on Knight Pluto's shoulder. 
Savar followed the two Senshi into the haze. As the Knight faded into the fog, the other Knights 
came into view at a full run.

     "Go!" shouted Ayron, who was leading the pack. "The local soldiers are coming!"

     Usagi felt Mamoru take her hand. "I'll go through with you," he whispered to her.

     She nodded slowly, and the two of them stepped forward into the haze and vanished from 
sight. Ami and Minako quickly followed them. The other Knights reached the dimensional time 
portal, and passed through quickly. 

     Salnon turned to look at Pluto, and gave her a half smile. "Savar was right to contact you, 
Lady Pluto. You have my thanks."

     She returned his smile. "He and I are much alike." She stopped speaking and listened. The 
rumbling of several heavy vehicles could now be heard, growing louder by the minute.

     She pointed to the portal. "Your Knights were right about the local militia coming. We had 
best follow our comrades now."

     With that, they both turned and walked into the haze. By the time the first tank come into 
view, the haze was gone as if it had never been.


	

	
END OF BOOK 1
	



	

	
Book 2 - Quest for the Sword
	
Sailor Moon page
	


	

	
Last Updated: December 30, 1999
	
Last Revamped: May 21, 2001
	
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