Chapter 15: Transformation

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The moment Usagi spoke the words, a bright light burst forth from the broach on her chest. A shimmering energy filled her body from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. Cocooned in bright ribbons, her school uniform vanished. Sailor Guardian. A voice echoed in her mind. Closing her eyes, Usagi allowed the transformation to take over. For once, she did not feel afraid. She felt calm and safe in this warm light. It was like the light of the moon. 

When she opened her eyes, her school uniform had been replaced with a Sailor Guardian's. She had become Sailor Moon. Staring down at herself in surprise, she grinned. It was like turning into a superhero. Someone stronger and braver than her usual self. Someone who could fi--

"Sailor Moon, look out!" 

Luna's panicked voice broke into her thoughts. Usagi shrieked as she narrowly dodged a blast of dark energy. She stared nonplussed at the dark scorch mark it had left on the sidewalk where she had been standing only moments ago. 

"Hey! You could have hit me with that!" She shouted, her anger delaying the realization she almost suffered severe injury.

The demon scoffed. "That was the idea."

"Lazil! Be careful. I need her alive." Thyst growled as he attempted to fight off Sailor Venus' attack. That stupid demon almost injured his prize. He hissed with pain and gripped his arm. Venus' beam of light had burned his flesh. His eyes darted to the portal to the Dark Kingdom. He needed to escape as soon as possible. He couldn't risk hanging around in case the princess was able to harness her power as Sailor Moon and in case Selene decided to make an appearance.

"How dare you bring your darkness into our peaceful world!" Usagi shouted, squaring off with the demon, fists clenched. "I'm the pretty guardian who fights for love and justice and in the name of the moon I will punish you!" 

"What was that?" Luna hissed incredulous.

Usagi shrugged, looking over her shoulder. "Heroes need catch phrases."

Luna rolled her eyes in exasperation. This was a familiar feeling. Usagi was definitely the incarnation of Princess Serenity. 

Lazil took one look at the young Sailor Guardian and howled with laughter. Usagi scowled. It wasn't the reaction she had in mind, but it was enough of a distraction for the demon to release Ami. Her stomach churned as Ami slid to the asphalt in a limp heap. The almost imperceptible rise and fall of her chest filled Usagi with relief. Ami was alive, just unconscious.

"Punish me?" The demon's deep gravely voice was laced with menace. Lazil cocked its head at the Sailor Guardian and met her innocent blue eyes. Slowly rising to its full height, Lazil stalked towards her. A grin stretched across its face revealing its jagged sharp teeth. Punish? What could this child of the moon know about punishment?  Lazil doubted this wholesome godling had experienced true suffering. "I'll teach you the meaning of punishment, child."

Usagi took a trembling step back. The confidence she'd briefly gained with her transformation evaporated as the demon focused all its infernal attention on her. Her heart raced, threatening to burst from her chest. "Uh...Luna?" She glanced behind her at the cat.

Distressed, Luna cried out. "Use your tiara!"

"M-my tiara?" Usagi stammered as she continued backing away.

"Say Moon Tiara Action and throw it!" Luna screamed a split second before Lazil attacked.

Sailor Venus ruthlessly suppressed the urge to abandon her fight with Thyst to protect Usagi. Not Usagi she corrected herself. Right now, she was Sailor Moon. She had the tools with which to defend herself. She prayed the know-how would soon follow. With a shake of her head, Venus focused on Thyst. She had to have faith Sailor Moon would be able to defend herself. She couldn't let Thyst get away this time. They needed information on Metalia's plans and her whereabouts if they were to defeat her. 

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