Hi Minna-san,
I nearly herniated myself to get this finished before Christmas. With all
the running around I do at this time of year, writing is nearly impossible. :)
Sure is a good time of year though. Anyway, here is chapter 9 of Guardians.
Enjoy!

Ja ne,
Greywolf 

                    Sailor Moon: Guardians of the Star
                       Chapter 9: Fury of the Storm

Usagi came awake with a gasp. Her heart pounded as she looked around
wildly. She calmed as she realized she was safe in her bed. Brushing her
long blond hair out of her eyes, she glanced at the clock on the cabinet
next to her bed and saw that it was only 7 AM.

<Now, why did I wake up so early?> she thought in confusion. She looked
around for Luna and found her sitting on the end of the bed, listening
intently. "What's wrong, Luna?" she asked curiously.  Luna looked at
her. "Listen!" she hissed. Usagi did as she ordered and listened.
"What's the big deal, Luna? I don't hear....." She stopped as she
realized that was precisely what Luna meant.

Outside, she heard the normal sounds of morning. Birds chirping and the
occasional car passing. Inside, however, it was as silent as a tomb.
The sound of pots and pans clanging as her mother prepared breakfast,
the sound of the shower as her father got ready for work. All were
absent this morning. Usagi sniffed the air. No smell of breakfast at
all. There was a vague indefinable scent on the air that Usagi couldn't
identify and yet, it caused a shiver down her spine.

She put aside her discomfort and got out of bed. "They probably slept
in," she told Luna airily as she did her hair up in her customary style,
"I'll wake them as soon as I get dressed." Luna cast a sharp look at her
charge.  "Have you ever known them BOTH to sleep in on a weekday,
Usagi-chan?" she retorted. "No," Usagi answered cheerily, trying to
ignore her growing uneasiness, "But there's a first time for everything!
I'll go wake them up."

Usagi gave the bow on her chest a final twist and left her room with
Luna right behind her. As she walked down the hall to her parents room,
her uneasiness grew. Reaching the door, she noticed that it was ajar and
reaching out a slightly trembling hand, she pushed it open.

The door creaked open to reveal......nothing. Her parents' room was
empty. The bed was unmade and had obviously been slept in, but of her
parents, there was no sign. Usagi, followed by an equally cautious Luna,
stepped across the threshold and into the room. Once in the room, she
shuddered violently as Luna laid her ears back. That indefinable smell
was overpowering in the room and she STILL couldn't identify it.

"Luna?" she queried in a shaking voice. Luna looked around, her ears
still flat to her skull. She walked from the room and looked back to
make sure Usagi was following. "We'll check the house, though I doubt
we'll find anything," Luna said grimly, "Something very evil was in that
room last night!" "Haeth!" Usagi cried out as she ran down the hall to
Haeth's room.  She opened the door fearfully and peered in. She sighed
in relief at the sight of Haeth sleeping soundly in her bed. Usagi
closed the door quietly.  She looked questioningly at Luna. "No need to
wake her just yet," Luna answered. Usagi just nodded and they headed
downstairs.

Usagi looked around as they entered the kitchen. It was spotless with no
sign that her parents had ever been there. From the look of it,
breakfast had not even been started. Quickly checking the front and back
doors, she discovered that both were locked tightly. Now she felt
terror's icy fingers on her heart and she began to shiver
uncontrollably. Her folks had not left the house. At least, not by any
normal way.

Usagi nearly jumped out of her skin when the shrill ring of the phone
cut through the silence. She ran for it and picked it up with a
trembling hand. "Hello?" she said, hoping it was her parents. It wasn't.
It was the family Shingo was currently staying with. As Usagi listened,
the color drained from her face, leaving her deathly pale. Only her eyes
showed any emotion, and they were filled with such terror that Luna was
afraid she'd crack under the strain.

When she had replaced the phone on its cradle, she sat carefully in the
chair next to the phone and lowered her head into her hands. She fought
the urge to scream. "Usagi! What's wrong?" Luna demanded as she leapt
onto Usagi's lap. "That was the people Shingo was staying with," Usagi
explained tonelessly, "Apparently, he's gone and they wanted to know if
he came back here!"

Usagi took in a shuddering breath and began to cry uncontrollably. Luna
rubbed against her, purring frantically, in the hope of calming her
down, but Usagi was inconsolable.

Haeth woke at once and sat up abruptly. <I sense something!> she thought
uneasily as she looked around the room. She sensed a vague WRONGNESS, as
if something UNNATURAL had been nearby, and was now gone. This did not
concern her, however. The feeling of grief and terror that overwhelmed
her was much more identifiable. <Usagi! Kin Sister!!> Haeth grabbed a
robe and tore from the room.

When she reached the top of the stairs, she saw Usagi sitting next to
the phone crying so hard that she was starting to hyperventilate. Luna
was unsuccessfully trying to calm her. Haeth rushed down the stairs and
squeezed into the chair next to her Kin Sister. She took Usagi into her
arms. <I need to calm her!> she thought anxiously, <She'll make herself
sick if this keeps up!> She began to rock back and forth with her Kin
Sister as she chanted a calming melody in the Kaeloch, her native
tongue.

Usagi's breathing began to ease as she unconsciously started to breath
in time with the eerily hypnotic chant. Haeth continued her efforts as
Usagi's weeping also eased under the chant's calming influence. After a
time, Haeth stopped her chant and met Luna's anxious eyes. "I think
she'll be okay now," Haeth commented softly, "Give me the sequence of
events please." "Of course, Noble One," Luna answered her, "You're sure
she'll be all right?"

"Quite sure, Luna," Haeth returned, "And what's with the 'Noble One'
stuff?" Luna jumped down to the floor and looked up at Haeth. "It was a
title of respect that we gave the Dragonkin during the time of the Moon
Kingdom," she replied surprised at the impatience in Haeth's tone.  "Did
you have friends among the Dragonkin?" Haeth demanded. "Of course, Noble
One," Luna answered in confusion, "We all did." Haeth nodded.  "And did
you always call them by that title?" she asked impatiently.  "Of course
not! Only during formal...." Luna stopped as she realized what Haeth was
getting at. "Occasions," Haeth finished for her, "Well, this is NOT a
formal occasion and I hate titles, so just 'Haeth' will do." Luna almost
smiled. In some ways, Haeth was so much like Usagi, it was uncanny.
Without further ado, Luna explained to Haeth what had so upset her Kin
Sister.

Haeth listened carefully to Luna's explanation, interrupting only to
clarify certain details. "Okay, Luna," Haeth said firmly, "You stay with
Usagi, I'm going to check out that room!" Luna nodded as Haeth, noticing
that Usagi had fallen asleep, eased out of the chair and walked
carefully up the stairs. She approached the Tsukino's room and stopped
just short of the door.

She examined the doorway with her Sight and her lips thinned grimly.  A
faint glitter, that faded even as she watched, covered the doorway.
<A shield spell!> she thought uneasily, <No wonder I didn't sense
anything.> She stepped into the room. Her lovely lips twisted in an
unconscious snarl as she smelled and sensed the past presence of an
ancient enemy. She examined the room, but whatever had come in the
night was gone now.

Luna looked up as Haeth came down the stairs. She looked into Haeth's
eyes and her own widened at what she found there. Haeth's eyes were
filled with a peculiar mixture of pain and a savage fury. Haeth glanced
quickly at Usagi to make sure she was still sleeping. She then gestured
to Luna to follow. They entered the kitchen and Haeth turned to face
Luna. "What did you learn?" Luna asked, worried. Haeth sighed heavily
and the fury left her eyes, leaving only the pain. "Shadow Demons,
Luna!" she said softly, "There were Shadow Demons in that room last
night. And a Dark Kindred had been waiting outside! And only heaven
knows where they took Usagi's parents....or why!"

"But why didn't we sense anything?!" Luna demanded horrified. "Because
they shielded the whole operation," Haeth answered, "We only started to
sense something as the shield spell faded, and by then, they were long
gone!"

"So what can we do, Kin Sister?" came a despairing whisper from behind
them. They whirled around to see a pale and ill looking Usagi leaning
weakly against the door frame. Haeth rushed over and supported her as
they walked to the couch in the living room and seated themselves.

"Much, little sister," Haeth soothed her, "There is much we can do. We
are the Guardians of the Star! First, call Ami-chan. Let's see if any
others are missing family members!" Usagi nodded, and lifting her head
from Haeth's shoulder, she activated her communicator.


Ami was just getting ready to leave for school when her communicator
beeped urgently. It was Usagi. "Ami-chan, where is your mother?" Usagi
asked her intensely. "She's likely still asleep, after another busy
night at the Hospital!" Ami replied, confused, "Is there something
wrong?" Usagi ignored Ami's question. "Check her bedroom to make sure!"
she urged. Ami sighed heavily and decided to humor her friend. She
walked over and checked her mother's room. The bed had been slept in,
but her mother was gone. Ami's nose wrinkled as she noticed an odd
smell. <What IS that smell?> she thought to herself.

"She's not here, Usagi-chan," Ami told her as she tried to identify that
strange elusive scent, "She must have been called out to the Hospital"
"Call the Hospital and check!" Usagi demanded. Ami sighed in
exasperation.  "Usagi-chan, I have to get to school and so do you!" Ami
replied impatiently. "Do it, Ami-chan!" Usagi ordered with an
unaccustomed bite of command in her voice. There was something else in
her voice too, but Ami couldn't identify it. Ami bowed to her friend's
wishes, and as she turned to the phone, she realized what that
`something else' was. Terror.

Ami dialed the Hospital and spoke for a minute. She listened and then
slowly replaced the phone. She felt a sense of foreboding. The Hospital
hadn't seen her mother since last night. Ignoring Usagi's repeated
calls, Ami rushed to check the front door. It was locked. She felt an
icy chill travel down her spine.

"Usagi?" she said uncertainly into her communicator, "Mom's not at the
Hospital and the front door is locked! What's going on?!" Haeth's voice
came over the communicator. "Ami, Usagi's family has disappeared too!"
she explained urgently, "Get over here now! We're going to call the
others." Ami signed off and unlocking the front door, she ran out.  She
ran toward Usagi's place as fast as she could, tears streaming down her
cheeks as the terror she had heard in her friend's voice began to hold
her in its icy grip as well.

When Ami signed off, Usagi was turning to Haeth when her communicator
beeped. "Usagi-chan, are you there?! Oh, please, be there!" Minako's
hysterical voice came over the communicator. Usagi took a deep breath.
<They have been strong for you,> she thought, <Now you must be strong
for them!> "Minako-chan, I'm here! What's wrong?" she said sharply.
"Oh, Usagi-chan!" Minako sobbed uncontrollably, "Mom and Dad have
disappeared and the doors are locked and he wasn't at work
and...and...!" "Calm down, Minako-chan!" Usagi ordered firmly, "What
does Artemis say?" "He...he said there was something awful in their room
last night!" Minako replied, a little calmer. There was a moment of
silence. "Usagi, are your folks missing too?" she asked in a small
voice. "Yes, they are, and Shingo too," Usagi answered with a slight
trembling in her voice, "Luna said the same thing Artemis did and Haeth
confirmed it. I'm checking with everyone and getting them over here. You
and Artemis get over here as fast as you can!"

Right after Minako signed off, the front door burst open and Ami
staggered through. Panting from her run and crying, she fell to her
knees. Usagi went to her knees beside Ami and hugged her tightly. Tears
pricked her own eyes at her friend's despairing sobs. <DO NOT CRY!>
Usagi said to herself firmly, taking several deep shuddering breaths to
hold back her own tears, <If Ami is in this state, the others will be
worse! They'll need you!> Usagi gave Ami over to Haeth's care as Minako
came through the door, followed by an equally distraught Artemis.

"Usaaagiii!" Minako cried as she held out her arms to her friend. Usagi
immediately went over and took the weeping girl in her arms. And as
Minako wept on her ready shoulder, Usagi had to fight to keep from
breaking down again. <Ah, gods!> she thought in despair, <Do I have the
strength for this?>

"Haeth and I will take care of Minako, Usagi," Artemis suggested, "You
had better get the others over here, starting with Mamoru." He turned a
critical eye on her. "You're just about ready to crack," he said
sharply, "You need moral support too, you know! Get Mamoru-san over
here." Usagi nodded wearily and while Haeth led Minako to the couch
where Ami sat, Usagi went over to the phone.

"Mamo-chan!" she cried when Mamoru picked up the phone. "Usako!" he
answered, worried at the open fear in her voice, "What's happened?"
Usagi fought her tears as she explained to Mamoru everything that had
happened, including what Luna, Artemis, and Haeth had deduced. "I'll be
right over!" Mamoru reassured her after she had finished, "I'll go pick
up Galen-san and be with you shortly, Usako. Hold on!" After he had hung
up, she activated her communicator and called Rei.


When Mamoru and Galen walked through the front door, the sight before
their disbelieving eyes held them speechless. Jadeite sat on the couch,
holding Minako in his arms as she sobbed hopelessly on his shoulder.
Haruka and Michiru were doing their best to comfort an equally
distraught Rei. Hotaru sat next to Ami with her arm around the sobbing
girl's shoulders, while Setsuna was doing her best to chin up a
despairing Makoto. Chibi-Usa watched her mother worriedly as she dashed
from one friend to another, dispensing comfort where she could. The
Guardians stood in a group, obviously discussing possible courses of
action.  Mamoru could see the reason for his daughter's worry. In giving
comfort so selflessly, Usagi was ignoring her own needs, and Mamoru
could see that she was near the breaking point.

"Galen-san," Mamoru said quietly, "I tell you true, in all the battles
we have fought, I have NEVER seen the Inner Senshi in a state equaling
this! You check in with Haeth and I'll check with Usako." Galen nodded
and moved immediately to Haeth, who moved aside with him to confer.
"I've never seen the Senshi like this either, Haeth!" Galen whispered to
her.  Haeth cast a sad look at the distraught Senshi. "They are only
children, my love," she told him sorrowfully, "And Morgoth has taken
their families." Galen's eyes widened in dismay at this news. <Oh boy!>
he groaned inside as he looked at the Senshi, <Are we EVER in trouble!>
Haeth made a soft sound of distress and Galen turned to see what had
upset her. Usagi was busy giving comfort to the other Senshi, but Galen
did not miss the fact that she was as white as a sheet. "I'm very worried
about her, Galen!" Haeth cried softly, "She looks terrible!" Galen nodded
wordlessly. She did indeed look dreadful, but he thought he had the 
solution as he took Haeth aside to discuss it with her.

Mamoru went immediately to his beloved and took her into a comforting
embrace. She burrowed into his shoulder, but did not give in to her
tears. "OK, Usako," he said softly, "Let's hear the bad news!" "All our
families are gone, Mamo-chan!" she answered, her voice muffled by his
shoulder, "Makoto has no family, so Morgoth apparently settled for her
best friend! The Outer Senshi have contacted their families and they're
all fine, but ours have disappeared!" Mamoru sighed heavily. "How are
the Outer Senshi handling this?" he asked. "Badly!" Haruka replied as
she walked up to them, "That black slime couldn't have thought of a
better way to cripple us!" When Mamoru looked at Haruka, he actually
pitied any Dark Empire flunky who crossed her path. She looked like she
wanted a butt to kick SO bad, that if one didn't present itself, she'd
go out and find one.

After a while, Usagi looked up at Mamoru. "I'm going to the kitchen to
make some tea," she told him with a shaky smile, "That should help calm
us down." Mamoru smiled back and released her and she walked calmly into
the kitchen. "Isn't she amazing?!" Haruka said proudly, "Her own family
is gone and she walks around comforting the others! Now THAT, is our
Princess!" Mamoru, however, had already seen through her facade.  He
gave his Princess a few moments, and then followed her into the kitchen.

The kettle was on the stove and the cups were set out, but Usagi was at
the kitchen table. Her head was in her hands as she cried silently, only
an occasional choked sob escaping. Mamoru's heart wrenched within him at
seeing her pain and he went to her at once. He enfolded her in a
comforting embrace as she wept on his shoulder. Beryl and the Dark
Kingdom, Ail and Anne, the Dark Moon, The Deathbusters, none of them had
been able to do what Morgoth had now done. The Inner Senshi were
heartbroken and unless they got some help AND rescued the kidnapped
families, they would be crippled and unable to act.

Jadeite entered the kitchen and cast a sorrowful look at Usagi before
turning to regard his Prince. "My Prince," he said softly, "The
Dragonkin have something important to tell the Princess." Mamoru looked
up.  "How important do you think it is, Jadeite?" "I'm not sure,"
Jadeite admitted, "But they're very excited, so I think it may be of
great importance, to the Princess!" Mamoru nodded and looked down at
Usagi.  She had stopped crying and was returning his look sadly. "I
heard," she said quietly, "Let's see what they have to say. I'm alright
now." Mamoru looked at her in disbelief, but allowed Jadeite to lead
them back to the living room.

Jadeite went immediately back to Minako and placed his arm protectively
around her shoulders as she leaned against him. When everyone was seated
and, except for an occasional sob, quiet, Galen stood and began to
speak.  "Last night after we left you, Princess, Haeth and I took a
little trip to the Moon," he explained, looking at Usagi, "Queen
Serenity appeared to us and gave us some information that we were not to
impart to you until the time was right." He looked around the room, at
all the woeful faces staring back at him. "I believe the time is now
right," he continued with a heavy sigh. He met Usagi's sad blue eyes
with his own.  "The Dragonkin Guard was NOT destroyed with the Moon
Kingdom!"

At Usagi's gasp, he nodded. "Queen Serenity, knowing the Kin Guard would
be unable to stop Metallia, ordered them into exile in order to save
them," he explained, "They were to return ONLY if summoned by you,
Usagi. The time has come. We need help so you must now summon your Kin
Guard!"

"How?" she whispered. Galen smiled. "First, Haeth must restore your
memories of the Kin Guard," he answered, "This will also restore the
link that members of the Royal Family have with them. You'll need that
link in order to call them since you are not telepathic." Usagi glanced
at him curiously. "Link?" she queried. Galen smiled. "All Dragonkin are
linked with the Royal Family when they are old enough," he explained,
"This makes it possible for you to call any of the Kin Guard by name.
Your link, however, is hidden. In order to reactivate it, we must
restore your memories of the Kin Guard." Usagi nodded and Haeth went to
her Kin Sister. Haeth placed a gentle hand on each side of Usagi's head.
They both closed their eyes as their symbols appeared, glowing, on their
foreheads. Usagi shuddered as Haeth lightly touched the area of her mind
that held the memories required. Released by Haeth's touch, the memories
flooded her mind. Memories of someone who had loved her as much as her
mother had, one she had always gone to when in pain. "Auntie Maeribeth,"
she whispered as she opened her eyes.  A tear tracked unnoticed down her
cheek as she examined those happy memories of her mother's beloved Kin
Sister.

Haeth pulled away and Usagi turned a loving smile on her own Kin Sister
in thanks. "OK, I have them," Usagi said anxiously as she turned to
Galen, "Now what do I do?" Galen crouched next to her chair. "You must
empty your mind of all thoughts....." "That shouldn't be too hard for
her!" Rei interrupted smugly. Galen smothered a laugh as Usagi turned
and stuck out her tongue at her grinning friend. "As I said, you must
empty your mind of all thoughts EXCEPT your need for the Kin Guard," he
continued after he got his amusement under control, "Then call for my
mother, as loud as you can, with your mind." She nodded her
understanding and closed her eyes as the other Senshi held their breaths
in hopeful anticipation.  She concentrated and blasted out a mental
scream: <<AUNTIE MAERIBETH, I SUMMON THE KIN GUARD! PLEASE HELP US!!>>

In a certain section of space, in another reality, was an ordinary
G-type star. Surprising similar to Sol, seven planets circled around
their parent star. To the people of this solar system, their sun was
known simply as "the Star" and the kingdoms on the various planets as
"The Kingdoms of the Star". The fourth planet was Skye, once the most
powerful of the Star Kingdoms, all life had been scoured from its
surface by the Dark Empire's dreaded Nullifiers during the terrible
first Doom War.

A millennium of hard work to revive the devastated planet by the Elves
of Tarandar and the Dragonkin of the Star Kingdoms showed clearly in the
large tracts of forest and plains which now covered Skye. Equally large
desolate areas showed the centuries of work remaining before the
restoration was complete. Nestled against the side of a large mountain
in Skye's large northern chain was a massive stone edifice leading into
the huge cavern system in the mountain's heart. Known as "The Refuge" to
the folk who lived there; it was essentially a place of exile. Only the
Elves and the Star Kingdom Dragonkin knew of those who dwelt there.
Those who wished only to return home, and had wished this for a
millennium.

Maeribeth sighed as Avalon continued outlining the surprising offer by
the Star Kingdom of Tarandar. She knew what the Dragonkin of the Star
Kingdoms and the Elves of Tarandar were trying to accomplish here on
Skye. She also knew that, with Elven assistance, her folk could restore
the Moon in a similar fashion, although the work would take a millennium
or more.

That point, however, was moot. Until Princess Serenity summoned them,
they were exiled here on Skye for the duration. This did not prevent her
from sending spies to Earth, to keep up on developments there, but she
could not act on the information she had. She knew of the Senshi's
rebirth and knew where each of them lived in Tokyo. She wanted
desperately to see her little Hatchling, her dear Kin Sister's child.
She also longed to communicate with her son, but was bound by her oath
NOT to have ANY contact until summoned.

Now, it was even worse. With Morgoth's appearance on Earth, she had to
recall her spies, the shell twins Arilon and Arilith. Shell twins, being
hatched from a single egg, made the best scouts. Their exceptionally
strong mental powers made it possible for them to converse under any
conditions. They had told her that if the Princess got into serious
trouble, they would not be able to resist helping her. Since this would
violate the Oath, she had no choice but to recall them.

She sighed again as Avalon droned on and cast a sour look at her friend,
Tari. The Kashalkanite elf grinned in amusement, her fangs showing
clearly.  Maeribeth smiled slightly. Since a smile or grin among Tari's
people was considered a threat expression, it had taken a long time for
the Elves of Tarandar to teach her otherwise. It had taken longer for
Tari to be able to smile unselfconsciously. <It was a good thing that
the Guardians and the Senshi rescued her along with Princess Aisllynnia
two years ago,> Maeribeth mused, <She would not have survived much
longer among her vicious people!>

In the days leading up to the second Doom War, Kashalkanite raids on
Tarandar had become a frequent occurrence. During one such raid, Tari
had secretly, or so she thought, helped some survivors escape her
vengeful people. Unfortunately, some of her people had seen her.  Once
her goodness had been discovered by this act of mercy to an enemy, her
people had enslaved her. Draining her power at regular intervals for
their own twisted use, she had been slowly dying. She had been made the
personal attendant of Princess Aisllynnia during her captivity. Another
example of Kashalkanite viciousness, they had hoped to cause her more
pain, knowing how the other two Elven races HATED their dark cousins.
They hadn't counted on Lynn's uncanny ability to sense intent. Sensing
Tari's gentle nature almost immediately, the two became friends and they
were both rescued when the Guardians and the Senshi attacked Dark Spire.

Maeribeth snapped out of her introspection and regarded Avalon with
displeasure. "Avalon!" she interrupted his droning recital impatiently,
"I know all that! Tari brought the Queen's offer to me personally and
I've accepted. She will be joining us when we return to the Moon with
the Elven contingent we were promised, BUT, this can not and WILL not
happen until we are summoned! Now, I don't want to hear another word!"

Avalon nodded and turned to leave, hiding a smile. The Eldara HATED
politics. In this, she was well paired with Councilor Tari, who hated
politics as much as the Eldara did, despite the fact that she was friend
and Councilor to Tarandar's Queen.

<<AUNTIE MAERIBETH, I SUMMON THE KIN GUARD! PLEASE HELP US!!>> Maeribeth
gasped in pain and grasped her head in her hands as the cry slammed into
her mind, with all the force of Usagi's desperation behind it. <The
Hatchling doesn't know her own strength!> she thought hazily and gasped
again as she realized what just occurred.

Tari rushed to Maeribeth at her first gasp. "Are you alright, Eldara?"
she questioned anxiously, her amber eyes filled with concern. Maeribeth
looked up and met Tari's eyes, her own filled with exultation. "Tari!"
she whispered, "We have been summoned!" The worry in Tari's eyes was
replaced by excitement as Maeribeth turned to the door. "AVALON!" she
cried, "AVALON!" Avalon ran into the room gasping. "What is it, Eldara?"
he panted, "Trouble?" Avalon was shocked when she answered his question
with a wordless cry of joy. "No trouble!" she sang merrily, her face
aglow with her joy, "Ready the Kin at once! Prepare the Elves who will
join us! WE HAVE BEEN SUMMONED!!"

His jaw dropped in surprise as he stared at his Eldara. He then raised a
clenched fist to the sky. "YES!" he crowed, "At last!" Maeribeth smiled.
"When you are ready to leave, take everyone to the Kin Caverns," she
ordered, "I must contact Arilon and Arilith to let them know that things
have changed. THEN, I will go to Serenity and see what could cause such
desperation as I sensed in her summoning." Avalon struck a clenched fist
to his chest. "As you command, Eldara!" he said as he left. "I'm going
with you, Maeribeth," Tari said stubbornly. "I was about to suggest that
you might want to come," Maeribeth returned with a smile. The two walked
from the room and through the halls of the Refuge, as excited Dragonkin
ran to and fro in their preparations to return.

They exited the Refuge and were soon under the open sky. <<Arilith,
report!>> Maeribeth ordered via mindspeech. <<Eldara, if you're going to
recall us, you'd best do it soon!>> Arilith cautioned, <<Something
terrible is happening here!>> <<Explain!>> Maeribeth said urgently.
<<They are all gathering at the Princess' house.>> Arilon cut in,
<<Those who came were in a HIGHLY agitated state of mind. Arilith and
I could feel terror and grief from all who entered, ESPECIALLY the Inner
Senshi!>> Maeribeth thought for a moment. <<Plans have changed,>> she
commented, <<Stay where you are and if they require assistance, you are
to provide it to the utmost of your power.>> There was a moment of
silence. Maeribeth could practically feel the shock coming down the link
from the twins. <<But, the Oath.....!>> Arilith returned weakly.
<<Is null and void!>> Maeribeth interrupted, <<We have been summoned by
the Princess herself! When I get there, join me. Until then, stay where
you are!>> She cut the link and turned to Tari. "Ready to go?" she
asked. Tari gave a shaky nod. Maeribeth shimmered into her Dragonkin
form. She seated Tari comfortably in her cupped foreclaws and leapt
skyward. After attaining sufficient height, they winked out. Behind her,
excitement filled the air as the Dragonkin packed in haste. They were
going home.


Usagi opened her eyes and sighed in disappointment. "Aunt Maeribeth
didn't answer me," she said softly, her eyes filling with tears. "Easy,
Usagi, easy!" Galen exclaimed as he placed a comforting hand on her
shoulder, "She can't answer. The Link allows you to summon but not to
communicate.  You're not telepathic after all." Usagi looked at him
hopefully. "Do you think she heard me?" she asked. "Trust me, Usagi," he
answered, rubbing his aching head, "With a summoning cry THAT loud, the
dead would have heard you!"

"Usagi-chan! Come here, quick!" Ami cried. Usagi moved curiously to
where Ami was busy on her computer. As she got there, everyone else
began to gather around them. None of them noticed as Galen's head came
up with a jerk. None of them noticed as he and Haeth left the house out
the back door.

Galen stopped abruptly as he saw who was in the backyard waiting for
him.  "Mother?" he whispered. He took a hesitant step. That step turned
into a stumbling run as he ran into her waiting arms. "Mother!" he said
softly as he buried his face in her comforting shoulder. "My Son, my
Hatchling!" she cried as she embraced him tightly. Haeth felt the ready
tears in her eyes at this meeting. Maeribeth looked up, tears streaming
down her cheeks, and her eyes met Haeth's. Her eyes widened
incredulously, as what she was recognized what Haeth was. "A Soul
Healer!" she whispered, "Come here, Hatchling." She stretched out an arm
to Haeth, keeping the other around her son.

As Haeth shyly took her hand, Maeribeth's eyes widened still more as she
immediately sensed the Pair Bond. "You're Pair Bonded!" she gasped, "And
to my Hatchling!" She raised a trembling hand and laid it gently against
Haeth's cheek. "I couldn't be more delighted, Hatchling," she said with
quiet joy, "Galen needs you and as a Soul Healer, I have much I can
teach you." At this quiet acceptance, Haeth burst into tears and
Maeribeth took her in her embrace as well. Tari watched the tearful
display and wiped her own eyes as she laughed softly. <I thought I'd
seen it all!> she thought to herself with tearful amusement, <Three
blubbering Dragonkin! I doubt I'll ever be able to top that sight!> She
wiped her eyes again as she moved forward to greet Haeth and get
introduced to Galen.


Usagi looked down at the computer screen as Ami worked and saw a map of
the city. "Ami?" she questioned. "Just a sec, Usagi-chan," she said
without looking up, "I think I.....there! Got it!" On the map, five
flashing dots appeared. "I'm getting this through a satellite feed," Ami
explained, "Based on readings I've taken in the past, all five sites
have energy signatures from Dark Kindred, Shadow Demons and one type
that I can't identify!" Mako-chan studied the map carefully and swore.
"Those sites are a good distance apart!" she said furiously, "We'll have
to split up!" Usagi sighed heavily. "It's a trap," she said flatly, "And
we've got no choice but to walk right into it." She froze as a well
remembered voice came from the kitchen, "Then it's a good thing you've
got some unexpected help to SPRING their trap, isn't it, Hatchling?"

Usagi turned around slowly and her hand covered her mouth to hold in a
soft cry as she saw who stood there. A tall woman with long silvery hair
stood in the kitchen doorway. Haeth, Galen, and some one else were just
visible behind her. The Senshi saw her as another Dragonkin, but with
her restored memories, Usagi saw much more. "AUNTIE MAERIBETH!!" she
screamed as she flew to her mother's beloved Kin Sister. Maeribeth
wrapped her arms around Usagi and held her tightly. "Hatchling,
Hatchling, do not grieve so!" she crooned comfortingly, "Even now, the
Kin Guard should be returning to the Kin Caverns on the Moon. We'll have
all the help we need to get all your families back!" She stroked Usagi's
hair as Usagi continued to cry against her shoulder. "Ah, Hatchling!"
she said softly, "Morgoth's flunkies will regret this act most
fervently, I assure you! Now, I have someone with me that I KNOW you'll
be glad to see."

Maeribeth turned and waved Tari into the room. Everyone gasped as the
dark skinned elf entered. She had amber colored eyes, white hair, and
glossy black skin. She was a tiny thing, only reaching Maeribeth's
shoulders, but she radiated an incredible aura of power. On her
forehead, between the delicately arched white brows, was a black eight
pointed star. While everyone else took a step back at sight of her,
Usagi moved closer, drawn by the kindness in her amber eyes. It took
only a moment for Usagi to recognize her. "Tari-chan!" she cried as she
rushed to embrace another old friend. Tari smiled as she returned
Usagi's hug and everyone crowded around her.

"Did the Shalhananite Elves treat you well, then?" Usagi asked, wiping
her eyes. Lynn walked up and embraced Tari, before turning to Usagi.
"Tari is my mother's First Councilor as well as our friend," she
explained, "Besides that, she is the only person I know who can control
Black Aether. It's part of her heritage and I, for one, am glad we have
some one on our side who can do so!"

When everyone was finally seated, Usagi asked the obvious question.
"What's Black Aether?" Tari shrugged and looked at Lynn. "We don't
know," Lynn admitted with a sigh, "All I know is, she can summon a Soul
Gem, like mine.  What comes out of it, though, is FAR different than
what comes from mine.  Mine, as you know, can break spells and combine
with other magic in order to attack. Tari's can only destroy things.
That's why we call it Black Aether. It's a destructive force, but not an
evil one."

"Good!" Rei commented, "That will be useful." Ami nodded decisively.
"We now have three Dragonkin to join us and...." "Five!" Maeribeth
interrupted. "Huh?" Ami said in confusion. Maeribeth smiled. "Arilon and
Arilith are watching over this house outside," she explained with a
laugh, "So we have five Dragonkin, more, if we really need them."

"We're going to have to split into teams and go after all five sites at
the same time," Usagi said firmly, "Now we have a Dragonkin that can
join each team!" Maeribeth glanced at the map on Ami's computer.  "I
suggest that the Outer Senshi go here," she said, pointing at one of the
sites, "They have always worked well as a team, and Arilith can join
them." When Usagi nodded, Haruka, Michiru, Setsuna, and Hotaru
transformed. "Arilith will be waiting for you outside," Maeribeth
instructed, "Good luck!" Haruka gave everyone a thumbs up as they left.

Usagi looked at the map again. After a moment of thought, she cast a
pleading look at Galen. Galen and Greywolf exchanged glances and moved
to join Usagi. "I would send Ami-chan and Rei-chan to this area," Galen
suggested as Greywolf nodded in agreement, "Their powers compliment each
other." Kaylen looked up at Greywolf. "I can go with them," he added,
"My command of the air can give some flash to Rei's fire and some dash
to Ami's ice." Usagi smiled in relief and turned to Maeribeth. "Arilon
is waiting to join them outside," she answered Usagi's questioning look.
Galen pointed at another site. "Mako-chan and Minako-chan can go here,"
he suggested again, "Kreigh can join them with her Earth powers and I'll
be their token Dragonkin." Jadeite looked up. "And I'll be joining
them," he said challengingly.  Greywolf glanced at him, and then at a
blushing Minako and smiled.  "Of course," Galen said mildly, "I was just
about to suggest that." At Usagi's nod, Galen continued, "Chibi-Usa and
the Princess can take this site. The Prince will join her, of course, as
will Haeth."

Ami cast a worried look at Usagi and turned to Galen. "But Galen-san,"
she said anxiously, "That leaves no Senshi left to cover the last site.
And this site has multiple Dark Kindred signatures. I don't know how
many, but more than one for sure!" Maeribeth glanced at her and grinned.
"My Kin and I will take that last site. I'll call Avalon from the Moon
and get him to bring a few others with him.  Greywolf and Lynn can
handle anything else that may be there."

"What about me?" Tari asked anxiously. Usagi smiled at her. "You can
come with me," she replied, "Your power should come in handy!" The
Senshi powered up as the Guardians shed their disguises and with a soft
"Good Luck" from everyone, they all headed out to their targets.

End of Chapter 9


NEXT: Chapter 10 Counterstorm: The Outer Senshi Strike!

Outer fury, new powers, Saturn kicks MAJOR butt! BE THERE!!