Crystal Tokyo
3000 A.D.
The crystalline walls of the Crystal Palace shown like a huge, intricate prism. It was as if the entire structure had been hand-carved from the most massive diamond ever.
King Endymion stood at one of the great windows in the Crystal Throne Room. The colours from the walls played across his face. The view would have been breath-taking if not for...
"They're here, Your Majesty," came the voice of one of he servants of the castle.
King Endymion turned slowly. "Thank you, but would you send in the Princess first?"
The servant bowed and left the room. King Endymion turned back to the window. Princess Rini was not going to like this. But what other choice did they have. It was the only way. The King clenched his fists. It was the only way but he didn't like it.
"You called for me, Father?"
King Endymion turned and there stood his daughter, the Princess, Rini. He couldn't help but smile at the young woman that stood before him. She had grown up so much in the last few years since she had come back from the past. She stood in a ruffled pink dress looking so much like her mother. Her long, pink odango trailing behind her and her crimson eyes showing concern for her father. He held out a hand to his daughter. She took it and stood beside him at the window.
"Beautiful city, isn't it?" he asked quietly.
Rini was silent. She knew what he was thinking. She knew what this meeting was about. After a few moments of silence, she finally spoke.
"She's going to be okay, Father," she said, patting his hand, reassuringly. "She's...we've been through worse. The Black Moon, The Death Busters, The Dead Moon Circus... One bout of sickness is no match for us."
King Endymion smiled down at his daughter. As quickly as it came, the smile fell, though. If only this was just sickness, he thought. He reached into his jacket and pulled out a pink rose. He handed it to Rini and patted her gently on the head. "Take this and go sit at the table. We have a very important meeting to attend."
Rini nodded slightly and walked slowly over to the giant, round crystal table. She walked around it until she came to the proper seat. She placed the rose into a small crystalline bud vase on the table. As she did, the petals of the rose began to glow bright pink, as did a symbol in the shape of a crescent moon on the table.
"I'm ready," she said as she sat down. King Endymion turned and walked to the table and placed a white rose in the two seats facing the thrones. In front of each rose a symbol of Earth began to glow. Just as he did, the doors of the throne room opened and in walked four women.
"We got here as soon as we could," said the one in blue.
"I would have been here sooner, but there has been trouble lately in the cities. Earthquakes. Phobos Deimos Castle nearly fell over," said the one in red.
"It is good to see you again Mam-I mean, King Endymion...and you Princess," said the one in green bowing.
"Has there been a change?" asked the one in gold.
"No, no change I'm afraid. I'm glad you could come. Please have a seat." He nodded towards the table.
Each of the women produced from the folds of her gown a rose with petals the same colors as her dress. As they placed them in the vases, the symbols of Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, and Venus began to glow on the tabletop.
"What of these earthquakes, Queen Rei?" King Endymion asked the one in red.
"No need to be so formal, Mamoru. This is a time of crisis. We can dispel the formalities."
The one in green smiled. "That's our Mamoru. He always was one to do things properly. Address and solve every problem in turn."
"He's been trying to keep as busy as possible, Mako-chan," Rini said. "It takes his mind off of mother."
"What of Queen Serenity?" asked the one in blue. "Have the doctors been able to do anything?"
"I'm afraid not, Ami," Mamoru sighed. "And they've tried everything. Even the things you suggested, but nothing seems to work. She just lies there."
"Did you try the Silver Crystal?" asked the one in gold.
"I'm afraid even that hasn't worked either, Minako. Small Lady tried it before anything else," said a voice from the doorway. Everyone at the table turned to see a tall, dark green-haired woman in a black dress and long black gloves standing in the doorway. Her ruby colored eyes looked sadly at Rini. "We thought that that at least could have enforced some change."
"Hello, Puu," Rini forced herself to smile. She then straightened, as if remembering herself. "I'm glad you could join us, Queen Setsuna."
Setsuna strode over to the table and sat down. She placed a black rose at her seat. The symbol of Pluto glowed on the table.
"Where are the others?" asked Mamoru, impatiently.
"We're right here," came a deep, yet feminine voice. Through the door strode a white haired woman in a navy dress followed by a woman with aqua hair and a dress to match and a young raven-haired girl about Rini's age in a violet dress and long gloves.
"Greeting Haruka, Michiru, Hotaru," Mamoru nodded at each of the women respectivly. The women placed a navy, aqua, and violet rose on the table as so glowed the symbols of Uranus, Neptune, and Saturn. As the last rose was placed, the table began to glow with a golden light.
"The Circle is complete," Mamoru said. "Welcome Queens of the Silver Millenium. I have called you here because I must tell you of the plight that has befallen all of our kingdoms." He paused, struggling with what he had to say.
Rini placed her hand on her father's arm. "You have to tell them, Father. Maybe they can help."
"What's happening, Mamoru?" asked Hotaru. "And what can we do to help?"
Mamoru straightened up, suddenly King Endymion once again. "Neo Queen Serenity is fading."
"You mean dying?!" Rei exclaimed.
"No, fading. As if from existance."
Michiru placed her hand over her mouth in horror. " Oh no! What can we do? We have to save the Queen."
"Calm yourself, Michiru," Haruka said placing her hand on Michiru's shoulder. "Why don't we let the King tell us what happened.
King Endymion stood up from the table and walked back to the window. "We have yet to fully understand what is happening. Three days ago, Neo Queen Serenity was addressing the inhabitants of Crystal Tokyo when suddenly she fell. Every day since she has gotten worse and worse. She's quite literally fading." King Endymion hung his head in sorry for his wife.
"Someone is erasing her," said Setsuna. The others at the table turned towards her.
"What do you mean 'erasing'?" asked Minako.
"Someone, or something, has gone back in time and is causing her to cease to exist. I feel the rift in Time Space whenever I'm near her. I haven't said anything until now because I wanted to be certain."
"Well now that we know what's wrong, how can we help?" Ami asked.
"There is only one way," Setsuna said, rising from the table. "Someone must go back in time. Someone must prevent whatever is happening to Neo Queen Serenity."
Setsuna raised a black handled wand in the air and yelled "Pluto Eternal Power, Make up!" Suddenly, Setsuna was bathed in a bright light and in the place of the Queen of Pluto stood Eternal Sailor Pluto, the Guardian of Time.
"But who's going to go back?" Makoto asked, her brow furrowed. "We all have to care for our respective planets."
"I'll go," whispered Rini.
"No," said the King. "With your mother ill, you must prepare to be Queen of the Earth, in case..." He trailed off, not wanting to complete the horrible thought.
"I have to father. Without Sailor Moon, either Sailor Moon time is doomed. I have to go back." Rini stood up from the table and looked at everyone. "Don't worry, I'll be fine." She walked out of the room without another word.
King Endymion turned to Eternal Sailor Pluto. "Is she right? Is she really the only one that can do this? There isn't another way?"
Pluto bowed her head slightly. "I'm afraid so, Your Majesty. Small Lady is the only one with the power to go back right now. As Queen Makoto said, we each must defend our planets from attack, we cannot leave them vulnerable. And we will all do our parts to defend the Earth as well in Small Lady's absence. But now I must go and prepare the Gates of Time." She placed her hand gently on the King's shoulder. "I promise you, Your Majesty, Princess Rini will be fine." With that Eternal Sailor Pluto took her rose from the table and walked out of the room. The symbol of Pluto faded from the table.
King Endymion sighed and walked back to the window. He looked out on the great expanse of Crystal Tokyo. Behind him he heard the remaining members of the court begin to make plans for what was sure to be some very difficult times.
* * * * * * * * *
Rini stood in her bedroom staring out her window at one of the towers of Crystal Palace. If she hadn't been so sad, se would have laughed and how similar she was to her father. Rini sighed. How many times had she had to do this? Travel through time for one reason or another? First to escape the Children of Nemsis, then to train with the Senshi, and now to save the future. It seemed vaguely unfair. It was like she spent more time in the past than she did here with her mother and father.
There was a small sound at the door. Rini snapped out of her thoughts and looked slightly over her shoulder. "Come in," she said.
A tiny crack opened in the door and a small gray kitten with a bell on a pink ribbon around her neck poked her head in. The kitten had a bald spot in the shape of a crescent moon on her forehead.
"Hi Rini," the kitten said.
"Hi Diana," Rini smiled down at the kitten.
"Can I come in? I brought you a surprise."
Rini nodded and sat down on the corner of her bed. Diana walked in the room and jumped up on the bed. "Hey!" she called to the door. "C'mon in!"
The door opened a bit more and a round ball, shaped like a cat's head with an antenna coming out of it floated in and up to Rini.
"Luna P!" Rini cried grabbing the ball and hugging it close. "Where'd you find it?!"
Diana rubbed against Rini's arm. "Pluto had it to keep her company at the Gates of Time. She said I could take it to give to you so you'd have something to remind you of home while you're in the past."
Rini sighed. She placed the Luna Ball on the bed and began to change out of her dress.
"What the matter, Rini?" Diana asked jumping on top of the Luna Ball.
"I don't want to go back, Diana. I know I have to, but I want to stay here with Mom and Dad." Rini changed into a pair of white jeans and a pink t-shirt. She began to pack things into her pink bunny backpack.
"Don't feel bad, Rini," Diana said, jumping down off of the ball and climbing into the backpack. "I'm gonna come with you. And you'll bring the Luna Ball so you can talk to your Dad and stuff. Don't worry."
Rini smiled in spite of her worries and dislodged the cat from the backpack. "You're right Diana. With you there I won't be so alone."
"No, you won't...especially not with me coming along as well," said a voice behind Rini and Diana. Rini turned and beamed. There in the doorway stood Rini's best friend dressed in all black.
"Hotaru! They're letting you come too?"
Hotaru smiled. "Yes. Apparently they're sending you back to before a time when the ten Senshi are together, so I'm coming to. Sort of to make a complete set. Sailor Pluto thinks we'll need all the Planet Powers to combat this new enemy."
Rini frowned. "But what about you having to protect Saturn? Who will watch over Titan Castle?"
Hotaru grinned slightly. "Makoto and Haruka said they would combine their efforts to protect Saturn. Don't worry Rini."
Rini looked up into Hotaru's violet eyes. "I'm glad you're coming too, Hotaru. I feel better now."
Hotaru placed a hand on Rini's shoulder. "Come on. They sent me to get you. It's time to go."
Rini nodded, picked up her backpack, sat Diana on her shoulder and put a yellow brooch with a pink heart-shaped crystal into her pocket. When they arrived at the Gates of Time, Pluto stood there, prepared to send them on their journey.
"I have one final present for you, Small Lady," she said as the Garnet Orb on her staff began to glow. A ball of light appeared in front of Rini. Inside it was a small golden key, a pink wand with a heart shaped crystal on top, and a small globe on a tiny pedestal.
"These are for you. A Time Key, with which you'll be able to return home; your Pink Sugar Wand; and finally, your crystal ball. The one you used to communicate with Helios. We told him you were going on a quest and he begged us to allow him to help. Now prepare to enter the Cosmic Time Warp!"
Eternal Sailor Pluto raised her Time Staff above her head. The Garnet Orb glowed brightly. The Gates of Time slowly swung open. The light coming from within them was blinding.
"Hurry now, children. I must close the gates soon." With a final look at their home, Rini and Hotaru set off to save the future.
Chapter 1: Déjà vu All Over Again
"But why Mamo-chan! I want to come too!"
An unearthly wail came from the blonde girl. Tears were freely flowing down her cheeks. Chiba Mamoru shook his head. You'd think he just told her he was going to some distant galaxy and would never come back.
"I'll only be gone for a couple short weeks, Usako," he said gently placing his hand on her head, between her two, spherical odango. "So please stop crying. Your making a spectacle of yourself."
Usagi stopped crying long enough to look around at the other patrons of the juice bar. They had all stopped drinking their drinks and were staring at her. Usagi's face turned bright red. She suddenly felt very embarrased. But she couldn't help it. Her beloved Mamoru had just told her that he was going to visit friends of his in France. How would she go an entire month without him?
"But Mamo-chan, I don't want you to leave me. What will I do without you for a whole month?!" Usagi's lower lip began to quiver, a sure sign of an impending crying explosion.
"It's not like you'll be alone. Rei and the girls will be here with you."
"Oh, Mamo-chan! It isn't the same!"
Mamoru sighed. What was he supposed to say? What could he say? Nothing would please Usagi when she's like this.
Just as he covered his ears to prevent further wailing damage, he suddenly realized that he was sitting at the table alone. Usagi had run out of the juice bar. Mamoru threw down some money and ran out of the door just in time to see her disappear into the park across the street.
Mamoru chased her down. He finally caught up with her at the lake. She was standing on the dock, staring out over the water.
"What's...your...problem...anyway...," he panted. For such a lazy girl, she sure ran far and fast.
Usagi whimpered. "You're going to go to France with all of those pretty French girls and you're going to forget about me."
Mamoru rolled his eyes. "Trust me, Usako, I could never forget you," he said. He then added mentally: Even if I wanted to, you wouldn't let me.
Usagi beamed. "You mean it, Mamo-chan!" She threw herself into his arms. She closed her eyes and puckered her lips. "Kiss me, Mamo-chan..."
As Mamoru leaned in to kiss her, the sky suddenly got dark. He looked up. What was happening? Suddenly a portal opened in the center of the sky. A meteor that Mamoru swore looked just like the Luna Ball came shooting out. It was heading straight for him and Usagi. Before he could warn her, though, the object smacked right into the top of her head. Usagi went down. Mamoru looked down at her. The object was sitting on top of her head...right next to a sizable bump. It was the Luna Ball. But that meant...
"WHOA!"
Suddenly there were extra people here. Mamoru could only blink at the pile of bodies before him. An ebony haired girl sat up. "Ouch" was all she said. Then the other one sat up. Mamoru could barely believe his eyes.
"That was a smooth ride."
"Rini! Is it really you?"
"Mamo-chan!" Rini jumped up and into his arms.
"You look so much older! What are you doing back Rini?"
Before Rini could answer, Usagi jumped up and began yelling. "Rini?! What are you doing back here, you little brat?! I thought we just got rid of you! And get your hands off of my Mamo-chan!!"
Mamoru, Rini, and Hotaru just stared at Usagi. Rini swore she could see steam coming from her ears. "Nice to see you again too, Usagi," Rini said rolling her eyes.
Usagi finally took a good look at Rini. This wasn't the same little girl she remembered. In fact, she almost looked like Usagi's pink-haired twin. "You-you're...older? But what are you doing back here?"
"I was just trying to ask her that before you exploded, Usako," Mamoru sighed.
"I came back because there's a new enemy. We have to find them, the future, and my mother are at stake."
"And I came to help," Hotaru said.
"Who're you?" Usagi asked.
"Oh, pardon me, my name is Tomoe Hotaru," Hotaru bowed. "I'm Sailor Saturn in the future."
Usagi and Mamoru blinked. "Sailor Saturn," he said. "You mean there are other Senshi out there than just Pluto?"
"Yes," Hotaru said. "One for each planet. I've come back with Rini because King Endymion thinks we'll need the powers of all the Senshi. Inner and Outer."
"Inner? Outer Senshi?" Usagi asked.
"Why don't we go home, and I'll explain it all," Rini said. "I'm tired. Traveling through time is hard."
* * * * * * * * *
Tokyo Tower stood proudly in the center of the city. As the sun set behind it, a beautiful red glow was cast over its girders. At least it was like that usually. Today, however, there was a black cloud hanging over the tower. A crack of thunder and a flash of lightning hit the tower. It began to glow with an eerie blue light. Then, just as suddenly as it began, all was still.
The dark figures of five women stood on top of the tower.
"So we're here," said the first.
"Yes, and look at it all. So primitive. So easily conqured. I can't wait to do it all again," the second laughed.
"Quiet, both of you," the third snapped. "We're not here to have fun. We're here to do a job."
"Oh, lighten up, Phoenix. There's always time for fun," the fourth said, skipping toward the egde of the tower.
"Enough, all of you," the fifth said. She turned to the one known as Phoenix. "Since you seem to be so ready to fight, why don't you go first Phoenix. I want Sailor Moon's powers." She handed a beautiful onyx hourglass to Phoenix. "And after her powers, bring me her Crystal Hourglass. She should have almost enough energy. Now go."
Phoenix took the Onyx Hourglass and jumped off of the tower. The first step was getting rid of her counterpart. Then Sailor Moon's powers would be all hers.
* * * * * * * * *
"So why exactly did you come back this time, Rini?" Minako asked. "The last time we saw you, you were just a little girl running from the Black Moon."
The girls sat in Rei's room at the Hikawa Shrine. It had taken the girls a while to adjust to Rini's advanced age, but not as long as it took Luna and Artemis to adjust to finding out they had (or rather would have a daughter). After the excitement died down, it was right back to Senshi business.
"We came back to warn you guys," Rini said. "There's a new enemy coming, and we don't know who it is, but they're targeting Sailor Moon. So much so, that my mother, Neo Queen Serenity, is fading out of existence in the future."
"Targeting Sailor Moon?" Ami said. "That makes sense. Kill Sailor Moon in the past, and you alter the future. And if the Queen fades, then..."
"Then I fade," Rini sighed.
Ami tilted her head thoughtfully. "Maybe I can pinpoint any recent energy fluctuations. If I can do that maybe I can triangulate their location."
The others just stared at Ami, puzzled. "Uhh, yeah Ami, you do that," Usagi said.
Rei stood up. "I'll try a fire reading. The spirits might have some answers for us."
"We should be getting home anyway," Usagi said, tapping Rini on the shoulder. "Mom's making stir fry today."
"Okay Usagi," Rini jumped up and grabbed her backpack. "Come on Hotaru."
Hotaru stood and bowed to the other Senshi. "It was nice to meet you all...again." She smiled.
"Uh, Rini, exactly what are we going to tell Mom about Hotaru?" Usagi asked.
"You worry too much, Usagi. Why do you think I have Luna P with me? I've got everything under control."
"If you say so."
With that, the girls set out for home. They walked mostly in silence. Until they reached the park. There, standing under one of the streetlights was a familiar face.
"Cooan!" Usagi cried. "Rini, it's Cooan, one of the Weird Sisters of the Black Moon!" "But you guys defeated her," Rini said in disbelief.
Cooan smiled. "Is this the little rabbit? My, my...how you've grown."
Rini just looked at the purple haired woman. Cooan just kept smiling, though.
"What are you doing here Cooan? And where are your sisters?"
Cooan's smile widened. "Oh, no, Usagi. This is a solo mission."
"What do you mean 'mission'?"
Cooan turned her back on Usagi, Rini, and Hotaru. "In the past, you, Sailor Moon destroyed our beautiful Black Moon. Well, we of the Black Moon have returned. But this time, we're evenly matched."
"What are you--," Usagi began.
Cooan held up a purple crystal. She smiled once more before she yelled: "Phoenix Comet Power, Make Up!" A pillar of light engulfed Cooan. When the light dissapated, Cooan was standing in a red and purple fuku with golden accents.
"I am Sailor Phoenix, one of the Comet Senshi of the Black Moon. And, in the name of the Black Moon, I will destroy you." Cooan began to laugh.
"I think this is a good time to transform," Hotaru said. Rini and Usagi nodded in agreement.
"Moon Crystal Power, Make Up!" Usagi yelled.
"Moon Prism Power, Make Up!" Rini shouted.
"Saturn Planet Power, Make Up!" cried Hotaru.
In a flash of light, the girls were replaced by Sailor Moon, Sailor Chibi-Moon, and Sailor Saturn. Sailor Moon immediately launched into her usual rhetoric: "You may have come back from the past to try and reclaim your fallen kingdom, but good will always triumph over evil, no matter how many times you come back!
"I am Sailor Moon," Usagi said.
"I am Sailor Chibi-Moon," Rini interjected.
"And I am Sailor Saturn," Hotaru said, finishing off the introductions as she twirled her weapon.
"We are the Champion of Justice!" Usagi yelled. "And in the name of the Moon...
"We shall punish you!" they cried in unison.
Sailor Phoenix yawned. "Spare me," she said. "I've heard it all before. I've only come for your Rainbow Life Energy. Stand still and this won't take long."
The girls prepared themselves for whatever Sailor Phoenix had planned. Phoenix raised her hand. A mass of swirling black energy grew in her palm and became the Onyx Hourglass. She lunged at Sailor Moon.
"Look out, Sailor Moon!" Sailor Chibi-Moon yelled. She raised her wand above her head. As she did a quick spin, she called out "Pink Sugar Heart Attack!" She aimed the wand at Sailor Phoenix's torso. Pink hearts shot out of the wand, slamming into Phoenix's stomach, knocking her down. Wow, Sailor Moon thought to herself, not only is she older, but Rini's powerful too.
Phoenix immediately stood up. "I see I'll have to take care of you first you, little brats," Sailor Phoenix growled. "Ash Rising Rebirth," she yelled. A golden flame appeared in her hand. She shot it at Sailor Chibi-Moon and Sailor Saturn. The fire didn't even hit the girls, but the energy coming off of it was enough to throw them almost across the park.
Sailor Phoenix chuckled to herself as lunged at Sailor Moon and managed to grab Sailor Moon by the neck. "And now, for you."
The Onyx Hourglass began to glow with an unearthly purple light. Sailor Moon could feel it pulling on her aura and cried out in pain. Her fuku exploded from her body, leaving her in her regular clothes. Her locket opened on it's own, revealing the Ginzuishou. The crystal floated from the locket and absorbed itself into the Onyx Hourglass.
"Oh no!" Usagi cried. "Give me the Ginzuishou back!"
Sailor Phoenix only grinned. She flipped the Onyx Hourglass over in her hand. A beam of red light shot out of the top and hit Usagi in the chest. Usagi screamed again, louder this time. A beautiful hourglass with a golden base was drawn from her chest. It was filled with rainbow colored sand that fell grain by grain, second by second. As soon as it appeared completely, Sailor Phoenix grabbed it.
"At last I have it! Your Rainbow Life Energy is mine!" She looked down at Usagi. The once pretty girl was now an old woman.
"So that's what happens when you take them," she pondered.
Sailor Chibi-Moon and Sailor Saturn managed to pull themselves up in time to see the aged Usagi hit the ground.
"Usagi!" Sailor Chibi-Moon yelled. "No!"
"Give that back to her!" Sailor Saturn yelled.
Sailor Phoenix laughed. "Oh and who's going to make me? You little girls?" She laughed again.
"No, I am," came a strong willed voice.
Sailor Phoenix looked around. "That voice! It can't be! We left you for dead!" she screamed.
"Who was that?" Sailor Saturn asked Chibi-Moon.
Before the other girl could answer, a red haired girl in a red fuku with rainbow-colored bows and red high heels jumped down from the branches of one of the trees.
"So, now you're attacking people in this timeline, hmm? Well I don't think I'll let you do to them what you did to us." The girl crossed her arms over her chest. "I won't let that happen, not again. In the name of the Earth, you shall be punished. I am Sailor Earth!"
Sailor Chibi-Moon and Sailor Saturn stared at each other in disbelief. "Sailor Earth?!" they cried in unison.
3000 A.D.
The crystalline walls of the Crystal Palace shown like a huge, intricate prism. It was as if the entire structure had been hand-carved from the most massive diamond ever.
King Endymion stood at one of the great windows in the Crystal Throne Room. The colours from the walls played across his face. The view would have been breath-taking if not for...
"They're here, Your Majesty," came the voice of one of he servants of the castle.
King Endymion turned slowly. "Thank you, but would you send in the Princess first?"
The servant bowed and left the room. King Endymion turned back to the window. Princess Rini was not going to like this. But what other choice did they have. It was the only way. The King clenched his fists. It was the only way but he didn't like it.
"You called for me, Father?"
King Endymion turned and there stood his daughter, the Princess, Rini. He couldn't help but smile at the young woman that stood before him. She had grown up so much in the last few years since she had come back from the past. She stood in a ruffled pink dress looking so much like her mother. Her long, pink odango trailing behind her and her crimson eyes showing concern for her father. He held out a hand to his daughter. She took it and stood beside him at the window.
"Beautiful city, isn't it?" he asked quietly.
Rini was silent. She knew what he was thinking. She knew what this meeting was about. After a few moments of silence, she finally spoke.
"She's going to be okay, Father," she said, patting his hand, reassuringly. "She's...we've been through worse. The Black Moon, The Death Busters, The Dead Moon Circus... One bout of sickness is no match for us."
King Endymion smiled down at his daughter. As quickly as it came, the smile fell, though. If only this was just sickness, he thought. He reached into his jacket and pulled out a pink rose. He handed it to Rini and patted her gently on the head. "Take this and go sit at the table. We have a very important meeting to attend."
Rini nodded slightly and walked slowly over to the giant, round crystal table. She walked around it until she came to the proper seat. She placed the rose into a small crystalline bud vase on the table. As she did, the petals of the rose began to glow bright pink, as did a symbol in the shape of a crescent moon on the table.
"I'm ready," she said as she sat down. King Endymion turned and walked to the table and placed a white rose in the two seats facing the thrones. In front of each rose a symbol of Earth began to glow. Just as he did, the doors of the throne room opened and in walked four women.
"We got here as soon as we could," said the one in blue.
"I would have been here sooner, but there has been trouble lately in the cities. Earthquakes. Phobos Deimos Castle nearly fell over," said the one in red.
"It is good to see you again Mam-I mean, King Endymion...and you Princess," said the one in green bowing.
"Has there been a change?" asked the one in gold.
"No, no change I'm afraid. I'm glad you could come. Please have a seat." He nodded towards the table.
Each of the women produced from the folds of her gown a rose with petals the same colors as her dress. As they placed them in the vases, the symbols of Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, and Venus began to glow on the tabletop.
"What of these earthquakes, Queen Rei?" King Endymion asked the one in red.
"No need to be so formal, Mamoru. This is a time of crisis. We can dispel the formalities."
The one in green smiled. "That's our Mamoru. He always was one to do things properly. Address and solve every problem in turn."
"He's been trying to keep as busy as possible, Mako-chan," Rini said. "It takes his mind off of mother."
"What of Queen Serenity?" asked the one in blue. "Have the doctors been able to do anything?"
"I'm afraid not, Ami," Mamoru sighed. "And they've tried everything. Even the things you suggested, but nothing seems to work. She just lies there."
"Did you try the Silver Crystal?" asked the one in gold.
"I'm afraid even that hasn't worked either, Minako. Small Lady tried it before anything else," said a voice from the doorway. Everyone at the table turned to see a tall, dark green-haired woman in a black dress and long black gloves standing in the doorway. Her ruby colored eyes looked sadly at Rini. "We thought that that at least could have enforced some change."
"Hello, Puu," Rini forced herself to smile. She then straightened, as if remembering herself. "I'm glad you could join us, Queen Setsuna."
Setsuna strode over to the table and sat down. She placed a black rose at her seat. The symbol of Pluto glowed on the table.
"Where are the others?" asked Mamoru, impatiently.
"We're right here," came a deep, yet feminine voice. Through the door strode a white haired woman in a navy dress followed by a woman with aqua hair and a dress to match and a young raven-haired girl about Rini's age in a violet dress and long gloves.
"Greeting Haruka, Michiru, Hotaru," Mamoru nodded at each of the women respectivly. The women placed a navy, aqua, and violet rose on the table as so glowed the symbols of Uranus, Neptune, and Saturn. As the last rose was placed, the table began to glow with a golden light.
"The Circle is complete," Mamoru said. "Welcome Queens of the Silver Millenium. I have called you here because I must tell you of the plight that has befallen all of our kingdoms." He paused, struggling with what he had to say.
Rini placed her hand on her father's arm. "You have to tell them, Father. Maybe they can help."
"What's happening, Mamoru?" asked Hotaru. "And what can we do to help?"
Mamoru straightened up, suddenly King Endymion once again. "Neo Queen Serenity is fading."
"You mean dying?!" Rei exclaimed.
"No, fading. As if from existance."
Michiru placed her hand over her mouth in horror. " Oh no! What can we do? We have to save the Queen."
"Calm yourself, Michiru," Haruka said placing her hand on Michiru's shoulder. "Why don't we let the King tell us what happened.
King Endymion stood up from the table and walked back to the window. "We have yet to fully understand what is happening. Three days ago, Neo Queen Serenity was addressing the inhabitants of Crystal Tokyo when suddenly she fell. Every day since she has gotten worse and worse. She's quite literally fading." King Endymion hung his head in sorry for his wife.
"Someone is erasing her," said Setsuna. The others at the table turned towards her.
"What do you mean 'erasing'?" asked Minako.
"Someone, or something, has gone back in time and is causing her to cease to exist. I feel the rift in Time Space whenever I'm near her. I haven't said anything until now because I wanted to be certain."
"Well now that we know what's wrong, how can we help?" Ami asked.
"There is only one way," Setsuna said, rising from the table. "Someone must go back in time. Someone must prevent whatever is happening to Neo Queen Serenity."
Setsuna raised a black handled wand in the air and yelled "Pluto Eternal Power, Make up!" Suddenly, Setsuna was bathed in a bright light and in the place of the Queen of Pluto stood Eternal Sailor Pluto, the Guardian of Time.
"But who's going to go back?" Makoto asked, her brow furrowed. "We all have to care for our respective planets."
"I'll go," whispered Rini.
"No," said the King. "With your mother ill, you must prepare to be Queen of the Earth, in case..." He trailed off, not wanting to complete the horrible thought.
"I have to father. Without Sailor Moon, either Sailor Moon time is doomed. I have to go back." Rini stood up from the table and looked at everyone. "Don't worry, I'll be fine." She walked out of the room without another word.
King Endymion turned to Eternal Sailor Pluto. "Is she right? Is she really the only one that can do this? There isn't another way?"
Pluto bowed her head slightly. "I'm afraid so, Your Majesty. Small Lady is the only one with the power to go back right now. As Queen Makoto said, we each must defend our planets from attack, we cannot leave them vulnerable. And we will all do our parts to defend the Earth as well in Small Lady's absence. But now I must go and prepare the Gates of Time." She placed her hand gently on the King's shoulder. "I promise you, Your Majesty, Princess Rini will be fine." With that Eternal Sailor Pluto took her rose from the table and walked out of the room. The symbol of Pluto faded from the table.
King Endymion sighed and walked back to the window. He looked out on the great expanse of Crystal Tokyo. Behind him he heard the remaining members of the court begin to make plans for what was sure to be some very difficult times.
* * * * * * * * *
Rini stood in her bedroom staring out her window at one of the towers of Crystal Palace. If she hadn't been so sad, se would have laughed and how similar she was to her father. Rini sighed. How many times had she had to do this? Travel through time for one reason or another? First to escape the Children of Nemsis, then to train with the Senshi, and now to save the future. It seemed vaguely unfair. It was like she spent more time in the past than she did here with her mother and father.
There was a small sound at the door. Rini snapped out of her thoughts and looked slightly over her shoulder. "Come in," she said.
A tiny crack opened in the door and a small gray kitten with a bell on a pink ribbon around her neck poked her head in. The kitten had a bald spot in the shape of a crescent moon on her forehead.
"Hi Rini," the kitten said.
"Hi Diana," Rini smiled down at the kitten.
"Can I come in? I brought you a surprise."
Rini nodded and sat down on the corner of her bed. Diana walked in the room and jumped up on the bed. "Hey!" she called to the door. "C'mon in!"
The door opened a bit more and a round ball, shaped like a cat's head with an antenna coming out of it floated in and up to Rini.
"Luna P!" Rini cried grabbing the ball and hugging it close. "Where'd you find it?!"
Diana rubbed against Rini's arm. "Pluto had it to keep her company at the Gates of Time. She said I could take it to give to you so you'd have something to remind you of home while you're in the past."
Rini sighed. She placed the Luna Ball on the bed and began to change out of her dress.
"What the matter, Rini?" Diana asked jumping on top of the Luna Ball.
"I don't want to go back, Diana. I know I have to, but I want to stay here with Mom and Dad." Rini changed into a pair of white jeans and a pink t-shirt. She began to pack things into her pink bunny backpack.
"Don't feel bad, Rini," Diana said, jumping down off of the ball and climbing into the backpack. "I'm gonna come with you. And you'll bring the Luna Ball so you can talk to your Dad and stuff. Don't worry."
Rini smiled in spite of her worries and dislodged the cat from the backpack. "You're right Diana. With you there I won't be so alone."
"No, you won't...especially not with me coming along as well," said a voice behind Rini and Diana. Rini turned and beamed. There in the doorway stood Rini's best friend dressed in all black.
"Hotaru! They're letting you come too?"
Hotaru smiled. "Yes. Apparently they're sending you back to before a time when the ten Senshi are together, so I'm coming to. Sort of to make a complete set. Sailor Pluto thinks we'll need all the Planet Powers to combat this new enemy."
Rini frowned. "But what about you having to protect Saturn? Who will watch over Titan Castle?"
Hotaru grinned slightly. "Makoto and Haruka said they would combine their efforts to protect Saturn. Don't worry Rini."
Rini looked up into Hotaru's violet eyes. "I'm glad you're coming too, Hotaru. I feel better now."
Hotaru placed a hand on Rini's shoulder. "Come on. They sent me to get you. It's time to go."
Rini nodded, picked up her backpack, sat Diana on her shoulder and put a yellow brooch with a pink heart-shaped crystal into her pocket. When they arrived at the Gates of Time, Pluto stood there, prepared to send them on their journey.
"I have one final present for you, Small Lady," she said as the Garnet Orb on her staff began to glow. A ball of light appeared in front of Rini. Inside it was a small golden key, a pink wand with a heart shaped crystal on top, and a small globe on a tiny pedestal.
"These are for you. A Time Key, with which you'll be able to return home; your Pink Sugar Wand; and finally, your crystal ball. The one you used to communicate with Helios. We told him you were going on a quest and he begged us to allow him to help. Now prepare to enter the Cosmic Time Warp!"
Eternal Sailor Pluto raised her Time Staff above her head. The Garnet Orb glowed brightly. The Gates of Time slowly swung open. The light coming from within them was blinding.
"Hurry now, children. I must close the gates soon." With a final look at their home, Rini and Hotaru set off to save the future.
Chapter 1: Déjà vu All Over Again
"But why Mamo-chan! I want to come too!"
An unearthly wail came from the blonde girl. Tears were freely flowing down her cheeks. Chiba Mamoru shook his head. You'd think he just told her he was going to some distant galaxy and would never come back.
"I'll only be gone for a couple short weeks, Usako," he said gently placing his hand on her head, between her two, spherical odango. "So please stop crying. Your making a spectacle of yourself."
Usagi stopped crying long enough to look around at the other patrons of the juice bar. They had all stopped drinking their drinks and were staring at her. Usagi's face turned bright red. She suddenly felt very embarrased. But she couldn't help it. Her beloved Mamoru had just told her that he was going to visit friends of his in France. How would she go an entire month without him?
"But Mamo-chan, I don't want you to leave me. What will I do without you for a whole month?!" Usagi's lower lip began to quiver, a sure sign of an impending crying explosion.
"It's not like you'll be alone. Rei and the girls will be here with you."
"Oh, Mamo-chan! It isn't the same!"
Mamoru sighed. What was he supposed to say? What could he say? Nothing would please Usagi when she's like this.
Just as he covered his ears to prevent further wailing damage, he suddenly realized that he was sitting at the table alone. Usagi had run out of the juice bar. Mamoru threw down some money and ran out of the door just in time to see her disappear into the park across the street.
Mamoru chased her down. He finally caught up with her at the lake. She was standing on the dock, staring out over the water.
"What's...your...problem...anyway...," he panted. For such a lazy girl, she sure ran far and fast.
Usagi whimpered. "You're going to go to France with all of those pretty French girls and you're going to forget about me."
Mamoru rolled his eyes. "Trust me, Usako, I could never forget you," he said. He then added mentally: Even if I wanted to, you wouldn't let me.
Usagi beamed. "You mean it, Mamo-chan!" She threw herself into his arms. She closed her eyes and puckered her lips. "Kiss me, Mamo-chan..."
As Mamoru leaned in to kiss her, the sky suddenly got dark. He looked up. What was happening? Suddenly a portal opened in the center of the sky. A meteor that Mamoru swore looked just like the Luna Ball came shooting out. It was heading straight for him and Usagi. Before he could warn her, though, the object smacked right into the top of her head. Usagi went down. Mamoru looked down at her. The object was sitting on top of her head...right next to a sizable bump. It was the Luna Ball. But that meant...
"WHOA!"
Suddenly there were extra people here. Mamoru could only blink at the pile of bodies before him. An ebony haired girl sat up. "Ouch" was all she said. Then the other one sat up. Mamoru could barely believe his eyes.
"That was a smooth ride."
"Rini! Is it really you?"
"Mamo-chan!" Rini jumped up and into his arms.
"You look so much older! What are you doing back Rini?"
Before Rini could answer, Usagi jumped up and began yelling. "Rini?! What are you doing back here, you little brat?! I thought we just got rid of you! And get your hands off of my Mamo-chan!!"
Mamoru, Rini, and Hotaru just stared at Usagi. Rini swore she could see steam coming from her ears. "Nice to see you again too, Usagi," Rini said rolling her eyes.
Usagi finally took a good look at Rini. This wasn't the same little girl she remembered. In fact, she almost looked like Usagi's pink-haired twin. "You-you're...older? But what are you doing back here?"
"I was just trying to ask her that before you exploded, Usako," Mamoru sighed.
"I came back because there's a new enemy. We have to find them, the future, and my mother are at stake."
"And I came to help," Hotaru said.
"Who're you?" Usagi asked.
"Oh, pardon me, my name is Tomoe Hotaru," Hotaru bowed. "I'm Sailor Saturn in the future."
Usagi and Mamoru blinked. "Sailor Saturn," he said. "You mean there are other Senshi out there than just Pluto?"
"Yes," Hotaru said. "One for each planet. I've come back with Rini because King Endymion thinks we'll need the powers of all the Senshi. Inner and Outer."
"Inner? Outer Senshi?" Usagi asked.
"Why don't we go home, and I'll explain it all," Rini said. "I'm tired. Traveling through time is hard."
* * * * * * * * *
Tokyo Tower stood proudly in the center of the city. As the sun set behind it, a beautiful red glow was cast over its girders. At least it was like that usually. Today, however, there was a black cloud hanging over the tower. A crack of thunder and a flash of lightning hit the tower. It began to glow with an eerie blue light. Then, just as suddenly as it began, all was still.
The dark figures of five women stood on top of the tower.
"So we're here," said the first.
"Yes, and look at it all. So primitive. So easily conqured. I can't wait to do it all again," the second laughed.
"Quiet, both of you," the third snapped. "We're not here to have fun. We're here to do a job."
"Oh, lighten up, Phoenix. There's always time for fun," the fourth said, skipping toward the egde of the tower.
"Enough, all of you," the fifth said. She turned to the one known as Phoenix. "Since you seem to be so ready to fight, why don't you go first Phoenix. I want Sailor Moon's powers." She handed a beautiful onyx hourglass to Phoenix. "And after her powers, bring me her Crystal Hourglass. She should have almost enough energy. Now go."
Phoenix took the Onyx Hourglass and jumped off of the tower. The first step was getting rid of her counterpart. Then Sailor Moon's powers would be all hers.
* * * * * * * * *
"So why exactly did you come back this time, Rini?" Minako asked. "The last time we saw you, you were just a little girl running from the Black Moon."
The girls sat in Rei's room at the Hikawa Shrine. It had taken the girls a while to adjust to Rini's advanced age, but not as long as it took Luna and Artemis to adjust to finding out they had (or rather would have a daughter). After the excitement died down, it was right back to Senshi business.
"We came back to warn you guys," Rini said. "There's a new enemy coming, and we don't know who it is, but they're targeting Sailor Moon. So much so, that my mother, Neo Queen Serenity, is fading out of existence in the future."
"Targeting Sailor Moon?" Ami said. "That makes sense. Kill Sailor Moon in the past, and you alter the future. And if the Queen fades, then..."
"Then I fade," Rini sighed.
Ami tilted her head thoughtfully. "Maybe I can pinpoint any recent energy fluctuations. If I can do that maybe I can triangulate their location."
The others just stared at Ami, puzzled. "Uhh, yeah Ami, you do that," Usagi said.
Rei stood up. "I'll try a fire reading. The spirits might have some answers for us."
"We should be getting home anyway," Usagi said, tapping Rini on the shoulder. "Mom's making stir fry today."
"Okay Usagi," Rini jumped up and grabbed her backpack. "Come on Hotaru."
Hotaru stood and bowed to the other Senshi. "It was nice to meet you all...again." She smiled.
"Uh, Rini, exactly what are we going to tell Mom about Hotaru?" Usagi asked.
"You worry too much, Usagi. Why do you think I have Luna P with me? I've got everything under control."
"If you say so."
With that, the girls set out for home. They walked mostly in silence. Until they reached the park. There, standing under one of the streetlights was a familiar face.
"Cooan!" Usagi cried. "Rini, it's Cooan, one of the Weird Sisters of the Black Moon!" "But you guys defeated her," Rini said in disbelief.
Cooan smiled. "Is this the little rabbit? My, my...how you've grown."
Rini just looked at the purple haired woman. Cooan just kept smiling, though.
"What are you doing here Cooan? And where are your sisters?"
Cooan's smile widened. "Oh, no, Usagi. This is a solo mission."
"What do you mean 'mission'?"
Cooan turned her back on Usagi, Rini, and Hotaru. "In the past, you, Sailor Moon destroyed our beautiful Black Moon. Well, we of the Black Moon have returned. But this time, we're evenly matched."
"What are you--," Usagi began.
Cooan held up a purple crystal. She smiled once more before she yelled: "Phoenix Comet Power, Make Up!" A pillar of light engulfed Cooan. When the light dissapated, Cooan was standing in a red and purple fuku with golden accents.
"I am Sailor Phoenix, one of the Comet Senshi of the Black Moon. And, in the name of the Black Moon, I will destroy you." Cooan began to laugh.
"I think this is a good time to transform," Hotaru said. Rini and Usagi nodded in agreement.
"Moon Crystal Power, Make Up!" Usagi yelled.
"Moon Prism Power, Make Up!" Rini shouted.
"Saturn Planet Power, Make Up!" cried Hotaru.
In a flash of light, the girls were replaced by Sailor Moon, Sailor Chibi-Moon, and Sailor Saturn. Sailor Moon immediately launched into her usual rhetoric: "You may have come back from the past to try and reclaim your fallen kingdom, but good will always triumph over evil, no matter how many times you come back!
"I am Sailor Moon," Usagi said.
"I am Sailor Chibi-Moon," Rini interjected.
"And I am Sailor Saturn," Hotaru said, finishing off the introductions as she twirled her weapon.
"We are the Champion of Justice!" Usagi yelled. "And in the name of the Moon...
"We shall punish you!" they cried in unison.
Sailor Phoenix yawned. "Spare me," she said. "I've heard it all before. I've only come for your Rainbow Life Energy. Stand still and this won't take long."
The girls prepared themselves for whatever Sailor Phoenix had planned. Phoenix raised her hand. A mass of swirling black energy grew in her palm and became the Onyx Hourglass. She lunged at Sailor Moon.
"Look out, Sailor Moon!" Sailor Chibi-Moon yelled. She raised her wand above her head. As she did a quick spin, she called out "Pink Sugar Heart Attack!" She aimed the wand at Sailor Phoenix's torso. Pink hearts shot out of the wand, slamming into Phoenix's stomach, knocking her down. Wow, Sailor Moon thought to herself, not only is she older, but Rini's powerful too.
Phoenix immediately stood up. "I see I'll have to take care of you first you, little brats," Sailor Phoenix growled. "Ash Rising Rebirth," she yelled. A golden flame appeared in her hand. She shot it at Sailor Chibi-Moon and Sailor Saturn. The fire didn't even hit the girls, but the energy coming off of it was enough to throw them almost across the park.
Sailor Phoenix chuckled to herself as lunged at Sailor Moon and managed to grab Sailor Moon by the neck. "And now, for you."
The Onyx Hourglass began to glow with an unearthly purple light. Sailor Moon could feel it pulling on her aura and cried out in pain. Her fuku exploded from her body, leaving her in her regular clothes. Her locket opened on it's own, revealing the Ginzuishou. The crystal floated from the locket and absorbed itself into the Onyx Hourglass.
"Oh no!" Usagi cried. "Give me the Ginzuishou back!"
Sailor Phoenix only grinned. She flipped the Onyx Hourglass over in her hand. A beam of red light shot out of the top and hit Usagi in the chest. Usagi screamed again, louder this time. A beautiful hourglass with a golden base was drawn from her chest. It was filled with rainbow colored sand that fell grain by grain, second by second. As soon as it appeared completely, Sailor Phoenix grabbed it.
"At last I have it! Your Rainbow Life Energy is mine!" She looked down at Usagi. The once pretty girl was now an old woman.
"So that's what happens when you take them," she pondered.
Sailor Chibi-Moon and Sailor Saturn managed to pull themselves up in time to see the aged Usagi hit the ground.
"Usagi!" Sailor Chibi-Moon yelled. "No!"
"Give that back to her!" Sailor Saturn yelled.
Sailor Phoenix laughed. "Oh and who's going to make me? You little girls?" She laughed again.
"No, I am," came a strong willed voice.
Sailor Phoenix looked around. "That voice! It can't be! We left you for dead!" she screamed.
"Who was that?" Sailor Saturn asked Chibi-Moon.
Before the other girl could answer, a red haired girl in a red fuku with rainbow-colored bows and red high heels jumped down from the branches of one of the trees.
"So, now you're attacking people in this timeline, hmm? Well I don't think I'll let you do to them what you did to us." The girl crossed her arms over her chest. "I won't let that happen, not again. In the name of the Earth, you shall be punished. I am Sailor Earth!"
Sailor Chibi-Moon and Sailor Saturn stared at each other in disbelief. "Sailor Earth?!" they cried in unison.
