When Shadows Rise

When Shadows Rise Part 4

"The question is will those Kouhei pass the test this time?"

Pluto smiled her enigmatic smile, "only the future will show."

The former queen gave her friend an annoyed look. "Do you have to be that way even with me Setsuna? I can't change the future any longer. I just want to know that my daughter will make it to her future."

Pluto chuckled as the two old friends walked into the mist toward the floating figures. "The future is about more than your daughter majesty. There are others who need to be preserved and in place for the Silver Millennium to happen."

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Matten came back from his patrol on edge. He could feel the disturbance on the aura of the city but things were quiet. The streets held the usual mix of people out on a Saturday night looking for a good time. He stayed on alert but outwardly he looked like any Anglo in this quiet Japanese neighborhood. He towered over most of the people in this country, never mind this neighborhood. His jeans, t-shirt and plaid shirt tied about his waist just about to the over all picture of the Anglo on vacation. It was a well crafted disguise.

In the past he had found a place where he fit in. A school and a dojo where he could spar an even teach a little. Finding yet another creature wishing to destroy the peace was enough to bring back a lot of the rage he thought he had under control. The focus of this threat made him confused. While the Star Knight was interesting he couldn't wrap his mind about why she was so special. What made the small woman a Knight instead of a Kouhei or Senshi. He needed to talk to Hana, see if she could shed light on the difference. He understood the difference between the Kouhei and the Scouts. After all it was as simple as light and dark. But this Star Knight, a wielder of Light powers fighting an ancient enemy of shadows. One who didn't care yet about the Moon princess. Turning he headed back to the doss they set up.

He ran up the stairs to the third floor flat, taking them three at a time. Using the key to unlock the door, he tapped the code to let Hana know it was him entering. Slipping inside he headed directly to the kitchen. If Hana was here she would be making tea. He paused at the doorway and smiled. Hana turned and held out his cup.

He took the cup and took a sip. One advantage of partnering with Time was she always had the tea just perfect when it was needed. With a nod of thanks he pulled out the nearest chair and settled down. Together they sipped tea in silence. These peaceful moments had come to mean more to Matten than he would let on. After the loss of his first love, he had closed his heart and let the rage that always bubbled under his skin loose.

His lack of control nearly cost him more than his life. He had given into the dark part of his soul and would have gladly become another Youma but he was offered a small hand. Hana had managed to pull the rage out of Sailor Rage. It wasn't her powers that did this, it was who she was. They worked well together. She helped him to control his rages and he helped her to stay focused on the now.

"Greg," Hana landed forward on her elbows, clasping her gloved hands. "Things are going to start moving faster. We have to get ready."

He put down his cup and focused on the slender woman in front of him. "Can you tell me more? What will be happening?"

Hana signed before speaking. "I can't tell you much." She held up a hand before he did more than draw a breath in. "You know I cant effect the future but I can tell you that in the next few days old friends will return and the Shadows will make move to isolate Unicorn from everyone and then capture her."

"Tell me, my friend, why should we help this woman. Fighting the evil I can understand but what is it about this Unicorn that we should help her?" Greg was more musing than actually asking the question.