An Ancient Evil
Part 9
By Mystic Jade

Disclaimer: I don't own the rights to any of the characters that I'm using. It's strictly for entertainment purposes only. Enjoy! An Ancient Evil, Part 9

"Sailor Moon, what happened," Luna asked the girl as she and the Scouts collapsed on the ground. "We've been out here looking for you girls for over an hour." The girls had returned to the Cherry Hill Temple after their fight with the Ronins. Since they were exhausted, and had to figure out a way to get the Ronins back to the temple, they decided to use their teleporting powers. Luna had just cause to be concerned because the girls' appearance looked a lot worse than it actually was. Each of their uniforms had dirt on them, and each girl had a variation of cuts or bruises.

"Well," Serena began as she and the other reverted back to their regular clothing, "I don't think that you're going to like the answer."

"Come out with it already, Serena," Luna said impatiently.

"Ok Luna," Serena began as she sat down on the temple stairs. "Do you remember how I ran off earlier?"

"Yes," Luna answered. "What's your point?"

"Well, the girls came after me, and we were caught by the Warlords," Serena said cautiously.

"You were what," Luna asked incredulously.

"How did you get yourself out of that situation," Artemis asked.

By this time, Serena was beginning to get really nervous. Mina noticed this, and spoke up. "We didn't exactly get out of it, Artemis," she said. "The Ronins had to come and save us."

"That would explain why they look so beat up, but why do you girls look like you just survived a battle," Luna asked. The girls exchanged nervous glances, but remained silent.

"Well, look at the time," Serena said as she looked at her bare wrist. "Mom will get so angry if . . ."

"Serena, what did you do," Artemis demanded.

"I swear it wasn't my fault," Serena began hurriedly. "I know I shouldn't have run off, but Sage made me so mad with what he said! Then the girls came after me, and before I knew it, Dynasty soldiers had surrounded us. I don't know how it happened, but the next thing I knew, I was running towards the Ronins. They were about to surrender to the Warlords, and I just started talking and . . . and . . ."

"And we transformed," Rei finished. "We didn't care that the Ronins and the Warlords were there. Serena was in danger, and we had to protect her."

"Don't say anything yet," Lita told the two cats. "Our duty is to protect the Princess of the Moon. And if that means that our identities become known, then that's how it has to be. Our mission comes before our safety."

"For once, I have to agree with you," Luna said after a moment of silence. This statement caused the girls and Artemis to gape at her. "However," she continued, "it doesn't mean that I'm not upset. Serena, your new attitude is very admirable. It has truly been refreshing finally seeing you take your responsibility seriously. Your actions today, however, caused a big problem. Not only do the Ronins know who you are, so do the Warlords. This means that you'll all be in constant danger."

Artemis regained his composure and looked in the direction of the Ronins. "We'll need to find a way to return the Ronins and Warlords to their own time. The longer they're here, the more danger you girls will be in." The girls grew silent, and looked over in the direction of the Ronins when they heard one of them groan.

"Artemis is right," Rowen said as he sat up slowly. He smiled weakly before continuing. "Now that the Warlords know your identities, it won't take them long to track you down. Once they do that, they'll try to kill you. It won't matter where you are, or how many people are around."

"Because you defied them, they see you as their enemy. If anything happens to you girls, it will be our fault," Sai commented as he and the others came to their senses.

"If we had just defeated our enemy, we'd have never been put in this situation," Kento said angrily. "And we'd have never put you or your world in danger. If only we hadn't allowed the Warlords to capture you girls, none of this would be happening."

"From warrior to warrior, I can only offer my deepest apologies," Sage began as he sat down next to Serena. "We should have had better control over our minds earlier, and because we didn't, we could have injured you badly.

"If you don't want to help us anymore, we'll understand completely," Ryo said. "However, we will keep a close eye on all of you. The last thing we ever wanted was for something to happen to you at the hands of the Warlords. They're our enemies, and we should be able take care of them by ourselves."

"What," Rei asked. "We need each other now more than we ever had before. We were able to handle our own enemies, but the power of the Warlords is incredible. Without you guys, we would be in serious trouble. I have no doubt that we would lose our lives if we were ever to come up against the Warlords again."

"The ten of us together against the Warlords makes a lot more sense," Lita added. "You guys saw what our attacks did to the Warlords."

"Teach us what you know about the Warlords, Ronin Warriors, and we'll stand a better chance against them," Amy said.

"Well, Serena, what do you think," Ryo asked her. "You're their leader. Will you and your Scouts help us?"

Serena looked up from where she was sitting and frowned. "Are you kidding," she asked angrily, "after what happened today?"

"Serena, you can't be serious," Mina exclaimed. "We have to help them!"

"Let me finish, Mina," Serena said. "The Warlords captured us, so now it's a little too late to point fingers. What's done is done, and it can't be undone. They humiliated us, and tricked you guys . . . Of course we'll help you defeat them!"

"We're a team, then, right," Ryo asked as he extended his hand towards Serena.

"Of course," she replied as she shook his hand.

Luna cleared her throat, and all eyes turned to her. "Now that you boys know the truth, there's a couple of things I'd like to say," she began. "First you, Serena. You know what you're destined for, therefore you are not to put yourself in reckless danger."

"Sure thing, Luna. Does that mean you'll give Darien his memories back," she asked hopefully.

"I don't think so, Serena," Artemis said. "You need to have a clear head, and you can't worry about him getting hurt. It will be best if he stays as he is."

"But Artemis, I miss him so much," Serena began. "He's always been there to protect me, and I need him by my side. Tuxedo Mask and Sailor Moon - it just makes more sense."

"No, Serena, and that's final," Luna said firmly. "As for you girls, I expect you, too, to be really careful. You're just as important as Serena is."

"Excuse me, I don't want to sound rude, but what are you talking about," Rowen asked.

"Well, it's a long story, actually," Artemis replied. "You all know about the girls' past, but you don't know what the future holds for them. To explain it simply, there will be a time of peace here like on the Moon Kingdom. The only difference will be that Serena and her husband will reign as queen and king, and the Scouts will protect them."

"So Serena's a princess or something," Kento asked.

"Yes, something like that," Artemis replied.

"Artemis, it's going to be a long time before that happens," Serena said as she began to blush. "It's embarrassing to think about."

"And that's exactly why Darien doesn't need to have his memories back just yet," Luna commented. She sighed as Serena stuck her tongue out at her. "As I was saying, you girls just make sure to keep a closer eye on Serena, and just be extra careful. As for you, Ronins, I hope we're able to help you in defeating the Warlords. The Scouts will try not to get in your way too much, but they will be useful. They're a lot tougher than they look."

"We know that now, Luna," Ryo said. "We really appreciate all that you girls have done for us. There's no way for us to repay you for your kindness. The only thing we can do is getting the Warlords out of your world."

"We'll defeat them together," Lita commented. "But for now, I say we get something to eat. I'll go to the store and buy some groceries. Then I'll come back here and fix some food. How does that sound?"

"That's the best thing I've heard all day," Sai said as his stomach growled.

"I'll go with you, Lita," Sage offered.

"Ok, great! Let's go," she said. As the two disappeared around the gate, the group continued to talk.

Meanwhile, the Warlords had long since returned to the abandoned gymnasium. At the present time, the five of them were kneeling in front of an image of Talpa, for he had contacted them through the use of the Netherworld spirits.

"Lord Talpa, it's an honor for you to grace us with your presence," Kayura said. "Is there something you wished to say?"

"Why haven't the five of you returned with the Ronin armor," he demanded. "The fact that this is taking so long has angered me. Was it a mistake to send you along with the Warlords, Lady Kayura?"

"Of course not, Lord Talpa," she stammered. "The Ronins have found themselves allies in this world, Master."

"Are you having trouble defeating them," Talpa asked.

"No, it's nothing like that," she began. "They can easily be defeated. I'm simply playing a game with them, Lord Talpa. I'm waiting for them to drop their guard so that they will be completely overpowered when we attack."

"Lord Talpa, may I say something," Sekhmet asked.

"There's nothing else that needs to be said, Sekhmet," Kayura began.

"Silence, Kayura. You make it sound as if you have something to hide," Talpa commented.

"Of course not, Master," she said quietly.

"Then make it quick, Sekhmet. My patience is wearing thin," Talpa growled.

"Thank you, Lord Talpa," he replied as he sneered at Kayura. "The other night was the first time we came up against the allies of the Ronins. Our power was obviously greater than theirs, however Lady Kayura stopped us from capturing the Ronins' armor."

"Is this true, Lady Kayura," Talpa asked.

"Yes, it's true, Lord Talpa," she answered slowly. "However, what Sekhmet doesn't fully comprehend is that even if we were to acquire the armor, we wouldn't have been able to return because Kale wasn't with us. Once we return to you, we wouldn't be able to return to this place very easily. Also, I wanted to test the Ronins' allies and see if perhaps they would add on to your power."

"Silence," Talpa boomed. "Kale, why weren't you there?"

"Lady Kayura ordered me to stay put in case the soldiers she sent were to return," Kale replied. "Also, we had a falling out of sorts. I disagreed with her plan, and it angered her."

"You've disappointed me, Kayura," Talpa stated. "You have failed to be a competent leader. Anubis, I'm assigning you as Kayura's advisor. If you disagree with one of her plans, then you are to change it."

"Yes, Lord Talpa," Anubis answered.

"Master Talpa, it won't be necessary for you to do this. I won't fail you again," Kayura said. At this, energy shot out from the projection of Talpa towards Kayura. It surrounded her, and she screamed in pain.

"Do not so openly question my judgement, Kayura," Talpa told her as she writhed in pain on the ground. "I shall be lenient this time, and I'll give you a week to get my armor." Anubis, Sekhmet, Kale, and Dais rose as Talpa's image disappeared.

"Well, that went better than expected," Kale commented. "For us, anyway."

"If only you had listened to our suggestions, Kayura, you wouldn't be in the position you're in," Sekhmet taunted.

"She's a decent leader," Dais began, "however, she is still just a woman."

"Leave her be," Anubis ordered. "Come, Kayura, let me help you stand." He reached down to help her up, however she pulled away from him.

"Don't touch me," she said in a low voice. "I need time to think of a plan." Slowly, she stood up and made her way to the stairs that led up to the roof.

"Honestly, Anubis, I hope you're not going soft," Kale commented as Kayura left. "She's the weak link in our group. I hope you realize that before it's too late. I won't be punished for your stupidity."

"I don't know why Master Talpa sent either of them," Sekhmet began. "The three of us could have easily handled the Ronins."

Anubis walked over to Sekhmet and punched him in the stomach, causing him to double over. "Don't ever question Master Talpa's judgement, Sekhmet," Anubis cautioned, "or I'll see to it that you be punished."

"The food was great, Lita," Kento complimented as he finished his food. "Where did you learn to cook like that?"

"Thanks Kento. It's a natural talent, I guess," she replied with a smile. "I'm just glad you liked it."

The girls and Ronins were still at the Cherry Hill Temple. Lita had decided to cook there since it was big enough for ten people to dine. Ryo and Serena each sat at an end to the table, while the girls sat on one side of the table and the boys sat on the other. Luna and Artemis were nowhere to be found, and White Blaze was lying down next to Ryo's chair. After everyone was done eating, Mina and Rowen cleared off the table while Amy and Sai washed the dishes. When everything was washed and put away, the group moved to the main room and sat down to talk.

"Hey Serena," Kento began, "tell us more about Tuxedo Mask."

"Oh, well you probably figured out that Tuxedo Mask is really Darien. Just like the rest of us, he had a feeling he had some sort of duty to fulfill," Serena explained. "And just like the Scouts, his duty was to find the Moon Princess. At the time, they didn't know that I was the Princess. Neither did I, for that matter." She grew silent as she remembered the events that lead to the discovery of her secret identity. "It's a long story, and really painful to think about."

"So, how did Darien lose him memory," Ryo asked.

"I'll answer this one, Serena," Mina said. "Well, when we died, we were all resurrected by the Silver Emperial Crystal. For some reason, I guess that Darien forgot about his destiny. It's really strange, because the four of us didn't forget anything at all."

"Actually, that's not true," Serena said. "After the fight with Queen Beryl, I was the only one that remembered all that had happened. I thought that it would just be best to let the four of you lead a semi-normal life, at least until another enemy threatened. But Luna saw how depressed I was, so she gave you your memories back."

"Oh Serena, we had no idea," Amy said.

"There's more," Serena continued. "After you guys . . . died, I went to confront Beryl. Darien was there with her, and she had him completely under her control. She ordered him to kill me, and you can imagine my surprise when he told her he'd do anything for his queen. So we fought, and I defeated him to protect myself. When he was himself again, there was so much love in his eyes for me. We shared one last kiss, and then he was gone." (AN: I don't remember that episode exactly, so I'll improvise!)

"Serena, why did you keep this bottled up," Rei demanded. "You shouldn't have had to keep this to yourself."

"I'm fine, Rei," Serena assured her. "Remembering this made me realize that Luna and Artemis are right. It wouldn't be right for Darien to remember anything right now. It wouldn't be fair to him."

"Well, what about you guys," Lita asked, changing the subject.

"Aside from what you already know, there's really nothing else to tell," Ryo answered. "We all came together when Talpa and the Dynasty first invaded our world. We've been fighting him ever since."

"Then again, there is Mia, Yuli, and the Ancient," Sai commented.

"Oh man, I haven't thought about them since we got here," Rowen exclaimed. "I wonder how they're doing?"

"Who are Mia, Yuli, and the Ancient," Mina asked.

"The Ancient is sort of like our guide," Ryo said. "Kind of like what Luna and Artemis are to you."

"As for Mia and Yuli, they're two occupants of the city Talpa invaded," Sage explained. "Mia has helped us learn more about our armor. I don't know what we'd do without her. Yuli is just a little boy who was separated from his parents when the citizens of the city were enslaved. Mia has been taking care of him, and she also gave the five of us somewhere to stay."

"You know, we're all a lot alike," Mina said thoughtfully. "It's too bad we didn't meet under different circumstances. We would have all been friends. We are now, of course, but once you guys leave, it'll be like we never met."

"I know," Serena exclaimed. "We can take a group picture! They say a picture is worth a thousand words. We'd never forget each other that way."

"I'll go get a camera," Rei said as she left the room. She returned a couple of minutes later with the camera and a tripod. "Well, this is your camera, Serena, so come set it up."

While Serena was getting the camera ready, everyone else got together in a group. "Ok, get together a little closer," she told them. "Make sure to leave room for me, though. Get just a little closer together . . . There, that's perfect!" She set the timer, and ran over to join the group. As she was running, she tripped over a bump in the rug, and Kento caught her. Like clockwork, the camera snapped a picture.

"Look what you did, Meatball Head," Rei said through her giggles. "How did I know something like that would happen?"

"Don't you start, Rei," Serena replied with a smile.

"Grandpa," Rei yelled. A moment later, an elderly man came into the room.

"Yes, Rei, what is it," he asked.

"Could you please take a picture of us," she asked him. "Serena tripped and the other picture we took might not have turned out good."

"Sure, no problem," he replied as he picked the camera up off the tripod. "Be ready on the count of three. One . . . two . . . three!" The group smiled as he snapped the picture.

"Thanks, Grandpa. And before you ask, no, they're not our boyfriends. This is Ryo, Rowen, Sai, Sage, and Kento," Rei said as she introduced the boys.

"Well, that's nice," her grandfather replied before leaving. "You kids behave."

"Well, I'd hate to be the voice of reason, but what are we going to do now," Mina asked after Rei's grandpa left the room.

"There's not much more we can do tonight," Amy said as she looked at her watch. "Usually, we'd be going to school tomorrow, but with all the damage to the school, I seriously doubt we'll be going."

"That's a good point, Amy," Serena replied.

"I guess we should go home, then," Lita suggested. "We can go get the film developed tomorrow, then go from there."

"It sounds like a plan, then," Rei said as she stood up. She showed everyone except Ryo to the door. "See you tomorrow, guys." Ryo smiled at her as she returned to the room.

"It's been a long day, huh," he asked as she sat down.

"Yeah, it has," she replied. "Things definitely didn't turn out as we planned."

"You know, I kind of figured out that you girls were the Scouts," Ryo said. "There were little clues and hints here and there. For instance, back on the docks when we were fighting those soldiers, you used the same move that Sailor Mars used to freeze Sekhmet in place."

"I was hoping you didn't pick up on that," she replied with a smile. "This morning you seemed like you wanted to ask me something. Is that what it was?"

"Yeah, but you fell asleep before I could ask you anything," Ryo answered.

"Well, now the truth is out," Rei said as she stood up and stretched. "I'm pretty tired, so I think I'll go to bed. I'll see you in the morning, Ryo. Good night."

"Sleep well, Rei," he replied.

To Be Continued . . .

---

I know that was a pretty bad place to stop, and I'm sorry about that. This is slowly winding down to the end. The next part may be the last, but it will depend on how I write it. Thanks for reading my fic. Don't forget to leave your comments!

---