Happy 2008! Hope you all had a wonderful holiday and now we're back to business as usual!
And I'm back to reassuming my monthly update of Sailor Moon: Galaxy Stars. Last time, the Senshi were setting off to confront Souja's cyborgs. And they're in for quite a fight indeed. This chapter will be somewhat short - mostly since it will be action-driven. This will be the first act of a three-part introduction arc based on the Souja Saga.
In fact, the next following chapters will be formatted into three or more part mini-arcs in this second season's entirety (in addition to a few stand-alone chapters). I'm experimenting with a new format of storytelling in contrast to the last season (which was one giant arc!)
However, despite that, Souja will remain the main villain of the season and it is still the Souja Saga.
Anyway, that's enough from me.
Onto Galaxy Stars, we go!
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(Cue Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon theme Moonlight Densetsu by Moonlips)
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Sailor Moon Galaxy Stars, Souja Arc
The Machines Strike, Part I
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Harajuku/Shopping District of Tokyo/12:55 PM
Hovering over the shopping district of Harajuku, a helicopter was already at the scene as a news team had managed to get away from fray. They managed to avoid becoming victims of a sudden attack by the cyborg pair. The Christmas parade was interrupted as the celebrations abruptly came to an end. The X-Mas spirit had died as panic erupted on the streets.
Screams could be heard as people scurried off from the two cyborgs.
Watching the crowds escape, a curious grin curled on the female cyborg's lips. ("Ah, look at them run like little, bitty mice. Hehehe, perhaps I can hunt them down like a cat? Purrrrrr. What do you think, Unit 011? That should draw out those skirt-wearing girlies?")
Unit 011 simply nodded. ("Now, now, Unit 010. Have some patience. They will come shortly. We're only supposed to kill the Sailor Senshi. These humans are not we're supposed to be after.")
("Awwww, but that's NO fun! How can I entertain myself while waiting for them to come?") The female crossed her arms, scoffing like a spoiled child not getting her precious toy.
Just then, something started to move behind them. A figure pulled itself out of a large, brown dumpster. A pair of arms threw themselves out as hands gripped the outside of the dumpster. Pulling herself out was the anchorwoman, Rina Yamazaki; she had somehow survived being blown to bits by a blast fired by the cyborgs. She took a deep breath and opened her eyes.
"Oh god." Rina let out a sigh of relief while glancing down at her suit. Her face contorted with slight disgust. "Ugh, gross! I paid a lot for this suit!" She wiped the egg yolk off her shoulder and gagged while sticking her tongue out. Oscar the Grouch, eat your heart out.
Suddenly, she looked ahead to notice Units 010 and 011 staring out at the city. Fortunately for the anchorwoman, they hadn't noticed her and their backs were turned. Unfortunately, that meant she had to slip past them somehow. She had to come up with a solution of this dilemma.
Think girl! Don't let them see you! Rina bit her lip while slowly slipping out of the dumpster. As she slowly creaked out, she slowly laid the dumpster lid shut and crouched down. Ok, now.. time to take a few baby steps. Ok, one. two. She meekly paced across with her heels moving two steps forward. Three. Four. Two more steps. Five. Six. Another two steps. Seven. Eight. Two more paces. Nine.. THUD. Rina's eyes bulged open as she noticed her right heel had kicked a Coca-Cola can aside. "Crap." She slowly turned her head to see if they had spotted her.
From her view, she spotted Unit 011 with his back turned. Rina let out a sigh as she was safe. They hadn't noticed.. Wait, only Unit 011 was there. Where was Unit 010?
("Psssst. Over here.")
Rina's face paled as she turned around.
She came face to face with Unit 010. The female cyborg smiled a fake smile and giggled upon greeting the anchorwoman.
("Well, well, what do we have here? Trying to slip past me like a cute, wittle mousey?")
Rina felt her throat dry as she was a loss for words. Her body stiffened as her eyes met those with the cyborg's. Unit 010's eyes were cold, lifeless with a hint of psychotic rage behind them. These were the eyes of a killer with no shred of remorse. Rina's body trembled as didn't move. What could she do? Whether she stayed or ran, her life would not be spared. For you see, Unit 010 never spares anything that moves but she doesn't just kill her victims quickly. No, she plays with them first. Every human life was nothing but a plaything for the female cyborg. Useful until they've expended their use.
And Rina Yamazaki would be that perfect toy for Unit 010 to play with.
"P-please.. don't.. don't." Rina trembled as she stuttered, her eyes widened. Sweat formed above her brows as she gazed into Unit 010's eyes.
Unit 010 smirked as she caressed Rina's soft cheeks with her right hand. ("Don't what? Awww, why are you sssssso sssscared? It's okay.")
"Don't... k-kill... me."
That's when Unit 010 giggled a psychotic chuckle. ("Don't kill ya? Now, why would I do that to such a pwetty wlittle lady.") Although she put on an innocent and playful mask, she was eager to torture the poor woman.
"D-don't... please... no."
("Don't worry! I won't let anyone hurt you, lady.. Except of course.")
Rina felt a quick thug as Unit 010's cold hands snatched her by the neck. The hands moved down as the female cyborg applied pressure and clasped around Rina's throat. Unit 010 displayed amazing strength for a 'teenage-looking girl' as she lifted Rina up like a rag doll. The anchorwoman gaped as she tried to collect air and kicked her feet into Unit 010's face. The cyborg stood still while ignoring the woman's kicks and smirked.
("Ooooo, yes! I love watching my play toys struggle as if their lives depended on it. Hehehe, you'll be a very fun playmate, pwetty wady!") Unit 010 giggled, speaking in a child-like tone while seemingly enjoying Rina's struggle.
("Unit 011! What did I just say a while ago?! You rebellious brat you!")
Unit 010 blinked as she turned to find Unit 011 tapping the ground with his cane. She grinned innocently while giggling.
("Come now. I know you're getting impatient.") Unit 011 groaned, lifting his cane off the ground. He took off his hat and fixed while placing it back on top of his head again. ("Look. She's of no concern to us.")
As she put on a saddened face, she pouted like a child. ("Awwww but I WANT to play with her! She seems like fun! Please, let me play with her! Please! PLEASE! PLEASE! Pwetty pwease?") She talked in a normal speech pattern while at the sametime regressed her speech into that of an infant's. She hopped up and down like a spoiled child wanting sweet candy. ("You always want to ruin my fun! I'm going to tell Master Souja on YOU!")
("You wouldn't dare?!") The alabaster-skinned cyborg backed off as he pointed his cane at the Goth dressed cyborg.
("Master Souja likes me best! I'm like his daddy's little girl! He favors me most!") Unit 010 frowned, sticking her silver tongue out at her 'senior.'
Groaning as he backed off, Unit 011 turned away. ("Fine, fine. Do as you wish. I'm not stopping you, but don't get Master Souja involved.") He obviously did not want to get deactivated and dismantled on his second day since he was born last night. Since he was completed before Unit 010, that made him somewhat of an 'older sibling' to the female cyborg. His artificial mind was equivalent to that of an older man whilst Unit 010's was that of a cross between a 3-year-old and a 13-year-old. Basically, she had to personalities going for her but she still maintained that psychotic mentality.
As Rina was short of breath, she felt her arms go limp. This prompted Unit 010 to frown. ("Hey! Don't die now! We were just getting started! HEY WAKE UP, BITCH!") As she brought her right hand down, her nails lengthened into long, sharp blades. ("I said.. WAKE UP!! WE'RE NOT DONE!")
("Unit 010! That's enough.")
Unit 010 snapped as she glared at her 'brother.' ("You.. SHUT UP!! DON'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO!") Her eyes widened as her irises dilated and her teeth clenched. It appeared that a third personality had surfaced: a psychotic one. Unit 010 turned and prepared to impale Rina to 'wake her up' but was oblivious to the fact she will instantly kill her. ("WAKE UP!")
SHOOM.
Before long, Unit 010's shot upward and only.. stabbed through air. Her eyes blinked repeatedly as Unit 010 looked around her surroundings.
Rina was gone.
Suddenly, Unit 011 shifted his eyes and turned to his left as he noticed a group of seven females garbed in their traditional fuku and their colored 'Sailor' uniforms. Along with them was a man dressed in a black tuxedo cane and cape along with a hat and cane.
Coming into view were Sailor Moon, Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars, Sailor Jupiter (carrying Rina in her arms), Sailor Venus, Sailor 'Chibi' Moon and Sailor Saturn. All but Chibi Moon was garbed in their Eternal attires. Tuxedo Kamen was standing beside Sailor Moon while twirling his cane around.
Unit 011 turned to smirk. ("See? What did I tell you, Unit 010? If you just waited, they would come.")
Closing her right hand, Unit 010 made it crackle as she glared at the Sailor Senshi and Tuxedo Kamen. A cruel, malevolent smirk curled on her lips. A low, psychotic giggle escaped her lips. ("Hehehe, sssso the sssssugary and spice girlies have come. Ugh, such tacky clothes.") Her eyes scanned each of the Senshi as they flickered red. ("Analyzing Senshi identities: Sailor Moon. Sailor Mercury. Sailor Mars. Sailor Jupiter. Sailor Venus. Sailor Saturn. Tuxedo Kamen.. ooo what a hunk. And.. hmm?") That was when she noticed Sailor Chibi Moon. ("Interesting. Who's the pink-haired power puff girl?")
Unit 011 scanned the pink-haired girl. ("My data entry cannot confirm this one's identity but judging by her uniform.. She is no doubt a Sailor Senshi.")
("Huh. No matter. I think I've just found myself a new play toy. I can start by pulling out her pwetty pink hair. Hehehe.") The psychotic female cyborg licked her lips, revealing her silver tongue again. Her eyes were still glaring hungrily at Sailor Chibi Moon.
Sailor Jupiter set Rina down. "Are you okay, lady?"
Nodding her head, Rina started walking back as she paled at the sight of Unit 010. "Yes.. Thank you, Sailor Senshi. But, please.. do me a favor." She angrily and pointed an accusing finger toward Unit 010. "KICK THAT LITTLE PSYCHO BITCH'S ASS!" She roared with intense anger as she ran off. "I'll be sure to do a report on your rescue of me and interview you sometime!"
As the anchorwoman hurried off, the Sailor Senshi and Tuxedo Kamen all turned as they sweatdropped. They shifted their focus back on the two deadly cyborgs. Unit 010 and 011 stood side by side while staring at their opponents.
"So, these two must be responsible for the attacks on the parade," Sailor Jupiter noted.
Sailor Venus scoffed as she pointed at the two cyborgs. "You two really know how to ruin the X-Mas spirit! And you ruined what was supposed to be quality time with my friends!"
Sailor Mars waved her hand as if telling Venus to 'simmer down.' "Chill. You take your frustrations on them."
"Right, right," Venus sweatdropped.
"In any case," Sailor Moon stepped forward, glaring at the cyborg pair. "You know what we came here to do."
Both Units 010 and 011 chuckled simultaneously.
("Oh, but of course.")
("We've been waiting for you, Sailor Senshi. Too bad one of you had to take my precious toy away.")
"Your play toy?" Sailor Jupiter blinked as she turned and watched Rina running off in the background. She turned and gazed at the psychotic girl. "Ok, now that's just." The brunette sweatdropped.
"Just for ruining the X-Mas mood, we're going to kick your butts!" Sailor Chibi Moon pointed an accusing finger at the two cyborgs. "Ya hear me?" With that, she crossed arms. "Good!"
Unit 010 giggled as she shifted her eyes toward Unit 011. ("Awww, would you be so kind as to let me tear that pwetty pink hair off her head?") She smirked, cocking her head and giggling a psychotic chuckle.
Scoffing under his breath, Unit 011 shrugged as he stared over at the other Senshi. ("Do as you wish. Although, we should split up. There are eight of them. I can take four and you take four?")
("Deal! Sounds like good. Prrrr.. as long as the pink-haired bitch is mine. Ah, eny meany.. miney moe.. catch a tiger by the toe.. if he hollers.. let him go.. eny meany.. miney moe.") The psychopathic female droned in a doll-like voice.
The other Senshi simply shuddered at the sight of the Goth-looking cyborg. Sailor Chibi Moon frowned after hearing Unit 010 referring to her as a 'female dog.'
"Why that no good! I'll show her a THING or TWO," Chibi Moon seethed as she gritted her teeth. "I'm not as weak as she may think!"
"That a girl, Chibi Moon. You'll show her a thing or two," Sailor Moon said, standing beside her 'future daughter.' "But, let's be careful."
"Quiet, everyone!" Sailor Saturn instructed as she listened to the murmuring exchange between the two cyborgs. They're planning to split us up. That's good but bad for us. I've got to watch Chibi Moon's back.
It has already been decided. The cyborgs picked out their random targets. Obviously, Unit 010 had Sailor Chibi Moon but she chose three of the others she could play with. This left Unit 011 with the remaining four. Glancing toward one another, both Units 010 and 011 nodded.
Without warning, Unit 010 sprinted ahead first as long claws extended out from her right hand. ("And.. I CHOOSE YOU FOUR!") With that, her claws shot forward at her four targets: Sailor Chibi Moon, Sailor Moon, Sailor Saturn and Sailor Mars.
Shick.
BAM!!
Unit 011 opened his eyes as a pair of red, streamlined beams shot at his four targets: Tuxedo Kamen, Sailor Venus, Sailor Jupiter and Sailor Mercury.
BA-BOOM!!
Sailor Moon led her four-person team as they jumped up twenty five feet high to avoid Unit 010's deadly claws.
Tuxedo Kamen and his team avoided being blasted into bits as they scattered away.
As the claws retracted and returned to her hand, Unit 010 purred with delight. ("Heh, just as I thought.. they run like little mice. Guess I'm the cat ready to kill her prey. Of course, I have to play with the pink one first.. before I tear out every precious little strand of her oh sweet, tasty cotton candy hair. Mmmhmmm.") She licked her lips as a sadistic smirk adorned her face.
"Ugh.. you freak!" Sailor Chibi Moon blinked as her left brow twitched.
Sailor Saturn stood in front of the pink-haired girl. "Stay behind me, Chibi Moon."
"No, we'll fight her together!" Chibi Moon shouted back as she stood beside her friend, Saturn.
Sailor Mars assumed a battle stance and stared at the female cyborg. "We can take her. Right, Sailor Moon?"
"Yeah! Four on one is good odds in our favor!" The Moon Princess declared as she pulled out her scepter. "C'mon! Come and get us!"
Unit 010 smirked. ("Big mistake if you're going to underestimate me. Hehehe.")
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Tuxedo Kamen glanced over his shoulder to see the other Senshi standing together. Jupiter, Mercury and Venus stood side by side. Their eyes were locked onto Unit 011 as they waited for the alabaster-skinned enemy to attack.
"Keep your guards up, girls," the masked man ordered.
"Right!" The trio exclaimed back.
("Pity you four won't last against me. Time to exterminate you nuisances.") Unit 011 proclaimed while swinging his cane around. He quickly dashed across and made his first move on his four adversaries.
"Here he comes!" Sailor Mercury called out.
Sailor Venus growled, collecting magical properties in her hands. "Let's kick some butt, girls!"
Flashing a smirk, Sailor Jupiter raised her fists as they cackled with electricity. "Bring it, ya pasty-faced bastard!"
With that, Unit 011 swiped his cane toward Sailor Mercury. The blue-haired warrior jumped back as the cane barely struck her side. Sailor Venus quickly dashed for Unit 011 and threw out a long chain of hearts. "Venus Love Me Chain!!" As the chain whipped across, it caught Unit 011's hand and parried the cane right out of his cane. "Ha! Got your cane!"
Before Unit 011 could break the chain, Sailor Jupiter rushed at the cyborg like a mad bull. She caught off him off guard as she moved in a green blur and slammed her fists into his chest.
BAM!!
Kzzzzzt.
Jupiter charged p her hands as she fired bolts of electricity into the cyborg's gut. "Sparkling Wide Pressure!!"
("GAAARGGHH!") The white cybernetic being roared out as he was knocked across the street and landed on the top of a car. The cyborg grunted as his back crushed the top of a red Cadillac. Glass shattered from the front view mirror as he lied buried under the broken shards.
"Nicely done, Jupiter!" Sailor Mercury praised her friend's attack.
Sailor Venus winked to the tall, brunette. "You sent him flying out of the park!"
However, Sailor Jupiter remained quiet as she stared at the car. She tightened her fists as if waiting for the cyborg to sit up. "It's not over yet. He may be down but he's not out."
"Wise thinking, Jupiter," Tuxedo Kamen nodded as he sighed, expressing concern for his lover and his future daughter. "If only Sailor Moon and the others are faring any better than we are."
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As Unit 010 leaped directly for Sailor Moon, Sailor Mars stepped in front of her and shot a flaming arrow at the female cyborg's direction.
("Huh?") The female Goth cyborg blinked.
"Mars Flame Sniper!!"
As the fiery arrow projectile aimed for her, Unit 010 twisted around and moved out of the fire arrow's direction. She quickly snapped her head back and faced Sailor Mars with a sly grin.
("Awww, nice try.")
Sailor Mars growled, gritting her teeth as her fists were covered in flames. "I'm not through yet!"
"Thanks, Mars but I can take it from here," Sailor Moon replied as she stood beside her Miko friend. Suddenly, she noticed both Saturn and Chibi Moon were absent from the area. "Say.. where are Chibi Moon and Saturn?"
Mars realized this and glanced at the two girls standing behind Unit 010. She smirked. Ah, so that's where you two were.
Unit 010 blinked in befuddlement as she turned around to spot both Saturn and Chibi Moon conjuring up their defenses. Unit 010 wouldn't have any of this as she flew out to attack the girls.
"Saturn! Chibi Moon!" Sailor Moon shouted as she pursued the cyborg.
Sailor Mars followed in suit. "Get away from them!"
As Sailor Saturn raised her Silence Glaive, a purple dome was erected over her and her friend. The barrier illuminated a light purple aura. Opening her eyes, Saturn shot a serious glare at the cyborg. Unit 010's right hand bounced off the barrier as she was thrown back a few feet.
"Silent Wall!!"
"That was a close one, Saturn!" Chibi Moon exclaimed as she pulled out a scepter - with its top shaped like a heart. It, like Chibi Moon's hair, was pink and had tiny bells hung down the sides. "Bring down the barrier, Saturn! Let me take her on!"
"Chibi Moon? I can't.. you'll be kill-"
"Killed? Heh, I'm not as weak as I used to be. I didn't receive extra hard training for nothing!" The pink-haired girl approached the barrier as she raised her scepter. "I'll teach this foul-mouthed psychopath that I'm NOT anyone's plaything!"
"Chibi Moon." Saturn blinked as she noticed her friend displaying raw determination. She sensed Chibi Moon's power and realized that she had grown much stronger. A smile adorned the Outer's lips. "Ok, then! Go for it, Chibi Moon!"
"Thanks, Saturn!"
With that, Saturn concentrated as a hole opened up through her barrier. This allowed Sailor Chibi Moon to freely pass through as she faced Unit 010 by herself.
"Chibi Moon!" Sailor Moon gasped as she stopped and watched the girl preparing to take on the deadly cyborg.
Sailor Mars gaped. "Chibi Moon! Get back inside Saturn's barrier!" What the heck is that girl thinking?! She's going to get mauled by that witch!
Giggling to herself with cruel pleasure, Unit 010 licked her long claws and purred. ("Well, well, the cotton candy girl has come out to play.") She dashed ahead to attack Sailor Chibi Moon. ("Finally! You're MINE!! Hehehehehe!")
"Chibi Moon!" The blonde-haired Moon Princess dashed off to prevent Unit 010 from attacking the pink-haired girl. Her eyes suddenly widened as she noticed Chibi Moon dodging out of Unit 011's reach.
As Chibi Moon timed her attacker's momentum, she somersaulted over the cyborg and landed on Unit 010's left side. She quickly pointed her scepter and shouted out her attack.
"What is she doing?" Sailor Moon gasped.
As Sailor Mars called out to Moon, she pointed to where Chibi Moon released a large pink heart - which was twenty times larger than the tiny hearts she used to summon. "Whoa!" That was all she could utter as her jaw nearly hit the ground in shock.
"Pink.. Hearts.. Attack.. ENLARGE!!" Chibi Moon shouted as her scepter released the large pink heart - which was conjured up from her magic.
Unit 010's jaw nearly hit the ground as she stopped. She immediately extended her arms out to catch the large heart with her nails turning into large claws. "Please! I'll just pop that thing like a balloon!"
Chibi Moon shot a sneaky grin as she waved her scepter around. "Heh, I'm not even done yet. Watch this!" With that, she pointed her scepter directly at the large heart. "Pink.. Hearts.. GRENDADES!!" As she chanted her next attack phrase, the giant heart expanded as it exploded.
POP!!
BOOM!!
Sailor Moon and Sailor Mars watched with priceless expressions as they gaped and sweatdropped. Sailor Saturn smiled as she turned to watch Chibi Moon carrying out her attack.
Unit 010's eyes widened as she glanced around her surroundings. The giant heart exploded and transformed into a swarm of tiny pink hearts. They began to encircle the cyborg as they came down from all angles and slammed into her.
As a result, the colliding hearts triggered an explosion as Unit 010 was caught in midst of it. She roared out as she flew out through the smoke and was sent flying straight into mid-air.
"HA! How do you like that? I'm NOT such a pushover!" Chibi Moon exclaimed. She turned to face Moon and Mars while shooting them a 'V' for victory. They responded with sweatdrops as the pink-haired girl shifted toward Sailor Saturn. "Do I kick butt or what, Saturn?"
"Oh yeah!" Saturn replied as she looked up. "But, don't take your eye off her! She's coming right back!"
Chibi Moon nodded as she looked up and saw Unit 010 retaliating by firing eye beams. So, you want some more?!" She hopped back as the first pair of beams missed her. Then, another pair came as Chibi Moon back flipped several feet away. "Whoa! Hey, watch it!"
Unit 010 snarled as she repeated her attack and would not stop until she hit her target. ("You can't keep running from me, you cotton candy-haired brat!! I'll take GREAT pleasure in RIPPING off your cute, pretty face and scalping your candy hair!")
"Geez, you've got serious PMS," Chibi Moon remarked as she jumped back to avoid another pair of beams.
Sailor Saturn huffed as she depowered her barrier. With her defensive wall dissipating into nothing, Saturn raced over toward Moon and Mars. The two Inners turned as Saturn approached them.
"Chibi Moon has gotten much stronger," Saturn said with content.
Sailor Moon nodded with a smile. "She sure has but I don't know how much she can last."
"In any case, let's follow them!" Sailor Mars suggested as she flew off to pursue both Chibi Moon and Unit 010. "Sailor Saturn! Sailor Moon! C'mon, we don't want to let them out of our sight!"
"Right! Let's go, Sailor Saturn."
The dark-haired Senshi of Destruction and Rebirth nodded. "Okay!"
With that, the two Eternals flew off to follow Mars toward the ongoing battle between Neo-Queen Serenity's daughter and the psychotic cyborg. Even if Chibi Moon has momentum going for her, how long could she truly hold up?
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Meanwhile..
Unit 011 caught Tuxedo Kamen by surprise as he parried the masked man's cane. He kicked Tuxedo Kamen in the gut and knocked him back into a nearby postal mailbox. Kamen grunted as his back hit the left side of the metallic box.
Now in possession of Kamen's cane, he twirled the weapon in hand and flew up into mid-air. Sailor Mercury, Sailor Jupiter and Sailor Venus flew up to meet the cyborg head-on. Unit 011 smirked as his eyes turned blood red while sending out multiple eye beams at the three Eternal Sailor Senshi.
"Heads up, guys!" Sailor Venus shouted, warning her team mates.
Sailor Mercury threw her hands out as a bubble surrounded her. "Mercury Bubble Shield!!" The beams dissipated against the bubbly shield as Mercury sighed with relief.
"Whoa! Since when did you learn to do that?"
Sailor Mercury replied as her eyes focused on primarily her objective: Unit 011. "Practice. I wanted to experiment with what new abilities I could summon in my Eternal form."
"Mercury's been doing some training behind our backs? You naughty girl!" Sailor Venus teased the blue-haired girl, winking at her direction. "Heh but don't think you're the only one who's been practicing."
The tall brunette flashed a grin and crossed her arms. "Got that right. How about we demonstrate that to our friend over there?" She suggested, shifting her eyes toward Unit 011.
The cyborg merely listened as he frowned. ("What are you three waiting for? You understand I have a job and that is to terminate you Sailor Senshi.")
"Yeah, yeah, we know that," Sailor Venus snorted as she waved off at the cyborg as if he were a nuisance. "We know all about that jazz."
Sailor Mercury advised to her team mates. "Let's be careful with him. I doubt he's demonstrated his full capabilities."
Sailor Jupiter added. "Good point. Venus, get ready."
Nodding her head, the blonde-haired warrior nodded without argument. "We've got to take him down fast. And you think you're going to get away with what you did to Tuxedo Kamen? That's HIS cane you're using!"
Adding with a smirk, Unit 011 chuckled out with laughter. ("Yes and I intend to finish you off with it!") As he no longer hesitated, he glided across at mach speed and attacked starting with Sailor Venus.
Sailor Venus quickly read his movements and ducked as Unit 011 swung the cane vertically across. "Missed me!"
That's when Unit 011 grinned malevolently. ("Oh, have I?")
Then, without warning, Sailor Venus felt a painful blow plunging into her gut as the wind was driven out of her. Venus gaped while holding her gut. Jupiter and Mercury gasped in shock as Unit 011 demonstrated a faster feat of speed. It was as if Unit 011 hadn't even moved but when in actuality.. he did and he landed a blow into Venus before she could blink.
"SAILOR VENUS!" The Senshi shouted simultaneously.
As he pulled himself up, Tuxedo Kamen held his back. He glanced up to see the Senshi facing against the cyborg. He shifted around to see Sailor Venus falling to the ground.
Kamen gaped as he shouted toward the blonde warrior. "Venus!"
"Hang on, girl!" Sailor Jupiter shouted as she turned toward Mercury. "Hold him off while I get her!"
Without hesitation, Sailor Mercury flew off to meet and hold back Unit 011. In the meantime, this allowed Sailor Jupiter time to dive in like a falcon and catch Sailor Venus. Venus found herself in the arms of the tall brunette.
"Thanks, Jupiter," Venus coughed while holding her stomach. "Oh god.. that punch is SO painful. These guys sure pack a harder wallop than those Lycans."
Sailor Jupiter nodded. "Yeah, that should be no surprise. You going to be okay?"
"Just watch.. how fast he moves, Jupiter."
"Don't worry. I'm the fastest member of our team since I gained my Eternal form," Jupiter reminded the blonde and winked. "He had me surprised there for a second but I can read his moves."
"Really."
"Barely buy I think I can manage," Jupiter said, setting Venus on the ground. "Do what you can to recover and give us a hand. Okay?"
Nodding her head, Venus gave an assuring smirk. "Right! Be careful, Jupiter." With that, she placed her hands against her stomach while channeling some of her own magical energy to heal her aching stomach. This was a new technique the Senshi have developed with near perfect results: channeling their own magical energy into their bodies to heal minor injuries. Venus was the first to discover one night during one of the Lycan attacks. "Ahhh."
"Heal up quick, Venus. Mercury can only hold him off for much longer!" Jupiter gritted her teeth, glancing up to watch Sailor Mercury summoning drops of water from a storm cloud that appeared over him. Tightening her fist, the heat of the battle had gotten to Jupiter and ignited her warrior spirit. She took no chances and flew off to aid Mercury against Unit 011.
"C'mon," Venus murmured while concentrating. Her hands glowed golden orange as the shining beacon of light entered her stomach. She took a deep breath as the pain subsided.
Tuxedo Kamen observed Venus and blinked. "Using her own energy to heal herself?" Wait, Sailor Moon told about this before. The girls have found methods to recover. Sacrificing their own power to treat injuries. That should give us the advantage.. These things. Whatever they may be.. They're likely the ones that Hotaru had foreseen in her premonitions.
"HYAAAAH!" Sailor Jupiter roared out a warrior's cry as she flew up and threw herself in between the two combatants.
Before Mercury could finish her attack, she immediately stopped. "Sailor Jupiter?"
"Summon your rain and I'll give you a hand," the brunette smirked as she channeled electrical volts in her hands. "I think you know what I'm thinking."
Realizing this, Mercury nodded. "Yes." With that said, she threw her hands across. "Shine Aqua Illusion!!" A giant of wave of water splashed across the sky as she waited for Jupiter.
Unit 011 blinked as he realized what they were aiming to do. ("I see what you're planning but I can assure you that it's futile!")
Jupiter smirked as she gathered the electricity she could forge and condensed it all into a single ball of lightning. "Jupiter Coconut Cyclone!!" She roared as she tossed the lightning ball as it hurtled and merged with Mercury's water.
Unit 011 prepared to move. ("I told you! It's USELESS!")
Before he could move, he felt something bond his right ankle as he was unable to move from his position. Unit 011 quickly noticed the chain of hearts that wrapped around his ankle and restrained.
Sailor Venus flashed a smirk while holding a grip on her heart chain. "Don't take your eye off me, jerk! Got ya when you least expected it!" She winked.
Unit 011 seethed as he fired eye beams at the blonde. ("I thought you were disposed of! DIE!")
Scoffing, Sailor Venus jumped back as the beams hit the ground.
Before Unit 011 could move, the water and lightning elements combined as they collided with the cyborg. As the water splashed over him, the lightning did the damage as Unit 011 was being short circuited. Sparks of red volts exploded from his body as the electricity damaged his circuitry.
"Yeah!! We got him!" Sailor Venus happily smiled, watching the cyborg short circuiting.
Sailor Mercury nodded as she flew over by Jupiter's side. "We did it!"
Sailor Jupiter, however, wasn't truly convinced as she eyed the cyborg. "We can't say for sure." I hope I'm wrong.
Unit 011's head twisted around while attempting to activate his recovery unit. ("System damaged.. activating temporary back-up recovery unit.") Before long, he felt as his body started to move on its own again but he no longer had the mobility he once did. Although, it was better than shutting down. His cold, lifeless eyes turned red as a pair of beams emanated from his eyes.
Sailor Jupiter quickly saw the beams coming and swatted them aside with her right hand. She cringed as the beams had burned through her glove. "Shit." Holding her hand, she gritted her teeth.
"What happened?! How is he still moving?!" Sailor Venus gaped in shock.
Sailor Mercury activated her visor and scanned the cyborg. She immediately pinpointed a generator inside Unit 011's body. " Just as I thought. There's a backup generator inside his body."
"What? Are you sure?" Jupiter inquired.
The blue-haired female nodded, studying the detailed 3D image of Unit 011. "Yes. He's able to activate it quickly as soon as his system shuts down. But, the good news is that he won't be as troublesome."
"So, he's only running on half power?" Sailor Jupiter asked as she faced Unit 011. "Heh, that's all I need to know. I'll give him another spark and shut him down for good!"
Sailor Venus flew up as she rejoined her friends. "And this time I'll be giving you guys a hand."
"Thanks a lot, Venus. We couldn't have pulled that one off without your miraculous recovery," Jupiter said. "Right, girl?"
Nodding her head, Venus placed her hands against her hips. "Leave it to me to turn the tables on the bad guys!"
Walking over to pick up the cane that Unit 011 dropped, Tuxedo Mask kneeled over to recover it. He sighed and looked up to watch the three Senshi preparing to go another round with the deadly cyborg. "I hope Sailor Moon, Chibi Moon and the others are faring well." Hopefully they'll exploit that other cyborg's weakness.
xxxxx
Meanwhile, Sailor Chibi Moon stopped as she reached the end of an alleyway. She quickly scanned her surroundings and picked up on a nearby presence. She quickly turned and pointed her scepter in alarm.
"WHOA! Watch where you point that thing!" Sailor Moon cried as she jumped back. Waving her hands out, the blonde girl backed off.
Chibi Moon dropped her arm and sighed. "Man, geez.. don't creep on me like that."
Sailor Mars blinked as she looked around. "Where did she go?"
"I don't know! I was chasing her and she flew into this alleyway. Once I got here, she was gone!" The pink-haired teen explained as she scoffed. "How could have I lost her?"
"Well, she was flying really fast," Moon replied.
Sailor Saturn closed her eyes as if probing the cyborg's presence. She's close by. I can feel it. "Sailor Moon. Sailor Mars. Sailor Chibi Moon. I'd keep my guard up if I were you three. That cyborg is very close."
"Oh great," Moon shuddered, looking back and forth frantically. "You heard her, guys. Don't lower your guard. She's not doubt planning something."
"An ambush? That's likely," Sailor Mars said as she, too, probed the area like Saturn. Oh yeah. She's close all right. Opening her eyes, Mars glanced over to Sailor Moon and quietly nodded.
Furrowing her brow, Sailor Chibi Moon kicked the ground. "I should have I taken her out when I had the chance!"
"It's okay, Chibi Moon. We'll rectify that by eliminating her together," Saturn reassured her friend, holding her Silence Glaive firmly. She stood behind Chibi Moon and put her back toward hers.
As the four Senshi huddled together, they were oblivious to where the female cyborg concealed herself. She was nowhere near the alleyway but she was floating high above in the sky. Unit 010 hid behind a billboard as she skipped off the edge of the billboard display and teleported away. She relocated on top of a water tower as she glanced down at the four girls.
A sinister smirk was etched on the cyborg's face as she licked her claws like the blood-thirsty psychopath that she was. She slowly descended and vanished again.
However, her cover was quickly blown as Sailor Saturn glanced upward and spotted Unit 010 from the corner of her eye. She shouted in warning to her fellow Senshi.
"I found her!"
Sailor Chibi Moon quickly shifted her eyes up to see Unit 010 floating above them. She frowned and prepared to fire with her scepter.
"I really can't believe Saturn's premonitions were right," Moon said, holding her scepter. "Saturn, do you even remember what the cyborgs in your visions looked like?"
"No. I couldn't," Saturn nodded. "But, at the very least we're fighting a pair of them."
"Right and we're going to stop them, Saturn! No way are these guys going to birth forth an apocalypse to our world!" The raven-haired Miko declared while standing her ground. "But, what is this cyborg waiting for?"
"I say we attack!" Sailor Chibi Moon growled with frustration. "There's no way I'm letting her get away with calling me 'cotton candy hair'! This Gothic witch is mine!"
"Calm yourself, Chibi Moon," Saturn advised her friend. Gripping her Silence Glaive, her eyes carefully monitored Unit 010 while studying her swaying movements. Then again, I don't blame you, Chibi Moon. This cyborg has a rather peculiar way of getting under our skin. "C'mon, what are you waiting for?" She murmured, not taking any chances.
Unit 010 looked down as she eyed each Senshi. ("Heh, look at you. I can read your expressions. Your eyes indicate fear and doubt. You have no way of telling of what I'll do next. Hehehe.") She spoke in her demented, doll-like voice.
"Okay, guys! Follow my lead!" Sailor Moon commanded, floating off the ground as her wings guided her up. Her blue eyes glared at the lifeless eyes of the demented cyborg.
Soon, following the Moon Princess, the three Senshi flew up to provide back up for the blonde-haired warrior.
("Just so you know.. I lead you on the false pretense that I'd be easily beaten by your power puff bitches.")
Sailor Chibi Moon miffed as she exclaimed in anger. "Who are ya calling POWERPUFFS?!"
"Yeah, she's really getting under Chibi Moon's skin," Sailor Mars said, pointing out the obvious.
Sailor Saturn floated over beside the angry pink-haired warrior. "Calm down, Chibi Moon. I'm getting annoyed with her too but you can't get too hotheaded."
"Humph, if you ask me, if we were THE Power Puff Girls, we'd be giving her a worse beating!" Chibi Moon replied. "We'd be all super strong and rip this witch to pieces!"
Sailor Moon stifled a light chuckle and covered her mouth. Though, you'd make a cute Blossom, Chibi Moon. Nah, with that new attitude.. maybe Buttercup? Hehehe! Cute!
Placing her hands against her hips, Unit 010 leaned her head against her left shoulder. She then yawned. ("I'm soooooo bored. Why don't we begin the torture? Starting with cotton candy hair!")
With that, an angry vein popped formed on Chibi Moon's forehead. She miffed and flew off screaming at Unit 010. "THAT DOES IT! YOU'RE DEAD!"
"Chibi Moon! Hold on!" Sailor Moon shouted out to the girl and flew off to stop her.
Sailor Mars blinked with bewilderment. "Since when did Chibi Moon get this aggressive.. Did something happen in the future that made her like this?"
"She told me that she received training from a really harsh but strong lady," Sailor Saturn informed the Miko.
"Oh right. But, this is Sailor Chibi Moon."
"We really can't call her Chibi anymore. Now, can we?"
Mars shrugged. "You got a point but that name always seem to stick with her. No matter the size or age."
"Heh, no doubt about that.. OH SHOOT!" Saturn gawked as she watched an explosive pink ray of light.
"What the hell?!" Sailor Mars shifted around and noticed the same beacon of pink light that flashed briefly.
Sailor Chibi Moon slammed her scepter across Unit 010's face as the cyborg was knocked back twenty feet across. Sailor Moon immediately stopped as she gawked in shocked disbelief. Was this really the same Chibi Moon she remembered years ago? She had never seen her this aggressive before.
The pink-haired warrior sneered as the white wings on her back spread out to grant her flight ability. She was given mystical Pegasus Wings from her mother as a farewell gift back to the present-day. This enabled Chibi Moon to fly on her own. Of course, the wings had a limit to them. They can only last for an hour at the most. So, Chibi Moon made good use of her mother's gift to help her friends stop the cyborgs.
Unit 010 found herself on the verge of Chibi Moon's angry wrath.
If there was anything Chibi Moon disliked, it was being called 'cotton candy hair.' She could tolerate being called 'Chibi' - even though she would be offended if called that by strangers. But, comparing her hair to a carnival candy treat was pushing it and Neo-Queen Serenity's daughter would have none of that.
"That's what you get for making fun of my hair!" Chibi Moon stuck her tongue out. She struck a fighting pose and waved out for Unit 010 to come to her.
Unit 010 managed to pull herself together and shook the cobs out of her head. A sneaky grin curled on her lips as she licked the side of her left cheek. ("That was your last free shot, you little bitch.")
"Sorry but you're the female dog. And you look like one, too!" Chibi Moon retorted, giving a sly grin.
("Touché. Ah, well. But, I wouldn't get so confident. You and your three friends are going to be MY playthings!") With that, she held her right hand out as four nails extended out into claws and shot forward.
"Look out!" Sailor Moon exclaimed as she pointed her scepter and fired a magical beam. The beam countered the protruding claw that came her direction.
Forging her mystic flames, Sailor Mars summoned a long serpent and launched it at the claw coming her way. "Mars Snake Fire!!" As the snake opened its mouth, it swallowed and incinerated the long nail into ashes.
Sailor Saturn raised her Silence Glaive as a barrier materialized around her. "Silent Wall!!" Luckily, the nail barely reached her and bounced off the protective barrier.
Retracting her claws back, Unit 010 cocked her head to her left side and purred with delight. ("Ah, good. At least you four can provide me with some fun before I dispose of you! Hehehe!") Shooting her eyes widen open, she flew across to meet the Sailor Senshi head on. ("HAHAHAHA!! HUMOR ME, SENSHI!! HUMOR ME BEFORE I KILL YOU!")
"Get ready, everyone!" Sailor Moon advised the team.
Sailor Mars, Sailor Chibi Moon and Sailor Saturn grouped together as they prepared for the cyborg to implement her deadly strike.
xxxxx
Near the Shopping District in Tokyo/1:20 PM
Standing on top of a rooftop of a thrift store, the other three Outer Senshi monitored the city. They had motioned over to point out black smoke in the distance. Sailor Neptune confirmed using her mirror that the battles were still taking place.
Sailor Uranus scowled as she cursed. "Damn! They just started fighting those cyborgs or whatever they are." Motioning over to Sailor Pluto, she queried. "Hey, are you sure what you and Saturn saw were cyborgs."
"Yes," the Guardian of Time confirmed, still staring off toward the distance. "They are the next grave threat that will try to destroy this world. Saturn's visions became accurate in a sense. However, I advise that we prepare ourselves. These may only be the first wave of cyborgs to attack."
"And no doubt they're after us. But, who's building these machines? And who would want to eliminate us?" Sailor Neptune wondered.
"No time for 'Ask a thousand' questions! Saturn and the others are out there! I'm ready to scrap these guys!" Sailor Uranus roared as she pulled out her Space Sword.
With that, Sailor Uranus leaped across and landed on another building rooftop. Sailor Neptune and Sailor Pluto followed their colleague while moving toward their destination: near the heart of the shopping district.
As the three Senshi moved across into the distance, someone watched them from behind a billboard.
It was Grace or now Unit-018 as Souja had designated her.
Closing her eyes, she jumped up into mid-air and flew off toward the same direction the three Outers were heading towards.
Soon, the area would become a war zone. Sailor Senshi vs. Souja's cyborgs was about to heat up.
End of episode twenty-five.
xxxxx
Next Time
The Machines First Strike, Part II
xxxxx
Author's note: The fighting is just getting started. And it will only get more intense in the next chapter. Expect a lot of action to come as the first portion of the Souja arc will comprise of a 3-4 chapter arc with a few more arcs in this second season (some involving Souja & the cyborgs and a few dealing with other miscellaneous things).
So, what do you think about Units 010 and 011. Unit 010 is sure a crazy one, isn't she? Hehe.
Again, it ends on a cliffhanger. Sorry to say but I will be going that route from this point on with the arcs I have planned. Hope you guys can deal with it. I am trying my hardest posting a chapter per month. If I have more time (especially during the summer), I can post two chapters in a single month. Sooner or later, the series will evolve with more complex storylines in the works. And I will do my best to provide you with some worthwhile chapters. And this series isn't ending anytime soon.. so you'll get your Sailor Moon kicks.
That's all for now. See you in the next month with the second part to this short introduction arc.
Please read and review!
(goes off to make final adjustments to next Rajita chapter).