Sailor Moon ST (Star Trek) – By DS Wynne
Disclaimer: SM, R1/2, ST and other genres belong to their respective owners.
Note: This is a multi-genre story.
Part 21: "Interludes and Misunderstandings" (I)
In the early days of the Silver Millennium, there was once a world famed for its warriors and hunters. Proud were these people, they were unable to heed the warnings of the Seers of Saturn of an attack by the foes of the Moon Kingdom. Fell, this people did, though they did inflict a near crippling blow to this enemy. This enemy, known as "Antihelios"- the destroyer of stars -was a favored of the great corrupter (known as "The Wyrm"). Unfortunately, the cost of victory includes the destruction of their home world.
There was one survivor of that world, though. Princess Enaka, of the planet Tarog, swore to avenge her people's death, by never letting another planet fall prey to the Wyrm. Taking up the mantle of the Senshi of her once great world (now scattered between Mars and Jupiter), Enaka fulfilled her duty. Her great strength and berserker's rage were legendary. She was a hero in her own right, but her anger got the best of her better judgement, and created great friction among her allies.
When the Dark Kingdom struck, Enaka was on the front lines. But the Wyrm was ready. It lured Sailor Tarog in a trap, a trap that Enaka was warned about. Enaka refused assistance, citing that her people's honor was at stake. Sailor Tarog's fight against Antihelios was vicious in scope. The battle would rage on and on, until Queen Serenity herself chose that moment to send her people to be reborn. Denied of her victory, Enaka's soul would scream in anger. Some would say that whatever form Enaka would be reincarnated in, it is a good possibility that she would be angry to this day.
-From the journal of Luna, bani Maus, guardian to the House of Serenity.
"Ah, morning, Luna," Usagi said, as she got out of bed. It had been weeks since either Jadeite or his allies had made any new incursions. Unfortunately, it always meant a prelude to some major offensive on the horizon. Still, you take whatever break that comes your way.
"You seem to be in good spirits," Luna said, as she leaped onto Usagi's bed.
"Yeah. Look, Luna, I know that I haven't been spending time with you lately, but between this latest enemy situation and catching up on old times, well-"
"You've been busy. I know, and I understand. It has been rather strange in dealing with a more mature Usagi."
"I appreciate your patience. By the way, I meant to give this to you. Now hold still..."
Quicker than a blink of an eye, Usagi cupped Luna's left ear. The Moon Cat soon realized that her charge had painlessly pierced it with a tiny earring.
"What-" Luna began.
"This talisman will enable you to maintain your humanoid form at will indefinitely. I'll do the same with Artamus and Diana as soon as I can."
"Why, thank you, Usagi. I'm really impressed, though you could have asked to do what you did first."
"Sorry. And you're welcome. Look, I'm going to train before I have breakfast with the Outers this morning. I already asked Mom and Dad if I could go, and they said 'yes'."
"You didn't do anything to them or anything?"
"Of course not. What do you take me for, a megalomaniac? No, I didn't do anything, though I did do some chores to get their permission though."
"Oh, well, that's nice."
"Anyway, I'm off," Usagi said, as she leaped out of the window, leaving her sleep ware behind.
"Usagi, wait-!"
"Yes?" Usagi replied, as she floated back to her window.
"Did you just leaped out of your clothes?"
"Yes…"
"But how are you wearing a complete outfit?"
"Oh, I put them on…"
"I see. Well, have a nice time then."
"I will."
"Father," said Hoshiko, as she leaped unto the roof of the Tendo dojo. At Usagi's request, "Ko-chan" would spend time with her father and his family (much to Akane's chagrin). So far, she has been doing her best to accommodate her grandmother's whims.
"Hey, what's up?"
"Oh nothing. Grandmother is a bit eccentric in her teaching methods, but it is a lot easier a regiment than when We studied under Master Worf's instruction."
"Heh. Who would have thought that you would win the '234th Annual Gagh Cook-off' with the help of his prune juice recipe?"
"Humph. We would think you would appreciate exotic foods with your particular appetite."
"Hey, I may love food, but I'm not suicidal."
A moment of silence occurs.
"Father, do you think We will ever be accepted hear?"
"I'm not sure. Unfortunately, I'm not sure I'll be accepted here too much further, especially if Akane continues to feel threatened by Usagi's presence."
"We guess..."
"Anyway, care for some ice cream?"
"At this time in the morning?"
"Sure. I could go for a scoop or two myself."
"Do you not mean a gallon or two, Father?"
"Very funny. For that, we are going on a training journey this weekend...in China."
"Aw, man!"
"Does she have to be here?" fumed Akane. While she was trying to be supportive of Ranma's role as a parent, she still hated the fact that Hoshiko reminded her of Ranma's past relationship with....that woman. "I mean, really."
"To be fair, at least you know that Ranma will make a good father someday," replied Kasumi, who was being helped in the kitchen by her youngest sister. "And he has been trying to spend time wih you."
"I know. But as long as that Usagi is around, Ranma will never be mine."
"At least you're finally admitting your feelings," said Nabiki, as she went to get her bag lunch. According to her "contacts", she would finally gain access to the means to get her revenge on Hoshiko. "Maybe if you actually tried harder, you'll make sure that Usagi Tsukino will never be a problem ever again."
"Easier said than done," replied Akane. "It's not like I have the power to blow up moons, you know..."
"Well, it's just my opinion."
"When will you'll be returning, Nabiki?" asked Kasumi.
"I'll be back tonight. If not, I'll give you a call. Oh, and Akane?"
"Yes?"
"Remember what I said."
After Nabiki left, Akane excused herself and went to her room.
"I got to do something. But what?"
Then, she remembered the artifact she picked up earlier form that curio shop. Quickly, she opened her closet door, and pulled out a trap door that Nabiki didn't know about. At least, as far as she knew. There, in a small, wooden box, was the strange rod.
"According to that man, I can gain power from this thing. But what is it?"
SAY IT...
"What?" said a startled Akane. She was sure that she was alone. Then, she looked at the object again.
SAY IT...
"Say what?" she asked, wondering if she was going out of her mind. Was this thing cursed?
SAY THE FIRST THING THAT COMES TO MIND...
"Okay...um, 'Tarog Prism MAKE UP?"
Thus, a new Sailor Scout was born, though not for the better.
***
On the rare occasion that Usagi doesn't have to fight foe (or friend), she made time for her own needs…away from everyone else, of course. Her old beau Ranma Saotome thought Usagi was still trying keep herself apart from everyone else, her daughters T'Sara and Hoshiko was glad that their mother wanted to be independent, and her friends just felt that Usagi was merely being weird. But regardless of what everyone thought of Usagi's "quality time", the heroine was determined to do what she wanted to do. So, that was that.
On this early Sunday morning, the champion of love and justice was meditating in a little known temple in a different part of Tokyo. Usagi might have used the Cherry Hill Temple for her purposes, but she felt that the place was a bit too intrusive, especially if Rei was getting on her nerves. At the suggestion of her good friends Belldandy and her sisters, she would use their place for "reflection". The place in question was once an abandoned shrine that has long since been converted to a home for the three Norns and Belldandy's beau Keichi Megumi. And while a few of Usagi's friends have met Belldandy's younger sister Skuld, no one knew where the young goddess lived, or that Usagi was using her place. It was here that she could practice her mystic arts, and thus commune with the universe itself. Plus, it gave her glimpses of the future, though lately someone or something has been shielding her perceptions.
"You really should let time, fate and destiny take their proper course."
"Bell-chan, no offense, but I hate that argument."
Usagi lowered herself from her mid-air position before leaving her lotus position.
"But thank you for your concern."
"Anytime, Usa-chan," replied Belldandy, who really didn't take offense at her long-time friend's remark. She knew all too well at the type of burden she carried, since life was never easy for a potential diety.
"So, how's things with school and Keichi? I'm surprised you two haven't gotten married by now."
"We're just waiting for the right time, that's all," Belldandy blushed
"Ah, don't worry, I see to it that Keichi gets some courage," said Urd stepped out to breathe in the morning. "Just give me some time."
"Well, if you do to Keichi what you did to Ranma and I, then forget it."
"Hey, you two would have fallen in love anyway. I mean, between Saruman's forces and Sauron himself, you two were practically thrown together in the heat and height of danger and intrigue."
"Yeah, right."
"Oh, you're still here," said Skuld, as she stepped out into the courtyard. "I got the new schematics for our...'project'."
"Good," said Usagi, as she took the electronic pad and read it. "Once this thing is ready, we'll be able to deal with Jadeite and his allies. Put the data into the electronic drop-box so Ami, Washu and T'Sara can take a look at it."
"Will do!"
"Anyway, I got to go...breakfast is calling."
"Oh, that reminds me. Will you and Ranma make it to dinner tonight? It's been a while we've seen Ranma and your daughters."
"I don't know about him, but I'll let the others know about the invite."
***
"Hello, niece."
"Hello, auntie."
As agreed upon, T'Sara and Anne met at an outdoor vegitarian suchi bar in Juuban Park. The vendor could feel the tension in the air, but thought nothing of it as he served his customers' dishes. The two women took their meal and sat at one of the numerous benches that had picnic tables attached to them. For a moment, the two simply ate in silence.
"I'm glad you suggested this place," Anne said, as she snacked down her Cucumber rolls.
"Anne, why are you doing this?" T'Sara said suddenly. As patient as she liked to be, the fact that her niece is not only alive, but is working for the enemy, was a disturbing thought.
"Eating? Well, because I'm hungry..."
"That's not what I mean, and you know it."
"Let's see. One, get revenge on the one who murdered my mother, and, two...well, that's a secret."
"I see. You know that I cannot allow you to succeed in your endeavors."
"Perhaps you want to take me on now...?"
"You know that I know that your 'friends' are nearby. Besides, this place is neutral ground, as agreed upon."
"I'm so glad that you're thinking 'logically', AUNT."
Anne got up to leave.
"If you want to talk some more, you know how to reach me."
With that, Anne Sheridan walks away.
T'Sara looks at her meal for a moment before getting up to leave herself. Unknown to either Anne or T'Sara, two figures were looking at the old scene (though from different points of park). From one area, a little girl with pink hair, a floating cat ball and a grey kitten (perched on the girl's left shoulder) appears worried. From another area, a girl who looks like Usagi appears angered. Thankfully, neither one noticed the other.
"Oh, Diana," began Rini, as she walked away from the scene. "What are we going to do?"
"Don't worry," replied Diana, "I'm sure we'll think of something."
"Humph," said Serena, as she turned and walked away from the scene.
"Ah, there you are," said Momaru. "Sorry I was late, but the Dean wanted to give me my teaching assignment before I left fo the day."
"No problem. Actually, I enjoyed myself while listening to the street performers over there."
"Well, I'm glad that you're alright about me being late."
"Actually, I'll feel even better if you take me to that club that just opened up downtown...this evening, of course."
"Sigh. Very well..."
Tbc.