Chapter 2:

Target: Sailor Saturn

"You let her go with the Inner Scouts!?" shrieked Pluto in disbelief. "It's too dangerous to have the Moon Princesses together without more scouts!" Pluto hurried down the main street to the Cherry Hill Temple. She knew Saturn and the Inner Scouts were there. The Outer Scouts did their best to keep up.

"Setsuna, she told us to get you," said Kymbir.

"I don't care!" barked Setsuna. "You knew better than to leave her, little sister."

"What's so bad about Serena and Elisia spending time together?" asked Leigh. "Besides, we had to calm Alex down," added Michelle.

Setsuna didn't respond to them. She was deep within her own thoughts. 'What was I thinking!? I am the Mistress of Time. I am supposed to watch and protect her. Even though they are fellow scouts, how could I let her stay with them!? She's so important to the future!'

"Your temple is so beautiful," said Saturn as she sat on the floor of Raye's bedroom. Her wound had healed itself and she reverted back into her school uniform and human identity.

"Thanks," said Raye, putting a wet rag into the basin of water. She dabbed it on the dried blood on Saturn's left arm. "So...do we call you Saturn or Elisia?"

"Liz is fine. I know you all have questions and I'll try to answer them."

"Here's one," said Ami. "Why don't we remember you?"

"Yeah. Mina's the only one that does," added Lita.

"I'm not completely sure, Mercury. I do know that Venus called me here. I think Pluto knows more than me."

"Okay. Now, why did those jerks take Mina?" asked Serena.

"My guess? To make me fight them. They want to suck my powers dry and destroy planet Earth."

"Then who were those other girls?" asked Lita.

"My court. The Outer Scouts. Do you guys want me to restore your memories of me?" asked Elisia. "I mean, if we're going to get Mina back, they might help answer some questions."

Raye stood up first. Then Ami. Then Lita. Serena and Elisia got up last. Elisia closed her eyes and cupped her hands. A strange, bright glow came from her hands and washed over them like a light blanket.

Each scout then remembered Elisia. Ami remembered when Elisia became a scout. She was the youngest of them all, only twelve. Raye remembered her as well. She had save planet Mars once from a minor Negaverse attack. Lita remembered Elisia from the mock battles and boy-looking parties. Serena remembered her very well. Elisia was the quiet, calm-type with the ability to ease Serena into becoming a queen. And she was Serena's last line of defense. She remembered how she save her and Darien from Beryl and then, when they were in the funnel, she tried to again and was ripped apart by Beryl. Coming out of the memory trance, Serena looked like she was ready to cry.

Sensing this, Elisia grasped Serena's hand. "Hey, it's okay to cry, Serena. I don't mind."

Serena's eyes were watery, threatening to spill over. She felt Elisia pull her into her arms and Serena cried.

"C'mon, Meatball Head," Raye said, frustrated. "This is no time to cry!"

"Let her, Raye," said Lita. "I mean, all they have is each other."

"Not for long," said a strong feminine voice.

Lita, Ami, Raye, Elisia and a teary Serena looked up at the doorway and saw the Outer Scouts and another female with very long, dark green hair. Half of it was in a bun. All were in their scout outfits, including the new girl, minus any sleeves. Elisia seemed to know the new female. "Pluto," she said with a hint of fear.

"Saturn. You're putting yourself and the princess in danger."

"I just wanted some time with her, Pluto. Oh, how rude of me. Serena, Mercury, Mars and Jupiter. Meet Sailor Pluto, the Mistress of Time. She can give you better answers than me."

Charon, Earth, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto sat on the other side of the room, near the doorway. Elisia pulled Serena off of her tear-soiled shirt. Serena wasn't crying anymore. She gave Elisia a smile, which her cousin returned in kind.

"Okay. Why were our memories erased?" asked Raye. "Venus was the only one who had hers."

"That was so all of you will be safe," answered Pluto.

"From what?"

"From the danger facing us now. But the Negaverse took Venus so I don't know what they want now."

"That's why I decided to stay with Serena," said Saturn.

"Elisia!?" cried Uranus. "You can't! What if-?"

"I can take care of myself. For the last three months, you guys have done nothing but treat me like a kid! I'm tired of it! I'm moving out TODAY!"

"You can't-" began Neptune but Earth cut her off.

"You know? She's right. Elisia should be with the Inner Scouts. After all, there are supposed to be six Inner Scouts!"

"True enough," Charon said, backing Earth up. "Let her, Pluto. She deserves it after waiting more than a thousand years to be with her cousin."

Neptune and Uranus thought about it for a moment. "They're right," said Neptune. "We have to let her, Pluto. Besides, we have to get Venus back."

"I have to back Elisia up on this one, even though I think she's nuts!" added Uranus with a smile.

Pluto got up. "Very well. You can stay with them for a month, Elisia. Then, you must chose between being an Outer Scout or taking your place as an Inner Scout. I will be in my chamber if you need to speak to me sooner." With that, Pluto walked out of the room and seemingly vanished into the surroundings.

"Cool exit," whispered Serena.

Elisia got up. "I hope you guys understand."

"We do," said Neptune, eyeing Uranus.

"Just know that we're here," said Earth.

"And don't worry about Pluto. My sis can be...hard at times," added Charon.

"Just one question. Where is your stuff going?" asked Uranus.

"Oh! I-I don't know." Elisia turned to Serena. "Uh, can't I stay with you, Serena?"

"I have a family but I bet I know someone who won't mind! Darien!"

"What!? Me stay with Dairen!? Serena, I don't know... He's your man-"

"Don't worry! He has an extra room and it's furnished!" Serena took Elisia's hand. "Just drop Liz's stuff at the Tokyo Tower Apartments, Okay?" Serena rushed out of Raye's room, taking Elisia with her.

RING, RING, RING!

Darien turned off the stove to answer the door. He opened it, expecting Serena to be there, drooling for food. She was there. But not alone. With her was a girl with long, pale pink hair. He thought he recognized her from the moon but he didn't want to say anything about it. "Serena. Come in. I'm almost done with dinner." He stepped to the side and allowed them in. "Who's your friend?"

"She knows everything, Darien. You must remember her too?"

Darien looked at the girl again. "Elisia?" he whispered in surprise.

Elisia ran to Darien and the two cried happily. "I'm so happy you're okay!" said Elisia.

"Me too...Princess Saturn." Darien let them sit down on his couch as he went back to the kitchen. "So!" he yelled. "Why are you here?" he asked loudly.

"Elisia's staying with us Inner Scouts 'cause Pluto thinks she'll be in danger and get me killed," said Serena. "But she can't stay with any of us and I was wondering..."

Darien emerged from the kitchen. "Say no more. Elisia, you can stay here. I know that Pluto had to be convinced to let you stay with us."

"Wait! You know Pluto!?" asked Serena.

"Sure I do."

"Thanks Darien!" Elisia said, happy that everything was going her way. 'I'll save you, Venus. Best friends' honor.'

Sulite returned to the torture chamber as she promised. She heard no screams in the last three hours and wanted to know what happened. Sulite entered the room and saw a sight that she had dreamed of for centuries.

Standing next to Allure was Venus. Her costume colors had changed. The white and orange were now black and gray respectively. Her red bow was gone and her blonde hair was now a dull color blonde. At her waist was black belt, where her sword was hanging from. Her eyes were reddish-blue and a black vest identical to the one she wore in the days as Sailor V was on over her costume. The bows were gray and the jewel in its middle was now black. Her choker was gone, as her gloves. Her heels were gone too, replaced by knee-length, leather, black boots. She smiled at Sulite. "Venus at your service, mistress."

"Allure, you did it! You are indeed devious! Venus, your job is to bring Saturn here by any means necessary."

"Of course, mistress." Venus turned to leave.

"Not yet, my Dark Venus! Soon. Let the princess fall into a state of security first."

"As you wish." Venus gave a dark, cruel smile to Sulite, sending chills in the air.

For two weeks, nothing happened. Elisia was staying with Darien and enjoying her time with the Inner Scouts. Lita and she sparred a bit and had cooking lessons. Raye and she went shopping twice and Raye taught her to read fire, which she wasn't good at. (She didn't live on Mars! So why should she be able to?) Ami and her aced their history exam and Ami had learned to lighten up a bit. However, when Serena and Elisia got together, which was often, Serena was a whole new person! She was being taught to act like her old self! And it was working! Serena wasn't clutzing out or acting dumb. She was remembering everything and even getting to school on time! What about the Outer Scouts?

Well, she saved the weekends for them but Pluto refused to see her. Today was Friday, and Elisia had two more weeks until she had to decide who she was staying with. She was at Serena's door and rang the bell. It was three hours until school started...

Serena's mother answered the door. "Oh, Elisia! You're here! She's still asleep! Go on up!"

Elisia went upstairs and quietly opened Serena's bedroom door. Normally, Serena is snoring but not today. Elisia closed the door behind her and carefully walked up to the bed. Suddenly, Serena jumped from under the covers, scaring Elisia to death. Elisia fell against the wall, looking at Serena in the darkness. For some odd reason, Serena took her hair down and Elisia thought it was Mina. "Venus?" she whispered.

"No, silly! It's me, Serena!" Serena went to the light switch and turned it on. She saw the thin line of sweat running down Elisia's face. "Wow, Liz. What's wrong?"

"For a moment, I swore you were Mina. Just wishful thinking." Elisia then put on a bright smile. "Let's get ready, Serena! We still got to get you to school!"

Luna appeared from under the covers. "Elisia! I can't believe that only you can get her to school on time! You are a miracle worker!" (Luna and Artemis know about Elisia and the Outer Scouts. They want Elisia to stay with them but not because they need another scout.)

"Thanks, Luna. Now, let's get your hair back up." Elisia took Serena's brush and began to do her cousin's hair.

"Hey guys. Something's up with Liz." Serena, Ami, Lita, and Luna were at Raye's Temple. Artemis went with Elisia to spend the weekend with the Outer Scouts.

"Yeah, I know. Not finding Mina is tearing her apart inside. I wonder why the Outer Scouts haven't found her."

"Maybe because they don't know how to get to the Negaverse. And without Mina, neither can we," replied Ami, not even glancing up from her book.

"But Darien said she's been dreaming about Mina," said Serena. "And she kept calling out to me. Hey, Luna. Liz and I are cousins. Isn't there some link that should be around?"

"That's true, but I don't think it includes dreams, Serena. And I must say, you're changing for the better. I hope Elisia decides to stay with us."

"Me too. It's like old times on the Moon."

Elisia smiled as Alex sped off in her car with Kymbir, Michelle and Leigh. She was all alone in the house with Artemis. "That's okay. They're making my choice easier."

"Great! Now, only if we can find Mina," began Artemis. He then saw Elisia's glassy eyes. "I'm really stupid! I'm sorry, Liz. I forgot!"

"No...it's okay. I think I know how to find her, Artemis. The Crystal Star is the best tracker in the universe. If I think about Mina, then I can find her. But I better call Darien first." She ran upstairs to use the phone.

In the Negaverse, Sulite, Allure, Dritoite, Crisite and Venus watched on the screen before them. Sulite smiled when she realized that Elisia was all alone, except for Artemis.

"Venus. It's show time, my dear."

"Yes, Mistress Sulite." Venus walked into a black vortex and it closed behind her.

"I know that this isn't an emergency but I think I'm ready to tell Pluto my decision," said Elisia on the phone.

"I'm getting off of work in a minute anyway. So, what have you decided?"

"I'm going to be the six Inner Scout, Darien."

"That's great! I know Serena will be happy!"

Downstairs, Artemis heard the conversation. "She's staying. Yes! But she can't stay with Darien. When we get Mina back, maybe she won't mind having Elisia living with us."

"Actually, I would," said Venus, emerging from the shadows of the walls.

Artemis jumped back. "MINA!?"

"Wrong. I am Venus of the Negaverse. Hand over Saturn and I'll be on my way, cat!" Her voice was spine-chilling cold without any emotion.

'She thinks she's from the Negaverse!' thought Artemis. 'I have to get Elisia outta here.' "Elisia! RUN!" yelled Artemis as he dived for Venus.

Venus chuckled and caught Artemis' throat in her hand. She slowly squeezed the life out of him.

Upstairs, Elisia thought she heard something. "Darien, I have to go. I'll see you Sunday?"

"Yeah. Bye, Liz." Darien hung up his end of the phone.

Elisia heard a loud crash from downstairs, and since she was the only other person there, she went downstairs, locket in tow. But what greeted her was a total shock. Standing in the shards of glass was none other than...Sailor Venus!

"Venus!?"

"Hello, princess. Did you think you could hide from the Negaverse forever?"

"Venus...what happened to you?" Elisia took a step back.

"Do not make this difficult." Venus pulled out a long, sharp blade. Its dark tint glistened unnaturally in the light of the room. "Either come quietly or I'll force you to come."

Elisia didn't know what happened to Venus. She believed that Venus was brainwashed. And there was only one way to free her from it. Holding up her locket, Elisia cried, "SATURN CRYSTAL STAR POWER!" In a minute, she was Sailor Saturn.

Venus then vanished into thin air. Saturn looked around for her but didn't see her come up from behind and place a deep gash in her side.

Crying out, Saturn fell to her knees, trying to stop the bleeding. But it was enormous. Already, there was a pool of blood from her position. She looked up at Venus to see if there a hint of sorrow. What greeted her was evil cruelty. "V-Venus?"

"Are you coming or not?" Venus asked maliciously.

Saturn fainted instantly.

Smiling, Venus bent over to pick her up but she heard a noise outside and hid.

"I can't believe that I forgot my keys!" said Michelle, fumbling with Alex's key inside the doorknob. "If I wasn't staring so much at Alex, maybe I wouldn't be rushing home to get my keys!" Michelle unlocked the door and went inside.

She knew something was wrong the instant that she walked inside. Michelle saw the broken window glass and a massive pool of blood. Michelle went behind the couch and found Sailor Saturn there, unconscious. "Saturn!" screamed Michelle and she kneeled down for a pulse. She found a faint one. "I better transform just in case." Michelle pulled out her wand. "NEPTUNE POWER!"

Once she was Sailor Neptune, Michelle got on the phone and called Serena. The phone rang twice before someone picked it up. "Hello? Serena!?"

"No. It's Lita. Who's this?"

"Are the adults home?"

"No, just us kids. Hey!? Who is this!?"

"Sailor Neptune," Michelle said, pressing her hands down on Saturn's wound.

"Neptune!? What's wrong?"

"Saturn's been attacked. She's bleeding over here really bad."

"How!?" asked Raye, who was on the other phone.

"Hi, Mars. Look, I came home and there's glass everywhere and Saturn's unconscious and I can't find Artemis anywhere!"

"Hang in there, Neptune," said Raye. "The Inner Scouts are coming!"

"And they'll be too late!" said Venus from behind Neptune.

Neptune dropped the phone and turned around. "Venus!?" she screamed.

"Saturn's coming with me!"

"Not in my universe! I don't know what they did to you but you're busted! NEPTUNE WATERFALL SPLASH!"

Neptune's powers never reached Venus. The water was at zero degrees and Venus must've known because she sent the power at Saturn, drenching her in cold water. "My turn!" A beam cyclone encircled Venus quickly. "VENUS DEATH BEAM!" Many beams shot out of the cyclone, all knocking Neptune off her feet and into the wall.

The phone receiver was still on the floor. They heard Neptune scream. "NEPTUNE!?" cried Lita.

Venus went over to it and picked it up. "Sorry, scouts. You're too late!" She banged the receiver down on the phone, crushing it.

Saturn got to her feet weakly. She wasn't going to let Venus take her without a fight, even though she was very cold. "SATURN! POWERBOUND STASH!" Her beam erupted from the ceiling, hitting Venus with enough force to wreck an island paradise.

Venus fell to her knees but got back up again. "You are going to be dead! VENUS!" Venus' web barrier came up into existence, crackling like lightning. "WEB OVERTAKE!" Her web hit Saturn before she could scramble away.

The web pinned her against the wall, electrocuting Saturn horribly. Saturn screamed in agony, trying to hang on to consciousness.

Sailor Moon, Sailor Mars, Sailor Mercury and Sailor Jupiter were in Darien's sports car. (He was on his way to see them.) Sailor Moon heard and felt Saturn's pain and cried out.

Darien put on the breaks and everyone was lurched forward. "Serena!" he cried, looking next to him.

"LIZ!" she cried sorrowfully. "Hurry!" Darien push the gas pedal to the floor and the sports car jumped to 110 mph.

By the time the Inner Scouts and Darien got there, the Outer Scouts were there, minus Pluto. The Outer Scouts were in their scout costumes. "Good. You're here," said Sailor Earth. She was scared, even though she tried to hide her shaking.

"Let's go!" said Uranus, walking up to the splintered open door. Charon had her hands into fists, ready to strike. Jupiter stood next to her, towering over her small form, ready to back Charon up. Uranus opened the door and Charon and Jupiter stepped inside. The others followed carefully.

The living room was a total disaster area. The furniture was ripped to shreds and the rug was waterlogged. They heard a moan and Uranus rushed behind the couch. "Neptune!" cried Uranus and lifted her into her arms.

Charon gasped. "Neptune!? Is she all right, Uranus?"

"I-I don't know." Uranus was trying to contain her anger. 'I am getting Venus for this,' she thought.

"U-U-Uranus?" whispered Neptune as she opened her eyes. "Saturn-?"

"She's gone," said Earth sourly. "I should've stayed here!"

"No...Elisia's growing up. We have to let her go sometime."

"Where is she, Neptune?" asked Sailor Moon.

"And where's Artemis?" asked Mercury.

"Saturn's gone, Sailor Moon. I tried to stop Venus but I couldn't. She was too strong."

"Just rest, Neptune," said Darien. "We better look for Artemis."

In the Negaverse, Elisia opened her eyes. She found herself hanging from the wall of the torture chamber; her arms and legs embedded into the wall. Her side was tingling as the blood dried over the large wound. She was stronger, but not strong enough to fight Venus again.

Sulite came into the room, smiling. "Ah, Princess Elisia. At last, we have you."

"They'll find me!" said Saturn toughly. "And you'll be moondusted!"

"Taking up your cousin's lines? That's so *unlike* you." Crisite appeared being Sulite. "My dear friend, Crisite, won the coin toss so have fun, *Saturn*. I'm looking forward to you serving me." Sulite left the room.

Crisite didn't smile. "I hope you can handle power drains. 'Cause that's what's going to happen to you. Your powers are leaving you, princess!" Pressing his hands together, the wall Saturn was connected to began to glow red. Saturn screamed as she felt the pull of her powers beginning.

Saturn's cries were heard in Dark Venus' room. She was sitting on the bed, getting ready to rest for the next battle. Something in the cries sent a single, heartfelt tear down Venus's evil face. But she wiped it away. "And next is Sailor Jupiter."