Sailor Moon: The Rise of B'aal

Chapter 8

Walking through the swirls of dark clouds in the filthy recesses of the hot, dingy realm known as Hell, Bzuzu cautiously approached the nearly shapeless figure of his master. All around him, the Lesser Demons screamed, hooted, and roared at him, as though mocking him for the failures he had with the Sailor Senshi before. Their voices were loud and irritating, mixed in with the moans and wails of the souls of the damned. To him, it was nothing, but the screams and roars would have been enough to deafen a normal mortal permanently. The red demon stepped through the swirling shadows to where his master stood before his throne. Cautiously, Bzuzu held out his hands in front of him, and with a bright flash, the silvery glowing ball of a Purity Soul appeared in it, shining and as beautiful as ever. Bzuzu knelt down on one knee, holding out the silvery ball before him. "The mission was successful, my Master," the evil demon said, his voice holding a slight tremble. "I have found a Purity Soul..."

At that moment, the demons, lost souls, and other occupants of the realm screamed all the more louder, nearly shaking the foundations of the hot region. For a moment, the shadowy, half shapeless being with the glowing red eyes seemed to just stare at the object, as if he was mesmerized by the sheer holiness and beauty of it. Then, the figure seemed to shake with barely contained rage at the insufferable noise, and screamed out "SILENCE!" Pieces of ceiling fell down to the ground from the sheer force and rage of the voice.

Immediately, the realm quieted, and the figure turned his attention back to the kneeling demon. "Come forth", the figure said, his eyes dimming just a bit. Bzuzu stood and walked closer to him, being careful to hold out the pure object before him. When he was standing right in front of the shadowy being, the ball floated from his hands and stopped right before his master's face. For several moments, the evil, ancient being stared at it. For so long he had heard about the strength of these special souls that defined Purity; souls that could not be corrupted by human nature, souls that would stay good and pure indefinitely. He had heard how God had created only a few of these Purity Souls, to ensure that not all humanity would be lost. These souls would be born as humans to keep goodness balanced with evil upon the Earth, so that even faced with adversity, humans could have someone to look up to, to help them in their time of need. As humans, these Purity Souls would be destined to teach others about goodness, salvation, and how there is hope beyond despair.

Many of these pure souls have gone on to be born as nuns, priests, scholars, and even politicians, but B'aal knew that if he had these souls in his possession, then his powers would increase a thousand fold. All he needed was 3...3 Purity Souls to ingest and corrupt to form his body, increase his powers, and ensure his safe passage into the Earth Realm so he can take back what was rightfully his and his father's. For thousands of years he had been trapped here, his powers and form stripped away by God soon after the Fall of Man. Now, after searching and hoping for so long, the ones with the Purity Souls can found, and he would soon have his powers back!

B'aal's eyes glowed brightly once more, and with a low growl, opened his nearly formless mouth wide. The glowing sphere began to get sucked into it by a heavy sucking force, and when B'aal snapped his mouth shut, it was gone. The Demon Prince swallowed loudly and sighed with pleasure from the feeling the Purity Soul gave him. Inside him, the glowing ball's shine began to dim more and more, until it was completely corrupted and part of his evilness. Suddenly, his shapeless, shadowy figure shuddered, and Bzuzu, giving a surprised gasp, backing slightly away.

B'aal's shadowy form seemed to solidify more, and soft painful moan escaped from his parted lips. Soon, arms and legs could be distinguished, but they still had a blackish color, and his face was still obscured in shadows. But his eyes glowed brighter, and it seemed to crackle with his increased power. When the transformation was done, B'aal stamped his slightly more solid foot onto the filthy ground, and the realm shook slightly from the force. The Prince of Evil then threw his dark head back and laughed loudly, already feeling triumph. "Soon, all will feel my wrath!" he screamed out. "All will suffer as I have suffered! Beware, inhabitants of the Earth! For soon, I will be unleashed, and none shall escape my power!"

Taking that as a sign, the other demons and inhabitants began to scream and laugh along with B'aal, jumping and throwing filth at each other. To them, it was only natural that the prophesy will come to pass. They will get their time to wreak havoc upon the Earth, and no one will be able to stop them! For too long have they been pushed aside, ignored, thought of as nothing but stories and myths, but no more. Their Prince will give them what they deserve, and they will soon rejoice in the streets of Earth!

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Sighing worriedly, Michiru walked out of her bedroom and into the spacious living room in the large house she shared from time to time with Haruka, Hotaru, and at one time Setsuna. She had a restless sleep the night before, and she didn't know whether it had anything to do with the battle she and other Sailor Senshi had fought just a day ago. It was all so confusing, so...abstract, this feeling she had. She couldn't put a finger on it, but she did know that the feeling she got was evil, very evil. She went to sit down on the couch, and with hardly a thought, summoned her Aqua Mirror.

She willed it to show some kind of answer, a connection to what she was feeling and dreamt last night, but what came up only confused her more; it was nothing but swirling black clouds and laughing voices. Suddenly, the feeling of dread and evil increased even more, and she nearly cried out from it. The mirror surface turned darker and shadowy for just a moment, then turned back to normal just as quickly as it happened. When it was over, the aqua-haired young woman sighed and hoped it was nothing too serious.

Just then, the door to Haruka's own room opened, and the tall, dark blonde racer walked into the living room with a purposeful stride. "I'm going out for a drive. I'm feeling a bit restless," she said, putting on her windbreaker jacket. "Need anything while I'm out?" When she didn't answer, Haruka looked over her shoulder curiously. "Michiru?"

"Hmm? Oh, I'm so sorry Haruka!" The musician shook her head to clear it. "No, I'm fine, thanks," She smiled up at her dearest confidant and friend reassuringly.

Sensing something was wrong, Haruka walked over and sat down next to her. "What's the matter?" she asked in concern. When she looked in Michiru eyes, she knew it was serious. From since yesterday, the blonde woman had been restless and uneasy, as if the battle she and the other Senshi fought was just the beginning of something, as though it was part of something bigger, much bigger. She had thought it was just her, but now knew it wasn't. The two stared at each other for long moments, silently communicating their feelings and fears through the deep, spiritual bond they shared for so long. Michiru was the first to sigh, turning away.

"So, you feel it too," Haruka whispered, "The wind is bringing in a troubled breeze. An evil storm is brewing..."

"And the seas are restless," Michiru finished, already knowing what Haruka was thinking. For a moment, the two friends, otherwise known as the Soldier of the Wind and the Soldier of the Sea, were silent, feeling the impact of the battle and what it might foretell. What did all this mean? Did it all have to do with what Rei had visioned, or with what Tanya explained about what her father and his friend found? Did it also had to do with what Ami was explaining to them in Rei's temple? Only time will tell.

Sighing, Haruka got up and touched Michiru on the shoulder, as she always did when she needed comforting. "Don't worry, whatever it is, we'll get through it. We always do. As long as we fight side by side with one another, we won't lose. We must protect the Princess and everyone we love." The taller woman nodded with determination.

"Yeah, you're right Haruka, as usual," Michiru chuckled. With a wink, Haruka squeezed Michiru's shoulder gently with reassurance, then hurried off to release some of her energy in her driving.

When Haruka was gone and Michiru left alone, the famous violinist looked back in her Talisman once again, the nervous look returning on her pretty face. "But still, I just can't help but wonder...what's going on?" she whispered to herself. But there was no answer to her question as the mirror only shined brightly in the living room's light and remain silent.

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Jubaan High School:

The last bell of the day rang, and as usual, a crowd of students hurried out of their classroooms into the large hallway, but instead of rushing out the large front doors towards their home, jobs, or to just hang out, the students hurried to a large bulletin board that held the scores of the math final exams that was held last week for the seniors. Soon, the front halls were barely manueverable because of the crowd of senior students that were eager to see their scores.

Tanya emerged from her classroom last, her hands clutching the handle of her schoolbag in front of her and a nervous expression on her face. "Okay, this is it, no turning back..." she said to herself. "Just go over there, and see whether all that studying Ami-chan put you through worked or not." With a determined nod, Tanya walked over towards the area in front of the school bulletin, which was just thinning out from the crowd of students. From since the other day, the girls have been trying to put the tragic image of the woman having her soul extracted and dying away from their minds. It had made them feel helpless in a way they never experienced before. Thinking about the exams was a good distraction, but Tanya hoped deep in her heart that she and her friends would never have to experience anything like that again. Today was supposed to be an important meeting at Rei's shrine, because they would inform the newly arrived Seiya and Taiki about what they were up against. The senshi were relieved with getting extra help, but secretly hoped it was enough.

As she walked up towards the board, Tanya was met by Usagi, Minako, Ami, and Makoto, each eager to see how they did. "Heya! Well guys, this is it!" said Minako, smiling as she took of her earphones. The girls all smiled when they heard the popular song "All For You" by Janet Jackson playing from it.

"Heh heh, just a little song to keep my spirits and hopes up!" the blonde actress giggled as she turned her CD player off.

"Yeah well, let's just get this over it, please," Makoto said, running her hand nervously through her long brown hair. "I hate being tortured like this!"

"You're not the only one," sighed Tanya, already feeling her stomach beginning to turn.

"You guys go on ahead," said Usagi, "Maybe you can spare me the humiliation and look at my scores for me?" The blonde girl laughed nervously.

"No way Usagi-chan! If we go, YOU go!" Tanya pulled along the petite girl behind her as the others smiled in amusement and walked towards the board.

When they arrived, each looked up to the first name, and were not surprised to see that it was Ami's. "Oh gee, look at that, Ami made the top 5." said Minako sarcastically.

"Awww, come on guys, it can't be that bad, I'm sure you all did great." The genius girl blushed and smiled nervously, although a hint of pride did show in her eyes. She turned back towards the board to see who else did as well as she did.

"Oh no!" cried Tanya, "I probably did so bad, my name isn't even ON the list! I don't see it anywhere down here..." So used to seeing her name towards the bottom of the list when it comes to math, Tanya had automatically bent down to look at the bottom score. When she didn't see her name after looking again, she sobbed softly and fell sadly to her knees.

Makoto was just about to comfort her when she happened to look a couple of spaces just below Ami's name. Her eyes widened, and she tapped the dark-skinned girl on her shoulder. "Errr, Tanya-chan..."

"Now I'll never get into a good university! My future is doomed! Why did I ever think I could even pass this stupid test in the first place!" Tanya's eyes misted up with tears.

"Ummm, Tanya?" Makoto tapped her again.

"This is just great! Now I've let myself and everyone else down. I can never show my face here again..."

"TANYA-CHAAAN!"

The girl nearly jumped 10 feet in the air, "N...nani, Mako-chan?" Tanya blinked in confusion and surprise.

The tall, brown-haired girl just smiled, and placing her finger on Tanya's chin, turned her head up to see the name that was not far below Ami's. When Tanya read the name, her eyes widened to nearly double their size. It was her name! Tanya stood up and blinked her eyes again, just to make sure, and looked at it again. Yes, it was still there. Her name, written in black, and the score of "89%" written in red, slightly squiggly as though it was written with a shaky, disbelieving hand.

"I...I...passed?" Tanya whispered in disbelief. For a few moments, Tanya could only stare at her name and score, shocked that she had achieved such high points in one of her worst school subjects.

"Alright Tanya-chan! You did it!" shouted Usagi, rushing over and giving her friend a big hug. Coming out of her stupor, Tanya smiled and hugged her back.

"Yeah, and she's not the only one. You all did good, just like I thought," smiled Ami proudly as she pointed to the other names with high marks. On the list was Usagi with a 86%, Minako with 84% and Makoto with 85%. Smiling widely, Tanya took Usagi's hands in her own and winked. Usagi, knowing what she was thinking, winked back, and after taking a deep breath, both jumped, threw their clasped hands together in the air and shouted "YATTAAAAA!" to signify their personal celebration of victory.

"Wow, we passed guys, can you believe it? We're going to graduate this year!" exclaimed Minako. She laughed with delight as she imagined the things she would ask her parents for her graduation presents.

"Hi everyone!" The group turned to see Naru and her boyfriend Umino walk up.

"Hi Naru-chan, Umino!" waved Tanya. "Oh man, you wouldn't believe the good news!" She gave her a proud smile.

The red head smiled back, and when she saw the happy expressions on their faces, she chuckled. "Well, I guess I can assume you all passed the exam, ne?" When they nodded, she walked up to the board to see her name. Next to it was an even 90%.

"Naru-chan, not bad," smiled Umino, running a hand through his recently cut hair. He then turned to Ami, "Once again, we're in tide. We have to stop this game soon, or I'm going to believe one of us is holding back!"

"Sure Umino, like I do THAT anymore! I guess we're both just too smart for our own good," chuckled Ami, remembering the important lesson Michiru gave her years ago at the swimming pool in the Sports Center. Everyone groaned and chuckled in good nature.

"You guys, I have to go find Yaten and tell him! There's no way I can wait until we meet at Rei's," said Tanya, "I'll meet you all over there with him, okay?

"Sure Ti, just don't be late. I'd hate to have to think up an excuse about what you and Yaten were doing to make you miss our important meeting." winked Makoto. Usagi blushed and chuckled, thinking about the sensual reasons she and Mamoru were late to any senshi meeting whenever she had good news to tell him.

"Yeah right!" chuckled Tanya. "See you guys in a bit!" She turned and raced towards the school's music room, where she knew Yaten was rehearsing with the school band.

Pushing pass the crowd of students, Tanya quickly found the music room down at the end of the hall. When she rushed in, Yaten was alone and just putting away his keyboard. He looked up and smiled gently when he saw her. "Hi! What's the big rush? I was just coming to meet you all and come with you to..."

But he never got to finish as the smaller girl rushed up and enveloped him a big hug and kiss, nearly knocking him over. "I got the best news!" she said in a rush of excitement when she leaned away from him. When she finished telling him about how she passed the exam, he smiled proudly.

"That's great Ti! Now you can finally stop staying up all night and worrying about not graduating, ne?" He winked mischievously at her.

"Awww, come on, I wasn't that bad, was I?" At the look Yaten gave her, Tanya knew she was and blushed. "Okay, okay, maybe I was! Let's just go and get to Rei's before she starts biting everyone's head off!" Tanya grabbed Yaten's hand and the young singer barely had time to grab his book bag and rush out the large room with her.

The two walked out into the brisk early Spring air and held hands as they talked about what they thought graduation would be like at the end of March. Tanya's heart was all aflutter again as she looked at Yaten's handsome face, his silvery hair waving all around him and his sensuous lips turned up in a soft smile. My God, how did I end up so lucky to have such a great guy like him? Tanya wondered to herself. They turned a corner that would lead them to Rei's temple, when suddenly, they heard a loud scream. "What was that?" Tanya exclaimed.

Yaten narrowed his green eyes, already knowing that whatever it was, it wasn't good. "Trouble, come on!" They hurried a few blocks down, and in front of a small catholic church, Tanya and Yaten stopped dead in their tracks and gaped when they saw Bzuzu standing over the fallen figure of an alter boy. The red demon smiled sadistically when he saw them among the crowd of people running away and screaming.

"It's about time," he sneered. "I really wanted you to see this..." He positioned his large, clawed hand over the boy's chest, and prepared to plunge in and rip out his soul.

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To Be Continued...

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