AUTHORS NOTES
DISCLAIMERS: Rights to Sailor Moon are owned by Naoko Taceuchi, Kondansha Publishing, Toei, DiC, Optimum Productions, Cloverway...am I forgetting anything?
This story is supposed to provide an alternate story line to the Sailor Moon series. It starts after the Sailor Moon R series ends (the Death Phantom is destroyed and Rini goes home to Crystal Tokyo). The next events are of my own creation and do not relate to the Sailor Moon S series (at least not intentionally).
I finished this fanfic over a year ago, before the S and SuperS seasons were dubbed in America. Please excuse any attack names that are DiC-ish, because that is what I had to work with at the time. ;) This story, after looking back, seems a cross between Japanese and American references. So, please excuse the term "Negaverse" as opposed to "Dark Kingdom", because the story focuses on Jedite.
Anyway, please enjoy the story!
@@@@@
CHAPTER 13
Mina felt a slight dizziness spell pass over her as she entered the portal. Her vision was slightly blurred as well. Her surroundings were fuzzy, so she couldn't figure out where she was exactly. An image flashed in front of her eyes, however, that seemed crystal clear. It looked like the planet Venus, however, it seemed to glow an orange color.
As it did, Mina felt like someone or something was behind her. It began to speak in a feminine voice. "OBTAIN THE VENUS PLANET CRYSTAL!" the voice cried out. "IGNORE ALL DISTRACTIONS!" With that, the feeling was gone, and so was the vision of the crystal.
@@@@@
"Mina!" shouted a familiar voice.
With her vision cleared up, Mina began to see her surroundings. She was surrounded by the other Sailor Scouts, Darien, and the two cats. In front of her, the portal lay to the tests.
"What?" she asked. "Artemis?"
"Were you listening at all to what we were saying?" asked a somewhat angry Luna. "We were explaining the portal to you."
All the Scouts looked at her. Mina appeared embarrassed. "Oh, uh…sorry guys," she said. "I guess I was daydreaming."
"Anyway," said Artemis keeping a sharp gaze upon Mina, "when you pass through, you might feel dizzy for a few minutes, but that will pass."
Mina looked attentive, but her mind was focusing on something else entirely. "What a feeling of deja vu!" she thought to herself. "I could have sworn I passed through the portal already! I mean, I saw that vision with that 'Venus Planet Crystal.' Maybe I'm taking the test already. Or am I?" As the cats talked, she tried to discern whether this was real or fantasy.
"Now," said Luna in a defiant voice, "the time has…"
As she was about to finish her sentence, a man in a brown suit was seen in the distance. "Mina?" he shouted to them. "Mina Aino?"
"Wonderful," Luna muttered. "Outside interference. Artemis, we have to close the portal!"
"Right," he said back. Using their crescent moons once again, they made the portal shrink until it could no longer be seen.
Not noticing what was going on, the brown suited man ran up to the group. He appeared to be a pudgy, balding man with sun glasses. He carried a business card in his hand. "Mina Aino?" he asked when he finally caught up to the group. "Former actress who played Sailor V?"
Mina was confused. "Y-y-yes?" she stuttered.
The man appeared to be satisfied. "My card," he said, handing Mina the business card.
Mina accepted it, and began to read it out loud. "Russell Brin, Talent Scout?"
"Correctamundo, little lady!" responded Russell. "I search for the best of the best stars in the business, and you, Mina Aino, are perfect for the new film we're doing!" He put his arm around Mina's shoulder. "Can I have a word with you in private?"
"Ummm…hehe," Mina stuttered again, removing his arm from her person, "can I have a word with my friends, first?"
Russell held his hands up, backing off. "Hey, no problem," he said.
Mina stepped over to converse with her friends. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I didn't know this was gonna happen. I'll go blow this guy off, then we'll get down to Sailor business."
"The portal can be reopened, right Luna?" asked Raye.
Luna sighed. "Yes it can," answered Luna. "But please be quick about it, Mina. We've wasted enough time as it is."
Mina nodded, and again made her way toward the cocky Russell. "Look, Mr. Brin," she began, "I don't think that…"
"Woah, woah!" said Russell, cutting her off. "At least hear my offer out!"
Mina crossed her arms, knowing she was expected. "Alright, but make it quick!"
"Okay, okay," said Russell. "I mean we're talking about a multi-million dollar contract here!"
Mina's eyes began to light up. "Multi-million?"
"That's right!" encouraged Russell. "We've started to introduce Sailor V into America. We've signed up a big, live-action movie deal, and hopefully an animated cartoon series afterwards. We want you to play Sailor V's part!"
Mina began to put the tests out of her mind for a moment. "Wow," she uttered. "When do we leave?"
"Why, right now of course!" said the over-confident Russell. "We'll give you a ride home to pack your bags, then we'll give you a ride to the airport. You'll be in America before sun rises!"
Suddenly the words "IGNORE ALL DISTRACTIONS" came back to her mind. She finally realized what they meant. Mina then returned to reality. "Sorry, but…I can't."
Russell seemed shocked. "Why not?" he asked.
"I just can't leave here just like that!" she said in a serious tone. "I can't leave my family, friends and life behind. It's just not right!"
"Friends, shmiends!" muttered Russell. "You could always get new friends!"
"You don't understand!" Mina shouted. "I can't just leave my friends here! Sure, I liked the old days when I was Sailor V. But that was in the past. The people here don't care who I am. Besides, everyone's forgotten about Sailor V, with Sailor Moon around." She then turned her back upon him. "You got a lot of learning to do about life," she muttered.
Russell removed his sunglasses. "So, you wanna remain with your friends, do ya?" he asked.
Mina turned around again. "Duh! That's what I was trying to tell you!"
"Perhaps if your friends weren't there, you would reconsider?" he asked, lowering his voice.
"What do you mean?" asked Mina in an angry tone.
"This!" shouted Russell, raising his hands in the air. His eyes began to flash a reddish-orange color. His hands began to glow with a bright orange energy.
Once Mina saw this, she began to take evasive action. "Guys, look out!" she called to her friends. "He's gonna fire at you!"
It was at this time that the phony-agent fired an energy beam toward the group. Thanks to Mina's warning, everyone took cover before the beam hit.
Russell became furious. He began to change before Mina's eyes. A pink rug with an odd symbol upon it appeared, and covered up his body for a few seconds. When it rose, a well-built man with pink hair and a tank top remained. "I am Hawkseye!" he announced. "You may not have fallen for my illusion, but you will fall for me!"
Mina couldn't believe her eyes. "Are you kidding?" she shouted. "Why would I fall for you? You're just another creepazoid I'm gonna take down!" She posed in a fighting stance.
Hawkseye became even angrier. "In that case, you will perish!" he screamed.
With his magic, six mirrors appeared around him. "Line up, my beauties!" he cried. The mirrors apparently did as he commanded. Each of the mirrors took a place in front of his body. Three on his left side, three on his right.
"Now my mirrors will reflect my fireballs and magnify their power!" Hawkseye triumphantly shouted. His hands glowed orange once again, firing two fireballs at the mirrors close to him.
As he said, the mirrors reflected the fireballs, bouncing off each of the mirrors with ease. When each fireball came to the last mirror, they headed toward the center, converging into one giant fireball. After that happened, the newly formed projectile streaked toward Mina.
Mina dodged the fireball with only inches to spare. She ended up tripping and falling upon her face. As she tried to pull herself up, Hawkseye only laughed. "You can't stop me!" he boomed confidently. "My powers reflected are hundreds of times greater than you will ever know!"
"How am I gonna get out of this?" she thought. Suddenly, she remembered something important. She reached into her pocket, and pulled out a small object. It was a make-up compact.
Hawkseye turned his whole body to face her. The mirrors shifted position as well. His hands started to glow once more, firing two fireballs at the mirrors. "Good-bye, Sailor V!" he shouted.
"In your dreams, Hawk-head!" she shouted, flipping her compact open. As another huge fireball streaked toward her, she threw the compact at the fireball. When the two collided, the fireball was thrown back directly to Hawkseye.
The fireball hit him square in the chest, sending him down on his back. The mirrors around him appeared to dissolve. "What!" he screamed. "I was defeated by make-up?!?"
"It pays to have a mirror in your compact," Mina retorted.
Hawkseye then realized what she had done. She had used her own mirror to redirect his power. "Funny," he muttered. "Defeated by my own game…." He faded away, along with the rest of the world around him.
@@@@@
Mina was at a loss for words. All of the surrounding scenery seemed to dissolve around her with the destruction of Hawkseye. The vacant lot was gone, and so were her friends, and the ground she was standing on. She seemed to be in the middle of void, surrounded by a pulsing orange light, shifting through all the orange shades in the color spectrum.
Soon, an object appeared in front of her. "That's the thing I saw in that vision!" Mina cried out loud. "It's the….um…what's it called…the Venus…um,…Venus…"
"The Venus Planet Crystal," spoke a gentle voice.
"What?" asked Mina. "Who's there?"
Her question was answered with the presence of a new figure. She had long, flowing blonde hair, much like Mina's. Hers however, reached her feet. She wore a shimmering orange dress that fit loosely around her shoulders. Her face appeared aged, but other than that, an exact replica of Mina's. Upon her forehead, shown the symbol of Venus.
"Please take the crystal," she said. "You have earned it."
Mina did as she was asked. As she grasped hold of the crystal, she felt a warm feeling wash over her. "Wow," she muttered. "This is so wicked cool!"
"Congratulations, my dear Mina," said the woman. "You have passed your test."
Mina's eyes lit up. "Really?" she asked in disbelieve. "I did?"
"Yes, you have," the woman responded happily. She then appeared suddenly embarrassed. "I'm sorry," she said. "We haven't been properly introduced. I am Lana, guardian of Venus."
Mina put her hand out in a gesture of friendship. "Pleased to make your acquaintance…" Mina stopped in mid-sentence. She began to realize the resemblance between the figure and herself. "Wait a minute," she thought, "she looks like me. The hair, the facial features, the symbol of Venus. It's uncanny!" Once she realized who she might be, she began to speak again. "Are we…related or something?" she asked.
"Yes," said Lana. "During the Silver Millenium, I was your mother."
Mina gasped. She didn't know what to say. "Wow," she muttered once again. "This is amazing! I always wondered what my life was like during the Silver Millenium."
"You were a wonderful child," Lana responded. "I still remember the day I held you in my arms…" She held out her arms as if she was going to rock a new born baby. Soon, she turned back to reality. "Anyway, my dear Mina, you have done well. You have proven to us that you possess the knowledge that friendship is more important than fame and fortune. I'm very proud of you."
"Thanks," said an overjoyed Mina. "But, who's the 'us', who you were talking about?"
"You'll know in time, my dear," answered Lana. "But for now, you must come with me. We have so much time, and so little to do!"
"That's 'we have so much to do in so little time,'" corrected Mina.
Lana seemed somewhat embarrassed. "Thank you, Mina," she said. "I've had a history of reciting these proverbs the wrong way."
"Trust me, your not alone," Mina said with a smile. Lana took Mina's hand, and began to walk to a specific point, fading into the background as they left the realm.
CHAPTER 14
Ragor stretched his neck once more as he entered the Hall of Commerce. Strangely enough, he was awoken from his sleep-crystal and was told by a blonde-haired woman to come here. He was also told that Beryl was dead, and a new opportunity arose for the Negaverse. He wondered where the other six Generals of Apocalypse were located, for he was their leader.
As Ragor entered, he was met with the gaze of hundreds of other monsters. He recognized a few of them from other creatures locked away in the prison. Others he couldn't quite place. He tried to look for his partners, but he couldn't worm his way through the thick crowd.
The Hall of Commerce was where Queen Beryl ruled from, issued her instructions, performed ceremonies, and delivered punishment. When it was invaded by Sailor Moon, however, it was sealed off from the general public. Only those with high ranking status in Queen Beryl's court add access to it at that time. It was fortunate that Jedite was still a high ranking officer before he was sent to sleep.
After everybody from the prison had filed in, a horn blasted through the hall. It was the signal that all should be silent. The noise in the hall gradually went down. At the main part of the hall, where Queen Beryl's throne used to be, Lilithite appeared. She cleared her throat, and began to speak.
"Ladies, gentleman, and monsters!" she happily yelled. "Allow me to present to you a new leader! The leader that will bring the Negaverse to new heights! The leader that will make countless universes fall to their knees! The leader that will stay loyal to you until the end of time!"
Random sounds of applause could be heard throughout the hall, steadily increasing as Lilithite announced the "credentials" of the new leader. "And now," she began again, "I bring to you the new leader of the Negaverse: Jedite!"
Lilithite then stepped down, allowing Jedite to teleport into the hall. A large chorus of cheers could be heard as he entered. Gone were the old robes we wore for Queen Beryl. Instead, he wore silver plated armor on his arms, legs, and body. At his side he strapped a sword. Upon his shoulders sat two plates with what looked like talons springing from them. Fastened to the plates was a black cape.
Jedite raised his hand, a signal for him to speak. "Brothers of the Negaverse," he began, "perhaps you are wondering why you have been freed from your prison cells. You ask what has happened since you were trapped. I know all of you may be confused, and rightfully so." Murmurs came from the crowd to confer Jedite's words. "Do not worry. Your questions shall be answered in due time."
"The first thing I should reiterate is that Queen Beryl is dead." Judging from the crowd's reaction, as Jedite and Lilithite could see, not everyone was informed of this. Noise erupted from across the hall once those words were uttered. Some people shouted cheers of joy. Others just stared in shock. It took another horn blast or two to quiet them down.
"Be quiet!" shouted Lilithite. "Jedite is trying to speak!"
The hall quieted once more, and Jedite resumed his speech. "As I said, Beryl is dead. However, I shall not shed a tear for her. For she was the worst asset the Negaverse had ever produced!"
Murmurs once again flooded the Hall of Commerce. Jedite didn't stop talking this time. "I've learned from experience that she can't be trusted. You should know, too. Whenever you made a mistake in your mission, or became useless to her, what did she do? Place you under eternal-sleep!"
Murmurs of agreement rang through the hall. Jedite continued. He pointed to a male general with short blonde hair. "You, Tipsolite, were the one who discovered the very universe we're trying to conquer! You were material for the Negaverse hall of fame! But as soon as 'she' thought you of no use to her, she froze you up!" Tipsolite, succumbed into Jedite's spell of words, nodded in agreement.
He then shifted his gaze to a three-headed monster. "And, you, Vermitar, we responsible for the destruction of Kronin, the dragon-hero from the Recot System. However, Beryl put you to sleep when you failed in a mission only four weeks later!" Vermitar growled in anger when he remembered what Beryl did to him.
"All of you have suffered from her. Even I have suffered from her. But what is really sad is that she led some of our best generals to death!"
The crowd was clearly on Jedite's side at his point. Each monster was shocked at what they heard. "After I was frozen, three of our best generals, Nephrite, Zoisite, and Kunzite, all perished under Queen Beryl's rule!" He lowered his head. "Kunzite was a good friend of mine. We lost three good men, thanks to her."
A smart-alec comment was heard from the far back. "You sure Zoisite's a man?" he said sarcastically.
Laughter roared from the crowd. Lilithite decided to join in. "Well, you were never too sure with him!" she added. Laughter once again roared through the hall.
Jedite gave Lilithite the evil eye, letting her know her place. Lilithite, somewhat embarrassed, started to calm the crowd down once again. Jedite resumed his speech. "Eventually, she perished. But this is who defeated her, out of many powerful warriors in all the universes, she managed to die at the hands of schoolgirls!"
The hall once again erupted with comments. Jedite continued on. "This is the leader that you have worship since she became the Queen of the Negaverse. Defeated by children. I shall not be so easily defeated!"
The crowd cheered Jedite on. "I shall assume her duties and become the new leader of the Negaforce! With me as your leader, you shall not be betrayed. You shall not be sent away for some little mistake. I will be faithful to my soldiers until the very end!"
More cheers could be heard from the crowd. Lilithite then took her place beside Jedite. "All those in favor of Jedite as the new leader," she shouted, "say I!" "I's" could be heard from all around the hall.
"All appose," she began again, "say Nay!" Not one nay could be heard. She turned toward Jedite with a smile. "The I's have it," she gleamed happily. "They love you, Jedite."
Jedite returned the smile. "My plan is a success," he whispered back to her. He turned toward the crowd once more. "I thank you all for accepting me as your leader," he beamed. "Now, for my first act, I declare war upon the planet Earth!"
Everyone agreed with more yells of support. "And I have chosen who shall lead this revolution," he boomed. "The Seven Generals of Apocalypse!"
@@@@@
When Ragor heard his group being called to the front of the Hall, he made his way through the crowd, as did the other Generals. Once they reached the front, a small reunion took place. Ragor gathered his partners: Ygon, Fareth, Honbor, Porthos, Witech, and Gerchon, in a firm embrace, glad to see that all were well. Once the embrace was done, the official Apocalyptic Salute was performed. It was a special salute, signifying each honored and trusted eachother. Once their little ceremony was done, they took their places behind Jedite.
"These officers have been chosen to lead the operation upon Earth.," Jedite began once again. "These are, in my opinion, the most capable warriors the Negaverse has to offer, not discounting the rest of you as well. I shall also select a group of warriors to act as the Shadow Soldiers. These will be the brunt of the attack power for the mission. Those of you that are worthy will be chosen by Lilithite." Jedite smiled. "You are all dismissed. For now, Lilithite shall show you to your barracks. The Negaverse shall be victorious!" This was answered by another chorus of cheers by the soldiers.
As Lilithite made them file out one by one, Jedite slowly smiled. "I have gained their trust," he thought. "This is perfect. With Beryl and the Sailor Scouts gone, there is no one to stand in my way now!"
@@@@@
NEXT TIME...
Raye Hino and Lita Kino are next when to take the tests. Raye reads into the fire for answers, while Lita protects a young girl from another familiar face...
DISCLAIMERS: Rights to Sailor Moon are owned by Naoko Taceuchi, Kondansha Publishing, Toei, DiC, Optimum Productions, Cloverway...am I forgetting anything?
This story is supposed to provide an alternate story line to the Sailor Moon series. It starts after the Sailor Moon R series ends (the Death Phantom is destroyed and Rini goes home to Crystal Tokyo). The next events are of my own creation and do not relate to the Sailor Moon S series (at least not intentionally).
I finished this fanfic over a year ago, before the S and SuperS seasons were dubbed in America. Please excuse any attack names that are DiC-ish, because that is what I had to work with at the time. ;) This story, after looking back, seems a cross between Japanese and American references. So, please excuse the term "Negaverse" as opposed to "Dark Kingdom", because the story focuses on Jedite.
Anyway, please enjoy the story!
@@@@@
CHAPTER 13
Mina felt a slight dizziness spell pass over her as she entered the portal. Her vision was slightly blurred as well. Her surroundings were fuzzy, so she couldn't figure out where she was exactly. An image flashed in front of her eyes, however, that seemed crystal clear. It looked like the planet Venus, however, it seemed to glow an orange color.
As it did, Mina felt like someone or something was behind her. It began to speak in a feminine voice. "OBTAIN THE VENUS PLANET CRYSTAL!" the voice cried out. "IGNORE ALL DISTRACTIONS!" With that, the feeling was gone, and so was the vision of the crystal.
@@@@@
"Mina!" shouted a familiar voice.
With her vision cleared up, Mina began to see her surroundings. She was surrounded by the other Sailor Scouts, Darien, and the two cats. In front of her, the portal lay to the tests.
"What?" she asked. "Artemis?"
"Were you listening at all to what we were saying?" asked a somewhat angry Luna. "We were explaining the portal to you."
All the Scouts looked at her. Mina appeared embarrassed. "Oh, uh…sorry guys," she said. "I guess I was daydreaming."
"Anyway," said Artemis keeping a sharp gaze upon Mina, "when you pass through, you might feel dizzy for a few minutes, but that will pass."
Mina looked attentive, but her mind was focusing on something else entirely. "What a feeling of deja vu!" she thought to herself. "I could have sworn I passed through the portal already! I mean, I saw that vision with that 'Venus Planet Crystal.' Maybe I'm taking the test already. Or am I?" As the cats talked, she tried to discern whether this was real or fantasy.
"Now," said Luna in a defiant voice, "the time has…"
As she was about to finish her sentence, a man in a brown suit was seen in the distance. "Mina?" he shouted to them. "Mina Aino?"
"Wonderful," Luna muttered. "Outside interference. Artemis, we have to close the portal!"
"Right," he said back. Using their crescent moons once again, they made the portal shrink until it could no longer be seen.
Not noticing what was going on, the brown suited man ran up to the group. He appeared to be a pudgy, balding man with sun glasses. He carried a business card in his hand. "Mina Aino?" he asked when he finally caught up to the group. "Former actress who played Sailor V?"
Mina was confused. "Y-y-yes?" she stuttered.
The man appeared to be satisfied. "My card," he said, handing Mina the business card.
Mina accepted it, and began to read it out loud. "Russell Brin, Talent Scout?"
"Correctamundo, little lady!" responded Russell. "I search for the best of the best stars in the business, and you, Mina Aino, are perfect for the new film we're doing!" He put his arm around Mina's shoulder. "Can I have a word with you in private?"
"Ummm…hehe," Mina stuttered again, removing his arm from her person, "can I have a word with my friends, first?"
Russell held his hands up, backing off. "Hey, no problem," he said.
Mina stepped over to converse with her friends. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I didn't know this was gonna happen. I'll go blow this guy off, then we'll get down to Sailor business."
"The portal can be reopened, right Luna?" asked Raye.
Luna sighed. "Yes it can," answered Luna. "But please be quick about it, Mina. We've wasted enough time as it is."
Mina nodded, and again made her way toward the cocky Russell. "Look, Mr. Brin," she began, "I don't think that…"
"Woah, woah!" said Russell, cutting her off. "At least hear my offer out!"
Mina crossed her arms, knowing she was expected. "Alright, but make it quick!"
"Okay, okay," said Russell. "I mean we're talking about a multi-million dollar contract here!"
Mina's eyes began to light up. "Multi-million?"
"That's right!" encouraged Russell. "We've started to introduce Sailor V into America. We've signed up a big, live-action movie deal, and hopefully an animated cartoon series afterwards. We want you to play Sailor V's part!"
Mina began to put the tests out of her mind for a moment. "Wow," she uttered. "When do we leave?"
"Why, right now of course!" said the over-confident Russell. "We'll give you a ride home to pack your bags, then we'll give you a ride to the airport. You'll be in America before sun rises!"
Suddenly the words "IGNORE ALL DISTRACTIONS" came back to her mind. She finally realized what they meant. Mina then returned to reality. "Sorry, but…I can't."
Russell seemed shocked. "Why not?" he asked.
"I just can't leave here just like that!" she said in a serious tone. "I can't leave my family, friends and life behind. It's just not right!"
"Friends, shmiends!" muttered Russell. "You could always get new friends!"
"You don't understand!" Mina shouted. "I can't just leave my friends here! Sure, I liked the old days when I was Sailor V. But that was in the past. The people here don't care who I am. Besides, everyone's forgotten about Sailor V, with Sailor Moon around." She then turned her back upon him. "You got a lot of learning to do about life," she muttered.
Russell removed his sunglasses. "So, you wanna remain with your friends, do ya?" he asked.
Mina turned around again. "Duh! That's what I was trying to tell you!"
"Perhaps if your friends weren't there, you would reconsider?" he asked, lowering his voice.
"What do you mean?" asked Mina in an angry tone.
"This!" shouted Russell, raising his hands in the air. His eyes began to flash a reddish-orange color. His hands began to glow with a bright orange energy.
Once Mina saw this, she began to take evasive action. "Guys, look out!" she called to her friends. "He's gonna fire at you!"
It was at this time that the phony-agent fired an energy beam toward the group. Thanks to Mina's warning, everyone took cover before the beam hit.
Russell became furious. He began to change before Mina's eyes. A pink rug with an odd symbol upon it appeared, and covered up his body for a few seconds. When it rose, a well-built man with pink hair and a tank top remained. "I am Hawkseye!" he announced. "You may not have fallen for my illusion, but you will fall for me!"
Mina couldn't believe her eyes. "Are you kidding?" she shouted. "Why would I fall for you? You're just another creepazoid I'm gonna take down!" She posed in a fighting stance.
Hawkseye became even angrier. "In that case, you will perish!" he screamed.
With his magic, six mirrors appeared around him. "Line up, my beauties!" he cried. The mirrors apparently did as he commanded. Each of the mirrors took a place in front of his body. Three on his left side, three on his right.
"Now my mirrors will reflect my fireballs and magnify their power!" Hawkseye triumphantly shouted. His hands glowed orange once again, firing two fireballs at the mirrors close to him.
As he said, the mirrors reflected the fireballs, bouncing off each of the mirrors with ease. When each fireball came to the last mirror, they headed toward the center, converging into one giant fireball. After that happened, the newly formed projectile streaked toward Mina.
Mina dodged the fireball with only inches to spare. She ended up tripping and falling upon her face. As she tried to pull herself up, Hawkseye only laughed. "You can't stop me!" he boomed confidently. "My powers reflected are hundreds of times greater than you will ever know!"
"How am I gonna get out of this?" she thought. Suddenly, she remembered something important. She reached into her pocket, and pulled out a small object. It was a make-up compact.
Hawkseye turned his whole body to face her. The mirrors shifted position as well. His hands started to glow once more, firing two fireballs at the mirrors. "Good-bye, Sailor V!" he shouted.
"In your dreams, Hawk-head!" she shouted, flipping her compact open. As another huge fireball streaked toward her, she threw the compact at the fireball. When the two collided, the fireball was thrown back directly to Hawkseye.
The fireball hit him square in the chest, sending him down on his back. The mirrors around him appeared to dissolve. "What!" he screamed. "I was defeated by make-up?!?"
"It pays to have a mirror in your compact," Mina retorted.
Hawkseye then realized what she had done. She had used her own mirror to redirect his power. "Funny," he muttered. "Defeated by my own game…." He faded away, along with the rest of the world around him.
@@@@@
Mina was at a loss for words. All of the surrounding scenery seemed to dissolve around her with the destruction of Hawkseye. The vacant lot was gone, and so were her friends, and the ground she was standing on. She seemed to be in the middle of void, surrounded by a pulsing orange light, shifting through all the orange shades in the color spectrum.
Soon, an object appeared in front of her. "That's the thing I saw in that vision!" Mina cried out loud. "It's the….um…what's it called…the Venus…um,…Venus…"
"The Venus Planet Crystal," spoke a gentle voice.
"What?" asked Mina. "Who's there?"
Her question was answered with the presence of a new figure. She had long, flowing blonde hair, much like Mina's. Hers however, reached her feet. She wore a shimmering orange dress that fit loosely around her shoulders. Her face appeared aged, but other than that, an exact replica of Mina's. Upon her forehead, shown the symbol of Venus.
"Please take the crystal," she said. "You have earned it."
Mina did as she was asked. As she grasped hold of the crystal, she felt a warm feeling wash over her. "Wow," she muttered. "This is so wicked cool!"
"Congratulations, my dear Mina," said the woman. "You have passed your test."
Mina's eyes lit up. "Really?" she asked in disbelieve. "I did?"
"Yes, you have," the woman responded happily. She then appeared suddenly embarrassed. "I'm sorry," she said. "We haven't been properly introduced. I am Lana, guardian of Venus."
Mina put her hand out in a gesture of friendship. "Pleased to make your acquaintance…" Mina stopped in mid-sentence. She began to realize the resemblance between the figure and herself. "Wait a minute," she thought, "she looks like me. The hair, the facial features, the symbol of Venus. It's uncanny!" Once she realized who she might be, she began to speak again. "Are we…related or something?" she asked.
"Yes," said Lana. "During the Silver Millenium, I was your mother."
Mina gasped. She didn't know what to say. "Wow," she muttered once again. "This is amazing! I always wondered what my life was like during the Silver Millenium."
"You were a wonderful child," Lana responded. "I still remember the day I held you in my arms…" She held out her arms as if she was going to rock a new born baby. Soon, she turned back to reality. "Anyway, my dear Mina, you have done well. You have proven to us that you possess the knowledge that friendship is more important than fame and fortune. I'm very proud of you."
"Thanks," said an overjoyed Mina. "But, who's the 'us', who you were talking about?"
"You'll know in time, my dear," answered Lana. "But for now, you must come with me. We have so much time, and so little to do!"
"That's 'we have so much to do in so little time,'" corrected Mina.
Lana seemed somewhat embarrassed. "Thank you, Mina," she said. "I've had a history of reciting these proverbs the wrong way."
"Trust me, your not alone," Mina said with a smile. Lana took Mina's hand, and began to walk to a specific point, fading into the background as they left the realm.
CHAPTER 14
Ragor stretched his neck once more as he entered the Hall of Commerce. Strangely enough, he was awoken from his sleep-crystal and was told by a blonde-haired woman to come here. He was also told that Beryl was dead, and a new opportunity arose for the Negaverse. He wondered where the other six Generals of Apocalypse were located, for he was their leader.
As Ragor entered, he was met with the gaze of hundreds of other monsters. He recognized a few of them from other creatures locked away in the prison. Others he couldn't quite place. He tried to look for his partners, but he couldn't worm his way through the thick crowd.
The Hall of Commerce was where Queen Beryl ruled from, issued her instructions, performed ceremonies, and delivered punishment. When it was invaded by Sailor Moon, however, it was sealed off from the general public. Only those with high ranking status in Queen Beryl's court add access to it at that time. It was fortunate that Jedite was still a high ranking officer before he was sent to sleep.
After everybody from the prison had filed in, a horn blasted through the hall. It was the signal that all should be silent. The noise in the hall gradually went down. At the main part of the hall, where Queen Beryl's throne used to be, Lilithite appeared. She cleared her throat, and began to speak.
"Ladies, gentleman, and monsters!" she happily yelled. "Allow me to present to you a new leader! The leader that will bring the Negaverse to new heights! The leader that will make countless universes fall to their knees! The leader that will stay loyal to you until the end of time!"
Random sounds of applause could be heard throughout the hall, steadily increasing as Lilithite announced the "credentials" of the new leader. "And now," she began again, "I bring to you the new leader of the Negaverse: Jedite!"
Lilithite then stepped down, allowing Jedite to teleport into the hall. A large chorus of cheers could be heard as he entered. Gone were the old robes we wore for Queen Beryl. Instead, he wore silver plated armor on his arms, legs, and body. At his side he strapped a sword. Upon his shoulders sat two plates with what looked like talons springing from them. Fastened to the plates was a black cape.
Jedite raised his hand, a signal for him to speak. "Brothers of the Negaverse," he began, "perhaps you are wondering why you have been freed from your prison cells. You ask what has happened since you were trapped. I know all of you may be confused, and rightfully so." Murmurs came from the crowd to confer Jedite's words. "Do not worry. Your questions shall be answered in due time."
"The first thing I should reiterate is that Queen Beryl is dead." Judging from the crowd's reaction, as Jedite and Lilithite could see, not everyone was informed of this. Noise erupted from across the hall once those words were uttered. Some people shouted cheers of joy. Others just stared in shock. It took another horn blast or two to quiet them down.
"Be quiet!" shouted Lilithite. "Jedite is trying to speak!"
The hall quieted once more, and Jedite resumed his speech. "As I said, Beryl is dead. However, I shall not shed a tear for her. For she was the worst asset the Negaverse had ever produced!"
Murmurs once again flooded the Hall of Commerce. Jedite didn't stop talking this time. "I've learned from experience that she can't be trusted. You should know, too. Whenever you made a mistake in your mission, or became useless to her, what did she do? Place you under eternal-sleep!"
Murmurs of agreement rang through the hall. Jedite continued. He pointed to a male general with short blonde hair. "You, Tipsolite, were the one who discovered the very universe we're trying to conquer! You were material for the Negaverse hall of fame! But as soon as 'she' thought you of no use to her, she froze you up!" Tipsolite, succumbed into Jedite's spell of words, nodded in agreement.
He then shifted his gaze to a three-headed monster. "And, you, Vermitar, we responsible for the destruction of Kronin, the dragon-hero from the Recot System. However, Beryl put you to sleep when you failed in a mission only four weeks later!" Vermitar growled in anger when he remembered what Beryl did to him.
"All of you have suffered from her. Even I have suffered from her. But what is really sad is that she led some of our best generals to death!"
The crowd was clearly on Jedite's side at his point. Each monster was shocked at what they heard. "After I was frozen, three of our best generals, Nephrite, Zoisite, and Kunzite, all perished under Queen Beryl's rule!" He lowered his head. "Kunzite was a good friend of mine. We lost three good men, thanks to her."
A smart-alec comment was heard from the far back. "You sure Zoisite's a man?" he said sarcastically.
Laughter roared from the crowd. Lilithite decided to join in. "Well, you were never too sure with him!" she added. Laughter once again roared through the hall.
Jedite gave Lilithite the evil eye, letting her know her place. Lilithite, somewhat embarrassed, started to calm the crowd down once again. Jedite resumed his speech. "Eventually, she perished. But this is who defeated her, out of many powerful warriors in all the universes, she managed to die at the hands of schoolgirls!"
The hall once again erupted with comments. Jedite continued on. "This is the leader that you have worship since she became the Queen of the Negaverse. Defeated by children. I shall not be so easily defeated!"
The crowd cheered Jedite on. "I shall assume her duties and become the new leader of the Negaforce! With me as your leader, you shall not be betrayed. You shall not be sent away for some little mistake. I will be faithful to my soldiers until the very end!"
More cheers could be heard from the crowd. Lilithite then took her place beside Jedite. "All those in favor of Jedite as the new leader," she shouted, "say I!" "I's" could be heard from all around the hall.
"All appose," she began again, "say Nay!" Not one nay could be heard. She turned toward Jedite with a smile. "The I's have it," she gleamed happily. "They love you, Jedite."
Jedite returned the smile. "My plan is a success," he whispered back to her. He turned toward the crowd once more. "I thank you all for accepting me as your leader," he beamed. "Now, for my first act, I declare war upon the planet Earth!"
Everyone agreed with more yells of support. "And I have chosen who shall lead this revolution," he boomed. "The Seven Generals of Apocalypse!"
@@@@@
When Ragor heard his group being called to the front of the Hall, he made his way through the crowd, as did the other Generals. Once they reached the front, a small reunion took place. Ragor gathered his partners: Ygon, Fareth, Honbor, Porthos, Witech, and Gerchon, in a firm embrace, glad to see that all were well. Once the embrace was done, the official Apocalyptic Salute was performed. It was a special salute, signifying each honored and trusted eachother. Once their little ceremony was done, they took their places behind Jedite.
"These officers have been chosen to lead the operation upon Earth.," Jedite began once again. "These are, in my opinion, the most capable warriors the Negaverse has to offer, not discounting the rest of you as well. I shall also select a group of warriors to act as the Shadow Soldiers. These will be the brunt of the attack power for the mission. Those of you that are worthy will be chosen by Lilithite." Jedite smiled. "You are all dismissed. For now, Lilithite shall show you to your barracks. The Negaverse shall be victorious!" This was answered by another chorus of cheers by the soldiers.
As Lilithite made them file out one by one, Jedite slowly smiled. "I have gained their trust," he thought. "This is perfect. With Beryl and the Sailor Scouts gone, there is no one to stand in my way now!"
@@@@@
NEXT TIME...
Raye Hino and Lita Kino are next when to take the tests. Raye reads into the fire for answers, while Lita protects a young girl from another familiar face...