The next morning, when I started up, I saw that Raye had left a small note on the inside of the closet. It didn't say much except, "Attending to temple duties. First bus arrives at 9:45. Good luck. -Raye"

I checked my internal time. That gave me about thirty minutes to walk down there and scout it out.

In preparation, I pulled my black trench coat and fedora onto my body, having learned where everything went from that one brief session of assistance from my master. Without giving the room a second glance, I walked outside.

Just as I was about to exit the shrine, I felt a presence bump into me. I turned around, and saw that strange worker from the other day.

"I'm sorry" was all he said, as he walked towards the good luck charm stand.

I didn't reply as I had already gone down halfway to the bus stop, and saw Serena cowering in a corner.

She appeared to still be afraid, so I simply stood next to her, pretending like she wasn't there, until I broke the silence. "Going to try getting on the bus today?" was all I asked.

Serena nodded slightly. "I'm going to try."

"If it will make you feel better, I'll go on at the same time you do."

She shook her head, "Oh, no. I couldn't do that. Besides, you might be some stranger looking for young girls or something.

As confused as I was about her statement, I figured it would be better if I just played along, to help retain my human guise. I shrugged, and replied, "Alright."

I looked towards the cat sitting next to her. "I take it this feline is yours?"

She smiled, completely forgetting about getting on the bus, as she picked up the cat. "Yep, this is Luna." she remarked, holding the cat towards me. "Go ahead, pet her. She won't bite."

Cautiously, I extended my hand, and gently stroked the feline's fur. I carefully regulated the pressure on my hands, enough to provide sensation, yet not enough to cause pain.

After a few minutes, I pulled my hand away. For some reason, a warm feeling blossomed within my chassis. I made a note to check my reactor settings later. I didn't want a meltdown.

I was about to comment on how nice this Luna seemed, as the bus pulled up. All I could think of was how it arrived three minutes early.

However, as soon as the other girls got on, I immediately progressed forward. I turned towards Serena, and asked, "Getting on?"

I received my answer in the form of a scream, as the blonde yet again attached herself to the pole, refusing to let go. I sighed, and boarded.

The driver looked at me curiously. "I thought you were meeting a friend here," she commented.

I shrugged. "Turns out I was the one who was supposed to take the bus," and moved to the back, sitting next to an exhausted schoolgirl. Though faint, I was able to gather that there was still a small quantity of energy left in these girls. It wasn't enough to allow them movement, just to exist and generate more energy.

After a minute, I noticed that Serena boarded, wearing some kind of stewardess uniform, judging by the insignia on the front.

I heard her begin to say, "You're under arrest," when the bus suddenly accelerated. I was lucky enough to regain my balance within a half-second.

Serena wasn't so lucky. She bounced all over the place, nearly crushing her feline companion in the process.

I latched onto her and adjusted my balance servos accordingly, to compensate for the additional weight she placed upon my system as she leaned.

Serena looked up at me, scared. "Why are you doing this?"

Looking at her, I simply replied, "You were losing your balance. I merely interceded in order to prevent your excessive jostling from injuring any of the other riders."

Suddenly, I felt the very dimensions bend, which made me lose my balance being unable to adjust for spatial shifts beyond gravity. Unfortunately, my fall threw my hat off, showing my head to the girl. As if she wasn't frightened enough already.

I saw her move back. "Y-you're a robot." she stuttered, as tears filled her eyes.

"I know what I am. I was sent to investigate the disappearances." I replied, a little more hastily than I intended.

I saw Serena's eyes look at me with the same confusion Raye once had when I acknowledged her as the master. "So, you're on our side?" she asked.

Now, I was the one confused. Side? I haven't really thought of which 'Side' my master might fight. "Whichever side my master fights, I, too, shall combat." was the best I could reply.

I saw that she was about to ask more, when she was suddenly pulled out, thrown on some planetoid in this strange new dimension.

I noticed the driver had completely ignored me. Perhaps I could use this distraction to maneuver the bus back through the rift...

But, then, I heard a scream. As I looked out, I saw that the bus driver, now changed, held my master, Raye, by the throat, chocking her.

I knew I had to do something, to help her, but I did not have any combat capabilities.

That was when I felt a strange sensation. It burned within me, filling my processors with murderous thoughts towards that driver, who was now even less human than I was.

Before I could stop myself, I shouted, "Combat Mode Activate!"

I felt an amazing surge of power flowing through my cables. I could feel a jetpack materializing onto my back. In my right hand, a large pistol appeared, giving me a weapon to fight. I could feel my reactor core blazing, producing massive quantities of energy to support my new powers.

I also received a new datacard.

Datacard: Chassis forms

Name: Eggrobo (Combat Mode)

Notes: An enhanced version of the standard Eggrobo chassis, this mode allows the use of flight through the onboard jetpack, as well as ranged weaponry through the specialized weapon system, while still maintaining the enhanced intelligence of the Eggrobo Standard Model. Included are advanced modules, including bomb manufacturing and use, as well as complex flight maneuvers. An enhanced hull allows the Combat Eggrobo to ram their foes in a last-ditch attempt to fight.

Threat Index: 5

Raye struggled against the strange monster, as Sailor Moon tried an attack with her tiara.

"Moon Tiara Magic!" the warrior shouted, as the magical disc just bounced off of the beast.

The monster chuckled, "Was that supposed to hurt? That was more of a tickle." and tightened its armlock over Raye's neck. "Now, surrender, or else, your little friend here will be jelly."

As Sailor Moon readied herself to throw in the towel, a small, smiling, metal tube with an oversized mustache fell next to the monster's feet.

"Wh-what is that?" it growled, as the device exploded, bathing the area in a glorious light.

When the light faded, standing in front of Sailor Moon, was a strange machine, the same one she had seen earlier, she was sure of it.

The only difference was that it was egg-shaped, except for the cylinders on its back, and in its right hand was a deadly-looking gun pointed at the monster.

"Who are you? Another one of those pathetic Sailor Scouts?" the monster asked.

The machine stood straight, showing off its daunting 7' height. "I am the one without a heart, the one who lacks a soul, the emotionless warrior of power, Eggrobo. And, your worst nightmare." it replied, training its weapon on the monster once again. "Now, release my master or be annihilated."

"As if. You're messing with things you can't understand, you worthless hunk of metal." the beast replied.

Suddenly, a light blue laser shot out of the barrel of the gun, missing the monster by micrometers. "That was a warning shot. The next one won't be so inaccurate."

The monster smiled maliciously. "Very well, Eggrobo. You can have your master." it replied, throwing Raye on top of Sailor Moon. "In exchange for your energy for the glory of the Negaverse and Queen Beryl!" and charged right at the machine.

As Eggrobo prepared to receive the charge, Luna suddenly leaped right next to it. "Listen, Eggrobo. You need to distract that monster until I can summon Raye's true power."

The machine nodded, "Understood. For my master's well-being, I will comply." and quickly shifted positions.

Just as it seemed that the monster would crash into it, Eggrobo's jetpack roared, leaving a large char mark on the ground, projecting the machine skyward, while the attacking monster screeched to a halt where its target once was.

"Where did he go..." it growled, as it looked up, just in time to see the machine dive-bombing back to the ground, slamming into the monster with a loud explosion, kicking up a massive cloud of dust.

When the dust cleared, Eggrobo was being held down by the bus driving monster, as it goaded the machine, "Where is your puny power now, you pathetic machine?"

Suddenly, the area erupted in fire, incinerating the monster and throwing it back several feet. Eggrobo emerged from the flames, the paint a little singed, but alright otherwise. It turned towards the source, and saw a black-haired woman in a sailor fuku, red skirt, and red heels. The machine looked her over, then answered, "I am glad you are alright, Raye. Your genetic imprint cannot hide who you truly are from me."

The girl stepped back slightly, "Please, call me Sailor Mars while I'm like this," she growled.

Eggrobo then scanned her, commenting, "System indicates a change in your status. Updating systems."

Datacard: Sailor Scouts

Name: Sailor Mars.

Alias: Raye Hino

Notes: As a result of an unknown spiritual link, Raye has been transformed into Sailor Mars, a Sailor Scout. In this form, she possesses the powers of fire, as well as her standard abilities with charms. Despite the striking similarities, few realize that Sailor Mars is Raye Hino, much like Sailor Moon. Further analysis of these Sailor Scouts is ideal towards establishing human relations, as well as synchronizing my own weaponry with their attacks.

Threat Index: 7

Once it had finished scanning the new Scout, Eggrobo turned towards the injured monster.

Sailor Mars crossed her arms. "Well, what are you waiting for? Destroy it!"

The machine did not move. "It is beaten. There is no need for further destruction."

Luna suddenly shouted, "Listen, bolt brain, if it isn't destroyed now, it will continue attacking innocent people. These monsters give no regard for human thought or emotion, only the energy they produce."

Eggrobo nodded, "True, Luna... so, I will destroy it just this once, using one of my strongest weapons..."

The machine reached behind its back, pulling out another one of the strange bombs. Unlike the previous one, this bomb was more spherical, with eerie green cracks running jaggedly across its face. "Nova..." it began, as the explosive's fuse lit.

It threw the weapon with the strength of a baseball pitcher, hurling the explosive towards the monster. As the machine shouted, "BOMB!", the object blew up, unleashing a powerful green shockwave that completely consumed the monster, and much of the surrounding area.

Without another glance towards the destruction, Eggrobo marched straight towards Sailor Mars. "I am glad you are alright. However, my space-time analyzers indicate that the rift in which we came is starting to break down. If we do not hurry, the rift will collapse, stranding us here."

The machine then turned towards the abandoned buses. "We also need to rescue these victims, as is my mission. However, my primary goal is to protect my master, including a safe escort back to our proper space."

Sailor Moon then shot the machine a cheery smile. "You can get us out of here, right? I mean, you have that wonderful little jetpack."

Eggrobo shook its head. "No. My system is only able to take a relatively small mass, barely enough for another human being. It is impossible to carry both of you, as well as Luna.

The machine then looked up, as the champion of justice collapsed onto the ground. "You mean we're stuck here forever?" she whimpered, as tears filled her eyes.

"Not quite," the badnik replied, as a beam of light shot through the opening. "It appears that someone or something is creating a quantum stabilizer, holding the rift open."

Luna looked towards the beam. "That must be Sailor Mercury."

Eggrobo shrugged, "That solves the problem of the instability, but how are we going to transport the buses in time. Even if I could link them all together, I wouldn't be able to pull them all through."

Suddenly, one of the buses pulled up next to them. "Hey, there, going my way?" a strange man in a fancy dress suit and top hat asked, a mask of sorts concealing his eyes.

"Tuxedo Mask!" Sailor Moon exclaimed, love and longing strong in her voice.

Sailor Mars let out a huff. "Jeeze, I had no idea you liked him."

The machine climbed aboard. "Fascinating. He must have done all this while we were fighting," it commented, grabbing onto one of the nearby rails, as the other two Sailor Scouts boarded.

Tuxedo Mask pointed a finger at Eggrobo. "Who's your metal friend here?" he asked.

Sailor Moon stuttered as she tried to explain, "Well, um, you see... it's, uh..."

"I am Eggrobo, the soulless warrior of Power." the machine answered in place of the lunar soldier. It leaned in close. "If you are a friend of my master, Sailor Mars, then I, too, am a friend."

The masked hero smiled. "I'm glad to have you a part of the Sailor Scouts. Now I won't have to work quite so hard to protect them," he commented with a slight laugh.

Datacard: Sailor Scouts (affiliates)

Name: Tuxedo Mask

Aliases: unknown

Notes: A strange man running around in a fancy suit, Tuxedo Mask always appears when the Sailor Scouts are in mortal danger. He typically introduces himself by throwing a rose, typically to stop an enemy's attack. The nature of these roses are something worth studying, as their ability to nullify most forms of magic could be useful against the master's enemies. He can also disappear at the drop of a hat, something that might be of great interest to study.

Threat level: 6

As Sailor Mars and Moon left the bus, Eggrobo silently followed, looking around the daylight.

"The light... is a thing of beauty, how its perpendicular transverse waves can alter the way things appear," the machine commented, as Sailor Moon hugged Amy.

"You saved us!" the blonde shouted.

"I'd better retreat back to the shadows for now. Sailor Mars, I hope you will accept my leave of duty for now," Eggrobo asked, starting to move towards a nearby alleyway.

Luna looked up at the machine. "Why must you hide in darkness? Is it because of your metal body?"

The machine nodded. "Affirmative. If I could obtain a conventional human body, I would be able to move about in the daytime, and be less of a burden upon my master.

Amy nodded. "Right. Serena, your disguise pen would be perfect."

"Is that what she used to wear that ridiculous outfit earlier?" Eggrobo queried.

Luna nodded, while Serena fired back, "Hey, it's not ridiculous!" before reluctantly handing the disguise pen over to the machine.

Eggrobo stood for several minutes, staring at the pen. "There is something... familiar about the energy properties of this object..." it commented.

Luna explained the nature of the Disguise Pen. "In order to use it, you need to hold it aloft, and shout 'Disguise Power'"

The machine held the pen high, and stated neutrally, "Disguise Power. Change me into... a human."

As the light died, the girls were introduced to an awe-inspiring sight. Where there had been a seven foot tall machine of destruction, a 5'10", 15 year old boy stood, his unruly orange hair gleaming in the sunlight. He wore a simple red turtleneck and black pants. Adorning his face was a pair of blue Prince Nez glasses, low enough to show his eyes, which were a deep, rich brown, like melted chocolate, or caramel.

As this new Eggrobo looked about him, he commented. "This has activated a new stealth module. Now that I know I can obtain this form, it has been permanently added to my databanks, allowing me to recall it at will." He gave the pen back to Serena. "Thank you."

Sailor Mars, who had now reverted back to Raye, looked with faint admiration at the disguised machine. "Just how many modules do you have?" she asked.

Eggrobo frowned, but replied, "I do not know. Much of my personal information was damaged upon activation."

Amy pulled out her personal computer. "My own computer doesn't have much information on you. It appears that much of the technology in you is unknown." She quickly tapped a few more keys. "But it has locked onto a massive reserve of power located within your body."

The disguised machine nodded, "That would be my reactor. It's as vital to me as the hearts in you humans."

Amy stops a moment, then resumes checking her computer. "I'm not picking up any form of radiation within you." she looks towards Eggrobo with growing curiosity. "What exactly powers you?" she asked.

Eggrobo turns, surveying the street. "Perhaps it would be best if we talked about myself later. Out here, we are likely to be overheard."

Serena stood up. "I know the perfect place! There's an ice cream parlor up the street!" she exclaimed, and started dragging the machine up the street.

Raye grabbed Eggrobo's free arm. "Hey, ease off. You've got your Tuxedo Mask. Eggrobo's mine!" she shouted.

Serena let go, and turned, looking around, "Oh, right. Where did he go..." she replied, looking in vain for the elusive hero.

"Pardon me for asking," Eggrobo began, "But what is an Ice cream parlor?"

Datacard: Sailor Scouts

Name: Serena Tsukino

Aliases: Sailor Moon

Notes: Despite being the "champion of justice", Serena is an incredibly inefficient human being. She consumes massive quantities of food, yet is almost always tired, and rarely ever does anything, including her homework. She appears to be a very poor human in terms of example, however, every great weakness hides an inner strength. Further analysis is needed to identify Serena's. Her affable nature could be considered a major strength, as it allows her to befriend most people.

Threat level: 2 (Civilian), 4 (Sailor Moon)

Name: Amy Anderson

Aliases: Sailor Mercury

Notes: Analysis indicates a highly developed frontal cortex, resulting in an increased intelligence. She appears to be more withdrawn of the three, yet also the calmest, most logical. It is in this machine's conclusion that this would be a ideal battle partner, as her creativity and intelligence could complement my rapid thought processors quite efficiently, turning us both into twice the thinking power we would be alone. Appears to have a small personal computer. Study of this machine will be needed to possibly establish link to allow flow of data/synchronization of processes.

As Sailor Mercury, this female shows power over water, and other liquids. Caution is needed, as condensation from her attacks could interfere with my circuits, rendering me vulnerable. Chassis needs to be checked for water seal before working in the proximity of her attacks.

Threat level: 3 (Civilian), 5 (Sailor Mercury)

Name: Luna

Aliases: none

Notes: Luna is a female ebony feline. She exhibits the unique ability to converse in basic human languages, and appears to function as a coordinator of sorts. Distinguishing characteristic is the crescent-shaped mark on her forehead. Claims to be on a mission set on finding a Moon Princess. It is this machine's opinion that the advice of this cat should be taken seriously.

Threat level: 1