Episode 4:Man's best friend becomes a Sailor Senshi's worst enemy. A mysterious animal charmer.
"All right these sailor brats have been a thorn in my side for much to long. But this time will be different. My pets will overpower them." Pandora hovered in the air looking down at a pet store. "These humans have such adoration for animals. Well let's see how well they fare when they're beloved companions are their enemies'"
"Honto ni Ami-chan? You want to get some...fish?" Usagi twisted her face in confusion at her friend's odd request to go to a pet store. Minako, Makoto, and Rei were sporting similar expressions as they strolled down the street
Ami hid her crimson cheeks behind her books, "Hai, I don't really have much time for pets, but I think I have the time to feed some fish a few times a day, and I think they would really liven up my study area." The Other girls sweat dropped, and Ami's entire face bore a scarlet shade.
"And since you're so responsible I'm sure that you will always remember to feed them. Lord knows that if I couldn't talk, Usagi-chan would forget to feed me...sometimes she does anyways." Luna stuck her nose in the air in a haughty way and Usagi eye twitched slightly before her school bag came crashing down on her trusted guardian's head.
"Pipe down Luna," she shouted then blushed as bystanders threw her questioning and amused looks. Luna winced and glared up at Usagi. Then she smirked when she noticed Usagi realizing that her sudden outburst was in public. While it wouldn't have been so bad if the onlookers fully comprehended the situation. However the thought of a talking cat was beyond them.
"Okay well we're here!" Minako announced cheerfully as the group stopped right in front of Pet Castle. The sliding doors opened and Minako turned to their feline companions. "Now you to stay here!" The two were about to protest but the knowing look in Minako's eyes told them that she had figured out their plans for attacking the aquatic and winged creatures of the store. The five girls entered the pet store but found no one in site."
"Um, shouldn't there be someone working here?" Rei scanned the store but found no one.
Then they hear voices coming from the back room, "Gomen I'm late," said the voice of a young girl.
"Well you always seem to be late!" said an older voice.
"I apologized okay! I mean, it's not like you're paying me or anything."
"Fine, fine, I just wish you would be more reliable. Look I think there's some customers, why don't you go help them."
"Yes Ma'am!"
The girl walks into the store area with a bright smile on her face. She is wearing the Juuban High School uniform like the ones Usagi, Minako, Ami, and Makoto were donning, but with an apron over it. The girl's recognize her immedialty as the new girl that had recently transferred to Haruka and Michiru's class.
"Oi! Don't you go to our school?" asked Usagi.
"Iie! I just thought these fukus were so damn cool that I just HAD to have one!," The girls all laugh and Usagi blushes," Hey! you're Mizuno Ami, right? Little Miss Scholar?" Nichirin motions to Ami and then puts her hands on her hips in a mock scold, "now shouldn't you be studying?" she says, doing her best impression of the school principal. A very good impression. All the girls burst out laughing, Rei hesitated at first, looking around. She had no clue what was so funny, but she faked a laugh anyways. "So what can I help you with? We just got some new puppies. You can take one into that area over there and play with it if you'd like."
"Well actually," Ami began.
"Sounds great!" Usagi broke in, screaming quite loudly(and squeakily). Nichirin cringed. Usagi bounced over to the area with the dogs. The portion was separated by glass. Usagi pressed her hands and face against the glass and peered in, "Kawaii!" Usagi squealed.
Nichirin sweat dropped and motioned for the rest of the girls to head over to where Usagi was. "Right this way," she said.
The girl's looked at each other and shrugged. It wouldn't hurt to play with a puppy for a little bit. Then they joined Usagi.
Nichirin took out a bottle of Aspirin and poured a pill into her hand. She swallowed the pill and thought to herself, //did the girl need to yell so loud? I have enhanced hearing you know, I do NOT like that girl. She is so unbelievably annoying! Yet she seems so familiar...// Nichirin mentally shrugged and went to help her customers.
Just then the doors slid open and three tall burly men struggled through while trying to subdue a rather vicious looking pit bull. The pit bull snarled and tried to bite at the many leashes connected top him, and at the men trying to drag him into the store. The girls turned to the scene and Nichirin rushed over.
"I suggest you stay back Nichirin-san," One of the men warned gruffly.
"Yeah this one's tough, tranquilizer couldn't even keep him out long enough to put a muzzle on him!" Another agreed.
"Where'd you find him?" Nichirin inquired.
"Oh, some guy was beating him and a concerned neighbor called." The first man replied.
Nichirin frowned and advanced towards the dog. "What are you doing Nichirin-san?!" cried the third man. Nichirin didn't stop until she was standing right in front of the pit bull. She crouched down so that she met the creature's eyes and just stared. The dog cocked his head at her, momentarily forgetting his rage. The girls gasped as they watched the scene before them, then yelped when the dog resumed it's bid to get free. Nichirin didn't even flinch, instead she extended her hand to the animal. The dog sniffed and stopped, just stopped.
"There now, we won't hurt you, no one's going to hurt you anymore." Nichirin scratched the dog behind the ear and before the dogcatchers could protest she undid the leashes. Nichirin stood up and turned on her heel. She glanced back at the still dog and jerked her head, "Follow me." The dog obeyed and followed her into the section that held the dogs, then to the end of the row of the cages. Nichirin opened the door to the cage and the dog walked calmly inside. "Good dog," with that she went back to the main store area and found 8 saucer like pairs of eyes staring at her. "Nani?" she asked innocently.
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"Oi Haruka, isn't that the gaijin?"
"Well that looks like Nichirin-san, but is it just me or is she working at a pet store?"
"I know that does strike me as odd, but maybe we should go check."
The pair entered the store and three large men brushed by them muttering things to each other, shaking their heads in disbelief. Upon further inspection of the store the two noticed that Usagi and the girls were there, apparently attacking Nichirin with excited questions. Haruka and Michiru exchanged amused looks before approaching the counter where it appeared that one of the girls was buying some tropical fish.p
"Konichi wa Nichirin-san!" The two said in unison
"Konichiwa!" Nichirin stood on her toes to see above the other girls with a pleading look on her face.
Haruka and Michiru decided to save the poor girl from the vultures. Although they too were a bit curious as to what was going on for even Ami had joined in the interrogation so it couldn't be about something as trivial as boys. "Konichiwa minna," Michiru greeted.
"Konichiwa bishoujos," Haruka added with a wink.
"Oh guys you should've seen what just happened! There was this viscous dog, three men could barely keep him under control! Then Nichirin-sempai went over and pet the dog and he became as harmless as a stuffed animal!"
"It was nothing really! just part of the work I do, you can let it go now." Nichirin had intended to sound friendly and modest, but her tone just came out kind of defensive and annoyed.
"So you DO work here?" Michiru internally winced when she realized how surprised and accusing she sounded. She though for sure Nichirin would feel offended and get angry, and she did not want to cross her after what had happened to Kyouono Bouya, but then she noticed the amused look on Nichirin's face.
"You seem surprised Michiru-san, hmmm wonder why?"
"Ummm, never mind,"
"Well I don't really work here..."
//figures// thought Michiru //probably on probation or something//
"I VOLUNTEER here," Michiru and Haruka's jaws simultaneously hit the floor. Nichirin smiled smugly. She swung herself over the counter on settled cross-legged and cross-armed on the counter's ledge, the smugness never fleeing her features. "Stereotypes are a dangerous thing you know."
Michiru gaped at the girl, "I...I..." Michiru could feel her cheeks getting hot. she glanced at Haruka, hoping for salvation. Michiru frowned when she noticed the smirk plastered on her partner's face. Haruka however, did catch the desperate look aimed in her direction and made an effort to help her friend.
"Well you must admit, it is kind of odd."
Nichirin cocked a curious eyebrow at Haruka and her smirk gave way to a grin. "Yeah I guess so, but things aren't always what they seem," Nichirin eyed Haruka and Michiru knowingly, "even with you two, I can tell you are more than what you seem."
Haruka was taken a back, and could tell her reaction hadn't gone unnoticed for the girl's grin just got wider. "Well we just stopped in to see what was up so we'll be going now. Jaa everyone!" Michiru broke in.
"Uh yeah, Jaa!" Haruka added
"Jaa Haruka-san and Michiru-san!" Replied the five girls enthusiastically.
Haruka and Michiru turned to leave and for a while Nichirin just stared. Haruka could feel the short girl's eyes at her back, but she kept a brisk walk.
"Sayonara!" Nichirin called as the two exited the store.
"What was that all about?" Ami inquired.
"Yeah with the way you handled that pit bull it's no wonder that you work here." Makoto added.
"Oh don't you know? I'm a juvenile delinquent!" Nichirin announced almost proudly. The other girls sweat dropped.
After a long silence Usagi spoke, "well anyways, arigato for the help, but we've got to go."
"All right," Nichirin hopped off the counter and took Usagi's hand she felt a sudden shock of energy that she dismissed as static electricity, "Nice to meet you Usagi-kun, Minako-kun, Makoto-kun, Ami-kun, and Rei-kun." Nichirin took each respective girl's hand and shook it. "If you ever have the need for a pet, you know where to find me. Enjoy the fish Ami, and don't forget the care instructions I gave you. Jaa Minn!"
"Thank you for the help Nichirin-sempai, and ja ne!" replied Ami.
"Jaa Nichirin-san!" Usagi, Minako, Makoto, and Rei chorused.
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Haruka and Michiru were cruising in Haruka's yellow convertible and Michiru couldn't help but notice the contemplative look her companion was wearing. Michiru was growing concerned. Haruka had been acting so strangely ever since they had left the pet store. Michiru sighed,
"What's wrong Haruka?"
"Something seems odd about that girl. I can't put my finger on it Michiru, but I think we should be keeping an eye on her."
"Well you usually have a good intuition about these things, do you think she could be behind those monsters."
"I don't know, but there's something different about her. She may very well be a part of this whole thing."
Michiru nodded and the two continued the ride in silence.
"Wow! Nichirin-sempai is so cool! I wish I could handle animals like that!" She glanced down at Luna, "It sure would come in handy when it comes to a certain smart mouthed, pushy neko that I know."
"Yeah," Minako agreed, "it would be nice if Artemis listened to me like that."
Luna scowled at the two conversing girls, Artemis threw a quick glare at them but then turned his attention back to the bag of fish Ami was carrying. "Artemis?" He was busy daydreaming and drooling over the fish when a sudden smack to the head, courtesy of Minako, snapped him back to reality. "See? He never listens to me!" Usagi nodded sympathetically. Suddenly her head snapped up when sounds of screaming were heard from the direction they had just come. The girls ducked into an alleyway and transformed themselves. After Mercury reluctantly left her fish with the cats, with Moon and Venus threatened to not feed them for a week if they tried anything, the girls took off in the direction of the shrieks.
"Oh no!" Moon whimpered. Faded glowing forms of citizens were floating skyward, "this is so terrible."
As they neared the pet shop, their eyes went wide with terror at the site before them. Five animal like monsters were viciously attacking the citizens. There was a dog, a bird, a bear, a seal, and a cat. These monsters were considerably more agile and quick then their predecessors. Several bodies lay dead in the street. The seal monster entered the store and all of a sudden all the animals from the store came rushing out. The eyes of the animals were glowing bright red and they began to attack bystanders as the monsters picked off the humans one by one. grabbing on to them and apparently sucking the life from them. Sailor Moon couldn't stand it anymore.
"Stop right there!" The monsters turned to the Sailor Senshi smiling menacingly. They tossed aside the lifeless bodies they were holding and turned their attention to the lively new prey.
"You dare to turn animals against their owners and beloved owners! As a fellow companion of an animal I Sailor Moon will not have it! I will right wrongs and triumph over evil! and that means you!"
The cat like animal grinned and grabbed a young girl, a moment later a ghostlike version of the girl floated from her body. It tossed the young girl's body aside like a rag doll. EternalSailormoon could feel a tear running down her cheek.
The cat like monster lunged at EternalSailormoon, Moon just managed to launch a tiara attack at the monster before it could grab her. The cat hissed in pain. Jupiter went toe to toe with the bear, making sure that it didn't get close to her, apparently it needed to make contact with her flesh for it to kill her. Mars took on the bird. Using her fire soul bird she managed to singe it and stun it for a little while. The Seal floated around Mercury as if it was swimming in the air. It whacked it's powerful tail at Mercury, knocking her down. however she recovered quickly and before it could once again pummel her with it's massive tail Mercury froze the tail using her Mercury ice bubbles. After the cat the dog like creature seemed to be the swiftest and most agile. It was giving Venus a bit of trouble, but then she sent her Venus Love Chain at him, wrapping around it's neck like a leash she swung the creature around and tossed him into the wall.
It looked like the sailor team had the upper hand but then the animals attacked them, knocking them over. The monsters took advantage of this to regroup. They exchanged evil looks before releasing dark energy from their mouths. "What the-" was the general response, but the senshi didn't get to finish because the animals jumped out of the way just in time. The dark energy hit the senshi and rendered them unconscious. The monsters advanced on the senshi and prepared to steal their lives when two other sailor senshi jumped in their way.
One was a short red and golden yellow clad senshi with light brown sun streaked hair. The other was a more average height sailor soldier with platinum blond hair. This one was outfitted in pink and silver. The two stood back to back with threatening looks on their faces. The monsters burst into laughter, but the two new senshi simply smirked. SuperSailoruniverse lunged at the cat with her one hand pulled back, "Pink Star Punch!" she cried and she threw her hand into the feline monster's gut. A pink star shaped energy was released from her hand and into the cat monster, which then dropped dead. The other monsters were to stunned to move so she quickly performed the same move on the seal and the dog. SuperSailorsun took the opportunity to vanish before reappearing behind the bear like monster she wrestled the bear until it was dead. The terrified bird monster attempted to escape by flying off.
"Where do you think you're going," Sun said as she flew up into the air appearing right above the bird monster. "Boo!" she said grinning before the grin gave way to a glare and her hands turned blue. She shoved her hands down toward the monster and shouted "Gravity Smash!" The monster also turned blue and with ought her even touching the airborne creature it came crashing down to Earth with such force that the whole ground shook. The monster died on impact. The red-and-golden yellow clad senshi brushed her hands against each other and smiled contently.
"It isn't over yet!" called her partner, Sun returned to the ground where she found a lot of angry animals ready to tear her and her partner to shreds.
"I'll handle this,"
Universe eyed her and looked as if she was going to say something but then she saw A figure watching them from a nearby rooftop. She nodded and took off after their observer.
"Oh no!" Pandora exclaimed as she saw the blonde senshi heading straight for her. She leapt from rooftop to rooftop with Universe in close pursuit.
Off to the side SuperSailorneptune and SuperSailoruranus watched with shock at what was happening. "New Sailor Senshi!" stuttered Neptune. All Uranus could do was nod. Their eyes went even wider when they saw what happened next. "Is she crazy!" Neptune exclaimed. Uranus nodded. The senshi that was left was crouched down with a circle of rabid animals closing in on her. "We have to help her!"
Neptune started to run off but Uranus firmly grabbed her shoulder "Iie, I think she can handle it."
Neptune stared in disbelief at her companion for a while before looking down and muttering, "whatever."
"Hush now, it's okay," Sun assured the animals. The animals continued to advance on her. She then began to hum a soothing song. The animals stopped and their eyes returned back to normal. They sniffed at her hand and calmed down. Even the birds sat on the ground. "There now," Sun cooed. Then she stood up and led all the animals back into the pet store. Then she left them in the store and closed the door as she left. //I'll deal with it tomorrow.// Sun gave a mental sigh before turning around to find Universe. She could tell from the look on Universe's face that she hadn't been able to capture the culprit.
"Whoever that was, she's the one behind all of this I'm certain. I also figured out what they're after. Souls. They must be the infamous soul snatchers. I almost don't believe it. I thought they were just a legend. This is bad." Universe's voice was solemn.
"Well I'm not surprised. No wonder they're just legend. I mean it's not like they left anyone to spread the word." Although she said the words calmly, they dripped from her mouth full of bitterness.
"I know, and that's what scares me. Well the police will be arriving soon, let's get out of here."
"Right."
Uranus and Neptune watched as the shorter of the two's hands once again took on a blue glow, then the silver and pink clad sailor began to glow. The pair flew off into the night. Aqua eyes met gray, "did you see that!?" gasped Neptune.
"Did you HEAR that?!" an equally astonished Uranus replied. The two waited until the other senshi began to stir. Once it was confirmed that they were okay the duo ran off.
"Kissama!" screamed Pandora, who was now sitting on a billboard sign. "That was my last batch of monsters! It will take me centuries to raise new ones! Those brats will PAY!"
"Pandora," she turned to find Triton standing in front of an open portal, "My love, the master is growing impatient." Despair could be seen in Triton's eyes, he tried not to let Pandora see, for he didn't want her to now just how angry the Master was but she saw. She'd always been able to read him.
"Just one more chance, please! I'll get rid of those Sailor bimbo's and capture a whole city's worth of souls!" Pandora begged.
Triton smiled warmly at his lover. He lifted her chin so that her eyes met his. "Of course, my love. I'm sure you will succeed." Then he pulled her into an embrace and lightly kissed her forehead.
"This time I will deal with them personally," Pandora whispered to herself, "I promise that I won't let you down again."