SEEING MIRAGES

Ami sat at her computer, reading and rereading the information on the screen. Outside her open window, the crescent moon shone its dim light on Tokyo and the stars glittered peacefully. A cool breeze wafted through the room and Ami sighed in defeat. No matter how she looked at it, the information gathered from the Chaos’ two attacks didn’t add up. There was something she was missing, but she couldn’t see what it was.

Another breeze drifted through the window, this one warmer than the first, and Ami stretched in her chair. She glanced at the clock and saw that it was nearly one in the morning. Suppressing a yawn, Ami reached out to turn her computer off.

So close…

Ami blinked. She rubbed her tired eyes and reached out again.

Try again… so close…

Ami looked around her room. The curtains on her window gently fluttered in the warm breeze. Shrugging off the strange feeling, she reread the information again and typed a few commands into her machine. The screen obediently changed and Ami smiled. She had found her connection. Renewed by the discovery, Ami set at her task again, typing furiously to learn more. She didn’t even notice a faint sigh of relief and the disappearance of the warm wind that had surrounded her.

*******

The inner senshi met the next morning at Rei’s shrine, bright and early. Makoto brought breakfast cakes for them to eat and Minako was describing her dream from the previous night. Usagi dozed with her head on the table and Rei stared absently out the open door, drumming her fingers on the table.

“This isn’t like her,” Rei muttered.

Minako broke off her narration to look at her friend. “Like who, Rei-chan?”

“Ami-chan,” Rei replied. “She’s usually the first one here. Even Usagi made it before her.”

Usagi sat up and yawned. “I heard that!”

“Rei’s right,” Luna remarked. “I hope nothing’s wrong.”

“Maybe we should look for her,” Makoto suggested.

The senshi started formulating a plan for Ami’s rescue when the door slid open a little wider and Ami stepped inside, bowing to everyone in apology. The girls immediately broke off their discussion, blushing in embarrassment for overreacting.

“Sorry I’m late,” Ami said. “I over slept.”

The others stared at her in shock. Ami tried to ignore their stares as she sat down at her place at the table.

“Ami over slept?” Usagi repeated.

“Maybe this is one of Chaos’ tricks,” Minako whispered to Makoto.

Ami blushed. “I was up all night trying to figure out what that strange silver shadow that came from Chaos’ victims was.”

The girls sighed in relief. “That’s our Ami, all right,” Usagi said.

“What did you discover?” Luna asked curiously.

“Not much, I’m afraid,” Ami replied. “But I think I figured out what Chaos was calling our benefactor.”

The senshi leaned forward in anticipation. Even Usagi seemed full of curiousity.

“According to the information I got,” Ami began, “a kind of energy appeared when Chaos threatened us. It almost seemed to block Chaos’ power.”

“What is it?” Artemis asked.

“I didn’t get enough information to determine exactly what the energy was,” Ami said regretfully, “but I got enough to know it’s friendly – at least for now – and Chaos doesn’t like it one bit.”

“Strange,” Rei said. “I also felt a presence both times Chaos appeared. I thought it was just the negative energy of Chaos.”

“Comparing the readings I got from when Chaos consumed Kami-chan and the ones of Chaos now, Chaos is very weak,” Ami told them. “I think its trying to recharge itself before it attacks us directly.”

The thought of a fully powered Chaos sobered the girls up. They had barely been able to defeat Chaos when it had been weakened. At full power, it would be unstoppable.

*******

“But Chaos is still very powerful, even when it is weakened,” Michiru said. “I think something else is stopping it from attacking.”

Ami nodded and sipped her drink. She had met Michiru at the same restaurant right after leaving Rei’s shrine. The girl had been excited at Ami’s discovery and had listened attentively as Ami had told her everything. Although she still felt guilty for deceiving Usagi and the others, Ami believed it was for the best that the outer senshi be kept up to date on Chaos’ activities.

“I also felt something just after Chaos disappeared,” Michiru continued. “It was the same thing I felt when Haruka and I visited Kami’s grave. A spirit of some sort.”

“A ghost?” Ami asked incredulously. “I don’t believe in that nonsense.”

Michiru shrugged elegantly. “Perhaps it was something else, but it may not be as nonsensical as you assume it to be.”

Michiru stood and tossed some money on the table to pay for their drinks. Ami rose as well.

“Haruka and I have decided to follow Usagi,” Michiru told Ami bluntly. “Haruka is with her right now. After that incident at the farm, the princess can't go unprotected."

Ami nodded, knowing better than to argue. Although the inner senshi would protect Usagi with their lives, it was always better to have a surprise up your sleeve. Michiru waved once and left the restaurant. Ami sat down again to finish her drink, pondering all they had discussed. Could a spirit truly be the benefactor Chaos feared? A few minutes after Michiru left, Ami rose to depart as well.

*******

Haruka watched Usagi and Minako shop. She hated having to spy and would rather be home fixing up her motorbike, but duty compelled her to protect the princess. She was angry at Usagi for not seeing the reason behind her actions, angry that she had risked her life to save Usagi and the girl would not even acknowledge her anymore. She missed being able to tease and flirt with the girls, watching Michiru’s jealousy flare up before soothing her aquamarine haired partner with loving words. Although she would never admit it, she even missed fighting side by side with the inner senshi. But Usagi and the others had hurt her deeply with their sudden mistrust and coldness and Haruka was not about to admit any fault. She had done what she believed she had to do. That was all.

A hand slipped into hers and Haruka smiled. Michiru, wearing a pale pink scarf to hide her hair, stood beside her.

“How was the meeting?” Haruka asked.

“Ami was very generous in her information,” Michiru said. “She believes an energy of some sort is protecting the senshi from Chaos.”

“A spirit?”

Michiru shook her head. “Ami doesn’t think so. She doesn’t believe in spirits.”

Haruka nearly laughed out loud at the irony. For a girl who had already died three times, the idea of spirits should not have been that absurd. As Usagi and Minako drifted out of the shop Haruka and Michiru followed, walking causally down the side walk.

“So we have a ghost ally,” Haruka mused. “Do you suppose it is the spirit of Saturn, like the one that saved Chibiusa?”

“Perhaps,” Michiru replied, “or Pluto is watching us from the Gates of Time and lending some assistance.”

Haruka grunted. “I don’t like depending on something I can’t see.”

“Neither do I,” Michiru replied, “but haven’t we been following an unseen leader since the day we met?”

Haruka didn’t answer, but turned down a side street as Usagi and Minako met up with Rei and Makoto at a corner. The girls exchanged a few words before resuming their walk, but Haruka and Michiru stayed hidden in the alley.

“This energy,” Haruka thought aloud, “do you suppose Chaos truly fears it?”

“It seems to,” Michiru replied. She paused for a few seconds, allowing her partner time to think. “We better go before Usagi gets too far ahead.”

Haruka nodded absently and the two banished senshi left the alley to pursue their princess.

*******

Ami sat alone in the park, reading quietly by the large fountain. She had gone to the library but had found it distracting. Each time she would look up to search for Kami, who had spent her spare time working there, and each time she would remember her friend’s death.

Her conversation with Michiru had opened up new doors of possibility and Ami had decided to research the issue of spirits further. She had questioned Luna and Artemis about any guardian spirits on the Moon and they had both told her that such a guardian didn’t exist. She spoke briefly to Rei about the evil spirits she had helped exercise, careful not to reveal too much. Now, armed with several books about paranormal activities, Ami was finishing off her research.

“Ami-chan!”

Ami looked up to see Chibiusa standing in front of her, hugging her Luna-P tightly to her chest. Mamoru was standing a few feet behind his future daughter, smiling cheerfully.

“Hi, Chibiusa-chan!” Ami said brightly. “What are you up to today?”

“Mamo-chan is taking me for ice cream and a pony ride,” Chibiusa replied.

“Isn’t that nice of him,” Ami replied, looking up at the older man.

“What are you reading?” Mamoru asked, stepping closer to glance over the book titles.

“I’m looking into a theory,” Ami answered, suddenly embarrassed by the attention. “So far I haven’t found anything useful.”

“Keep trying,” Mamoru said with a smile. “I’m sure you’ll find what you’re looking for.”

On the grassy fields beyond the fountain, two forms appeared. One resembled a sailor senshi, dressed in black with pale skin and dead eyes. The other was a black shadow, floating next to the black senshi. Its upper torso was that of a human woman but its lower half disappeared into leg-less smoke. It was featureless except for two large yellow eyes. The Dark Scout pointed to where Ami, Mamoru, and Chibiusa were talking.

“That one,” it said in its dead voice.

The shadow looked and bowed its head in acknowledgment. Both forms disappeared.

*******

As Ami and Mamoru talked, Chibiusa was playing happily with her Luna-P. The girl would run around, having the ball chase her before suddenly switching roles and leaping on Luna-P. Mamoru looked over to her a few times, smiling at her and encouraging her to play.

All of a sudden, the Luna-P ball shot away from Chibiusa, travelling across the paved fountain area to the grassy field beyond. Chibiusa cried out in alarm before running after it. Ami looked up as Chibiusa was heading away from them and called after her, but the pink haired girl didn’t listen. Quickly, Ami and Mamoru ran off in pursuit.

They lost her at the edge of the small forest that was located in the center of the park. Calling out her name, Ami and Mamoru searched the area to no avail. It was as if Chibiusa had just disappeared.

"What on Earth could have happened?" Ami asked.

Mamoru shook his head in frustration. "It's as if she was never here."

Something bumped into Ami's leg and she looked down to see the Luna-P ball staring up at her. It bounced in place a few times before rolling away, turning, and looking back at her.

"Mamoru-san!" Ami cried.

Mamoru walked toward the ball, which retreated a bit further before waiting for him to catch up.

"I think it knows where Chibiusa is," Mamoru said.

The ball bounced in agreement. Following the Luna-P ball, Mamoru and Ami took off at a run in pursuit of Chibiusa.

*******

"Moon Prism Power, Make-Up!" Chibiusa cried.

The shadow hissed angrily and backed away as its victim transformed. Sailor Chibi Moon stared defiantly at her would-be captor. Behind the shadow, another form appeared.

"So, the little rabbit is a senshi," Chaos mused. "Excellent. You must have what I need."

The shadow woman began to slide closer to Chibi Moon, stretching her arms into long tentacles. Chibi Moon backed up until she was against a tree.

"You won't get away with this!" Chibi Moon cried, holding up her scepter. "Pink Sugar Heart Attack!"

The shadow waited, expecting the worst. Chibi Moon stood her ground, pointing her scepter at her enemy. Nothing happened. Curiously, the shadow crept forward and tapped the scepter with one tentacle. Chibi Moon shook her weapon and sighed in frustration.

"Grab her," Chaos ordered in a bored voice.

The shadow began to wrap itself around Chibi Moon and the senshi in training cried out in fear.

"Shine Aqua Illusion!"

The shadow was struck with a giant blast of water that knocked both it and Chibi Moon backwards. Sailor Mercury and Tuxedo Kamen stepped out of the trees to face Chaos' minion.

"Release her!" Tuxedo Kamen ordered, brandishing a rose.

Chaos laughed. "The child is mine!"

Tuxedo Kamen raised his hand to throw the rose at the shadow that held Chibi Moon, but Mercury raised her hand to stop him.

"Wait! The two are so closely intertwined that you will hurt Chibi Moon as well!"

Tuxedo Kamen growled, but lowered his arm. Chaos continued to laugh as the shadow monster took the unconscious Sailor Chibi Moon to its master. Chaos put its hand on Chibi Moon's head and patted it almost gently.

"This one surely is the one I seek," Chaos said. "If you would like to try your skill against mine, you know where to find me. Hurry, or your friend might not last long!"

Chaos and the shadow vanished with Chibi Moon, leaving Tuxedo Kamen and Mercury standing alone in the clearing.

"We have to get the others," Tuxedo Kamen said.

Mercury nodded in agreement.

*******

The sun was beginning to set as the senshi gathered together at Rei's shrine to once again travel to the devastated planet. Sailor Moon stood next to Tuxedo Kamen, her face filled with worry. The other senshi were seated on the steps except for Mercury who had not yet arrived.

"Late twice in one day," Mars said. "Something's not right."

"Now is not the time to worry," Luna said. "You must concentrate on bringing Chibiusa-chan back safely."

"Remember, Chaos is very powerful," Artemis reminded them. "Probably the most powerful enemy we've yet encountered."

"Nothing ever gets easier," Venus sighed.

A figure appeared at the top of the steps, running toward the senshi. Mercury stopped in front of them with a smile.

"Sorry I'm late," she apologized. "I was getting reinforcements."

Mercury gestured behind her to where Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune stood. Uranus didn't look pleased to be there and Neptune kept her face an emotionless mask. Jupiter leapt to her feet.

"What are they doing here?" she demanded.

"I invited them," Mercury replied

"How could you?" Mars hissed. "You knew exactly how we would react. What about Usagi-chan? Didn't you think of her?"

Mercury faced her friend's remarks bravely, but the hurt was evident in her eyes.

"We are all senshi," Mercury said angrily. "Luna said we couldn't defeat Chaos alone. This way we'll have two more allies to fight with us."

Mercury turned to Mars. "I am thinking of Usagi-chan. Would you rather have her see Chibiusa die like Kami or shall we do everything in our power to save her?"

Mars stepped back, chastised by her shy friend's remarks. Jupiter opened her mouth to speak, but Sailor Moon silenced her.

"Ami-chan is right," Sailor Moon said.

All eyes turned to their leader. Sailor Moon's face was still a mask of sorrow, but she spoke on.

"I do not want to see Chaos do to Chibiusa what it did to Kami. Ami-chan is right. We need all the help we can get."

She raised her eyes to look and Uranus and Neptune. The outer senshi met her gaze coolly.

"Please help us," Sailor Moon said.

Neptune smiled warmly and Uranus had to fight to keep her face from doing the same. The senshi joined hands to prepare to teleport to the planet. Tuxedo Kamen hung back with the cats and watched. Sailor Moon looked over to him expectantly.

"I will guard Earth while you are gone," he said. "It is my duty."

Sailor Moon smiled and nodded. A warm breeze encircled the senshi as they closed their eyes in concentration.

"Sailor Teleport!" the senshi cried.

Disintegrating into coloured lights, the seven senshi shot into the sky and were lost from view.

*******

The teleport brought the senshi just outside the gates of the palace once occupied by Queen Olivine. Uranus and Neptune were immediately on guard, scanning the area for any movement. Abruptly, the gates swung open.

"Looks like we're invited in," Jupiter remarked.

"Let's go," Sailor Moon said.

"Wait!" Mercury cried, catching Sailor Moon by the arm. "It could be a trap."

"Of course it's a trap," Uranus snapped, walking through with Neptune at her side, "but if we don't take the bait, we'll never find Chibiusa."

The senshi grudgingly followed the two outer senshi through the gates and into the palace itself.

The boots of the invading soldiers echoed through the deserted halls. The palace itself seemed to have fallen into disarray since their last visit, as if the battle that had destroyed its world had finally taken its toll. The senshi stepped hesitantly among the fallen and crumbling columns, careful where they put their weight.

"This is creepy," Sailor Moon said, staring up at the fallen ceiling.

She put her foot down on the tiled floor and it gave way beneath her. With a startled shriek, Sailor Moon sunk through the floor up to her knee before Uranus and Jupiter each caught an arm. They pulled their leader to safety, glaring at each other.

"Watch where you step," Uranus said as she retook the lead.

"Are you all right?" Jupiter asked.

Sailor Moon nodded and the group continued on their way. Minutes later, they came to two large wooden doors. Neptune and Uranus stopped in front of them.

"What gives?" Mars asked.

"This is the throne room," Neptune said. "Chaos is on the other side."

"So, let's go!" Jupiter exclaimed, trying to push through.

Uranus caught her shoulder and roughly pushed her back.

"Don't do anything foolish!" Uranus snapped. "This is the part of the trap where we should be cautious."

Before any of the senshi could respond, the doors swung open and dozens of thick, black tentacles shot out. Uranus and Neptune managed to leap clear, but the inner senshi were not quite as fast. Jupiter, Mercury, and Mars were caught and pulled into the throne room. Venus slammed into Moon, knocking the princess aside before the tentacles could grab them. Uranus was slicing the thick tendrils with her sword and Neptune had drawn out her mirror.

Suddenly the amount of tentacles doubled and the remaining four senshi were quickly caught and dragged inside. They were wrapped so only their heads were free and slammed against the wall where Jupiter, Mercury, and Mars were already being held.

"Welcome," a dead voice hissed.

Sailor Moon looked around the room. To her right was a wall of windows revealing the destruction of the outside planet. Directly ahead was a tall throne on a dais. As the senshi watched a form appeared on the throne, sitting sideways with one leg draped over the arm of the chair. It wore the body of a deadly enemy and it smiled coldly.

"Chaos," Uranus cried, struggling against her bonds. "Release us."

Chaos rose from its throne, shaking its head as if to reprimand Uranus. As it walked forward, another form materialized. It was Sailor Chibi Moon, encased in a sphere of dark energy. She floated lifelessly in the sphere's center, still unconscious.

"Chibiusa," Sailor Moon said softly.

"I knew you would come," Chaos said. "Frankly, I'm glad you did. Now you will be the first to perish as I reach my full power once more."

Chaos reached through the sphere and patted Chibi Moon fondly on the head. It smiled down on the girl, but there was no warmth in the expression.

"Leave her alone!" Jupiter yelled.

"I am quite pleased," Chaos continued as if Jupiter hadn't spoken. "I was with my previous host for such a short time, I didn't have the chance to sample her full power. Now, with this one, I can see she will be as delicious as the power of the Sun."

Chaos cupped Chibi Moon's face in its hand and held up her head for the other senshi to see.

"This little one is joined with the Imperial Silver Crystal," Chaos said, its voice dripping with hunger. "Not quite as delectable as the Sun, but powerful all the same."

Realization dawned on Sailor Moon and she struggled anew against the tentacles. "No! You will not have Chibiusa like you had Kami! I will not allow it!"

A faint breeze drifted around the trapped senshi as Chaos released Chibi Moon and stared up at Sailor Moon. It smiled and the sphere that held Chibi Moon began to disappear.

"You cannot stop me, Moon Princess. Your child will bring a new era of destruction to the galaxy. Controlled by me, she will be unstoppable," Chaos said.

"Chibiusa, wake up!" Sailor Moon cried in vain.

Sailor Chibi Moon floated up to Chaos' waiting arms and it held the girl gently. The senshi in training began to glow with a faint silver light and an identical silhouette began to separate from her body.

"I feel it in her," Chaos murmured. "She has known power like mine before."

Tears streamed down Sailor Moon's face as she and the other senshi struggled against the black shackles that held him. As the silhouette of Chibiusa came free of her body, Chaos screamed in frustration.

"It can't be!" it yelled. "I've felt it! She must be the one!"

Release them, a voice echoed through the throne room.

Chaos dropped Chibi Moon, who fell like a stone. Second before she would have hit the ground, she settled down gently as if she had been caught. A strong wind immediately picked up and Chaos had to hold itself back to keep from being blown away.

"Sailor Moon!" Venus gasped. "Your hand!"

The princess looked down in confusion and the other senshi did the same. On Sailor Moon's hand, Kami's silver ring began to glow with a faint yellow light.

Release them! the voice said again, more persistent than before.

Chaos staggered forward as if struck and began to shoot beams of black energy at the walls, aiming at nothing visible. The senshi also looked around, wondering who their rescuer was. Chaos finally stopped shooting and looked around in frustration.

“Where are you?” it yelled.

Everywhere, came the reply.

“Show yourself,” Chaos commanded. “Fight like a man.”

The faint pools of light that were scattered around the dim palace began to merge together. They formed a single puddle and began to stretch upwards into the form of a person. The light exploded in a split second of blinding glare and when the familiar dimness returned, a sailor senshi stood before Chaos.

“Kami-chan,” Sailor Moon whispered.

The senshi looked exactly like Kami had in life. Her hair was gray – almost white - and her skin translucent. Her uniform was pale blue with darker blue bows and she wore the laced sandals of Sailor Sun. Her eyes were brown, like Kami’s had been, and the jewel in her tiara was sun shaped. She turned to face the senshi and smiled.

Yes, she spoke in their minds without moving her mouth. I was Kami in life. As I lay dying each of the senshi gave me some of their power, so I remained a senshi in death. I died as Sailor Sun and now, I am reborn as the Phantom Senshi, Sailor Mirage.

The senshi gasped. Chaos growled ferociously and Sailor Mirage turned to it.

Leave this galaxy, Mirage commanded. You are through.

“Never,” Chaos replied. “This world is ripe for my coming. The Earth will never be spared from Chaos.”

Chaos held out its hand to Mirage, beckoning her to come. The Phantom Senshi crossed her ghostly arms over her chest and frowned at him. Chaos intensified its power so greatly that the captured senshi grimaced in pain. Still, Mirage made no move.

You lost your control over me, Mirage said.

“But not my power,” Chaos replied.

It thrust out one arm, cupping its hand and making a squeezing motion with its fingers. Sailor Mirage’s face became one of surprise and she put her hands to her head. Her mouth opened in a silent scream of pain, but no sound emerged.

“What’s going on?” Sailor Moon cried. “Kami-chan!”

“Hang on,” Jupiter yelled. “Sparkling Wide Pressure!”

The senshi cried out in pain as the electricity from Jupiter’s power ran through the tentacles. They gave way and the senshi fell to the ground. Sailor Uranus was on her feet faster than the other senshi and faced Chaos.

“World Shaking!” she screamed.

Chaos was consumed in the attack, freeing Mirage from its power. The ghost sailor seemed more transparent than before but readied herself for the next attack. Chaos quickly regained control of itself and shot Uranus against the wall with a flick of its hand. Sailor Moon ran to Chibi Moon and pulled the unconscious girl to the rest of the group.

Sailor Mirage pointed to the assembled senshi.

Mirage Fade! she ordered.

The senshi froze in place and disappeared, leaving the palace deserted save for Sailor Mirage and Chaos.

Until next time, Mirage promised as she faded away.

Chaos threw its head back and gave a long, frustrated howl.

*******

The senshi reappeared in their normal forms in Rei's room at the shrine. Outside, the sun had set and the restful darkness of night cloaked the city. Usagi leapt to her feet the moment they materialized and looked around for Sailor Mirage.

“They’re back!” Artemis called over his shoulder into the hallway.

The white cat ran forward and dove into Minako’s waiting arms. He looked up at her happily. “We were so worried!”

“What happened?” Luna asked, emerging from the hall and running over to where Usagi and Chibiusa waited.

“You wouldn’t believe us if we told you,” Makoto said with a grin. “It was a miracle.”

“No,” Minako disagreed. “It was a Mirage.”

Usagi sat down on the couch and sighed. Luna jumped up on her lap and looked at her with worry filled eyes.

“Usagi-chan,” the black cat asked. “What’s wrong?”

“She saved us,” Usagi said, her voice barely above a whisper, “and now she’s gone again.”

Mamoru put a comforting hand on Usagi’s shoulder.

“Usako,” he said tenderly.

Forgotten so soon? Sailor Mirage’s voice rang through the minds of everyone.

Usagi raised her head. “Kami-chan? Where are you?”

Turn out the lights, please.

The senshi scrambled to comply. When the apartment was completely dark, a swirl of gray mist appeared in the corner of the room. It formed the shape of Sailor Mirage.

“I don’t believe it,” Luna gasped.

“Told you,” Makoto whispered.

The Phantom Senshi smiled fondly at the two staring cats and the guardian of Earth. Luna paced around the ghost, eyeing her up and down in total shock.

"Kami-chan? Is that you?" Luna asked.

Mirage shook her head. I'm afraid not. Deruku Kami died when Chaos left her forever. She had been a pawn of both light and dark for so long, she could not live without both. When Chaos left, Sailor Moon tried to save Kami, but an essential part of her was missing. I am what remains - the spirit of Kami the senshi, defender of love and justice.

"So, Kami is gone forever?" Usagi whimpered.

You may think of me as the Kami you loved, Mirage told her. I am the part of Deruku Kami who was kind and good. The one you fought for when Chaos controlled her.

Usagi sat down, her grief weighing on her anew. Mamoru sat next to his beloved and put an arm around his shoulder. Ami stepped closer to Mirage, holding out her small computer.

"Forgive me," Ami said with a blush as Mirage's attention turned to her. "I find this intriguing."

I expected as much from you, Ami-chan, Mirage said, but wouldn't you rather know what Chaos is searching for?

"You know that?" Rei asked, leaping to her feet. "How?"

We were once one, Mirage said. It's thoughts are known to me, and mine to it. In many ways, we are still joined.

"Does that mean Chaos will know what you're doing now?" Makoto asked.

Not likely, Mirage said with a smile. Chaos is weak without a host body. It is searching for another like Kami whom it can control.

"What do you mean, like Kami?" Usagi demanded, wiping away her tears. "What was so special about Kami?"

For one, she was a senshi, Mirage said. She had the power of the Sun at her command. She was also the Cosmic Child, the one who could destroy Chaos with a glance at her full power.

"Wow," Minako said. "Kami never showed us any of that kind of power."

The Cosmic Child is also cursed, Mirage continued. Should the child be corrupted by evil, its power would become evil. As a result, it has a double soul - one of purest silver, the other black as night.

"That's what Chaos is looking for," Ami said brightly. "It wants another child with a double soul to control."

"So we have to find the child first and keep Chaos from it," Rei said. "Sounds easy enough."

Do not be fooled, Rei, Mirage said sternly. Chaos is very powerful and the Child is easily influenced by either side. You must…

Sailor Mirage began to fade as sunlight peeked through the windows of Rei's room. Usagi leapt to her feet and the senshi gasped in shock as their newest ally disappeared.

"Kami-chan!" Usagi wailed.

I am with you, Usagi-chan, Mirage said, her voice appearing faintly in the minds of everyone in the room. The ring is the key…

As the voice trailed off, Usagi looked down at the small sun shaped ring on her finger. It appeared as if the fight had not yet been won, but the senshi were equipped with an ally even Chaos could not destroy. Perhaps, Usagi thought as the sun crested the horizon, the future would not be so grim after all.