Part 6: No Explanation

Where--? Different surroundings. Hinageshi slowly opened her eyes, and tried to focus. `Still whoozy...` She massaged her head. It hurt like anything! She tried to sit up, but because of her condition she lay back down on the soft mattress of the couch.

The front door opened. It was Kuwabara, carrying a grocery bag filled with food and supplies. As Kuwabara dropped the bag on the kitchen table, he walked to the living room to check on Hinageshi.

"Oi~ Hinageshi! You're awake!" He said, brightening.

"Konnichiwa, Kuwabara-kun," Hinageshi greeted him, but was too weak to bow. Kuwabara's lighted up face turned into a look of worry.

"Oi~, daijiobu desuka?" He asked her. "What happened to you?"

Hinageshi took several gulps of air before beginning her story. "I have come here to seek Yusuke-kun's and your help. I've seen the monsters terrorizing the town. They have the cross signs on their foreheads."

Kuwabara's face turned bitter. "Meikai!"

"Un," Hinageshi nodded. "From what I've seen, the people that were killed were attacked by the Meikai, and were left with no soul!"

"Soul?!" Kuwabara exclaimed. Then regaining his composure, he asked, "Why would the Meikai want to kill people and steal their souls??"

"Apparently," Hinageshi replied. "Their new leader wants to build a new kingdom by using these souls for energy."

"New leader? It can't be Yakumo then. We defeated that Meikai king scum a long time ago." There was a short pause. Kuwabara continued. "But where are they gonna build a new kingdom if Meikai is destroyed?"

Hinageshi took out a beaten-up old scroll from her gi. "Eto... Actually, Meikai isn't destroyed... not entirely anyway. Meikai was divided into two parts before: the dark side, and the judgement side. The dark side was ruled by King Yakumo, but Yusuke-kun and you guys already defeated him. On the other hand, the judgement side, also known as the good side of Meikai, is ruled by Hades, god of the underworld."

"So are you telling me that the dark side plans to take over the judgement side?" Kuwabara asked, scratching his head.

"Iie. The dark side tried to before, but Hades was much stronger than Yakumo. Now that Yakumo's gone, his follower might be the new leader of Meikai. However, I'm positive that they won't be able to take over the judgement side, since Hades is around."

Impatience was settling in Kuwabara's system. "So where the hell are those Meikai scum gonna build their damn kingdom???"

Hinageshi rolled the scroll, and put it back in her gi. "I was attacked this morning by a couple of possessed humans. They didn't have the cross signs on their foreheads, therefore the spirits that possessed them are either from Makai or Reikai. I have never known Meikai to possess. It's not like them to stoop to possession."

"B-But what are youkai doing here on Ningenkai?? How did they--...??"

"I have a feeling Meikai is taking over Makai and Reikai, that's why the spirits and youkai are fleeing here to Ningenkai, and possessing humans to take cover." Hinageshi concluded, a knot tightening in her stomach. Kuwabara sat back, and cursed. The explanation made sense. But... with Makai and Reikai and Meikai down here on Ningenkai, how will they be able to stop them?

The floor crumbled, and a monster made of marble, with a cross sign on its forehead, appeared. Makoto's right leg had been hit. The cut was deep, caused by a sharp marble fragment from the floor. She whimpered, and tried to limp away from the evil force attacking her. She looked at her injured leg. Blood. She winced. The monster, with its teeth and claws bared, lunged for Makoto! The center echoed with her scream.

Makoto closed her eyes, and waited for the deadly blow. It never came. At first she thought she had died when she couldn't feel the floor beneath her. She thought she had sprouted wings, and flew, just like Usagi. Then she thought that it had been her leg that was stiffening, like a shot of local anestesia. None of them was the reason.

Makoto peered through the fringe of long lashes on her eyelids. Her eyes met with a pair of dazzling green ones. It was the boy she had bumped into on the way to Minako's house! Makoto never knew anybody who had the strength to carry her like this. Somehow, it felt good for once to be treated like a girl. They continued to look into each other's eyes. Makoto was surprised that he carried her with ease. He didn't even squirm at her weight.

The boy continued to carry Makoto, his right arm supporting her shoulders, and his left arm supporting her legs. He smiled at her. "Nice to see you again!"

"A..." Makoto turned pink. "Honto..."

The monster made out of marble gave a cry of annoyance, and charged at the two. Makoto looked at the boy. `How can I transform to Sailorjupiter if he's around?` She flinched at the pain shooting up her leg. There was no way she could fight now!

The boy jumped to avoid the marble-monster's attack, still carrying Makoto in his arms. When his feet touched the ground, he ran inside one of the shops, and put Makoto down.

"You'll be safe here," He said, and ran out the shop to face the monster. Makoto watched him, admiration building up inside her. `But wait!` Makoto snapped out of her daze. `He doesn't stand a chance against that monster! I've got to help him!`

Makoto took out her Jupiter stick, and raised it up in the air. "JUPITER CRYSTAL POWER... MAKE UP!!!" She yelled. She felt her strength returning, however the unbearable pain still clinged to her leg. A power encircled her; like an electric current. Her normal clothes were gone. The green shirt and the beige slacks she was wearing transformed into a green fuku. She had become Sailorjupiter.

The boy stood before the monster, his hands ready for battle. His pleasant face had changed. It was now serious, concentrated... as if he had seen many battles. The monster charged at him, its speed unbelievable for its mass and size.

"SPARKLING WIDE PRESSURE!!!"

A ball of hot electricity hit the monster. The monster shattered, and crumbled into tiny pieces of marble fragments. The boy turned towards the direction of where the powerful ball had come from. Leaning on one of the shopping mall pillars was a tall girl in a green mini skirt, and green ankle boots. Her outfit resembled a schoolgirl's uniform. A sailor?

"On behalf of Jupiter," She announced. "Guardian of thunder and lighting, I'll punish you for disturbing the peace! I am the powerful... Sailorjupiter!" She looked triumphantly at the shattered pieces of marble, then turned to face the boy.

Jupiter walked over to the boy, trying as much as possible not to limp. The pain made her eyes water, but she continued to smile, even though it was killing her! It was a good thing the bleeding had stopped. Why did it stop? No matter. What could she say to the boy if he found out that both she and Makoto had bleeding legs?

"Daijiobu?" Jupiter asked him, careful as not to reveal the pain she felt in her leg. "Ano... what brought you here?" A little voice in Jupiter's head spoke. `Stupid question!`

The boy ignored the second question. "The question is, are YOU alright?" He was looking directly into her eyes. Jupiter fidgeted nervously. Why was he looking at her like that? Jupiter turned pink again. The boy added, "You didn't have to leave the store. I could've taken care of the monster myself." He smiled again.

Jupiter's mouth gaped open. Did her voice betray her? How did he know?? Was he an enemy?? Who was he?? "Kurama," The boy broke into her thoughts. "My name's Kurama."

"H-How did...?" Jupiter couldn't believe it. Had he seen her transform? Was her limping that obvious? There was only one possible explanation: he was an enemy!

Jupiter took a step back. "Stay back! I'm not deceived by your facade!" God, it hurt! Her leg was growing weaker. She couldn't stand much pain any longer.

"First things first," Kurama told her, concern in his low, velvetty voice. "Let's have a look at that leg. You're lucky the marble fragment didn't enter the skin or else it would've gotten infected by now, and would've caused more complications."

This guy sounded like Ami! Jupiter tried to take another step back. Unfortunately, her vision blurred. God, it really hurt! Her knee collapsed. `Can't stay up...` She fell. The last thing she heard was the sound of Kurama's shoes on the marble floor, running towards her.

Part 7: Unexpected Developments

Everything was peaceful, quiet. Except for the sound of the TV set and the sound of the shower, Minako, Hotaru, and Setsuna sat back in silence. This peace was very disturbing.

"It's like the calm before the storm," came Setsuna's voice. She had broken the spell of silence. The sound of the shower had stopped, and was followed by the squeaking of a faucet knob. A few minutes later, Haruka emerged from the bathroom wearing a new pair of slacks, and a brand new pressed flannel shirt. She was drying her hair vigorously with a towel.

"So," Minako said to Haruka. "Did you clog up the drain?"

Haruka threw the towel at Minako. "Watch it, neko-chan," She scolded Minako. "You're on my territory." Minako made a face at her.

"Minna, listen to this," Hotaru told them, as she increased the volume of the television. News. Setsuna, Haruka, and Minako fixed their attentions on the screen where the newscaster was giving off the daily report.

"Hospitals are packed as the people of Tokyo have been mysteriously collapsing, and have died for no reason. We have received word that outside Japan, people have been suffering the same..."

"The world is in chaos," Hotaru looked anxiously at the three.

"We have to find the source of the problem," Setsuna stood up. "Minako-chan, what happened to Mako-chan?"

"I don't know," Minako replied, her forehead creasing. "We were supposed to meet at my house, but she never showed up. She never called me on my communicator either. I told Artemis to stay at home, just in case Mako-chan showed up."

"Something must be up," Hotaru stood up as well, her violet eyes reflected a thousand years. Age showed in her tender young face. Maturity. "Something wrong."

The television continued to show the news. The newscaster went on, "And now for the weather. Sunny skies, but partly cloudy later on in the afternoon. Brief rainshowers in the early evening, but other than that... we have perfectly fine weather for today."

"Saa, let's go!" Minako told them. "We'd better investigate!"

"Un!" Setsuna and Hotaru chorused.

"Well, at least we have nice weather today..." Haruka remarked finally. Minako, Setsuna, and Hotaru gaped at her. Haruka looked bemused. "What!"

"HARUKA!!!"

"Who's there?" Michiru called. She didn't want to get up from the warm and cozy bed. She knew she wouldn't stay there forever. She had another concert tomorrow morning. Then in the afternoon, she'd fly off to Paris for another one.

"Kaiou-san?" Came the voice behind the door. The voice sounded familiar.

Michiru exhaled loudly, and got up, annoyed with the fact that someone was bothering her during her rest period. She opened the door. She was greeted with a very familiar face, with a very familiar smile.

"Good evening. I didn't know we'd be in the same hotel." It was Kou Seiya! He still looked the same, with his black hair tied in a long pony-tail, and blue eyes that sparkled with delight. "Oh, by the way, I brought you these." He presented to Michiru a boquet of a dozen thornless red roses.

"Arigatoo," Michiru sincerely said, and scooped the roses in her arms. She turned away from him, and walked over to the kitchen. "Let me put these in water. Please, have a seat."

Seiya put his hands in his pockets, and looked around the room. "This is a real nice room you've got here."

"Yes, it is," Michiru replied from the kitchen. Seiya could hear her running the water. "I was supposed to have a two-bedroom suite, but I prefered a room with a balcony overlooking the sea. Would you like anything to drink?"

Seiya decided to take a seat. "A cup of coffee would be nice."

"Where are Yaten and Taiki?" Michiru asked him, as she poured the hot water from the thermos into Seiya's cup.

"They're downstairs. Why were you supposed to have a two-bedroom suite, by the way?" Seiya stood up, and walked over to the balcony window. It was overlooking the sea. What a beautiful sight it was!

Michiru stepped out of the kitchen, carrying the tray of coffee in her arms. She placed the cup, saucer, and teaspoon on the table just beside the balcony window where Seiya was. "Well," She answered, her voice growing soft. "Just in case I got lonely. America is a very lonely place if you don't know anybody there."

Seiya faced Michiru, his coffee forgotten. Michiru kept her head lowered, starlight shining on her soft sea-green hair. Seiya placed his hands on her shoulders. Michiru looked up at him, her ocean-blue eyes meeting with his. Slowly, their faces inched closer together. Michiru closed her eyes and turned her face upward. He smelled so masculine. His scent was like fire and roses; so strong, yet so gentle. Michiru waited, her heart filled with emotions new to her.

Seiya leaned down to kiss Michiru. He didn't know why he was so attracted to her. His hands, which were on her shoulders, moved to her back. He pulled her closer to him, wrapping his arms around waist. He, too, closed his eyes. As his lips were nearing Michiru's, a knock was heard on the door. Michiru dropped the tray she was holding. It fell to floor with a `clang`.

"Seiya," The voice behind the door said. "We need you right away." It was Yaten.

Michiru blushed slightly, and picked up the tray that had fallen. She smiled sweetly at Seiya, and said, "You know, you are much different now from the Seiya that entered my dressing room before."

"I just hope I don't run into the tall one again," He replied, then winked at her. "Duty calls. Sorry I couldn't stay longer for the coffee." He rushed out the door, leaving Michiru to staring after it.

`Seiya...`

The mirror on her bed caught her attention. It was glowing a vibrant color. It was warning her. There was an enemy in the vicinity! She felt it close by. She knew she had to transform into Sailorneptune, while there was still a chance. She took out her Neptune stick, and raised it in the air, yelling, "NEPTUNE CRYSTAL POWER... MAKE UP!!!" Power washed over her, like a current of electric water. Her usual frills and skirts transformed into a fuku the color of dark sea green. She stood her ground, her heels digging into the expensive carpet. She waited. The enemy was fast approaching.

"Be on your guard, Neptune," Sailorneptune coached herself. "Uranus isn't here anymore." As she said this, the carpet began to move! The carpet pulled itself away from Neptune's weight, and tranformed into a monster! Neptune was thrown off her feet, and lay sprawled on the floor, looking wide-eyed at the horrible thing that used to be her bedroom rug. The rug-monster wrapped itself tightly around Neptune, squeezing the life out of her. Neptune tried to scream, but her voice ran out on her, and she found it difficult to breathe. Tears welled up in her eyes, as her head fell limply on the floor.

Keiko rushed to the scene where a commotion was heard. Every one of the couples had collapsed on the ground after going crazy! Keiko tried to scream, but nothing came out. She took one step back, then another. She was too frightened to run. The couples... dead? How...?

After taking a few steps back, she felt someone. Relief swept over her. "Yusuke..." She turned. It wasn't Yusuke! It was a stranger, a man she didn't know! Keiko finally found her voice. She screamed, and screamed...

The man's eyes were a reddish color; demonic. He was ready to strangle Keiko, to kill her! Was he possessed?? Keiko tried to move away from his grasp, but the man got a hold of her hair. Keiko uttered a cry, and struggled to get free, but the man held her fast. The man's hands moved from her hair to her neck, gripping her sensitive flesh. Keiko choked back a sob. `Yusuke...` Just then, the man let her go. Surprised at the sudden, and unexpected action, Keiko stepped away from the man, almost losing her balance. Her hands moved to her neck, which hurt from the strong, possessed hands of the stranger. She realized that someone had hit him on the head.

Keiko tried to catch her breath, then turned her attention to her rescuer. "Thank..." Keiko stopped, surprised to see that her rescuer was none other than a woman with blue hair... and an oar! Botan!

"Botan-san!" Keiko was so happy to see her. Like long-lost friends, they hugged each other. "Arigatoo gozaimasu."

"Mo~, where's Yusuke when you need him?" Botan asked, annoyed with the fact that Yusuke wasn't around to save Keiko.

"I don't know..." Keiko shrugged sadly. Botan was about to make another rude comment about Yusuke, when the lifeless couples suddenly got up, and walked towards them!

"They're possessed!" Botan shrieked. She readied her oar. "Keiko-chan, stay behind me!" One by one, she hit the couples with her oar. They crumpled to the ground. Botan and Keiko both gave sighs of relief. However, as soon as they turned around to leave, the couples that had been hit, had gotten up again without Botan and Keiko knowing!

Keiko felt a twinge of fear rushing up her spine. She turned. Another pair of possessed hands encircled her throat! They gripped her neck tighter, choking her, intending to kill her!

"Keiko-chan!!" Botan exclaimed, but she too had been caught by a pair of possessed hands. She swung her oar at the red-eyed people, but this time it had no effect. Scream! Scream, damn it! Botan couldn't find her voice. She glanced at Keiko. She was losing consciousness! TASUKETE!!!

"FIRE SOUL!!!"

Botan opened her eyes as the pain on her neck subsided. The hands had let her go. She fell to the ground on her knees, but managed to crawl to Keiko, who was half-unconscious on the pavement.

"Keiko-chan..." Botan said weakly. "Daijiobu desu ka?"

Keiko's voice was barely audible. "E..."

"SHABON SPRAY FREEZING!!!" The possessed people were frozen from the attack, their figures enveloped in shiny glass of ice.

"Are you guys alright?" A girl with long black hair asked Botan and Keiko. She was wearing the most peculiar outfit Botan had ever seen.

"Un." Botan nodded, uncertain if she could trust the girl. "Behind you!"

The girl turned abruptly, her long hair dancing to her sudden movement. A possessed man grabbed at her raven locks, pulling till she cried out in pain. The girl, to Botan's surprise, grabbed the man by his shirtfront, and punched him silly!

"I have had it!!" The girl said, as she pulled out a piece of paper with kanji written on it. A spirit ward! With the swiftness of her graceful hand, she came up with a dozen or more spirit wards, and placed them on the foreheads of the possessed victims. "Akiryou taisan!" The victims crumpled to the ground.

"Mars," The other girl, with short hair, who did the `Shabon Spray Freezing` blast, said. "According to my mini computer, there aren't anymore possessions in this area. The attacks have moved uptown." She closed her small computer, and kept it. The visor she wore, disappeared as well, with the touch of her earring.

"Okay, let's go!" The girl named Mars, replied.

"Wait!" Botan struggled to get up. "Who are you guys? Do you have anything to do with these innocent people?"

Mars and the other girl faced Botan and Keiko, their hands on their slender hips. "I'm Sailormars," The raven-haired girl, who wore red, said. "And this is Sailormercury." Referring to the short-haired girl who wore blue. "We detect an enemy in the area, and we're gonna check it out!"

"Soo desu ka?" Botan responded. "The enemy... does it happen to be a strong force from the other worlds?"

Mars gasped. "How do you know that?? Who are you??"

Botan stood up. "I am Botan, deity of death; guide of souls; and messenger of the king of Reikai, Enma Daioh." Then, with a sudden change of mood, she added, "Yoroshiku!" A comical smile spread across her face.

"KEIKO!!!"

Botan, Mars and Mercury turned to see where the loud voice had come from. Botan's face converted to a look of surprise. "Yusuke!"

Yusuke stopped in his tracks as he saw the half-unconscious Keiko lying on the ground. He ran to her unmoving body, and lifted her head, putting his hand under her neck. "Keiko! Sukai shiro! Oi~!"

Keiko slowly opened her eyes. Seeing the familiar face of Yusuke, her eyes watered. "Yusuke! You're here!" She cried. She put her arms around his neck, and gave him a loving embrace.

"Aa~," Botan looked thrilled. "What a cute couple, ne?" She elbowed Mars. Mars looked strangely at Botan. She was as bubble-brained as Usagi!

"Anyway," Mercury said, after blushing at the sight of Keiko and Yusuke. "We'd better scout uptown. Many live are in danger!"

Yusuke and Keiko joined Mars, Mercury, and Botan in the chorus. "Un!!"

Part 8: Bright Eyes

"Ha-choo!"

The weather wasn't chilly. It was a wonderfully warm evening at the park, especially with Mamoru around. Usagi wondered if she was catching cold.

"Usako, are you cold?" Mamoru asked her. Usagi shook her head, and continued to snuggle against Mamoru. This exchange student program wasn't so bad after all. Besides, she'll be going back to Japan in no time. All she wanted was to be an ordinary girl, and this was definitely living it. She hadn't come across anyone from the Dark Kingdom anyway. Everything was just perfect. Usagi sighed.

"Everything's just fine," Usagi said, her voice muffled by Mamoru's shirt. Mamoru looked down at her, and smiled. She may be right. He chuckled.

"What's so funny?" Usagi asked, lifting her head from his chest.

"I was just thinking about the rumor that when you sneeze, people are gossiping about you." He replied, amused at the quizzical expression playing on Usagi's face.

"Mo~!" Usagi moved away from him, and crossed her arms.

"Oi~, Usako," Mamoru chided softly. "I was just teasing."

Mamoru stood behind Usagi. Usagi looked irritated, Mamoru observed. Sheesh, he was just teasing. He wrapped his arms around her, putting his cheek next to hers. Usagi felt her heart soar. They'd been together for so long now, and yet he still had that effect on her. She wondered if he felt the same way about her.

Usagi turned around, and faced him. "Mamo-chan, how do you feel about me?" She turned her face away when she felt it growing hot. Mamoru looked down at her, still amused. She always asked him that.

He sighed, almost exasperated, but the amused expression was still there. "Usako, you know that you're the most important person to me in this world."

Usagi quickly turned her head to look up at him. "World?"

Mamoru rolled his eyes. "Universe then." He had almost forgotten that they had encountered and fought various beings from the vast universe.

"But how do you feel about me? Do you love me?" Usagi was in the verge of tears. Mamoru blinked back at her like she was sprouting leaves in her ears!

Mamoru exhaled loudly, and put his hands on her shoulders. "Usako, if you weren't around, then my life wouldn't be worth living. I'd be a lost soul without any care in the world, with no mission in life. You are the most special person in my heart." Mamoru looked lovingly at her, staring into her big blue eyes. Usagi lowered her head, her face flushed to the fullest. "And Usako?" Usagi turned her face upwards again to meet his gaze. "I love you." Those words made Usagi cry. She was so happy!

A cool breeze filled the warm evening air. It played with Usagi's hair, as she tiptoed to meet Mamoru's kiss. A gentle kiss. She closed her eyes. His lips were warm on hers. It was full of tenderness and love. His arms encircled her, as if never letting go. Her arms moved to his neck. `I love you too, Mamo-chan,` Usagi thought. And slowly, they parted, still gazing into each other's eyes.

Suddenly, Mamoru's eyes widened. His face reflected an expression of pain. Usagi started to panic. "Mamo-chan!?" His body froze, then shook violently. After Usagi shrieked his name again, he fell limply in her arms.

"MAMO-CHAN!!!" Usagi gave a heart-breaking scream, tears flowing down her cheeks, and dripping down her chin. "MAMO-CHAN!!!"

"STAR SENSITIVE INFERNO!!!"

Usagi screamed as a blast of pure energy whizzed right in between her and Mamoru. Usagi let Mamoru go, and he fell to the ground. Usagi rotated her head to the source of the blast. There Sailorstarhealer and Sailorstarmaker stood.

"Why?" Usagi whispered, then louder, "WHY??"

She ran to them. She put her hands on Sailorstarhealer's shoulders, and shook her. "Why??" Usagi asked again.

"Calm yourself, Usagi-chan," Sailorstarmaker said. "If we didn't get to Mamoru-san, then Mamoru-san would have gotten to you."

"W-what??" She faced Mamoru. Mamoru, who fell to the ground, suddenly got up, and was headed towards them! Usagi smiled. He was alright, thank goodness. She ran to him. "Mamo-chan!"

"Baka! Look at his eyes!" Sailorstarhealer yelled to Usagi.

Usagi stopped. "His eyes?" Usagi turned a second too late. Mamoru closed his hands around her neck, and squeezed. "Mamo-chan... don't... please..." Usagi choked back a sob.

"Usagi-chan!!!" Sailorstarmaker and Sailorstarhealer cried in unison.

There was no sign of the boy she found in the alley. He even forgot to tell her his name. Yukina shrugged, and headed off, carrying the bags of ingredients, supplies, and recipes for cooking. Why did he leave all of a sudden? It was like he was afraid of her. Yukina sighed, and entered Kuwabara's house.

"Tadaima." Yukina said, while taking off her slippers.

Kuwabara came rushing to her side. "Yukina-san! Are you alright??"

Yukina blinked up at him in wonder. "Kazuma-san, of course I am." She smiled. "See?" They both laughed.

Hiei watched from atop a light post. He watched her walk all the way home. Hiei cursed. For a guy like him, he sure was gutless!

The excruciating pain in his head returned. This time, Hiei spoke to it, "Who are you? Why are you trying to possess my body?"

It spoke back. "Hiei..." That voice...

"Mukuro?!" Hiei exclaimed in surprise. "You're possessing my body??"

"Hiei," Mukuro said. "Makai is dying. Meikai is taking over it."

"Meikai?!"

"Yes, they are very powerful. However if we join souls, our powers will combine, and we shall be able to defeat them."

"Hn!" Hiei replied, his face turning sour. "I don't need anyone's help to defeat the Meikai scum!"

"But Hiei--..."

Hiei ignored her, and leaped away from the light post, unaware of a dark, evil being in the shadows. It eyed Hiei with bitter scorn. "Hiei, I shall have my revenge, and this time your Jagan can't help you!" Then it disappeared, like a flame that died down, followed by its hideous laughter.

The visions were hazy. Dreams perhaps? It seemed so real. Ouch! It WAS real. Makoto's eyes fluttered open. She winced at the pain shooting up her leg. She felt something else. Hands. Hands!? The hands were on her leg! Why that lecher...! Makoto tried to sit up, but a surge of hot pain quaked through her leg. She lay back down on the... ground? She felt the cold marble through the fabric of her shirt. She was lying on the floor of the shopping center.

"Hey, let me finish fixing your leg before you decide to get up, and run away." Makoto's gaze turned to a red-haired boy. Kurama. He had just finished swabbing the wound with a... Makoto looked quizzically at the strange plant he was holding.

"What's that?" Makoto asked, as she pointed to the plant that looked like a rabbit's tail. "I've never seen that kind of plant before."

"A, this?" Kurama prevaricated. "This is... ah... a relative of the dandelion." Kurama hoped he didn't sound like he was making it up. "It serves as a substitute for cotton."

"Honto? Are you into Botany?" Makoto sat up straight, interested all of a sudden at the young man tending to her wound.

"Actually, I'm into Biology," Kurama replied, and replaced the cotton with gauze. He wrapped the injured part of her leg with plaster. Makoto blushed at the thought that a handsome young stranger was actually nursing her injured leg.

He fixed her slacks, putting them back down. "There. All better now."

Makoto looked down at her clothes. Normal everyday colthes. She gasped. What happened? Wasn't she in a senshi fuku just a moment ago? Great, that means... Kurama knows her real identity! Oh no...

"The marble fragment that cut through your skin was dipped in poison, that's why the pain was unbearable, and you passed out." Kurama explained. "It's... uh... an unusual kind of poison that's why the bleeding stopped. I managed to suck out the poison, and clean the wound." He couldn't tell her that the poison had come from the Other World. The plants he used for cleaning, and dressing her wound, were from there too.

"By the way," Makoto said without looking up. "Since I know your name, I'm Makoto. Kino Makoto." She blushed slightly, and added, "Thank you for... uh... saving me."

"You're welcome, Bright-eyes," Kurama smiled. Makoto blinked at the surprising nickname. Bright-eyes? Cute. Noone ever called her anything like that. People would always call her "Mako-chan" , or "Kino sempai" , or "giant" because of her height, or maybe even "bully".

"I just want to know why Meikai is back. I thought we defeated every last one of them." Kurama clenched his fist, and took a deep breath.

"Meikai? What's that?" Makoto asked. Ugh, she hated playing the role of the ignoramous!

"Meikai is the underworld. Makai is the demon world. And Reikai is the spirit world. We are on Ningenkai, the human world." Kurama said as-a-matter-of-factly. "The monster made out of marble that attacked you had a cross sign on its forehead. It was from Meikai."

"Why would Meikai want to attack me?" Makoto asked.

"I have yet to find that out," Kurama answered. "Haven't you noticed the strange things happening in the world? This must be the work of Meikai."

Makoto eyed Kurama closely. Kurama blinked back at her. "What..."

"How do I know I can trust you? You know too much about the Other Worlds." Then she gasped. "Are you from Meikai?? Or maybe Makai?" She giggled.

Before Kurama could reply, people emerged from the stores. First a few, then they increased in number. They must have been hiding from the terrible marble monster that appeared awhile back.

Makoto sounded overjoyed. "At last, the people are here! I thought this mall went bankrupt or something."

The people didn't look very friendly, Kurama observed. Why were they carrying either an umbrella or a golf club? If not those two, it was either a baseball bat or a poker. Other than that, they were all headed in his and Makoto's direction! Possessions! Kurama froze. This wasn't Meikai's doing anymore. He glanced at Makoto. She looked happier than a bee with a cargo-full of honey. It was time to go.

Kurama stooped down, and picked her up again. Makoto yelped in surprise, but didn't struggle. "What are you---?"

"Those people aren't people, Bright-Eyes," Kurama said, and took off, carrying a very surprised Makoto in his arms.

"Wait! Let me fight them," Makoto said. This time she struggled, trying to free herself from Kurama's strong arms.

"You have got to be kidding!" Kurama kept running. Makoto couldn't seem to break through Kurama's hold on her. Makoto stopped struggling, but pouted at him instead. Kurama couldn't help but smile.

They were about to reach the exit when more people showed up, and blocked their path. Their eyes glowed an eerie shade of red. Kurama turned, but whichever direction he chose, the possessed victims were there, holding their so-called weapons. He didn't have to run away like this, but he didn't want the pretty, bright-eyed girl in his arms to be involved in something as messy as this. She could get hurt again.

"Who are you??" Kurama demanded to the spirits inside the victims' bodies. Makoto stared up at Kurama, eyes wide with bewilderment. Had he gone crazy? Great, she'd been treated by a lunatic. She looked up at his handsome face. He was a cool lunatic anyway.

"Kurama... Traitor!" One of them said. "We are from Makai. You let your human emotions blind you! Traitor!"

"Humans are for feasting on, and making fun of," Another said. "But we have no where else to go since Makai is being destroyed."

Makoto's mouth gaped open. "Kurama-san, what are those `people` talking about?" Kurama didn't answer her. He looked serious now. His eyes had turned to slits. He was glaring at the `people` with poisonous dagger looks.

"Kurama," Went another one. "Help us. Leave the humans alone, and help us. You are youkai too. You are one of us..."

"If you find me a traitor, then why do you seek my help?" Kurama asked them in a cold voice. Makoto looked puzzled at the young man carrying her. He seemed like a different person in minutes!

"Kisama!! Are you going to help us or not???"

Kurama smirked at them. "No." His menacing voice chilled Makoto. Kurama gave Makoto's shoulder a squeeze. Makoto predicted it as a sign to trust him. She relaxed a bit, but not completely.

"I will save Makai not for you, but for my friends and for myself," Kurama added. Makoto sank back into his arms, hoping this would end soon.

"In that case," They said. "DIE, TRAITOR!!!" They charged at Kurama and Makoto with their weapons. Makoto's mouth formed a silent scream. If only her leg was alright... and if only Kurama would put her down... she could change into Sailorjupiter, and show these punks a thing or two. However, things weren't exactly going her way... The people were moving closer and closer, their weapons ready. Makoto looked up at Kurama again. He didn't move from his spot. She couldn't make out his expression. `Damn it, what are you thinking?` Makoto thought. `Kurama-san!`

Part 9: Sticking Together

Sailorneptune stood her ground, her heels digging into the expensive carpet. She waited. The enemy was fast approaching. "Be on your guard, Neptune," Neptune coached herself. "Uranus isn't here anymore." As she said this, the carpet began to move! The carpet pulled itself away from Neptune's weight, and tranformed into a monster! Neptune was thrown off her feet, and lay sprawled on the floor, looking wide-eyed at the horrible thing that used to be her bedroom rug. The rug-monster wrapped itself tightly around Neptune, squeezing the life out of her. Neptune tried to scream, but her voice ran out on her, and she found it difficult to breathe. Tears welled up in her eyes, as her head fell limply on the floor.

`I'm going to die...` She thought, as the tears rolled down her cheek, then her chin, then dropped to the carpet. She heard a door opening. She couldn't tell anymore if she was just hearing things. She heard something else. A voice. "STA SEEIAS REISA!!!" What did it say? Neptune couldn't make out the words.

Neptune felt a surge of heat. What was happening? The rug-monster let her go, and she could breathe again. Somebody cradled her. Feminine hands. Uranus? Neptune opened her eyes. The pain was finally subsiding.

"Neptune, you alright?"

Neptune tried to focus. She lifted her gloved hand to her rescuer's cheek, and caressed it. She outlined her rescuer's jaw, tracing it with her artistic finger. Her vision was clearing now. Seiya... no... Sailorstarfighter was looking down at her, concerned.

"Starfighter..." Neptune said just beyond a whisper. "Where's the carpet--...?"

"Shh... I took care of it with my Star Serious Laser," Starfighter placed her finger on Neptune's lips. "C'mon, we'd better find out what's causing all these strange happenings." She offered her hand. Neptune took it.

They had decided to split up by twos. Sailorpluto and Sailorsaturn took northside, while Sailoruranus and Sailorvenus took southside. The town was silent, except for the `clacking` of Uranus' and Venus` heels running on the pavement.

"Mo~! Where are all the people?" Venus asked, as she stopped to look around. The streets were deserted. No trace of life anywhere.

"They're probably afraid to come out of their homes," Uranus replied, looking around as well, searching for a movement of some sort. There was none. This town was dead!

"This place is turning into a ghost town!" Venus complained, her mouth forming a dissatisfied pout. She sat on the sidewalk, and put her chin in her hands, her elbows on her knees. She stayed like that for a minute or so, then took out her communicator. After punching a few buttons, Artemis' face appeared on the small screen. "Venus! Where are you?"

"I'm in the southern uptown area with Uranus. Has Mako-chan dropped by yet?" Venus said as she stood up, and paced back and forth on the sidewalk.

"Not yet. I tried calling her through her communicator, but she's not answering. Luna's with me right now," Artemis replied. Venus looked worriedly at Uranus.

Uranus nodded. "We'll find her. We just need to know---"

Uranus' sentence was cut off by a scream. That was... Mako! Venus' eyes widened. Before any of them could say anything, they rushed to the direction of the scream, their heels scraping the stony pavement.

This wasn't good. According to the computer, the people that were possessed were left with no soul. How was that possible? What evil force was doing this? Sailormercury closed her computer again. They were in the northern part of the uptown district. That's funny... where were the possessions?

"You see? The victims' souls were stolen by the Meikai." Botan said. "When the victim has no soul left, the Makai and Reikai seek refuge in their bodies."

"That's terrible," Sailormars commented. "Where do the people's souls go?" Just as soon as Botan was about to answer, a white, feather-like flake fell in front of the group. A few seconds later, hundreds of them fell, then a thousand. Snow.

"Snow?!" Came Yusuke's surprised voice.

"How can that be?" Keiko asked in bewilderment. "Snow in July?"

"Just as I feared," Botan crossed her arms. "Since the world is in chaos, the world's climate and temperature are going haywire."

"That's right," Came a low, sultry female voice. The group turned, and saw a woman with long dark hair, and a child-like girl in her early teens. They both carried dangerous-looking staffs. The fukus they wore resembled Mars' and Mercury's. "The end is nearing. We have to do something about it soon before it is too late."

"Pluto, Saturn!" Mercury and Mars exclaimed.

"Be wary. There are enemies around us, yet they hide," Saturn said, readying her glaive-staff. Mars and Mercury readied themselves as well.

"Yosh! Let's see them have a taste of my rei gun!" Yusuke positioned his hands. Botan tapped his shoulder lightly.

"Ne, Yusuke," Botan said. "If you destroy the victims' bodies, then the victims' souls won't be able to come back to earth."

Yusuke put down his arms. "Oh, right." He gritted his teeth. This was tougher than he thought it would be. Just then, he felt the strange sensation in his body again. The feeling that was eating at his soul. The pain... Yusuke gritted his teeth harder. The pain... "Yusuke..." A voice. Who...?

"Who are you??" Yusuke yelled at the voice. Botan, Keiko, Mars, Mercury, Pluto, and Saturn stared at Yusuke with shocked expressions. Keiko rushed to his side, telling him to snap out of it.

"Remember me, Yusuke?" The voice asked. Yusuke's ears were ringing.

Yusuke remembered. "Raizen?! But you... you're dead!"

"Perhaps my body, but not my soul." Came the reply. "I know what is happening to Makai, Reikai, and Ningenkai. If we join souls, Yusuke, we shall be able to defeat Meikai."

"If you join souls with him, Yusuke," Pluto told Yusuke. "There is a possibility your souls may never be separated."

"Minna," Saturn warned. "They're here!"

The group turned to where Saturn was pointing. People. All of them possessed. Botan and Keiko moved to the side. The senshis stood ready. Yusuke didn't know whether to fight or to stay put. He decided to fight.

"Yusuke..."

"Not now, Raizen!" Yusuke strengthened his rei ki, and willed Raizen out of his body. "I have more important things to do right now!"

He turned to possessed bodies. "Let's make this fast!" He charged for them, his fist ready. The senshi watched him with their eyes wide. Even Botan and Keiko were surprised.

"That baka! What's he doing??" Mars said, the pitch of her voice increasing. "Yusuke, you idiot! You're gonna kill them!" Even Keiko agreed to what Mars was saying.

"I think he really is possessed!" Mercury put her hand to her mouth.

"I'll take all of you at once!" Yusuke shouted to the victims. He punched one, then another. The victims that were hit, fell to the ground, their faces on the snow-covered walk. Pluto and Saturn who were surprised at first at his sudden action, now understood what he was doing.

"Mate kudasai! Baka!" Keiko was about to run to Yusuke. She was going to stop him. Pluto held her back. Keiko looked at Pluto with astonishment. "Pluto..."

"You have to trust him on this," Pluto coaxed. Keiko hesitated, but nodded in awhile.

"ORA RA RA RAAAA!!!" Yusuke yelled, as he punched the living daylights out of the last one. The victims lay in a heap on the snow-covered ground before them.

"Whew," Yusuke said after a minute or so. "I needed to work up a sweat there. It was getting cold."

Pluto turned to the group. "You see, when a spirit takes over a human body for more than 30 minutes, then the spirit stays in that body permanently." Pluto explained. "Yusuke had to cause them physical pain inorder for the spirits to leave their bodies. Spirits cannot stand human physical pain." Botan jumped up. "Soo da yo!"

"Ne ne, Yusuke, when did you think of something as clever as that?" Mars asked. Even Mercury, Saturn, and Keiko looked proud of his plan.

"Huh?" Yusuke rubbed the back of his neck, and grinned. "I didn't. That was just luck. I just thought I'd give it a try."

Everyone gave exasperated groans. "Yusuke!!!"

Part 10: Strong Feelings

It was somewhere around here. She was sure of it. Then again, she wished that she was a better spirit guide. Hinageshi sighed. She continued to run at a slow pace, her wooden slippers sounding with every step she took on the street. Kuwabara followed, annoyed that they couldn't find what they were looking for. As soon as Shizuru got home, Kuwabara told her to keep an eye on Yukina. However, Kuwabara couldn't help but worry at the thought of leaving Yukina at home where she could be easy prey for the Meikai scum.

"This way," Hinageshi called to Kuwabara, who was a few meters away.

They stopped at a beat up, old temple. Genkai's temple! The passageway of Makai was Genkai's temple?! Now the question was, where was the passageway of Meikai? Hinageshi and Kuwabara cautiously entered the shrine.

"How did there become a break in the passageway between Makai and Ningenkai? Isn't Koenma-sama keeping the passageway closed?" Hinageshi wondered out loud.

Kuwabara gave an angry snort. "I have a funny feeling about this. Where is Yusuke anyway?" His head turned from side to side, searching for a trace of youkai in the area. He shivered all of a sudden. "Yeee... is it my imagination, or did it just get cold?"

"Look, it's snow!" Hinageshi exclaimed, and caught a snowflake in her palm. "Snow in early July?? That IS pretty strange!"

"Pretty strange indeed, don't you think?" A voice asked. It laughed at them. A mocking laugh. Kuwabara froze. He knew that voice.

"Yaro~! Show yourself!" Kuwabara yelled. The laughter continued. Appeared in front of Kuwabara and Hinageshi was a feminine-looking being. Maja! He still looked the same, except for the number of jewelry he wore. Dozens.

"You!! I thought I killed you!!" Kuwabara said, surprised.

"Who are you looking for here? Youkai? You won't find any. I've disposed of every last human." Maja laughed again. "Now it's time to dispose of you and the little girl. Do you still have that interesting sword of yours, the rei ken?"

"Keh, you talk too much!" Kuwabara growled. "This time I'll finish you off, you asshole! REI KEN!!!" A sword born from his rei ki burst forth in his grasp. It fired up like a flaming torch. Maja continued to laugh.

"You haven't changed a bit, my dear boy," Maja mocked.

"Uruseeeeeeeeeee!!!" Kuwabara shot back, and charged towards Maja.

Maja looked amused. "I don't have time for this. Sorry I can't stay to play with you, but I still have something important to do." He conjured up a sword similar to the rei ken. "I still have my reflection abilities. Like a mirror, I reflect your weapons, and your fighting skills."

"Are you gonna fight or not??!" Kuwabara yelled to Maja.

Maja's rei ken increased in length. It headed towards Kuwabara. Kuwabara dodged it. "Twerp! You missed!" Kuwabara said.

"No, I didn't." Maja replied, an arrogant, content smile on his face.

Kuwabara turned. Hinageshi! The rei ken was headed for Hinageshi!

"HINAGESHIIIII!!!"

Hinageshi saw what was happening. She made a run for it. She ran as fast as her feet could take her. No good. The slippers... She kicked off her slippers, and ran. The rei ken was following close behind her.

"Hinageshi!!! Nigerooooo!!!" Shouted Kuwabara. He ran towards her, hoping he would reach her before the rei ken did. The rei ken was inching closer. Hinageshi! No... NO!!!

Hinageshi's scream pierced the cold air, followed by Maja's cruel laughter. Hinageshi froze in her tracks, the rei ken embedded in her back. A few seconds later, Hinageshi fell lifeless on the snow, her blood mixing with the cold ice.

Kuwabara stilled. He couldn't move a muscle. His eyes widened, his hands shook, and his whole body trembled. Shock. Anger. He clenched a fist, his nails digging into his skin. He gritted his teeth. No... No... NO!!! Kuwabara turned abruptly to face Maja, his eyes burning into the Meikai scum. Murderer! Kuwabara knelt down, and cradled Hinageshi's lifeless body.

Maja took Hinageshi's soul, and eyed it carefully. "My, what a nice strong feeling." He remarked happily.

"What are you talking about?" Kuwabara asked with contempt. He was going to pay, Kuwabara swore. God, he was going to PAY!!!

"Oh, didn't you know?" Maja said. "We, the Meikai, are after souls with strong feelings to rebuild our kingdom. Apparently, all humans have strong feelings, even a baboon like you." Kuwabara clenched his fist tighter. He felt so useless. He couldn't even save Hinageshi. He lowered his head in defeat.

"She had a very lovely strong feeling," Maja continued. "She wanted to be a better spirit guide, was that it?" He placed Hinageshi's soul in one of the bracelets he wore.

Something snapped inside Kuwabara. He lunged for Maja, his voice echoing in the snowy air. "She WILL be a better spirit guide!! KONO YAROOO~!!!" Kuwabara made desperate attempts to hit Maja with the rei ken, but he was blinded by anger and grief. He swung, and he swung, but Maja evaded Kuwabara's every move.

Maja chuckled. "With your lousy way of fighting, I don't think I need to use my reflecting abilities at all." He kicked Kuwabara in the stomach. Kuwabara tumbled to the ground, doubling over in pain. Maja laughed, then disappeared, taking Hinageshi's soul with him.

"I will save Makai not for you, but for my friends and for myself," Kurama said. Makoto sank back into his arms, hoping this would end soon.

"DIE, TRAITOR!!!" The possessed victims charged at Kurama and Makoto with their weapons. If only her leg was alright... and if only Kurama would put her down... she could change into Sailorjupiter, and show these punks a thing or two. However, things weren't exactly going her way... The people were moving closer and closer, their weapons ready. Makoto looked up at Kurama again. He didn't move from his spot. She couldn't make out his expression. `Damn it, what are you thinking?` Makoto thought. `Kurama-san!`

A victim swung at them with a golf club. Makoto didn't care about being brave; she screamed this time. Kurama jumped to avoid the attack, still carrying a nervous Makoto. Makoto looked up at Kurama. Geez, he looked like he was actually enjoying this!

A victim targeted Kurama's head, and was ready to swing with the poker. Makoto saw this, and screamed, "KURAMA-SAAAN!!!" Kurama turned, but by then, the poker was half an inch away from his head!

"CRESCENT BEAM!!!"

A beam of powerful light appeared, causing Makoto to shield her eyes. The beam hit the victim's hands holding the poker. It fell to floor with a loud `clang`. A metal poker. The victim followed next, hitting the floor with a thud. Sailorvenus and Sailoruranus rushed to Kurama's and Makoto's side.

"That's funny," Venus said. "I didn't do much damage to his body. Why'd he get knocked out?" Venus referred to the victim on the marble floor.

"Sailorvenus! Sailoruranus!" Makoto exclaimed with sheer joy.

"Hey there, Mako-chan!" Sailoruranus greeted. "I see you've got your eyes set on another boy. Does he look like your ex-boyfriend?"

Makoto's face grew hot. "I-it's nothing like that..."

Venus and Uranus gave her teasing looks. "Hoooohhh?"

"This is not good," One of the spirits said. "Retreat, all of you!" The victims' bodies ran. Venus chased them.

"You're not getting away! CRESCENT BEAM!!!" Venus yelled, and aimed the powerful beam at them, hitting all the bodies in one blow. The bodies crumpled to the ground, and the spirits left them. "Yata!"

"Uranus, Venus, arigatoo," Makoto said. Kurama nodded to them in appreciation as well.

Venus whispered into Makoto's ear. "You're soo lucky! He's a real nice guy!" Venus elbowed her, and winked.

Makoto looked astounded. "K--n-nani--??" Venus giggled.

"Well," Kurama finally spoke. "I'm going to bring Mako-chan here home."

"Yes, you do that," Uranus replied, patting Kurama on the back. "Have fun, you two!" Venus started giggling uncontrollably now.

It suddenly snowed, much to their amazement. Snow? In early July? Makoto looked absolutely perplexed. Kurama just brushed the thought aside. Weirder things have happened. He continued to carry Makoto. Makoto would utter a complaint now and then to tell him that she was alright, and that she could walk home by herself. Kurama would have none of that. She sulked in his arms, pouting as usual. This time Kurama didn't smile.

"The enemy could be after you," Kurama scolded. "It's not safe to just leave you alone." Then, his harsh tone turned gentle, and he looked at her with caring green eyes. "Alright?"

"Kurama-san..." She smiled, and nodded.

After walking a few miles, they decided to stop by Kurama's house instead because it was much closer and `along the way`. Kurama put Makoto down, and went up the wide staircase. Makoto followed behind, gazing in wonder at the big house.

"Okaasan? Where are you?" Kurama called, only to meet with a pair of playful eyes. Shuichi.

"Hi, Shuichi-nisan!" Came the greeting. Makoto blinked. Shuichi-nisan?

Kurama ruffled his younger brother's hair. It was such a queer coincidence that Kurama's human name was the same as his step-brother's. It was just differently spelled in Kanji.

"Hi yourself, little guy," Kurama replied. "Where's Okaasan?"

"I dunno," Shuichi shrugged. "I think she's in the kitchen."

"Ok, good. I don't want any of you going outside. Is that clear?"

"Why? Is the weather bad?" Little Shuichi asked, then eyed Makoto. "Who's she?"

Makoto smiled, and bended down in front of little Shuichi. "Hello, I'm Mako-chan. Do you want to play?"

"Ha," Little Shuichi scoffed. "I bet you can't even play a good card game!" Kurama quirked an eyebrow at him. Makoto continued to smile.

"Ok, what game do you want to play?" Makoto asked.

A few hours later, they were still at it. Makoto had won five games of fish, 2 games of rummy, and 3 games of old maid. Little Shuichi won 2 in fish, 3 of rummy, and 1 in old maid. Kurama watched them, amused at how Makoto and Shuichi got along just fine. Shuichi gave an exasperated cry, and flipped the cards over his head. Makoto laughed, and ruffled his hair. Shiori, Kurama's human mother, walked in from the kitchen, followed by little Shuichi's dad.

"Shuichi," Shiori said to Kurama. "We would love to have your girlfriend over for dinner tonight." Kurama's step-father nodded.

Much to Kurama's chagrin, he replied, "Uh, no... I mean, sure, but she's... uh... not my... she's just my..."

Shiori walked over to Makoto, who was laughing and trading jokes with little Shuichi. Makoto stood up, and as a sign of respect, bowed to Shiori. What Shiori said to her after that, made Makoto turn pink.

"Gomennasai. I'd love to, but I can't. I have to do something very important tonight." Makoto told Shiori. Shiori gave an understanding nod. Makoto turned to little Shuichi, and said, "Well, I'll be seeyin` ya, big guy! Unti the next card game, ok?" Makoto saluted to him.

Shuichi raised a thumb. "You bet!"

They finally made it to Makoto's apartment. Kurama dropped her off, and told her not to leave the apartment. He went on his way, but told her he'd be back. Makoto sighed as she watched him leave. He was such a cool guy! And to think he carried her all the way home. It was like they were newly weds or something. Makoto blushed at the thought. As soon as Kurama was out of sight, Makoto limped outside.

`It's time for senshi business,` She thought, and transformed into Sailorjupiter. Her leg still flooded with hot pain, but she managed to walk towards the direction of the mall where she and Kurama had left Sailorvenus and Sailoruranus.

A feminine-looking being eyed Sailorjupiter carefully. Or rather, Kino Makoto. He had seen her transformation. His bracelets dangled, as he placed his hands on his hips. Maja! He chuckled. What an interesting catch...

Jupiter continued to limp all the way, but she stopped to catch her breath on the snow-covered bridge. This was tough. She looked around. There wasn't any sign of an enemy in the area. Whew. She looked down at the glassy lake. Perfect for skating on. She sighed. So many emotions played through her head and her heart. She always got overly sentimental when she got alone. Her parents. Friends. Being a senshi. Cooking. Being feminine. ...Kurama... She shook her head. `Yaaa... what am I thinking?` She put her hands to her cheeks.

Jupiter heard something. Like the dangling of chimes and bangles. She turned. Standing on the edge of the bridge behind her was a weird-looking guy with bluish hair. He wore jewelry all over his body, and especially wore bracelets. The bracelets tinkled and chimed like bells.

"Who are you??" Jupiter demanded, positioning her arms to fight.

"Come, come, no need to get defensive," The guy said. "I'm Maja, I'm from Meikai, and I want your soul, so hand it over, and don't be picky about it!"

"Say what?!" Jupiter replied. "I don't understand what you mean, but I'm not going to be fooled by an arrogant weirdo like you!! SUPREME THUNDER!!!"

Maja laughed. "I forgot to mention... my fighting technique happens to be a reflecting ability, so like a mirror, I can reflect back all your attacks with the same power level!"

"Nani?!"

"SUPREME THUNDER!!!" Maja yelled. The two electically charged blasts from both fighters collided, and exploded from the friction. Jupiter shielded herself.

"I'll have to fight you with physical strength then," Jupiter concluded. "Be prepared! Here I come!" Jupiter ran towards him, her fists ready. Her leg hurt with every step she took, but she stood it. Maja laughed.

"You're such a fool!" Maja retorted as he blocked Jupiter's punch to the jaw. "I can reflect even your fighting abilites."

Jupiter gasped. "What!?" Her eyes widened. She saw Maja's fist coming her way! She ducked. She gave a loud battle cry, and tried to hit him some more with her fists and elbow, but all he did was block and dodge. That's it! She had had it! There was no way this bozo was going to win! Her knowledge of karate shouldn't go to waste! She lifted her leg for a roundhouse; perfect, he was in range! She had him now! One, two, three, she swung for the kick, then a bolt of white pain shot through her leg like a poisonous arrow. She gasped. No, not again! Maja seized the opportunity, and swung his leg at her, kicking her in the chest! Jupiter screamed. The blow was strong, and Maja had kicked her off the bridge, and into the frozen lake. She crashed into the ice, and into the freezing water.

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