"Ara... Come again?" said Minako, blinking at the two girls at the door. It had started to rain again; this time there was black lightning with it. Rei's eyes grew wide and without thinking she grabbed the two girls and yanked them inside. Just in the nick of time, too. The ebony lightning struck the place where they once stood. Makoto closed the door with difficulty. It was as though something was trying to get in.

"Akuriyo Taisan!" screamed Rei as she threw an ofuda on the door. With the help of Makoto, the door was sealed. It glowed a soft pale blue.

"What was that?" asked Miaka, almost scared out of her wits. Before Rei could answer Shampoo stood up.

"That was Black Demon Rain... Demons are trying to invade the plan of humans..."

Everyone facevaulted even Seiya who was coming out of the adjacent room dressed in the same manner Rei was.

"That's correct..." said Rei to Shampoo, the others surprised. She took her seriously. "How do you know about that?"

"I come from a community of amazons in mainland China... It has been part of our duty to destroy demon..." and with that she took off the protecting covering on her weapons. They looked ancient but well cared for. "These were forged by a powerful Buddhist priest a very long time ago. They have been in my family since it was first forged. My grandmother gave them to me for this fight..." replied Shampoo calmly.

"I had no idea you were demon hunters..." said Ranma.

"That was the main reason the amazons were founded, Ranma... I know of legends that speak of those demon rains... the lightning is a sure sign they will come soon..."

The girls looked at Rei who nodded grimly vouching for Shampoo's story. There was a pounding on door. Everyone jumped. Miaka grabbed on to Yui afraid the demons had finally come.

"Open up! This is an emergency!!!" The untransformed senshi gasped. They recognized the voice. They rushed to the door. Rei took an Ofuda and ripped the one at the door. Makoto opened the door and Sailor Neptune and Sailor Uranus, who was carrying a shocked Setsuna, burst through the door. It took the combined efforts of Makoto, Ranma, Ryoga and Rei to close it back.

Usagi went to Uranus and Neptune. They were covered with bruises and Setsuna's body was like a mannequin eyes staring into nothingness, her face distorted in a scream. Ryoga, Shampoo, Miaka and Yui were surprised to see the famous Sailor Senshi, Sailor Uranus and Neptune in the temple.

"Ara... Sailor Senshi..." Yui said.
"You mean they really exist?" gasped Ryoga.
" HAYAAAA!!!" blurted out Shampoo.
" You took the words right out of my mouth!" added Miaka.

Leaning nonchalantly on one of the poles of the temple, Ranma remarked. "Well... it's not that surprising considering..." he paused. Seiya was giving him the 'don't you dare say it!' look to Ranma. By the two boys' reactions, the senshi and Mamoru understood that Ranma knew about Seiya's alter-ego... They eyed both of them suspiciously. "... considering this is a temple..." Ranma finished. Seiya let out a long sigh... Makoto grabbed his arm hard.

"Do you care to explain how he knows your secret?" whispered Makoto, visibly upset. Seiya felt the gaze of the other Senshi on him and they seemed quite angry at him. Ranma looked on, why were they so tense all of a sudden? Then he understood. They were Sailor Senshi themselves, but... which was which...

Taiki held on to Ami while the one who attacked Tatsumaki, Makoto and Tsunami stepped into the dark room, an evil smile on his lips.

"I see, dear cousin, that you found your little bride... I knew you weren't dead, Kusanagi, and that capturing the ever elusive Tsuki no Miko would bring you out of your cowardly retreat..." spoke Akurei. He was tall with shoulder length silvery hair. He took his sword out. "I should kill you like the mongrel you are..." he hissed.

Kusanagi drew his own sword and advanced in front of his enemy who backed out of the door, beckoning him to follow.

"Protect Shiori-sama, Aoi-chan... I will deal with him..." He told her.

"Please be careful, Kusanagi-sama... I'm sure he's leading you to a trap..." Aoi replied, trying to stop Shiori from following Kusanagi.

Taiki still held on to Ami. She looked into her blue eyes. Wondering how they could get out of the book. Makoto had fallen. He took the brunt of the sneaky attack. He was splayed lifeless to the ground. Taiki checked his vitals, when Kusanagi engaged his traitorous cousin. Makoto was alive but barely. His pulse was weak... Was he dying? She thought...

The remaining guards and senshi gasped while Kusanagi and Akurei battled. A troop of Akurei's men came and started to try and circle Kusanagi. They all sprang to his help. The one who looked like Kunzite, seeing loyal men of Kusanagi imprisoned, smashed their door and freed them. What followed was an all out battle between Kusanagi's forces and Akurei.

There was a yell in the commotion. Midori's father's troops were attacking the castle. Taiki and the other armored senshi couldn't stay idle any more. They had to join in the fray if only to protect those who were unarmed. Tatsumaki woke up and joined the fray as soon as she could stand, smashing skulls with her broadsword. Taiki took out her own weapon when she felt Ami's arm trying to stop her.

"Tai-chan... Please! You might get yourself killed..." Ami pleaded, but was stopped in her pleading by Taiki's kiss.

"I shan't be far my love..." she said. "I will protect you and the others from guards who might try to get in." Taiki kissed her again. Ami trembled. That kiss was so full of love, life and passion she almost swooned. Reluctantly Taiki let go of her, and not a moment too soon. Some of Akurei's guards with murder in their eyes where advancing toward the cell. Aoi was about to get out, too, when Taiki stopped her.

"You are needed here, Aoi-chan..." Taiki said. "You will have to protect them, in case..." Aoi nodded grimly.

"Be careful..." she told her. Taiki thanked her and met her assailants.

You never know what you are capable of, unless you are faced with this situation. Taiki dealt death like she never before dealt it, up close and personal. She let her katana bite deep into her opponents. Soon she was herself covered with slashes of her own, her armor bloody from the lifeblood of those who fell from her sword. She didn't have time for remorse, no time to be graceful. It was survival, pure and simple. There was no grace in the bloodshed she was causing, no beauty in her movement, just a deadly accuracy to dispose of her enemy before they could jeopardize her friends' and lover's life.

She was a real fury, an amazon of legend, striking fear and respect into the men around her. Even Tatsumaki was impressed with her. She fought like a lioness protecting her cubs. A grim determination on her features, she wasn't cruel with her enemies. She didn't let them suffer and dealt them a quick death. She danced with her sword making it sing a death requiem for those who crossed her. She seemed to be all over them. Unfortunately she didn't see the one that was coming on her blind side.

Ami looked on the battle. She saw the man's dagger poised, carefully moving like an assassin. Ami yelled to Taiki. She couldn't hear her over the cries of the dead, the wounded and the victors. The man was coming closer to Taiki. The other men must have understood his intention, because they were trying to keep Taiki occupied while Death approached her stealthily. For Ami there was no other choice possible. Screaming Taiki's name, she rushed to her side and blocked with her own body the blade that was meant for Taiki. She felt the cold blade enter her. She gasped. Taiki spun around and saw her collapse. Screaming, Taiki swung her blade and decapitated the man who wounded Ami. She dealt a quick death to his accomplices before collapsing near Ami.

Tatsumaki and Tsunami covered for them as Taiki took Ami in her arms. She looked in horror at the blade that had lodged itself in her torso. Ami coughed blood. By her rasping breath Taiki knew she wouldn't last long. Taiki cried, holding her tenderly in her arms.

"Why?... oh why? Ami-chan... Why?..." she whispered crying. She looked in her blue eyes. She had a look of peace in her face, calm and unafraid.

"I... I couldn't bear... to loose you... I had to... stop him... I love you... Tai-chan..." she whispered. She felt her strength dwindle, so tired now... finally sleep... her eyes rolled back in her sockets as her consciousness vanished. Taiki looked at her. She was dying, the only person who meant to world to her was dying. She yelled like a wounded animal her name. In the cell, there wasn't a dry eye as they looked on the pitiful scene. Taiki kissed her.

She stood up, looking down on Ami's pale body. She was dead inside. She took her sword and advanced to Tatsumaki and Tsunami.

"You protect them now... I leave them into your care" said Taiki unemotionally. Tsunami tried to stop her. Tatsumaki shook her head.

"She made her decision... She has chosen her death. Life wouldn't be enough for her now... I know how she must feel. I would do the same if you were to die..." said Tatsumaki, tears flowing from her eyes.

Taiki growled and rushed the main battle, tears flowing from her eyes. She had been a formidable opponent before, but now, she made them pay for the death of Ami. She had glassy eyes, and killed many men. When Kusanagi's troops were victorious in the castle she rushed outside and continued the fight.

She fought mercilessly but being only human, soon her own strength dwindled and her attacks became less accurate. She could hear Kusanagi tell her to fall back, that her injuries were slowing her down. She didn't care. She pushed herself into the heart of the battle. Soon she was overwhelmed by assailants who wanted to kill her, who had struck down so many of their comrades. Taiki felt their sword enter her, then slip out as a warm liquid flowed from her. She collapsed on the battle ground. She heard Makoto scream her name. He was still alive. She smiled. She was happy. He was so nice, he deserved a good life.

She felt the battlefield clear. Kusanagi's forces, added with Modori's father's own had had reason of Akurei's army. Kusanagi had killed his cousin and his troops fell back knowing they had lost. Makoto reached Murasaki's bloody body. Staring at the gaping wounds, he held on to her, crying. With her remaining strength she reached to his face.

"Don't cry..." she whispered. "I could have learned to love you..." She beckoned him with her lips and he kissed her tenderly. He gathered her up, crying and got back to the castle. Outside the men were rejoicing, but there was no yell of happiness as Makoto entered with Murasaki's body. All the senshi were crying bitter tears at the tragedy. They won the battle but at the price of two of their sisters' lives. The price, it seemed, was too high.

Makoto placed Murasaki's dying body next to Mizuumi. They both found the strength to reach for each other's hand.

"Ami-ch...an... I couldn't bear... life without you..." she whispered gasping for air. She had stayed alive just a little while longer. A kiss, a kiss is all I ask, then I can die. Weakly, she reached for Ami and kissed her. They both kissed with the same passion, tears flowing from their eyes. Taiki could feel her power rejoin that of Mercury. Melding together, she kissed her again and all went dark as she felt her soul swirl out of her body. She cried but she felt Ami's soul with her. Without having to talk, they knew what it meant. They would be together forever. They kissed as they floated upward towards the light.

Inside the Temple everyone was surprised to see the book open and glow. Miaka jumped in excitement. That must mean the story is finished and that Taiki would get out of the book. She stopped jumping. She had another thought. Maybe the book would be getting them now.

All present in the temple watched as light swirled and formed into two bodies that were hugging each other closely. They all saw Taiki and Ami kissing passionately unaware of what was happening. The book closed and the light vanished but still Ami and Taiki were kissing. All the girls looked at the couple, blushing, but waited and waited and waited some more. Ami kissing Taiki was exciting. They were happy for their friend but they felt it was maybe enough. Even Seiya couldn't believe how passionate their kissing was and he was starting to feel embarrassed for Taiki, who obviously didn't know he had an audience.

"Are they coming up for air soon?" whispered Minako to Rei who was looking at them in disbelief.

"I knew she was his girlfriend... Yui-chan. You owe me a thousand yens!" singsang Miaka while Yui was growling in frustration. Everyone started to giggle. Their lips still locked, Ami and Taiki opened their eyes and facevaulted, huge sweatdrops on the sides of their heads as they looked around surprised. Taiki then looked at Ami and she looked at him. They were back to normal and most importantly they were alive.

"WE'RE ALIVE!!!" they both shouted together. They hugged and he spun her around, laughing and crying at the same time. They started to kiss again. Everyone looked at them as though they were gone cuckoo or something.

"This is a temple. Would they mind stopping this?" grumbled Rei.

"Why Rei-chan? Jealous?" chuckled Neptune. Everyone did an awww sound when Rei decided to separate the couple.

"Hahem!... This is a temple... Would you guys mind being a little more discreet?" Rei said as both Taiki and Ami turned bright red. They excused themselves quickly. Rei shook her head.

"Well..." sighed Usagi. "We know now that Taiki-san and Ami-chan are safe... Now that only leaves Yaten-kun..."

Both Seiya and Taiki were concerned. "Usagi-chan... what do you mean?" asked Taiki as he sat down next to Seiya, his arm around Ami.

Usagi started to relate to both Seiya and Taiki that Yaten was missing and that strange incident had happened in the college he was supposed to go for a week.

Kurama and Hiei rushed to where Healer's scream originated. Yuusuke and Kuwabara followed them. I don't understand, Yuusuke thought. I was expecting Kurama to act hot-headed but not Hiei too. What's wrong with these two?

Kurama and Hiei burst into the room. They saw the Demon near Healer trying to force another kiss on her lips. Hiei growled and charged it. In a blur he was there.

"LET HER GO PAZOLES!" screamed Kurama, slashing smaller demons out of his path. Healer smiled. Now this Demon was going to get his butt kicked. Hiei looked at her, then at the demon. She felt something when Hiei looked at her, an emotion, similar but different from Kurama. She shook her head. Now wasn't the time to think about that.

Hiei slashed Pazoles across the chest. He cursed. The demon's movement had prevented his doing more serious injuries. He heard Healer cry out. On her chest at the exact place he had slashed Pazoles, he saw a wound form, oozing blood. He wondered if the demon was fast enough to slash her while he was attacking. Pondering, he saw Kurama strike the demon with his whip, entangling his left arm. Healer cried out again. He saw the puncture marks of Kurama's whip on her arm. Each wound the demon received, Yaten received the same. Where the demon didn't seem to suffer, she suffered in his place.

"KURAMA!!! STOP!" yelled Hiei, trying to free the demon. Kurama didn't understand. Hiei pointed to Healer whose glove was dripping blood. Kurama felt his heart rise to his throat. The demon had bonded her to him. Hiei and Kurama heard Kuwabara rush Pazoles. They put themselves in his path.

"What? Are you crazy? Did he hypnotize you or something..." said Kuwabara trying to evade Hiei.

"Well, one shot of Reigun to the head should take care of things..." replied Yuusuke pointing his finger to the demon who just looked at him, arms crossed over his chest. Kurama placed himself between Yuusuke and his target.

"Yuusuke... you will have to go through me before you hurt him..." he said calmly. Yuusuke held back his attack. Kurama isn't possessed he thought. "If you kill Pazoles you also kill Yaten..."

"What?" both Yuusuke and Kuwabara said. They heard Pazoles starting to laugh.

"So! How do you like it, heroes?... Hurt me and you hurt the damsel in distress..." He doubled over in laughter.

I'm being reduced to a stupid stereotype... fumed internally Healer. If she was free and didn't have the inconvenience of hurting herself, she would toast this Demon.

"That guy is seriously getting on my nerves..." said Kuwabara between his teeth. Yuusuke had an idea. It was so simple it could only work.

"Hiei... Kurama... rescue her while Kuwabara and I distract him, then we're out of here..." whispered Yuusuke. Both Hiei and Kurama nodded.

Both Yuusuke and Kuwabara attacked the Demon, gauding him into attack but careful not to hurt him. Pazoles laughed to himself. They were reacting just like he hoped they would. Meanwhile Hiei and Kurama had reached Healer. Hiei jumped up and using his sword he started to slash the tentacles that held her. His gaze crossed her own and for a few seconds they both looked at each other, their cheeks turning red. Kurama looking in the scene just smiled quietly. He was happy in a way the two persons he loved the most also loved each other. He felt a little relieved. This way he knew he would not be abandoning Hiei nor forced to choose.

Hiei looked down and saw her lips. He wanted to kiss her but he had to free her first. He tore his gaze from her lips and slashed the tentacles that held her. Having nothing to keep her up, she fell down into Kurama's waiting arms as he jumped mid-way to catch her.

"Hi!" he said, smiling.

"Hi, yourself..." she smiled back. She bridged the path between their lips but stopped. "You ARE Kurama..." she said while she looked at the demon battling Yuusuke and Kuwabara. He couldn't be impersonating so many people...

"Huh?" said Kurama.

"Never mind!" she said. She kissed him. She hadn't realized until now how much she wanted to kiss him. Surprised, he started to kiss her back, until he felt Hiei's presence next to them.

"Sorry to break it up but we have to get a move on..." said Hiei blushing slightly when he looked at her. She had the same reaction. Kurama nodded. Smiling, he made foliage appear and he captured Pazoles with it. Yuusuke and Kuwabara laughed at it as he tried to get out of his predicament.

Yuusuke and Kuwabara ran toward Hiei, Kurama and Healer. Yuusuke got out the scroll that Master Genkai gave him and tore it opened. They immediately disappeared, leaving Pazoles to detangle himself.

Pazoles stopped to trash in the plants. He started to chuckle, then he erupted into a maniacal laughter. He easily ripped himself out of the plant material, while he continued to laugh.

"THE FOOLS!!!!" He laughed. He had played them like a violin. It was just a question of time now. And everything would be his.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Everyone yelled out in fright as there was a blinding light over their head in the temple. Five forms materialized over them. There were 4 guys. Two of them looked familiar to Makoto, but the most familiar person was dressed in a black leather fuku and sported a silver ponytail.

"Sailor Star Healer!" gasped Usagi. Both Taiki and Seiya looked up. It was indeed her.

Since they were about ten feet above the ground, both Yuusuke and Kuwabara fell crashing down to the ground. Hiei managed to jump on one of the beams of the temple and Kurama, who still held Healer in his arms, landed gracefully to the ground.

Both Seiya and Taiki ran up to Healer. When Kurama turned, around Taiki gasped. He had seen that guy before in the book, the one Midori was engaged to...

"Kitsune..." whispered Taiki. Kurama tensed. Could this one see his true fox spirit form? Healer could feel his surprise, but she didn't know what to make of it.

"Oh... Hi guys!..." Healer simply said.

"Where were you? You had us worried sick..." said Usagi. "Especially after we heard the weirdness that happened in the college you were supposed to go to..."

Ryoga, Shampoo, Yui and Miaka were surprised Sailor Senshi were popping up everywhere in this temple and furthermore, everyone except them seemed to know them as though they went to school together or something.

"Aaaahhh.... It's going to take a while to answer that question..." Healer replied.

"Sooo..." piped Minako. "Who are your friends?" she smirked, looking at Kurama and Healer.

"Who's the hunk with the red hair... He looks just like my old..." started Makoto.

"HEY!" objected Healer. Kurama started to have a huge sweatdrop on the side of his head. "Do you have to say THAT all the time?

"Why, Healer-chan... are you jealous?" smirked Minako. Seeing Healer facevault and turn red, she smiled, she had her answer.

"Man, does this floor ever.... MAKO-CHAN?..." said Yuusuke. Upon hearing her name and finding the tone of voice familiar, she turned around. She gasped surprised.

"Yuusuke-kun! Kuwabara-kun?" she laughed. "How did you guys end up here?" Yuusuke started to laugh back except Kuwabara. He was looking at Makoto strangely; he did a full 360 degree turn. He couldn't believe it. Almost everyone in this room had tremendous auras. He could even see their color. The two remaining Lights had a blue and purple aura. The girl in the priestess clothing had a red one. The blue haired girl had a pale blue aura. The blond who seemed interested in Kurama and Yaten had a yellow aura and his long time friend Kino Makoto had a green one. He never felt her aura before. There were two other Sailor Senshi and they glowed of a turquoise and dark blue aura. Three other persons that stood in one corner had enormous fighting ki aura for human beings, and the two other girls also had a glow but it seemed like it was a hidden aura. It felt weird. But the ones that almost knocked Kuwabara out for a loop were a small blond hair girl with a really weird hairdo and the guy that stood next to her. Their aura surpassed all of those that were in the room and the blond haired girl's aura was bigger than that of the guy.

Kuwabara looked at Hiei would had pulled back his headband. His Jagan opened as he looked down on the people. He nodded to Kuwabara and gave a quick glance to Yaten. Kuwabara wasn't a genius but after working with Hiei for a while he knew what that sideways glance meant. Most of the people in here were Sailor Senshi... and one of them was Makoto, a girl he knew from kindergarten. He looked at her unbelieving. Makoto felt that gaze but thought he might be interested in her. Yuusuke noticed, too, but he concentrated a bit and felt the auras too. He almost yelled out at the concentrations of powers here. He saw Hiei but back his blindfold he looked a little groggy.

Rei approached Kurama and Healer. "Aaaa... Sailor Star Healer... Are your legs broken or something?" she asked.

Healer looked at her wondering what she meant, then it hit her. Kurama was still holding her in his arms and she was holding on to him very closely. She blushed and turned to Kurama.

"Uh... Kurama?... You can put me down now..." she said. Kurama blinked and blushed. He hadn't realized he was still holding on to her. Most of the girls started to whisper amongst themselves. Both Seiya and Taiki were looking at Healer, surprised to see Healer being so familiar with someone.

"Of course, Yaten..." he replied and bit his lips... Oh no, he thought.

"YATEN???!!!! How does he know your real name?" said all the senshi present.

"GREAT! First Seiya... now you!" said Rei angrily. "What is it with you Kou?..." she put her hands to her mouth. Too late, she said it.

"KYYYAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!" said Shampoo, Miaka and Yui. Everyone else slapped their foreheads. Ranma thought Bingo! I knew it...

"YOU MEAN YATEN KOU IS WOMAN???!!!" said Shampoo, both Yui and Miaka fainted. Kurama sighed. Healer marched right up to Rei who was hoping she could be 2 inches tall right now and fall through the cracks on the floor.

"NICE GOING REI! AT LEAST HE HADN'T SAID MY LAST NAME..." Healer was furious at Rei who apologized. "IT'S A LITTLE LATE FOR THAT now..." Healer felt groggy. She stopped yelling and stumbled forward.

"Yaten..." said Rei. Kurama, acting fast, supported Healer.

"I'm okay..." she said. "If it weren't so damn hot in here..." she put her hand to her head. She had a splitting headache. She felt a bit nauseous.

Everyone looked at each other. The temple was cold the only source of heat was Rei's crying fire.

"Yaten? Are you okay?" Kurama looked at Hiei who cursed his Jagan uncovered, but there were too many powerful auras around here. He couldn't see he was getting aurablind. Rei gasped when she saw Hiei's third eye. "Who are you people?"

"Friends..." said Healer. Her world was turning tipsy turvy. Vertigo took a hold of her.

"Hiei... Kurama..." she said. Kurama passed his arms around her. Hiei was next to her in an instant. She tried to regain her composure, but she let out a small sound and went limb into Kurama's arms. He immediately took her back in his arms. She was like a ragdoll and her head went backward.

They all gasped when they saw her. Brow covered with sweat and her hair tattered on her skin. Kurama could feel the heat through his clothes. She was too feverish for that to be normal.

"Hiei... What is wrong with her?" Kurama asked worried.

Hiei growled, frustrated. "I can't tell. All those other Senshi are causing too much interference... " he eyed them all. "... but offhand I'd say she's possessed..."

Rei took out an ofuda, and started her littany. She yelled, throwing it. "Akuriyo Taisan!" her ofuda struck true on Healer's forehead. Her whole body tensed as she made a gut wrenching cry. She yelled as though she was put into the most horrible torture. Rei was pale. It was not a regular possession. The spirit possessing should have gone out. But it stayed still as Healer was put through hell.

Hiei took the ofuda and screaming himself, tore it from Healer's forehead. She slumped back into Kurama's arms convulsing, eyes rolled back in her sockets. Hiei took out his katana and with a unseen motion shredded the ofuda into a thousand little pieces. Healer stopped convulsing as she went back to being limp as a ragdoll. Kurama then laid her on the floor. He unfastened his sash and rolled it to form a small pillow.

Rei saw the burnt marks on Hiei's hand. "You... you're not human..." she said. Immediately Uranus and Neptune assumed a fighting stance. All the other ones, including Ranma's gang, stood to attention.

"WOA!!! TIME OUT!" yelled Yuusuke. "Before any of us do something they might regret later..." he scanned the people making sure he had everyone's attention.

"I got everyone's attention... Good! First of all we are the good guys. we're fighting on the same side you are..."

"How would you know which side we're fighting on..." said Uranus.

"Because... we were asked to protect Sailor Star Healer because she knew something the Makai wanted to know... the identity of the Future Queen Serenity..." Yuusuke paused for effect. Everyone gasped. Neptune went next to Rei and showed her what she saw in her mirror. Rei gasped.

"You!" she pointed Kurama. "You're a Youko... a fox spirit!"

"What?" yelled Seiya. "Get away from Yaten, you..." He was about to advance toward Kurama when Taiki put his hand on his shoulder.

"It's okay Seiya. He won't hurt her..." said Taiki calmly. "Trust me..." Seiya raised an eyebrow but Taiki's calm face made him pipe down. Kurama sighed. The last thing he wanted was a confrontation with the Senshi, too much was at stake. But still he wondered on how Taiki was so trusting in this regard.

"Taiki-san is right..." said the senshi of the ocean. "I see no evil in them... other than their origin." She looked at Yuusuke. "Not is all what it seems here..." she added.

What the heck does she mean by that? thought Yuusuke. He decided not to dwell on that. "Hiei here is a Koorime, or if you like better, a Fire spirit, but I will vouch for Hiei and Kurama. They as Kuwabara and I, are Maho detectives of the Reikai under the orders of Koenma himself. Yaten was captured by one of the demons of the Makai, Pazoles, there. We don't know how, but he was able to bound himself to her. Those scars you see on her appeared when we struck Pazoles, the demon who held her captive. Seeing on how we could not harm the creature because we would also hurt Yaten, we used a scroll, to teleport us here. Although we didn't know at the time, we would end up here..."

"And who gave you that scroll?" asked Rei.

"I did!" a voice boomed behind them. They all turned around and there stood an old woman and a young girl. Next to them stood Rei's grandfather and Yuuchiro.

"Genkai-sensei!" said Kuwabara, Kurama, Hiei and Yuusuke.

"Ojiisan?" asked Rei.

"I'm afraid the time is dire, magomusume..." Rei swallowed hard. Her grandfather never called her granddaughter unless something was wrong. The last time he called her like that was when he announced to her that her mother had died. "I'm afraid we will have to rely on your and your friends' power to concur this..."

"Ara... Ojiisan, I don't understand..." Rei started.

"Rei-chan, I may be old but I'm not senile... I know of yours and your friends power. Yuuchiro and I have been keeping your secret for over two years now..." said her grandfather smiling, Yuuchiro nodded next to him.

"We've seen all of you change enough time... but we kept your secret so well even you didn't know we had discovered it..." said Yuuchiro.

"You... you know?" replied Rei.

"We all know... Sailor Mars," Genkai-sensei said. All of the senshi gasped. "Right now your secret is safe..." she then saw Ranma and company. "Until we can erase those three's memory..."

"Now wait just a darn minute. Saotome Ranma doesn't back from his word..." said Ranma. "I already knew about Seiya, and if I came here it was because Cologne, Shampoo's grandmother thought I'd be of use here..."

"Saotome, Cologne..." said Genkai-sensei, looking at the weapons Shampoo carried. She recognized them for what they were. "Cologne... of the Clan of the Amazons in China..." Shampoo was surprised her great grandmother was known to this woman.

"You know Great Grandmother?" she asked.

Genkai-sensei laughed softly. "Know that Cologne, and your grandfather Rei have fought at my side in our younger days... when WE were the envoys of the Reikai... and your father Ranma was one of my apprentice."

"WHAT?" both said Yuusuke, Rei, Ranma and Shampoo.

"Of course Genma couldn't cut it as a Reikai investigator, but his ki was extraordinary. I sense in you an even more powerful ki as your father, so I know you can stay and fight... as for you"

She pointed Ryoga. "I do not know you..."

"I am Hibiki Ryoga, and only Ranma is my equal..." Ranma started coughing at this point. "My strength and techniques are at your service against the demon..."

"Brute strength won't cut it boy..." Genkai-sensei faster than lightning made a series of punches in Ryoga's direction. Yuusuke, Kuwabara, Hiei and Kurama expected to see Ryoga splattered on the wall but were surprised to see that Ryoga not only was still standing at about the same place but that he had successfully blocked each of Genkai-sensei's attacks.

"Good boy, you may stay but you will have to vow to keep this promise to your dying breath," she said.

"I don't know what secret you want me to keep but my mouth is sealed," said Ryoga as Yuuchiro Rei's grandfather put Miaka and Yui in the next room, locked it and put ofuda on it.

When this was done, Genkai-sensei turned to Usagi and her band. "You may now transform..."

The girls, Seiya, Taiki and Mamoru looked at each other, They all nodded, rose, an arm in the air and said:

"MOON ETERNAL..."

"FIGHTER STAR POWER..."

"VENUS STAR POWER..."

"MARS STAR POWER..."

"JUPITER STAR POWER..."

"MERCURY STAR POWER..."

"MAKER STAR POWER..."

"MAKE UP!"

There was a blinding light as the girls, Seiya, Taiki and Mamoru transformed. Mamoru choose to become Prince Endymion, thinking that the armor would be better suited to battle demons than his Tuxedo, also his sword might come in handy. But something weird was happening to Maker and Mercury, their transformation meshed together. When their transformation was complete, their costumes had undergone some modifications.

First Mercury's boots were now as long and of the same cut as Maker but they were still blue with a white trim. Her gloves were still white but were as long as Maker's. Both she and Maker had a visor that melded with their tiara, Mercury's was blue tinted and Maker's purple tinted. Maker now had leather shoulder pads with the same black transparent wing at the end just like the Sailor Senshi.

What used to be Mercury's computer had now melded with them. They both knew that they could now use it as one would operate a virtual reality. Their gloves were connected to them as the visor and was now the new interface of the computer. All of the computer's functions were now literally at their finger tips. They now also knew that their power could work in conjunction via their computer ether-link but that they had also gained a new combined attack. And they both agreed on a virtual reality level to keep it a secret to gain the advantage of surprise on their new enemy.

"What the?" said Fighter "What happened?"

"It seems our..." both said Maker and Mercury at the same time. They stopped then as though Maker had given her permission, Mercury continued.

"It seems our transformations have merged together..."

"and that we know share some common paraphernelia," finished Maker.

"That's uh... great... I guess..." said Venus.

"VR MODE ON!" said Maker. She wiggled her fingers in front of her and soon said. "Your Generals are at the temple doors, Prince Endymion, making sure no one disturbs us inside..."

"How did you know that? And how did you know to call me Endymion..."

"I took it from the computer's memory banks..." lied Maker, in fact the information was indeed there but Mercury had relayed that information via their shared link.

"MAKO-CHAN!!!!" said Kuwabara. "You're Sailor Jupiter." Jupiter smiled.

"Sooo..." said Yuusuke. "Who will be Neo-Queen Serenity then..."

"HOLD! STOP! Don't answer that!" said Genkai. "There are unwanted ears here..." Everyone looked in surprise in Genkai's direction, wondering who she meant. When they heard a familiar yet twisted voice.

"Old goat..." said Healer opening her eyes which now glowed red. "You were always a pain in the neck..." Healer got up but the way she hovered over the ground, the devilish smirk on her face told them the demon was using her as one would a puppet.

"You better get out of this body, Pazoles... You aren't going anywhere with it!" said Genkai.

Before replying Pazoles passed Healer's hands over her body. "I don't know. I like it here... It's a compact model but... It's got curves at the right places..." it started to laugh. Venus, Mars and Jupiter were fuming. How could this thing use their friend in such a way? They were poised ready to attack, especially Jupiter who didn't appreciate the way the demon was sampling Healer's wares.

"I'm staying here, Genkai... I have no intentions to leave. I'm going to have way too much fun with her..." Healer then floated next to Ryoga and started to caress his face. Ryoga blushed deep red but looked forward trying to ignore the demon's advances on him.

"Why do you do this?" said Sailor Moon. Healer had a smirk on her lips. She slowly advanced toward Sailor Moon. The Senshi put themselves between Sailor Moon and the possessed Healer.

"Because... it is what I am... little princess..." gauged the creature. "Or should I say..."

Uranus sprung into attack. Genkai and Sailor Moon objected but it was too late. Uranus was almost at the possessed Healer. Healer's arm moved so fast it was a blush and she grabbed Sailor Uranus by the throat. Uranus struggled against the grip surprised at Healer's strength. It started to laugh...

"You are sooo predictable..."

Uranus started to glow and cried out. A series of weblike beam sprung from her and hit all the Sailor Senshi present. They all yelled out. They could feel it. Healer, rather the demon, was draining their energy. Hiei, Kuwabara, Kurama and Shampoo leaped into action. They cut the web that held the senshi together and was draining them. The glow around Healer intensified as she laughed maniacally.

Uranus stopped yelling and tried to punch Healer's face, as she tried to go so she felt Healer's fingers start to crush her throat.

"Yes... now you realize just how Healer holds back in battle ne? Uranus..." said the demon. "Unfortunately for you I have no such problems..."

Uranus gasped. She couldn't breathe any more. She felt her strength ebb as her oxygen source was cut out. She tried to find a glimmer of awareness in Healer. She found none. She was almost falling unconscious when she saw Healer's eyes waver and turn back green, the grasp relenting. Uranus took one deep breath. The air never tasted so sweet as it did now.

Her respite was short lived. The eyes turned back into flaming coals. It growled. "STAY PUT YOU LITTLE BITCH!" it yelled. At that split second both Maker's and Mercury's calculations discovered that the demon's hold on Healer wasn't as strong as first thought. They were about to tell that to the rest of the Senshi went the demon hurled Uranus in their direction in frustration.

"You won't get a chance to do this twice you little minx..." whispered the demon as it watched. Uranus crash into Mercury and Maker. The strength of the throw was so powerful it knocked the three of them clear out of the temple, leaving a gapping hole in the wall.

"URANUS!!!" yelled Neptune as she ran outside to her lover's help. The demon felt someone tackle Healer's frame. It was Sailor Star Fighter. Taking no chances, the demon also took Fighter by the throat, lifting her as if she was nothing and throwing her into the hole.

Unfortunately, Nephrite at the same time had placed himself at the entrance to block the access. He received Fighter's body at full force knocking him over. They both flew out, Nephrite taking the brunt of the attack. Fighter connected with the tiles outside, winded, bruised but otherwise unharmed.

Before the others could react and stop it, the possessed Healer leap out of the temple.

"STOP IT!" yelled Genkai.

Kurama and Hiei were both on him trying to stop it, but as they tried to close down on Healer, the demon had a magic shield put on that reflected them back. Healer's body then did a small dance. Her hands started to trace sigils in the air. From her lips escaped a strange glutural litany. All those in the temple ran outside. The black lightning had intensified around Healer, preventing them from attacking her. The black lightning combined before Healer and the demon smiled. Then the red glow disappeared from Healer as she screamed a most blood curdling yell.

The others gasped as Healer's Starseed was leaving her chest as if plucked by an unseen hand. She screamed as they saw the soft green glowing crystal merged with the black lightning.

Healer was knocked back, her eyes rolling back in their sockets. Hiei leaped and caught her. They were both knocked for a loop when the energies collected in Healer and the black lightning collided, forming some sort of portal. Kurama snatched them both before they would collide with one of the granite statues that guarded the temple. When he landed with both of them unconscious in his arms, he turned just in time to see that an horde of demons were leaping out.

Sailor Moon and the others stood ready for the onslaught.

"This thing has really taken a turn for the worst..." said Ranma as he saw three demons rushing to him.

The Senshi gasped at the demons getting out of the portal at top speed. Most of them rushed past them to terrorize the population. There were too many of them, to prevent them to do that. Rei's grandfather and Yuuchiro were trying to put up wards to keep them contained into temple grounds. Unfortunately, they were soon swarmed and had no choice but to defend themselves.

"Burning MANDALA!!!" yelled Sailor Mars dispatching hundreds of flaming spheres on the demons attacking her grandfather and Yuuchiro. She hit a lot of them but they were legions and was soon starting to deal with demons of her own.

"YATEN!!" yelled Fighter as she ran to Kurama who was holding both Healer and Hiei in his arms.

"Oh Stars, Yaten..." she cried. She knew too well what it meant to have your starseed taken. She expected Healer to start vanishing as soon as she got there. But she was surprised and relieved to see Healer still breathing, although she thought it didn't make any sense. The starseed was the core of her being. How could the starseed be out of her body and she be still alive?

Fighter was trying to figure it out, shaking Healer to wake her up. Maybe she would have some answers. Kurama put a hand on Fighter's shoulder.

"Don't shake her too much..." he said softly. "I even wonder if she'll be able to wake up now..."

Fighter saw that he was fighting tears and that he blinked them away not wanting to show how much he was concerned for Healer but Fighter saw it. She also saw the love that was in his eyes and felt in her heart when she saw Kurama looking down on Healer. He loved her... she knew it then, he really loved her. Oh Yaten... she thought, you finally found someone... I envy you, my little sister.

Then her eyes grew wide. She felt it inside Healer. There was still a small fragment of her Starseed inside her. That was the thing that was keeping her alive, barely but alive.

She had to tell the others. Yaten could still be saved. They just had to find a way to put her Starseed where it belonged. Maybe Sailor Moon could purify it. It would close the portal.

"Listen... hummm..." Fighter started trying to remember how Yaten had called him.

"Kurama... my name is Kurama..." he said sensing her plight.

"Kurama, I have an idea to save Healer... Yaten, but I need to tell the others of my plan... Could you please take care of her?" she said.

He nodded. She hadn't even needed to ask but Kurama smiled. Fighter trusting her to Yaten made him feel accepted by her. Fighter put her hand on his shoulder.

"We'll save her... " she said to him. She began to know why Taiki had trusted him. He cared for Yaten a lot. I wish, she thought, that the situation would be less dangerous and I just hope I can get to know him better. Kurama nodded, as he held Yaten in his arms there was a greenish shield around them. She knew Yaten was safe in his arms. She left them and tried to reach Sailor Moon who was battling her share of demons with Prince Endymion.

Kurama felt a warmness in his heart. That feeling was the very thing that had erected this shield. It's a power I never had before, he thought. I feel something is growing inside of me. Kurama felt Hiei wake up, and moved to a standing position.

"How is she?" Hiei asked. He took out his katana, scanning the battle ahead.

"She's still alive... barely." Kurama replied, choking on his tears. He felt so helpless to help her. He gasped when he felt Healer's gloved hand on his face. He opened his eyes to see that she was looking up at him, her green eyes waning from her ordeal.

"Don't cry Kurama..." she whispered barely audible. "Kurama... Hiei..." she continued. "Onegai... you must protect Sailor Moon... forget about me..."

Hiei kneeled next to her. "We can't do that... what if the demons attack you?"

"They won't... you know they won't... if I get hurt they hurt their master..." she replied.

Kurama nodded. Of course, he hadn't thought of that... She was the safest person here. The demons wouldn't dare hit her.

"I had surmised as much..." said a voice behind them. It was Sailor Star Maker. She was getting up and was helping Sailor Mercury to her feet. Sailor Uranus was shaking her head.

"That's quite a punch you pack Healer..." she said.

Mercury nodded. "But I have to agree with Healer... we must protect Sailor Moon... and Prince Endymion." Both Maker and Uranus nodded their consent.

"Wait... Why?..." asked Kurama. "Why is she so important?" Maker, Mercury and Uranus looked at each other, unknowing if they could trust them with the secret. Healer spoke up, her hand still on Kurama's cheek.

"Because..." she started. "She is the real target... the real prize that Pazoles is after... I'm just the decoy..." Kurama and Hiei understood. Neo-Queen Serenity must be Sailor Moon.

"You are right... Yaten... but I can't just leave you here..." replied Kurama.

"Please... help her... She is the future of this planet... you must... You know I'm right..." she whispered.

"I can't... I won't leave you..." he cried. Mercury and Uranus were touched, the depths of their love touched them.

"Onegai... Kurama... You must... if she dies... there won't be a safe place here... please help her, protect her..." she cried herself as he put his head against her shoulder. "Please, she's the most important person on this planet... you can't let Pazoles win..."

Kurama lifted his head and looked at her, tears streaking from both their eyes. He swallowed hard trying to get rid of the lump he had in his throat.

"I'll will help her, Yaten... but I wish I could protect you too... I love you..." He kissed her, his tears flowing out unbidden as he felt her respond with the same passion. They broke the kiss.

"I know..." she replied. "I feel the same way... now... go... please save her..."

Kurama nodded and placed her gently on the ground. He reluctantly got up. "I'll be back for you." he said, she smiled weakly and nodded. Uranus and Hiei led him over to the battle. Healer's eyes fluttered shut as they rushed the battle.

"FUUKA EMBUZIN!" yelled Kurama in a vengeance. As soon as he had said this a shower of razor sharp blades of grass and rose petals whirlwind around him. With a mental command he send them to the demons attacking Fighter and Sailor Moon.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!?" screamed Fighter. "YOU HAVE TO PROTECT HEALER!!!" Kurama cringed. It hurt to be reminded.

"SEIYA!!" said Maker. "No demon will attack her. If they kill her, they kill the boss and their plans will go tumbling down..."

Fighter understood. She also saw it tore Kurama inside. She put her hand on his shoulder, saying without words that she was sorry for yelling at him. Mercury gasped.

"URANUS!!!" They spun around to see Sailor Uranus running back to Healer, in her hand her Space Sword appeared. She stopped when she reached Healer, she rose her Sword.

"YAMETE!!! URANUS!!! YAMETE!!!" Fighter screamed. Kurama and Hiei watched to scene paralyzed. Everything seemed to play in slow motion.

Healer looked up to Uranus. There was such a calmness in Healer's face. Uranus hesitated.

"Please..." whispered Healer. "You know there isn't any other way... do it!"

"Yaten... Healer... Forgive me..." Uranus lifted her Sword higher and with an anguish cry she let the blade fall.

"URANUS!! NOOOOO!!!!" cried Fighter.

But as her sword swung down Uranus was hit by a burst of energy that sent her and her sword flying into one of the granite statues. She hit it so strongly she crushed it. She fell in a bloody heap, not getting up.

Fighter, Maker Mercury, Hiei and Kurama turned around. Pazoles was stepping out of the portal. He was the one that had blasted...

"URANUS!!!" screamed Neptune. She turned around, ignoring the demons to rush at her lover's side. The demons were on her like hungry dogs on a meaty bone, tearing at her back. She fell. Soon there was a group of demons on her tearing at her flesh.

Maker and Mercury grabbed each other's hand. They began to yell

"STAR..."

"SUPER NOVA..." said Maker.

"AQUATIC..." added Mercury.

"BLAST!!!" they both finished.

From each of their hands two balls of energy were formed. They threw it at the demons that attacked Neptune. When the two balls collided, the blast was so intense the demons on Neptune were vaporized. The blow of the explosion swiped the flying demons away. Almost everyone stopped fighting.

"Wow!" said Ranma as Fighter looked incredulous at Mercury and Maker.

"That's some attack..." she managed to said.

"Congratulations..." said Pazoles. "You've just became dangerous..." he said a few arcane words and underneath Sailor Mercury and Maker the ground started to shake. Ebony tentacles sprang from the Earth and before either of them could react, it separated them and englobed then in a cocoon made of tentacles. Those tentacles turned gray. Maker and Mercury were trapped in stone.

"MAKER!! MERCURY!!" yelled Fighter she tried to blast the hard shell.

Ranma unleashed the White Tornado Dragon Attack. He had no choice. He saw in horror Ryoga being overwhelmed by demons. Ryoga was strong, but the sheer number and viciousness of his attackers were enough to take him. Shampoo fought valiantly but she, too, showed signs of exhaustion. The demons were relentless and they grew in number. The only way to stop them was to strike at their source, the head demon. But since one of the Sailor Senshi was linked to it, the others were afraid to strike and kill one of their own. Sailor Moon and the guy in armor that fought with her were holding their own but there were already four senshi that were unable to continue the battle.

As he struck at the demons, Ranma also saw that Sailor Venus was helping Sailor Mars who was bleeding from a side wound. Sailor Jupiter was helping that Kuwabara guy. He had been really chewed badly from the demons. He was victorious over them, but he was wounded and bled from various places on his body.

Nope. The only way to finish this was to destroy the head demon. Ranma rushed him and attacked him with the White Tornado Dragon Attack. Ranma gasped. That Demon just looked at him and laughed, too late to prevent anything. Ranma understood. The demon has absorbed the ki of his attack and threw it back at him. Ranma screamed as he was propelled by his own reverse attack. He collapsed on the ground.

Prince Endymion fought next to his beloved Sailor Moon. Things were dire. Their numbers were diminishing for their enemies grew in ardor and number. It's hopeless, he thought. No, I mustn't think that... it's what it wants.

"My Prince... look out!" said Jadeite as he pushed Endymion aside and took the attack that was intended for his Prince. Endymion tried to strike at the demons. One of them got lucky and managed to smash his sword. One of the pieces was thrown all the way near Healer.

Seeing the demon rush him, Endymion materialized four roses and threw them at his opponent. Some fell, but more were still advancing on him. He conjured some more roses but as he was about to throw them, a wall of razor sharp blades of grass rose from the ground transpiercing the demons that flew to him. He was so shocked at the viciousness of the attack, he dropped one of his roses. Next to Endymion, Kurama appeared.

"Are you okay?" the red haired boy asked.

"Hai..." replied Endymion. "What happened?"

"This..." Kurama said as he concentrated. He took the rose Endymion had dropped. What happened next took Endymion's breath away. The rose grew in Kurama's hand. It produced many more blooms and thorns. It elongated until it finally took the appearance of a sword.

"It's my power..." said Kurama. "I have power over the plants to make whatever I need from them."

He gave the sword to Endymion. As soon as he touched it he knew that this sword was as long lasting as his roses. "To replace your broken sword... now go protect Sailor Moon..." Kurama said.

"Hai... Arigato Kurama-san..." Endymion said gratefully and he leap over the sharp grass to get at his beloved.

Meanwhile, Sailor Moon was almost overwhelmed herself. She got distracted as Venus and Mars were stuck down. She tried to attack, but then a dragon made of black flames stood itself between her and the demons. She gasped and saw the boy with black and white hair strain. The dragon must be his doing, she thought. The dragon lashed out and destroyed the demons that attacked Sailor Moon. As quickly as it appeared, the dragon disappeared, leaving a sight of carnage behind. Sailor Moon saw Hiei fall down on the ground exhausted. She ran to him. He smiled. He had succeeded. She was safe. He just hoped she would still be until the battle was over.

Healer opened her eyes. She felt no more pain. Does that mean I'm...

"Dead?... no not yet... " said a familiar voice. Healer turned her head.

"Sailor Pluto..." Healer said. She saw next to Pluto, Sailor Saturn.

Healer looked around. They were no longer on the battle ground. They seemed to be in some sort of no place... It was hard to describe, almost a place that existed out of time.

"Where are we? Did we win?" asked Healer.

"The battle still rages on..." said Saturn.

"We are in Limbo, Sailor Star Healer... although you are not completely here..." Pluto said, and she pointed something to Healer. She looked down and saw an ethereal umbilical cord. She was there but not physically.

"How?" said Healer. Botan appeared on her oar.

"You are between worlds Sailor Star Healer. Your empathic powers have lead you here..."

"Because we must explain to you your most important mission..." said a voice behind Healer. She turned around and was faced with a young girl with pink hair. She wore a Sailor Senshi costume and on her forehead she has the symbol of the moon. Her face was familiar, too, Healer thought she resembled.

"Sailor Moon..." Healer whispered.

"Not yet..." the girl beamed proudly. "But one day... I will be..."

Saturn approached her. "She is Usagi and Mamoru's daughter. I was visiting her in the 30th century when the temporal rift occurred. I am trapped in the 30th Century. That is why I could not join you in battle..."

Botan spoke up. "Sailor Star Healer, Princess Yaten, you are the only one who can stop Pazoles..."

I can't, she thought. The only way I can do that is if I...

"Yes..." said Pluto. "You know exactly what you must do..."

"But why?" Healer sunk to the ground crying. "Haven't I suffered enough?" She felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Trust fate... Sailor Star Healer... Trust Sailor Moon... " she smiled.

Healer would have rebuked the girl but something about her told her she was saying the truth. She represented the future, a future of peace that will never come to pass unless, Pazoles was taken care of. Looking at her, Healer found the resolve to do what had to be done.

She stood up, she saw the senshi and Botan smile at her, giving her even more strength.

"I understand..." she simply said and vanished.

Fighter was trying to open the casket of stone, when suddenly it burst open. Maker got out, gasping for air, panting. She had obviously taken the remains of her power to burst out of her tomb.

"A... Ami-chan..." she gasped, looking at Fighter. Fighter flew into a rage. She concentrated all of her energy in a single blast

"STAR SERIOUS LAZER!!!" She fell to her knees. She had given all she could in that blast and she only managed to crack the blasted thing. Maker tried to get up and concentrate to blast at Mercury's cocoon, but she had no more power left.

"AMI-CHAAAANN!! NOOO!!!" she yelled. Just then she saw a blast of pure energy hit the stone coffin. Yuusuke had used his last Rei-gun to free Mercury, who gasped for air as the stone crumbled around her. Maker scrambled to her feet and crawled to Mercury. She collapsed when she realized she was alive.

"Meddlers..." said Pazoles next to him. Razor sharp ebony tentacles sprouted and targeted Yuusuke. As he turned around, Yuusuke was pushed by Kurama who got hit by the tentacles in his place.

"Even better..." chuckled Pazoles as he enjoyed the pain he was putting Kurama through. He ordered the tentacles to lift him off the ground and to stab him in no vital places. Kurama screamed. "Yes... Kurama... I want you to suffer, you traitor... You have defended the humans for too long... Your death will be a long and tortuous one, and even when you beg me to kill you... I won't..." Pazoles started to laugh as his tentacles hurt Kurama.

There was a blur and Kurama was free. He saw Prince Endymion cut through the tentacles with the rose sword Kurama had just given him. Endymion landed near him, checking if Kurama was okay.

Pazoles wasn't pleased at all. He was about to launch another attack when...

"PAZOLES!!!" A voice rang clearly. It was Healer. They all turned around and they saw her standing up, Endymion's severed sword in her hand.

"You thought my friends wouldn't have the guts to kill me. You just forgot about me!" She leapt into the air. Pazoles' eyes grew wide. She had understood the only way to stop him. The destruction of the possessed Starseed, killing herself outright wouldn't have destroyed him but the destruction of the Starseed would destroy both her and him, permanently.

"NO!" Pazoles said, sending his armies of demons against her but it was too little, too late. Kurama screamed her name as she started to swing the sword downward.

"KURAMAA! I LOVE YOU!" She screamed just before the sword hit the crystal. As it hit, the sword shattered the starseed into millions of shards and they cascaded to the ground like snow on Christmas Day.

There was a blinding, purifying light that shone from the heart of the destroyed Starseed. Pazoles and his demon writhed in agony at the purity of the light. Pazoles cracked like the crystal and was pulverized. The demons followed their master in death as their bodies burned in the pristine light.

The clouds and the dark lightning disappeared. All those who had fallen in battle regained consciousness, still alive. They heard a mournful cry...

"YAAAAAAAAAATTEEEEEEEENNN.....!!!!" Kurama scrambled to his feet. He couldn't get to her fast enough. His legs didn't want to respond as he ran and fell, fighting to stay up. He saw her body float slowly to the ground.

"No.... Yaten...." said Fighter with tears in her eyes. Maker had a mask of pain and hopelessness on her face as she saw Kurama reach Yaten's all too immobile form. She felt Mercury cry, her head buried on her shoulder. They saw Pluto and Saturn get out of the temple just as Kurama reached Healer who floated like a feather to the ground.

She was at his height when he reached her. He placed his arms to receive her. As soon as she touched him, her costume shred into ribbons and they shifted on her. When they settled, Kurama held Princess Yaten in his arms. She wore a pale green dress and a small tiara studded with stars.

He fell to his knees, searching desperately for signs that she was still alive. The Senshi approached. Even Uranus and Neptune were relatively all right. Uranus looked at Yaten with a new found respect... She just wished she didn't have to die to make her see how brave she was. Sailor Moon, Endymion and the rest of the Senshi prayed, prayed that Yaten was all right. But Maker and Fighter knew better. They felt it, her starseed extinguish and with it, her life.

The hopes of Sailor Moon and the others were shattered when they heard Kurama cry out her name in anguish as he collapsed over her...

Ami closed Taiki's bedroom door. She wiped her dried tears. She walked zombie-like to the living room. Everyone was there haphazardly in the room. No one wanted to leave. Usagi rose and hugged Ami.

"Taiki... Taiki, finally fell asleep..." her eyes filled with tears again. She returned Usagi's hug. "He... He's so devastated, Usagi-chan..." she cried.

Usagi nodded as she held her. As she cried, Ami had tried to stay strong for Taiki. Consoling him/her, helping through the pain. Usagi understood. Ami had to let go of her own emotions, cry and mourn for Yaten.

No one in this room was unaffected by her sacrifice. Makoto, Minako and Rei were crying softly, still shocked after what happened. Minako kept repeating, this wasn't happening. Jadeite bit his lips looking at them. He looked away, trying not to show his own emotions. Zoicite was crying softly against Kunzite's shoulder. They both had a look of sadness, of regret. Usagi knew then they wished they had known Yaten better. Nephrite was looking at the night sky; he, too, pondering on Yaten. He had the same sad expression on his face as Kunzite and Zoicite.

Haruka and Michiru were huddled in a corner, both of them crying. Usagi looked at Haruka. She was looking back at her with an unanswered question in her eyes. Why? Why was I so mean to them? Usagi felt Haruka's shame, that she wished she took back whatever she once said about the Starlights. They were now their family. She should have embraced them with open arms as relatives, not like strangers. She bitterly regretted, and she cried bitter tears of shame.

Setsuna sat pensive at the kitchen table, holding Hotaru in her arms. Both of them had said nothing since Yaten had died. They just stared at everyone blankly. Ryoga was trying to console Shampoo, who also cried. She didn't know Yaten, but the atmosphere of hopelessness was getting to her. Ranma looked concerned at Seiya, as though hoping he could say something to make him feel better but unable to come up with anything.

Usagi looked at Seiya. She felt her heart swell with sadness. Seiya looked so utterly miserable. He hadn't slept a wink. His hair was a mess; his eyes were red and were staring blankly on the floor. He looked dead inside. The same look Taiki had before Ami dragged him to his room. Usagi looked to Mamoru who was sitting next to Seiya. Mamoru met her gaze. His eyes cried out: what can I do? She told him silently by gazing back to Seiya. Mamoru looked at Seiya. Biting his lip, he put his hand on his shoulder.

"Seiya... You should try to get some sleep..." he whispered, his voice almost inaudible.

Seiya's head snapped to him. He looked at Mamoru with such an hopeless expression Mamoru bit his lip again. Seiya's face distorted into a mask of sadness as he screamed:

"WHY?... WHY?..." He started to cry again. He was shaking. "WHY YATEN?..." He repeated the sentence, each cut by sobbing. Mamoru gasped when he looked at Seiya's features. They kept changing from male to female, male to female, echoing the turmoil his/her soul was in. Mamoru gasped and acted out of instinct. He took the crying Seiya into his arms. She settled into a female form and cried her eyes out on him. She was sobbing loudly against him, holding on to him as if he was an anchor in her sea of sadness. Haruka and Michiru rose when Seiya finally cried. Haruka embraced Seiya telling her she was sorry. Michiru put her hand on Seiya's shoulder. As soon as Seiya started to cry, Mamoru was feeling assaulted by all the senshi who wanted to hold on to Seiya, to give their support to her. Even Ami left Usagi and fell to her knees in front of Seiya, hugging her.

Mamoru didn't know if he should just run away from this senshi sandwich. He gave a panicked look to Usagi who smiled at him. He calmed down. Her smile meant: Don't worry, you're doing fine. He relaxed and went back to his role of security blanket for everyone, as Seiya continued to cry.

Usagi, in a way, was happy Seiya had finally cried. She was afraid Seiya was starting to have a nervous breakdown, because he was just staring, not crying. Crying would make Seiya feel better, accepting the unthinkable. That Yaten... she couldn't say it, she felt tears burn her eyes, there must be something I can do, there must.

Usagi looked up and saw, Hiei, Kuwabara and Yuusuke looking down at the floor while Yukina was tending to their wounds. One of them was missing, Kurama. Usagi turned around. She knew where he was. It was about time someone inquired about him. She reached Yaten's bedroom door. She knocked. There was no answer. Slowly, she opened the door.

"Kurama-san?..." said Usagi, afraid to interrupt something. But she didn't. Kurama was still sitting at the same place he was when last she was there. He was sitting on the floor, his clothes soiled with his blood. He was sitting there staring... staring at her. Yaten's dead body was on her bed, a bed filled with yellow roses, her favorite. There weren't any roses when Usagi came before, but Kurama had one in his hand. That must be his doing, she thought. The roses bloomed and filled the room with their sweet scent. Usagi took a few steps inside. She looked at Yaten. She had a peaceful expression on her face. All scars gone from her body, her hands brought together in a silent prayer. A rose blossomed in the space between her thumbs and index fingers.

Tears flowed from Usagi's eyes. She was so beautiful like this. The tiara, the dress, she was a princess like she was herself. It wasn't fair, thought Usagi. It wasn't fair at all. Poor Yaten, her life was a tragedy. She cried bitterly. How can I be happy? thought Usagi, to know that she has suffered so and is cut down like that, just when... Just when she found love...

Usagi swallowed her tears. She remembered a conversation she had with Yaten a few month ago:

"Does that mean you will go out with Minako?" she had said innocently.

"What? Of course not! I don't like girls... I'm not Taiki or Seiya..." he had replied angry. "I don't want to fall in love..."

"Don't you want to find someone?" she asked him.

"No... it's better this way... I... I don't want to lose anyone close to me ever again..." he replied.

"Is that why you are so mean... so no one will love you?" Yaten had spun around to look at her. For a few moments, the wall he had so carefully erected around himself crumbled. Usagi knew. She now saw Yaten's real emotions. He was scared. He was alone, trying to keep everyone away so he wouldn't be hurt by loss any more. She felt it deep in his heart. This frightened little girl who lost all her family tragically, afraid to love, to have someone close, fear that those she loved died around her. Usagi understood. She would never be cross with Yaten ever again, because she knew, she knew the burden she carried in her heart. Yaten turned away from her and rebuilt the wall and told her she was off her rocker.

I understood you then, too, Yaten, she thought as she looked at her friend's dead body. But even with all the precautions you took, still love found a place in your heart and, she turned her head to look at Kurama, in the heart of a very caring man. It's so cruel. Fate is so cruel to have done this to you. I wish... I wish I knew what to do to bring you back from the dead, but I don't know how... Usagi cried softly out of helplessness. What good is the ginzousho if it can't bring back the dead?

I mustn't think that way, she scolded herself. I can only hope something will happen. She shattered her Starseed but her body didn't vanish... maybe, maybe there is hope. Or like Yaten would say, you know what your problem is, you see everything with rose colored-glasses. She smiled. She missed his antics already. Yaten, she prayed, I hope there is a way to bring you back.

Usagi turned to Kurama who hadn't moved an inch since she came, but as she got closer, she saw silent tears falling from his eyes. He looked truly miserable. He was wearing headphones and she realized he was hooked up to Yaten's CD player. She thought at first he was listening to the Three Lights CD but, no, he was listening to an X-Japan CD, one of Yaten's she could see from his CD rack.

"Kurama-san... You must try and get some sleep or at least eat something..." Usagi said. She blinked as he turned to look at her.

"Iie... Arigato... I don't feel like eating... I don't feel like sleeping... I just wish to be with her... It's a shame the mirror of darkness was destroyed... I could have used it to save her..." He replied. Usagi didn't know what he was talking about and she wondered if the grief didn't alter his memory.

"If you need anything" she added, "please come and see us... your friends are also waiting for you..."

I don't want to leave her, he thought. He closed his eyes. "Very well... I will... arigato..."

He tried to smile as she left. He pushed back the play button on the CD Player... he had been listening to this song over and over again. It felt right to him. On the CD case there was a star next to it. Yaten must have loved this song, he thought. He had listened to it, then hit the repeat button as it played over and over while he cried.

(author's note the song is song in Japanese and in English ** indicates the translation)

I'm walking in the rain. 
Yuku ate mo naku			*I try to reach my objective*			
Kizu tsuita karada nurashi		*But I cry from*
Karamitsuku				*a bleeding wound*	
koori no zawameki			*that gnaws at me*
Koroshi tsuzukete			*It kills me to continue*
samayou itsu mademo			*Am I  to roam until...*
Until I can forget your love. 

Nemuri wa mayaku			*I sleep in a drug like state*
Tohou ni kureta				*I feel at loss.*
Kokoro wo shizuka ni tokasu		*My Mind dissolves into nothingness.*
Maiagaru				*Your feelings have touched me.*
ai wo odorasete				*Don't be surprised if you love me*
Furueru karada wo			*as my trembling body holds you*
kioku no bara ni tsutsumu		*just like the memory of a rose.*
I keep my love for you to myself.

*Endless rain, 
fall on my heart  
Kokoro no kizu ni			*For my mind is wounded*
Let me forget 
all of the hate, 
all of the sadness. 

Days of joy, 
days of sadness, 
slowly pass me by 
As I try to hold you, 
you're vanishing before me. 
You're just an illusion. 
When I'm waking, 
my tears have dried in the sand of sleep. 
I'm a rose blooming in the desert. 

It's a dream, 
I'm in love with you. 
Madoromi daki shimete			*I can't shut down my only window of logic.*

*Repeat

I awake from my dream. 
I can't find my way without you. 

The dream is over. 
Koe ni naranai				*My voice isn't enough*
Kotoba wo kurikaeshitemo		*To express what I feel for you*
Takasugiru				*Please, let me say again that*
hai iro no kabe wa			*my feelings for you are so strong.*
Sugisatta hi no omoi wo			*I am obsessed by you*
yume ni utsusu				*and my dreams are the reflections of what I feel.*
Until I can forget your love. 

*Repeat 

Endless rain, 
let me stay 
evermore in your heart. 
Let my heart 
take in your tears, 
take in your memories. 

*Repeat

He took his hands to his face and cried. He tried to replay in his mind how he could have saved her. But he knew, he bitterly knew that she had to do it. She bravely died so that Pazoles could be stopped. He knew it but it didn't make it easier for him to accept the fact that she was dead. While the CD continued to play, he got closer to the bed, with a mental command he brushed the roses on her pillow. He sat down on the floor and rested his head against hers. He put his hand over hers. He lay there crying, as the music played on. He finally fell asleep out of exhaustion next to her. The CD player stopped during the night as the batteries dwindled away.

When Usagi left Yaten's room, she saw Mamoru taking a sleeping Seiya to her room. Usagi wiped her tears and opened Seiya's door for Mamoru. They both entered and he lay Seiya on her bed careful not to wake her up. Usagi covered her and she saw a rolled up futon in a corner. Without saying a word, she pointed it to Mamoru. He understood what she wanted. He took the futon and rolled the futon out next to Seiya's bed. They both snuggled and fell asleep unable to leave Seiya all alone.

Ami looked around her, everyone in the room had fallen asleep. Many shared the big couch but many more slept on the floor with their back to the wall. Ami soundlessly walked to Taiki's room. She saw him sleeping, tossing in a nightmare he couldn't wake up from. She slipped into the bed and took him into her arms. He woke.

"Ami... Nightmare... Yaten..." he sobbed. She whispered.

"Shhhh... it's all right. I'll stay with you for the night... sleep my heart..." She made him rest his head against her shoulder. She hummed a lullaby her mother used to sing her. His eyes closed as he brought his arms around her. They both fell asleep comforted by each other's presence.

Seiya woke up. I had a nightmare, she thought. I dreamt Yaten... Yaten was dead. She started to cry... It's a dream, no a nightmare. I can't believe... She turned around and saw Usagi and Mamoru sleeping on the futon. She let out a small whimper. It wasn't a dream. It was true, Yaten was dead. She felt sick. She got up, careful not to wake Mamoru and Usagi. She opened the door and went into the bathroom. She splashed water on her face and fought the nausea she felt.

She cried, but the nausea passed. She thought she was drained of all tears but it seemed she had more. When she got out of the bathroom Taiki was there waiting for her. Taiki looked terrible, his hair all messed up, his features drawn in a hurtful sadness. I must look like a mess myself. I feel like something stepped on me all night.

"Are you okay?" whispered Taiki, his voice cracking as he asked.

"I don't know... I don't know if I'll ever be okay from now on..." Seiya's eyes quivered and Taiki hugged her, his shoulder heaving because he was crying too. Seiya felt the body shift and Taiki's features changed into that of a woman. "Look at us... we're so messed up... we can't keep the disguise up..." croaked Seiya.

"I don't care... right now it feels right..." replied Taiki. Seiya nodded. She was right. It felt comforting for the two sisters to hold each other like that.

"What are we going to do now?..." asked Seiya. "How can we go on without h..." She wasn't able to finish the sentence. She couldn't face reality. Taiki held her even closer.

"Hush... We'll see... Don't think about it..." replied Taiki.

"What about her... body?..." asked Seiya crying.

"I think she would have liked to rejoin her parents on the dead Planet Healer..." said Taiki.

"But the planet was transformed into a star... you want to throw her body..." Seiya replied sobbing.

"I think it's what she would have wanted, Seiya..." Taiki said sadly. "Come... Let's see her in her room."

They both walked to Yaten's room. When they opened the door, Kurama woke up startled. They saw him, his head resting against Yaten's all too immobile form. For a little while, Taiki and Seiya just stared at Kurama. He stood up and walked to them waiting to get out, thinking they wanted a few moments with her alone. Suddenly both Taiki and Seiya rushed to hug him. He was startled but he put his arms around them and cried.

Hiei was awake for a while. He didn't need much sleep. He saw Taiki and Seiya get in Yaten's room and heard the tears. I am beyond him now, Hiei thought. He loves her, with more passion than I do. He smiled. Kurama always was a creature of passion. Hiei loved Yaten but he knew also he couldn't love her as much as Kurama did. He still loved Kurama, but this he felt, her love it was stronger than his. If she ever came back to life he promised, he would leave them alone, afraid his presence would make them uncomfortable.

"Is it really a promise Hiei?" said a voice. Hiei gasped and turned around. It was Koenma, looking at him.

"What do you mean?" asked Hiei.

"Her sacrifice, although needed, has sent a monkey wrench into the fabric of time. Now, like Yuusuke, she could be permitted to come back..." replied Koenma.

"HOW?" asked Hiei.

"I can only tell you that there is a price to pay... for her resurrection. Kurama will have to pay a price... and... so will you..." said the young man.

"Tell me what it is. I will gladly pay it..." Hiei told him.

"Would you?" asked Koenma. "If I told you the price to pay... would be your love?"

"What?" gasped Hiei.

"It is the price Hiei, your love for her... and hers for you... She has no say in the matter, but you do..." added Koenma.

Hiei stood there speechless, not knowing what to say. Finally, he lifted his head and asked. "What about Kurama's price?"

"Kurama, although he doesn't know it... already is in debt with me... His payment will be his alone to know." said Koenma.

"It's all for nothing if you ask him to forgive his love for her..." said hotly Hiei.

"It isn't the payment I'm asking... Their love will mend the tear in the fabric of time, the arrival of the Starlights on Earth has made. In time the ripple will smooth over and the stream will again flow freely... The Golden Age will be brought to the world... the Reikai and the earth will merge but the Makai also, freed of its evil influence..."

"How?" Hiei asked, but Koenma had vanished. Hiei still heard his voice. I will extract payment tomorrow, think about your decision..."

Usagi woke up. She was in a room in the Crystal Palace on the Moon.

"Am I having a dream of my past life?" she asked.

"I'm afraid not, Princess..." Usagi turned around as she heard Pluto and next to her were Queen Serenity, her mother and...

"Chibi-Usa-chan..." said Usagi. She was so happy to see her and Queen Serenity. "Mother..."

"My darling daughter..." said the Queen "...you were brought here by Pluto, as you slept near your beloved..." Usagi blushed, does she know?

"You don't have to be shy, my daughter. I know how much you love the Prince..." Queen Serenity smiled.

"We brought you here because we have a gift for you..." The Queen extended her hand. Floating in the palm of her hand was a star seed, but it didn't glow like most starseeds do. As Usagi saw the Starseed she also saw a man and a woman appear next to them and two children. The little boy next to the man looked so much like Yaten, it was uncanny.

"Please, Sailor Moon..." said the woman. "Please save our daughter... She wasn't meant to rejoin us so soon..." Usagi looked at the woman. She had the same green eyes Yaten had.

"Please Sailor Moon... it isn't Oneesan's time..." said the little girl.

The Starseed traveled to Usagi. She took the precious object in her hand. "Demo... what shall I do? Healer's energy isn't in it..."

"All of the Sailor Senshi must join hands and direct their energies to the Ginzousho," replied Queen Serenity. "It will send a beacon to Healer's soul..."

"And to be sure she doesn't get lost, I will guide her back to her body and the Starseed..." added Chibi-Usa.

"But..." explained Serenity. "Some price will have to be paid so she can come back..."

"What price?" asked Usagi.

"Something that will ensure the future..." she smiled. "and do not worry, you will gain new allies... Now you must go, my daughter... Healer must return to her body before the sunrise in less than two hours... or else all is for nothing..."

"I understand..." Usagi said. She was about to try and wake herself up, when the man with silver hair that Usagi suspected to be Yaten's father spoke up.

"Wait!... Sailor Moon... Please tell my daughter I love her and... tell her my heart is full of pride for her... Please tell her that... I was never able to tell her before I died... and I cannot now... For her to be resurrected we couldn't see her... that was our price... but please tell her..." The man said. Yaten's mother looked at him with such loving in her eyes...

"Mihat..." she said. Mihat smiled while his two children hugged him.

Usagi woke up with a start, did she dream all of this? She felt something in her hand. It was the starseed. Her heart skipped a beat. She woke Mamoru and told him to wake the others. There was a way to make Yaten come back.

Usagi, Mamoru, the Senshi, the Generals, the Reikai detectives and Ranma's gang were back on the hills of Hikawa Temple. Kurama held Yaten's body in his arms. Ami and Taiki held each other. He had a mixture of fear and hope on his face. Seiya stood there waiting for Usagi to tell them what to do.

"MINNA! HENSHIN YO!" yelled Usagi. They all called their henshin phrase and transformed. At the same time Kurama's form shifted. His hair turned silver and his ears looked like silver foxes ear. He was a little taller, a little more slender and muscular; he also looked older. Venus looked at him and thought he couldn't possibly look more handsome than that.

"His Youko form..." Mars said. "Legends say Fox spirits are beautiful... Those legends were true..."

Fighter looked at Kurama and smiled. Now, she thought, we all have a secret to guard. Sailor Moon instructed all of the Senshi to form a circle around Yaten. Kurama still held on to her.

"I will stay with her..."

Sailor Moon was about to object when she felt a stirring in her heart. It told her to let him stay... He was after all concerned about this. She nodded. She stood in front of him and Mamoru stood behind him. Sailor Moon took out her Ginzousho and Tuxedo Kamen took out the Golden Crystal. The Senshi joined hands and their respective symbol appeared on their forehead. Even Maker and Fighter's symbol appeared and their bodies started to glow. In the middle Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen transformed into the Princess and the Prince as their body started to glow. Kurama's body also started to glow in a greenish color. He felt connected to everyone's energy.

The senshi began to glow brightly, as the others out of the circle gasped. The four Generals then took their place at each of the cardinal points, guarding the circle of senshi, their Prince and the Princess. A line of pure energy flowed from each of the Senshi and linked them to each other and to the Prince and Princess. They started to float up when they reached the top of this pyramid of energy. A line of energy shot to the heavens.

Hiei blinked. Time seemed to have stopped. Around him all stood still. Suddenly, Koenma appeared before him.

"It's time, Hiei... are you ready to pay the karmic price for her return...?"

Hiei looked at both of them. He smiled "...yes..."

Kurama wondered what had happened. Everything was at a standstill. Koenma and Botan appeared before him.

"For her to return, Kurama... You must share your life-force with her... That means when she truly dies at her appointed time... you will, too..." said Koenma. "She will also be indebted to the Reikai and I will demand that on certain missions she be present to help you, Yuusuke, Kuwabara and Hiei. She has already agreed to this. Do you accept to share life-force with her?"

Kurama looked at her face, he looked back up. "I do."

"So be it..." replied Koenma. Time took back its flow but before he could feel back the flow of Time, Kurama heard Koenma warn Botan. "...as for you! I now want you to tell just how long they are going to live..."

Yaten felt herself in a fetal state drifted by a nonexistent wind, aware but not aware, a strange mixture of reality and non-existence. Yaten woke hearing voices.

"Yaten-kun... come back to us..." said Minako.
"You still have many songs to sing..." said Rei.
"and many lessons of life to learn..." said Ami.
"when you come back I'll make all your favorites... until I can do your wedding cake..." said Makoto.
"Yaten-chan... we still need you..." said Michiru.
"We still have a lot of battles 'til true peace. It would be an honor to fight beside you..." said Haruka.
"Time will stand still, if you do not come back..." said Setsuna.
"Come back, Healer, your destiny still waits..." said Hotaru.
"Come back, Chisaii-chan(*) it wouldn't be the same without you..." said Taiki.
"Chisaii-chan, I miss you too much. I even miss our fights..." said Seiya.
"Yaten... come back to us... It would be too sad without you..." said Mamoru.
"Yaten-chan... Your own true love waits you..." said Usagi.
"Yaten... I love you with all my heart. I can't go on without you..." said Kurama.

"Minna... Kurama..." cried Yaten. "How do I come back to you?"

"Take my hand..." Yaten looked up. She saw the same girl that was in the Senshi fuku, the one with pink hair. Yaten took her hand and they both traveled back to her body. Yaten felt the little girl knew the way.

"What is your name?" she asked softly.

"Chibi-Usa... That's what everyone calls me..." smiled the girl. Yaten could feel everyone's love stronger now. It was so strong it called to her heart. She wept. She hadn't realized how much she was loved by her fellow Senshi. She was so surprised and touched by the Outers feelings towards her. But the love that outshone them was Kurama. She discovered she yearned for it and she felt her own love pour out of her heart towards him. Crying, she turned to Chibi-Usa.

"Arigato... Chibi-Usa-chan..."

Chibi-Usa smiled. "You're welcome... by the way, if I ever break something you really love could you go easy on me?..."

Yaten chuckled. "I will..."

Chibi-Usa closed her eyes. She opened them smiling. "I know..."

Yaten thought everything went to fast all of a sudden. She thought she was falling. She cried out in surprise.

"Don't be afraid... Everything is all right... You are amongst friends and in good hands... Sayonara..." she whispered.

Usagi and Mamoru saw two glowing spheres hover near them. The light green one fused with the Starseed. Usagi and Mamoru looked at the pink one with tenderness.

"Arigato Chibi-Usa-chan..." she whispered. The pink sphere seemed to giggle and it moved to Usagi's cheek and then to Mamoru's. After that it sped away and disappeared into the heavens.

"Goodbye, my little one..." sighed Mamoru. Yaten's Starseed now glowed brighter than it first had. The Prince and Princess floated down to the ground. The senshi stopped glowing. They watched as Yaten's Starseed slowly reentered her body. The Prince and Princess turned back into Tuxedo Kamen and Sailor Moon. The only person still glowing was Kurama. He was crying as most of the Senshi were as the Starseed entered her again.

"Now..." said Botan, materializing next to Kurama. "Now you must share with her your life force."

He nodded and closed his eyes and concentrated. He received a whack behind the head by Botan.

"NOT LIKE THAT!" she yelled. "KISS HER!" Kurama blushed as he saw the Senshi waiting in expectation for the kiss. "This is tradition after all..."

Kurama dipped his head forward and kissed her. He wished he didn't have such an audience but this was for Yaten's life after all. He kissed her with a passion he didn't know he had when he felt her breathe again. His eyes burned as tears of joy flowed into his eyes.

The Senshi looked at the kiss as though they hadn't seen anything more beautiful in their life. Fighter cried and laughed at the same time, holding her hands up in a prayer. Maker and Mercury hugged each other, just like Neptune and Uranus did. They looked at each other. Maker worded "Ai shiteru..." to Mercury who replied in the same manner "I love you also...". Maker and Mercury kissed, not caring about who might watch.

Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen watched the new couple kiss, as they watched in the Senshi ranks all those who loved each other. Tuxedo Kamen hugged Sailor Moon closely.

"When I see this..." he said. "I think all the hardships we suffered are worth it..."

Sailor Moon nodded, crying tears of joy. She turned to kiss her True and Eternal Love.

Kurama and Yaten broke the kiss when they both felt their clothing shift. Yaten felt her robe disappear and replaced by her Sailor Star Healer fuku. She now had shoulder pads and the little transparent winglet. Now the Starlights had all achieved the Super form. Kurama gasped. His clothes had changed. He still wore the style of clothing he used when he was battling the Makai, but now he had a lightweight dark red leather armor. There were roses and foliage designs on it. They didn't have much time to check their new costume arrangement because the Senshi had rushed them to hug Healer. The first to arrive were Maker, Mercury and Fighter, who were crying and laughing hugging and kissing Healer. Even Kurama had a quick peck on the cheek by Fighter.

Healer cried and laughed. Mamoru looked at her and thought he had never seen her look more alive than now. Her emotions shone through with no restraint. For an instant he thought Yaten and Kurama looked like him and Usagi. He smiled. They did, because in a way he felt they shared the same kind of love that he and Usagi had. I wish they do have the same kind of love Usako and I share, he thought. They deserved a love like that.

Kuwabara cried as Yuusuke and Hiei looked at him suspiciously. He grumbled and said he had something in his eyes. Both Hiei and Yuusuke nodded but didn't believe a word. Ranma although he was happy was trying to pry off Shampoo from him. She was hugging him crying and saying "Ranma... wo ai ni!" while Ryoga just looked at them with a huge sweatdrop on the side of his head.

Setsuna, who had stayed behind, now took her Garnet Orb. She lifted it over her head and said.

"By the Power of the Garnet Orb, make the time flow back to where it belongs." There was a flash of red light that surprised everyone.

End of part 13

(*) Chisaii-chan: it means literally... little one or small one... This is used for people, chibi is used for object... Well at least that's what I was told ^^

"YAAAAAAAAAAAATEEEEEEEEEEN!!!!!!" Yaten felt himself shaken about on his bed. He recognized the voice. It was Taiki. He seemed a bit freaked, so Yaten woke up faster than usual.

"Wha-a-a-a-a-a-att?!" he replied while Taiki was still shaking him. He opened his eyes to see Taiki looking relieved.

"Oh! Stars! When I woke up, I ran here and seeing you like that I thought... I thought..." Taiki choked. Yaten could see his eyes were getting full with tears. He sat up.

"Taiki... Are you going to cry?" he asked. For some odd reason, Yaten's own eyes were filling up with tears.

Taiki hugged Yaten. "I thought you were still dead... " he sobbed against his brother's shoulder. Yaten's own tears started to flow when he remembered what had happened to him. The demon, the stealing of Sailor Star Healer's starseed, her sacrifice... her death... when she came back to life... Kurama... He hugged Taiki tighter.

"Hey!" he kidded. "I'm still here ain't I?... You won't get rid of me THAT easily!..."

Both brothers laughed and cried, happy to be reunited again. Taiki then got up, wiping his tears. "We better get ready for school..." he smiled and got out. Yaten brought his knees up and hugged them. Closing his eyes and smiling he let out a single whisper.

"Kurama..."

Seiya woke up with a start. He looked around him. He was back in Nerima. What the... he thought. He looked next to him. Ranma was still sleeping on the futon. He thought about Yaten and his heart skipped a beat. It couldn't have been a dream. It was too real... It was real! Yaten really died. Seiya rose from the futon and quickly got out of the house, dressed only in his pajamas and slippers. He waved hello to Kasumi already busy making breakfast and armed with his phone card. He had to know. He reached the long-distance phone, inserted his card and punched his number. After a few rings, someone answered.

"Moshi-moshi?..." said Taiki, wondering who might call so early.

"Taiki! It's Seiya... Is Yaten all right?" Seiya asked, worried.

"Why don't you ask him?..." he paused and put his hand over the mouthpiece. He yelled. "YATEN... PICK UP!" He put his ear back to the receiver.

"Moshi-moshi..." said Yaten. Hearing his voice, Seiya started to cry and laugh, a heavy weight lifting from his heart.

"Yaten... I so glad you're still alive... I wish I was back home..." finally said Seiya.

"Yeah... How come we were back here in our beds like... nothing had happened?... " said Yaten.

"I think Setsuna used her power to set the timeline back... We are the same morning only earlier... but we still remember..." said Taiki.

"Yes... we do remember..." said Seiya wiping his tears, smiling.

"I wonder... if... everyone remembers..." said Yaten, sounding down all of a sudden.

"Yaten... Kurama will remember... I am sure of it..." said Seiya, Taiki agreed.

"Thanks guys... " replied Yaten. "I... can't wait..." he started.

"To see him again... I bet!" Seiya laughed. Yaten sneered at him. Seiya replied as sharply. Taiki sighed happily.

"Yep... Everything is back to normal..." Yaten and Seiya stopped arguing and started to laugh.

When Seiya hung up he was freezing, but happy. He ran back to the Tendo house and sat down to have breakfast. He then took off with Akane and Ranma to school. It's going to be a great day, he thought, when he saw Tatewake Kuno with a huge rose bouquet. There goes my nice day, he grumbled to himself.

"You there! Seiya Kou!" said Kuno.

"Oh great... Now what does he want?" said Seiya between his teeth. Kuno Tatewake put the rose bouquet in his hands. The bouquet was so huge it hid Seiya's face who looked like it was going to explode.

"Seiya Kou, I think I understand that you know the black haired goddess that was here earlier. Please give her this as a token of my esteem and undying love for her..." said Kuno.

Great! thought Seiya, I finally have someone interested in me and he's got to be a bore... Wish I could be as lucky as Yaten or Taiki. Weird shade for roses though, black, one was under his nose so he smelled it.

Ranma and Akane facevaulted when Seiya fell down on the ground sleeping soundly.

"Kuno!" said Ranma. "Where did you get those black roses?"

"From my sister's room... She has so much I didn't think she'd notice..." replied Kuno, both Akane and Ranma facevaulted.

"Kuno! You Moron!" yelled Ranma. "You know your sister laces her roses with a powerful sleeping powder!"

"You Varlet! You shall not dishonor the Kuno name with such impunity! Stand your ground, Saotome!" Both boys took a fighting stance and rushed each other.

"All right! I was looking for a way to vent my frustration after Pazoles ducked me. You'll do nicely..." Ranma said as he jumped out of Kuno's sword reach.

What's he talking about? thought Akane. The school bell rang, oh no... We're going to be late, again. Might as well bring Seiya-kun to the infirmary.

Taiki and Yaten were about to get ready to hop in the van, when they saw Usagi running toward them.

"MATTE! CHOTTO MATTE KUDASAI!" she panted. She ran to them and panting she tried to say something.

"Ya.... Yaten-kun... need... to... <gasp> talk..." Usagi tried to say but she was trying to catch back her breath.

Taiki got in the van. "Usagi-chan... Why don't you get into the van? I'll drop you off at Jyuuban College and you can talk to Yaten on the way..."

Usagi sat down and thanked Taiki, when she finally got her breath back. She turned around and hugged Yaten who, surprised, didn't know how to act and kept his arms away from her.

"Sailor Star Healer, I'm so glad you are okay..." she said. Yaten relaxed and smiling, he returned the hug.

"Arigato... Sailor Moon..." She let him go and looked at him all excited.

"Yaten-kun... I had to tell you before school... I hope you will believe me... Yaten-kun, when you were dead I had a vision. I saw my mother Queen Serenity, my future daughter..."

"Chibi-Usa..." said Yaten. Usagi beamed, so Yaten knew about her daughter.

"I also saw..." continued Usagi. "...your family Yaten-kun, your mother, your brother and sister and your father." Yaten looked at her wide eyed. She wasn't kidding. He could see it in her eyes.

"They are all so proud of you, Yaten-kun. You father asked me to tell you he was very proud of you and that he loved you. You weren't meant to join them so soon..." Usagi stopped. Yaten's eyes were full of tears but he was smiling.

"Did... did he really say that?" asked Yaten. He hugged Usagi when she nodded yes. "Arigato, Usagi-chan, you have no idea what this means to me..."

Usagi held him as she would any of the senshi who needed a shoulder to cry on. "They will wait for you when it is truly your time, Yaten... And they will welcome Kurama with open arms also. I had this distinct feeling when I talked to them... They wished you happiness..."

The van arrived at Sarayashiki College and Yaten got out. Smiling, he waved back to Taiki and Usagi and headed for the college. In the crowd, he tried to look for a tousled mane of red hair blowing in the wind. He couldn't find him but he saw Keiko, Yuusuke and Kuwabara. He also saw the guys who tried to beat him up, but they were giving him a wide berth.

"Hi! Guys!" said Yaten. He was greeted by Keiko and Kuwabara.

"Hi! Yaten! Great day to be alive... Isn't it?" Yuusuke replied winking. Yaten was surprised. They remembered.

"You sure can say that..." Yaten replied. He, Yuusuke and Kuwabara started to laugh. Keiko looked at them with a huge sweatdrop wondering what was so funny. Yuusuke put his hand on Yaten's shoulder and whispered.

"Glad you're back among the living... You're a good scrapper! Maybe if we need help..."

Yaten smiled coyly. "You can always count on that senshi..."

The three boys laughed again and headed for the College. Keiko followed and shrugged... Must be a guy thing, she thought.

In a tree, near the school, a lone dark figure watched them. He had a slight smile on his face.

"Irrasshai mase, Yaten-kun! I wish both Kurama and you happiness... wish me the same luck you two have..." whispered Hiei in a blur. He disappeared.

Taiki was surprised when he got to the college both Miaka and Yui went to. They had no recollection of what happened. The incident with the book, the demon rain, nothing. Thank the stars for small favors, he thought. Then he remembered what date it was. Tonight was the seminar he wanted to attend with Ami. He let out a sigh.

"Taiki-san?..." asked Miaka. "Are you okay?"

"Aaahhh... yes" blushed Taiki. "I was just thinking... Would you mind if I went to a seminar tonight?"

"I wouldn't mind, if you brought us with you..." Miaka said, starry eyed.

Drat! thought Taiki this isn't going at all like I wanted... unless... "Of course, I didn't know you liked Astro-physics..."

"Astro..." repeated Yui.
"Physics..." added Miaka. Both girls made a face.

"Oh! Yes!" added Taiki. "And it's a seminar with the one of the greatest minds in astro-physics. Oh! You'll love it... It will be very EDUCATIONAL..." he stressed out the word and saw them cringe.

"AH-AH! You know..." started Yui. "I have some rather important things to take care of..." yeah... like washing my hair might be more exciting. She thought for herself.

"You know what? Me too!" added Miaka. Taiki feigned disappointment.

"Ah... Darn... Well I'll just call a friend of mine then..." he said. Both girls nodded, telling him how sorry they were to miss that. Taiki smiled inwardly and went to call Ami, who was glad Taiki was able to make it on their date.

Yaten sighed. It was dinnertime and still no sign of Kurama. He was beginning to wonder if Kurama still remembered him, when he heard a familiar voice.

"I am not pushing myself too much..." Yaten was so sure this was Kurama's voice, coming from behind the wall. No one was around to see him so in a leap he cleared the wall. He saw someone seemingly waiting for somebody else. That person wore sweats with a hood. But it couldn't fool Yaten, that was Kurama's voice.

"Kurama!" Yaten said as he hugged 'Kurama' from behind. He heard a yelp and suddenly he felt something was amiss. Kurama had breasts. Wait a minute! He thought, this isn't Kurama. As if in slow motion Yaten looked up as the person slowly turned her head around. It was Haruka.(*)

'I'm dead!' thought Yaten, wide-eyed, as the outer senshi turned around with an annoyed look in her eyes. Yaten closed his eyes and cringed waiting for the monumental punishment he feared. He waited a few moments... nothing happened. Carefully he opened one eye.

"Gee, Yaten-kun... I am happy to see you too, but not THAT happy!" said Haruka teasingly. Yaten looked at her, unsure what she meant. She sighed, but also growled a little to prove her point.

"Your hands... Move them or loose them..." Yaten then realized he was still holding on to her. Blushing beet red, he opened his arms, letting go of her immediately. He heard someone else.

"Mo!" said Michiru, then she started to giggle softly. "Looking for someone Yaten-kun?"

"Ah... Gomen... go-gomen nasai Haruka-san... I... I..." hiccuped Yaten.

"Yeah... yeah, now vamoose! Before I get mad..." said Haruka.

Yaten facevaulted, thanked her and did what he was told. He ran off returning to the relative safety of Sarayashiki's schoolyard. When he was no longer in hearing range, Haruka chuckled softly.

"I don't believe it... Young love... Excited and irrational!" she sneered.

"Oh?" replied Michiru. "And you never were like that... were you? My... what short memory!" Michiru chuckled as Haruka coughed.

Yaten came back to class and on his desk waited a small fox made of origami. Kawaii, he thought, who left that? He took it in his hand and realized that as soon as he took it, the folds unraveled. Yaten frowned at first thinking he had broken it, when he saw writing. It was a note.

Yaten,

Come meet me at Meio Park after school. Wait for me near the big shrub near the fountain. Sorry I couldn't make it to see you earlier.

K.

Yaten read and reread the note, K. It must be Kurama, he thought. Oh please, let it be him and not Keiko. He sighed. All he had to do was to wait for the class to end. This was the longest afternoon of his life. Time passed so slowly he was wondering if Setsuna wasn't torturing him on purpose.

That's when he heard a chuckle. He turned his head around. It came from the bush. Curious, he stepped closer to the bush trying to see if someone was hidden in there somewhere. The chuckled transformed itself into laughter as Yaten, gasping, saw the branches move, open a pathway and grab him and catapult him forward in one fluid motion.

Yaten was caught by a pair of strong arms. His head rested on a chest, wearing a very familiar uniform. Yaten looked up to a pair of emerald eyes and tousled red mane, he smiled.

"Kurama..."

"Gomen, I didn't want to scare you but I had to move while no one was looking..." replied Kurama. His arms enlacing Yaten. Reassured, Yaten let his head rest on Kurama's shoulder. The taller boy kissed his head and buried his nose in the soft silver hair.

"I missed you..." Kurama said. "I thought about you all day... I could only leave you a small message today, I'm sorry... Itoshii hoshi... my darling star..."

Yaten shivered and hugged Kurama even closer. He felt safe and secure in his arms. Nothing could touch or reach them. He felt comfortable in his embrace. He hadn't felt so safe for a long time and he loved that feeling. Yaten lifted his head and looked into Kurama's eyes. They stayed like that locked in each other's gaze, unwavering. Then they broke the silence at the same time.

"I love you..." They both said it at the same time. They smiled and inched closer together. They closed their eyes and brushed their lips together, not really a kiss but after that initial contact their lips locked into a kiss. Yaten shuddered. He realized he had been awaiting for that kiss all day and here it was. It was wonderful.

They stood like that kissing for a long time. Yaten knew the others would be at a meeting at Rei's but he didn't care. This is where he wanted to be. Suddenly, he remembered something. He was still a guy. He opened his eyes. He saw Kurama kissing him back. Yaten closed back his eyes. If he doesn't mind, he thought, then why should I? I love him; he loves me. But he smiled through the kiss and his form shifted to his female form. Kurama was a little startled by the change but he continued to kiss Yaten. After a while, they both sat down. She didn't leave his side. They held on to each other.

"Why have you shaped this bush like that?" she finally asked.

He smiled. "So I could kiss little silvered hair boys without everybody seeing and..." he said running his fingers through her hair. "... beautiful silver hair senshi..."

She blushed against her will. "Really? mmm... Maybe I should keep an eye on you if you ever see another person with silver hair?"

"Oh?" He said mischievously "You mean... someone like him?" Yaten was a little startled as Kurama transformed into his Youko form. He now had silver hair like she did. He had soft fox ears, which Yaten couldn't resist touching and a silver tail. She chuckled a bit when she saw it. She looked into his now almond colored eyes. She knew it was still Kurama, actually she now knew it was his true form.

"You're beautiful..." she whispered, blushing, realizing she just said that out loud. "You're both beautiful..." she stuttered. He laughed, a crystal clear laugh, his voice now so warm.

"Now... You know how I feel..." he said then he kissed her. She blushed. It really felt like she was kissing someone else at first, but strangely it was still him.

"I have one last surprise..." he told her. He shifted yet again. She swore he was getting smaller. He was. When the transformation was finished there stood before her a small silver fox with almond eyes, grinning at her.

"Ku... Kurama?" she gasped. The fox nodded then she heard in her head

::Yes, it's me Yaten...::

"I heard that!" she said. The fox seemed surprised but happy.

:: We are able to communicate through our minds... oh Yaten::: the little fox snuggled next to her and she felt it. His love for her pouring from his mind. She cried softly, happy. She let her own mind open and she sent her own feelings back to him. After a while she thought about kissing him again and he shifted back to his original, green eyes, red hair form. They kissed and hugged each other tightly for a good part of the evening...

When Taiki arrived at the Temple, Rei was tapping her feet, angry.

"Finally!" she said. "Is Yaten with you?"

Taiki was taken aback. "N-no... He isn't here yet?"

"If you ask me... I don't think we'll see him or HER this evening..." Michiru said laughing softly as she put back her mirror into her purse. Minako and Makoto rushed her trying to get some more information from Michiru. But she declined, saying it wasn't proper to spy on a friend.

"What were you doing just then?" asked Makoto.

"Mo!" said Michiru. "I was just checking if Yaten was on his way. I stopped looking when..."

All the girls looked at her with interest. They wanted to know. Michiru smiled.

"You won't hear a thing from me..." she teased. The girls went "Aawwww..." Taiki, smiling, went to Ami and bent to kiss her.

"HOLD IT RIGHT THERE, TAIKI KOU!" said Rei. Both Taiki and Ami developed sweatdrops as they felt everyone's attention diverted to them.

"Kawaii..." said Makoto.

"Oh... please don't stop on our account..." added Minako. Taiki and Ami blushed.

"I think it's time we speak of Temple etiquette..." growled Rei.

"I agree!"

Rei turned around, unbelieving. "Grand-father..."

"Rei-chan, let me handle this..." he coughed and placed himself behind the seated Ami and Taiki. "Now, on Temple ground, it is regarded as shameful to kiss. After all etiquette demands that one restrain himself from too much public showing of affection..."

Rei looked at her grand-father unbelieving of what he said. But suddenly the old man's face cracked and he took back his jovial tendencies.

"Who cares about etiquette nowadays? Come on boy! Kiss the girl!" He put his thumb up. "You have my blessing!... She's quite a catch!"

Rei growled and started to run after her grand-father with her broom. He ran, while trying to avoid being conked on the head. While everyone laughed, Taiki gave Ami a quick kiss.

"Remember, Rei-chan. As your grand-father, I should be treated with respect!"

"Oh?" she replied growling. "Who cares about etiquette nowadays?"

At the end of the week, Seiya came back from Nerima, happy to be reunited with his family. He had brought a small souvenir to everyone. Usagi was very happy with the stuffed bunny she got. When it was Yaten's turn, Seiya had two gifts for him.

"You really shouldn't have..." Yaten said.

"I didn't..." smirked Seiya as he showed that one of the cards was addressed to Kurama. "Give this to him when you see him..." Yaten giggled and shifted into her girl form. she had a sly smile.

"Why don't you give it to him yourself?" she quickly got out of the temple and came back tugging a blushing Kurama with her.

"Gee... Yaten, maybe this isn't the best of times..." sweatdropped Kurama as he looked at the senshi who were smiling and giggling at the scene.

"No, I think it's perfect..." smiled Taiki. He extended his hand. Kurama took it and they shook hands. Yaten looked at Taiki surprised. She didn't expect this at all. Seiya stood next to him and gave him his gift.

"Please open this one now..." He said taking an envelope out of his jacket.

Kurama took the gift and after thanking Seiya and telling him giving him a gift was unnecessary, he opened the box. Both he and Yaten gasped when they saw it.

"Yaten, you better open yours, too," Yaten did and she smiled. She had the same gift Kurama had. It was a ring, a band with roses and leaves and in the center there was a diamond shaped star. It was beautiful.

"Seiya... I..." started Yaten. Kurama looked at it. The girls strained to see what it was.

"You have each a message written on the inside... " said Taiki. Yaten and Kurama looked and sure enough there was an engraving on the inside of the ring. Yaten looked at hers, it read:

"We wish you both much deserved happiness. Love Seiya and Taiki." Yaten looked at them and hugged them tightly, happy they accepted Kurama. Kurama read his own inscription.

"Welcome into our family. Make her happy! Seiya and Taiki." Kurama was overwhelmed. He didn't expect that at all, not this soon. They both put on the ring. Seiya hugged him and the girls asked Yaten to see the ring. They all looked at the ring, happy for Yaten, blushing and giggling.

"Welcome, brother..." said Seiya, as he let go of Kurama. Taiki also hugged him like a brother. Seiya then gave him the envelope. It was a priority one backstage pass for him. "Now you can come and see Yaten at practice, at concerts any time you want. You'll still need to get a recent picture but everyone will let you pass..."

"Thanks..." replied Kurama.

"And you can use it next week for our concert... We can expect to see you there?" said Seiya.

"Wouldn't miss it now... arigato giri no kyoodai (brother-in-law)" smiled back Kurama.

The senshi were all very happy for them, even Setsuna was excited by the event. Minako and Makoto then rushed Kurama.

"Can we ask you a question, Kurama?" asked Minako starry eyed.

"Yes?" replied Kurama. Yaten hugged him as though saying 'he's mine= girl...'.

"You wouldn't happen to have a younger brother, would you?" asked Makoto.

One week later, Kurama was standing back stage. All of the people who worked with the Three Lights were used to seeing him by now. They also knew that he and Yaten had something but they kept their mouth shut, out of respect for them. The women that worked with them were a little disappointed but Minako 'persuaded' them not to gossip about it.

In the crowd, Usagi, Mamoru, Makoto, Rei, Haruka, Michiru, Hotaru and Setsuna cheered them on as they exited after their fourth encore. Ami was also waiting for Taiki and they kissed when they got back together. Kurama gave his bouquet of red and yellow roses to Yaten, and hiding behind the bouquet they kissed. Seiya sighed.

"They want another encore?... I don't know what to sing anymore!"

"Me either..." replied Taiki. Yaten smiled.

"I do have one song left... if you guys can sing the chorus with me..." Yaten said, Seiya and Taiki smiled. They knew exactly what song he wanted to sing. Yaten gave Kurama a quick kiss and ran back to the stage. The crowd cheered when they saw the Three Lights back on stage.

"This will be our last song of the evening..." started Yaten as the crowd went silent. "I would like to dedicate this song to someone I love..." the crowd screamed when he said that many wondering who it was, many speculating. "and who gave me this bouquet of roses..." he paused again smelling them. He looked backstage to Kurama and winked.

"Our last song..." Yaten said, coming behind his keyboard. "... is 'At the beginning' it comes from the animated film Anastasia..." Yaten started to play the first notes on his keyboard as the lights dimmed softly. He began to sing.

"At The Beginning"		(Sung by Richard Marx & Donna Lewis)

We were strangers
Starting out on a journey
Never dreaming
What we'd have to go through
Now here we are
And I'm suddenly standing
At the beginning with you

No one told me
I was going to find you
Unexpected
What you did to my heart
When I lost hope
You were there to remind me
This is the start

(Chorus)
Life is a road 
And I want to keep going
Love is a river 
I wanna keep flowing
Life is the road 
Now and forever
Wonderful Journey

I'll be there 
When the world stops turning
I'll be there 
When the storm is through
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you
(End of Chorus)

 
We were strangers
On a crazy adventure
Never dreaming
How our dreams would come true
Now here we stand
Unafraid of the future
At the beginning with you

(Chorus)

I knew there was somebody somewhere
Like me alone in the dark
Now I know my dreams will live on
I've been waiting so long
Nothing's gonna tear us apart

(Chorus)

Life is a road and I wanna keep going
Love is a river I wanna keep going on
Starting out on a journey
Life is a road and I wanna keep going
Love is a river I wanna keep flowing
In the end I wanna be standing 
at the beginning with you

The lights dimmed softly on stage and the lights in the crowd lighted up again telling everyone the show was over. No one in the crowd saw Kurama go on stage and kiss Yaten... well, that is, only those who were on stage with them... and a group of Senshi gazing happily at them.

The end... but is there ever an end?

(*)For those of you who wondered about that The voice actress of Kurama is the same voice actress as Haruka/ Sailor Uranus. Gomen couldn't resist the joke ^^

Before leaving, I would like to thank everyone who helped me and encouraged me in my writing. I have to put down a list but rest assured in my heart you are all on the same level.

Victor Alvarado: For being a friend, and for proof-reading my fanfics

Cooan-chan: For helping me out and for doing that tribute to Seiya, the song was so perfect for Yaten and Kurama I couldn't resist and used it.

Cat-chan, Gini, Eolo, Kaori and everyone on the SAM (Seiya Appreciation Mailing List): For support, friendship and good conversation.

Ababu-chan: ^_^ My friend from Belgium, who help me discover a lot of facts on the Starlights and X-Japan and other cool J-pop group.

Yaten's sister: For being a friend, my cyber little sister ^_~ and for being hyper all the time... don't change girl.

Tiga: Hello bro' ^_~ thanks for being a friend and help me in another fanfic on Kurama and Yaten. For those cool role-playing sessions ^^

Commander Galos: For being so nice, thanks seems so small my friend but they are heartfelt.

Technuma_Saturn: Thank you for the kind words, the support and for being such a good fanfic writer.

To all the people who visit my page and have sent me such nice comments; Arigato to all ^_^

• Email author
• Back to the Seiya, Taiki, and Yaten's Excellent Adventure index page