Sailor Moon Silver Legacy

Act X: Lunar Eclipse (Part 4)

Ami clucked her tongue impatiently. Minako still hadn't awoken of her own accord, but the planets were aligned, and the countdown clock indicated that the lunar eclipse would begin at seven o'clock, just minutes away. She couldn't wait any longer or she would miss her window. Makoto would be on her way. It was now or never.

"Mercury Crystal Power!"

With a flash of blue, Ami transformed. Following this, she picked up a large syringe that she had prepared. After taking a deep breath, she stabbed the thick needle into Minako's chest, depressed its plunger, and swiftly removed it. The medicine inside acted immediately.

Minako lurched up with a prolonged gasp, her expression mingled with pain and alarm. "Wha-what's happening?" she said rapidly, jumping off the exam bed as if propelled to do so.

"It's okay, Minako, you're okay," Mercury assured her, steadying the girl by her shoulders.

"Ami? Oh, I don't feel so good, what's wrong with me?"

"You're fine, I just had to give you a shot of adrenaline," Ami explained calmly. "Something's happened, Minako. I need you to focus. Can you do that?"

Minako's breathing was quick, and her wide eyes darted around in their sockets. "I feel...weird," she said. "Energized but not good. My body hurts. I'm listening, though."

"Minako, Jadeite and Morgan are gone. Makoto showed up and saved the day—"

"Makoto?"

"Yes. That was yesterday—"

"Yesterday? Is that why I'm hurting?"

"Yes. I used a device to heal you, but you're not fully recovered. I had to wake you up early because the enemy has attacked."

"What?"

"We need you. We're under attack. Jupiter is on her way. You need to go meet her. Your transformation rod and compact and a change of clothes are on my desk."

Minako spun around and spotted the items. "What about you?"

"I have to stay here. I need you to protect the hospital. It's going to be targeted."

Minako shook her head fervently as she quickly dressed. "You're not coming? I don't understand."

"I have to stay here because of this," said Ami, stepping to the side to reveal a new machine placed between Rei's exam bed and the metallic unit that contained their deceased friend. The unit's lid was open.

Minako finished pulling a t-shirt over her head as she moved closer to the spot Ami indicated. A pedestal-like device with a transparent dome-like top contained a glimmering, white gem the size of a baby's fist.

"Is that the Silver Crystal? What's that doing here?" Minako murmured in disbelief.

"I'm bringing Usagi back, Minako," Ami admitted with a sheepish grin.

Comprehension dawned on Minako as her big eyes followed the thick cords connecting it to the adjacent, cuboid machine and the small window she dared not investigate. "No. Ami... Tell me you didn't... Oh God, Ami, tell me you're kidding. This is some kind of sick joke, right?"

With a crazed look about her, Mercury explained, "No Minako, this is real! In three minutes' time, I'm going to use my powers, Rei's boosted powers, and the Silver Crystal to revive Usagi! With our energy further enhanced by the alignment of Mars, Mercury, and the Moon during a lunar eclipse, we'll finally have Usagi back, have Sailor Moon back!"

"Usagi?" Minako whispered to herself more than anything. Then louder, she asked, "And Rei?"

"It's funny really," Mercury replied with a giggle, "It was supposed to be you on this table. I intended on using your unstable powers and Venus' place in the alignment, but after Rei woke up and triggered her own inexplicable power boost, I thought it would be better to use her, while you kept the Blood Moon Alliance at bay. Besides, with your powers on the verge of disappearing, it made sense to have a spare on hand."