Well, here I am! Writing a fanfic. This one has to do with Sailor Moon (no 
 crossovers). I'm using the American dub names, and other numerous original 
 and dubbed plot devices and items, and considering I haven't seen the whole 
 series, and probably never will, (I just found out the series [in America] 
 is cancelled) I hope I don't screw this up to much. Also I should note that 
 this is occurring just after the departure of the Doom Tree (or should I say 
 "Makaiju") For now I'll write, so enjoy. 
                            
=============================================================================                            
                            
                            Sailor Moon Infinity

   Serena heard the faint and distant chirping of her chicken alarm clock, 
yet she ignored it. 
   In her dream, it was the image of Darien that held her attention. He was
chopping wood at their cabin, the one she dreamt of often. She could barely 
remember the events of each dream, but the cabin was always there. She knew 
that for sure. It wasn't a fancy cottage, but it was enough to appear in her 
dreams repeatedly. At the edge of a clearing it stood, surrounded by a mass
of maples, elms, and oaks. Near one edge was a large oak stump with a worn 
look to it and a stack of logs next to it. Carved into the stump was the 
phrase, "Serena and Darien Forever." It was at this stump that Darien was 
chopping the logs.
   Darien was too busy working to notice Serena watching him work. He was  
wearing rugged pair of jeans, and a muscle shirt. With every chop he made,
Serena would sigh a litte. After a while, he rested the axe on the stump and 
raised his arm to wipe the sweat from his forehead. It was a hot day, and he 
had been working all day. As he was lowering his arm, he caught the 
reflection of Serena standing behind him in his watch. After a moment of 
thought, Darien suddenly whipped around and launched himself at her. She 
yelped in surprise as he impacted with her and the two rolled in the grass 
near the cabin's porch. They stopped right under a window on the side of the
cabin, and he lifted her up off of him. She could see deep into his eyes and 
she knew what would come next. 
   As he lowered her to his awaiting lips, Serena was thrown from his grasp
and she landed a few feet away. Hearing a noise on the roof, she looked up to 
see the cabin on fire. She quickly turned her attention to Darien.
"Darien! The cabin's on fi..." She stopped abruptly, as her eyes widened at 
the sight in front of her. 
   On the ground, where she had left him, was Darien. His eyes were opened 
wide, as if by shock, but there was no life in them. Darien wasn't moving. 
She looked down at his chest to see if he was breathing, and at that point, 
she knew he was dead. A single trickle of blood was flowing from the point 
where the object was impaling Darien's chest, but it wasn't the blood that 
concerned her.
   It was the object.
   Sticking out of Darien's chest was a single gray rose.
   With Tuxedo Mask's mask attached to it, dripping with blood.

   Serena bolted awake, launching the sleeping Luna across the room. Serena 
jumped out of her bed and ran to the bathroom. Luna stood up and rubbed her
forehead with her paw.
"What's that girl up to know?" she asked herself, listening to the bathroom
door to hear what Serena was up to. She pulled back sickened when she heard
Serena hacking. "Oh, I see," she added.

********

"Hey Amy, hold up a second." Luna said, running after Amy.
"What is it, Luna?"
"I just wanted you to know that Serena's been having some disturbing dreams
lately, and she's worried that an evil force is causing them. I want you to 
keep an eye on her, and try and calm her down a bit. Oh, and if you can, 
would you let the others know too?"
"Sure, Luna."

********

   Later that day at school, Serena was having lunch with Amy, who had 
actually put down her studying to listen to Serena. The room was full of many
conversations, as well as the sounds of people moving around. Amy and Serena
didn't notice, though. They were to involved in their own conversation.
"And you're sure it was blood? Couldn't it have been something else?" Amy 
said to Serena.
"Yes, I'm sure! The dream was so explicit, it felt like it was actually 
happening to me. I haven't told Darien. I think it's just too freaky!"
"Well, I'm sure it was nothing to worry about. You probably just ate some bad
Okinomiyaki." Amy told her friend, turning to the open book beside her lunch.
"Well, I guess so, but if I have another dream like that tonight, I'll have 
Raye do a reading on it." Serena added cautiously.

********

   Serena didn't have to wait until that night to have another dream. After 
lunch she fell asleep in class. 
   This time a new figure was chopping the wood. He seemed much stronger and 
older, and for a moment, she felt like she knew him. He was wearing the same
outfit Darien had been wearing, but it fit him better. He seemed to sense she 
was there and turned around. She saw his face, then. His dark blue eyes 
looked her over, while the corner of his mouth twitched into a smile. His 
light-teal hair was pulled back into a tail that ended at his shoulders. He 
wasn't quite as handsome as Darien, but he did look more attractive. Perhaps 
it was her dream state that assumed that, maybe it was just her.
"I see you've returned, my beautiful fiancee," he said to her.
   She didn't know why, but she was flattered. Here she didn't even know this 
man, and she felt a longing to be with him. She blushed and absently looked 
away, and caught a sight of the roof. It was singed black from the fire, and 
in some spots, the fire had eaten away whole sections of the roof. Serena 
gasped when she saw this, and ran to the side of the cabin. She was relieved 
when she didn't find a body, but as she turned to leave something red caught 
her eye. Serena slowly walked over to a red rose, lying just below the 
window. As she got closer, she realized that it was actually a gray rose, 
soaked in blood. She turned and ran toward the trees, but the man caught her 
in his arms. She strugled to be released, but he was too strong.
   Looking up at his face, Serena spoke.
"Who are you? Why won't you let me go?"
   The man leaned down and kissed Serena's lips. She didn't try to stop him. 
She shut her eyes, expecting more, but he just moved his mouth to her ear and
whispered to her.
"I'm Michael, your fiancee, and I'll see you soon... divided by 16, Serena?"
"Huh," Serena said opening her eyes, looking around,"Hey. This isn't the 
cabin."
   Snickers and giggles went around the room as Serena realized she was still 
in class. The teacher was standing over her.
"Well, Serena," Ms. Haruna stood over Serena with her arms folded. She was
tapping her foot impatiently,"What's the answer?"                                                                                    
"Um, well. Ah, it's..." Serena sputtered out,"The Republic of China?" She 
finally managed to say, as a new wave of laughing shot through the class.
"No, Serena, the answer is 148." Ms. Haruna said, annoyed, "This is math 
class, Serena, not World History." 
   The laughs continued all through the day, until the bell rang, and the 
class was dismissed.

********

   Later, at Raye's temple...
"The dream was different this time," Serena was saying to the group. "The 
cabin was still there, but Darien wasn't. There was this other guy, he said
his name was Michael. He said he knew me, and then he kissed me."
"What! Who was this guy," Darien asked. "What did he look like? Do you..."
   Serena stopped him. "Darien, I don't know. I can't remember anything about
him except his name and his eyes," Serena told him.
"I'm ready to begin," Raye said, as she entered the room in her white robe.

   They all sat behind Raye, who was sitting cross-legged in front of a 
raging fire. She had her palms together with the fingers clasped down, except
for her index fingers and her thumbs, which she extended in front of her.
"I call upon the powers of Mars! Show us who's behind Serena's wicked dreams!"
As she said this, the flame started to rise off of the ground. The flame rose 
in twisty, curvy lines, spinning around each other; until at last, a misty, 
ghostly image of a man floated above Raye. 
Serena gasped,"Thats him!"
"Sshhh!" Lita whispered. "Let her concentrate!"
   The image of the man turned and moved, as if he were really there. Raye 
closed her eyes and sensed a presence.
"I feel something old, almost ancient. It seems to be attached to Serena, 
more than Darien." she said, almost in a trance. A stick outside snapped, and
Raye shot out of her trance and turned her head in that direction. 
Lita got up and went to the door. As she slowly opened it, Luna and Artemis
walked in.
   Serena let out her breath as Raye went back to concentrating. 
"I think we'll need some outside help for this one. It feels like he has 
very strong powers," Raye said.
   Luna looked at Raye, "Outside help? Who?"
   A voice from behind them all spoke next. "Perhaps I could shed some light 
on your dark dilemma."
   Everyone whipped around to be confronted by Michael. Michael took a step
toward Serena, and Darien grabbed her and pulled her behind him. Luna and 
Artemis looked at each other and bolted out of the temple.
"If you don't mind," Michael began,"I'd appreciate it if you'd release my 
fiancee."
With that, Serena fainted.

********************************End Part One**********************************

   Serena awoke a few minutes later to see the Scouts and Tuxedo Mask 
attacking Michael. He just stood there, though, staring at Serena, who 
appeared to be in a daze.
"Mars Firebird... Strike!" screamed Mars.
"Jaded Water-Shield... Block!" Michael shouted, as the firebird hit a wall
of water and was extinguished.
"Wha.." Mars stuttered, confused. Micheal turned his attention to her and 
flashed her a wicked smile. From out of nowhere, Venus dropped behind Michael
and pointed at him.
"Venus Meteor... Shower!"
   Michael vanished and the meteor shower slammed Mars through the temple 
wall, knocking her unconcious. Michael appeared behind Venus and raised his 
arms.
"Jaded Lightning... Electrify!" He yelled, causing bright green lightning to 
shoot from his fingers and electrify Venus. She dropped to her knees, fell
forward, and layed motionless. Mercury and Jupiter both saw this and charged
Michael.
"Mercury Ice Bubbles... Freeze!"
"Jupiter Thunder... Dragon!"
   Both powers shot out toward Michael, who just stared at them, confused.
"Jaded Fire-Wall... Protect! Jaded Power Surge... Enervate!"
   A wall of flames surrounded Michael, while a green force ball hit the 
approaching powers and amplified them, causing Mercury and Jupiter to be 
engulfed in their uncontrolled powers and thrown through the temple walls. 
As the flame wall disipated, a red rose streaked by Michael's right cheek, 
and he caught it in his left hand. The rose paled and died in Michael's hand.
"Who would dare throw a cheap rose, that would wilt in my hand, as a weapon?"
   Michael asked, turning to the direction from where the rose came.
"I dare!" Tuxedo Mask said, holding up his next rose. "And I'd apreciate it
if you'd leave this temple before I have to remove you myself."
"Oh, so bold. May I ask who tempts me, while his life sits in my hands?"
"I am Tuxedo Mask, and you do not have my life anywhere in your possesion.
May I now ask who goes so far as to steal my love, Serena?"
"You dare mock me? I the almighty and ancient Michael of Nevatida? I who
have traveled many miles and many centuries to reclaim my fiancee Serena? You
fool! For that you shall pay!" Michael spoke, enraged. He reached into his 
jacket, pulled out a gray rose, and whipped it at Tuxedo Mask. The
rose traveled toward Tuxedo Mask at an incredible speed. He dove out of the 
way, and let his own rose fly, while the gray rose turned around behind him 
and pierced the back of his jacket. Michael saw the red rose approaching, and
disappeared.

********

   "I have to do something," Serena said, coming to her senses. "Moon Crystal 
Power!" As Serena began to transform, a hand shot out and grabbed the 
Empyrean Silver Crystal. "HEY! That's MY crystal!" Serena yelled as Michael 
slowly examined it, and compared it to his own, larger crystal.
"This is only part of your crystal! That's probably why you don't remember
me... Oh my! That's probably why they have your powers! Serena!" he said,
looking up at her."Why did you share your crystal with them?"
"What do you mean? That crystal's always been mine. My mother gave it to me!"
"You didn't do this? I see... don't worry, I'll get to the bottom of this," 
Michael said as he disappeared yet again, taking her crystal with him. Serena
ran to Darien, who was holding a gray rose in his hand and rubbing his head.
"What happened?"
"I thought he'd killed you?" Serena bent down and examined Darien's back.
"Hey, what's going on here?" Mina said, rising from the ground and watching
the temple walls reconstructing themselves.
   Raye stood up and rubbed her shoulders. "I think he's gone," Raye looked 
around. "Did we win?"
"I don't think so," Ami added, sitting up. "He took us out like we were paper
dolls. He seemed like he could counter our every attack."
"Yeah, but if that's the case, where'd he go?" Lita questioned the group. 
"He left. He took my crystal... I can't be Sailor Moon."
"WHAT!!" everyone exclaimed, turning to Serena who was on her knees, with 
tears streaming down her face. Luna and Artemis entered through the opened
door and stopped when they saw Serena.
"Serena, what's wrong?" 
"Michael stole my crystal. He's going to kill us all, and I can't even stop
him."
   Luna turned and nodded at Artemis, who nodded back at her, and left the 
room.
"I think it's time I told you girls what happened prior to your births in the
Moon Kingdom."

********

   Five years before Princess Serena was born, a meteor collided with the 
North Tower of the Moon Palace. Queen Serenity called her guards to bring her 
the meteor, in hopes that it would fulfil an ancient prophecy, and bless her 
with a child. Instead, the guards returned with six crystals. Blue, red, 
orange, green, black, and white. Serenity took the white crystal, and named 
it the Empyrean Silver Crystal. The others she gave out, as tokens of 
friendship, to the five Queens of the planets Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter,
and finally Earth. The Queen of Earth became pregnant soon after, and many 
years later, so did the rest of them. Each Queen became the proud parents of 
princesses Amy, Mina, Raye, and Lita, and Prince Darien of Earth, each 
respectively. By then, no one had remembered the other five crystals, for 
they were lost around the times their owners became pregnant. The only 
crystal that remained was the Empyrean Silver Crystal. 
   After the moon battle with Queen Beryl, and the deaths of the Scouts and 
Darien, the crystals reappeared, and were sent to Earth with their respective 
Scouts. Unfortunately, the crystals disappeared once again, when the Scouts 
were reborn. The Empyrean Silver Crystal was still the only remaining 
crystal. Unfortunately, it was split up and lost on Earth. It was finally 
recovered as Rainbow Crystals by the Sailor Scouts, and returned to the form 
of the Empyreum Silver Crystal. Now this Michael had shown with a crystal of 
immense power, and stolen it.

********

"That's nice, Luna, but what are we gonna do about it?" Serena asked. 
"You're going to use the other five crystals," Luna said as Artemis came back 
into the room, carrying a small chest, that appeared to be covered in dirt.
"But how," Raye began. "I thought you said the crystals all disappeared?"
"They did, for a while. After you girls defeated Queen Beryl, they 
reappeared, and when you got your memories back, the crystals remained," Luna 
said as she opened the box, revealing five brightly lit crystals. Blue, red,
green, orange, and black.
"Every time you girls become the Sailor Scouts, or you, Darien, become Tuxedo
Mask, these crystals glow brightly. We can only suspect that these are the 
sources of your powers, and that direct contact with them may amplify your 
powers."
"But what about me, Luna? Don't I get a new crystal with new power?"
"Actually, no. We believe your crystal was the Empyreum Silver Crystal, and
until you have it back, there is no Sailor Moon. Until then, a new leader 
will have to assume temporary command."
"I should do it!" Raye jumped up and said.
"No, Amy would be a better candidate. She's smarter." Lita said, recieving
an evil glare from Raye.
"Actually, Artemis and I have been planning for just such a case, and already
chosen a new leader."
"Huh? Who?" everyone, including Darien asked.
"Sailor Venus. You, Mina."
"ME? Why me? I don't deserve this, I don't know how to lead..."
"We chose you, Mina, because you are the only one all the Scouts fully get 
along with."
"Ah... I see."
   Artemis stepped forward and looked from the crystals to the Scouts. "I think
it's time you Scouts went into action and found Serena's crystal."
"RIGHT!!" replied all the Scouts, and Darien, as they each picked up their 
crystals, and held them out dramaticaly.
"Venus Crystal Power!"
"Mercury Crystal Power!"
"Mars Crystal Power!"
"Jupiter Crystal Power!"
"I am Tuxedo Mask!"
"We are... the Crystal Scout Team!"

********************************End Part Two**********************************

   Suspended in a subspace field, Michael traveled through the present and 
into the past. He stopped when he saw himself and his fiancee, Serena, 
leaving their planet, in search of a knew home. Their life forces each formed a ball
of energy, and then became crystals. The newly formed crystals then shot off 
into space. Back on the planet, a female figure, shrouded in fog, stepped 
into view, holding a crystal ball on a staff.
"That child shall not be allowed to keep my son."
   Michael didn't notice this, though, for he was currently following the two
crystals. At one point, a stellar fragment collided with one of the crystals,
knocking it off course. He decided to follow the one with the altered course
instead of the one that contained him. He knew this from experience that he
remained on course, because he arrived at his destination... without Serena.
   The second crystal rocketed through space, and finally hit the atmosphere
of the moon. The shock rocked the crystal, it broke into six fragments, and
they all crashed into the tower of a lone castle. Michael stood next to the 
crystals, still suspended in subspace, as a group of men entered the tower 
and took the crystals. 
"I see," Michael said, rubbing his chin. "She didn't share the crystal with
them, they were formed from the crystal. From those fragments. From her."

********

   Deep in the dark heart of the Negaverse, a collection of youmas carrying
large conainers of some strange liquid, were huddled around the body of a 
young woman. They periodically poured the contents of the containers onto the
body. At the touch of the deep red liquid, the body quivered. At one end of 
the chamber stood a man in a gray outfit, shrouded in a shadow. As the man 
stepped forward, he began to speak.
"Soon, the energy we have collected will revive Queen Beryl, and then she 
will help us to take over the universe! It was a good thing that the Doom 
Tree..."
   A lone female youma came running up to the man.
"Xenite! General Xenite! I have some bad news!"
"What is it, Tronimar?"
"It's about the Queens family!"
   Xenite put his arm over Tronimar's shoulder, and started to lead her over 
to a corner.
"Now, Tronimar, tell me everything."
   The two stepped into the shadows and spoke quietly for a while. After a 
moment, Xenite let out a yell. Movement began in the shadows, and Tronimar 
let out a blood curdling scream. The other youmas stopped for a moment, and 
then resumed their task, as the bloody stripped body of Tronimar was tossed 
out of the shadows and landed near the queen.
"Use her blood to collect more sap. We need to hurry." Xenite said as he
stepped from the shadows, wiping the blood off his hands onto the fabric that
was previously Tronimar's outfit.

********

"I think the first place we should look is the apartment where the Doom Tree
used to be."
"Why? It's abandoned."
"Exactly. Also, there's been some reports of strange noises coming from the
dead branches that were left behind."
"Okay, let's go."
   The crystal Scouts all leapt from the temple, as Serena and the cats 
watched from below. 
"I hope they can find your crystal, Serena."
"Me too, Luna. Me too."

********

   Arriving at the apartment, the Scouts saw what was causing all the reports to 
be made. A procession of youma's were coming out of nowhere, and using the
containers they were carying, they were collecting the sap from the tree 
branches.
"What are they going to do with that stuff?"
"I don't know, but it's a safe bet they aren't making honey."
"Let's put a stop to it."
"RIGHT!!"
   All the youma's dropped their containers, as the Scouts jumped onto the 
scene. 
"Mars Fire... Ignite!"
   A blast of fire shot from Mars' fingers, and ignited the branches. Two of
the youma's were caught in the fire and perished.
"You think that will stop us?"
"Of course. Now prepare to die! Venus Crescent Beam... Smash!"
   The youma's scattered as the beam hit the one who had been talking to 
Mina. A couple of them ran into Jupiter's thunder, and were killed. The 
remaining four were engulfed in Mercury's bubble-fog, and vowing revenge, 
vanished.
"That wasn't so hard. I wonder what they wanted with the sap?"
"Who knows. At least they can't get any more."
"I think we should split up and try to find the crystal now. We can cover a
lot more ground if we're not all together."
"Okay."

********

   Michael traveled back to the present and went to lake Okinawa, the one 
Serena had been to with her family earlier that year. He traveled through 
woods surrounding the lake, until he came upon a clearing. At one edge of the 
clearing was a stump with an axe, and at the other was the cabin from 
Serena's dream. 
   Michael walked in and went to the first bedroom. Inside was an iron 
pedestal, a desk, and a laptop computer, sitting on the desk. Michael stepped 
into the room and placed his crystal on the pedestal. The crystal took on an 
eerie glow and began to hum.
"Ah, the Impyreal Jaded Crystal. Charge, I may need you soon." 
   He then proceeded to sit at the desk and load up his computer.
             |WELCOME TO WINDOWS 2000, MICHAEL.|
   |WOULD YOU LIKE TO PROCEED WHERE YOU LEFT OFF? (y\n)|
   Michael sat for a moment thinking of Serena. He glanced at his screen and 
typed in "yes". A screen popped up showing a starfield backgroung with a red
and green line coming up from the bottom. around the middle, the red line  
stopped. The rest of the screen was covered in geometric ratios and algebraic
formulas. Michael typed feverishly, and the red line continued, only in an
alternate direction. After a half an hour, Michael had plotted the entire 
course Serena had taken from Nevatida, as well as every object in space that
altered her course. Michael sat back and examined his screen. Finding nothing
new, he opened the top drawer, and removed a couple of local newspapers. 
The headlines read:
      Strange Explosion in North Pole Ends Unusual Weather.

      Sailor Scouts Not Seen Since Dark Friday.

      Energy Thieves Hit Kindergarten Bus.
      
      Apartment Building Destroyed by Mysterious Plants.

   Michael glanced through the articles, looking for any new information. 
Twelve minutes later, Michael shot up, grabbed his crystal, and ran out of 
the cabin. 
"Jaded Travel Field... Envelope!"
   The same subspace field Michael had travelled in earlier enveloped him and 
lifted him into the air. Michael slowly faded out, followed by the field.

********

   Leaping around downtown Tokyo, Sailor Jupiter was busy searching for
Michael unsuccessfully, in hopes that he still had the crystal. Three blocks 
away, Sailor Mars was having no luck as well. Meanwhile, Sailor Venus was
searching the school, and Sailor Mercury was searching the woods around Lake
Okinawa. Mercury came upon the cabin, and remembering it from Serena's 
description, pulled out her communicator, and contacted the others.
"Yes, it's the same cabin, Serena. I'm in the woods surrounding Lake Okinawa,
about one mile north of the springs you stayed at. I'm not sure if Michael's
here, but my scan proved he was here just a few minutes ago. I'll wait here 
for you. Mercury out."

********

   Michael travelled through time yet again, only this time he went forward.
He saw the Scouts waiting for him, and how to get his Serena back. He 
travelled further, and a tear came to his eye. He didn't want to admit it, 
but he knew it was true. 
   He saw his own death...
... and his mother was holding the murder weapon.

********

   In the chamber of shadows, Xenite stood alone over Queen Beryl. Slowly, 
she opened her eyes, and looked up at him.
"Who are you?"
"I am Xenite," he said, bowing. "I am sworn to serve you, as my brother 
Nephlyte did, before his untimely demise."
   Queen Beryl sat up.
"You're Nephlyte's brother? The fifth general I've heard so much about? The
one who can resurect the dead?"
"Yes, my queen. I have used the remaining sap from the Doom Tree to resurect
you. I also had to sacrifice many of your weaker youmas to collect the sap."
Xenite added as he looked away for a moment.
"My queen, I have some good news and some bad news."
"What is it, Xenite?"
"First, there are two energy sources that could revive all of your forces, 
including my brother, and Queen Metallia."
"That's excellent! Now what's the bad news?"
"One is the combined crystals of the Sailor Scouts," Xenite said, lowering 
his head," and the other is your son."
   Queen Beryl turned and looked at Xenite.
"Michael?"
   Xenite nodded.

********************************End Part Three********************************

   Michael returned to the present, one mile above the cabin. He slowly 
descended to the ground, and walked into the cabin. Sailor Venus jumped out
from behind the door, and was stopped by Michael's hand.
"Hello, Mina. Glad you could make it." he said sarcastically."Oh, and the 
rest of you can come out now. I know where you are."
"What? How did you...?"
Serena said as she stepped into the room.
"I saw you. Serena, I know why they have your powers."
"Mercury Ice Bubbles... Freeze!"
   Michael stepped to the side, as the ice bubbles flew by and froze the 
front door.
"Nice try, but you see, I've seen this all before." Michael then turned to 
Mars, who was raising her fingers."I wouldn't waste my time if I were you,"
   Mars stopped and stared at Michael confused.
"Now, Serena. As I was saying, they have your powers, because they're 
supposed to be a part of you. Your crystal," Michael ducked under the Thunder 
Dragon to his rear," shattered into six pieces when it entered the moon's,"
Michael jumped over the Meteor Shower to his side, and landed in front of  
Serena," atmosphere. You were split into six people, that were meant to be 
one." Michael reached his hand out and caught the rose aimed at his head.
"For you, my sweet." He said as he gave the rose to Serena. She looked at it
and blushed. "I know how to reunite you with your former life." He said as he
bent down to whisper in her ear. "You have to kill them." Michael stood up
and held out his fist, which the enraged Darien ran into. Darien slumped to
the ground. Michael turned to look at the small drops of blood dripping
from the unconcious Darien's nose, and then back at Serena, who had her head 
lowered as tears ran down her cheeks. Michael reached inside his pocket, and
withdrew the Empyreum Silver Crystal. He looked it over, and the handed it to 
Serena.
"You have a choice." he began."You can kill me, and live a normal life with
him," Michael said, motioning to Darien." or you can kill them, and live an
adventure with me."
"Serena!"
"No! Don't do it Serena!"
"He's lying, Serena! You have to kill him!"
   Serena looked at the Scouts and Darien. "My friends." she thought. Then 
she looked into Michael's eyes. "My future." she said.
"Moon Crystal Power!" Serena transformed into Sailor Moon, and looked down at
Darien. She wiped the blood from his upper lip, and kissed his forehead. She
then whispered into his ear. "Please forgive my, my love."
   Sailor Moon stood up and pulled out her sceptre. She looked at her friends
who had a mix between horror and disappointment on their faces. A tear ran 
down Venus's cheek, as Mercury dropped to her knees, and wept into her palms.
Jupiter and Mars, both looked away with resentment, and tryed to conceal 
their tears. Sailor Moon saw this and shed a tear. "I'm sorry." she said to 
them. They just ignored her. Sailor Moon raised her sceptre high above her 
head, and shut her eyes. "Crystal Sceptre Healing... Activation!" she 
screamed, as five beams of light shot from the sceptre, and hit each of the 
Scouts and Darien. At the touch of the light, the Scout and Darien all 
stopped breathing, and fell to the floor. The light tore a whole into each of 
the five people it was in contact with. The light drained all the life from
their bodies, and stored it in the Silver Crystal. All at once, the dead 
bodies decomposed, and crumbled to dust. All that remained of the Scouts were 
five crystals, lying in five piles of ash. As Sailor Moon opened her eyes, 
the crystals began to levitate four feet above the ashes. Michael looked at 
her. 
"Now you have to join their crystals with yours."
   Sailor Moon changed back into Serena, and walked over to the first 
crystal, blue. As she touched her crystal to it, a strange sensation traveled 
through every part of her body. She felt the presence of Amy, her knowledge 
and calmness, as well as the powers of Mercury. Serena felt the emotion of 
forgiveness, and she felt better. The next crystal was red. With the touch of
her crystal, Serena was filled with Raye's skill and wit, as well as Mars's
powers. The third crystal was green, and filled Serena with Lita's romance,
strength, and cooking, and also Jupiter's powers. The fourth crystal was 
orange, and Serena gained Mina's beauty, finesse, and self control, including
Venus's powers. The final crystal was black, and full of Darien's wisdom, 
love, and compassion, and also Tuxedo Mask's strength and powers. Serena 
absorbed these crystals, and her whole being changed. Not only on the inside,
but on the outside as well. Serena's face was more stunning and attractive,
her hair (still tied in meatballs) was shorter and a lot darker, and her 
figure was a whole lot curvier and defined. 
  [Writers note: imagine all of the Scouts best features, and put them 
  together.]
   Serena had felt a sadness at having lost her friends, but now, having 
absorbed them completely, she no longer thought of them as seperate. She 
bowed her head at the forgiveness she felt, and saw her chest.
"Aahh! What's going on?!? What happened to my body?!?" She yelled 
hysterically, running her hands down her hips, and feeling her butt.
"My chest and my butt! They're... better!"
"It's good to see you're back to normal, beautiful."
"Normal! This isn't normal! I look like..." Serena stopped as a realization
hit her. "I look like I used to, don't I?"
   Michael nodded.
"My love, we must go now. There are evil forces trying to destroy our love."
"I know. I remember your mother, but don't worry, that was millions of years 
ago. She's long dead now, and we can be together forever."
"No, Serena. She just died recently, and now she's been resurected."
"What do you mean, Michael, how did she die?"
"You killed her."
   Serena gasped, and covered her mouth with her right hand. "What do you 
mean? How could I have killed her?"
"She followed us from Nevatida, after killing off the planet. She appeared 
here earlier, during the Silver Millenium, and nearly succeeded in killing
you. Your mother then sealed her in..."
"Michael! Your not trying to tell me your mother's Queen Beryl, are you?"
"Yes. I am."
"Then I was right. We have nothing tho worry about. She's..."
"I know you killed her, but I've seen the future. She's alive, and going to 
kill me, if we don't leave here immediately."
"But..."
"There's no time! We must go..."
   A purple blast of energy shot between Michael and Serena, and the two 
looked up to see Xenite hovering fifteen feet above them.
"You're absolutely right, Michael. You just ran out of time! Although you're
wrong about one thing, Queen Beryl doesn't want to kill you, she wants to 
kill Serena. You see, you being here made her realize that Serena was the one
who stole you away from her. She knows that once she's dead, you'll 
willingly rule the universe as Prince Michael." 
"I will never rule with that witch! It's all because of her quarrel with
Serena's mother that we left Nevatida. She forced us to leave!"
"You see! She twists your will even now!"
"She does nothing of the sort!"
"Then leave her, and join us in the Negaverse."
"You still don't get it, do you? I will never leave Serena! I love her!"
"Uh! You're just like these foolish humans. You use love as a basis for 
reason. It isn't like that in the Negaverse. Hatered is the basis of reason!"
"Bull shit! Take this! Jaded Firestorm... Devestate!"
   A current of fire shot from Michael's fingers toward Xenite, who 
teleported to the other end of the cabin, leaving the fire to set the cabin 
ablaze. Xenite laughed and shot another burst of purple energy at Serena.
Michael dove at Serena, and pushed her out of the way as the energy slammed 
into his body. Michael arched and cried out in pain, and then vanished. 
Xenite turned to Serena.
"Your turn, little one," he said, letting loose another purple blast.
   Serena turned around just in time to see the energy hit. Her body crumpled 
under the force of the blast, and she began to scream. The scream was cut off 
when Serena disappeared. Xenite floated to the ground and walked out of the 
cabin. He turned and looked at the building going up in flames. Xenite waved 
his his hand at the cabin, and the fires went out.
"There's no fun in letting a nice cabin like that burn to ashes."
   Xenite turned and slowly faded as the cabin exploded in a mass of purple
energy bursts.

********************************End Part Four*********************************

   Michael awoke, in a dark cave, to the sound of footsteps. As his eyes
adjusted to the surroundings, Michael realized that the cave ended like a 
cell, and he was the captive. As the footsteps got closer, he noticed that 
Serena wasn't with him, and neither was the Jaded Crystal. The footsteps 
ended just outside his cell, and a noise could be heard as whoever was 
outside was unlocking the cell. Michael crouched low, waiting to attack. 

********

   Serena sat up as the footsteps passed her cell. She had been awake for
a while, though she couldn't tell how long. Earlier she had searched the 
cell, looking for a means to escape. To the rear of the cell was a hole, just 
big enough for someone of her size to fit through. The only things that 
stopped her from escaping, were the fear of what was on the other side of the
wall, and the footsteps that had started in her direction. She lay motionless
where she had originally woke up, until the footsteps passed her cell.
"What are they up to?" she thought to herself.

********

   The door swung wide, and the light momentarily blinded Michael. When he
could clearly see, Michael noticed two figures standing in the door. One was
Xenite, and the other was Nephlyte.
"Your mother wishes to see you," Xenite said.
   Michael launched himself at Xenite, but was blocked by a blast of purple 
energy. The blast threw Michael against the wall, and left a deep cut on his
left shoulder. He winced in pain, as he touched the wound.
"What? Nothing ever hurt me this bad... what's going on?"
"Ha ha ha. You see, Michael, Xenite severed the link between you and your 
crystal, so now you're only a weak mortal. How's it feel?" Nephlyte asked, 
with a note of sarcasm.
"Why you..." Michael swore as he jumped up and ran at Nephlyte.
"Not now, fool." Nephlyte said, sending many minute specks of light out of 
his hands at Michael. Michael swung at the lights, only to pass through them.
"Is that all you can do?"
"Au contraire... watch!" 
   Nephlyte clamped his hands into fists, and the light specks froze in the
air. A fine line shot from each speck, and connected to the others. In a 
matter of seconds, an impenetrable grid was surrounding Michael, who fought
vigorously to break free.
"You see, even the smallest of creatures can't escape my "Constellation Web",
so give up now, and we'll take you to your mother."
"Fine," Michael said as he slumped against one of the constellation walls.

********

   Serena made her way along the corridor, toward the source of light. About 
twenty minutes before, she had heard a fight in one of the cells neighboring 
hers. It sounded like Michael, but she also heard Nephlyte, so she figured 
she was imagining it. She had seen Nephlyte die only a year ago, and ruled 
out the possibility that he was still alive. 
   As Serena reached the light, she stopped in horror. The chamber in front
of her was enormous. To one end was a large group of youmas, with five 
thrones in front of them. Seated in three of the thrones were Jadeite, 
Zoicyte, anbd Malachite, but that wasn't the shock. At the other end of the
chamber was a larger throne encrusted with bones, in which Queen Beryl was
sitting... alive.

********

   Nephlyte followed his brother Xenite down the corridor, pulling Michael
behind him. His mind was racing, trying to put together what was going on.
Since his "resurection", Nephlyte, could hardly remember any of the details 
of his past. It was almost as if someone didn't want him to remember. None of
the others knew how he felt, not even his brother, and he had a feeling it 
was only happening to him. 

   As the group entered the chamber, Nephlyte and Xenite walked over to their
thrones and sat down. The Constellation Web slowly lost strength, and 
disappeared. Michael stood up and looked at his mother.
"Hello, Mother. How have you been?"
   Beryl stood up and walked over to Michael. She looked him in the eye, and 
slapped him across the face. "How dare you leave my home with that witch!
I thought it was all her fault, until Xenite showed me the way you defended
her. How could you love her?" 
"I just do. I can't explain it, but I love her. I've always felt she was the
one for me... "
"She's not the one for you! You don't know the whole story! She can't be 
yours!"
"Why? Why do you feel the need to control me?"
"Because I'm your mother! That's why!"
"Then why can't she be mine?"
   Beryl turned away, obviously hurting.
"She's your sister... "
   Michael dropped to his knees, while about twenty feet away, Serena again 
fainted.
"Wha.. what do you m.. mean? I know for a fact she's not your daughter..."
"That's correct, but a year after you were born, your father had an affair...
with Serena's mother. She was the product of that affair. Your father left 
then, and I never heard from him again. Before he left, though, he gave you
each a crystal."
"Th..the Impyreal Jaded Crystal, that's who gave it to me?"
"Yes. When I heard you were here, it all came back to me, and I needed one of
your crystals. I would have taken Serena's, but I couldn't find it when we 
captured you both. I did find yours, though, and had to use it." 
"You... !"
   Michael tried to attack his mother, but was thrown to the ground by 
Jadeite. Michael whipped out a rose, and threw it at Beryl. Before she could
deflect it, the rose tore across Beryl's neck, slicing her open. Blood poured
from her neck, and the color drained from her body. After a few seconds, 
Beryl dropped to the ground and died. Xenite stood up, angered, and pulled  
out the Jaded Crystal. Holding it above his head, Xenite sent a blast of 
purple energy into the crystal. The other generals sent energy into the 
crystal as well, causing it to emit a gray beam directly onto Queen Beryl's
body. The beam got stronger, and Beryl rose to her feet. The wound healed, 
leaving a long jaged scar across her neck.

********   

   Serena sat up, and rubbed her head. Looking around, she remembered where 
she was, and looked into the chamber. Jadeite was holding Michael up in a 
forceball, while the others took shots at him. Queen Beryl was sitting on her
throne, feeling the scar on her neck, apparently caught up in her own world. 
Serena pulled the tiara off her head, and concentrated on it. The tiara 
shook, and melted into the form of a crystal. Concentrating harder, a stone 
rose from the ground, and also formed a crystal. Serena took the fake crystal 
and put it in her pocket. The other she placed down her shirt. 
   Standing up, Serena stepped out into the chamber, and pulled out the fake
crystal, so everyone could see.
"Let him go, or I'll use the crystal."
"Ha! Your crystal isn't fully charged yet."
   Xenite broke off from the group, and flew at Serena. Serena just stood 
there. Waiting. 
   As soon as Xenite was a few feet away, she turned to her right, and threw
the crystal. Xenite saw this, and turned to the others.
"Get that crystal!"
   Jadeite dropped Michael and followed the rest towards the crystal. Serena
took advantage of this oppontunity, and ran to Michael, picked him up, and 
ran out of the chamber. Queen Beryl snapped out of her trance, just in time 
to see Serena turn the corner. She looked to where Michael was, and then to 
where her generals were fumbling for a rock. They had all gotten so worked 
up, that none of them had noticed the magic had wore off, and the crystal was
now an ordinary rock.
"You fools! She took Michael! Get her, and bring her to me. I have a plan for
her crystal."

********************************End Part Five*********************************

   The first thing Michael saw when he regained conciousness was Serena's 
backside. He tried to move, but Serena had a good grasp on him. Noticing the 
ground, he figured Serena was running. Michael shut his eyes and began to 
think. He had seen his mother resurected, before his own eyes. Xenite was
obviously the leader of the five generals, and Serena was his half-sister. He
couldnt take it. Michael shifted his weight, and Serena stopped.
"Oh, you're awake! I'm sorry I'm carrying you, you were unconcious."
"It's okay. Could you please put me down know?"
"Oops, sorry." Serena put Michael down. Michael then noticed the metal armor
over her shoulders.
"What's that?" Michael motioned to the armor.
"Oh, this? You were hurting my shoulders so I made it." Serena shut her eyes
and concentrated. The armor liquified, and rolled down Serena's arm, into her
hand, where it resumed the form of a crystal.
"Wow! You sure know more than I do. How'd you learn that?"
"Back on the moon, Queen Serenity... I mean my mom, taught me some of the 
things she knew about the crystal. I used some of what I knew against Que..."
   Serena stopped and looked down at her feet.
"I should say `mom', shouldn't I?"
"No," Michael said taking Serena's hands. "She isn't your mother."
"What? But she said... "
"She told me it all. My father had an affair with your mother, and you were 
born. We share a father, and he's the one who gave us these crystals."
   Serena looked at Michael.
"So we're still brother and sister?"
"Yes. Serena I know this is going to be hard for you, but I need you to do me 
a favor."
"Like what?"
"I need you to kill me."

********

   Queen Beryl sat in her throne and thought about her son. "He tried to...
NO! He DID kill me! My son is a traitor." Beryl frowned, and then a smile 
crept across her lips. "I can use his crystal, too. Then my plan will be 
twice as strong."
   Beryl stood up, and threw her arms into the air.
"With their crystals, I shal create my own Sailor Scouts! The NegaScouts will
rise, and the Negaverse will be triumphant! Ha ha ha ha ha!"

********

   Xenite ran through one of the corridors, looking for Serena and Michael. 
He stopped at the edge of a cliff overlooking an underground waterfall, and
pulled out the Jaded Crystal. It caught the light fom the waterfall, and cast
eerie shadows all around him.
"Beryl has no idea of the power this thing has. It would be safer to keep it
from her, but then she'd banish me to the Universe. I have to save some of 
its power for myself."
   Xenite shot a beam of his purple energy into the crystal, and widened it.
The pressure and force of the energy split the crystal in half, and each half
formed a crystal exactly identical to the original, except weaker in power.
"Now to hide this where no one will find it."
   Xenite jumped off the cliff toward the waterfall, and disappeared.

********

   As Nephlyte watched Xenite, he felt he should do something. Just a moment
ago, Xenite had appeared from nowhere, speaking about a strong power. He
hadn't noticed Nephlyte was there, and that was probably for the better. 
After a moment of searching, Xenite found a hole behind the waterfall, and
put his crystal into it. Xenite looked around, and then disappeared. Nephlyte
then went to the hole and pulled out the crystal. It looked like the original
but felt lighter. He held it up to the light to see it better, and a ray of 
light shot through it into Nephlytes eyes. It all came back to him then. The
energy stealing... the fights with Zoicyte... and Molly. A tear rolled down
his cheek as he thought of Molly. Nephlyte dropped his hand and the crystal 
fell into the waterfall. Nephlyte stood up and disappeared. It was time for 
Maxfield Stanton to return.

********

   "You want me to WHAT?"
"I want... no, I need you to kill me, before my mother does."
"But why? Can't we leave here?"
"No, it's too late. If you don't kill me know, my mother will kill me for my 
life force. I've seen it already."
   Serena began to cry. Michael had just recently entered her life, made her
kill her friends, and now he wanted to die.
"You want me to be alone, don't you? You made me kill my friends, and now you
want me to be totally alone!?"
   Michael reached into one of his pockets and removed a tiny dagger. It was
silver, and encrusted with eight colored gems. It looked ancient, but the 
gems shined brightly.
"If you pierce this dagger into your crystal with some of my blood on it, 
your friends will be returned to life. The best place to get the blood is 
from my heart, so you can kill my at the same time."
"But I can't...!"
"You must! If you ever want to defeat my mo... I mean Queen Beryl, you'll 
need the help of the Scouts."
"I thought I had their combined powers? If their powers together with mine
can't defeat Beryl, how can they work seperately?"
"It's true you have their power and strengths, but you don't have their love
and support. With them at your side, you will defeat Beryl."
   Serena lowered her head, and a tear fell from her face. 
"I'll do it."
   Serena threw herself at Michael, and wrapped her arms around him. There 
she sobbed into his shoulder. Michael decided to let her cry for a while. 
She cried for a long time, and then, pulling herself away, and wiping the
tears off her face, Serena stood up.
"Where do you want to do this?"
   Michael stood up with Serena, and reached into his pocket.
"We can do it right here." Michael pulled a purple gem from his pocket, and 
placed it in Serena's hand. "I want you to have this. I got it on a distant
planet, while I was searching for you. The moment I saw it, I knew it was for 
you. I'm not sure if it will do anything, but it may bring you good luck."
Then, guided by a magical force, Michael added,"It will light your 
darkest hour."
"Huh?" Serena said as she looked from the gem to Michael.
"It could actually be a good luck charm. You never know."
"Oh."
"I think we should do this now, before someone finds us."
"Okay..."
   Serena shut her eyes, and held the dagger. For a moment, she could feel 
the icy breeze of loneliness. "It's okay" she thought,"I'll soon use his 
blood to revive the Scouts, and then I'll never be lonely again." She 
hesitated for a moment, and then thrust the dagger outward.

********

   Xenite returned to Beryl, as she had commanded. Already there where 
Jadeite and Malachite. Xenite joined the other two at their positions in 
front of Beryl. Beryl looked at him disappointedly.
"You haven't found them yet?"
"No my queen, I haven't. They aren't in the Water Tunnels, though."
"Damn, just more bad news."
"More? What has occurred."
"Your traitorous brother, Nephlyte, has left the Negaverse. I can only assume
he somehow regained his old memories."
"But how? We made sure to erase them before he was reborn. He shouldn't have
even been able to remember them."
"I know. My guess is that the Jaded Crystal had something to do with it. Let
me have it."
   Xenite pulled out the Impyrial Jaded Crystal, and handed it to Queen 
Beryl. Beryl looked it over, and then looked at Xenite. He felt a wave of 
guilt flow over him.
"Xenite, this crystal is no boubt the Jaded Crystal, yet it seems different.
How can you account for this?"
"My queen, it took incredible amounts of energy to revive you, so naturally
the crystal is quite drained right now. It will be at full strength in a 
matter of hours. It may even be overcharged if we can use it to kill Michael, 
its owner."
"That's what I plan to do, as soon as someone finds him. Now if only that 
imputent Zoicyte would return, we could... "
"You called, Queen Beryl?"
   Everyone looked over at Zoicyte, who had just entered the chamber in a 
swirl of pink leaves. Zoicyte stepped further into the light, and it became
apparent that she was dragging something behind her. As the object came into
the light, everyone looked shocked. Zoicyte was dragging Michael behind 
her... and he was still alive.

********************************End Part Six**********************************

   Serena thought to herself, still with her eyes shut, and still with her
hands thrust forward. "Hmm... that didn't feel all that hard. It almost felt
too easy." 
   Serena opened her eyes, and jumped back. Exactly where Michael was once
standing, was a life size dummy of herself, with a note on it that read:
                      YOUR TOO LATE, SAILOR FAILURE!!
                      IF YOU WANT TO DIE WITH MICHAEL,
                      WE'RE IN THE CHAMBER OF SHADOWS.
                                     YOUR EXECUTIONER,
                                           ZOICYTE
   Serena fell to her knees.
"Now I can't even use his blood to revive the Scouts."
   Serena slowly got to her feet, and walked to the dummy. Pulling the dagger
from it, she turned and gave the dummy a swift kick. The dummy's head flew 
off, and smashed against the cave wall.
"Zoicyte's mine!"

********

   Michael opened his eyes, and saw his mother standing over him with the 
Impyreal Jaded Crystal. She chanted a few words, and the crystal took the 
shape of a long knife. As Michael began to feel weak, and lose conciousness,
Beryl forced the sword into his chest. He felt a quick spasm, and then went 
limp. The last thing Michael saw, was a faint image of himself, shrouded in a
subspace field, gasping at his own death.

********

   Queen Beryl pulled the knife out of her son, and it returned to its natural 
form. She looked at the body of her dead son, and choked down her tears. 
Beryl turned and left the room. She stepped into the Chamber of Shadows, 
and confronted her remaining four generals.
"The time has come, and the deed is done. Now, all that remains is to 
displace enough energy from each of us, charge the crystal, and destroy it."
"What?!" All of the generals asked, shocked.
"The original Sailor Scouts were created from the destruction of Serena's 
original crystal. If we were to destroy this crystal, with the same amount of
life energy, we can create our own dark Sailor Scouts."
"Our own dark Sailor Scouts?"
"Can it be done?"
   Queen Beryl looked at her generals. She wasn't quite sure how to answer 
their questions, but she did know that it wouldn't hurt to try.
"Enough of these questions. Now we must focus our strength and power to 
charge the crystal."
   The group formed a circle, and began to concentrate. Each emitted a beam
of pure energy into the crystal. The crystal began to grow in size and 
brightness. The room was lit with a spooky glow, which caused evil shadows to
dance upon the walls. Suddenly, a force-ball shot from the crystal, and 
everyone was thrown back. The chamber became completely dark, and the sound 
of something fragile shatering was heard in the center of the room.

********

   Serena was on her way toward the lights from the Chamber of Shadows, when
they went out, consuming her in darkness. Noises could be heard coming from 
the chamber, and the air became very damp. Senena stood in the corridor, 
waiting for something to happen, when a faint hum came from her pocket. She
reached in, and pulled out the dagger Michael had given her. It was vibrating
softly, and the gems were lit. Serena turned the dagger to look more closely
at it, and a faint beam shot toward the chamber. When she turned it a little 
more, the beam vanished.
"Oh, I get it. It's a homing beacon of some sort. I wonder what it leads to?"
   Serena followed the beam into the chamber, wher the beam twisted, and 
pointed out of the chamber, only into another room. As Serena made her way to 
the room, Malachite grabbed her leg, and tried to pull her down. Serena 
turned to him, and plunged the dagger into the top of his skull. Malachite
crumpled to the ground dead, and released his grip. Serena pulled the dagger
out of his skull, and continued on. Inside the room, the beam pointed 
downward, and Serena was shocked to find the dead body of Michael, lying at 
her feet. She reached down and shut his mouth, and then, remembering what
he had told her earlier, she stuck the dagger into his heart. Serena pulled 
out the dagger, and then got out her crystal. Praying that it would work, she
then pierced the crystal with the dagger. Cracks appeared on the crystal, as
light began to expand and fill the room. The light got brighter, until Serena
could barely stand it, and she exited the room, shutting the door behind her.

********

   Light slowly came back to the Chamber of Shadows, and everyone got to 
their feet. Zoicyte saw the dead Malachite, and ran to him. Xenite saw Serena
near one of the doors, and was going to attack, when Jadeite stopped him.
Jadeite had a complete look of bewilderment on his face as he starred into 
the center of the chamber. Xenite turned to see what he was looking at, and
took on the same look. Queen Beryl looked into the center of the chamber, and
a wicked smile crept across her face. 
   In the center of the chamber stood dark duplicates of the Sailor Scouts
and Prince Darien. Each looked exactly like her alternate Scout, except all 
of their colors were darker, and every spot on them that should have been 
white on the real Sailor Scouts was black instead. The duplicate Scouts stood 
in a large circle facing outward, with their eyes shut.
   Queen Beryl walked toward the duplicate Scouts, and looked them over.
"It worked! Now we have an unbeatable team! NegaScouts! Open your eyes, and
claim your mission!"
   With that, the NegaScouts opened their eyes, and turned to Queen Beryl. 
The duplicate of Sailor Moon spoke first.
"Yes, my queen. How may we be of service to you?"
"Your first mission is to destroy Sailor Moon, but do it slowly, so she'll 
suffer."
"Yes, my queen."
   As the NegaScouts began to move toward Serena, they all stopped, puzzled, 
and turned back to Queen Beryl.
"My queen, what are we named?"
   Beryl looked at them and thought for a moment. This whole time, Serena 
stood there, still trying to get over the fact that the NegaScouts looked 
just like her and the Sailor Scouts. Beryl came to a conclusion, and looked 
at the NegaScouts.
"I don't care what you call yourselves! Give yourself your own name if you 
want, just destroy Sailor Moon!" With that, she turned and left the chamber.
   The NegaScout looked at one and other, and then each took a stance.  
The duplicate Sailor Moon said,"I am Sailor Doom!"
"I am Sailor Vengeance!" said the duplicate Sailor Venus.
"I am Sailor Malice!" 
 "I am Sailor Rage!"
  "I am Sailor Jealousy!" said the duplicates of Sailors Mercury, Mars, and
Jupiter, respectively. 
"I am Prince Dark Heart!" said the duplicate Prince Darien. Then they all 
looked at Serena and began to talk altogether.
"...And we're the NegaScouts! We will wrong rights, cause destruction, and 
have our revenge upon all who cross our paths... and that means you."
   Serena gulped as they pointed at her, and began to charge. Serena covered
her head with her arms, and cringed at the attack. The door beside her burst,
and she thought it was over. Instead, the real Sailor Scouts and Tuxedo Mask
entered the chamber. Tuxedo Mask looked down at Serena, flashed her a warm 
smile, and then tossed her the Empyrean Silver Crystal. Serena caught it and 
shouted,"Moon Crystal Power!"
   Serena became Sailor Moon, and joined her team. 
"We are the Crystal Scout Team, and we will not have cheap forgeries of 
ourselves running around stealing our lines." Sailor Moon began. "On behalf 
of the Moon... We will punish you!"
   The battle was about to begin, when suddenly, Sailor Moon disappeared... 
   
********************************End Part Seven********************************

   Serena looked around her. She was in the woods, next to a large tree. She   
looked around the tree, as Molly was wrapping Nephlyte's arm. The two were 
talking about something, but Serena couldn't quite hear. Suddenly, Zoicyte
came in, and began attacking the happy couple. Serena gasped as Zoicyte left,
and Molly was comforting the dying Nephlyte. She was about to go help Molly,
when she noticed the Sailor Scouts where there. As Nephlyte died, Molly began
to wail, but the sound was faint in Serena's ears. She took a couple of steps
toward Molly, but Molly disappeared, as did the Sailor Scouts. Serena held
back a tear, remembering that night from long ago. A hand rested on her 
shoulder, and she turned around. Nephlyte stood there, holding a tissue for 
her. She grabbed it and jumped back.
"What do you want?"
"I brought you here to show you this. I had to prove to you that I was an 
ally, and not an enemy. Do you understand?"
"Yes, but why?"
   Nephlyte turned his head and looked at where Molly had cried.
"I want to help you. You're about to begin a battle that you will most likely
lose. I want to change that. I want you to win."
"But why?"
"I can't tell you that right now, but you can trust me."
"Okay, but if you go back on your word, I can keep her from you." Serena said
motioning to where Nephlyte was looking.
"Very well. We should go know." Nephlyte added as he bent down and picked up
a gauntlet that was lying at his feet.
"What's that for?"
"It's a present for my brother."
"Oh."
 
********

   Serena reappeared with Nephlyte, and Darien swung at him.
"No, Darien, he's here to help us."
"Huh...?"
"No time. I'll explain later. Okay everyone. Jupiter, take Doom. Mars, I 
want you on Malice. Mercury, take Rage. Venus, you'd be good against Jealousy. 
Tuxedo Mask, you take out Dark Heart and Xenite. Nephlyte, I want you on 
Jadeite. I'll take Vengeance and Zoicyte. Any questions?"
"Yes," Nephlyte said."Tuxedo Mask, you take on Jadeite. Xenite's mine!" 
   Everyone split up, according to the plan, and the battle began.   
   
********

   First, Sailor Moon took on Vengeance. She fumbled about for a bit, dodging 
blasts, but eventually got her footing. She saw her chance, and pulled out 
her sceptre.
"Moon Sceptre... Elimination!"
   The swirling crescent moons shot through the air, and sliced into 
Vengeance's legs. She howled in pain, and dropped to the ground. Serena 
smiled, and turned to the corridor Zoicyte had fled down.

********

   Next, Mars vs. Malice. Malice kept causing geysers to shoot up around 
Mars, but she was too quick for them. Mars finally found an opportunity, and 
attacked.
"Mars Firebird... Strike!"
   Malice saw this and countered.
"Malice Watercrane... Forward!"
   As the Firebird flew toward Malice, a Watercrane flew to counter it. The 
resulting antipode when they met caused an explosion that knocked them both 
back, and created may small fires, as well as many puddles of mud. Mars 
lifted herself up after hitting the ground, and smiled at her apparent 
victory, before she passed out.

********
   
   Then there was Sailor Mercury. She had already released a couple of 
volleys of Bubbles, and Rage was definitely confused.
"Mercury Ice Bubbles... Freeze!"
   The Ice Bubbles hit Rage like a sack of bricks, and threw her into the 
chamber wall as it froze her. Rage became enfuriated, and the ice melted. She
stood up, and pointed at Mercury. 
"Now you're going to pay for... !"
   Before Rage could finish, the section of wall she had hit collapsed on top
of her.

********

   Sailor Venus charged at Jealousy, who kept her stance. 
"Venus Meteor... Shower"
   Jealousy deflected the Meteor Shower with a dark lighning blast, and then
held out her hands.
"Jealousy Thundersword... Appear!"
   The Jealousy Thundersword, made of intense lighning, appeared in her hands,
and slashed Venus across the chest. Venus screamed out in pain, and let loose 
a barrage of Crescent Beams. Jealousy was knocked back 10-20 feet, bounced a 
couple times, and stopped, motionless.

********

   Meanwhile, the fight involving Tuxedo Mask, and Prince Dark Heart was 
going fast and furious. Dark Heart was brandishing a nasty looking sword that 
danced with energy. He took swipes at Darien, who kept parrying the blows 
with his wand.
"If I can just lure him into the mud, I might be able to get him to shock 
himself."
   At that, he leapt back and sliped in the mud. Seeing an opertunity, Prince 
Dark Heart dove at Darien, sword sparking. Darien rolled out of the mud just 
in time, and the sword rammed into the mud. Dark Heart shuddered for a second 
or two, then collapsed, smoking.

********
   Next was Sailor Jupiter. Doom had enveloped their section of chamber in a 
dark fog, but otherwise hadn't made a strike. Jupiter looked around aimlessly.
"Where'd she go? Well, I might at least take a guess...
Jupiter Thunder... Dragon!"
   A lucky strike. The dragon cut through the darkness, and Doom clutched 
her arm as the fog dissipated. Doom looked at Jupiter with hate filled eyes,
and pulled out her dark sceptre.
"Doom Sceptre... Stardust!"
   A barage of dark swirling stars shot from the sceptre and stuck into 
Jupiter like shurikens. Lita cried out, and removed some of the stars. She
then threw the stars at Doom.
"Jupiter Thunder... Crash!"
   Bright lightning joined with the stars, and they slammed into Doom. 
Doom fell to the ground unconcious, and Jupiter felt dizzy.
"Yes!" she said, just before she passed out.

********

   Sailor moon ran through the corridor after Zoicyte. Up ahead, Zoicyte was
on her way to the waterfall, with Malachite's body.
"There must be something in the water to revive you, Malachite. I can try 
some of the Doom Tree's remaining sap, if it will work. I won't let you die 
on me, the way I did to you."
   Zoicyte reached the bottom of the waterfall, and was about to lower 
Malachite into the water, when a sparkle caught her eye. She lowered him in, 
and looked at the sparkle. It was a crystal, almost identicle to the Jaded 
Crystal. Staring at hte crystal, Zoicyte almost fainted.
"M..my GOD! This is the Jaded Crystal! I can restore Malachite!"
   Zoicyte stood up and held out the crystal, and concentrated. It left her
hands, and floated over Malachites body. Streams of energy flowed from the 
water, into the crystal, and down into Malachite. His body took on a glow, 
and he raised slightly off the ground a couple of inches. Zoicyte saw this,
and concentrated harder. Malachite was on the verge of recovery, when a 
flying disk of some sort knocked the crystal back into the water. Malachite
dropped back into the water, as the disk returned to its owner. Zoicyte's
eyes lit with rage, as she turned and confronted Sailor Moon, who was holding
her tiara in her left hand.
"How dare you?! I could have revived him!"
"Nega-trash like you doesn't deserve to revive true love. You stole Michael
from me before I could grant his last wish! For that... I WILL PUNISH YOU!!"
   The two circled around each other, trying to psyche the other out. Zoicyte
lept to a low ledge, and let loose a "Zoy!" blast. Serena ducked, and whipped
out her sceptre. 
"Moon Sceptre... Elimination!"
   As the swirling crescent moons flew at Zoicyte, she backed into the wall,
and was trapped. Just as they were about to hit her, the barely alive body of
Malachite placed himself in front of Zoicyte. The crescent moons tore into 
Malachite's flesh, and he slowly incinerated, leaving only ashes to blow in
the wind. Zoicyte's face streaked with tears, and her face twisted evilly.
"This isn't over by a long shot." Zoicyte said, holding out her hand. The 
crystal rose from the water, and flew into Zoicyte's hand. "I will return to
finish you off."
   Before Serena could stop her, Zoicyte disappeared in a mass of swirling
leaves, that had changed from pink to black.

********************************End Part Eight********************************

"So! My little brother has decided to join the side of good. Well, don't 
think that because we're related, I won't kill you." Xenite said to the 
advancing Nephlyte. Nephlyte pulled out the gauntlet, and started to put it 
on. Xenite grabbed it from him and looked it over.
"What a nice toy you've got here, brother. Thank you."
   Nephlyte looked at Xenite as he put it on, and smiled.
"You're welcome, brother."
   Xenite looked at Nephlyte puzzled, as he felt a pain on his hand. Looking
at his hand, he heard a click come from the gauntlet. Xenite tried to pull it 
off, but it was locked onto his hand.
"What have you done!!"
"It wasn't me. You put it on." 
"Why you...!"
   Xenite held out his hands and shot a purple blast from his uncovered one.
Nephlyte clutched at his shoulder tightly as he was blasted to the ground, a 
black charred burn was easily visible beneath his hand. Blood spilled to the 
floor in large amounts and smeared over his hand as he vainly tried to hold 
the wound together. The wound had been cauterized along the edges, but it was 
cleanly visible inside. If the energy Xenite had just shot at him had been 
three inches lower it would have severed his arm clean off. 
"Now I'll watch you die!"
   As Xenite moved to Nephlyte, a clicking noise came from the gauntlet, and
Xenite let out sharp yell.
"Oh, did I forget to mention that that thing has a self-destruct mechanism? 
You've got about... ten seconds before it kills you."
   Xenite raised his arms above his head, and just as he was about to let 
loose devastating blast of energy, the destruct went off. The gauntlet smoked 
from the inside, and Nephlyte rolled out of the way just as the blast 
expanded from Xenites body. His last words were,"I'll be back!" 
   Seeing his brother about to fall on Sailor Jupiter, he dove, scooped up 
Lita, and slid out of the way just as the body came down. Before he landed, 
though, Nephlyte rolled over so he would hit first.

********

   Tuxedo Mask stood over the body of Dark Heart. Dark Heart was taking in 
raspy breaths, and Darien almost felt like ending his life now. But it wasn't
his way. Darien pulled the sword from Dark Heart, and looked looked it over.
It looked the same, except for the lack of energy dancing around it. Darien 
tried to make the energy appear, but it had probably shorted out in the 
puddle. From nowhere, Jadeite jumped at Darien. He was holding a sword almost
identicle to the one Darien was holding. The two swords clanged together, and
Darien's sword sparked back to life. "Alright! Now for some real action!" he
thought. 
   Jadeite and Darien moved about the chamber, stabbing and slashing. Every 
so often they'd come across a puddle, and the two would attempt to lure the 
other one in. Darien was too caught up in the fight to realize he was being
lead over to an enormous puddle. Jadeite worked his position so that Darien
wouldn't notice the danger he was in until it was too late. Darien continued
to dodge attack after attack, but was beginning to wonder why Jadeite was 
trying to stay to one side of the chamber. When Darien knocked Jadeite back a 
bit, he turned to see what was approaching. He saw the large puddle, and was
turning back, when the blunt end of Jadeite's sword connected with the back 
of his skull. Drops of blood flew, and Darien crumpled to the ground 
unconcious. Jadeite raised his sword above his head, and...

********

   Sailor Moon was working her way back to the chamber, when a bright light 
flashed before her. She focused on it, and realizing it was Michael, she ran 
toward him, passed right through him, and slammed into the wall. Michael 
turned to her, and smiled.
"It's useless to try. Believe me, I know. I've just been trying to stop the
battle in the Chamber of Shadows."
"Huh? What are you trying to say? Why can't I touch you? Why...?"
"Serena," Michael interupted. "I'm dead. Your fellings toward me are the only
reason you can see me."
"Y..you're d..d..dead?"
"Yes, Serena, but I've come to tell you that I think I may have found a way 
for me to live again."
"How!?"
"I'm going to enter Prince Dark Heart's body. I can use him to call off the 
attack on you and the Scouts. I'll also destroy this fortress. Queen Beryl 
will die here."
"That's great! But what about the NegaScouts? Will they do what you say?"
"Yes, they will, but unfortunately, once the Chamber of Shadows has been 
destroyed, I'll forget all of this. My entire past will be lost, and I don't
know if I'll ever remember. I will become Prince Dark Heart."
"I see. Is there a chance that you will remember?"
"I'm not sure. I have to go now. If I don't, it will be too late. Just 
promise me one thing, Serena."
"What's that?"
"Promise me you'll put your life over mine. I don't want you to die for me."
"I promise..."
   Michael leaned down and gave Serena a ghostly kiss on the cheek. Then he 
stood up, and disappeared.
"...brother." 

********

   Jadeite raised his sword above his head, and was thrown off balance by
Dark Heart, who had risen from the ground, moments ago. Jadeite turned his 
attention to Dark Heart, and charged. Dark Heart's sword flew to his awaiting
hand, and he turned dramatically and impaled Jadeite on the end of it. 
Jadeite looked up at him in horror, as a line of brood dribbled from his 
mouth. Dark Heart withdrew his sword, and Jadeite fell to the floor and died.

********

   Serena ran into the chamber, and saw the damage that had occured. Dark 
Heart, with the help of the remaining concious Scouts, had moved the 
NegaScouts to one area, and the unconscious Scouts to another. Mina saw Serena
enter, and ran to her.
"Sailor Moon! You're okay!"
   Dark Heart walked over to her, also, and smiled at her. Serena looked at 
him, and then smiled, too.
"It worked?"
"Yup. It didn't take me long to convince the Scouts, too."
"Okay. Well, what do we do now?"
"WE do nothing. You're taking them to safety," Michael motioned to the Scouts.
"and I'm taking them with me to destroy this place." he added pointing at the
NegaScouts.
"But... !"
"No! I made you promise me. If you truly believe in me, you'll let me do 
this. It's the only way."
"I'm going with you."
"No you're not. We have to do this alone."
"But... !"
"I already said NO! Now get your Scouts out of here!"
"Bu... !"
"GO!"
   Serena turned and walked toward the other Scouts. She helped Mina and Amy
pick up Raye and Lita, as Nephlyte picked up Darien. Serena turned to Dark 
Heart, and was going to attempt to change his mind, when Beryl appeared in 
the center of the chamber.
"I don't think you're going anywhere, Sailor Brats! Dark Heart, take care of
them, while I revive the NegaScouts."
   Prince Dark Heart hesitated, then, not wanting to blow his cover, moved
toward the Scouts with blinding speed. He struck the back of Mina's legs,
shattering her left leg, and dropping her to the floor. The weight from the 
unconcious Lita increased the pain, and Mina cried out. Amy set down Raye, 
and took a slash at Dark Heart. He dodged the attack and grabbed her by the 
neck. "I'm sorry." he whispered, as he threw her to the floor and stepped 
on her arm, breaking it. Serena felt betrayed, and pulled out her crystal.
"I thought you were on our side, but I guess I was wrong. No one hurts my 
friends like you just did!" As Serena was yelling, Dark Heart had stopped, 
while Beryl was forcing energy into the NegaScouts. Nephlyte was just 
standing there, still holding Darien. "Now I'm really mad! I thought I could
trust you! Now I know I have to kill you!" 
   Serena took on a dramatic pose and held her crystal in front of her. It
flew from her hands, and the Scouts' crystals joined it. They all flew in a
circle, as a staff materialized in Serena's hands. The crystals all flashed,
and when the light died down, the staff was lined with all six crystals, with
the Empyreum Silver Crystal at the top. Serena just stared at Dark Heart with 
hate filled eyes, not aware of the new weapon she had acquired. 
   Prince Dark Heart was shocked. A hint of fear entered his voice as he 
tried to explain. "Y..you don't understand! It's all h..her fault!" he said,
pointing at Beryl, who had stopped healing the NegaScouts when the staff 
appeared. "S..she's making me do it!"
   Serena turned to Beryl and pointed the staff at her. "How DARE you use 
people like pawns. If you want to take me out, face me alone!"
   Beryl stood up and took a step toward Serena. "You want to face me alone?
I accept your challenge, but I warn you, you won't survive this time."
   Beryl shot a blast from her hands, and knocked Serena on her back.
   Dark Heart grabbed Mina and Amy, while Nephlyte shifted Raye, and picked
up Lita. The two disappeared in a flash of green light, and after a few 
minutes they returned, picked up the NegaScouts, and left again.
   Serena picked herself up, and raised her staff. "You do know you're really
pissing me off, don't you?"
"Oh, you're really scaring me."
   Serena fumed, and aimed her staff.
"What are you going to do with that? Poke my eyes out?"
   Gritting her teeth, Serena shouted,"Moon Staff... Devastation!"
   Six streams of light, each a different color, shot from the staff, and
came together, swirling around Beryl. Then they closed in on each other, and 
caused an enormous explosion that shook the earth and the heavens. Once the 
smoke cleared, Beryl's body was left in a bloody heap on the floor.
   Serena dropped to the floor, exhausted, as rocks of various shapes and 
sizes fell from the ceiling and began crumbling the Chamber of Shadows. Dark 
Heart reappeared, and saw the dead Beryl. Then he focused on Serena, and ran 
to her. He picked her up, and disappeared, just as a large boulder landed 
where they just were. The chamber was pummeled until it was buried under a 
heap of stone.

********************************End Part Nine*********************************

   The elevator came to a halt, and the doors opened. Maxfield Stanton 
stepped out into the hall, followed by Molly Baker. The two walked down the
hall, and entered room 164. In the room, Serena, Amy, Mina, Lita, and Raye 
were all in seperate hospital beds, bickering back and forth. Darien was 
sitting by the window deep in thought, his head wrapped in bandages. When 
Serena saw Molly, she stopped talking and greeted her friend.
"Hi, Molly. How are you?"
"I'm fine, how are you?" she replied, noting the bandage on Serena's 
shoulder.
"I'm okay. I get out of here tomorrow. How are you and Nephl... I mean 
Maxfield doing?"
   Molly looked at Maxfield, who was talking to Darien. "We're fine. You know
he's decided to call himself Nephlyte Stanton? He also told me who you are, 
Serena. Did you know?"
"Yeah. He was by yesterday asking if it was okay to tell you. I figured it 
was time you knew."
"Oh. So, how's everyone else? Do you all get out tomorrow?"
"Not all of us. Mina and Amy have to stay here for a couple days. Mina has
surgery for her leg scheduled for tomorrow morning."
"That's too bad. Have you heard from Prince Dark Heart or the NegaScouts?"
"No. They seem to have disappeared after the fight. I don't know if we'll see
any of them again, now that Queen Beryl's dead. I also don't know what 
happened to Zoicyte. She still has that other crystal, and she may turn up 
at any time."
"Well, as long as you can heal up before then, it's okay. Oh, by the way, 
your mom asked me to bring this to you. She says it arrived at your house the
other day without any postage or return address. It just says Serena Tsukino.
Here." 
   Molly pulled a letter from her jacket, and handed it to Serena.
"I thought you said it said Serena Tsukino?"
"It does... " 
   Molly stopped when she saw the letter and read the front. Instead of 
Serena's name, it said Sailor Moon. 
"It didn't say that before."
"Hmm?"
   Serena got everyones attention and opened the letter.
   It read...

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
   Scouts, if you are reading this, I am no longer on the side of good. I'm
sorry I cannot stay on your side, but until I regain my memory, I have to do
this. I have gone to the ancient past, and written down your crystal powers.
Inside this letter you will find a list of these new powers and how to use 
them. I am sorry I had Serena kill you, but if I hadn't, you wouldn't have 
your new powers. My time is growing short, as I feel my memory fading. I can
not say when, but I do know that the NegaScouts and I will return to battle
again. It will take all of you to defeat us, including your new allies. You
will find out about them later in this letter. Now I must go. Please forgive
me for what I have done, as well as what I will do.
                                                    Prince Dark Heart,
                                                         Michael
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

   Also in the letter were eight smaller envelopes, addressed as follows:
    Sailor Moon / Serena Tsukino
    Sailor Mars / Raye Hino
    Sailor Venus / Mina Aino
    Sailor Jupiter / Lita Kino
    Sailor Mercury / Amy Mizuno
    Tuxedo Mask / Darien Chibba
    Starlight Knight / Nephlyte Stanton
    Sailor Earth / Molly Baker

    Serena read these off as she handed them to their owners, and nearly 
choked when she read the last two. "How can that be? I thought my original
crystal was the source of our powers. How can there be two more in our team?"
   As if on cue, a dagger materialized, and fell into Serena's lap. She 
looked it over, and realized it was the dagger she used to separate the 
Scouts. It was then that she noticed the two extra gems on it. All of the 
gems left the dagger and floated to their respective owners. The purple and
yellow ones flew to Nephlyte and Molly. The red, blue, green, orange, black,
and white ones melded with the red, blue, green, orange, black, and white
crystals, giving them a bright luster. The remaining two gems reshaped into
crystals, not as bright as the originals, but identical in size and shape.
Everyone grabbed their crystals, and sat, staring at Nephlyte and Molly. 
Molly opened her letter and read it aloud.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
   Molly, I know I don't know you, and you may not accept this, but you are
now Sailor Earth. Hopefully this won't be given to you until you've learned
the identities of the Scouts. First let me tell you how your powers came to
be. On my original planet, ancient beliefs stated that a person was made up
of eight powers. That was the signifigance of the eight geweled dagger. I 
don't know why, but when Serena's crystal originally shattered, it formed 
only six. Using the dagger to separate the Scouts, the crystal made eight 
powers. Having only six bodies to hold them, two were left over. I searched 
through Serena's memories, and found you to be her closest friend. I feel you 
will be the best to fill the shoes of Sailor Earth. I also have seen the bond 
between you and Nephlyte, and having seen his courage in battle, I have given 
him the power of the deceased Moonlight Knight, in the form of the Starlight 
Knight. None of you will be affected by these changes. I have listed your 
powers below...
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

   Molly stopped there, and looked at everyone else. "Well, I guess I'm part
of the team."
"Hey, don't forget about me."
   Everyone broke into many different conversations, and people outside in 
the hall couldn't help but stop when they heard the excited group in room 
164.

**********************************The End*************************************

   Well, that's it for Sailor Moon Infinity. If you're worried that I've 
started something that leaves off in nowhere, don't worry, Sailor Moon 
Infinityż is already in production. I'm looking forward to seeing where I 
take this. (Note: I didn't make Molly any other planet because this is going 
to tie in with the other seasons.) The NegaScouts will return, as well as 
Zoicyte, and maybe even Alan and Ann. I think I should also let you know that 
Michael is in fact, me. While I admit I don't have teal hair like he does, I 
don't talk as arrogant as he does, and I don't go traveling through time (at 
least not in this lifetime), the physical description is close to that of me. 
If you need more proof, my middle name is Michael. If you think that writing 
myself in is slightly arrogant: 1) I can do what I want with my stories, and 
2) Then I guess it is. I hope you enjoyed it. Look for more of my work soon. 
Oh, if you want to get mail to me, drop me a line at, 

                         Darien_Stanton@hotmail.com

You don't have to just talk 'bout Sailor Moon. I am into Ranma «, and almost 
all anime. I also collect Ani-Mayhem CCG. Well, it's late, and I've got to 
start something new, so watch for new stuff.
                                                      -Darien M. Stanton

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
                   
           ~When all else fails, remember the Jaded Crystal~

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