Sailor Moon ST: Hero Unlimited – DS Wynne


Disclaimer: Sailor Moon, Ranma ½, Star Trek, Justice League Unlimited and other properties belong to their respective owners.

Note: This is a multi-genre story.

Special note: While this story (which takes place during the "Star Trek: Ranma's Adventures") is Sailor Moon-centric, the character Ranma Saotome will have a key role in all this. Furthermore, chapters from this point on will be in a two-for-one format (TWO adventures for every ONE chapter). C&C are welcomed.


Part 9: "The Fight" & "Miracles"


In a section of Tokyo, Japan, in a ward called "Nerima", a certain "un-cute fiancée" is grumbling on her way home.

"That jerk Ranma!" Akane Tendo says, as she walked home after school. She was upset that she had to stay after school, for trying to "cover" for her fiancée's absence. What she didn't know was that Ranma was doing a favor for the ancient sorceress named Medea, and couldn't afford to create a doppelganger…as he went on a quest in the Underworld. Ranma had, however, left a "life model decoy" (LMD) in his place. The LMD was designed to emulate the actions of the original. Too bad Akane chose that day to throw a fit at Ranma's LMD for responding to the typical "Ranma-ism", which resulted said LMD become a mass of twisted circuits and wires. This, in turn, also resulted in Akane getting detention by Miss Hinako for "killing" her student.

"When I catch that jerk, I'll-"

"Miss Tendo?" says a voice.

Akane turns to see a man dressed in a dark suit and sunglasses. Already, her pervert meter was ringing.

"What do you want?"

"I am here to invite you to a special tournament of fighters. You can fight for prizes-"

"Forget it," Akane replies. "I don't know who you are. For all I know, you could be connected to the mob."

"Well, then, I shall have no choice, but to do…THIS."

The man lifts one his arms to speak into a wristwatch.

"One for the 'pit'," the man says.

Akane's senses rang out in danger.

"What-?" Akane began.

BRRRRRING!

And then both the man and Akane disappears in a shower of light.

Meanwhile, across town, another similar situation was taking place.

"I told you, I'm not interested," Makoto Kino says, as she was about to walk up the stairs to the Cherry Hill Temple in the district known as "Azabuu Juuban".

Another man dressed in black, and wore sunglasses, nods his head.

"One for 'the pit'," the man says.

Makoto felt herself dematerializing. She was familiar with such a thing, ever since she first became "Sailor Jupiter" of the famed magical girl team known as "The Sailor Scouts".

"NO-!"

BRRRRRING!

And then, Makoto and the man were gone.

However, this did not go unnoticed.

As Makoto disappears, the rest of her teammates (in civilian clothing) come running up to the scene.

"Mako-chan-!" Minako ("Sailor Venus") Aino yells in fright.

"What's going on?" Artemis the Moon Guardian asks, as she and Luna the Moon Guardian bring up the rear.

"I bet its Usagi's fault somehow," Rei says.

"Ami?" asks Luna.

Ami ("Sailor Mercury") Mizuno takes out her Mercury Computer. She ran a routine scan.

"Let's see. Standard transporter technology using a matter-energy conversion matrix…I've pinpoint the source, but-"

"But what?" Minako asks.

"I have the source: Bludhaven, New Jersey, but we can't teleport directly there."

"And why not" Rei asks.

"Simple. There is a field that is present that is designed to scatter our atoms the moment we are 'there'."

"Wait a minute. Isn't Bludhaven near Gotham City?" Minako asks.

"Yes, I believe so."

"And doesn't Usagi know Batman?"

"That is correct. In fact, I believe that they are on the same team."

"Then we should let Usagi know about this," Luna replies.

"Why should we?" Rei asks.

"Because she may know more things about what is going on than what we can come up with in a timely fashion."

"Oh."

"Wait, wasn't Usagi suppose to be here soon?" Minako asks.

"That is true," Ami says. "She told me that she needed to get a 'medical examination' completed before our meeting was suppose to have started. And considering the state of her present physical condition, there is one person that I know that could perform the procedure correctly…even if HER methodology leaves much to be desired."

Just outside of the town of Okayama, south of Tokyo, Usagi ("Sailor Moon'") Tsukino was getting her physical examination completed, which was being conducted by-

WRRRRR-

CHUNK!

"Washu, is this really necessary?" Usagi said, as she continued to hold up the tonnage that was being placed upon her shoulders at an ever-increasing weight.

WRRRRR-

CHUNK!

"No, not really," Washu says, as she checks off her examination "e-tablet". "Ranma and I made a bet to see what your upper-limits will be. He says that you won't top 100 tons, while I says that you really don't have limits."

WRRRR-

CHUNK!

"Gee, thanks," Usagi says. "What? He thinks I can't do it because I'm a girl?"

WRRRR-

CHUNK!

"Basically, yes."

WRRRR-

CHUNK!

"…"

WRRRR-

CHUNK!

"Okay, hold it," Washu says, as she stops the weight machine from placing another weight on Usagi's shoulders. "Lets see…yep, I win."

"What do you mean?" Usagi managed to say. "This thing is kinda heavy, you know."

"Hey, relax, dearie," Washu says, as she resets the weight machine. When that happened, all the weight on Usagi's shoulders were lifted, the machine disappeared.

POOF.

Usagi looked at her self in one of Washu's many mirrors. Dressed in a tank top and biker shorts, Usagi could see that she was lean, yet curvy in all the right places, and taller. She even had a little "six-pack" going there. And, of course, she could see the various tattoos that were strategically adorning her body…all of which were magical in nature. She was just glad that she could magically hide them; otherwise, her parents would freak-out if they see them.

"Wow. And you think I've gotten stronger, Washu-chan?"

"Indeed. Check this out."

Washu activated a series of holographic projects of Usagi.

"These were taken over a two-year time frame," Washu says, as she takes out her pointer.

"Yeah, after Tenchi freed you from your confinement," Usagi says, as she drank her bottled water.

"Correct. Notice that after every work out, you display the classic physic of a body-builder in the first holographic projection."

"Yeah, I do look a bit beefy," noted Usagi. "I can get bigger than that if I go 'Gammazon'."

"That is true. But, with each graphic recorded, do you notice something?"

"Yeah…I'm getting leaner. Wait, are you saying that I'm…getting stronger or something?"

"Yes, and no. You already possess the strength required to perform the same feats, but your body is becoming more efficient at accessing that strength. Same goes for your speed and stamina."

"Wow. So, what is the cause?"

"Quite a number of things. From the previous exams, we have deduced that your unique physiology is adaptable to other factors. Take Superman, for example."

"What about him?"

"You and him were intimate, at one point, correct?"

"Yes, but that was nearly seventy years ago, when I had thought that Ranma was killed during World War I."

"But you were intimate with him, correct?"

"So?"

"Well, xenomorphic physiology has the tendency to adapt foreign biological material, as well as to different environments…including those that are hostile to human life."

"So, wait, you are saying that…I adopted Kryptonian genetic material…from casual contact?"

"Well…I don't need to tell you what is involved in the process of, uh-hum, 'love-making'."

"I see," Usagi says, as she remember the time she and Clark made love that first time on their honeymoon in Paris, France. She wouldn't have mind being intimate with the future "Man of Steel" before getting married, but Clark, ever the native of America's "heartland" was a traditionalist at heart.

"So…you are saying that whenever I get intimate with a guy, I pick up their physiological characteristics?"

"More or less. Your Lunarian heritage will always remain dominate, but your physiology will actively seek out to adapt non-Lunarian genetic material as its own…as a part of your 'survival mechanism'."

"Oh. No wonder that mutant freak 'Apocalypse' is always trying to kidnap me. I mean, really."

"At any rate, your 'powers' will continue to mature, but as of right now, you do not have to absorb chi, reiki or mana to 'pump up' you physical attributes."

"Huh. So, when do I get to display 'heat vision' or something? And how strong am I anyway, and what does this mean to my kids?"

"I don't know, but, at the rate of your maturity—which is an ironic term, by the way—I say any day now. As to your other concerns: you are in the 'Class 100' range, and how this will affect your children will depend on the nature of your birth."

"Wow," Usagi says. A rating of 'Class 100', meant that beyond the 100-ton range, Usagi's strength is near limitless, and was in the range of Superman's strength range…and others like him.

"That should be something, right?"

"Well, it don't matter, anyway," says Usagi, as she picks up her towel. "I never relied on 'tricks' to be the Soldier of Love and Justice, so why start now?"

As if on cue-

"Usagi, we have a problem," Ami said, as her face appeared on a windowless view screen. "Oh, hi Washu-chan!"

"Hello, Ami-chan," Washi replied. "Are you still coming over to explore the cosmos together?"

"Sure am!"

Usagi gives Washu a weird look.

"…"

"Usagi, trust me…I really do mean exploring the cosmos."

"Washu was going back to Jurai to get reinstated as an alumni at the Science Academy, so she invited me to come along."

"And why was I not invited?" Usagi asked.

"Because…you're too busy doing your own thing," Washu says. "Besides…Ami is a fascinating person to get to know. And no, THAT was not a sexual reference either."

"…"

A little bit later, back in Nerima, Kasumi Tendo, Akane's oldest sister, hears a rumbling sound from within the bathroom. She had been getting worried about Akane, and was concerned about Ranma being absent.

"Do you know if there are something wrong with the pipes, Kasumi?" Nabiki said, as she peeked her head into Kasumi's room.

"I don't know, sister," Kasumi replies. "I will see to it that a repair man will take a look at them."

"Alright…"

"Nabiki, I am worried about Akane and Ranma, though."

Nabiki scoffed.

"They probably went on some little adventure," Nabiki replies. "I wouldn't worry about it."

"Okay, if you think I shouldn't worry…"

"Trust me, we learn soon enough about what happened THIS time. But…I can use the bath, correct?"

"Yes."

"Good. I will talk to you later."

Nabiki went to the bathroom, took off her robes, stepped into the furo. After a moment to get used to the hot water, she settled down into the small pool.

"Ahhhhhh…"

About ten minutes into her bath, she felt something coming up between her legs.

"Huh-?" Nabiki said with alarm.

"BLURGH!" Ranma said, as he burst through the water.

"Ranma, you jerk!" Nabiki said, as she attempted to cover herself.

Ranma shook his head. In spite of being wet, he looked like he went through a few rounds with Ryouga.

"Nabiki?"

"What the hell are you doing in my bath?"

"Huh? Oh!"

Ranma stood up. He had a small satchel slung around his neck and waist.

"Nabiki, get out of here!"

"I beg you pardon-!"

Suddenly, tentacles sprouted up and out of the furo…lashing about furiously. Then, one of the limbs lashed out, and grabbed Nabiki by the legs…and began pulling her down towards the drain.

"Eeek!" Nabiki cried out. Suddenly, she pictures herself as a victim from one of her "hentai" comics.

Seeing this, Ranma grunted, and formed a yellow, glowing sword (in the shape of a Katana) in his hand. Trained by the "Cyber-Knights" of the alternate world known as "Rifts Earth", Ranma can make blades made from psychic energy.

With that done, Ranma puts the weapon to good use.

"Ha!" Ranma yelled, as he took cut the tentacles down to size, freeing Nabiki in the process.

Quickly, Ranma pulls Nabiki out of the furo, and tosses her onto the ceramic tile.

PLONK!

Ranma then takes out what appears to be the eight ball billiard from his satchel. He then twists it, and resets it back in place.

"I'll see you…in HELL!" Ranma yells, as he drops the ball into the furo. He then ran to cover Nabiki with his body.

FWOOSH!

The ball contained a controlled micro-quantum singularity. The risk was that such a weapon could create and sustain a "black hole". However, such a weapon was good in shutting down spatial rifts, so the risk was worth it.

Thus, a flash of light later, everything was back to normal.

"Whoa, that was close-" Ranma began. Getting that "Dagger of Ixia" from the Underworld, while being pursued all matter of horrors, was worth the effort, if it meant securing an ally for the future…

Just then, Kasumi enters the bathroom.

"Is everything alright?"

"Just…doing some plumbing," Ranma said, as he tried to laugh it off.

Unfortunately, Kasumi took it the wrong way.

"Really, Ranma-kun, if you wish to change your engagement, you should do so in a proper way."

This, of course, embarrassed Nabiki to no end.

"Yes, you are correct," Ranma got up, as he feign tiredness. "YAWN. "Ah, man, what a day. See ya!"

"Ranma-!" Nabiki cried out.

"Really, Nabiki…what would Mother say about your forwardness?"

Nabiki merely sighed in defeat…for now.

Ranma enters the room that he shares with his father Genma. If he had to go on yet adventure…it was none too soon-

Suddenly, his modified "RAZR" phone, which Ranma keeps in "pocket space", begins to ring. And based upon the musical tone, he could tell that the wife was calling him.

"'Ranma's Love Shack', Ranma Saotome speaking," Ranma says jovially.

"Oh, please," replies Usagi over the phone. "You barely meet my 'needs' as it is."

"Ha, ha. That's VERY funny, my dear wife. Just for that remark…you ain't getting any…for a WEEK."

"Ranma, don't deprive me like that. I was JUST kidding, my husband. GAWD!"

The couple share a good-natured laugh.

"So, what's up?"

"You remember 'Roulette', Ranma?"

"Don't I ever? She was the one who got mad at me for beating her timing. As if the challenge of duplicating Herakles' 'Ten Labors'—and beating his time in the process—would be a real challenge. We met Herk WHEN he actually perform the labors, remember?"

"Yes, I do Ranma. But most of all…I remember how we celebrated your victory that night…"

"Oh, yeah-"

"Who are you talking to, Ranma-baby?" Nabiki said.

Ranma turns around to see Kasumi and Nabiki, now robed, standing behind him.

"None of your business."

"Oh, my," Kasumi says.

"Kasumi, sorry. I have an important phone call."

"I'm sure," Nabiki says, vowing to dig deep into Ranma's affairs.

"Is there something that you two need?"

"We are concerned about Akane," Kasumi says. "She hasn't come home."

"Yes, and we want to know what's going on with YOU."

"Okay. Kasumi, I'll look for Akane. Nabiki, good luck. Now, if you two can excuse, please?"

"Okay, Ranma," Kasumi said, as she sniffled.

"See what you did?" Nabiki said. "That's going to cost you."

'Oh, brother'," Ranma says, as he rolled his eyes. 'Great…just what I need…"

"Ranma?" Usagi said over the phone.

"Yes, Usako?"

"We have a situation concerning your 'True Fiancee'?"

"?"

A few hours later, underneath the streets of Bludhaven, the fight promoter known as "Roulette" surveys the ring beneath her booth, which was part of a large complex known as "The House". Roulette was a Caucasian woman with a love of Asian esthetics, dress and hairstyle to boot, even going as far have having the phrase "Fair Play" (written in Kanji) tattooed on her right facial cheek.

"Ah, look at this," Roulette mused to her self. "It's not everyday that we have a 'Junior Division'."

Down in the ring, a mind-controlled "Sailor Diana" and a mind-controlled "Sailor Jupiter" are fighting.

"Hammer of Diana STRIKE!" 'Diana yelled, as she leaped to lower "Mallet-sama", enhanced by the power of the goddess Diana, on 'Jupiter's head.

BOOM!

'Jupiter leaped out of the way, and countered with a-

"Jupiter Thunder CRASH!"

'Jupiter throws a 'ball" of concentrated lightning at 'Diana.

CROOM!

At the last minute, 'Diana rolled out of the way.

Back at the booth, Roulette smiled at how well the match between the strongest members of the Sailor Scouts was going. Perhaps, she should "recruit" more of these magical girls in the future-

"Not bad, huh?" says a voice from behind.

Roulette turns to see Ranma munching a bag of popcorn. She was about to reach a hidden button…

"Don't bother calling for back-up," Ranma says, as he went over to the observation window, and sat down at a nearby seat. "Even as I speak, your operations were being shut down…with the help of Black Canary and that pompous jerk the Green Arrow. It seems that Wildcat needed to test his strength—again—in order to not show his age. And since 'Canary is HIS former student, she needed help to get him out of this…nonsense."

"Impossible!" Roulette says. "Wildcat HAS to perform…the crowd expects him to fight. I'll be ruined!"

"Actually, I have a plan that just might be of help your finances…if you promise never to abstain from 'recruiting' ANY of the magical girls."

"Why, because they are your friends?"

"No, because they are girls…and girls shouldn't fight."

Ranma smiled, as Roulette nearly blew her stack. Purposely being a misogynist around the non-meta "super-villain" was always fun.

"FINE. What is your plan?"

"You'll see," Ranma says, as he picks up the PA microphone. Using voice mimicry, a skill developed in his "spy days", Ranma spoke in Roulette's voice.

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! We have a surprise announcement. Tonight, we have a three-way match between Sailors Diana and Jupiter…and Sailor Chiba-Chiba!"

Down in the ring, a redheaded little girl with tiny "odangos", enter the ring.

"Chiba-Chiba!" the girl says gleefully.

Above, Green Arrow fumed.

"Ranma can't let a little kid get hurt like that!" said the archer. "I'm going down there-"

"At ease, cowboy," said the cat suit wearing "Wild Cat", as he held Green Arrow's arm. "I've known Saotome and 'Bunny' since the War, so I know to trust his judgment."

"Hmmm," 'Canary mused. 'At least Wild Cat now realized that he was getting used by the witch…'

Once the bets were made, Sailors Jupiter and Diana pounced on Chiba-Chiba.

"YAH-!"

"Chiba!" Chiba-Chiba yells, as she clapped her hands.

BOOM!

The sudden shockwave fanned out, as it destroyed not only the ring itself, stunning the combatants into submission, but the arena at large.

"Wow," 'Canary says. "And here I thought that my sonic scream was potent…"

"CHIBA!" 'Chiba-Chiba danced in victory.

"You…you…!" Roulette began.

"You should check you take, Roulette-chan," Ranma says.

Roulette stops for a moment to think. She DID just make a hefty sum of cash…

"Fine, you win…and fair's fair," Roulette says.

Ranma nods in reply. Too bad that the only thing that Roulette picked up from her grandfather, the original "Mr. Terrific", was the idea of fair play. Thanks for small favors.

"So, who is the girl? Your daughter?"

"No. Who do you THINK is down there?"

Roulette thought for a moment. Then, it dawned on her.

"The Moon Princess."

"Nothing gets by YOU, huh?"

The next day, things are back to normal…too bad for Ranma.

"Ranma, get back here!" Akane said, as she hobbled across the yard on her crutches. "I want to know what happened to me!"

"Nyahh!" Ranma replied, as he made his escape.

"I'm going to find out about your secrets, Saotome," Nabiki replied.

And back at the Cherry Hill Temple, a similar scene was taking place.

"Usagi, come on!" Makoto says, as she hobbled across the yard on her crutches. "You got to tell me what had happened."

"It's nothing, Mako-chan," Usagi said, as she was about to make HER escape. "Don't worry about it, okay?"

Rei harrumphed to her self, as she swept the yard of leaves. Of course, she knows what had happened, because she is really the Martian Manhunter, a member of the Justice League. Although she is technically "asexual", as all Martians were (a joke that Usagi likes to make on a regular basis), R'ei H'no was equally comfortable as the female "Rei Hino" and the male "John Jones". She was thinking about reproducing someday, but first, she has to deal with her fear of fire whenever she is in her natural state-

"Maybe I can help you," says a voice.

Rei turns around to see a reddish demon (complete with tiny horns and a "devil's tail") standing in front of her, dressed in a black business suit.

"Stand back, demon!" Rei yells, as she gives off a warding sign.

"Do not worry," the demoness says, as she raised her hands in mock surrender. "I only wanted to talk to you about your 'pyrophobia'…Martian."

"Wha-what do you mean?"

"My name is Doctor Aubrey Sparks," the demoness says, as she gives Rei her business card. "But you can also call me by my 'hero' name: Scorch."

Rei thought for a moment. While it is unusual for demons to work on the side of good, it has happened before.

After a careful scan of Scorch's intentions, Rei accepts to card. It looked professional enough…

"Normally, I would have came here in my mortal guise, but…I felt that trust needed to be established first.

"That sounds fair…"

"I am participating in an international conference here in Tokyo, so I will be here for a few weeks. Contact me if you are interested. Good day."

As Scorch turns around and leave, she assumes a human appearance.

'Hmmm," Rei mused, as she examines the business card. Maybe…she can cure herself of her phobia after all…

The next day, Rei, as the Martian Manhunter, performs his administrative duties aboard the Justice League satellite. Unfortunately, it included denying requests.

"What do you mean, 'no'?" says the master escape artist "Mister Miracle". Wearing a colorful suit and green cape, the New God and his wife, Big Barda, wanted help from the Justice League to rescue a friend from war-torn Apokolips. Ever since Lord Darkseid's disappearance, his minions were fighting for control. Now, Miracle was being blackmailed by Granny Goodness (an old, yet powerful disciplinarian) to rescue Kalibak, Orion and Atalanta's younger brother from the clutches of fascist Baron Vundarbarr. Vundarbarr and the Granny wanted to use Kalibak to secure their power on the world of the dark New Gods.

"I'm sorry, but I cannot authorize that mission," the Manhunter says. "The last thing the 'League wants is a unified Apokalips to come HERE."

Barda was a little less diplomatic than her husband Miracle. After all, she was once the leader of the Furies of Apokalips.

"You are nothing more than a coward!" Barda raged. "Aren't you?"

'Stay calm, R'ei," the Martian thought to himself. 'You are NOT Rei Hino, at the moment.'

Meanwhile, Ranma and Usagi (as "Sailors Helios and Moon" respectively) are heading towards the Martian's direction…with the Flash annoying them along the way.

"Aw, come on, guys!" Flash says, as he zipped about. "You know how much it would mean to Linda and I if you come to the benefit."

"Wally, you know that I love you like a nephew," 'Helios says. "But I will NOT participate in her modeling show."

"But come on…you would be the hottest one there, Ranma!"

"You know, I should hit you for that-"

"We would LOVE to participate, Wally," 'Moon says.

"But-" 'Helios began.

"No 'buts', Ranma. Besides, the Rantsu Foundation IS one of the sponsors at the benefit. I would LIKE to think that you want to be more involved in our family affairs."

"Humph!"

Upping the ante, 'Moon gave 'Helios a deep kiss.

"For me, Ranma-kun?" 'Moon says, as she batted her eyes.

"Fine, no problem."

'Helios then turns to the Flash for her answer. But instead-

"Wally, why are you drooling?" 'Helios asked.

"Wow…hot lesbian action," came the reply.

"That's it. You have the count of three to get out of my face-"

"Then we will go at it alone!" Barda says, as she and Miracle stormed out of the command area.

Mister Miracle was about to say something, when he spots-

"Usagi? Ranma?"

"Hey, Scott," 'Helios says. "I thought you guys were on tour or something."

"We were, until Granny kidnapped Oberon," Barda says.

Oberon was a small man who worked as Miracle's manager.

"By WHO?" 'Moon asked.

"Granny," Barda says.

'Helios sighs. She hated Apokalips with a passion, but lately, she seems to be dealing with that world a lot lately.

She turns to her wife.

"Usagi, what do you think?"

"We go, of course," 'Moon says.

"I figure as much. And Flash?"

"Yes?"

"You're coming with us."

"HIM?" Barda yells.

"Fresh objectivity…and you know why."

Barda nods. She could tell that 'Helios would be dealing some old wounds on this rescue mission…

"No, I cannot allow it," the Martian says.

"What do you mean by that?" replies 'Moon.

"If we help end the denizens of Apokalips end their civil war, Earth might face an attack from them."

"First, I and Ranma are also 'Founding Members" of the 'League. And I happen to be the leader of the Sailor Scouts, R'EI. But putting that aside, I owe the citizens of New Genesis a lot, so I will do what it takes to help THEM out whenever possible."

"And besides," 'Helios begins, "I have a plan…"

"Oh?" the Martian replied.

A little bit later-

BOOM!

Sailors Helios and Moon, the Flash, Mister Miracle and Big Barda appear in a desolate area of the galaxy-wide planet of Apokolips. Already, the stench of decay and misery was affecting the likes of the Flash.

"Ehhh!" the Flash complained. "What is THAT smell?"

"That is smell of DEATH, fool," Barda says.

"Barda…" Miracle sighed.

'Moon was looking around the area. And then, she looked towards 'Helios.

"Ranma," 'Moon began. "This is-"

"I know," 'Helios replied. "Armaghetto."

Usagi knew that Armaghetto would hold a fascination to both Ranma AND herself. It was this place where they became acquainted with the dark planet. Armaghetto is where one goes to if he or she wants to become cannon fodder. And it was here where Ranma is particular suffered a rather personal defeat.

"You okay, Ranma?" the Flash asks.

"Uh, yeah," replied 'Helios. "If Vundarbarr has Kalibak, then most likely he's been held in at the 'Tower of Pain', since he obviously want to 'ensure' that fool's loyalty."

"What course of action do you suggest, then?" Miracle asked.

"You take care of Vunarbarr; Usagi and I will pay a visit to Granny."

"Well, in the meantime, we need to deal with those things!" Flash says, as he points out…the PARADEMONS!"

Parademons were the bio-engineered "shocktroops" in Darksied's army. They did remind 'Helios of those 'flying monkeys" from the old movie 'Moon liked so much…

"I don't time for this," 'Helios said, as she raised her right palm. "Solar Flare FLASH."

'Helios released a directed blast of solar-based energy. As the Senshi of Sol, 'Helios can tap into the power of the Sun.

"SKREEE-!" began the lead parademon.

FWOOSH!

A wide swath was cut through the horde, leaving nothing but ash.

"Not bad," Flash says, as he nods with approval.

"When you get Kalibak, we will meet at the Valley of Pain," 'Helios says.

"Right," Miracle says. "Barda, Flash- you're with me."

"Good luck, you three," 'Moon says.

And with that, the five split up.

A short time later, the two Sailor Scouts arrive at Granny Goodness' "orphanage"…where the entire "Female Furies" have been assembled.

"Why, hello…Your Majesty," Granny Goodness sneers. "I welcome your return…Queen Tigra."

'Helios wanted to bash Granny for that insult, knowing the leader of the Furies knew that she prefers being a guy.

"My…marriage to Darkseid was a sham…and you know it," 'Helios replied. "And my name isn't 'Tigra'."

"Be as it may, you have…certain rights as to your station on Apokolips. You could…reclaim them."

"And you know that I would accept them," 'Helios says.

"Then this meeting is adjourned-"

"Hold it!" 'Moon says. "As the Moon Princess, you are obligated to have an open dialog with me by writ of treaty. And THAT treaty was signed between my mother and Darkseid."

"Darkseid is no longer with us, child," Granny says. "So…what do you have to offer for Oberon's life? And yes, you being here is the reason for all this."

Granny straightens herself out.

"So, the chose is yours. You can take the throne, and take your rightful place as the Lord of Apocalypse or you have dear Scott bring Kalibak to me. Or, you can let Oberon die for your pride."

"Yes, Sister," says the present leader of the Furies Bernadette. She wore green, and was an expert swordswoman. "Return to the fold, and reclaim your rightful place."

"In mere moments, Oberon will be dead. So decide QUICKLY."

'Helios closes her eyes. She couldn't allow Oberon to die, nor could she allow Kalibak to fall under Granny's control. And then, she felt 'Moon's hands. They felt warm.

'Go!' 'Moon thought telepathically. 'MOVE!'

'Helios realized that 'Moon was lending her power to her. Now, 'Helios, having trained on Chikyuu to move at "invisible speed", was still not as fast as the fastest man alive, The Flash. However, with Usagi's added power…she might just have a chance.

'Helios began to move within the moments, thanks to her knowledge of Time. As she moved, Granny and the Furies seemed like statues to her. She searched Granny's orphanage, relying on her past experience as the Fury "Tigra". Finally, she came across Oberon, who was about to be sliced in half. Now freed, 'Helios took Oberon into her arms, went for 'Moon, and left for the rendezvous site.

To a normal person, 'Helios and the others seemingly disappeared.

"Granny, they disappeared!" Bernadette says, as she and the others looked around wildly.

"I KNOW that!" Granny replied. "Someone should check on that little fool-"

"Granny?"

"What?"

"There something written on your forehead," Bernadette says, as she hands Granny a mirror.

"Give me THAT!" Granny says, as she examines herself. On her forehead were the words: "Idiot".

"Damn you-!"

It took Granny weeks to get rid of the word, which was written in permanent ink.

In the end, Kalibak was freed from Vundabarr's clutches, and was placed under the custody of SHIELD…thereby insuring that Apocalypse will remain chaotic.

A few hours later…

"I tell you, Ranma," the Flash says, as he and 'Helios were heading for the cafeteria. "If it hadn't been for me, we wouldn't have made it back in time."

"Well, just be glad that the Martian Manhunter had worked to get SHIELD approval for our little jaunt," 'Helios says. "Otherwise…it would have been a wasted effort."

As they enter the cafeteria, everyone crowds around 'Moon eating tons of food. Apparently, giving up so much energy caused her to starve.

"Um, Usagi?" 'Helios began.

"No talk…must eat," 'Moon replied, as she continued to eat immensely.

"You know…what Meatball-head is doing seems like a good idea," Flash says. "You're in?"

"I'm already there," 'Helios says, as she and the Flash engaged in some feeding of their own.

Next time: "Doom" and "X"