- Once again, I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to read and review this story as it has been written so far. I couldn't have done it without your support. I'm sorry it took a while but I can't help when it comes to school and work. Here is the final chapter of part one. I would like to hear your overall thoughts of the story so far should you submit a review. Enjoy and stay tuned for part 2!

Chapter14

Fight to the Finish

All of them froze.

The sound of Jadeite's laugh reverberated around them. It was as if he had just walked into the room and was laughing because he now knew who they were.

Luna had also frozen, but only temporarily. Now she stood from her perch on the bed , eyes narrowed and hair rising as she turned toward the window.

"He's not in here," she said coldly, "It's his essence coming from outside."

"Sailor Moon," they heard him say.

None of them waited to here more and rushed over to the window and threw it open.

"I know you reside in this city and that you can hear me," Jadeite's voice echoed through the night, "So I suggest you listen carefully along with you fellow Sailor Scouts. It is time we put an end to this. We will meet at the National Airport just after midnight. See to it that you arrive, or else..."

A gasp went out from all of them as the night was lit up by a huge fireball that streaked through through the sky like a meteor and struck some place they couldn't see. The entire city rocked from the impact.

"No!"

"How dare he!"

"You needn't worry, Sailor Scouts," Jadeite's voice came again, "That was only a warning. However, if you do not come, I will burn this poor interpretation of Apollonia to the ground!"

He said nothing more as sirens already began to wail in the distance. The hairs on Luna coat relaxed.

"He's gone."

"That bastard!" Raye spat, "Let's go over to the airport right now! I'm done being patient!"

"I agree!" Serena stood, "Let's go!"

"Hold on, you guys!" Amy protested, but they ignored her.

"Serena Thompson! Raye Heinberg! Stop right there!"

Both of them stopped where they were the instant their heard the tone in Luna's voice. Standing at the door, they glanced at each other. Realizing that they had just blundered badly, they turned slowly. And flinched when they saw the disgusted look on Luna's face.

"Did you forget everything that your trainers taught you?" she scolded stiffly, "What was the one thing they told you not to do? Refresh my memory. What did they tell you?"

Both girls hung their heads and said, "Never rush into battle."

"That's right. And why is that?"

"Because you might walk right into a trap," said Serena.

"And it could lead to a pointless death," added Raye.

"Exactly, and that is just what you were about to right now," Luna shook her head, "Absolutely unacceptable. Don't let it happen again."

"I agree with Luna," said Amy, "Jadeite obviously did that just to anger and to make us rush over without. We need to approach this one step at a time so we finish off Jadeite for good."

"Well said, Amy," Luna approved.

"Serena!"

At the sound of Isabelle's voice and approaching footsteps, Serena and Raye stepped away from the door just before it burst open.

"Are you all right,?" Serena's mother gasped, her face frantic.

"Yes, we're fine," Serena said quickly, "Did the whole city hear that?"

"I believe so," Isabelle steadied her breath, "What in the world is going on? First that madness that broke out across the city a couple weeks ago and now this! Is Armageddon coming?"

"Mom!" came Sammy's frightened voice from the door across Serena's, "Mom!"

"Oh, goodness!" Isabelle immediately rushed over to Sammy's bedroom.

Something tugged in Serena. Hearing her brother's fear and helplessness made her feel protective. And angry.

"The impact must have woken him up," said Amy.

"Jadeite's not going to get away that!" Serena said through clenched teeth and fists, "My little brother may annoy me, but Jadeite has no right to terrorize him like that!"

"Let's go downstairs," Raye suggested, "The event is most likely on the news by now."

When they entered the living the TV was already on. Keith's, Peggy's, and Dave's faces were already grim as they watched a news reporter standing before a massive fire. From the looks of it, the firefighters were already bringing it under control.

"...fully, no one was hurt," the reporting was saying, "The fire has not spread any further than it already has so firefighters should be able to put the fire out without any further trouble."

The TV switched from the live event to the news room.

"Thank you, Angela," said man seated at the desk, "We are now receiving reports that police are dispatching units to the National Airport. However, authorities still do not know who delivered that strange message or how it was delivered. Some believe that it may have been a prank, but they are strongly advising civilians to stay indoors for the night until informed that there is no intimate danger."

"Do they even know what that message was all about?" Keith asked, exasperated as the TV went into commercial, "What was that man talking about? Is he some kind of terrorist? And who are these Sailor Scouts he's talking about?"

"One thing's for certain," Peggy put in, surprisingly calm, "something bad is about to happen."

"It appears that evil has entered this world and is attempting to destroy America, God's nation," Dave's gaze rested on the three girls and he jerked his head to the kitchen. Quietly they moved into the kitchen, taking advantage of Keith's and Peggy's attention fixed on the TV. To their surprise, Luna was also there seated on the counter.

"It's as I feared," Dave said in quiet voice, "Jadeite's now has no choice but to eliminate you or die, whether by your hand or his master's."

"I don't care about that," said Raye, "All that matters is that we need to get to that airport."

"Yeah," Serena agreed, "I'm not going to sit here and let Jadeite burn the city to the ground."

"One step at a time, ladies," Dave raised his hand, "First we have to figure out how we're going to get there. If I had my car with me I could take you there right away."

"I think we should wait for a little bit so that things can settle down a little," said Amy, "That way we'll be less noticeable when we make our move to the airport."

"Good thinking," Luna nodded, "This little panic will have the police roaming around for a time, trying to get control of things. The last thing we need if for the police finding you and sending you straight back home."

"But..." Serena sighed, "Alright, we'll wait. But I don't want to miss this chance to finish Jadeite off for good."

"Are you certain you're ready to face him?" Dave asked, his face serious.

"Yes," Serena said without hesitation, "When he fought me in the palace at the park, I was able to read every one of his moves. When I cut him, he turned and ran."

"I saw the same thing, too," put in Raye, "I'm starting to think Jadeite is not as powerful as he thinks he is and that he's afraid to face us.

"I had the same thought as well," Serena nodded, "Even if we don't kill him, I want to at least show that I—we—are no weaklings and that the Sailor Scouts have returned."

Luna smiled and her eyes twinkled, "A very noble goal," she said, "But even if Jadeite is weak, do not underestimate him. He's still dangerous either way."

"Dave?" Keith's voice came outside the kitchen.

"In here, Keith," Dave called back.

From the corner of her eye Serena saw Luna leap down from the counter and disappeared out of sight as Keith walked in, Peggy behind him.

"There you are," Keith cleared his throat, "Peggy has been suggesting that she, you, and Serena's friends staying here for the night. With what's happening outside right now, it may be dangerous to try and go back home right now."

Dave caught the look in Peggy's eyes and nodded, "That's actually a good idea. You don't mind, ladies?"

"No, not at all," said Raye, smiling.

"I'm still a little rattled after that incident," said Amy, shaking a little, "I'd sleep better knowing that I'm with more people I know than just me and my mother."

"Great!" Serena beamed, taking the hint and clapping both her friends on the shoulder, "We can have a little pajama party in my room!"

"Don't stay up too late, Serena," Keith said sternly, "And make sure to lock your window."

"Don't worry," Serena smiled, "We won't stay up late. And I'll make sure my window's locked."

"I'll talk to you girls later," Dave said.

Serena caught the look in his eyes and nodded as she lead Amy and Raye out of the kitchen.

"Serena!" Keith called behind her, "Where's your Mother at?"

"She's upstairs with Sammy. The explosion woke him up and scared him."

Keith cursed, "I better go up and make sure he's alright. I need to tell Isabelle that you're spending the night here anyway."

Once Dave was convinced that the girls and Keith were heading upstairs and out of earshot he turned his attention to Peggy, who only lifted an eyebrow at him.

"Can I borrow your car for tonight?" he asked.

Peggy gave a small smile, yet her eyes were filled with worry.

"Yes, anything I can do to help," she said, "But are you certain they can defeat this man?"

"I was going to ask the same question," Luna came out of her hiding spot and jumped back up onto the counter.

"Seeing how they were able to take on a hundred soldiers and Serena being able to fight against Jadeite so easily, along with the fact that they were able to return without a scratch," Dave nodded, convinced, "I say that they are ready and fully capable of defeating him."

"You are absolutely certain?"

"I am."

"Very well," Luna glanced at the kitchen clock, "It's a quarter to ten. We have almost two hours before we have to be at the airport. That should be enough time for things to settle down a little."

"The police won't stop Jadeite," Dave said grimly, "He'll deal with them quickly before they even know what happened."

"Oh, dear," Peggy gasped, "Then you probably should leave now before they're killed."

Luna shook her head, "Even if we left now, Jadeite could already be there and the police already dealt with. With Serena's parents frightened out of their wits they'll be keeping a close eye on both theirs and your children. No, we going to have to wait it out for the time being until things quiet down. I don't like it anymore than you do Phoebe, but we have choice if we want this mission to succeed. You know this as much as I do."

Peggy started to protest, then sighed, "You're right. As a former Sailor Scout I should know, as does anyone who is serving and had served in the armed forces."

"Now that I think about it," Dave said suddenly, "We may have some trouble getting to the airport. The police will most likely blockade at a certain distance so that civilians don't get too close, such as reporters."

"In that case, you better take me along," said Luna, "We'll get as close to the airport as possibly can by car. From there, I can guide the girls the rest of the way past the security cameras and any authorities that happen to be there."

"You do realize that people are going to be really superstitious and perhaps even frightened of what's going on?" Dave stated.

"I am aware, but that can't be helped. The world is not ready to accept someone like them, like us, just yet. When the time comes for the truth to be told, they will be told."

"Speaking of which," said Peggy, "How much did you tell them about our time?"

Luna glanced at her, pausing, "Only enough to make them aware of what they are and what they represent."

Peggy studied her for a moment, "You didn't tell them about themselves?"

"No," Luna shook her head.

A moment of silence passed before Peggy sighed deeply.

"Somehow I knew you wouldn't."

"I'm sorry, Phoebe. I thought about it long and hard and every conclusion I came to was the same. It not as though it will do them any good not knowing. It's just that... I believe that it would be better for them to find out for themselves. You told me that they would start remembering as you did when you started growing up. When their memories return, then I will tell them the truth about their past."

"I can understand that, Luna," said Dave, "But I think there's a more personal reason behind it."

"Phoebe said the same thing," Luna said before he could go on, "And you are right. I am frightened because I fear for them. It almost disgusts me that I've already grown close to them knowing full that any day they could die."

"Luna!" Peggy stared at her, "You can't possibly mean that!"

"I don't, but it's the truth."

"Luna," Dave placed a hand on Luna, "I know you're still suffering from the past. We all are because of what happened that day. But the truth is you can't keep living in the past. You need to move on, as me and Peggy have and the rest of the reborn as well."

"It's not about that. What has me worried is the state of this country and the rest of the world. It almost resembles of what happened before."

"So that's what's worrying you," Dave nodded understandably, "I can sympathize with you on that, but we'll cross that bridge when we get there."

"And besides," Peggy smiled, "America isn't Lunaria, no matter how much it may resemble it, inside and out."

"You're right," Luna let some of the tension ease away, "We may be able to do something this time instead of nothing which lead to fall of the Alliance. But I do promise that I will tell them everything when they remember. Until then, let's concentrate on defeating the enemy."

"Peggy? Dave?" came Isabelle's voice.

Luna gave them a quick nod and jumped off, disappearing into the shadows as Isabelle came into the kitchen carrying a pile of folded blankets.

"Oh, there you are," she smiled, "Keith told me they you will be spending the night here so I brought some blankets down for you."

"Thank you," Peggy stepped forward, "Here, let me take some of those for you."

"How's your son?" asked Dave.

"He's alright, just badly frightened. Keith's with him right now. The couches in the living room should suffice for you."

As Isabelle and Peggy spread the blankets out on the couches in the living room, Dave glanced upstairs.

"I assume our children are sleeping in Serena's room?" he asked.

"Yes. Her room's big enough for the both of them."

"Dave, why don't we get together so you can say a prayer for us before we go to sleep?" Peggy suggested.

"I think that's a good idea," Isabelle straightened, "We need a little faith after what's happened today."

"I be happy to," Dave smiled, seeing that this was the perfect opportunity to discover where Serena's room was so he could gather the girls later and head to the airport before time ran out.

The minutes seemed more like hours as they passed. Serena could hear the occasional sirens outside that echoed across the city, but she was all but oblivious to them. Practically vibrating with eagerness and tension, she kept glancing at her clock almost every minute. She didn't have to look to see that her friends, sleeping in blankets on the floor in her room, felt the same way.

As they were preparing to go to bed only an half an hour before, Isabelle had them in Sammy's room so that Dave could deliver a prayer for protection. She saw that Sammy had calmed down, but the fact that he was still frightened tugged at Serena again. Hearing his fear had been bad enough, but seeing it only made her feel even more protective, angry, and determined. There was no way she and her friends could sleep.

Now they were waiting. Dave had given them a quick glance to wait before he went back downstairs with Peggy. Luna had also them to stay quiet and pretend to be asleep until it was safe enough to leave the house unnoticed before she too disappeared.

And so they waited. And waited...

When they heard the soft knock on Serena's door over an hour later, they all but jumped from their beds. None of them had bothered to change into the nightgowns Serena had provided for them. Not daring to turn on any source of light, they quietly but quickly slipped on their shoes and made sure their brooches were in their pockets as Dave slowly opened the door, which thankfully didn't creak.

"Ready?" he whispered.

"Yes!" they whispered back in unison.

"Good. Make sure you have your brooches with you. Luna is performing sound barrier spell right now, so no one will hear us leaving. Everyone is sound asleep, Luna made sure of that before we came up here."

"How are we going to get there?" asked Amy.

"We'll borrow your mother's car," Dave said quickly as they went down the stairs, "Don't worry, we won't get close enough to the airport to even drive into the parking lot."

"Is my mother sleeping in the living room as you are?"

Even in the darkness, Amy could see his frown.

"Yes, why?" he asked.

"I want to do something before we leave. It will only take a moment."

Curious, they watched as Amy went into the living. Lit only by the small lamp placed on the little coffee table, she stopped before the couch where her mother was sleeping soundly. A brief moment passed as she stood looking down at her with her most loving gaze. Then she leaned down and kissed her softly on the cheek.

Serena suddenly felt tears form in her eyes. She hadn't realized until now that they may not come back alive. If they failed to defeat Jadeite, they would never come back and they would never see their families again. She wanted very much to go back up and kiss her mother, her father, and her annoying little bother goodbye since the next few hours could very well be the last for her and her friends.

Instead she looked over at Raye, who was looking at her grandfather and was wiping tears from her eyes. Dave himself was quiet as Amy straightened and swiftly came back to them.

"Alright," she sniffed, her voice a little broken, "Let's go. Let's put an end to this once and for all so we can come home."

All of them nodded and headed to the front door. Serena cast one last glance upstairs, took a breath, and went outside

None of them said anything as they got into the SUV and drove away, Luna's magical barrier shielding them from the sound of the engine

Inside the house, Peggy watched through a small crack in the living room curtains as her SUV carrying her daughter and her friends away. Absently she touched the spot on her cheek where Amy had kissed her and felt a tear run down across her fingers.

"God," she prayed, "please protect them."

Time passed in silence. Despite the police telling the civilians to stay indoors for their safety, there were still cars roaming around, from business people returning home from work to party goers.

However, the occupants in the SUV were oblivious to all the activity. Luna had already dispersed with the sound barrier and was quiet, watching intently at the traffic. The minutes passed as they drove closer and closer to the airport.

Almost an half an hour later they came to a road block set up by the police. What surprised them, however, was the large group of people containing both reporters and spectators who wanted to see what was going to happen at the National Airport but were being shoved back by the authorities.

"Unbelievable," Luna spat in disgust, "They have no idea how much danger they're in."

Dave only nodded in agreement and pulled the SUV into a parking lot that was almost full.

"All so that they can gain fame and be entertained," Luna continued, "Pathetic."

It took Dave a few minutes before he finally found a empty parking spot. He brought the SUV in and turned off the engine. He then sat there for a moment before he turned his attention to the girls, who were waiting with held breath.

"This is as far as I can take you," he slowly, "From here you are on your own. Luna will guide you passed security and the cameras but the rest will be up to you. Jadeite is a desperate man and will do anything to eliminate you so he can please his master. Do not underestimate him, even after your earlier encounter. Remember everything we've taught you. Good luck, and may God be with you."

Raye, sitting in the passenger seat, leaned over and kissed him fondly on the cheek.

"I love you, Grandpa," she said while fighting back tears, "Say a prayer for us."

Dave smiled fondly back and nodded, then shook hands with Amy and Serena.

"We'll be back soon," said Amy.

"And we'll make you proud," said Serena.

"Make sure you have your brooches with you," said Luna.

Checking for the last time that their brooches were indeed in their pockets, the Sailor Scouts got out of the vehicle and followed Luna, leaving Dave inside so he could wait and pray.

Keeping to the shadows in the alleyways, Luna led them passed the police and the blockades. Time seemed to crawl away as they approached the airport. Then saw the entrance that lead to the airport's train transport system.

"That's strange," said Amy, "There's no one guarding it."

"Indeed," said Luna, looking around, "And there isn't any other police officers nearby, which has me concerned."

"I'm feeling an evil presence," said Raye, shuddering a little.

"So am I," Luna nodded, "And I don't like it. Transform, everyone. It's obviously a trap, but that train is our only way in."

Nodding in agreement, the girls pulled out their brooches.

"Luna," said Serena before any of them could utter the magic words, "I know you don't want to hear this but..." she took a breath, "If we fail—if we don't make it back alive—tell my parents everything, including Amy's mother, even if they don't understand."

Luna stood there staring at her, then heaved a heavy sigh.

"Very well," she said, "I promise. But see to it that you survive. Otherwise I'll never forgive myself for sending you to your deaths at such an early age."

"Don't worry," Serena gave a little grin, "We don't intend to go down without give it our best shot. Ready, girls?"

"Ready!" said Amy and Raye.

"Luna Prism Arma!"

"Mercrius Prism Arma!"

"Ares Prism Arma!"

A moment later they went up the stairs, using the techniques their trainers had taught them, similar to what the military and other armed services used.

Their right hand was placed on their weapon, ready for use when the action came. Their left hand was placed in a defensive position in front of them so they could summon their shield if it was needed. They switched on their scanners for any signs of an ambush but could detect nothing that was unusual.

Soon they came to a train platform where an unoccupied subway train sat.

"Something's wrong," Amy said grimly.

"Yeah," Serena tightened her grip on her wand, "It's too quiet."

At that moment the train door open on its own.

"Jadeite's obviously inviting us in," Raye said coldly.

"Indeed," agreed Luna, "Let's get on, but stay alert."

Together the entered the train. As soon as the door closed the train immediately began moving, picking up speed until it was zipping along the line. Soon the airport came into view.

"Do you think Jadeite will attack us while we're riding on this train?" said Serena, her eyes darting around as if she was expecting that exact thing to happened.

"It's possible, but I doubt it," said Luna, "If there's one thing I've learned about Jadeite, it's the fact that he enjoys watching his victims suffer up close."

No one said anything else as they watched the main building of the airport loom closer. Several commercial planes were about, some sitting right at their terminals while others were in hangers or at random places. It was as if they walked into into a ghost town, for there was activity in sight except for the fact that lights in the main building were on.

The train came to a stop and the door opened. Cautiously they stepped out and made their way inside. With the other two behind her, Serena peered around the corner.

"Wow," she stared, "There's a lot of police officers."

"That's odd," said Amy, "I thought Jadeite would have got rid of them already."

"Same here," Raye frowned, "Unless-"

Suddenly she felt the air stir behind her and the hair raise at her nape.

"Look out!" she yelled just as she whirled around.

She summoned her shield just as police baton crashed against. Planting her feet firmly, she clenched her right fist and punched the officer, knocking him off his feet. At the same time, Amy saw another policeman appear out of nowhere and charged at Serena. Without taking the time to think, she took out her boomerang and shot the officer right through the heart.

"Oh, no!" she gasped as the officer crumpled to the floor, horrified that she just killed another human being.

"Why are the police officers attacking us?!" Serena exclaimed.

"They're not police officers," said Raye, "Look."

They looked over to see that Raye had stabbed the first officer with the bladed version of her crescent bow, except it wasn't a police officer. It was actually a Dark Kingdom soldier, in full battle armor. Stunned, they looked back at the other officer, which was also another Dark Kingdom soldier.

"They're soldiers disguised at policemen!" Amy gasped again, relieved.

Serena was about to nod in agreement when she suddenly heard the clanking of armor. She peered around the corner again. The police officers, now turned into Jadeite's soldiers, had heard the commotion and were now approaching, weapons raised.

"Uh, oh," she said, "They've heard us!"

"Now only that," Raye pointed, "They're also approaching from the sides."

They looked and saw more soldiers approaching form behind and in front of them.

"Move!" Luna barked.

Quickly they moved around the corner and found themselves facing an army of Dark Kingdom soldiers. Brandishing their weapons, they took a defensive stance and waited as the soldiers moved in, eager for a kill.

"We're completely surrounded," Amy declared a moment later.

"Now what?" said Serena.

"We'll do as we did last time," Raye said with a grin on her face, "We'll have to fight our way through so we can reach Jadeite."

"I like the sound of that," Serena glared at the soldiers, "Bring it on, losers!"

The next few minute passed with the sounds of ancient battle. While the soldiers were indeed well trained, the Sailor Scouts were making them look like amateurs. Every attack they made was countered, dodged, or blocked. The girls were just too fast for for them.

Serena cut down every one that came at her while Amy and Raye shot and sliced at the others. Soon the floor was littered with armored bodies of Dark Kingdom soldiers, who quickly dissolved into dust and disappeared.

"Either these guys are poorly trained, or we're just too good for them," said Serena, placing her crystal sword on her shoulder, proud at herself.

"I agree," added Raye, "These guys are too easy to beat."

"You think that Jadeite would send something better than this," Amy said with disappointment.

No sooner had she said those words they heard the sound of armored feet clamping down from the entrance they had just come through, followed by the unmistakable sound of something heavy swinging through the air. A moment later a gigantic knight in black armor appeared, swinging a huge and menacing spiky ball attached to a chain.

"That wasn't what I meant," said Amy, immediately regretting her earlier words.

"Get down!" Luna yelled.

The girls dove to different sides as the knight flung the ball, the impact scaring and cratering the very spot they had been standing on. It was at that moment that Serena realized that Jadeite was deliberately delaying them, hoping to wear them down or at least injure them so he could make them an easy target.

"We need to get rid of him quickly so we get to Jadeite," she stood, "Mercury, Mars, get ready to shoot when I tell you!"

"What are you doing?" Raye yelled skeptically.

"Just wait and see. Hey, fat guy!" Serena yelled to divert the knight's attention.

The knight immediately stared swinging his ball and chain again and flung it straight at Serena. She waited until it was almost upon her before she jumped straight into the air. The ball missed her feet by a good foot and as it passed beneath her, she landed on the outstretched chain and ran straight toward the knight, sword at her side.

Amy and Raye stared in amazement. It was as if they were seeing a Japanese anime scene come to life. The knight had no time to react when Serena ran straight to his face. He raised his arm defensively as Serena cut at his helmet, then jumped down, slashing his right arm and leg. Now injured at vital points, the knight dropped his weapon and went down on one knee.

"Now!" Serena yelled.

Amy and Raye immediately shot their weapons. Both energy blast and arrow struck the knight in the chest. It let out a groan that sounded electronic before it collapsed on the floor and laid still. Before the girls could do anything else, more soldiers appeared.

"How many more of them are there?!" Amy stared in disbelief.

"Forget them!" Serena rushed forward toward to the outside door where the planes, "If we stay here we'll all die."

"Agreed," said Raye, picking up on what Serena was thinking, "Let's get out of here and get into the open."

They ran up a short staircase where several soldiers tried to stop them but were quickly dealt with. Flinging open the doors, they ran down the runway as more soldiers chased after them.

"Enough of this!" Raye yelled moments later and turned. She took aim with her bow and charged the arrow placed in it with energy. A dull gold light appeared and swirled around the arrow.

The soldiers were coming at them at a full sprint and had chance to stop themselves. As soon as Raye released her arrow, ten more golden arrows at each side appeared and streaked straight at the soldiers. Whoever was standing after the volley was immediately shot down by Serena and Amy.

"I think that's the last of them," said Luna, looking around.

"Nice going, Mars," Serena beamed at her friend.

"Thanks," Raye smiled back.

Then they heard the unmistakable laugh at Jadeite. They looked up to see Jadeite standing on the roof of the control tower, arms crossed and a big smirk on his handsome face.

"Sailor Scouts," he said in a monotone voice, "I see that you have come. You definitely been well trained. I thought my knight would finish you but it appears I underestimated you. No matter, tonight is the night you die. And after I kill you, I will find who your trainers are and killed them as well so they no longer train Sailor Scouts."

The little fear that encased them immediately vaporized into anger.

"You lay a hand on our trainers and you'll be grateful you can only die once!" Raye spat.

"If it weren't for them, we wouldn't be here," said Amy, "Your fight is with us, not them."

"So are you going to stand and fight like a man, Jadeite?" Serena challenged, "Or are you going to run like a coward like you did back at the park?"

"Oh," Jadeite smiled coldly, "I intend to fight each and every one of you. But first I'm going to have a little fun."

The girls braced themselves, waiting for his first attack as he clasped his hands. Suddenly their heard the sounds of jet engines powering up. Whirling around, they saw a four engine international airliner rev itself to full power before it starting moving on its own.

Straight at them.

"He's controlling the airliners," Luna gasped, "Run for it or we'll all be run over or sucked into the engines!"

They didn't need to be told twice. Turning in the opposite direction, they ran as fast as they could. Yet the plane was catching up to them. To their horror, they saw two more international airliners coming up from the sides. Before they knew it, they cut off by the Potomac River.

"We're trapped!" Serena stared in helplessness.

"Let's trying blowing them up," Raye suggested.

"No!" Luna yelled, "The force of the explosions will knock all of us unconscious."

"Luna's right," said Amy, "We can't jumped over them either. The power of the engines will suck us right into them."

"So what do we do now?!" Serena said desperately.

"Just wait and be ready," Luna said calmly, "I don't believe Jadeite is finished toying with us yet."

The airliners closed the distance until they were almost on top of them. Then they stopped, but the engines remained running at full throttle. Already they feeling the turbulence tugging at them, but they held their feet firmly on the ground. Then they felt an evil presence above them.

"Look out!" Luna warned.

All of them rolled forward as Jadeite materialized out of thin and slashed down with his saber. Having missed of them but was not at all concerned. Slowly he stood, looking at each with an amused grin on his face.

Furious, Serena charged at him. He blocked every one of her attacks before pushing her back. She fought to keep her balance as the engine turbulence pulled at her again. Amy and Raye also attacked him, but were knocked backward. Soon they were practically taking turns trying to defeat Jadeite.

Luna watched the battle in growing dread. Because of her small size and the powerful turbulence, she couldn't move from her spot just in front of one the airliner's front landing gear. She knew what Jadeite was trying to do. He was trying to push the Sailor Scouts close enough so that they would be sucked up into the engines while the only protection was the river. If she didn't do something to help them soon, they would either succumb to Jadeite's blade or be chopped into a million pieces.

Jadeite was laughing, clearly enjoying himself, when something cut across his vision, almost cutting his face. The distraction was enough to lose control of the airliners and the engines quickly lost power.

Relieved but worn out, the Sailor Scouts, and Jadeite, turned their gazes at the red rose that stick out from the ground. Then a figure in black and white with a top hat and cape appeared.

"Tuxedo Mask!" The girls all but squealed.

The Rose Caster tipped his hat to them before he turned his attention to Jadeite.

"Are you having fun bullying these young ladies?" he said, his voice sarcastic but cold, "How ungentlemanly of you."

"Humph," Jadeite his saber at him, "I was beginning to wonder when you would arrive. Now you can join them in Hell!"

"A man who delights in torturing innocent people," Tuxedo Mask shook his head as he drew his rapier, "That is totally unacceptable."

They took their stances and began to fence. The girls watched with held breath as they circled each other and went back and forth. Then Tuxedo Mask jumped high into the moonlit sky and Jadeite jumped after him. They watched in amazement as they continued fencing in the air for a moment before Tuxedo Mask knocked the saber out of Jadeite's grasp.

But before he could deliver the finishing blow, Jadeite lunged forward. He grabbed him by the neck and plunged them both straight into the river.

Gasping in horror, the Sailor Scouts and Luna ran forward. Desperate moments passed as they waited, hoping and dreading who would rise from the river. Then a red rose rose to the surface.

Before they could grasp the possibility that Tuxedo Mask could be dead, Jadeite himself rose from the waters, his cruel face smiling in triumph.

"No!" Amy screamed.

"Where's Tuxedo Mask?!" Raye yelled at him.

"What have you done with him, you monster?!" Serena screamed, fighting back tears.

Jadeite only laughed, "You gentlemanly hero is dead! Cry and wail, Sailor Scouts! You'll soon be joining him!"

He raised his hands and they heard the jets powering up again.

"Oh, no you don't!" her face red with fury, Raye flung out her hand and her grappling chain shot out.

Jadeite was between enjoying his little victory and controlling the airliner again and didn't see the chain until it was too late. It wrapped around him, trapping his arms and tightening before he could react.

"Come here!" Raye screamed and jerked the chain toward her.

Completely helpless, Jadeite watched in horror as he was pulled toward Sailor Mars. He was only able to see the fire in her eyes before her left fist connected with his face.

Never in his life did he believe that any girl could hit so hard, yet the instant he saw stars he did.

But Raye wasn't finished with him. The impact of her punch send Jadeite flying backward, but her chain was still wrapped around him. She pulled him back toward her and punched him again before she swung the chain in a sweeping arc above her and he landed hard into the asphalt of the runway.

Trying to recover his whirling wits, Jadeite stood, spitting out a broken tooth wiping at his bleeding and broken nose. He saw Sailor Mercury sprinting straight at him and summoned his saber again, but caught his swinging arm and knock the sword out of his hand. She then proceeded to punch him in the stomach and then several times in the chest.

Jadeite's breath was knock out of him and the punches pushed him backward before Amy charged up an energy punch and her fist connected right underneath his chin. He felt himself being lunched into the air like a rocket.

As he tried to gather his wits again, he saw Sailor Moon leap up over him, spin around in the air a few times and, screaming like a banshee, tornado kicked him in the chest. There was nothing he could do to stop her and he went flying backwards. He bounced off the fuselage of the nearest airliner like a ragged doll, just above the cockpit, before he landed on the ground, rolling several times.

Groaning and full of pain he slowly stood up, amazed he could still stand after taking such a beating. His vision was blurred and he struggled to regain his focus. When he did, he saw the Sailor Scouts slowly approaching him, weapons drawn.

For the first time in his life, he felt fear. Real fear.

Each of them looked at him with every intent of killing him. He had made a terrible mistake of murdering their one and only ally, and now he was about to pay the ultimate price.

"No!" he screamed, trying to sound as cruel as possible, but deep down he was a futile effort, "I will not be defeated by you! The Sailor Scouts are dead! The Alliance is dead! You are nothing more than foolish girls who can never make a difference in the galaxy!"

None of them said anything at first, then Raye raised her bow and shot him in the leg.

"If you thought we were nothing more than typical girls," she said coldly as he screamed in pain, "Than you underestimated us greatly."

Jadeite tried to summon his saber again, but Amy shot him in his sword hand before it could even appear.

"Your arrogance, ignorance, and cruelty is the very reason the Alliance of the Star Kingdoms fell," she said, her voice showing no remorse, "We won't allow you to do the same in this world."

Serena dispersed her crystal blade and pointed her wand at Jadeite, her eyes cold and unforgiving.

"Tell this to your master," she declared, "The Sailor Scouts have returned and are here to stay. We will honor their memory by bringing back their legacy and returning to outer space, where we've always belonged."

"No!" Jadeite snarled, "I will not let you!"

As a last attempt to redeem himself, he summon his powers to take control of the airliners again. Because of his weakness and his still whirling senses, he didn't notice there was one jet that activated. The one directly behind him. Serena noticed it and saw her opportunity.

"Farewell, Jadeite," she said coldly when the jet reached full power, and released a blast of crystal energy at him from her wand.

The Dark Kingdom general could not react fast enough to stop and was hit directly in the chest. He felt himself flying backward again. Out of the corner of his eye he saw himself being caught in the turbulence ad sucked right toward the engine.

The girls turned away and closed their eyes just as he let out a scream, not wanting to see his gruesome end. They waited until the jet engines stopped before they opened their eyes. Jadeite was gone, never to threatened anyone on Earth ever again.

Normally they would have cheered and celebrated, but none of them could forget the sacrifice that one made. They turned back toward the river and walked toward it, Luna following them in in equal remorse.

What neither of them notice was that there was no smear of blood on the airliner's jet fans, or any blood on the ground behind it.

Jadeite had actually been able to teleport himself before being chopped in a million pieces. However, when he stood before Queen Beryl in her throne, he knew he had escaped from one horrible fate to another.

Queen Beryl looked at his bruised, swelling, and bleeding face and his torn uniform and sniffed in disgust.

"Queen Beryl..." Jadeite began to plead, knowing it was useless.

"Fool!" Queen Beryl screeched, "You have the courage to come crawling back here after being defeated by three puny Prism ranked Sailor Scouts?! Pathetic!"

"Queen Beryl! Please, give me another chance! I beg you-"

"You have failed me for the last time, Jadeite," Queen Beryl held up a palm and a ghostly white light appeared above it, "Sleep for Eternity will be your punishment."

"Queen Beryl!" Jadeite tried one last time, "Please—aaaaaaaaaaaauuuugh!"

The Queen of the Dark Kingdom hurled the ball of white light and her former general was consumed by it. His body stiffened, his features locked in his agonizing scream, before his entire body was encased in ice. The minions who happened to be in the throne gasped in awe and fear of the terrible fate.

"Jadeite's services will be remembered, but there is no place for failures in my kingdom," Queen Beryl waved a hand and a black hole appeared underneath the black of ice. Her demon eyes showed no pity as Jadeite's frozen body was sucked into the black hole, never to be seen again. Then she turned her gaze to the tall, broad shouldered man with long brown hair now standing before her, "Nephrite, you will take over the task of collecting energy for our great ruler."

The man bowed, smiling in delight.

"Thank you, Queen Beryl," he said in a deep, seductive voice, "Jadeite was a fool. I promise I will not fail as he did."

Serena, Amy, and Raye stood before the river, fighting back tears. The red rose had long sunk into the depths, but none of them could bring themselves to leave.

"Tuxedo Mask..." Serena sniffed.

"He gave his life to protect us," choked Amy.

"And now we'll never know who he really was," Raye put in sadly.

Luna gazed at the waters. It was far from the first time she had seen death. She had encountered it all through her life when she lived all those years in the Silver Millennium. It only truly hurt her when a Sailor Scout, especially one she knew very closely, died in battle. But it hurt just as much when a Sailor Scout's ally gave their life to protect them and to help complete their mission.

"We should be going," she said pointedly, "Our mission here is done. There's is nothing more we can do except remember the man who gave his life for you."

She turned to go, but none of them moved.

"No," Serena shook her head, "I can't! I just can't accept the fact that's he's dead and that I will never see him again."

"I appreciate that you were worried about me," said a familiar voice behind them.

At first they froze, wondering if they were hearing things, then whirled around and gasped, unable to believe their eyes.

He stood on top of the nearest airliner. His clothes bore no cuts or rips, no sign that he had been wounded in battle, and he wasn't even wet! He smiled his charming smile at them as if he only gone to a formal party and back.

"Tuxedo Mask!"

"You're alive!"

"Oh, thank God!"

Even Luna was smiling, "I'm happy to see that you're alive Tuxedo Mask," she said, "I'm curious, however, on how you did not drown."

"Jadeite made a good attempt to take my life," he said, "But the grave could not hold me."

"Tuxedo Mask," said Amy nervously, "Why do always come to our aid?"

"Could it be because he's in love with me?" Serena said hopefully.

"Serena!" Raye planted her hips and stared at her, "Honestly."

"I remember the Sailor Scouts and what they fought for," said Tuxedo Mask, "I, too, was a victim of that terrible day when the Alliance fell. I intent to see to it that that never happens again. Know that I will never be your enemy and that I will always stand by your side until the very end."

"Tuxedo Mask," said Raye, "Who are you? Why won't you tell us who you really are?"

"My memories have not fully returned to me," he answered, "There are questions I have not found the answers to. But I promise, I will tell you everything when I know and remember."

"Sailor Moon, Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars, you have won a great victory here tonight and have taken the first major step of bringing back the legacy of the Sailor Scouts Universe. Stay true to yourselves, value your friendship, and fight for what is right. Greater challenges await you and I will stand with you when the time comes. Until then, farewell. And may the Grace of Avon be with you."

He took off his hat and bowed with an old fashioned flourish before placing back on his head again. He then gave one last smile and flung his cape around him, disappearing into the night.

For a long moment the Sailor Scouts stood, stunned by what they had seen and learned.

"Luna," said Raye, "what did Tuxedo Mask mean when he said he was also a victim of that terrible night?"

"And what did he mean by memories?" asked Amy.

Luna hesitated, then said, "I'm not sure. After hearing what he said, Tuxedo Mask has now become a mystery to me. That isn't to say I now think he could be an enemy. But as he promised, he will tell when he knows."

Serena looked up toward the moon, remembering the fascinating story of the time and the place that Luna had lived in.

"Luna," she said, "you said that the Sailor Scouts were the first explorers of space and that they discovered many worlds."

"Yes," Luna nodded, "I did indeed."

"I wonder if we will go into outer space as they did and see the worlds they discovered."

Luna looked up at the stars and smiled as the memories came back, "Perhaps one day you will. If not, then your children and grandchildren will. The future, after all, is up to you."

For several long minutes they stood gazing at the moon and the stars until the distant sounds of police sirens caused to move out of sight and out of the airport. Dave was overjoyed of seeing them alive and well.

Even as they arrived home in silence and snuggled in for a well earned good night's rest, Serena, Amy, and Raye knew deep down that their adventures as Sailor Scout were only beginning...

To be continued in Part 2: The Redemption of Nephrite