The Final Battle! A New Chance At Love?

Asten rolled around his bed as he tried to get some sleep. He tried to think of both happy and tiring thoughts as he kept his eye squeezed shut. He tried to count, telling himself he will count to one thousand and hopefully he will fall asleep, but even as he only passed the one hundred mark he had a feeling that it wasn’t going to work.

“Fine,” he said and sat up. “I’ll be awake a little longer.” He punched the pillow and slipped out of bed. He put on a robe as he was only wearing pajama pants and decided to take a walk around the castle. Hopefully that will tire him out.

As he walked past the gargoyles wing of the castle he heard his sister’s voice. She was talking with the small gargoyle, Lexington. Maybe she can’t sleep as well, and if she was awake then maybe she can help make a nice sleepy brew of tea for the both of them.

“Sylvia?” Asten asked as he knocked the door.

“Ye can come in lad,” the voice of the elderly gargoyle said to him.

“Thanks,” Asten said as he entered the room.

“Something wrong?” Felix asked. He, Sylvia, Hudson and the young hatchling, Nashville were crowded around Lexington and his laptop.

“I just can’t sleep,” Asten said as he scratched the top of his head. “What about you two?” He didn’t need to ask about the gargoyles. He knew that they turned stone when the sun rose.

“I also got bit by the insomnia bug,” Felix said. “Hudson is brewing a nice pot of tea for us.”

“Yer sister helped wi the selection lad,” Hudson said. “She showed me which leaves would be perfect t’ use t’ help people fall asleep.”

“I never did go to sleep,” Sylvia said as she continued to watch the screen. She did not look up at him.

“We are looking for the Dark Kingdom home,” Nashville explained. He was seating on a bright yellow beanbag chair and was going through a package of Oreo cookies.

“We can already tell you that,” Asten said as he pulled up a chair. “The Dark Kingdom is in the North Pole.”

“We are just trying to find the access point,” Lexington said. “Sylvia told me they were several but I’m trying to see if we can find one that is still active.”

“I’m afraid my little message has made Borice paranoid,” Sylvia said.

“What kind of program did you install?” Asten asked.

“Something we whipped up together,” Lexington said. “I think I may have narrowed it down to three locations.”

“Where are they?” Felix asked and turned towards Nashville when the hatchling pulled out another cookie, making a rustling sound. “I know I’m not your parents, but how many of those have you had?”

“I dunno,” Nashville shrugged. “Six?”

“I’m thinking more like seven,” Hudson said as he removed the package from Nashville’s hands.

“Hey,” Nashville protested.

“Ye don’t want t’ rot out yer teeth, lad,” Hudson said and walked toward the entrance. “I need t’ check on the tea anyway.”

“The three locations are at Belvedere Castle,” Lexington said as he pointed to the map on the screen. “Weisman Middle School, and the subway station on 51^st street.”

“Now we just have to narrow it down,” Asten said.

“I have a day off tomorrow,” Felix said. “I’m going to check out these locations, use my abilities to feel for the right one or two.”

“Nothing wrong with more than one entrance,” Sylvia said.

“Just as long as we take care of them,” Asten added. And the sooner they do that the better.

-

Borice sipped his tea as he approached Metallia’s chamber. The tea was weak. The youma did not use enough leaves or steep it long enough, even with the right amount of sugar it still tasted off. He had to instruct the youmas to perform the tasks that his former generals had performed and that included brewing a decent cup of tea.

He thought of Sylvite. Her tea was always perfect. She grew several different tea plants and other flowering plants that shed used for herbal teas. She knew just the right amount for each pot, made sure it was the right temperature, and knew just how he liked it. He couldn’t believe how much he missed her tea already.

“Don’t think about that,” he chastised himself. Sylvite was never going to come back to him. The youma, Reptillia had delivered the message that Sylvite had given her at the end of the last mission. Reptillia had also witnessed Azurite, Feldspar, and Chrystia standing by the Galactic Ladies side. They were not dead. He had a feeling they weren’t but he couldn’t think of the alternative.

“Damn them all,” He threw the cup down onto the floor, shattering it several pieces.

“Something has gotten you angered my dear?” Metallia asked. She had taken on a human like form, resembling Queen Beryl with blue skin and dark blue hair.

“I have been betrayed,” Borice told her. “By most loyal and strongest soldiers. They have betrayed me.”

“Do not worry my dear,” Metallia said as she placed her hand against the glass containing her. “They will suffer when we clean this world and make it our own.”

“They will know the true suffering punishment that will fall upon all who betray us.”

“That is my good king. Get some rest. We will have a big evening coming up for us all.”

“Yes your highness,” Borice said before he bowed and exited the chamber. He made his way back to the throne room. If he caught sight of any youmas he will order them to brew better tea.

“Borice,” a voice whispered.

“What?” He turned. There was no one there.

“Borice,” the voice repeated and was louder. It belonged to Queen Beryl.

“Beryl?” He whispered her name. “My queen.”

“Sorry,” the voice whispered. “So sorry.” The ghostly image of Beryl flickered into view. She was not the queen with the pointed ears and red hair. Her hair was dark, her ears, fingernails and teeth were normal, and she was wearing the same dress when he had first met her all those centuries ago when she was a mere miller’s daughter.

“Why would you say sorry?” Borice asked. “Don’t be sorry. We will win for you.”

“Can’t go back,” Beryl said. “Can’t be the way it was.”

“It will be better than the way it was.”

“I’m sorry.” Her eyes were filled with sadness.

“You don’t have to be sorry.”

“I’m sorry I never saw you, Bornite.” A ghostly tear rolled down her cheek before she faded away.

“Beryl?” He grabbed the empty air where she once stood. “Queen Beryl?” He closed his eyes. He was losing his mind, or perhaps it was the tea. He definitely needed that nap.

-

It was nearly an hour after sunset when Merlee stepped out of the limousine and onto the sidewalk in front of the Aerie. She took a deep breath. Tonight was the night she and the others were going to fight the Dark Kingdom. She could not believe it. It almost seemed like yesterday that she had met Kayla and discovered she was a Galactic Lady.

“Miss Merlee?” Harold asked from the driver’s side. Merlee wanted to take her own car, but her parents didn’t want her driving around Manhattan after sunset.

"I’m sorry it’s nothing Harold,” Merlee said. “Thank you for driving me here, but now you can go home to your family. One of my friends will give me a ride home."

“Your parents will not like it,” Harold said. There was plenty of truth to his words.

“I know,” Merlee sighed. She didn’t want Harold to be waiting for her long. She had no idea how long this battle was going to last. “You can tell them Mr. Xanatos will give me a ride home.”

“I’m pretty sure your parents will like that answer,” Harold said as he slid behind the wheel.

Merlee waited until he drove off before she entered and ran inside to the elevator and even then it wasn’t fast enough for her. She thought of the upcoming battle and what she had learned from Celeste and Apollo. They told her the sailor soldiers had died the last time they fought against the Dark Kingdom and it was because of the power of the silver crystal that they were brought back to life. Merlee wasn’t sure if she was ready to die, but Apollo had told everyone that Sailor Pluto would be bringing the sailors soldiers over via the power of the phoenix gate. If ten or eleven of them fought against the Dark Kingdom together then there would be a good chance there would be no casualties.

After the elevator stopped she ran out and nearly knocked Mr. Burnett over.

"I’m so sorry Mr. Burnett," She apologized.

"It is quite all right Miss Detempestades," Mr. Burnett said. “The others have gathered in the main dining hall.”

"Thank you," Merlee said as she entered the dining hall.

Sadie was reading, or at least she was trying to read. The rising voices coming from Riley and Goliath were making it difficult. Laurine looked nervous as she was thumbing her way through a magazine; Nashville was playing with a hand held game. Katana and Hudson were trying to ignore the argument as they sipped tea and Lexington was typing away at his laptop with Felix and Chrystia looking over his shoulder.

"The Dark Kingdom threatens my city. It is our battle!" The lavender warrior demanded, making his voice thunder.

Bronx and Fu-dog whimpered and placed their paws over their heads.

“The Dark Kingdom threatens the entire world,” Riley said. “Are you going to get every gargoyle clan involved?”

Merlee felt it would be best not to approach them and pulled out a chair at the dining table.

“She has a point,” Brooklyn said. He and Angela were standing next to Riley and Goliath and from the look of things it seemed they were siding with Riley.

“I just cannot stand aside and do nothing when I know they are going to attack,” Goliath said. “We are coming with you.”

“I may not be the leader of the Ladies but this is not your battle,” Riley said. “If you go then you will all be killed.”

“This is their fight,” Katana said as she set down their cup. “It is their destiny to fight against their old enemy. It would be a great dishonor to interfere.”

“Remember when we went to Ishimura?” Angela asked. “Remember the laws of Bushido?”

“This isn’t Bushido,” Goliath said.

“Maybe it’s not,” Riley said. “But we are the ones with powers and the weapons. This our fight.”

“I agree,” Brooklyn said. “As your second I feel I should tell you it would be best if we did not go with them.”

Goliath crossed his arms and grunted.

If, and its a pretty big if, they fail we'll be the backup," Brooklyn said. “The best we can do is wish them luck and keep our fingers crossed.”

Goliath blinked and was silent for a minute. “This may go against my own feeling, but I will agree with you.” He stepped back.

“Finally,” Riley let out an exasperated sigh and pulled out a chair next to Merlee. “Hi Merlee.” She blinked. “When did you get here?”

“Hello Riley,” Merlee smiled at her friend. “I’ve been here a few minutes. I didn’t want to interrupt you when you were arguing.”

“I didn’t scare you did I?”

“No you didn’t,” Merlee said. “I just thought it would have been rude to do so.”

“Oh,” Riley chuckled. “I nearly forgot who I was talking too.”

Kayla popped her head out of the kitchen. She was stirring something in a bowl.
"Hi Merlee." The redhead said in a chipper tone. "Broadway and I are making brownies." She looked over to where Goliath and Riley stood. "Well that’s one argument settled."

Merlee was about to ask when Asten and Sylvia walked in yelling at each other.

"No I can't lose you again!" Sylvia exclaimed. “I thought you were dead before. I don’t want you to make it real this time.”

"Syl we won't lose." Asten told her

"Azzie, please don't go."

"No,” Asten shook his head. “I have to go.”

"Then I'm coming."

"No. Knowing your here safe will help me fight better."

“And I want to make certain you are safe,” Sylvite said. “Are you afraid that Borice will try to fool me again?”

“That is not it,” Asten said. “You are still angry with him. You are too angry to fight. A part of you may be only doing it for vengeance.”

“It’s not true,” Sylvia said.

“Please stay,” Asten grabbed her wrists. “I want you to stay for me.”

“I don’t know if I can.”

“Then promise me you will be close to clan members and our friends who will hold you back.”

“That I can promise,” Sylvia said.

"You are coming with us Asten?" Merle asked

"Yes," Asten shot Sylvia a look. He walked over to Laurine. "Don’t be afraid."

"I'm not afraid of Borice or the Dark Kingdom," Laurine told him as she set down her magazine. "I’m just nervous. This is it. The big time battle and we are about to go to it. How can anyone not be nervous?” She looked up at him as he pulled her close. “I guess you might not be since you know what they are like.”

“I know what we are going up against,” Asten said. “And my heart is beating at rapid pace.”

Ding! The chime came from the direction of the kitchen.

“First batch is done,” Kayla said as she ran back into the kitchen.

“First batch?” Merlee asked.

“Yeah,” Nashville said without looking up from his game. “There is going to be a plain batch, a batch with walnuts, a batch with peanut butter, and a batch with caramel.”

“I hope the sailor soldiers will bring plenty of appetites,” Sadie said. She placed a bookmark into her book and set it down.

“When are the Sailor Soldiers are going to arrive?” Chrystia asked.

Suddenly a large glowing sphere of light flashed in the middle of the room. Everyone jumped to their feet while the garg beasts barked at it. The sphere of red fire faded revealing Sailor Pluto, an attractive young man with dark hair, a little girl who had her pink hair styled into bunny ear shaped buns and pigtails, two cats and a group of teenage girls. Several of them were holding covered dishes. The group gawked at Merlee and the others.

The girl with the blond pigtails and buns started to scream at the sight of the gargoyles.

"Knock it off dumpling head,” Rei said as she put the dishes that she was carrying onto the table. “They are on our side."

"Rei?" Sadie asked.

"Sadie-san?” Rei turned to her before she smiled and ran up to her. “It’s great to see you." They hugged.

"The Sailor soldiers are here," Kayla squealed.

Rei and her friends looked at Kayla strangely

"Sorry Rei.” Riley said. “You only know Sadie, Laurine, and I. This is Kayla Dargrian and Merle Detempestades.

“Lady Sun,” Rei said as she accepted Kayla’s handshake. “Lady Nebula.” She shook Merlee’s hand.

“It’s nice that I finally get to meet you,” Merlee said.

The girl with the blond hair ran up to Kayla and spoke in rapid Japanese before she paused and blushed. “Gomen. Hello. It is nice, nice to meet you.”

“Usagi-chan,” The black cat sighed.

“Her English is not good,” the little girl said. “No where nearly as good as mine, Ami and Mamarou’s.”

“My English is good,” the girl with the long blond hair and a red bow said. “I used to live in London for a little while.” She put the dishes she had on the table, as did the others.

“I knew this might come up,” Mr. Burnett stood in the doorway with Alex in his arms.

“The language spell,” Sadie smiled. “I hope we didn’t wake him.”

“He was playing with his blocks,” Mr. Burnett said. “And playing with them like an average child.”

“Usagi-chan, Mako-chan,” Rei turned to the girl who kept her brown hair in a ponytail. “Go to them. They will help you.” She pointed and Mr. Burnett and Alex.

Usagi and the brunette shrugged and walked up to the blond man and toddler.

“Remember what you did for Miss Rei,” Mr. Burnett said as he set Alex down.

Alex looked up at the girls and waved his hands around. “Pretty girls from far away, know the words that we say. What our words sound to you and your words will sound that way too.”

The two girls looked at each other after the spell was said.

“What was that?” Usagi asked.

“I’m not too sure,” the brunette shrugged. “Unless that was the language spell Rei told us about.”

“It is,” Rei said. “Usagi-chan, Mako-chan to you everyone will be speaking Japanese and to everyone else it sounds like you are speaking English.”

“I’m speaking English?” Usagi asked as she placed a finger under her chin. She laughed. “I Usagi Tsukino am speaking perfect English.”

“It won’t work back home,” Rei said as she crossed her arms.

“You should still study,” the girl with the short blue hair said.

"Ok we all have been introduced to Kayla and Merlee.” Rei said as she walked over to the rest of the Ladies. "This is Sadie Von Starkfelsen, Laurine Chancerdd and Riley Dipoesia."

"Now it’s our turn," The girl with the long blond hair said. “My name is Minako Aino.” She was Sailor Venus.

"I'm Ami Mizuno," The girl with the short blue hair said. She was Sailor Mercury.

"My name is Makato Kino," the brunette girl said. Merlee remembered Celeste saying she was Sailor Jupiter.

“My name is Chibiusa Tsukino,” the little girl said. Her last name was the same as Usagi’s. There was a good possibility they were sisters.

“My name is Mamarou Chiba,” the young man said.

“I am Usagi Tsukino,” Usagi said before she bounced up to Kayla. “Luna told me you and I were good friends back on the moon.”

“That’s right,” Kayla said. “Back when I was Princess Aurora we used to spend a lot of time together on the moon kingdom.”

Ding!

Kayla held up a finger. “That would be the last two batches.”

“Batches?” Makato asked.

“I made four kinds of brownies,” Kayla said as she ran into the kitchen.

“Looks like someone else made food,” Apollo said.

“Oh dear,” Ami said as she placed a hand on her chin.

“Is something wrong Ami-chan?” the black cat asked.

“If it’s about the food you don’t have to worry,” Makato said. “I’m sure it will all get eaten.”

Chibiusa nodded. “Usagi will eat most of it.”

“That is right,” Rei said as she folded her arms and nodded.

“Rei-chan,” Usagi narrowed her eyes at her friend. “Chibiusa-chan.”

“I was going to suggest we give the leftovers to Bronx, Fu-dog, and Broadway,” Lexington said as he stepped away from the computer.

“That is not what is wrong,” Ami said. “We forgot to introduce Artemis and Luna.”

Merlee realized she was right and that she and her friends forgot to introduce everyone else. “We forgot our guardians, and the gargoyles and our other friends. I’m so sorry everyone.”

“Yup,” Riley nodded as she pointed at Ami and Merlee. “These two were obviously good friends on the Moon Kingdom.”

Merlee blushed. “Well I want to be friends with all of the sailor soldiers.”

Ami smiled. “I want to be friend with all of you, Merlee-san.”

“Our guardians are Celeste and Apollo,” Merlee said as she pointed at the rabbits. “Unless you wanted to introduce Celeste, Laurine and Kayla wanted to introduce Apollo.”

“I don’t mind,” Laurine said. “Even though Celeste lives with me and eats all of my vegetables.”

“I do not eat all of your vegetables,” Celeste glared at Laurine.

“This is Artemis,” Minako said as she picked up the white cat. “Luna lives with Usagi.”

“I hope you don’t mind,” Goliath said as he walked up to the girls. “My name is Goliath I am the leader of this clan.” He held out one of his large hands.

The girls stared at him with large eyes before they and Mamoru shook his hand.

“Hi,” Nashville ran up to Chibiusa. “My name is Nashville.”

“Hello Nashville,” Chibiusa said as she shook his hand.

The rest of the clan introduced themselves to the Sailor Soldiers. Bronx and Fu-dog even licked their hands and were rewarded with giggles and scritches behind the ear. Asten, Felix, Sylvia and Chrissie introduced themselves once the clan was finished.

“I am sorry for what I had done,” Felix said as he shook Rei’s hand.

“For what you done?” Rei asked.

“I used to be Feldspar of the Dark Kingdom.”

“Oh,” Rei blinked. “I forgive you. Our friends who have a shop in the mall here used to be our enemies.”

“Brownies are done,” Kayla said as she and Broadway walked out of the kitchen. “They need to cool before we could cut them.”

Usagi closed her eyes and sniffed them. “They smell delicious Kayla-san.”

“Speaking of delicious,” Broadway said as he stopped and sniffed the air as well. “What are in the containers?”

“Food that I made for everyone,” Makato said as she placed a hand behind her head. “I should have made more. I don’t know how much gargoyles ate.”

“You don’t have to worry,” Angela told her. “Our clan had recently finished eating.”

“I guess it’s a good thing I skipped dinner,” Sadie said. “Now I have plenty of room for Makato’s food.”

“Celeste told Luna who told me what all your favorite foods are,” Makato said. “I made everyone’s favorite. I made grilled shrimp on ramen noodles and season with curry, meatloaf, roast duck, fugu, pizza, sandwiches, grilled chicken on salad. The one pot has green tea, and for dessert we will have cherry pie, chocolate cheesecake, chocolate pudding and of course Kayla-san’s chocolate brownies.”

“So which one ye lasses is the chocolate lover?” Hudson asked.

“That would be me,” Mamoru said as he held up his hand.

“I think it might be best if we did this buffet style,” Kayla said.

Plates, forks and napkins were brought out and the dishes were uncovered. Everyone walked around and filled their plates with what they wanted, including Sailor Pluto. The tea was served up both hot and on ice.

Merlee tried a little bit of everything, not only because she felt it would be more polite that way, but also because everything looked so delicious and she had also skipped out on dinner. As she ate she couldn’t but help feel that she was being watched and when she looked up she noticed that everyone was watching her as she ate.

“Yes?” Merlee asked as she used her fork and knife to cut off a bite size piece of food.

“We are sorry,” Ami said.

“We never seen anyone eat as elegantly as you,” Minako said. “Except for maybe Michiru-san and Haruka-san.”

“Oh,” Merlee said as she chewed her food. She had no idea who Michiru or Haruka were.

“Normally we are used to this,” Rei said as she pointed to Usagi.

Usagi was stuffing her face as fast as she could with food and as she chewed she closed her eyes as if she were in ecstasy.

“That just means she enjoys the food,” Kayla said. “As a possible inspiring chef I feel it is a compliment to see someone enjoying food like that if I cooked it.”

Makato blushed. “I feel it is a bit of a compliment.”

“But she enjoys everything,” Chibiusa said.

After their plates were clean the desserts were passed around. Merlee cut herself a thin piece of cheesecake, a thin piece of pie, spooned on a little bit of pudding and tried one of Kayla’s brownies. She would have liked to try all five, but she knew she would not have room in her stomach for them. They ate their dessert with even more tea and coffee.

After dessert Sadie, Rei, Chibiusa, and Nashville offered to work on cleaning the dishes. Riley and Makato went to have a conversation with Brooklyn and Katana. Kayla showed Usagi some of her clothing design sketches, Minako and Laurine, along with Celeste and Artemis listened to Asten as he played his Clarinet for them. Mamoru, Sailor Pluto, Luna, Goliath, Hudson and Felix talked about the upcoming battle, and Merlee, Sylvia and Ami watched Lexington as he worked on the computer.

“Felix said the Middle School is out,” Sylvia said as Lexington looked at a map of the city. There were two bright red glowing dots.

“You are right,” Lexington said.

“That only leaves two left?” Ami asked.

“Two possible entrances to the Dark Kingdom,” Merlee said. “Only one is the right one.”

“No,” Sylvia said. “Both are the right one, all we have to do now is just pick our favorite.”

One of the red lights’s started to flicker.

“Uh oh,” Lexington said as he typed even faster on the laptop. “This isn’t good. The area near Belvedere Castle is just about to go out.”

“Borice is closing everything,” Sylvia said.

“Where is the solid light?” Ami asked.

“The 51^st subway station,” Lexington said.

“Then that is where we are going,” Merlee said as she ran towards the others. “We have to leave now.”

“What?” Kayla asked.

“You have to go to the subway station on 51^st street,” Sylvia said. “Can’t waste anytime, Borice is about to close everything down.”

"You all need to transform," Luna ordered.

Usagi pulled out a compact and opened it up. A beautiful crystal was in the center. "Moon Cosmic power Make-up!" She placed the compact against her chest where it attached.

Ami and the others pulled out small colorful wands that were topped with white stars.

"Mercury Star Power Make-up!"

"Jupiter Star Power Make-up!"

"Venus Star Power Make-up!"

“I’m coming,” Rei said as she ran out of the kitchen. Her hands were covered in foamy soapsuds. She held up her wand. “Mars Star Power Make-up!”

Chibiusa, Sadie and Nashville ran out of the kitchen, dripping soapsuds onto the ground.

“My turn,” Chibusa held up her hand. “Moon Pri-“ She was cut off when Mamoru grabbed her.

“No,” Mamoru said. “You are not going this time.”

“But Mamoru,” Chibiusa looked up at him. “They need me.”

“Not this time,” Mamoru said. He handed her to Katana. “Please hold onto her.”

“We will keep her safe,” Katana said as she grabbed onto the little girl.

“We promise we will return,” Mamoru said as he brushed his fingers through Chibiusa’s hair.

“She’s a sailor soldier too?” Kayla asked in astonishment.

“An apprentice Sailor Soldier,” Sailor Moon said. She wore a pleated blue skirt and sailor collar. The trims on her gloves, her boots as well as her bows were bright red. She had two white and red circular barrettes in front of each of her round buns. She had little crescent moons on her boots, hanging from her ears and on her ribbon choker and there was a moon shaped jewel on the middle of her tiara.

"Kayla what are you gals waiting for?" Apollo asked

"Oh yeah,” Kayla said as she held up her hand. “Sun Spectrum Power Make-Up!"

"Andromeda Galaxy Power Make-up!" Laurine said as she pulled out her pen.

"Comet Galaxy Power Make-up!"

"Centauri Galaxy Power Make-up!"

"Nebula Galaxy Power Make-up!"

As soon as Merlee had finished transforming into Lady Nebula watched as Mamoru pull out a rose, suddenly his body shimmered and a cloak and a white mask appeared on him. The shimmer faded and he was dressed in a full tuxedo. A top hat flew towards him and he caught it.

"Stand back," Asten ordered. A dark blue mist formed around him. Once the mist had faded he was Azurite.

“Everyone stand together,” Sailor Pluto said. As soon as everyone had gathered around her she held up the Phoenix Gate and chanted the incantation. The sphere of fiery light appeared around them. When the light faded they were in a subway station.

“I wonder why we didn’t just simply teleport,” Sailor Mercury said.

“Can the Galactic Ladies do a teleport like us?” Sailor Venus asked.

“I don’t really know,” Lady Sun said as she shrugged. “We never really had done it before.”

“They have that ability,” Sailor Pluto said. “But we all need to know the exact location of where we are going to teleport to.”

“That would make sense,” Sailor Mercury said as she nodded.

Lady Andromeda turned to Azurite. “Do you know the exact spot?”

“I do,” Azurite nodded and walked towards the rest rooms. Hopefully it would not be in one of them. It would be very awkward for the Ladies and Sailor Soldiers to enter the men’s room and it would be equally embarrassing for the men if the gate was in the ladies’ room.

Azurite placed his hand on the wall between the restroom entrances. “Right here.” He pushed forward and walked through the wall as if he were a ghost.

“Azurite,” Lady Andromeda gasped. She ran up to the wall and placed her hands against it. “I guess I just have to believe.” She closed her eyes and pushed. Like Azurite she walked through.

“It’s safe,” Sailor Mercury said. She had a blue visor across her eyes. “And it is a gate to the Dark Kingdom.”

“I wish they were someplace that isn’t freezing,” Sailor Moon said.

“I will always keep you warm,” Tuxedo Mask said as he took her hand. Together the two of them along with Lady Sun walked through the gate.

The rest of them entered. First it was Mars, Centauri, Jupiter and Comet and followed by Venus, Mercury and Nebula. As Lady Nebula walked through she closed her eyes and braced herself for the battle that was about to come.

-

Borice inhaled deeply. He had hoped he would have closed all the possible entrances before the enemy would discover them, but he was wrong. They had entered through the gate and they were walking towards the entrance to the kingdom. He watched them through the mirror.

“I will not be so easy to defeat,” Borice said as he approached Metallia’s chamber.

“Borinite,” the voice of Beryl echoed as he walked through the hall. “Wait.”

“You are not real,” Borice said and did not look towards the direction the voice came from.

“I am here,” Beryl said. “I am sorry.”

“You keep saying that,” Borice said. Against his better judgment he looked.

“I can’t go back,” Beryl said. She was in her peasant girl form again. Even in that simple dress and with dark hair she was beautiful. It was the way she looked when he first fell in love with her.

“That is what you had told me last time,” Borice said.

“You still can.” She reached out to him. “You still have a chance. Don’t go to her.”

“Her?” Borice raised his eyebrows. “You mean Queen Metallia?”

“Don’t be used,” Beryl pleaded. “I’m sorry I didn’t notice you. I didn’t know.”

“You didn’t know what?”

“How you felt. I wish I could go back. I wish I could have another chance and if I could I would give you a chance.”

“Give me a chance,” Borice repeated. Did she mean she would have noticed his intentions and she would return her affections? “You mean we would have danced. You would have possibly loved me?”

“Borice,” Metallia called out to him.

“My queen?” Borice turned to her. He turned back to where Beryl was. She was no longer there. “I am coming my queen.”

When Borice entered Metallia’s room he saw the remaining youma’s crowding around the base of her chamber. One by one he saw that they were being absorbed in.

“What is going on?” Borice asked.

“I am becoming stronger,” Metallia said as she swirled around and continued to ingest the youmas. “We will be able to take care of this world together.” She pulled in the last of the youma’s and broke through the chamber. Her dark form grew until it had reached it’s original from and shifted around until it became the version of Queen Beryl with blue skin and hair.

“Metallia?” Borice asked as he looked up at his queen.

“Take my hand,” Metallia said as she kneeled and held out her hand. “We can only do this together.”

Borice grabbed his hand. He was instantly pulled forward and taken into Metallia’s form. He felt cold for a few seconds before his heart beat faster and he was tingling all over with energy. Darkness filled his mind and vision. Save this pathetic planet from itself, save those who they thought was worthy? What a foolish notion. Yes they will destroy the planet and rebuild it. It will be a perfect planet of darkness.

He opened his eyes and saw that he was looming over the main entrance to the Dark Kingdom. He stared at the expanse of ice that was before them, them? Yes, he and Metallia were one. He stared at his hands and saw that they were light blue ended in long sharp claws. He glanced towards his right and saw Beryl’s head next to his. They were merged together as one robed form with two arms and two heads.

The Sailor Soldiers and Galactic Ladies were approaching. They had to destroy them before they can achieve their goal.

“Lets see if they can face against our army,” he and Metallia said at once and released several of their youmas.

The monsters flew towards their enemies and one by one they were taken out with a variety of attacks and use of weapons.

“No good. They are too strong together. We must separate them.” They shot out more monsters as well as a blast of energy and wind at their enemies.

The combined attack picked up the girls and carried them away while the Sailor Soldiers and Ladies retaliated with their own attacks.

“Now so they won’t find each other,” They said as walls of ice and rocks encircled around their enemies and trapping them in a maze.

-

Tuxedo mask had looked around for his Usako when the maze formed around him, but he could not find her. He could not find any of the Sailor Soldiers or the Galactic Ladies. They had to be somewhere in the maze and he was going to find him. His instincts told him to make a left and he did only to enter an area filled with mirrored ice.

‘I don't like this,’ He thought as he stared at his reflection. Soon his image was joined by Sailor Venus and Lady Comet

"I think we got separated," Lady Comet said.

"Right, Keep your hands on the ice. We'll feel our way out," Tuxedo Mask instructed.

“Just like in a funhouse,” Sailor Venus said as she placed her hands against the ice and slid to the side until she found an opening. “Here we are.” She said as she stepped through.

They were making good progress when Tuxedo Mask felt like they were not alone. He blinked when someone bumped into him from behind.

“Gomen,” Sailor Venus said.

“We are not alone,” he said.

His reflection had a long wide and fierce grin and its skin turned silvery white.

Tuxedo Mask jumped back as his reflection jumped out and turned into an eel like monster that looked like it had been made out of ice.

“Venus Love-me Chain,” Sailor Venus shouted as her glowing chain of interlocking hearts formed. She grabbed one end and lashed it forward. She missed and didn’t see her own reflection reach out and grab her shoulder.

Tuxedo mask struck the arm that stuck out of the mirror. The fake reflection screamed and jumped out, turning into youma that resembled glass.

“I think they are all pretty similar,” Lady Comet said and lashed out with her own whip at the third eel like monster, except this one was made out of liquid silver. “I need someone to cause a distraction.”

“This should distract and injure it,” Sailor Venus said “Crescent Shower.” She rained down several lights that resembled crescent moons.

“Comet tracking: How do we weaken these monsters?” Lady Comet said. Three tiny pink spheres shot forward and circled the eel monsters. They floated around the jewel like spots in the centers of their foreheads.

“I’ll take care of this,” Tuxedo Mask said. He imagined three red roses in his hand and they appeared. He threw those roses and they all struck the crystals and shattered them.

“I believe we can take care of these monsters now,” Sailor Venus said. She summoned her whip again and lashed out at the eels.

“Comet Interstellar Explosion!” Lady Comet shouted at what appeared to have been hundreds of tiny pink fireworks leapt off her fingers and bonded with the chain.

Sailor Venus struck each one, causing the monster’s to shatter on the spot. The last one, the icy one smiled as it was destroyed.

“I don’t like that smile,” Tuxedo Mask said. “Lets get out of here.” He turned to what looked like an exit and ran toward it when he heard Comet scream.

“The ice is moving, it’s boxing me in." The walls of ice were sliding away from the original maze and moving around till it had surrounded Lady Comet.

Tuxedo mask tried to break her out with his cane, but no luck. The ice was just too hard.

"Comet Interstellar Explosion!" The icy dome shattered and a sphere of fiery light flashed for a second leaving nothing behind.

"No!" Sailor Venus cried. She tried to run back to the spot where Comet disappeared but more ice started to trap her. "Run Tuxedo Mask."

"I can’t leave you."

"Go before it’s too late. Venus Love-me Chain!"

Tuxedo Mask threw a rose at the ice but the second the rose came in contact with the barrier it was also consumed by fire.

“I can’t give up,” he said as he continued to run.

-

Sailor Moon didn't like being separated from her love, and what was more she did not like fighting nasty youmas without him by her side, but at least Sailor Mercury, and Lady Nebula were with her.

“You will not stop us,” Sailor Moon said as she stared at a weakened youma in the eyes. She held up the Spiral Heart Moon Rod. “Moon Spiral Heart Attack!” She watched as the attack vaporized the youma.

“Never had to fight this many at once,” Lady Nebula said as she gasped for air.

“We still have to find the others,” Sailor Mercury said and adjusted her visor. “We go straight ahead a few feet and then take a right.”

“Follow me,” Sailor Moon said and she ran ahead.

“Something’s got me!” Lady Nebula shouted.

A bright green vine had wrapped around Nebula’s ankle and pulled her back.

“Lady Nebula,” Sailor Moon said as she reached for her tiara. She was about to remove it from her head when more vines wrapped around Nebula and pulled her up.

"Nebula rainstorm Shower!" The cold rain froze the vines

"I'll get her down," Sailor Moon said. "Moon Tiara Magic." Her Tiara became a Frisbee of light. She threw it at the vines and it cut through the plant like material.

Nebula fell to the ground and disappeared in a sphere of light.

"Oh no what have I done?" Moon asked. Her eyes filled with tears. “Lady Nebula. Merlee-san. I killed her.”

"No you didn’t." Mercury told her. She didn’t see the other vines until they had wrapped around her.

"Mercury!" Moon called out.

"Get out of here Sailor Moon,” Sailor Mercury shouted. “ I know what’s going on. Shine Aqua Illusion!" Her attack formed ice around herself and the vines keeping her imprisoned. Fire had engulfed them, leaving nothing behind.”

“Ami-chan,” Sailor Moon cried out the name of her friend. “Merlee-san.” She continued to cry until she remembered she had to keep going for them. She ran down the direction Mercury had told her to go. Through her bleary tear filled eyes she saw a figure walking in front of her.

“Hello?”

“Usako?” It was Tuxedo Mask.

“Mamo-chan,” Sailor Moon ran up to him. She wrapped her arms around him and leaned her head against his chest. “Ami-chan and Merlee-san are, are dead.” She cried even harder.

“Usako,” Tuxedo Mask whispered. “I’m sorry.” He stared down into her eyes. “I’m so sorry. I could not save them.”

“Save them?” Sailor Moon asked.

“Sailor Venus and Lady Comet.”

“Minako-chan and Riley-san?” Sailor Moon asked before she cried again and wept against his chest. She felt his embrace tighten.

-

"Another Wall," Azurite noted. He was getting pretty tired of this, but mostly he was just plain tired. He and the others fought against several different youmas. Some he had identified but there were others he did not recognize. They managed to kill all of the monsters, but they had recently run into another problem. Every time they were certain they were going the right way they kept coming up against a wall.

"Lets try this way," Lady Sun suggested and pointed to the left. She and Sailor Jupiter looked as tired as Azurite felt. They were also dirty, their hair was coming undone and they were covered with cuts and bruises.

“We might as well,” Sailor Jupiter said and followed after Lady Sun.

Long flesh like stones protruded from the ground and were followed by a large chunk of flesh attached to them. It was a hand and the hand floated towards the direction of Lady Sun.

“Watch out,” Sailor Jupiter shouted as she pushed her out of the way.

Azurite played a tune turning the hand to stone. The stone hand fell to the ground and broke into several pieces. From where those pieces were, more hands popped out of the ground.

"Run!" Azurite yelled and tried to grab both of their hands before he took off.

"Ack!" Jupiter cried when two hands grabbed her.

“Sailor Jupiter,” Lady Sun said. “Sun Light Disk Spin.” Three golden disks were fired off from her hands and struck the hands that had Jupiter and turned them into dust.

Jupiter fell a few feet and was caught by the third hand.

"Sparkling Wide Pressure!" She destroyed the hand but she was also killed when a sphere of fire formed around her.

"We got to keep going," Azurite said.

He spoke too soon. A giant hand swooped down and grabbed Lady Sun. The hand started to soar right over the maze until the same light consumed them.

-

"Lady Sun's gone," Lady Andromeda gasped when she saw Lady Sun disappear in the fire. “She’s gone.” She closed her eyes and collapsed to her knees.

“And her death will be in vain unless we break free,” Sailor Pluto said as she continued to break through the wall of ice with her staff. She was assisted by Lady Centauri who used the blunt edge of crossbow against the ice and Sailor Mars who used her fire to melt it.

“We are almost through,” Lady Centauri said. “Please Lady Andromeda, don’t give up now.”

“Give up?” Andromeda blinked. “I will not give up.” She still had to be reunited with her Azurite. She grabbed her ax and smashed away at the remaining pieces of ice. “We did it.” She said once there was a big enough passage. “We made it through.” She stepped through the ice and saw the same mound they had seen when they first arrived. The looming form of the two-headed monster was still there.

"Lady Andromeda," Mars cried out. “Watch out.”

“Watch out?” Lady Andromeda asked and felt a new kind of chill creep up towards her knees. Staring down she saw a frightening serpent that looked like it was made of either steam or smoke. “Uh Andromeda Sound Wave Shatter!” She sent her attack that vaporized the youma, but let a metal chain that was cuffed to one ankle.

She looked up in time to see the others as they destroyed the monsters that had also formed a chain around their ankles when they were destroyed.

“I don’t like this,” Sailor Mars said.

“I’ll cut everyone through,” Lady Andromeda said and raised her ax. Before she brought it down she felt the chain pull her backwards. She landed on her backside and was dragged across the snow and ice until she felt her back come in contact with a frozen rock.

“What is this?” Sailor Mars asked as her chain had pulled her to a rock and wrapped around her.

“Guys,” Lady Centauri said and pointed to the ground.

Four silver shark fins poked through the ice and came towards them. As the fins came closer to Lady Centauri and Mars the beasts they were attached to leapt through the ice. They resembled shark human hybrids.

“Centauri Stalagmite Slash!”

“Burning Mandala!”

The attacks struck the monsters causing them to explode in round fiery spheres. The spheres were too large and took Centaur and Mars with them.

“No!” Lady Andromeda cried. “Not them, please not them.

“I know what is going on,” Sailor Pluto said as her monster leapt out of the ice and ran up to her. “Do not be afraid. You will think I will be gone, but we all share the same fate.”

“Pluto?” Andromeda stared at the older soldier.

"You will understand," Pluto said and stared at the monster. “Dead Scream.”

Andromeda closed her eyes and turned to the shark monster that was coming for her. “Oh no. You are not going to get me too.” She opened her eyes. “Andromeda Soun-“

Beautiful music had cut her off. The shark monster had a look of panic on its face as it turned into stone. A rose and a large disk of light struck the stone monster and made it crumble into several pieces.

“Nobody hurts my princess,” Azurite said as he descended down in front of Andromeda. He had used his clarinet that conjured up wings to his feet.

“Azurite,” Andromeda gasped. She was thrilled and relieved to see that he was alive.

“You seem to be a bit tied up,” He said and floated to the ground. He played another note on his instrument and a bolt shot from it and sliced through the chains.

As soon as Andromeda’s feet touched the ground she ran up to Azurite and flung her arms around him. “They are dead.” She started to cry. “Rei, Sadie, Kayla and Sailor Pluto.”

“I know,” Azurite said softly. “They are all gone.”

“What?” Andromeda stepped back and looked behind her. A sad eyed Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask were standing behind her. "We’re the only ones?"

Sailor Moon nodded. “I won’t give up.”

“We have to keep going,” Tuxedo Mask said.

"For my sister, our family's and friends." Azurite added.

“It’s them,” Lady Andromeda scowled as she ran up the two-headed monster. “You are dead. You are beyond dead. I’m going to make you wish you were never created.”

“Lady Andromeda,” Sailor Moon ran up to her. “Wait.” She held out a gold chalice with a red stand and red lid that was topped with a gold crown. There were beautiful jewels and a crescent moon on the chalice and wings at the sides. “Crisis Make-up.” The lid opened and what resembled butterflies made out of light flew out from it and encircled Sailor Moon. When the glowing had stopped it revealed that Sailor Moon’s uniform was different. The bow on the back of her skirt was larger with a long train and appeared to be made out of a diaphanous material. The same material made up her three overlapping sleeves. Her skirt was turned white with a yellow and blue bottom. There was a golden belt with a buckle that resembled her brooch. Her ribbon choker had turned golden with a bright red heart on it. On her head were six barrettes. They resembled pearls with bunny ear shaped extensions.

“Wow,” Lady Andromeda said when she took a good look at her. “Upgrade.” She spun around to face the demon. "Andromeda Sound Wave Shatter!"

"Rain Bow Moon Heartache!"

"Pathetic," the demon said. It spoke with both mouths at the same time and the voice sounded like a merge between a man and a woman’s.

“Borice,” Azurite whispered. “What have you done to yourself?”

"I'll stop it," Sailor Moon said. The lid on the compact in the center of the bow open and the crystal inside shone and sparkled. A beam of light shot from it and struck the monsters.

“Borice,” a ghostly voice called out. “What have you done?”

“Beryl,” Tuxedo Mask and Azurite said.

“Beryl?” The Male head on the monster asked before it snarled. “We do not need you. You were weak and you failed us. It shrieked and sent a blast of dark energy at Moon. Tuxedo Mask held her close when the attack struck and tried to shield her.

A large dome of light formed around them and faded. Tuxedo mask was dressed in the elegant clothes that Prince Endymion wore in the vision that Sailor Pluto had shown them and Sailor Moon was in a white dress. She had a crescent moon on her forehead.

She held out her hands and the crystal appeared. "Cosmic Moon Power!"

"No I wont be defeated again." Metallia shot more beams.

Andromeda used her ax to deflect some of those dark beams. She looked over to Endymion and saw that he was doing the same with his sword.

Azurite was playing a song that send blast after blast at the demon.

"If only the others were here." Andromeda said wistfully before she swung her ax again.

"We are here," Lady Comet said as she ran up to Andromeda’s side. “Comet Interstellar Explosion.”

"What?" Andromeda couldn’t believe it. Lady Comet was alive?

“We all are,” Lady Centauri said. “Centauri Stalagmite Slash!”

“We would never let you fight this thing by yourselves,” Lady Nebula said. “Nebula Rainstorm Shower!”

“Don’t forget your leader,” Lady Sun said. “Sun Light Disk Spin!”

“The true leader of the Sailor Soldiers has returned,” Sailor Venus said. “Venus Love-me Chain.”

“Don’t let it go to your head,” Sailor Mar said. “Burning Mandala.”

“How could we live up tour titles of protectors of the moon princess if we let her down?” Sailor Jupiter asked. “Sparkling Wide Pressure.”

“We know you need our help,” Sailor Mercury said. “Shine Aqua Illusion!”

“Everyone,” Princess Serenity gasped. “How?”

“It was me,” Sailor Pluto said. “What you saw burning was the Phoenix Gate. I pulled them through at the last second.”

“Why?” Lady Andromeda asked.

“Because it was noted in history,” Sailor Pluto said. “And the past cannot be changed, or else we would have gone back and made certain the Moon Kingdom would have never been attacked.”

The moon princess held the crystal in one hand and took Mercury's hand with the other, Mercury then took Mars's hand, who took Jupiter’s, who took Venus. Sailor Pluto grabbed onto Venus’s free hand and grabbed onto Sun’s hand. Sun took Andromeda’s hand, who took Comet’s who took Centauri’s and she grabbed onto Nebula’s hand

"Mercury Star Power!" The jewel in her tiara began to flash

"Mars Star Power!"

"Jupiter Star Power!"

"Venus Star Power!"

"Pluto Planet Power!"

When each jewel in the tiaras flashed a beam of light sliced through the demon injuring it.

“Borice,” the ghostly vision of a woman with long dark hair appeared next to the male side of the demon. “Let go. Don’t be used.”

“Beryl,” the male head said and closed it’s eyes. “Help. I want to break. I can’t.”

"Andromeda Galaxy Power!" The Jewel in her pendant flashed

"Comet Galaxy Power!"

"Centauri Galaxy Power!"

"Nebula Galaxy Power!"

"Sun spectrum Power!"

"Moon Crystal Power!"

"Sailor Planet-" The sailor soldiers shouted together.

"Galactic Lady-" The Ladies Shouted.

"Power!" Everyone said in Unison.

Rainbow beams shot from the group through the demon.

“Borice,” the ghost held out her hand. “Break free. We can’t go back.”

“Then go forward,” the male head said as he grabbed onto the ghostly hand.

“No!” The demon shrieked. The male head melted leaving a smaller woman behind. She continued to the scream as the attack cut through her form. Her shreds flew from the attack finally turning to dust.

Lady Andromeda felt her friends releasing their hands and she fell down onto the ice. “We did it?”

“Yeah,” Lady Sun said and stared up. “Look.”

In the sky above them was the same ghostly woman. She was in deep embrace with a handsome young man dressed in a gray uniform. He had a head full of short red curls. The image remained in the sky for a few seconds before it disappeared.

“Please let them have a second chance together,” Princess Serenity said. “Please let them have second chance together.” She kept on repeating the words as her form changed back to the upgraded Sailor Soldier and then back to her regular soldier form before she collapsed.

“Sailor Moon!” The other Sailor Soldiers shouted as Tuxedo Mask caught her.

“Is she going to be all right?” Lady Nebula asked.

Sailor Moon stirred in Tuxedo Mask’s arms and snored.

“Does that answer your question?” Sailor Mars asked.

“I don’t blame her,” Lady Andromeda said. All she wanted to do was crawl into bed and look ahead for a nice peaceful time.

-

"Did you see that explosion Marcie?" Dara asked. She had her hands on their dorm room window as they she watched the bright flash in the sky. “I wonder what could have caused it.”

“It’s on the news,” Marcie said. She had the remote in her hand. She blinked her eyes, one blue and one green as she turned on the news.

"Wait for me," Marcie replied. They both gathered in front of their tiny TV to watch Travis Marshall report the news.

-

Celeste gnawed on an old Popsicle stick. She was on edge and chewing on wood made her feel a little bit at ease, except she had chewed through several of them and she was afraid there were no more of the frozen treats for Broadway to eat.

A sphere of fiery red light appeared in the center of the room before it disappeared and the Sailor Soldiers, Galactic Ladies and Azurite had returned. They certainly look as if they had been through a struggle. Their hair was tangles. They were covered in dirt. Their uniforms were torn and there were noticeable injuries.

Chibiusa gasped and ran up to both Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask who embraced her.

“I promised we would return,” Tuxedo Mask said as he changed back into Mamoru.

“Usagi-chan,” Luna shouted as she leapt into Usagi’s arms.

“Mina,” Artemis ran up to Minako.

“Laurine,” Celeste said as she jumped into her owner’s arms. She watched as Kayla embrace Apollo and Sylvia embrace her brother before the gargoyles embraced the rest of the Galactic Ladies.

“Hi Celeste,” Laurine said in a tired tone. “Did we do good?”

“You did great,” Celeste said.

“I have take the Sailor Soldiers home now,” Sailor Pluto said.

“We understand,” Merlee said before she yawned. “Sorry about that.”

“No reason to be sorry,” Makato said before she yawned. “I’m beat.”

“We all are tired,” Sailor Pluto said. “Lets go home.”

Celeste was carried away from their friends from New York.

“We promise to keep in touch,” Apollo shouted.

“We will contact you,” Artemis said. “And we will try to visit.”

“Hopefully we can visit you as well,” Celeste said.

Sailor Pluto held up the Phoenix Gate and chanted the incantation. The ball of fire engulfed them and made them disappear.

“Too soon,” Laurine said and yawned.

“You are exhausted,” Celeste said. “You all are.”

“She is right,” Goliath said. “The five of you need to return home and get some sleep.”

“Shower,” Riley said. “I need a shower first.”

“Good idea,” Asten said. He kissed Laurine before he walked out of the room. “I’m going to shower and crash.”

“I’ll find Owen,” Angela said. “He’ll take you all home.”

Celeste sighed. She and Apollo have done it. They have found the five Galactic Ladies, found their pendants and weapons and trained them to be competent warriors that were able to take down a demon. Befriend the gargoyles was not part of the plan and neither was reforming four generals of the Dark Kingdom, but she was grateful it had happened. Now her job was to make sure Laurine got home safe, got cleaned up, tended to her wounds, and got into bed.

-

Laurine was walking on air, a beautiful holiday scented air as she, Kayla, Sadie, Gina and Donna headed to the newspaper and magazine shop that Laurine loved to go to. The place was also next to a Starbucks and Laurine was looking forward to trying some of the holiday related beverages.

She got a perfect one hundred on her last vocabulary quiz and an eighty nine on her last Spanish pop quiz. She was going to see her boyfriend later that evening. She was looking forward to Christmas and the holiday break. That meant exams before the break but seniors who managed to get a b or higher and only missed a certain amount of days did not have to take that exam. She only had to take one test and that was for Math.

“They have this special Christmas scone cake type treat,” Gina said as she described her last visit to the coffee shop. “It had cranberries and white chocolate chip it went so go with my peppermint latte.”

“Maybe you shouldn’t talk so much about food like that,” Sadie said as she placed her hands on her stomach.

“Are you still full from lunch?” Kayla asked her.

“No,” Sadie giggled. “It’s the opposite. I’m starving.”

“Okay,” Gina said. “I’ll keep my big mouth shut.” She grabbed an imaginary zipper and made it go across her mouth.

Laurine tried to keep from giggling and noticed Donna was staring straight ahead at some men in military uniforms standing in front of a fortune tellers shop.

“Donna, is something wrong?” Laurine asked.

“Nothing,” Donna smiled. “My older brother will be coming home in a few days.” Her older brother had decided he was not really into community college and joined the army a couple years ago.

“Donna, I’m so happy for you,” Laurine said as she hugged her friend.

“When did we get a fortune teller shop here?” Gina asked as she pointed at the store. The blue awning had a few images of rune symbols. One window display had a picture of a palm and the other had a few tarot cards painted on the glass.

“I dunno,” Kayla shrugged.

“One of those soldiers looks familiar,” Sadie said as she pointed to the man with the dark reddish curly hair.

“He does look familiar,” Laurine said. She knew she had seen him somewhere before, and then it hit her. It was Borice.

“Gentle men,” the fortune teller said as she stepped out of her shop. “Welcome to Madame Beryllium’s. Don’t be shy.” The woman had a bright blue scarf tied on her head and had long dark wavy hair spilling out from underneath. She wore a white long sleeved blouse and a long skirt in several different colors.

“C’mon sarge,” one of the soldiers said. “It won’t hurt.”

“I’m not sure about this,” Borice said as he brushed the bottom of his chin with his fingers.

“I promise I will be gentle,” She grabbed Borice’s hand. “Since you are all soldiers I will give you special military discount of half price.”

“I guess it wouldn’t hurt,” Borice said. He looked into her eyes as she looked into his and both blushed.

Laurine blinked. It seemed like Sailor Moon’s wish did come true. She looked over at Sadie and Kayla who were smiling and nodding. They would have to tell Celeste, Apollo, Riley, Merlee, and Asten when they were done. No wonder they call it the most wonderful time of the year.