In Memory Of

by Heroine of the Valley

Sequel to Sailor Strata Moon. An evil man builds robots to take away the data from humans: their memories.

2. Part II Sleeping Sailors

Disclaimer: Sailor Moon and Ronin Warriors is not owned by me.

In Memory Of

Part II: Sleeping Sailors

"Any luck, Mia?" Darien asked, looking over her shoulder.

"No," she said with a sigh and a shake of her head. "It was easier to find the ronin warriors when they were lost because I had a poem to help me. Unfortunately, there is no sailor soldier poem. I'm sorry, nothing seems to be working."

"It's okay, Mia," Darien said, "you tried."

"I'm sure the girls are all right anyway," Sai said. "Wherever they are."

Sage nodded, "yeah and they'll become stronger too."

"It's late," Ryo noted, "we can try again in the morning." He yawned and walked to his room.

"Yeah," Kento said then laughed, "maybe we'll dream where they are!"

"Rowena, could you brush my hair?" Rini asked as she took down her pigtails. "I've always wanted someone to brush my hair."

"Sure," Rowena smiled and took a brush. "Doesn't Serena brush your hair?"

"Sometimes, but she does it too hard!" she giggled then sighed. "I'm glad you're here." Rini was dressed in pink and white pajamies and Rowena dressed in navy blue and white pajamas. They looked the same, just different colors.

"What's wrong, Rini?" Rowena asked.

"I was just thinking about the last time you came," she said, "when Yuli got his soul taken away. I was so worried about him. Now there's new anemies. I don't want anything to happen again, there's nothing to protect him."

"They're not soul stealers," Rowena said.

"I noticed," she said, "but they're enemies just the same."

"Yeah, I read scrolls about them," Rowena told her, "They're called memory maimers and they take away the memories of people."

"Their memories?" Rini echoed, turning around, "how awful! I'd hate it if someone took all my memories. That's exactly what happened in my dream!"

"Don't worry, Rini," Rowena turned her back around and continued to brush her pink cotton candy colored locks. "I can tell who is a memory maimer and who is a person, just like I can tell the difference between a soul stealer and real person. Remember when we saw that soul stealer take the shape of Yuli?"

"I remember," she said with a sigh, "I wish I could tell it wasn't really him. I'd feel awful if he was taken away from my memory or if I was taken away from his. That's why I tried to run away back to the future. Good thing Yuli stopped me and a good thing too that you came when you did."

"You won't, trust me, Rini, everything will be fine," Rowena smiled and then started to braid Rini's hair. They traded places and Rini began to brush Rowena's sky blue hair. "Besides, what do you think that calendar is for?"

Rini giggled, "yeah."

"I know you really like Yuli," she said, "so spill, what have you two been up to while I was away?"

"Rowena," Rini groaned and stopped brushing for a while.

"Okay, I won't push," Rowena said, "but you two have gotten closer, right?"

"Yes," Rini admitted, "very close. He does a lot of nice things for me. Did I tell you about the relationship I had with Pegasus?"

"You mentioned it," Rowena mumbled.

"I met him in my dream. He was captured by this evil witch and he saw a pink light. The pink light was I. We were able to talk to each other by that," she pointed to the gemmed decoration on her dresser {just what is that thing called she uses to talk to Pegasus?}. "He is from a world called Elisyon." {Did I spell that right??} "The dead moon circus took over it and made it dark. We were fighting one of the amazon quartet. Sailor Moon wanted to be young again and I wanted to be grown up. She made us switch places."

"I bet all the other sailors were confused," Rowena cracked.

"Yeah," Rini said, "but it was sorta nice, being grown up. But I had trouble reaching Pegasus. I was finally able to see him again, but I think it was all just a dream. Pegasus is also a human named Helios and, I'm not all that sure, but I think he loved me."

"Whoa!" Rowena cried.

"Oh, I'm sorry, was I brushing too hard?" Rini apologized.

"No, I mean, whoa!" Rowena turned around, "Helios loved you?"

"I think so," she said, "he kissed me, but I think it was just a dream. I wasn't able to see him when I was grown up, only when I was sailor mini moon. Everything kinda happened so fast."

"But you're not Sailor Mini Moon anymore," Rowena said.

"Yes, I've grown up for real now," Rini said, "and Pegasus is gone."

"You don't' see him anymore," Rowena asked, "not even in your dreams?"

"Just my dreams," she said. "I miss him but maybe it wasn't meant to be. Besides, I have Yuli and he'll still be around, no matter how old I get!"

"But you have been avoiding him since I've gotten back," Rowena pointed out.

"No I haven't," she lied.

"Oh yes you have!" Rowena laughed. "I saw you push him into the lake!"

"Rowena, you fell in!" Rini gasped. "And he said a stupid joke. Besides, I had to help you out."

Rowena grinned, "You love him, admit it!"

"Oh, I'm going to get you!" Rini picked up a pillow and hit Rowena in the head with it.

Rowena laughed and grabbed a pillow of her own, "pillow war!"

Yuli's stomach turned hearing the two girls laughing and giggling and shouting "hey, my hair!" He placed on his black pajamas and crawled into bed and buried his head under his pillow and held the pillow tight around it. "Would you girls be quiet, please?"

"What's wrong, Yuli?" the sweet voice of Diana asked. "Are you sick?"

Well, at least her cat pays attention to me, Yuli thought, "No, Diana," he mumbled and took the pillow of his head and sat up, "I'm okay."

The gray young cat jumped on the bed and nestled up on him, "Rowena and Rini are having a pillow fight."

"I heard."

"I would sleep in there but I don't want to get hit by a pillow," she meowed.

"I don't blame you," he smiled and petted her head.

She rubbed her head on his arm, "I like you, Yuli. You're so nice to Rini."

Yuli blushed, "thanks, Diana."

"I know she might not act like it but she likes you too, Yuli," Diana crawled upon his chest and licked his chin, "I can tell."

"I don't think she even notices I'm even alive right now," Yuli groaned.

"Only because Rowena's here," Diana said, "they're having some sweet sister time together." She yawned, "I'm going to sleep here with you, is that all right?"

"Sure, I could use some company."

"Goodnight, Yuli," Diana curled into a tight ball upon Yuli's chest and they both fell asleep.

Each Ronin Warrior tossed and turned in their sleep. They were panting like they were running a marathon and sweat beaded across their brows. Their nightmares were all the same: the sailor scouts were lost and they could not find them. Only the nightmare was real. They didn't' know where the scouts where. They didn't know if they were all right or if they were in danger. All they did know that there was a new enemy and the sailor scouts were not even around to stop it.

They saw a bright white light in their dreams. In the light were two figures, Pegasus and the Ancient.

"The sailor scouts are all right," the Ancient One said, "they are resting so they can become stronger."

"To find them you must believe in me," Pegasus said. "Do you believe in me?"

"Yes," every ronin warrior spoke out loud, unknown to them it was only a dream.

"Your armor orbs have the same power as the sailor scouts." Ancient One told them. "Use them as a compass to find the sailor scouts. Good luck."

Pegasus and Ancient one disappeared and all they could hear was the soft neighing of Pegasus.

Their eyes popped open and they sat up. Suddenly, they didn't need a poem to find the sailor scouts like Mia used to find them. All they needed was their faith in each other. They walked out all at once.

"You wouldn't believe the dream I just had!" Sage shouted in a whisper.

"If it was anything like mine, I probably would," Sai smiled.

"You saw a white flying horse with the ancient?" Kento asked.

Rowen nodded, "I did."

"Come on," Ryo said, "we have to go find them now." He looked at his armor orb, "The Ancient One has never let us down before. We'll find them, I know it."

"Yeah, alright, let's go!" Kento shouted. They all shushed him not to wake up the others and they left the house.

The sailor scouts where all in a deep sleep and the only way for them to wake up is when their one true love awakens them with the kiss they've been waiting for their whole lives. Surely, the ronins have kissed them time-to-time. But this kiss was special and it was the kind every girl dreamed and waited for. No matter how old they will get, the sailors and every girl will not forget this special kiss. The Ronin Warriors would have to put all their love in the kiss or the scouts will not wake up and they will never have another chance. It will be the last time their lips will ever touch again. {Sounds fairy-tale like, doesn't it? I know, it sounds kinda cheesy, but I think it's cute!} Neither the Ancient One nor Pegasus told them how to wake them up. The Ronins were supposed to know that when they found the sailors or have at least known that all along.

Pegasus and the Ancient one entered their dreams, "The Ronin Warriors are on their way." Ancient One said.

"Do not forget them and do not let them forget you," Pegasus told them. "As you sleep, remember the ronin warriors and have faith in them and believe they will get to you in time."

Ronin Warriors, the sailor scouts pondered, their thoughts echoing out to the world to reach them, please find us and wake us up.

Hearing their pleas, each Ronin Warrior stopped wherever they were in their journey and lifted up their heads as they whispered the name of the sailor scout they loved more than anything in the world.

Ryo's orb glowed brighter with every step he took. It was a sign he was getting closer to Sailor Mars. There was a volcano not too far away and it was the source of heat for the hot springs. He found an ancient temple next to the springs. Ryo finally felt something warm around him but it wasn't the heat of the hot springs. It was something else. Like a spirit of fire just walked right through him. {ooh, creepy!}

"Ryoooo," Sailor Mar's voice echoed, "Oh, Ryooooo. Ryoooo of the Wiiiiiillllllldddddfffiiiiiiirrrreeeee"

"Sailor Mars?" Ryo mumbled, "Where are you?"

"I'm here, Ryo," Sailor Mars' voice came. "I'm waiting for you.'

He followed her voice. It sounded kind of like the same noise of a fire blazing. . Inside the temple was a room of sarcophaguses. There was a fire going in a fireplace at the far wall One was different than the others. This one looked like a red fire crystal and it had the symbol of Mars on it.

"Sailor Mars, I know you're here," Ryo said walked right to the crystallized sarcophagus and looked inside to see Mars face. "I need to find a way to open it somehow." He placed his hand on it and it was very hot. However, his armor of wildfire protected him from burning his hand off. He took his sword and cut a small section and a warm red light began to glow. The lid opened to review Sailor Mars in a new form. Unable to believe his eyes, Ryo backed up, "Sailor Mars…"

She was not in her every day form, sailor scout form or even her planetary princess form. Sailor Mars looked more like a warrior. Her black hair was adorned with a helmet resembling flames and she wore a piece of armor resembling Ryo's only smaller. It wasn't exactly ronin armor but a more mystical armor, kind of like the armor of old. Her breastplate was red with flames and she had red metal gauntlets and boots. Her legs and arms were covered with white leather underneath the gold breastplate that covered her torso.

Kiss me, Ryo of Wildfire, Sailor Mars wanted to scream, kiss me now.

As if he heard her, Ryo reached into the sarcophagus and picked Sailor Mars in his arms and he kissed her with hot fiery fervor, the way she always wanted him to kiss her. Between the two soldiers of fire, a new flame started. Their love.

Sailor Mars opened her eyes, "you found me and you were able to wake me up."

Ryo smiled, "I wouldn't stop looking until I found you."

"I love you, Ryo of Wildfire," Sailor Mars praised as she wrapped her arms around him.

"I love you too, Sailor Mars," Ryo held her close. They both finally felt hot, as if the fire of the fireplace swallowed them whole. He looked her over, "I like your style."

Sailor Mars blushed as she looked down, "I'm not sure what happened. Must be from that guy I saw in my dream."

"It was the ancient," Ryo said, "He must have did it."

She nodded, "well, he has good taste."

"Let's find the others," he said, "we still have that new enemy to face."

Sage sat Indian style trying to locate where Sailor Jupiter was sleeping. The braches of the trees waved in the wind. He heard the crash of thunder and he jumped up.

"What the heck?" he cried.

He saw a bolt of lightning dart from a thundercloud and hit a tree somewhere in the forest. Leaves landed near his feet.

"Sage," he heard Sailor Jupiter call, "Saaaaageeee, come find me, Saaageee of the Haaaaallloooooo."

"Sailor Jupiter, is that you?"

"Go find her, Halo," he heard someone say behind him.

"Kale?" he looked past his shoulder and saw the warlord of corruption a few feet behind him. "I thought you were---"

Kale pointed into the trees, "go after her."

"Saaaaaggggeee," Sailor Jupiter voiced again, bringing Sage's attention to it. He looked behind him to see if Kale was still there but he wasn't.

"What the?" Sage mumbled.

"Saaaaaage."

Sage's body seemed to move on its own, like the current of lightning moved though the ground and forced him to start running into the forest. There were trees everywhere and it he was running to or seem to be led to a giant tree. He stopped in front of the tree. It was the most humongous tree he has ever seen in his life. He saw something in the tree but couldn't quiet make out what it was. It was glistening in the sunlight. There was a crack in the tree where the lightning hit.

"Are you in there, Sailor Jupiter?" he asked. "I'll get you out." He took his sword, "Thunder….bolt….cut!" He jumped up to where the lightning hit and finished where it left off. Sage's violet eyes widened when he saw what was in there. He landed on his feet and stared at the green seven-foot crystal with the symbol of Jupiter on it. It looked kind of like a coffin. He could barely see Jupiter's face inside. He pulled on the coffin and the top opened up and revealed Sailor Jupiter, not as the tough chick that could cook, not as the sailor scout of thunder, or as the princess of the planet Jupiter, but as a new warrior.

"Whoaaaaa," Sage groaned, "Sailor Jupiter?"

Her ponytail was down and her brown hair reached her shoulders. Jupiter wore a helmet that resembled a leaf and so did the shoulder guards of her dark green breastplate. A thunderbolt came down on the front of the breastplate and she wore green gauntlets and boots.

You came for me. I knew you would. Sailor Jupiter thought, now kiss me. Kiss me now, Sage of the Halo.

"Sailor Jupiter," he whispered as he reached inside to hold her as he planted a soft but meaningful kiss on her lips that could have been the strongest surge of electricity ever known to man. Leaves surrounded them with sparks as Sage continued to kiss Sailor Jupiter until she woke up.

"Sage," Sailor Jupiter mumbled, "I was waiting for you."

"I'm sorry," he said.

"It's okay," she said, "I would wait for you forever if I had to. I knew that someday you would come for me."

"I love you," he breathed. "I love you so much, Sailor Jupiter."

"I love you too, Sage," she proclaimed. "So, is this me?" she looked down at herself.

Sage smiled, "Yeah, it's pretty cool."

"I wonder if the others are alright," Sailor Jupiter said.

"There's only one way to find out," Sage said with a grin, "let's go find them."

Kento was wandering through the desert. It was a place where his armor got its power, so why did he felt so weak? Sweat beaded across his brow as the sun was hitting down on him hard.

"I knew I shoulda at first," he groaned. He passed down into the sand and heard footsteps coming to him. Thinking it was Venus, he lifted his head. He focused on the person in front of him with an outstretched hand. "Dais?"

"This is not an illusion, Hardrock," Dais said, pulling Kento to his feet. "As tricky as the desert may be."

"I thought you were dead," Kento mumbled. "How?"

"No time for that," Dais said.

"Kennnnttooooo," Sailor Venus' echoed.

"Sailor Venus," Kento said.

"You have to go after her," Dais told him and pointed forward, leading past the sand dunes.

"How will I find her?" Kento demanded. "There's sand every where!"

"There is an oasis in every desert," Dais informed and walked away.

"An oasis in every desert?" Kento mumbled. He took a deep breath and shouted with all his voice, "What the heck does that supposed to mean?!"

Dais didn't answer him.

"Great," Kento groaned. There is an oasis in every desert, Kento remembered as he trekked up the sand dunes. It was hard to get up but he pushed himself to continue. His armor was strong, he was strong and so was the love he had for Sailor Venus. It was the strongest thing about him. "Hold on," he muttered, "I'm coming, Sailor Venus, hold on." His feet sank into the sand but he continued to walk up the dune. Finally, he reached the top and he saw the oasis. "No way…."

There were palm trees gathered in a shape of a heart, surrounding a heart shaped pond. It was the most beautiful thing he ever seen in his life. He had to be dreaming. This had to be one of Dais' illusions, although ever illusion used on him wasn't quite as beautiful as this.

"Whoa," Kento moaned.

"Kentoooooo," Sailor Venus' voice rang.

He remembered what he was doing and ran down the dunes and into the oasis, calling for Sailor Venus. There were strawberry bushes around the pond and at the top of it was a giant orange crystal with the symbol of Venus. It didn't take long for Kento to know that the crystal held Sailor Venus inside. He walked up to it and as he put his hand on it, it opened and revealed a new Sailor Venus. It wasn't the cute English girl, or the scout of love and beauty or even her in a princess dress.

Sailor Venus wore orange armor, but it was more feminine than the armor of hardrock. She wore a orange breastplate, orange gauntlets and boots. Her helmet had a red heart on it and the red bow in her hair was missing. Sailor Venus' long golden hair waved in the wind.

"S-Sailor Venus," Kento stammered, reaching his hand to her cheek.

Oh, Kento, she thought, kiss me. Kiss me now.

He reached inside and pulled her out, looking her over longingly. Lifting her in his arms, he whispered her name and kissed her both gently and strongly at the same time. He kissed her like he has never kissed her before. Sailor Venus opened her eyes and lifted her arms around his neck.

"Kento, you came for me," she whispered.

"Of course," he said. "How do you feel?"

"Not bad," she replied. "We must go find the others."

He nodded and walked away, still carrying Venus in his arms.

"Um, Kento, I can walk," she said with a smile.

"I know, but I just want to carry you through the desert."

"Okay," she said and nestled up to him.

Sai came across a lake. His armor orb started glowing, as he got closer to it, "Sailor Mercury must be in there," he said.

He prepared himself to get into the water and felt a strong tug on his arm. "No, Torrent."

"What?" He turned around to look the warlord of Venom in the eyes, "Sekhmet! I-I thought you were dead!"

"You can't go in this way," he said.

"Why," Sai asked. He looked at the lake and noticed what he didn't notice before: fish rising to the surface, "No," he clenched his teeth and looked back at Sekhmet, "you, you poisoned it! You knew Sailor Mercury was…"

"No," he shook his head, "it was poisoned before that. It was the same day I became the warlord of venom. I was only testing my abilities."

"Sailor Mercury is in there," Sai told him, "I have to get to her somehow."

"Saaaaiiiiii," he heard Mercury call for him. It sounded like a spring of water.

"I can hear her," Sai said.

"The poison is getting weaker," Sekhmet said, "you'll have to go in on that side," he pointed at the far end of the lake. "It's safer that way."

"Why are you suddenly helping me?" Sai asked. "And how did you survive?"

"The ancient saved us," Sekhmet replied. "I can't explain it now. You must go after your friend." He pointed at the safe end of the water and walked away.

Sai watched Sekhmet walk off, still surprised. He went to the safe side of the lake, jumped and swam underwater. It was hard to see because of the murkiness, but he had to find Sailor Mercury. He found an underwater cave and swam inside it. There was air inside the cave and reached the surface. It was cold and dark and wet, but he knew she was there. Somewhere. He saw something next to the water. It looked like a giant light blue crystal with the symbol of Mercury.

Pulling himself out of the water, he looked at the crystal. "She's in there," he said aloud. "She's got to be." He walked to it and touched the crystal. It popped open to reveal Sailor Mercury. Sai gasped as he looked her over. She was not the smart, shy girl, neither was she the scout of water and ice and she did not wear her light blue princess dress.

Sailor Mercury wore a helmet that had two icicles on the side that came down to her chin. Her blue breastplate was decorated with water drops and she wore light blue gauntlets and boots.

I never doubted you, Sai, she thought, please wake me with a kiss.

Sai reached his hands forward to Sailor Mercury's face and kissed her lips. Softly at first and the kiss grew deeply as he pulled her close to him and held her tight. It should have made the English boy blush immediately but instead he continued to kiss her with butterfly kisses.

Sailor Mercury opened her eyes and a small smiled graced her face, "you kissed me and didn't blush once. I'm impressed."

"You're not blushing either," Sai told her.

Sailor Mercury gave a little laugh. "I knew you could wake me up." She wrapped her arms around him and sighed. "I love you so much. More than I thought I could ever love someone."

"I love you too," Sai wiped a tear that fell from her eyes, "love."

"Let's find the others," she said and immediately a clear transparent piece fell from the front of her helmet and over her mouth and nose like the same transparent mask that Sai had to help him talk to marine life or breath underwater. Sai was surprised for a moment and jumped into the water just after she did.

Rowen knew exactly where to find Serena, how to get there was the problem. She was on the moon. He couldn't explain the first time he got on the moon and met Serena, it just happened. He stood upon a skyscraper and looked at the night.

"Don't worry, Sailor Moon," he said, "I'll get to you as soon as I can."

His foot slipped on the edge and almost fell down to his death. He screamed and it stopped short as he felt someone grab his arm. "Huh?" He hoped it wsa Serena but he looked up to see Anubis pulling him to safety. "Anubis? Impossible, you're, you're…" Rowen felt it impossible to say.

"You found yourself into space once," Anubis said, "You can get there again."

"Rowennnn," Sailor Moon called, "come get meeeeee."

Rowen lifted his head to the sky.

"All you have to do is fly," Anubis told him, "just do it."

"Wait a minute, Anubis," Rowen persisted, "why are you…?"

Anubis turned around and walked away. Rowen sighed and stepped onto the edge. He could get there. His armor of Strata was the shuttle and his love for Serena was the ticket. All he had to do was go for it. A dark blue circled surrounded him and he was flying in the air in just an instant. He was going turbo speed into the sky and soon outer space. The moon was in view and he was getting closer to it.

Scanning the moon for Serena, he heard her call him. But he didn't see her at all. He landed on the moon and the sphere disappeared.

"Sailor Moon, where are you?" he cried out but got no answer.

He did find something else though. It was a white giant crystal with the moon symbol on it. He walked up to it and put rubbed his hand over it. It opened and revealed Serena, as he had never seen her before. Not the bubbly girl that likes to eat or, Sailor Moon, or Princess Serenity. She was dressed as a warrior. Her hair was not in her usual style of pigtails and meatball shaped buns, instead, she wore it freely through a hole on the top of a white helmet with the moon symbol on front. It was somewhat like Rowena's helmet, except Rowena's hair was in a braid; Serena was in a loose ponytail. Her breastplate was a deep blue with the gold moon symbol sending moonbeams and her gauntlets were blue and her boots red.

Rowen was breathless. He just didn't know what to say.

Oh, Rowen, kiss me. She thought.

He didn't know what to say but he did know what to do. He took her into his arms and kissed her more passionately than the first time he kissed her. The unforgettable time when they were both confused and in love with each other. That day when he came back to see her again and he told her how he felt. He kissed her on impulse that day and he kissed her again the same way but with more passion, more intensity and fervor. He kissed her the way Darien never kissed her or he himself ever kissed her. He kissed her with so much passion and held her so close that her helmet fell down and he began to stroke his hands into her long hair.

Sailor Moon awoke and breathed Rowen's name. They looked into each other's eyes longingly, "Rowen, I knew you would come."

"Serena, you're beautiful," he said. "So beautiful."

She smiled and blushed, "you're so good to me." She rested her head on his chest.

"How did you get the armor?" he asked.

"I'm not sure," she said honestly, "probably happened when I was asleep."

"Let's return," he said, "the others are probably looking for us."

She nodded and the dark blue sphere surrounded them and they were led back to Earth.

"Oh no!" Mia shouted.

Darien ran out of his room, "what's wrong, Mia?"

"The guys are gone!" she replied as she looked in every room.

A still half-asleep Yuli walked out, "what is it?"

"The warriors are missing," Darien answered for Mia.

Yuli's eyes widened, "please tell me that Tulpa did not--"

"Relax," Darien said, "they might have went out for breakfast or something."

"Or went to find the girls," Yuli said.

"They're not the only ones that are missing," Diana said as she came out of Rowena and Rini's room, "Rowena and Rini are gone too!"

"What?" Yuli gasped and ran into their room. Everything was neat and tidy. "Well, at least she didn't' leave such a mess."

"She gets that from me," Darien said.

Rowena and Rini were in town at the local parlor shop where Andrew and his sister works at.

"Hi, Elizabeth," Rini said, "this is my sister, Rowena."

"I didn't know you had a sister, Rini!" Elizabeth laughed.

"Now ya do," Rowena said with a wink. She shook her hand.

"Where's Andrew?" Rini asked.

"I'm right here," Andrew said, "hi Rini."

Rowena's smile disappeared as she studied Andrew. Elizabeth acted like any sister would and slapped him playfully on the shoulder.

"I think Rini would like her usual," Elizabeth said.

"Ah," he said, "a root beer float."

"That's right!" Rini cried. "You've got such a wonderful memory, Andrew."

What's wrong with them? Rowena thought, can't they see that there's something wrong about him? I've never met him before but I know he's not who he says he is. He's a memrory maimer!

Andrew walked away.

"Is there something wrong with your brother?" Rowena asked.

"What do you mean?" Elizabeth questioned. "There's always something wrong!" she laughed.

His own sister should know there's something wrong. "I don't think he's your brother."

"What?" Elizabeth mumbled, "hey, my brother--"

"Rowena, what are you doing?" Rini demanded.

"Listen to me, I know that he may look the same and act the same but he is not your brother."

"Excuse me," Rini grabbed her sister's arm, "I forgot something at home!" and pulled her out of the parlor, "Rowena, what's the matter with you?"

"I told you I can tell who's a memory maimer," Rowena reminded, "well, this Andrew person is one of them."

"What do you mean?" rini asked, "he looked the same to me and--"

"You can't tell, nobody can tell except me. He's a memory maimer and the real Andrew has been taken hostage."

Rini rolled her eyes, "okay, but you didn't' have to say that right in front of Elizabeth!"

"I've got to stop him," she said, "I cant' let this go out any longer. Are you going to help me or not?"

"Hey, I'm a sailor scout too," Rini reminded, "I'm sorry, Rowena. Maybe I'm jealous because you can tell the difference and I can't."

"Come on, before one of them gets us," she said, "ready?"

"You be I am!"

"Moon Strata Power!"

"Moon Life Soul Power!"

They went into the back of the store to find the Andrew look-alike making some goodies.

"How dare you take away people's precious memories!" Sailor Strata Moon shouted. "Their memories are all they have!"

"Who are you?" he demanded.

"Sailor Strata Moon!"

"And I am Sailor Neo Moon!" Neo Moon added.

"We protect all the memories of others," Sailor Strata Moon informed.

"We are the full moon sisters, sailor scouts who fight for love and justice," Sailor Neo Moon cried.

"And in the name of the future moon, we will punish you!"

"Hey, what are you doing?" Elizabeth freaked. "Leave my brother alone!"

"He's not your brother," Sailor Strata Moon said, "This man is an imposter!" she jumped up and kicked him square in the chest.

Sailor Neo Moon cringed, "I'm glad he's not really Andrew."

Andrew stepped back, "Master, I have a situation. What are your orders?"

"Destroy the sailor scouts!" he shouted.

"Who said that?" Elizabeth mumbled.

"Yes, Master," the fake Andrew said, "prepare to be eliminated."

"Strata Moon, watch out!" Neo Moon pushed her sister out of the way and the ray beam struck her front bow. "Aaahhh!"

"Are you alright, Neo Moon?" Sailor Strata Moon asked.

"Yeah, think so," she replied. "You owe me."

Strata Moon stepped in front of Neo Moon and covered her, "you just made a big mistake!" her wand appeared in her hand, "Moon Beam Shock Wave!" She shot the robot in the face, blowing away the fake skin and revealing the metal behind it.

"You're not Andrew!" Elizabeth shouted.

"Return to base, maimer 0004," the master said, "immediately!"

"Yes Master," he started to fade out.

"I don't' think so!" Sailor Strata Moon hissed and sent her attack again, "you're not going anywhere!"

The beams of waves blew away the robot's skin and taking him apart, leaving him just a pile of metal.

"Don't' worry," Sailor Neo Moon said, "we will find Andrew for you. That is our job as sailor scouts."

The two full moon sisters walked out, unprepared for another run in with a memory maimer. The previous maimer that tried to take Ryo's and Neo Moon's memory came back. After seeing Sailor Neo Moon's memories, the maimer wanted them. Tthey wre so surgary sweet. The was Rini the cute lovable girl and powerful Sailor Neo Moon. The maimer never focused on a human with so many lovly dreams and memories.

"It's after you, Neo Moon!" Strata Moon warned.

"Hey, go get some memories of your own!" Sailor Neo Moon shouted, bringing her hads to her head, "these are mine!"

"Not anymore," it groweled.

"Stay back!" Sailro Strata Moon sent her attack. It pushed the maimer back. IT stalled for a moment and contined to walk to Neo Moon. It seemed stronger than the other maimers.

"Moon Beam Rose Aim!" Sailor Neo Moon cried, sending her attack of moon beams and roses. It stalled the memory maimer for a moment but it walked to her some more.

"WE have to use both of our powers," Sailor Strata Moon said.

"Right, let's do it!" Neo Moon said and they put their wands together, "Full Moon Glow Penetration!" They sent their combined glowing attack to the memory maimer. The force of it threw the memory maimer ten feet fack.

"Is, is it gone?" Neo Moon mumbled.

"I hope so," Strata Moon said.

The Maimer stood back up. It looked like Sailor Neo Moon but now part of its flesh was missing on its face and hands. It stared and Neo Moon with an ugly half faced grin.

"You cannot beat me with your little toys," it said, "I will have your sweet and pure memories and you cannot stop me!"

"We're in trouble," Neo Moon moaned.

"Run, Neo Moon!" Strata Moon ordered, "I'll hold it off!"

"With what? I've seen the extent of your power," it grunted, "now say goodbye to your dear full moon sister."

"There's no way I'll let you take my sister's dreams!" Strata Moon cried and jumped in front of the maimer. The Memory Maimer kept her in the air and trapped her in an invisible hold. "What, the? Hey, let me go!"

Neo Moon backed up and Strata Moon shouted at her to run away but it was already too late. The Memory Maimer had her cornered, "Memory maiming! Your memories are mine!" she placed her hands on Neo Moon's head and began to draw out her memories.

Sailor Neo Moon screamed, "No, leave my memories alone!"

Stata Moon tried to move but she couldn't' do anything but watch. No, my sister… "Let her go! Take me instead! Leave my sister alone!"

It ignored her and continued to the process. All the memories were flashed before Neo Moon's eyes, when she was living in the future and came down to the past for the first time. Being known and called to as Small Lady. The time when she was lonely and Wise Man made her change into Wicked Lady. The day she met the warriors and Yuli.

Strata Moon could see and hear all her sweet memories in a crystal that appeared over her head. It was filling up with her memories. "All those memories," she sniffed, "Rini's precious Memories." She bit her lip and began to shout at the maimer again, "let her go! I said let my sister go now!"

"What sweet memories," the memory maimer commented. They kept coming and coming. Meeting Hotaru and fighting at the sailor scout Sailor Mini Moon. Meeting and falling in love with Pegasus and also saying goodbye. The crystal above Neo Moon's head filled more with her memories and the memory didn't seem to get enough until something strange went wrong. The memories kept coming and they were just too sweet and pure. "Wh-what's happening?" it said, "This person has too many memories." Then the hands on her head began to shorten out, "Master, what's going on? Something is wrong!"

"Don't let go, continue to take her memories!" its master ordered, "take them all!"

It couldn't' seem to let go but it wanted to. It screamed. "Master, something is wrong! The memories are hurting me!"

Strata Moon watched intently, hurtful memories? I guess this is what they mean when the past can still hurt!

It wanted sweet and pure memories and that's exactly what it was getting. Only they were too sweet and too pure and there were more memories than the memory maimer expected. Finally it was able to let go of her. It staggered away holding the crystal in one hand.

"I'm returning to base, master," the maimer said.

"Take the human with you," he ordered.

"No, Neo Moon!" Strata Moon shouted and used all her strength to get out of the hold. She had just reached Sailor Neo Moon as both the maimer and her dear sister disappeared. "No, she's gone!" she fell to her knees where her sister was and clenched her teeth, "she's gone! This cant' be! Neo Moon! Sailor Neooo Moooooon!"

"Sailor Strata Moon!" Yuli cried, "whre's Sailor Neo Moon?"

"She's gone! It took her away!" she sobbed, "I couldn't' stop it…couldn't stop it!"

"I don't' believe it," Yuli said, "she can't be gone. Why didn't you do something? She's your sister!"

"I tried, Yuli, but it kept me from getting to her!" she wiped her eyes, "I couldn't move! It's all my fault, I know."

"Leave her alone," Rowen said as he placed his hands on his future daughter's shoulders, "she did her best."

"You guys are back!" Yuli shouted.

"Are you alright, Rowena?" he asked his future child.

Rowena pulled herself up and nodded her head, "I didn't know they were that powerful. They're just like the soul stealers. They just won't stop until they get what they want."

"Who?" he asked.

"Memory Maimers, the new enemy," she replied. "They are robots that take away people's memories. They can replace a human form."

"Like that thing we saw yesterday," Kento said.

"I'm the only one who can tell who is a human and who is a memory maimer," she said. She noticed the sailor scouts looked different, "where did you get those new armors?"

"Gifts from Pegasus and the Ancient," Sailor Moon said with a shrug.

"Armored Sailor Scouts," Jupiter added.

Strata Moon smiled.

"Do you know where we're supposed to find Neo Moon?" Yuli asked.

"I don't, I'm sorry, Yuli," she said.

"You know what these things are called," Yuli said crossing his arms and narrowing his eyes, "you know what they do and you know one when you see one but you don't know where they came from?!"

"That's enough, Yuli!" Mia scolded.

"Yeah, he didn't' mean it," Kento said. He walked to Sailor Strata Moon. She was still angry with herself and turned to punch Kento what she thought was just air. "Ghuh!"

"Oh, Kento, I'm sorry!" she cried and stepped back, "I just feel, well, oh…man…" she ran away.

"Rowena!" Rowen shouted. He almost ran after her but decided that she'd rather be alone. Already he was acting like an overprotective father and he was still a teenager.

"Man, Rowen, your little girl is pretty tough," Kento grunted.

"Let's go home," Dareien said, "maybe we can figure what to do later."

Yuli was very angry. He didn't know what to do so he placed on his kendo attire and started to do some fighting techniques. He lost Rini and he lost Rowena. Sure, he didn't like Rowena as much as he liked Rini, but if it wasn't' for her, they probably wouldn't' have gotten so close. And she was Rini's half sister after all and he couldn't' help but notice her good looks. It was no lie that he was angry with Rowena but in truth, Yuli was angrier with himself. At least Rowena was there and she was a sailor scout. Yuli was just a kendo student. He was no ronin warrior; it didn't matter if he was a friend of the ronin warriors. There was nothing he could do to help her. He didn't' have any special powers or abilities and he envied the ronin warriors because of it. Yuli just didn't' realize that he was special to them. That he made a difference in their lives. If they didn't meet him, and have him remind them and encourage them, that maybe they woudlnt' have gotten this far.

"Kiiiiiyyyyyyaaaaaa!" he jumped up and whacked the kendo stick down. He almost broke the stick because he was so angry.

"Hi," Rowena said at the door, "is it safe to come in?"

"I don't know, is it?" he smarted off as he removed the face guard. "Was it safe for Rini when you--"

"That's enough!" she shouted. "I did not mean for my sister to get in trouble, okay? I feel terrible enough as it is, so get off my back! I only came to talk to you!"

"I thought you ran off back to the future," he said, "like Rini almost did."

"Hey, we're half sisters, not half-minded," she snapped, "I know she almost left to go back to the future yesterday when I came back but she didn't, okay? Besides, she really wouldn't have left and neither would I. Our world is in danger, isn't that why I came back?"

"And so is Rini, no thanks to you!" he shouted, "What kind of sister are you anyway!"

"Would you stop and just listen to me!?" she cried, "I am going to find Rini. I'll find her, even if I have to sacrifice my memories and myself, we'll get her back. She's my sister and I know she would do the same for me. If she did not throw the jewel of life in front of me that time when Ninaria tried to take me soul, she would have everybody's souls and none of us will be here right now." She pushed him back, "so don't you dare say that I'm an unfit sister because I love Rini more than anything in the world!" She turned around and tried to keep her tears away.

"Rowena, I--" Yuli muttered.

"Just shut up, okay?" she said, "you've said enough."

"I just wanted to say," he said, "I'm, well, I'm sorry. I wasn't really angry at you, I was angry at me."

She turned around. "Why, what did you do?"

"The ronin warriors have a different relationship with the scouts than I do," he said, "I mean, they're all ronin warriors and the girls are scouts. They're both soldiers. Rini's a soldier too and I'm, well, I'm nothing. I can't protect her like the guys can protect the other scouts. I even gave her my jewel of life and it was my only defense."

"Hey, that took a lot of guts to do what you did," she told him, "that's nothing to be ashamed of."

"I'm sorry," he apologized again, "and I want to thank you."

"Thank me for what?" she asked.

"For letting Rini know how much she means to me," he said, "I couldn't seem to convince her that I wasn't going to leave that one time. I really appreciate it."

Rowena smiled, "hey, it was nothing. I could just tell that you two look great together."

"I just wish there was something I could do," Yuli said.

"Maybe there is," she said. She brought out her armor orb, "I think you know what this thing is, don't you?"

Yuli nodded, "where did you get that?"

"While the soul stealers had your soul," she explained, "an old friend of mine named Luther gave this to me."

"Nice…does he have one for me?" he asked with a grin.

"Armor of Strata Moon, Tao Inochi!"

Yuli stepped back in surprise but watched intently, "wow…"

She stood before him in the full armor of strata moon. "Just stand still, okay?" she took an arrow from her quiver and aimed it at Yuli.

"Rowena, what are you doing?" he asked in fear, "look I'm sorry what I said earlier, I'm, really, really, really sorry!"

She let go fo the arrow and Yuli closed his eyes. The arrow hit the protective padding on his kendo outfit and a bright light surrounded him. It changed the clothes he had on now to a stronger material somewhat like the ronin armor but it looked kind of ancient. (I'm not sure how to explain it really, but instead of what he would wear at a Kendo tournament, it's the same thing but with more leather and a silver lining.) His kendo stick turned into pure heavy silver.

"How, how did you do that?" he asked.

"These are life force arrows, Yuli," she explained as she walked closer to him. She placed her hand on his shoulder and both their armors disappeared. "You can change any time you want to."

"Do I have to say something?" he questioned, "like 'moon memory magic' or something?" he had a small disgusted look on his face.

She giggled, "no, not unless you have to. All you have to do is remember who you are inside." She pointed into his chest, "and don't doubt yourself ever again. Just picture yourself wearing the armor and it's done. But if you really want to say something the like the scouts and ronins do, you can always say 'Rini, I'm coming to save you!'"

{AN: I was thinking of a transformation shout but I couldn't' think of anything that would make sense! Anyone have any ideas?}

They laughed for a little bit. Yuli wanted to push her or something but just stood there and laughed. Rowena licked her finger and sighed as she straightened the bangs that fell down to her nose. Without explanation or thinking, their eyes locked together and they both moved in to share a small and innocent kiss. When it ended, they stepped back in surprise and embarrassment.

"OH, I'm so sorry!" Rowena cried.

"I don't 'know where that came from!" Yuli shouted in a whisper.

"We'd better not tell Rini about that," she said.

"Maybe it is better if we get caught by those memory maimers," Yuli joked, "let's just forget that ever happened!"

"Forget what?" Rowena giggled and stepped back, "I'd better get going now. Bye…" she bumped into something, "whoops, um, later!"

Yuli sighed and looked down. Now, Rini, it's my turn to save you.

To Be Continued. What will happen next? Will Rini be saved and if she does, will she learn about the kiss between Yuli and Rowena? Will the armored sailor scouts be powerful enough to stop the Memory Maimers? Find out in the next chapter (possibly the last chapter) "Forget Me Not"