Disclaimer: I own nothing except my Zodiac Senshi and Emperor Nyx.
Heirs of Tomorrow: Past Heirs – The Zodiac Senshi
"Fukuro?" Eternal Sailor Moon gasped with shock, as the youth continued to gaze at her, eyes intent and lacking their usual gentle friendliness. That dual hued gaze spoke of age, as though the boy had seen and lived through more than what the facial visage could reveal.
"Yes, it's true. I am Sailor Aquarius," Fukuro replied, remaining in place. "That day we met…that light was I. I had finally managed to find this time stream, and exited, causing that blast of energy. Please forgive me." The young man began to bow, but paused midway, lifting his head, "Sailor Uranus is arriving…" she uttered softly, casting her eyes to the entrance of the school. Sailor Moon quickly followed Fukuro's eyes.
Sure enough, a sky blue convertible pulled up, tires screeching, as Haruka swiftly parked. "Sailor Moon!" Dark green orbs widened as Haruka called out, heading for the winged Senshi, the unconscious Minako, and Fukuro.
"Haruka! What's wrong?" the Senshi of the Moon asked with worry. The taller girl opened her mouth, but swiftly shut it when she caught sight of Fukuro, "Um…" Sailor Moon understood, nodding towards the solemn brunette. "It's all right. He's one of us." The sandy-haired girl glanced at Sailor Moon with confusion, while Fukuro moved closer. "I am a Sailor Senshi as well. I am Sailor Aquarius," the boy spoke.
Haruka's coniferous gaze fell on the speaking boy, temporarily startled by the change of tone; his cheerful lilt had transformed to somber, formal eloquence.
Fukuro began to walk past the girls, towards the convertible, "I think it would be best to depart. I have much to discuss with you, and we must see to your friend."
Haruka nodded, turning to Sailor Moon, "He's right. Rei…and Michiru…were attacked."
"They are not dead, luckily," Fukuro quickly interjected, "but I think it best if we gather the fallen Senshi in one place. Now, please, let us go." The small boy looked imploringly at the odango haired girl and the dirty blond racer, who both nodded. Haruka gently lifted Minako's body into her arms as all of them approached the car.
Sailor Moon: Heirs of Tomorrow
The Sendai Hill temple that night was a gloomy, sorrowful place. Inside the chamber which held the now extinguished shrine fire, the bodies of Rei, Ami, Minako, Michiru, Setsuna and Hotaru remained in repose. The chests of each girl was marred in some fashion, and breath ceased to filter from their mouths or nostrils.
After Makoto, Haruka, Usagi, Fukuro and Mamoru had arrived, Luna and Artemis confirmed Fukuro's claim that the Senshi had not been killed; they were simply placed in a deathlike coma.
"However, they can't stay like this," Luna finished, sepia eyes blazing, "Their Sailor Crystals must be returned, or they will not survive."
"How are we going to get their Sailor Crystals back?" Makoto inquired, emerald orbs bloodshot from weeping. Fukuro answered, "We will have to find the dimension that the Emperor resides in and take them back to their rightful owners."
Makoto's neck whipped around, eyes boring furiously into the boy, "How would you know?" she shouted, "For all we know, you could be just some spy – "
"Stop, Makoto!" Haruka's smooth voice cut through the brunette's tirade. "She's right, we don't need this right now!" Usagi cried, ocean blue eyes sparkling wet. After a few moments, Makoto backed down, still leveling an angry look in Fukuro's direction.
"Fukuro, did say that he had some information to share with us," Mamoru added quietly.
The youth nodded softly, "Yes I do, and I am aware of exactly where Nyx and the last of the Zodiac Senshi are hiding. However, you have to know some of the history of the Zodiac Senshi before I take you there, as these last four we will face are the most powerful…and the most dangerous, especially as Nyx's acolytes."
"Who, or what, are the Zodiac Senshi, Fukuro?" Usagi asked, eyes widening.
"The Zodiac Senshi…" Electric blue and violet pierced through ocean blue, then dark blue, hunter green and emerald, "were the first of the Sailor Senshi, and the former guardians of this universe."
Sailor Moon: Heirs of Tomorrow
"Eons ago, I and the other Zodiac Senshi were formed inside the Galaxy Cauldron eons ago, when this universe was still young and forming. Guardian Cosmos raised us, and gave us a home at Sagittarius Zero Star. No other being could contest our might, and we lived harmoniously, watching over the galaxies and all of the creatures born and growing within it. We guided their lives, and evil was not even an idea in the minds of living beings. The Zodiac Senshi took turns ruling, so that every age was honored to us, such as the Age of Pisces.
"In time, although we were great empresses and warriors, revered by many as goddesses, we were also essentially women, and grew lonely for companionship. Conducting progresses throughout our vast realm, we would often fall in love and mate with youths whom we fancied. Our descendents became many, and our line became filled with proud and powerful children, many of them grew to be Sailor Senshi of their home worlds. The entire universe prospered, without strife, suffering or warfare." Images began to flit like lost butterflies across the boy's mind, speaking of eons long past.
Sailor Moon: Heirs of Tomorrow
The cheerful drone of muttered prayers echoed off the shimmering walls of the temple, alight with the rainbow sparkles filtering through stained glass windows. Thousands of people filled the various pews, heads bowed in reverence. Many, both old and young, were smiling with contentment as the priests and priestesses began to softly recite benedictions over the people.
From the darkest corner of the church, a lone figure in deepest red was concealed behind a marble pillar, watching the congregation with a small smile.
"I thought I'd find you here again, Aries," a soft voice whispered. The red-haired Sailor Senshi reluctantly turned her diamond grey eyes towards the one who had spoken. An aqua-clad Senshi, bicolored eyes filled with gentle amusement, was standing beside her, waiting. The diamond eyes widened, as Aries's head began to bend in acknowledgement, but the other Senshi raised a hand. "You can skip the formalities, Aries, I just came to find you," she chuckled quietly, lest the hushed mass overheard them. The ruby-haired woman smiled, grateful for the company as she turned back, intent on witnessing the joyful sermon.
Sailor Moon: Heirs of Tomorrow
"Aquarius, come on!" Giggles resounded across the bright, lush fields, golden buttercups dazzling with dewdrops under the noon sunshine. A young Senshi in yellow with short hair that rivaled the buttercups for brilliance raced about, pursued closely by another laughing Senshi about her age in aqua blue.
"Aquarius, Gemini!" a gentle, regal voice called out, "Do not wander too far! You will need to resume your studies soon!" The voice came from the throat of a taller, older Senshi in lavender, concern shimmering in her aquamarine eyes. Standing upon a small knoll, cape flying in the gentle wind and holding her silvery trident, she watched the happy pair of friends frolic in the field.
"Ah, leave them alone, Empress," Yet another Sailor Soldier in royal purple with messy auburn hair sighed contentedly, resting on the fresh grass. Although she too held utmost respect for the one beside her, she never often used formalities. "I suppose you're right, Sagittarius," the ebony-haired Senshi replied, features easing, "However, if these young ones are to succeed me, they must learn and mature. Although…" Pisces gazed on with true pride at the young girls below, as shrieks of mirth issued from Aquarius's lips. "It is vital they learn to live in happiness as well."
"That's the spirit!" Turquoise orbs glanced upwards with amusement.
Sailor Moon: Heirs of Tomorrow
Fukuro cleared his throat and continued, eyes softly misting with the flow of memories. "Over time, our excess strength pooled and crystallized, forming several unique Sailor Crystals, the most powerful of which evolving into the Silver Crystal and Golden Crystal. These we used to maintain the peacefulness of our reign. However…soon, those times would come to an end."
"How?" Artemis interjected, furry ears pricked up with deep interest. The others were also held spellbound by the seemingly young boy's words.
"I…I am still uncertain as to when it began. However, in time, our current Empress, Sailor Pisces, sensed a great evil developing, until it became too strong to ignore. She commissioned for us to gather the Sailor Crystals that gave us power, and distribute them among specific family lines, as she had foreseen that these families would eventually produce beings who would be our equals, even superiors, in might. We also could not afford to allow an evil threat to attain the Sailor Crystals, or our Celestial Staff, which was powered by the Crystals."
"So…the Sailor Crystals were once yours," Usagi whispered. Mamoru spoke, "How were the family lines chosen?"
Fukuro continued, gazing at each person seated, "Pisces used the Submarine Mirror, back then much larger than it is now, to determine the chosen ones. The only ones who were trusted to handle the crystals were those of strong hearts and nobility…those with the greatest concentration of our blood surging through their veins."
"So, you mean…your own families?" Makoto choked out. The boy nodded, "Yes, our own great-grandchildren were destined to hold the Sailor Crystals, until the correct heir was born to wield it."
"So…the Zodiac Senshi are our great-grandmothers?" Usagi yelled with shock. Closing his eyes, Fukuro shallowly nodded.
My God, she must be billions of years old! She looks younger than I do! Usagi's jaw dropped, the gap big enough to fit a baby beluga whale.
"You all felt a connection to a specific Senshi…that was due to both the Sailor Crystal you hold recognizing its former holder, and due to the deep strains of blood you shared. No creature that shares this ancestry can fail to acknowledge who we are."
As the violet and bright blue eye landed on her, Haruka felt the fresh breeze of calm wash over her, finally able to realize its significance. "I'm your grandchild…"she muttered, features serene, though unsmiling.
A tiny smile plucked Fukuro's lips before continuing, "You are our heirs, and the ones chosen to continue our duty."
"But why are you the only one who is helping us?" Makoto was finally convinced of Fukuro's sincerity. Fukuro sighed.
"I was getting ready to battle alongside my fellow Senshi, but, the eve before the confrontation, I was called to Sailor Pisces's throne room. She asked me to gaze into it, then she shoved me into it, sending me tumbling through time into the future. Evidently, she must have realized that we would lose, and sent me to aid and advise all of you."
Sailor Moon: Heirs of Tomorrow
"The end is finally here".
The words echoed throughout the spacious, darkened room. It was well past midnight, the footsteps of two young women resounded clearly as they crossed the room and finally halted. A small Sailor Senshi, looking no older than eleven, clad in an aqua blue and violet Sailor Suit, stared at her companion, both eyes, one electric blue and one deep amethyst, going wide with horror. "You can't be serious, Empress!" she gasped. The taller girl, resembling an older teenager, stopped in midstride and turned to the younger girl. She too was dressed in the Sailor uniform, but hers was pale lavender. Her aqua blue eyes looked sadly at the other girl. "I'm sorry, but our time is over. We are going to lose the battle tomorrow." She resumed her pace across the large room, the younger Senshi in tow.
The lavender Senshi referred to as 'Empress', did not halt until she stood before an enormous, golden framed mirror. "I have seen it all in the Submarine mirror," the Empress leaned gracefully against the frame, "we are destined to fall. That was why I commissioned for the weapons to be created and our crystals to be given away." The younger girl stood a little further away, face showing naked shock mixed with misery.
"So, it's final then. The gods have decreed our death, Empress."
"I'm sorry, but it is true."
The Empress tilted slightly towards her companion, locking her eyes with the others' bi-colored ones. "Come closer. I want to show you something I have also learned from this sacred mirror." The aqua Senshi came forward and stood by her empress, eyes downcast.
Suddenly, without warning, the lavender Senshi shoved the girl beside her with all her might towards the glass. The girl pitched forward without a sound and through the silvery surface, which simply closed around her as if it were a vertical pool of water. In seconds, the Sailor Senshi was gone.
The other girl then sighed, and stood calmly by the magical mirror. "I'm sorry, but you are not destined to be part of this fight, my child. If you are to protect this universe after we are vanquished, you must find our last hope, our heirs of tomorrow and the inheritrix of our power. Our descendents must come and accomplish what we shall fail to do tomorrow." Her oceanic eyes became hard and sparkled like diamonds. "I'm counting on you…Sailor Aquarius".
Sailor Moon: Heirs of Tomorrow
"So that is why the scrolls only mention eleven goddesses fighting," Luna stated. "I never got the chance to help…" bitterness tinged the boy's voice, "I was forced, as I journeyed to this time, to witness everything. The pain of defeat, and the price my companions were forced to face alone. Nyx tormented their souls, turning them into ruthless, dishonorable monsters without memory or will. Empress Pisces's suffered the most, having the purest, most compassionate soul of us all, and became the appalling remnant of a Sailor Soldier you have seen. I witnessed Sailor Galaxia's initial visit to the Galaxy Cauldron, and Queen Serenity, Sailor Cancer's descendent, with her consort finally arrive in the Solar System to establish her kingdom, and then its tragic fall at the hands of Queen Metaria and the conflict between the Earth and Moon. All this and more I watched, helpless to interfere until I was deemed ready to quit the time stream."
Silent trails of tears flowed down pale, small cheeks, as Fukuro ceased to speak.
Without warning, slender fingers wrapped comfortingly around the youth's tightly clenched fist.
"This…it must have been so hard for you, Aquarius. To lose so much, and to want to help your friends…"
The boy's startled expression met Usagi's sympathetic gaze. Understanding filtered back and forth between the eyes of the two teenagers, and permeated the company gathered within the room.
That's right…we've both lost so much. You lost your loved ones so many times, and always fought so hard to protect…Princess Serenity…
Reluctantly, Fukuro tore his gaze away, shaking his head. "Far worse, our most powerful weapon of all, the Celestial Staff powered by the Sailor Crystals, is gone."
"The Celestial Staff?" Makoto echoed. Fukuro replied, "Yes. It was bestowed on us by Guardian Cosmos, and had the potential to destroy an entire star system when encrusted with your Sailor Crystals. It mysteriously disappeared during the final war with the evil threat, Nyx, but I doubt that he has laid eyes on it, let alone possesses it. If he had…"
"…then we obviously wouldn't be here." Mamoru finished for him.
"Evidently, Nyx is searching for it, or else he would not bother to seek out the Sailor Crystals. Powerful as they are, without their proper owners or the Staff, their full potential cannot be realized." Fukuro hypothesized, face set.
"Won't he come after you for it?" Artemis asked, but Fukuro shook his head negatively. "I have not the slightest idea where it might be. Empress Pisces's may have hidden it, but she has done it too well for me to locate. Right now, his main concern is to acquire the Sailor Crystals that are left. Perhaps, once they are gathered in one place, the location of the Celestial Staff will be unsealed."
Usagi leaned forward, "What about Project Ragnarok? Before she died, Sailor Sagittarius told us to 'beware' of it."
Fukuro looked thoughtful. "That is a complete mystery to me. However, I doubt that it can mean anything remotely beneficial." He soon roused himself from his brooding, "All the same, we will have to engage Nyx and the remainder of his cohorts. This cannot continue, and I hate to think of our Crystals in his wicked hands."
"But how? We have no idea where he is!" Makoto cried.
"That is not difficult," Fukuro responded, "He can only be in one place. Although the Zodiac Senshi were defeated, they were able to contain Nyx, confining him to one area."
Fukuro's eyes blazed, "Until he can gain enough energy, he's trapped in our former palace at the Galaxy Cauldron. That is our destination, if we wish to save your comrades."
TBC...