GWA43E

**START**

**The decisive battle.**

The two antagonists were building up energy in an unbelievable way. The moment of truth had arrived. The super warrior kept his gaze fixed and focused on his foe, eager to settle his score. He was now reflecting on a conversation he had with Goku, during a lull in his training with him. It seemed to have been an eternity ago....

-I will try to do things as you have taught me. - He thought, remembering. -

Roy was trying to catch his breath and his master went to where he was, to comment to him in a serious tone, which was unusual for him.

- In a very short time you will be ready to fulfil your destiny.

The alluded one gave him an astonished look and asked.

- You mean defeat that demon and save the Earth?

- Partly yes. - Goku admitted, then added with a hint of mystery. - But there's something else.

- What is it? - the boy wanted to know with obvious interest. -

- I don't know for sure, only Landar can tell you that. The only thing I can tell you is that you have great potential. You see, within you sleep memories that, now free from the dominion of evil and after your final training, may awaken at any moment. Surely the time will come when you need them.

- What do you mean? - Roy asked. -

-You are a Saiyajin...your true power has yet to emerge. - His mentor added. - "That's why those demons wanted to possess you. And that's why, among other things, I was tasked with training you.

The young man questioned him with his gaze, but his mentor switched back to his characteristic casualness to cheer him up in a jovial tone.

- Come on, we've got to keep going, you, lazybones!

And the boy had the impression that this sort of warning was about to be fulfilled. As he exercised with the others, he became aware of something. It was nothing concrete, but an undefined feeling of holding things inside him that had to come out, but not in a torrent, at least not yet. For the moment they did so slowly and in a controlled way, flowing one after the other. For example, when during a break in training Ail was playing his flute and he, wishing to accompany him, materialized another flute of very strange design and beauty, he also played it, discovering to his amazement that he could play melodies, each one more harmonious than the next. In the same way he fought with Nephrite with a sword for practice and he was so good at it that he even defeated his astonished companion who was a master of swordsmanship. But he had to resort to being provided with a sword and he, in a way, felt incomplete. Who was really Roy himself? Until then he thought he was just a mere body that had served as a vessel for a ruthless demon and, dead, had released his own human consciousness. Then a kind of alien, perhaps, with powers far beyond the ordinary. But what if it went beyond that, and this was not his real personality either, but another one that concealed an even deeper and unknown one? Now, about to begin the definitive battle against evil, he was sure he would find out?

-For better or for worse, I hope to get to know myself. - He said to himself. - Thank you, Son Goku Sama.

The demon snapped the boy out of his thoughts, pointed one of his paws at him and scolded him.

- I don't know how you managed to survive, but this time I'll make sure to finish you off for good! And I'm going to have a lot of fun doing it. - He laughed menacingly. - There's no pact now. Once I destroy you, I'll see to it that the Master's arrival in this miserable world is carpeted with corpses.

- Not this time. - Roy smiled in return with a determined and arrogant expression. - Things will be different now, I am stronger than you. - He asserted shamelessly. -

- We'll see about that now, you wretch! And this time I'm not going to be as nice as last time. - Nagashel mocked -

And to prove it, he launched himself at the Golden Warrior with tremendous speed, giving him a powerful punch that smashed him against some rocks, shattering them on impact and burying Roy under several tons of stones.

- Ha, ha, ha, ha! - Nagashel laughed, full of disdain and sentenced. - This time I won't do comedy, you won't last me five minutes, but I'll make you endure a little longer so that you suffer. I'm already enjoying the moment...

From afar, the warriors and the boy's companions witnessed the fight. Seeing this blow, Setsuna and Haruka were shocked.

- Oh no! He must have smashed him with that punch! - Pluto exclaimed in horror. -

- That was terrible! I've never seen anything like it. Not even Galaxia. - Uranus acknowledged, also stunned. - What kind of power do these beings possess?

-Don't worry," - Sapphire told them, seemingly unconcerned. - It's just a warm-up shot, surely Roy is just gauging the strength of his enemy.

- Well, what's it going to be like when they start fighting for real," - Makoto snorted, waving a hand. -

Usagi and Mamoru looked at each other with a certain amount of trepidation, however, they quickly relaxed their expression. Something shot out from among the tons of stones, it was Roy who was still glowing and without a scratch, just carelessly stroking his jaw.

- Was that your best shot, what a disappointment! -he said with an amused gesture. -

- What? - his enemy exclaimed. - You dare to mock me, you worm...?

-And just as I expected, this time the tables have turned. You have nothing to do. - His rival declared smiling maliciously to add not without glee, paraphrasing him - I'm going to return one by one all the blows you gave me...and I'm going to enjoy doing it very much...

- But what are you saying, you, naïve fool? - the skeptical demon scoffed, questioning in turn. - Do you think I've used all my strength?

And to underline his words, his red aura glowed even brighter, and he began to lift stones from the ground. These scattered in the air around him, he pointed his paws at Roy and fired a barrage of powerful energy bolts, opening a huge crater in the ground. Diamond, Nephrite, Ail and Sapphire hurriedly created a shield between them to protect themselves and the warriors. At that moment Nagashel launched a huge bolt of lightning that, upon hitting the ground, had the effects of a nuclear explosion. The shockwave swept away everything in its path.

- Silence Wall! - Saturn exclaimed, hastily summoning one of her defensive weapons. -

Luckily, the combined power of all of them held out.  Though they dropped to the ground just in case. The first to get up was Makoto who could see a completely desolate landscape. All that remained around her was a bare plain, all landforms for miles around had been obliterated.

- My God! - Sailor Jupiter exclaimed with her mouth open, - "there's nothing left standing...!

- If he's done this in just a few seconds, what can he do during the whole fight! I wouldn't want to be in Roy's shoes. - Minako whose face was pale added. -

- I don't know if he could have survived that. - Ail doubted, now truly worried. -

-Have confidence in him. You know him. - Usagi asked them with a flash of an assuring smile. - He'll get over it.

The group of Roy's four training partners looked in unison towards Sailor Moon's position. Finally, they nodded. However, they all held their breaths with horrified looks on their faces. Although, to their general relief, their friend emerged somewhat bruised but unharmed from the sand.

- You've stained my new uniform. - the super warrior told the demon, who was surprised to see him so in one piece. - Now you've really pissed me off. It's my turn! - he said angrily and mockingly. - You're going to find out.

This time it was Roy who disappeared at great speed, reappearing to punch his enemy in the belly. He finished off the attack with a kick to the head that sent him to the ground. Nagashel stood up furious and surprised as he had not seen him coming.

- You must have dodged it. - The demon mumbled, thinking about his previous attack - yes, that must be it, otherwise you would be reduced to particles by now! But this time I will crush you with my bare hands. So, you won't escape again.

- If you think I'm going to let you put your filthy hooves on me again you're done for! - the boy spat, beckoning the demon closer, with an insolent and contemptuous gesture on his face. - Come on, cow-face, come and get me!

Nagashel charged at his enemy, but the latter parried him in his onslaught, and the two came to blows, their speed such that others were unable to distinguish between them. Not even Roy's training partners had ever seen his power and strength rise so high. It was clear that, against them, he had not used his full potential. In any case, both opponents parted, panting from the exertion. Roy, however, seemed more whole, his long periods of training with Goku and in the Corner of Soul and Time had paid off, he was making much better use of the air and fatigue hardly affected him. The demon began to realize this and, blind with rage, materialized a large black steel sword curved into the shape of a scimitar. He attacked his opponent, who dodged the blows with skill. But Nagashel managed to corner him against a hill, triumphant, he was about to run through it when his prey disappeared.

- Where has he gone? - the incredulous demon howled, turning his great horned head in all directions.  -

- Here! - the alluded one responded, appearing behind it. - It's an instantaneous translation," – he said, shaking Nagashel with a two-handed blow to the back before he could turn around and slamming the demon into the hill, which crumbled under the force of the collision.

       This one, mad with fury, came out with his scimitar in front of him. Roy looked up at the sky in a trance-like attitude and without thinking raised an arm and shouted.

- Immemorial Sword, come to my call! - Instantly a beautiful long sword that gleamed like gold materialised in his hand, with it he parried the onslaught of his adversary. - Now fight if you dare!

Nagashel disappeared and so did Roy. They reappeared, fighting hundreds of meters away in a split second. Swords sparked and flared with gold and scarlet light, embracing each other as if they were also fighting each other. The noise they made as they clashed was like a blast that reverberated, deafening anyone nearby. The sailors and their fighter friends even had to cover their ears that threatened to pop.

- It's tremendous energy! - Ami was able to shout to try to be heard, as she consulted her visor. Holding on to the hurricane gusts that both adversaries were producing, she was stunned. - It's off the scale!

            The others could only nod as they tried to keep up with the battle, clinging to the ground and trying not to be deafened by the detonations...

-Let's try to hold on. - Diamond told them. - We must concentrate all our energies on creating a defensive screen.

They did so, for the forces unleashed were so tremendous that they could be felt in the city, miles away from the fighting. The sisters had felt the ground shake beneath them. They were almost healed from their wounds and about to sleep for a while, but the sudden earthquake dissuaded them from doing so. Fearing another attack by the demons, they hurried out to Tom's side. From that distance they saw the glow of a great atomic mushroom-shaped light and the rumbling of the explosion caused by Nagashel. Followed by that kind of ringing that reverberated as if two great metal bars were clashing. Everything was flooded with radiance, and huge bolts of gold and scarlet lightning flashed across the distant horizon. To them also came a gust of wind that, though tempered by the distance, was still capable of violently shaking their hair, kicking up papers and dust, howling like a typhoon.

- What was that? – Beruche shrieked, covering her eyes so as not to blind herself. -

- It looks like an atomic bomb," - Cooan shouted, also shouting to be heard. -

- It's energy! - Karaberasu added, declaring dumbfounded. - Two immense forces are fighting!

Bertie's heart skipped a beat. For an instant she felt as if... she sighed letting it go, at this point her imagination was playing tricks on her. She wished that the Sailors, whom she assumed were fighting against this terrible force, would be victorious.

- Come on, girls! We must find a safe place. Those discharges are so powerful that they could even affect us here. - Tom pointed them out. -

            They nodded in unison. Tom and the girls went down some alleyways, seeking cover from a possible shockwave while warning everyone they came across. They came to a narrow, deserted alley and took shelter there.

- Hopefully Usagi and the others can beat that monster! - Cooan sighed. -

-Yes, it must be that damned Nagashel who has returned. - Petz agreed. -

-At least this is deserted. No sign of demons or cultists, thank goodness! - Bertie said. -

             But they and the others were mistaken. They thought there was no one there until a guttural voice was heard behind them. From the shadows of an adjacent alleyway emerged two reddish eyes and then a black habit. The girls, horrified, recognized the Great Wiseman. And he was not alone, a ragged Fantoui escorted him, brandishing a long bloody knife.

- You are right! Nagashel has returned and will destroy this foul world. But you will not see it, I will kill you first! – The Wiseman threatened them in his hissing voice. -

But Tom stood in his way and Fantoui confronted him. The boy drew his katana. Both were eager to finish off their opponent and began a close fight. The girls wanted to help their friend, but they couldn't as the Wiseman attacked them with energy bolts that they barely dodged. The response was immediate, Tom got rid of his opponent for a few precious seconds and used them to cast a protective spell that acted as a shield, stopping the necromancer's attacks. Cooan then attacked with a volley of arrows of fire and Beruche with her needles of ice. The Great Wiseman repelled them by raising his ball and emitting energy from it.

- Now I get it! - Petz exclaimed. - All his powers come from that damn ball. I bet we didn't destroy it last time, that's why it's back.

- Yes, it's true! - Cooan agreed, remembering. - Usagi warned us about it, and we must have missed it.

- I'll deal with that in a moment. - Karaberasu shouted, lashing her whip into the Wiseman's arm, and unleashing a powerful blast of energy, causing him to drop the ball and fall to the ground. -

- Damn bitch! - the necromancer insulted her, adding with an unpleasant hiss. - Whatever you do, when that baby is born it will carry the seed of evil and destroy you all! - He prophesied hatefully. - You hear me! You will be the cause of the ruin of your family... ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!

The woman paled with fear, but managed to overcome it at once, and did not let go of her whip until the Wiseman had managed to get free not without an effort. The exhausted Justiciera fell to the ground and Petz helped her up and pushed her away. Bertie covered them in this retreat with a volley of crystals that her enemy dodged and Beruche meanwhile spat at him with contempt.

- That won't happen because we will rid him of evil just as we did all the others and ourselves. You have failed, Wiseman!

- And this time for good! You're going to pay us all together, for all the suffering you've caused us, here and in Nemesis! - Petz snapped, leaving her sister under cover, and leaning behind a corner to catch her breath. -

- Ha, ha, ha! - He laughed, sentencing with sadism. - Suffering? Poor naïve girls! It's not over yet. You will follow your mother's path. Why do you think she ended up going mad? My brother in the future showed her what your criminal acts would be and what your destiny would be... Annihilation! And your father was silenced when he came to realize what was happening. That damned meddling Opal! He met an end as miserable as his own existence.

That brought shock and horror to the girls' faces. What happened to their father? They had always believed that he had disappeared on a mission, probably destroyed, or captured by the terrestrials. And what could they have done to their mother to leave her like that? It was Petz, however, who was the most shocked of all. She was the one who had last seen her... so her words didn't make much sense to her...

         That memory came back to her mind. Before she left on her mission to the past on Earth. When, after getting permission to visit her, she finally arrived at her home. Some service droids opened the door. She passed through, asking in a hesitant tone.

- Mummy? It's Petzite... Are you here?

Then a rather gaunt figure with straight hair emerged from a room. To her horror the girl recognized her mother. She came almost staggering in, and when she saw the young woman she stopped dead in her tracks, pointing an accusing finger at her.

- You!... you are...

-I'm Petzite, Mum. - The girl responded, trying to smile despite that impression. -

- You're one of them! - the woman exclaimed. - Get away from me, you're not my daughter.

- Of course, I am, mother! - the frightened girl assured her. - It's me... I've come to see you.

But the crazed woman was shaking her head with a rictus of fear and almost despair, muttering in a disjointed way....

-All corrupted. The Black Moon! ...my daughters, my children... Where are they? What have you done with them? - she shrieked now. -

- But mamma! - Petzite could sob, really shocked by this terrible scene. - What are you talking about?

Although the woman seemed to react by looking at her then with a different expression, she was crying now and rushed to embrace the frightened girl.

-Petzite sweetheart... don't let them capture you too. Don't believe them...

- Capture me? who? what happened to you? where is daddy? - the girl who was totally overwhelmed by it all, wanted to know. -

- Dad? -Idina added in a helpless and tearful tone, radically changing the subject, and speaking as if she were just a child. - Grandmother...tell me more about the Earth....

The girl could not help crying at the sight of her poor mother's pitiful state. Try as she might, she could not bring her out of the reverie that possessed her. Finally, she left, mumbling through her sobs.

-Goodbye, mother... I love you.

And the cruel laughter of the Wiseman brought her out of her thoughts. Then, the furious girl spat out, preparing her attack...

- Bastard! I'll never forgive you! You'll pay for this!...

He, however, was still in his mockery, exclaiming with glee.

-Your mother spent her last days living in hiding, like vermin! She would crawl into a kind of cellar to avoid being discovered. She consoled herself by listening to her pathetic songs. She thought she would be able to beat my brother with that. Stupid bitch! But deep in her soul she knew it would end badly. In the end, she could not escape her fate. And neither can you.

- You wretched scoundrel! - Karaberasu was able to blurt out with a mixture of fury and desolation. - We will finish you in her name.

-She tried but she was unable to succeed. And you, you will follow. But it's not fair to give all the credit to my brother. - He added with amusement. - You are as responsible for her death as he is. You left her alone! She died calling out to you with no one to answer her.

Those words hit them more mercilessly than the blasts of energy the Wiseman was throwing and which they were again trying to stop with their combined powers. Their energies resisted, the bad thing was that they couldn't help but feel guilty and dismayed, because, even if this being was evil and despicable, he wasn't lying.

-We were being manipulated by you or that other thing, whoever it was. - Bertie denounced, standing up for herself and the others. - But we are free now. And you will not succeed in using our feelings against us again.

-I won't need to. Ha, ha, ha! - he mocked. - Your very conscience will haunt you. Your parents died without you lifting a finger to protect them. You even forgot them. Shame on you, daughters, ha, ha, ha, ha!

In fact, the girls felt bad listening to these imprecations. Despite trying to ignore those words, somehow that damned hooded man had managed to make them stick deep in their hearts. The evil spawn was a skilled manipulator. That momentarily weakened their resolve and their war. The Wiseman's energy gained the upper hand, and that's when Cooan reacted, haranguing them.

- Let's not waste time arguing with that monster and let's destroy his ball! If it remains intact, he will have all its power.

              The young woman was searching for it, which was still rolling on the ground, with her eyes, as she was about to aim her bow at it.  Then the Fire Lady saw her. She exclaimed.

- Get lost, damn you!

- Nooo!"- the Wiseman howled desperately trying to retrieve her, for he heard his enemies and knew that they now knew his secret. - Traitorous bitches!

Desperately trying to get hold of it, he launched a new bolt of lightning towards the girls who once again intercepted it with their energies. Both jets of power held each other in the air. Beruche and Petz, barely joined by Karaberasu, resisted this pulse, leaving Cooan free, who, in the meantime, managed to aim her bow at her target and fired a great arrow of fire. The ball, on a direct hit, exploded. At the same instant the power of the Great Wiseman was extinguished. Bertie, Karaberasu and Petz, now joined by Cooan, increased the intensity of their lightning with their remaining reserves and destroyed him. This time for good.

- Farewell forever, you bloody murderer! May you enjoy Hell! – A delighted Bertie exclaimed. -

-Yes, at last we have avenged our world and our parents. - Kalie added to the excited assent of her sisters. - Now they can rest in peace...

And it seemed that those words provoked something, at least, from among the crystals that had belonged to that ball, something began to rise.

- What is it? - Cooan exclaimed. -

-I don't know, but it's certainly not good. - Beruche replied. -

-We're not going to make the same mistake again! - Karaberasu said. -

               The others agreed, and again stood on guard, fearing that the evil one would somehow regenerate. They were ready to finish him off for good, though their fears were unfounded this time. Quite the opposite happened, a golden mist took shape. And to the astonishment and excitement of the girls, a figure of a woman who was very familiar and dear to them greeted them in a sweet and affectionate voice.

-My dear daughters, I hope you can see this!

- Mother! - Petz sobbed, unable to believe her eyes. -

          The figure smiled, giving the impression of answering her invocation. However, it soon cleared up as it condensed more clearly into the image of a woman with brown hair and violet tones, somewhat greying and with a face marked by some wrinkles, looking straight ahead with beautiful blue eyes that were watering.

-When the distant day comes when you can see this, I will be only a memory. A ghost, but not evil and cruel like this one you have defeated. If you see me, it is because you have been able to destroy him. I want you to know that I faced him, and I was not afraid. I stood up to him and I made him pay. I even managed to get this hologram of me into his evil ball without him suspecting it. I only felt sad that I would never see you again.

-Mum! - An emotional Bertie moaned in return. - We miss you so very much.

-My daughters, my precious and magnificent daughters. Whether you know it or not you are the reason for my very existence. - That figure smiled oblivious to the retort. - Be strong, stand together and support each other. I know that one day you will find out what is happening, and your noble hearts will finally make you rebel against evil. When that time comes you will fight against it and for justice as your father and I did. And we do not regret it. He loved you dearly, I assure you. And so, do I. You will not shrink from hardship. You will travel far away; your destiny will take you to a distant time and place. I know that you will suffer, but I am also convinced that you will overcome all obstacles, and that you will win. You are destined to be happy.

- Mama, we love you! - the tearful Karaberasu said, caressing her belly in turn. -

- At last, I remember your face, mother! - Cooan cried too. -

-I have no time left. Soon it will all come to an end, but it will also be the beginning. - The woman smiled once more in a cheerful way, and then turned to them one by one, and said sweetly. - Petzite. My youngest bossy. You are the eldest, I entrust your sisters to you, you have a lot of character, and you are strong, but also loving and good, take care of them, protect them and above all, let yourself be happy, my daughter.

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she nodded devotedly.

-I promise you, mother..." - She was able to sob. -

Oblivious to this reply, the image of her mother continued...

-Calaverite. My snooty girl. You are witty, full of optimism and very perceptive. Guide your sisters and watch over them. And above all, enjoy life as you know how, but always with caution. I know that you will get through whatever your destiny and whatever trials you must go through. Never give up. You are so much stronger and more generous than you think you are.  And don't you ever forget that my darling. No matter how dark the night, the dawn will always come.

The young girl wanted to say something, but she was unable to articulate, she put her hands to her face trying to hold back the tears without succeeding, finally she sighed with a moan...

-I will, mother...

And Idina moved on to the next of her daughters, who listened to her with the same emotion as the others.

-Bertierite. My child reader. You are very intelligent and tenacious. You advise the others. Although I know you can be a little shy. But I am sure that, in time, you will know how to release all the immense love that is inside you. For your sisters and for other people... remember the name of your favorite flowers. That name will be for someone very special, a precious creature, blood of your blood and a part of you. A girl who, when she grows up to be a woman, will make a difference.

The girl, crying like the rest, could not quite understand this, but nodded and mumbled.

-Yes, mother...

The hologram smiled broadly and continued in an affectionate tone.

-And you, Kermesite, my little dancer. Always so cheerful and full of innocence, never lose it, no matter what! However dark the world may seem to you, keep the light within you. May you one day have a beautiful little girl to name after me! A daughter to be the mother of a big family.

- Mama! - she whimpered. - I will, I promise...

Idina smiled once more, now in tears, beginning to fade, although before she did so completely, she was able to say by way of farewell.

-If you can see me, I have succeeded in my purpose. I don't know if I could have finished with that Wiseman. But that was not the important thing. The main thing was to get this message to you through his involuntary collaboration. I want to believe that I have succeeded. So, I will give you one last piece of advice. You are all exceptional, but even more so when you are together. Your greatest strength lies in your togetherness. Support and inspire each other, as I have done by contemplating your image and that of your father and listening to some beautiful old songs of Mother Earth.

And to the young women's amazement, their smiling mother must have played one of those tunes then, for they could hear someone singing as she faced that cursed Wiseman of the future with courage and dignity.

***Take these dogs away from me***

***Your life's a mystery***

***Mine is an open book***

***If I could read your mind***

***I think I'd look***

***I'm not scared, baby***

***I don't care***

***What have you got to hide?***

***What do you need to prove?***

***You're always telling lies***

***And that's the only truth***

***I don't care, baby***

***I'm not scared***

***Tonight, the streets are full of actors***

***I don't know why***

***Oh, take these dogs away from me***

***Before they, they bite***

***What have you got to say?***

***Of shadows in your past?***

***I thought that if you paid***

***You'd keep them off our backs***

***Where do we have to be***

***So, I can laugh, and you'll be free?***

***I'd go anywhere, baby***

***I don't care***

***I'm not scared***

***I'm not scared***

***Tonight, the streets are full of actors***

***I don't know why***

***Oh, débarrassé-moi de ces chiens***

***Avant qu'ils mordent, avant qu'ils mordent***

***Tonight, I fought and made my mind up***

***I know it's right***

***I know these dogs still snap around me***

***But I can, I can fight***

***If I was you, if I was you***

***I wouldn't treat me the way you do***

***If I was you, if I was you***

***I wouldn't treat me the way you do, you***

***If I was you, if I was you***

***I wouldn't treat me the way you do***

***If I was you, if I was you***

***I wouldn't treat me the way you do, you***

***I'm not scared, baby***

***I don't care***

***I'd go anywhere, baby***

***I'm not scared***

***J'ai pas peur***

***J'ai pas peur***

***I'm not scared, baby***

***I'm not scared.***

**(I am not Scared. Eighth Wonder, credit to author)**

And at the end of the song, and with a look full of affection, pride, and determination, Idina said as she slowly faded away, the energy that had made her return so fleetingly to her daughters exhausted.

-Now I have been able to say goodbye to you as I always wanted to. Remember, my beloved children. Do not be afraid, never be afraid...you will be in my heart, and I will remain by your side...Whether it is in the past, the present or the future. I love you and I will love you forever....

And that image disappeared completely, leaving only emptiness. The girls looked at each other in tears, with a mixture of sadness, joy, and pride impossible to describe. None of them could utter a word, gripped by emotion. However, they had to be careful, they were not alone, and the danger was far from over. Their friend and companion Tom was still fighting just a few yards away without having noticed. Though Fantoui let out a high-pitched shriek of fury and terror as he watched his master being annihilated and charged at Tom in a blind rage. The boy let him approach and they continued their fierce combat. At last, with a swift kendo move, Tom dodged one of his enemy's thrusts by slashing him with his sword at the waist. The cultist fell instantly and died a few seconds later after gushing copious amounts of blood. The boy sighed a long sigh as he stabbed his weapon into the ground and leaned on it with a gasp of exhaustion and regret. As necessary as it had been and as cruel as Fantoui proved to be, it still disgusted him to have killed a human. Though of course no one would hold it against him, and he told himself he had no choice. This was a war to the death against evil. That pig and his kind had probably already slaughtered many innocent people, and if he and the girls hadn't stopped them, they would have killed many more. They, for their part, did not want to look at the dead body of the cultist. But they sympathized with Tom, especially Cooan, who was quick to embrace him.

-You couldn't do anything else, sweetheart," - She whispered lovingly and sympathetically as he barely nodded. -

- It's all over. - A gasping Beruche sentence, looking away, aware, like the others, that they would not be able to arrive in time, let alone intervene, in the face of the magnitude of that power, and added by way of hopeful consolation. - At least the sect. But now we are left with Nagashel. And I wonder," - she sighed aloud, making audible what everyone was thinking, - "who will be fighting this demon? I suppose Sailor Moon and the others. Will they be able to defeat him?

Her question was not answered by anyone, although everyone wished they could....

Meanwhile in that wasteland the battle continued in a fierce manner. Roy counterattacked with great force driving the demon back, he wielded his sword as if he had fought with it all his life. He didn't know how he did it, it was like old memories awakened in him that had been dormant until then. Just as Goku had anticipated. The sword and his body seemed to be one and both moved deftly and swiftly like a flash of golden light.

- How is this possible? - Nagashel howled in shock and disbelief. - You couldn't have improved so much in such a short time!

- You'd be surprised," - his rival, who, driven by a kind of flash in his mind, began to say things he didn't understand himself. - You no longer have a frightened and hopeless human in front of you! I am the prince of an immortal kingdom and you, damned demon, will pay for all the damage you have done to this world and the other!

-It can't be! – That diabolical entity stammered overwhelmed by surprise, then he came to understand. - You come from the previous humanity!

The boy continued to attack, spurred on by the growing memories that were swirling in his mind. Nagashel threw a desperate backhand with his scimitar, but his foe dodged it and spun on his heels and delivered a blow that decapitated his opponent. He then swung down to the ground, thrust his sword into the ground, focused his energy by joining hands as Goku had taught him and shouted.

-Life Force Wave, finish my enemy! It's coming for you, master Kame ha me haaa!

          He launched a powerful blast of energy that disintegrated the demon, both its head and body disintegrating into particles that were carried away by the wind. Then he smiled and looked up to Heaven.

-For all of you, Bertie, Connie, Tommy, girls, friends, dad, mum, Landar, and for you masters Kaio, Piccolo, Trunks, Vegeta, Son Gohan, Son Goku....

From a distance the warriors and her teammates cheered him euphorically, and went to him to congratulate him...

- Wonderful! - Sailor Uranus exclaimed, still clapping her hands. -

-He did it. - the equally euphoric Mars agreed. -

- Thank God! - Ami smiled, her eyes watering with excitement. -

        Usagi herself smiled, though then that rictus froze on her face and a look of dread replaced it.

- Oh no! It can't be! -she muttered in horror. -

- What's wrong?" - Minako wanted to know, looking at her blankly. -

-You'd think you'd seen a ghost. - Makoto commented, also puzzled. -

-This shouldn't be happening. - Minako said to a horrified Sailor Moon. -

        Although the others watched her in puzzlement, demanding an explanation, she had no time to give one. The sky began to be covered with dense dark clouds and a black hole emerged between them. A current of hurricane-force air was created, pulling everything it encountered into the vortex. The warriors and the others held on, concentrating their auras to pin themselves to the ground, but the demons were meekly entering, absorbed by it. Roy and the others looked on in astonishment. Then something horrible emerged from that hole, a great shadow enveloping a gigantic figure. The sheer power and evil it manifested froze everyone's heart, leaving them unable to move.

- Do not look! - Usagi commanded them, at that moment adopting the appearance of Queen Serenity and emitting an aura that surrounded her friends. -

They all covered their eyes or turned their heads away, obeying immediately. Rei could barely muster a tone dominated by utter terror.

- That aura of evil, it's inconceivable, I've never seen anything like it!

             Then a voice, beyond any intelligible sound, uttered a name. Roy could hear it clearly and recognized it, "Asthel come to me", that cavernous call and that silhouette said that advanced towards him with two enormous reddish eyes that pierced him. The boy could not move even though he was at the height of his power. He was overcome with an unearthly terror. As did the others. Clouds raced across the sky and terrible black and mauve lightning flashed across the surface of the earth around the gigantic entity. The young man was about to be swept away and when he thought he could not stand it a second longer, those eyes looked away. The boy breathed a sigh of relief. Still with his heart shrinking in fear, he tried to pull himself together, he thought he was going to be disintegrated by the force of that vision alone. But it happened that, before Roy and that figure, Landar appeared. The wizard, who glowed with immaculate energy, standing firm in the gale, and without seeming at all frightened, blurted out to this terrible apparition, with a powerful voice of command.

- He has won! You have lost! Keep your bargain and get out of here! In the name of the Creator, I command you! - Then he raised his hands, carrying a staff that emitted a blinding white light that enveloped the place. - Vade retro!...

At first this exhortation did not seem to work. Gradually, however, the figure obeyed and retreated into the hole amid lightning and thunder that discharged sulphureous gusts. It finally entered, and with it the last of the demons. The great gateway to Hell closed behind them and before the group knew it, everything was back to normal. At that instant, the Yalmutud spheres shot into the sky, disappearing into the heights.

- What happened? - the perplexed Nephrite asked. -

-No idea. - Ail replied, also astonished. -

               Meanwhile Serenity returned to her Sailor Moon form. The sun shone again, there was no longer any trace of evil energy, and everyone was able to move at last. A great peace now filled their hearts. Fear was replaced by a great sense of freedom and joy. However, when he was sufficiently recovered, Roy asked the wizard in a soft voice, tinged with reverential awe.

- What was that Landar, why couldn't I even move? I've never felt such power, not even in Son Goku, it was unimaginable and terrible!

The Wizard gave him a long look and replied solemnly. He extended his words to the others.

- You have just come face to face with the highest power of the ninth infernal circle. That was the Prince of Darkness himself. The master of all the evil beings against whom you have fought. In this world you call him Satan. And he was not here, that was just the aura emanating from him from the depths of Hell, where he must resign himself to continue.

Everyone was petrified with horror, but gradually they pulled themselves together. Diamond was the first to speak, recovered from his shock and still covered in cold sweat.

- But he's gone now. We're safe, aren't we? - he asked, visibly unsure. -

- Yes," - Landar nodded comfortingly. - I have already told you that he has only manifested his spiritual aura. He could not enter this world once he was defeated, but his power is far greater. In fact, no demon can return to Earth. The Yalmutud spheres have been placed in a safe place.

- And you say their power is greater than that? - Ail stammered in disbelief. -

- I pray to God that we will never have to face him on his ground. - Sapphire declared, still in fear. -

- Explain that to us, Landar. - Nephrite asked him, between astonished and shocked by those words. -

- This battle was part of a struggle that goes back beyond time," - he declared. - It is the struggle between the forces of good and evil. And you, and the demons you have defeated, have been the pieces in this game. On this occasion, good has won, but there will be more games again, as there have been at other times and in other ages.

- You can tell us the whole story now, can't you? - Sapphire asked with obvious curiosity. -

- In due time all will be revealed to you, not yet. You must wait," - the wizard responded, and his face relaxed into a faint smile, and he added. - Now you can see your loved ones again.

- Yes," - Ail agreed, his enthusiasm returning. - I'm looking forward to seeing Ann and my son!

- We haven't told the girls that you have come back to life. We wanted you to surprise them yourselves. - Ami confessed to Roy's group. -

         Mercury embraced the boy then, seconded by Rei and Usagi herself. Though after parting from Roy, Sailor Moon approached the wizard and whispered in a discreet aside.

-We need to talk. There's something that shouldn't be happening. I could feel it. Have you noticed it too?

His interlocutor nodded, though he didn't utter a word, but it was Mamoru who did, nodding with satisfaction.

- This is the end of the battle, and we deserve a rest.

- The mission is accomplished. - Rei sighed to the approving nod of the others. -

- That's right. - Usagi added, returning to the group as if nothing had happened and declaring with a much better command of English than she had previously appeared, especially when she added. - You have done very well. And now we can tell you the whole truth.

- Is there anything you warriors must tell us that we don't already know, - " Diamond questioned them with visible interest. -

- That's right - Mamoru added calmly. - But we'll wait until we're all together when Tom and the girls join us.

Everyone was very intrigued, but it seemed they should still wait, however, Nephrite opted to ask something more personal.

- You must tell me everything that has happened in the world since I was killed. How is Naru? - he wanted to know with great interest. -

- Well, she's dating a boy now. - Makoto told him a little too slow to explain - after the final battle against the Realm of Darkness. It's long to explain. We all lost our memories, like I said, it's a long story. I don't even really know you. Although - she sighed reflectively - you remind me a lot of an old...

- Boyfriend you had? - Minako smiled to affirm amused. - Girl, you're always coming up with the same thing!

            Although this time Sailor Jupiter didn't laugh with the others and insisted with a surprised and confused gesture.

- No, it's not that... at least that's what I think. In this case there's something, you look very familiar, but I don't remember...

- Well. - Ami said, turning to Nephrite who was looking at Makoto blankly. - The truth is that a lot of things have happened since you died.

- Yes, it's quite a long story," - Rei nodded, adding apologetically. - And some of my classmates don't even know who you are. Like Jupiter herself, they had not yet emerged as warriors then. Or they don't remember you from their past lives.  In fact, Naru herself is unaware of who you are. For her to know, we would have to give her back the memories she lost when Usagi purified Earth by destroying Metallia and that could be very painful for her.

- She has a settled and stable life now and it would be very hard to change it for her. - Ami stated with the same regret. -

- I understand," - Nephrite said sadly, lowering his head and adding with resignation. - Maybe it's better to leave things as they are. Anyway, I'll go with you. I want to know everything that has happened and start a new life there, in Japan.

- I'll go with you too. - Ail joined them in euphoria, although he was careful to try to mitigate this feeling out of solidarity with his friend, but he couldn't help but insist. -Forgive me, my friend, but I'm mad to embrace my wife and child again!

He understood his sparring partner and did not blame him, in fact, he was very happy for him because one of the most important things they had all developed was solidarity. The sorrows as well as the joys of one of them were the joys of the others. No one had to imply it with words, a gesture or a look was enough, and that was what happened between Nephrite and Ail, with the complicit assent of the others. So, they said goodbye to Roy, Sapphire, and Diamond.

- I hope we meet again. - Sapphire said to all those who were about to leave. -

- When you have had time to meet again and see your loved ones. - Mamoru replied. - Once we're together, we'll come back here.

-And we'll have a big party! Leave that to me. - Roy declared with his usual cheerfulness, calling them all together - and I'll call you to attend so that none of you will think of missing it.

Diamond nodded with a smile adding for his part after getting serious again.

- Queen Serenity, King Endymion, or rather, Sailor Moon, Tuxedo Kamen, and of course, Sailor guardians of justice. It has been a pleasure to be with you again, to meet the others and to fight alongside you all as friends. But I would like to have the opportunity to make things right. For that I humbly ask your forgiveness for my past behavior. - He reiterated with regret. - I am deeply ashamed of what I did. I was not worthy of my ancestors.

The prince could not forget the way he had tried to win the love of Queen Serenity. That time in the future when he abducted and almost abused her. Now, long faded from the effects of that dark energy that blinded him, he was fully aware of it. Embarrassment was overcoming him, and he had almost no desire to meet the gaze of his interlocutors. Although it was Sailor Moon herself who answered him in a kindly tone.

- That was all a long time ago. You are no longer that man. You are on the side of good now. And we are happy to call you friend.

- Thank you. - He was able to reply, visibly acknowledged, as he smiled a relieved smile. - Count on me for whatever you need. I trust we will meet again very soon.

-I hope so, and so it will be Diamond. Now that you can finally do it, start over and make yourself happy. - Usagi asked, offering a hand to the prince who, instead of shaking it, kissed it with great respect and affection, even making a heartfelt bow. -

- Good luck, my friend. - Mamoru added as if he was aware of the young man's plans and offered him a hand in return. - Have faith in yourself. You'll make it...

Now the prince shook it cordially. Thus, he settled the score with the long chain of lies and misunderstandings that had put him at odds with the king and queen of the future Silver Millennium.

-Thank you, King Endymion..." - He replied with evident acknowledgement. - I will.

After these farewells, the sailors joined in a circle, and in the center were Mamoru, Ail and Nephrite, who helped them with their energies. Together they summoned the power of translation and vanished back to their home. Roy and the siblings were left alone and, for a few long moments, silent and reflective in that wasteland. Meanwhile, in Heaven, a smiling Son Goku watched what was happening on Earth. Next to him, Vegeta and his son, Trunks. A boy of medium height, with long bluish-purple hair in a ponytail and blue eyes. He was dressed like his father and Goku himself, in that training uniform.

- I was sure they would win! - Goku declared, jubilant and filled with visible pride. Adding towards his teammates. - Don't you think we have worthy successors on Earth in this universe?

- I, too, am very proud of our family lineage, don't you think so, Father? - Trunks asked with a broad smile of satisfaction, adding with a tinge of regret. - I would have liked to have trained them for a little longer. Too bad Goku was the only one capable of teaching Roy that Instantaneous Translation technique.

-That's right. - Son Gohan, a dark-haired, dark-eyed boy like his father Son Goku, but with shorter hair, added. - But we've stopped by to give them a bit of advice, nonetheless. Same as you, right Vegeta? - he asked with a knowing smile. -

Vegeta didn't answer, he just looked at his companions with indifference and turned his back on them. When they could not see him, however, he gave a faint, grim smile of satisfaction. He had been pleased to witness that battle, but to that fool Kakaroto and the rest he would never admit it. So, returning to his stern demeanor, he looked back at his companions. At last, he declared with a prophetic gesture and a manner devoid of emotion.

- You are impressed by very little. They've only beaten a bunch of scum devils. They still have many more tests to pass, we'll see how they behave then... they're still far from the level of a true saiyajin.

The proud prince of the space warriors thought about how he first approached this, Roy. It was during training. That boy was already a second-level super warrior. However, he told him without any cordiality.

-Don't boast so much about that level of strength. You look like a common insect!

-Man, Vegeta, don't say that to the kid! - Son Goku said, who, along with Roy, had stopped when he heard him. -

- Shut up, Kakaroto! - the questioned one added, not without complacency and a bit of derision. - If he doesn't like what I've told him to do something about it.

-Don't worry, my friend. I don't know who you are, but of course I will. - An annoyed Roy responded, attacking him. -

And his opponent smiled dismissively, that was exactly what he wanted. He transformed himself into a second level super warrior. The two exchanged several blows and dodged each other with alacrity. Roy wasn't doing badly at all. Though then his impromptu adversary grinned once more with some amusement and then crossed his arms.

-Not bad... for an insect... too bad that's all the power you can muster...!

-I know Master Son Goku has even more power. But I don't sense yours anywhere! - Roy challenged him. -

- Ha, ha, ha! - It's no wonder when you try to sense the power of a god.

Vegeta then transformed, but first he declared.

-Now, remember this feeling....

To Roy's amazement, he watched his adversary move on to the next phase and barely managed to mumble....

- Blue! His hair has turned blue! But... How... I can't feel his ki! How is that possible?

He couldn't add more, before he knew it, he was on the ground after being punched in the stomach and unable to breathe. He writhed around on the floor, clutching his stomach with both arms in spasms of pain, trying to pull himself together but failing. Meanwhile Vegeta gazed impassively at him, glowing with a sky-blue aura that now enveloped him and matched his hair, and after a few moments of silence he remarked.

- You are no match for a God! At least not yet. Remember the pain...think that's what you'll get from your enemies if you don't get stronger. That will make you better...never forget, you are a member of our race, your pride is your power.

And so, he turned away and returned to his natural state, riveting with dispassion in his voice, sifted with disapproval.

-You are too soft on him, Kakaroto.

            And he walked away without a backward glance...leaving the hurrying Goku to deal with the boy.

-Still, your apprentices aren't as useless as they seemed. - Vegeta smiled after returning from those memories. -

Trunks, Son Gohan and Son Goku nodded in confidence in their pupils and their distant descendant. Oblivious to this, Diamond, Roy, and Sapphire prepared to leave. For everyone, the time had come for the long-awaited reunion. None of them could contain their excitement about it, and they asked themselves.

- How will our friends be, will they still be OK, how will they react to seeing us?

On the other hand, Melanie and Malcolm were on their way to Maine. They stopped for a drink along the way. They were barely out of Massachusetts, and they were in New Hampshire.

-I'm hungry. Aren't you? - Roberts commented casually, getting out of the car. -

-Yes, a little. - She had to admit. -

At that moment, Melanie saw a vehicle pass by at low speed, she could have sworn she recognized the driver, but more importantly, as she peered into the back seat, her heart skipped a beat.

- My God, Malcolm! - she exclaimed, between stunned and horrified. -

- What's the matter? - He wanted to know but he didn't understand. - What's the matter, Mel? Anyone would think you'd seen a ghost.

In fact, the girl was still trembling. When he looked up, his eyes met hers. And that look made him shudder.

- We must call April's parents! We must warn them! - she asked her stunned boyfriend. -

And at his bewildered look, she told him what had happened. The boy immediately nodded.

- Are you sure it was her? - Her boyfriend asked her -

-Yes, those eyes... it was April, at least in appearance. But her look was very strange. It gave me a shiver. - Melanie replied as she remembered. -

-Let's find a phone. In this bar. - She pointed to one nearby. –

               They went in there and phoned, but no one answered. That began to worry them, were April's parents not at home? Melanie remembered the girl's words. A basement to hide in and a terrible foreboding began to take shape in her mind. Associating it with that atmosphere so laden with perfume and air freshener in the house. A scent she had not perceived when she first visited the place and was greeted by Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair.

-We need to call the police. - She said to Malcolm. -

And they tried, but all the lines were jammed. It was impossible to get through. Surely law enforcement was overwhelmed by what was happening in New York. In fact, on a television set in the bar, they and many others in the bar watched in astonishment as the news was narrated in a serious, but calmly restrained tone.

- An explosion that appeared to be a nuclear detonation has been recorded just outside New York State. The blast wave has even knocked down power poles and swept away vehicles. Everyone has been urged to stay away from the area. The military and National Guard are already surrounding the area. We will continue to report.

-I don't know what's going on there, but I'm glad I'm not there. - Roberts sighed. -

Although Melanie wasn't paying much attention to him, all her concern was focused on her friend.

- My God, April! I hope I'm wrong. - She thought with horror. -

The girl in question was still sitting behind the driver's seat, carrying her peacefully sleeping baby girl in her arms. As she passed that service road, she asked Hank to stop and buy some nappies. It was then, as she slowed down and approached, that she saw this girl staring at her in astonishment. At first, she just returned her gaze indifferently, but then she smiled.

-You're the busybody who was at those phonies' house. I hope for your sake that I don't have to do with you what I had to do with them. - She thought with satisfaction. -

She remembered perfectly how those two had tried to trick her. When she woke up, she saw herself in that bed, together with that pig who had abused her in the past. In his perverse fantasies he kept calling her April. He even gave her a pill, assuring her that it was for her own good. However, she was much smarter. She pretended to swallow it but kept it under her tongue. Then she played the role of her supposed sister. When that guy and his accomplice, that evil woman, went down to a basement while talking about a threat that could reach there, she followed them meekly. She even handed them some refreshments.

-Here, daddy, mummy. I'm sure you'll be thirsty. - She smiled charmingly. -

-Thank you, honey. - The woman replied and drank without hesitation. -

-Yes, you're right. - The disgusting man agreed, doing the same. -

She kept smiling until she saw how the sedative had the desired effect. It was so much that those two fell round without almost noticing it. She only had to leave them in there and close the armored door that led to the basement. It would take hours for them to wake up.

-If they wake up at all. I think I overdose them. - She remembered now with glee. -

Just in case, and with foresight, she filled the whole house with perfume and air freshener. If her kidnappers were dead, the bodies would start to decompose, and it wouldn't be pleasant. Anyway, that wouldn't be her problem for long. She had to go and find her daughter. She would prepare herself first, with money and whatever she could take with her. It was then that she saw that strange being again. Maybe in her dreams, but he revealed to her where Marla was. When she woke up, she knew, in a way she couldn't explain.

-I must get my child. And protect her from all those perverts out there. Depraved ones like these who have kidnapped me. - She said to herself hastily. -

She couldn't do it, after a few minutes there was a knock at the door. It was those two heavies. Luckily, she was able to send them away soon. They left so happy to see her well, taking her for April.

-Thank goodness I played the part of that bimbo for so long. - She thought with relief. -

            Just in case, Paige had to wait for quite a while until she was sure they were leaving. Then she went to the bathroom, put on her real hair color, and after getting everything she needed, including the car of those two she had locked up, she set off for her destination. She was thinking about it with satisfaction now, as they continued to travel the road that led them into the interior of New Hampshire.

-Soon we'll be safe, my child," - she whispered to the baby. - Soon enough. Just you and me.

- Where are we going? - Hank asked. -

-Go on, we must get as far away as we can. My guardian angel told me so. - The young woman muttered, more lost in her own thoughts than paying attention to the man's question. –

- Your what? - the boy asked. -

He received no answer from his companion, Hank was beginning to regret picking her up. It had nothing to do with this beautiful cheerleader, who was one of the most popular and who, of course, he had secretly lusted after, just as he had once fantasized about Melanie, Serena, or Bertie herself. At this point April no longer seemed like a bargain, on the contrary, she gave the impression of being crazy. And in addition to her, he had to carry that baby. At least, as things stood, the authorities weren't going to ask them too many questions. It was enough for them to try to bring order out of the chaos. Maybe, with patience, and when they got to a motel, he might be able to get something out of her. Resigned and more encouraged by the possibility, he finally sighed, shaking his head and whispering.

-Forget it.

           For their part, Tom and the girls were finally able to rest, sinking into a deep and restful sleep. They wished only to sleep and wake with the promise of a better world for all, and surely fate would not disappoint them. Little could they imagine what great and wonderful surprises awaited them! And unseen by anyone, rising into the air, a hooded figure in black sackcloth was taking notes in a large burgundy book...

**START**