A/N: Well, I'm pleased with the feedback with this mini-arc. I was worried some wouldn't take the idea of returning antagonists (Hiroaki) and villains (Yami Houou & Igasu). Thankfully that's not the case.
Now with the release of the latest Cross Generations chapter, we'll see how the Polymerization Stones play into the Senshi's mergers with their Amazon counterparts.
Now with our players in place, let's continue this 'clone saga' (thanks Jeffrey, XD).
xxxxx
Sins of a Father, Part II: Bad Blood
xxxxx
Azabu-Juuban District/Hikawa Shrine/8:50 AM
"Hehehe, it's been a long time, Rei Hino. Now WE'VE claimed this man's body as our own!" Yami Houou Hiroaki cackled, glaring intently at Rei and her friends. "Or, should I call you, Sailor Mars?"
"Um, he knows you're Sailor Mars, Rei?" Minako gulped, realizing he knows of her identity.
"More like Yami Houou knows! It's probably retained all my memories and passed that knowledge to my father!" Rei cried out.
"If he knows your identity, then he knows who we are already!" Usagi realized this fact.
"Regardless, we can't permit him to leave," Setsuna said, taking out her Henshin Stick.
"So, we're doing this now against Rei's own father, Yami Houou, and Igasu?!" Makoto said, following suit and reaching for her Henshin Stick.
"Sorry, Rei and Cammy, but that creature as far as I'm concerned is not your father anymore," Haruka fiercely stared toward Yami Houou Hiroaki.
"I know this must hurt you both, but he's become an enemy now," Michiru firmly stated.
Cammy gasped as she turned to Rei. "Sis? What are you going to do?"
Wasting no time, Rei whipped out her Henshin Stick. "What else? Cammy, Shingo, are you going to fight, too?"
"Of course," Shingo complied. "I'll fight for you and my sister. And I'll protect Cammy!"
"Thanks, Shingo," Usagi smiled warmly to her brother.
"Same here! Let's do this, Usagi!" Usa chimed in.
Igasu giggled devilishly, setting her sights on Usagi and Usa. "Ehehe, two rabbits for me to butcher." She veered over to Mamoru as her wicked smile widened. "And once I'm done with you two, Mamo is all mine!"
"NO WAY! HE'S OURS, YOU FREAK!" Usagi and Usa passionately shouted in unison.
"Amazons, let's help our Sailor Senshi friends!" Sely declared, rallying her team together.
"And of course I'll assist!" Amazoness Queen added, readying her scimitar for battle.
(Cue Fate/Zero OST - Back to the Wall)
With that, the ladies quickly transformed into Sailor Senshi. Mamoru turned into Tuxedo Kamen. Cammy invoked her Digital Priestess power. Shingo became Moonlight Knight.
"Igasu, I'll leave the rest to you. WE will discipline our rebellious daughters!" Yami Houou Hiroaki shifted his eyes on Sailor Mars and Cammy.
Sailor Mars, Cammy, Moonlight Knight, and Ary headed off to confront Yami Houou Hiroaki. Igasu the Blood Moon hastily charged at the other Sailor Senshi, Tuxedo Kamen, the other Amazon Senshi, and Amazoness Queen. Unbeknownst to the heroes, Yami Houou Hiroaki slipped a few metallic orbs that fell and hit the ground. These orbs opened up, releasing tiny robotic insects.
"Hehehe, I'm not so stupid I'd fight y'all alone!" Igasu cackled. She tore off pieces from her body and tossed them on the ground.
These pieces formed into several Igasu-like golems. Sailors Moon and Neo Moon jumped up over the golems as they faced off with Igasu. Sely joined in to aid the duo.
Sailor Moon tossed her Moon Tiara Disc, which Igasu dodged. Moon recalled the disc, which came spinning back at Igasu's back. Already well aware of Moon's tactic, she stopped the disc with her hand and formed her variation of Moon's trademark disc. She threw it at Moon. Neo Moon intercepted it beam. Sely quickly charged Igasu from behind and shoved her sword into the creature's stomach.
"I've got her!" Sely cried out.
Then, Igasu's head turned and devilishly giggled at the Amazon Senshi. A bunch of tendrils quickly shot out of Igasu's body, ensnaring both Neo Moon and Sely. Moon managed to roll away.
"Oh no! Neo Moon! Sely!" Moon cried out. She summoned a sword to cut off nearly all the appendages holding Neo Moon and Sely.
Undeterred by the creatures looking like his beloved, Tuxedo Kamen smashed one Igasu golem with his cane. Another tried to sneak up on him. The masked man pivoted and fired Tuxedo La Smoking Bomber that wiped out the creatures.
Amazoness Queen beheaded a Igasu golem with her sword. She took out another bisecting it.
Sailor Venus and Aphy teamed up, tying up a few Igasu golems with chains. Sailor Mercury blasted away a golem with Aqua Shine Illusion while Hermy took another down with her tonfas.
Sailor Jupiter charged up lightning in her right fist and punched a golem into dust. Zey uppercutted another golem so hard it exploded.
Using her Space Sword, Sailor Uranus quickly slashed up a Igasu golem. Ourany took out a similar weapon and sliced up another golem. Sailor Neptune wiped out a golem with Deep Sea Submerge. Poseidy assisted using a magic mirror, sending a beam that destroyed a golem.
Sailor Pluto smacked a golem with her Garnet Staff. Another golem rushed her, but Pluto wiped it out with a Dead Scream. Sailor Saturn bisected a golem with her Silence Glaive. Crony used a similar glaive-looking weapon and slashed another golem.
Four Igasu golems lunged at Sailor Mars, Cammy, Moonlight Knight, and Ary.
"Get back!" Sailor Mars beckoned her sister and Shingo back. She took out three Ofuda scrolls and ignited them with flames. She tossed the flaming charms at the golems, burning one into dust and sealing the other two.
Cammy ran at the second golem and blasted it away. Slicing a golem with his scimitar, Moonlight Knight made short work of another. Ary shot arrows made of fire that wiped out the fourth golem.
(End theme)
"Hehehe, expertly done. As WE'D expect from Hiroaki's daughters!" Yami Houou Hiroaki cackled, taunting Sailor Mars and Cammy. "It's too bad you had to rat US out, Cammy. I thought between the two of you, you were more forgiving of your dear father."
"You're not my father! You won't fool me, Yami Houou!" Cammy fiercely retorted.
"Igasu's minions aren't turning out how you wanted them to be," Mars scoffed.
"Matters not. What Igasu does with her creatures is no concern for US!" Yami Houou Hiroaki cackled as he and Sailor Mars faced off. "Do you have the courage to destroy Hiroaki's body just to rid me?"
(Cue Marvel vs. Capcom 3 OST - Phoenix Theme)
Holding her ground, Sailor Mars said nothing. She quickly headed off Yami Houou Hiroaki and tossed a bunch of Ofudas at him. Yami Houou Hiroaki effortlessly burned them with black flames. Sailor Mars made headway and stormed past the dark flames. She briefly covered herself in the Houou's cloak and landed a kick, sending Yami Houou Hiroaki flying back.
Yami Houou Hiroaki propped himself up and floated into the air. He cast an irked glare at Sailor Mars, who stood covered in the Houou's fiery cloak.
"Hehehe, look at you. You've mastered the use of the Houou's light side. Also speaking on Hiroaki's behalf, WE are so proud of you!" Yami Houou Hiroaki openly taunted Sailor Mars.
The Houou's presence was invoked from Mars' fiery cloak. It responded to her dark half. "Your existence should've been purged, but we will gladly remove you."
"Is that a threat?" Yami Houou Hiroaki snarled. Black flames erupted from his body and clashed with the Houou's aura.
Cammy, Moonlight Knight, and Ary backed away from the fiery clash.
"Rei!" Cammy cried out.
Sailor Mars and Yami Houou Hiroaki charged toward each other. Both had the same idea and channeled flames into their fists. They reared their fists back. Their fists then collided, igniting an explosion of flames that shook the entire shrine. The shockwave caused from their collision knocked the Houou wielders back. Yami Houou Hiroaki took the worse of it and hit the ground. Mars landed on her feet, shaking her fist.
"OUR strength is not close to par with yours yet, but give it time. WE will rebound and will keep coming for you!" Yami Houou Hiroaki threatened Mars and her loved ones.
Before Mars could say anything, she felt a light prick on her left leg. She quickly scanned around for whatever poked her.
Perfect, the samples are being collected. Yami Houou Hiroaki smirked, utilizing his telepathy to block Houou from reading his internal thoughts.
"What was that?" Mars winced, noticing a red blemish on her leg.
Suddenly, each of the Senshi felt similar light pricks on their skins.
Moon noticed an insect-like bite mark on her arm. "Ow, that was one heck of a bite!"
Venus paused to notice a bite mark on her cheek. "Ugh, not on my face!"
Igasu chuckled as she recalled her remaining golems. The golems merged back with Igasu's body. Having collected the Senshi's blood samples, the robotic insects landed in Igasu's hands.
"Those must've been what bit us!" Mercury noted the tiny insects.
Yes, now I'll have clones stronger than my golems! Igasu thought. "I'm ready!"
"It was fun, but we'll do this again, Sailor Senshi. And next time, you'll be fighting yourselves." Yami Houou Hiroaki hinted their future opponents. He formed and sealed Igasu in a black orb, carrying her away as he flew off with her.
"Get back here!" Sailor Mars shouted, firing a Mars Flame Sniper at the two villains.
Yami Houou Hiroaki's dark flames dissolved Mars' fiery arrows. The villains quickly vanished into the distance.
(End theme)
"Damn, they got away again!" Jupiter cursed.
"At least, Hiei relocated the kids from here in case something like this happened," Cammy addressed Mars.
"Seems only we were bitten by those insects," Mercury informed the Senshi.
"But, not me, Cammy, Tuxedo Kamen, and our Amazon friends," Moonlight Knight noticed.
"Or, me," Neo Moon checked her skin. "I'm fine, but I don't know why Sailor Moon and the others were bit."
Sely was equally baffled. "Your guess is as good as mine."
"In any case, the enemy have fled, but we must remain vigilant," Pluto warned them. "I'm certain this won't be the last we see of them."
"I'd hope it would be," Mars scoffed, kicking a rock away. "Damn it! First, Yami Houou takes over my father, releases Igasu, and now takes blood from us! I don't know what else Yami Houou wants from us!"
"Calm down, Mars," Moon tried comforting her friend. "We'll get through this."
"I wish things can get easier…"
"Why do I get the feeling it's only going to get worse from here on out?" Uranus assumed the worst possibilities.
"C'mon, let's not think like that," Amazoness Queen said. "If you wish, I'll permit Sely and her friends to stay with you all for a few days. I must return and report to Hadey."
"Hadey? I can venture to guess that's my Amazon counterpart? The one who was separated from the others here." Pluto turned and asked Queen.
"Yes, because she'll want to know why we haven't returned back with you all," Queen stated.
"Then, permit me to come with you," Pluto suggested to Queen. "I'd like to meet my counterpart and see these Polymerization Stones for myself."
Nodding, Amazoness Queen complied to Pluto's request. "Very well, but we must make haste. There's no telling when those two will return to attack your colleagues."
"Pluto, are you going to be ok going without us?" Neo Moon asked her dearest friend.
"I'll be fine, Lady Serenity," the Time Guardian smiled. She the addressed the others. "Don't worry. This shouldn't take long."
"We'll be waiting for you, Pluto. Be careful." Moon nodded in approval over Pluto's decision to leave.
"We'll hold fort here just in case Yami Houou and Igasu decide to attack us," Venus reassured her.
"It's time," Queen said, turning on a device to open a portal for herself and Pluto to enter the Digital World.
"Don't worry, Usa. She'll be back and possibly with a new ally, too," Saturn said to Neo Moon.
Sely and the Amazon Senshi turned to the Sailor Senshi and their friends.
"So, um, why not show us to your places so we can plan out for the next possible attack?" Sely asked Moon.
"Might be for the best. Finding my father's trail will be impossible with Yami Houou seemingly blocking out Houou," Mars said.
"Then, we'll meet back here once we have an idea how to counteract Yami Houou and Igasu," Moon affirmed.
Cammy whispered to Mars. "Sis, it is true the Houou can't sense Yami Houou?"
"Yeah, it's weird. This is the first an enemy has ever blocked their presence from the Houou's cosmic awareness."
The Houou telepathically interjected. "It should be no surprise. After all, that darkness was once a component of myself. And now that fragment has all your memories. Yami Houou can use Hiroaki to reveal your identities to the public."
"We can't let that happen, Houou!" Mars cried out.
"I suspect he won't reveal your identities immediately. Yami Houou intends to torment us to break you and the others down."
"Mars, one way or another, we won't let Yami Houou cross those lines. That's a promise," Venus said.
"Thanks, everyone," Mars smiled, trying hard not to let this unwanted stress mentally weigh her down.
xxxxx
Shinjuku, District/Off-Location CainCorp Laboratory/11:30 AM
Having made off with the blood samples, Hiroaki and Igasu returned to the facility. After cutting off the security cameras, Igasu placed the robotic insects on an examination table. She collected vials encased within the insects.
"Yep, we have all eight and accounted for," Igasu confirmed.
"Excellent, now for the next phase," Hiroaki watched as Igasu tore off a piece of herself.
Igasu placed some of her red skin on the table. She then cut it up into nine pieces and opened up each vial. She then poured each of the Senshi's blood over a piece. Igasu and Hiroaki backed off as the pieces started twitching.
"Looks like it's working," Igasu muttered, observing her pieces seemingly coming to life.
(Cue Soul Eater OST - Black Bloodlust)
The pieces grew into humanoid body shapes. The red complexions changed into varying colors.
The first of these pieces turned a darker shade of red and resembled Rei Hino. Her hair became pinkish red and extended down its back. Her nails were sharp like claws.
Another piece became cerulean and morphed into a woman resembling Ami Mizuno. The clone gained short blue wavy hair much like Ami's.
A third piece became olive green and turned into a woman resembling Makoto Kino. The cloned creature now had wild reddish hair. She also gained some muscle tone to complete her physical frame.
The fourth piece became orange and morphed into a Minako Aino clone. She had long golden hair. She had a slight muscular upper body build.
A yellow piece grew into a shape resembling Haruka Tenoh. Her hair was short and silver.
An aqua-colored piece grew and morphed into a woman resembling Michiru Kaioh. Her green hair grew out long and stringy.
Another piece became gray and grew into a Setsuna Meioh clone. Her long hair became dark blue.
The final piece became light brown and became a Hotaru Tomoe clone. The petite clone's hair turned purple. A black star formed and embellished itself on the clone's forehead.
Wearing a big grin on her face, Igasu approached the cloned abominations. She knelt down toward each of them and propped them up. Hiroaki observed the assembly of Igasu's new group.
"Yes, come to life my perfected blood clones!"
(End theme)
"Intriguing. So, combining the Senshi's blood with a piece of yourself produced these clones," Hiroaki keenly observed. He walked up to the Rei clone and examined her. "She looks identical to Rei."
"Well, duh, They are clones. Your daughter would be no different," Igasu sardonically replied. "Let's put them to the test." She shapeshifted into Igasu and faced the clones. "Listen up! I am your leader, clones. You may call me Igasu the Blood Moon. I was created primarily from a certain rabbit woman named Usagi Tsukino. Thanks to collecting blood samples from each Senshi and combining the contents with myself, it yielded wonderful results and gave you all life. How do you show your gratitude to your leader and creator?"
(Cue Fate/stay night Unlimited Blade Works OST - Purple Shade)
The cloned Senshi bowed. "Thank you, Lady Igasu. How may we serve you?"
"Heh, yeah that's what I want to hear," Igasu smirked with satisfaction. "Now to give you all names." She turned to the Rei clone. "You were based off Rei Hino, so I hereby call you Ier the Blood Mars." She faced the Ami clone. "You will be named Ima the Blood Mercury." She veered toward the Makoto clone. "You will be called Otokam the Blood Jupiter." She then turned to the Minako clone. "You shall be known as Okanim the Blood Venus." She eyed the Haruka and Michiru clones. "You, my lovely couple, will be known as Akurah the Blood Uranus and Urihchim the Blood Neptune." She then faced the Setsuna clone. "You will be Anustes the Blood Pluto." And then she pivoted toward the Hotaru clone. "And you shall be named Uratoh the Blood Saturn."
The clones faced each other and turned to Igasu.
"I take it you approve of your given names?" The Blood Moon asked them.
"Approve? We love our names," Otokam answered.
"Even if our given names are just the Senshi's spelled backwards," Ima aptly pointed out. She smiled evilly. "Not that I'm complaining of course."
"We have no real complaints, except how about spotting us some clothes?" Okanim demanded.
Ier noticed Hiroaki's presence and gave him a cold shoulder. "And tell his man to leave. The Rei in me already detests him." She flicked her hair to the side, scowling.
"Ok, you want might to leave," Igasu beckoned Hiroaki to step out.
Scoffing, Hiroaki ultimately heeded Igasu and company's wishes. He shut the door on the way out, leaving the Blood Senshi to get dressed.
"Ehehehe, she told YOU Hiroaki! No surprise that even Rei's clone hates YOU!"
Hiroaki folded his arms and ignored Yami Houou's mental taunts.
The door opened and Igasu beckoned him back in. Hiroaki walked in to see the Blood Senshi now garbed in white lab coats.
Otokam tried moving her upper body. "I don't think this is gonna fit me."
Anustes sighed. "Get used to it. These are just temporary until Igasu spots us some battle gear."
"So, boss, what'ca want us to do?" Akurah asked Igasu. "Want us to bash some Sailor skulls?"
"Perhaps, you'd like us to eviscerate and tear the skins off their pathetic bodies?" Urihchim purred with sadistic delight.
"Skinning them alive sounds delightful," Uratoh fiendishly grinned over such grisly detail.
"I say burning them until they're bones and dust sounds a lot more fun," Ier added, materializing fire in her palms.
"Ok, I know we're all dying to rip their frail bodies into pieces, but let's quell our urgencies for now, Blood Senshi," Igasu spoke out, trying to calm her newly conceived colleagues. "I think our benefactor here has a few choice words for us." She stepped aside, letting Hiroaki to speak on her behalf.
"Yes, now I was…" Before Hiroaki could finish, a veil of black flames erupted from his body and covered him, transforming him into Yami Houou Hiroaki.
Upon seeing this, Ier became disturbed by Yami Houou's presence. Conceived by Rei's blood, she also gained the Miko's memories about Yami Houou's possession of her. The other Blood Senshi noticed Ier looking rather terrified.
"Judging by Rei's clone's reaction, it seems WE got your attention. Now it appears you, just like my co-partner here, are dying to find the Senshi and kill them with your bare hands. That's all well and good, but…" Yami Houou Hiroaki shook his finger. "Eh-eh, why kill Rei Hino and her friends so quickly? That doesn't sound satisfying enough. WE have an even juicier idea. Why don't WE make them suffer? Make them all suffer, but mostly especially make Hiroaki's daughter suffer! WE can attack them at any time of our choosing. WE know their true identities!"
Igasu added. "Listen, y'all, that means we're not gonna kill them now. We're going to draw out their punishment to our heart's content."
"I think I like this approach better," evilly smiled Anustes. "We can play with our food long enough until we grow bored of it."
"Then, can we kill them after we've had our fun?!" eagerly asked Okanim, who bounced up and down in a chair.
Igasu shrugged. "Who's to say? That's up to my partner-in-crime here."
Yami Houou Hiroaki chuckled. "Perhaps, but let's wait until then."
"When do you want us to attack those goody two-shoe bitches?" Akurah queried, picking up a knife from a table and filing her claws with them.
"Don't worry. Leave that to me, but you'll all follow my lead," Igasu stated.
(End theme)
xxxxx
Digital World/Outskirts from Amazon Kingdom/Ruins
Sailor Pluto and Amazoness Queen appeared in the ruins of a former civilization. All that remained were abandoned architecture, temples and village huts. They scanned their surroundings.
"What is this place?" Pluto asked Queen.
"Who even knows? Even I don't know, but when I found it there was no one occupying it. I picked this to be the training grounds for Sely and her colleagues," Queen explained as she escorted Sailor Pluto toward the abandoned village.
"Is Hadey waiting here for us?"
"Yes, she's in one of these huts right now."
As they stopped at the front of a hut with a burning fireplace, Queen stepped forward and knelt down.
"Priestess Hadey, I've brought the one you want to see."
"Thank you. I'm coming out," a voice sounding akin to Sailor Pluto answered.
Pluto was taken aback when Hadey finally came out. The Time Guardian gawked and wondered for a moment if she was staring at her own reflection.
(Cue Sailor Moon R OST - Sailor Pluto Theme)
Hadey appeared before Pluto. She looked near identical to Sailor Pluto; sans her hair being dark brown. Her skin complexion was darker than Pluto's She wore green spotted shawl with bird feathers hanging under it. She also wore revealing attire fitting for an Amazon: an animal skinned beige bikini showing off most of her skin. She wore black boots and carried a bamboo staff with a clear orb attached on its crown. She also wore a bone headguard and had tribal tattoos covering the right side of her entire body.
"You must be the Time Guardian… my counterpart," Hadey genuinely greeted her with a smile.
Sailor Pluto bowed. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"She's not only here to see you, but she's curious to learn about the Polymerization Stones."
Hadey nodded. "I see Sely and the others couldn't bring the other Senshi here. I wondered if they or another group would be interested in experimenting with the Polymerization Stones."
"We have other allies who'd probably be interested, but right now we're in a bit of a troubled situation. You see…" Pluto explained their situation regarding Yami Houou Hiroaki and Igasu.
"This is a serious dilemma. Well, it can't be helped if you're unable to take part in the Polymerization Stone experiment. I can request Lady Athenamon and Swordswoman to find others who'd be willing to take part," Hadey stated. "Anyway, is there anything perhaps we can do to help with your situation?"
Sailor Pluto sat down. "Perhaps how and why you were separated from your friends? I've wondered why for a while I lacked an Amazon counterpart like my friends."
Nodding, Hadey replied. "Then, you'd like to know where I've been all this time?" She beckoned Pluto into her hut and offered her some water.
(End theme)
After sharing some water, Hadey went right into explaining her backstory and separation from her friends.
"Unlike Sely and the others, I have my full memories when I used to be my universe's Sailor Pluto. And I remember my universe being wiped clean like it were yesterday," Hadey entailed Pluto. "After our universe was purged by an anomalous force, our souls were gathered, but mine took much longer to recover than the others were. By the time Cosmos found my soul, she decided one of us needed to remember the events that befell our dimension. So, she sent me into this universe, but I was to be separated from the others. Being the only one with their full memories intact, Cosmos likely didn't want me to share information with Sely and the others. They needed to recollect their memories on their own, but it was best to leave them to enjoy their new reincarnated lives as Amazons. I was reincarnated as Hadey in another village. In this village, I met Queen, who brought you here."
Pluto nodded as her counterpart's story kept her invested. "So, you were separated to allow Sely and the others a chance to become their own new individuals."
"If I immediately reminded them of their past lives, it wouldn't be any good for them. And quite honestly, I was ready to move on with my new life as Hadey."
"Your friend called you a priestess."
"More like a shaman, but yes sort of. I also have the power of clairvoyance and can see events in the future. Pluto, I foresee a battle which will involve us being pitted against the enemies you'll face again."
Pluto realized which enemies she alluded to. "Igasu and Yami Houou."
"But, they won't come alone. One of the new enemies will be your counterfeit."
"Counterfeit…? You don't mean…?" Pluto gasped.
xxxxx
Azabu-Juuban Midtown Apartments/Chiba-Tsukino Residence/Living Room/5:30 PM
(Cue wünsche - sunday vibes)
Usagi, Mamoru, Usa, Chibiusa, Luna, Diana, Shingo, and Sely sat together at the dining table. Sely was next to Chibiusa, who drew a bunny using crayons. Sely then grabbed a crayon and doodled a bunny for Chibiusa. The child clapped with joy and hugged Sely, who suddenly felt a bond with the child.
"She really likes you, Sely," Usagi smiled.
"Hey, Sely draws better than you do, Usagi," Usa teased her future mother's past self.
Usagi slipped a hand under the table and pinched Usa's leg. "What? I think I draw really good, don't ya think…? Yee-ow!" She yelped when Usa pinched her back.
"Nah, you kinda suck at drawing, Usagi."
Both Usagi and Usa exchanged intense glares as Chibiusa raised Sely's drawing and laughed.
"Aw, kinda makes me wish if I had a family," Sely sighed happily. Oh well."
"Sely, do you intend to remain with the Amazons for the rest of your life?" Mamoru queried to her.
"Well, yeah. I'm duty bound to my queens and all. Me and the others pretty much made up our minds."
Usa added. "Couldn't you rule as queen like Usagi here will eventually be?"
"Hmm, now that you mention it… I did consider? Maybe I should throw my name out there in case one of the queens steps down."
Usagi took Sely's hands. "Let's be the best queens we can be, Sely. Ok?" She nodded and genuinely smiled.
"Yeah!" Sely cried.
xxxxx
Azabu-Juuban District/Mizuno-Hunter Residence/5:45 PM
Ami reintroduced Hermy to her husband Vega and their kids Amaya and Daiki (present and future versions).
"It's nice to finally meet the children of Ami Mizuno," Hermy bowed. "Wow, so these are your children in this time and the future."
Vega greeted Hermy with a kiss on her hand. "It's a pleasure. Welcome to our home."
"She looks just like you, mom," Daiki pointed out.
"Duh, she's mom's Amazon counterpart or so I heard," Amaya walked over and examined Hermy up close.
"Hermy, I'd be happy to let you borrow a set of clothes if you'd like," Ami offered.
"Thank you, I'd like that."
xxxxx
Azabu-Juuban District/Hikawa Shrine/5:50 PM
Rei, Cammy, future Koori, and child Koori watched Ary walk out dressed in the traditional Miko garb. Ary immediately took a liking to the shrine maiden wardrobe.
"Ah, fits like a glove!" Cammy approved of the garb fitting Ary.
"Thanks. Wearing this brings back some memories of who I used to be," Ary said, turning around and showing off her garb.
On the other side of the room, Hiei, future Ryuuhi, and child Ryuuhi watched the ladies' interactions.
"She looks just like mom and smells like her," future Ryuuhi observed. "So, do you feel awkward being near her, dad?"
"Not really," Hiei honestly replied.
Rei knelt down and picked up child Koori. "Would you like to hold my kids, Ary?"
"Oh, um… sure?" Ary reached over, but nearly tripped over her sandal. "Whoa!" She broke her fall by balancing herself on one leg. "Whew."
"Whoa, nice save, Ary!" future Koori said.
"Thanks. Part of our training is not only strengthening our bodies, but learning to balance our bodies," Ary said, taking child Koori from Rei's hands. She then lifted child Koori with one hand.
Child Koori laughed and bounced on Ary's hand.
"Wow, we have our own balancing act in our house," Rei said.
"I think Ary could join the circus or something," Cammy half-joked.
"Nothing to it. Wow, your daughter has good balance, too," Ary was impressed with child Koori's near perfect balance stance.
Rei chuckled. "I always ensure my kids get the right nutrition and exercise."
Future Koori clapped. "Yep, but being part-demon also helps."
Ary found herself in good company with her counterpart's family.
xxxxx
Azabu-Juuban District/Azabu-Juuban Park/5:55 PM
Makoto, Zey, and Mako walked together while future Umi carried child Umi on her shoulders.
"I know I shouldn't be surprised, but you look near identical to my beautiful wife, Zey."
Zey giggled. "I was your wife in another lifetime, I suppose."
"But, you're from a completely different universe from our own," Makoto chuckled. "C'mon, don't confuse my hubbie, Zey. You'll completely lose him once we bring up other dimensions and stuff."
Zey replied apologetically. "Oh, right. Sorry, Mako."
Makoto stared at the sky and smirked. "Do they allow you to have a love interest, Zey?"
"Well, Amazonian laws are still kinda strict about us having male partners, but our queens have started to lax those rules. There might be a few men I'm interested in…"
"Oooh, do tell," Makoto eagerly wanted to know.
"Well…"
xxxxx
Azabu-Juuban/Aino-Kuroshishi Residence/6:00 PM
Minako introduced Aphy to Rio, Kohana, future Ai, and child Ai.
"Nice to meat you all!" Aphy messed up her proverb.
"Did she mean to say meet?" Artemis blinked.
"Gosh, and I've gotten my proverbs better," Minako stated.
Rio approached Aphy. "Wow, you really look like Minako! If Minako got a tan complexion and put on several pounds of muscle."
"Oh gosh, you're flattering me," Aphy chuckled modestly.
Future Ai picked up a microphone and tossed it to Aphy. "Hey, can you sing like me and mom can?"
Aphy gripped the mic hard. "You wanna try me, girly?"
"Bring it!" Future Ai beckoned.
Child Ai giggled. "She looks like mommy and she pretty funny."
Minako picked up child Ai as she watched Aphy and future Ai have a duet.
"She sure does, sweetie," Minako said.
xxxxx
Azabu-Juuban District/Underground Mall/6:05 PM
Haruka, Michiru, and Hotaru toured Ourany, Poseidy, and Crony through a underground shopping mall. The three Amazons were in awe of the shops and crowds passing by them.
"Look, Ourany. Isn't this beautiful?" Poseidy picked out and showed her an aqua stone necklace.
"It'd only look beautiful on one other person I know," Ourany said, leaning her face near Poseidy's cheek, whispering something in her ear.
"Isn't this nice to take you three around town?" Hotaru asked Crony.
Crony concurred. "This is a wonderful idea. It's also nice to get out of the Amazon kingdom after so long."
Michiru added. "Perhaps they'll permit you to come visit us more now that you're higher ranked soldiers?"
Haruka smirked. "But, if you can't I understand duty calls."
"I think we have permission to crossover here as long as we ask permission," Crony answered.
"If so, we've love to show you more of Tokyo," Hotaru said. "Who knows? Maybe it'll jog a few memories?"
"We interrupt this programming for breaking news. An attack has erupted near the Azabu-Juuban Station in Minato. We already have live coverage of the attack now…!" A news anchorman reported.
(End theme)
(Cue Sailor Moon Crystal OST - A Fierce Battle with the Witches)
Haruka, Michiru, Hotaru, Ourany, Poseidy, and Crony turned their attention to a television. They watched in horror as Igasu appeared scaring off civilians and blasting city blocks.
"Sailor Senshi, come out and face me! If you don't, these poor fools are gonna get wasted!" Igasu goaded Azabu-Juuban's urban heroes.
The three Senshi and Amazons quickly stormed off. They immediately alerted the others about the crisis.
xxxxx
Minato District/Azabu-Juuban Station/6:20 PM
Igasu finished her rampage and sat on a couple of automobiles she stacked on top of the other. She filed her claws with an arm blade.
"Ugh, they should already be here. What the hell's taking them…?"
"STOP RIGHT THERE!"
Igasu's frown quickly turned upward. A sadistic grin adorned her features.
"Finally!" Igasu stood on top of the automobiles. She spotted the Sailor Senshi, the Amazon Senshi, Tuxedo Kamen, Cammy, Moonlight Knight, and Hiei arrive to confront her. "Good you're all here."
"I don't know why you're so damn confident. You're outnumbered," Sailor Jupiter became irked by Igasu's overconfidence.
"You really think you can take all of us on, you're freaking deluded!" Sailor Venus said.
Suddenly, Sailor Mercury's visor quickly scanned several energies similar to Igasu's.
"Hold on, guys! Looks like Igasu didn't come alone!" Sailor Mercury warned her friends.
"So, it's Yami Houou. I can handle it and my father," Sailor Mars said.
"No, there's several other readings and none of them match Yami Houou's readings!"
"Then, who else came with her…?!" Sailor Uranus wondered.
Giggling evilly, Igasu blew on her fingers and whistled. "Blood Senshi, it's time to come out and play!"
With that, Igasu hopped off the vehicles and landed on the ground. Then, eight others came jumping out of nowhere and assembled next to Igasu. The Senshi witnessed in shock as they saw the Blood Senshi. Each Blood Senshi were dressed in similar black leather attire worn by the Sailor Starlights.
Each one struck a pose like the Senshi they were spawned from.
"Ima the Blood Mercury!"
"Ier the Blood Mars!"
"Otokam the Blood Jupiter!"
"Okanim the Blood Venus!"
"Akurah the Blood Uranus!"
"Urihcim the Blood Neptune!"
"Uratoh the Blood Saturn!"
"Anustes the Blood Pluto!"
"And together we are the Blood Senshi!" They announced in unison.
"Wha-?! But, how?!" Moon became baffled by this shocking development.
"Care to guess? That explains those weird insects biting us," Sailor Mars realized.
"Igasu and Yami Houou collected our blood samples to make evil versions of us," Sailor Mercury concluded.
"Great now the freak has a team of her own," Sailor Saturn sardonically remarked.
"You're all phonies! And how dare you clone our Pluto, too!" Sailor Neo Moon chided the Blood Senshi.
Igasu sighed. "Pink rabbit, that wasn't very nice, but don't worry we're gonna discipline you and punish the rest of your friends."
"Fat chance of that happening!" Sailor Uranus roared as she rushed to attack Igasu, but Akurah drew a black sword and cut her off from the pass. "What?!"
Akurah snickered. "Going somewhere?" She spun around and kicked Uranus back.
"I've got you, Uranus!" Sailor Neptune intervened, but Urihcim fired a beam from a black mirror, which knocked Neptune away.
Urihcim gave a haughty laugh. "Ohohoh, sorry, dear. Did I cut you off from your lover?"
As Sailor Saturn and Neo Moon made their move, Uratoh lowered her scythe-looking weapon and slashed at them. Saturn and Neo Moon evaded getting sliced up. Saturn intercepted Uratoh's scythe with her Silence Glaive.
"Not only were we spawned from your blood, but your blood components became merged with Igasu. We were spawned from her," Ima revealed their creation process.
"Now, not only do we have your memories, but also your powers and personality quirks. But add touches of evil and you get us," Otokam chortled evilly as she flexed her muscles. "But, we're improved versions of you!"
Okanim snapped a traffic sign in two with a single kick. "Not just stronger, but we're also faster and smarter than you!"
Ier added, stomping her heeled boot down. "While I didn't inherit the Houou's power, I have more than enough firepower to take you down, Sailor Mars!"
Ima pointed to the visor on her face. "And I have the tech and the tactical mind to match yours, Sailor Mercury!"
Anustes scanned the crowd. "Hmm, so Sailor Pluto decided not to show. Makes sense, considering her planet is usually a no-show ever since she got demoted."
"Don't worry. We'll beat you before she comes back!" Neo Moon vowed to fight in the Time Guardian's place.
Igasu giggled as she dropped into a fighting posture. "So, how about it? Wanna have a duel with us? Just don't think you'll win."
Sailor Moon called out. "We will beat you! Senshi, spread out!"
With that, the Sailor Senshi, the Amazon Senshi, and the others divided to fight each Blood Senshi.
(End theme)
xxxxx
(Cue Fate/Zero OST - The Battle is to the Strong (0:20 - 3:04))
Sailor Moon, Tuxedo Kamen, and Sely engaged Igasu. The Blood Moon lunged at Kamen and punched him far back. Sely tried slashing at Igasu. Igasu caught Sely's sword and kicked her away. Sailor Moon crossed paths with Igasu. Moon went for a sword stab, but Igasu sidestepped her and kneed her in the gut. Igasu then grabbed Moon's pigtails and tossed her around before sending her flying into a window.
Igasu jumped over to pick up Moon, but a white ray of light erupted and knocked the Blood Moon back. Dai-Valkyrie Moon emerged and floated out to confront Igasu.
"Ugh, yeah I remember that damn Valkyrie form. The same one you used to beat me! Heh, but history ain't repeating itself!" Igasu cackled as she lunged at Dai-Valkyrie Moon. The Dai-Valkyrie Moon dodged and went for a kick. Igasu surprised by blocking Moon's fast kick.
"Whoa, what…?!" Moon gasped. She's faster now!
"Surprised, are ya?! I get stronger after every fight I've been in!" Igasu reached for Dai-Valkyrie Moon, who zipped around behind and roundhouse kicked her from behind. She fell to the ground head first into the ground. As she pulled herself up, Igasu shot up and uppercutted Dai-Valkyrie Moon into the air. "Last time, I gave this form of yours a run for your money! Now think, I'm strong enough to match you this time!"
Dai-Valkyrie Moon dodged Igasu's blows. "You just love hearing yourself talk, do you?!"
xxxxx
Dai-Valkyrie Jupiter flew up and attacked Otokam. Otokam and Jupiter punched each other's fists, unleashing a shockwave that swept away surroundings vehicles. Otokam grinned sadistically and headbutted Jupiter's face.
"You think you got the raw power to match me?!" Otokam bellowed. As she rushed at Jupiter, Zey cut her off from the pass.
"Not so fast!" Zey lunged at Otokam.
Otokam punched the ground and unleashed enough force to push Zey away. Imbuing herself in a lightning cheetah aura, Dai-Valkyrie Jupiter hastily ran at Otokam and punched the Blood Jupiter back. Otokam rebounded and punched Jupiter down.
Damn it, if I had Mjolnir with me… Jupiter thought, finding herself at Otokam's mercy.
xxxxx
As Aphy distracted Okanim the Blood Venus, Dai-Valkyrie Venus tossed two chains and ensnared Okanim's arms. Venus rocketed downward and conjured her Wink Chain Sword. She grabbed said sword and cut the Blood Venus with it.
Much to Venus's dismay, Okanim's body absorbed the impact of Venus's sword and broke. Okanim grinned as she kicked Dai-Valkyrie Venus far back. Aphy threw another chain, ensnaring Okanim's right leg. Okanim flexed her body tightly enough to break the chains. She grabbed Aphy and tossed her into Venus.
Dai-Valkyrie Venus caught Aphy and set her down. However, Okanim came charging like a freight train and knocked Venus back.
"Ugh!" Dai-Valkyrie Venus grunted. She was then in the receiving end of multiple chain blasts from Okanim.
"Now so hot stuff, are ya, Minako Aino! The spotlight raining down on a new star! Me!" Okanim boasted, laughing at Venus's expense.
xxxxx
While Hermy distracted and struck Ima with her tonfas, Dai-Valkyrie Mercury summoned a massive pillar of water that crashed into a wall. Mercury powered through and kept Ima pinned with her water blast.
"Your water power can't hold me for long!" Ima shouted as she phased out and reappeared behind Dai-Valkyrie Mercury and Hermy.
Before either had a chance to attack, Ima backhanded Hermy and knocked her away. This left Dai-Valkyrie Mercury to contend with Ima. Ima went for rapidfire kicks. Mercury conjured a water bubble, protecting her from Ima's kicks. Ima then grabbed the bubble and crushed it so hard it popped.
Dai-Valkyrie Mercury called for her sea dragon steed, Kairyu, but Ima cut her off from bringing forth her steed. Mercury tried using her visor to scan for Ima's weakness, but the Blood Mercury punched Mercury's visor into pieces.
I can't let this go on…! Mercury fought back with water blasts, but Ima threw a water sphere to cancel it out.
Ima pushed through and punched Mercury straight into a wall.
"Now to dissect you and your friend, Ami Mizuno," Ima chortled, changing her right hand into a giant scalpel-like blade.
xxxxx
Dai-Valkyrie Mars and Ier went head to head. Mars fired a volley of Mars Flame Snipers at Ier, who in turn launched her owns barrage of fiery arrows to cancel out Mars'. Ier then quickly jumped up and went for a frontal attack. Dai-Valkyrie Mars served to the side, but then Ier's hair extended like tendrils and grabbed Mars' ankle. Ier tossed Mars around and slammed her down. After making short work of Mars, Ier was then attacked by Hiei, Cammy, Moonlight Knight, and Ary. Hiei sliced Ier's long appendages with his sword. Cammy conjured a holy ball from her staff and tore a hole through Ier's gut. Moonlight Knight followed up by cutting and severing Ier's arms. Ary shot up Ier with arrows to immobilize her. Hiei imbued his sword with dark flames and proceeded to slice up Ier into pieces.
"Thanks, guys," Mars recovered, taking out her Ofuda.
Suddenly, Ier pieces herself back together and shook off the black flames.
"A nice effort, but it'll take more than that to get rid of me," Ier snickered. "Having been born based on your blood, Rei, my body's already adapted from all Hiei's attacks during your trainings with him."
"So, she knows all our attacks," Cammy realized.
"Guess, I'll have to increase my dark flames' power then," Hiei stated.
"Or, maybe get a taste of the Houou's power," Mars said, conjuring the Houou's fiery power in her hand. She formed and condensed a fireball, which she threw at Ier.
Ier dodged Mars' blast and took to the air. She unleashed another barrage of fiery arrows at her adversaries. Mars and Hiei produced a fire cloak, protecting them, Cammy, Moonlight Knight, and Ary. Ier then vanished. A fiery explosion erupted behind the group, sending them spiraling away. Ier rematerialized from a veil of flames. Mars landed on her feet holding Cammy in her arms. Hiei and Moonlight Knight were looking worse for wear from Ier's sneak attack.
"Face it, Rei Hino. My fire power is superior to yours!" Ier boasted, giving a haughty laugh.
"This is what Yami Houou and Igasu had a mind… where the hell are you Yami Houou?" Mars muttered in disdain over the dark phoenix
The Houou telepathically replied to Mars. "I still can't feel my dark self's presence. It's certainly watching us off location."
"Why am I not surprised?" Mars scoffed.
xxxxx
Akurah and Urihcim crossed paths with Dai-Valkyries Uranus and Neptune. Uranus drew her Space Sword and clashed with Akurah, who turned her hand into a blade. Akurah and Uranus exchanged strikes. Uranus kicked and swung down her sword, sending a wind attack that blew away Akurah.
"Thanks for the cool breeze, but no thanks!" Akurah responded by flying up and hitting Uranus with a barrage of wind blades.
As she tried deflecting the piercing wind projectiles, Uranus left herself open as Akurah shot up and punched her back. Ourany moved in to help Uranus, but Akurah unleashed a wind blast at her.
Dai-Valkyrie Neptune and Urihcim simultaneously unleashed tidal wave-like blasts. Neptune tried gaining leverage over her clone, but Urihcim forced enough water to form a bigger tidal that swept Neptune away. As the wave sent Neptune crashing into a wall, the Blood Neptune sauntered toward her. Poseidy quickly tended to Neptune. Urihcim repelled Poseidy with a water blast.
"Oh, did that hurt? Don't worry, I'm gonna make your ass so sore that your dear Uranus will be jealous," Urihcim formed a water whip in one hand and licked her lips.
xxxxx
Dai-Valkyrie Saturn and Uratoh the Blood Saturn exchanged quick strikes with their weapons. Saturn landed a kick into Uratoh and sent her flying back. Saturn then dove toward the Blood Saturn and lifted her Silence Glaive to cut her in two. Uratoh jumped up, evading getting bisected. Uratoh landed on top of Saturn's head.
"Aww, too slow to catch me, Hotaru?" Uratoh taunted her counterpart.
"No!" Saturn fiercely shouted, summoning her Silence Wall to repel Uratoh.
Uratoh quickly charged and drove her scythe through Saturn's defense barrier. To Saturn's shock, Uratoh broke down her barrier with her scythe. Uratoh charged and shoved Saturn into a wall. Uratoh then struck Saturn with quick scythe slashes and disarmed Saturn of her glaive.
"Saturn!" Crony dove in to stab Uratoh with her scythe.
However, Uratoh used her own scythe to knock away Crony's and stunned her with a beam. Crony was knocked aside.
As Saturn fell down, Uratoh landed beside her and brought her scythe to the Outer's throat.
"Any last words, Hotaru sweetie?" Uratoh snickered, preparing to slit the girl's throat.
"NO!" Neo Moon cried out as she transformed into a Dai-Valkyrie and pushed Uratoh back.
"Thank you, Usa…" Saturn recovered.
"Oh, look, it's Usa. Sorry you had to intervene at the wrong time…"
"What?" Before Neo Moon could say anything else, Anustes the Blood Pluto jumped her from behind and smacked her with a staff.
"Usa!" Saturn cried out, but Uratoh cut her off.
"USA!" Moon hurried over to save her future daughter, but Igasu intercepted her.
"Nope, your fight's with me!" Igasu cackled.
As Neo Moon turned over, she gazed up at Anustes. Anustes raised her staff overhead to deliver the killing blow to the pink-haired Senshi.
"Any last words, Small Lady?" Anustes smiled cruelly.
"Pluto…"
"DIE!" Anustes roared, bringing down her staff.
(End theme)
Just then, another staff intercepted Anustes's. Neo Moon's eyes widened as she saw Dai-Valkyrie Pluto between her and Anustes.
"Usa! I've got this!" Dai-Valkyrie Pluto declared, launching a Dead Scream that knocked Anustes back.
(Cue Fate/stay Unlimited Blade Works - Arrow)
"PLUTO!" Neo Moon cried out happily for her friend's intervention. She blinked thrice as she saw Hadey with Dai-Valkyrie Pluto. "Wait, there's two of you…?"
"Looks like we came too late, Pluto," Hadey said.
"No, there's a chance," Pluto said, setting her sights on the Blood Pluto.
Anustes landed on her feet and faced off with Dai-Valkyrie Pluto.
"So, you've finally decided to come out and with a friend. Seems we're entered a clone war of sorts. Good now we can see who the better Pluto is," Anustes smirked, dropping into a fighting stance.
Pluto charged at Anustes and attacked her with her Garnet Staff. Anustes retaliated by countering Pluto's attacks. Pluto and Anustes got into each other's faces. Pluto had a fierce and determined look. Anustes just sneered at the Time Guardian. Pluto kicked Anustes back, but the Blood Pluto launched a destructive beam from her staff. This stopped Pluto at her tracks, forcing her to back-off. Anustes fired another staff beam, but Hadey stopped it with her staff and batted the beam away.
"Sailor Moon, we must call for a retreat!" Pluto requested.
"Pluto, is that really your Amazon counterpart?!" Moon asked her.
"Yes, and she has something to show us! But, we must retreat from here and not let the enemy follow us!" The Time Guardia decreed.
"Yes, I have the items you've already heard about," Hadey hinted at the stones.
"She has a point. We need to regroup. These clones got the drop on us. We can regroup and fight them another time!" Venus concurred with Pluto's strategy.
"But, if we retreat, no telling these things will just continue their attack," Mars said as she and Hiei held off Ier. "And don't forget my father's still out watching us. He may even threaten to reveal our identities if we leave."
"We know that, but we won't be long for too long," Pluto suggested. "Don't worry, we will resume the fight with these monstrosities."
Mulling over her limited choice, Moon opted for Pluto's suggestion. "All right, we're leaving."
"Follow us then!" Hadey called out. She then turned toward the Amazon Senshi. "Same applies to you, too. Come with us."
Sely nodded. "All right."
"This way!" Pluto beckoned the Senshi and friends to follow them.
(End theme)
As the heroes followed Pluto and Hadey, the Blood Senshi pursued them.
"After them! Don't let them escape!" Igasu ordered. As she raced ahead, she received a telepathic link with Yami Houou Hiroaki.
"Igasu, should you and the Blood Senshi lose them, don't worry. WE can provide you their locations. As long as WE can sense the Houou, WE'LL be able to find them."
Igasu evilly smirked. "Yes, that'll be much easier for us to find them."
xxxxx
Standing top of Tokyo Tower, Yami Houou Hiroaki gained a greater vantage point of the entire Japanese metropolis. He scanned the prefectures with hawk-like vision.
He instantly probed Houou's presence. "Yes, you can run but you won't hide from US, Rei Hino. You and your friends are OURS now!"
xxxxx
A/N: Now, we know what the blood was for: the birth of the Blood Senshi. While this isn't the first time they've been featured (they debuted in me and Ford's Shinnen: New Year), this is their official YYGDM debut. Much like Igasu, the Blood Senshi's names are just the Senshi's names spelled backwards (much like Sailor Sedna's evil clone, Andes).
This chapter also marks the debut of the ninth Amazon Senshi: Hadey. She meets Pluto and they have a nice chat.
The scenes with Sely and her friends mingling with the Senshi's families are meant to be poginant for a reason. And you'll see why. I've kinda already foreshadowed the fate of the Amazon Senshi and if you've already read the latest Cross Generations chapter 28, 'Omniversal War', you can already surmise where fate lies for them.
The Blood Senshi being modified and improved clones of the Senshi should be no surprise. They've shown to be a match for the Senshi's Dai-Valkyrie forms.
Yami Houou Hiroaki just sitting and watching from the sidelines. He's sure enjoying every minute of Rei's suffering. Enjoy it while you can, Yami Houou.
So, we've hit the halfway point with this mini-arc. I think I can get this done with two chapters to spare. Hopefully no more than that.
Until the next installment, send a review and see you soon!