‘Time is running out. As we stand here, planning our next move, civilizations fall to their destruction. But what can we do except hope, and never give up? Time is giving us a warning. How it comes, we will only find out when it happens.’ With a sigh, a young girl landed on the planet, clutching a censer to her chest protectively. ~Chapter 2: Time’s warning.~ Starhealer trembled. Pain lanced through her soul, slowly disappearing after a few minutes. Her comrades were watching her. “What…?!” “The shine of a star has just faded.” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* With a sigh, the young silver haired man hefted the bag of groceries as he slipped the key in the lock. Without warning the door suddenly opened making him fall forward. Strong arms caught him and the bag together, pulling him inside. “Shit Seiya! Do you have to do that?!” the taller and younger man shrugged lazily, his hand waving a sheaf of papers. “Nagareboshi He.” Lime green eyes widening, Yaten pulled at Seiya’s bare arm, walking to the piano. Swallowing, he set the sheets down and sat, fingers poised above the keys. Your strong scent, I am always searching… ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Taiki could hear notes being played from outside the apartment. He smiled grimly, hurrying inside. He burst in, heading straight for the piano. “You’re done,” he murmured. Taiki pushed his brown pony-tail off his shoulder and moved next to Seiya. The raven-haired shounen looked pleased. “We’ll be able to be famous now,” he said happily. “Kakyuu will hear our message.” Nagareboshi He, Search for your Love, had been written and rewritten so many times until this was the final outcome. Seiya’s best work; it showed the love and desperation they felt because their Princess was not with them. For the Sailor Starlights were not women now, but men. ~*~ ‘People will find it strange that there are three girls singing for the love and attention of a woman, rather then three men.’ ‘Can’t we just disguise ourselves? Do we really have to go through the whole procedure?’ ‘We could decide to not Change. But if one of us were to slip up, where would we be? And plus, Galaxia and her anima-mates are searching for women, not men. Because only women can be Sailor Soldiers.’ ~*~ And so they had Changed themselves from young women into young men. Out of them all, Yaten, with her silver hair, lime green eyes, delicacy and empathic abilities, had been the most reluctant to change. She did not want to give herself up. Taiki, with her intelligence, mauve eyes and brown hair, had been neutral. She had not minded changing if it meant a way to defeat Galaxia and find Kakyuu. Seiya enjoyed ‘his’ new body. She was the Fighter of the three, the most aggressive, and the leader. She acted like a male, talked like a male, dressed like a male. The transition had been the easiest for her. ~*~ ‘It’s because she’s bloody butch!’ ~*~ “Well, she technically isn’t here. It’s for the Planet that she is heading to.” “It can’t hurt to try… I can still feel her signature.” They stayed up late, discussing their next movements. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Sailor Rhea stared out into the sky, eyes troubled. She could sense strife approaching, and a strong force that seemed almost invincible. She had to protect her planet, but how? She knew she wasn’t strong enough for it. Turning, she reverted into her civilian form and walked away. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Long, slim legs crossed themselves as cool red eyes stared out at the woman bowing before her. “Sailor Pewter Fox.” Her voice was cool, as she beckoned for the woman to speak. “What news have you brought me?” the woman in grey smiled, showing her teeth. “Galaxia-sama, I bring good news. The planet Vulcan and its guardian soldier Sailor Vulcan was taken care of.” Galaxia nodded approvingly. “Yes.” She held up the Sailor Crystal, staring at it hungrily. A flick of the fingers, and two voices chimed in greeting. “Another for your Garden Crystal!” Her face hardened. “I want the Sailor Crystal of the Moon Queen! The strongest in the galaxy!” Pewter Fox nodded once. “We are making away across the galaxy. I have already made my place on the planet Rhea, and tomorrow I will take the Sailor Crystal of Sailor Rhea!” Galaxia raised an eyebrow. “How long till you make it to the Solar System of the Moon Queen?” Pewter Fox prayed silently that the lady would not be angered. “I- I am not sure. In time; but now over 40% of the galaxy is under your control. We hope- we hope to leave her to the end. Show her your great power and-” Galaxia’s eyes flashed. “Enough! Pewter Fox! Go to back to Rhea! I want all the Sailor Crystals now!” bowing quickly the anima-mate teleported out, cursing herself inwardly. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Rea, civilian form of the Sailor Soldier Rhea frowned. Someone was following her; she was sure of it. Quickening her pace she hurried up into the building where she worked as part-time secretary for one of the biggest music producers in Samos. “Ah! Watch where you are going!” irritated green eyes stared into her own. The short silver haired young man rubbed his arm and glared at her. “Ah, very sorry sir,” she murmured thoughtfully. What was wrong with this man? Something- he shone brightly. “Yaten!” a moment later, two other men arrived at his side. The tallest with brown hair, the next with black (or was it just a really dark shade of blue?) hair. “Gomen nasai, Miss,” murmured the one with brown hair and a deep baritone. She turned her gaze on him; he too, had an unmistakably bright shine that stood out against the other civilians. Not as bright as her own; perhaps they were just lucky people born with the luck of the stars. “It’s alright.” “Are you sure?” she gazed into sapphire eyes. They were so deep, emotions swirling in and out of them. There was a mischievous glint in them, but also a hidden pain. “Really.” Smiling, she stepped around them and hurried to her desk. “Miss! Could you tell us what floor the producer is on?” called the tallest. She stopped and turned. “Do you have an appointment?” the three exchanged looks and nodded. “What’s your name? I can ‘buzz’ him and tell him you’re coming up.” The raven- haired male stepped forward. “The Three Lights. Seiya Kou, Taiki Kou, and Yaten Kou.” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Kit grinned, and followed the young woman to her desk. Nobody was around; it was still early. Her chance was near… “Hello Miss. Might I help you?” the Sailor Soldier looked at her, phone in hand. Kit bared her teeth in a ‘smile.’ “Yes.” She summoned some power. “You can.” Eyes met her own, alarmed, knowing. “… Who are you?!” “I am your death.” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Yaten’s head snapped up. “An ominous presence.” All three swung into action. ~*~ “Rhea Planet Power! Make UP!” “Ha! Thank you, for making this easier for me!” ~*~ “Fighter Star Power! Make UP!” “Maker Star Power! Make UP!” “Healer Star Power! Make UP!” ~*~ Sailor Rhea and Pewter Fox looked away from each other simultaneously. “Sailor Soldiers?!” ~*~ “The place where the stars drift...” “Holding three infinite lights...” “Sailor Star Healer!” “Sailor Star Fighter!” “Sailor Star Maker!” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Sailor Rhea stared at the three new Sailor Soldiers, shock playing over her features. First this new enemy claiming to be a Sailor Soldier; ‘Sailor’ Pewter Fox, and now these three! Who could she trust?! All held tremendous power! Perhaps she could hold her own against one of them, but four?! “Pewter Fox. You’re not going anywhere except for hell,” stated the one called ‘Sailor Starhealer.’ To Rhea, she gave barely one look. “I *will* claim your Sailor Crystals, and Galaxia-sama will be so thrilled!” Sailor Rhea started at the name ‘Galaxia’. Surely she couldn’t mean the Golden Senshi, the protector and namesake of the galaxy?! “She does,” said Sailor Starfighter gently. Sapphire eyes to her own grey ones. As if reading her mind. Seiya Kou. “Sailor Rhea. I suggest you find your Princess now, and do not leave her side. Protect her. Don’t let her Sailor Crystal be taken away.” ~*~ Pewter Fox scowled. How dare those three bitches in black try to stop her! Sailor Rhea turned, running away to find her Princess, and she sighed. “You’re too late,” she said. “She’s been taken care of.” Ah, the wonders. ~*~ “Nooooo!” Rhea fell to her knees, gasping with shock and anger. She had felt it! Something being snuffed out! But, it had not occurred to her… ‘Sailor Rhea….’ The voice of her angel, her Princess, her Queen. Gomen. Gomen nasai. I should’ve warned you about what I felt. Standing, she faced the false soldier. If she had warned her Princess of what she had felt, perhaps her Angel would not be dead. But she was, now, and there was nothing to do but avenge her. Avenge her Princess, and protect her planet. This was between Pewter Fox, and herself. “You want my crystal? Come and get it.” Tears coursing down her face, she lifted her hands and prepared to unleash her strongest attack. Her gaze flitted to the three mysterious soldiers; the one in the middle’s eyes. They were full of sympathy. So were the others, but this one seemed to know most the pain she felt. She said something. “We are the Sailor Starlights. Kami bless you, we wish you luck.” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* As Pewter Fox advanced on Sailor Rhea, the Starlights teleported out. There was no use; this was not their responsibility. They risked death by staying. Surroundings turned black, dotted with faint stars. Three Soldiers stood in deep space, watching the planet Rhea in its final stages of life. Soon, it would be no more. Explosions in Samos, where they had left Rhea and Pewter Fox, erupted. Though they could hear nothing, screams resounded in their ears, and they saw everything. “For all of the lives in this galaxy.” For my people, and my planet. For my Princess! After that last cry, a silence seemed to settle over the planet itself. Any light visible, flickered and went out one by one, until the planet was lit by nothing. “The shine of a star has just faded.”