SAILOR MOON X TMNT: TURTLES AND THE HARE

by cyclone99x

Four years have passed since the defeat of Galaxia. Life has returned to normal and the girls are off to college in pursuit of their own dreams. Usagi's plans for a joyous reunion and summer of fun are disrupted when an unexpected announcement changes everything.

1. ACT 1: Hare Today Gone Tomorrow

SAILOR MOON X TMNT: TURTLES AND THE HARE

ACT 1 HARE TODAY GONE TOMORROW

Chapter 1:

"It's a trap, my sons." Master Splinter whimpered in pain. His ears twitched after he heard the faint sound of his four sons battling the foot clan down the narrow hallway leading into the Technodrome's main command room. The old rat's hairy limbs struggled against the metal clamps and chains that pinned him tightly against the metallic wall. His cherished students barged into the Shredder's headquarters to save their master's life, but they had fallen right into their archenemy's hands.

"This rock I stole from Krang came from Dimension X." Shredder thrust his prize at the rat's wet nose so he could get a glimpse of the flawless gemstone. He had disposed of the pesky brainy, tossing the freak into a prison and seizing control of the Technodrome for himself. "It possesses an enormous power that will help me conquer this rotten city once and for all!"

"You are delving into a world that you cannot comprehend." Splinter warned. The black stone radiated an energy so malicious that it made the rat shudder in fear. Chains clanked and rattled as the mutant turned his head to avoid the aura emanating from the crystal. "This evil is far beyond your control. Destroy it now or that crystal shall prove to be your greatest folly!"

"I've had enough of your fortune cookie wisdom!" Shredder brandished a poisoned dagger from his belt and thrust it into the rat's side to silence him. It was not a killing blow, but the toxic substance coating the blade ensured that Splinter would suffer a slow and agonizing death. "You and your pesky turtles won't be able to stop me this time!"

Shredder towered over his gravely wounded rival and let out a thunderous laugh. He turned away, his long purple cape fluttering behind him as he carried the jet black crystal over to a high-tech cannon suspended from the ceiling of the control room. His bumbling mutants Bebop and Rocksteady flanked his sides, grunting arrogantly with guns of their own that they kept pointed at the suffering ninja master.

"Seems that my first test subjects have arrived right on schedule." Shredder boasted as the four ninja turtles burst onto the control room's perimeter balcony, brawling with his henchman. He inserted the crystal into a slot on his device, causing the electronic panels alongside mysterious weapon to gleam to life with flashing lights.

"I will finally have my revenge, Hamato Yoshi!" The gemstone pulsated with a purplish hue while he searched for his perfect shot, his fingertips resting on the red trigger button, anxiously awaiting the precise moment to fire his new toy. "Behold my awesome power and observe as I reduce your students into nothing but turtle wax! "

"Look out for that gigantic cannon!" Leonardo ordered his brothers to fan out over the perimeter. He pointed one of his swords at the heavily armored villain, meeting the evil gaze that peered from underneath his shiny helmet. They had fallen right into the Shredder's lap, just as he knew they would when he had kidnapped Splinter from their dojo in the sewer. Coming here was a predictable action that lacked any element of surprise. They would have to fight their way through the entire foot-clan to save their master, but it was a risk they were all willing to take.

"A gizmo that big is kinda hard to miss, Leo!" Raphael snapped back as he drove his sai into the robotic skull of a mouser that had lunged at his throat with its sharp metal teeth. Three more of the mechanical vermin immediately took its place, but Raphael was ready for them, grunting with rage as he overpowered the annoying robots with his sai. Sprockets and computer chips burst out of the damaged creations littering the Technodrome.

"I'll save our sensei." Leonardo commanded with authority. He parried a foot soldier's strike with the katana he held in his spare hand while continuing to shout out orders."You three do your best to stop Shred-head from frying our shells!"

Shredder swiveled the cannon and took aim at the balcony where he spotted the orange masked turtle struggling to fend off several of his henchmen with a pair of nunchucks. Seizing the opportunity, he slammed a gauntleted palm on the cannon's red trigger button. The glow of the onyx crystal intensified, covering Shredder with a dark and evil aura as a deadly blast of energy zoomed at the exposed turtle.

"Yikes!" Michelangelo dipped his head into his shell, narrowly avoiding the dark reddish bolt of lightning that zapped right by him. The pizza loving mutant watched as the laser beam tore right through the circular ceiling and side panels of the Technodrome, cleaving through steel like a knife through butter. "That was a close one, dudes!"

"Capture those turtles, you fools!" Shredder barked orders over a loudspeaker. His intimidating image flashed across the monitors displayed throughout the control room. The cannon's power impressed him as he readied the device for another shot. He would have vengeance against his old rival and the turtles, even if it brought down the entire Technodrome with them.

Donatello took a moment to inspect their surroundings and calculate their odds of success. More and more of the Shredder's henchmen, including foot-clan and robots alike, poured through the four hallways that lined the control room.

"That strange crystal appears to be the power source of that laser cannon!" The tech savvy Donatello remarked to his brother Raphael as he smacked his bo staff against the masked face of a foot-soldier, sending him hurtling over the balcony. "We need to remove it in order to disable that laser cannon, and we need to do it right now!"

"Easier said than done, Donnie!" Raphael could not even see his brother amongst the mayhem. He parried a sword with his sai and kicked another henchman square in the chest, desperate to reach his siblings. "They are everywhere!"

Chapter 2:

An alarm clock buzzed from atop Usagi Tsukino's cluttered nightstand. She had marked this special day on her calendar with a pink heart sticker for weeks ever since she had arranged this reunion brunch. Most of the Universities were now on break for the summer, so she had planned a full day of activities for her four best friends on a lucky day that they were all available. She was so excited she could hardly sleep all night in anticipation.

Usagi could not wait to get together and hear all about their experiences over the past few months. They had been apart from one another for the longest amount of time since they first met and became Sailor Guardians over four years ago. Time had passed since they vanquished all of their enemies and little by little their lives were getting back to a sense of normalcy. All of her friends had gone away to college in pursuit of their own personal dreams and goals, but she was the only one who remained behind, enrolled in a local community school a short walking distance from her home. Of course she had made a few new friends and was still dating the love of her life, but it was not the same without Ami, Rei, Makoto and Minako constantly around.

Warm rays of sunlight were shining brightly through her window and onto her face, but the groggy Usagi still did not want to get out of bed. She covered her eyes with a pillow to shield herself from the light and block out the alarm's annoying buzz, but when that did not work she swung her hand at the clock to hit the snooze button. Her palm took out the clock, loose jewelry, a heart-shaped frame containing a picture of her boyfriend Mamoru and a bunch of other knickknacks in one fell swoop, all of which rained down onto her cat Luna who slept peacefully on the pink rug below. The black cat screeched as the clock landed right on her furry tail. She jumped onto the bed and nudged at her guardian, who quickly tossed herself away from the pesky pet.

"Usagi!" Luna hopped up onto the human's body and continued to pester her. "Get up! You are going to be late!"

"Five more minutes!" she yanked the pink comforter over her head with a sharp tug that sent Luna flying off the bed.

"Do you know that it's already ten o'clock?" Luna jumped back up. "Your friends are going to be waiting for you!"

"Ten o'clock!" Usagi ripped the covers off in disbelief. "But that's not possible!"

"Did you remember to set your alarm back an hour last night?"

"Luna!" Her face squeezed in like she had tasted a lemon."Weren't you supposed to remind me?"

"Don't blame me!" the cat turned up her chin. "It is not my fault you stayed up too late playing video games with your little brother while I fell asleep waiting for you to go to bed!"

"Hehe." Usagi's face turned red as she ran her fingers through her blonde hair. "Shingo and I finally beat Sailor V the game! I guess I got a little carried away."

"Oh, Usagi!" Luna shook her head. "Hurry up and get ready!"

She changed out of her pajamas and threw on whatever clothes she could find scattered around her messy room, including a wrinkly pink t-shirt and a mismatched pair of socks. Usagi scampered towards the door, slipping on a pair of sneakers without bothering to tie them up.

"I can't forget this!" the excited girl snatched her pocketbook off a chair. Her laces bounced off the floor and her long pigtails soared behind her head as she bolted out of the house. She may be a little late, but at least she remembered to bring her bag, which concealed her special surprise!

Chapter 3

Usagi huffed and puffed as she sprinted towards the diner where her old team was meeting up for brunch. She spotted their silhouettes through a large glass window sitting around a table as she neared the restaurant. Overcome with glee, the pigtailed girl crossed the street and barreled through the entrance door, bumping into patrons as she hurried over to her companions.

"Hey, everyone! Sorry I'm late!" Usagi stretched up her hands to the ceiling in delight and tripped on one of her loose shoelaces while she raced over to their table. The clumsy girl stumbled forward, inadvertently knocking into a young waitress carrying a tray full of food and drinks. Pancakes, muffins, toast and a large cup of orange juice flew everywhere as the two girls collapsed to the checkered floor.

"Are you alright?" Ami immediately leapt out of the booth and helped the server back to her feet, after ensuring that the rough impact did not injure her. "We are so sorry about this, my friend just got a little excited."

"Ami!" Usagi popped right up and squeezed her arms around her timid friend, giving her a suffocating hug. She shook her back and forth while hopping up and down on her feet like a rabbit."I've missed you so much!"

"I miss you too." the hopeful medical student smiled awkwardly as the humiliated waitress stormed away in disgust, carrying her empty tray back to the kitchen. "Let's help clean up first."

Makoto and Minako had already grabbed napkins and scrubbed the wet floor. They picked up the fallen food items, apologizing to the server and her staff for their ditzy companion. Usagi could not help herself, bending down on her knees to give her two friends a quick hug as they helped fix the mess she had created. Her smile stretched ear to ear, her excitement and joy over shadowing the embarrassing scene she had just caused. This was the first time they had all been together since they started their first year of college, and they had a lot of catching up to do. But there was one more friend that she had not given a hug to just yet.

"Where is Rei?" Usagi asked her friends as she peered up from the floor and spotted a pair of red heels standing in a large puddle of orange juice that Minako desperately tried to mop up with a lump of napkins. Her eyes followed up a pair of long legs until she found her fiery friend standing before her with her arms folded across her chest. A scowl of disgust crossed her face as pulp and juice dripped down her long black hair and into the puddle beneath her. Rei wore a red dress saturated and stained with splotches of juice. Usagi went to give her a hug, but hesitated at the fire she saw in Rei's eyes.

"I just bought this dress a few days ago." Rei remarked as she glanced down at her blemished outfit. "And now it's ruined, thanks to you!"

"Good thing I only spilled juice and not coffee or hot tea!" Usagi laughed to make light of the situation. "Then you would have gotten badly burned! So juice is not so bad when you think about it, right?"

"Are you thirsty, Usagi? Would you like some juice as well?" Rei did not find the comment funny. She snagged another tall cup of orange juice out of a customer's hands just as he was about to take a sip and flung its contents at her friend's face.

"Stop it, Rei!" Makoto yanked Usagi's arm and pulled her out of harm's way. The juice missed Usagi, but it splashed against the white apron of a chubby chef who was flipping pancakes behind the counter.

"Uh oh..." Usagi mumbled as she spotted the soaked chef. The pancake he had just flipped came down on his face, covering his forehead, nose and cheeks with gooey batter. Minako could not help herself, pointing at the unfortunate soul with a finger as she laughed hysterically.

"OUT! Get out! All of you! " the enraged chef ripped the mushy batter from his face and raised the spatula high above his head. His eyebrows furrowed and a bushy mustache twitched in rage as he charged around the counter. The girls quickly gathered their belongings and made a run for it as the angered cook chased after them.

"We are so sorry for the trouble we've caused!" Ami paused at the door, trying to reason with the madman. "We can pay for the food we've wasted. Things will settle down if you just give us another chance."

"I SAID GET OUT!" The man swung the spatula and would have hit her if it wasn't for Minako, who grabbed her friend's hand and tugged her outside.

Chapter 4

"I am sorry for being so late!" Usagi apologized to her friends as they scurried down the sidewalk. The fuming chef could still be heard shouting and screaming at them, swinging his spatula over his head in a frenzy as the five girls hurried away from the restaurant. "And I'm sorry for ruining our brunch... And Rei... your dress..."

"Hmmph..." Rei grumbled and turned her head away, refusing to even look at Usagi. "These stains will not come out."

"Don't worry about it Usagi, we knew you'd be late like always!" the tall and athletic Makoto Kino broke the awkward silence and wrapped one of her toned arms around Usagi's shoulder, gesturing to a wicker basket that she hoisted with her opposite hand. "I prepared a pleasant lunch for all of us. We can take a walk to the park and setup a picnic. It's such a beautiful day for it after all!"

"That's a great idea!" Usagi jumped for joy. "Your food is always yummy, Mako! Let's go, I can't wait to eat! I'm starving! "

"I'm sure there will be a lot of cute guys in the park today." Minako twirled her blonde hair in anticipation as the warm sunrays caressed her face. "And speaking of guys. Did anyone meet any nice boys in college? I want to hear all about it!"

"I met one who reminded me of the senior who broke my heart years ago." Makoto adjusted her baseball cap and shook her head sadly. "But it did not work out."

"You need to get over him already!" Minako advised. "There's plenty of fish in the seafood market, as they always say!"

"I believe the correct English phrase is that there are plenty of fish in the sea, not the market." Ami Mizuno pointed out.

"How about you, Ami?" Minako asked after a brief chuckle at her expense.

"Me? I'm too busy with my studies to even consider going on any dates." the timid girl responded. "There are so many entrance exams I need to prepare for just to get into medical school. What about you, Minako? I'm sure you had a lot of fun."

"Oh, I sure did!" She giggled. "Remember when I two-timed? I accidently tried three-timing, but it did not work out any better than it did last time! Let's just say I plan on transferring to another university!"

"Accidentally, Minako?" Usagi laughed. "Don't worry, you will find your one true love just like I did with my MAMO!"

"How is Mamoru Chiba doing these days?" Minako quickly changed the subject. She had a miserable academic year and did not want to dwell on it any longer.

"Great! He just graduated college and is looking for a job!" Usagi clamored. "I can't wait for him to start his career so then he can buy me a big, shiny, sparkly, diamond ring!"

"And Yuuichirou?" Makoto approached the gloomy Rei, trying to get her involved with the conversation. She took off her baggy track jacket and offered it to her friend.

"What about him?" Rei accepted the oversized coat and wrapped it around her skinny frame to cover up her tarnished dress.

"So..." Minako Aino prodded."Are you still together?"

"He remained at the temple with my grandfather the whole time I was away at the University." Rei answered. "I can't seem to get rid of him."

"I don't think you want to!" Usagi smiled brightly. "We all know you love him. You can't hide it from us!"

"WHAT?" the unexpected accusation caught her off guard. "Love? HIM! No! Of course not!"

"Just admit it already." Usagi nagged. "I can't wait to be your maid of honor when you get married!"

"NOBODY'S GETTING MARRIED!" Rei screeched.

"Well, it is my dream to marry Mamoru someday." Usagi's eyes lit up in jubilation at the very thought of her future wedding. "Everything is going to be so perfect! The flowers, the dresses, and of course my handsome groom! I can't wait to share my special day with all of you!"

"Your GROOM hasn't even given you an engagement ring yet!" Rei pointed out. "So keep dreaming!"

"You are so MEAN!" Usagi threw a tantrum at the mention at that fact, throwing up her arms in frustration."He is saving up to buy me the most special ring in the universe! The diamond will be so big and flawless! You'll see!"

"Rei..." Minako smiled as she nudged her friend with her elbow. "Tell us the truth already!"

"I do care for him." Rei's face reddened slightly. Expressing her feelings made her uncomfortable, even amongst her best friends. "But I do not want our relationship to effect my dreams of becoming an international business woman. If I stay with Yuuichirou, then I will live in that temple for the rest of my life. I know that would make him and my grandfather very happy, but that's not how I envision my future. Not now, at least. I want to move on from this place and go somewhere new and exciting for a change. If Yuuichirou cannot accept this, then I may have to break up with him."

"I TOLD YOU!" Usagi shouted! The klutz hopped on her feet and skipped circles around her friends. "She LOVES him!"

"SHUT UP, USAGI!"
Chapter 5:

They strolled into the park and found a magnificent spot to set up the picnic by a reservoir. It was nice and warm outdoors, with a slight breeze and not a single cloud in the sky. Tall city buildings and skyscrapers may have surrounded them, but this park was a pleasant escape from the hustle and bustle of crowded Tokyo. Birds were chirping on a nearby tree full of green leaves, and children were chasing each other as they played a game of tag.

"How cute!" Minako held her chin with both palms as she spotted a young couple paddling a dove-shaped boat in the water. The man kissed his girlfriend passionately, ignoring Minako who watched on with jealously from her spot on the hill. "I wish I could have a romance like that this summer!"

Ami and Rei spread out a blanket on the grass while Makoto sorted through her basket. Usagi hovered over her, eagerly waiting to dig into the feast.

"Here you go, Usagi!" Mako smiled as she handed her friend a warm pork bun from the container.

"Thank you!" she responded before shoving the whole thing in her mouth with one big chomp."YUM!"

"I am so glad you are all back home!" Usagi said in-between bites as they ate. "We are going to have so much fun this summer. I want to sing karaoke, go to the arcade, eat ice-cream and all other kinds of dessert, stay up all night and have sleepovers, just like old-times!"

"Actually..." Ami spoke up. "I am very sorry, but I signed up for a summer semester. I need the extra credits so I can start medical school early. But don't worry! I should have some spare time for the next three weeks to see you. Although, I will still need time to study and conduct research."

"Well, I won't be free too often either. I'm going to look for a boyfrrr... I mean another college soon!" Minako laughed. "If I can even find one that will take me in with my disciplinary record! I also need to go to court to contest this order of protection..."

"Order of protection? Rei furrowed her brow in confusion."What happened?"

"Oh, that? It's nothing! Just some silly misunderstanding!" Minako waved her hands quickly dismissing the subject. She did not want to discuss it any further.

"I am taking part in a karate tournament in Okinawa next month." Makoto continued to serve her food. "Sorry, Usagi, but I will need a lot of time to train. If I win, there's a chance I could go pro!"

"It's okay!" The disheartened Usagi tried to keep her smile. "At least we can spend some time together during the next couple of weeks, right?"

"Of course! Sure!" They replied in unison, except for Rei.

"What about you, Rei?" Usagi asked her silent friend.

"Well..." she started slowly, knowing that what she was about to say was really going to upset her friend. "I accepted an internship for the summer."

"Congratulations!" Ami smiled. "I am so happy for you. What kind of work does it entail?"

"It is with a news organization called Channel 6 News." Rei beamed with excitement. "I will receive training and guidance with a professional journalist!

"Oh my gosh, that's so great!" Minako applauded. "Will you be on TV? You are going to be so famous! Maybe you will become a star!"

"Yes, it is possible." Rei said. Her eyes lit up as she thought about the possibilities, forgetting about her stained dress for the moment. "This could be my big break! I've finally received recognition for all of my amazing talents!"

"Where in Japan is this internship going to be located?" Makoto asked. "I've never heard of Channel 6 News."

"Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. Channel 6 is an American broadcast station." Rei continued. "I'm going to their headquarters in New York City!"

"New York City?" They all exclaimed in unison with a mixture of shock and disbelief.

"But that's so far away!" Usagi tried to hide her dismay, but it was clearly noticeable. "Why couldn't you find anything closer to home?"

"I've always wanted to visit the United States." Rei said. "And this is a perfect opportunity for me to travel there and get valuable work experience! If I like it, maybe I will enroll in a university and stay there for a few years."

"Years?" Usagi muttered in bewilderment as food particles fell out of her mouth.

"It's possible." Rei nodded. "Who knows that the future lies for me."

"I know you will do well there." Ami sensed Usagi's disappointment and wanted to encourage her friend to pursuit her goals despite having her own concerns about this unexpected news. "When does this internship start?"

"On Monday."

"Monday?" the baffled Usagi shouted, nearly choking on her dumpling. "Are you for real? That's in a couple of days."

"Yes, I am aware of that." Usagi's childish behavior was irritating her, and it showed in the tone of Rei's response.

"But...but..." Usagi mumbled. "I had so many things planned for us this summer, and now you won't be around for any of it! What about us? It's not fair!"

"My career comes foremost." Rei stated firmly, cutting off her friend as she stood up from the picnic blanket. She was losing her patience and did not want to get any more infuriated by Usagi than she already was."I am very sorry everyone, but I have to head back to the shrine now. I have a lot of work to do before I leave and I haven't started packing. Thank you for the lunch, Makoto."

"Wait, Rei! You can't go just yet!" Usagi tried her best to keep her eyes from watering. "I got us all tickets to an amusement park for tonight. I wanted to take you all there." She reached into her bag and pulled out five tickets and fanned them out.

"An amusement park?" Rei scoffed. We are not fourteen years old anymore! And besides, I don't have the time for it today. You should have asked me before you purchased the tickets!"

"I thought it would be a delightful surprise..." Usagi whimpered.

Rei walked away, but then suddenly turned back around.

"Rei..." Usagi could not hold back the tears, but did her best to stay strong as she saw her friend approach.

"I know you meant well, Usagi. I've missed you and your antics." she gave her a quick hug. "Please come down to the temple tomorrow night at dusk. I will have Yuuichirou arrange a small party for us before I leave."

Chapter 6:

"Mamo!" Usagi screamed in delight as she spotted her boyfriend walking towards the entrance of the amusement park, wearing his usual green blazer and slacks. The sun was setting. The last rays of the sun colored the sky a brilliant pink color as the street lamps twinkled to life, lighting up the paved road that led to the gates of the amusement park.

"Usako…" Mamoru started before she wrapped her arms around his waist and squeezed as hard as she could.

"Thank you so much for meeting me here on such short notice, I know you were so busy today!" Usagi smiled as she handed him one of her five tickets. "You are the best, Mamo!"

"Yes, it was a long day." he sighed. "I went on three grueling interviews."

The bright lights, loud music, screaming children and enormous crowds of the amusement park were not exactly how he wanted to spend the evening, but he had a feeling it would upset Usagi if he did not go. He knew that she had planned to take her friends here tonight and thought he'd be able to relax in his apartment until she had called begging and pleading him to meet her here. Why was she all alone? He let out a loud yawn and stretched out his arms, but Usagi grabbed his hand and raced towards the entrance before he could fully exhale.

"What ride she would go on first?" she asked as they presented their tickets and entered the park. "They have great rollercoasters here! Or if you are hungry, you can buy us some cotton candy or funnel cake! Or maybe we can play games! Can you please win a prize for me!"

"Let's try something a bit more relaxing first." the weary boyfriend suggested. "Like the Ferris wheel or the tunnel of love?"

"The Tunnel of Love?" Usagi's blue eyes lit up. "Of course! My MAMO is so romantic! Let's go find it!"

"How did it go with your friends today?" Mamoru asked as they waded through the throng of park-goers. "You have not mentioned them once."

"We had lots of fun!" the peppy girl hesitated slightly. She was still smiling, but he could tell something was off. "But I'd rather be on a date with my Mamo!"

"Usako." Mamoru tightened his grip on her hand and forced her to turn and face him. She looked away from his gaze, and he could finally see the sadness that she was trying so desperately to hide. "I know how much you were looking forward to today. What happened?"

"I ruined everything…" Her eyes watered. "I woke up late, and I had to rush to the diner. When I arrived, I accidently knocked juice allover Rei! Then we got kicked out of the restaurant."

"Rei must have been furious." He shook his head, trying his best not to chuckle at his girlfriend's clumsiness. "But I'm sure she will cool off."

"She's still a meanie!" Usagi continued. "But I deserved it. It was my fault. I ruined her brand new dress."

"What else happened?" he prodded her, sensing there was more to this story. "Why did nobody else want to come to the amusement park with you?"

Now he saw Usagi teeter even more towards sadness. Perhaps he was too blunt with his questioning. Her lips quivered as she tried to hold back the tears that streamed down her eyes and around her cheeks .

"I missed my friends so much this year." she sobbed, burying her head in his chest. "I was so excited to reunite with them since we had all finished school. I had hoped to spend a lot of time together and catch up on all we had missed… but they are still so busy with their lives. We used to love coming here every summer. I had saved my allowance all month to surprise them with these tickets, yet no one could come. Or maybe they did not want to!"

"Usako…" Mamoru held her close. "I know you meant well, but…"

"And Rei…" Usagi muttered through her tears. "She got an internship."

"I'm glad she's doing well."

"She is traveling to New York City!" Usagi peered up from his chest to give him a frown. "And if she likes it, she may decide to live there for a few years… maybe even permanently! All of my friends are going to drift away from me one by one… "

"They'll always be your friends, no matter where they go." Mamoru lifted her chin up. "You must support them, whatever path they decide to take."

"I know!" she whimpered. "But I just wish things could go back the way they were. I don't like change."

"You want to marry me some day, right?" he smiled. "And start a family?"

"Of course!" she perked up at the very thought of her future wedding.

"Well, that's a significant change, right?" Mamoru grinned. "Our lives will be different, and your friends will adjust, I'm sure!"

"That's true…" Usagi cheered up a bit. "But that's a change I want, not this."

They had finally made it to the Tunnel of Love and took a seat on the next available boat. Mamoru wrapped an arm around his girlfriend and held her close.

"No matter happens." he whispered into her ear. "I'll always be by your side. I'm not going anywhere!"

"Oh, Mamo!" Usagi perked up and gave him a kiss as they entered the tunnel. "I'd never let you go!"

Chapter 7:

"Arghhh!" Raphael was swarmed by enemies and had no choice but to launch himself off of the chamber's perimeter balcony. Shredder had been waiting for that exact moment, his gun carefully pointed at the airborne turtle as he slammed his metal palm on the fire button. Raphael grunted in pain as the deadly projectile grazed against his arm in mid-flight, narrowly missing a fatal strike to his chest. The mutant turtle thudded onto the chamber floor, his arm so badly burned that he could no longer wield a sai with it. Henchmen came running to surround the injured turtle, but out of the corner of his eye he spotted Leonardo fighting his way past an army of footsoldiers. Several ninjas assaulted Leo, and the graceful slashes of his katana were slowing down. The heroic sword fighter needed his help or he would die trying to make it to their master. He saw Shredder rotate his cannon at their leader and knew he had to act now to give his brother a chance to accomplish his mission.

"Hey, Cheese grater!" Raphael spun on his shell and took out several foot soldiers with his muscular green legs as he popped himself back onto his feet and fought his way closer to the Shredder's position. "Is that all you got?"

He gestured with spare sai and threw it with all his might. The sharp sai clanged against the cannon, snaring the Shredder's attention away from Leonardo for the moment. "I'm right here, you tin headed freak! Take your best shot with that peashooter of yours!"

Oroku Saki spun his massive weapon on its swivel and pointed the barrel at the exposed turtle who dared mock him. He would make him pay for his reckless audacity! The Shredder grinned as he fired at Raphael, knowing he would not miss him at this proximity. Raphael shut his eyes and braced himself for impact as he turned his shell to the laser, doubting his protective exterior would be strong enough to save him from certain death. He hoped Leonardo would make the best of his sacrifice and get to Master Splinter in time.

"Cowabunga!" Michaelangelo's swung himself off the balcony on a loose cable like Tarzan in the jungle. The party animal snatched Raphael's good arm and hoisted him away milliseconds before the fierce laser beam would have obliterated his shell.

The misfire struck one of the central chamber's main computer grids. It caught fire and erupted into a violent explosion that rocked the entire Technodrome to its core.

"Thanks, Mikey."Raphael said as they barely swung away from the explosion's blast radius. "I owe ya one."

"Just order me a pizza later!" Michaelangelo kicked his legs to increase their speed. "And we can call it even!'

A red alarm light flashed overhead and the words "DANGER - WARNING - DANGER" scrolled across the monitors throughout the circular control room, followed by the wail of a siren as the fire continued to spread.

"No!" Shredder shouted in dismay at destruction of his computers. His eyes furrowed in anger as his hatred of the turtles fueled his rage. "DAMN YOU TURTLES!"

The frustrated Shredder slammed his hand on the trigger button so hard that it got jammed into the fire position. The dark crystal was now glimmering so brightly that he could barely make out the silhouettes of the two turtles that swung through the air on the loose cables, but he fired at them regardless. Panels and debris from the ceiling collapsed to the chamber floor. The erratic laser instantly destroyed monitors and other electronics alongside the walls. Foot clan members scurried about in a crazed panic in fear that the Techndrome would collapse in upon itself.

Chapter 8

"You should not have come." Master Splinter coughed from the suffocating black smoke that clouded the control room. He struggled to lift his hairy chin and watched on in horror as the unstable laser whipped around the chamber in a frenzy. He did not think he had the strength to make it out of here when the Technodrome inevitably imploded and he did not want the turtles to die here foolishly trying to save him from his fate.

"We could never abandon you, master." Leonardo readied his katana and brought it down on the clamps that bound his sensei to the wall, cutting through them one by one until he finally freed the old rat.

"I... am... too weak...to escape..." Splinter collapsed to the floor in agonizing pain, clutching at a wound on his side. Shredder's torture had left him at the brink of death. They have poisoned me…please...leave me... and get your brothers out of here while you still can... my son..."

"Bepop! Rocksteady! Don't just stand there! Stop them!" The Shredder and his two gigantic mutants had their arms wrapped around the deadly laser cannon, struggling to get it back under control in order to limit the destruction to the Technodrome's structure. But the turtles were far more important to him than his wild death ray or his spherical base. Revenge had been so close that he could taste it. He would not let his archenemies slip from his grasp yet again.

"But boss..." The bumbling boar and rhinoceros looked at one another and then back at their leader with dumb founded and confused expressions on their ugly mugs. "If we let go..."

"Do as I say! Capture that decrepit old rat and his pets!" The Shredder ordered his cronies. "NOW, you stupid idiots!"

The muscular mutants obeyed and released their hold of the cannon. They scurried off to follow their instructions, but the bumbling rhinoceros bumped into the cannon so hard with his massive frame that he bent through the weapon's steel barrel and broke it off of its swivel mechanism. The deadly laser clanked to floor, its barrel bent and broken, but the onyx crystal shone even brighter than ever as it tried to fuel the weapon with enough power to burst through.

Chapter 9:

Bebop and Rocksteady charged at Leonardo, who stood before his fallen teacher, shielding him from the oncoming mutants who sprayed their machine guns wildly in their direction. Leo easily parried away the bullets with his twin swords, but braced himself for combat as they stampeded his way. He knew he could handle one of these numbskulls on his own, but two against one was another story. He readied his katana for a fight as he heard the roar of an engine in the distance. A black object soared through the air and smacked the boar mutant in the side of his face. Bebop stumbled forward and crashed into a hanging monitor screen. Shattered glass and metal debris collapsed onto the fallen mutant as the hockey puck that had struck his skull wobbled on its sides until it finally fell flat onto the floor.

With only one bumbling fiend left, Leonardo stepped away from his master and knocked the gun out of Rocksteady's gray hands with his blades. He ducked under a heavy hook punch and pushed his foe back with his katana until he heard the engine roar to life and race towards the dueling mutants.

"Batter up!" A baseball bat came down on the back of the big Rhyno's skull and shattered into two halves.

Leonardo leapt into the air and spun his foot into the side of the dazed mutant's head, sending him crashing to the floor alongside his downed cohort.

"I had him right where I wanted." Leonardo looked at the masked intruder aboard his motorcycle as he tossed away the bat's handle. "But boy, am I glad to see you, Casey Jones."

"April told me Splinter got kidnapped." Leo could sense a smirk from under the vigilante's menacing goalie mask as he discarded the remaining half of his broken hockey stick. "I figured maybe you guys could use an extra hitter off of the bench. I can't pass on an opportunity to take out some foot clan scum!"

"I'm sure you'll get a chance for more action another day." the ninja turtle raced over to his downed sensei who had just slipped out of consciousness. "I need you to get Master Splinter out of here, before it's too late!"

"You got it..." Jones nodded as Leo hefted the rat onto Casey's bike and secured them both to the seat with a belt. "I just wish I hadn't missed out on all the fun!"

"There's always next time!" Leo shouted as the Technodrome continued to fall apart around them. Casey revved his engine and floored it, zooming through a plume of smoke and swerving his motorcycle to avoid the fire and other obstacles in his way.

Leo looked on and saw the Shredder standing amid the blinding light emitting from the fallen cannon. There would not be a next time for Casey to take on the foot clan. It was time for the final showdown with Shred-head. He would finish this right now, and put an end to his criminal ninja society, once and for all.

Chapter 10:

A siren wailed as the warning message continued to flash across the few monitors that remained intact. Rising smoke from damaged computer systems, electrical fires from busted power grids, downed wires, cracked support columns and shattered glass were all drowned out by the blinding purple and black light that radiated from the crystal that powered up the damaged cannon on the floor. The surreal visage of Master Shredder loomed over the device at the center of the chamber, but the evil warlord stepped away from it as he spotted the four turtles closing in on him.

The turtles had eradicated the Shredder's army of robots, reducing them to nothing but a mass of broken parts, busted computer chips and loose bolts scattered throughout the chamber's floor. Remaining members of the foot-clan fled from the chaos to save their own lives from certain doom. Oroku Saki was now defenseless. His mutants, henchmen and robots all defeated, but an arrogant grin still stretched from underneath his mask as the four turtles surrounded him. He clenched his hands into a fist, causing razor sharp metal claws to spring from his armored knuckles. He took up a fighting stance and readied himself for war.

"You better remove that crystal." Donatello tried to reason with the mad super villain as he spun his bo staff over his head in an elaborate pattern before snapping it to a stop. "It's only a matter of time before it explodes and eradicates our atoms from existence!"

"Come and get it yourself, coward!" Master Shredder laughed as he taunted the turtles, gesturing for them to challenge him.

Donatello charged forward, attacking with his Bo staff as he spun it low at his arch-enemy' legs. Shredder jumped to avoid the sweep, but the turtle was lightning fast, following up with another swing aimed at the exposed neck underneath his helmet. The ninja turtle may have been quick, but Shredder was even more so, blocking the smack with one gauntlet and shattering the wooden staff with the sharp talons attached to his opposite hand. Donatello tried to thrust the remaining half of his weapon into the Shredder's masked face, but the leader of the Foot Clan swiped with his talons, gashing Donatello's yellow chest. The turtle collapsed to the floor and cried out for help as the Shredder raised his right hand, preparing to thrust his claws down into his prone throat.

"Donnie!" Michaelangelo shouted as he jumped onto Shredder's back and wrapped the chain links of his nunchaku around the villain's throat, squeezing the wooden grips with all his might. Oroku Saki had expected this technique and grabbed at the nunchaku before tossing Michaelangelo over this cloaked back. The dazed turtle landed on his shell and crashed through flaming debris as he spun away from the skirmish like a bowling ball.

"My turn!" Raphael shouted as he limped toward the Shredder, protecting his wounded arm. He had lost both sai and had taken quiet a beating, but he would not stand by as the Shredder harmed his brothers. He would fight till his last breath if he had to.

"No, you stay back!" Leonardo jumped in front of his injured brother. "Let me take him, you are in no condition to fight!"

"Get out of my way, Leo!" he defied his brother, pushing him away as he lumbered on with a fire in his eyes that matched the red color of his mask.

"You are not even armed." Leonardo responded, but his angry brother would not let him get another word in.

"I AM NOW!" Raphael swiped one of Leonardo's katana from its sheath and let out an angry war cry as he summoned all his remaining strength, storming the Shredder with his brother's sword held out before him.

Chapter 11

The Shredder awaited the bickering turtles patiently, chuckling from underneath his mask as Leonardo gave chase to his brother, urgently trying to prevent his kamikaze mission. Oroku Saki readied his talon equipped gauntlets, awaiting the perfect opportunity to drive them straight into the weakened turtle's chest before he even had a chance to come down on him with that sword.

The red masked turtle leapt at his adversary, somersaulting through the smoke and dark crystal's light as he slashed with his stolen katana in a long arcing motion. But before Shredder could proceed with his planned counter attack, Leo intercepted them both with his shell, shoving his brother out of harm's way. The katana slipped from Raphael's grasp and clanked to the floor as he landed on his side, slamming directly onto his injured left arm with all of his bodyweight. Raphael could hear the cracking and of bone upon impact.

The mutant swore from the tremendous pain that assailed his body and in anger from his brother's brazen actions. He could no longer move his arm, but would still get back into this fight, crawling back towards the dueling foes and in search of any weapon he could find on the floor.

"It's over, Shredder." Leonardo gritted his teeth as he slashed through the blinding light at his stunned rival, slicing through the armored plate protecting his chest but not deep enough to strike a fatal wound. "Surrender now, or prepare to meet your death!"

Oroku Saki stumbled backward, tripping over a downed support column as he fell onto his backside. He touched his chest, watching in disbelief as his own blood trickled down the shiny metal of his gauntleted hand. A sliver of doubt crept into his mind for a moment until his free hand grazed across the hilt of the katana dropped by Raphael. Grinning, he retracted his talons and seized the sword from amongst the debris, rising to his feet with the blade's edge directed at the turtle's throat.

"You cannot hope to defeat me!" The Shredder defied Leonardo, ripping the mask from his face and exposing the long scar that Splinter had given him when he was still human many years ago.

Sparks flew as the two swords clashed together. Leonardo started on the offensive, pushing the Shredder back while utilizing the many cutting techniques taught to him by his sensei. He had spent hundreds of hours training in the sewers and sparring with his brothers, preparing himself for this very moment, but the Shredder seemed to know what was coming every time his sword danced.

"YAHH!" Leonardo lunged forward to run the Shredder through with his sword before he tired out. Oroku Saki blocked the foolish attack and clenched his left fist, exposing the metal talons once again. They came down on Leonardo in a hurry. He got his sword up in time to prevent a fatal strike, but still took minor gash to his bicep. Shredder followed up with a boot to the mutant's chest.

"Damn it, Leo. Shred head is winning!" Raphael muttered in dismay as he watched the fight unfold from his position on the floor. He looked around for his two remaining brothers, but could not find them amongst the fire and smoke clouding the chamber. He wondered if they even lived while the Technodrome quivered beneath his prone body. If they were to die here and now, he would make sure that the Shredder did not live to celebrate his victory.
Raphael grunted in pain as his good arm draped over the downed cannon. The barrel of the death ray was bent beyond repair, rendering the high-tech weapon inoperable, but the dark crystal still pulsated with tremendous energy. The cannon may not work any longer, but perhaps he could harness the crystal's power some other way. He spotted the sai he had thrown earlier lying amongst the rubble alongside the cannon and suddenly came up with an idea. It could kill them all, but he had no other choice.

Leonardo got back on his feet and assaulted the Shredder yet again with a flurry of katana strikes. Oroku Saki grinned as he deflected each of the turtle's futile swipes, before swinging the back of his gauntleted hand into his blue masked face. Leonardo collapsed to the floor in a heap, slowly pushing himself up onto one knee as he peered into the evil eyes of his arch nemesis. He raised his sword in one last act of desperation, but the Shredder battered it out of his hands, knocking the weapon several feet out of reach.

Chapter 12:

Raphael turned his head away from the dark crystal's light as he jammed his sai into the cannon's power slot. He pushed down on his hand with all the strength that he could muster to pry the onyx stone free, but only budged slightly. The mutant grit his teeth, leaning onto the makeshift lever with all of his weight until the mysterious object finally popped loose. He leapt forward, seizing the onyx crystal before it could roll away from his grasp.

Raph opened his eyes and fought through the brightness to catch a peak at the vivacious stone up close. A dark energy radiated into his hand, fueling him with strength and vigor. All of his aches and pains vanished in an instant. Life even came back to his broken arm as his fractured bones healed, granting motion to his hand and fingers once again. Raphael welcomed the powerful effects of the crystal. His eyes glowed purple, matching the crystal's light as the essence overwhelmed him. He surrendered himself to the amazing rock, but the healing power changed its course, now filling him with anger and hatred.
The violet haze within the stone spoke to him, clouding his mind with malevolence. Why should he help his brother after what he did to him just now? Maybe he should just let him die for interfering with his fight and breaking his arm. Leonardo always thought he was so honorable, but lacked the skill and guts that he possessed. He was always the better fighter of the two, but their sensei always seemed to favor Leonardo instead. But now, with this newfound power, he could take out the Shredder on his own. Splinter would finally give him the recognition he deserved and he could take his rightful place as leader over his remaining brothers with his rigid brother out of the picture.

"What am I thinking?" Raphael shook these sinister thoughts from his mind. His eyes returned to normal as he saw Master Splinter's rival preparing to bring his sword down on his brother's neck. He took one last look at the onyx crystal, it blinked in his palm as conflicting thoughts battled within his mind. He turned away from the impious glow before launching the stone at his enemy."I'm not going to miss this time."

The pulsating crystal slammed into the Shredder's sword, causing the blade to miss its mark. The edge scraped into the metal floor, inches away from cleaving a piece of Leonardo's head. "

The Shredder glanced upward, his eyes following the effervescent crystal that had ricocheted off of his blade and bounced into one of the chamber's walls. A tremendous flash followed by an explosion that ripped a large hole, not into the Technodrome's structure, but into the very fabric of space and time. The crystal remained at the center of a growing portal, animated like a beating heart as the gateway into another dimension spread wider.

"No!" Shredder wailed, abandoning the turtle as he hurried over to the threshold. "My crystal!"

The supervillain peered into the anomaly and could see what appeared to be a spiral galaxy, with millions, if not billions of twinkling stars. Comets, asteroids, nebulas and other fantastic sights came into view. The awesome visage mesmerized his mind. Nothing else mattered for the moment. He inched closer to the portal for a closer view. Rising deep within the fissure was a round mass that looked like a planet... no maybe not a planet... it resembled the earth's moon, only without its magnificent white light. This object did in fact glow, but with darkness.

Captivated by this awesome display, he had completely forgotten about the turtles. The wooden handle of a nunchuck rattled against his helmet and the splintered half of a bo staff thudded into his side, pushing him dangerously close to the opening. He turned around only to see three wounded turtles giving him all they had left. The blue masked mutant feinted with his sword, before driving the side of his foot into his midsection. Shredder teetered backward, but regained his footing right in front of the cosmic portal.

"BLAST OFF, SHRED HEAD!" the revitalized Raphael pushed past his brothers and stabbed with a recovered sai, shoving its sharp metal tip deep into his chest. The Shredder spit up blood and grunted at the stab wound to his chest. His back banged into the crystal, knocking it into the anomaly. The portal shut as the Shredder fell into space. Oroku Saki desperately reached out for Raphael, trying to pull him into this dimension with him, but the other turtles grabbed their sibling's shell, keeping their reckless brother inside the damaged Technodrome with them.

"I'LL... GET... YOU... TURTLES!" Shredder stretched out with both arms, luckily snatching the onyx crystal. He cradled it against his bloody chest as he fell deeper and deeper into the portal. The ninja turtles watched in awe as the pulsating light dimmed away and the Shredder was no more. The portal collapsed in upon itself, disappearing as quickly as it had appeared.

"COWABUNGA!" They celebrated in unison, but their victory was short-lived.

"We gotta get out of here!" Donatello warned. "This Technodrome is becoming very unstable. I calculate that we have less than five minutes to make it out of here!"

"I'm starving!" Michelangelo's stomach growled. "I hope we can find a pizza joint that's still open for delivery when we get back."

"Stop blabbering ladies and move!" Raphael mocked his brothers. He jetted through the smoke and towards the exit hallway without even looking back.

"You heard him, let's go!" Leonardo ordered as he gave chase, noting that something seemed just a little off with Raphael.

Chapter 13

Rei Hino swept up the stony grounds of the Hikawa shrine until she finally found a moment to slip away from her grandfather and his pesky apprentice Yuuichirou. She could still see them by the incense burner, bickering loudly over who knows what, granting her the perfect chance to slip away from both of them unnoticed. She dropped the broom and quietly pulled on the screen to the meditation room, letting herself in, before closing it discretely behind her to ensure that they did not see or hear her movement. A blazing fire lit up the room, casting her dancing shadow across the walls as she approached the ancient shrine on her bare feet.

Rei sat on her heels before the fiery altar, her long black hair flowing so far down the back of her maiden uniform that it nearly touched the floor. The warmth of the flames caressed her skin as she closed her eyes and tried to forget everything happening in her hectic life.

Preparing for her upcoming trip to New York City was both exciting and stressful. Between getting her traveling arrangements ready and her luggage packed, it was her responsibility to make sure that the day-to-day operations of the shrine would get taken care of in her lengthy absence. She had not had a moment of peace since she abruptly left Usagi and the others at the picnic and desperately needed to take a break. She felt guilty about ditching Usagi and scoffing at her idea of going to the amusement park. The truth was that she wished she could have stayed out and had a long night of fun with her friends. She hoped they forgave her for her brashness and not telling them about her plans sooner.

Unfortunately, she could not neglect her duties at the temple and needed to sort things out before she left town. Grandfather was getting up there in age and always got into mischief, especially when attractive young women visited the shrine. The old flirt needed constant supervision to keep him out of trouble. Even Yuuichirou was a bumbling fool who was prone to mishaps. It was one thing to live at a University that was only a couple of hours away by train, but New York City is on the opposite side of the planet. She could not return home so quickly should something go wrong.

Her friends would arrive soon for her farewell party, but she needed this time to herself to clear her mind of all her thoughts and insecurities. She had been away at the University for several months, but this was much different. Tomorrow evening she would fly thousands of miles away from her family and friends, leaving her completely isolated and alone from all those she loved. She always prided herself on being self-confident, independent and career driven, but a lingering uncertainty remained that she could not seem to get rid of. Was taking this internship the right thing to do? A trickle of doubt crept into her mind, but she had to let it go. This was her goal, her dream for many years, she could not give up on it now. Rei took a deep breath in through her nose and exhaled slowly as she relaxed into a meditative state. Maybe the flickering flames of the fire would provide her with insight as they had in the past.

"REI!" Yuuichirou screeched loudly. He tugged on the screen so hard that it nearly broke, immediately disrupting her meditation. The young man called her name repeatedly, tumbling into the room just as she had finally forgotten about her troubles.

"WHAT IS IT NOW?" Rei popped up to her feet in annoyance, resting her hands on her hips after she turned to face the unwanted intruder.

"AHH!" Yuuichirou cried out as he inadvertently collided with Rei. They fell to the floor together and landed dangerously close to the fiery flames. Yuuichirou plopped right on top of her. His dark blue eyes sparkled from the firelight underneath the bangs of his thick mane of shoulder-length brown hair. Rei blushed, both in anger and the fact that she found him incredibly handsome in that moment. A small part of her wanted to kiss him, but she was far too angry to get charmed by his good looks.

"GET OFF OF ME!" The fierce woman pushed him away and dusted herself off as she stood back up. Yuuichirou fell flat on his back from the violent shove, his hairy head smacked against the wooden floor so hard that he saw stars. "What were you and my grandfather arguing over? Is that what this is about?"

"Oh, that? No! Nothing! That was nothing! Nothing at all! Everything is fine!" Yuuichirou rubbed the back of his head as Rei offered a hand to help him up. He grabbed her hands into his and froze for a moment as he peered deep into her dark eyes. He clearly wanted to tell her something urgent, but was hesitating to speak any further.

"Then what was so important that you had to come in here and disrupt my meditation?" Rei frowned, turning away from his gaze. "I've told you countless times not to interfere!"

"I know, I know." Yuuichirou looked down at her bare feet. It seemed like he did not have the courage to say whatever was on his mind. "I am so sorry!"

"Then what is it?" she did not have the time for this and was growing increasingly irritated with his presence. "Spit it out already!"

"PLEASE DON'T GO!" He shouted at the top of his lungs, pushing back the flickering flames with his wailing breath. He fell onto his knees and glanced upward at her, still holding her hands. "This again..." Rei could see the tears welling in his eyes. It was a pathetic sight to behold. She yanked her hands away and turned her back to her admirer, folding her arms in disgust. "We've had this conversation multiple times already!"

"I KNOW... BUT...LET ME COME WITH YOU!" he begged. "PLEASE!"

"NO!" she turned to face him, her resentment rising so high that she wanted to give him a smack right across the face. "NOBODY IS COMING WITH ME! This is something I need to do on my own for a few months! Why can't you get that through your thick skull?"

"BECAUSE I CARE ABOUT YOU SO MUCH!" the lanky young man continued to pour his heart out. "I CAN NOT LIVE WITHOUT YOU ANY LONGER, MY REI!"

"I've explained how important this internship is to me! If you truly cared about me as much as you say you do, then you would support me in all of my endeavors. If you don't want to stay here, that's fine! I can ask my grandfather to take on another apprentice to replace you!"

"NO! DON'T DO THAT!" He cried out, bowing his head to the floor. The prospect of losing his job made his heart get caught in his throat. That would mark the end of their relationship, too. "I'll stay and wait patiently for you to return! You have nothing to worry about!"

"Thank you." she sighed in relief when her bluff worked. Part of her worried that taking this internship would finally make the eccentric priest give up on her. She would miss his constant companionship while overseas, but it was a necessary sacrifice for her lofty career aspirations. "Don't worry, I will make time to call you every day, just as I did when I was at the University."

Rei offered her hand out to Yuuichirou one more time, flattered at his undying loyalty and devotion to her. If she was in his shoes, she would have broken up with herself long ago for her selfish and crude behavior. What was it about her that he found so special?

Yuuichirou mysteriously entered her life a couple of years ago. He was a drifter on a spiritual journey, wandering the streets of Tokyo when he had haphazardly fallen asleep on the grounds of her family's shrine. She remembered that morning when she had found him passed out from exhaustion on the pavement, disheveled and smelly with barely any food in his stomach. She prodded him with her broomstick to wake him, begrudgingly offering the stranger some food and an opportunity to wash up.

The bizarre young man immediately regained his energy as he awoke and beheld her face for the first time. So taken aback was he by her beauty that it seemed to revitalize him. This odd behavior startled Rei. She quickly summoned her grandfather. Yuuichirou Kumada formally introduced himself to them as he pleaded the high-priest and shrine maiden to take him on as their apprentice. They politely refused, but he did not take no for an answer, stopping by the Shrine nearly every day for weeks on end until the old man finally relented and gave him the coveted job, much to her chagrin.

"Don't worry, Rei." the short and stout high-priest assured her later that day when they spoke in private. " I will make his training so strenuous and difficult that he will want to run far away from this place and never return!"

Rei and Yuuichirou got to know each other little by little, and she gradually warmed up to his presence during his intense training period. Her grandfather had continued to push the poor guy to his limits, breaking him down physically, spiritually and mentally, but no matter how much the wiry elder challenged his student, Yuuichirou never gave up.

Until she found him late one night, barely conscious on the pavement outside the temple grounds, just like the first day they had met. Only this time there was blood splattered all over his white uniform. Welts and bruises covered every inch of his skin that she could see. Grandpa had battered the devoted trainee so severely that he could not get back onto his feet without her help. Rei was angry with her grandfather's brutality, but suddenly felt very guilty for allowing the drifter's poor treatment. She helped him to a warm spot by the fire in the meditation room and offered him hot tea as she removed his kimono and cleaned up his wounds with a towel.

"I will depart by morning." the trainee slumped his head in defeat, unwilling to look up at his beloved."It was an honor to train here under your tutelage, Rei Hino. Thank you for your hospitality and kindness."

"You can't go. I won't allow it!" Rei whispered into his ear, lifting his chin so their eyes could meet before planting a kiss on his cheek. The romantic gesture gave him renewed strength. Rei was proud to see the unlikely apprentice defy her sneaky grandfather and successfully complete the rest of his training soon thereafter with her help.

She later learned that he came from a very wealthy family and had given up a rather large inheritance by becoming an apprentice at the temple. She never quiet understood what made him decide to do that. In fact, he had the type of life that she wished she had growing up: a loving family, a large house, no financial issues. Deep down she was a little envious of him and because of this jealously, she felt unworthy to be with a man with such a pure heart.

Yuuichirou proved his worth by putting himself in harm's way to save her life from a monstrous youma on one fateful night. Luckily Sailor Moon arrived just in time to save them both from certain death. She would never forget his self-less and brave actions, but her feelings were constantly on a swing like a pendulum.

Rei snapped back to reality as he took her hand. She helped him to his feet and their eyes met yet again. She finally smiled, blushing after remembering the time she kissed him in this exact spot, but the moment of happiness vanished when she came to a sudden realization.

"Wait a minute." Rei paused. "Weren't you supposed to pick up the food for the party? My guests will arrive shortly and we are still not prepared!"

"OH? YES! I'm on my way now!" Yuuichirou broke free of her grasp as he hurried out of the mediation room. "Is there anything else I could do for you, Rei?"

"There is a red dress in my bedroom stained with orange juice." Rei smacked her forehead with her palm in frustration."I doubt those splotches will come out, but can you see what you can do? Maybe take it to the cleaners in the morning."

"OF COURSE!" He lit up. "ANYTHING FOR YOU REI!"

Chapter 14

Usagi and Mamoru held hands while they walked down the tree-lined path leading to the Hikawa shrine. A full moon loomed overhead, guiding them to the holy site with its white glow. The farewell party wouldn't start for another hour, but Usagi had insisted to that they get there a little early. She wanted to apologize to Rei for ruining her dress and not sounding too supportive when she first heard the news of her internship.

"Try one of my cookies." Usagi let go of his hand and opened up a container she retrieved from a bag slung around her shoulder, a smile widening on her upbeat face. "I made two batches, just in case one of them didn't turn out so good!"

"I'm not hung..." But Usagi shoved a cookie into his mouth before Mamoru could even finish his sentence. He grimaced as he clamped his teeth down and tried to break the treat apart with his teeth. He winced in pain, grabbing at his cheek, but still gave her a thumbs up in approval.

"Try this one then." Usagi saw right through his act and ripped what remained of the tough cookie out of his mouth and replaced it with a much softer one.

"Usagi..." Mamoru's face turned as green as the color of his jacket as he forced himself to swallow the second cookie. "Did you bake these long enough? It tastes raw!"

"LOOK OUT!" the oddball Yuuichirou came flying down the steps that led to the shrine's gateway at blazing speed with his long legs. He leapt off midway, rocketing between the young couple in a flash. Usagi was more concerned with protecting her gift of under and over cooked cookies then helping save her boyfriend.

"What is his deal?" Mamoru said as he scrambled out of the shrubbery covered with thorns and loose twigs. Dirt and mud now smeared the back of his pants, but otherwise he was unharmed.

"Usagi!" Rei called out in the distance from atop the stone steps. She was still wearing her maiden uniform. "Is that you?"

"Rei!" the pigtailed girl was so excited she left her battered boyfriend behind and raced up the stone steps and through the middle of the shrine's red tori gate.

"You are early for once." Rei commented as her companion approached. Today was not the day she wanted Usagi to be punctual, especially after Yuuichirou's unexpected interruption. "The party doesn't start for nearly an hour. Is everything alright?"

"I know!" Usagi giggled awkwardly as she realized her friend was not too pleased with her early arrival. "I just wanted a chance to speak with you alone before the others came. Here I brought you some cookies I baked special just for you!"

"Thank you!" Rei forced a smile as she gratefully accepted the container, but as expected the cookies did not look too edible. She hoped the other girls would eat a few to spare Usagi's feelings.

"Congratulations on your internship." Mamoru said as he abruptly he joined the conversation while continuing to flick away leaves and other foliage from his outer garments.

"I saw what happened to you!" Rei gasped. "Are you all right? I'm sorry about Yuuichirou. He can be such a fool, especially when he is late on his errands. I'll scold him when he gets back for his recklessness!"

"No, it's ok!" Mamoru held up his hand. "I'm fine, don't worry about anything else. Just enjoy the party tonight."

"He's right!" Usagi jumped in enthusiasm. "We all want to give you a send off you'll never forget!"

"Come inside..." Rei gestured the couple to the spare room that Yuuichirou had set up for the party earlier in the day. "Mamoru, can you have a seat in here and wait for the others to arrive? Usagi, if you have care to chat, you can follow me to my room."

Chapter 15

"Do you need any help?" Usagi waited patiently inside of Rei's bedroom while she rummaged through her walk-in closet for something nice to wear to the party. Usagi noted the stark difference between their two bedrooms. Rei's space was much more orderly. A more mature young woman clearly lived here. There were no girly posters on the walls and not a single knickknack or toy figure atop her desk. She did not even one have stuffed toy on her bed. In fact, the room looked too plain and boring to her. There were hardly any pictures displayed. She had to have at least one! Where were they? Her eyes scanned the room until she finally found a frame turned sideways in her bookcase. Usagi picked it up and beheld an old picture of the five girls together, taken on a night of fun at the crown arcade a few years ago. It reminded her of just how happy she was back then when they were all inseparable. She missed those days deeply. Not the scary fighting part of Sailor Team as much as the bonding they shared while vanquishing evil. Why had Rei forgotten all about this adorable picture? She dusted it off with the edge of her pink sleeves and propped the frame on top of the bookcase. Rei packed most of her favorite outfits in her suitcase and struggled to find anything she wanted to wear. She ran her fingers through countless dresses and other articles of clothing until she spotted a peculiar item on a hanger tucked all the way in the back of her closet. Rei grinned as she retrieved the hanger, overwhelmed with nostalgia at the sight of the ugly pink overalls she had loved to wear around the time that she had first met Usagi and the others. She knew her friends would all get a kick out of it, so she took off her maiden uniform and folded it up neatly before throwing the overalls on over a plain white t-shirt, just as she did when she was younger. She looked in the mirror and laughed at how ridiculous she looked. How did she wear these back in the day?

"Look, Usagi!" Rei called out, a hint of excitement in her voice as she stepped out of the walk-in closet.

"Oh, my gosh!" Usagi burst out laughing as she saw her friend striking a pose in her old outfit. Coincidentally, it was the same one she was wearing in the picture she had just propped up. "I remember those! How cute!"

"I can't believe I still have these ugly overalls!" Rei remarked as she spun around by the mirror.

"I think you should wear them to New York!" the cheerful girl chuckled. "You will definitely make an impression!"

"I don't know about that!" Rei giggled. "This is a one night only comeback for these overalls and they are not for public viewing!"

"About New York..." Usagi's tone became more serious. "Rei, I'm really sorry for acting so childish the other day. I know this has always been your dream and I... "

"No, I should be the one apologizing to you, Usagi." Rei cut her friend off. "This has been a crazy year, and I have been so preoccupied with things since I've returned home. But that's no excuse. I should not have waited until the last minute to tell you about my plans for the summer. I'm sorry for upsetting you and for not being able to stay out late and go to the amusement park with you. I know you put a lot of effort into planning the day."

"It's just..." Usagi continued to express herself. "I'm afraid of losing you! You are traveling so far away and I want us to always remain close friends forever."

"Is that what your worried about? Don't be so silly! After what we've been through together?" Rei put a reassuring hand on her friend's shoulder and gave her a warm smile, but did not seem too overly concerned by the comments. Usagi always made such a big deal over nothing. Why was it so difficult for Yuuichirou and her best friend to accept her decision? ''We will always be friends, no matter how far apart we are! Come on, let's go. Everyone else should have arrived by now.''

Chapter 16

Usagi and Rei entered the party room and sure enough the entire gang was there awaiting them, including the cats Luna and Artemis. The girls greeted each other and exchanged pleasantries. Makoto, Ami and Minako had a laugh at Rei's ridiculous outfit while Usagi gave out hugs.

"And then the pancake came down RIGHT on his face!" Minako could not maintain her composure, laughing out loud as she filled Mamoru in on more details from his girlfriend's accident the other day.

"I tried to get him to calm down." the modest Ami spoke softly, still feeling a little guilty about all the chaos they had caused.

"And then he nearly decapitated her with his spatula!" Makoto chimed in.

"I saved her from that crazy cook, of course!" Minako smirked. "Usagi, how did you forget to tell Mamoru that part of the story?"

"I'm not sure." Usagi chuckled nervously as she scratched the tightly wound buns on top of her head. Rei's decision to go to New York and the threat it presented to the future of their friendships was the only thing on her mind the rest of that day. The thought of losing her friend for another few months had consumed her. "I was too embarrassed about it, I guess."

''You, embarrassed?'' Rei sneered. "That's a first."

The frantic Yuuichirou interrupted the reunion a few minutes later, dressed up like a fancy butler with a white apron covering his sharp tuxedo. He wheeled in a cart filled with trays of catered food that they ordered for the party. Soups, salads, a steaming pot of tea and several cups rested on the top shelf.

Why is he dressed like that? He looks as stupid as I do! Rei thought to herself. She gave the priest a funny look, but he did not speak a single word to her or any of their guests, so fixated was he on his work.
They watched as the apprentice took the time to prepare everyone an articulately arranged dish, complete with several varieties of sushi, an array of dipping sauces, wasabi, ginger and rice. Each dish sported a decorative flower that the girls all admired. Rei received her dinner first. Yuuichirou bowed low as he placed it before her. Red rose petals surrounded the plate in a heart-shaped pattern. Rei blushed slightly as the other girls gave her a warming glance. Yuuichirou took time and effort to make this dinner really special for her.

"Yuuichirou?" Rei called out after he finished serving the last visitor.

"YES, REI!" the butler's eyes lit up when he spoke, secretly hoping that she would give him compliments for his diligence and possibly invite him to sit down alongside her and eat with them.

"You forgot about the tea!" Rei grinned at the apprentice as she pointed at the steaming kettle. He was looking more handsome in that tuxedo as she got a closer look at it. Yuuichirou cleans up nicely, she thought. Perhaps she should have worn something nicer than these silly overalls. If only she had known he'd go through all this trouble for her."Can you pour a cup for each of our guests, please?"

"OF COURSE!" He bowed low and hurried back over to the cart to grab the tea pot.

"So tell us more about this internship." Ami Mizuno spoke as she finished her meal and graciously accepted a cup of tea from Yuuichirou. The bizarre young man seemed frazzled by the very mention of Rei's upcoming trip. The iron kettle swayed slightly in his shaky grip as he filled the next cup.

"My contact is a woman by the name of April O'Neil." Rei answered. "April is a very successful news reporter and journalist! I've read many articles about her. She is quite fearless! She even fought against a dangerous clan of criminals. What a true inspiration and role model for young women like us! I look forward to learning all I can from her!"

"What amenities will they be providing you?" Mamoru asked.

"Channel 6 News has a headquarters in the heart of Times Square!" Rei got excited just talking about it. "They are even giving me a free hotel room nearby and I will receive payment and college credits for my work!"

"Wow, that is incredible!" Minako's jaw dropped. "Times Square looks so much fun on TV! All the bright lights! The city that never sleeps! I wish I could be there on New Year's eve and share a kiss when the ball drops."

"Who knows, maybe I will still be there in time to see that." Rei watched Yuuichirou's arm quiver as he poured the blonde girl her cup, spilling a bit of the boiling liquid onto the wooden floor as he moved on to the next guest.

"I wish I could go to New York City." Makoto sighed after she carefully accepted a cup of tea from the saddened butler. "I've always wanted to go watch a major league baseball game live in person!"

"Oh, that would be so much fun, I'd definitely go with you!" Minako smiled. "We could get front row tickets and try to meet a handsome American baseball player!"

"There would be so much to learn and see if I traveled there. I wouldn't even know where to start!" Ami smiled as she thought about the unrealistic possibility. I could practice my English-speaking skills, visit museums and other historical sites."

"Hey, maybe we can!" Usagi hopped onto her feet in enthusiasm, thrusting herself into the center of the conversation. "Rei, can't we please come with you? We all have the free time for a couple of weeks. We can cheer you on and help you settle in so you don't have to be all alone in a foreign country!"

"That would be amazing." Rei peered up and noticed that Yuuichirou was standing at her side, staring at the pigtailed girl with his jaw dropped. His arms quivered as he poured blindly into a cup, spilling the remaining contents of the pot at the very mention of her friends accompanying her to New York City. Boiling tea dripped all over the floor. "But where would you stay? Hotels in New York are very expensive, and you may not find any vacancies!"

"Why, we can just stay with you in your free room and keep you company, of course!" Usagi beamed with delight. She danced around the room at the very prospect of a sleepover in New York. "We can catch up on all the time we spent apart during our busy first year of college."

"Usako." Mamoru tried to calm his girlfriend down a bit. "That's a lot to ask of Rei. She will need her energy for the internship. Do not impose yourself on her. I've studied abroad and know how stressful it can be. It's not all fun and games."

"Oh, Mamo. Don't worry! We used to have sleepovers all the time when we were younger!" she dismissed her boyfriend's negativity and turned to face her stoic companion. "Rei, I PROMISE I won't do anything to disrupt your internship. I won't bother you one bit if you let us come! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE!"

"Okay, but even if we stayed together." the shrine maiden nodded reluctantly. "Getting an airplane ticket so last minute will be nearly impossible for you."

"Actually." Ami chimed in, snaring everyone's attention despite her soft-spoken voice. "My mother often responds to emergency calls. She has connections with several airlines and can access last second tickets to the United States and Europe with her medical credentials all the time. I will call her first thing in the morning and see if she can help the four of us out. It won't be for free, of course, but if you have saved up enough money…"

"You are amazing, Ami!" Usagi burst with joy. She had a feeling that her shy friend shared her same insecurities regarding the future of their friendships. Soon Ami would enter medical school and her schedule would likely be even more hectic than the other girls. If they were to drift apart and leading their own separate lives, then this trip to New York City together could be one last hoorah for the five of them. Usagi hoped that would not be the case. Perhaps she could make this trip so memorable that it will strengthen their bond to last forever and ever."

"If you can secure the airfare..." Rei started as she snagged a half-filled cup of tea from the jittery Yuuichirou. The lanky apprentice already looked deeply saddened and now thanks to Usagi and Ami she would need to spend all night defending her actions to him instead of getting the good night's sleep she desperately needed. She was not excited at all about the prospect of the girls coming on the trip, but did not have the strength to be as upfront with Usagi about her feelings as she was with Yuuichirou earlier. "You are all more than welcome to stay with me."

"Are you certain?" the concerned Ami asked. Part of her regretted speaking up. She deeply respected Rei's aspirations and did not want to feel like she was intruding. "I will only get the plane tickets if you are truly okay with it."

"Yes." Rei hesitated as she eyed Yuuichirou. This was her chance to get out of Usagi's outlandish plans, but she found herself speechless and unable to do so. Denying Usagi here would crush her fragile heart. There was no way they'd be able to plan a trip so quickly, even with Ami's help. It was a gamble, but one she just had to take.

"Yay! I can't believe that I am going on a spontaneous trip to New York with my besties! Big Apple, here we come! This will be the greatest summer vacation ever! Let's all celebrate with one of my cookies!" Usagi retrieved her container and handed the treats out. Rei accepted a burnt cookie, but her eyes were following Yuuichirou. The depressed butler's head slumped forward as he slipped out of the room with no one else noticing.

"Excuse me for a moment." Rei spoke abruptly as she raced out of the party room. It was raining outside and she could see flashes of lightning in the distance, followed by a boom of thunder. The apprentice had vanished into the dead of night without a trace.

Rei ended the party when she returned. She provided her friends with the address of her hotel and told them to contact her when they landed if they miraculously got on a flight to New York. She tried to be as polite as possible, but was silently praying that Ami failed in securing the tickets. But that was the least of her concerns for the moment. She had to find Yuuichirou and console him before it was too late.

"Good night everyone!" Rei said before abandoning her friends to look for the runway apprentice. First she checked his personal quarters, but he was not there. She ran back outdoors and into the rainy night, searching the dark grounds of the shrine, while calling out his name frantically.

"Yuuichirou!" Rei screamed as the rain worsened, saturating her pink overalls. Lightning flashed dangerously close by, followed by a deafening roar of thunder. It was getting too dangerous to look outside for him in these conditions. He could be anywhere. She retreated to the meditation room, hoping that he was inside, but unfortunately the apprentice was not there either. She added kindling to the fire and opened the screen door, hoping that he would see the blaze like a beacon and come back to her. Rei shivered on the wooden floor in her sopping wet clothes next to the fire, awaiting his return.

Chapter 17

"Are you sure about this trip?" Mamoru draped his green jacket over his girlfriend's head to keep her dry from the torrential rain. The couple rushed away from the shrine amid the ominous cracks of lightning and rumbling thunder.

"Yes, I'm sure!" Usagi shouted in delight. She cradled Luna into her arms, protecting her pet from the rain as they hurried over to the parked sports car."I don't think it's such a good idea." Mamoru quickly opened the sedan's passenger's side door to let his girlfriend and her cat safely inside before scrambling around the hood of the car and into the driver's seat. He put on his seatbelt and turned the keys to start up the engine while rain drops continued to patter against the windshield.

"Why not?" Usagi could tell by the tone of his voice that her plan had upset him.

"I understand that you will miss your friend." Mamoru turned on the headlights and activated the windshield wipers as he pulled away from the curb. "But this is not a vacation for Rei. It's a business trip. She is trying to advance her career, and I am worried that you guys will interfere with her ambition."

"I agree with Mamoru." Luna the cat added from Usagi's lap. "This idea of yours is a big mistake!"

"I know Rei better than anyone. If she did not want us to join her, she would have said so immediately! She never holds back, especially with me!" Usagi countered. "It will only be for a couple of weeks at most! She will appreciate our company. Besides, none of this matters anyway unless Ami can get us the airfare."

"And just how are you going to pay for your plane ticket?" Mamoru questioned as the car sped down the slick roads heading towards her residence. "I hope you've been saving up your allowance."

"I could see what I have left in my piggy bank." Usagi said, feeling incredibly dumb that she had not even thought about that important subject just yet. She was completely broke after buying the amusement park tickets, three of which did not even end up being used. "You know... my birthday is at the end of this month. I was hoping you could buy me a ticket for my gift!"

"That is going to cost a lot of money, Usagi." Mamoru sighed, his grip tightening on the steering wheel. "I have not received a full-time job offer yet. There's rent, student loans, and plenty of bills to pay."

"I know, forget it." Usagi frowned in disappointment. "Sorry. I know it's way too much to ask of you. I will tell Ami in the morning that I cannot go."

"Just so you know, have been saving up a lot of money over the past year." Mamoru felt a little guilty for crushing Usagi's spirits and wanted to cheer her up. He hated seeing her sad and knew that if her friends went to New York City without her, it would leave Usagi completely devastated. "For something special to give you in the future."

"Really?" Usagi's lit up with excitement. "Something I've been asking for?"

"Yes." Mamoru nodded. He navigated through traffic until he pulled the car over directly in front of the Tsukino household. "I probably saved up enough for one ticket. I've put this money aside with you in mind. So, if you want to spend it for this vacation, then I will give it to you. It is entirely your decision to make."

He remembered back to the warm summer day nearly a year ago when they were walking in the shopping district and stumbled across a jewelry store having a sale. Usagi got so excited and begged him to go looking at engagement rings. She tried a few different options before falling in love with a white gold ring with a heart-shaped diamond. He could still see her blue eyes sparkling and the smile of pure happiness on her face as she stretched out her fingers. He went back into the shop the very next day and put down a small deposit on the ring she picked and has been setting aside money little by little to pay off the large balance remaining. If she was to take that money and use it for a trip with her friends, what did it say about their relationship. Did she still truly love him? Maybe her friends meant more to her than he does. As much as he did not want Usagi to go away, he felt obligated to help her, but he did not know how he would react if she took him up on his offer.

"Thank you so much, Mamoru." She leaned over to give him a kiss goodnight. She had a lot to think over.

Chapter 18: Ami paused in the station for a moment. She watched the bullet train zoom down its tracks until the glimmering taillights vanished from view into the dark tunnel. What trouble had she caused by opening up her big mouth? Now that the farewell party was over, she realized how foolish she was for even mentioning the possibility of acquiring traveling arrangements to New York City.

It would be an incredibly selfish act to intrude on Rei's lofty academic ambitions. This was a critical time where they forged their future paths. Accompanying Rei to New York could prove detrimental to Rei's career advancement, and that was the last thing she wanted to happen. Of course she would stay out of her way and give Rei the space she needed, but what about Usagi?

She hated confrontations and knew how upset Usagi, Minako and Makoto would be, but she would have to call them first thing in the morning and explain why they cannot go on this trip. Telling them the truth was the only recourse.

Ami headed up the stairs and out of the terminal into a torrential downpour, shielding herself with an umbrella that she had taken knowing rain was in the forecast for tonight. Her feet splashed in a puddle as she raced across an intersection en route to her mother's tiny apartment.

The dwelling was pitch dark when she finally arrived, but not because anyone inside was asleep. Ami flicked on a light switch to illuminate the silent dwelling and noticed the message her mother had left earlier this week on the refrigerator.

Her busy mom departed for an emergency operation in Germany the night before she had returned from the University. They had just missed seeing each other, filling Ami with immense disappointment. Other than her four best friends, her mother was the only family she had, yet they hardly had the time to even speak because of the doctor's insanely hectic schedule and her strict academic life.

Is this what the future had in store for her when she graduated and became a full-time resident? Her lifelong dream ever since she was a little girl was to become a doctor, just like her amazing mom. She was close to achieving her goal at long last, but would have to make a lot of sacrifices. If her mother barely had time to spend with her own daughter, how would she be able to maintain four friendships? What if she wanted to start a family of her own someday? How could she balance everything with her career demanding nearly every second of her attention? Maybe this wasn't the right path for her after all.

"No..." she thought to herself, shaking away her doubts and insecurities. She had spent countless hours reading, studying, attending cram school and taking practice exams to get her to this point. There was no turning back now.

This realization filled her with grief. She owed a lot of her success in life to Usagi for befriending her in school all those years ago. Even though she was still shy, Usagi had helped her come out of her shell. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine she would awaken as a Sailor Guardian and battle evil forces as Sailor Mercury! Life wouldn't be the same without Usagi's presence. What could she ever do to repay her?

Ami approached the refrigerator and removed the note. At the bottom of the brief message was the Latin phrase "Carpe diem." Maybe she should take her mother's advice and seize the day without worrying about the future. It should be day time in Germany right now and she should be awake. Ami took out her cell-phone and scrolled through her contacts. If Usagi wanted to go to New York, she would try her best to make it happen.

Chapter 19:

Oroku Saki cursed the turtles as he kicked his arms and legs back and forth in zero gravity, struggling to push his armored body towards the disappearing vortex before it was too late for him to escape. Blood gushed out of the stab wound in his chest, but he could still make out the visage of Hamato Yoshi's students celebrating his demise as the chasm collapsed in upon itself, trapping him in this strange galactic dimension. Splinter was likely dead, but he had let another opportunity to conquer earth slip away thanks to the four turtles.

"I will find a way out of here and have my revenge on those turtles!" Master Shredder promised himself as he ripped the sai out of his dented armor and floated into the abyss surrounded by millions of twinkling stars. He still gripped the mysterious crystal tightly within the palm of his gauntlet as it continued to glow and radiate a strange and powerful energy into his body, healing his near fatal wound until it disappeared completely. That is when he realized that he was not drifting away aimlessly. The crystal was pulling on his arm, guiding him downward as if some all-knowing entity controlled it. He flipped his body over to see where he was heading and beheld the dark moon that had distracted him during the battle when the portal first appeared.

A towering gray mountain came into view, and the precious stone in his hand seemed to take him straight towards it. Left with no choice, he surrendered to the onyx crystal's will and allowed it to guide his floating body. Shredder observed the devastated surface of this strange moon, pounded away by the impact of many craters. More details came into view the closer he drifted to the ground. There were signs everywhere that intelligent life once inhabited this now desolate wasteland. Moon dust caked the collapsed structures and rubble ridden streets, yet they remained distinguishable across the rocky landscape.

These surrounding craters did not form naturally by any asteroid or comet, in his opinion. They looked more akin to the aftermath of a nuclear blast or a similar type of powerful weapon, used intentionally to level everything in its wake. Shredder marveled at the power of these ancient weapons. If only he could get a grasp on this technology, the turtles would not stand a chance against him.

He landed softly on his feet at the base of a border wall that surrounded the remnants of what must have once been a major city with millions of inhabitants. The towering gray mountain was directly before him, and although the pulsating crystal was no longer controlling his movement, he could somehow tell that it wanted him to go in that direction.

Shredder walked through the eerily quiet streets of the devastated city as he headed towards the ominous mountain. Nothing lived within these walls. There were no birds flying in the air or critters scurrying on the ground. All that remained was death. Then he saw the remains of those who once lived here. Vicious monsters appeared, permanently trapped in stone like eternal statues. Most of the unfortunate souls were looking up towards the sky, their hideous expressions locked with the pure terror and anguish of their last moments of life before they met their fates.

Oroku Saki marched on, not at all perturbed by the carnage surrounding him. He could now see that what he had initially thought was a mountain was not in any way a natural formation, but the ruins of an enormous palace. He climbed around the collapsed spires, columns, gigantic chunks of stone and other building materials until he made it to a lengthy staircase that took him into a broken gateway leading to the castle's main hall.

The onyx crystal illuminated the interior of the grand palace. He stepped onto a checkered marble floor that had astonishingly remained undamaged from the war, making his way to the center of the black and white chamber where he spotted an elaborate altar. Runes in an unknown language adorned the tomb-like structure which shimmered to life as he approached it. The appearance of the radiating crystal activated the magical runes, unlocking the altar. Shredder pushed away the top slab of stone, revealing the skeletal remains of a hideous woman inside of the sarcophagus. Her once elegant dress lay faded atop her yellowed bones, its cloth withered by time. The dead woman's decayed hands held the shaft of a broken silver staff that was missing its headpiece.

The crystal pulsated so brightly that he needed to shield his eyes from it with his free hand. This is where it had wanted him to go. Was that staff the powerful weapon that had caused this calamity? If so, maybe he could harness it to escape this fallen metropolis. He thrust the crystal into the socket on top of the rotting woman's staff. The vibrant inscriptions on the sarcophagus exploded, breaking apart the tomb. Ground beneath his boots quivered and shook before he could pry the staff away from the corpse's lifeless grasp.

The reunited device floated several feet above the woman's remains as the tremors increased. Shredder fell onto his back, unable to maintain his footing as large pieces of marble and debris rained down from the damaged ceiling, cracking the well preserved checkered floor. He knew he could not make it out of here alive, even if he ran away like a coward. Instead, he watched in awe as the hovering staff fired a ferocious laser beam into the unstable ceiling of the once magnificent palace, blasting a hole so wide that he could see the twinkling stars of outer space once again.

The staff's crystal fired its laser through the gaping ceiling and into the endless vastness of space until a swirling red cloud emerged, swelling from the crystal's power. Shredder could have sworn that he spotted a devilish face within the demonic smoke as it descended from the heavens and onto the altar where enveloped the frail corpse. The lifeless husk levitated out of the broken sarcophagus, consumed by the cloud's frightening magic. Her once decayed flesh softened throughout her body, regaining its vibrancy from her face all the way down her torso, spreading to her arms and long legs. Her finger nails grew back, painted a ruby red to match the long locks of wild hair sprouting from the woman's head. The transforming energy even revitalized her elegant dress, it's once faded color restored to a dark purple. The tatters, rips and stains of her garments all but disappeared while the gold and silver jewelry that adorned her body sparkled in the crystal's glow with renewed luster. A tiara rested atop her head with a similar dark stone that glimmered to life as a reanimated arm slowly reached outward until its fingers seized hold of the long silver staff. A flare of purple light reverberated through the palace, shaking the supporting columns of the citadel until her eyes finally opened wide, fueled by the energy of the onyx crystal.

"I am Queen Beryl. Ruler of the Dark Kingdom." Awesome power of the shard surged throughout her entire body, bringing a sadistic smile to her beautiful face. She landed on the marble tile, admiring the ominous cloud of red smoke swirling over the palace before gazing upon the intruder. "Who might you be?"

Chapter 20:

"My name is Oroku Saki. Leader of the notorious foot-clan. Master of the art of ninjitsu." This mystifying witch did not intimidate the warrior. His eyes locked onto her from underneath his helmet, ready to fight if need be. "But you may refer to me as Master Shredder."

"How did such a strong and handsome man from the planet earth like yourself discover my lost onyx crystal?" the lady spoke seductively, but her words did not charm him. Deceiving this fool may prove difficult."Why does it matter to you?" Shredder defied the Queen. She may appear beautiful now, but he knew what she truly was: a rotten and withered corpse brought back to life by the foul magic of the crystal and that red silhouette hovering over the derelict castle. Shredder was unwilling to tell her about Krang and dimension X. He clenched his fists, exposing the three-pronged claws attached to his gauntlets. One quick slash across her exposed throat would send her right back to eternal rest. "That lump of radioactive rock is mine by right. Give it back to me now or prepare to face the consequences, woman!"

"This magnificent gemstone belonged to me, thousands of years ago." the Queen let out a brief chuckle, ignoring Shredder's threat. "I kept it hidden in a far away dimension where no mere mortal could obtain it, just in case they defeated me during my attack on the Silver Millenium."

"I have never heard of such a place!" Shredder's purple cape fluttered behind him as he approached the beautiful sorceress with disdain.

"There was a great celestial war many years ago, as you can see. My forces overwhelmed the primitive lands on earth, forcing them to surrender and submit to my will. That is when I first met Prince Endymion. I offered him a chance to save his planet if he would bend the knee and become my Heavenly King. But he dared to reject my generous offer of mercy!" Anger and resentment crossed her face at the very mention of the Prince's name. " Soon I came to learn that Endymion and the Princess of the moon were secretly in love with one another. His heart belonged to her and I could not persuade him to relinquish it, no matter the cost! Fueled by my jealously, and the power of Supreme Evil Queen Metalia, I turned my full attention to the princess's Silver Millenium and eradicated it from existence!"

"Things did not work out so well for you after the war ended, it seems." Shredder mocked in his deep voice, gesturing at the rubble within the devastated palace and the ruins outside. The fallen buildings, monstrous statues, gaping wide craters were all that remained from the ancient civilization. Beryl brushed past him, walking towards the exit of her palace to survey the remnants of her crushed kingdom from the castle's elevated vantage point.

"I slew the arrogant prince and his pathetic Moon Princess along with her guardians, the Sailor Senshi!" Beryl relived the glorious memories of her ancient triumph, but then her expression quickly soured as she recalled her bitter defeat. "Queen Serenity of the Moon Kingdom survived the battle and escaped my wrath. Harnessing the power of her illusionary silver crystal, the vengeful mother sacrificed her own life in order to defeat me and my wonderful kingdom, sealing me away in that enchanted tomb for thousands of years, banishing my palace into this strange dimension. A lot of time has passed since then. Both of our ancient empires completely erased from history, reduced to nothing but myth and legend, while your planet earth slowly rebuilt itself into what it is today."

"Your foolish love for that prince was your downfall." Shredder remarked.

"I have had centuries to reflect on my past mistakes." the Queen glanced upward at the red mist over the palace. "But by bringing the Onyx Crystal back to its rightful place, you have awakened the Supreme Evil Queen Metalia. Her enchantment has given me the gift of life and rebirth so I can fulfill my destiny and annihilate the earth along with the rest of the solar system. I've waited patiently for thousands of years for this opportunity of redemption to arise!"

"Your fairy tale and that pathetic smog do not impress me." Oroku Saki spat at the ominous entity. His patience was wearing thin. The more the chatty queen spoke of the ancient past, the more he wanted to take the staff and its crystal away from her by force.

Chapter 21

"Queen Metalia and I are in your debt, there is no need to shed any violence here." Beryl sensed the ninja master's angst and smiled at him with her full red lips, lowering his metal claws back down to his sides with her soft fingertips. "You are free to return to your realm if you so wish. I shall provide you safe passage."
Beryl waved the silver staff, summoning a portal just outside of her decrepit palace. The fantastic anomaly started as a small blur of purple and black energy, but it stretched wider and wider until a round grey shape came into view.

"My Technodrome!" Shredder shouted in dismay once the dilapidated sphere became distinguishable. Plumes of smoke rose from the eyeball atop the metallic structure. Then he spotted four green figures scurrying away from his inflamed base that threatened to implode upon itself at any moment. Shredder immediately descended the castle's steps, heading towards the magical threshold, his thirst for revenge so great that he forgot all about the witch and her powerful staff at the very sight of his mutated adversaries. "Those reptile freaks are getting away!"

"Before you go..." Beryl teleported directly in front of the armored warlord, blocking his path. Shredder's eyebrows scrunched inward with annoyance from underneath his mask. "Allow me to propose an alliance. I promise to reward you for your efforts if you decide to stay here and help me."

"How so?" The Shredder asked, suddenly intrigued as he watched the four green dots disappear from within the flickering portal. His blood boiled with rage at the distant sight of his enemies, but it was too late to catch them now. The Technodrome was in shambles, all of his robots and foot soldiers broken or defeated. He would have to come up with an alternative plan, something the pesky turtles would not expect. That alien brain Krang and his army of rock soldiers from dimension X have failed him time and time again, proving to be useless allies. Maybe he could take advantage of this mad woman and use that dust cloud's strange abilities to his benefit.

"The Supreme Evil, Queen Metalia is currently in a weakened state and requires the essence of human energy to regain power." the sorceress pointed the staff at the ominous entity looming overhead. "Become my champion, Oroku Saki. Act as my envoy on the planet earth until Metalia is strong enough to return. It will be your mission to gather up as much energy as you can from the pathetic earthlings. I will nurture Metalia until the time is right to strike!"

"That polluted fog has shown me nothing but petty tricks!" Shredder grunted. "I need to see more of what you and this Metalia is capable of, if I am to do your bidding."

"Very well." Beryl raised her staff over her head and fired a laser through the open portal. The fantastic beam wrapped itself around the Technodrome like a fiery chain of blinding light, seizing hold of the gigantic sphere. The Queen moaned from exertion as she tugged on the staff, struggling to draw the smoking structure towards the shimmering portal. Oroku Saki retracted his claws and grabbed a portion of the staff's handle to assist her efforts. She smiled seductively as her long red nails scratched against his metal gauntlets. They pulled on the staff with their combined might, sending the Foot Clan's unstable base flying through the threshold, rocketing across the black sky like a shooting star until it crash landed on a crater just outside of the palace. Beryl stepped away from the ninja master, giving him a wink before she fired another blast at the Technodrome.

"What are you doing?" Shredder shouted in anger. Beryl's wild red hair soared behind her head while she poured the crystal's energy into the damaged structure. The beam exploded into the sphere with an incredible flash of energy. She collapsed to her knees, gasping for breath. The flawless gemstone no longer glimmered, having used up all of its reserves. Beryl used the silver staff as a crutch to push herself back onto her feet and pointed at the Shredder's base with one of her long fingernails.

To his astonishment, the onyx crystal had completely rebuilt the Technodrome. Fires were extinguished and smoke no longer leaked out of intimidating eye on the top of the massive structure. The eerie pupil moved about, curiously scanning its new environment on this alien planet. Advanced weaponry and cannons were back to their pristine working condition, and even the exterior showed no signs of damage.

"I have fully restored your base to its original glory thanks to my precious crystal's magic. You and the foot-clan are now the esteemed guests of the Dark Kingdom. Here you will remain safe and kept hidden from your enemies as you collect human energy for the Supreme Evil, Queen Metalia!" Beryl reached out to the intimidating man and removed the metal mask that covered his rugged countenance. The ninja stared into her with a dour expression as she beheld the vicious scar that marked his weathered face. "What do you say, Oroku Saki? Will you become my Heavenly King?"

Chapter 22:

"I will take your generous offer under careful consideration. For now, I must see what remains of the Foot-Clan and ensure that this refortification is no mere ruse or illusion on your part." Shredder stormed past the Queen of the Dark Kingdom, marching over piles of rubble and debris to make his way back to the Technodrome. "I will have my head scientist Baxter Stockman design and manufacture weapons to aid in your request. I am confident that he can invent modern weaponry capable of draining energy from the filthy dregs of New York City, if he still lives, that is."

"That is an excellent idea!" the lady Beryl commented with enthusiasm, but his slight hesitation did not please her. She needed to make certain that Shredder trusted her and would fully cooperate as her pawn. "Queen Metalia will be an unstoppable force once you have succeeded. I assure you that those repulsive green creatures and that nasty vermin will be no match for the Supreme Evil. You will finally have retribution for what they've done to you."

"How do you know of my enemies?" the puzzled Shredder came to a halt as the Technodrome activated in anticipation of his re-entry. A metallic ramp descended from the spherical base and touched down onto the rocky terrain.

"The onyx crystal revealed many things when it brought me back to life. Vivid visions of both the past and present." Queen Beryl glanced at the rumbling cloud lingering above her palace. "I know all about your past, Master Shredder. We have much in common. Our fateful meeting is no mere coincidence. It is destiny."

"I am nothing like you, ancient witch!" Shredder's boots thudded against the steel ramp as he stomped up the incline. "Now get out of my way, I am done talking!"

"Tang Shen was a lovely woman." Queen Beryl blurted just before the warrior reached the gateway. It's such a tragedy that she perished in that fire all those years ago."

"Never mention that name again." the angered ninja stopped in his tracks, turning to face the sorceress. He exposed a set of sharp claws and gave her a warning glance.
"Her striking beauty infatuated you, but unfortunately her heart belonged to another. Hamato Yoshi, your top rival at the secret ninjitsu dojo you both trained in. You watched in bitter shame for years as they fell in love, got married and brought forth a beautiful daughter into this world. Your abhorrence and disdain for your rival led to the formulation of a plan to assassinate Yoshi while heroically saving your desired love and her newborn." Lady Beryl continued, ignoring the Shredder's vicious threat. "Rebel ninjas who also hated Hamato Yoshi followed your orders and set fire to his residence. You charged into the apartment as wild flames engulfed the building, but Yoshi was ready as if expecting you. Sparks flew as your swords clashed, locked in a deadly combat over the woman you both loved. Yoshi's blade slashed across your cheek, narrowly missing a killing blow. He could have finished you off, but he abandoned the duel to save his wife. Shen remained trapped in her bedroom, unable to escape with their beautiful daughter. By the time he got to them, it was too late."

"Hamato Yoshi will pay for all he's done to torment me!" Shredder ripped off his mask to graze his gauntleted fingers along the scar that remained from that fateful night. The mark's permanent presence was a constant reminder of his failure to slay his enemy and claim the woman that he coveted. "It was his fault that Tang Shen perished in those flames!"

"It is so terrible that neither of us could win over the hearts of those that we loved. Your Tang Shen… my Prince Endymion... both dead because of our own hatred and jealousy." the lady cupped his exposed face into her hands and peered deeply into his hateful eyes."I know your pain Oroku Saki, more so then anyone else in your world could understand!"

Chapter 23:

"Then you understand why I am chasing a rat and four turtles?" Shredder broke away from the woman's grip, stepping through the gateway and into the long narrow hallway leading to the central chamber of his restored headquarters. Beryl gave chase and entered the futuristic base before the metallic doors clamped shut behind her.

"Yes, I also know the truth behind those mutated abominations you are after." Beryl's heels clicked onto the metal grating as she pursued the impatient warrior down the passageway lined with blinking lights and other electronic gadgets. Masked Foot-Soldiers in matching uniforms stood at attention, frozen in stillness as their master made his way onward, paying no mind to the stunning lady who chased after him in her revealing dress. "After Shen's tragic death you left Japan and settled in New York City where you formed the foot-clan, turning it into one of the most feared criminal organizations the world has ever known."

"I have." Shredder acknowledged his proud accomplishments, but did not stop marching.

"Hamato Yoshi ventured to New York to stop you but was so overcome with grief; reduced to living in the sewers amongst rodents where he nearly starved to death; until he came into contact with a cracked canister of mutagen that had spilled into the sewers, transforming him into an anthropomorphic rat. That is when he found four baby turtles covered in a slimy ooze. He gathered them into a can and took them deep into the sewers, where he watched in astonishment as they grew larger and more intelligent. After a year they gained the ability to walk upright and even speak just as a human child would! That is when he passed on his knowledge of ninjitsu to them, training his students beneath the city for over fifteen years until his four adoptive sons were ready to take down you and your crime syndicate. They have been a thorn in your side ever since their appearance. You will never find peace until we eliminate them!"

"Hmmph." Shredder made his way into the central chamber where hundreds of his foot-soldiers lined up along the perimeter's balcony awaiting their master. Ninjas stood at attention armed to the teeth with swords, throwing stars, guns and other assorted weaponry. The monitors and computer systems were fully operational once again awaiting his commands. Queen Beryl's magic proved quite impressive. They were ready for war.

"I also seek revenge for the past." Beryl flirtatiously wrapped an arm around one of his gauntlets, leaning against his armored shoulder. "The onyx crystal has shown me that in her final moments, Queen Serenity used the last of her power to save the souls of her daughter the Moon Princess, her guardians the Sailor Senshi and even my lost love prince Endymion, reincarnating them into the modern world. They will no doubt try to thwart our efforts."

"So what?" Shredder nudged the woman off as he continued to examine the restored control room. An ancient order of celestial guardians did not phase him. "Why should I care?"

"Can't you see how our destines are linked?" Beryl argued. "It is no mere coincidence that we shared the same fate until this meeting point. But with our combined efforts, we can finally get the revenge we so desire and bring this planet to its heels. You may never come to love me, but I will accept that if you help me exact my vengeance. The Supreme Evil will engulf this earth if you are successful. Together we can rule over the devastation as equals once we have defeated once all of our enemies!"

"Welcome back, boss!" The mutated rhinoceros Rocksteady thundered into the central chamber alongside his cohort, Bebop.

"Hey!" the massive warthog muttered asked as he noticed the strange woman caressing their leader. "Who's the chick?"

"This is lady Beryl, Queen of the Dark Kingdom! Show her some respect!" Shredder announced loudly so that the mutants and all of his men could hear him. "For I am to be her Heavenly King!"

Chapter 24:

A chilly wind blew into the Hikawa temple's meditation room, threatening to extinguish the dancing flames of the fiery altar. The shrine maiden shivered in her sopping overalls, her forehead burning with fever. She twisted and turned on the wooden floor, stuck in a miserable slumber that she could not awaken from.

Rei felt trapped in a terrible nightmare. Vivid images of a bleak future event flashed across her mind and she could not escape it. She found herself transformed into Sailor Mars, clad in a red skirt and matching heels in the middle of a crowded New York City plaza. An ominous cloud rolled in over the horizon, consuming the tall skyscrapers that surrounded her with smoke and booming thunder. A murder of Crows squawked loudly at the oncoming storm from their perch on top of telephone wires. They flew off when the sky darkened, flapping their wings in haste as the cloud drew closer.

Citizens darted out of their vehicles, fleeing on foot from an unseen foe. Pedestrians scrambled in a mad panic from the encroaching cloud and the towering figure accompanying it on the ground. A Youma or demon unlike any she had ever encountered before stomped over a sea of yellow cabs with its armored boots, filling the city with the sounds of crunched metal and terrifying screams. It swung a massive black sword, cleaving through whatever blocked his path in search of human flesh. Concrete and glass rained onto the pavement as the deadly cloud consumed the city overhead, flashing red bolts of lightning over Manhattan. The direct strikes transformed the frightened public into grotesque abominations, adding zombie-like soldiers to its growing army.

The mythical figure stood at least fifty feet tall, covered from head to toe in titanium armor baring sharp spikes. A fierce helmet shadowed its face with a pit of darkness. Police fired their pistols at this giant, but bullets ricocheted away harmlessly. Even the brave officers gave up and ran from the horror alongside the rest of the scared New Yorkers. An endless army of undead followed in the warrior's wake, devouring all those unfortunate souls who could not get away in time.

"This is just a bad dream." Rei muttered, hoping it would snap her back to reality. A sickening groan took her attention skyward, where she beheld a devilish face within the crimson cloud glaring down at her. The creepy countenance reminded her of a defeated enemy from the past. One she did not expect to fight ever again. It was not even possible! Sailor Moon had sealed her away for good! But regardless, Mars could not just stand there and watch Queen Metalia or whatever this entity was destroy the beloved American city. Sailor Mars pushed against the traffic of fleeing citizenry until she spotted another familiar figure squaring up against the armored demon. The female charged forth with her magical wand, ready to meet the black blade all by herself.

"Sailor Moon!" Mars shouted in horror. Her best friend faced this ferocious beast alone. Where were the other sailor guardians? She raced to her companion's aid, but it was too late. The pigtailed senshi met the monster's sword with a mighty swing, but her pink wand was no match for the demon's steel. The armored brute shattered the moon stick before running his blade through the belly of the Moon Princess. Blood saturated Sailor Moon's white gloves and sailor suit as she collapsed to the street. Life quickly slipped away with no one present to comfort her in her last moments. "NO!" Mars cried out in anguish. Sailor Moon could not die like this. The guardian lit up up the streets in a blaze of fire, carving a path through the scores of undead, but she was not strong enough to reach Sailor Moon in time. Zombies snarled and hissed, tearing at her sailor suit and clawing at exposed flesh, but it was an evil laugh that froze Mars in her tracks. Queen Beryl thundered into Manhattan, descending from the clouds and onto the cracked pavement. Her sadistic smile spread wide, marveling at all the destruction wrought by the Supreme Evil and her minions. Tears dripped from Rei's eyes as she turned to face the vile witch. She pressed her fingertips together and pointed at the sorceress, summoning a swirling fireball at her adversary, but the Queen was ready for her, easily absorbing the attack with her silver staff. The weapon spun around in a blur, striking Mars in the back of her head before she could react.

"My time has finally come, sailor senshi!" Beryl cackled in victory, standing tall over the fallen guardian. "The earth is mine!"
Mars could only watch in horror as the witch waved her staff and unleashed an orb of dark energy upon her. The senshi screeched in agonizing pain upon impact. Her fingers and toes melted away one by one from the evil force, slowly erasing her entire body from existence. Mars could faintly hear Beryl laughing until her voice faded away and everything went black.