Phoenix and the Golden Flame

It was a clear cool night as Amy, Lita, Mina and Serena, along with Luna and Artemis, met at Raye's house in the Hikawa Temple. After having a brief snack or two, and with some prodding by Lita, Mina proposed a question to Luna and Artemis.

"Luna, Artemis, we were wondering if you could answer something for us." Mina began.
"Sure Mina, what is it?" Artemis asked.
"It's about Phoenix." Mina said.
"Oh?" Luna wondered, now fully interested in what Mina wanted to know.
"We know that our power comes from the planets, and they in turn are our guardians." Mina began, "We were wondering, where does Phoenix get her power, and who is her guardian?"

Artemis and Luna looked at each other for a few moments then turned back towards Mina and the others.

"That is a question even we don't know the answer to." Artemis replied.
"You must understand that Phoenix has several mysteries surrounding her." Luna explained, "All that we know of her is what we have learned from either rumors or by studying her. I'm sorry that we can't answer your question."
"Perhaps I can." A familiar voice said from the doorway.

Surprised, everyone turned and saw five figures standing in the doorway. As one of them stepped into the light, they gasped as Jasmine walked in smiling at them.

"Jasmine? How long were you standing there listening to us?" Serena asked.
"Long enough to know that you've eaten everything." Jasmine replied with a twinkle in her eyes.

The other four figures came into the light, revealing them to be Amara, Michelle, and Darien, but the biggest surprise for them was Trista who walked in behind them.

"Amara, Michelle, Trista, even Darien!" Raye exclaimed, "What are you four doing here?"
"We were in the neighborhood, and we thought we'd stop by and say hi." Amara replied.
"It is good to see you all again." Michelle added smiling.
"They stopped by my place and asked if I could go with them over to here." Darien said.
"Trista, we thought something happened to you." Amy said, "We thought you were gone."
"I was gone, for a time." Trista replied.
"I was just as surprised as you when we met Trista in our travels." Jasmine explained, "We don't know what happened, but we are glad to have her back."

Raye quickly excused herself, went into the other room and came out with some tea for everyone. Amara, Michelle, Jasmine, Trista, and Darien made themselves comfortable at the table, remaining quiet for a moment. All eyes turned onto Jasmine, who was looking at her cup, deep in thought. Taking a sip, she settled back and looked into everyone's eyes.

"What I am about to tell you all is something that cannot be shared with anyone else. Darien, I brought you here because you should know as well." Jasmine started, "Mina, you wanted to know where my power comes from and who is my guardian, did you not?"
Mina nodded.
"A long time ago, sometime either during or before the Silver Millennium, legend has it that there was a village with a wizard of sorts living there. One day, he created a golden bowl, and placed in it a flame. Using some of his magic, he made the flame pure, and golden. Excited by his creation, he cast another spell on the flame, making it so that no matter the circumstances, the flame would never die. Eventually, people would go to the flame, asking it for guidance and luck among other things. One day some unknown force attacked the village. The wizard was injured, but managed to take the flame from its resting place, and hid it in some sort of cave. With his last breath, he cast one last spell on the flame, and then died. No one knows what spell was cast, but the flame continued to burn brightly within the cave. Months, years, and decades passed as the flame burned, casting a golden light within the cave. One day, the flame became alive, in a sense. It became aware of its surroundings, and remembered the wizard who had given it life. The Flame then created a living representation of itself, so that it could guard itself from intruders." Jasmine explained.
"A phoenix." Amy said.
"Yes, a phoenix bird. It was made up entirely out of golden fire, with white eyes. Its primary goal was to keep the Golden Flame safe. Many years passed, and a legend sprung up about a cave with a treasure located deep inside. Many people went off in search of the cave and its treasure, but none of them ever returned. Then one day, I too went off in search of the cave. I do not know how, but I managed to find the cave stated in the legend. Upon entering the cave, I found that it was a labyrinth of caves and passages. After several hours, I stumbled upon the chamber where the Flame was located. Inside, was the Phoenix Guardian, but there were other, smaller phoenix birds as well, all made up of golden fire. It was not long before I was noticed, and the birds beset upon me.I fought as hard as I could against them, but with no success. Eventually, they overpowered me, and threw me against the wall, near where the Golden Flame rested on its pedestal. I was certain that I was going to die, as birds surrounded me, but suddenly, they backed off. Before I could wonder why, I heard a voice in my mind. It told me that it chose me to be its true living guardian. Before I could ask what it meant, a young female entered the cave. By her looks, she was a scientist, most likely lost within the caves. The birds too, beset upon her. She was no match for them, and they reduced her body to a pile of ashes on the floor. I was shocked at what had happened, but there was nothing that I could do. Once again, the voice spoke to me, and told me to watch. As I watched, the ashes burst into golden flames, and from them, rose a phoenix bird, exactly like the smaller birds that had attacked me. Now I understood, the young woman had paid a high price for her curiosity. The voice told me that she would spend eternity guarding the Flame, which had given her life. While I was thinking about what had happened, a trail of golden flames came down from the bowl and began to encircle me. I panicked at first, but then I realized, that if it had wanted to kill me, it would have done so earlier. As the flames encircled me, I felt its warmth through me, and I began to see images of the Flames life. I was shown the day it was created up until now. It was then I realized that the voice I had heard was the Flame itself speaking to me. When it was over, the flames returned back to the bowl. Looking at myself, I saw that I had been transformed, into a Sailor Scout. The Fire gave me its power and in turn, became my guardian and I became Sailor Phoenix." Jasmine continued.
"I feel sad for that woman who is now tasked with guarding the Flame forever." Michelle said softly.
"Yes it is sad." Jasmine agreed, "The Flame did not want anyone to know where it was located, and it also needed guardians to protect itself. Anyone that goes into the cave and finds the Flame suffers the same fate."
"So what happened next?" Lita asked.
"After the transformation, I found that I could talk to it with my mind. I also found out that it preferred being called she." Jasmine explained.
"She?" Amara asked in surprise.
Jasmine chuckled a little, "Yes she. She told me that since she gave life to the guardians and gave me my power, that it would be best if I would consider it a female. She then told me that I should go and help you people, the Sailor Scouts with protecting the universe. Before I left, she created my transformation pendant and gave it to me. I then left, and headed for the Moon Kingdom. Once there, I gained an audience with Queen Serenity, and pledged my allegiance to her. She was skeptical at first, but when I explained to her, and showed her who I was, she agreed. As part of the agreement, I told her where the Flame was located, and that if anything happened to it, she would help in whatever means possible. To this day, only three people knew where the Flame was located."
"Who was the third?" Raye asked.

Jasmine and Trista looked at each other. Jasmine nodded to Trista and they both opened their hands revealing their rings.

"It took a very long time to convince her to allow Trista in unharmed." Jasmine explained, "I don't know if it was by my doing or that she recognized Trista's sincerity, but she allowed her to enter the cave and approach the Flames. It was also there that we created our rings, as a symbol that we were friends, and that we would tell no one of the Flame and of our duty to protect her. The rest you already know. I became Queen Serenity's head guard and protected the Silver Millennium with the other Scouts, while Trista, Queen Serenity, and I held the secret of the Flames location, until now. Now that burden is passed onto you as well Sailor Scouts, and it is imperative that no one disturbs the Golden Flame."
"I didn't expect my simple question to turn into this story." Mina said, "But why didn't you tell us this earlier?"
"I was told not to." Jasmine replied, "She didn't know if you could be trusted with her secret, but now she has."
"How though? How did she know that we could be trusted?" Michelle asked.
"I'm still in contact with her in my mind. She knows all of our efforts and has felt that I should tell you this information." Jasmine replied.
"I don't suppose you could take us to see her then?" Serena asked.
"No." Jasmine said, "I am only allowed to take you there, if something happened, or if she required us."
"I see why you hid this secret for so long Jasmine." Darien said, "We will all help you to keep both it and the Flame safe."

All the other Scouts nodded in agreement.

"Thank you." Jasmine said smiling, "There is one more thing I wish to tell you. Raye, the flame you keep within this temple. Have you ever wondered how it is able to show you things?"
"Yes, but I always thought….." Raye replied her voice trailing off, "You don't mean?"
"Yes." Jasmine answered, with a smile, "The temples flame is a creation of the Golden Flame, but it is not pure. A small part of her power is contained within the flame to keep it alive and to help guide you in times of trouble."
"Amazing." Raye murmured.
"I hope that one day we can meet the Flame." Amy said, "I would love to see it."
"One day, perhaps." Jasmine replied, "When she feels the time is right."

The Scouts were not the only ones listening to Jasmine's story that night. Someone else was eavesdropping in, taking in every word that was said. As it vanished into the night, the creature grinned at the plans passing through its mind.

"If I could find that flame, I could be unstoppable." The creature thought, as it grinned wickedly.

Amara and Michelle had graciously allowed Jasmine and Trista to stay at their apartment. While they slept, Jasmine dreamt that she was back within the cave, only something was terribly wrong. An unknown figure was attacking the Golden Flame and its guardians. After overwhelming them, the figure stole the Flame. Jasmine could only watch helplessly in her dream as the Flame changed from a pure gold, to a pitch-black flame. Awaking with a gasp of fright, Jasmine sat up in her bed, greatly disturbed by the nightmare. She nearly jumped as a hand touched her shoulder.

"I saw it too Jasmine." Trista said softly.
"It felt so real Trista, almost a cry for help." Jasmine murmured.
"I know." Trista said, "But we can't do anything till the morning. Try and get some sleep."

Jasmine sighed and lay back onto her bed. Within a few minutes she was back to sleep. She slept peacefully for a few hours, but woke once again at a recurrence of the nightmare. Noticing it was nearly dawn; Jasmine got up and dressed in a simple yellow t-shirt and jeans. Silently she made her way to the kitchen, made tea for herself and sat down at the table trying to figure out the meaning of her nightmare. The others soon woke up and came into the kitchen to see Jasmine deep in thought at the table.

"Jasmine, are you ok?" Michelle asked in concern.

Jasmine did not respond as Trista came up behind her.

"You saw it again didn't you?" Trista asked.
Jasmine nodded, "Yes."
"Saw what?" Amara asked.

Motioning for them to sit down, Jasmine looked up and into Amara and Michelle's eyes. She then proceeded to tell them of the nightmare she had last night.

"I can't shake the feeling that something has happened." Jasmine said.
"Maybe it was just a dream Jasmine." Michelle wondered.
"There is only one way to find out." Amara stated.
Jasmine nodded. "It would seem, you will be able to take a trip today." Jasmine said, "Contact Serena and the others, and tell them to meet me at the foothills. Trista can show you where to go."

After a small meal, they headed out with Jasmine heading to the foothills, while Amara, Michelle and Trista got Serena and the others. They met Jasmine at an entrance to a canyon in the foothills and together they headed in with Jasmine leading them. Jasmine led them through the canyon for a good five minutes before coming upon a cave at the end. Jasmine stopped suddenly as she approached the cave entrance.

"Jasmine? What's wrong?" Raye asked.
Without turning around, Jasmine took her pendant out and held it in her hand. "Trista, show them the way through the caves." Jasmine said, "Phoenix Star Power!"

Quickly transforming, Phoenix ran into the cave while Trista and the others followed behind her. Phoenix knew the quickest way to the chamber where the Flame was located, as did Trista. As she turned the last corner, Phoenix stopped and stared in shock at what she saw. The cavern where the Golden Flame rested was in ruins. The pedestal upon which the Flame rested had been fully destroyed and neither the Flame nor any of the guardians were in sight. Phoenix fell to her knees, as the footsteps of the others got closer. Trista and the others had transformed as well, and stared in shock and dismay at the ruined chamber.

"What happened here?" Jupiter murmured, looking around.
Jasmine stood up and looked at Pluto sadly. "She's gone Pluto, the dream was real." Jasmine said softly, "It was a cry for help."
"There was no way you could have known Phoenix, and even if you did, you might have been injured or captured as well." Pluto explained, placing a hand on her shoulder.

Mercury had been using her scanner to find the cause of had happened when she noticed something in one of the corners.

"Phoenix, there's something flickering over in that corner." Mercury said, pointing.

Phoenix instantly became alert and quickly looked in the direction Mercury was pointing. There was indeed something flickering and as Phoenix got close enough, she saw that it was one of the smaller guardians, barely alive. As Phoenix knelt down beside it, it looked up at her with a look of relief. Its body was flickering from being badly injured and lack of energy from the Flame's presence. Gently picking up the small guardian in her hands, she knew that it would die without the energy that it needed from the Flame. Holding the guardian in her left hand, she focused some of her power onto her right, forming a small ball of energy, which she then held out towards the guardian. The guardian instantly absorbed the energy, and healed itself. Extending her thoughts to the guardian, Phoenix attempted to communicate with it.

"What happened here?" Phoenix asked, "Who did this to you?"
"I wish I knew." It replied slowly, "We were attacked suddenly, and before anyone knew what was happening, most of us were wiped out, including the Phoenix Guardian. After proceeding to destroy most, if not all the guardians, the attacker stole the golden bowl, and with it, the Golden Flame."
"Did you get to see who the attacker was?" Phoenix prodded.
"No. I was slammed into the wall and knocked unconscious before I could see who it was." The guardian replied sadly, "We failed to protect our Mother."
"No, you protected her as well as you could. We must find her before it is too late." Phoenix said, "Sleep within me. You will not be able to survive if you stay here."

The guardian nodded and flew into Phoenix's body, instantly warming her from within.

Standing up, Phoenix turned to the other Scouts. "We must find the Golden Flame before it's too late. Unfortunately, I do not know where to start." Phoenix said.
"Why don't we return home, and plan our next move there?" Neptune suggested.
Phoenix nodded in agreement. "That sounds like a good idea."

Together, they slowly returned to Raye's home, and sat in silence, each within their own thoughts. Jasmine was deep in thought, feeling the warmth from the guardian, seeming to hum within her. The silence was penetrated by a scream coming from the street. Running to the stairs, they saw what appeared to be a bird made up of black fire striking a very similar resemblance to a phoenix. The source of the scream had come from a woman and the black phoenix was slowly approaching her.

"Stop right there!" A voice shouted.

The phoenix stopped and turned towards the sound of the voice, allowing the woman to escape.

"I don't know what you are, but you can't go terrorizing innocent people. I'm Sailor Moon, and in the name of the moon, I shall punish you!" Sailor Moon announced, as she stood in the middle of the stairs, with Sailors Mercury, Mars, Venus and Jupiter standing behind her.

The creature let out an inhuman roar and unleashed a gout of flames at the Scouts.

"Shine Aqua Illusion!"

Mercury's attack seemed to slow the flames for a moment, before it resurged and broke through. Before the black phoenix could attack again, another shout rang out.

"Uranus World Shaking!"

The blast hit the phoenix knocking it off its feet, but still very much alive.

"Phoenix Purifying Flame!"

This time, the blast destroyed the black phoenix, as it disappeared in a cloud of smoke. Uranus, Neptune, Pluto and Phoenix ran up beside the other Scouts as the last of the smoke disappeared.

"Mercury, can you track the energy from that creature, and find where it came from?" Phoenix asked.

Mercury nodded, as she took out her computer and began scanning.

"It appears that the energy is emanating from a underground structure on the other side of town." Mercury said.

Looking up she noticed that Phoenix and the others were already gone.

"We need to follow them." Jupiter announced.
"This way." Mercury replied.

With haste, they made their way across town and arrived at where Mercury's computer had located the source.

"The source seems to be coming from underneath this warehouse." Mercury said, pointing to one of the warehouses.

Cautiously, they entered the warehouse, but to their surprise, they found it empty.

"The source is directly underneath us." Mercury announced.
"I don't see any way down." Mars pointed out.
"Over here!" Venus shouted.

Hurrying over, they saw that Venus had found a hidden stairwell, leading down underground. Carefully and quietly, they made their way down the stairs and gasped. They had emerged in a large underground room, filled with pillars, and machinery. At the back end, they saw something that angered them, inside a large tube, was a golden bowl, and within it a burning flame, but it was not gold, but pitch black.

"So this is where the Flame was taken." Mars concluded.
"What's this? Visitors? I wasn't expecting anyone today." A female voice rang out, followed by laughter.
"Who are you? Show yourself!" Jupiter demanded.
"Certainly." The voice said, as a figure walked into view, dressed in a white lab coat.
"Who are you?" Jupiter repeated.
"I am Kamuki." The figure stated, "Do you like my new device?"
"What are you talking about?" Venus asked.
Kamuki walked over to where the black flame was. "This device allows me to control the powers emanating from this flame. I assume you've already met one of my creations." Kamuki explained.
"So you're the one who stole the Flame and created that black phoenix." Sailor Moon exclaimed.
Kamuki laughed again, "Correct! But you won't live long enough to tell anyone else or stop me. Even now, more of my creations are being made. Every time they touch a human, that human will become another of my creations!"
"Then we will stop you right now!" Sailor Moon shouted.
"Just try it." Kamuki taunted.
"With pleasure." Jupiter replied, "Jupiter Thunderclap Zap!"

Kamuki stood still as the energy blast came closer. Before it got within two feet of her, a shield appeared and stopped Jupiters attack.

"What?!" Jupiter stared in disbelief.
"It appears she's created a barrier around herself and the Flame. It seems to be powered by the flame itself, I don't see any way to lower the shield." Mercury explained.

Kamuki laughed as two black phoenix's appeared in front of the barrier. Before they could move, a blue energy blast destroyed them.

"What's this?!" Kamuki shouted.
"Here to protect our friends, I'm Sailor Uranus, and I gorgeously protect this planet!"
"Here to protect our friends, I'm Sailor Neptune, and I graciously fight for what's right!"
"I'm Sailor Pluto the Keeper of Time! You will not succeed here today, time will tell!"
"I'm Sailor Phoenix the Keeper of the Golden Flame! Your evil ways stop here!"
"As the Scouts of the Outer Solar System."
"Together we're a mighty force!"
"And we will punish you!"
"Sailor Uranus, Neptune!" Mars exclaimed.
"Sailor Pluto and Phoenix!" Sailor Moon added.

Kamuki was clearly not impressed, and summoned more black phoenix's. "I'll show you not to mess with me!"
"Pluto Deadly Scream!"
"Phoenix Purifying Flame!"

Twin energy blasts struck the phoenix's, destroying them, as the Outer Scouts landed next to Sailor Moon and the others.

"Give up now, while you still can." Uranus demanded.
"Oh, I don't think so." Kamuki smirked.

Thrusting her hand forwards, she sent a strong shockwave, knocking all but Phoenix backwards, and placed the barrier so that they could not get through to help Phoenix.

"Now then, you have something I want." Kamuki said.
"The only thing I have is your downfall." Phoenix retorted.

Kamuki chuckled and sent another shockwave towards Phoenix, pinning her to the barrier. With Phoenix trapped, Kamuki began to draw energy from Phoenix. Phoenix screamed in pain as the guardian within her, was pulled out, as well as her transformation pendant. Drawing the last of the energy, Kamuki released Phoenix as she changed back into Jasmine. Kamuki laughed as she held the last phoenix guardian in her hand and destroyed the pendant, as Jasmine slowly stood up.

"Jasmine are you alright?" Sailor Moon shouted, concerned.
"You will return that phoenix to me." Jasmine demanded.
"Or what?" Kamuki asked, poised ready to destroy it.
"Or I'll stop you." Jasmine answered, taking her two stilettos in her hands and charging at Kamuki. Kamuki sent another shockwave at the charging Jasmine, and sent her straight back into the barrier, knocking away her daggers. Jasmine struggled back up to her feet, wincing in pain.

"You're still not giving up?" Kamuki asked in disbelief.
"I will never give up, not now, not ever." Jasmine replied.
"We're here as well for you Jasmine." Pluto said from behind the barrier.

There was a sudden flash of light as a transformation pen, much like Outer Scouts had, appeared in front of Jasmine. Instead of having a planet on the top, there was a gold phoenix bird rising, with a gold star with her emblem on the head of the phoenix. Grabbing the pen, she held it up.

"Phoenix Guardian Power!"

The top of the pen glowed gold as Jasmine drew a circle around herself. As she did so, flames burst from the ground. Completing the circle, the flames flew into Jasmine. In a small flash, Jasmine had transformed back into Sailor Phoenix, but with several differences. The gold band around her neck now had a phoenix emblem on it, as well as two phoenix shaped earrings dangling from her ears. Her outfit, similar to Pluto's, had changed as well, the shoulders had been lengthened slightly with clear fabric, the bowtie tails on her back had lengthened as well, and the bowtie on her chest now had a phoenix button. Her lips had also been painted with a slight gold colored lipstick.

"Phoenix Purifying Flame!" Phoenix shouted, sending the energy blast straight into the barrier.

This time, the blast penetrated and destroyed the barrier.

"Uranus World Shaking!"

Uranus took the opportunity and sent an energy blast at Kamuki, knocking the guardian out of her hands. The guardian then quickly flew back into Phoenix, while Kamuki shook with rage.

"How did you manage to break through my barrier?!" Kamuki shouted.
"When people work together, nothing can stand in their way." Sailor Moon explained.
"I will get my revenge on you all!" Kamuki yelled, as she took the golden bowl from the tube it was sitting in and held it above her head.

"Shine Aqua Illusion!"
"Celestial Fire Surround!"
"Jupiter Thunderclap Zap!"
"Venus Love Chain Encircle!"
"Moon Spiral Heart Attack!"
"Uranus World Shaking!"
"Neptune Deep Submerge!"
"Pluto Deadly Scream!"
"Phoenix Purifying Flame!"

As one, they sent their attacks towards Kamuki. The attacks converged together forming a single pure white blast, striking both Kamuki and the golden bowl. When the light faded, all that was left was the golden bowl, with no trace of the black flames or Kamuki. Phoenix went over and picked up the golden bowl, and let out a sigh of relief. Inside was a small flickering golden flame. The guardian within Phoenix appeared, and flew into the small flame, lending it's strength so that the flame could grow. Now burning brightly, the Scouts heard a soft voice speaking to them in their minds.

"Thank you Sailors, for rescuing me." The Flame said, "Please, take me back to where I belong, so that I can regain my strength, and properly thank you."

Together they headed back to the cave, with Phoenix holding the golden bowl, with its precious contents.

Upon entering the chamber, the Flame used her power to restore the chamber to its original state. Phoenix walked over to the restored pedestal and placed the bowl back where it belonged.

"Before you leave Scouts, I had something made for each of you before I was kidnapped. They are located in the back chamber; Phoenix will show you where it is." The Flame said.

Phoenix walked over to the left side of the wall, touched something then stepped through the wall. Without hesitation, Pluto stepped in, followed by the other Scouts. On the other side was another chamber, cleverly hidden from view. Phoenix came towards the other Scouts holding a gold box. Upon opening it, the Scouts gasped as they saw nine rings made of gold, each like the ones Phoenix and Pluto wore each with the Scouts own color and inscribed with their symbol.

"They're beautiful." Venus gasped as she looked at her ring.

Phoenix and Pluto spoke no words as they placed their rings on top of the silver ones they had. After everyone had placed their rings on, they spent some time talking with the Flame, learning things from her. Soon it was time to go and as they left the Flame called out to them.

"You are all welcome to visit me any time." She said.