Generation V Starring Sailor V:
Act One: A Princess in Peril!
By (Written 2001)
Last Season on Generation V: An attack on humanity by Jadeite, the last Negaverse General, caused Artemis, the white feline guardian of the Sailor Senshi, to return the memories of Sailor Venus, Minako Aino, in order to save the world. However, Jadeite was too crafty, and the Senshi of Love and Justice was powerless to stop him alone. Luckily, three other superpowered schoolgirls(Linn Shizuki, Iczelion, and Nuku Nuku) and a former villian(Zoiscite) lent a hand, halting Jadeite's mad scheme. The quintet became friends, and decided to work as a team against evil, thus Generation V(dubbed by the media) was formed.
The circle of friends grew to include other strange schoolgirls, while they battle against Jadeite and his newly reivogirated Dark Agency. Doing season finale showdown on the doorstep of Higawa Temple(Cherry Hill Temple), Rei Hino, Sailor Mars was awakened, and Jadeite was destroyed...by his subordinate Danburite! The new leader of the Dark Agency fled into the night, leaving Generation V awaiting the next attack...
The sky was a brilliant gold. The air had a slightly perfume smell to it, but seemingly lacked in moisture. Before her was an ivory balcony, reflecting the light of the larger than normal moon that illuminated the sky. Instantly, Minako knew she was dreaming. In fact, this was her third time visiting this lucid landscape. However, this time, she was not alone. A young woman stood before her, illuminated by the lunar light. She had golden blond hair, and wore it in a unique hairstyle known as the "odango". Her sensual body was clothed in a beautiful ivory gown, which flowed to her ankles. On her forehead was a crescent moon, which glowed with an unearthly radiance.
Somehow, there was a sense of royalty about this young lady. Deep inside her being, Minako felt the urge to kneel before her. She obeyed her instincts. The young woman's only response was a smile, which was somewhat haunting and melancholy. She signaled Minako to rise. She complied, surprised to discover that she was in her Sailor Venus fuku, as opposed to her Sailor V uniform. Her blue eyes connected with the matching eyes of the woman. Ancient memories began to stir in her subconscious, both filled with joy and pain.
"Princess?" Minako said quietly, breaking the deathlike stillness. The Princess turned away from her, taking a few steps to the edge of the balcony. With twin odangos fluttering dramatically, she glanced out into the imaginative scenery below her. Minako walked to her, placing a comforting hand on her arm.
The Princess turned to her with tears glittering in her azure eyes. "I'm sorry, old friend." She said in her soft voice. "I've caused you so much pain...I've caused you all such grief..."
"What are you talking about?" Minako asked. "We're your protectors, Serenity. Ami, Makoto, Rei, and I would gladly give our lives for you and this kingdom. You have done no such thing."
"That is exactly the point." The Princess replied sadly. " You've already died for me twice now, once 1000 years ago, and now just last year. While the rest of us have lost the ancient memories, you and Rei continue the seemingly futile battle against evil. You two have given up on having a normal life, to embrace your ancient duties. This...cannot go on any longer."
Minako was slightly taken aback by this. She could only look on in stunned silence as the Princess continued.
"You cannot shield me any longer, Minako." The young royal told her. "I must return...to shoulder my part of destiny."
"But Usag-I mean, Princess..." Minako protested. "Why should you suffer anymore? Don't you want a life free of the burdens of a sailor soldier?"
The Princess shook her head slowly, placing a gentle hand on her friend's cheek. "A life without burden is a life full of deceit and lies, my friend. We all must suffer. That what makes life worth living."
"But, I can't..." Minako started to say, but fell silent. Once again, she glanced into the Princess's sad blue eyes. Deep down, she knew Serenity was right. Usagi Tsuskino should be awakened to the truth. Sailor Moon must return...
"I guess this means Mercury and Jupiter as well." She replied. The Princess only gave her a silent nod. Suddenly, she began to slowly dissolve into a cloud of speckled diamonds. Minako watched as the cloud dispersed, floating over the balcony's edge, into the dreamscape.
And then, in a flash of brilliant light, the dream world disintegrated, plunging the blonde warrior into a murky abyss...
************Generation V************
Of course, she did not wake up screaming. Instead, a newfound mission was presented to her. But why now? Why would the Princess choose this time to contact her? What was the significance of this day?
Minako moaned, rubbing her face. Early morning was definitely not the time for twenty questions. Yawning, she stretched, and then slowly crept out of her bed. Quickly, she turned to Artemis, her white feline guardian...only to find him not there. She could make out the cat-sized crater the cat had made in her bedspread. But yet, he was nowhere to be found.
A small wave of panic rushed over her. It was very peculiar for her to awaken without the cat complaining about how much she had overslept. Or the fact that she had accidentally knocked him out of the bed in a fit of tossing and turning. Or that she was almost late for school. In effect, this was almost an alien concept to her. The two had shared a bed, ever since she had met him.
"Now, calm down." She told herself. "There is obviously a reasonable explanation for this." However, she could not think of one. Artemis would never disappear without telling her...would he?
"Minako!" her mother's voice floated into her room. "Are you up yet?"
"Yeah, mom!" Minako answered. "By the way, have you by any chance seen Artemis this morning?"
"Can't say that I have, dear!" her mom yelled back. "Maybe he went out for a stroll or something. Now, come on and have some breakfast. If you don't hurry, you'll be late for school!"
"Okay!" Minako shouted. Sadly, the mystery of Artemis's disappearance would have to wait. Quickly, she changed into her school uniform and shoes. She brushed her lengthy blond hair, and positioned her trademark hairbow on her head. After modeling in the mirror, she grabbed her book bag and rushed to the kitchen.
"Good morning!" she greeted cheerfully, sitting down at the kitchen table.
"Morning, dear." Her parents greeted in dry unison. Her mother hustled around the kitchen, quickly throwing together ingredients for some form of breakfast. She was clad in a skirted business suit, with her trademark apron that seemed very inappropriate for her ensemble. Minako suddenly remembered that her mother had an interview that morning with one of the most powerful corporations on Earth, Mishima Heavy Industries.
On the other hand, her father sat relaxing at the table, engrossed in the morning paper. He often worked whenever he wanted, being an independent manga writer. His star status was credited to his fantastic stories based on the real adventures of Generation V, accounts that he borrowed from his daughter's "imagination" and the news media. As she slid into her seat, he placed the newspaper aside, turning his attention to her.
"Anything from the grapevine?" he asked half-jokingly. The `grapevine' was his word for her source of stories.
Minako shook her head. "Sorry, dad. But, don't you think the "Intruders" story arc is good enough for right now?"
Her father scratched his head, thinking for a moment. "Yeah, I guess so. But still, I want to have at least one more story arc on the backburner..."
"Here you go." Ms. Aino placed steaming plates of food in front of her family members. Minako glanced down at the plate, anxious to fill her grumbling stomach. However, she found herself grimacing at the selection. Her father mirrored her expression, his eye nearly budging from his glasses.
"Um, dear..." he began. "These are leftovers from last night..."
"Were. I know, darling." Ms. Aino replied, putting on her earrings. "Sorry, but I have to be at the interview in a few minutes. Minako, lunch is in the fridge. I'll see you this afternoon. Wish me luck! Bye bye!"
Giving her husband and daughter each a kiss on the cheek, Ms. Aino ran out the door. For a few moments, silence reigned as the two could only stare at the leftovers. Then, after taking only a small bite, Minako pushed up from the table, announcing, "I'm done!"
Her father did not reply, still staring at his food with a shocked expression. Minako resisted laughing aloud. Grabbing her lunch from the fridge, and her book bag, she kissed her father goodbye. Just as she was turning away to leave, something on the newspaper caught her attention. Seemingly leaping off the page with its bold print, it was the message itself that struck a sledgehammer-like blow to Minako's soul.
GENERATION V'S SECRET ALLIANCE WITH TOKYO'S ATTACKERS NOW REVEALED!
For a mere moment, she could not react. She could only stare at the headline, rereading it repeatedly until she knew it by heart. Although she was not prone to violent outbursts, she had to keep herself from flinging the paper across the room. As earlier, questions she could not answer poured into her mind. What was going on? What was the meaning of this? How could anyone create such a fabricated lie?
"Minako?" her father said, noticing how pale his daughter was. "What's wrong? Are you alright?"
Minako laughed nervously. " I'm fine, Dad. Well, gotta book it!" With a small wave, the blond girl raced out the kitchen. Her father could only chuckle as she disappeared through the front door. However, he soon returned to reading the paper, his interest peaked by the cover story.
************Generation V************
Meanwhile, several kilometers under the streets of Tokyo...
Slow rhythmic footsteps echoed through the darkened tunnels. The dramatic sound of a fluttering cape accompanied the sounds. A shadowy figure navigated through the dismal abyss with the relative ease of a master. There was no sign of error from this person, or no feeling of being lost in the pitch-blackness. Instead, an atmosphere of eerie calm radiated from this being. For to him, the darkness only mirrored what he felt in his very heart.
He felt something brush against him and instantly knew what, or who it was. "Nyan-Nyan." He uttered, petting her. He could make out the catgirl's pink coat in the darkness. As always, her four cats accompanied her, with eyes that glowed like burning ambers. Nyan- Nyan joined her leader at his side, and they continued their jaunt.
The monotonous humming of insects was heard. A third figure appeared from the darkness, shrouded in a black cloak. She held out an empty sleeve of her uniform. Suddenly, a swarm of mosquitoes appeared, flying into her sleeve. Seconds later, her arm came out, completely reformed.
"Meow...showoff. How mature." Nyan-Nyan muttered under her breath, sticking her tongue at her younger sister. The leader only shook his head. "Save your powers for battle, Chuu-Chuu." He reprimanded her.
"Buzz...I apologizze, zir." Chuu-Chuu said, hanging her head. But, as her master turned his back, Chuu-Chuu returned her sister's tongue attack with a quiet raspberry of her own.
The three emerged from the tunnels into a spacious chamber. Surrounding them were people-sized glass canisters, each occupied with a humanoid shape with undeveloped features. A hydra-like mess of wires crisscrossed along the rusty walls, supplying vital fluids to the subjects. Narkissos, Pandora, and Wan-Wan were already there, waiting patiently for their leader.
They saluted, fists on hearts. Absentmindedly, the leader responded back the same. However, his attention was drawn to the two new "visitors" to his underground lair, both who were of a feline persuasion. Each cat was shackled with a heavy chain, which connected to one of the glass containers. As the leader advanced on them, the white cat narrowed his eyes and unsheathed his claws.
"Don't come any closer, Danburite." The cat threatened. "Or I'll really give you something to think about."
Danburite only stared at the cat with ice-cold eyes before replying with a chuckle. "Guess your speeches aren't as good as your mistress's, eh, Artemis? Please. I can liquidate you faster than you could take a step. So, don't be suicidal."
"Your threats don't frightened me at all!" the black cat cried. "You won't win, Adonis. Sailor V and her team will stop you!"
Danburite growled, his eyes narrowing into blue slits. Suddenly, he fired a powerful bolt of lightning at the black cat. The feline screamed in agony for seconds, before collapsing into a shivering heap.
"HOW DARE YOU?!" Artemis screeched, tugging furiously at his chain. Realizing that this was fruitless, he comforted his whimpering partner. However, the black cat collapsed into unconsciousness, whispering only, "Artemis..."
"The name Adonis is forever lost in the mists of time!" Danburite roared. "That name harkens back to a time long forgotten. To a time where I fell in love with a beautiful woman...but my love was never returned. Intentionally or unintentionally, she spurned me. Now, my life only knows hate. I am Danburite, and only Danburite, destroyer of Sailor V and her precious legacy. No one will ever call me Adonis again...or they will suffer my wrath."
"Grrr...you tell them, boss!" Wan-Wan cheered. This was met with a blank stare from everyone else, amazed that the wolf-like man could actually speak. Wan-Wan only blushed, slowly shrinking back behind the others.
Danburite turned away from the shivering cats, and returned his focus to his assembled team. With a mere flick of his hand, a large screen materialized in the chamber, magically floating above the group. A beautiful dark blue-haired anchorwoman was on screen, reporting disturbing news of the hour.
"Good morning. I'm Misato Katsuragi of Tokyo's Eye News. A rather exciting, but disturbing twist was discovered today on the city's most celebrated super heroines: Those daring defenders of justice known collectively as Generation V. According to several eyewitnesses, the world's super team supreme is actually working with the very menaces that plague us, in a brilliant scheme to obtain fame and a chance at world domination. This startling revelation was revealed today in the pages of The Tokyo Times. Everywhere, citizens are somewhat divided by the accusations from the prize-winning newspaper. While some disbelieve the story, others are already in support for the apprehension of the heroines."
"Amazing, sir." Narkissos boomed in his rich, elegant voice. "The public has already turned against our hated enemies. How was this accomplished?"
Danburite casually flicked his hand once again, causing the screen to vanish into ether. "It is called military strategy, Narkissos. It took months of covert operation, cloning, and preparation just for these mere moments before us. What you five have just witnessed is nothing more than a first volley, an opening gambit in the war we are about to fight...and win. It was no accident that I chose this specific week to strike at our adversaries. Does anyone know why?"
"Grrr...because it's your birthday?" Wan-Wan guessed, but received a stony glare from his leader.
"It's because of Sailor V's birthday!" Pandora suggested. "Right?"
"It has some astronomical significance. Probably has something to do with the planets' alignment." Narkissos presumed.
The leader could only look at his minions with pity. Even though they were clones of the best operatives of the Dark Agency, it seemed that they lacked in the intelligence department. Just as he was about to loose his temper, and go off in a rage-induced speech about his plan, someone finally guessed it. To bad the person wasn't apart of his squad.
"This...this week is the anniversary of G...Generation V first banding together." Luna spoke up, still weak from Danburite's vicious assault.
"Yes." Danburite smiled. "Now I regret frying you with that lightning bolt. Well, almost. Anyway, this week marks the one-year anniversary of our hated enemy and her pathetic friends joining together for the childish concept of fighting evil. Well, when I'm finished with them, their superhero, not to mention their very lives will be over."
"How about less talk and more action, Danburite." A new voice, feminine and very direct, replied. A tall, shadowy form entered the chamber, striding purposely to Danburite and his team. Although long hair and female assets could be seen, other features of the person were undetermined, literally covered in darkness. It was as if the very light retreated from this person's strong footsteps.
When the mysterious person finally stopped before them, the team knelt on their knees and bowed respectfully. Danburite raised his eyes towards the enigmatic female, uttering, "My Queen! It is surprising that you have risen so early today!"
"Oh, stop groveling." The woman said in disgust. "If you want me impressed, you know what you must do."
"Yes, your Highness." Danburite crooned, trying to keep a sincere tone. Oblivious of her servant's sarcasm, the woman turned away and disappeared into her hidden chambers.
"Well...you heard her Majesty." Danburite barked to the others. "Begin the second phase. Draw out Generation V and obtain the Princess. In no form or fashion she is to be harmed. That goes double for you, Chuu-Chuu. No sneaking blood snacks."
"Buzz...Nutz." Chuu-Chuu grumbled.
Seconds later, the five villains vanished, leaving their commander alone. Unknown to his subordinates, he had another piece to the plan. It involved a familiar white cat...and a rather explosive package.
************Generation V************
The school day at Shibakouken Junior High went by at a tortoise pace, but the lunch hour had finally arrived. With a small sigh, Minako sat at the cafeteria table alone, laying her head on the table. She had tired herself out worrying about the events of that morning. Fortunately, she had the sad experience of hiding her feelings well.
Around her, cheerful students twittered happily about their teenage ventures. Minako longed to join in the engrossing conversations, sharing her own adventures and troubles. But sadly, she could not. Alien invaders, princesses of lost kingdoms, and ancient sorcerers did not exactly rate high on the list of student popularity.
"Ms. Minako!" A voice called cheerfully out to her. Minako lifted her head and turned, spying Linn Suzuki coming to her table. Finally, someone to talk to!
"Sorry, I'm late!" the petite redhead replied, settling next to Minako. "I bumped into Ukyo in the hallway. She wants to challenge me to another duel." Linn then opened her lunch box, displaying a flat okonomiyaki with the words, "Duel at Fuurinkan Park, after school. Come or else." (Author's note: Okonomiyaki is a mixture between pancake and pizza.)
"She wants a rematch?" Minako asked in disbelief.
Linn shrugged, breaking a piece of the food and eating it. "It wasn't my fault that she insisted on using that monstrous spatula instead of a real sword the last time we fought. I hate to sound arrogant, but she deserved to lose."
Minako laughed, agreeing with her friend. Although she did not look it, Linn was a master swordswoman, whose skills were only augmented by the magic sword she owned. Rumored forged on a demon's anvil for a legendary warrior, her weapon had served her and the team well in their battles.
"So, are you going to take her up on her offer?" Minako asked.
"I don't know..." Linn answered thoughtfully. "Maybe I can talk to her. Somehow, I feel a connection between her and I. As if we have both experienced suffering in our lives."
"I don't know about her." A green-haired girl said as she walked over to the table. "The only suffering I've seen her experience is chasing after that Ranma Saotome guy. What's the deal with that?"
"Nagisa!" Linn and Minako said in unison.
"The one and only!" Nagisa Kuno grinned, sitting down and taking a bite of her lunch. "Man, I'm having a great day! Guess what? I'm finally a member of the Shibakouken Wrestling Team! The only female member! Isn't that great?!"
"Good for you!" Minako cheered.
"Congratulations." Linn replied. "How did Iczel take it?"
"The usual way. Not impressed, and thinks its just some excuse to shirk my Iczelion duties." Nagisa frowned. "You guys are lucky. You don't have to put up with someone's nagging twenty-four hours a day."
"I heard that, Nagisa!" a metallic voice telepathically retorted in the assembled friends' minds. A small humanoid robot flickered into existence besides them for a mere second, before dematerializing into nothingness. It was Iczel.
Iczel and Nagisa shared a bizarre symbiosis. Iczel was in actuality a small robot unit that combined with Nagisa, to form the warrior known as Iczelion. Iczel formed the armor, and acted as guardian, teacher, and companion for her charge, while Nagisa wielded the weaponry and power of their union. Together, they were virtually unstoppable, as long as the girl had confidence.
"I guess you've made her angry, Nagisa." Linn observed. "She's just worried that you might be too distracted if disaster rears its ugly head."
"I know." Nagisa said sadly. "I'm just...Help me out, Minako. Don't you sometimes feel the same way about Artemis?"
Minako glanced over at her friend with a sad frown on her face. For those precious minutes, she felt normal. She was just an average teenager again, enjoying small talk with her friends. There was no talk about the present status of the Earth, or what villain would appear next. But, with that one question, those very problems that plagued her were back with a vengeance.
"You guys..." she trailed off, not knowing where to begin. " Artemis is missing. It's weird, because he didn't tell me that anything was wrong."
"Oh, dear!" Linn exclaimed. "Are you okay, Minako? When was the last time you seen him?"
"Last night, before bed." Minako answered. "He must've left after I went to sleep. But, why? What was wrong?"
"Iczel can do air reconnaissance now, while we can search later." Nagisa suggested. "We can call the others. Don't worry. Artemis can't be in any trouble...can he?"
"I hope not." Minako said quietly. One crisis would be somewhat averted, but there were still two to go. Should she tell them about her somewhat jarring dream from the night before? Or should she spread the news about the defiling article? The decision was ripped from her, as a familiar brown-haired girl raced to their table, holding a small device.
"G-Girls!" she managed to huff, before collapsing in the seat. "You're not going to believe what's happening!"
The other three gave her looks of disbelief. "What, no English problems for homework?" Nagisa guessed half-jokingly.
"What is it, Hikaru?" Minako asked, concerned about her very best friend.
Hikaru took in a deep breath, and held up the device she was carrying. It was one of the newly created "mini-visions", a miniature television with special features, such as e-mail and Internet access. These devices were not allowed on the school premises, but Hikaru often snuck it in to keep herself awake and entertained.
"Gather around!" she whispered, standing her mathbook up to cover her illegal activity. The others obeyed, surrounding her and succeeding in drawing attention away from the mini-vision. All eyes were glued on the tiny screen.
"Err...what are we watching?" Minako asked.
"Just wait a minute." Hikaru answered.
"I hope its `One Gundam to Live'." Linn said optimistically. "Since Miho trashed the VCR, I haven't been able to see any episodes."
"Wow, I didn't know you watch that soap!" Nagisa replied excitedly. " I would have told you about Heero Yuy and Frau Bow are having that illegitimate baby! And that Dorothy-"
"Chill, guys." Minako shushed them. The other two reluctantly obeyed. The Tokyo's Eye News logo flashed onscreen, followed with the image of the beautiful anchorwoman, Misato Katsuragi.
"Hello, I'm Misato Katsuragi." The woman began. "Moments ago, the Mayor of Tokyo, Henry Glovel, issued a statement to the press about the controversial headline of this morning's paper, the conspiracy surrounding Generation V. Although he did not say which side he would take in the growing debate, the mayor believes that only if the superheroines will cooperate with the Metropolitan Police, then the very suspicions of their villainy... will be dispelled."
Silence reigned for a few minutes, as Hikaru switched off the mini- vision. Minako could only look on, as her two teammates exchanged looks of bewilderment. Hikaru chuckled, noticing their expressions.
"Not the kind of soaps I'm into." She commented. "I prefer one with a little sexual innuendo."
"Do you believe what they are saying?" Minako whispered, trying to keep the worry out of her voice. She did not know what she would do if her best friend turned against her.
"Of course not!" Hikaru said. "I know for a fact that Sailor V and her gang are innocent. Besides, do you think everything on the news is for real? It's probably just some jealous idiot trying to turn the public against her. But, Generation V working with the Metropolitan Police? Who are they trying to kid?"
The other three chuckled nervously. Linn moved closer to Minako, and whispered, "What are we going to do?"
Before the blonde could answer, the bell ranged, signaling the end of lunch.
************Generation V************
Interlude: Metropolitan Police Board
Superintendent-General Natsuna Sakurada hung up the phone with a small sigh. The discussion with the mayor was a short, but disagreeable. Many times in the conversation, the chief of police had to restrain from uttering nasty curses and names at the man. How dare he consider such a thing! Sailor V, just a dirty con artist? No way.
Before her, stood the handsome officer Toshio Wakagi often referred to by his fellow officers as the "Sailor Slayer". It was a mild nickname at best, stemming from his slight hatred of Sailor V's prying in the affairs of the police department. Not to mention the fact that Generation V was soaking up the attention from the media, and the gratitude of the public. Mentioning that to him would probably induce a reaction of rage.
As she looked at him, Natsuna could make out a faint smile on the officer's face. So, he thought this was funny? She would have to change that.
"That was the mayor." She told him. "He wants us to remain on mild alert, just in case she shows."
"Geez," Wakagi said smugly, arms crossed. "This story is really causing uproar. Of course, I've always known that masked girl was a menace. But, just for argument sake, what proof does the reporter have on this?"
Natsuna smiled...a little. "I'm impressed, Officer. You're finally beginning to think like one."
"Whatever." Wakagi muttered, rolling his eyes.
"Anyway, Mayor Gloval said the reporter met him in his office no less than a hour ago. He presented hundreds of notes, tapes, and articles linking the group to hundreds of cases where the monsters worked with them. And to top it off, he even had a video recording of Sailor V meeting with one of the alien invaders last year!"
"Unbelievable." Wakagi marveled. "So he's saying that...the Aragami Wars, that alien invasion fiasco, that crazy "Dark Washu" person taking over the city...was all staged?"
The superintendent-general nodded. "The mayor doesn't know how to move on this. Either way can spell disaster for the city. That is where you come in. I want you to check out this reporter...see if what he is implying is true."
Wakagi frowned. "Check him out? He's a reporter, for crying out loud! Besides, he's just uncovering what I've known all along. Sailor V is just a troublemaker, plain and simple!"
Her anger already frayed, his boss did not take that very well. Standing up, she narrowed her eyes, pulsating in anger. "Officer Wakagi...if you don't go and find something on this guy, I swear you'll regret it! Now go, and if you can, bring back some evidence! His "proof" could be fabricated!"
The officer turned away, grumbling under his breath. Opening the door, he gave the chief one last look before leaving, slamming it as hard as he can. With a "humph", Natsuna settled back behind her desk. When she was sure her subordinate was gone, she tapped a hidden switch on her desk. A hidden panel on her wall revealed a person-sized poster of her idol, Sailor V. She looked at it longingly.
"Sailor V..." she said to herself. "For both of our sakes, I hope that story was wrong."
************Generation V************
Meanwhile, after school, Earth's greatest disguised heroines met up at Juuban Park to discuss Artemis's disappearance. Iczel's earlier reconnaissance turned out to be a waste of time, so the girls decided to search on foot. After a snack of chocolate parfaits, the group decided to split up into teams of two, each covering a community of Tokyo. Minako was paired with Stashia.
She couldn't ask for a better person to talk to.
Stashia was a newcomer on the team, a literal Goddess from a place called Megumi Paradise. This "Goddess Heaven" was celestial indeed, with breathtaking temples, beautiful flowers, and its wonderful natives, goddesses that populated this haven. Stashia seemed to embody the eminent qualities of the place, with her beauty, wisdom, and serene attitude.
Even now, she followed Minako, who was using the tracking system in her wrist communicator to trail the signal pulsing from Artemis's collar. The blonde reprimanded herself for not thinking about this earlier. At first, silence was all that was between them, before Minako decided to tell the goddess about her eventful dream.
"Amazing." Stashia commented as Minako finished relating her lucid tale. "You and the Princess seemed to have quite the delightful little chat."
"Yes, I know." Minako agreed. "I mean, I've had dreams before relating to the Princess and my destiny to fight for her. Sometimes, it's like clockwork. But, there are two things that are bothering me: why...and why now?"
"Well, you have to admit something to yourself, Minako." Stashia replied. "Although you've meant well, all you've really done is stand in the way of destiny. I don't mean to be negative."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean by refusing to reawaken the other Sailor Senshi. Instead, you formed Generation V as a sort of replacement for your other teammates. While we've done our best to protect Earth, it is only through the power of Serenity and her court that this planet will prevail."
Minako frowned slightly, lowering her head. "I guess I'm being selfish, huh?"
"Not selfish, my friend." Stashia smiled warmly. "Just caring. You don't want your friends to suffer with such a weighty destiny as you do. But, it is not fair for you to take their loads on your shoulders."
Minako gave the wise goddess an approving look. She was right. "But, why now? Why didn't I have this dream a year ago or maybe a few months ago? What is so special about today?"
Stashia's face darkened at her friend's question. "The only explanation I can think of..." she said quietly. "Is that Serenity is in danger."
************Generation V************
The Crowne Center Arcade was one of Juuban's famous landmarks, and a gathering place for Tokyo's active youth. Hundreds of students, well-worn from the pursuit of daily knowledge, binged on sugary soft drinks and flashy video games. However, unknown to them and the world, the top-secret headquarters of Generation V was literally below their feet.
Command Central was a spanning underground complex, housing technology that was so futuristic and complex, that even Earth's most brilliant minds could not fathom it. Sleek vehicles, robots, and equipment dotted the assorted rooms, coupled with mementoes of the team's one year history.
Right then, the Central was quiet, with the exception of three occupants. Placing the finishing touches on a Gundam was the bespectacled Shizuka. Superintellegent and possessing the ability to build almost anything technological, the girl was the brain of the team. Using a floating lift of her design, she hovered around the massive mech, surveying her work.
"What do you think?" she yelled to her partner below.
"I think ya need glasses!" her partner yelled back jokingly.
Shizuka folded her arms, and pouted. "Not funny, Miyuki!"
"Hey, I was just kiddin', braniac!" Miyuki snickered. If Shizuka was the technological genius, then Miyuki Ayanokouji was the mechanical marvel. No weapon was too complex for her to build, or if the situation called for it, dismantle in a heartbeat. Another interesting fact was that she was from one of Japan's richest families. Although she was a rich girl, Miyuki was anything but spoiled.
Shizuka lowered the floating lift to the ground and leaped off. "Sure." She said, turning to survey her latest masterpiece. The Gundam seemingly glowed in its holding bay, ready for takeoff. The girl smiled smugly, knowing her project had just topped her partner's.
"By the way, Miyuki, how is that Veri-Tech design going?" she asked, rubbing it in.
Miyuki grumbled something under her breath before answering. "It's fine. You'll see."
Shizuka laughed to herself. That'll teach her not to laugh at a genius!
Suddenly, they heard shrill peals of laughter. Both girls gave casual glances to each other, uttering one word in pained unison.
"Zoiscite."
"Boy, those talk shows are a hoot!" the former Negaverse General chuckled, entering the Gundam holding bay. She was holding a bag of potato chips, which she finished off in one gulp.
"Just like you, isn't it Z?" Miyuki said, disgusted by Zoiscite's display. "Always laying around, never doing anything. The only thing lazier than you is the puppy I had when I was a little kid."
" Oh, bite me!" Zoiscite retorted. "It's bad enough I have to get lectures from Minako and that Stashia chick. How about making like a tree and zip it!"
"Er...that is `making like a zipper and zip it'." Shizuka corrected. But, realizing she wasn't doing anything to stop the two from tearing each other apart, she quietly separated them.
"Can we all just get along?" she asked them. The two did not respond, but continue to angrily stare at each other. Just as the two were about to launch into another slugfest, a newcomer appeared.
He was a small white cat, with a crescent-moon bald spot in the center of his forehead. He stepped out of the shadows before them.
"Hey, Artemis!" Shizuka greeted, first noticing him. "I could use a little help over here!"
The cat did not say anything in return.
"You are so annoying!" Miyuki shouted at Zoiscite.
"And you're nothing but a rich...a word that rhymes with witch!" Zoiscite shot back.
Still, Artemis did not say anything. Then, that's when Shizuka noticed it. There was something flashing in the Artemis's paw. It did not take a rocket scientist to figure out what it could do.
"Girls." Shizuka hissed to the others, slowly backing away from the cat. Finally noticing Shizuka's reaction, the other two stopped arguing, and turned their attention to Artemis.
"Hey, furball. What's that?" Zoiscite asked nonchalantly, indicating the object. Artemis's only response was a sinister grin.
"Oh no..." Miyuki trailed off, already figuring out what it was for. But sadly, it was too late to tell her friends.
With one stroke of Artemis's paw on his hidden device, a flash of light resulted.
A chain of powerful explosions sounded off throughout Command Central. One powerful blast, and the Generation V meeting room was atomized. Another, and the various computer consoles were nothing more than melted parts and glass. A third ball of flames blazed through the corridors, finally engulfing the Gundam hangar bay...and everyone in it.
Unfortunately, this was not all that the flames would devour.
For the next target was the Crowne Center Arcade.
((To be continued))
NEXT EPISODE: "Hey, everyone! Your favorite idol, the very beautiful and talented Minako Aino here! Looks like we're off to a bad start already! First, Artemis missing, then that demeaning newspaper article! But, it only gets worse! With the Crowne Center Arcade destroyed (not to mention our HQ), we're blamed by the city and chased by police! Meanwhile, Usagi's in trouble...and a stranger appears. Is she friend or foe? Find out in the second episode of Generation V, Sailor V, Outlaw! You don't want to miss it!"