Author's Note: Wow! 700 reviews and over 70,000 hits… whoop! whoop!

Hey!!! My apologies for the super-uber lateness of this chapter. I promised you guys that I am not giving up on this story, though chapters have steadily been coming later than I expected for a gazillion reasons…

1. I just got promoted in my work, so that means more responsibilities,

2. I had to change apartments (again! In 2007 alone, I shifted into three different apartments!), plus,

3. holidays seasons…

4. and the MAIN reason why things got held up… there are thirteen of them actually…

Reason number 4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15, and 16…

(deep breath)… Leeteuk, Heechul, Kangin, Eunhyeuk, Siwon, Donghae, Shindong, Yesung, Kibum, Ryeowook, Sungmin, Hangkyung, and Kyuhyun… collectively known as Super Junior (or as Teukie would say… Super Juni-O-R!!!!)

Kyuhyunnieeee!!!

Heheheh…

So without further ado…

Disclaimer: I still don't own Sailor Moon. My Christmas wish was to own at least half of the franchise, but alas, Santa said I was already over the kids' age bracket… bummer….

P.S.: Italics are flashbacks or thoughts. Just to give you fair warning, there'll be lot… Also, I've mentioned before that I don't write good fight scenes, right? Right? RIGHT???

Warning: Not beta read and not edited… so all grammar and speling mistackes are forfeited… :P

SAVING TIME

Recap

A bright light surrounded Beryl and Kunzite, making Zoicite, Tuxedo Mask and the rest of the Senshi shield their eyes from the glare.

Sailor Venus stirred, the bright light awakening her from her sleep. Her shoulder was hurting like hell.

"What ha-" she mumbled, straining to open her eyes. The light had started to dissipate, as she strained to see what was beyond the mysterious light.

"Venus! Are you…" Sailor Mercury finally noticed that the Senshi of Love was finally awake only to be abruptly cut by the blonde's sudden intake of breath. "What's wro-"

As Sailor Mercury looked up to follow Venus' line of sight, she too gasped in surprise.

For lying on Beryl's feet was Kunzite's immobile body.

End Recap

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Chapter 18: Allegiance

"Kunzite-sama!"

The silver-haired general turned towards the voice with a grim look on his face. No one disturbs him during his meditation period.

"Kunzite… (wheeze)… -sa …(gasp)… -ma..."

"What is it Zoicite?" the high general asked, trying to keep a tight reign on his patience. "You know I do not wish to be disturbed."

"My apologies, Kunzite-sama," the young general started. "But it seems we have a problem."

"What is it now?"

"Umm… it's his highness…" Zoicite started twiddling his thumbs, unable to meet his commander's eyes. "He's missing… again…"

Kunzite sighed. This has been the fifth time their liege has shirked his duties in the last two weeks alone. The first few times he had been lenient, but enough is enough.

Standing up from his meditation stance, he quickly dusted off his uniform and proceeded to walk past Zoicite.

"Are Nephrite and Jadeite aware of the situation?"

"Yes, sir," Zoicite answered. "Nephrite is already doing damage control while Jadeite is rounding up a handful of our most trusted guards to find the prince so as not to cause alarm to the townspeople."

"And the King and Queen?"

"Are still blissfully unaware, sir."

Kunzite nodded, walking briskly with Zoicite almost running to keep up with the taller general's longer strides.

From afar, the high general could see Nephrite's tall frame issuing orders to a few palace guards – most probably making sure that they won't stumble accidentally on the Prince gallivanting somewhere.

"Zoicite," Kunzite suddenly spoke, making the young general start and almost stumble.

"Y-yes sir?"

"Help out Jadeite in the search. Cover all possible locations and hideaways. He can't have gone far."

"Yes sir!" Zoicite saluted and almost immediately took off towards the stables where he knew Jadeite would be, rounding off the fastest horses in the Kingdom.

As soon as Kunzite reached Nephrite, the guards have already left, leaving the generals alone.

"What can you assess from the situation, Nephrite?"

"I think it's the usual, Kunzite," Nephrite sighed, running his hand through his mahogany hair, frustration clearly evident in his actions. "They're probably together… somewhere… again."

Kunzite remained stoically silent; his arms crossed over his chest and his brows furrowed in thought.

"What is he thinking?" Nephrite irritably whispered, the two walking towards the palace's main gardens. "He should know better than to shirk his duties, especially at a crucial time such as this!"

"I believe its called love, Nephrite," Kunzite answered, his face impassive yet his eyes had a distinct gleam in them. "Impossible it may be there is no way anyone of us can stop it."

"Why, General Kunzite," Nephrite suddenly turned towards his leader, grinning from ear to ear. "I do believe the poet in you suddenly spoke! And here I thought I was the only romantic in the group!"

"I'm not being romantic, Nephrite," Kunzite only shrugged off his comrade's teasing. "I am only speaking the truth. It's not as if we can stop the inevitable."

"Yes, the stars have begun to show what is about to come."

"Of the four of us, you are the only one who seems to have capacity to believe in love and destiny," Kunzite continued. "Jadeite is too brash and hot-tempered while Zoicite, being the youngest, is too timid and unsure of himself."

"Which is why the young one always looks up to you for guidance," Nephrite continued. "Don't put yourself too low, Kunzite. You're not an unfeeling bastard, as you would like to project," he continued, grinning. "I've known you longer than anyone here in the castle, and I know behind that cold, indifferent exterior, you have the temperament of a house kitten."

If looks could kill, Nephrite would have already dropped dead in his tracks with the glare Kunzite gave him.

"Careful what you say, Nephrite," Kunzite continued, their walk bringing them to an alcove in the middle of the Imperial Gardens. "Someone might hear you and actually believe."

Nephrite chuckled, used to the high general's rebuke when it comes to his standoffish attitude. The two suddenly stopped upon hearing a sound coming from beyond the canopy of trees.

"Endy!" a muffled shriek was heard. "That wasn't meant to be funny!"

"On the contrary my dear princess," the deep, baritone voice of their prince answered back. "I find it very cute and endearing."

A feminine giggle was heard followed by silence.

Kunzite and Nephrite could only look at each other in defeat. Nephrite raised an eyebrow at his commander, but Kunzite merely gestured for him to proceed. His second-in-command only sighed and proceeded to cough and clear his throat.

Prince Endymion and his female companion suddenly broke apart upon hearing the intrusion and looked up to see the two Earth generals walking towards them.

"Your Highness," Kunzite bowed down towards the pair with Nephrite following suit.

"Kunzite," Endymion acknowledged the presence of his guardians. "Nephrite. How fares you?"

"We are both fine and well, Your Highness," Kunzite answered back, standing upright. "Though you made us all worry with your sudden disappearance."

"Oh that…" Endymion merely scratched his head and grinned sheepishly. "Well, I was…"

"And how fares you, Princess Serenity?" the high general continued, unperturbed.

"I am doing well, Kunzite," Serenity giggled, as she curtsied and acknowledged the Earth generals. "And Nephrite, how are you?"

"Very well also, Your Highness," Nephrite answered, but Kunzite, again, spoke up.

"I hope you did not arrive here alone," the silver haired general continued in a monotonous voice. "Negotiations are still underway, and you being here unescorted will prove to be very… unfavorable."

"Why, General Kuzite," Serenity grinned at the taller man. "I don't suppose that's an indirect way of you asking if my Senshi are with me, are you?"

"She has you there, Kunzite," Endymion answered for the suddenly blushing general, smirking. Nephrite wasn't helping either, as his second in command couldn't help but laugh at his awkward predicament.

Kunzite coughed and was again serious, though his cheeks still held a hint of pink.

"I am merely stating a fact, Princess," came his lame reply.

"I beg your forgiveness, general," Serenity sobered up, though her eyes were still shining with mirth. "You merely caught me unawares."

"Speaking of unawares," Nephrite spoke up, finally able to catch his breath. "Prince Endymion, you are aware that you were supposed to meet with the delegation from the Northern Continents for lunch today?"

"Oh crap!" Endymion suddenly smacked his forehead. "I forgot all about that!"

"Oh Endy," Serenity looked at her Prince with laughter in her eyes. "I think you're becoming too old and forgetful already."

"Only because one look at your beauty and I forget everything else," was the suave reply, earning a giggle from the small blonde.

Kunzite, who opted to keep his mouth shut, merely rolled his eyes. Nephrite, on the other hand was smiling.

"As much as I would like to break the two of you apart, you do have responsibilities, your highness," Nephrite explained. "And it is best if we would be on our way."

"Nephrite is right, your highness," Kunzite said, finally having regained his full composure. "We would also need to call off the search party."

"What search party?" Endymion asked, while giving Serenity a farewell hug.

"Jadeite and Zoicite are looking for you along with a handful of trusted guards."

"Hmm," Endymion mumbled, as he bestowed a kiss upon his lover's temple. "I will see you next time then, my love."

"Alright," Serenity answered with a pout. "I am looking forward to next time then."

"I do hope this next time would not be another secret rendezvous, Your Highness," Kunzite said. "All this hiding is quite worrying, especially to us."

"Please do not worry your self too much, Kunzite, Nephrite," Serenity smiled, walking towards the southern gates, the males following suite. "Between you and my Senshi, I would think any enemy would be out of their minds to attack me or Endy."

Small talk followed as they reached the garden gates where Sailor Jupiter and Sailor Mercury were standing guard.

"My apologies again, Kunzite," Serenity whispered to the silver haired general conspiratorially. "I know you were expecting her to be here."

Unfortunately, Serenity's whisper meant that anyone within a 2 feet radius could over hear her.

Kunzite could only cough in embarrassment as everyone else good-naturedly laughed.

"Well at least Nephrite's day suddenly became brighter," Endy commented, spying the smile exchanged between his general and the thunder Senshi.

After a brief exchange of hello's and goodbye's, the three ladies teleported back to the moon, leaving the men behind.

"Well that was certainly entertaining," Nephrite was the first one to break the companionable silence as the three high ranking figures of the Earth made their way back towards the castle.

"Now, now, Nephrite," Endymion waved off his second in command. "Just because our day has become brighter because of our ladies, doesn't mean that Kunzite should spend his sulking."

"I am not sulking," was the short answer from the commander general. "I was merely thinking of your meeting with the Northern delegates, Your Highness."

"Ah, yes," Nephrite nodded enthusiastically, crossing his arms over his chest. "The delegation… of course… of course… "

"I'm sure there is nothing to worry about, Kunzite," Endymion elbowed Nephrite on the stomach, trying to keep the peace. At the rate they're going, Kunzite would be flaying the two of them alive with their constant teasing. It really wasn't fair on his part as he was the only one present that was unable to see his lady-love.

The Earth prince found it amusing that even though his and Serenity's love was considered forbidden due to the ongoing turmoil between their worlds, his generals, too, found themselves in the same predicament as his. Though not as passionate as what he has with Serenity, his generals have taken a liking to the Senshi warriors like moth to a flame.

Of the four pairs, it was Sailor Jupiter and Nephrite who were more open with their attraction towards each other, with their constant flirting and occasional disappearances every now and then… at the same time…

The feisty Sailor Mars and Jadeite openly share their feelings with each other as well, if one can call their's a "loving" relationship – with Jadeite's snide remarks and Mars' scathing comebacks, it's a wonder that the two fire elementals don't spontaneously combust when near each other.

Though if one would look closely, their verbal spats hold no bite, and both seem to be enjoying themselves in their fights, as weird as that may sound.

Zoicite and Mercury, in the meantime, are polar opposites of Mars and Jadeite. As both are water elementals, both seem to take the phrase "water runs deep" seriously. Both are highly intelligent and extremely shy – Mercury with everyone, and Zoicite… he was also shy around people… of the opposite sex…

The other generals used to tease him of being a crybaby and Kunzite's lackey as the young one constantly followed the high general wherever he went. This all changed however upon meeting the blue-haired Senshi.

His dependence on Kunzite slowly disappeared and he became more self-assured…provided, of course, that Mercury wasn't around… else he's just a blabbering idiot.

As for their leaders, it was a whole different story. Both had egos the size of the sun! It was plainly clear that they are attracted to each other but doesn't want to give in to each other's feelings.

Serenity once told him that she caught Venus staring whimsically at Kunzite when he wasn't looking. After that, he made sure to study Kunzite whenever Venus was around. So he was pretty much surprised one time when he saw his serious commander general's eyes travel up and down Sailor Venus' long legs while her back was turned. He vehemently denied it afterwards, of course, in the privacy of their meeting room, but his denial just proved his attraction to the blonde warrior.

"Don't worry, Kunzite," Endymion reiterated himself, not having received a response from the silver-haired general. "I'm sure the meeting with the delegation will go fine."

"That is not the only thing that worries me, Your Highness," was the quiet and surprising reply from Kunzite.

Nephrite and Endymion could only stare at him in curiosity. It's not often that Kunzite gives any cryptic answers.

"What do you mean, Kunzite?" Nephrite asked.

"All of us know that this will not work," Kunzite slowly explained, carefully choosing his words. "This negotiations between the Earth and Moon… Our people would always have second thoughts allying themselves with these aliens. Why do you think we are the only planet left in the Solar System who is not part of the Alliance? From generations old, our forefathers have bent to the people's cry of independence from the aliens."

"It is ignorance and fear which has kept our planet from being part of the Alliance," said Endymion. "Once they fully understand the benefits our world and the entire Solar System will have if we become part of the Alliance, it would all be worth it."

"I do hope that is not your opening speech to the Northern delegates, Endymion," Kunzite muttered, still feeling down from the events since morning. "If its one thing I do know, our people are proud people. The will never subject themselves to a new ruler, one that would ultimately hold dominion over the entire Solar System."

"Therein lays the problem, Kunzite," Endymion answered. "My father rules over the largest continent in this planet, earning him the title 'King of Earth'. But that does not stop the other continents from trying to seize our lands in the hope of acquiring that same title. Which is why negotiations must push through, so we won't need all this wars against ourselves."

"You're getting to be a better diplomat, Your Highness," Nephrite said, smiling at his liege.

"All this negotiations in and out of Earth has kept me on my toes, literally," the Prince explained. "I need to know what to say, when to say it, and to whom."

"Then you have better be on your tiptoes right this moment," Kunzite suddenly whispered.

The prince and his second in command suddenly looked up and saw five individuals standing below he palace's steps near the edge of the Imperial Gardens.

"Who are my mother and father speaking to, Kunzite?" Endymion whispered back, quickening their paces. "Are they the delegates from the Northern Continents?"

"Yes, Your Highness," Nephrite was the one who answered, keeping a wary eye on the guests. "I suggest you tread carefully around them, especially the woman in the middle."

Endymion studied the mentioned woman who was now also looking at them with interest.

"I agree, Endymion," Kunzite warned. "Their people are known to be trained spies and assassins. Always be on your guard."

"That woman," Endymion began, suddenly feeling disgusted with the look he was receiving from the woman in question. "What is her name?"

"Lady Beryl."

-----------

"W-why… why am I crying?" Minako thought, feeling the tears spill from her eyes to her cheeks, falling to the ground below. "I don't even know him… so… why... am… I…"

"Venus!"

SLAP!

"I-I'm sorry!" Sailor Mercury held the blonde warriors shoulders, gently shaking some sense into her. "But you need to snap out of it!"

"W-wha…" Venus could only mumble incoherently before another blast brought their attention back to the fight.

Sailor Moon had managed to reappear after Beryl's initial attack, rendering Kunzite immobile. She has joined in on the fight alongside Tuxedo Mask and the rest of the other Senshi.

The Dark Queen seemed to be sporting a wound on her left side, with the way the blood was staining her ugly purple dress.

"Supreme Thunder!"

"Fire Soul!"

"Moon Tiara Attack!"

The combined attacks managed to knock Beryl a few feet back. It was enough for Zoicite as he quickly ran over to grab Kunzite from harm's way.

"Sailor Mercury!" Zoicite called out, making his way towards the pair with Kunzite on his back. "See if you can do anything for him!"

As the blonde general carefully laid down Kunzite on the ground beside Venus, Mercury immediately scanned for his injuries.

"He's unconscious and barely breathing. He also has multiple internal injuries." Mercury explained, fidgeting with her scanner. She then looked up at Zoicite, meeting his worried gaze. "He needs to go to a hospital, fast."

"That can't happen," Zoicite answered, his brows furrowed in frustration. "As you can see, he's not normal. We're not normal. Our blood is green, for crying out loud!"

Another blast caught their attention, this time coming from a few feet away from them.

"Watch out!" Zoicite cried out, immediately projecting a barrier to protect the four of them. Amidst the smoke and flying rubble, they could see Beryl had managed to get back to her feet and launch a counterattack.

Tuxedo Mask and Sailor Moon were the only ones left standing with Mars and Jupiter now lying unconscious on the ground, as well. The pink-haired Usagi sat near them, keeping watch over the two injured warriors.

"Sailor Moon," Tuxedo Mask called out, breathing heavily from exertion. "Can you still keep up?"

"I'm fine," she answered, her gaze never leaving Beryl. "You're the one I should be asking that."

"I'll be fine, Odango," he countered, smiling slightly. "No need to be worried."

"Who said I was?" the blonde pouted, her cheeks turning scarlet. "Don't be so full of yourself." She continued, before suddenly springing forward for an attack.

'I knew she'd want to have the last word in our argument,' Tuxedo Mask thought, shaking his head in bemusement before immediately following her lead.

Both warriors' attacks were precise and surprisingly coordinated.

Tuxedo Mask would launch his roses and Sailor Moon would immediately follow it up with her tiara attack. They would then launch a hand to hand combat with the evil queen, Tuxedo Mask with his staff and Sailor Moon with her Moon Rod.

All Beryl could do was defend herself from the pair's incessant attacks, as their continuing barrage slowly weakened her.

"Enough!" Beryl suddenly lashed out with her powers, her dark energy bursting out from her in all direction, with Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask receiving the brunt of her attack.

"Sailor Moon!" Sailor Mercury cried out, seeing her friend thrown a good distance away.

"Hahahahaha!" Beryl's evil laugh reverberated throughout the entire park. "Did you think you would be able to defeat me? You insignificant insects! My power is far greater than you can ever imagine!"

"What do we do?" Zoicite whispered, turning to look at the still unconscious Kunzite. "I could use your guidance right about now, Kunzite-sama."

"Even with our combined powers, we can't seem to put her down," Venus whispered, hands clenched in frustration. "Kunzite managed to injure her, but it didn't even seem to faze her."

Dark blasts of energy suddenly shot forth from Beryl's hands and hit Sailor Moon's and Tuxedo Mask's prone bodies.

"Get up!" her eyes were wide and red rimmed from insanity, her laughter maniacal. "I am not yet done with you insects!"

"Sailor Moon!" Sailor Venus and Sailor Mercury could only cry out, as their leader's body was thrown back against the ground like a rag doll.

"That's enough!"

All eyes were immediately drawn to the new speaker.

"You need to stop now, Beryl," Usagi's long, pink hair swayed in the wind as she slowly stood up. "They may not be able to stop you… yet… but I can."

Beryl stared at the new girl with a raised eyebrow before cackling up in laughter. "And what could you do – a mere bystander – that a Sailor Senshi has been unable to do?"

"This."

Usagi raised her right hand face level, making her audience see a heart-shaped brooch in her hands, before she slowly raised it over her head.

"Moon Eternal…"

Tuxedo Mask painfully opened his eyes, immediately seeking out Sailor Moon to see if she is alright. Instead his eyes fell on Usagi as she shouted her henshin phrase.

"… Make Up!"

The brooch immediately gave out a bright white light before encompassing Usagi with hundreds of soft white feathers.

Zoicite could only watch open-mouthed as the transformation took place. The white body suit, then the skirt, the gloves, the boots – it was Sailor Moon, but it wasn't! There was a significant difference but it was definitely her!

As Eternal Sailor Moon took on her final pose, Beryl could only watch in annoyance at the recent developments. This was the same warrior that almost defeated her back in Tokyo Tower.

"Who are you?" Beryl shouted, "Where did you come from?"

"In the name of love and justice… I am Eternal Sailor Moon," she immediately took on her signature pose, much to the delight and surprise of Venus and Mercury. "In the name of the moon, I will punish you!"

'That's her alright,' Tuxedo Mask thought, before slowly inching towards Sailor Moon's unconscious form. 'Only Odango could make that kind of speech and pose correctly.'

"Eternal Sailor Moon," Beryl repeated, trying out the name. "Wherever you came from, you cannot defeat me!"

"Yes I can, Beryl," the winged Senshi answered back. "I already did. You and Metallia will lose – even if it means by my hands."

Beryl gasped at her enemy's mention of Metallia's name. 'How did she know?'

A staff suddenly appeared out of thin air in front of Eternal Sailor Moon. When she grasped it with both hands, both ends suddenly elongated with one end reaching the ground. The other end, which was heart shaped and had small wings on the bottom, held a faint glow.

"For the last time Beryl," Eternal Sailor Moon's gaze was unwavering. "Surrender or face death."

Beryl held out her hand and her staff also appeared in her grasp. "Surrender? No one can defeat the Dark Kingdom and its powers!"

She then let out an immense ball of dark energy, intending to destroy everything in its path.

Without hesitation, Eternal Sailor Moon, inclined her staff towards the approaching attack and a foot before reaching her, the attack just dissipated, leaving in its wake a soft breeze.

Beryl stepped back in surprise. Clearly, this new Senshi held far greater power than the other Sailor warriors. In a moment of desperation, she launched one energy attack after another, her eyes wild and suddenly afraid.

Tuxedo Mask could only watch in fascination on Eternal Sailor Moon's display of power as he carefully cradled Sailor Moon against his chest. Her breathing was now normal, as he carefully healed her. He knew better than to push himself when he, too, was seriously injured, but his Odango Atama took precedence.

"You should wake up and see this for yourself, Usagi," he whispered to the still unconscious blonde. "You've grown up to be an amazing fighter for love and justice."

An answering moan was his answer, as his precious cargo stirred. He tore his gaze from Eternal Sailor Moon and looked down in time to see Sailor Moon open her eyes.

"Glad to see you're awake, Odango."

"W-what happened?"

"That," was Tuxedo Mask's only reply as he again looked up towards the fight.

Sailor Moon followed his gaze and was amazed at the sight that greeted her. Beryl was attacking and her future self wasn't even blinking an eye! It was then that she suddenly became aware of her current position. Tuxedo Mask was sitting on the ground, with her sitting sideways between his legs. His arms were around her shoulders and she had her head cradled on his chest.

She immediately looked up towards Tuxedo Mask's face, but his eyes were on the battle ahead. Rather on Eternal Sailor Moon. She immediately looked away.

'Now would be a good time to move, Usagi,' she silently berated herself, slowly inching away. She suddenly felt his arms stiffen around her before holding her closer to him.

"Going somewhere?" he mumbled, making Sailor Moon look up at his face. What she saw almost took her breath away.

"I… I…"

"Don't worry, Usagi, I won't bite," he smirked. "Besides, I'd prefer you're here where I can keep an eye on you."

"Umm… ah… ok…" Sailor Moon lowered her gaze, unable to stop the flush that slowly crept up to her cheeks. Who was she to complain? Wasn't this what she wanted anyway? Even if it was just to keep her safe from the enemy, wasn't this what she always wanted? To be held in his arms like a lover only would?

As she felt him again shift his attention to the fight ahead, she slowly snuck a peak at his profile. His brows were furrowed in concentration and his jaw was set. She quickly looked down and stared at his shirt instead. It would be embarrassing if she got caught in that intense gaze of his.

"Time to end this, Beryl."

All eyes were riveted to the fight scene where Beryl was breathing heavily and Eternal Sailor Moon stood proud and powerful.

"Silver Moon… Crystal Power…"

'This… this can't be happening!' Beryl thought, as she valiantly put up a shield to protect her, though at the back of her mind, she knew this was of no avail. 'I cannot lose to her! I cannot lose like this!'

"…KISS!"

Eternal Sailor Moon's moon staff emitted a soft, warm light unto everyone. The red and gold orb on top twinkled like a star before a ray of immense power surged towards Beryl and obliterated her from sight. Her screams echoed until the light dissipated and everything became eerily quiet.

Zoicite, Venus, Mercury, Tuxedo Mask and Sailor Moon could only stare in awe at the scene in front of them.

"Queen Beryl has been defeated in just one attack…" Zoicite mumbled, thankful that he was already sitting on the ground, otherwise he would have surely fallen on his knees. "Not just defeated… obliterated…"

"Sugoi…" Sailor Mercury could only stare open-mouthed. It was then that Sailor Moon gave an ear piercing shriek and ran over to her future counterpart, smiling and whooping all through out.

"WOW!" exclaimed the bubbly blonde, reaching beside the winged warrior from the future. "That was so amazing, nee-chan! In just one swoop, and then, BANG! Beryl got toasted! Oh yeah! Ahahaha! She never knew what hit her! She was beginning tobe an eyesore, but YEAH! You got her! Take that Negaverse-scum! HA! No more aliens going about! That's right – (AN: I'll stop here… but in any case, yeah, Usagi rambling on and on about etc etc… :P)..."

"That was amazing, Usa," Tuxedo Mask calmly spoke, in complete opposite of the younger blonde beside him. By this time, Mercury and Venus have also joined their group.

"OH MY GOD," Venus giddily exclaimed, amidst Sailor Moon's continued celebration speech. "How did you do THAT? I mean, she was just there, and then she was not there, and then there was this light, and then this unbelievable feeling, and then you called out this 'moon attack' something, and then – (AN: you get the picture right:P)…"

Amidst all the blonde ramblings, Mars, Jupiter, and Kunzite slowly woke up from their stupor, much to the surprise and relief of Zoicite who stayed by his commanding general's side.

"Kunzite-sama…" Zoicite breathed out, relieved. "You're alright."

"W-what happened?" Kunzite slowly mumbled, putting his right hand over his eyes while leaning on his left elbow for support. "What's all that noise?"

"Beryl has been defeated."

"Nani?" Kunzite's head immediately snapped up upon hearing the statement but instantly regretted it as nausea came rushing back to him. "Arrghh…"

"Careful, Kunzite-sama," Zoicite immediately put a supporting hand on his liege's shoulder for support. "I don't know how she did it, but she apparently healed all of you, though you still have to take it easy."

As the two former Dark Generals made their way to the celebrating group, Mars and Jupiter did the same, curious and bewildered with the sudden turn of events. Up until a minute ago, they were fighting Beryl. Where had the dark queen gone to?

"Hey guys," Jupiter spoke up first. "Where's Beryl? What happened?"

Sailor Moon and Sailor Venus gave victory poses simultaneously and answered at the same time, as well – "TOASTED!"

"Eh?" Mars asked, dot eyed.

"It's not yet done."

"Eh?" Everyone mimicked Sailor Mars previous expression in bewilderment.

"Beryl is just a pawn in all of this," Eternal Sailor Moon explained, her voice calm and serious. "Metallia is still out there and will be seeking retribution."

"She's right," Kunzite spoke up, making everyone shift their gazes at the silver-haired general. He shrugged off Zoicite's supporting arm and pulled himself upright. He refused to show weakness in front of his Prince. "Metallia is the real enemy. Beryl gets her power from her. She's the one we should be worried about."

"I think we spoke too soon," Zoicite mumbled, looking up at the approaching dark clouds.

Everyone braced themselves from the coming evil. The air was suddenly filled with an unbecoming stench, like the scent of a wild beast approaching its cornered prey.

Lighting suddenly struck a nearby tree, splitting it in half.

"Everyone, scatter!" Eternal Sailor Moon commanded. "Make sure you fight in pairs. Someone must always be at your back!"

"OK!"

Immediately, Sailor Mars and Sailor Jupiter, Sailor Venus and Sailor Mercury, Kunzite and Zoicite, and finally, Tuxedo Mask and Sailor Moon, took off in four separate directions, leaving Eternal Sailor Moon in the middle of the field.

The wind suddenly died down, signaling an ominous presence approaching. And true enough, dark smoke appeared from the split tree, not taking any definite shape, but rather that of a hulking, dark mass.

"You dare defy me?" A low, rumbling voice emanated from the massive shadow. "You dare fight against my power?"

"Your reign is almost at its end, Metallia," Eternal Sailor Moon admonished, pointing the end of her staff at the shadow. "I will not let you have this planet!"

Instead of answering, the dark shadow grew in size and loomed over the entire park. Even Eternal Sailor Moon suddenly looked worried. She knew she can take care of herself, but she also has to take into consideration everyone else present.

All of a sudden, the shadow quickly seeped towards the ground, as if sucked in by an invisible force from sight.

"Look out, everyone! Its undergrou – "

Tuxedo Mask never got to finish his sentence as black, vine-like tentacles sprung forth from the ground, gripping everyone's hands and feet as well as encircling their necks in a chokehold. Eternal Sailor Moon managed to evade the tentacles as she suddenly took flight, narrowly escaping.

"Minna!!!" Eternal Sailor Moon could only look in despair at the sight below. Everyone was slowly being choked to death. She needs to do something, and fast!

"Hold on!" she shouted, raising her staff once again. "I'll take care of this!"

"Now where would the fun be if you do that?"

Eternal Sailor Moon froze upon hearing the cold voice directly behind her.

As she slowly turned around, she came face to face with Sailor Galaxia's malice filled amber eyes.

"It's nice to finally see you again…" Galaxia grinned evilly. "…Eternal Sailor Moon."

---------

A/N:

Now what????

Well, I think that's it for now. Until the next chapter, everyone! (yes, there is a third chapter). On that note, may I just say how tiring it was to type in Eternal Sailor Moon over and over again just to differentiate Eternal Sailor Moon and Sailor Moon (see? See?) from each other?? But because I love my readers so much… this is for all of you…

See? I may not write good fight scenes, but I sure write a heck of a cliffhanger… -arrogant-

I'll probably get a lot of PMs on this AN -sweatdrops-

Don't forget to review!

Arigatou!

Ja ne!

--- Aimee Hime