"A Rosemary by Any Other Name"
"Okay, children, this time I'm going to attack with "Bubble Spray" and I want you to counter my move with one of your own. Chibi Mars? You should be the one to attack first since fire and water are opposite. So you ready?" inquired the lovely Sailor Mercury to the nervous young Chibi Senshi.
Yes, training for the Chibi Senshi had begun. They had been rigorously training for over a week now. As soon as they got home from school and had done their homework it was off to the battle field. Like Neo Queen Serenity had decreed each of the Sailor Senshi took turns teaching them how to use their gifts. But it was slow work and they hadn't exactly been getting good results. They had at least managed to transform into their Chibi Senshi forms. That was a small start, although it wasn't exactly a promising one. Their attacks were weak and their team itself wasn't cohesive. This would take some time, perhaps a lot of time. Nevertheless everyone was beginning to have serious doubts. Especially Chibiusa, for she would have to lead them. On the other hand, the Senshi remembered they hadn't been exactly perfect themselves when they first started.
"Yes, Madam. We are prepared, so hit us with your best shot," Chibi Mars said shakingly to the blue Senshi. Despite being ready they all looked scared. Still this was training and they just have to try their hardest.
"Okay, get ready. Remember I'm not going to go easy on you. You must have courage and be ready for anything. None of your opponents while be easy on you, especially in view of the fact that you're children. They won't take you seriously. But you must be ready to fight despite that fact."
"We can do this, Mom. We know we can! After all it's in our blood. We just got to prove it to ourselves first. So hit us with all you got!" Chibi Mercury pronounced confidently. Her mom smiled at her tenderly. The rest of the Chibi Senshi got into battle stance.
"Okay here it goes! Mercury Bubble Spray!" as a stream of bubble shot out at the tiny soldiers. Chibi Mars and Chibi Mercury rushed forward and said together.
"Mars Fire Soul!"
"Mercury Bubble Spray!"
The two attacks combined and dissipated Sailor Mercury's attack. Not missing a beat Chibi Venus and Chibi Jupiter attack from the right and also combined their powers to attack Sailor Mercury. She countered their move with Shine Aqua Illusion. But before the attack hit she was simultaneously attacked on all direction by the remaining Chibi Senshi. The Soldier of Wisdom was knocked flat on her butt with Chibi Moon holding the Moon Love Strobe right to her face.
"I believe, Sailor Mercury, we have made some progress today!" Chibi Moon said as she withdrew her weapon. The blue haired warrior smiled and accepted Chibi Moon's hand as she helped her up.
There was some clapping behind them and the girls looked and saw their mothers. Each was smiling happily at them. The little girls blushed and bowed. They didn't know that had had an audience watching them. If they did they would have been even more nervous.
"That was outstanding, truly magnificent! Well done girls, well done indeed. Maybe you like to try attacking a double team?" suggested Sailor Mars slyly to the little girls. The girls looked at each other anxiously. It had been hard enough battling one of the Sailor Senshi. How could they possible beat two? Luckily Sailor Jupiter stepped in.
"Maybe tomorrow, Sailor Mars. They have been training hard for the last two hours. I think some rest and a snack are in order. We can attempt double teaming tomorrow. At least they have managed to work together and use their abilities today as one. But that is only a little progress. You all still have a long way to go. But I think you deserve a break. So come, young ones. I'll make us all something to eat. How about I make us some brownies?"
Everyone squealed loudly and clapped their hands. Even Chibiusa who had been working the hardest smiled. Even Sailor Senshi needed to have some fun too. Beside they had been training hard. So a break was needed. They would pick up the rest tomorrow. So they all undid their transformation and headed to the kitchen to help with the baking.
The Sailor Senshi weren't the only ones training hard. Right now Delilah was going even harder then them. It had been a bit embarrassing telling her mother that a child had beaten her. Still Delilah maintain that that the child only gotten lucky. She wouldn't be thwarted by that Bubble Gum Brain for a second time! She made a vow on that! So right now she was practicing throwing knives at moving targets.
"Take that, little girl!" she screeched as she chucked a silver dagger at a moving Chibi Moon. It hit directly over her tiny heart. Breathing hard she flicked a strand of teal hair out of her face and did a midair kick, that decapitated Chibi Moon's head.
"DIE! Just die!" she screamed at the fallen wooden warrior. She removed the dagger and chucked it at a new target. This one was the trio of kittens that had scratched her beautiful face. "You all die! I'm a superior warrior! I can't be defeated! Next time that girl will die! I'll make sure she does!" she shrieked as she went on a rampage in the arena.
"Delilah, dear you have to calm down. You're letting your anger cloud your judgment!" scolded her mother as she entered the training chamber. Delilah was breathing very hard but pulled herself together.
"I'm sorry, Mother. But I just can't believe that little brat beat me!"
"Like you said, dear, she merely got lucky. I sense Queen Serenity hand in this. Even in death that bitch finds ways to mock us!" she picked up a dagger and flung it at a target. It hit the target of Sailor Mars right over her heart.
"Good shot, Mom."
"Thank you, Delilah. We may've been unsuccessful in collecting an Unloved One, yet we still manage to gather love energy. So like you told that brat, it wasn't a total loss. But from this point on we must be more cautions. That unpleasant child very presence tells us that the Sailor Senshi are still alive and well. On the other hand, I still doubt that girl's power. She isn't Sailor Moon and I'm beginning to consider the possibility that Sailor Moon may not exist any longer. If she was still around she would've been there to do battle. We got a child instead."
"So, do we still go ahead with the plan? Or do we change tactics?" inquired Delilah irritably as she cleaned her daggers. She gazed at her reflection in the gleaming dagger and scowled. "Stupid child! I was about to eradicate her and then that stupid stick came out of nowhere. That fucking Queen of the Moon! If Queen Serenity did grant her that stick then it must be destroyed! It's a threat to our mission!"
"Yes, that blasted stick needs to be destroyed I agree. But we must also consider that this Chibi Moon could pose a real threat to our plans. She may be a child; nevertheless we still must take serious any and all threats."
"I won't underestimate her for a second time, Mother. I promise you that. Still I've had two millenniums to train. She barely has had time to mature. She is a child and even if she got that wand we will win this fight. I won't allow a bubble gum brain youngster get the better of the greatest soldier for a second time!" she vowed.
"Nor will I permit anyone to jeopardize our plans. The real threat is after all the grown Sailor Senshi. A child is helpless. Still we must be prepared just incase the little monster shows up yet again."
"So do we change our strategy or do we stick to the plan, Mom?"
"The plan will not be changed. However we have got to be even more secretive. We can't afford that unpleasant child or any of the Sailor Senshi to thwart us yet again. Come we must find out who our next target is. Father is waiting."
Back at the Crystal Palace the Chibi Senshi had been training even harder. Their powers were getting stronger and they were starting to act like a team. Chibiusa was pushing them harder then even the Sailor Senshi. Right now they were going through an obstacle course.
"Okay team! Follow me! Keep up! And remember no-one gets left behind. Now follow me!" ordered Chibi Moon as they dashed across an icy pool.
The ice was incredibly thin and the water was freezing cold. But they dash as quickly as they could through the frozen terrain and avoid the obstacle that the fog hid. Chibi Neptune and Chibi Mercury leaped over a great trench and fired off their powers to bring to an end Sailor Mars and Sailor Uranus assault. Next they had to go over ran through track obstacles, tires, tunnels, balance beams and jumped through fire hoops. Then they went through a labyrinth and all the way through a dark tunnel. Once they reached the other side they had to battle monsters. After hours of exhausting and cruel training the Sailor Senshi said it was over.
"You've all excelled pass our expectations. We still have a lot of training ahead of us. But you've made a lot of progress. Remember my children power isn't enough. You must use both your hearts and brains. But I'm please with your progress. I've no doubt that you'll be one day become great Sailor Senshi. Now I've one more assignment for you my children," expressed a pleased Neo Queen Serenity as she smiled tenderly at the exhausted children.
They had undone their transformations. Right now their beloved pets were carting to their worn out bodies. They had brought with them tea and cookies. All of them were breathing really hard and sweating by the gallon. And yet each had a small smile on their rosy faces.
"What dear, Queen, is your last mission for us?" all the girls asked at the same time. At that moment their mothers came over to them and hugged them tightly. With a kiss on the cheek the girls knew they had done well. That they ought to be incredibly proud of the work that they had done in such a short time. Sailor Dark Heart better watch out! The Chibi Senshi were about ready to do battle. And yet they all knew further training was required if the wanted to be the new Sailor Senshi team. But for at that moment at least they're ready for their first battle. And though they didn't know it, it would be extremely soon.
The reward for their hard work was a week in a finishing school. So they could be both warriors and ladies. It was a bizarre but pleasurable reward. So they went to Countess Rose Finishing School the next day. All dolled up and eager to learn how to be proper ladies. They may be the next generation of Sailor Senshi but they still were princesses. So they could use manners along with warrior skills.
The finishing school was made of alabaster and marble stone with clinging red roses. It was a huge mansion and it was something like out of a fairytale. Awaiting the young princesses was a ravishing young redhead woman with big blue eyes. At her side was a small girl with rich red curls with rose barrettes in her hair in a lilac dress. She most likely was the Countess's daughter.
"Salutation, ladies and gentlemen. I'm honored to have each and every one of you in my class today. Today we will work on proper manners and by the end of the week I hope to turn you all into proper ladies and gentlemen. I like to introduce you to my daughter, Rosemary. She will be joining you today. Now let's go inside."
Chibiusa was very eager to learn how to be a lady as it was her dream to be one. Still she couldn't help but notice that Rosemary wasn't taking part in the activities. She seemed rather shy and withdrawn. So as they practice being at a party she went over to her.
"Hello, Rosemary. Are you having a nice day?" Chibiusa asked politely as she offered her a glass of fruit punch. The girl face went red but she accepted the drink. "You know it's okay if you don't want to talk. Being a good listener is just as important. I like your barrettes. They go so lovely with your hair," she complemented. The girl didn't reply but gave a small smile. "Come on, Rosemary let's join the others. I'm sure they love to hear some of your stories. You look like you have some good ones to tell."
The redhead girl nodded and followed the pink haired lass over to the tea table. Everyone was to practice making conversation. This exercise was about learning proper table manners and learning to listen and not dominate the conversation.
"So, dear, Rosemary, tell me about your self?" asked Chibiusa as she pour some ginseng tea. The redhead nibbled on a finger sandwich and just blushed. Everyone else was having a fine tea time. But Chibiusa just couldn't get Rosemary to talk. But she wasn't about to give up. "So what do you like to do? I think your mother is beautiful. My mom means a lot to me. I do anything for her. Who is your father? Do you enjoy your mother company?" She tried for half an hour to get her to talk but couldn't get her too. Just as she was about to give up and go practice dancing she heard a tiny voice.
"I like your hair too. It's a cute color."
"So you do talk? I was beginning to think you were mute."
"No, I'm just really shy. I don't talk much even at my boarding school. I attended Sacred Heart for Young Ladies. I'm here on vacation. I don't have many friends. So shall we go join the dance? I'm very good at dancing."
"Kay! Then after class maybe you could show me the garden? I've a feeling you are great at gardening."
"How you guess that?"
"Because you smell as sweet as all the flowers and I just had a feeling."
While Chibiusa and her friends were learning to be ladies back on the Dark Storm trouble was once again brewing. The time had come to select the next target. And this time Sailor Chibi Moon wouldn't mess it up.
Queen Devi summoned her power and chanted as the Malice Flame crackled. It took a few moments but at last a picture came into focuses. It was Rosemary! Queen Devi smiled and turned to face her daughter.
"This should be a relatively easy hunt. This child is helpless and we can groom her very easy into an Unloved One. Be sure that you get her alone. We can't have the Sailor Senshi get in the line of attack for a second time. Therefore I recommend you wait till she's all alone and then take her."
"It shall be done. And don't worry, Mother. I've been putting extra training in. This time I won't fail you. Nor will I fail you, Grandfather. Give me my arrow and I shall begin this hunt."
"Be cautious, Delilah. Make certain she's unaccompanied. We need this one to help us rise to power. And make sure you collect her energy. We really need that if we are to free Father. So you know what to do."
"Yes, I know. Make sure to collect her energy. Don't worry this time no-one is getting in my way."
At the finishing school everyone was getting ready to leave for home. Just as she promised Rosemary had taken all the girls on a tour of the flower gardens. She even showed them a small sculptor of an angel she had done at her boarding school.
This place is really amazing, Rosemary. You should feel delighted to have such a beautiful place to call home. Maybe you should transfer to our school. I'm sure you'd be a lot happier." Anita suggested as she inhaled a pink tulip. The rest of the Inner Senshi were admiring the sculptures in the massive fountain.
"Yeah, we love to have you in our class. Ms. Kakyo is a very nice young woman. Everyone adores her. And we'd be your friends. You're very nice and loving." Almira complement to the adorable young girl. She and the rest of the Outer Senshi had been busy watching the trumpeter swans in the garden lake.
"Thank you. I never had friends before. I'm just too shy. But you guys make me feel so comfortable. Maybe I'll suggest it to Mother that I go to your school. It's getting late we better get back home. Your mothers will be here to pick you up in a little while. And my mother will want me to come to dinner soon. So let me walk you back. It's easy to get lost in this labyrinth of flowers."
It in next to no time became clear that you could get lost. With twilight settling in the path became harder to distinguish and the girls almost immediately found themselves lost. The enchanting garden was little by little becoming a terrifying maze and they couldn't find their way at all. They didn't comprehend the danger that they were in. For Delilah was perched upon top of a goddess statuette watching with her catlike eyes. She used her dark powers to make the maze become even more confusing.
"Come little one. Get alone so I can take you," she whispered to herself. She needed that gaggle of schoolgirls to disappear. She ran along the top of the hedges and used more of her dark powers to cause the maze to move.
"This can't be good! I swear we've been here before. I know I've seen that statue of the samurai three times already." Hiroka remarked in a frighten tone. She typically was the first one to panic.
Tracy scurried to her side and tried to calm her down. She hugged her tightly and stroked her midnight hair. "Shush, Hiroka, it's going to be okay. We'll figure this out. I promise we'll be back in time for dinner. Then we can play with our pets and listen to my mom read us a story. It's going to be okay sweetie. Now let's just calm down and figure this out."
"Maybe we should follow the stars or something," suggested Linda as she gazed up at the evening skies. The diamonds of the night were twinkle brightly. Why did the stars always seem to be in the mood to play? The constellations seemed to be laughing gleefully as they came out to play with the young princesses.
"That is actually a good suggestion, Linda. But do any of us know how to follow the stars? I mean have we learned that in school or something?" asked Rachel in a frighten tone of voice. It was common knowledge that she was terrified by the dark. She slept with a nightlight.
"I wish the kittens were here. They'd be a big help seeing how cats can see in the dark better then us humans. Stay together and lets go north and start calling for help." Chibiusa instructed her friends and they began to cry out for help.
By this time Delilah had lost her patient and decided to take matters into her own hands. She ran rapidly across the plant life and did an aerial flip and landed behind the hedge where Rosemary was standing. She took out her arrow and lined it up with her back. She then let it fly.
"AHHHHHHHH!" cried out the adorable redhead as the black vortex enveloped her.
"Rosemary!" cried Chibiusa as the vortex spun faster around her new friend. Everyone now could see for themselves what the danger was to their world and its people. Before anyone could react Delilah swoop down and threw daggers everywhere pinning the girls to the ground.
"I'm so sorry for ruining your pretty dresses. But I can't have any of you follow me or call for help. You see I need to get this little girl back home. So ciao!" Delilah said as she scooped up Rosemary and dashed away leaving behind the dumbfounded girls.
"You see? That the one who endangers our world! We can't let her get away with Rosemary! We must fight! So let transform and help!" Chibiusa asserted as she ripped herself free. Everyone manage to rip themselves and held up their transforming pens.
By now Delilah had almost made it to the exit of this confounding maze. The transformation with Rosemary was nearly complete. She was rich with love energy, precious energy, energy that would make Enzi alive once more. And best of all, that silly little twit wasn't around to stop her.
"C'mon little girl, its time we return home. Its almost dinner time and there is a feast waiting for us."
"Hold it right there!" cried out a familiar voice. Delilah eyes widen in shock as she turned around to face not one but nine little girls. Each was dressed up as a Super Sailor Senshi. Gritting her teeth she put down Rosemary and pulled out her trident.
"How dare you defile the sanctity of a flower garden! How dare you misuse the miracle works of Mother Nature for your own twisted reason! How dare you attack an adorable child seeking friends. We won't forgive you for these monstrous acts! We are pretty sailor soldiers of love and justice and in the name of the moon we'll punish you!"
"You again, Bubble Gum Brain? And it looks like you brought more little runts. You really expect me to be scared of a bunch of little girls? You're all flat-chest and no hips. I bet none of you are even able to get the cookie jar off the counter being so tiny. You're not real soldiers; you are just scared little girls in playsuits."
"We are Sailor Senshi! We are the Chibi Senshi and we are your worst nightmare!" Chibi Venus declared boldly as she threw back her golden mane. The other girls became even more bold from her words and prepared to attack.
"It's amazing how a bunch of retarded babies think they can trounce an accomplished warrior as me. I've been training for this my entire life. I was soldier while you were still suckling milk from your mommies' boobs."
"Enough with the trash talk, Sailor Dark Heart! There is only one of you and nine of us! They're no possible way for you to win. You are clearly outnumbered!" Chibi Pluto pointed out to the evil Senshi.
She let out a callous snicker and threw back her teal mane. "You may have me outnumbered, child. But I've you clearly outmatched. Observe. Rosemary! Attack with Black Lightning now!"
"As you commanded, Mistress. Black Lighting!" Rosemary said in a flat tone of voice and erupted from her dainty fingertips was painful black lighting bolts. The Inner Chibi Senshi managed to dodge the attack, but it hit Chibi Uranus and Neptune head on.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" they screamed as the dark energy ravished their tiny bodies.
"Chibi Uranus! Chibi Neptune! No!" cried Chibi Moon in horror as her friends became incapacitated from the assault. Chibi Saturn and Pluto rushed over to their sides. They could feel a pulse. It was weak but they would recover. The two Senshi stood protectively in front of their friends.
"Don't worry about them. We'll protect them! Save Rosemary!" ordered Chibi Saturn as she stood courageously in front of her friends. The rest of the Chibi Senshi nodded and got ready to attack.
Delilah let out another heartless laugh and thrust her trident forward. "Dark Heart Attack!"
Chibi Venus and Jupiter barely missed begin hit by the attack. Chibi Mercury was the first to react. She cupped her palms together and yelled "Mercury Bubble Blast!" and almost immediately a soapy fog enveloped the gardens.
"Don't think a little smog is going to stop me! Dark Heart Attack!"
"Venus Crescent Beam Smash!" Chibi Venus counter with as the two attacks collided and blew apart the fog. Before anyone got their bearings Chibi Jupiter ran from behind Delilah and shoved her to the ground.
"Take that you wicked lady! That's for trashing my friends!"
Delilah kicked her in the stomach and sent her flying. "No-one touches me and lives! Dark Heart Attack!"
"No!" cried Chibi Moon and the jewels in her hair glowed. The sound resonated loudly and blew Delilah's attack away from Chibi Jupiter. She then attacked with "Sparkling Wide Pressure!"
"Mistress! I'll protect you! Black Lightning!" cried Rosemary as she shot Chibi Jupiter in the back with the attack. She crumpled to the ground like a rag doll.
"Rosemary! Please come to your senses!"
"I'm sorry to say this, Bubble Gum Brain, but the Rosemary you knew is no-more. She is now an Unloved One. So if you don't mind we'll be leaving," as they prepared to leave on her storm cloud.
"Mars Fire Soul!"
The attack blasted the pair far apart. Delilah ran into the nearby fountain to put out the flames on her outfit. Rosemary was in close proximity temporarily knocked out against a swinging bench.
"Chibi Moon! Now!" said Chibi Mars to the young princess. She nodded and pulled out the Moon Strobe.
"Moon Love Light Purify!"
"Love Light!" cried Rosemary loudly as she awoke in her loved form and collapse unconscious to the ground.
By now Delilah had put out the flames, and what she saw made her see red. She raised her crystal trident up high and shouted "DARK WAVE ASSAULT!" A massive wave of dark energy hit all the Chibi Senshi head on and knocked them all on their butts.
"I won't forgive you retarded runts for getting in my way! I'll let you live for today because I'm late for dinner. We call this a drawl, but rests assure I'm more then capable of beating you anytime anyplace! You practically lost tonight! So I hope you realize that reality. This battle goes to no-one, but I would've been the victor. See you later Baby Senshi!" as she disappeared into the night sky.
"She sure thinks very highly of herself doesn't she?" observed Chibi Uranus as she and Neptune were help to their feet.
"Yes, she got a point though. She nearly did beat us. Though I will say I'm proud of you my friends. We didn't give up or in and we can if we work hard win all the battles to come. Right now let's get Rosemary inside. And let train even harder tomorrow so we may win against that bitch!"
"Sure thing, Chibi Moon. We'll follow you no matter what happens. We promise to win this fight," all the Chibi Senshi promised as they carried their new friend back into the mansion. All in all for their first battle they had done a pretty good job. That was saying something. Maybe just maybe they did have what it takes to be a Sailor Senshi after all.
