F.K.N.S.S. ONCE UPON A DREAM PROLOGUE Sailor Ruluth watched the humans on the planet below her. They were much like the people from her world. Her attention was focused on the country of Japan. She was specifically watching a group of five teenagers. One had thigh length black hair with purple highlights. She wore a suit that was made of a short red skirt over a red and white body suit with a red and purple bow on it. There was an identical bow on her back with long red ribbons trailing behind her. She wore red high heels and she was tall. On her forehead was a gold circlet with a red stone in the center. Ruluth concluded that this must be Sailor Mars. Next to her was a girl with short blue hair. The suit style was identical except there were no ribbons hanging from the blue bow behind her. The skirt was blue and there was a blue choker around her throat. A gold circlet rested on her forehead with a blue stone in the center. That had to be Sailor Mercury. Behind her was a tall girl with her brown hair pulled into a high pony tail. She wore a green skirt and ankle high boots. Her bow was pink with a green middle and the stone in her circlet was green. She was Sailor Jupiter. Next to Jupiter was a blonde haired girl. Her hair was pulled half up and held in an orange bow. Her skirt and shoes were orange. The bows were blue. Her stone was orange. She was obviously Sailor Venus. Lastly was a girl with meatball braids in her blonde hair. She wore red boots and bows. Her gloves were white. Her skirt was white, gold, and blue. There was a moon symbol where the others had stones on their circlets. This was the one the other four protected. This was Sailor Moon. The five girls faced a small group of hostile aliens. Their leader was a Warlord that Ruluth was familiar with. He'd tried to take over her planet once, but had been easily thwarted by her Master. Sailor Mars was the first to attack. "Fire Storm!" she shouted and fire surrounded the group. Before anyone could react Jupiter followed with, "Supreme Vital Pressure!" The Warlord absorbed the energy, made it into a sphere and hurled it back at them. They fell to the ground with gasps. The blue haired girl stepped forward. "Shiny Aqua Illusion!" she shouted and the group was covered with ice. Sailor Moon took the opportunity and raised her scepter. "Moon Princess Illusion!" The group all disappeared with screams of pain, all except the leader. He snarled and this bolt of energy took out Moon and Mercury. Only Venus was left standing. "Venus Crescent Beam!" *1* Venus watched in dismay as her attack was absorbed. The Warlord grinned, "Nice try!" He prepared a sphere for her. He aimed at her as a voice, calm and unhurried said, "Cease, in DEOS's name." He cursed, "Who speaks of DEOS here? Show yourself!" A girl in typical Sailor uniform stepped forward from a circle of light. Her skirt, bodysuit, and gloves were blue. Her bows and the ribbons that hung from her back bow were purple. Her long purple hair was in a tight braid and ended with another bow. Her gold circlet had a blue D shaped stone in the center. "I'm am Sailor Ruluth, servant of DEOS the Most High. My Guardian is the creator of all. Commanded by DEOS, Sailor of Imagination!" The Warlord cursed. He threw the energy sphere at her and stood unflinchingly as it hit her. She raised her arms silently and formed a sphere of her own. His energy was in it. It was combined with fire and ice. She hurled it back at him forcefully. He recoiled and screeched as it hit him. He rose up in the air in retreat, but Ruluth knew he would return. She shapeshifted into her blue dragon form and lifted into the air. She quickly rose above him and forced him back to the ground. By now the other five Senshi were standing, having regained their strength. Sailor Moon raised her wand and shouted, "Moon Spiral Heart.... Attack!" This time he disappeared in wisps of smoke. The five Senshi turned to her, "Where are you from?" Rei asked. "Ruluth," Sabere said with a bow. She forestalled any other questions. "You will know all in time." Then she was gone in a flash of light." * That afternoon the Inner Senshi met at Rei's home. Rei brushed her long black hair slowly. "I've never heard of Ruluth." she said. "What about you Ami?" The girl shook her head, then stopped. "She said she was a servant of DEOS's?" Rei nodded. Ami grinned, "I've heard of it. It was mentioned in a poem I read by an American missionary's child a few months ago." She frowned. "But that was fiction." Makoto looked thoughtful, "She said she was the Sailor of Imagination. Maybe the girl who wrote the poem knew of the planet. What did the poem say?" SEE EPIC OF SEVEN Minako nodded, "The reference to the blue dragon fits. That dragon was named Sabere." Rei shrugged, "She's proved herself an ally anyway. I say you talk to the girl who wrote the poem tomorrow at school. For now let's get home." Minako giggled, "Yes, Usagi don't forget the test tomorrow." Usagi's face was so panicked they laughed. * It was Makoto who found the girl. Actually, she found her by accident. Makoto had been looking out the window and seen the girl sitting on the roof. She slipped out the window and sat next to her. "Hello, I'm Makoto." she said. The girl smiled at her. Her blonde hair was free down her back and her two different colored eyes studied Makoto. "Indeed, the infamous school bully." Makoto tensed, but then saw the humor in the girl's eyes. "I've been looking for you. " Makoto said, suddenly not sure how to ask. The girl nodded, "Obviously, or you wouldn't have ended up here. Usually I'm missed after a few months. What would you like?" "I heard you write poetry. One of my friends read a copy and really liked it. I'd like to read it too." Makoto said. Makoto saw that this smile reached her eyes. She'd obviously been ignored for some time. "What's your name?" Makoto suddenly asked. "Feithe Thrine," she answered. "Which poem?" "I don't know what it's called, but it was long and mentioned a blue dragon named Sabere." Makoto said. Feithe nodded, "I know the one." She turned to something in the notebook she was carrying. "You don't seem the type to seek me out to read a poem."A paper slipped out and Makoto caught it. She saw it was a poem. It was called "Ballad of the Fool". She read the page then turned back to Faethe who was waiting patiently. "Is there more of this?" she asked without thinking. Feithe nodded. "Two more pages. This is what you were speaking of. Why do you want it?" Makoto couldn't think of a good answer. Feithe scowled, "Who are you, for real? she demanded. Makoto looked to her in surprise. What do you mean?" "You're interested in this for a reason. What is it?" Feithe asked. Makoto was taken aback. What could she say? "What do you mean?" Feithe seemed to fade out a moment. Then she shook herself. A second later she began to laugh. "You're Jupiter!" Makoto stared at her in shock. "Who are you?" "Sailor Ruluth's sister," she said. "I have something for you." Makoto looked suddenly suspicious. "What?" Feithe took a necklace off her neck that Makoto hadn't noticed previously. A silver dragons paw held a black ball. Feithe put it around Makoto's neck. "If you use it properly it will tell you about Sailor Ruluth." Then Feithe turned to leave. Makoto stood, "Can I see the other pages to "Ballad"?" * Two days later Sabere took residence at Feithe's home. Sabere lay in bed that night unable to sleep. She finally gave up and teleported her flute into her hand. The graceful music calmed her, but did little to help her sleep. She put her flute down as a large bird teleported in. In a moment he shifted into his human form. "Aren't you going to welcome me sister?" he asked. Sabere sighed, "Should I? Your master would only allow you here unless it suited his purposes." She sat up and patted the end of the bed. "As long as you are here Hakere, sit down." He smiled, "Thank you, and how are you doing?" "Fine," she answered. "I'm planning on meeting with the Senshi tomorrow. I cannot allow your master to gain any hold on them." "Then why tell me your plans?" he asked. "You can do nothing until they Know. Besides, you know anyway." she said. Hakere's face darkened, "All of DEOS's own will die. Including your precious Senshi." "I will protect them in DEOS's name." Sabere said. Hakere look of disbelief didn't phase her. "You'll not fight me now." he stated. "Yes, I will." she said. Then continued to play her flute. Hakere cursed and teleported out. ***** F.K.N.S.S. ONCE UPON A DREAM *2* After school the next day the five girls met at the cafe nearby. Makoto told them of the conversation with Feithe. Rei studied the necklace from her seat. "May I see it?" she asked. Makoto nodded and pulled the chain around to find the clasp, but found none. Also, it was too small to go over her head. "I don't understand." Ami leaned closer and picked it up. "I don't think you are supposed to take it off. The chain is long enough until you try to take it off." She examined the paw and ball closely. "Look here!" She twisted the top and the ball fell onto the table. Makoto was immediately upset, "Look, you broke it!" Usagi picked the ball up and held up so she could see it better. A second later she dropped it. "It's hot!" she shrieked and looked as if she would cry. Minako shushed her, "Look, it's doing something!" The ball rolled to the center of the table and turned white. A hologram coalesced above it. "That's Feithe!" Makoto said. The hologram began to speak.... "Not in darkness, but in light, Not of evil, but of right, Not of death, but of life, Not of blindness, nor of strife, Nothing present, of nothing made, By DEOS created, by DEOS saved, By DEOS awakened, by DEOS led, By DEOS formed, by DEOS fed...... THE SAGA OF RULUTH The Dragon felt the cold, In it's own half heart, And did not need to be-" Feithe's eyes widened in fear, but narrowed in anger. "It's too late, you've already lost Hakere!" A male voice answered, "We'll see. Give me the Sage Ball!" "Never." Feithe stated. "Very well, I'll retrieve it from your cadaver!" the male voice said. Feithe was struck by an arrow of light and fell to her knees. Another arrow came in the girl's direction, but was deflected as Sailor Ruluth appeared in front of the fallen girl. "Hakere!" she cried out. Her tone softened, "Brother, don't do this, please." There was a snort of derision and then the voice again. "Your precious Senshi will die. First the moon, then Venus, Mars, Mercury, and Jupiter. Don't forget Neptune and Uranus." "And what of Pluto?" asked Feithe acidly, if weakly. There was a laugh. "As of now I can do nothing, but her Time will come. Sabere, don't fight me." Sabere's voice was grim. "I will protect them. Leave!" Then a large golden bird flew up and disappeared. Sailor Ruluth knelt next to Feithe. "I'll be fine." Faethe said. But she obviously wasn't. "What will we do with the Ball?" Sabere looked around and her gaze fell on a necklace that hung around Feithe's neck. "We can replace the plastic ball with this one. Then I'll send it back to right after I met the Senshi. You'll give it to the first one who finds you." "Mako-chan," Feithe whispered. "My friend will guard it." Sabere nodded and picked up the ball, then dropped it just as quickly. "It's hot. Is it still recording?" Feithe grinned, "I suppose so, I never stopped it." Then the hologram dissolved and the ball again turned black. The only question anyone could ask, and it was a typical Bunny question, "What's a cadaver?" * The next morning at school, Feithe met Makoto at her first class. "Meet Sabere and I in the park after school. We need to talk." She looked at the necklace. "You've seen It?" Makoto nodded. "We all did." Feithe nodded. "I haven't. I'm not supposed to see my future." Then she walked away. * Makoto waited with the others in the park. She was sitting on the side playing absently with the necklace around her neck. Feithe walked in a few moments later. "I'm sorry, I hope you didn't wait very long." Makoto shook her head. "I would have waited much longer to hear what you have to say." Another blonde girl stepped forward from the sidewalk. "I am Sabere." Rei stood, "Welcome to Earth." "Indeed," they all turned to see a tall dark haired young man. "You must be very special to have them so eager." "Mamo-chan!" Usagi squealed and ran into his arms. "You're home!" They kissed. Mamoru looked up to Sabere, "I am Usagi's fiance. Who are you?" Sabere smiled, "I'm Sailor Ruluth, that is just about as much as your friends know." "I know more." Feithe said with a grin. "Of course," Sabere said. "I suppose you are all eager to understand what you've seen." She paused a moment, then continued. "However I've not seen the message you received." They looked disappointed. "But I will tell you what I think is important. My brother tried and succeeded in taking over parts of Ruluth. In these parts all life died or fled. I tried to stop him, but I couldn't hurt him, we were too closely tied. DEOS himself had to step in and lock him away in a part of the Krystel Vale. When the Seven took their place and I was free to leave, he was set free. He blamed me and is determined to destroy all I love and stand for. I came here to protect you so he feels he must destroy you." Her head hung, "But I don't think I have the strength to stop him." Feithe stepped forward to put a comforting hand on Sabere's shoulder, "I'm here for you." "So am I." Makoto said. "And us as well," the others said. There was a mocking laugh, "I heard that it was not wise to keep all your eggs in one basket!" A tall male appeared. His hair color was the same as Sailor Ruluth's, but his eyes were golden. He wore a white and gold uniform that snugly fit to his body. He wore gold hoops in his pointy ears. The effect was immediately apparent. Sabere stepped forward to divert attention from her brother. "What do you want Hakere?" He smiled, "I want to destroy you as you destroyed me. I want to take you apart piece by piece." He put out his hand and a sword appeared in it. "Care to dance?" Sabere took a deep breath then fell to one knee. She crossed her arms over her chest and whispered, "Ah DEOS hibses kir va!" Her transformation took shape seconds after. She held a sword in her hand. "I have no wish to fight my own flesh and blood." "And you shall not. That would not help me. However, your friends are another matter." he sneered. "Jupiter planet power, Make-Up!" "Venus planet power, Make-Up" etc.(they all transform) Faethe stepped back behind the Senshi. Sabere stepped forward. "I can't let you do that." Hakere laughed, "Stop me then." All around him brown faceless creatures appeared. They had sharp blades on their hands and tails. They all attacked Sabere. Hakere turned to the others and waited. Mars attacked first, "Fire Soul!" it was merely deflected. He caught it again, amplified it and sent it back. All were overwhelmed. "Pitiful," said Hakere. He snapped his fingers and the mindless creatures disappeared. "Now to finish them off." Sabere's eyes narrowed, but she was injured and did not possess the strength to fight back. He prepared an energy sphere. "Remember when the warlord used these? They are very useful." Sabere shook her head, "You can't win." He shrugged. He tossed the sphere, but Feithe intercepted it. She fell back against the fountain. "Mako-Chan," she whispered. Sabere fell to the ground as did Hakere. "What?!" he gasped. Sabere almost smiled triumphantly. "She is my counterpart from this universe. Just as you and I are linked, so is she." As they talked Feithe's face had gone very pale, then she began to brighten. She stood, then knelt in Ruluth's transformation position. "Tu sirviente te llama!" Bright yellow light surrounded her. Her skirt forme with the body suit. They were both golden. Black gloves formed on her crossed arms with green cuffs. Her bows were green with black centers. A black pouch hung from the belt at her waist. Two metal bands formed on her forehead: one green and one black. Her eyes brightened to a startling green. She stood and spoke. "I am Sailor Wirres, servant of the most high. My Guardian is the Creator of all. Commanded by DEOS, Sailor of Light!" She stood in front of the fallen Senshi. "You, Hakere of DEOS's Own, have rejected your Creator and Father. You've turned against yourself and those weaker than you. You have followed in Myro's path and you will be treated accordingly." She put up her hands and a book formed in them. She pointed it at him. She shouted, "Truth Revelation!" White light moved towards him and surrounded him. He screamed in horror. He was filled with a feeling of self- disgust and guilt. * Hakere's master cursed in anger. Whenever he was sure he could win, another "good guy" appeared. He quickly realized that if he didn't act soon, Hakere would be lost to him. He quickly had The Malarant teleported back. * As Hakere disappeared Feithe turned back to her friends. They were looking slightly better, but complete natural healing would take much longer than she was willing to wait. Instinctively, she put her hands beseechingly up to the sky. Her black gloved hands were saturated with green benevolent energy. She knelt down and touched Makoto's hand. Sabere took Makoto's other hand and the energy spread to her. THe others all joined hands and completed the circle. They all transformed back to their normal selves. Jupiter was the first to speak. "Feithe, it seems you are one of us." ***** F.K.N.S.S. ONCE UPON A DREAM *3* Before anything else could be said, a lone being teleported in. She was practically identical to Feithe. She bowed respectfully to the instantly wary Senshi. "Greetings," she said. "I've been sent to explain what has transpired today. I am Faith Sarver." Feithe grinned, "Hello, sister.". Both newcomers hugged. "Nice universe, good outfit." she said in mock ferocity. Feithe paused a moment and then burst out laughing, "I see you haven't lost your sense of humor." She felt the eyes of the others on her. Faith straightened. "I would like to explain. However, it is getting late. If you wouldn't mind, I would like to go elsewhere." Feithe smiled at the still tense Senshi. "It'll be alright. We can trust her." Makoto smiled, but her expression was traced with suspicion. "I will go with you." Faith nodded. "Feithe, will you take us to BETWIXT please?" Rei (Mars) cut in, "You teleported in. Why can't you teleport out?" Faith smiled amiably. "I was teleported in by another. I have no power unto myself." Usagi (Moon) stepped forward, "She saved our lives and if she says we can trust this girl I will go with her." Minako (Venus) nodded, "Then the rest of us will come as well." Feithe nodded,"Which one?" Faith shrugged, "Wirres or Ruluth, it doesn't really matter." Feithe nodded and the group disappeared. * They appeared amid a large number of trees. The trees were very large and obviously ancient. They were also arranged in different sized groups. The ground beneath was covered with soft grass. A river ran quietly nearby. Feithe's eyes widened in awe, "Praise DEOS, this is Wirres," she whispered. "It's more beautiful than I ever imagined. My writing puts it to shame." Faith nodded, "Many have died to preserve this creation. And correction, this is Wirres BETWIXT." Feithe shrugged, "It makes no difference. It is still Wirres." The explanation that Faith was about to deliver was interrupted by five new arrivals. (SEE ARRIVAL SPEECH OF OUTER SENSHI) "What is going on?!" Uranus demanded. Her short blonde hair shook as she spoke. Pluto spoke up in sa quiet voice, "You disappeared from the time stream." Long green hair hung down her back. "Where are we?" Neptune asked. Her sea green hair framed her face. Two small girls stood beyond Neptune. One with short, but not nearly as short as Uranus's, hair spoke, "It's so quiet here." That was Sailor Saturn. The other with pink hair said, "It is very pretty." This was Usagi's daughter from the future, Chibi-Usa. Faith smiled and shut her eyes a moment. A moment after that, all were transformed. "How did you do that?" Usagi asked. Faith turned to the Outer Senshi and Chibi-Moon. "I was about to explain. If you would like to join us, please take a seat." Twelve people sat on the ground. Faith grinned, "My name is Faith Sarver. I came to explain the appearance of the new Sailor Ruluth and Sailor Wirres. Right now we are in between the two dimensions of Wirres. We call it BETWIXT. As Pluto inferred, time does not flow here. Sailor Ruluth, stand" she ordered. Ruluth stood. "Her name is Sabere. She is the Sailor of imagination. Stand Sailor Wirres," Wirres stood. "Her name is Feithe Thrine. She is the Sailor of light. You may sit." They both sat. She continued, "Sabere, Feithe, and I are all the same people, just from different dimensions. In Sabere's dimension, she was the Guardian of Ruluth in dragon form. Our new enemy, her brother Hakere, was also originally a Guardian in the form of a Hunting Bird. When Ruluth's position was filled with Seven that had been prophesied, she was free to choose a new position. She chose to come here to teach you. She was given sailor and human form to help. Feithe comes from your dimension. However, she was given a gift by DEOS as a child. She could see into the other dimensions. She used this gift to write stories. She wrote mostly about Ruluth and Wirres because these were the clearest to her. However, the universe that Wirres is situated in is very difficult to follow. Time is frequently changed and events either change or never happened. Feithe followed it admirably. DEOS saw Sailor Ruluth's predicament and made Feithe Sailor Wirres so she could assist. DEOS is the creator of everything. He made the planets, all of them. He made the dimensions, all of them. Her made all of you and he is the one who originally gave you your powers to safeguard the planets and places you represent." Minako nodded slowly, "What about you?" Faith grinned, "DEOS has a council of Vebons. They are his servants. They requested I come and tell you of this. In my universe I live in America. I write stories as well. One of the ones I see clearly is called Shib. Maybe someday I will be sent to help you. But two newcomers is all that is needed for now. That is my entire explanation. I will send you back to where you left from." Ten people disappeared, but Feithe, Faith, and Sabere were still there. Feithe grinned, "Sabere, we would like you to meet some people." * Hakere knelt before his master's general. The man's face was red with fury, but his eyes were frozen with hate. His body had long since lost it's vitality and he sat in a large chair night and day. His hair was ragged and his skin was very pale. "I know I deserve no mercy, but I am sorry I failed thee. Please give me another chance Polov ahi!" Polov controlled himself, "You will have another chance because it was not entirely your fault. DEOS provided another warrior. However, you were overconfident. Go back to your cell and ponder how you can succeed. I will call you when necessary." Hakere turned to leave, but Polov stopped him. "Yes, my Ahi?" he asked respectfully. "What happened today was inexcusable and there is only one way to prevent it. You must cut your link to Sabere." he said coldly. Hakere knew that would be the hardest thing he had ever done, but one did not disobey. "Yes, Polov ahi." * Faith led them to a cabin in the woods. A girl with red hair saw them. She was sitting on a window ledge carving something. She jumped down and smiled when she saw them. "Faith!" Faith smiled, "I've brought two more. This is Feithe Thrine and this is Sabere." Sabere was looking at the carving in the girls hand. The girl smiled delightedly, "I am Faethe Jerrikdau." Sabere chuckled, "Faith, Faethe, and Feithe, how amusing." Faethe shrugged, "We are all one person so we usually have very similar names." Sabere looked again to the carving. "What is that?" Faethe showed it to her. "It's a dragon. I've had the picture of it in my head for many days now. I don't know why, all the dragons I've seen are different." Sabere stepped back and slowly shapeshifted into the dragon. After a moment she shifted back. "On Ruluth that was my only form." Faethe nodded, "That would explain it, then." Faith cut in, "I brought them to be part of the IUB." Faethe seemed very happy about that. "Some new talent would be useful. I'll call the others." Moments later several more beings teleported in. The first had long silver hair and silver eyes. "I am Faune Jerrikdau, twin to Faethe." The next stepped forward, "I am Brand of The Seven of Ruluth." A near identical twin to Faith appeared. "You may call me Alley Cat to alleviate confusion." she said. She was just as graceful as a cat too. A boy appeared next. His hair was blonde and his eyes bright green. Next to him appeared a silver dragon. "I am Lesit and this is my Companion, Ethseter." A young woman walked through a number of trees to where they were. "Nightcrawler dropped me off a bit out of the way, I hope I'm not late." She turned to the newcomers. "I am Shadowcat." The fourth Ruluthian counterpart appeared. He looked human. His hair and eyes were brown. "I am Lanek of Pod Nee of the Brinians." (If you don't know what that means, he is a shapeshifter.) Second to last a girl with green tinged blonde hair and green eyes appeared. A large cat was beside her. She held a bundle in her arms. "I am Rane of Shib. This is my friend," she referred to the cat. "Fairl. We are both part of this IUB. Fairl holds Centerpoint." Fairl seemed to smile at them. she mind sent. The last grinned. She had long blonde hair, golden eyes, and wore a bright white dress. "I am of the V Continuum, you may call me Faye. There are many others, but they couldn't make it. They'll be included though." Another girl appeared. She had short dark hair and wore glasses. "I am Beky Sarver. I was sent by the IUCG. I've come to form this newest IUB." Feithe spoke first, "W-H-A-T is an I-U-B and the I-U-C-G?" Beky grinned and explained, "It stands for InterUniversal Being. The IUCG is the InterUniversal Council of Guardians. In an IUB there are several people who are counterparts from different universes. I link them and they become an InterUniversal Being. I will meld your quantum signatures together. Your subatomic particles will have the same amount of energy and vibrate at the same exact rate. You will be able to talk to each other mind to mind across universes and share one another's powers. Do you want to join?" Sabere again spoke first, "Feithe did you know about this? You recognized Faith." Feithe shook her head. "Faith visited me and I knew about Sailor Ruluth, but I didn't know about anything else." Sabere's next question was aimed at Faith. "How can another person from Ruluth be me?" Faethe answered, "That was a very unique case. You weren't human. Actually four forms of you resided on Ruluth. DEOS decided, you should ask him sometime. However at least one person from Ruluth was not born there. There is a Brinian, a dragon, a human, and a Sojourner." The Sojourner could be either Brand or Lesit. Feithe and Sabere spoke in unison, "I would like to join." * That night Hakere struggled to break the link. He couldn't bear to do it. He kept seeing Sabere's face and remembering what it had been like the before he'd found Myro. A dark cloud appeared in front of him. "Hakere! Do it. I order you to do it." Still he was haunted by guilt. "Don't you love me Hakere? I've given you everything. Why do you hold onto this girl that took everything away and destroyed you?" the voice said seductively. Yes, why did he? He asked himself. "I love you Myro, you know that." Then he savagely cut the link between them. * Sabere woke up suddenly with the largest feeling of emptiness she had ever known. She couldn't feel Hakere.Was he dead? Suddenly she knew. He'd cast her away, broken the link. She called out to him anyway, but he didn't answer to comfort her. But her new friends did. They could talk to her and link almost as closely as her brother. But nothing could replace him. They all whispered comforting things to her. Faethe, Faune, Brand, and Faye all answered. She could feel Feithe's arms around her. She had a new family. Hakere couldn't destroy her the way that he claimed she did him. She was strong. They were all strong. They were together and no one would defeat them. She was filled with determination. She would get her brother back! ****** F.K.N.S.S. ONCE UPON A DREAM *4* The next several weeks were uneventful. No enemies appeared and all the Senshi got a much needed rest. Feithe, Sabere, and the others grew closer. Only a few of the Senshi were nervous. Makoto paced the length of beach in front of Feithe's chair. Feithe was writing something, ignoring her. Makoto seemed to explode, "I can't take this! Something has to happen!" Feithe put her notebook down. "I know what you mean. It's like we had the beginning of the storm and now we are in the peaceful eye. I feel like we are waiting for the other, more powerful part of the storm to fall on us at any moment." Makoto nodded, "I don't relish this fight. Both you and Sabere are new to your powers. Where is Sabere any way?" "Looking for santa," Feithe said with a smile, then she saw Makoto's baffled expression and explained. "She likes extreme cold, so she went to the North Pole." "She'll freeze!" Makoto said in exasperation. "Can't she ever act normal?" "Mako-chan," she said quietly. "She isn't human. You can't expect her to act like one. Besides it's her dragon form that likes the cold. Not even absolute zero could freeze her." She dropped the notebook onto the sand. "I'm bored. I don't like getting too much rest." She brightened, "I know, let's go practice! It will give us something to do and I will be stronger in the coming fight!" Makoto grinned, "That is the best suggestion I've heard all day Fei-chan, Should we invite the others?" Feithe considered. "Let's invite Rei. She looks like she could use a break. The others are having fun though, let's leave them to their own diversions." * Feithe teleported them back to Wirres BETWIXT. However, they were in a clearing with very few trees. The trees that were present were knarled and dying. Makoto, Rei, Feithe, and Ami (Mercury) transformed. (Mercury had wanted to come as well.) Makoto grinned, "Let's see how much power you can produce. I'll go first and then we will compare." She then shouted, "Jupiter Oak Evolution!" Green lightning rained around. (Come up with your own description of that one. I can't remember.) Ami spoke up. She held a small computer with her symbol on it. "I recorded the power output so we can realistically compare." Feithe grinned, "Thank you Ami-Chan. That was very astute of you." She then said quietly, "Wirres Bright Flash!" Makoto looked around as nothing happened. Then all light around them was cut off by a dark circle encompassing them. The darkness lasted a moment then a very bright light knocked them all down. They lay stunned a moment then their sight returned. Feithe was wearing black light shades on her eyes. Ami's had instinctively appeared to keep her safe. "Well Ami?" she asked. Ami's eyes went wide. "That was twice the power of Makoto's attack." Feithe nodded, "And I was only using it at a quarter strength. At full strength you all might be blind and unconscious. The light will eliminate any evil in a person. If any pure evil is present, the whole being will be vaporized." Rei was obviously impressed, "What else can you do?" Feithe suddenly felt self conscious. "I don't know." Mars laughed, "Let's see how you fight hand to hand." Rei attacked, roaring in mock ferocity. Soon Rei, Makoto, and Feithe were all sparring. Feithe was no match for either, much less both. She heard laughter over the IUB link. Faethe passed it on and then broke contact. Makoto had seen that Feithe was only paying half attention. "Do you yield?" she asked breathlessly. Feithe grinned, "In your dreams Sali!" Makoto did not notice the strange word because Feithe was now sparring with skill and precision. Later they sat resting. Mercury hadn't joined in the sparring, but she seemed always to find a way to keep herself occupied. This time she'd been calculating the power of Feithe's attack at full strength. The amount was staggering. Rei was telling a funny story when Feithe heard a noise. Quietly, so no one noticed, she teleported in her slingshot. She took two pebbles out of the pouch on her waste. Seconds later the stones were flying and a small rodent fell out of a tree. "Hungry?" asked Feithe to her astounded friends. After they had eaten the rodent that Feithe had killed, Ami began asking questions. "Why do you wear metal bands instead of circlets like the rest of us?" Feithe's hand touched the green and black metal involuntarily. "They represent my skills. The green is for healing. The black is for a hunter or a warrior." "You've demonstrated all three talents very well." Makoto said. "Thank you," said Feithe. "But the sling is a child's weapon. The bow is an adult weapon." Rei perked up when she heard that. "We use crossbows." Rei settled again. "How long have we been here?" Feithe asked. "Three hours, twenty minutes, and thirty-two seconds." Ami said. "And counting," Feithe sighed. "I'll take us back to our universe three hours in the future so that we won't have to wait until evening. I'm bushed." Everyone else agreed. * At breakfast, all five inner senshi and Chibi-Usa showed up at the Mission's complex. Feithe was not expecting them, but was mollified when they produced food enough for a morning feast. They all sat at the table. They began to discuss their plans for the day. Not surprisingly, nothing that Feithe considered fun was proposed. Thankfully, Makoto came to the rescue. "Yesterday we had a lot of fun practicing and playing." Surprisingly, Minako agreed. "We all need practice if we are to win. Hakere found us easy targets last time." It was settled. After breakfast they would go to BETWIXT. * As they teleported in, Makoto and Feithe spontaneously began to spar. A few moments later they stopped and stood. "First, transform." Feithe said. She was the first with, "Tu sirviente te llama." Chibi-Usa was the last with, "Moon Prism Power, Make-Up!" Minako had them practice their attacks while Feithe and Usagi talked quietly. Feithe said, "Usagi, I have been sent to teach. I know a powerful attack you can use." "Really?" Usagi asked. Feithe nodded, "I can use any attack that you and the others use. I also know of attacks you've not yet thought of. To fight Hakere you will all need more power." Then she proceeded to teach the Senshi how powerful they could be. * Sabere sat in the cafe, notebook in hand. She'd been there several times the past few weeks. She felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned around to see a human teenager leering at her. His blonde hair hung down his back and his eyes were a strange gold color. "I see that you've found your human form, Hakere. What do you want?" she asked wearily. Hakere looked at the scene in her notebook. "I remember that." It showed two people connected by the heart. They weren't human people. Their ears were pointed and they had wings. "We could be like that again you know." Sabere shook her head. "Your heart has become a black shriveled thing. What do you want?" He grinned, "I thought you might want to come out and play. I've something to show you." Sabere followed him down the street. She was caught off guard by being attacked from behind by a grinning creature. It was made of rock, possibly diamond. She sent out a call to Feithe as she knelt to transform. However, she was knocked over and her attention diverted before she could. * Feithe heard the call and teleported all the Senshi without warning them. She saw Sabere being savagely attacked by multiplying creatures. Jupiter took the initiative, "Jupiter Caustic Sleet!" Acidic icewater fell onto the creatures and some dissolved, but they multiplied again. Mercury stepped in with, "Mercury Snowball Contract!" A large bright light formed, that looked very much like a snowball, and rolled towards the creatures. It kept growing and as it reached them,engulfed them. Then it squeezed them into nothingness. However, one remained and as before, it multiplied. Mars looked outraged, "Mars Liquid Flame!" A red liquid flowed from her hands. However, the fire was liquid. The creatures squealed, but Hakere produced water to quench it. Venus lifted her hands and said, "Venus Nova Flash!" A bright light threw Hakere back. he stared in astonishment at the wound on his chest. Sailor Moon took the opportunity to face the moon and say, "Moon Reflection Encircle!" Hakere and the diamond creatures were locked in a tight sphere. Wirres took her cue, stepped forward and said. "Wirres Purity Flare!" Just as in her bright flash, all evil was destroyed. Hakere fell to the ground stunned. Sabere's face lit up and she ran over to him.The link that had been blocked by darkness was now open. Hakere opened his eyes. He saw the Senshi and was racked by guilt and shame. "I am guilty!" he cried out. Sabere took him in her arms. "Stay with me brother. Come back to me. Forget Myro. I forgive you." Hakere wept in her arms. His sister still loved him. He could feel it through the link. * Feithe hugged Sabere. "Come back when you are ready. We can handle things here." Then she hugged Hakere. Not long ago he'd become part of the IUB. That drew them much closer. The twins disappeared. "Where are they going?" asked Chibi-Usa. "Home." Feithe said. "To fix everything." THE END