GWA15E

**START**

**Armageddon.**

Everyone stared at him static, terrified, unable to move. That stranger in the body of his companion was giving them looks full of perverse satisfaction and contempt. The first to react was Tom, who spoke in a calm and conciliatory tone to what he thought was still his friend.

- Come on Roy, calm down, what's wrong, can we help you?

Armageddon looked at him with glee, he only moved a hand, and the boy felt an invisible force that threw him against the wall, crushing him against it.

- Are you deaf? - the demon responded while showing in his eyes that reddish glow. - I am not that pathetic individual.

- Who are you? - Cooan interjected in fright. - What have you done to Roy?

- I'm tired of repeating it! Are you humans all so stupid? - his interlocutor hissed visibly irritated. -

Tom pulled himself together and confronted him. Commenting to the girls.

- I've got it! If he's been possessed by one of those demons, we'll have to cast him out. I'm sure if I hit him hard, he'll come out of his body.

- It's true! They usually do that. - Cooan agreed with optimism. -

But Armageddon shook his head and smiled dismissively as Tom approached him in a combat stance and declared, sounding a heartfelt apology.

- Sorry buddy, I don't like having to do this, but it's for your own good.

The demon didn't bother to dodge him, and his opponent hit him in the stomach with two punches that, however, didn't faze him. The boy opted for a chain of attacks, with various kicks and punches that were equally useless, until his adversary took the initiative by knocking him down with a punch.

- Ha, ha, ha, ha! You're a miserable worm! - Armageddon scoffed. - But this is fun. Tell me, what would you do for your friend, would you really be able to stand up to me to save him? - He asked with sinister curiosity, spitting sarcastically. - How altruistic!

        His opponent sat up, repeating his fighting stance, and spat.

- You've seen it! I'm willing to free Roy and for that I'll do anything. You'll get out of it one way or another.

And he struck again with more and more viciousness, but the demon barely turned his head or shrunk slightly in rhythm with the onslaught.

- I want our friend back, leave him alone and get out of here! - The boy repeated almost on the verge of exhaustion, while the girls added in turn. -

- Please, hold on Roy. - Cooan begged him. -

- You must free yourself! - Beruche shouted at him. -

- I'm afraid that's impossible, I've already told you that your friend is dead. - Armageddon replied now with visible glee. -

- You bastard! - shouted Tom who attacked him with two more punches that didn't make a dent in his opponent either. - You're going to be finished!

- Poor little idiots. There is no destiny for you. - The demon mocked them shaking his head and raising a sinister smile to expose. - We will dominate the Earth. With my strength, which is now immense, and that of my demon comrades, we will devastate this miserable planet and none of you will be able to prevent it. Or do you think you will do better now than in the forest of Rarel? Oh, how sorry I am for you, princess! - he challenged with a mocking tone, addressing Beruche. - A guardian of the Earth as naive as pathetic.

- What are you saying? - Cooan asked without understanding any of it. -

That guy looked at her with disdain without bothering to reply. But Bertie looked at him with perplexity. Although she was confused and didn't quite understand the meaning of those words, the fact was that, for some reason, that name said something to her. It was vaguely familiar, but she couldn't remember why. However, her disquisitions were interrupted by her sister.

- We will defeat you, just as we escaped your control, we did it once before and the warriors of justice will help us! - she intoned with all the forcefulness she could muster and a look full of defiance. - They will never let you; they were able to stop us and save us from your evil influence....

- Well, what a thing! - She was interrupted by another voice, the one that had threatened them a few days ago, sentencing her not without contempt. - For defeating a miserable scum like you and your ridiculous prince. They won´t stand a chance against our power.

- That voice. - Armageddon acknowledged, smiling. - Valnak. Is that you?

The alluded one appeared at his side and replied jovially.

- Of course, comrade! Remember that I promised you and I don't break my word. At least I don't do it with whom I commit myself in the name of Averno.

- I am very glad to see you again. - Replied his companion and both shook hands to the horror of the girls. - Between you and me we will conquer this planet. Nothing and no one will oppose us.

- Well, maybe these two will give us some war. – Valnak opposed humorously pointing at the girls who looked at each other in fright. - Let's finish them off at once. - He proposed with glee. -

       Cooan held the unconscious Tom, very worried about him and Beruche covered them both, despite the fear that overwhelmed them, they wanted to take example from their friends. Remembering their courage, they stood up to those two terrible beings without backing down. Although it was Armageddon who, mocking with a sneer, replied.

- Don't make me laugh, Valnak," and shaking his head he added jocularly, "no... I have a better idea. Let them warn their little warrior friends. Let them see how we annihilate them, how we destroy their world and enslave their race. Then we'll deal with them and their treachery in some particularly painful way. Until then, let them spend their last days in anguish....

- Yes - his interlocutor agreed visibly encouraged - It's a great idea! You've always been more theatrical than me for such things. But now we must go, we must inform the Great Wiseman. Although, you can't show up dressed like that, it wouldn't be in your category, my friend.

          Said and done, with a gesture of his hands he emitted a beam towards Armageddon who underwent a change in his clothing. The sportswear he wore transformed into armor identical to that of Valnak. With the same grade insignia.

- Thank you very much - the latter demon said observing his attire with pleasure. - I'm very pleased to have my combat uniform back, now I'm back!

At that moment a group of boys attracted by the commotion approached. They were all stunned with disbelief at what they saw. Valnak, observing them contemptuously, directed some hypnotic waves at them. At the cry of...

- You wretched humans, you have seen nothing and will remember nothing of us when we leave! But you will, you will remember everything very well. And we will make sure that you will never forget it. At least for the little time you have left. - He smiled triumphantly, looking sadistically at Cooan and Beruche that left them paralyzed with horror. - I'll see you around...

           The other boys had remained motionless as in a photograph under the suggestion of the demon who urged his colleague.

-Let's go Armageddon, we have an important mission to accomplish.

Both disappeared and all the boys returned to normality, seeing nothing strange to their eyes they scattered through the corridors. Only a few asked what was wrong with Tom, but he came to his senses right away and the girls claimed an unimportant slip. They didn't want to complicate things any further with a story that no one was likely to believe.

- What happened, where is Roy? - the still dazed boy asked them. -

- They've taken him, Tom! - Cooan sobbed despondently. -

- We couldn't do anything! - Her sister added, wiping away the tears of helplessness and desolation that were streaming down her face. - We couldn't save him!

-There was nothing you could do. That demon was too strong. - The boy said, trying to stand up. - I couldn't even make a dent in him.

         His friends gave him a hand to hold him up until he recovered. When they had regained a precarious calm, the girls explained everything to him except what concerned themselves. They helped him to his room, and he lay down on the bed. He was exhausted and battered. Between Beruche and Cooan they iced his bruises and tucked him in. Once they were sure he was better they left and let him rest and ran to the first phone they found....

- We must call them! - Cooan sobbed. -

-Yes, quickly. - Bertie agreed, equally tearful. -

In Japan, at Ami's house, the girls were studying and discussing the strange events that had befallen them. New mysteries from who knew what kind of adversaries. At least in the northern part of the country, the warriors of the outer solar system had been detected another threat. Fortunately, this time it was only a kind of probe. But it undoubtedly came from outer space and was of alien technology. In addition, just a few hours ago, another of these demons had made an appearance in Tokyo. At first it was Minako's turn to face it alone. The girl was walking along with Artemis discussing some day-to-day matters when she heard screams coming from a nearby park, without hesitation she hid among some trees and transformed into Sailor Venus. As she rushed to the source of the turmoil, she saw a man, dressed as a telephone operator, holding a little girl of only seven years old who was screaming in terror, while her parents and the rest of the people present watched the terrible scene in fear.

- Ha, ha! - that guy laughed, holding the child by the neck. - Let's celebrate the arrival of the destroyer of worlds with a beautiful sacrifice.

-Girls. Come on, hurry up!  - Minako asked her companions via transmitter. –

In the meantime, she chose to approach this individual cautiously. The guy had now run off in the direction of the depths of the park, carrying his hostage in his arms. He managed to throw off his pursuers, having thrown a kind of dark energy beam that raised a tremendous gale. Fortunately, Venus was able to track him down with the help of Artemis. The two arrived in time to watch in horror as that guy left a now unconscious little girl on a slab. That guy had pulled out a dagger and was ready to plunge it into his victim...

- Venus Love chain! - Minako summoned throwing her chain with which she managed to snatch the weapon from her enemy. -

The latter turned to her with red eyes full of hatred, and hissed.

- You bloody meddler! Who are you...?

-I am the Warrior of Love, Beauty and Justice, Sailor Venus, and in the name of Venus I will punish you! - She replied, adopting her characteristic pose. -

Although, to her surprise, the man laughed loudly. Soon a thick black smoke came out of him condensing into the shape of a demon. It was so horrible that Minako's heart almost skipped a beat at the sight of it. It looked like a mythological being, like Medusa, head full of tentacles and a grotesque, swollen, greenish face, with terrible needle-like teeth. Its body was elongated, with arms like branches, and it wore a kind of earthy-colored sackcloth.

- Be very careful! - A horrified Artemis warned to her friend. -

-We must get him away from the girl. - Her companion replied, who, despite the feeling of repulsion and fear she felt at the sight, was thinking more of the little girl's safety. - Help me.

-Wariaog! - howled that dreadful being that, without further ado, stared at its enemy. -

The latter rolled away on the ground and instantly from the eyes of that demon, two beams of lightning sprouted that literally petrified two trees behind the sailor.

- It is very powerful! - The cat exclaimed who, without hesitation, ran bravely towards the creature despite the cries of her friend to dissuade him. -

- Don't do it... it's too dangerous!... Artemis!

-Save the little one, I'll distract him. - That was the reply she got from her feline companion. -

The operation was successful. While that horrifying creature focused on that white cat, trying to reach him with its rays without succeeding, Minako was able to run and when she was close enough, she used her chain again. Although this time she did it with great restraint. She was able to catch the little girl, wrap her carefully on it and with a jerk retrieve her by taking her in her arms. Now the little girl was waking up. With much gentleness the Sailor asked her, smiling, despite the criticality of the moment.

- What is your name, sweetheart?

-Akane..." The frightened and bewildered girl was able to reply. -

-All right, Akane, listen to me. You're going to hide in those trees until we get rid of that monster. Okay?

The terrified child obeyed immediately, after nodding she took shelter behind some nearby cherry trees. The Sailor was then able to come to the aid of her companion who was having a hard time trying to evade the attacks of that beast...

- Venus Therapy Kiss! - the girl exclaimed attacking her enemy. -

The demon received a direct hit that knocked him down, but he got up right away. Now, however, he stood still, watching that human, and laughed... it was such a terrible sound that it chilled the blood, but, despite that, Minako remained unperturbed and shouted at him.

- What are you laughing at, you damn monster...?

-You have lost... ha, ha, ha!... the destroyer of worlds is already here... I can feel it! - It was the answer, between enigmatic and terrible that he received. - His aura is tremendous!

-I don't know what you mean, but I'm going to finish you off. - She answered bravely. -

-You won't be able to. - The demon hissed, and now, to the horror of his adversary, he stretched out his hair-like tentacles, trying to grab her. -

- Mars flame Sniper! - It was then heard to the right of where Minako was. -

A fire arrow cut several of those tentacles...the demon shrieked apparently in pain for it. But he was given no respite. Instantly another voice was heard shouting.

- Jupiter Oak revolution!

A sort of tornado of pink and orange tones knocked that entity to the ground. It was Sailor Moon herself who finished him off, using her tiara and her transformation into Eternal....

-Silver Moon Crystal Power Kiss!

The demon howled on impact and began to catch fire. Minako herself fulminated him with her Crescent Fulgor making him explode. After taking cover, they all got up, still panting from the effort and the adrenaline rush. It was the Mercury warrior who, more quickly recovered, found little Akane. After returning her to her relieved and grateful parents and signing some autographs, the sailors said goodbye to the girl and the rest. They also took care of that guy who, upon waking up, claimed not to remember anything?

-I was fixing a faulty cable on the line and then... I woke up here... - He was able to stammer. - I don't know what happened to me.

-Don't worry, it's over, get out of here as soon as possible. - Mercury advised him. -

-Yes, that way. They must still be looking for you. - Jupiter indicated to him to get him away from that crowd, for whom he was to blame for everything. -

The bewildered man did so. The girls sighed with relief. They hoped that there would be no consequences for that poor fellow who was innocent of having been the instrument of that demon.  At last things calmed down. They were left alone.

-Let's go to my house. - Ami proposed to them. - It is closer, and my mother has a shift at the hospital.

      So, they agreed. That attack had disturbed them a lot. It had been a long time since there had been one. Minako told them what that demon had said. Usagi, Ami, Makoto and Rei looked at each other visibly worried. Luna the cat, along with Artemis who had gone in search of her, joined the group at that moment and commented to them all.

-I think I have found the source of the evil power. I have been triangulating the origin of each attack for weeks and they all form a very clear geometric figure. This last one was the missing tip.

- You don't mean a pentacle? - Ami commented. -

-Yes, indeed. - Her interlocutor replied. -

- And how do you know that? - Makoto asked. -

-Because it's the distinctive mark of the demonic forces. - The questioned woman answered. -

-If we have their position, what are we waiting for? Let's get them! - Rei harangued with the assent of several of her companions. -

       The sound of the telephone interrupted the conversation. Ami stood up and picked up the receiver.

- Hello? Tell me. Who is it? Beruche, is that you, how are you doing in the U.S.?

- Please," Bertie interrupted her between uncontrollable sobs. - You have to come and help us, only you can do something, they have taken him away, he is under their control, and we have not been able to stop them.

- Calm down, what happened? - her friend said in a serious manner, as surprised as she was worried. -

          The other girls, equally worried, approached her to try to find out, as their companion's countenance was not at all optimistic. So, in her stride, between emotion and anguish, Beruche told her what had happened. Ami's gesture acted as a mirror of her great concern and her companions noticed it.

- What's the matter? – Makoto whispered. - Has something happened to the girls? - Ami motioned for her to be quiet and tried to encourage her friend with kind and comforting words. - Don't worry, we'll be on our way, although we won't all be able to go. Complications have arisen here too, and we have new enemies. But count on me, I'll go as fast as I can.

- Please come quickly, come as fast as you can! It's a desperate, life or death situation! We need you! - Bertie frantically insisted, watching as her sister could not suppress her tears at her side. Cooan covered her mouth with one hand and tears streamed down her cheeks. - Now I must hang up, give my regards to everyone, and don't say anything to my sisters, please! This is very dangerous and if they come, they could get hurt or worse.

            And after these words she hung up and demanded herself to be calm and then tried to reassure her sister by telling her about the conversation. Cooan was able to control herself because she was anxious to listen, and she was somewhat encouraged to know that her friends would come to her aid...

-We must have courage. We must hold on until they come. - Beruche told her. -

-Yes," her interlocutor nodded and added, trying to be positive at the same time. - When they come, everything will be all right. I am sure...

The two of them got ready to do it, going into their room and praying that the demons would not come back before their friends came to the rescue. Ami for her part hung up slowly with a very worried look on her face. She summarized to her companions the story that Beruche had told her, and they all showed the same gesture of horror and uneasiness. After the first moment of shock, they exchanged a few glances until someone decided to speak. And it was Minako who commented in a reflexive attitude.

-That's what that demon meant, the destroyer of worlds! - It must be whatever possessed Roy.

- That seems even worse than what we had to go through here. The Devlisters, Droids, Remonex Daimons and so on seem like a joke in comparison. - Makoto replied. -

- So, it's already started. - Minako sighed visibly sorry to ask anyone. - What do we do, should we intervene now, take care of the enemies we have here first?

- I can't leave them to their fate! - Ami declared forcefully. - If they need me, I'll be there!

- Well, I'm going too! - Rei intervened determinedly and with a look towards Usagi that combined expectation and the plea of approval as she added. - Beruche and Cooan are very good friends, and I won't abandon them.

- I think I will go with you too. - She agreed, shaking her head affirmatively in a slow gesture to add. - Here now things are more under control. After destroying this last one, I think that Makoto and Minako will be able to take care of any emergency that may arise. If those evildoers decide to show up here again.

- Be careful and go quietly, the two of us are enough to keep an eye on the enemy's movements. - Minako added. -

- We'll take the opportunity to locate their headquarters here, more accurately. - Third Artemis with Luna's assent. –

- Besides, now the four sailor women from the Outer System are around, we can also count on Tuxedo. Or even call Chibiusa from the future. - Venus added. -

- I don't know if those four will help us, they have their own problems. That probe thing. – Makoto said doubtful. -

- Still, between you and me, we can hold out for a few days. And if we need them, they'll come for sure. - Minako declared with conviction. -

Her partner nodded, they were a good team. She was convinced that they were capable of giving the enemy a lot of work if he showed up again.

- Don't say anything to Chibiusa when she comes to visit you, at least for now. -" Rei advised cautiously. - She is very fond of Cooan and Bertie. She would probably insist on accompanying us. And things could get very dangerous there.

- That would be best. - Usagi agreed. - In any case, it would be necessary for her to stay here and replace me if she returns from the future. If necessary, she's the only one besides me who can summon the power of the Silver Crystal. Although for the time being, I agree with you that you two can handle this, Mina-chan, Mako-chan. - She remonstrated with the assent of the questioned women. - I have every confidence that you will defend this place with the help of the outsiders if necessary.

-Don't worry. - We'll manage. - Minako assured. -

-It's a pity we can't go to see them. But I guess there will be another time. - Makoto commented. -

- Then I'll book tickets for the most immediate flight. - Ami explained to the others. - My mother, because of her constant medical conferences, has friends in the airlines and the tickets will be cheap for us. I'll make up something to get her to let me go.

-We will need passports, visas, you understand. - Usagi affirmed. -

-Leave that to us. - Artemis intervened. -

-And we'll also count on Mr. Fumata's help if necessary. - Ami added. -

- What are we waiting for? We have to pack our bags and come to our friends´ aid, now! - Rei harangued them again. -

- And you know. - Luna the cat cautiously reminded them. – You should intervene only when the time is right. And do not delay in returning. We must maintain contact and cross-reference information. We don't know what may await us here and what relation it may have with what is happening to them there...

All the girls nodded and separated to take care of their preparations. At that very moment, at the sect's headquarters, Armageddon was paying his respects to the hooded chief. He saluted by striking his chest with one of his arms and bowing his head slightly with a half-smile of satisfaction.

- I salute you, Great Wiseman. It is a pleasure for me to rejoin my task. I have been waiting for this moment for a long time.

- Well, excellent! - He replied with pleasure, congratulating the other demon. - Very well, Valnak, you have fulfilled your mission perfectly!

- Thank you, Great Wiseman, I told you so," - his interlocutor answered, quite proud of himself. - It was very easy.

- I am very pleased with your success, yes. - The Great Wiseman continued now with his usual monotone with which he objected. - But it is only the beginning. Now, between the two of you, you must fulfill a new mission. The one that really matters. You must quickly gather the Yalmutud spheres to create a dimensional corridor between this world and Avernus. This way, our infernal hordes can come and ravage this wretched planet.

- Good sir, but someone may oppose us," - Armageddon warned. -

- That's right, some Warriors of Justice. - Valnak added cautiously. - Those who have already thwarted our plans before. And I'm sure those two stupid traitors here will run to call them.

- That's what I wanted to talk to you about, we may be favored by chance. It has come to my attention that those warriors were facing the threat of an enemy that intends the same thing we do. To conquer this planet. - The Wiseman revealed to them. -

- Who is it? - Valnak asked with interest. - Is it one of us?

- I don't know that for sure. My reports come from some time ago from northern Japan and we have no agents there at this time. Except for the decoys we sent to Tokyo with the mission to entertain them. Our acolytes there do not know the identity of these alleged invaders. –Wiseman told them, - "but it is good news. Perhaps the warriors cannot come here.

- Well, I don't like the idea. - Armageddon said suspiciously. - I am not worried about those warriors, I know we will defeat them without problems, but this new enemy of yours, yes. We do not know the extent of his power, if he defeats our enemies and pretends the same as us, we will have to face him. It is better to be careful.

- You are right to be wary. Although for now what happens in that country should not worry us. - The Great Wiseman replied, adding patiently. - But one thing at a time. I will guide you in locating the hidden spheres on this planet and when you gather them and our armies of darkness are here, no one will be able to stop us.

- Yes, the Yalmutud will be very well guarded. Although I believe that with our combined power, we will be able to force their protections, even though they have sacred seals. - Armageddon pointed with visible complacency. -

-Then let's go get the spheres without further delay! - Valnak urged, enthusiastic about the idea. -

- Yes, what fun we're going to have! - His colleague celebrated, eager to be on his way. -

Valnak and Armageddon bowed courteously to the Wiseman and disappeared. They materialized in a place far away from the city, sheltered from prying eyes.

- Why did you ask me to come here? -Valnak was surprised. -

-I have something to do before starting our mission. - His companion told him. -

- What? What could be more important than that? - His interlocutor asked him. -

-A promise I made to an ally of ours. - He answered enigmatically. -

-I don't know who you mean. - A puzzled Valnak commented. - And, in any case, promises made to humans are not worth keeping.

-Yes, they are in this case. - Armageddon smiled to qualify. - First, because she was not a human. Secondly, I gave her my word on behalf of our lord Satan and thirdly and almost chiefly, along with the second, because if I didn't, you and I might not be here.

The gesture of his companion's face became haggard with astonishment, and then he agreed in a humbler tone.

-That being the case, you are obliged to keep your promise. Can I help you with anything?

-There is one thing you can do. - His companion replied. -

And after telling him what it was about, Valnak nodded, shrugging his shoulders, and replied in a nonchalant tone.

-All right, if that's all it is, then that's it....

            Meanwhile, at the university, Tom had fully recovered by meeting with the girls, together and calmer, they were studying a plan of action. The boy proposed an idea.

- You see, I've been thinking about this for some time now, but I didn't dare take the plunge. Now I see no other option. - Before the faces of interest and curiosity of both, he explained. - I think I told you about it some time ago. I know a guy who is an expert in occultism and magic, I'm sure he will help us. I will have to go away for a few days, can you manage on your own? - He wanted to know, but not without concern. -

- Don't worry, we can take care of ourselves. - Bertie reassured her, although she was not sure of what she was saying considering the circumstances. -

- Go, Tom, and don't be afraid for us, when you get back, we'll be able to defeat them and rid Roy of their evil influence. - Cooan encouraged him. –

- Good luck, girls, I'll be back as soon as I can! - The boy promised, said goodbye and left without wasting a second after making an austere packing. -

When the two were alone, Beruche confided her fears to Cooan.

- How are we going to be able to stop them? We have no idea of their true capabilities. But with what I have seen I don't think even with our old powers we could have done anything against them, and we are no longer what we were.

- We must have faith. If the warriors come to our aid, we will have a better chance. - Cooan tried to encourage her. -

- Yes, you're right. But in the meantime, we must fight for Roy, for ourselves and for the rest of the world. We can't wait for our friends to arrive and carry another big responsibility on their backs without doing anything. - Bertie agreed with steely determination. -

They both agreed to be on guard, but the days passed and nothing unusual happened. The demons seemed to have evaporated. At least at the university. They meanwhile justified Tom's absence by family problems and were careful, despite all that was on their minds, to take notes so that their friend wouldn't miss classes. As for Roy, it simply seemed that no one was surprised that he was gone for a few days. The only one who was still traumatized was Melanie. The girl hadn't returned to cheerleading practice. And she was barely concentrating in class. April was very worried and sad for her, but there was nothing she could do. She was now in charge of cheerleading with the loss of her captain and friend in addition to Connie. She hadn't returned to practice either.

-It's only natural, after seeing that guy with his real face. - April said to herself in dismay. -

        But what was she going to do? She had already been clearly warned. She had no choice but to obey. So, she left the university once again, late at night, and skipped the curfew. She had received a mysterious phone call and had to keep an appointment.

- I wish I could get out of this, but I can't! - She said to herself regretfully. -

          This nightmare had started after the accident she had had years ago. April was a young girl with real promise. As a child she also studied ballet, and she was very good at it. But one day, when she was just fourteen years old, riding her bicycle to her dance classes, everything changed. She suffered this terrible accident. An inattentive driver ran her over and she almost died. As a result, she was left hemiplegic. When she woke up, her anguished parents looked at her with smiles that tried to be encouraging, although sadness and pain were reflected in their eyes. She herself understood at once.

-Honey. - Her mother whispered. - How glad we are that you woke up!

-You've been asleep for more than three days. - Her father told her. -

- What happened? - the girl said. -

-You had an accident, daughter. - Her mother explained, as if she was choosing her words very carefully. - A driver didn't see you when you passed the crossroads to the dance academy....

- That scoundrel! - her father spat, unable to contain his rage. -

His wife took him by the hand, and he kept silent and nodded. That didn't matter much to April, though. What she wanted to know was when she would be able to dance again. Asking that question chilled her heart. Her mother burst into tears without being able to help it.

-None of my parents were able to tell me. In the end they didn't dare confess the truth to me. - She remembered with anguish. - It had to be my older sister.

       She thought about Paige. Her sister really didn't have much of a relationship with the family anymore. She always went her own way and got into trouble. She didn't want to study and kept bad company. One day she had an argument with her parents and left home. But when she found out about her accident, she came to visit her, taking advantage of the fact that she was alone for a while. After giving her a kiss on the forehead, she abruptly commented to the patient as she brushed aside the long brown hair she wore, while staring at her with her blue eyes.

-I'm so sorry, April. Because of that accident you will never be able to walk again.

- What? - she exclaimed in horror. -

And she couldn't help crying in despair. She tried and tried, and the part of her body from the waist down was indeed unresponsive. Nevertheless, her sister smiled encouragingly at her despite everything and declared in a confident tone.

-This was not meant to be. And I guarantee it won't. I have very important friends. You know, I've met some very special people out there. And I've told them about your case. They've promised to help you.

- How? - she wanted to know, driven by anguish and disbelief. - Can they operate on me?

-Much better than that. - Paige affirmed. - Don't be afraid of anything. Everything is going to work out. But I need you to promise me one thing.

- Anything you want! - The girl was quick to sob. -

-You'll do everything I tell you. -Okay? - her sister smiled. -

April nodded. She trusted Paige, she had always cared for her and loved her despite all her problems with her parents. Then her sister, seemingly satisfied with that, asked her.

-I'll need some of your blood first.

-Of course. The doctors will have drawn me for sure. - The girl affirmed. -

Her interlocutor now smiled but shook her head in nuance.

-Not like that. I must make a cut in the palm of your hand, and you will have to mark a piece of paper that I will bring you. - She explained. -

The naive young girl agreed. Paige returned at another time when she was alone. Even beyond visiting hours. April didn't understand how her sister managed to get into the hospital so late. But she didn't ask any questions. She sealed with her blood that strange document that seemed to be made of leather. Her companion then nodded in satisfaction and promised her with a strange joviality.

-You will walk out of here, you will be able to dance again, and in a few years, you will go to university to study. There you will become a lawyer.

-I don't think so. I never liked law. - The girl could have objected. -

-You'll like it. - Paige said and reminded her. - Remember, you made a pact. If you want it to turn out well, you'll have to keep it.

-Well, I already told you. You tell me what you want me to do. - She declared. -

But she was surprised by her sister's reply, who now seemed a little more saddened and less enthusiastic as she clarified.

-First of all, don't tell our parents that I've been here. Let alone tell them anything about this arrangement you've made. - She replied with a tone of contempt that she didn't bother to hide. - And for the rest, I won't be the one to tell you. You didn't make the pact with me; it was with my friends. Do you remember? I told you about them. They're very powerful.

-Well, who are they? Will they come to see me to tell me what to do? - April wanted to know with interest and curiosity. -

-In due time they will contact you. - Her sister predicted. - And you can call me if you need me at this number. - She added, handing her a piece of paper with some numbers written on it, to insist forcefully. - Use it only if it's important.

The girl nodded. Paige then left and everything went just as she had told her. Incredibly, when her parents were already with her, April noticed a tingling sensation running through her legs and down to her toes. Her parents rushed to the doctors, who ran several tests. Within a few hours the baby could move her legs as if nothing had happened to her.

- This is unbelievable! - the head doctor who had been treating her exclaimed. - I can't find any explanation! She had broken vertebrae and shattered spinal nerves.

- It's a miracle! - The excited and tearful mother exclaimed. -

And no one could have defined it any other way. Within a couple of days, x-rays and tests showed no sign of damage. So, she was discharged and walked out of the hospital without any problems. Her ability to dance was intact and she was able to go on with her normal life and forget all about it. The only thing that saddened her was not seeing her sister again for some time. Paige seemed to have evaporated. A couple of years went by and, in high school, she began to feel attracted to law. It was as if she wanted to study law, something that, as she told Paige, had never interested her. Then, though, something else began to attract her.

-I started noticing other girls. I had never felt this way about any woman before. - She remembered now as she walked in the dark in the direction of that place. -

And that wasn't something her parents would approve of. Nor did she want to draw attention to herself, fearing that her reputation on her high school cheerleading squad and her references for a good college might suffer. To her surprise, though, she got a call one day. She was home alone and answered the phone. It was a raspy male voice. Without hardly giving her time to answer, he ordered her.

-First thing you will have to do for us. When the time comes, you will go to study at Golden State College in New York.

- Who is it? - she asked, but they instantly hung up. -

And realizing perfectly well that this request corresponded to the pact she had signed, she decided to follow it. She didn't care which college she had to go to, as long as it was a good one. She didn't have the qualifications or the money to aspire to the elite, so after finding out about the place, it didn't seem so bad. Then she wanted to contact Paige. She had a hard time, though. Her sister was still very elusive. Finally, after calling her several times at the number she gave her, she got her to answer.

- Where are you going? - She asked her. -

-It's better for you not to know. - Paige answered, leaving her astonished and even uneasy. -

-Well, I just wanted to say hello, I miss you. - She was able to say in a softer and worried tone. -

-I told you to only use this number for something important. - Her interlocutor reprimanded her. -

-I'm sorry. It's just that something happened. - April confessed in a hurried tone. -

She told her sister about the strange phone call and even commented amused.

-I'll go because I think it's a nice place, but I don't know who those guys are, and I don't think they could make me do any of that.

However, Paige's reaction really startled her, as she exclaimed with a tone somewhere between horror and reproach.

-Never! Do you hear me? Never refuse to fulfill what you signed! It would be terrible for you. You'd lose everything. Believe me. Everything! Don't make the same mistake I did...

- What you? What happened to you? -She asked in vain, since her interlocutor simply replied. -

-Don't ever want to talk to me again. And wait for her instructions, but, for God's sake, don't refuse to follow them! Good-bye, April.

-Wait, Paige! - She exclaimed in a perplexed and worried tone, but her sister had already hung up. - I don't know what's wrong with her. But I have to know. - She decided, trying to help her. -

However, she was no longer able to reach her for the next two years. It was finally time to go to college and she managed to convince her parents that she wanted to enroll at Golden. There she entered and was very well received. Already the first year she met Melanie. They hit it off right away since the girl was really pretty, blonde, tall and athletic and had a very strong personality and quite a lot of charisma. She wasn't bad herself and her dancing talent impressed her classmate.

- Wow," - Melanie commented. - I'm sure they'll admit us both to the cheerleading squad.

-Yes, I was already a cheerleader at my high school. - April told her. -

-Well, I wasn't. And my parents aren't exactly thrilled with the idea either. They're pretty traditional about that sort of thing. - Her interlocutor admitted. - Besides, I have a lot of practice to do it right.

-I'll help you. - She said, gazing into her partner's blue eyes and beautiful blonde hair. - I've mastered quite a few choreographies.

And so she did, they both trained hard and got their wish. The following year they were already among the best cheerleaders at Golden. April also wanted to get closer to her now friend. However, she was clearly straight. For some time, however, their friendship deepened and they became inseparable. There came a time when she even harbored some hope.

-Maybe, if I confess to her that I like her. - She said to herself, full of indecision. - But, of course... she could take it badly.

She didn't want to lose that friendship either and, especially since they shared a room, that put her in a serious dilemma. Though she soon found that her friend was not averse to dating boys there. April could hardly protest, she didn't dare, although she did comment.

-You know that's forbidden. If you get caught with a boy in the room.

-Don't be such a scaredy-cat. - Her classmate answered her with nonchalance, claiming. - "I know that's forbidden. - The veterans of the upper classes do it and no one has ever been expelled for it. They warn you, of course. But they never come to check if anyone is there. Especially not at night.

-I don't think it's right. - April sighed, looking away. -

Perhaps Mel interpreted it in a very different way, since she approached her, and caressing her hair affectionately, whispered to her with a tone full of complicity.

-Don't worry," she said, "and if you ever need it, I'll gladly let you have the whole room. I'm sure that many of our handsome companions are looking forward to receiving your invitation....

April blushed, making her friend laugh. How could she tell her that she was already with the person she wanted to share that room with? Of course, in a much more intimate way. However, she knew immediately that this would never be possible. Nevertheless, she opted to wait and be more patient, waiting for the slightest sign from Melanie. A few days later, though, things went awry. This Roy guy showed up. He and Mel started seeing each other and started dating. She was gawking at this guy and of course April didn't dare get in the middle of it. It was then, shortly after the guy came on the scene, that another one of those mysterious phone calls shook her up.

- Hello? - she asked while she was in her room when she received the communication asking for her. -

-You must go to this address and go to work here. - That raspy voice she recognized from the previous time ordered her. -

After which, he gave her the address to which she had to go. When she went there, she found that it was some kind of a gay bar. Many lesbian girls gathered there so that they could "get to know each other" under cover of prying eyes. It took her a while to make her way in as the place was almost full, and she even had to politely decline some attempts to pick her up from more than a few girls. Finally, she was able to meet the owner of the establishment.

-Hello, my name is April Sinclair. -She introduced herself. - I'd like to ask you for a job. I'm a college student and I need money to pay my tuition.

In fact, her parents were making a considerable effort to keep her at Golden. In this way, in addition to obeying the orders she received, she would relieve them of some of that burden. Although that woman, who would be in her fifties, immediately replied with a tone of disbelief.

- Do you know what we all are here, honey?

-Yes, of course. - She admitted, confessing in turn. - I share the same tastes.

-In that case, I'll see if we're understaffed. - Her companion said. -

-The man who told me to come here assured me that they needed a waitress. - She commented. -

That made that chubby individual with curly ash-blond hair look at her with her brown eyes filled with a mixture of surprise and even fear. She could barely mumble.

- Man? What man?

-I don't know. - I've never seen him, but I signed an agreement with a group or something he belongs to, and I must do as I'm told.

Her companion was pale, and it didn't take long for her to nod vehemently to assure her.

-You're hired. Tell whoever it is that Uma delivers. You'll start tonight.

And without daring to ask the woman any questions, she nodded. Since then, she had had to manage a few times to skip curfew and go to work. She even had some sporadic relationships with a few female clients, but nothing serious. In her mind there was only one girl, her partner Mel. Now she was back to walking the streets towards that place, with her thoughts set not on her, but on her mysterious caller.

-The call told me that I was supposed to meet someone here. - She said to herself between curious and worried. - I must go in to work, I'll wait for him in the shop. Whoever it is, he'll be here in a while... I hope he's not late and doesn't want anything strange from me!

         Meanwhile, Bertie and Cooan were impatiently waiting for their friends to confirm their arrival and finally received a call from Ami. She, Rei and Usagi were boarding a flight in a couple of hours and would be there the next day. Beruche and Cooan went to wait for them at the airport. When the plane landed and they saw them get off, they could not suppress their joy, they ran to them.

- Thank heaven you are already here! - Cooan exclaimed joyfully, hugging Rei. –

- That's great, now I'm hopeful we're going to make it. - Bertie, who did the same with Ami declared. -

- And I'll be damned, won't I? - Usagi interjected with her arms up in the air, still on the ladder. -

At the sight of this comical scene, they all laughed. The two sisters turned to her and greeted her warmly.

- Excuse us, Usa-Chan! - Cooan asked her, holding her affectionately in her arms. -

-Yes, we didn't see you at first. - Bertie added, imitating her sister. -

             And for the first time in many days something made them smile and it was appreciated. Then Rei struck a serious note.

- Well girls, now tell us carefully what has happened here.

- It is very dangerous; I think they are much more powerful than any of the members of our Black Moon. - Beruche calibrated -

- Well, in Japan we have also encountered tough enemies. - Ami told them. - After those who used to steal pure hearts, others stole dreams and then new ones who extracted star seeds from people. We had a hard time defeating them. Now there are others like those you have described here. Let's hope they don't work together.

- Well girls. - Usagi intervened to de-dramatize. - We're already here, we'll take care of everything, I don't think it's that serious.

- You always take everything lightly. - Rei scolded her with her usual stern assurance. - Cooan and Beruche wouldn't have called us if it wasn't serious.

- Well woman, don't get angry. - Her companion replied trying to appease her and adding with even better mood. - Remember that we have the power of the Eternal Moon on our side. As before that of the Grail.

- What do you mean? What is this, Grail? - Beruche asked visibly surprised. -

- A thing that Usagi had but she lost it. - Rei countered with a certain reproachful tone. -

- Although now, thanks to another friend, she has increased her power a lot. - Ami explained to them -

- Now I can become the Eternal Moon Super Warrior! - Usagi revealed with a thumbs up. - Relax girls, this will be a piece of cake! - She smugly assured. -

- Then it's true that you've increased your power a lot! - Cooan said enthusiastically. -

- That's right. - The questioned woman nodded and then objected. - But the only drawback is that I can't maintain it for long. As soon as I use it, I'm exhausted.

Although Rei made a gesture of surprise, however, Ami gave her a discreet nudge so that she wouldn't say anything, and it was she who declared with a smile addressing Sailor Moon.

- But we are here to give you a hand.

- Yes - Rei smiled as well, recovering from her perplexity, and adding now, but in a mocking way. - Even though you are now the Eternal Super Moon Warrior, you are still the Eternal Super Oaf Usagi.

- What did you call me, Rei," - she asked with an irritated suspicious tone. -

- You heard it, Oaf. Or do you want me to spell it for you? O..." - her interlocutor responded with derision. -

- You'll pay for this! - Usagi exclaimed, getting into the fray and both began to pinch each other and grab each other's hair. -

          Ami, embarrassed by such an embarrassing spectacle, tried to separate them with the typical gesture of "I don't know them at all." Directed at the curious onlookers milling around.

- Wow, those two will never change. - Cooan smiled in relief, adding somewhat wistfully. - They remind me of Petz and Karaberasu.

- Yes - Beruche nodded adding - I am calmer now, I am confident that, between them, Tom, you and me, we will manage to defeat them. We'll get Roy back and we'll put an end to those evildoers.

Finally, things calmed down between Usagi and Rei, they left the airport. Both sisters accompanied their friends to a hotel near the university. When they returned to the campus, late in the evening, they had to sneak in under surveillance. Their friends meanwhile settled into the hotel. There, before going to sleep, they chatted.

- Why did you say that? - Rei wanted to know, turning to her friend Usagi, to affirm. - Now your power doesn't have that kind of limitation.

-It's their battle, not ours. - She replied with a soft tone. - We must not interfere unless it is strictly necessary.

-Not interfere? - The incredulous Ami repeated, opposing. - But this is a full-fledged threat against the Earth. It's our duty to fight it, even if it wasn't personal, which it is.

-Exactly. As Ami says, as well as a danger to all mankind, this is personal. When those monsters attacked our friends and forced them to fight, their fight also became mine. -Rei agreed with an indignant and reproachfully tone, she remarked. - What the hell do you think you're playing at?

The questioned one gave her a stern look that seemed more like Queen Serenity's, but she did not utter a word. Although it was clearly perceived that she had not liked neither those words, nor the tone of the impetuous Mars. The latter understood immediately and lowered her eyes, muttering more humbly.

-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you.

-Well, we must calm down and analyze the situation. - Mercury then termed in a calmer tone. - Judging by what you've told us, things will get complicated.

-They will. - Usagi nodded with a regretful expression to add. - I just hope we'll be able to help them...

The other two said nothing more about it. They just said goodnight and went to their rooms. The sisters in turn were now in theirs. Cooan tried to be optimistic.

-You'll see, Bertie. With them here things will be very different. -

-I don't know, Cooan. - She sighed, clutching her pillow as she sat cross-legged on her bed. I'm not sure even Sailor Moon and the others can deal with enemies like that.

-From what we've been told, they've had to deal with even worse. And there they are! - her interlocutor exclaimed. -

Her sister smiled, nodding slowly. That's what she wanted to believe. No matter how hard she tried to be strong, sometimes she couldn't help but be filled with hopelessness. And there was something else that was on her mind that she couldn't forget. Those strange words of that entity that called itself Armageddon. Why had he called her princess? She was sure that it had not sounded colloquial or pejorative, not in the sense that a guy would say it to a girl. On the contrary, it gave her the impression that it alluded to a title.

-Our father was count of Ayakashi. - She mused. - But we were never in the royal family except as maids to the queen. And he only called me. Why not Cooan? We are sisters after all....

Although she kept silent, not wishing to unsettle her companion with yet another problem. At last, the two of them went to bed, really exhausted, but somewhat encouraged by the arrival of their friends. They had to rest and face the new day with new strength. Both managed to fall asleep with renewed hope in their hearts. On the other hand, the night before, Valnak had gone to that sordid place indicated by his comrade. That sleazy club, which nevertheless made a wonderful impression on him.

-Marginality, drugs, prostitution, sex – ha, ha, ha!  Now I remember what I liked about this miserable planet. - He said to himself amused, to top it off: - "Well, let's go run the errand Armageddon gave me to do.

And transmuting his demonic appearance into a human one, wearing a black leather jacket and jeans, he entered a nightclub. There he had little trouble finding the person he was looking for after dishing out a few hundred dollars.

-This having unlimited credit is just one more great perk that darkness has to offer me. Ha, ha, ha ha!

He made good use of it, and, after asking for the directions Armageddon had given him, he went to enter a joint where he discovered that he was the only man, or at least, the only male being there.

-So, my comrade likes to play jokes. - He said to himself amused when he realized such a circumstance. - Well, I'll find the one he sent me to look for. It must be one of these human females. He told me she worked here...

          And he watched, waiting for some of these individuals to come to meet him, attracted by his demeanor. In fact, the eyes of numerous women converged on him, but not exactly with a desire to admire him.

- What are you looking for here, boy? - A woman with short brown hair and a tattoo asked him. -

- No guys allowed here! - Get out of here! -Another blonde woman, who dressed quite feminine and wasn't exactly ugly, scolded him. -

-I'm not interested in any of you. - He smiled imperturbably. -

-You may have made a mistake. There's a bar for you a couple of streets down. - Another short brown-haired girl with a better disposition commented to him. -

-I know where I am. - Valnak replied. - And who I'm looking for...

And smiling mischievously, he simply snapped his fingers to change the music of the place. And began to sing in a thunderously deep voice.

***In the mid-night hour!***

***Last night my little dancer, came dancing to my door.***

***Last night my little angel, came pumping on the floor.***

***She said oh come on baby, I got a licence for love,***

***And if it expires, pray help from above, because...***

           All the women in the bar stared at him, astonished, incredulous and some even visibly interested and even eager to approach him. Although Valnak ignored all of them. All of them except one who was carrying a tray with drinks and looked at him with an astonished expression.

***In the mid-night hour! She cried: More! More! More!***

***With a Rebel Yell! She cried: More! More! More! Wow!***

***In the mid-night hour babe! More! More! Nore!***

***With a Rebel Yell! More! More! More! More! More! More!***

     The demon approached her and continued to sing to her, sometimes whispering the verses in the ear of that girl, who seemed to be as enchanted and transfixed as most of the rest.

***She don't like slavery, she won't sit and beg!***

***But when I'm tired and lonely, she sees me to bed.***

***What set you free, and brought you to me, babe?***

***What set you free? I need you here by me, because...***

         April was engrossed, as were many other girls, and how could she have been so fascinated by this man?

***In the mid-night hour! She cried: More! More! More!***

***With a Rebel Yell! She cried: More! More! More! Wow!***

***In the mid-night hour babe! More! More! Nore!***

***With a Rebel Yell! More! More! More!, More! More! More!***

***I'll walk the world, with you babe.***

***Eight thousand miles, with you!***

***I dried your tears of pain.***

***Eight million times, for you!***

***I'd sell my soul, for you babe.***

***For money to burn, for you!***

***I'd give you all I have known babe!***

***Just to, Just to, Just to, Just to, to have you here by me!***

***Because...***

           Valnak laughed in amusement, as he watched all the women in that obviously lesbian place not taking their eyes off him, while he remarked.

***In the mid-night hour! She cried: More! More! More!***

***With a Rebel Yell! She cried: More! More! More! Wow!***

***In the mid-night hour babe! More! More! Nore!***

***With a Rebel Yell! She cried: More! More! More!, More! More! More!***

***More! More! More! More! More!***

**(Rebel Yell, Scooter version. Credit to the artist)**

        At the end he even received applause, and even that individual who had received him so rudely approached him to congratulate him with effusive sincerity.

-I'm sorry, if I had known you were coming to liven up the evening like that, I wouldn't have said anything to you, man.

-No hard feelings. - He smiled mischievously. -

And at last, he turned to the girl he'd come to find.

-You're April, aren't you?

-Yes, it's me. - She shyly mused, feeling intimidated by this strange individual. -

- Oh! Don't be afraid of me. - Valnak affirmed looking at her amused to add. - I only have a message for you....

And the girl listened to what the stranger had to tell her.

- What? but is it true? it can't be! I can't believe it!

-I have no idea, but believe me, my friend doesn't usually deceive me about such things. - Valnak assured her with a tone of amusement. - So, it's up to you to decide what to do.

          He handed the girl an object, which she looked at with surprise.

-It's a pentacle. Take it with you when you must go to certain places. It will keep you from getting hurt. -He explained. - I'll send you instructions.

          And after enjoying the face of horror and sadness of that little girl, he left without paying attention to the rest of the female concurrence that was still watching him with perplexity.

-What a waste of time, a bunch of uninteresting human females. -" He sighed, shaking his head, and saying to himself. - "I will tell my comrade that I have fulfilled his order. I will not deny that it has been entertaining. But now we must begin our work.

**START**