A/N: I'm pleased you've all been enjoying this Gaiden arc. I knew you'd like it since we have returning villains, Yami Houou and Igasu, back to wreak revenge on the Senshi. With the emergence of the Blood Senshi, things are going south for our Sailor heroes.
I know there's concern about the lack of response from the other allies: Keep this in mind, this conflict is still set during the dimension missions. That means half of the heroes are out on missions in other worlds. Meanwhile, the Senshi and the few available are able to handle this threat.
Now to see what the big deal with these Polymerization Stones are.
Enjoy!
xxxxx
Sins of a Father, Part III: The Polymerization Stones
xxxxx
Azabu-Juuban District/Azabu-Juuban Shopping District/7:30 PM
Having escaped their villainous counterparts, the Sailor Senshi relocated. They concealed themselves in an alleyway. The Amazon Senshi, Tuxedo Kamen, Hiei, Cammy, and Moonlight Knight were also with them scanning the passing crowds.
"I don't see them, but then again, wasn't Igasu able to shapeshift before?" Sailor Venus asked.
"Yeah, remember? She turned into each of us when we fought her before," Sailor Jupiter reminded her blonde friend.
"Well, we've gotten helluva a lot stronger since then," Sailor Uranus said.
"Yes, but so has she and now we have clones strong enough to handle us," Sailor Neptune added.
Sailor Moon approached Sailor Mercury, who used her mini-computer to scan the perimeters of their current vicinity.
"Anything, Mercury?"
"Nothing yet."
"Might I suggest you all go incognito?" Sely asked. "Maybe they'll have a harder time if you blend in with the crowds?"
"It's worth a shot," Sailor Mars sighed.
"We'll follow you unnoticed," Hadey said to Pluto.
"Very well," the Time Guardian nodded.
(Cue Fate/stay night Unlimited Blade Works OST - Dark Glow)
With that, the Sailor Senshi, Tuxedo Kamen, Cammy, and Moonlight Knight powered down into their civilian forms. They walked out and blended in with the crowds as they headed for the direction toward Usagi's place. Hiei followed behind them. The Amazon Senshi tailed them through the alleyway.
xxxxx
Unfortunately, what would've been an effective strategy didn't go unnoticed under Yami Houou Hiroaki's watchful gaze from afar. Yami Houou Hiroaki's eyes had already scanned all of Tokyo. He was able to pinpoint their location by honing on the Houou's presence within Rei.
"Think YOU can escape OUR sight, Rei Hino? As long as WE'RE still connected through the Houou, YOU and your friends can't escape OUR sight!" Yami Houou Hiroaki boasted as he telepathically reached Igasu and the Blood Senshi. "Cease your hunt, Blood Senshi! I've located our prey!"
xxxxx
Upon receiving the Yami Houou's message, Igasu and the Blood Senshi headed for the shopping district. As soon as they arrived, they quickly sighted Usagi and company. Igasu wasted no time punching the ground, tearing up the concrete from the ground and sending debris flying at the group. This attack panicked the crowds and sent them running from the scene.
"Nice try eluding us, but you won't get far. Not with Rei's dear father keeping track of your location! Ohohoho!" Igasu yelled out, laughing in a haughty manner.
Rei scowled. "Why am I not surprised? He can trace me through the Houou."
The Houou telepathically added. "Yes, and this will prove quite troublesome. We'll need to relocate elsewhere. Perhaps from out of dimension?"
"Another dimension?" The Miko wondered.
"Where though?!" Cammy wondered.
"Ohoho, you're not going anywhere!" Ier shouted as she confronted Rei and Cammy.
"Back off!" Shingo threatened Ier as he stood in Cammy's way.
"Oh, what will you do now?" taunted Anustes, who stood in Setsuna's way.
"Might I suggest us relocate where our Amazon friends came from?" Setsuna asked her friends.
Once the crowds left the vicinity, the Amazon Senshi quickly came out of hiding and rejoined their friends. They faced off with the Blood Senshi and prepared to attack, but a portal opened up behind the group. They turned to find Amazoness Queen emerge and beckon the group to jump in.
"Come! I can take you to my sister's sanctuary!" Amazoness Queen called for them.
"I suggest we take the offer. Trust me," Sely stated.
"No problem. We're no strangers to the Amazon Kingdom," Usagi replied.
"Running away?! I don't think so!" Igasu charged, changing her hands into blades. "
The Blood Senshi also rushed the Senshi and their friends. However, Mamoru, Shingo, and Hiei cut the Blood Senshi off from the pass. Hiei unleashed black flames to halt them. Mamoru and Shingo quickly turned into Tuxedo Kamen and Moonlight Knight.
"Go on!" Tuxedo Kamen yelled out as Igasu lunged at him and swung her hand blades at him. He fended her off with his cane.
"We'll handle things from here! Cammy, go with them!" Moonlight Knight cried out.
"Be careful, Shingo!" Cammy called out.
Neo Moon quickly took out her communicator. "Neo Senshi, come to these exact coordinates! I'll be waiting here!" She drew her sword and helped Tuxedo Kamen hold off Igasu.
"Usa! Please be careful!" Usagi cried out.
"Hiei!" Rei called to the demon. "You give my clone hell!"
Hiei brandished his sword and slashed at Ier. Ier dodged and shot fiery arrows at him. Hiei sidestepped Ier's attacks.
"Let's go!" Sely called out, grabbing Usagi's hand.
"This way!" Aphy directed the Senshi toward the portal.
As the Senshi and Cammy entered the portal, Amazoness Queen closed it off. Anustes nearly breached the portal as it closed in her face.
"Damn! They got away!" Anustes snarled.
"Don't worry. Those cowards won't have any choice, but come back after we make short work of their friends!" Okanim laughed as she punched at Moonlight Knight, who dodged and slashed her with his blade.
"Unfortunately, things won't work out as well as you hope," Tuxedo Kamen firmly stated. "We always have back-up."
"Yeah, you're in trouble now!" Neo Moon smiled coolly.
Igasu scowled irritably. "Well, aren't you all the resourceful types. Feh, how annoying. No matter, you're all just the appetizers before the main course come back to be served to us!"
Hiei scoffed in response. "Appetizers? I'll show you an appetizer."
Ier approached Hiei, licking her lips. "Mmm, yes, and you'll be a delicious appetizer! Heheh!"
"Blood Senshi, use this opportunity to destroy the Senshi's friends. By beating them to near death, they'll have no choice but return to confront US!" The callous voice of Yami Houou Hiroaki was broadcasted through the Blood Senshi and the heroes' minds.
"So use us as bait?!" Moonlight Knight exclaimed.
"No way! We're going to beat these freaks ! Usagi and the others won't even need to fight you!" Neo Moon relented as she attacked Igasu.
"Heheh, bring it on, little rabbit!" Igasu taunted the future princess. She facegrabbed Neo Moon and kicked Tuxedo Kamen back. She then slammed Neo Moon into the ground. "Mommy ain't here to save you now! But Auntie Igasu will make it all better! Heheheh!"
"No, I won't give up… we won't give up!" Neo Moon shot back, folding her legs around Igasu's arm. She grabbed her sword cut off Igasu's arm. After freeing herself, Neo Moon slashed at Igasu. "Please, don't take long, Usagi."
(End theme)
xxxxx
Digital World/Gates of the Amazon Kingdom
The portal opened in front of the fortified gates of the Amazon realm. Two Nefertimon and two Amazons noticed the portal. As they approached it, Amazoness Queen walked out with the Senshi, Cammy, and the Amazon Senshi behind her.
"Lower your guards. I've brought friends of Lady Athenamon and Swordswoman," Queen stated.
The guards recognized the Senshi and Amazon Senshi. They nodded and contacted the higher ups. The gates opened up, permitting admission for the guests.
"Wow, your security's gotten tighter the last we were here," Makoto was in awe of the augmented security wall.
"They've seemed to have adopted and implemented modern technology to adapt with the changing times," Ami noticed the fusion of archaic and modern technology.
"This is great," Minako said.
"Yeah, the kingdom's undergone drastic improvements since the Neo-Rajita attacked," Hermy revealed. "Why do you think we wear these armors? It's a testament to us finally embracing the changing times."
Zey tapped her armor. "And we've made sure our armors are a tribute to y'alls Sailor uniforms."
"They look great on y'all," Makoto approved.
"And they're fitting tributes if you ask me," Hotaru nodded.
"Come, we must make haste since your friends are currently engaging those clones of yours," Queen said, escorting the group toward the Amazon Queens' main palace.
(Cue Fate/stay night Unlimited Blade Works OST - Unlimited Blade Works)
As they approached the palace, the group saw Amazoness Swordswoman, Buster Blader, D'Arcmon, Unfriendly Amazon, and Amazoness Chainmaster awaiting them.
"My old friends, welcome," Amazoness Swordswoman bowed her head to the Senshi.
"It's been a while, your highness," Usagi said. "But, where's Lady Athenamon?"
"She and Omegamon have left for business concerns," D'Arcmon answered. "Lady Athenamon would've been happy to see you all here."
"Milady, we've come to show them the stones," Hadey said.
"Yes, the Polymerization Stones," Swordswoman replied.
"Have they all been set in place?" Queen asked.
"As we've arranged," Swordswoman said.
"Good. Senshi, follow us," Queen directed the Senshi, Cammy, and the Amazon Senshi into the palace.
Once the group entered the palace, they set five large stones. Each of them glowed with life. The Senshi and Cammy became mesmerized by the mystic stones' presences.
"How pretty…" Usagi was enamored by the Polymerization Stones.
"These are it?" Haruka asked.
"Indeed, Hadey was the one who found them," Ourany said.
"Yes, she's already informed me of her discovery," Setsuna revealed.
"How did you manage to find these?" Rei queried to Hadey.
"I didn't find them alone and they appeared to me when I arrived in your dimension," Hadey stated, reflecting to her first arrival in the dimension.
xxxxx
Flashback/5 years ago/Digital World
A burst of light erupted in the sky above a forest. A group of tribal women dressed in revealing jungle girl garb and animal skin bikini eyed with fascination at the cosmic-like light shining in the sky.
"My queen, look!" A red-haired Amazon yelled out, pointing to the rare light above them.
Amazoness Queen paused, analyzing the object. "I sense life from that beacon."
"What?! Some one or something's up there?!" A wild, blue-haired Amazon asked her.
Then, the glowing light finally shot down and crashed into the forest away from the village. The impact caused the ground to shake and disturbed the Amazonian natives. Every able warrior grabbed their spears.
"Let us investigate this," Queen narrowed her eyes, beckoning her warriors to join her.
xxxxx
"One fateful day, I landed near Queen's village, which was separated from the main Amazon Kingdom. It wasn't that long ago I was Sailor Pluto in another universe… before the antimatter wiped it out entirely. Unlike the others who were reincarnated with only vague memories, I had full recollections of everything of my previous life. Perhaps, that's why fate decided to separate me from the rest.
I awoke in a forest… covered in light… and when I came to…"
She awoke finding herself in the middle of a rainforest setting. The last she remembered she and her Senshi were swallowed up by the antimatter mass. Darkness had obscured her vision after being swallowed and seemingly destroyed. However, to her own surprise, she awoke alive.
"...am I dead…?" She blinked, slowly coming to her senses. She tried clarifying her blurred vision. She heard the sound of footsteps and saw numerous spears pointed at her way. "...what?!" She sprang up alarmed, but stumbled back hitting her ankle on a thick tree root. She rubbed her back.
"Who are you?! State your business!" Amazoness Queen demanded. As Queen approached the woman, she gasped. "...wait, an Amazon sister? You came from that light in the sky?"
"What? Amazon sister?" The woman asked in confusion. "No, I'm Sailor Pluto."
"Milady, perhaps she's confused," an Amazon asked Queen.
"Yes, there already exists a being with that name and she's from Earth," Queen nodded. "You look like someone from another tribe."
"No, I'm afraid you're confused," the woman claiming herself to be Sailor Pluto stated. "I am Sailor Pluto." As she readily prepared to attack, she tried conjuring her Garnet Staff, but to no avail. "Garnet Staff?!" She noticed her weapon didn't materialize. She then raised her hand and called out to transform into Sailor Pluto.
Nothing.
"What does she appear to be doing?" The red-haired Amazon asked Queen.
"Trying to conjure a spell to attack us? Seems your magic has abandoned you," Queen approached the woman. "Give up. You're surrounded."
Realizing she couldn't transform, the woman backed off from Queen's approach. She then fell back into a puddle. As she turned over to run, she gazed at her reflection in the water and gasped. She didn't even see herself, but someone else who resembled her. But there was notable differences. Her hair was dark brown and no longer dark green. Her skin complexion was much darker than before. She wasn't even garbed in clothing - civilian or Sailor. She was fully naked. She gasped and covered her herself.
"You appear to be in shock. Please, calm down. If you don't attack us, we won't hurt you, fellow tribe sister," Queen calmly offered her sanctuary.
"What's happened to me? What have I become?"
"Pardon?"
"This is not who I am. I'm Sailor Pluto… and I need to find my colleagues…" The woman turned as she fell exhausted.
Queen caught the woman. "I've got you!" She turned to the red-haired Amazon. "Seras, prepare a bed for her at the medical hut! She'll require sustenance to keep her from falling ill!"
"Yes, my queen!"
As Queen carried the woman, she and the Amazons returned to the village. The woman barely awoke murmuring for her friends until she fell asleep completely drained.
xxxxx
Later, the woman awoke in an infirmary bed. She saw a blue-haired Amazon nurse setting a food bowl next to her bedside. The nurse smiled and palmed the woman's forehead.
"You're not running a fever. That's good. You'll be well after you've drank and eaten," the nurse said, getting up. "Milady, our patient's awake."
"That's good. Please, leave her with me."
"As you wish."
As the nurse left, Queen walked in and sat down next to the woman. The woman cautiously stared at Queen, who stared her right back.
"Are you going to keep staring or are you going to eat that? If not, I'll feed you."
Frowning, the woman grabbed her bowl and uncharacteristically stuffed herself full of the porridge served for her. She then drank her whole water cup.
"Good to see you well and awake. Now, I have some questions, Hadey," Queen said.
"Hadey?"
"It's a name I've given you. If you're Sailor Pluto as you claim, I thought Hadey, which is based off Hades, is an appropriate name for you. Oddly fitting and cute if you ask me."
"But, I am Sailor Pluto. I am…" Hadey stared at her hands. At that instant, she recollected her entire life up until the antimatter purged her entire universe. "...my world was wiped out. If I'm alive, then perhaps my colleagues… they could still be alive."
"Even if they're alive, we wouldn't know where to find your friends."
"If I had my Garnet Orb, I would've… but I lack my instruments…"
"This orb allows you to trace your friends?"
"It also enables me to foresee certain events before they materialize."
"You have clairvoyance then."
"Yes, but as I lack my instruments, my skills are limited and I seemingly can't access my Senshi powers either. It's as if I've been reincarnated into someone else, but with all the previous life's memories intact."
"The cycle of reincarnation. Yes, our tribes believe when we die, we reincarnate into animals and plants," Queen said. "Perhaps fate has decided to bring you here for a purpose."
"For what though?"
Queen pat Hadey's shoulder. "To join our sisterhood and help you search for your friends."
"You'd be willing to take me in?"
"As long as you're not a man and since you're clearly not, you're more than welcome to stay with us," Queen genuinely smiled to Hadey. "Come, allow me to show you around my village." As she helped Hadey out of bed, she spotted Hadey a tribal robe for her to wear.
They walked out of the medical hut and greeted the Amazon villagers.
"Amazoness Queen gave me the name Hadey. I was welcomed into her village and allowed to stay. The villagers were very kind to me and taught me their tribal warrior ways. I forged my own Garnet Staff with bamboo. The villager's elder shaman took me as her student and taught me to tap into my clairvoyant power. As I graduated from her teachings, she passed her orb over to me. The elder passed on and I became the villager's new Amazoness spellcaster.
Once I was able to tap into my newly awakened clairvoyant abilities, I tried using them to locate my friends. Just when I did, I used my my clairvoyance and spotted invaders into Queen's land. They were Neo-Rajita soldiers. I eavesdropped and heard Queen making an arrangement: to spare her village if she's allowed to fight with them and get revenge on her old friend Amazoness Swordswoman. What Queen didn't know was that the Neo-Rajita still intended to kill her tribe. This came as a shock to me and I left to warn the villagers. I told them there'd be a terrible invasion that would claim their lives.
At this point, the villagers learned to trust my clairvoyant powers. I helped relocate the villagers. When Queen found this out, she took it out on me."
(End theme)
"You dare send our sister tribes from our village?!"
"I heard you negotiating with the enemy, but my clairvoyance already foreseen tragic events that would befall your people! Your tribe will be killed while you leave with these invaders!"
Queen gritted. "That's ludicrous!"
"Since when have my foresight ever been wrong, Queen?!"
Queen turned around and shook with fury. "Get out…"
"What?!"
"Get out! You're banished from this land! I'll find my sisters! My real sisters! I knew taking an outsider like you was a bad idea!"
Taking her banishment to heart, Hadey turned away and left the now abandoned village.
"Queen was furious her sisters took my word over hers. I was exiled and I became a wanderer. Queen left to fight with the Neo-Rajita to invade Athenamon and Swordswoman's kingdom. I had heard rumors of eight Amazons who have an uncanny appearance to my fellow Senshi. I wondered about this and tried looking for them. Still, to no avail. I wandered for what seemed for eternity… then I collapsed in the middle of a desert. I had no more water and was on the verge of death.
But then, two strangers, one of them a man and the other a large Amazon woman picked me up."
Hadey awoke to find herself near a campfire. She saw a cup of water placed next to her.
"Hey there, stranger," a burly-sounding woman acknowledged her.
Hadey turned to see a large muscular woman garbed in a dark blue tank top, a buckled belt tied over some combat pants, ankle bracelets, an elbow length left and wrist length right glove with studded knuckles. The woman had her light brown hair tied in a ponytail.
"You almost died out there, miss," a man spoke in a British-sounding accent.
Hadey noticed a man with dark gray-haired young man garbed in a standard Ra Yellow uniform seen worn by Duel Academy students. He was seen sitting with the large woman.
"Thank you…" Hadey nodded, picking up her cup and drinking it. "I thought I had died again."
"Again? Geez, you really are an Amazon, aren't ya?" The large woman chuckled, playfully teasing Hadey. "The name's Tania, and my sweetie-poo here is Bastion!" She tightly embraced her significant other tight.
"Ow! You're squeezing me too hard, Tania!" Bastion wailed, trying to break loose. When Tania finally did release him, Bastion calmed down. "Anyway, my name's Bastion Misawa. It's a pleasure."
"I'm Hadey, or you can just call…" She stopped herself. Yes, I can't tell them who I used to be. That'd only throw them into confusion. "Yes, I am… well, was an Amazon tribe member. I left after a quarrel with my queen."
"Sorry to hear that, Ms. Hadey," Bastion nodded.
"Say, you're an Amazoness Spellcaster, ain't ya? Well, you're at least wearing her garb," Tania pointed out.
"That's a title given to me, but Hadey is my name. And you're an Amazon?"
"My true form is the Amazoness Tiger," Tania winked.
Hadey sensed the Tiger's aura within Tania. "Yes, I can see that. My village had tiger companions, too."
"I also have an Amazoness deck," Tania said as she summoned her entire Amazoness monster assembly. "See?"
"Impressive. You truly are an Amazon collector," Hadey was taken aback by Tania's collection. "Yes, and I recognize all of them, but I haven't personally met some of them like Amazoness Swordswoman."
"Swordswoman's one of my personal favorites. Oh, you haven't met the actual Amazon queen?"
"No, because my queen has had a grudge against her for personal reasons she's never told me."
Tania smirked. "Well, we were on our way to meet her. After that alien invasion, I heard the Amazon Kingdom's recovering. Maybe you wanna tag along with us?"
"Are you sure I'm not getting in your way?"
"Not at all. If Tania says it's ok, then I'm perfectly content with another companion," Bastion said.
"Then, thank you and yes I'd be honored to meet Lady Swordswoman and Athenamon."
Tania pulled Hadey into an embrace. "Yay, I've got a new Amazon friend to hang with!"
Hadey chuckled nervously, finding herself in Tania's bearhug embrace. Not even her own Amazonian strength was up to par with Tania's physical prowess.
"And so I was in Bastion and Tania's company. We had quite an arduous adventure together. We took many pit stops along the way and met many people along the way. We even helped and worked odd jobs to earn travel money. Along the way, Tania used me as a sparring partner for herself and her Amazoness monsters. The training allowed me to hone my warrior skills since I've been rusty. I even used my clairvoyance to pinpoint the direction toward the Amazon Kingdom.
Along the way to the kingdom, we stopped to sleep for the night. Asleep in my own bag, I stirred and sensed mystical energies unlike anything I've felt before. These energies were telling me to find them. I got up from my bed and entered the forest nearest to our camp."
Hadey passed through some thick brushes. Along the way, she stumbled across a collection of glowing white stones.
"To my astonishment, I saw an assortment of these glowing rocks, which I learned are the sources of the Polymerization Cards that Duelists and warriors use to fuse monsters for battle. These were the fabled Polymerization Stones I've heard about from the village elder back when I stayed in the village. As I approached these stones, I witnessed a fusion for myself…"
Hadey ceased her tracks as she spotted two beasts approach a stone. It was a Gazelle the King of Mythical Beasts and Berfomet. As the two monsters touched a stone, their bodies glowed with light and were then coalesced. Hadey watched in awe as the two monsters combined into Chimera the Flying Mythical Beast.
"Amazing… these are truly the Polymerization Stones…" murmured Hadey, who laid low out of Chimeras' sights.
(Cue Fate/stay Unlimited Blade Works OST - Archer)
However, Chimera's keen smell allowed it to pick up on Hadey's scent. It pivoted over toward Hadey's direction and watched her cower away. The beast roared and flew over to attack. Hadey readied her staff for battle. With a swing, she smacked Chimera's face, but the beast snatched the staff and tossed it away. Chimera quickly lunged at Hadey and pinned her down.
"I found myself at the monster's mercy. Even with all the training I learned, it wasn't enough to fight back. I wished I still had my Senshi powers, but I knew those days were long behind me. I prepared to resign myself to my fate…"
Then, a sword came swinging at Chimera's way and tore off its left wing. Chimera roared and turned to its attacker.
Amazoness Queen emerged with her sword drawn. Chimera lunged at Queen, but the Amazon quickly stabbed the beast and killed it on a single blow. Hadey stood up and watched in awe.
"...Amazoness Queen…?"
"Are you ok, old friend?" She asked Hadey, offering a hand to her.
"It was Queen who saved me from death. To my disbelief, she even offered a hand to help me. Not one to hold grudges, I took her hand."
(End theme)
"I'm sorry for banishing you, Hadey. Your foresight was accurate… I was a fool. You did right to warn our villagers to leave."
Hadey smiled. "I'm just glad we're once again on good terms, milady."
"Hadey! Is everything ok?!" Yelled out Tania and Bastion.
"My travel friends, they're looking for me," chuckled Hadey.
"Queen Hey, Queen! Where are ya?!" Yelled a child's voice.
"And my adopted boy just woke up," sighed Queen.
"Your adopted son?"
"He's a Silent Magician, but ironically not so silent, isn't he?"
Hadey and Queen shared a laugh together. Soon, Tania and Bastion found Hadey. Likewise, Silent Magician and his friend Lunamon came to check on Queen. The two parties converged for friendly chatter. They then turned their attention to the Polymerization Stones.
"So, these are it? The fabled Polymerization Stones?" Queen asked Hadey.
"Indeed, I saw that monster, originally two, combine into one when they touched one of these stones," Hadey said, eyeing the assorted stones.
"So, we're looking at the source responsible for the Polymerization spell cards," Bastion said as he approached the stones, prompting Tania to stop him.
"Don't wanna get close unless you wanna get fused with one of us," Tania said as Hadey touched one of the stones. "Hey, what did I get through saying?!"
As Hadey touched a stone, it did nothing. The Amazon let out a sigh and watched the other stones' glow fade.
"They stopped glowing?" Silent Magician asked in confusion.
"Probably because they only respond to those who wish to fuse? And none are even thinking that now," surmised Queen, who noticed Tania gleaming over her.
"Wow, you're Amazoness Queen," Tania squealed like a fangirl. "I've heard a lot about you! I don't think your card is out yet in the human world! Maybe it'll be out soon."
"So, what do you want to do with the stones, Hadey?" Bastion asked. "We could take them, but just a handful of them."
Hadey sighed. "I might now have to delay going to see Queens Athenamon and Swordswoman."
"You were on your way to see my friends?" Queen queried to Hadey.
"Yes, and my clairvoyance revealed that my friends are there, too. I'd like to see them, but with the discovery of these stones… I must assess them on my own."
"Couldn't you bring them with you to the kingdom?" asked Queen.
"Not yet, but I intend once I fully understand their nature." Hadey then turned to face Bastion and Tania. "I'm afraid this is where we must part ways, my friends."
"If you must, then we respect your choice. It was good to have a third wheel companion," said Bastion.
Tania hugged Hadey. "I wish you wouldn't leave us. We had such a good time. I'll never forget this!"
"Perhaps you'd like to accompany them, Queen?" Hadey asked her former ruler.
"These two?" Queen asked, looking at Tania and Bastion.
"Yeah, why not?! Let's go with 'em, Queen!" Silent Magician chimed.
"Please? Can we?" Lunamon pleaded.
"Aww, you two are good kids," Tania patted the two children.
"Very well. Since we're traveling the same way, we'll accompany them. Besides, the kids would love it," Queen approved Hadey's suggestion. "But, please be careful out there. Even during these peace times, there's still dangerous foes out there."
Nodding, Hadey placed a hand on a stone. "I'll set up shop here then. If any of you wish to see me, I'll be here."
"We respectfully parted ways. Since then, I've stayed in the same location and guarded the stones from thieves and poachers. It wasn't long until Queen returned to see me. She informed Queens Athenamon and Swordswoman about the Polymerization Stones. They asked for a demonstration.
So, Athenamon brought her friend Swordswoman. They wanted to test them. Needless to say, the results were surprising."
(Cue Yu-Gi-Oh! Online OST - Fusion Gate)
After setting up a stone, Hadey allowed Swordswoman and Queen to touch the stones. To their surprise, the stone glowed and sent white light energies that engulfed them. The two Amazons coalesced. In their place stood a taller and muscular woman wearing red tribal marks on her skin. She wore much more revealing animal pelt clothing with bone adornments. She now wore a dragon's skull like a helmet and elephant skulls like shoulder pads. Her wrists, forearms, shins, and ankles were covered in bandages. She now wore armored Greco-Roman style sandals. Her hair was white and wild, a contrast to Swordswoman's red and Queen's blue. Her weapon of choice was a bigger scimitar, which she brandished.
"So, they can fuse individuals," Athenamon observed in awe. "Lady Swordswoman, if only we had known about these stones, they would've helped us in that war with the Neo-Rajita."
Hadey smiled. "So, what do you think, my queens?"
The fused Amazon smiled graciously. "What an incredible discovery you made, Hadey. These stones not only merged us, but our power has increased as well! In this form, I think I should call myself Amazoness Empress."
"A fitting title for such a powerful form. Thankfully, I had you use just a regular Polymerization Stone," Hadey informed. "Had you used the Permafusion stone, you two would've been stuck in this form."
"Permafusion? You mean there's one here that can create permanent fusions?" Empress asked Hadey.
Nodding, Hadey answered. "I witnessed two Digimon touch the Permafusion stone. I even warned them they'd be permanently fuse. They took the risk and as a result created a permanent fusion."
"Which one is the Permafusion stone?" Athenamon asked.
Hadey pointed to the stone marked with a red X. "Sorry, I should've told you earlier."
"Well, thankfully you brought to us a regular stone," Empress said. "We're thrilled with this discovery. Now that we know this works on Digimon and Duel Monsters, perhaps we can try for humans? We know the Duelists composed of Yugi Muto's friends have accessed into spiritual fusion powers thanks to the Staff of Apophis and have been able to transform into Duel Monsters. Perhaps, with the few remaining Duelists and humans without powers, we can give them a fighting chance?"
Hadey added. "Then, maybe you'd like to borrow these stones? And there's one favor I'd like to ask."
"Name it," Athenamon said.
"I'd like to meet my friends," Hadey then went to specify and describe them, which Athenamon and Empress confirmed.
"After the demonstration, I was brought to the kingdom and reunited with my friends' reincarnated selves. While they barely regained any recollections of their past selves, they were happy to see me. It was a heartfelt reunion. I asked if they met their Senshi counterparts. It was then I asked about my counterpart. Yes, I learned this universe's Sailor Pluto was still alive and I asked if I could see her."
(End theme)
xxxxx
Digital World/Amazon Kingdom
Hadey approached Setsuna and took her hands. "And that's where fate lead us here, Sailor Pluto. I'm happy to meet myself from this reality."
"Likewise. I do feel our connection," Setsuna said. "And I'm curious to know all about your former world and the antimatter that consumed it."
"When Hadey came to us, we felt some sliver of our old memories kinda return. Not all of it, but just the part where we remembered our old friend," Sely smiled. "Don't you love it when friends finally reunite?"
Usagi nodded. "I'm happy for y'all."
"So, when do we get started? Remember, those psychopathic clones of ours are attacking our home and our friends are risking their lives for us," Makoto reminded them.
"Yes, we must make haste then. Let's hope these stones can produce fusions strong enough to defeat your current foes." Queen concurred.
The Senshi were escorted toward the Polymerization Stones. Swordswoman and company made room for their guests.
"So, which of you would like to go first?" Queen offered.
"Before we do that," Usagi transformed into Sailor Moon.
The others turned into their Sailor Senshi forms.
"I'll go," Sailor Venus volunteered. "I mean, I'm the one most curious of all of us." She looked over to Amazoness Chainmaster. "Hey! How about it?"
"Well…" Chainmaster hesitated, but Swordswoman pushed her forward.
"Do it before she keeps persisting," Swordswoman muttered.
"Wait!" Aphy called out as she approached Venus. "Maybe you'd like to do both of us?"
"Sure!" Venus nodded.
(Cue Sailor Moon Crystal OST - Minako Theme)
Sailor Venus and Chainmaster approached a stone. They gulped and placed their hands on the stone. The stone glowed and enveloped the two in white light. The white light swallowed up Venus and Chainmaster, seemingly combining them into one. The Senshi and the others watched as the merger became complete.
In place of Venus and Chainmaster was a tall figure with lighter skin and a similar muscular build like Chainmaster's. Her Sailor Venus uniform grew to fit her larger frame. Her blonde hair was in the same ponytail style as Chainmaster's. She now wielded a longer chain with a hook shaped like a heart. Venus gazed upon her new self and gleefully smiled.
"Wow, it worked! Hey, guys! Check me out!" Sailor Venus called out, flexing her right arm and showing off her bicep. "Man, who knew combining with an Amazon would make me this strong!"
The Senshi and the Amazons shared awkward exchanges and clapped.
"Yeah, you look great, Venus!" Aphy cheered her on.
"Well, we can't say she's not a risk taker," Sailor Jupiter chuckled.
"She took one for the team," Sailor Moon added.
"So, how long is she going to stay like that?" Sailor Uranus wondered, watching Venus flex her goods and pose in front of a mirror.
"Shouldn't last long since they used one of the regular Polymerization Stones," Ourany replied.
"I do find it interesting that Sailor Venus came out as the dominant fusion personality," Sailor Neptune noted.
"When me and Swordswoman fused, my defining traits and personality came forth," Queen stated. "I suppose that made me the stronger component between us, sister."
Swordswoman nodded. "Indeed. Additionally when Athenamon fuses with me, her body is the dominant form."
"In this case, Venus is the stronger component of the two between her and Chainmaster, but she gained Chainmaster's physical frame," Hadey said.
"Yeah, maybe with this body and power I can easily dominate that blood clone of mine! Wait 'til she gets a load of the new me!" Venus posed and flexed.
Suddenly, Sailor Venus' body glowed once again. Her body then seemingly split, quickly causing a defusion between Venus and Chainmaster. Both fell down on top of each other.
"Aw man!" Venus whined. "And just when I thought it was going to last us into the fight!"
"You had your fun. Now would you please get off?" Chainmaster asked the smaller blonde.
"Yeah, sorry!" Venus hopped off the larger Amazon. As she got off, Aphy grabbed her hand. "Whoa, hold on a sec!"
"It's our turn now," Aphy winked.
With that, Sailor Venus and Aphy walked up to the same stone. They touched it, resulting in a similar fusion process. However, when these two converged into one, the fusion ended with just Sailor Venus standing. Aphy wasn't anywhere to be seen. In fact, Venus looked the same. She gained no physical attributes from her Amazon counterpart.
Venus gazed overself, noting no physical changes unlike her fusion with Chainmaster. "Um, guys. I don't look that much different?"
"Maybe on the surface, but do you feel any different internally?" Hadey asked Venus.
"Now that you mention it…" Venus unleashed a flurry of fast punches and kicks. "Whoa, yeah. I do feel stronger! And I can hit faster, too!"
"So, you did gain a difference in power and speed," Setsuna analyzed.
"Heck yeah! Now this is more like it! I feel helluva lot stronger than when fusing with Chainmaster. Sorry, big girl but I like fusing with Aphy better!" Venus yelled out, punching so hard she released a shockwave from her fist that shook the throne room. "Whoops, sorry. Guess I gotta adapt to holding my power back after fusing with Amazon me."
"So, each of us can get similar boosts fusing with you guys!" Sailor Jupiter pointed out, turning to Zey.
"Sure, if it worked with Venus and Aphy, it should with the rest of us," Zey said.
"Then, we have our solution beating those blood clones of ours," Sailor Mercury said, taking Hermy's hand. "If we combine ourselves, you can augment our strength and speed levels. These mergers between us will prove beneficiary."
Hermy nodded. "Yes, it would!"
"So, it's settled, because look… I'm itching to get back at there to beat our evil clones. I'm worried about Hiei and I'm worried what'll happen when my kids get involved." Sailor Mars said, worrying for her family.
Cammy looked sadly at Mars. "Oh, sis…" She started to worry for niece and nephew.
"Usa and Mamo are still fighting for me. I can't keep them waiting long either!" Sailor Moon declared. She looked toward Sely. "Are we able to bring the stones with us?"
"Sure, but we have to be careful not to let them fall into enemy hands."
"In that case, we'll be joining your fight," Queen offered. "Swordswoman, you'll be coming, too, right?"
"Of course, the Senshi are our friends. When they need help, they can turn to us," Swordswoman stated, reaffirming her tribe's alliance with the Senshi.
(End theme)
"I just hope things haven't turned out any worse than they did when we left," Sailor Venus said as she and Aphy defused.
Sailor Pluto sighed, fearing the worst. "You're right, but somehow I doubt that if our clones were able to beat us."
Hadey took Pluto's hand. "Then, that's why we can combine our strengths to beat them."
Hang in there, guys! We're coming! Moon thought.
xxxxx
Azabu-Juuban District/Azabu-Juuban Park/9:15 PM
(Cue Sailor Moon Crystal OST - Omen of a Catastrophe)
It has been over an hour and a half since the Senshi fled into the Amazon Kingdom to lick their wounds. Having being forced to retreat, Tuxedo Kamen, Moonlight Knight, and Neo Moon recovered from their scuffle with the Blood Senshi. The evil clones proved too strong for them. Hiei insisted to stay behind and fight the Blood Senshi alone. Even Ier the Blood Mars by herself was strong enough to overpower Hiei. This prompted Yusuke, Kuwabara, Kurama, Rio, RJ, Sailor Blue Mars/Koori, and Ryuuhi to come to Hiei's rescue.
Then, the other Neo Senshi arrived to help Neo Moon, RJ, Blue Mars, and Ryuuhi against the Blood Senshi. More help came in the form of Yugi Muto, Jaden Yuki, Seto Kaiba, Lyn Kaiba, and Max & Sam Stromberg. Just when it looked like the Blood Senshi were outnumbered, Yami Houou Hiroaki descended onto the scene to level the playing field. His presence alone was enough to make a difference.
Sailor Neo Moon and RJ fought hard against Igasu and Anustes.
Sailor Blue Mars, Ryuuhi, and Sam Stromberg engaged Ier.
Sailor Cyber Mercury, Max Stromberg, and Arbormon fought Ima.
Sailor Battle Jupiter and Mako engaged Otokam.
Sailor Summoner Venus, Adam & Demona, and Rio dealt with Okanim.
Sailor Ceres and Sailor Vesta fought Akurah.
Sailor Pallas and Sailor Juno fought Urihcim.
Daiki, Psyche, and Moonlight Knight engaged Uratoh.
The heroes' team efforts proved effective when slowing down the Blood Senshi. However, the Blood Senshi' recovery allowed them to adapt and beat the heroes down.
As for Yami Houou Hiroaki, he fought off Tuxedo Kamen, the Duelists, and the Spirit Detectives. The heroes still relented despite Yami Houou Hiroaki's power advantage. At one point, Yusuke and Tuxedo Kamen surprised Yami Houou Hiroaki with sneak attack; Yusuke fired a Spirit Gun that seemed to burn off some layers of the dark cosmic flames. Once he transformed into Norse Knight, Kamen used his golden light to burn Yami Houou Hiroaki, purifying some of his flames.
However, the Yami Houou rebounded, sending Yusuke and Norse Knight flying back.
"Heheh, do you really think you can delay Hiroaki's daughter and her friends from ME?! WE will have them one way or another!" Yami Houou Hiroaki then had a fiendish idea. He sets his sights on Hiei, Blue Mars, and Ryuuhi specifically. "Perhaps WE can make her suffer by claiming her loved ones?!"
"OVER HERE YOU BASTARD!" Hiei roared as he phased behind Yami Houou Hiroaki and ran his sword through the possessed villain's back. "I'll never let you hurt the three of them! Not even Ryuuhi and Koori!"
"...heh, the faithful man defending his family's honors… Hiroaki respects you for that, but WE think you're just a little man who's full of shit!" Yami Houou Hiroki channeled black flames into Hiei's sword.
Hiei responded by shooting his dark flames into Yami Houou Hiroaki. To his surprise, Yami Houou was taken aback when he saw some of his flames being absorbed.
"...wait, what do you think you're doing to US?!"
"Don't mind me if I borrow some of your power," Hiei sneaked an evil grin. "If there's anything I learned living with a cosmic bird all these years, she taught me to draw her flames and incorporate them into my own. And you're no different since your flames are made from hers!"
Yami Houou Hiroaki roared angrily and tossed Hiei off his back. Hiei landed having collected a handful of Yami Houou's dark flames. He pressed said dark flames into his body and absorbed it. However, this strained the demon swordsman as he doubled over and let his flames digest the flames.
"So, you've learned to harness my counterpart's abilities and used them to enhance your powers! Well done, demon, but it's not going to be enough to defeat US!" Yami Houou Hiroaki roared as the black phoenix aura reformed behind him. The phoenix's wings flapped hard and sent a shockwave that repelled his enemies back.
Igasu and the Blood Senshi already beat down the Neo Senshi and their allies. Igasu put a foot on top of Dai-Valkyrie Neo Moon's chest.
"Heh, what now, boss?" Igasu chuckled.
"Now, WE bring them out of hiding!" declared the dark flamed being, who immediately forged a telepathic link with Sailor Mars.
(End theme)
xxxxx
Digital World/Amazon Kingdom
As the Senshi and the Amazons gathered the Polymerization Stones, Sailor Mars and Cammy waited outside the temple. They looked out at a crescent moon that gleamed in the sky. The sisters could only think about their father.
"Sis," Cammy turned to Mars.
"Yeah, we'll be facing him again," she muttered.
"Heheheh, do you hear US now, Rei? Cammy? Your father wishes to see you!"
Upon hearing Yami Houou Hiroaki's condescending voice, Sailor Mars and Cammy closed their eyes and saw Yami Houou Hiroaki.
"Guys! It's Yami Houou!" Mars called out to the Senshi.
"Where?!" Moon cried out.
"He's speaking to me and Cammy through our minds!" Mars alarmed them. "Oh no, those Blood Senshi have our kids and friends at their mercy!"
"Sis, we have to get there before it's too late!" Cammy shouted.
"WE'D suggest you come unless you want US to expose your identities to the public?! And if you really care for your demon mate and your precious children, Koori, and Ryuuhi?!"
Mars gritted hard and clenched her fists.
"Mars, what's he saying now?" Moon asked.
At that moment, Sleipnir materialized next to Moon and informed her. Moon gasped upon hearing what Sleipnir told her.
"He and the Blood Senshi have Usa and the others?!"
Cammy frowned. "Rei, we have to go!"
Mars yelled out furiously. "Yami Houou, you've crossed the line with me for the last time!"
xxxxx
A/N: The Blood Senshi and Yami Houou Hiroaki manage to run the Senshi out, leaving the Neo Senshi and the other available heroes to deal with them. See? Those who were concerned other heroes weren't answering the call can ease their worries.
Hadey's backstory is uncovered and that completes the Amazon Senshi backstories. The Polymerization Stones are given a demonstration and looks like we have a near perfection merger.
Next chapter will be the end of this mini-arc. Let's see how well the Polymerization Stones come into play. Additionally, we'll see how the Yami Houou Hiroaki and Blood Senshi situation gets resolved.
Until the next chapter, send a review and see you soon!