I decide to update two chapters in a row since I'm currently full of ideas.
By the way, Saber's the winner of Shirou's heart in this story. But I never say there'll be no harem, hehe.
To all Fate and Sailor Moon fans out there, I'm sorry if I make some mistakes and please point it out if I do so I can fix it.
Enjoy!
Chapter 2: Senshi meets Servant
"We have a problem."
"What's that?"
One day after their first encounter, Illya and Hotaru already acted like good old friends. They were having lunch on a bench in Juuban Elementary's schoolyard, other children around were playing or chatting.
"We're going to be attacked," Hotaru deepened her voice, looking down at her lunchbox made by Setsuna. Illya munched her sandwich, made by Shirou. "By who?" she followed the tension.
"By no other," Hotaru turned her face with a serious expression, "It's...the spinach lunch."
"NO WAY!" Illya cried in shock, "I've scolded Sakura for bringing me spinach yesterday!" she said. What her meant by scolding was actually a fit of wails she gave to Sakura, who playfully brushed it off. "You don't like the spinach, too, right? Your mama must know so there's no way she'll make it for you!"
"Oh, she knows," Hotaru replied, "But Michiru-mama prefers my health than my taste."
"I don't know if that's good or bad."
"Scratch that. You're going to help me eat that so please prepare yourself."
"I think we need another strategy."
"You just don't want to eat mine like I did for you yesterday, do you?"
"It's for the future of our lunches, actually."
Hotaru gave the silver-haired girl a skeptical look, who smiled sheepishly.
"Eh, wait a sec," Illya cut their lunch conversation, more like escaping, "I thought you mama's name is Setsuna."
"Oh, right..." Hotaru decided to explain a little bit about her extraordinary family. "You see, I'm actually adopted by Setsuna-mama."
Hotaru didn't see the small halt on Illya's movement after she heard that.
"Setsuna-mama is my official adopter. However, she's not the only one who takes care of me like a parent, there're also Michiru-mama and Haruka-papa and we four live together. I think of them all as my family."
Michiru? Illya wondered, sounds like the expert violinist who caught my eyes on TV but who knows. Illya started to be more curious about Hotaru, "What about your biological parents?" she asked. Hotaru smiled sadly, reminiscing her real parents. "They've... passed away."
Illya fell silent, "...I'm sorry."
"No, don't apologize, please," Hotaru replied with a smile, "There's nothing to be sorry for. My life is wonderful. Even though my real parents are gone from this world, they'll always have a place in my heart. So do Setsuna-mama, Michiru-mama, and Haruka-papa. They're my family, family is not always by blood and there's always room for more. That's what I think."
Illya stared at her as if she saw her reflection. Hotaru was too deep in her thoughts about her family that she didn't realize it for a minute. "Oh, I'm sorry for talking too much!" Hotaru apologized with a blush. Illya's reaction surprised her.
"Nah, I've started to like you more, Hotaru," the albino homunculus grinned wider than ever, making Hotaru blush. "Thanks for telling me about your interesting family! Now let me do the honor."
"Oh, please do!" Hotaru was excited, she's also curious about Illya's life. Illya hummed proudly and started her story, "I have an adopted brother and I love him more than anyone in this world! Oh, I think he can be counted as one, too..." Illya murmured for a while then continued, "I mean I have two adopted brothers."
"That's great, Illya!" Hotaru squealed, "Oh, and what about Saber-san?"
"Mm? Onii-chan seems to fall head over heels over her..." Hotaru blushed, so the blonde beauty was her brother's girlfriend? Her brother must be so cool. "And in truth, I actually like her. I approve their relationship. Besides, she's pretty and I like playing with her hair- no one's hearing this but you, right?"
"Yes, that's true~" Hotaru giggled, Illya was so cute when she's embarrassed. Illya continued on, "T-Then there's someone who acts like a hyperactive little sister so I've got to look after her (Taiga), Sakura is an ideal kouhai so I treat her like my little sister. So automatically, I treat her Servant like one, too."
The thought about a servant made Hotaru think that people around Illya were rich people. Actually, Illya meant a totally different thing but none of them realized their mistakes.
"Then there's the embodiment of evil spirit called Rin. I've never failed to prank her and always be on guard when she's around in case she throws a payback. Listening to her rant is music to my ears and I've got a list of things she hates most-"
"Is she also your sister?"
"W-wait, what?! When did I say that?"
"I read your face, you seem so pleased when talking about her plus sisters often prank each others, right?"
"Eugh! I mean-what did my face look like?! Do I really look like that?! Somebody cover my face-"
Hotaru was too busy laughing at Illya's embarrassed face. "Ah, stop it! T-there's also my Servant and maids-"
Illya stopped talking.
Hotaru immediately stopped laughing, feeling a sudden change of atmosphere. "Illya?" she called her, "I'm sorry if I laugh too much," she started feeling guilty and was scared if Illya started to hate her.
Illya didn't answer her for a while, sweats started to drip on Hotaru's face. Oh no-
"Nah, it's fine!" Illya startled her with a surprise smile, "I like seeing you laugh, anyway. It fits you!"
"R-Really? Illya, I-"
The school bell suddenly rang.
Illya immediately got up and grabbed Hotaru's hand, "That's our call. We better hurry!" she dragged Hotaru happily. Hotaru willingly let her, because she's worried about Illya.
Her smile, that smile, she knew it too well.
It's the smile that hid hundreds of pain.
"Hotaru, are you busy after school?"
It's the end of their school and Illya already went to her usual cheerful self. However, Hotaru was still worried although she hid it pretty well. "Ah, actually, Michiru-mama and Haruka-papa tell me to go home fast. They're going back from their trip and we want to talk about something."
"Aw~ that's too bad. But hey, do you want me to take you home? Setsuna's not here today to take you home, right?"
"Oh, I don't want to trouble you!"
"Choo choo, we're going right now," Illya dragged her again. "After you show me your house, I'll show you mine!"
Well, if the time was perfect, Hotaru would even plan for a sleepover. Unfortunately, now's not the perfect time.
It's about Rei.
Minako heard about Rei's collapse in her school. Abandoning her own studies with pleasure, Minako took Rei back to her house. Rei began to tell her about the strange event she experienced yesterday. The nausea she felt due to the mysterious energy haunted her even after she woke up.
It's like the call of a new enemy for the Senshi.
Minako immediately told everyone to gather in Rei's shrine after school. Setsuna decided to check on the Time Gate and went to Crystal Tokyo to meet Neo Queen Serenity. Michiru and Haruka planned to get back faster. They told Hotaru to go home right after the school so they could discuss something for a moment then went to the shrine together. Of course she wouldn't tell Illya about this.
But if Illya wanted to take her home, she guessed it's fine. It'd be faster, after all. "Oh well, I guess I owe you another taiyaki, then!" Hotaru joked. "That's a great idea! I never think of that!" Illya replied. After bidding farewells to their classmates, Illya took Hotaru to the parking lot where they met Saber and a tall, slender woman with long purple-hair.
"Wow," Hotaru breathed out, another beautiful foreigner. She's starting to feel lucky for knowing Illya. "Are you Hotaru Tomoe? It's a pleasure to meet you," she politely smiled and Hotaru bowed in response. "I-It's nice to meet you too, um-"
"Her name's Rider!" Illya did the introduction. Hotaru blinked, they sure had unusual names. Saber opened the door for them and Illya hopped in, followed by the black-haired girl. Illya told her the plan for taking Hotaru home and Saber gladly agreed. Rider sat beside the driver's seat. "Aw, you're not driving? I like your drive, it's thrilling," Illya pouted. "She's definitely not allowed to drive in the city, especially if we want to escort Hotaru to her house," Saber replied, making Hotaru curious.
"I agree."
"You're no fun!"
Saber drove away from Juuban Elementary. Hotaru enjoyed the ride, it's like riding on a perfect classy car, not too antique like Setsuna's or too fast like Haruka's. "Your car is so cool, Illya!" Hotaru praised, inspecting the cleanliness and sparkles. "Haruka-papa will be so jealous if she finds out!"
"How come?" Illya asked. "Believe it or not, she's a famous racer and loves cars, especially racing cars!" Hotaru told the three. Rider smirked, "I'd love to meet her," she said and Saber gave her a raised eyebrow.
There was a silence.
"Wait, what do you mean by 'she'-"
KkkkRRrRRIiIIEEEeeTTttTTT
The sound of car wheels and the hot asphalt on friction shocked the passengers. Hotaru almost slammed herself onto the seat in front of her, which was Rider's. "Ouch! What's that for?!" Illya shouted, rubbing her head. They're currently on a bridge above a river in Azabu-Juuban. Strangely, no one was there. Hotaru worried for Illya, "Are you alright, Illya-"
Then she felt it.
A sudden jolt of unfamiliar presence that sent shivers down her spine.
"Rider," Saber suddenly spoke, "I'm glad you're here. You know what to do, right?"
"Indeed," Rider removed her seat belt. "Illyasviel?"
"...I know," Illya simply nodded.
That's when everything changed. "Illya..?" Hotaru murmured the name of her friendly, cheerful friend who's now giving her a gaze of someone older than they looked. The next thing she knew, Saber jumped out of the car, Rider took over the steering wheel, a sound of explosion and a sudden drive at the speed of lightning.
Before Hotaru finished her scream, they already arrived in her house.
"Well, it's pretty good-looking, I say," Illya stared at her mansion then opened the door for Hotaru, who's too shock to speak. She dragged the speechless girl in front of her house.
"I-I-lllya, what's-"
"There are things I can't tell you," Illya cut her off. She put on a smile again, now it hid heavy lies. "But I hope we can still be friends."
She didn't like where it'd be going, no, she hated it. Hotaru tried to call out her friend but Illya went back to her car, as if she's unreachable for the Senshi of Death and Rebirth. The last thing she saw was Illya's smile.
"Goodbye, Hotaru."
"WAIT!"
It's too late, the car disappeared in the blink of an eye, taking Illya away. Was that truly the speed of Rider's driving? She brushed the thoughts off. There's one painful thing clouded her mind.
Goodbye? What the heck did she mean by goodbye? Just after they'd become the best of friends, Illya bid her goodbye?
It must be because of that explosion. What about Saber? Why the heck did she jump out there? Was Illya actually a member of yakuza who's involved in a fight? Or there's someone trying to kidnap the rich girl? Or something more shocking and unbelievable?
Did she actually think that kind of reason would stop the Senshi of Silence from being her friend?
It's a reckless action, she knew. But she didn't want to lose a friend for any kind of reason. Her parents would be so angry, her friends would be so worried. This kind of thing was probably what Chibiusa would do if Hotaru was in Illya's place.
Well, now she's going to do it.
Accepting the consequences, Hotaru Tomoe transformed to Sailor Saturn.
"We've got to go."
Rin cut off their light chatting. Usagi and her friends, except Mina and Rei, were walking to leave their school together with the new transfer students. They've fastened their pace a bit because the Senshi would have a meeting after school, but a sudden reminder from Rin was like a coincidence.
The miss perfect of Fuyuki sent a gaze at Shirou and Sakura, who replied her with a nod. It should be Usagi and her friends who were in a hurry, but they beat them to it. "See you tomorrow!" Shirou waved at them and ran in a hurry, followed by Rin and Sakura.
"Well, that's surprising," Makoto commented. "Anyway, we also have to go fast," Ami reminded them and so they went to the way to Hikawa Shrine hurriedly before Usagi's communicator rang.
They immediately stopped, and they saw Minako on the screen, looking panic. "What happened to Rei?" Makoto blurted out worriedly but Minako shook her head. "No, it's not Rei. It's Hotaru, she won't answer any calls!"
BEEP BEEP BEEP
A crowd of people was on the brigde.
It's already on the news, many reporters were there. The remnants of explosion made everyone scared and panic, what was going on in their city?
She tried to calm down and tried to feel any abnormal energy around her. After a desperate search, she finally found one and went to the source. She knew how suicidal she was right now. The energy she felt was beyond dangerous yet she went. She concluded that it's not a yakuza thingy.
It's something more sinister and unbelievable.
BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP
She put Illya and the others as her first priority. She jumped on buildings and roofs to go faster. Her sense brought her to an abandoned building, quite near from the bridge.
"I'm coming, Illya," Saturn murmured to herself, walking deeper into the building, "It's not like you asked me to come but I'm still coming-"
BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP
On second thought, maybe she should answer the calls. She's too focused on finding her missing friends. Saturn turned on her communicator, "Saturn-"
"ARE YOU CRAZY?!"
Saturn almost closed her wrist communicator due to Rei's sudden shout, though she felt guilty for worrying her friends. She brought her face to the screen and saw Rei and the other Inners, "I'm so sorry-"
"We've called you for freaking hundred times! Your parents look like they want to throw a fit! You're going to be in so much trouble-"
"Rei, I think we have something more important-"
"Oh, right. Where are you now?! Why the heck do you transform?!"
"My friends are missing," Saturn informed them worriedly, "I've got to find them, they're in danger! After that, I'll go to you guys. I'll make it as fast as I can-"
"Is it about that explosion?!"
"You should've told us sooner!"
"I know! I'm so sorry-"
CRASH!
Saturn froze, she heard a very loud crash behind her. Even the Inners could hear that from the communicator. Small debris were thrown everywhere followed by a huge emerging dust behind her back. The amount of menacing presence she felt went to its peak.
It's here.
No voices came out from Saturn nor the communicator. She youngest Senshi had to use her full strength to turn around since her survival instinct told her the otherwise. The dust clouded her sight, the only thing she could see was a shadow that started to draw in towards her. Walking footsteps were the only sound produced. When the dust finally uncovered that shadow, Saturn didn't know if her eyes could widen much larger.
It was a young girl.
Her long hair covered her face and there's something like a horn on her forehead, Saturn could only peek between the gaps but she knew the girl was actually a beauty, especially with the the white dress she wore.
She looked like a bride.
But still, Saturn had never seen a bride carrying a huge mace that sparked lightnings, plus what a terrifying presence the bride had that it managed to scare the Senshi of Silence.
"GrrRRRrrGgg..."
She let out small threatening grunts towards her. Of course Saturn didn't know how to answer, she couldn't even blink and took a step back.
"Saturn!"
Makoto's voice broke the tense silence. Unfortunately, that made the bride flinch and grip her mace tighter. "Saturn , RUN!"
She'd perfectly do it if she could.
"Saturn!"
"Dammit!"
"Hotaru-chan!"
It went so fast.
Using up all her reflexes, Saturn grabbed her Silence Glaive with two hands as the berserk bride swung her gigantic mace towards her. Usagi and the others could only scream in horror at the sight of Silence Glaive clashing with Bridal Chest.
The Silence Glaive was probably the most destructive weapon ever existed. Once lowered, the end of the world arrived.
But when it came to close combat with huge electric mace, Sailor Saturn had freaking no idea.
BAM! BANG! CRASH!
After three clashes of two weapons, Saturn was thrown away with immense force that smashed her body to the building's pillars. Every time her glaive made contact with the mace, a jolt of electric shock was delivered to her body and Saturn felt her left hand was already paralyzed. To make it worse, her body was battered due to the smashes.
Meanwhile, the bride was unscratched. Saturn gritted her teeth in frustration, concentrating to fasten her regeneration ability. The bride made a move by pointing her mace at her in a thrusting manner then Saturn used her regenerated strength to stood up and swung her glaive with one hand. Rather than clashing, she chose a defense move as she shouted, "Silence Wall!"
A loud bang echoed as the mace hit Saturn's absolute defense. Lightning sparks covered Saturn's sight from seeing directly into her opponent's face. She stood on the ground as fierce as she could, even cracking the ground below her feet while the bride thrust onto the Silence Wall deeper and deeper, ignoring the sparks that hit herself and the reaction force of the wall that could send her away. It was a battle of endurance that destroyed anything around them from the shock wave.
Saturn realized that the mace was aimed to her chest, Serenity knew best what'd happen if it hit her. The bride's growls became louder and louder because she was so frustrated at Saturn, enhancing her strength. Saturn's veins on her hand became visible due to her tightest grip on the Silence Glaive and she gritted her teeth so tight that she could spill blood.
Finally, she chose a reckless move. Rather than losing the endurance war, Saturn decided to swing her glaive towards the bride's chest for a surprise attack with a desperate howl, lowering her defense down to land a fatal blow on the bride.
"RaaAAAaRrGHHhHHHH!"
It was her turn to go berserk.
"Where is she?" Michiru clenched her mirror in frustration with blazing eyes. "I said where is she damn stupid mirror!"
"Michiru!" Haruka's call snapped her back to reality. She was on Haruka's car, the racer drove her car throughout the streets as if it was her race track, ignoring the speed limits. Originally, they were racing to their mansion but when Hotaru didn't answer their calls and there's no one in the house, Haruka slammed the steering wheel and rushed to wherever it was to find Hotaru while Michiru informed the Inners about Hotaru's disappearance.
The Outers had a strong connection between them, so they could immediately sense if one of them was in danger or suffered. It did help them to search for Hotaru, but it also increased their worry and turned them crazy, even making the ever so calm and elegant Michiru to curse her own mirror. The mirror strangely didn't show anything but black, the thought of slamming it to pieces even crossed her mind.
"Being angry won't help anything," Haruka tried to calm her down, even though her mind was also in angry frenzy. "We have to concentrate more to find her. I feel we're already close but it's still fuzzy so I need your help," she pleaded while driving.
Michiru bit her lips and fell silent, "...I should've known," her voice trembled so much, she's trying to hold her tears, "I should've known."
Haruka wanted to embrace her and whispered soothing words but she's still driving. "We're going to find her, Michi," Haruka decided to encourage Michiru and herself. "She's going to be- What the fuck?!"
Michiru was shocked that Haruka suddenly hit the brakes, stopping her car that could've crashed into a crowd of people in front of them. "What's wrong?" Michiru worriedly asked as Haruka got out of the car. Some people were shocked to find the famous racer there and Haruka approached a man, "What happened here?!" she asked hurriedly.
"There was an explosion that damaged the bridge, no cars are allowed to pass," the man informed in fear because Haruka's face showed absolute anger, now she snapped. "Are you kidding me?!"
"No, its-!"
BOOM!
People shouted at the sudden sound of explosion. The polices alerted the crowds to move away from the bridge in case another explosion might happen and completely destroyed it. But they were wrong, the explosion didn't happen on the bridge.
It's on an abandoned building near the bridge.
"What is that?!"
"A terrorist?!"
"Move! Move away!"
It was chaos because everyone went panic and scattered to many directions. Haruka tried to escape from the crowd but it's difficult. When she managed to escape, she shouted her partner's name-
"HARUKA!"
But Michiru did it first, the next thing Haruka knew was Michiru grabbing her arm and dragged her towards the building, "It's Hotaru!"