I don't own the rights to any of the characters in this fanfic, nor do I claim them. The idea, however, is mine. Enjoy!
This Time Around
Chapter 4
As the golden crescent moon on Serena's forehead slowly began to vanish, a feeling of dread washed over her. "We've got to find Rini right away," she said. "Sailor Scouts, transform!"
"Serena," Rei began, "you don't know if that's Rini or not. There's no way to know."
"And we won't know until we get over there," Serena retorted. "Now transform!"
"Serena, under normal circumstances we would listen to you," Amy began. "However, Sailor Pluto told us there was a possibility that the ones searching for Rini don't know where she is. If we use our powers unnecessarily, they'll be able to pinpoint her location easily."
"You said yourself that had to be Rini," Serena pointed out. "I don't want to take any risks. She could end up getting hurt."
"Why are you so worried about her," Mina asked as she placed a hand on Serena's arm. "I'm sure she's fine."
"I don't know why I'm worried like this, Mina," she replied. "It's just a gut feeling I have, and I've got to act on it! Besides, she's just a child!"
"Well, no one will get anything done if you continue to stand here and argue," Mia stated. "I will take Serena into the city to investigate the cause of the beam."
"I'll go too," Lita said as she stepped forward.
"So will I," Kento echoed. "And even if it isn't Rini, we can look around for her while we're in town."
Serena smiled at the three volunteers. "Thank you," she said as Mia went inside the house to get her keys and purse. When she came back out, she smiled at the three warriors.
"Well, let's go," Mia said as she motioned towards the jeep. As the three girls and Kento got into the jeep, Rei walked over to the vehicle.
"You guys be really careful," she said. "There's still the chance that the new enemy did make it here. If there's any trouble, make sure to contact us right away. The link will be open."
"Sure thing, Rei! I'll keep these three out of trouble," Kento replied with a wink. He, Serena, and Lita waved at the group as Mia drove off. As the jeep rounded the corner, Rei stood with her arms crossed, and had a worried look on her face. She leaned into Ryo as he put an arm around her shoulder.
"Everything will be fine, Rei," Ryo said softly. "They'll call us if they need us."
"Well, I'm sure a column of light shooting down from the sky isn't a normal sighting," Rei replied. She glanced up at Ryo and smiled. "But thank you for trying to conform me."
"Anytime, Rei," he replied.
She looked back towards the driveway, and saw the red jeep in the distance. "Do you have somewhere I can meditate," Rei asked.
"Yeah, sure. Follow me," Ryo said, grabbing Rei's hand and leading her into the house. As they disappeared inside, Mina turned to the remaining warriors and Yuli.
"Well, what should we do now," she asked, looking at Amy, Sage, Sai, Rowen, and Yuli.
"I, for one, would like to know how we ended up here, of all places," Amy began. She looked at Sai and smiled. "I'm glad we're here, but I can't help but to wonder whether it was chance or fate."
"That's a good point, Amy," Mina replied.
"What do you mean by chance or fate," Rowen asked.
"Well, it was fate for us to become Sailor Scouts, and for Serena to become the Princess of the Moon once again," Amy began. "However, it was purely chance that we met you."
"Yeah, it seems that everything that has happened to us affects us in one way or the other," Mina added.
Yuli, who didn't exactly understand what the teenagers were talking about, cleared his throat. "Um, Miss Mina, Miss Amy," he asked shyly. He blushed as the two girls looked down at him. "Do you think you could tell me more about your powers?"
"Sure, Yuli," Mina replied as she sat down on the ground. She patted a spot next to her, and the small boy eagerly sat down. Sai, Amy, Rowen, and Sage sat down as well. "Now, Serena tells the story a lot better than I can, but I'll tell it the best that I can."
"I'll help out, too," Amy added. Yuli smiled at both girls and listened attentively.
"It all started about a millennia ago," Mina began as she cleared her throat.
* * * * *
"Mia, your house isn't as far from the city as it looked," Lita said, adjusting in her seat. She was in the passenger side while Kento and Serena were sitting in the back.
"Yes, it does look far away, but it's actually really close," Mia replied, while keeping her eyes on the road. "I remember once when Ryo ran from the house, into town. That was when he first got the Swords of Fervor."
"Yeah, I remember that," Kento commented. "He was so depressed because he thought we didn't want him as our leader. The truth was that we were worried that his Wildfire swords would break if he used his sure-skill. If that had happened in the middle of combat, and we weren't there with him, he could have been in real trouble."
"So what happened," Lita asked as she turned slightly towards Kento.
"Well, when Ryo first used the Armor of Inferno, the power from the armor was so great that it caused his swords to crack," Kento stated. "Then we found out that there were swords that were specifically wielded for the Armor of Inferno. The only problem was that this guy from the Dynasty named Saber Stryke had them. It all turned out fine in the end, because Ryo was able to defeat him."
As the three continued to talk, Serena looked out the window, deep in her own thoughts. 'Why do I feel so strongly towards a girl I don't even know,' she asked herself. 'And what's going on with my reaction to that light I saw? It's all so confusing.'
"Serena, you sure are being quiet back there," Mia stated as the jeep came to a stop sign. She looked back at Serena in the rear-view mirror and smiled. "What's on your mind?"
"Not much," Serena replied. "I'm just wondering how we're going to find the spot that beam of light was."
"Well, I know the city pretty well, and judging from the position of the beam, the location should be somewhere near here," Mia stated.
"Sounds good to me," Lita said.
Serena nodded her head, however remained quiet. 'I just hope we're not too late,' she said silently.
* * * * *
Kite backed away from Rini slightly as the light emitting from the girl slowly began to fade away. "What was that," she demanded. "You're too little to use the powers of the crystal, so it couldn't have been that! What did you do?"
"I don't know what it was," Rini replied. "It just happened." She picked Luna-P up, hugging it to her chest. "What do you want with me? Just leave me alone."
"I already told you, girl," Kite replied. "I've come for that crystal! I might as well grab you while I'm at it. I'm sure my Master can find something interesting to do with you and that power you just used."
"I won't go with you," Rini screamed. Her body finally began to cooperate as she took off running. Kite smiled and then disappeared. As Rini was running, she looked behind her and stopped as she realized Kite was no longer around. She sighed in relief and sank down to her knees. "Sailor Pluto," she whimpered as she shook Luna-P. "Please help me!" She gasped as a shadow settled over her.
"I told you, Rini," Kite said. "I won't give up until I have what I want from you!" She grabbed at the little girl, however Luna-P flew up into her face, giving Rini the chance she needed to run.
"Come on, Luna-P," Rini yelled. The ball floated towards her, and she picked it up. "Luna Ball Kitty Magic!" A gun suddenly appeared in her hand, and she pointed it towards the woman. Kite looked at her and started laughing.
"What are you going to do with that toy," she asked.
"I'm warning you, stay away from me," Rini said. As Kite began to advance towards her, Rini shot the gun and a net flew out of the barrel. The net wrapped around Kite, and she fell to the ground.
"You little brat," she said venomously as the gun turned back into Luna-P. "Seems I have underestimated you." Kite closed her eyes in concentration and seconds later the net disappeared. She smiled evilly as she stood up. "My turn." The upside-down crescent moon on her forehead began to glow black with dark energy until almost the entire surrounding area was pitch black. A beam shot out straight towards Rini, and as it drew nearer to her, all of the energy in the area formed into a net and pinned her to the wall . . .
"Did you see that," Serena asked.
"That black light," Mia stated. "Yeah, I saw it, too. It was nearby." Mia parked the jeep, and the four people got out.
"We could really use Amy right about now," Lita said as they looked around. "At least we would know where to go." Suddenly, a scream pierced the air, and the small group ran in the direction they had heard it come from. As they rounded the corner, Serena gasped. In the distance, they saw a tiny pink-haired girl and a woman glowing black. Serena was about to run over there, however Lita pulled her back around the corner.
"Wait, Serena," she said. "We can't just barge over there!"
"That's got to be Rini," Serena exclaimed. "We've got to . . ."
"Let's contact the others," Lita interrupted.
"No time, Lita," Serena replied. "Moon Crystal Power!" As her transformation finished, Sailor Moon tossed her communicator to Mia. "Push the button on the side to link to the other Scouts." She turned to Lita and Kento. "Are you going to help?"
Wordlessly, Lita pulled out her transformation wand. "Jupiter Star Power!" Sailor Jupiter joined Sailor Moon's side and as they turned to Kento, he was already in his sub-armor.
"Armor of Hardrock, tao gi," he yelled out. Once he was in full armor, he turned to Mia. "Make sure the other Ronins come, too. We might need them. Stay out of sight, Mia."
"Alright, Kento," she replied. "All of you be careful."
"Thank you, Mia," Sailor Moon said. "We'll be careful." Mia watched as the three warriors disappeared.
Meanwhile, Kite stepped in front of Rini. She cocked her head to the side as Rini struggled against the energy net. "Now do tell me, Rini," she began. "Where is the Silver Emperial Crystal?"
"Even if I did have it, I wouldn't give it to you," Rini shouted, glaring at the woman.
Kite frowned and narrowed her eyes. "Are you sure about that," she asked. She stepped away from Rini and raised her hand in the air. As she slowly began to close her palm, electricity began to surround the net around Rini and she screamed in pain.
"Aah," Rini screamed. "No, please stop it!"
Kite began to laugh evilly. "Give me the crystal, and I will!"
"Please," Rini cried. "I don't have it." She screamed louder as Kite squeezed her hand closed again.
"Hey you," a voice shouted out. Both Kite and Rini looked up as two sailor-suited figures jumped down from a building. "How dare you lay a hand on a child!"
"Who are you," Kite asked, turning away from Rini, towards the two girls.
"I am Sailor Moon," Sailor Moon stated.
"And I'm Sailor Jupiter," Jupiter added.
"How about you take us on instead of the girl, if you dare," Sailor Moon continued. "The evils you have committed today are unforgivable! In the name of the moon, we will punish you!" She looked beyond Kite's shoulder as Kento silently inched towards Rini. As he grabbed the net, electricity shot out and surrounded him. Kite glanced backward and began laughing as both he and Rini screamed in pain.
"I wouldn't touch that net if I were you," she warned. She turned around to look at him, and recognition crossed her face. "Kento of Hardrock. I was warned about you and the other Ronins." She turned back towards the two Sailor Scouts. "But who are you two annoyances?"
"Who we are doesn't matter," Jupiter said. "You'll give us the girl if you know what's good for you!"
"If you want her, take her," Kite replied. She flipped backwards towards Kento and kicked him in the stomach, sending him flying back, and landing painfully next to Rini. The net expanded so that he, too, was pinned to the wall.
"Kento," Sailor Moon exclaimed, turning angrily towards their new enemy. She gasped as she noticed for the first time, the black, upside-down crescent moon on Kite's forehead. "Who are you, and where are you from," she demanded.
"Silly child," Kite began. "You truly are not a worthy opponent. I am Kite of the Black Moon Dynasty."
"What do you want with this girl," Kento asked, struggling against the net.
"Enough of your questions," Kite exclaimed. She turned towards Sailor Moon. "I'll show you what it is to be a real warrior!" She jumped into the air, and began throwing energy towards her. Sailor Moon screamed as the energy hit the ground around her, sending her flying backwards.
"Jupiter Thunderclap Zap," Jupiter shouted. As the attack flew towards Kite, black energy from her crescent moon shot out, forming a shield around her. As Jupiter's attack hit the shield, it was reciprocated right back at her. "Hey," Jupiter exclaimed as she jumped out of the way of her own attack.
Kite began to laugh. "Well, at least you're entertaining! If you're done, I'll take what I came for now," she said, moving towards Rini.
Sailor Moon stood up and put her hand up to her tiara. "Moon Tiara Magic," she shouted. The disk flew towards Kite, and she caught it. "I don't believe it," Sailor Moon gasped.
"Oh, how sad," Kite said with mock sorrow. "You're absolutely pathetic!" She tossed the tiara back to Sailor Moon, and as she caught it, energy wrapped around her.
"What's going on," Sailor Moon asked. The energy continued to wrap around her body, and then formed into a net. "Let me go," she screamed. As she fell to the ground, Kite began to laugh.
"Mercury Bubbles Freeze," Mercury shouted. Kite looked up in surprise, but it was too late as she was frozen in place.
"Sailor Moon, are you okay," Mars asked as she, Mercury, Venus, Halo, Wildfire, Strata, and Torrent jumped down from the building. Sage went to check on Kento and Rini.
"Yes, I'm fine," Sailor Moon said. She looked towards Kento and Rini right as Sage reached towards the net. "No! Don't touch it!" Her warning came too late as the trio was shocked. "Don't touch the nets, guys," she warned the others.
All eyes turned towards Kite as her frozen figure began to shake. It shattered in a blast of dark energy, as they heard her scream. "That was a dirty trick," she growled through clenched teeth. "Which one of you . . ." She allowed her voice to trail off as she realized that there were seven newcomers.
"We've got you outnumbered, Kite," Jupiter said.
'Oh no, the other Ronins,' Kite said to herself as she took in her surroundings. 'And three other warriors dressed similarly to the ones with Hardrock.' She got into a fighting stance, and as she reached for her sword, a hand rested on her shoulder.
"Kite, leave it for another time," a man said to her, standing close behind her.
Kite smiled and leaned back against him. "Lotus," she sighed as she turned to face him. Lotus was wearing a dark blue body suit, a black cape, which swept the ground, and black, knee-high boots. He had a diamond stud in his ear, and the hilt of his sword peeked out from the folds of his cape. He had short, sandy-blonde hair, and his bangs partially hid the black crescent moon on his forehead. Kite stared up into his piercing blue eyes. "What are you doing here," she asked.
Lotus brushed her bangs out of her eyes. "I always watch over you, love," he whispered, causing her to blush slightly. He looked back up towards the ten warriors and frowned. "The reign of the Black Moon Dynasty is nigh," he said. "Your victory here does not mean our defeat! Let's go, Kite."
"I'll be back for you, Rini," Kite said to the little girl. "Until we meet again, child." With those final words, both she and Lotus disappeared. After they were gone, the nets around Kento, Sailor Moon, and Rini began to dissipate. As soon as she was free, Sailor Moon ran over towards Kento and Rini.
"Are you okay, Kento," she asked. She smiled as he nodded his head. She then turned her attention towards Rini, who was looking at her strangely. "Don't be scared, Rini," she began, kneeling down eye-level to the girl. "We're here to help you. What was going on?"
"I was here looking for someone, and that woman just showed up," Rini said quietly. She picked up Luna-P as it rolled near her.
"She's really shy," Venus stated. "Maybe she doesn't trust us."
"Well, since she's from our future, maybe she doesn't recognize us like this," Sailor Moon suggested. She stood up and de-transformed.
"Do you think that was a good idea," Mercury asked, alarm rising up in her voice. Serena looked at her and nodded her head, then turned back to the small girl.
"Hello, Rini. I'm Serena," she said as she extended her hand.
'That power she used,' Rini thought. 'That had to be the crystal. She's got to be the one!' Rini stepped closer to Serena and hugged her around the waist. "I finally found you," she exclaimed.
To Be Continued . . .