(Today. Wee hours in Hikawa Shrine)
"Youma Taisan!" Sailor Mars shouted with all her might.
She roasted a few youmas in one blast with her left hand, while sliced another in half with her dagger in her right hand.
"Don't let the youma go pass the gate!" She shouted her order to her troops.
She turned her head, but found dead bodies of the moon soldiers increased, while the number of youmas seemed the same no matter how much she had slain. Her eyes narrowed at the sight, but ignored the pain in her heart and continued to fight the youmas and Earth troops.
A few Lunarian soldiers charged right behind her.
Using her dagger, she killed the bunch of youmas leaping at her, but a few others got pass her.
"AruggghhHHHH!"
She ignored the sound of the cries. She ignored the sound of liquid pouring. She bit her lips to stop the clenching in her chest. Because she knew it was too late.
SPLASH!
SQUASH!
Rei gasped as she sat up on her futon. She covered her eyes with her hand, trying to get rid of the redness in her mind and not to vomit because of the violent images and the iron smell.
Kami… those memories are really preventing me from getting a good sleep. She sighed as her racing heart finally calmed down. Feeling more relaxed, she lied down again and turned to sleep on her left side, but immediately sat straight up again seeing the futon beside her empty.
Minako!
She turned her head to find Artemis still slumbering on the cushion, which was a relief and a worry at the same time. Relieved that at least it was not something serious or Senshi matter related, for Minako would surely have brought Artemis with her if it was, but it was also a worry because this meant Minako is out somewhere alone.
Rei concentrated and traced Minako's aura. With everyone asleep, she spotted Minako's aura easily, for people's aura becomes weaker during their slumber, while Minako was awake and her aura was already brighter and stronger to start with.
Rei let out a relieved sigh, now that she knew the location of the idol's whereabout. She debated wither to go seek the idol or not.
A lot must be on her mind, it's only natural that she would want some time alone.
Rei thought of her own experience in the past three days.
They had encountered the enemies and learnt their identity, or at least, their names just yesterday afternoon. The day before that, for most of them, they had met the ruler of the Moon Kingdom for the very first time. And just before that, Rei and the Shitennou had fought Rubellite just in the woods behind the building she now sleeps in.
So much happened in only three days, Rei was absolutely sure that the current events had exhausted not only Minako and herself, but everyone else as well.
But she really needs her rest, given by how much power she used yesterday.
(Yesterday afternoon. Right after battle.)
"Ah! I'm sorry…I'm all right, yes… yes… please do not worry. Something urgent just popped up. I'll be right back!"
Behind the four, Rei and Shiroi walked side-by-side and smiled helplessly overhearing Usagi's conversation on the phone. Rei then paused and looked behind worriedly at the idol, who was walking in a slower pace alone.
"Mars." Rei turned to see Shiroi's concerned look. "I don't know what happened, but Venus seems to have used a lot of her energy."
Rei nodded and glanced at the idol once more before addressing the man. "Shiroi, you go ahead with the others first, we'll catch up in a minute."
Shiroi nodded his understanding. "Just in case, tell Venus to phone her manager. He was in a panic when he found her gone."
"Saitou-san? How did you—?"
"We were supposed to meet for work today. I overheard my manager talking with him on the phone saying that they would be late because he can't find Venus."
"I see. I'll tell her. Thanks."
Seeing Shiroi started walking up to the others, Rei turned and find the idol closer to her already.
"Minako, are you—?"
"I'm fine." Minako snapped without looking at Rei.
"Well. Obviously you're not." Rei responded with the same fury, folding her arms.
"If you already know, then why ask in the first place?"
Rei's anger immediately dropped when their eyes met. Despite how she was being glared at, Rei could see the tiredness in those soft brown eyes. She softened her look, dropped her arms, but continued speaking in a stern voice.
"What were you thinking? Letting your emotion take control like that. You could have overused your power and collapse!"
"But I didn't."
"Only because the guys made it in time!"
"So what? It's none of your business even if I did used up all my energy!" Minako snapped again, and suddenly everything froze.
Rei eyes widened, followed by Minako herself. They just stood there and stared at each other, expressionless.
Averting her gaze, Minako walked pass Rei, but didn't go far before she stumbled and Rei had to catch her by the arm.
" 'Careful!"
"…"
"Like I told you." Rei sighed again and decided to not say anymore even though she wanted to, because she saw how Minako pressed her lips, a sign showing that the idol was getting irritated and frustrated and they might get into another argument very soon.
"Just… let me walk beside you, okay? At least let me do that much."
"Fine."
"And Shiroi told me Saitou-san was looking for you. You should phone him, he's really worried." Rei informed as she let go of Minako. The idol nodded and they walked by each other's side without exchanging another word.
(Today. Wee hours in Hikawa Shrine)
It would have been better if she could get some rest right afterwards. Rei's brows furrowed.
It was a miracle that none of them felt ill or the least exhausted after going through what Danburite and his team had done to them. After a bit of discussion, they conclude that it's all thanks to the Maboroshi no Ginzushou's power.
Still, Minako had exhausted herself from using too much power, and Rei wanted her to get some rest, but couldn't because Usagi, Ami and Minako herself all had to resume work immediately, so they held the meeting at Crown after dinnertime.
The very second they arrived Rei's room at the shrine, Rei insisted Minako to go to bed. Though Minako protested at first, under the addition persuasion from Artemis, Minako reluctantly agreed and fell deep asleep the second she slipped into the futon.
And what's so special about that guy anyway? I've never seen Minako so shaken, especially in front of an enemy. Rei's frown deepened.
(Yesterday night. Meeting.)
"Danburite? Really?" Kuroi asked with eyes wide.
"Yes, you know him as well?"
Kuroi nodded with a frown. "I have heard of him. He was supposed to be one of my underlings in Dark Kingdom, but he got defeated by Sailor V before I was even wakened as Kunzite."
Everyone glanced at Minako before turning their attention back to Kuroi again.
"He was sent as a scout along with a few others to live in Tokyo, acting as normal human while collecting information on people's lives and potential places where we can gather large amount of energy." He turned to look at Artemis and Minako. "Does my knowledge match yours?"
"Yes." The silver haired boy nodded. "Danburite, leader of the Dark Agency, subsection of Dark Kingdom." He turned to look at Usagi and the girls. "You might have heard of him as Saijyo Ace."
"Saijyo Ace? Sounds familiar…" Makoto shared a look with Ami.
"He is better known as Kaitou Ace."
"Artemis, did you just say—"
"Kai-Kai-Kaitou—"
"KAITOU ACE!" Ami and Makoto cried in unison.
"Who?" Usagi tilt her head to the side, looking at Mamoru who also looked shocked hearing the news.
"You remember the television program seven years ago? The Kaitou Ace." Mamoru pointed out.
"EHHHHH! THE KAITOU ACE?" Usagi eye's widened to her fullest. "The missing super handsome actor years ago?"
"Yes. That Kaitou Ace." Artemis sweat dropped.
"Wait. I don't get any of this." Rei interrupted. "Missing?"
"Rei-chan, you mean you don't know?" Usagi looked at her friend as if she grew two heads when the priestess shook her head. "Ohhhhh! You are so hopeless sometimes! Kaitou Ace was a super popular television program seven years ago, and the super-duper-extremely handsome actor who played Kaitou Ace was call Saijyo Ace. His fame in the drama industry was as big as Minako-chan was in the music industry at that time!"
"That's right. But he disappeared one day, and no one knows what happened even till this day. Even the agency he owned was gone. I don't quite remember the name, but I think the Dark Agency is correct." Ami continued.
Rei nodded, acknowledging what Ami said and secretly disregarding Usagi's words, for she didn't care about the entertainment part of the information.
"ANYWAY!" Artemis said rather loudly and drew everyone's attention. "Danburite was one of the first enemy Sailor V had to face that was related to the Dark Kingdom and the past life, and he had revealed to Minako that he is actually the reincarnation of a Venusian soldier name Adonis."
"Eh!"
(Today. Wee hours in Hikawa Shrine)
The information about their enemy being an alien came in quite a shock for everyone. Sure, they do know there are aliens in the world, or at least in the past life, but they never expected to face one in a battle themselves, since the Dark Kingdom was ruled by Earthmen as well.
Everyone then understood Minako's troubled mind as a natural reaction when they found a dead man that originated from the same alien planet suddenly alive. But Rei knew better.
She knew the idol wasn't one to be fazed by something so 'trivial', much less nearly loosing control of her emotions and power.
What is she hiding? What happened between them? Rei wondered.
(Yesterday night. At the shrine after the meeting.)
"Artemis." Rei dragged the boy out of the room and into the deserted hallway after making sure the idol was asleep.
"Mars?" Artemis looked at the stoic priestess towering him nervously.
"Don't try to lie to me. Who is Danburite?"
"Didn't I say in the meet—"
"I don't mean that, you know it. What is so special about this guy that made Minako react so strongly? And don't give me the Venusian or dead-alive crap, because I know that's no the cause."
"…"
"What happened between them?" Rei prompted and knew she hit a spot, because Artemis stiffened.
Artemis sighed. "Mars, I know you're worried about Minako, and you are right that something did happened between them, but I don't think it's my place to tell you, at least I know Minako wouldn't appreciate that."
"I know. Then are you going to talk to her later when she's better?"
"I do plan to."
Rei nodded. "Okay, that's good enough then."
"Really?" Artemis blinked.
"Yes, what did you expect? That I throttle you to death until you tell me? I can do that if you want to." Rei raised an eyebrow.
"N-No!" Artemis shook both his hands and head rather frantically.
Rei was about to reenter her room when Artemis stopped her and said, "Thanks, Mars."
"There's nothing to thank for." Rei disregarded the boy's word and went into the room again, not aware of the knowing smile Artemis has on his face.
(Today. Wee hours. Hikawa Shrine)
Okay. So Artemis won't tell and I won't pry, but… Rei can't help feeling very concerned and very curious at the same time, but something bothered her even more at the moment and her brow twitched.
And what the hell am I doing HERE!
She groaned when she found herself already mid way down the empty hall in the cool night wearing a light jacket and holding another in hand for the idol, knowing she would not have taken one.
Great. Maybe she is right after all about me having the tendency of stalking her. Rei admitted in annoyance as she continued walking down the hallway to where the idol is.
"Shit!" The boss of the robbery group swore as the Crescent Moon Cutter knocked the gun out of his hand.
Sailor V caught her cutter in the right hand and stretched her left hand out. She did her signature shook with her index finger raised, smirking.
"Do you really think you could win over me that easily?" She said in triumph.
"Tsk, I might not have the money I want, but you aren't going to catch me as well." He snapped his finger, and one of the minions pulled a string that Sailor V wasn't aware he was holding in his hand.
Creak-kkkkkkkkk.
Hearing the creaking sound, she turned to find a shelf full of files threatening to fall, and a child who was unfortunately in the bank with her mother at that time was right below the shelf.
Upon the sight, Sailor V dashed towards the child while the robbery group made their escape. She disregarded the taunt the fleeing leader of the robbers sent her, saying "I know you would rather save the kid than go after us. I hope to never see you again, Sailor V."
Sailor V kneeled and hugged the child against her, but the shadow towering over her made it clear that she was already too late.
In fear, she closed her eyes and used her body to protect the child, hoping the shelf's weight isn't strong enough to squash the child under her as well.
But the heavy impact never came. She only felt files and paper falling over and covering her.
"My. Would you mind if I help? Princess."
Hearing the deep, smooth voice, Sailor V opened her eyes to find a few rubbish bins in front of her that miraculously trapped the shelf in its half fallen position. She looked up to find the masked man in full white attire responsible for the action.
"Kaitou Ace!"
(Today. Wee hours. Hikawa Shrine)
Dang it. Out of every possible enemy I killed, why him? Why does it have to be him? Minako shook her head in frustration. She took a piece of gravel and threw it down the steps, listening to the soft sound made as it fell and bounced down the long staircase.
Sighing, she laid her head against the pillar of the stone torii behind her, watching the night sky.
And Reiko was right, what was I doing, losing control like that? That was pathetic! Minako reprimanded herself, thinking how suicidal her action had been.
She was lucky she didn't develop a fever like Rei did the last time, but she could still feel the slight pain from the headache that had bothered her the whole day after their encounter with Danburite. It had subdued only after Rei and Artemis forced her to rest.
"So what? It's none of your business even if I did used up all my energy!"
Why did I say that? That was so selfish for me to say! Curse my stubbornness and temper. She was just trying to help, and I said that to her.
Minako buried her face in her hands and groaned, recalling the hint of shock and hurt she saw in Rei's eyes. It was common knowledge between those who can control their own energy, that when one's energy was all used up no matter by will or not, it meant death. That was why youma's attack could be deadly if not treated soon. That why they need to learn how to control their energy and not use all of them up in one attack.
And even afterwards, she still insisted staying beside me. I'm such an unthankful brat!
And as if god agreed with her, she was confronted by a merciless whirl of wind. She shivered in the coldness, wearing only her pajamas and sneakers. She hunched her shoulders and brought her arms up, trying to gather some warmth, but the attempt was useless.
"I fail to understand why you would stay outdoor in the middle of a windy night wearing so little clothe." Minako stiffened when she heard the voice and felt a jacket wrapped over her shoulder.
"Reiko!" Minako looked up to see the priestess frowning disapprovingly at her.
"Are you an idiot or do you simply have a death wish?"
Minako didn't reply and turned to look at the view in front of her again. She heard a sigh, then from the corner of her eye, saw Rei walked down and joined her sitting on the stairs.
Silence…
Pulling the jacket to cover more of her body, Minako closed her eyes, enjoying Rei's warmth beside her. She didn't know how many minutes have gone by, but reopened her eyes when she heard rustling sound became clear footsteps.
"You're leaving already?" She looked back at the priestess.
"Yes."
"Just like that?"
"Just like what?" Rei frowned.
"I-I mean, you came here just to give me the jacket?"
"More or less. Why? You want me to stay?"
Minako hesitated. "I… could use some company."
Rei nodded and reclaim her seat beside the idol. She raised an eyebrow when she heard the idol's soft giggle.
"What?"
"Nothing. Just find it funny how you could be so caring yet insensitive at the same time."
"Sorry for being so insensitive." Rei frowned, sounding insulted.
"Oh come on, Reiko. I don't really mean it that way." Minako nudged Rei lightly, still giggling. Rei simply huffed, though she didn't really mind.
"…"
"…"
"Aren't you going to ask me?"
Rei glanced at the idol. "About Danburite?" She saw the spark of anxiety and dread in those soft brown eyes when the name was spoken.
"Yes. Aren't you curious?"
Rei left her gaze on the idol before she shrugged. "Of course I am, but I don't want to pry. I believe you would tell me if you think I have the need to know."
"I see…"
"…"
"Reiko, I'm sorry." Minako said in a voice so soft that it's nearly a whisper. She avoided meeting the priestess's eyes.
"…?" Rei turned to look at the idol with a concerned frown.
"I'm sorry for what I said yesterday, you were just trying to help, but I…" Minako hesitated.
A small chuckle escaped Rei. "No need to hurt yourself. It's alright, I'm not that bothered by it."
"But—"
"It's good enough I know you made an effort, you were never good at apologizing." Rei laughed seeing Minako's face turning red. It was a pretty rare sight. Want to save the idol from further embarrassment, Rei added, "besides, you weren't really yourself at that time, so I won't take your words seriously. Don't worry."
Minako nodded and said nothing, eyes downcast.
Not standing the pensive look on the idol's face, Rei thought of something to say again.
"But you know," she started a bit louder than she needed to, drawing the idol's attention to look at her. "You should really work harder on controlling your emotions," Rei glanced at the idol mischievously, "because I really don't want to be held responsible when no one comes here anymore after finding out there's a temperamental idol living here."
"Excuse me! Are you suggesting that I'm emotionally unstable?" Minako challenged with a smirk.
"Maybe." Rei grinned.
"You'll be sorry for saying that!" Minako slipped her hands under Rei's jacket to tickle her. Rei tried to fight her and complained that they'll wake the people in the shrine through her uncontrollable laughter, but it didn't stop the idol from doing her merciless assault.
During the struggle, Minako's hand accidentally slipped under Rei's shirt and brushed against soft skin. The loud shriek Rei let out caught Minako off guard, and she looked up in question.
"Minako, how long have you been out here? Your hands are freezing cold!" Rei took hold of Minako's hand.
"Not sure. Probably an hour or two?" Minako shrugged.
"What! Do you really have a death wish?"
"That is so-oooo exaggerated."
"No, it's not. Cold can lead to pneumonia and pneumonia kills! We're going in to get you a hot drink before bed." Rei stood and offered Minako her hand.
Minako took the hand and stood up. "Okay. I want hot chocolate!"
"No. Just green tea."
"Come on! Reiko~"
"Green tea."
"Hot chocolate!"
"You'll get sugar high."
"I don't care!"
…
"Urgh! I will never win him at those! And here I thought he wouldn't have the advantage when we play something both of us are new with." Hematite whined loudly, causing his blue haired opponent to smile helplessly.
"I wonder why you bother to play then." Rubellite snorted. "What game is it this time?"
"Japanese Go chess. I read it from manga." Hematite answered.
"I believe that didn't exactly made you smart." Rubellite replied without leaving his eyes off his book. A black pebble chess piece flew straight and hit him right on the head.
"Hey! Are you trying to pick fight?" Rubellite bellowed and glared at the tall man, who merely shrugged. The flame user dropped his book and went after the brunette, who grinned and immediately bolt out of the chair and ran around the room.
Azurite laughed helplessly watching the two fought, and then left his seat.
"Danburite."
The blonde shifted his attention on the fight and looked up. "Yes?"
"I have a theory… about wakening the princesses."
The mention immediately drew everyone's interest. "You do?"
"Yes… but I'm not even 50 percent sure of the chances. I want to go test out before I inform you all."
"So we can't just do it now?" Hematite, feeling disappointed.
"I'm afraid not. If I try it out first, it would prevent us from wasting the energy we gathered just incase my theory was wrong."
"Of course." Danburite smiled. "I guess it really is in your nature, isn't it? To experiment and be sure and secure." He mused with an amused but also admiring smile.
"I'll take that as a compliment." Azurite smiled a bit before leaving.
(Today, afternoon. Park.)
Standing under a tree in the park, Ami looked at her wristwatch before turning her attention to her surrounding again. She still has another good hour before she needed to leave to take her shift for hospital duties.
"Ami-chan!"
Ami turned to the source of the call and saw a blue haired girl waving at her with one hand, dragging a silver haired boy through the crowded street with the other hand. "Luna. Artemis."
The pair stopped before the doctor. "Sorry we're a bit late."
Ami shook her head. "It's alright. I'm the one who should say sorry for the short notice."
"Mercury, what is it that you say you want to talk about? Is it about the enemy?" Artemis asked in a serious tone.
Ami nodded slowly. "Partly."
"…So it's about the princesses after all." Seeing the uncertainty in Ami's expression, Luna and Artemis shared an uneasy look.
"It's not about that, Luna, Artemis. The information about the princesses is only partial, I'm not that concerned about it, and I'm sure the others feel the same. " Ami soothed.
During the meeting yesterday, the girls had discussed more than about the identity of their enemy and the information they were given. They had also shared their knowledge about the princesses of the planets.
(Yesterday night. Meeting.)
Bang!
"We weren't trying to deceive you! And it's certainly not the Queen's intention!" Artemis bolt up from his chair, hands on the table.
"Artemis, calm down." Minako said in a slightly reprimanding voice, pulling her little guardian into his seat by the arm.
"We're just repeating what Danburite said, it's not our own thoughts. We're are not doubting you." Rei soothed.
"Yes. I didn't say those words to upset you. Sorry." Makoto apologized, a shocked expression on her face. She was the one who brought up the topic, and was taken aback seeing the usual calm cat-boy to display such a strong reaction.
Artemis took his seat, but his facial expression spoke volume that he was far from calm. The men and women studied the blue haired girl's expression, and found the similar look in mixture of hurt, anger and unjust present on the face, only not as strong as the boy.
It was understandable, considering the fact that the two cat advisors had kept their knowledge of the Silver Millennium since their rebirth. Especially for Artemis, who didn't even have his memories partially sealed like Luna once had. It was only natural for them to react with such strong emotion as they remain absolutely loyal to their Queen in the past life.
"We weren't trying to hide anything from you girls, we never were. We just didn't think that it's a necessary knowledge for us to share, because it would only complicate things and would not have aided us for the mission. And you weren't even supposed to remember that, so we never brought it up." Luna started.
"This decision of not telling you girls about being princesses and heirs of the planets is the same idea as not giving you full access to the memories. Though all of you were reborn with the same soul as your past selves, you are also different to the Senshis as individuals, caused by the different environment you grew up in and things you experienced this life. You were only fourteen and still maturing when you were summoned to be guardians in the present, and gaining all those memory would have easily affected you. Though it's not like the kingdoms still exists, but we never know in what way the knowledge of being heirs of alien planets may affect your feelings and your present lives. Queen Serenity didn't want you girls to hold more weights than you have as guardians, much less having the past memories and knowledge to limit you when there is a future full of different possibilities ahead of you. That's why we didn't tell you girls earlier, because we want to prevent the effects." Artemis explained.
"But… did the Shitennou know about this? Is this a widely known information in the past, or was it just between the planets and the moon?" Ami asked, looking from her boyfriend to the rest of the men.
Kuroi crossed his arms in a thoughtful posture. "We do know about the guardians of the Moon Kingdom to be heirs of the other planets, but…"
"...I don't think we have pondered much about it. It's merely a know-or-not-know situation, because we Earthman weren't really closely related to the other planets, not until later. When we first met you ladies, you were already guardians instead of princesses." Shiroi followed with his hand on his chin.
"Later? What happened?" Usagi asked,
"War. Battles against darkness. During those times, troops were sent and exchanged between planets for support." Akai said.
"Wars and exchanges between planets?" Ami repeated in puzzlement. The girls all have a similar frown on their faces.
Seeing the look on the girls' faces, Kuroi sighed. "Luna, Artemis, how much do they exactly know about the past life?"
"Memories they were given would be the period between a bit before Dark Kingdom surfaced on Earth and the end of Silver Millennium." Artemis answered.
"So we have quite a lot to explain." Kuroi groaned then turned to the girls. "Here's the story. Back then when the planets were all alive, each had their own kingdom and they rarely interacted with one another. But from some time onwards, darkness started to spread and infected each of the planets, so war between light and darkness broke out within all planets, which in Earth's case, we had the Dark Kingdom and Metalia to fight. At that time, for reasons we do not know, you princesses were summoned to the Moon to guard the Silver Millennium and its princess – Princess Serenity, and it's only after that, the light side of the planets also started to interact and exchange troops for support and alliance. That was also the time that we Shitennou and Prince Endymion had visited the moon and met you all. That's why we merely know about you girls once being princesses, but didn't really give the subject much thought."
"Okay… but then, why can't I recall any troops from other planets helping us defend the moon? We know at the end, the Earth Kingdom was controlled by the Dark Kingdom and invaded the moon, which was what our mission was about anyway. But if we have become alliances with the planets, shouldn't the light side of the other planets help the moon as well?" Makoto frowned.
"That's because they didn't send any troops to the moon." Kiiroi said.
"Why? Even we—I mean, our past selves, being their princesses, are helping the moon. Why would they not help?"
"Because they died already…" Minako said softly, then raised her head and looked at the Shitennou solemnly. "Because the planets had died even before Earth invaded the moon kingdom, isn't it?"
Shiroi nodded somberly. "Earth was the lucky one in an aspect. Except the moon kingdom, we were the last to have darkness rising within the planet, as well as being defeated and taken control of. The other planets had all fallen even before Earth was half dominated by the Dark Kingdom. They were consumed by darkness… Not long after their princess had left for the moon."
The girls froze hearing the news, an uncomfortable atmosphere downed upon them.
(Today, afternoon. Park.)
Ami still remembered the chills that spread through her body after hearing the news.
Did the princesses abandon their kingdom?
Did the kingdoms fell because the princesses have left?
Would it have been any different, if the princesses weren't summoned?
Hearing how Shiroi had phrased the sentence, she couldn't help but wonder about the connections and possibilities, and she was sure that the other girls were also thinking about the same thing. Everyone fell in silence afterwards, and even though they knew the two advisors would probably hold answers to their questions, no one dared ask. At the end, they had to change the topic and talk about Usagi's Maborshi no Ginzushou in order to get the meeting continue.
Maybe that's why Luna and Artemis didn't want to tell us about the princess. They thought we would doubt the moon kingdom…
Ami glanced at the two children walking beside her, and decided to dismiss her thoughts, readdressing the subject she wanted to talk about.
"I have given the subject a few thoughts yesterday after the meeting. I am concerned about the enemy's motive and also how they addressed us."
"How they 'addressed' you?" Luna repeated in puzzlement as she sat herself on a bench, soon joined by Artemis and Ami.
"Yes, as in their choice of words and attitude when they addressed us and told us about our past. Yesterday when the Shitennou told us about the princesses, they had spoke in a very objective way, to the point where they seems as if they could care less. But on the other hand, Danburite and the other three had all responded rather strongly, with all the bowing and formalities. And how they treated Usagi, their words were harsh and more than hostile, as if… full of hatred. This goes the same for how they talk about the moon kingdom."
"If you put it this way… it is quite disconcerting." Artemis said and Luna nodded.
"Ami-chan, do you have any guesses why's that?"
Ami nodded. "The Shiteenou's attitude toward the subject is mostly caused by their lack of knowledge and attachment regarding the princesses. So on the opposite side, we could assume that Danburite and the others are someone who felt close to us when we were the princesses. And then with Danburite being Venusian, I was guessing that—"
She saw the two kids widen their eyes, recognizing the connection she was making.
"—I was thinking that maybe the other three are also people from the planets: Mercury, Mars and Jupiter. That explains why they seems so attached to us."
"As far-fetched as it sounds, it makes perfect sense!" Artemis exclaimed.
"But then… why would they want to harm their princesses?" Luna wondered out loud, and none of them could come up with an answer.
"Ah!" Luna and Artemis suddenly tensed, heads snapped up. "Youma!"
"Eh!"
Luna and Artemis immediately left the bench and ran, led by their senses. Ami ran right behind them.
They made a few turns and ran out of the park. As they made their way, they found more people running pass them in the opposite direction, all screaming about a monster.
They ended up at a fountain of an open plaza and found a youma with its left hand over a civilian's face, absorbing the poor guy's energy.
Instead of being as bulky as the bull like youma, this youma had a slimmer structure, its body in a silvery blue colour and a blade in its right hand. There were a few other civilian sprawled on the floor near it.
"Call the others!" Luna instructed before taking her Lunatia L. out.
"Luna Prism Power, Make up!"
In Chiba residence—
"Eh? Luna's fighting alone?" Usagi bolt up from the sofa and cried in shock.
In Hikawa Shrine—
"I'm coming." Rei snapped her phone close.
In Ki no Flower Shop—
Makoto and Kuroi both snapped close their cell phones. Eyeing the two women shopping for flower seeds, they shared a look.
"I'll stay." Makoto said and Kuroi ran out of the shop.
In Karaoke Crown (Tokyo South Branch Store)—
"Hurry Up!" Akai shouted before running out. Kiiroi took off his apron and ran as well, but was stopped when two teenage girls came in through the glass door.
"Excuse me, we would like to book a room."
"Oh-h…sure, over here please." Kiiroi faked a smile while swore in his heart.
In the medic research center—
Mamoru slipped his phone into his pocket and was about to take off his lab coat…
"Mamoru! Come check sample B-1."
"Oh. Okay." Mamoru grimaced before re-fixing his lab coat. Then walked to join his colleague.
In the music studio—
"Can you teleport the both of us?" Minako asked as she and Shiroi ran through the hall.
"Yes, but we need to first find a place where no one could see us." Shiroi replied.
They spot the emergency exit down the hall and hurried, but froze when they heard Sugao called from behind.
"Ah! Minako, Shiroi-kun, there you are! Practice is starting!"
"He just had to call us at the worse timing." Minako grumbled and Shiroi couldn't help but agree.
"HA!" Sailor Luna shouted as she swung her halisen at the youma. The youma let go of the man and immediately stepped to the side, dodging the attack.
The youma made an inhuman noise and raised its blade. A beam in colour of blackish blue shot out and went for Luna. Luna let out a shocked shriek and ducked. Finding herself safe for the while, Luna continued her pursue.
Ami and Artemis stood a good distant away from the fight, hiding behind a tree, watching as Luna continued to fight the youma alone.
Seeing how the exchange of action keep going in cycle, Ami understood the problem lies in the fact that the youma was too fast for Luna to hit with her large halisen. She eyed her surrounding and saw a fire hydrant by the road, an idea popped up in her mind.
"Artemis, I need your help." She whispered something into the silver haired boy's ear.
"But I'll get wet!" Artemis whined.
"I have no choice, my power alone won't be enough!"
"…this better work."
They ran out towards the fire hydrant. "Luna! Break the fire hydrant with your halisen!" Ami shouted.
"What!" Luna looked at Ami incredulously, nearly forgot to dodge the blow the youma sent her. She leaped back and went to Ami and Artemis's side.
"You want me to break it?"
"Yes. There's no time to explain, just do it!" Ami urged as she saw the youma making its way towards them.
"Alright. Here goes." Luna transformed her regular halisen into the golden halisen. She raised it and hammered it down on the innocent hydrant. The red exterior immediately broke in the hard impact, a pillar of water burst out.
"Now!" Ami shouted and took off her handbag. Hoping that seller wasn't lying about the waterproof material, she and Artemis pressed the bag on to the water pillar.
Though normally it would be an impossible task with the water pressure being so strong, but with Ami's gift to affect water flow and combined strength, they successfully caused the water to bend into an angle that went straight at the youma.
The pillar of water hit the youma right in the chest, forcing it to drop its weapon and fly into a wall. It made a low grunting noise.
"Luna. Destroy it now!" Artemis shouted.
Luna nodded and detransformed her halisen into her Moon Stick.
"Luna Sucre Candy!"
Magical treats flew out and collided onto the youma. The youma was covered in light and burst to glowing dust, eventually vanished.
"We did it! Mercury, that was amazing!" Artemis removed his hand off the bag and jumped, not caring that he was soaked wet. The doctor smiled shyly at the compliment.
"But how…?"
"Luna?" The two turned to the small Senshi in puzzlement, seeing the frown on the girl's face.
"Last time, none of my attacks worked on those black youmas… but I could destroy this youma today."
Another thought appeared in Ami's mind hearing the statement, but she couldn't bring it out, because right at that moment, she felt another presences approaching them and found a half transparent blue barrier stretching over the whole rather big open plaza.
"And here I thought it could have collected more energy before it was destroyed. Youma restraining magic, huh?" Azurite said as he walked up towards the trio, his face thoughtful.
"Azurite…" Hearing the name from Ami's mouth, Luna and Artemis's eyes immediately widened in shock and alert, first time seeing the man.
Azurite eyed the two 'child' beside Ami. "Princess, those two are indeed your comrades, right?"
Ami frowned, puzzled by Azurite's question. "Yes."
"They are Lunarians, correct?"
Ami, Luna and Artemis shared another look before Ami nodded affirmative again.
"Good," was all the man said before he raised his hands, palms glowing in a faint blue colour.
Sensing the change in water flow around them, Ami wanted to warn her friends to be careful, but was too late.
Two pillar of water, bigger than the one the fire hydrant released, was formed in combination of water from the fountain and Azurite's power, and had proceed to knock Luna and Artemis off their feet.
The water surrounded them and trapped them within. Luna and Artemis gurgled in suffer within the pillar of water.
"Stop! Don't hurt them!"
"Sorry, but I'm afraid I can not comply." With a motion of his hands, a few more pillars of water rose, formed by the water from both the fountain and fire hydrant.
Not standing the sight of her two friends/advisors suffocating, Ami closed her eyes and tried to summon more of her power. She concentrated so hard that her fist balled and the frame of her body shook.
To both her amazement and Azurite's, her power was strong enough to oppose Azurite's control on the water. The pillars dissolved and splashed water everywhere like a shower of rain.
Sailor Luna and Artemis dropped to the floor, coughing water out and gasping for air. The lack of strength forced Sailor Luna to detransform back to her civilian form.
Ami dropped to her knees as well, breathing heavily after using so much power. She stiffened seeing the shadow towering over her, and raised her head to see Azurite right in front.
"That should have done the trick." Azurite mumbled to himself before he summoned his powers again.
Before she could register what happened, Ami found herself being held captive in a sphere of water, unable to breathe or move.
"Ami-chan!" "Mercury!" Luna and Artemis chocked in horror. They wanted to help rescue the doctor like how she had helped them, but found no way nor any strength to do so.
Azurite stretched his hand out and reached into the sphere, placing his hand over Ami's chest. He closed his eyes and his hand glowed again.
At that moment, Ami felt a familiar pain within her.
"…!" She wanted to cry in pain, but couldn't. She tried to fight by summoning more of her power, but couldn't as well. She panicked and she felt herself losing consciousness due to pain and lack of oxygen.
Usagi-chan, everyone… Akai… She panicked, her heart cried for her friends and her lover.
'Calm down.'
Eh?
'You have to stay as calm as the cool water in order to control your power.'
M-Mercury?
'Water is your nature. Even if you can't resist it sometimes, it doesn't mean you can't shatter it.'
Shatter?
'I'll show you.'
Ami's eye snapped open and her blue aura intensified.
"Driver! Stop here!" Usagi said and stuffed the money into the driver's hands once the cab stopped. She didn't care if she had paid more than she needed to, and ran a few streets where Ami had told them that Luna is fighting. The location was far from her home, therefore she had to take the cab, but stopped a few streets away to prevent endangering civilians.
She soon spotted a half globe coloured in blue covering an area of the large open plaza. She turned the corner and found Kunzite, Nephrite and Rei together.
"Rei-chan! Kunzite! Nephrite!" She stopped right behind them, catching her breath. "Wha—what happened?"
"We don't know, the barrier was here when we arrived." Kunzite informed.
"Can't you work faster?" Nephrite barked at the priestess.
"Can't you see I'm trying? You might be Ami-chan's lover, but it doesn't mean you are the only one worried and frustrated." Rei shot her death glare at the Shitennou.
That statement angered the already agitated crimson warrior. "That's water based power! Yours is fire. Water and fire are the only elementary based magic that could entirely overpower the opposite as long as you have enough power. So do it!"
"I know! And can't you see not having enough power is exactly what I'm having problem with?"
Usagi turned to see the ofuda in Rei's hand and a few burnt pieces of paper on the floor. Apparently, Rei was trying to use her power to break through the barrier.
Usagi wanted to stop them from arguing, but all of their attention was turned to the barrier when they felt a sudden strong aura coming from within. They witnessed how the original blue barrier, tinted in slight purple had disappeared, but within half a second, another blue coloured barrier replaced it, only the color seems lighter and brighter.
"Ami-chan! No… that's Mercury!" Usagi cried in realization. She saw Rei nodded with a concerned frown, confirming her thought. Whatever was happening within, they realize that the barrier conjured by the enemy was broken, only to be replaced by the energy barrier of Mercury's, which means Mercury from the past life has wakened, like what Rei had experienced.
"Damn it! AMI!" Nephrite cried as he used his sword to slash the barrier repetitively, achieving nothing but exhausting himself.
"Nephrite! Calm down!" Kunzite said and pulled the man away.
The sight of the usual fierce Shitennou at this state made Usagi and Rei grimace. The two women shared and look and Rei turned to eye the barrier in front of her. "Nephrite."
Nephrite stopped struggling against Kunzite and looked at Rei.
"Stop the nonsense, you are not helping Ami by wasting your energy like that." She turned to eye the man sternly, forbidding him from making any retort. "If you want to help Ami, then listen to me." She spun around to face Usagi. "Usagi, I need your help."
"Anything if it means we can help Ami-chan and Luna and Artemis." Usagi nodded, glad to see the gleam of hope in the priestess's eyes.
Rei turned to address all three of them. "Jadeite told me last time that if I could break the barrier just the slight bit, he could use his power to break the barrier further. I presume that you two Shitennou would be able to do the same. Considering how Minako was able to break though Mars' barrier the last time, I'm willing to bet that if I could muster enough power, the connection of the senshi power would allow me to break the barrier just that bit, that's why I would need your help." She turned to Usagi. "Usagi, try channel your power into mine's. Taking the pieces of Ginzushou into account, the connection between us should allow you to do that."
Usagi nodded.
Rei then turned to the Shitennou. "Once I cracked the barrier, do what you need to do to widen the gap." The two men nodded.
Rei took Usagi's right hand into her left. They shared a nod and strengthened their aura, summoning their gifted strength. Feeling the surge of energy, Rei closed her eyes and raised her ofuda, reciting the mantra to further concentrate her power like how she used to during training.
"Rin, Pyou, Tou, Sha, Kai, Jin, Retsu, Zai, Zen! Akuryo Taisan!"
She flew out her ofuda and the ofuda stuck on to the barrier, burning in flame. A small crack appeared on the barrier.
"NOW!" Kunzite shouted and he and Nephrite immediately pierced the barrier with their swords. With their energy coating the blade of their weapons, the two Shitennou slashed open the crack, and the four of them immediately ran in.
They made a few turns and ran through the open plaza, arriving to where they sensed the source of energy to be.
The sight shocked them, with broken fire hydrant, the area all wet. There were civilians on the floor along with Luna and Artemis. But what shocked them the most was the sphere of water that was slowly turning into ice.
The four watched in astonishment, seeing Azurite backing off the now freezing sphere, and inside the sphere was none other than Ami herself. They could see the bright blue halo surrounding her.
Though the sight of the sphere looks as if it's going to harm their friend, the power radiating from it told them that it was actually Ami—Mercury's doing.
After another few seconds, the sphere turned into completely ice.
Clash!
The ice shattered and Ami dropped to the floor on her two feet with ease and grace.
"My magic was broken…" Azurite said softly in shock, but there was no trace of disappointment or fear in his look. His shocked expression was soon replaced by a gentle smile instead, looking at Ami.
"Ami!"
Hearing Nephrite's call got Azurite to realize for the first time that the four Senshi and Shitennou had broke through the barrier. A red glow of energy blast flew right at him and he leaped back to dodge.
"Don't you dare go near Ami." Nephrite shouted in rage.
Azurite sighed in annoyance hearing the threat. He turned to look at the woman before her again, absorbing the sight of the beautiful deep blue eyes. With a satisfied smile, he made a motion with his arm and disappeared in ripples of light.
Seeing their enemy gone, Usagi, Rei, Kunzite and Nephrite slowly approached Ami.
"Ami." Nephrite called, and the doctor turned to face him and the rest of the group.
"Akai…" Ami called softly as her iris started to regain its usual dark colour, her aura subdued to its usual strength and the barrier surrounding the area disappeared. She passed out and Nephrite dashed forth to catch her, followed by Kunzite. Usagi and Rei spotted Luna and Artemis, seeing Ami has the Shitennou to take care of her, they ran to check on the two children instead.
"Ami! Ami! Wake up! Ami!" Nephrite shook his soaked girlfriend in his arms a bit, his heart racing and frown deepened receiving no answer.
"Don't worry, she probably just overused her power." Rei said as she and Usagi approached the trio. Luna and Artemis are both conscious, but couldn't walk due to the lack of strength after near drowning. Usagi piggybacked Luna while Rei piggybacked Artemis.
"But just to be sure, you should get her to a hospital. She was nearly drowned in the water like us." Artemis said.
Kunzite nodded and detransformed to Kuroi. He patted Nephrite on the shoulder firmly to show his support, than took out his cell phone to call for ambulance, but it wasn't needed, for a faint screeching sound of the ambulance started to ring in the background, gradually getting louder. Some civilian who escaped earlier must have called for police and ambulance.
Hearing that, Nephrite detransformed as well.
"Akai-kun, we'll take Luna and Artemis back first. You stay and go with Ami-chan to the hospital." Usagi offered.
Akai nodded. "Thank you, princess." He said softly before hugging Ami tighter in his arms, planting a kiss on the doctor's head.
"I'll contact the others, and inform you if anything comes up." Kuroi said and the girls nodded before hurrying off.
"So, was your theory correct?" Danburite asked as Azurite walked into the room.
"Yes, it was. Mercury was wakened."
"Really?" Hematite bolt up from his seat in excitement.
"Yes, but only half wakened, like I expected."
"But we are aiming for them to fully waken." Rubellite frowned.
"I know, but it's not that easy to achieve with Serenity's power in the way."
"Mind explaining what you did?" Danburite asked, very curious.
"I spoke with Rubellite and asked about what exactly happened back then when Mars was wakened. I found one condition very different compared to our operation last time, that is, Mars was using her power to fight Rubellite, while last time, we launched a surprise assault that none of them could even react in time. When they are fighting with their Senshi gifts, they are summoning their Senshi powers on their own will, that actually allows our magic to reach them and take effect too. So what I did today was I made Mercury fight as well, and when she used her powers, I took the chance to perform the magic, and Mercury was wakened like Mars have."
"I see, brilliant idea." Danburite nodded, fingers intertwined in a thoughtful posture.
"Then how do we get them to fully waken?" Rubellite asked.
"I don't know. That would probably require some stronger magic, but I'm sure that we must take it step by step. We will have to first waken the princesses partially before proceeding."
"Okay. So all we need to do now is to fight them to make them fight back, then we can use our magic to trigger them to waken. Great!" Hematite clapped his hands together and stood up with a grin. "Come on, Danburite, let's do it then!"
"Hold on would you?" Rubellite grabbed hold of his comrade's wrist. "You don't have enough energy to perform the magic, remember? We used up the ones we kept last time, collect some before going."
"Oh sucks!" Hematite's shoulder slumped.
"Don't worry, Hematite. It would soon be your turn, you just have to get prepared." Azurite laughed and patted the tall brunet on the shoulder before taking a seat.
Hematite sighed and took a seat beside Azurite. "Yeah. I really hate being human, it's so inconvenient that we have to gather energy before performing anything!"
"It will pass very soon. That's a part of what we are all working for, isn't it? We will certainly get our powers back." Danburite smiled, and the three men nodded with a smile as well.
Author's Notes:
Sorry for the choppy scenes in this chapter. I wanted to try something new, but I don't think this kind of arrangement will appear again, since it's quite messy.
I know some people have watched the anime and some things in my story just don't fit, especially my version of the past life, for in a way it is nearly original. But please understand that I never liked Sailor Moon until about four years ago when I first watched PGSM online by chance. Afterwards, I only read the manga sometime this year, and I don't plan to go watch the anime, so I'm just making things up my way that was untold in PGSM with influences from the manga and WikiMoon. Anything I know about the anime version, it's either from WikiMoon or from other fanfic. So bear with me for this another version of the past life.
Do PM me if you have any questions, especially about the past life. I will answer to the best of my ability, but expect the review to come a few days later, because I'm at camp for a few days. (My beta urged me to update, I was planning to update later even though this chapter was done for quite some time. So you might want to thank her if you enjoyed this chapter. XD)
Thank you for reading and reviews are deeply appreciated. (I love reading reviews!)