Chapter One

A New Battle

Calliste Xylia dropped the last box on the ground and used her pocket handkerchief to wipe the sweat off her forehead. She stood up straight, stretching her sore back, and looked around her new store. Boxes were stacked everywhere, and the shelves and window display were empty. She hadn’t even taken down the ‘SOLD’ sign that hung on the door. She smiled in appreciation at the sight. It was her first store, all her own, after five years of saving. It was a pleasant satisfaction to know that this two-room store and the two-bedroom apartment above it were all hers.

Well, almost all hers.

“Calli, where does this go?” Mikkokusha asked.

Twenty year old Giriaino Mikkokusha was Calliste’s dearest friend and business partner. They had met on Crete when they were both thirteen years old, not long after Calliste had discovered her own magical secret, and the death of her parents. Mikko stood waiting, her long black hair tired in a ponytail and her turquoise eyes staring at her friend. Calliste was too happy to notice that her friend held only a small box.

“Put it on the counter,” Calliste told her. “I’m going into the back to check on my woodworking equipment.”

“I’ll clean up a bit in here,” Mikko said, her business sense kicking in. “We need to be ready for our grand opening.”

Calliste smiled and headed into her workshop. She had been a carpenter and craftsman since she was twelve years old. She had taken it up as a hobby in the orphanage where she had been forced to go after her parent’s death. It had been to release her pent-up energy, and had become her livelihood. She had found she had a real talent for manipulating wood and had gone into business with Mikko at the age of seventeen.

Calliste surveyed her new shop with a critical eye. She had supervised the movers when they had placed her delicate and expensive equipment in the room, and she had made sure they put it where she wanted it to be. Most of the machinery she used was very heavy. The rest of her tools were in boxes and she began to unpack, humming softly to herself.

As she leaned forward over a box, her necklace and pendant fell out of her shirt and dangled in front of her eyes as she looked down. Calliste closed her hand around the double-axe pendant, her mood falling as she felt its power coursing through her. This small pendant was responsible for the greatest sorrow and greatest joy of her life. Her tools forgotten, she sat back on her heels. Mikko stuck her head through the door and saw her friend.

“Calli? Are you okay?” Mikko asked.

“I was thinking about them again,” Calliste said sorrowfully.

Mikko moved through the maze of boxes to sit with her friend. She put her hand comfortingly on her shoulder.

“It wasn’t you’re fault,” Mikko said, speaking the words she always did when her friend mourned her parents. “You told me it was a robber who broke into your house.”

“If I had been stronger, I could have helped them,” Calliste said, her tears long since spent. “They were my parents. I should have done something!”

Mikko hugged her friend. “It’s getting late. Why don’t we call it a day? The apartment isn’t nearly this messy.”

Calliste laughed. “The apartment looked like a cardboard bomb exploded in it.”

Mikko rose. “Either way, it’s a change of scenery.”

“Thanks, but I think I need some air. I’m going for a walk,” Calliste said, heading for the door.

“Don’t get lost!” Mikko called after her. “Remember your Japanese lessons!”

*****

Calliste walked without a destination, her mind only half paying attention to where she was going. A few friendly people, noticing she was new to the neighbourhood, greeted her and she forced a smile. She couldn’t get the image of her parents out of her mind. She had been very young, only ten years old, and had only received her double-axe pendant five years earlier. She had been too young then to realize what was happening.

A vision of a woman had given it to her in the ancient ruins of Knossos where she was visiting with her mother. The vision had told Calliste to keep it a secret, and five-year-old Calliste had been thrilled to have a secret all her own. At the age of ten, Calliste had been playing with her necklace in her bedroom when suddenly it began to glow. It broke free from her chain and floated above her hand as if waiting for something. Calliste had stared in shock at her secret when she suddenly heard yelling downstairs.

It was late and the house was dark. Calliste was supposed to be asleep but instead she snuck out of her room to see what was going on. She sat at the top of the stairs, concealed by shadows, and peered through the banister at the commotion below. She heard her parents and a stranger’s angry voice. She clutched her pendant tight in her hand, wondering if this was why the vision had told her to keep it a secret. Suddenly, her mother screamed and the room was full of a bright light. Her father was thrown into the hall near the stairs, and Calliste could see blood coming from his head.

“It must be you,” Calliste heard the stranger say.

The young girl hid her head as her mother was murdered in the same fashion as her father. She had still not seen the robber, but the voice sounded very similar to her own. Calliste made herself as small as possible as the stranger came into the hallway, stepping over the bodies of her parents. She was not very tall and was masked in shadow, but Calliste could tell she had long dark hair and wore a short skirt. She vanished out the front door, leaving Calliste alone.

Now, ten years later, Calliste had been able to leave her past behind her and had fled her island home of Crete for the island of Japan. A fresh start. A new beginning, leaving her battles behind her. She took a deep breath and felt better, and decided to head back home. The sun was setting and she had traveled many blocks, so she turned to retrace her steps when she heard a cry for help. Ahead of her, a young woman was running down the street from a masked man. Her face was full of terror as she tried to lose him down an alleyway. The masked man followed her and they both disappeared from Calliste’s sight, but she could predict the outcome. Ducking behind a building, she clasped her hand over her double-axe pendant.

“Minos Sacred Power, Make-Up!” she shouted.

The power of the Cretan Goddess surged through her. A silver tiara in the shape of a snake appeared on her forehead. Wrist-length white gloves and tan coloured boots were on her arms and feet, and a tan coloured vest appeared on her body. A brown and white patched skirt came next, with a heavy belt around her waist which fell longer in the front. Her double-axe settled itself on the front of her belt and her transformation was complete. She was now Sailor Minos for the first time in three years.

She took off down the alley at a run, hoping to catch up with the woman before it was too late. She found them just before the masked man had a chance to strike.

“Minos Ivy Whip!” Sailor Minos called, summoning a chain of ivy.

She struck the robber, entangling him in the plant. The woman gave Minos a frightened but grateful look and ran off. Minos turned to leave when a figure appeared before her. Minos stepped back as the other figure advanced. She had long black hair with a half-white-half-black circle on her forehead and blue star shaped earrings. Her turquoise eyes were hard and cruel, and her mouth twisted into a vicious smile. She wore long white gloves, a short white top leaving her midriff bare, and a short blue skirt. On her feet were tall white boots with a fur trim. Minos’ eyes hardened in anger.

“You again,” Minos said. “I thought I left you in Crete.”

Her opponent’s smile increased. “You can’t hide forever.”

“What do you want from me?” Minos cried in desperation.

“You,” the other said. “Only you.”

Minos’ eyes widened as her opponent launched herself into the air. A new battle had begun.

THREE YEARS LATER…

Usagi stood outside her house, her eyes filling with tears. Haruka and Michiru stood before her, their car behind them packed with all their possessions. Usagi threw her arms around Haruka, her tears flowing freely. The blond racer patted the smaller girl on the back.

“Calm down, kitten,” Haruka said. “We’ll only be gone for a few months. A year at the most.”

Usagi separated herself from her friend and sniffed. “I’ll miss you both! I still can’t believe you’re going on a world tour, Michiru.”

The elegant violinist smiled. “I’ll write you letters from the various places I stay, if you like.”

Usagi’s face brightened. “I would like that Michiru-san. Thank you. I’ll be sure to watch your international concerts on TV.” She paused. “Has Hotaru left yet?”

Haruka nodded. “She left with Setsuna this morning.”

Usagi bit her lip, her eyes welling up again. “Chibiusa is in the future, Mamo-chan is studying in America, Setsuna and Hotaru are at the Time Gate, and now you two are leaving on a world tour!”

“We’ll all be back before you know it,” Haruka said with a wink. “With Galaxia gone, there isn’t any reason for us all to stick around.”

“And you have your studies to concentrate on, Usagi-chan,” Michiru reminded the younger girl. “You’re in high school now, remember.”

Usagi pouted. “You sound like Ami-chan.”

Haruka and Michiru laughed. They said goodbye to Usagi one more time before heading into their car. Usagi watched as the small yellow sports car sped down the street and out of view. With a sigh, Usagi turned and went back into her house to enjoy the rest of her Sunday afternoon.

*****

The phone rang about an hour later, but Usagi was too wrapped up in her own thoughts and memories to hear it. Luna dozed on her bed and Usagi sat on the floor thinking about their toughest battle against Galaxia and how it had nearly cost them everything. Her mind revisited the deaths of her friends, of Princess Kakyuu and the Starlights. Almost unbidden, Seiya’s face came into her mind and she remembered that rainy day when he had looked deeply into her eyes and asked “Am I not good enough?”

“Usagi!” her mother called. “Minako is on the phone.”

Usagi wiped her eyes where tears had fallen unnoticed and picked up her phone. Behind her, Luna purred in her sleep.

“Usagi-chan!” Minako’s excited voice said on the other line. “I found a great store downtown yesterday. A woman there makes things out of wood that you wouldn’t believe!”

“Like furniture?” Usagi asked.

“Furniture too,” Minako said, “but also little wooden toys and figures. You have to see this place.”

“Okay,” Usagi agreed, already feeling better. “I’ll meet you downtown.”

*****

Usagi and Minako met at the Crowns café, where Minako insisted they stop for an ice cream soda before she showed Usagi her discovery. Usagi was never one to turn down food, so she agreed and the two girls slid into their usual booth. A few minutes later, Rei, Ami, and Makoto came through the door of the café. Ami saw them first and waved. The four girls joined Usagi and Minako and soon they were all chatting and enjoying their sodas. Minako told them all about the store.

“That sound really interesting,” Rei said, sipping her drink. “How long have they been in business?”

Minako shrugged. “I don’t normally go that far, but I got off at the wrong bus stop and had to walk a few blocks to get back here. That’s how I saw the place.”

“And this woman runs the store by herself?” Makoto asked.

“She was the only one I saw there,” Minako replied.

“Well? Let’s get going!” Usagi exclaimed, rising to her feet.

“Calm down,” Rei snapped. “Some of us aren’t done our drinks.”

Sheepishly Usagi sat back down as Rei and Ami finished off their sodas. The blue haired girl had been very quiet since they had sat down, as if lost in thought. She smiled patiently at Usagi and Rei’s outburst and quickly drank her drink.

*****

“Here it is!” Minako declared triumphantly.

It had been several hours since their sodas at the café, and Minako had led them on a wild goose-chase around downtown Tokyo. Finally, they had arrived at the store, exhausted and sore after wandering around the city all afternoon.

Minako walked up to the door and gave it a strong pull. It didn’t budge. She pulled it again and again, growing more angry with every tug. Finally, Mako tapped her friend on the shoulder and pointed at the sign in the window. It read ‘Closed’.

Minako sighed. “Sorry everyone. I guess we’re too late.”

“The light is still on,” Ami remarked. “Maybe the owner is still there.”

As if in answer to her question, the door opened. The five girls fell back in surprise as a young woman stood in the now open doorway.

“Can I help you girls?” she asked.

She was very tall with blue eyes and waist length wavy black hair. She was wearing dirty jean overalls and a plaid shirt underneath. The knees of her overalls were covered with sawdust and thick work gloves were sticking out of the pockets.

“We’re very sorry,” Makoto said. “We wanted to visit your store, but we got lost trying to find it.”

The girl smiled. “Well, come in and take a look around. I don’t often get customers banging down my door.”

Minako blushed as the girls filed into the small shop. The owner stood by the door as her customers stared around the store in awe. The shelves and displays were covered in intricately carved wooden objects. There were boxes, toys, figurines, carvings to hang on the wall, chairs, and other pieces of furniture.

“These are amazing!” Usagi commented.

“Thank you,” the owner said.

Usagi turned to face the girl. “You made all of these yourself?”

The girl nodded. “I’ve been doing this for over ten years now. My name is Calliste Xylia.”

“Tsukino Usagi,” Usagi said before introducing the rest of her friend. She frowned. “You don’t look like you’re from around here.”

“Usagi!” Rei hissed from where she was examining a wooden box.

Calliste laughed. “I’ve only lived in Japan for about three years. I’m from Crete.”

“You speak Japanese very well,” Ami remarked.

Calliste bowed. “Thank you. Would you girls like a cup of tea?”

“Sounds great!” Usagi exclaimed.

“Then let me close up down here and we’ll go upstairs to my apartment.”

As Calliste turned to lead her new friends upstairs, a short figure appeared in the doorway. The girl was very small with black hair and deep purple eyes. She wore black pants and a yellow top with an orange star on the front.

“Je m’excuse, I thought the store was still open,” the girl said with a heavy French accent.

“Come in,” Calliste invited. “What can I do for you?”

The girl smiled and came into the store. She looked around at the other people in the room before her eyes settled on a familiar face. “Ami-chan!”

“Étoile!” Ami exclaimed.

The other five girls exchanged confused looks. Ami blushed as the new girl came further into the shop. “Étoile is in my advanced calculus class at the high school.”

“My mother came in here earlier and bought a toy train,” Étoile said to Calliste. “You said to come back later to pick it up after you painted it for her.”

Calliste nodded. “Of course. A blue engine, right? Do you want me to wrap it?”

Étoile nodded. “S’il vous plait.”

Calliste excused herself and went into the back of the store. Ami introduced the others to the girl.

“I’m glad the store wasn’t closed,” Étoile commented. “It’s my little brother’s birthday tomorrow and he’s going to love this train.”

“How did you find that assignment?” Ami asked.

Étoile shrugged. “Fairly straight forward. I wish they’d challenge us a bit more.”

Ami grinned. “I agree completely.”

“Now I know where I’ve seen you!” Makoto said suddenly. “Aren’t you in my cooking class?”

Étoile nodded. “I’ve always admired your skill, Makoto-san. I didn’t know if you saw me or not.”

Before Mako could reply, Calliste came out of the back with a small box tied together with string. She gave it to Étoile, who thanked her and gave her some money. The small girl said good bye to the others and left the store.

“How about that tea?” Calliste asked.

The girls followed their new friend outside the store and waited patiently as she locked up for the night. The sun was already setting as Calliste led them to a side entrance. She opened the door to reveal a staircase heading above her shop.

“I live up here with my business partner Mikko,” Calliste said. “She’s gone for a few days to a business conference but I think she’ll be back tomorrow.”

They followed her upstairs and into her small home. Calliste told them to make themselves comfortable as she prepared the kettle and tea cups. Makoto took a seat near the window and was gazing into the street below when there was a sudden explosion of white light a few blocks over. She turned to her friends, who were already on their feet. Calliste came out of the kitchen.

“What was that?” she asked.

“We don’t know,” Minako said, heading for the door. “Thank you for the tea, but we really need to get going.”

“All right. Please come by again,” Calliste said in a confused voice as the girls ran down the stairs.

Calliste moved to the window that Mako had just vacated. Squinting into the growing darkness, she sensed something was wrong.

*****

“Are you sure it was this way?” Eternal Sailor Moon asked.

“Positive,” Sailor Jupiter replied. “Hurry up!”

“It’s not easy running with these wings, you know,” Sailor Moon snapped.

The five senshi skidded around a corner and picked up the pace again. Sailor Mercury had her visor in place and was scanning the area as they ran. She frowned as more and more signs of negative energy became apparent. Suddenly there was another explosion, closer by this time, and the senshi stopped to take in the scene.

Two senshi they didn’t recognize were dueling in the street. One was tall with black hair, and the other short with black hair in pigtails. The smaller senshi had a red skirt and kerchief, yellow bows on her fuku, and a star on her forehead. She also wore three white ornaments in her hair like Eternal Sailor Moon. Her back was turned, and she was staring down the taller senshi who wore a blue skirt and short white top with tall white boots.

The smaller senshi was fighting valiantly. She leapt into the air and tossed a few glowing white balls at her opponent.

“Super Nova!” she exclaimed.

The balls of light exploded around the taller senshi and she covered her head with her arms. The small senshi landed facing Sailor Moon and the others, her face visible for the first time. She had deep purple eyes that blinked in surprise.

“Who are you?” she asked.

“I’m Sailor Moon,” Sailor Moon said. “Who are you?”

“Sailor Stellanova,” the smaller senshi said, her voice accented. “You better get out of here while you can. She’s very strong!”

The explosive white light had died down and the taller senshi was still standing. Her turquoise eyes narrowed and she began to move forward slowly.

“Stop right there!” Sailor Moon cried. “I stand for love and justice, and I can’t stand a bully! In the name of the moon, I’ll punish you!”

The turquoise eyed senshi smiled cruelly. “More senshi. Fabulous.”

“Back off,” Sailor Stellanova said, placing herself in front of the others. “I’m the one you want.”

“You have no idea what I want,” the tall senshi replied.

As she advanced, Stellanova turned to Sailor Moon. Her purple eyes were full of determination.

“Sailor Moon, you and the others get out of here. I’ll distract her,” Stellanova said.

Before Sailor Moon could answer, Stellanova turned back to her enemy. She held her hands together as if in prayer and bowed her head slightly. The taller senshi kept moving.

“Star light,” Stellanova began. Her hands started to glow and she raised her eyes to look at her enemy. “Star bright!”

As she spoke, she opened her hands and a white light exploded from within them. The light was blinding, forcing everyone to look away. When it died down, the menacing senshi was gone.

“Where is she?” Sailor Venus asked.

The group turned to find her standing behind them, smiling.

“No more playing,” the senshi said. “Aegyptus Sun Disc!”
The senshi held her hands above her head and a ball of flames appeared between them. She moved her hands in front of her, shooting the flame at the group of senshi. They tried to leap out of the way of the fast moving ball, and it caught Sailor Stellanova in the chest. She flew backwards and landed hard on the ground, unmoving.

“That’s it!” Sailor Jupiter exclaimed.

Jupiter charged at the other senshi, fists flying. The black haired senshi dodged all her blows easily, finally striking Jupiter in the chin with her fist and tossing her into the air. Jupiter fell at her enemy’s feet.

“Mars Flame Sniper!” Sailor Mars said, shooting her fiery arrow.

The rival senshi spun around and when she faced her opponents once more, she clutched a black clay jar in her arms. She held out the jar and caught Mars’ fire arrow inside it. Mars stared in disbelief.

“My turn,” the senshi said. “All Evils Release!”

Wave after wave of dark energy flew from the jar, striking Mars, Mercury, and Venus. The three girls stood against it as long as they could but soon were thrown backwards. The dark energy followed, settling overtop of them as they lay on the ground. Eternal Sailor Moon was left standing alone.

“Sailor Moon, wasn’t it?” the dark haired senshi asked, looking her up and down. “Nice wings. You wouldn’t know the Moon Princess, would you?”

“Why?” Sailor Moon asked.

The senshi shrugged. “I heard she was a great warrior. No matter, you’ll do nicely for this evening’s sport.”

Sailor Moon stared defiantly at the other senshi. The tall one smiled and laughed to herself. She stepped over Sailor Jupiter and walked toward her prey.

“How shall I kill you?” she mused. “I know. I have some new tricks to try out.”

Sailor Moon assumed a fighting stance, silently wishing Mamoru was beside her. The other senshi held up her hand above her head, about to strike, before she was interrupted.

“Sailor Janus!”

Sailor Moon and the senshi known as Sailor Janus turned in surprise. They saw another form silhouetted by the growing darkness of the setting sun. She was tall with long wavy hair. As she moved closer, Sailor Moon saw she wore a tan coloured vest and a brown and white patched skirt with a heavy belt around her waist. Her tiara was silver and shaped like a snake. Her eyes were blue and stared at Janus angrily.

“Sailor Minos,” Sailor Janus hissed. “Since when do you walk willingly into a fight?”

“Leave them alone,” Sailor Minos said. “Your fight has always been with me.” She looked at Sailor Moon. “Get out of here.”

“My friends…” Sailor Moon protested.

“Now!” Minos snapped.

Sailor Moon was too startled to disagree. She ran passed Minos but stayed near to watch the battle. She was concerned about her unconscious friends as well as her new ally.

“I’ve got new tricks to show you,” Janus said almost excitedly.

Sailor Minos held out her right hand and a large double-axe appeared. She held it at the ready in front of her body.

“Twice we’ve battled,” Minos said, “and twice I’ve won.”

“Third time’s a charm,” Janus told her.

Sailor Moon watched with wide eyes as the two senshi battled. Sailor Janus began with the attack that had knocked Venus, Mars, and Mercury out cold, but Minos had calmly deflected it with her axe.

“Minos Sacred Axe!” Sailor Minos yelled, swinging her talisman.

The axe shot several arc shaped projectiles, which Janus managed to avoid. Janus ducked and rolled her way free of the attacks and rose to stand in front of her long time foe.

“Aegyptus Sun Disc!” Janus called.

Minos leapt clear of the ball of flame, and it exploded harmlessly into a wall behind her. Sailor Minos held out her hand and a whip of ivy appeared in it.

“Minos Ivy Whip!” she called, striking Janus with a fierce crack of her whip.

The ivy caught itself around Janus’ arm and Minos willed it to contract. Janus’ face filled with pain as the ivy grew tighter and tighter around her arm. She spun around and managed to free herself with a remarkable flip and tuck. Minos recalled her ivy and the two faced each other.

“I still haven’t seen your new trick, Janus,” Minos called.

The turquoise eyed senshi was panting from the night’s exertion. Facing down seven senshi in one night took a lot of energy, even for her. She snarled at her opponent and held her gloved hand above her head.

“World Shaking!” Sailor Janus yelled.

Sailor Moon’s eyes widened in disbelief as Sailor Uranus’ familiar attack soared through the air toward Minos. She couldn’t understand how it was possible for this evil senshi to be able to use this particular attack.

Sailor Minos leapt into the air, high above the unfocused attack and landed directly in front of Janus. Minos held her axe at Janus’ neck, its edge glinting menacingly.

“Nice trick,” Minos said. “Not quite under control yet, I see. This makes you zero for three.”

“There will be a fourth,” Janus promised. “And a fifth and sixth until I have you.”

Minos smiled. “Unless I finish this right now.”

Janus returned the grin. “Andromeda Ghostly Mist!”

Sailor Janus suddenly vanished into thin air. Minos stepped back in surprise before cursing angrily and swinging her axe in broad strokes. She began to yell at Janus, insulting her adversary, but she didn’t return. With a sigh, Minos dismissed her talisman and turned to Sailor Moon.

“So there are some senshi left,” Minos remarked. “Good. That will buy some time.”

“That attack,” Sailor Moon stammered.

Minos shook her head. “A new one. Another poor soul who lost to Janus and had her powers taken along with her life.”

“Her life?” Sailor Moon squeaked.

Minos looked down at the smaller girl. “Did you know her? I’m sorry, but that’s how this game is played. Janus is no ordinary senshi. She has no powers of her own, so to speak. She gets them by killing senshi and taking their attacks.”

“And you?” Sailor Moon asked, suddenly fearful of this new senshi.

Minos laughed. “I’m the one that got away.”

Sailor Minos turned and walked back the way she came, disappearing into the darkness. Sailor Moon watched as around her, her friends slowly woke up.

“What happened?” Sailor Mars asked.

“I think we need to have a meeting,” Sailor Moon said. “This is beyond me.”

“What about her?” Sailor Jupiter asked, gesturing to where Sailor Stellanova sat rubbing her head.

“We should invite her to join us,” Sailor Mercury said. “We all must stick together.”

Sailor Moon looked off in the direction Sailor Minos had gone. “Yeah, together.”

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