"All right class, today's lesson shall be an exercise in draining
energy from an innocent human."  The professor motioned for the door, and
in walked a young woman about 17 years of age, with two lab aide Youmas
holding onto each arm.  "Aardvarkden, you shall go first."  

    A short, round, and brown Youma stood nervously from the rows of
desks.  "Are you, uh, sure sir?"  The aardvark-like creature sweated
profusely.  

    "Yes, now get on with it.  Drain some energy from this creature.  Class
gather round so you can see how it is done."  The professor gestured at the
poor young woman, who struggled futily against the aides.  

    "All right then.  Uh, AARDVARK DOOM!!"  The aardvark spun around and a
stream of black energy shot out of his nose and after a moment, sucked
back in after absorbing the energy of his target.  

    "OH MY GOD!  HE TOOK OUT MUGGLITE!!!!"  

    The professor frowned.  "We will have to work on your aim Aardvarkden."

    Sweatdropping, the Youma scratched the back of his head.  "Yes sir."  

      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
      | A WTF Production             |
      | Tuxedo America:              |
      | Chapter 8:  Test Your Might  |
      | By ColdFury                  |
      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"...  off."  Killian replied as he reached the roof of the dormitories.  His
hand gripped the hilt of the sword hanging in its sheath on his belt.
"Prepare to die cape-boy."  

    "Bold words coming from a human acting as a common Youma."  Tuxedo Mask
pointed ferociously at Killian.  "I fight for the freedom of college
students, for the love that life brings, and for everlasting justice over
evil.  You stand to destroy all the things that I hold dear, and for that,
I will NOT forgive you!"  

    "Do you EVER shut up?"  Killian drew the sword from his belt and
grinned evilly at the caped hero.  

    Behind his mask, Mamoru's eyes widened.  "It can't be..."  

    "I see you know your mythology.  The legendary Excalibur, right before
your very eyes."  Killian swung the two handed sword a few times
experimentally, with light strokes that implied its large mass was not a
hinderence to him.  

    Light from the nearby city glistened off of Mamoru's lenses in his
mask.  "You may have powerful weapons at your disposal, but your cause is
weak, so I shall triumph."  Pulling out his cane, it lengthened to its full
capacity in his hands.  

    "Is that so?"  Killian dove forward and brought the sword down at
Tuxedo Mask.  

    Barely blocking with his cane, Tuxedo Mask grunted as magical energies
collided, and arcs of energy spewed forth from his cane and Excalibur as
the two weapons pushed against each other.  With visible effort, Tuxedo
pushed his adversary back a few feet, and assumed a defensive position.
"Yes!"  He raised his cane above his head.  "Chaaaarrrgiiing...  Caaane...
ATTACK!"  Tuxedo Mask dashed forward with his cane crackling with a charge
of energy.  There was a flash of light, and suddenly Tuxedo stood a few
feet behind a smirking Killian.  

    Tuxedo turned to face his defeated opponent when he realized he was
missing something.  Looking at both his hands, he frantically looked around
for his missing weapon.  

    Killian turned and laughed, holding the still smoking cane in his
hands.  "Not so easy am I?"  He tossed the cane back to Tuxedo.  "Need this?"  

    Tuxedo caught the weapon easily with one hand, and eyed his opponent.
Silently he eyed the surrounding buildings rooftops with his eyes, looking
for any sign of impending backup.  

    "Looking for reinforcements?  I don't think so.  You'll have to fight
this fight all on your own cape-man.  I'm cloaking our energy.  No one, and
I mean no one, will be able to sense this fight."  The merc grinned
menacingly.  "Ready for round two?"  

    ***** 

    "Apollo?  Who's that girl on the screen?  What do you have hooked up to
the phone?" Sally asked as she stood in the doorway, puzzled.  

    "ACK!"  Apollo hit a paw on the keyboard which blanked out the screen
with a picture of a familiar blue haired girl on it, with the name "Mizuno
Ami" under it.  "Ye got to stop sneaking up on me like that lass.  I was
passing on some vital information to someone."  

    "Really?  What's this thing?"  She picked up the box on the phone and
picked it up.  It appeared to be a voice synthesizer of some kind, so she
spoke into it.  "Hello?"  A familiar high pitched voice came out.  Sally
quickly put the box down.  "What was that voice!?"  

    Apollo sighed.  "To be honest lassie, I cannae tell ye.  But it was the
voice of a very powerful person who is at the moment a long ways away from
here.  I had to impersonate her to pass on information to your Tuxedo-clad
one."  

    Sally nodded for a moment with understanding, then blinked.  "Wait, you
know who he is!?"  

    A sweatdrop appeared on the back of the dog's head.  "Well, erm, yes.  I
know the identity of all the Senshi, including Tuxedo Mask."  

    "..."  Sally stared at the dog for a moment before picking him up by
the collar.  "And you didn't tell me WHY?"  

    "ACK!  LASSIE!  CONTROL YERSELF!"  Apollo yipped pitifully.  "I'm not even
supposed to know!  I cannae just go blabbing it around!  I'm sorry!"  

    Sally scowled.  "You said you would help me."  

    "How about I take you to where we're likely to see him?  But I can't
reveal his identity..."  Apollo bargained.  

    "...  I get to see Tuxedo Mask again?  WAI!!!!"  Sally dropped the dog
and jumped up and down.  "WAAAI!!"  

    "Ach.  Yer goin to be the death of me lass."  

    ***** 

    "AARDVARK DOOM!!!"  

    "Oh my god!  You drained Lenny!  You bastard!"  

    "Oops."  

    ***** 

    Killian swung with enough strength to cleave a redwood in two.  Tuxedo
Mask jumped over the super strong human and landed behind him, swinging
his cane at the mercenary at all his might.  Killian merely held his sword
into a blocking position.  "I don't think so."  

    A flare of energy lashed out from Killian and slammed into Tuxedo
Mask.  The young bishounen went flying from the roof of his dorm and landed
on the grass in the park in front of it.  Killian walked to the edge of the
roof and peered after him.  "Hrm...  you survive that one?" 

    A red flash streaking towards him was the only answer he got.  Quickly
side stepping, Killian grimaced as the rose stem left a slice in his arm.
"That was your only shot cape boy!"  

    "What happened to your cool demeanor?  The sight of your own slow
undoing too much for your evil heart?" Tuxedo Mask stood shakily, and
pointed his cane threateningly at Killian.  "I...  will NOT forgive you!"  

    Killian answered by jumping off the edge of the rooftop, Excalibur
overhead, and executing a diving slash at the wobbly hero.  Tuxedo Mask
rolled out of the way and threw a half dozen roses at the villain, blossom
first, momentarily blinding him.  

    "Stay still and DIE you moron!"  With an outstretched hand, Killian
growled ferociously.  His hand glowed dark purple briefly, than an arc of
evilly charged energy crackled out towards the Japanese hero.  Tuxedo Mask
ducked behind his cape, but was still sent sprawling 15 yards back.  

    Clearing his eyes of the rose petals, Killian shook his head.  "I told
you..."  

    "TUXEDO BOMBER!!!!!!"  Tuxedo Mask leapt high into the air as Killian
blinked.  A dozen roses embedded themselves into the ground at Killian's
feet.  Staring down at them curiously, the mercenary cocked his head to the
side.  Without any warning, the roses glowed red and exploded, engulfing
him in the blast.  

    Tuxedo Mask landed on hard on his feet, falling to a crouch.  He panted
heavily, waiting for the smoke around Killian to clear.  His eyes narrowed
as a human shape could be seen walking out of the smoke.  

    "HAHAHAHAHA...  that was a good show mask-boy.  I almost want to see
what else you can do."  Killian clapped generously.  "That actually singed
me a bit."  

    "Why are you doing this!?" Tuxedo Mask stood angrily.  "You're a human!
We should work together to save our home!"  

    "I have a family you know.  This is just my way of ensuring lil'
Killian's future."  Killian shrugged.  "Nothing personal."  

    His arm moving faster than could be seen, Tuxedo Mask threw another
rose at Killian.  The merc merely leaned to the side and avoided the
projectile.  "Tsk tsk.  Getting repetitive there Tux boy."  

    ***** 

    *thwip* 

    Sally meeped, while Apollo stared at the rose imbedded in the tree
next to Sally's head curiously.  "That is an odd thing lassie.  I don't
sense your Tuxedo clad friend anywhere."  

    "..."  Sally still stared at the rose mere inches from her face.  

    Apollo craned his neck in the direction the rose was facing.  "This is
not good.  He's over there fighting some monster, but he looks worn down.
And I cannae sense anything from either of them.  The other outca...
American Senshi won't be able to sense the fight either.  He's on his
own..."  

    Gasping, Sally peered over a bush at the two fighting sword to cane
once again, Tuxedo Mask appearing to hold his own, but retreating all the
while.  "Oh no!  Tuxedo Mask!!  We HAVE to help him!"  

    Sitting and scratching his chin with his rear paw, Apollo pondered the
situation.  "T'would be a dangerous thing to go out there.  Anyone who could
mask their energy like that would have to be one mean pot of trouble
lass."  

    Frowning, tears started to appear in Sally's face.  "But I have to!
He's..  he's getting hurt!"  

    A slash by Killian tore through Tuxedo's cape and pants leg, a trickle
of blood showing through the gash.  

    "I have to do something!"  Sally's forehead started glowing, a symbol
of the sun being eclipsed by the moon appearing in the middle.  

    "Lass..  yer....  yer glowing!"  Apollo took a step back.  

    "I...  I HAVE to help!"  Sally took a step toward the fight.  

    "Lass...  wait..  you'll be needing this."  Apollo lifted his leg up to
the side.  

    "EWWW!"  

    "...  Some animal helpers have cute somersault summoning powers, I have
this.  Hold on."  A bright white light blinded Sally momentarily.  Below
Apollo's furry leg was a small wand.  "Take this, and say Eclipse Cosmic
Energy!"  

    Sally nodded curtly, lifting the wand.  "Eclipse...  Cosmic...
ENERGY!!!"  

    The wand sparkled brightly, energy showering down over Sally as Apollo
backpedaled slowly.  Her clothes vanished and instead she seemed to be
clothed in pure energy.  She spun around and the sparkles took on the form
of a costume.  Black elbow length gloves, half black/half white boots
extended to her knees, a skintight long sleeve black blouse, and a pure
white miniskirt all formed from the sparkling energy as she twirled in
place.  A black and white mask appeared over her face, strapping around her
hair with a small band.  She powerposed briefly and blinked.  "This is...
this is..."  

    "Your destiny lass.  I suspected it, but now I know.  You are Eclipse,
one of the American Senshi!  Now go save Tuxedo Mask!"  

    "Yes!"  Eclipse leaped over the bushes, and dashed toward the two
fighting figures.  

    ***** 

    Killian slowly pushed Mamoru back, succeeding in hitting small blows
and slices that slowly wore down the warrior.  "Getting tired yet?" 

    Tuxedo Mask panted, but stopped his backpedaling and stood firm.  "You
shall never defeat the forces of good!"  

    "The forces of good can...  wait.."  Killian paused, and arced his head
to the side.  "That's a new..."  

    A black and white boot to the head finished his sentence for him.
Killian went tumbling to the ground, as Tuxedo Mask stared on in shock.
"The forces of good can kick your scrawny little butt!"  Eclipse power
posed, then gave a little wave at Tuxedo.  "Hi Tuxedo Mask!"  She giggled
gleefully.  

    Rubbing his jaw ruefully, Killian stood.  "You'll regret that one."  He
pulled out a dagger and tossed it casually at Eclipse, who saw the shiny
blade headed toward her and froze like a deer in headlights.  

    "Eep!"  Her eyes stayed glued to the sharp pointy object headed for
them.  

    Tuxedo Mask slammed into her, knocking both out of the way of the
weapon.  "I don't know who you are, but you should leave!  You're obviously
inexperienced at-- OOF!"  

    Cut short by a swift kick to the abdomen, Tuxedo Mask rolled a few
feet to the side, as Killian stared down at the trembling Eclipse.  "And
who might you be?" 

    "My...  my name is Eclipse!"  Standing warily, she took a step back from
the mercenary.  "And I will...  uh..  hurt you?" 

    Killian chuckled.  "Not any more tonight I think.  You did annoy me
though.  Maybe I'll give ol' fish face a twofer."  

    Eclipse was suddenly enveloped in dark flames springing forth from
Killian's palm.  She took a step back and screamed in pain.  Suddenly
though, a brief memory crept to the surface of her brain.  A name, a
motion...  an option.  

    She stood firm against the punishment, and her crying stopped.  Instead
a confident voice called out, "Blinding Eclipse of Darkness!!!!!"  She held
both her palms outstretched, and a bright black beam of energy cut through
Killian's assault and slammed into the villain's chest.  

    He skidded back against the ground.  "GUAAAH!  That actually HURT
woman!"  

    Eclipse's confidence faltered.  "He....  he's not dead.  He's supposed to
die and vanish now, right?" 

    Tuxedo Mask stood shakily.  "It's been that kind of night."  

    Killian stood slowly, his shirt torn from the blast and his chest
visibly singed.  "Great.  The blast disrupted my cloaking aura.  Now we'll
have the entire platoon here any moment.  Better finish this."  Killian
suddenly erupted into an aura of dark power.  "Hate to tell you two, but I
was just playing.  NOW I'm serious."  Two dark balls of energy floated over
each of his hands.  "Now...  it's a little personal."  

    He chucked the first ball and caught Eclipse square in the chest.  The
second caught a slightly more evasive Tuxedo Mask in the shoulder.  Eclipse
slammed to the ground, as Tuxedo Mask spun through the air and into a
tree.  

    "Usagi...."  Tuxedo Mask muttered under his breath.  

    ***** 

    "Eclipse..."  Apollo muttered under his breath.  The sheer amount of
power flowing over the area overwhelmed even him.  "This is bad.  Cripes...
there's not ah thing I can do for ya Lassie.  I've never felt a power this
strong."  

    ***** 

    "Kelly..."  Keith muttered under his breath.  "It's been so quiet
tonight."  He ruffled his partner/lover's hair playfully.  "We haven't had a
chance like this in a while."  

    Kelly curled up against him in their bed in an apartment near
Berkeley.  "I know.  It's kind of odd.  Every night for the past month or
two, something's happened, but tonight...  nothing."  

    "Shh...  you worry too much."  Keith kissed her forehead softly.  

    "I do....  oh no."  Kelly sat upright in bed.  

    "What?" Keith sat up beside her.  "I...  oh god."  

    Both looked at each other determinedly, then nodded and both stood out
of bed.  

    "NIGHT COSMIC ENERGY!"  

    "SOLAR FLARE COSMIC ENERGY!"  

    Both of the young adults were enveloped in power emitting from wands
they held over their heads.  Keith spun around quickly and was covered in
the black gi that showed off his muscular arms and chest, complete with
over the nose black mask.  He tightened the belt around his waist and put
his hand through his hair.  His toes flexed in the carpet as he stretched
out his muscles.  

    Kelly spun around and with her clothes replaced slowly by a skintight
yellow spandex suit, with white boots and gloves covering her limbs.  A red
aura tinged the top of her face, acting as a painted on mask.  She
stretched her arms and posed briefly.  

    Nightshadow nodded at Solaris.  "Are you sure you want to go?  This is
the biggest energy I've ever felt."  

    Solaris shrugged.  "You can feel him weakening too can't you?  We can't
abandon him."  She stared in the direction of the energy.  "There's
something new too...  something familiar."  

    Cocking his head as if to listen, Nightshadow nodded.  "Agreed.  Let's
go."  Both stood still for a moment, staring into each others eyes.  

    "I love you."  They said in unison, then both grinned at each other.  

    Together the two American fighters for justice leapt out of their
third story window and proceed to hop along the rooftops toward the fight.

    ***** 

    Michiru, Haruka, and Setsuna all giggled as an embarrassed Hotaru
tried to rub the ice cream off her nose.  "It was a big scoop!"  

    Her protest of innocence did nothing to halt their merriment, and she
giggled a little herself.  

    Michiri calmed herself first.  "Oh Hotaru, what are we ever going to do
with you?" 

    Smiling at her lover, Haruka winked.  "Honestly, you could eat a little
slower Hotaru."  

    Shrugging painfully, "I-- oh."  Her face turned serious and her gaze
turned to the east.  

    Setsuna's smile quickly vanished as well.  "Oh no."  

    "What?  What are you two so serious about?" Haruka looked at Michiri
who shrugged as if to indicate she had no idea either.  

    Hotaru and Setsuna stood quickly.  While Setsuna motioned for the
check, Hotaru turned to the other two outer Senshi.  "The prince is in
danger."  

    Quickly, the four outer Senshi raced out of the diner, and jumped into
Haruka's car.  Speed being their utmost concern, they drove off to a
certain shrine.  

    ***** 

    "OW!  Meatball head!  How could you just stop like that!?" Rei extracted
herself from the tangle that was Usagi and her friends who had just all
tripped over each other.  

    "Are you alright Usagi?" Ami stood too, staring curiously at their
pigtailed friend and leader.  

    Minako and Makoto extracted themselves from the distracted Usagi as
well.  "Usagi-chan?" 

    "Usagi?" 

    "What's wrong?" 

    Her eyes wide and teary, Usagi stood slowly, her eyes fixed directly
east.  "Mamo-chan.  MAMO-CHAN!"  

    ***** 

    "AARDVARK DOOM!!"  

    "...  Draining me of my energy is an automatic F."  *flop* 

    "...  Damn."  

    ***** 

    Tuxedo Mask slammed into the ground again.  A trickle of blood ran down
his lip, which he brushed away as he stood again.  His tuxedo was burnt,
singed, and had a series of cuts.  

    Killian stood before him, his hand still smoking.  "Are you dumb boy?
Why do you refuse to stay down?" 

    "Because...  my heart is pure.  And I fight for the cause of good.
Evil...  never triumphs over good."  Tuxedo Mask tossed his top hat at
Killian slicing him in his previously injured arm.  He caught the hat as it
returned to him in an arc.  

    "Arrrgh!  Good shot...  I think that was your last trick though."
Killian rubbed his armed while he stared Tuxedo Mask in the eye.  "If good
always triumphs, explain why we're on earth right now instead of the Moon
Kingdom."  

    "..."  

    "Yes I know everything about your past, Prince.  It didn't take much
for a man of my resources to research your background.  You've fallen
before, and you shall fall again."  Killian waved Excalibur around a few
times experimentally.  "Better close your eyes."  His arm showed no sign of
injury save the cut in the side as he swung the hefty sword around lazily.

    Cane met Excalibur one last time, this time with fatal results.  A snap
sounded out and Tuxedo jumped back as the upper portion of his cane fell
to the ground uselessly.  

    "Aww...  did I break your toy?" Killian casually pointed his hand at
the slowly rising Eclipse and blasted her with another wave of dark power.

    "Stop it!"  Tuxedo Mask lunged forward but was intercepted by the back
of Killian's hand, and stumbled back and ended up on all fours.  

    "This is it.  Say your prayers."  

    "SOLAR FLARE!!!!!!"  

    A ball of orange flame slammed into Killian, knocking him back.  He
turned wildly, trying to see his attacker.  

    "NIGHT DARKNESS RAY!!!!"  A ball of black energy impacted with Killian
and exploded into a thick wad of slime, slowing the human's movements.  

    Nightshade and Solaris landed on either side of Tuxedo Mask.
Nightshade quickly healed Tuxedo Mask's wounds while Solaris helped
Eclipse to her feet.  She peered at Tuxedo Mask curiously.  "Friend of
yours?" 

    Shaking his head as he stood, Tuxedo Mask responded, "I thought she
was one of yours."  

    Killian sighed as his aura erupted and threw off Nightshade's attack.
"Now I have to deal with all of you.  This is going to cost them more."  

    "Oh yeah?  And who would 'them' be?" Solaris glared at him.  

    "That would be telling."  Killian reached into his pocket, and pulled
out four bolas.  He flung all four with one smooth motion.  

    Eclipse, Nightshadow, and Solaris were all snagged instantly.  Tuxedo
Mask managed to leap over the one that headed toward him.  Solaris smirked
as she began to flex.  "You think these will hold u--AUUUUUGHHH!"  

    All four bola's crackled with energy, and the three American Senshi
present fell to the ground screaming in agony.  Tuxedo Mask twirled to see
his fallen companions, and quickly threw roses that sliced the bolas in
two.  "Be careful..  he's not a normal adversary!"  

    A fist to the back answered Mamoru's warning, as Killian advanced
quickly on the four.  The slowly rising hero's were also met with similar
fates, all three quickly thrown back to the ground.  

    Tuxedo Mask dove at Killian while he advanced on Solaris, but was only
flung into a tree viciously.  The tree trunk snapped at impact and both
tree and Tuxedo Mask hit the ground and didn't move.  Solaris and
Nightshadow struggled to get to their feet as he fell.  Nightshadow was put
down by a sword hilt to the back of the head, and Solaris screamed an
obscenity in return.  

    "Leave him alone!"  She stood quickly, only to find herself consumed in
flames of dark energy.  "No!!"  She fell back to her knees, struggling to
remain conscious as the evil energy washed over her.  

    "Sorry babe, I was hired to kill cape-boy, but now I guess I'll have
to kill all of you to keep you off my back.  You're a good one to start
with I suppose."  Killian shrugged and the intensity of the flames
increased.  Solaris let out an ear shattering scream.  

    Mamoru opened his eyes slowly at the sound of the scream.  "No...  not
like this.  It can't...  end like...  this."  Tuxedo Mask stood slowly, but
firmly.  He glowed brightly, bright enough to attract Killian's attention.  

    "You again?  What now?  Are you so eager to die?" Killian ceased his
attack on Solaris, who fell face first into the grass.  His hand pointed at
Tuxedo, and a blast of energy swept out at the glowing hero.  

    To Killian's surprise, the energy was deflected.  "What the...?" 

    Tuxedo Mask flashed with energy a few times, then was Tuxedo Mask no
more.  In his place stood Prince Endymion.  "Your evil shall not go
unpunished."  

    "...  What kind of trick is this?"  Killian's aura lashed out once more
and even more energy struck the Prince of the Earth.  The energy licked at
Endymion's armor, but bounced off harmlessly.  

    "It is not a trick.  Your foul deeds and cruel spirit have forced me to
use the full extent of my powers as the defender of the Earth.  I WILL NOT
FORGIVE YOU!"  Prince Endymion pulled out his sword and attacked the
shocked mercenary.  

    Lightening arced as the two swords collided, Endymion and his sword
not giving an inch to Killian and Excalibur.  Winds picked up, and clouds
gathered overhead as the two powerful fighters clashed.  

    Slowly, the American Senshi regained their senses.  Eclipse stared wide
eyed at the armored prince.  "Is that...  Tuxedo Mask?"  

    Solaris gingerly looked up at the pair.  "I...  think so.  There's
something..  familiar about him."  Her eyes narrowed.  "Nightshadow...  are
you??"  

    Rubbing his head gingerly, the young male sat up.  "Can I regret this
yet?"  

    With a clang, Endymion forced Killian back yet another step.  The
battle was holding even, with Endymion even holding the upperhand.
Parrying quickly, Killian punched Endymion in the face, causing him to
stumble back momentarily.  

    "Bahaha!  A most wonderful show, Prince.  But I'm tired of these games."
Excalibur vanished from his hands.  "Time to finish this."  In his
outstretched palms, the Masamune appeared.  

    "...  That's a big friggin sword."  Nightshadow muttered under his
breath.  

    ***** 

    "Everyone ready?"  

    "Luna, are you and Artemis sure you want to come with us?"  

    "Yes girls, we might be able to help identify this new evil."  

    "Alright then!  Everyone power up for a Sailor Teleport!"  

    ***** 

    Endymion fought valiantly, but the power of his opponent and his new
blade was simply too much.  The young prince was forced back.  Sweat dripped
from his brow as he narrowly ducked having himself decapitated.
"Serenity...  my love...  I'm sorry."  

    Killian, as if sensing the Prince's internal surrender, drew the
Masamune out in front of him, hold the sword close to him.  "Good-bye, cape
boy."  

    ***** 

    "ETERNAL MOON POWER!!!"  

    "SAILOR TELEPORT!"  

    ***** 

    Everyone glanced up as a flash of light appeared over the head of
Killian.  The mercenary looked up.  "Eh?"  

    Prince Endymion quickly dove to the side as the nine Senshi of the
Moon Kingdom materialized over Killian, landing smack dab on top of him.  

    "..."  was the response generated from the American Senshi.  

    "Mercury!  You said you were teleporting us to the scene of the dark
energy!"  Sailor Mars struggled out of her second dog pile of the day.  

    "Oh dear.  I did, but I apparently miscalculated the coordinates on the
vertical plane.  Sorry."  Sailor Mercury blushed.  

    As all the Senshi disentangled themselves from the dogpile on top of
Killian, Solaris nodded to Nightshadow, and both leapt into the trees and
off into safety.  Eclipse felt a tugging at her boot and looked down to see
Apollo pulling frantically.  "Too soon Lassie!  We can't meet them yet!  Come
on!"  The two vanished.  

    Finally, all the Senshi crawled off leaving a smooshed Eternal Sailor
Moon and two smooshed cats on top of Killian.  Prince Endymion quickly
pulled them off of him and looked at his foe.  "..."  

    Sailor Mars coughed slightly and muttered to the other Senshi.
"Well...  we took care of him."  

    Sailor Jupiter sweatdropped.  "I guess making him land on his own sword
counts in the victory column."  

    The stars clearing from her eyes, Sailor Moon looked up to see her
prince staring down upon her with concern.  "Endymion!  Are you all right!?"  
She quickly embraced him.  

    "Usako..."  

    "I was so worried!  What's going on out here?  Is there some sort of
trouble?  Why didn't you tell me!?"  Tears streamed out of Sailor Moon's
eyes as she questioned him.  

    "...  but today on the phone...."  Prince Endymion blinked.  

    "Ano...  we didn't talk today Mamo-chan."  Sailor Moon pulled back and
looked at him questioningly.  

    Prince Endymion thought for a moment.  Something was going on.  There
were forces at work that knew more about them than any other foe had ever.
He couldn't endanger Usagi in this if he didn't have to.  And if he really
got into trouble like today, the Senshi would be sure to come running to
help once again.  "I'm not sure Usako.  I've been keeping in practice
dealing with the occasional trouble, but this person seemed to be a
mercenary out for trouble."  

    The Senshi all looked at him curiously, with the exception of Sailor
Pluto, who nodded quietly to herself.  Sailor Moon of course, quickly
accepted that answer, and hugged her Prince tight.  "I've missed you so,
Mamo-chan!"  

    "I've missed you too, Usako..."  

    ***** 

    "AARDVARK DOOM!!!"  

    The beam of energy split in two and hit the lab aides holding the
young woman, both of whom quickly fell to the ground.  The young woman
gasped, and stared down the monstrous Aardvarkden, the only other thing
still standing in the room.  "Please don't hurt me!"  

    "Damnit!!!  AARDVARK DOOM!"  Another beam of energy shot out, and the
woman ducked quickly.  Reflecting on the mirror behind her, the beam
returned to its originator and struck him squarely.  "Oooooops..."  he
exclaimed as he fell over and passed out.  

    Blinking a few times, the woman cautiously looked around a few times.
She then quietly vacated the premises.  

    ***** 

    Ryan stumbled out of his room.  "I don't know what you slipped in my
food Josh, but I have SUCH a headache.  When I get my hands on you I'll--"
He peered around the room curiously at the eight females lounging around
their shared living room.  "..."  

    Josh walked up to Ryan smiling.  "Hey Ryan!  Guess what?  Mamoru's
girlfriend and her friends have come for a weekend visit.  Apparently they
had some frequent flyer miles or something."  

    Staring around at all the young women with his mouth agape, Ryan
responded with a "...".  

    "Yeah I know.  Eight beautiful women without a boyfriend on the
continent, that don't speak much English, in our very own living
quarters."  Josh grinned evilly.  "Isn't it great?"  

    Ami stood and bowed to the two.  "Actually, Minako, Haruka, Michiru,
Setsuna, and I are fluent in English."  

    "..."  Josh and Ryan responded in unison.  

    Regaining his composure, Ryan quickly blushed.  "It was...  uh..  nice
meeting you."  He quickly retreated to his room to log this exploit on his
computer.  

    Josh flustered as well, "I ah..  er...  uhm.  I didn't mean to..."
Attempting to stammer an apology to Ami, Josh stumbled verbally with
nervousness.  

    Makoto spoke quietly to Rei.  "You know....  he reminds me of my ex-
boyfriend."  

    The other seven Senshi in the room sweatdropped profusely while Josh
wondered why the one with a ponytail was blushing.  

    ***** 

    Mamoru held Usagi in his arms as they watched the sunset from the
balcony.  "It was nice seeing you Usako."  

    Pressing herself against him, Usagi merely sighed.  "I don't want to go
back."  

    "We both have matters to attend to Usagi.  Plus I'm sure your parents
won't believe you're at Rei's for this long."  Mamoru kisses her softly.
"You can always visit again."  

    Looking up at him with shimmering eyes, Usagi smiled.  "I will
Mamo-chan.  I will."  

    ***** 

    "Mistress!  Ma'am!  Your majesty!  I can explain!"  Bloutite begged on his
knees before his illustrious leader.  

    "Wrong!  Wrong!  WRONG!"  SHE cracked a whip and caught Bloutite right
across the face.  "I TOLD you...  call me BOB."  

    "...."  Bloutite grimaced.  She was getting more unstable.  "Your...
Bob...  bringing Killian in was an experiment, and it failed.  If we stick
to our forces we should have no problem with them in the future."  

    "And what of this new one?  What if more appear?"  SHE glared down at
him.  

    "I assure you miss-- Bob..  we can deal with them."  Bloutite sweated
profusely.  

    "You're running out of chances with me.  Don't fail me any more."  SHE
stared down at him with those eyes.  

    Bloutite left the room quickly, and SHE looked at a viewing portal
that she created with the palm of her hand.  It replayed Tuxedo Mask's
transformation to Prince Endymion.  She paused the image when Endymion's
face appeared.  "How long has it been?  All this time...  awake..  reborn...
riding the curtails of your precious princess.  You've ignored me.  You
didn't look for me.  You shall know the price of your ignorance..  brother."
She cackled evilly and the image shattered suddenly.  "YES.  You shall know
the WRATH OF THE PRINCESS OF EARTH!"  

    She paused, then added in a manner as if correcting herself.  "The
Wrath of Bob...."  

    Author's Notes: 

    *pantpantpant* It's done.  I have Gundam Wing, Mortal Kombat,
DragonBall Z and Dido blasting in my ears via headphones, my vision is
blurring and my chances of waking up before noon are shot, but it's done!  

    This was a hard chapter to write for.  To be honest, there were a lot
of things I tweaked in this chapter from the last one.  Killian, in my mind
wasn't the best of ideas, but I gave him the send off someone of his level
would deserve.  Hopefully it's a good read and isn't a result of too much
of the Mortal Kombat theme music.  ^_^_v 

    Also, the concept of Usagi *knowing* what was going on and not doing
anything about it just was totally abhorrent to me.  It's completely out of
character for her.  So where do things lay now?  Well, I hope I've added a
nice curve to the Outcast/Apollo story arc, throwing some doubt into the
means of which Apollo is getting his knowledge, and his motives.  Although
we still have no idea who the 4th and final Outcast is, nor the location
or identity of Apollo's counterpart Athena.  And things are evolving.  

    I also borrowed the "tuxedo bomber" attack name from the manga.  Never
seen or read the manga, so I have no idea what the attack actually does,
so I made something up.  Deal.  Honestly we should stick more with the show
than the manga since that's more easily accessible, but Gaijin managed to
bring over a few interesting elements I didn't know about from the manga
while mixing it with show continuity.  

    I have no idea where the story should or will go from here, and that's
a good thing.  Just try to remember to put a *bit* of effort into your
parts.  The parts have been increasingly anemic, and that's just simply not
good for the story.  

Here's hoping that this is the mark of a Tuxedo America revival!!!

-- ColdFury
1/16/01