(Please excuse the mix of Japanese elements and American ones. The characters remain the same, no mater what name I give them. I have incorporated Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon, Samurai Troopers, Pocket Monsters, Project A-ko and Dragon Ball Z into one fic I think you will like E-mail me when you finish. K? K. Enough of my ramblings! Enjoy!)
Standard disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this fic. Not one of them. Okay? That out of the way? Good.
Ch 1.
There's no Earthly way of knowing,
Which direction we are going,
There's no knowing where we're rowing,
Or which way the river's flowing,
Is it raining, is it snowing,
Is a hurricane a blowing?
-Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
"Late again?!?" a high-pitched voice wailed.
Seiji simply shook his head and sipped his coffee. The other girls had left almost an hour ago. They had tried to wake Usagi, but to no avail. She would not get up. Mia stood by the door and held out Usagi's lunch bag as the poor girl rushed out of the house, desperate not to be late for school.
"It's her own fault, y'know," Touma said. "If only she'd wake up on time, she wouldn't have this problem."
Luna only laughed. "Usagi? Get up on time? You might as well ask her to win the Olympics. Let's face it: it's not happening."
Everyone chuckled at that. Luna went on. "And it's her first day at Graviton High, in a new city at that. The poor thing. She'll not make a very good impression on her new teacher, that's for sure."
"Late, hmmmm? What's your name?"
"Tsukino Usagi, Miss."
Ayumi-sama peered at Usagi critically while the rest of the senshi looked on helplessly.
"You'll stay after school for a quick conference with me, and I do not expect this to happen in the future. Is that understood, Usagi-san?"
"Yes, Miss."
"Good. You can take the seat on A-ko-san's right."
Usagi nodded, and went hastily to her seat. Ayumi-sama turned to the board.
"Let's begin, shall we?"
"If you'd only gotten up when you were supposed to, you wouldn't have this problem!"
Usagi grimaced.
"Oh, lighten up, Rei! It's only my first day. It's not like she's Miss H. or anything!"
Ami nodded. "That's true, Usagi-chan, but if you don't get up on time, you'll have as hard a time with her as you did with Haruna-sama."
"Alright, alright. I'll get up on time! You try to sleep in a-"
Usagi was cut off by the sound of someone approaching them. She turned to see the young girl named A-ko standing over them, smiling. Beside her was a blonde girl with flowers in her hair.
"Hi," A-ko said. "My name's A-ko. This is C-ko."
C-ko smiled. "Hi everyone!" She held out a packet that could only be a lunch. Usagi grinned.
"Hi, C-ko. That wouldn't be a lunch box, would it?"
C-ko smiled wider and nodded. "Yep! It sure would, I make lunch for A-ko-chan, but she never wants to eat any of it."
A-ko developed a sweat drop and smiled a bit. "That's because it I ever ate all of it, I might have to get my stomach pumped. But, you might like it, Usagi."
That was all she needed, and Usagi quickly took the box from C-ko's hands and began devouring the food at a rather alarming rate.
A-ko stared. "Shouldn't someone slow her down?"
Makoto smiled and shrugged. "What's the use?"
She stood and brushed off her uniform. "Anyway, I've got to go. Shin's expecting me."
A-ko's ears perked at the name. Could it be? She decided not to push it. After all, she had detention duty…again. And this time, she'd have to make sure not to destroy the classroom in the process.
"Late again." Artemis shook his head. "Usagi, you've got to learn to be on time. What if a youma attacked halfway across the city, and you were too busy sleeping?"
Usagi scowled. "Why is everyone on my case?"
Mamoru smiled. "We only want to help, Usa-ko. Especially now that the Dynasty and Negaverse have moved from Tokyo to Graviton."
Usagi sighed heavily. "I suppose you're right."
Chibiusa grinned. "Of course we're right! Now, let's practice! I promised Ami I'd go with her to the bookstore today!"
Usagi nodded. "Okay, then." She and Chibiusa held up their lockets. "Moon Crisis,"
Ami held up her transformation stick. "Mercury Crystal Power,"
Rei held up hers. "Mars Crystal Power,"
Makoto was next. "Jupiter Crystal Power,"
Minako held up hers. "Venus Crystal Power,"
Together, the six of them yelled, "Make Up!"
In a flurry of colors and light, they transformed into, respectively, Super Sailor Moon, Super Sailor Chibimoon, Super Sailor Mercury, Super Sailor Mars, Super Sailor Jupiter and Super Sailor Venus.
Super Sailor Moon grinned. "Alright! Who's first!"
Ryo stepped up, grinning just as wide. "I'll go."
He held out his hand. "Armor of the wildfire! Dowchi!"
In a spectacular sight of banners, glimpses of his armor, and cherry blossom petals, he became Ryo of the Wildfire.
He drew his katana and smiled. "Think you can handle the heat, Sailor Moon?"
Super Sailor Moon grinned. "You won't be talking so big when I hit you with my Heart Ache!"
"Ha! We'll see!" With that, Ryo aimed a swipe at Super Sailor Moon, who dodged it agilely. She swept Ryo, sending him tumbling to the ground and grinned.
She took out her Moon Rod and began to spin. "Rainbow, Moon, Heart, Ache!"
A ribbon of hearts went spiraling at Ryo, but Ryo managed to jump clear before they hit.
Chibimoon grinned. "Go Ryo!"
Super Sailor Moon scowled at her. "Traitor! You're a Senshi, not a Ronin!"
"I know I'm a Senshi, but I'd rather cheer for a Ronin than you."
Super Sailor Moon looked about ready to throttle her daughter.
"You little brat!"
Super Sailor Chibimoon blew a raspberry at her. Super Sailor Moon, in turn, blew one back. A tongue war ensued.
Ryo sighed, developing a big sweat drop. "Well, I suppose this practice is over…"
"A little more…a little farther…No. Wait. I want it on the other side of the room instead."
Groaning, Kale and Dais readjusted the king-size bed, and began to move slowly in the other direction. Bertie looked on critically, while her son, Benjamin, sat playing with his Spiderman doll.
"Uh huh, uh huh…perfect! You can set it down now."
With a heavy groan, Dais and Kale set the bed down gingerly. Dais straightened and held his back. "I do hope that you're not expecting anything of great magnitude tonight, Bertie."
Bertie grinned. "I am, and I'm sure come tonight you'll be only too happy to oblige."
Ben smiled. "Obige, obige, obige," he chanted happily. Bertie smiled and picked him up.
"Yes, my darling. Daddy's going to be very nice tonight to mommy."
Dais only grinned.
He stiffened and turned, his good mood already broken by the arrival of Rubbeus. "Yes?" Dais asked icily. Rubbeus grinned.
"If looks could kill…er, anyhoo, I have some news that will make you less than happy."
"So spill."
"The Senshi and Ronins are in Graviton."
Dais sighed. Why was it lately that he couldn't make a move without those kids following him? The look on Rubbeus' face told him that he wasn't finished.
"And.."
"And there's a new threat. A young girl, about the Senshi's age named A-ko. She's strong."
Dais lifted a brow. "How strong?"
"Strong enough to match you in unarmed combat."
Dais was taken aback. He'd fought Shou and Makoto, the strongest of both the Senshi and Ronins, and won both times. To be told that a girl their age was stronger.. Rubbeus was right. She did pose a threat.
"Where does she attend school?" Kale asked. Rubbeus now grinned.
"Graviton High. An all girls school, and the same school the Senshi have started attending."
Dais grinned. "We can knock out six birds with one stone. I like it. But we'd better run it by Lord Talpa first."
A-ko skipped merrily along, holding C-ko by the hand, which meant that, instead of C-ko's legs trailing behind her as A-ko rushed to school, she was going in a kind of up and down motion.
"You're sure in a good mood today, A-ko!"
"Yep! I got up super early today, so B-ko won't be expecting me, and I won't have to fight her today!"
With that, A-ko put on a burst of speed. "Let's go!!"
When she arrived at school, however, she saw that she had been mistaken. There stood B-ko, her long gray hair cascading down her back, a smug expression on her pampered face.
"Well, A-ko. I see you didn't stay home today either."
A-ko grit her teeth. "Now look here, B-ko, I fought you five times, already, and I'm not going to do it again. Now let me pass!"
B-ko shook her head. "Not until we finish our fight."
"It's over, already, I beat you. Now just accept it like the spoiled little rich kid you are and move on."
B-ko grew red. "It is not over, not until I say it is, and I say we still have a fight to finish!"
C-ko sighed. "I'll see you in class, A-ko."
A-ko nodded. "Yeah, go on ahead. I'll catch up in a sec."
B-ko grinned. "Ready to finish this, A-ko?"
"Hey, what's going on?"
B-ko's head whipped towards the new voice, which happened to belong to Minako. Usagi, Rei, Makoto and Ami were standing behind her, watching.
B-ko dismissed Minako with a wave of her hand.
"Go away, you dumb blonde, this doesn't concern you." The four girls behind Minako immediately took a cautionary step back. The caution was well founded as Minako turned, right before their eyes, from a teenage girl into a raging monster.
"What did you call me?"
B-ko snorted. "Are you deaf too, or must I talk slower?"
That was all Minako needed. With a karate yell that would have made Jackie Chan proud, she let lose with a high kick to B-ko's chest, sending her flying backwards.
Everyone, A-ko included, stared in awe. Just then the bell rang. A-ko started.
"Ack! There's the bell! We're late!"
The other girls squealed as well. "What will we tell Ayumi-sama?" Usagi whined as they all rushed into the school, leaving B-ko twitching on the ground.
"Wow! That was amazing!"
Minako blushed crimson. "It wasn't, really. I used to pose for Sailor V. shots and drawings. I had to learn a bit of karate."
A-ko gasped. "You're Sailor V? Oh, wow, totally cool!"
C-ko smiled. "You can tell us all about it later. Right now, we've got to get to Pocket Monsters class! I call dibs on Pikachu!"
"Hey, Usagi?"
"Yes, A-ko?"
"I was wondering, do you have a boyfriend?"
"Er..yes. Why?"
A-ko sighed as she, C-ko and the Senshi walked to an ice cream shop, at Usagi's insistence, of course.
"I was wondering if you could give me some tips on how to get one."
Usagi smiled. "You can't go out shopping for one, like shoes or anything like that. You've got to let fate bring him to you. That's how it happened with my Mamo-chan and me."
Ami nodded. "She's right. Touma-chan and I met purely by chance in a restaurant. We know it was fate, we didn't have to go looking for each other."
A-ko nodded slowly. "I see what you mean…" she glanced to the rest of the Senshi. "Do you all have boyfriends too?"
They all smiled and nodded. "Mine's Shin-chan," Makoto said dreamily. A-ko stopped and stared at her.
"Shin? Of the Torrent?"
Makoto stopped too. "You know him?"
"Know him? We used to date."
"What??"
"I'm sorry I'm not gentle, I can say it's in my dreams. My thoughts are about to short circuit, I want to meet you…"
Shin heard the doorknob rattle and motioned to Touma to turn off the television. Touma made a pouty face. It was his favorite show. But he turned it off anyway and picked up a magazine, pretending to read it.
Shin picked up a book just as the door swung open. He smiled as he heard the girls chatting comfortably. He wouldn't go out into the hallway to greet them; it would seem like he was anxious to see Makoto. Which he was, but still. He and Touma listened to the girl's conversation.
"So then what happened?" Makoto was asking.
"He tripped and fell face first into the cake! It was so funny!"
Shin blinked. He hadn't known the Senshi when that happened. As a matter of fact, he had been dating…
"Hi, Shin!"
Shin whirled and sure enough, there stood A-ko, smiling. Shin smiled wearily. "A-ko. How nice to see you."
A-ko, not seeming to notice his enthusiasm (or lack thereof) went on. "I just had the greatest talk with Makoto-san! I didn't know you two were dating."
Shin stole a glance at Makoto. Her placid exterior hid a very stormy interior, this he knew. He also knew who to watch out for in the next practice. He turned pale. "Yes, the two of us have been dating for quite a while. I-in fact, we're engaged."
A quick glance at Makoto again. The storm had abated somewhat. A-ko gasped, and turned to Makoto.
"You didn't tell me that! When's the wedding?"
"We don't exactly know yet. Come on in, and I'll fix you and Usagi something to eat."
Usagi turned, an eager look on her face. "Someone mentioned my name and food in the same sentence?"
"We've got to find something to eat.."
Jessy nodded. "I'm so hungry."
James sniffed. "I can almost smell pizza being made right now."
Meowth climbed over the edge of the basket and looked below, where the aroma was coming from. There stood a somewhat small house, with the most delicious smells coming out of the kitchen window.
"Hey, youse guys," Meowth said, turning to the two. "It isn't a dream. There's a house down there where the scent is coming from."
James perked up and looked over the edge. "Hey, you're right!" he sniffed. "It smells delicious!"
Jessy shoved him to the side as she looked over. She grinned. "I'll bet there's something cooling on the windowsill. Why don't we go down and grab it?"
"Is that pizza ready YET??"
Makoto smiled apologetically. "No, it's still too hot. It's on the windowsill."
A-ko and Usagi groaned in unison and looked longingly at the pizza. Then, to their astonishment, the pizza suddenly disappeared. A-ko was out the door in seconds, and outside, Usagi heard a commotion. She popped her head out the window, and, who should be sitting on the grass with big lumps on their heads but "Team Rocket?"
Team Rocket, seeing Usagi, immediately jumped to their feet.
"Prepare for trouble," Jessy said.
"And make it double," James added, whipping out a rose very much like Tuxedo Kamen's.
"To protect the world from devastation."
"To unite all peoples within our nation."
"To denounce the evils of truth and love,"
"To extend our reach to the stars above,"
"Jessy."
"James."
"Team Rocket, blasts off at the speed of light!"
"Surrender now, or prepare to fight!"
"Meowth! That's Right!"
A-ko banged them all on the head again. "You creeps don't even want to fight, you just wanted our pizza!"
James held his head, whining. "Well, we're hungry! We haven't eaten for days!"
Meowth nodded solemnly. "It's true. We couldn't swipe not'in worth eatin' since last week. We're starving!"
Makoto, who had been listening to all this, sighed, not believing what she was about to do. "Look, if you guys are so hungry, we've got plenty of food inside. I'm sure I could whip up something-"
Team Rocket had immediately sped into the house straight to the kitchen, beating Shou's all-time record.
Touma stood, as did Seiji. "What's going on?" Seiji asked. Makoto smiled.
"I invited them in for some food. They haven't eaten for almost a week."
"So let them starve. They've caused us enough trouble."
"You didn't seem to mind petitioning Dais to help me when I was in England, I seem to remember. Why do you have such a problem with Team Rocket?"
Seiji snorted. "I respect Dais to a degree. I don't respect Team Rocket at all."
"Seiji-chan," Minako said, putting her arm around his. "It's the right thing to do."
Seiji sighed heavily, and looked to Touma, who shrugged. Makoto smiled and turned to go into the kitchen.
"Mako-chan?"
Makoto turned to Seiji. "Yes?"
"Just keep an eye on them."
Makoto winked. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
Makoto walked into the kitchen and blinked: three-fourths of the fridge and pantry had been emptied, and devoured. Team Rocket sat at the table with contented looks on their faces.
"We left you some food," James said, smiling. Makoto simply sighed and smiled.
"Well, it was the least you could do, I suppose."
Meowth burped and grinned sheepishly. "Sorry."
"They're all in one house?"
Kale nodded. "All in one place. It can't get any easier than this."
Dais nodded, as did Anubis and Sekhmet. Katzie stepped up.
"So what are we waiting for?"
Avery shook her head. "You've never heard of the element of surprise?"
Prizma laughed. "Katzie can't even keep her mouth shut about her newest shade of lipstick. You expect her to know about surprise?"
Katzie bristled. "At least I know when something's up with my boyfriend."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Bertie stepped in between the two sisters. "Break it up you two, we've more important matters to deal with. One, that rabbit kid is down there, along with all those sniveling Senshi. And two, the Ginzuishou is down there as well. If we can take out the Senshi, the Ronins and that girl, A-ko, I'd say we'd be in very good shape."
Kale nodded. "She's right. I say we attack now."
The corners of Dais' mouth slowly turned up into an evil grin.
Rei patted the soft earth. "There. That's five bulbs down, fifteen to go…"
She sighed. Fire was her element, not earth. Still, she was one good gardener. She picked up the next bulb when something made her whirl around..and come face to face with Kale in armor. Within moments, Kale had Rei out cold, and he motioned to the others, who quickly surrounded the house. Dais grinned. It was time. He nodded to Kale, who held up his sword.
"Black Lightning Strike!"
Instantly, the entire area went pitch dark.
Kale heard Usagi's cry of dismay and fear as the darkness enveloped her. Seiji, who had guessed right away what was happening, began to transform into his armor of the halo. He burst out of the house, followed quickly by the rest of the Ronins and the Senshi, minus Usagi and Chibiusa. Seiji grit his teeth, he couldn't see anything at all, not even his sword. He called out behind him.
"Be careful, guys, I'm sure Kale's not here alone!"
"You would be right, Ronin!" Sekhmet called out, but his voice was an echo. He laughed, and Dais and Anubis joined his laughter.
"Same, this echo, hmmm?" Anubis asked amusedly. "It makes it nearly impossible to pinpoint us. You can't see us."
"Of course," Dais said. "We can see you!"
With that, Dais struck with his nunchuku at Seiji, who managed to somehow dodge the attack. He stood his ground and held his sword up high.
"Thunder Bolt Cut!" he yelled, his sword glowing bright in the darkness. Then, in an instant, the darkness was shattered, and it was daylight once again. Ryo sharply drew in his breath when he saw Rei lying on the ground unconscious. He turned to the warlords with new hate in his eyes.
"You'll pay for that."
Kale smirked. "I doubt it."
Ryo pressed the hilt of his blades together, forming them into one. He then held them high. "Flare Up-"
"Ryo, no!" Touma called. "The warlords are between us and the house. You'll annihilate the house and everyone within a five block radius!"
Ryo stopped short, realizing that Touma was right. He grit his teeth, trying to think of a way to stop the warlords.
His train of thought was shattered as an ear-piercing scream erupted from the house, which could only belong to "Usagi!"
Usagi, Chibiusa, A-ko and C-ko, and Team Rocket poured out of the house followed by the four sisters. Bertie giggled evilly.
"You won't escape me now, Small Lady." She aimed a blast at Chibiusa, which froze her in place up to her neck. Chibiusa was crying. Usagi gasped.
"Chibiusa! No!" She turned to the four sisters. "You'll pay!"
Avery smirked. "How, are you going to have a klutz attack and trip us?"
Usagi turned red. "Now that's not fair! I'll show you! Moon Cosmic-"
"Arbok, attack!"
Usagi was cut off by the sound of Jessy sending her pocket monster into battle. Arbok leapt from the pocket monster ball.
"Arbok, poison sting!"
Arbok lunged at Avery, fangs bared. In a flash, it had bitten her and recoiled, ready for the next attack. Avery held her arm where the monster had bitten her.
"Ow! Oh, you horrid monster! You'll feel my whip around you!" Avery reached for her whip but shuddered instead. She sank to her knees and doubled over, obviously weak, and growing weaker by the moment.
Katzie ran to her sister. "It's the poison! It's taking effect! We'll have to retreat."
Dais stopped for a second. Angry Ronins in front of him. Angry Senshi and A-ko to his right. Angry pocket monster with it's angry trainer behind him. His fallen comrade to his left. Katzie was right. It was time to beat a hasty retreat. He nodded and disappeared, along with everyone else. Jessy smiled.
"Good work, Arbok. Return!" Arbok was drawn back into the pocket monster ball. She turned and saw Ryo using the tip of his katana as a heat source, melting Chibiusa's icy prison. Seiji stared at Jessy.
"Why?"
"Well, I figured I owed you something for allowing us to eat most of your food." She smiled sweetly. She then turned to Rei. "Is she alright?"
Seiji walked to her and placed two fingers at her wrist. "She has a pulse, and there are no bruises or cuts. I'm sure she'll be fine, but we've got to get both Chibiusa and Rei into the house." Mamoru picked up his young daughter, and Ryo picked up Rei. The two of them took the two girls into the house. Mamoru laid Chibiusa on the loveseat. Ryo placed Rei gingerly on the couch. Chibiusa was shivering, and Usagi quickly grabbed a blanket for her.
"Here you go," she said, wrapping it around her.
Chibiusa nodded quietly. "Thank you, mommy," she whispered. Usagi blinked before smiling gently and doing her best to warm Chibiusa up.
Ryo, in the meantime, had gotten hold of some smelling salts and was frantically waving them under Rei's nose. Rei sneezed once and opened her eyes slowly. Ryo breathed a deep sigh of relief. "You're alright," he whispered. Rei nodded, and sat up, groaning.
"Where are the warlords now?" she asked.
"Back in the Dynasty where they belong. How are you feeling?"
Rei rubbed her neck. "I have a horrid headache and neckache, but otherwise, I'm perfectly alright."
Ryo smiled. "Good."
Shou took off his helmet. "We weren't sure if you were alive or…" He trailed off, not being able to bring himself to finish the sentence. Rei nodded.
"It is kind of odd that Kale left me alive."
Touma blinked. "Whoa, time out! Kale knocked you out?"
"Yes, why?"
Touma grinned. "That explains why you're still alive. If it had been Dais, Sekhmet or Anubis, they would have killed you. But I think Kale has a slight crush on you."
"Say what?!?" Usagi asked, her eyes growing wide. Touma nodded solemnly.
"Remember when we went to go see Tom in England? Sure, it was Sekhmet who administered the punishment, but it was Kale who got the angriest, Kale who rescued Rei off of the bed, Kale who held her while Tom was being dealt with. It was Kale who-"
Rei turned crimson. "Okay, Touma-chan. We get the picture." She said quickly. Touma grinned some more.
"I don't think Kale could seriously hurt you if his life depended on it, same way I can't hurt Ami-ko, or Mako-chan can't hurt Shin-kun…well, most of the time."
Makoto giggled a bit. Ryo looked at her. "Laugh while you can, Mako-chan. If the warlords know where we live, then I'm sure they'll go after you at school too."
"Hold it!" A-ko shouted, making everyone look at her. "Can someone please explain to me who those people were, why they came after you, and for that matter, who are all of you guys?"
The Senshi and Ronins alike laughed.
"Why didn't you kill her?"
Kale sighed. "For the hundredth time, Dais, I don't know."
Anubis sneered. "I think you do."
Kale cast a sharp glance at him. "And who cares what you think, pipsqueak."
Anubis smirked. "At least I was deemed competent to lead the Warlords. I don't see you barking out any commands."
Kale started at him at his, but Katzie held him back. "Let it go," she warned. Kale sighed and leaned back against the wall. Dais sighed.
"Look. Just tell me the first thing that comes into your mind when I say a name, and be honest with me, if you can."
Kale sneered. "Just do it."
Dais shrugged. "Touma."
"Bookworm."
"Shou."
"Glutton."
Dais chuckled. "Usagi."
"Total klutz."
Now the room was howling with laughter. "Rei."
"Beautiful." Kale instantly clapped his hand over his mouth, but the damage had been done. The laughter instantly stopped and everyone stared at him. Katzie especially hard.
"You have a crush on a Senshi?" Sekhmet asked slowly, as if amazed
Kale blushed, a rare occurrence, and looked down. Katzie hit him.
"You do have a crush on that Senshi, don't you?"
Kale still said nothing. Katzie hit him again, hard across the face, making Kale taste blood in his mouth.
"You ungrateful bastard!" With that she turned and stormed from the room, the other two sisters following to console her. Dais only stood and stared at Kale. After a moment, he said, "Oh man."
"I've just received a call from the Senshi and the Ronins."
Krillin looked up, interested. "Oh? What'd they want?"
"They want us to go over to Graviton to give them a hand. Seems they've already been attacked by the warlords."
Bulma gasped. "No one was hurt, I hope."
Goku nodded. "No one was seriously hurt, but Rei was knocked out cold and Chibiusa was frozen."
"Poor things," a male voice said mockingly. Goku turned sharply to his fellow sayajin.
"Laugh all you want, Vegeta, but I seem to remember you having an even harder time fighting against Dais when they took Tokyo."
Vegeta snorted, but shut up. Bulma sighed. "When do we leave, Goku?"
"Bulma, I'm afraid you can't go."
"What? Why not?"
Goku sighed. "Well, Bulma, you're kinda.."
"Oh, so just the fact that I'm pregnant is supposed to stop me from going and helping my friends?"
Goku blushed. "It's not that."
Bulma was fighting mad now. "Oh no? Then what is it? Please, I'm dying to know."
Goku sighed. "Fine, then, Bulma, you can come, but don't overtax yourself."
Bulma snorted. "I'll be fine. You'd just better watch your step in Graviton, I don't want any of you guys getting hurt."
"Hey, Senshi!"
Minako leaned out of the window to see C-ko and A-ko standing below at the door. She smiled. "Hey, keep it down guys!"
C-ko smiled. "We understand. You guys ready?"
"Yes, we are. We're coming now!"
A few moments later, the Senshi-all five of them- walked out of the door and joined A-ko and C-ko on the walk to school. Minako looked at A-ko.
"So what was that thing between you and B-ko all about yesterday?"
A-ko rolled her eyes. "Oh, that. Well, it turns out that B-ko, C-ko and I all started at the same kindergarten. There, B-ko picked on C-ko, putting frogs down her back and stuff, but she had some odd notion that the two of them were friends. I rescued C-ko every day, and B-ko got jealous. So finally she challenged me to a fight. 'A fight to the finish' she said. But that was the very day we moved house, and so it never happened.
When B-ko realized who C-ko and I were in high school, she challenged me again, and for the past two weeks has been doing her best to kill me with robot inventions."
C-ko nodded solemnly. "It's true. But B-ko hasn't invented anything yet that A-ko hasn't trashed. And anyway, I'm not up for grabs!"
Makoto blinked. "B-ko sounds like a real spoiled brat."
A-ko nodded. "Yeah, she is, really. She's a spoiled little rich kid who thinks that she's supposed to get everything she wants."
Ami shook her head. "We know someone like that too. It's sad when they realize that they can't get everything."
Minako looked to Ami. "Are you talking about Miranda?"
Ami giggled. "Who else?"
Minako giggled too.
When the seven of them arrived at the school gates, there was B-ko, standing there looking smug. She smiled wider when they came into view.
"Well, I see you came yet again, A-ko. You won't live long enough to regret that decision."
A-ko sighed, and kept walking. "Look, B-ko, I'm not even going to bother to stop for you today. I'm tired of fighting you, when we both know you can't beat me. So let's just forget it."
B-ko clenched her fists as they walked past.
"Wait, now, you can't brush me off! I get what I want, and what I want is a fight!"
Rei scowled at B-ko, stopping her in her tracks. "Get a life."
B-ko gasped, but backed off just the same.
Makoto snorted. "What an attitude." She said over her shoulder just loud enough so B-ko could hear. B-ko grit her teeth. Now those new girls were making a fool out of her as well. They would all pay for that. Especially the blonde one who had beat her up the day before.
"A Senshi! How could he?" Prizma patted Katzie's back as her sister spoke between sobs.
"It'll be all right," Bertie said quietly. "After all, it's only a crush. He loves you more than anything, I'm sure of it."
Katzie sobbed again. "He didn't even have the decency to tell me. That's why he went to her rescue in England. I should have known!"
Prizma hugged her sister. "Oh, Katzie, he didn't go there for Rei, or even Makoto. He went there to teach a bastard a lesson, and he did. He loves you more than anything in this world or any other. Don't you remember Avalon?"
Katzie sniffed and her sobs quieted. "Our first kiss," she whispered. Prizma smiled and nodded.
"Yep. And what did he tell you?"
"That he loved me,"
"Well there you go," Bertie said, smiling. "You wouldn't believe how long it took me to get Dais to say that. Kale really does care about you."
Katzie sniffed again, and smiled just the tiniest bit. "Yeah. He did rescue me from Cale too. I guess he does care about me."
Prizma grinned. "Katzie, you're his entire world. Never forget that."
"What were you thinking?!?"
Kale scowled. "You told me to say the first thing that popped into my mind, so I did."
Sekhmet shook his head solemnly. "This is gonna put a dent in our future attacks."
Kale and Dais both whirled to face him. "Shut up!" they both roared. Sekhmet shrank back.
"Sorry," he muttered. Dais turned back to Kale.
"Man, Kale, a Senshi? The fire senshi at that! Kale, look. On the looks front and NEVER tell Bertie I said this, I'm inclined to agree with you. But she is a senshi nonetheless, and whatever feelings we've got for our enemies we've got to suppress."
Kale sighed. "I know, don't you think I've been through this a hundred times? I'm confusing myself!"
Bertie appeared and thrust her son into Dais' arms. "
Look, Dais, you watch Ben. Kale, I want to talk with you."
Kale paled a bit. He'd heard about Bertie's infamous talks from Dais, and never thought he'd have to live through one. He glanced at Dais, who looked helpless, as he often did when in the presence of his wife. Kale sighed and followed Bertie.
"Kale, just tell me one thing. What would you do to prove to Katzie that you love her?"
Kale sighed. "Anything."
Bertie nodded. "Prizma and I figured as much, and you're going to have to do just that. Katzie's a little better, but I'm not so sure she knows how much you love her."
Kale nodded. "Yes, I know." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a black box.
"I've had this for a few days, but I haven't figured out how to ask her."
Bertie's eyes went wide as she saw the diamond ring in the box. Suddenly, it all came clear.
"You're going to propose," she whispered excitedly. Kale nodded.
"Please don't tell Katzie. I was going to propose yesterday, after we had the rabbit kid in our grasp, but all this came up and..well, it kind of fell to the side."
Bertie smiled. "You can count on me, Kale."
"Now if you'll excuse me," Kale said, turning away. "I've got to check on your sister."
"I'm glad Ayumi-sama didn't give you detention today, A-ko. Now we all can go to a movie!"
A-ko smiled at C-ko. "I'm sure the Senshi have more important things to do than go out with us."
Usagi shook her head. "Actually, we don't. We didn't schedule a practice for today, so we're free. I'm sure Chibiusa and our boyfriends would love to come with us."
Rei grinned. "That's exactly what we need. Usagi in a dark movie theater. She'll probably trip over the projector trying to get some more popcorn."
Usagi turned red. "I am NOT that clumsy!"
Rei smirked. "Could have fooled me."
Usagi looked about on the verge of throttling Rei when she heard something. She looked up into the sky, shielding her eyes from the sun with her hand. "What's that?" she said out loud. A-ko peered where Usagi was looking. She gasped.
"No way! It looks like a bunch of guys in orange jumpers flying towards us!"
Makoto blinked. Orange jumpers? She grinned. "It's the Earth Special Forces!" she said. She began to call out to the fast-moving bright specks in the sky. "Hey, Goku! Krillin, Gohan! Yamcha, Tien, Vegeta! Piccolo! Down here!"
She watched as the bright globes slowed and then vanished as the Earth Special Forces slowed their speed and began to descend to the earth. She squinted. Vegeta looked very odd. In a moment she saw why. He was carrying Bulma…a pregnant Bulma.
"Wha-?" Usagi had noticed it too, and, as usual, was tactless in pointing it out. The Earth Special Forces landed before them, most of them grinning. Makoto ran to Goku and gave him a big hug.
"Hey, Goku-chan! Long time, no see!"
Goku grinned too. "I'll say. It's been too long." He glanced to the other senshi, and followed their surprised expression to Bulma. He chuckled. "I see you've noticed."
Bulma blushed. "Hiya, guys."
Minako was the first to break the silence. "Who?"
Bulma flushed crimson and at the same time, Vegeta coughed and a slight color came to his face too. Minako shook her head. "No…it can't be! Can it? Vegeta, it's yours?"
Vegeta only shrugged. Yamcha put a hand on Goku's shoulder. "Goku, Seiji is expecting us."
Ami frowned. "Seiji called you guys here?"
Gohan nodded. "Yeah. He said we were needed."
Rei sighed. "I'll bet anything Ryo talked him into calling you guys. We were attacked the other day by the warlords and I was knocked out cold. Needless to say, Ryo is more than a little concerned for my welfare."
Bulma nodded. "Seiji described the attack to Goku and me. I'd be concerned too."
"We were heading over to your house," Krillin said. "And it looks like you guys are going the same way. Want a lift?"
A-ko smiled. "Thanks, but I don't think I'd enjoy flying through the air at that rate of speed."
Goku peered at the petite girl. He wondered…
"Flying Nimbus!"
In a few seconds a small cloud puff had flown in front of Goku. A-ko smiled.
"It's so cute."
Goku grinned. "Get on."
A-ko and Bulma both blinked. "Goku," Bulma said. "You know no one can ride Nimbus unless they have pure good in their heart. I can't even ride it."
Goku smiled. "I think she'll be able to ride it. What's your name?"
"My name's A-ko. This is C-ko."
C-ko smiled and bowed. A-ko walked up to Nimbus, and, closing her eyes jumped up and sat on it. To her surprise, she didn't fall through. She smiled. "Hey, this is cool!"
Goku laughed. He motioned to C-ko. "Go ahead."
A-ko pulled C-ko up onto Nimbus. C-ko giggled and bounced up and down on the cloud. Goku turned to the rest of the Senshi. "Anyone else want to take us up on our offer?"
"They should have been here by now."
"Relax, Touma," Shou said between bites of his sandwich. "They'll get here okay. They'd call us if they were in trouble."
"Besides," Seiji said. "The Earth Special Forces are on their way here. The warlords have got to figure out what to do about them before they can make a move against the Senshi again."
Touma was about to inject something but the appearance of several bright spots in the sky made him cut himself short. He glanced to Ryo and Seiji. "Your reinforcements. I only hope we've enough food for Shou, Usagi and Goku."
Seiji chuckled. "That's why Shin is going shopping tonight."
Shin blinked. "Why me?"
"Because," Shou said, taking another huge bite of his sandwich. "You're the cook, bud. Duh."
"You know Rei's going to know why you called the ESF, Ryo." Mamoru said.
Ryo nodded solemnly. "I know. My prediction? She'll be really pissed when she gets home and sees them."
Touma squinted at the bright specks and grinned a bit. He recognized those blue locks. "And my prediction is she'll be home a lot sooner than you think."
Ryo blinked and squinted at the approaching fighters. Then he groaned, recognizing the Senshi. "Oh great," he moaned.
They watched in silence as the ESF came in for a landing, Nimbus trailing not too far behind. Mamoru grinned when Yamcha let Usagi down. Her hair was disheveled, and she looked very dizzy. She stumbled over to Mamoru, letting out a strained "Mamo-chan.."
Ami stepped down gracefully from Piccolo's arms, smoothed her uniform, and flung herself into Touma's arms. Makoto let go of her chokehold on Krillin and ran to Shin. Minako let Tien put her down before she ran to Seiji. Rei let go of Goku and walked to Ryo.
"We're going to talk later."
Ryo sighed. He knew he was in for it..again. A-ko and C-ko climbed down off of Nimbus, and Vegeta let Bulma down very gingerly.
Makoto looked at her watch. "Ohmigod, look at the time! We'll never make the next showing of 'Austin Powers' if we don't get changed right now!"
All the girls hurried inside, leaving the Ronins standing outside looking confused.
"Austin Powers?" Shou asked. A-ko smiled.
"We're going to a movie in a few minutes. You guys wanna come?"
The Ronins looked to the ESF. Yamcha shrugged. "I've wanted to see 'The Spy who Shagged Me' for a while now. I'll go." Tien nodded.
"I'm in."
"Me too!" Chiaosu chipped in. Gohan looked up at his dad.
"Please?"
Goku smiled. "I see no harm in it. You can go."
The Ronins grinned. The ESF guarding the house, and a nice movie with the girls. What could be better?
"Katzie…will you marry me? No..."
Kale ran his hands through his hair. He was never going to get this right. He looked at the ring. It all seemed so simple a few nights ago. Now it was so hard. He remembered Dais' anxiety when he had been going to propose. He had thought it idiotic that a man could get so bent out of shape over four words. He now understood what Dais had been going through. He sighed and placed the ring back in its box and placed the box in his pocket. He was about to seek out Bertie to ask her to help him when Rubbeus appeared in front of him. Like Dais, he disliked Rubbeus a great deal. He had enough sense, though, not to create unnecessary friction between himself and the Negamoon agent.
"Yes?"
Rubbeus grinned. "They're going to a movie. The girl, A-ko, is with them. Unfortunately, they've called in the Earth Special Forces. We were about to go, but Bertie suggested I go find you. You care to come?"
Kale sighed. A good fight might cheer him up. He smirked. "Why not?"
"Baby! The other other white meat. Baby! It's what's for dinner!"
Usagi cracked up. She had heard this movie was funny, but she had not been prepared for the amount of off color humor. She especially loved Mini-me. Mamoru tightened his arm around her and Usagi leaned into his chest gratefully. Beyond him, she saw the other Senshi snuggling up to their boyfriends as well, and Yamcha was busy trying to inconspicuously drape his arm over A-ko's shoulders. She resigned herself to watching the rest of the movie with her Mamo-chan.
She sighed wistfully. "Felicity Shagwell sure is pretty."
Mamoru detected the tone in her voice and turned to her, smiling. "She's not more beautiful than you."
"You mean that Mamo-chan?"
Mamoru answered with a kiss that left Usagi almost as dizzy as when she'd been flying with Yamcha. Usagi sighed happily.
"Oh, Mamo-chan."
They leaned in for another kiss when the sound of screaming made them look towards the back of the theater. The screams were coming from the lobby. A-ko immediately jumped up, followed closely by Yamcha. They began to run towards the lobby when the wall exploded, revealing the warlords in armor. They laughed evilly.
"Surprise," Anubis yelled. He twirled his grappling hook over his head and sent it flying towards Yamcha and A-ko. Yamcha managed to jump clear in time. A-ko wasn't so lucky. The chain wrapped around her with surprising speed, leaving her on her knees, her arms pinned to her sides.
C-ko gasped. "A-ko!"
A-ko, meanwhile, had gotten hold of the chain, and now gave it a very sharp tug. Anubis was pulled forward onto his stomach. A-ko knew she had him. She began to twirl the chain and, wriggling out of it, sent it in the direction of the screen, with Anubis acting as a weight. He crashed into the screen and fell to the ground, out cold. Dais drew his breath in sharply. This was going to be one tough battle.
"Burning Mandala!" Dais barely jumped out of the way of a series of fire rings aimed at him. He glared at Super Sailor Mars. He glanced at Kale, who seemed to be rooted to the spot. That wasn't good. He'd have to take care of this.
"Morning Star Strike!" The seats underneath Super Sailor Mars splintered as Dais' morning star came down where just a moment ago she had been. He retracted the weapon and aimed for her again.
"Oh no you don't! Shine Aqua Illusion!"
"Venus Love-me Chain!"
"Thunder Bolt Cut!"
Dais was frozen in place against the back wall, secured by the chain, and electrocuted by Seiji's attack. He too was out cold. Kale now knew he had to do something. He turned to A-ko and grinned.
"Looks like you're about to be left in the dark."
A-ko shook her head. "I wouldn't bet on it, creep!"
Kale chuckled. The girl had spirit. Maybe..he motioned to Sekhmet who nodded. Kale hurled his sword at A-ko, who jumped out of the way, and straight into Sekhmet's waiting arms.
Sekhmet wasted no time in injecting A-ko with a substance that quickly knocked her unconscious. He then disappeared with her. Yamcha gasped.
"Bring her back, now!"
Kale laughed. "Or what? You'll fight me?"
"In case you haven't noticed," Tien said. "You're outmatched."
Kale grinned. "Oh am I? Girls!"
Katzie appeared overhead. "You all look like you could take a powder!" she yelled, sending blue energy balls raining down on the group. Super Sailor Moon scowled.
"I've had about enough of that sorry tutu! Moon Rainbow Heart-"
"I don't think so, Sailor Brat! Cool off!" Bertie yelled, appearing behind them and quickly icing them all. She grinned. "I think we've got a pretty good haul. Let's move."
Kale nodded, and grabbed Anubis whereas Bertie grabbed hold of her husband.
Kale smirked. "You're all looking a little blue. Poor things."
He laughed, and disappeared with Anubis, and Bertie and Katzie disappeared with Dais. Leaving the Earth's Special Forces, the Sailor Senshi and the Ronins all frozen.
Krillin struggled against the ice prison.
"Oh man, this is strong. Hey, guys, you up to it?"
Tien grinned. "A power up?"
"Totally."
Gohan grit his teeth. "Right."
Yamcha nodded. "I'm ready."
Krillin nodded. "Okay. Power up!"
The five ESF members began to power up, first barely cracking the ice. Then, a deep crack ran along one side, and finally, the ice shattered.
Chibiusa shook off the ice and immediately began shivering. C-ko pulled her jacket around her. The Ronins and Senshi were cold, but had enough sense not to show it very much. Tuxedo Kamen picked up Chibiusa, and Tien picked up C-ko.
"I think we'd better get these two home now." Tuxedo Kamen said. Super Sailor Moon nodded.
"Right. Let's go."
"Let me go, or I swear you'll pay!"
Bertie covered her son's ears. Streams of epitaphs were coming out of A-ko that were so vulgar, even Dais winced. He glanced to Kale.
"And we thought Makoto and Rei were bad."
A-ko struggled against her adamantium bonds. "Let me go, or you guys are going to get it! I mean it! LET ME GO!!"
Sekhmet hit her savagely across the mouth. "Shut up," he growled. A-ko spit blood at him.
"Make me."
Sekhmet growled, and probably would have made her if Kale hadn't held him back.
"Calm down. We need her in fairly good condition if this is going to work." He turned to Anubis, who was typing busily away on the computer.
"Hey, pipsqueak! Got any info on her parents yet?"
Anubis turned around, grinning. Obviously he had gotten the information.
"Well?" Prizma asked. Anubis turned to her. "Well, I've good news and bad news. The good news is that we know who her parents are. The bad news is we know who they are."
"And?" Rubbeus asked. Anubis took a deep breath.
"Her mother is A Misses Diane Kent. We know her better as Wonder Woman."
Dais sucked in his breath. That would explain the strength, speed and attitude. But Anubis wasn't done.
"Her father, though, is the more dangerous one. His name is Clark Kent. A.k.a.-"
"Superman." Kale finished for him. Anubis nodded. Dais grinned a bit.
"The spawn of Superman and Wonder Woman. How interesting."
A-ko aimed a kick at him. "When my dad finds out you've got me, he'll come in here and kick your butts!"
Sekhmet grinned. "Oh no he won't, because we've dealt with your dad before. And we know his weakness."
"As for you," Bertie said, grinning. "I think a little time in our chamber ought to make you a bit more agreeable."
A-ko glared at them. "What chamber?"
Prizma giggled. "You'll see."
Avery groaned and opened her eyes groggily. She had never had such a headache. Where was she, she didn't recognize the place. Of course, it was hard to recognize anything when your sight was blurred. Now her sight was clearing. Oh, she was in SickBay. But if she was in SickBay, where was Kale? Wasn't he in charge of SickBay? How long had she been out, anyway?
As if an answer to her unspoken question, Kale appeared over her. He checked her pulse and smiled faintly. "Welcome back to the world of the waking, finally."
"Finally?" Avery asked. Her speech was slow and slurred. Kale nodded.
"The poison in your bloodstream was very powerful, you've been out for days. Bertie's been very worried about you."
Avery sat up, and immediately found she had to lie back down again. Kale shook his head.
"You're not ready to sit up just yet, but don't worry. You will be soon. Just rest. I'll go tell your sisters you're all right."
Kale disappeared from her view, and Avery, for all she wanted to, could not make herself turn her head to watch him go. She was too weak. She sighed and resigned herself to waiting. In a few minutes, not only Bertie, but also Prizma and Katzie appeared over her, smiling.
"So you're alright. I'm so glad," Bertie said softly. Avery forced a laugh.
"No pocket monster can keep me out for too long."
Katzie grinned. "That's the Avery we know. Can you sit up?"
Avery tried once again to sit up, and this time, with the help of her sisters, made it.
She smiled weakly. "What'd I miss?"
"-And they've got A-ko and I don't know what to do!" C-ko wailed helplessly. Krillin handed her yet another tissue.
"Don't worry, C-ko. We'll get A-ko back in no time at all. In the mean time, we've got to make sure that you'll be okay."
C-ko nodded miserably. "Oh I'll be fine. It's A-ko I'm worried about."
Jessy shrugged. "Well, just in case, James and I will go along with C-ko to and from school."
Seiji glanced at her, and James turned and stared. "What?!?" James asked in surprise.
Jessy nodded. "Mmm-hmm. We DO still owe the Senshi and Ronins for their allowing us to live in their house for the time being. The least we can do is help."
"And since when did you get so helpful?" Meowth asked suspiciously. Jessy blushed a bit.
"That's none of your business, furball."
Seiji blinked, then grinned. Jessy had a crush on one of the Ronins! Who, he didn't know, but he was sure he'd be able to figure it out before long. James seemed to realize it too.
"We don't have to stay here just because you li-"
Jessy banged him on the head hard. "No one wants to hear what you have to say!"
James held his head pitifully. "Sorry," he grumbled.
Jessy smiled. "So we'll take care of C-ko. But the bigger question is, who is going into the Dynasty after A-ko?"
"I'll go," Yamcha said immediately. Bulma rolled her eyes.
"Yamcha, you can't go alone, you've little experience dealing with these guys. I think the Ronins ought to go along, and the Senshi."
Rei nodded. "That's good, but it still would be a good idea for some of the Earth's Special Forces to come, for two reasons."
Vegeta nodded. "Which are?"
Ryo knew where Rei was going, and picked up for her. "One: The eleven of us, including Tuxedo Kamen-san, have barely beaten them before, and not without some major injuries. And two: My bet is they took A-ko to turn her to their side, and if they succeed, we'll need all the help we can get."
"All right, so which one is it?"
Jessy blinked. "Huh?"
"Which Ronin do you have the crush on?"
Jessy shook her head. "You're being ridiculous. Of course I don't like one of the Ronins."
"They why all of the sudden the nice side of Team Rocket, hmmm?" Meowth asked. Jessy shrugged.
"I felt like something different, that's all."
"Jessy," James said firmly. "Which one?"
Jessy blushed crimson, and sighed. "Seiji," she whispered. James shook his head.
"Of course. You'd pick the one who is most likely to fry us with an electric shock. I should have known."
"Oh, right," Jessy said disdainfully. "I like him because he's smart, and kind, and handsome-all the things you're not!"
James snorted. "Hey! I'm handsome! And I'm smart! And I can be kind when I want to be."
Jessy smirked. "Such vanity doesn't become you, James."
James snorted. "Oh, look who's talking, Ms. 'I'm going to win the doll collection because I'm the most beautiful'."
Jessy turned red. "Well I was the most beautiful, and if that had been any type of REAL contest, I would have won!"
It was James' turn to smirk. "Please, Jessy, spare me. You're not the most beautiful person in the world."
Jessy shook her head. "This coming from a guy who fell in love with a gastly."
James snorted. "I don't have to take this!" He turned angrily to the door. Jessy shook her head.
"No, James, wait! I.." But there was no use in continuing. James was gone.
"I don't know what she sees in him," He muttered to himself as he sat at midnight in the backyard. "I'm much more handsome and talented than he is."
"Than who is?" a voice asked in the darkness. James looked up and saw Bulma walking towards him.
James sighed. "No one, really..well, one of the Ronins Jessy has a crush on."
Bulma nodded and sat beside him. "Oh, you're a little jealous, aren't you?"
"A little," James mumbled. Bulma smiled.
"Why don't you just tell her how you feel?"
James shook his head. "It'd get in the way of our professional relationship. There's no reason she should know." He squinted at her. "What are you doing up at this time of night anyway?"
"I could ask the same thing of you."
"Will you?"
"Well, I was craving a tiny midnight snack, and heard you coming down the stairs. I didn't know where you were going, so I followed you."
James nodded. "Ok," he said softly. Bulma placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Look, James, I don't know you very well, but I can see that this thing with Jessy is really hurting you, and I think you need to discuss it with her."
James shook his head again. "No. This is the way it has to be if I'm to be a member of Team Rocket."
Bulma nodded. "Okay, but remember, I'm here, okay?"
James nodded silently. He didn't stir as Bulma got to her feet and walked into the house.
"So, wait, wait! Kale has a crush on REI?"
Bertie nodded. "Yes, but he loves Katzie so much. I talked to him, I know."
"How?" Avery retorted. "Did he show you an engagement ring or something?"
Bertie blushed. She didn't want to lie to Avery, but she had made a promise. She just looked down. Avery gasped.
"You mean he did show you a ring? Really?"
Bertie blushed harder, but still kept silent. Avery grinned.
"Oh, wow, Katzie is going to be psyched!"
"Avery, I wasn't supposed to tell anybody, so please, don't tell her, or anyone else, okay?"
Avery grinned. "Okay, I promise."
"You're sure?"
Avery nodded. "I'm sure. No one else will find out."
Rubbeus looked at her through the clear glass case. She was almost through the transformation process. Very soon now she would be completely filled with Nega energy. And then, she would be theirs. He looked to Anubis, who was monitoring the process. "How much longer?"
"Not long," Anubis answered. "We're down to the last hour or so."
Rubbeus nodded and grinned. Very soon now.
