Disclaimer: Do not own either "Fist of the North Star" or "Sailor Moon."
Author's Note: Its been a while since I updated but I was getting owned this week and hardly had time to write. Anyway, enough of that. Here is the next chapter.
Nephrite was in deep concentration as he stood in the midst of gigantic mansion. Before him was a hologram of all the stars in Heaven glittering brilliantly.
"Power from the great beyond heed my call. I ask to know how I can deal with this band of vigilantes that constantly get in my way." requested Nephrite before the hologram before him.
The stars shifted as they flew toward the center. A luminous light exploded into view, obscuring Nephrite's vision for a few moments before he saw what he was looking for.
There was a blond girl whom he recognized as one of the vigilantes out there trying to stop his plans of energy gathering. Beside her was another girl with ginger hair and green eyes. The vision soon began to zoom into the ginger haired girl, who seemed to be trying to convince her more serious blond haired friend into doing something.
I have seen that girl before. She was over at the tennis courts when I first started on my assignment. She seems to be very close to that cursed vigilante. Perhaps I can abduct her and force the vigilantes out. With a hostage I can perhaps gain the upper hand. But where can I find the girl?
Before Nephrite could go any further in his musing he was disturbed by an effeminate laugh from behind him. He turned swiftly, wondering who would dare trod onto his domain, and found, to his utter disgust, Zoicite.
"Wasting time reading fairy dust yet again Nephrite?" asked the effeminate man mockingly.
Nephrite scowled as he heard this. He had no time to waste on his associate.
"What are you doing here Zoicite? Your reason had better be good lest I carve a hole through you." growled Nephrite in disgust.
"My, my, how touchy. You better stay that temper of yours, killing the messenger is highly frowned upon." responded Zoicite with a grin.
"Messenger? Pray what message do you intend to share with me then?" asked Nephrite in slight confusion.
"Our queen wishes for an audience with you. She is curious to know of your progress." responded Zoicite with a malicious grin once more, as if he was looking forward to this meeting.
Nephrite, on the other hand, was sweating.
Shit. I know that our queen is not going to be in a good mood. I have yet to collect the energies that I have promised her. I am not going to look forward to this.
"Very well. Let us go." responded Nephrite sternly as he closed his eyes and teleported out of his mansion.
Zoicite promptly followed in a flash of rose petals.
In the hall of Queen Beryl in the Dark Kingdom, Nephrite grimaced as he was getting chewed out by his superior.
"I am highly disappointed in you Nephrite. Not only have you not obtained the energy that I was promised but you have managed to kill off three more of our youma. Perhaps I should remind you that we do not possess limitless resources and that anymore squandering may result in your undoing Nephrite." growled Queen Beryl in anger and frustration.
"My lady, it is not my fault. It is those vigilantes that constantly thwart my plans. They are to blame!" cried Nephrite out in his defense.
At once Queen Beryl stood up and a dark, red aura engulfed her body as a massive power wave surged through the entire hall. Both Nephrite and Zoicite found themselves on their knees, gritting their teeth in pain while the monsters behind them wailed in agony.
"Enough! Your blathering has me reminded of that worthless Jedite! I suggest that you stop making excuses for your short comings and brief me on a possible plan on the works or so help me, if you don't, I'll have you imprisoned and left to starve!" roared Queen Beryl as she exuded more of her power, her hair now standing on end.
Zoicite found himself soon laying on the ground, barely able to keep conscious while Nephrite, still on his knees, was bowed down even more by the surge of power. Soon, Queen Beryl let up and she soon calmed down and took her seat back on the throne.
Both Zoicite and Nephrite stood back up, their legs shaky. While Zoicite was indeed frightened, Nephrite was nearly petrified. He found his entire body trembling, his teeth chattering and his body cold all of all sudden.
It was rare that Queen Beryl displayed any portion of her power but when she did, it was a frighting prospect indeed.
Queen Beryl was aware that her subordinates were more than likely frightened beyond belief at the moment and she allowed them some time to compose themselves. After about five minutes she noticed that neither Zoicite nor Nephrite were planning in getting over their fright so soon. Queen Beryl's face soon softened as she spoke.
"I apologize that I have lost my temper. It is not fitting for a monarch such as myself to lose composure like this but the lack of progress has grated on my patience. Come now my children do not cower at the sight of me. Your lives are in no immediate danger." said Queen Beryl in a soothing, almost pleasant voice.
The change in the queen's demeanor was enough to get Zoicite and Nephrite out of their frightened stupors even though they were still on edge. Seeing that they could now look at her without quivering Queen Beryl soon saw it was safe to proceed.
"Now, Nephrite. Let us go back to why I have summoned you here. These vigilantes have hindered your plans you say. Do you have some sort of plan in dealing with them?" asked Queen Beryl calmly.
Nephrite, now no longer so spooked, found himself able to speak.
"I-I apologize for not having responded sooner. M-My p-plans are to lure the vigilantes out by capturing one of their friends and holding them hostage. The girl in question goes by the name of Osaka Naru. She is a good friend of the vigilantes and her capture will give us a decisive advantage." responded Nephrite with a bit of a stutter.
"That plan is actually quite viable. How cunning of you Nephrite, I would have expected something like this from Zoicite but not yourself. However, do you have any idea how to capture the girl?" asked Queen Beryl.
"Unfortunately I do not. That is still currently in the works but rest assured I will succeed in this plan." responded Nephrite.
"Very well. I leave this operation to you. Do not fail me however. Already my patience wears thin." warned Queen Beryl.
"Understood." responded Nephrite as he then teleported out of the Dark Kingdom.
Naru was in her room as she lay on her bed amidst all the stuffed animals and boy band posters. She had been feeling rather odd as of late and she could not help but feel as if something was eluding her.
Usagi...
Indeed, her blond friend had been on her mind lately. She did not know why but she felt that her best friend was hiding things from her. This concerned the ginger haired girl. Usagi never kept any secrets from her but now she could not help but feel that Usagi was getting more and more distant lately.
Not only that but her best friend seemed somehow...different.
She was not as spontaneous as before, nor was she as boy crazy or as lazy. It was almost as if Usagi had taken a 180 degree about face when it came to her behavior and personality. She noticed that her friend now was on time for class, completed all her assignments and even had one of the higher grades in class.
Usagi no longer wanted to shop with her nor did she want to look at boys or gossip.
Her best friend was so quiet nowadays and her eyes.
Those blue orbs once shining with youth and hope were now dark, full of sorrow and burden yet powerful with a resolve of iron.
Naru tried her best to ignore it but she knew that her best friend had changed. Perhaps not for the worst, (it was actually for the better in some cases) but the girl she hung around with was no longer the Usagi she knew.
There had to be a reason for that and she was going to find out.
Tomorrow she was going to find out.
Nephrite was in full disguise as Maxfield Stanton as he traversed in the public of Juuban. As he was walking about he tried to think about the girl he saw in his vision and exactly how he could get his hands on her.
I know that she is young, a human juvenile only fourteen or so years of age. This would mean that she would be in middle school. That narrows my search down considerably but it is still a great task. There are many middle schools in this area hundreds of students in each one.
The Dark General was so deep in his thoughts that he did not see the person walking toward him and soon found something collide with him.
While the force of the collision was not enough to knock him off his feet he immediately looked over who ran into him and his eyes widened.
There, on the ground, was the ginger haired girl with green eyes, Osaka Naru. Nephrite could not help but smile at his good fortune.
The stars indeed have aligned in my favor. I can put my plan into motion soon. I just have to make sure that I play this right.
At once he offered his hand to the girl on the ground and could not help but grin inwardly as she blushed. He knew that human women found him desirable and was glad that this girl was no different.
"I'm sorry. I was so lost in my thoughts that I was not looking at where I was going." said Nephrite.
Naru found herself blushing uncontrollably at the sight of the man before her. She took the hand that was offered and was soon pulled up.
"M-Maxfield Stanton! I-I did not mean to run into you! I was in a hurry to school you see and-"
"Calm down. I'm not angry or anything. It's not everyday that you run into a such a pretty girl." said Nephrite with as much sincerity as possible.
The desired effect was immediate. The girl's face couldn't get any redder.
"O-Oh you're making me blush. I'm so embarrassed." said Naru as she placed her two hands on her cheeks.
"You know, I have seen you before. You were at the tennis match not long ago, weren't you?" asked Nephrite.
"Y-You remember me? Yeah, I was there!" said Naru.
"Of course I would remember you. You are far too pretty to forget." replied Nephrite, playing up with his flattery.
It was working like a charm as Naru now seemed to be in a daze. Her eyes held nothing but utter admiration for the man before her. Nephrite was pleased with the sight. So much so that he was sure that he could get this girl to do anything he wanted with her.
"As you know, I am a very busy man. There are times when I feel like I have no time for anything. However, perhaps you can help me. Do you happen to know this girl by any chance?" asked Nephrite as he held out a photo. It was one of Usagi.
Naru's eyes widened in surprise as she saw this. How did this important man know Usagi.
"Yes, she is my best friend. What about her?" asked Naru, her voice becoming wary.
"Nothing much. I just want to speak to her is all. I know that you can help me." replied Nephrite with a smile.
Naru, who had been riding on a huge high, suddenly felt struck down.
Usagi? Why does he want to speak with her? I bet it is because he saw her and wants to go out with her or something. Oh why is Usagi so lucky? She's so pretty she can get any man she wants. Why? Why can't anyone pay attention to me? Damn it Usagi, why don't let me have a chance for once?
At once the ginger haired girl put a hand over her mouth in response. She could not believe what she was thinking.
A-Am I jealous of Usagi? That she has gotten Maxfield's attention?
Nephrite's grin faltered when he noticed how quiet and pensive Naru had suddenly become. Though he was no mind reader he could guess at her silence.
The girl got unusually quiet as soon as I mentioned her friend. Could it be that she harbors some sort of envy for her? This is too good. The girl has unwittingly made herself just that more useful to me.
"I understand that perhaps you are confused by this. Don't worry. It is just that I want to speak to her is all. If you can get her to come meet me perhaps I we can go and get some ice cream sometime together. My treat." said Nephrite.
The desired effect was immediate as the ginger haired girl's eyes suddenly widened before her face flushed red once again. Her smile soon returned as she stared at Nephrite with eyes of adoration.
"Of course! Count on me! I'll bring her to you! Just don't forget your promise!" warned Naru.
Nephrite was jubilant inside. He could not believe just how easy it was to get this girl to cooperate. Not only could he now take her hostage but he was guaranteed the life of one of those damn vigilantes.
"I won't forget. Remember, bring her to me. We'll meet inside the shopping center tonight at 11:00 PM. I own the shopping center so I can keep it open even when it closed." said Nephrite with confidence.
"I'll do it!" beamed Naru.
"Perfect."
It was such a funny thing.
The night before Naru was so worried about her friend becoming more and more distant from her. However, since her meeting with Maxfield Stanton she had suddenly felt better than ever. The fact that her friend was not as close to her as before did not seem so important.
So when lunch time rolled around she managed to get Usagi alone as they ate on the roof top. She knew what she had to say.
"Umm...Usagi I want to ask you. Do you remember who Maxfield Stanton is?" asked Naru a bit in nervousness.
Kenshiro turned to regard the girl. While she was initially surprised by this question she kept a cool facade. If Naru was in somewhat connected to Maxfield Stanton then perhaps they could get a lead on the monsters and what the enemy planned to do next.
"Yes." replied Kenshiro sternly as she continued to eat her food.
"Well you can choose to believe me or not but Maxfield Stanton wants to talk to you. We bumped into each other while I was on the way over here to school and he told me that he wanted to meet you. I wonder why? Do you know him somehow?" asked Naru in curiosity.
Kenshiro could not help but be surprised by this tid bit. She was sure that Naru was being sincere in her words. However for the enemy to inquire about her was unusual indeed.
I wonder what this Maxfield character is up to. This may be my chance to go in and figure out just what exactly is going on. Then again, this could be a trap as well. I can refuse but this will blow a golden opportunity. Perhaps I'll go but I must tread carefully.
"Its very difficult to believe that you managed to meet someone as important as Maxfield Stanton on the way over here. I see no reason as to why he would want to speak to me. I know him just as well as you do." replied Kenshiro.
"Oh I don't know. But please, can you do this for me? As a friend?" asked Naru, almost begging.
Kenshiro never planned to deny the request but somehow she could sense a ulterior motive in Naru's actions. She would have to ask about that later.
"I will go and meet him if he so insists. When and where and I'll join you." asked Kenshiro.
"Meet me in front of my mom's jewelry store at 10:45 PM. From there we will go to the shopping mall." said Naru.
"So be it."
Kenshiro had initially wanted to tell either Toki and Rei or Luna about this turn of events but she did not want to risk jeopardizing the meeting. If either of the other girls showed up then this Maxfield Stanton character could refuse to meet with them.
While knowing that this meeting could be a trap Kenshiro was confident in her strength to hold her own if push came to shove. She would do this alone and brief Toki once this whole ordeal was done and over with.
When nightfall came and she was sure that everyone in the house was asleep, the blond haired girl made her way out and soon headed toward the jewelry shop.
It was not long when she managed to get there and saw an nervous looking Naru standing there.
"I hope that I did not make you wait long." said Kenshiro in slight concern. Even in times like this it was not safe for a girl Naru's age to be out too long at night.
"It's okay, I did not wait long. Let's go." said Naru.
For a while there was an awkward silence between the two girls as they made their way over to the shopping mall.
While Kenshiro did not mind the silence, Naru was definitely put out with it.
The Usagi she knew would have been ecstatic, even going ballistic, with the prospect of talking to the richest, most handsome foreign business man in Japan.
But here was Usagi now walking toward the meeting place with neither a smile or smirk about it. It was almost as if she didn't even want to talk to him.
This had disturbed the ginger haired girl greatly and her fears of Usagi becoming distant with her had suddenly began to resurface. The silence continued until the two girls finally managed to get inside the shopping center, which was still open. As they walked toward their destination inside the mall, Naru soon began to speak.
"So...are you excited?" asked Naru, hoping that perhaps she was going crazy and that beneath that serious exterior was the Usagi she knew and loved.
"Can't say that I am. I'm only doing this because you asked me to." replied Kenshiro sternly as she continued walking.
Naru seemed to have frozen on the spot. That answer alone seemed to confirm her worst fears. That the Usagi she knew was suddenly gone and replaced by something...different.
She felt something on her eyes and suddenly realized that there were tears.
Why? Why am I crying over this? It's not like Usagi is dead, she's right in front of you! But then I feel like I'm talking to a complete stranger when I'm around her nowadays. Where are you Usagi? Why have you changed? Is it something at home? A boy? Anything? Why won't you tell me?
Despite her despairing thoughts, Naru suddenly found herself chuckling to herself. This got Kenshiro's attention as the blond turned around to regard Naru, who seemed rooted to the spot she was standing on.
"Funny. The Usagi I know would probably be jumping in joy at the fact of meeting with Maxfield Stanton." said Naru in a pained voice.
"What does this have to do with anything? Let's go, we're wasting time." replied Kenshiro curtly.
Naru suddenly began to see red as she suddenly shouted.
"What's wrong with you Usagi? You have been acting so strange; so much so that I feel like I don't even know you!" cried Naru in frustration.
Kenshiro narrowed her eyes as she saw the ginger haired girl going into hysterics. While she initally blamed Maxfield for doing this to her she suddenly realized that the girl's frustrations were genuine.
"Nothing is wrong is me. This is who I am and that is that." replied Kenshiro once more.
"No, you are not like this! The Usagi I know talks about boys non-stop. The Usagi I know would rather die than say no to a shopping spree. The Usagi I know would not keep secrets from me! But you have changed so much! You always say no when I ask if we can go shopping. You never talk about boys anymore. You haven't even come and spent the night at my house. What's wrong with you Usagi? Why won't you tell me? Is it a boy? Is it your family? Why can't you trust me enough to tell me?" cried Naru.
Kenshiro was rather surprised at this revelation. While she knew that she could never replace the real Usagi she really did her best to not draw suspicion. However, she figured that this was going to happen sometime. What with all the training and monster fighting she had been doing lately and she could understand why Naru would think she was becoming distant.
"I did not think you would take this so hard." replied Kenshiro sincerely.
"Usagi, I know that I am not the smartest person in the world but somehow I get the feeling that perhaps you don't want to be my friend anymore. Ever since you started talking to that Mizuno girl and that other girl from the Catholic Academy across town you started to hang out with me less and less. Tell me Usagi...am I boring? Do I annoy you? Or is it perhaps you have just...outgrown me." said Naru softly toward the end.
The blond haired girl could not help but feel like Naru's accusations were correct. She DID spend more time with Rei and Toki. But that could not be helped. They were all from the same world, one of them being her surrogate brother when they were training with Master Ryuken. She related with them better and was at ease with them. As with Toki, she had known her for her entire life.
Naru, in truth, was just an ordinary fourteen year old girl. She was not a hardened warrior like them and thus could not relate to them. On the flip side, Kenshiro had none of the same interests as Naru did.
Kenshiro would not deny it. She had grown to care for Naru and was often concerned for her safety.
But in Kenshiro's eyes, Naru was only a child, not a comrade or friend. She was a child that needed to be taken care of and kept an eye on.
In a rare act of tenderness, Kenshiro went forward and placed her hand on Naru's chin and lifted her head up so that their eyes met.
"U-Usagi?"
"I am sorry if I have come across as cold and indifferent to you. I have taken your friendship for granted and it pains me to see you like this. I will not lie, I am different and have changed from the friend you know. Circumstances have made it so and it could not be helped. Unfortunately I am not at liberty to tell you why. Please, I only ask that you understand." replied Kenshiro rather tenderly.
Naru did not know what to think. Her friend was acting so mature, so caring yet it was still so alien coming from her mouth.
"You're right. You are different. The Usagi I know would be crying right now. Which would make me cry. Maybe I'm being selfish. I know that I can't be your only friend forever and that you have other people to spend time with. I also know that we all change as time comes along. I only wish that it didn't have to be so sudden. You grew up far too fast for me Usagi and I'm scared that you'll abandon me. I-I don't want to lose you like that." lamented Naru once more.
"You won't." replied Kenshiro.
"What?"
"Don't worry. While it may be hard to believe I do value your friendship. We are at a cross roads in which our interests no longer correlate with one another. But that does not mean that our friendship is at an end. I won't abandon you as long as you don't do so with me." replied Kenshiro sincerely.
"Oh Usagi!" cried Naru as she hugged her blond haired friend, squeezing her tight.
Kenshiro could not help but stiffen up at such intimate contact. She was still not used to anyone being this tender to her. However she soon relaxed and hesitantly placed an arm around Naru.
"Friends forever?" asked Naru.
Kenshiro could not help but think this was terribly childish. But she was not going to deny this girl her happiness. She would be her friend and be there for her.
"Forever indeed." replied Kenshiro.
"How cute. To see you two like that almost brought a tear to my eye." said a cruel voice.
At once Kenshiro placed Naru behind her as the blond put her guard up.
"Show yourself. I know that you are here." commanded Kenshiro.
"Very well." replied the voice.
Before the two girls was Maxfield Stanton. But wait, this was different. He was not wearing his usual sporty clothes but instead a military uniform of some sort. That and he was levitating in mid-air, something a human should not be able to do.
"M-Maxfield Stanton?" asked Naru in a bit of fear.
"Why yes its me my dear. And what a prize indeed. Thank you so much for luring this little annoyance over here so that I can dispose of her." said Nephrite cruelly.
Naru's eyes widened in surprise and fear.
Dispose? What does he mean by that!
It was then that Nephrite suddenly disappeared from view and before either Kenshiro or Naru could react, Nephrite had gotten to Naru and promptly held her with a vice grip before leaping back a far distance before Kenshiro could retaliate.
"Let her go." commanded Kenshiro.
"How about we do this instead. You let me kill you will in the most agonizing, painful death you can imagine for foiling my plans and I'll let her go afterwards. Does that sound fair?" asked Nephrite in mockery.
Kenshiro started to crack her knuckles as she walked forward toward Nephrite with the captive Naru without the slightest bit of fear.
"I'm not going to tell you again. Let her go." commanded Kenshiro more sternly this time.
"You bitch! You can't order me what do! That lip will cost your friend her life if you keep that up!" roared Nephrite.
"U-Usagi! Please help me!" cried Naru in fright.
Nephrite growled as he then grabbed the girl's arm and pulled it backward at an odd angle, making the girl gasp in pain.
"You shut up there. You speak one more time and I'll break your arm, got it." threatened Nephrite as he tugged at her arm, making her whimper out some more.
Naru could not believe this was happening. It was like a terrible nightmare. She found herself crying as she knew that she was probably as good as dead.
"You better stop that." threatened Kenshiro without remorse.
"I'll kill her. She's your best friend and I'll kill her. I'll tear her apart before your eyes." threatened Nephrite.
"Let me make this clear. You let her go and you may live. You kill her and you die. It's as simple as that." threatened Kenshiro as she was never one to bow down to blackmail.
Naru could not believe this. The Usagi she knew would be bawling right now in utter fright and panic. This Usagi, however, seemed to be taking things in stride. She looked so brave and confident.
"I'm not bluffing here! I'll really kill her!" roared Nephrite.
"Then what are you waiting for?" asked Kenshiro sternly.
"You asked for it!" roared Nephrite as he raised his arm ready to let loose some dark energy meant to kill Naru.
Naru screamed in terror at the fact that she was going to die and closed her eyes awaiting the death blow.
However, the blow never came and she opened her eyes to see, in utter shock, Usagi standing right in front of her as she held Maxfield's arm in a vice grip by the wrist.
"Atta!"
Kenshiro at once landed a strong punch on Nephrite's face, sending him tumbling down as he let go of Naru in the process.
"Run Naru...now!" commanded Kenshiro.
"But what about you?" asked Naru in concern.
Before Kenshiro could answer, she felt a strong force slam into her as a wave of black energy sent her back. Naru could only stare in horror as Usagi was sent flying several feet back and collided harshly against a wall. The blond seemed to have slumped down, unconscious.
"It looks like your brave friend is done for at the moment. I'll kill you first before going to her and drawing out her death as long as possible." cackled Nephrite.
"You monster! I can't believe you would do that!" roared Naru in defiance.
"Silence!" roared Nephrite as he backhanded the fourteen year old girl, sending her crashing down on the ground and then skidding back a few feet. Naru got on her knees and tenderly rubbed her right cheek as she stared in horror as Maxfield Stanton was hovering in mid-air.
"I'm going to end your life right now. Come to me Regulus, that of the Lionheart!" roared Nephrite.
Naru stared in horror as the entire shopping mall suddenly turned into a black void full of stars. Nephrite cackled as the stars seemed to align with one another until a form was shaped. The form took that of a fierce looking lion and it soon roared as it came to life. It landed on the ground near Nephrite. The void disappeared and they were returned to the shopping mall.
The lion was gigantic. Even on all four legs it was nearly five feet tall at the shoulder. It had a huge, crimson mane with auburn fur. It's golden eyes stared into Naru and made the girl shiver. The lion soon turned its head to Nephrite to regard him.
"Why have you summoned me Nephrite?" asked Regulus.
"I thought that after such a long nap that you would be hungry. I got dinner prepared for you." replied Nephrite with a wicked grin.
The lion looked over at Naru once more before snarling.
"That human in nothing but a mere snack to me. Perhaps I should forgo the appetizer and go straight to the main course." growled Regulus as he neared Nephrite, making his intent known.
Nephrite growled in anger as he let loose his aura. The lion roared as it came in contact with the general's power and was forced to kneel at the pressure. Once Nephrite had made his point, he relaxed once again.
The lion got up on all fours once again and growled at Nephrite before submitting. To fight Nephrite right now would be folly on the lion's part.
"I see. You have improved Nephrite. Very well, I will go after the girl and obey your wishes. But you had best be on your guard Nephrite. The next time you summon me unannounced like this will be your last." threatened the lion as he suddenly bounded forward toward Naru.
The whole time Naru was petrified at the sight and now, with this gigantic lion coming after her, she could not help but quiver in utter, paralyzed fear. She was so scared that she did not even notice the warmth coming from her crotch as she peed herself in utter terror.
Please someone help me, please someone help, someone PLEASE HELP ME! I DON'T WANT TO DIE!
Before the Regulus could pounce on Naru and make her a midnight snack, Kenshiro had suddenly intercepted him and grabbed the lion by the mane before shoving it back harshly, sending the lion flying back a bit.
The lion roared in anger and frustration as it landed and saw the blond haired girl before him.
Naru looked in awe as Usagi stood before her with a calm, white aura surrounding her body. Here was Usagi, her best friend, defending her from harm.
"Wench! As if I'll let you get away with that. I'll gnaw on your bones once I'm through with you." roared Regulus in anger.
Kenshiro cracked her knuckles as the sight and stared down the lion hard. She looked over at Nephrite and saw the man floating above ground, seemingly intrigued with the events about to unfold.
She then looked over at Naru, who looked completely terrified. Kenshiro knew that she was in a bind. Naru could not run without Nephrite capturing her. Kenshiro knew that she was going to have to kill both the lion and Nephrite before they could come to any harm against Naru.
"Listen to me Naru. I want you to stay still and be calm. I won't allow them to hurt you." said Kenshiro as she smiled softly at Naru.
Naru could help but feel better despite the fact that Usagi was going up nearly impossible odds. She could only hope.
"I hope you are ready wench. I'll make sure to keep you alive so that you can see your own guts while I chew on them." growled Regulus.
"You clearly have no idea who you are going up against. The art of Hokuto Shin Ken knows no defeat. Be you man, beast or devil it makes no difference to me." replied Kenshiro sternly.
At once Naru's eyes widened when she heard that.
Hokuto what? What is Usagi talking about?
"Let's put that to the test. Here I come!" roared Regulus as he bounded forward and jumped in the air.
Kenshiro jumped up as she drove both hands towards the underside of the lion's forelegs. She knew that this animal was particularly weak in that area.
Regulus roared in pain as he felt the blond dig her fingers under his forearms. The lion turned his head down for a bite.
Kenshiro saw this and was forced to abandon her plan as she moved out of the way. The lion soon roared once more before running toward her and swiping a paw at the blond haired girl. Kenshiro was able to pull her face back from the swipe and sent a finger out toward the lion's eye. She dug in harshly as the lion roared in pain.
Knowing that the lion was going to retaliate, Kenshiro jumped back, expecting another swipe from the lion. However, the lion saw the girl jumping back and proceeded to open his mouth and let loose some a blast of red energy.
Kenshiro was caught off guard and was knocked down harshly by the blast. Regulus took this opportunity as he jumped up and soon landed on top of the blond haired girl.
"USAGI!" cried Naru as she saw the lion suddenly overtake her friend.
The blond knew that she was in trouble as she felt the lion's huge body press against her. The lion soon bent down and tried to bite down her throat intent in ripping it off. Kenshiro managed to move just out of the way but the lion still bit down her shoulder.
The pain was so immense that Kenshiro actually cried out a bit in pain. The lion started to bite down harder, digging his canines into the girl's scapula threatening to shatter it with his bite force.
Kenshiro knew that she had to act fast and drove both of her fingers down the neck of the lion and dug in harshly. Regulus let go of his death bite and roared loudly in pain. Kenshiro then immediately used her legs and lifted the lion up.
"Ahhh!"
The white aura around her body burned immensely as she lifted the astonished lion and kicked him off. She kipped back up into standing position.
The lion roared as it shook off its injury. Kenshiro, however, was worse for wear. She looked down her shoulder and saw a nasty bite mark there that went down deep. Her left arm was limp and lame. This was not looking good.
Regulus licked his chops as he stared down Kenshiro.
"You taste wonderful my dear." said the lion.
Kenshiro said nothing as she tried to think of a way to kill this creature. She was not familiar with the pressure points associated with animals. Toki knew of some but she was not here at the moment. Kenshiro knew that if she were in her old body perhaps she could have taken it down using brute force, just like Raoh did when Master Ryuken had presented a tiger before them and Raoh felled it in one blow.
This is going to be dangerous using this technique but with only one arm I fear I have no choice. I have to rely on Gou-ken to kill this creature.
At once Kenshiro gritted her teeth as she then lifted her right hand and dug a finger into one of her pressure points,Sekkatsukō. The effect was immediate as her body soon began to grow in size and muscle mass began to form a bit. Kenshiro felt herself growing stronger.
All the while, Naru looked on in utter shock and awe. How in the world did Usagi have the power to fight this supernatural creature with only her bare hands? It did not makes any sense.
Usagi what has happened to you? Since when did you become so strong?
Regulus soon started to run toward Kenshiro once more. Kenshiro knew that she only had one chance at doing this. Her body was beginning to weaken and she knew that she only had a couple of minutes at most before she would collapse.
"Here I come! Ready to become dinner?" roared Regulus as he prepared himself.
"You should know that you no longer need to eat anymore." replied Kenshiro dryly.
"And why is that?" roared Regulus.
"Because you are already." replied Kenshiro sternly once more.
"You wench!" roared Regulus as he jumped into the air, teeth brandished and claws extended.
Kenshiro ever so gracefully avoided the pounce and immediately used her right arm to slam into the neck into the lion with all the force her body could afford her.
The lion did not even see the blow coming before Kenshiro managed to successfully rip the lion's head away from its body with just her right arm. The body of the lion lay on the ground twitching as the head looked on in eternal shock at its death.
If Naru was astonished before now she was absolutely gobsmacked, no, even frightened, at what Usagi had just done. That kind of strength, it was just not natural!
It was then that Kenshiro suddenly found her strength sapping as she dropped the head of Regulus and kneeled on the ground, her body sapped of all strength. It was then that both she and Naru heard some clapping.
They looked up to find Nephrite clapping in mock approval.
"That was very impressive. I can see why Jedite could not defeat the likes of you. For a mere human girl to bring down Regulus with just her bare hands is a feat worth recording amongst the stars. However, none shall remember this day as I will erase both you and your friend from the face of this Earth!" said Nephrite in a threatening voice as he held his hand out and started to charge some dark energy.
Kenshiro knew that she was done for and she also knew that even if Naru ran Nephrite would still catch her. There was nothing she could do now.
It was then that Usagi felt a hand on her back and saw, to her surprise, Naru kneeling right next to her. The ginger haired girl, who though was initially frightened by her friend's strength, was now eternally grateful that her friend saved her life.
"Usagi. Thank you so much for saving me. You have changed, more so than I even dreamed of but I know that despite all that you are a true friend. That you risked your own life to save mine. I'm so sorry that I'm not strong like you, so that I can save your life. But if it makes you feel any better I'll die with you so that you are not alone. Remember, we are supposed to be friends forever. Can't have one of us dying before the other." joked Naru despite the desperate situation they were in.
Kenshiro widened her eyes in shock. This girl was both crazy but loyal. She could not help but smile. Even if she were to die right now she suddenly realized one thing.
That Naru, despite being a child, was a true friend if she was willing to do this for her. Nobody Kenshiro had ever known, not even Toki, had shown this level of loyalty to her.
"Thank you...Naru." said Kenshiro sincerely grateful.
"Now die!" roared Nephrite as he let loose his energy attack.
The black beam made a way of destruction toward the two young teenagers but was soon stopped by a white beam of light that cancelled it out.
Naru and Kenshiro were both surprised by the turn of events but so was Nephrite.
"Who's there!" roared Nephrite.
At once Nephrite sensed an overwhelming intent to kill and moved to his side. It was a good thing as Rei had suddenly come out of nowhere and had her hand outstretched. The raven haired girl landed next to the injured Kenshiro and Naru.
Nephrite growled at the raven haired girl and was about to fire off another blast of black energy with his right arm when he suddenly realized something.
Where was his right arm?
Nephrite stared in complete horror as he saw his right arm being played with by the raven haired girl below him. Where his right arm used to be was only a bloody stump.
"You looking for this pansy head?" asked Rei in mockery as she held the arm out.
Nephrite fumed as he then held his left arm out and let loose a black beam of power toward Rei, Kenshiro and Naru.
Imagine Nephrite's shock when an aqua haired girl come out of nowhere and dispelled one of his strongest attacks with just her bare hands. The look she had in her eyes were of a murderous intent.
"I presume you are Nephrite?" asked Toki.
"You presume correct." replied Nephrite, a bit taken back at his current ordeal.
"I see. It seems that we were right. No offense but since you are part of the recent possessions lately we have no choice but to kill you." threatened Toki.
Nephrite narrowed his eyes in anger at the blue haired girl but he knew that deep down he could not take all three of these girls at one time, especially at his condition right now. He would retreat for now and come up with a better plan. He could only hope that Queen Beryl would spare him.
"I'm sorry but no killing shall be done as of now. I'll be on my." smirked Nephrite as he soon teleported away.
Toki snorted as she saw Nephrite get away but soon turned her attention toward Kenshiro, who was badly wounded.
"It looks like that character really put you out, hasn't he?" asked Rei.
"I was fighting with a minion of his. I regret to say that I barely managed to get out of that one alive. And by the way it regarded Nephrite, I would say that Nephrite is far stronger than the creature I just fought." replied Kenshiro somewhat grimly.
Toki's face darkened as she heard this. It was true that Nephrite was much stronger than Jedite but this was silly. If only a mere monster of his had done this much damage to Kenshiro then what were they going to do about Nephrite when had to fight him personally?
Toki looked over at her hand and found it burned and tingling from deflecting Nephrite's attack. She knew that the eventual battle with him wasn't going to be easy.
It was then that Toki suddenly noticed Naru and was quite surprised by her presence.
"Don't tell me that she witnessed you fight the entire time." asked Toki.
"She did." replied Kenshiro.
"Oh boy."
Naru looked on in confusion before finally making up her mind to suddenly speak.
"I know who you guys are. You are Ami Mizuno from our school. The other one is Rei I think, the priestess over at the temple. All of you seem to have these amazing powers and I noticed that Usagi has been hanging with you guys. Is it because you have been fighting these monsters on the news recently?" asked Naru.
Knowing that pleading ignorance would not work, Toki shrugged her shoulders and spoke.
"You're correct. We have been fighting these monsters in order to keep you all safe. Your friend, Usagi, was one of the ones chosen to do this job." said Toki.
"I see, but how did you guys get your powers? I mean, I've never seen Usagi this strong before. It makes no sense." replied Naru in curiosity.
Toki had to really think about this one. She knew that she couldn't tell Naru that she, Rei and Kenshiro were really not who she thought they were and were in fact, martial artists from another timeline.
Instead, she settled with a more straight forward answer.
"Maybe its best if I show you instead. Mercury Power Make up!" cried Toki.
Naru's eyes widened in amazement as she witnessed the transformation before her. Even without supernatural or trained senses, she could literally feel the power coming from the girl before her.
"We are the Sailor Senshi that have no doubt been popping up on the news. Myself, Usagi and Rei here are all Sailor Senshi. Because of this, we have gifted powers beyond that of a normal human to fight these monsters." said Toki in a half truth.
Naru seemed momentarily confused for a moment before her eye's widened in understanding, as if a light bulb went on inside her head.
"That explains it! Why Usagi was able to do such amazing things. I'm so sorry Usagi. I never knew that you were a sailor senshi. My, I bet you must be so scared and tired of fighting these monsters day in and day out. No wonder you don't seem like yourself. I know if I had to fight monsters everyday the last thing I would be thinking about is boys. I would wonder if I would be alive the next day. Oh Usagi! Please forgive me for doubting our friendship." cried Naru on Kenshiro as she held the injured teen tightly.
Kenshiro grimaced in pain as the ginger haired girl squeezed at her but did not say anything, not wanting to upset Naru anymore.
Toki was glad that Naru had bought her explanation. She soon detransformed.
"Naru. I know that today has been stressful and that many things were revealed to you. I must insist on secrecy however. Can you do that for us?" asked Toki.
Naru soon got up and nodded.
"Your secret is safe with me." smiled Naru.
"Very well. Will you be fine...Usagi?" asked Toki, making sure to not call Kenshiro by her real name.
Kenshiro managed to get up as she struck the healing pressure points, Ōchū and Aketsushū on her body. Immediately the bite wound on her shoulder began to heal up at an accelerated pace though it would still take all night for the wound to close up completely.
"I'm fine. You and Rei take off. I'll make sure to get Naru home safely." said Kenshiro.
"Fine. Let us go Rei." said Toki.
"Hmph, fine. Tonight was boring. Hopefully we get a better challenge the next time." said Rei as she soon walked out with the aqua haired girl.
Both Kenshiro and Naru made their way back to the jewelry store where Naru's apartment was at.
"Are you sure that you are going to be alright Usagi?" asked Naru in concern.
"I'll be fine." replied Kenshiro sternly.
"Really? Maybe I should take a look and-"
"Naru, there is no need to-"
Neither of them could finish as Naru had tugged at Kenshiro's torn shirt top and accidently ripped off the shirt, leaving Kenshiro bare from the stomach up.
While Kenshiro did not care for modesty, Naru was speechless to say the least. However, it was Kenshiro's nakedness that stunned her.
"U-Usagi, those aren't-"
"Yes, they are." replied Kenshiro, knowing what Naru was meaning to say.
The ginger haired girl looked over at the body of her best friend and was horrified at the sight. Usagi's stomach had a large, puncture like scar. There was a three, diagonal scars that ran from her right breast down to her sternum just below her left breast. And now there was a terrible bite wound that would more than likely form into an ugly scar itself once it healed up.
Naru's eyes soon began to water at the sight of her best friend's body as if she suddenly understood just the amount of danger her friend had to go through just to keep everybody safe.
"I never knew of the suffering you were going through. If I did I would not have been such a child and force you to go with me to places or talk to you about stupid stuff. Forgive me, Usagi." said Naru quietly.
"There is nothing to forgive Naru. You have been a true friend, through and through. It is my fault for not confiding in you when I should have. For that I ask that you forgive me for not trusting you." said Kenshiro rather solemnly.
"Oh Usagi!" cried Naru as she latched herself on her near naked friend and started to bawl her eyes out once again.
Kenshiro smiled slightly as she let the girl sob on her.
Yes Naru was only a child but today she had shown Kenshiro one thing.
She cared for Naru and that she found herself willing to protect and make the girl happy. And Kenshiro would do everything in her power to do that.
Author's Note: I really wanted to focus on Naru here because, let's face it, she gets shafted as the series moves along. That said, Naru will play a bit more of a role in this story. Anyway, read and review people, let me know what you are thinking. Hope you enjoyed.