Ya know I was worried I was gone for so long that people would think I was dead.

I didn't expect to come back seeing everyone give their eulogy of the FFML!

Welp, I'm not one to give up on such a fine institution that has helped and
entertained me for all these years.  I realize I may not get any comments
on this story, mostly due to my long absence because of life's little interuptions 
(employment, technical societies, and marriage to name a few) but I'll keep
on posting away.  I know there are a few out there who still remember me.

Anyway, if you find this story intriquing, feel free to visit my most updated
archive of the previous chapters:
http://www.fanfiction.net/~bastion05

Though I must warn you original characters are ahead.  So please don't
stop and stare for too long.

Though I'm no Davies, Sommer, or Lawson (hell even throw Loader in there),
it doesn't mean I can't envy them for their superior talent.  Damn, how do 
you guys make this stuff look so easy?

On with the show...   oh yeah, C&C is more than welcomed... ;P

----------------------------
Terrible Things to Waste
Part 5:  Conformity to Reality
----------------------------

     Malance's lithe fingers danced over his suit's
circuitry.  Flicking aside some of the loose strands of his
long dark brown hair, he sautered the last few wires
together.

     "This will do."  He mumbled.

     Admiring the blue metal pieces spread over the
warehouse floor, Malance glared at the suit's various dents
and tarnished areas lit aflame by the red neon light
outside.  His eyes followed the web of wires from one
disjointed, sparkling piece to another.

     "Serenity and her soldiers really did some damage to my
armor.  I think I owe them that favor in return."  Malance's
dried lips creased into a smile.  "Silly Serenity, you think
you're so powerful, but you needed a man to rescue you.  You
stupid wench, you have no idea.  How typical.  How female.
How weak."

     Malance reached out for one of the pieces of his armor
and snapped the circuit board into place.  Standing up,
Malance fitted the armor on his forearm and tapped it.  A
beam burst forth which split and began frantically knitting
a web in front of Malance until it created a glowing barrier
and disappeared.  Malance watched as the area where the
barrier had been flicker with the movement of his arm.
Satisfied, he removed the armor and placed it among the
other pieces on the smooth concrete floor.

     Surveying his handiwork, Malance's eyes paused upon his
reflective visor.  His staunch, hallow-cheeked face stared back 
at him, his pale skin glowing against its backdrop of dark hair.

     `I've come a long way since I got this armor.'  He
thought.  `Back then I would have let people walk all over
me.  Thanks to my General, I am powerful and now they answer
to me.'

     He remembered when the first days of his training under
the General back when he and the orphans of the Great War
had been placed in the Timelord Program.  In those days, he
had been smallest out of the group and found himself a
target of his larger peers.

     `Especially those spoiled children.'

     Malance's memories stirred with the taunts and abuse he
had endured from those spoiled children, children of the
influential people of the Community, who were being groomed
to become his future superior commanders.

     Everything changed, though, when the General began
their training.  A herald hero of the Great War, General
Halebit cared not for an individual's status or pedigree, he
cared only for those who showed strength and power.

     "Giving up is not an option," the General told them on
the first day, "because if you give up, you have shown me
you are weak and the weak will be shown no tolerance or
mercy."

     Not many of the spoiled children lasted much past the
first few hours of the General's grueling personal program.
Malance though had been a select few who survived the
challenge proving to be amongst the General's best and
strongest.  Malance's skin still tinkled when reliving the
moment the General offered him a position in the Society.
He would be in command of his own peers from the General's
program and lead them to victory over the corrupt Counsule
and those spoiled children supporting it.

     "I entrust you will not disappoint me, Malance."  The
General said to him when he received his armor and embraced
his position as second-in-command.

     "You will not be disappointed my General."  Malance
murmured slipping his pants off his slim hips.  "I will do
anything for you."

     Malance felt the cold air nip at his bare flesh as the
metal pieces came alive.  The wires slowly stretched and
slithered over to him.  Carefully, almost lovingly, the armor
fitted itself on his slender form.  As the final piece locked into 
place, Malance began marching, his steps echoing
heavily, clanking in the expansive open warehouse.  Suddenly,
Malance burst into a full stride.

     `Forgive me my General, I mustn't keep you waiting any
longer.'  Malance's pulse quickened in anticipation.
`Tonight I will prove to you how loyal I am and how useless
that blonde harlot is.  Tonight you'll see where our
allegiances truly lie.'

------------------------------------------------------------

     "Don't know who she is, huh?!"

     Greg had been expecting this.  He had spent most of the
night watching the Timelord pacing up and down the concrete
shoreline grumbling to himself until the sun began to peek
over the horizon and the grey of morning had taken hold.
All the while, his eyelids had progressively grown heavier
and heavier.

     `Does he always hold these things in for this long?'
The boy wondered.  `It's like he's riding a pendulum.  One
moment he's sulking and the next he's screaming.'

     Tracer stomped around underneath the bridge continuing
his rant.

     "You have a lot of nerve boy by lying to my face!"
Tracer lurched at Greg.  "Bold faced lied to me just like
the old man and Cin-"

     Suddenly, sharp fingertips flew at the boy's face.
Within a blink of an eye, Greg found himself looking down
the smooth metal tips hover just inches from his face.
Tracer remained still.  Slowly, his body relaxed and his
scowl faded.  For a moment of two, Greg just stared at
Tracer staring back at him.
     
     "Um, look Tracer I'm sor-" Greg began.
     
     The Timelord back away.

     "Go.  Just go."

     "Huh?  What for?  Aren't you afraid I'm going to-"

     "GO!  Damn it!"

     "Okay."  Greg gingerly rose to his feet.

     After making it half way up the concrete embankment,
Greg glanced back.  Tracer still had his back to him
regarding the still water.

     `He's actually letting me go.  I don't get it, why is
he letting me go?'

     Suddenly, Tracer took off, disappearing into the
shadows underneath the bridge.  Concerned, Greg slid back
down the embankment.

     `He isn't crazy enough to keep following her is he?'
He thought.  `The Sailor Scouts aren't going to show him any
mercy when runs into them again.  I have to explain this to
the girls.'

     Then Greg's memory stirred of the confrontation between
Tracer and Sailor Pluto the night before and the look in
Pluto's dark eyes lacked their typical coolness.  Her eyes
burned for his destruction, not at all cold and meticulous
in fights he had witnessed.

     `So who's going to be listen to me?  A stubborn, hot-
tempered, and trigger-happy hooligan or the most unyielding,
cold, and knowledgeable woman I ever knew.'  Greg shook his
head.  `Ugh!  I wish I had my prophetic visions back and
then I'd be able to convince Pluto that Tracer is not our
enemy.  I mean how else am I going to convince a woman who
can see the past, present, and future?  Argh, I've as blind
as a bat since Tracer got here there's no use in trying to
argue with her!'

     "Wait a minute.  It all makes sense now!"

     Greg bolted after the Timelord throwing his legs out in
long strides, barely keeping the fluttering black flaps of
the Timelord's trenchcoat in the distance.

     `I can't let you confront them, Tracer.  If I'm right,
you won't stand a chance.'


     "So I'm walking into the arcade the other day, right."

     Serena leaned in.  "Yeah."

     "And there was this really cute guy playing that
Formula 1 racing game."  Mina continued.

     "Did you make sure it wasn't Erica?"   Lita asked,
snickering to herself.

     Cindy could hear Erica snort across the bedroom.

     Mina crossed her arms.  "Lookit, me and Serena make a
mistake a few years ago and you won't even let it go."

     "Hey, when did I get involved in this?"

     "Heh, true, there was the infamous sugar cookie
incident last week."  Lita smirked.

     "Cookie incident?"  Michelle arced an eyebrow.

     "Ah, nevermind."  Aggravated, Mina went silent.

     Fascinated, Cindy watched on.  `These aren't the women
I read about in my history texts.  They sounded so much more
reverent and pious.  But these people are just-`

     "Ah come on Mina, it was just getting juicy."  Serena
pouted.

     Cindy tilted her head.  `Just girls.  No different than
me when I was a girl.  Back when my parents were alive.'

     The blonde Traveller watched the bare bony tree
branches swaying outside the window.  `I wonder how my life
could have been different if I hadn't run into those
Timelords.  Maybe I'd have a mate and maybe some children.'

     Cindy returned her gaze to Serena, Mina, and Lita
kneeling around the table continuing their friendly chatter.
`Maybe I would have been happy.'

     "Alright, I have everyone's drinks."  Raye's voice rang
cheerfully through the bedroom door.

     After a few moments hearing the door jiggle, the
bedroom door finally slid open revealing Raye balancing a
tray of steaming coffee cups.  Facing the crowd, Raye wore
her most perfect hostess smile, though Cindy couldn't help
but notice the twitch in her eyebrow.  Waltzing carefully
over to the far side of the room, Raye set down two of the
cups in front of Erica and Michelle.

     "Decaf for Michelle and extra black for Erica."  Raye
flashed a smile as both women nodded.

     Moving to the other side of the table, Raye served the
last few of her cups to Lita, Mina, Serena, and Cindy.
     
     "Cocoa for Serena and tea for the rest."
     
     "Thanks Raye, I really appreciate you doing this for
me."  Serena bowed respectfully over the table.
     
     Raye paused.  A brief look of suspicion crossed her
face before brightening back to her hostess smile.
     
     "Not a problem."
     
     Cindy observed Raye take her cup, sit in her place at
the table, and begin chatting with the other girls.  Deep in
thought, Cindy regarded the tea leaves swirling around the
bottom of her steaming cup.
     
     `Serena's been awfully polite to Raye since last week.
I had no idea I could have cause them this much turmoil.  I
just want to get rid of that old man and get out of here
before I do some irreparable damage.  I hope they can
forgive me after all of this is over.'
     
     "Is everything alright, Cindy?"  Michelle whispered.
     
     Tearing her eyes away from her mug, Cindy shook her
head.  "I'm fine."
     
     "Hey guys!"  Reenie came barging into the bedroom and
threw off her jacket.
     
     "Where's Victoria?"  Erica asked.
     
     "She's with me."  Susan's voice chilled Cindy
momentarily as the woman entered the room with the pale
child in toe.
     
     "Have you seen Amy, Susan?"  Raye knitted her eyebrows.
     
      "Yes."  The tall woman calmly informed.  "She was
taking off her shoes by the door last I saw her."

     "Late again."  Cindy heard Raye mutter.

     "Hello everyone."  Amy stepped inside the room, bowing.
"I'm sorry I'm-"

     "No need to apologize."  Raye raised her hand.  "Let's
just get this started."

     "Ah."  The weary blue-haired girl paused and then
smiled highlighting the dark circles under her eyes.  "Thank
you."

     As Amy slid the door closed, a pair of cats dove
through.  The felines trotted over to the table and took
their place among the steaming mugs.

     "I see that everyone has made it."  The black cat
announced.  "As you all know, Serena, Mina, and Raye had an
encounter with an enemy last night at the Juuban Homeless
Shelter."

      "You mean a Timelord, right Luna?"  Lita asked, thinly
veiling her excitement.

     Luna's whiskers bristled.  "We don't know yet, that's
why we have Cindy here."

     "Geez, the thing looked like it came right out of a sci-
fi comic book!"  Raye slammed her hand on the table,
rattling the black and white cats.  "What more evidence
could you ask for?"

     Mina shrugged.  "We've seen stranger things."

     "True."  The white cat added.

     Cindy leaned in.  "Was it blue?"

     Mina, Raye, and Serena blinked.  "Yes."

     The blonde Traveller nodded her head.  "I see.  Who you
encountered is Malance.  His suit has some of the most
advanced weaponry the dimensions have to offer.  He is
Halebit's second in command and as I'm sure you three girls
can attest to, he is a force to be reckoned with."

     Lita smirked and punched her fist into her hand.  "Then
I suppose we show em' the Sailor Scouts are a force to be
reckoned with too."

     Mina threw her hands behind her head.  "Ehh, we've
fought tougher so I'm not too concerned."

     "Mina!"  Amy's eyes shot open.  "Never underestimate
the enemy."

     "I hate to admit it, but I kind of agree with Mina."
Raye sighed.  "Though this Malance thing isn't exactly a
cakewalk, he's not any more of a threat than a mindless
demon."

     Cindy fidgeted, glancing from girl to girl all nodding
in agreement.

     "I assure you."  Cindy cut in.  "The Timelords are not
to be taken lightly; you must keep vigil and strike hard
when the time is right."

     "If the best they can do is to fly around and shoot at
us, I think we'll be just fine."  Mina replied.  "So don't
worry yourself too much, we have it covered."

     Cindy could feel a dull pain concentrate at the center
of her forehead.  `Why won't you see?'

     "Then there's this whole matter with Greg's kidnapper."
Luna added.  "I don't think his appearance at the shelter
was a coincidence."

     Cindy noticed Amy's solemn expression brighten
slightly.  "Perhaps Greg had brought him there in order for
us to find him?"

     "I don't think so."  Raye answered.  "He seemed
surprised to see us."

     Luna turned to the sandy haired woman.  "Erica, you
chase them a good ways.  Did you see anything when you were
chasing them?"

     Erica shrugged.  "Can't say much.  I was too
concentrated on driving to get a good look at them."

     "He did do something strange after causing that pile up
in the intersection though."  Michelle recounted.  "He
turned the bike around and looked over at us."

     Cindy looked down, remembering the Timelord glaring at
her over the top of all the twisted wreck of cars and trucks
he had caused.

     "Have any idea why?"  The white cat inquired.

     `He was just taunting me, letting me know he was here.'
Cindy thought darkly.

     Michelle shook her head.  "We have no idea, Artemis.
We didn't even get a good look at him."

     "Serena got a good look at him."  Mina pointed toward
the blonde with the ponytails.

      "Uh, he looked foreign and he was rather skinny."
Serena stared at the ceiling.  "He had long black hair,
kinda curly and a bit greasy, you know."

     Lita tapped her chin.  "Hey Cindy, does this guy ring a
bell?"

     The greasy black locks of hair stirred memories of the
sharp silvery tips of the Timelord's claws aimed at her
temple.  "Can't say that it does."

     "Are you sure that it wasn't another Timelord?"  Luna
asked.

     Suddenly, Cindy became all too aware of Susan's
critical eye studying her intently.   At this, Cindy felt
some perspiration forming on her forehead and cursed herself
for not paying attention earlier.

     `She's probably watching and waiting for the perfect
opportunity to pounce on me the moment I make the wrong
move.  I need to be strong, decisive, and above all
attentive or else my mission will fail.'

     "Yes."  Cindy answered finally.

     "Right."  Luna nodded.  "Okay, I suggest that we take
turns over the next few days combing the city.  These
Timelords have to be staying somewhere; like an empty
building or warehouse and once we find them we can
coordinate an attack.  Plus it would give us an opportunity
to track down Greg."

     "Um, can I request you let me search tomorrow?"  Serena
chuckled as her index fingers nervously met in front of her.
"You see I kind of have plans tonight."

     "What could be possibly more important than locating
these Timelords?"  Raye arched an eyebrow.

     "Um, Darien is sorta taking me out tonight."

     `No, no, no, no.' Cindy's mind reeled.

     "What!?"  The priestess bolted to her feet.  "What in
the world is that pea-sized brain of yours thinking!?  We
have a crisis here!"

     "I don't see the big deal or anything, Raye."  Mina
reasoned.  "We'll take turns doing patrols like Luna said.
I can't see why Serena and Darien can't go out tonight if
she does patrol tomorrow."

      "But still-"

     "Maybe if one of the Scouts tagged along with her?"
Cindy suggested.
     
     Serena crinkled her nose.  "No I'm sorry, but I'm going
to need my privacy.  Besides, I think both me and Darien can
handle whatever the Timelords can dish out if we run into
them again."
     
     "I can pass by and check on you when I make my sweep of
the city."  Amy offered.
     
     "No."  Susan's voice silenced the room.  "No one will
be going out tonight.  I don't think it would be wise to be
separated like that.  I am not that confident as the rest of
you about these Timelords.  I think we're going to need
everyone if the Timelords decide to attack Serena tonight."
     
     Cindy watched as Susan shifted until she had the
Traveller squarely in her critical gaze.  "So it would be
best that all of us stay here until she returns."
     
     Mina pursed her lips.  "Don't you think that's a bit of
an overkill?"
     
     Suddenly Mina bore the wrath of Susan's gaze.  "When it
comes to the safety of my Queen, no."
     
     Amy began to open her mouth when Michelle added.
     
     "Eric and I agree with Susan.  I think it would be wise
to follow her orders."
     
     Cindy watched the other girls consider Susan's plan,
but could see Amy staring at Susan, Michelle, and Erica.
For the first time, Cindy noticed the dark circles under the
Amy's eyes and the rather dazed expression on her face.
     
     `Poor girl.  She must have been missing sleep over
Greg's disappearance.'  Cindy regarded her mug of tea.  `But
I wonder how that Timelord ended up kidnapping Greg?  Did he
know I would be around Serena?  How did he survive the
explosion?  Why couldn't he have died and stay dead?  Why
did he have to complicate things?  Why did he have to spare
my life?'
     
     "It's settled then."  Luna's announcement shook Cindy
from her thoughts.  "We'll hold off on the patrols tonight
and stay on alert in case there are any attacks on Serena
tonight."
     
     Serena bowed.  "I'm really sorry for the inconvenience,
everyone.  I promise to make it up to you in the future.
And I'll be sure to get a hold of you if anything happens."
     
     The pit of Cindy's stomach began to churn and twist.
`Why can't I speak up!?  She's making a big mistake, I know
it, but the moment I do they'll want to know why.
Especially the Time Guardian, she's looking for any reason
to get rid of me and she'll be more than happy to pounce on
this opportunity.  As much as I want to, I can't reveal
anything.  There's too much at stake now.'
     
     Melancholy took a firm grip of Cindy as Serena raised
herself from her knees.
     
     Before Serena could excuse herself, Susan snatched her
arm.
     
     "Remember, once you call us we'll transport to your
location immediately.  Do you understand?"

      "Yes, I understand Susan." Serena smiled. "However, I
do have one question."

     "What is it, you Highness?"

     "Do I have a curfew or do you want me to call if I'm
going to be late?"

     "I'm coming, Halebit.  There's nothing you can do to
stop me now."

     Halebit remained still, concentrating on the darkness
that cut through the soft waning sunlight that painted the
walls a mixture of orange, red, and white.

     "Your meditations aren't working and you're down to the
last of your precious red crystals."

     The old man's set his eyes forward on the black shadows
creeping against the smooth concrete walls trying to soak in
the solitude of the warehouse.

     "It's nothing.  Nihil.  Nothing at all."  Halebit
mumbled to himself.
     
     "Heh."  The old man felt a warm breath caress his ear.
     
     Halebit jerked his head to confront the voice only to
see movement out of the corner of his eye.  Jerking his head
in the other direction he could hear more laughter echo down
the length of the bare warehouse.
     
     "Halebit, Halebit, Halebit.  Why must you insist on
calling me that?  Actually, now that I think about it, it's
not fair that you have a name and I don't.  Heh.  Besides, I
kinda like the title.  Nihil.  Hehe."
     
     Hot oily beads of sweat began to push down Halebit's
temple.  "Focus.  I must focus on the coolness.  I must
empty all emotion."
     
     "Yes, give them to me."
     
     "Will you shut up!"  The flooring around Halebit burst
open with cracks.
     
     "Oooo, is big bad Halebit getting mad?  There's nothing
you can do because I am Nihil!  Hahahahaha!  You're going to
fail Halebit.  One way or another you'll fail.  Deep down
inside you know that to be true."
     
     Halebit's nails dug into his palms as the cracks
continued to spread.  "Never.  I have planned for every
contingency.  Everything will go according to plan."
     
     "Hardly, I bet all it will take it one shake of that
tart's rump and you'll fall to pieces.  I mean that's how
she `rose' the ranks, right?"
     
     "She has no sway over me."
     
     "From the way you hungrily eye her swaying, I'd say she
does."
     
     "Lies!  She will never tempt me!  The moment she
fulfills her purpose, she will be of no use to me."
     
     "Just like the other ones, right?"
     
     Halebit smiled.  "Right.  No matter what her plans I
will be prepared to deal with her."
     
     "And if she shows up with Serenity and her soldiers?"
     
     "I've already planned for that."
     
     "Or if she brings along the Timelord?"
     
     "That too."
     
     "What about Malance?"
     
     "What about him?"
     
     "What if he decides to betray you?"
     
     Halebit's smile vanished.

     "Heh.  Fool.  I bet you he's just waiting for the right
moment.  He's been around you long enough, he knows your
weaknesses."

     Nihil's laughter echoed once again, mixing with a
distant rumbling from above.  Now bathed in the neon sign's
red glow, the old man searched the darkness.  Seeing nothing
stir, Halebit set his eyes forward again and listened to the
growing rumble in the sky.

     `Here comes your loyal servant, now.'  Halebit ignored
the fading echo of Nihil's voice while the beads of sweat
dried as they trickled down his back.

     The cool blue flame of Malance's engine sliced through
the darkness as the mechanized suit gently touched down.
Halebit watched his soldier slowly walk across the warehouse
floor, the red neon light flowing around the contours of his
metallic form.  The many dents swirled and twisted the light
distorting Malance's silhouette.

     "Report."

     "The attacks have gone as planned.  We have more than
enough of Serenity's attention now."

     "More?"

     Malance paused.  "In my last attack, I had to confront
Serenity a few of her soldiers."

     "They saw you?"

     Malance shifted his feet.  "Yes.  They somehow disabled
my cloaking device, but I did collect very crucial data from
the battle.  I hope that it will please you.  I'll be better
prepared to handle them next time."

     `That fool.'  Halebit's temple throbbed.  `He's
jeopardizing the entire mission!'

     `Maybe you're the fool and Malance is playing you like
a fiddle.'  Nihil breathed into his ear.  `Now you see the
folly of trusting someone?  I thought you learned that
lesson long ago?'

     Halebit glared at Malance's armor and saw his own
features gnarled across the uneven surface like a screaming
inhuman creature.  Quickly, Halebit glanced up at Malance's
smooth reflective visor seeing his own cold, emotionless
face.  Suddenly, a blue flash of lightning revealed a young
man with long brown hair kneeling next to him.   The old man
recognized the large, toothy smile.

     Halebit averted his eyes into the darkness.  `It can't
be!'

     `Oh yes it can be, Haley me boy.'  Nihil replied.

     `I have control!'

     `No you don't and *he* can see it.  He's fooled you,
old man.'

     "What are your orders, sir?"  Malance asked.

     'He knows you are weak.'  Nihil continued.

     "Go follow the princess-"  Halebit replied.

     'He knows all your weaknesses.'

     "Look out for the Timelord, he should be nearby-"

     'His loyalty is only a ruse.'

     "Dispose of him."

     'It won't be long before he destroys you.'

     "And bring me back the Silver Crystal."

     "Any particular way, General?" Malance inquired.

     'So send him to his death.'

     From his reflection, Halebit could see the dark red
light deepen the cracks on his hard face.  "By force."

------------------------------------------------------------


     Serena stared in awe.  Her eyes followed the large red
velvet drapes billowing from the center of the vaulted
ceiling to each wall of the large restaurant.  Each drape
flowed smoothly down the walls like a waterfall of red wine
all the way to the floor.  Large windows dominated the small
between each drape, displaying the night sky alive with blue
flashes of an approaching storm.  It looked so -

     "-beautiful in that white dress, Serena."  Darien's
voice roused Serena.

     "Uh, thanks Darien."  Serena blushed, averting her
gaze.  "I had no idea you were going to take me to a fancy
place like this.  It must have cost you an arm and a leg to
get a table here."

     "Now Serena."  Darien winked.  "When it comes to you,
money is never an issue.  Think of it as my way of making up
for being in Osaka while all of this was going on."

     Once more, Serena found herself distracted by the
flashes of lightning outside which had grown in frequency
and intensity.  Thunderstorms always made her nervous.

     "Listen, uh, there's something I need to talk to you
about.  It's something that's been bothering me."

     "What is it?"

     "It's just that, ya know with everything that's
happened the last few days.  It scares me."

     "What do you mean?"

     "They're all depending on me now.  Raye, Lita, Amy, all
of them.  Even Susan is now looking to me to make decisions.
They're treating me like I'm already Queen Serenity and it
terrifies me.  I mean, what if I screw up and one of them
gets hurt or worse?  I don't know anything, all I know is
how to make pancakes and take naps.  I still don't know the
first thing about being the queen they expect me to be."

     Serena stared at the dark red tablecloth.  "Ever since
Pluto took us to the future and revealed I would become
queen of the world, I couldn't believe it.  I thought there
was no way I'd be queen, but once I met my future self, I
couldn't deny it.  Surely, something would happen and
suddenly I would be ready to become Neo-Queen Serenity.  But
it hasn't and now it looks like the day has arrived."
     
     Tears formed in the corner of Serena's eyes.  "Darien,
I don't know if I'm cut out to do this yet.  What if I let
them down?  Will they still listen to me or will they feel
betrayed?  I mean, I'm not perfect yet, Darien."

     "Nobody's perfect Serena.  You know that."

     "But out of everyone I'm the most imperfect.  I mean
how do you do it?"

     "Do what?"

     "Be so perfect.  I mean how do you stay so strong and
self-confident?"

     Darien chuckled.  "Serena, I appreciate the admiration,
but believe or not it's the other way around.  Out of all
the years we've known each, you were always the one guiding
the way.  Keeping steady no matter how bad things got in all
of our battles.  During those dark times, when I thought I
couldn't take it any more, I only had to take one look at
the determination in your eyes and I knew we could overcome
it."

     "Oh Darien."  Serena sighed.  "You really do know how
to say the right thing at the right time."

     "Too cliche?"

     "Somewhat."

     Darien smiled.  "Cliche or not, it's the truth.
Whether you feel ready to be Queen Serenity or not, your
time has come and you need to embrace it.  You can't deny
that you've change over the last few years.  You've come a
long way from when I first met you."

     "And how have I changed?"  Serena leaned in as a smiled
teased at the corners of her mouth.

     "Let's see.  When I first met you, you were very whiny.
Very immature."

     "I. see."
     
     "If I remember correctly you cried over the simplest
things.  You were always late and you were an incredibly
lazy student-"
     
     Serena grabbed her fiance's hand and squeezed hard.
"Okay!  I get the picture now, Darien dear."

     "Err.  Oooo, hey, tonight's special is Kobe Steak!"

     "Heh."  Serena smiled once more and opened her menu.

     As she did so, a bright flash of lightning and a loud
clap of thunder startled Serena nearly throwing her from her
seat.

     Darien dropped his menu.  "Everything okay?"

     Serena waited for her heart to stop racing.  "Ye-yeah.
I guess lightning still makes me jumpy."

     "Heh, I suppose something's never change."

     Serena shook her head and returned to her menu.
Braving one more fleeting glance toward the window, Serena
witnessed another bolt of lightning illuminate the night.
Briefly, Serena could make out the outline of a humanoid
shaped object swaying in the window watching her.  Her heart
racing, Serena quickly grabbed Darien's hand.

     "Come one Serena, it's just lightning."

     "It's him."  Serena whispered.

     "Who?"

     Serena grabbed her communicator.  "Malance."


------------------------------------------------------------

     Raye watched the flames happily dance and swirl to the
rhythmic crackling and popping of the wood burning below.
The dancing reminded Raye of very young children frolicking
around a playground, except these children teased and
taunted her.
     
     `Oh Hinokami, why can't I reach you?'  She thought as
she continued her chanting.  `I've never had a problem
reaching you before.'

     Over the last few weeks, she had been unable to make
any kind of connection with the spiritual realm.  At first,
she thought her difficulties tied to her recent frustrations
clouding her mind with idle thoughts that prevented her from
reaching a meditative state, something not totally uncommon.
As the days passed, though, her worries grew as it became
more evident that she couldn't make a connection with the
spiritual realm through her portal, Hinokami, the fire god.
Her difficulties couldn't have occurred at a worse time.

     The spiritual realm offered her a wealth of
information.  Sometimes spirits would assist her in locating
enemies or offer her premonitions.  More importantly,
however, her only outlet of her frustrations now had become
a source of worry.

     Raye shifted, her joints in her knees ached and her
head began to pound weighing on her neck.  `Geez,
meditations should relax you not tire you out.'
     
     Determined, Raye continued her chanting, hoping to get
resonance with spirit of Hinokami.  As much as she tried,
she couldn't find it.  Years of training as a priestess had
heightened her awareness of spirits yet she couldn't even
get an inkling of any spiritual presence.  It was like the
whole realm didn't exist.

     Raye sighed and bowed to the fire.  Gingerly raising
herself to her feet, the girl dusted off the ash that had
collected on her red and white ceremonial robes.  Slowly,
Raye made the cool short trek across the courtyard between
her home and temple.  Gushes of wind swirled her long black
hair about, tickling her face.

     `There's a storm coming.'  She thought observing the
flashes of lightning rolling in the clouds.  `That's a bad
omen if I ever saw one.'
     
     As Raye dragged herself into the living, she noticed
Lita dangling her legs off the arm of the sofa.
     
     "Yesterday was really nice."

     She watched her brunette friend twirl the phone cord
around her finger.
     
     `Uh, she's still talking to Ken.'  Shaking her head,
Raye wearily blopped down on the nearest chair.  `What's it
been, an hour?  And she's only been on one date with this
guy?  Doesn't she have any shame?  Geez.'
     
     Not even bothering to adjust her ceremonial robes, Raye
laid back and took a sniff of her sleeve.  `Ugh, that was
pretty strong incense I used tonight.'

     "Tonight?!"  Lita sat straight up on the couch.  Raye
nearly hurdle her chair.

     Her senses rattled and frayed, Raye's eyes bore into
Lita as the tall girl cautiously continued her conversation.
     
     "Umm, I can't go out tonight.  I'm at a sleep-over at
Raye's house.  I'm sorry, Ken."

     Raye could hear the boy on the other side of phone talk
before Lita sat up again.

     "Would it be okay if you came over?"  Lita darted her
eyes back to Raye.

     Raye's eyes popped wide open and quickly mouthed a
silent `no'.

     Lita looked away conspiratorially from Raye's gyrations
as she clung to the phone with both hands.  "Uh, well, I
guess you could, for a little while."

     Lita batted away Raye's sandal and continued.  "Uh-huh.
Yeah.  See you then."

     Raye could feel her face burn as she saw Lita's beaming
face upon putting down the receiver.

     "What in the heck is wrong with you?!"  Raye hissed.
"We've got Cindy and Susan here.  And we're on alert with
these Timelords running about with Greg in tow while our
fearless leader is having a night out on the town!  Tonight
is not the night to be bringing your boyfriend over here!"

     Unfazed, Lita crossed her arms.  "Come on Raye, he's
just a really good friend.  It's not like he hasn't met Amy,
Mina, Erica, and Michelle before.  It wouldn't be a stretch
to introduce Cindy and Susan as friends.  Anyway, I'll make
sure he doesn't stay for too long.  Plus don't you know,
boyfriend's make waiting so much more tolerable."

     Raye jumped to her feet.  "Lita you've let that boy go
to your head.  He is not coming over!"

     "You know if you just learned to chill out more often,
you'd attract a boyfriend."

     A vein in Raye's forehead swelled.  "What did you just
say?"

     Lita shook her head.  "See this is what I mean.
There's no need to get excited about this."

     The blood in Raye's head began to boil and pound and
her vision glazed over in a red tint, but looking up at the
stern and unwavering demeanor of the tall brunette proved to
be all too effective in smothering her anger.

     Suddenly overwhelmed by a feeling of exhaustion, Raye
fell back on her chair.  "Fine.  Whatever.  Do what you
want.  I don't care."

     Grinning, Lita wrapped Raye in a tight hug.  "Oooo,
you're the best Raye!"

     Raye felt the urge to raise her voice, but couldn't
muster the energy to do so.  Instead, the raven-haired girl
breathed out a sigh and leaned back in her chair.

     "Lita!  Raye!  We got the call!"

     "What!?"

     "Ugh.  I shoulda known this was going to happen!"

     "Do you have a lock on Serena's location, Amy?"

     "I don't know."  Amy pursed her lips.  "Susan is the
one with all the details.  She's waiting for us in Raye's
room."

     Upon entering her bedroom, Raye could see everyone else
gathered around Susan as she put away a small thin device
into her pocket.

     "The Travellers have made their move."  She announced.

     "Alright!"  Lita grinned.  "Time to see some action!"

     "I believe the best course of action is to teleport
over there immediately."  Susan stated.  "I will teleport
you all personally to the roof of the building the Queen is
located."

     "You," Susan whisked around and pointed at Mina still
seated on Raye's bed.  "Venus, will stay here with the
Traveller and Small Lady."

     "Awww, but Pu you know I can help.  I'm not some weak
kid anymore."

     The tall woman softened her voice and knelt next to
Reenie.  "I apologize Small Lady, but it's going to be
difficult enough to protect the Queen let alone both of you
and your mother.  There's no telling what they are
planning."

     "As for the rest of us," Susan's demeanor cooled once
more, "we will transform and teleport in two waves.  Mars,
Venus, Mercury, and Jupiter will go first followed by
Uranus, Neptune, Saturn, and myself."

     "Why in two waves?"  Raye noted a slight edge in Amy's
tone.

     "Because I don't have the energy to send us all in one
shot."  Susan replied failing to turn in Amy's direction.
"Now is everyone clear on our objective?"

     "What are our orders when we reach the roof?"

     "You will wait until I have properly assessed the
situation."

     "Pluto."  Cindy's soft voice barely registered on
Raye's ears.  "Are you certain you don't want me to assist
you?  I can help you."

     Susan stared hard at the blonde Traveller.  "You will
remain here, Traveller."

     `What is it about the Traveller she doesn't like?'
Raye pondered as Susan motioned all the girls to gather
around her.
     
     "Please transform and we will depart."  She instructed.
     
     "I hope we get this over with quickly."  Lita boasted
while she dug out her transformation pen.  "I want to make
sure we get back in time so I can hang out with Ken."

     Raye rolled her eyes and raised her own transformation
pen over her head.  "Whatever.  Let's just get this over
with."


     "How is he able to run so fast?"  Greg huffed as he
climbed the stairs.

     His lungs burned with every breath and his legs reeled
with every step.  Greg eyed the railing and the cracked
concrete that wearily supported it.  A single experimental
poke sent the railing wobbling and shaking off flakes of
paint.

     `Things just don't come easy to me, don't they?'

     Greg sighed in relief once the rusted metal door to the
roof came into view.  Carefully, the boy turned the doorknob
and pushed on the door.  He continued to push harder until
the dry joints groaned loudly.
     
     A strong wind shoved Greg back through the doorway.
Clutching the handle, he pulled himself onto the rooftop as
the wind died away.  Rumbling could be heard in the distance
and lightning lit up the rolling clouds.  Tracer stood
staring down over the edge of the roof appearing oblivious
to Greg's presence.
     
     `What should I say to a man who was all but ready to
kill me this morning?'  Greg carefully closed the door.
     
     "You've got a lot of balls to come up here you know
that kid."  Tracer bellowed.
     
     Greg froze.  "Um, I had to know something."
     
     Tracer sighed.  "What?"
     
     "Why did you let me go?  Weren't you worried I'd go and
tell Sailor Moon about you and your mission?"
     
     "It doesn't matter anymore, now that Cindy has gotten
to her."
     
     "You mean the girl in the photo you've been carrying?"
     
     "Yeeesss."  Tracer hissed.

     "Sorry, sorry."  Greg backed away.  "Really, I'm sorry
about the whole thing Tracer, especially lying to you about
Sailor Moon."

     "What's to be sorry for?"

     "Well, I felt like I violated your trust."

     "What makes you think I trusted you?"

     "Weren't you testing me at my house?"

     "Huh?"

     "When you left your belt with all the weapons on it.  I
could have run you through with your own sword."

     Tracer smirked.  "Heh, kid, you couldn't have killed
me."

     Greg raised an eyebrow.  "Really?"

     "I'll give you one clue kid; I don't die."

     "W-what do you mean?"

     "My bones are made of metal and my organs are driven by
self-repairing machines.  So yeah, you wouldn't have a
chance of killing me."

     Greg stepped back.  "You're a cyborg?"

     The Timelord snarled.  "I'm human, ya freakin' bastard!
I had these things put inside me!"

     "So you volunteered to do this to you?"

     "Hell no!"  Tracer turned back to the roof's edge.  "I
needed them.  Ravages of war and all that crap."

     The rumbles above roared and shook the ground.  Another
cold gust of wind ruffled Greg's short brown curls.
Tracer's trenchcoat fluttered around his waist, revealing
his sword.

     `It's glowing again.  Why is that?'  Greg pondered.

     "Is it revenge?"  The boy blurted.
     
     "What?"
     
     "You said that you were nearly killed by a Sailor
Scout.  That's the only reason I can think of why you'd be
going after Sailor Moon."
     
     "I could care less about her.  I'm after someone else."
     
     "Cindy?"
     
     "NO!"  Tracer growled.  "Halebit."
     
     "Who's-"
     
     "Shhh!"  Tracer perked his ears.
     
     Greg stood quietly as cold droplets of rain began to
pelt them.  Each drop acted as little icy fingers caressing
his face and back.  The clouds flashed and rumbled and
continuing its drum roll rhythm.  Greg peered skyward,
squinting between raindrops.  The rumble grew louder.
     
     `That doesn't sound like thunder.'  A lump caught in
Greg's throat.  `That sounds like a jet engine.'

     "GET OUT OF HERE!"  Tracer screamed, diving off the
ledge.

     Suddenly, an explosion ripped off the edge the roof.
Chunks of concrete flew in all directions as Greg covered
his head as it landed around him.  Without a second thought,
he scurried over to the stairway door.  He yanked it open
and glanced back.  The blue mechanical suit hovered over the
remnants of the ledge, rasping its sharp thumb across its
lithe metallic claws.

     `Malance?!  What's he doing here?'



     Tracer burst through the glass window narrowly avoiding
the large chunks of the ledge hurling down the side of the
building.  Tumbling onto a white sheet, Tracer quickly
scanned the room.  He spied no furniture, but did find
plenty of white sheets draped everywhere.  Several tools
laid a strewn about.

     `This isn't a great place to have a fight.  But a
fight's a fight and I'm not gonna back down now, especially
with that Society bastard.'

     Tracer aimed his gun at the shattered window.  "I do
have to hand it to Malance though, he's awfully
predictable."

     Without warning, the ceiling caved in showering Tracer
with plaster and water as large segments of the roof came
crashing through.  Dazed, Tracer stumbled around tripping
over pieces of the roof waving away the thick fog of white
dust.

     "Come out here, you freakin' coward!"  He coughed
firing his gun randomly.  "DAMN IT!"

     An engine roared above and from out of the cloud a
clawed fist sent the dark-haired man flying.   The Timelord
tumbled through a wall before finally sliding to a stop and
quickly regained his senses.  Frantically, he groped for his
gun as he heard the engine roar once again.

     The blue mechanized suit slammed into Tracer, smashing
several more walls.  Tracer grunted with each impact until
his body slammed against a thick steel girder.  Malance's
engine continued to roar, pushing the Timelord harder
against the groaning metal girder.  Spitting the taste of
dust and blood from his mouth, Tracer ignored the sting on
his cheek and struggled to keep the sharp claw tips away
from his face.  He could hear the low chuckling of Malance
through the helmet.

     "You are so dead."  Tracer spat out from between
gritted teeth.
     
     "You're one to talk."  The deep synthetic voice
replied.  "Urk!"
     
     Suddenly, Malance's knees buckled and the mechanized
suit toppled over like an empty can.  With his engine at
full blast, Malance propelled himself back into the building
with a loud crash.  Turning slightly, Tracer could make out
Greg in the darkness standing next to a set of stairs.  The
boy struggled to heft up a sledgehammer.
     
     "Gimme that!"  Tracer wheezed snatching it away.
     
     "You're welcome."
     
     "Listen." The Timelord barked wagging the hammer at the
boy.  "This is my fight and you're not goin' to get in my
way!  Now get the hell outta here before I toss you down
those stairs!"
     
     Tracer could hear the engines roar once again and
chased the boy into the stairwell.  "Go!"
     
     Returning to the hallway, Tracer could see the glow of
the engine light up the other end of the floor.  A lightning
strike briefly illuminated Malance and a small cannon
protruding from his forearm.
     
     "Crap!"  Tracer busted through a closed door as several
volleys obliterated the stairwell entrance.
     
     "You've caused the General enough problems with all
your drama, Timelord."  Malance announced flying down the
length of the hallway.
     
     Scrambling, Tracer ran through a partially tore down
wall all the while dodging volley after volley of cannon
fire.
     
     `Damn it, he's firing too fast for me to do anything.'
Tracer thought as he jumped from room to room avoiding the
deadly projectiles.  `And damn it how does he know where I
am?'
     
     "Damn it!  He's got a heat sensor."  The Timelord
hissed, narrowly avoiding another blast and nearly losing
his grip on the hammer.
     
     Tracer stopped in mid-step.  `Wait a minute.'
     
     "There you are my little rat."
     
     Tracer froze realizing the synthetic voice buzzed just
a few feet behind him.  Glancing over his shoulder, Tracer
noticed the blue flame of Malance's engines.
     
     "Your little drama is about to come to an end."
     
     Tracer gripped the hammer's handle as a flash of
lightning reflected off of Malance's armor.  "Then let's
bring on the drama!"
     
     Launching himself at Malance, Tracer welded the hammer
over his head and smashed it into the suit's visor, cracking
its smooth surface.  Using their momentum, Tracer pulled
back and slammed the hammer into Malance's armored abdomen
knocking him to the ground.
     
     "I won't let you defeat me!"  The man in the suit
groaned taking a swipe a Tracer with his claws.
     
     Jumping back, Tracer dropped the broken wooden handle
and immediately ducked as a shot from Malance's cannon flew
wildly over his head.  More shots followed, all well off of
their intended target.
     
     Tracer hastily retreated into one of the rooms while
more blasts shook the building.
     
     Running from room to room, Tracer stopped in his tracks
when his ears picked up the distinct sound of water
pattering and splashing.  Quickly surveying the room, Tracer
immediately noticed the large hole in the wall Malance had
launched him through earlier.  Looking inside, he could see
the tangled mass of mangled metal and piles of jagged
concrete being doused with streams of water from the roof.
Tracer ducked through the hole, but paused.
     
     "Can't forget my gun.  I'm gonna need that."  He
mumbled to himself ducking back into the room.
     
     No sooner had he picked up his weapon, another round of
blasts shook the building.
     
     "Where are you Timelord!?  Come out here and face me!"
Malance screamed as he burst through the wall.
     
     Tracer rushed out of the room and propelled himself
from the pile of ruined concrete to the jagged ledge of the
floor above.  Streams of cold water doused his face as he
franticly pulled himself up.  Several more volleys exploded
around him and Tracer leaped to the next ledge and continued
clawing himself up until he reached the roof.
     
     More explosions rocked the roof.  Fearing it would
collapse, Tracer dashed toward the ledge and jumped down to
the neighboring restaurant.  He watched as he flew over the
gap between buildings and eyed the edge of the restaurant's
roof fast approaching.

     `Yeah, this is going to hurt.'  The Timelord thought
idly while his body tumbled ungraciously across the rooftop.

     Groaning, Tracer raised himself to his knees letting
the blood trickle from his chin.  `But at least I bought
myself some time.'

     From out of nowhere, a rose embedded itself between his
hands.  The Timelord snapped his head forward.  He
immediately locked in on the shimmering blonde ponytails of
a girl dressed in a short blue skirt and a rather tight
fitting naval sailor's uniform.  A man wearing a black
tuxedo and top hat stood next to the girl cautiously
reaching into his jacket.  Springing to his feet Tracer
fixed them both a glare.

     `Sailor Moon.'  Tracer flexed his hand and felt the
silvery liquid ooze from his forearm.

     "Hold it right there!"  The girl pointed a gloved
finger at him.   "I am Sailor Moon, and I protect those who
are innocent and punish all those who wish harm upon them!
We know you've kidnapped Greg, so tell us where he is and no
one has to get hurt."

     Tracer continued glaring and waited for the silvery
liquid to solidify around his hand.

     "Nice Serenity.  So you've decided to take care of me
personally rather than have one of your goons do it for ya,
huh?"

     "Huh?"  The girl lowered her arms, surprised.  "What
are you talking about?  You sent your goons after me!"

     Sensing an opportunity, Tracer lunged at Sailor Moon
with his clawed hand extended.

     The girl gasped as the sharp metallic tips came towards
her.  Unexpectedly, Tracer felt his momentum stop and found
his clawed fingers tangled with a black cane.

     "A cane?"  Tracer murmured.

     Out of the corner of his eye, Tracer could see the man
in the tuxedo holding the black stick.  In a flash, the man
flipped up his cape and before Tracer could react he felt
the cane slip from his grasp and strike his face.
Staggering backwards, Tracer quickly snapped out his clawed
hand and deflected several jabs.  The man's jabs became more
aggressive and sent Tracer reeling back in surprise.  In
desperation, the Timelord threw his other fist out and
connected with the man's jaw.  Both men took several jumps
back and put some distance between them.
     
     "Tuxedo Mask!  Are you alright!?"
     
     The man nodded, rubbing his jaw.
     
     Tracer wiped the blood away from the corner of his
mouth.  "No uppity speeches, huh?  Just cheap shots, eh?
Well one good turn deserves another, bastard."

     Tuxedo Mask tossed his cape out of the way, revealing a
fist full of roses.  "One can never be too cautious when
dealing with a Timelord."

     Wiggling his silver talons, Tracer slipped his other
hand to his holster.  "Heh, so Cindy told you about me?"

     "Yes, she told us all about your plans, Halebit."

     Tracer stopped his wiggling.  "What?"

     Before Tracer could utter another word, a great flash
of light flared between them.
     
     "Now what?"  Tracer groaned as he shielded his eyes.
     
     From the glare, he caught a glimpse of a green boot
flying at him.  Tracer barely had time to block as the force
of kick sent him tumbling toward the stairwell entrance.
Stumbling to his feet, Tracer spied a tall brunette poised
ready to strike again.  Tracer narrowed his eyes at the
brunette in the green skirt smirking at him.

     "Celestial Fire Surround!"

     Suddenly, Tracer sensed movement behind the girl and
rolled out of the way as several disks of fire careened left
scorched streaks where he once stood.

     "Ice Storm Blast!"

     Tracer could feel a chill spreading around him and saw
the flurry of ice and snow blowing toward him.  His clawed
hand began to throb.  He remembered the dull sensation as it
been frozen to the bone.  Chills filled his abdomen where
the icy spikes had impaled him all those years ago when he
confronted Serenity's Royal Guard.  He remembered the laugh
of the `Ice Queen' as he watched her approaching blue bow
sway to and fro before she snapped off his frozen hand and
shattered it on a stone floor.

     "Not again, Ice Queen."  Tracer murmured.

     Tearing off his trenchcoat, Tracer threw it into the
path of the oncoming blizzard.  The coat fluttered in the
air briefly before quickly stiffening and falling frozen
onto the roof.

     Putting some distance between him and the girls, Tracer
aimed his gun at his three new opponents.

     "I see how it is Serenity." Tracer shouted.  "You've
brought the Ice Queen just to finish me off."

     With the memories of the cold spires shearing into his
stomach still fresh in his mind, Tracer eyed the blue bow on
the Ice Queen's chest.

     "Ice Queen?"  The blue-haired girl paused.

     Not wanting to give the Ice Queen another chance to
finish him, Tracer launched himself into another attack.  As
he did so, a second burst of light intervened.  Before
Tracer could swing his gun at the source of light a girl's
voice boomed from the fading flare.

     "Deep Submerge!"

     Tracer rolled away as a ball of water exploded upon
impact with the stairway door flooding the roof.  Tracer
hastily rubbed his eyes until the red glare no longer
pulsating in his view.  Now he could see three more girls
had join the battle.  All three girls wearing the same style
of Sailor Soldier uniform stood before him; a blonde, a teal-
haired girl and a much younger girl clinging to a menacing
looking glaive twice her size.  Tracer narrowed his eyes
when he noticed a dark tall woman towering over the three
holding a key-shaped staff.

     "I see, so this is your game, Time Guardian!"  The
Timelord growled.  "You're going to regret-"

     "World Shaking!"  The blonde woman slammed her fist
into the roof sending a glowing ball rumbling toward Tracer.

     "Crap."  Tracer eyed the ball carving its way around
the roof, its path too erratic to dodge.

     Tracer's body shook violently, propelled through the
stairway door and railing by the blonde's attack.  Tracer
became vaguely aware of the severed handrail and reached for
it.  The Timelord tightened his grip as the rail slipped
slightly in his grasp.  As Tracer desperately clung to the
metal vine, he looked to the bottom of the stairwell where
the jagged collection concrete and metal waited for him.
The railing creaked and moaned from the strain loosening its
hold on the severely cracked concrete, threatening to given
way at any moment.

     "Great.  Just great."  The Timelord muttered.

End of Part 5

Notes:
Thanks to Setsu-P and Naru for their edit help.  And thanks to you, 
my fellow readers for, well, reading.

Disclaimer:
Sailor Moon is owned by Naoko Takeuchi and in America by DIC.
All original characters are owned and copyrighted by Bastion (c) 2004

This PSA brought to you by the letters: I, J, & OMFGTHEFFMLISTEHDIENG!!!111 

Bastion (bastionatixdotnetcomdotcom)
Revised 07/06



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