Holier Than Thou
***A petite woman in a black sequin dress was rummaging through the jewelry case. Suddenly she stood, holding a small ring in her hand. It was a plain silver band, with a square cut black stone set in the center. She held the ring up triumphantly, its black facets winking in the light. An aura of power, evil power radiated outward from it. "I've got it, Glassie. I'll just take this back to Lady Nightshade. You finish up here."***
"Menagi-chan! Hey, Menagi-chan!"
The shout broke through her reverie, bringing the amethyst-eyed girl to the present. Menagi blinked twice and looked around. Waving at her was the raven-haired girl from the temple, who was now one of her classmates as well. Menagi wasn't exactly thrilled to have to go back to school, but it would look strange if she didn't. She decided to go to the private school Rei attended, for the simple fact that she liked the girl and thought it'd be nice to have at least one friend here. So the morning found her sitting under a tree in the school's courtyard, mulling over the previous days events, when she should be mulling over her calculus. Smiling at Rei, Menagi brushed back a lock of auburn hair and waved back. "Konnichiwa, Rei-chan. How are you?"
"Fine, thanks. I just wanted to thank you again for volunteering to help out at the temple. Domo Arigatou." She bowed low in appreciation, as was the custom of these people.
Menagi waved her off. "No, no need to thank me. I should thank YOU. I mean, I have always had a great love of Japan and its history, and you're given me a great opportunity to learn about its religion and culture." And to learn about the strange power I felt the other day emanating from your temple.
"That's OK. I think it will be great having you around. And maybe you can help me with my homework." Rei shot Menagi a winning smile.
Menagi laughed. "Of course, I'd be happy to. Which reminds me, I've got to go. Its time to get to class. It's an English class, of all things," Menagi stood, and started walking back towards to school building, her voice floating behind her. "You know, the one thing I don't understand is why they made ME take an English class. It's my native language, after all. I don't get it...."
Menagi finished tying the last bow in place. She smoothed the front of her priestess robe down flat, and looked in the mirror. Not bad. I think these things are so sugoi. Rei-chan is so lucky she gets to wear them all time. She looked up as the rice-paper door slid open. Rei looked her over appreciatively. "So, do I pass?"
Rei nodded. "Yup. You look great. If I didn't know any better, I'd swear you were Japanese. Come on, let me show you around." She waved Menagi out the door and in to the courtyard.
"Hey, I found out why they signed me up for the English class," Menagi said, as they began their tour.
"Why is that?"
"Because apparently I'm the only one in the class who can speak English, the teacher included!" Menagi laughed.
Rei rolled her dark eyes. "That figures. I remember when I took the calligraphy course; the teacher couldn't get half her kanji right. For such an upper class school, they sure do cut corners!" Both girls laughed.
The temple grounds were lovely. There were several different buildings, all done in the old style of rice paper walls and slant-tiled roofs. Stone gargoyles leered from their lofty perches, while birds sang in the cherry trees. Rei showed Menagi the different rooms and their uses. Soon they came to the heart of the shrine. Rei opened the rice-paper door and ushered Menagi inside. On an alter on the far side of the room was an old mirror, carved with intricate designs. On either side were two bronze statuettes, of some god that Menagi didn't recognize.
"These are ancient relics of my family's temple. The mirror is a seal, a ward against evil. The statues are also a type of ward. I know this will sound odd, but please don't touch them. If you know anything about our beliefs, these are set here as protection, as a safeguard against evil. By touching them, you will break the ward, and that's a bad thing."
Menagi nodded as she looked over the items. She felt power coming from them, but she also felt a trace of dark magic near by as well. She looked above and behind them, and saw what she thought might be the source of this power. There was a small shrine built in the wall, with 4 separate rice-paper wards guarding it; one above, one below, one to the left, and one to the right. "What's that?" she asked, pointing to the small box hanging on the wall.
Rei shuddered involuntarily. "That, from what legends say, holds the claw of some ancient Yoma. It is an artifact of great evil, hence the 4 seals guarding it. It is my family's duty to keep watch over it, and to keep it from falling in to the wrong hands."
Menagi laughed and forced a smile. "You really believe all that stuff? I was taught that there's no such thing as ghosts."
Rei looked at her sharply. "If you don't believe, then why are you here? We take our duties very seriously around here. It is our job to keep these things safe. "
Menagi held up a hand in truce. "Gomen nasai! I was only asking a question. Actually, I've seen some odd things in my life. So, no, I don't doubt what you say. I came to learn, Rei-chan. Not to offend you. I'm very sorry." Menagi bowed low, her hair scraping the ground.
Rei smiled, her relief showing plainly on her face. She dropped a hand on Menagi shoulder and said, "Its OK. Some people just don't understand, and I get a little defensive, that's all. Come on, I'll show you the baths. It's not for public use, but trust me, there's nothing better at the end of the day than a good, old fashioned Japanese bath!" Rei laughed to herself and headed back out the door, and Menagi turned to follow. At the threshold, she stopped and looked back at the small shrine. Violet eyes narrowing, she made a vow to come back and take a closer look at that shrine.
The following afternoon Rei and Menagi were selling rice paper charms in the front of the temple. . Rei showed her how to set up the display, and explained which charms were supposed to do what. It amazed Menagi how many people bought these things. She smiled as she sold her 30th charm for attracting love. She felt nothing emanating from the paper. The wards against evil, however was a different story. These are quite powerful, Menagi thought. Whoever made them knew what they were doing. Amazing.
The afternoon wore on. Menagi found herself enjoying the day. She always enjoyed meeting new people, and working with Rei was great. The raven tressed girl was wonderful company. She truly hoped that they'd become real friends in the near future. She liked the girl, and she felt comfortable around her, like she'd known her for a long time. A familiar shrieking noise pulled Menagi from her thoughts.
"Oh Reiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii-chaaaaaaaaaaaaaan! I'm here and ready to help!" Usagi voice floated across the courtyard. Usagi marched across the courtyard, waving her arms.
Rei's eyes bulged, and her face turned purple. "And you're 2 hours LATE! Where have you been? I bet you've been at the arcade playing games with Minako-chan all afternoon!"
"Oh Rei, you're sooooo mean to me! Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!" Usagi curled up her bottom lip, and tears started streaming down her face.
"Oh don't give me that, crying won't get you out of this! You're such a baby.."
Ok, this is going to get real old, real fast. Menagi sighed. I think I'm going to go for a walk 'til those two calm down.
Menagi quietly walked away from the two screaming girls. She walked to the small garden in back, took a deep breath, and sighed. It was really peaceful here. She looked around at the lovely trees, and the old buildings. Her eyes came to rest on the small, secluded building in the back. Hmm, thanks for the distraction, Odango. Just what I needed. Menagi listened to be sure the argument still raged on, which it did, and then she quietly made her way toward the shrine. She slid the rice paper door open, looked around, then quickly shut it again. Slowly she moved forward, extending her senses as Rhea had taught her to do. She felt the soothing warmth from the relics of good, and after a moment's concentration, she could feel the cold touch from the item within the shrine. It was faint, like a scent on a breeze you can barely detect. The powerful wards protecting it were holding back most of its power, but after all these centuries, the barrier was leaking. It was letting out a very minute, but steady, stream of energy. Menagi could feel it. And if I can feel it, then so can they.
The young girl moved forward, slowly, carefully, to stop just before the small shrine and its holy barrier. Cautiously, she reached out a hand toward the little doors. Within inches of reaching them, her fingers stopped, her progress halted by something invisible, but tangible. It didn't shock her, like she expected it to, just stopped her from moving forward. She pressed a little harder and felt the barrier give a bit, like jello. There she stopped. She knew if she wanted to get in to the box, she's have to break the barrier, and she wasn't sure of what the consequences would be. As she stood there looking at the shrine, her sensitive hearing picked up footsteps coming down the outer walkway. With nary a thought, she jumped straight up, grabbing the wooden beam she knew to be there, and hauling herself on top. A sideways glance revealed a small, dark corner for her to hide in on the next support beam. Balancing on her toes, she leapt to the next beam, and disappeared into the darkness just as the rice paper door started to slide open. A head popped through the door, looking furtively to the left and right, then the door slid wider, and a small, dark figure came through. The figure turned to quickly shut the door behind her. When she turned back around, Menagi's eyes narrowed. Lady Ebonite! Reflexively, Menagi's hand slid into her pocket, grasping the object within.
Lady Ebonite looked around the room, trying to get her bearings. She moved forward, walking around the holy artifacts. As she did so, Menagi's hand tightened around the object she held. The petite woman walked toward the small shrine, coming to a stop a few feet in front of it. She closed dark her eyes and held out her hands to either side, palms out. At this, Menagi withdrew the object from her pocket, holding it close to her breast. After a moment, Ebonite opened her eyes, and smiled. She reached toward the small shrine. As her hand touched the door, there was a brilliant flash of light as all four wards flared to life. There was a second flash, equally as brilliant from somewhere up above, in a darkened corner. This second flash never registered to Ebonite as she was thrown clear across the room to land in a heap just before the door. The wards were glowing a brilliant blue. Amethyst eyes regarded the prone figure from above. That must have hurt. The eyes looked down to inspect the small shrine. It appeared untouched its wards intact. I guess it only reacts negatively to evil intent. That's why I didn't get zapped. Lucky me..
Tendrils of smoke wafted up from the figure on the floor. Ebonite groaned and raised a hand to her head. "Ouch," she whispered. "Ouch, ouch, ouch." She slowly sat up, her head spinning. "Baka. Who would have thought those silly wards were real." She got to her feet, groaning all the way. She dusted herself off, and sighed. "I guess I'll have to do this the hard way." Ebonite reached down the front of her black dress, between her breasts, and pulled out a pale pink stone. She held it high and yelled, "Quartzine! Come-"
The door behind her suddenly slammed open, revealing a very angry looking Rei. "Nani? What's going on here? Who are you?" Rei's dark eyes narrowed, as she looked the woman in black over. More footsteps then Usagi came screeching to a halt just behind Rei.
"Psst! Rei-chan! Hey, that's the woman from the jewelry store! Rei-chan!" Usagi whispered loudly, her blue eyes going wide in recognition. She began to back away, looking for a place to transform.
"You do not belong here. Leave this temple in peace," Rei commanded.
Ebonite rolled her black eyes. "Of course I don't belong here, dearie. But I'm not leaving. Lets try this again, shall we?" She took the piece of rose quartz and slammed it down on the ground. "Quartzine! Come forth!" There was a flash of light as the quartz shattered, and then the light grew, darkened and took shape. It melted into the form of a young female, with rosy hued skin, pink eyes, and wavy pink and white hair. She was wearing a short, white kimono.
"Quartzine!" She clapped her hands together and bowed.
Shadowy lips frowned and amethyst eyes narrowed. {Damn. Rei-chan, get out of there!}
Rei's expression hardened, and she reached in to the front of her priestess outfit. She withdrew several white slips of paper. Holding them like throwing knives, she chanted. "Arou tai takesan!" and threw them at the two females. Ebonite held up a hand, and the papers flying toward her burst into black flames. Quartzine wasn't so lucky. One of the wards slapped her right in the forehead, and stuck. Her pink eyes glazed over, and she ceased moving.
{Impressive. So she made those protection scrolls we were selling today. The young priestess has power. I just hope she has common sense, as well. Please, Rei-chan, get out of there before you get hurt.}
"Very impressive, little girl. Who knew humans had such skill? Now its my turn." Lady Ebonite's lips twisted into a cruel smile. Her dark eyes glittered, and the area around her started to darken, as if she was absorbing the light. She held her hand palm out toward Rei. "Ebon Blasting!" and a jet of dark energy shot toward the young priestess.
"Solar Shield!" A brilliant flash of light, and a golden barrier appeared before the startled girl. The black energy bolt slammed against the barrier, which in turned slammed against Rei, who was not prepared for the impact of either. The shield absorbed most of the impact, however enough force was left to through the young girl several yards backwards. Rei landed on her butt and skid across the courtyard. From her hiding place around the corner, Usagi screamed. "Rei-chan!" She looked with angry blue eyes back at the evil woman. A determined look passed over her face. "Moon Cosmic Power, Make-Up!"
Once again, a warm, soothing light surrounded the young girl, filling her with power and hope. She walked forward to confront the villain and began her speech. "Temples are peaceful places, and I can't let you go around hurting people. I'm Sailor Moon, and in the name of the Moon, I will punish you!" To her astonishment, Sailor Moon saw Lady Ebonite turn around to talk to someone inside the building. "Hey, I'm over here! Hello?" A perplexed look crossed the blonde scout's face.
Ebonite rubbed her black eyes. God, they hurt! What a bright light! "What happened? I don't understand!" Lady Ebonite blinked away the after images left from the golden shield. "Can a priestess do that?"
"No, but I can," came a voice from back inside the shrine.
Lady Ebonite whirled around and peered inside the darkened temple. "Who's there? Who said that?" She saw the still form of Quartzine in the temple, but nothing else. Then one of the shadows moved. Ebonite squinted to make out the details, but all she could see was a dark outline of a woman.
"Who are you?"
Violet eyes glittered, and shadowy lips smiled. "A Wandering Star." Then the lips frowned. "Solar Flare!" Without further ado, the shadow held up her black gloved hand and a golden lance appeared. She sent it arcing towards the surprised Ebonite. Once again the little woman held up her hand to stop the projectile, but it slammed into her barrier, shattering it, and throwing Ebonite out the door to land a good 30 feet past Rei. Amethyst eyes scanned the distance. "That's it? I must be losing my touch. Hey, where'd Rei go?"
Sailor Moon watched the argument for only a moment, then raced over to her friend. "Rei-chan! Rei-chan!" The raven-haired girl groaned and sat up as Sailor Moon skidded to a halt beside her. The blond Scout dropped to her knees and embraced her friend. "Rei-chan! Are you ok?"
"I'm fine, I think. What happened? Lady Ebonite threw a dark bolt at me, and then I saw this.. ..golden light appears in front of me, shielding me. Did you do that?"
"No, not me! Maybe you did it? Do you have a new power?" Sailor Moon looked her friend over critically.
Rei shook her head. "I'm not even transformed, you Meatball-head!" Rei looked back at the shrine and heard arguing. "Just who's in there?"
"I don't know, but you better transform, and then we can find out! Come on!" The pig-tailed senshi grabbed Rei by the wrist, dragging her behind one of the other buildings.
"Mars Star Power, Make-Up!" Flames engulfed the raven-haired priestess for a moment. When they dissipated, Sailor Mars stood in her place. "Ok, let's get to the bottom- Nani?" Mar's dark eyes widened in shock as she saw Ebonite go sailing across the courtyard to land in heap not 10 feet away.
"What in the world is going on here? Who's attacking her?"
Sailor Moon shook her head. "Someone helped us the other day in the crystal shop. I wonder if it's the same person."
"Damn you! You little bitch! You HURT me!" Lady Ebonite got unsteadily to her feet, her dress in tatters, her skin reddened like she'd spent all day in the sun. "Ebon Blasting!" Another wave of pure, dark energy coursed out of her outstretched hands and raced back into the building. The Sailor Senshi heard a faint "Solar Shield!" and a huge explosion erupted from the building. Immediately following the explosion, a form was thrown out the front door, landed on the ground, and skidded to a halt several feet away. It was Quartzine, still frozen from Rei's charm, but the back part of her kimono was burnt away from the black energy explosion.
Ebonite's jaw dropped. "This isn't good. I need help." She eyed the fallen Quartzine critically. "A little burnt, but still useable. How do I get her moving again?" She saw the talisman still stuck to her forehead. "Hmm.. Ebon Blasting!" She aimed the dark energy at the ward, and it exploded into black flames. The Automaton sat up.
"Quartzine?" She blinked her pink eyes and looked up at Ebonite.
"Don't just sit there, you idiot, get up and help me!" the little woman yelled.
The Automaton stood up, cocked her head to the side and gave Ebonite a pout. "What? Help how? Don't yell at Quartzine." Tears welled up in her pink eyes.
Ebonite sighed. "Just go in there and get the gem sealed within the barrier, Quartzine. Can you do that?" The little lady pointed a black lacquered nail at the temple.
She bobbed her pink and white haired head up and down. "Yes, ma'am! Quartzine!" She turned and floated back towards the temple, her white slippered feet scraping the ground.
"Stop right there!"
Ebonite and Quartzine whirled to face the owner of the voice. Standing on the porch of another building were the 2 Sailor Scouts, posing for their usual speeches.
"Who do you think you are desecrating this sacred temple? The fires of Mars will purify and punish you! I'm Sailor Mars!" The black-haired senshi struck a pose, pointing at the two women.
"And for ignoring me earlier, I will punish you on behalf of the Moon! I'm Sailor Moon!" Sailor Moon struck a second pose, to the left of Mars.
Back in the temple, a shadow groaned softly. {Great, more speeches.} The shadow moved to the door for a better look. {Ok, the blonde I know. That's Sailor Moon. The girl in the red fuki is new. Jupiter had brown hair and a green fuki. I think the new girl said she was Sailor Mars. They look so familiar, but why? Could they possibly be Queen Serenity's Senshi?} She settled in the doorway to watch what happened next.
"Oh great, more trouble! Damn it, Quartzine, get them!" Ebonite growled.
"Quartzine!" The pink and white haired girl clapped her hands together, then spun a full circle on her heel, her hair flaring in a circle around her. She came to a stop, grabbed the front of her kimono and yelled, "Pink Sunset Flashing!" and ripped the front of the kimono open. Both of Earth's senshi gasped and covered their eyes. "Ecchi! Pervert!" they yelled in unison.
The shadow in the door leaned forward for a better look. {Ok, so she's got nice breasts. Very nice breasts. Oh, wait a minute, there's a gem imbedded between them, and its glowing. That's not a good sign.}
Mamoru Chiba always hated it when he felt that familiar tingling on the back of his neck. It meant that Usagi had transformed again. It also meant he'd better get moving, before she got herself in real trouble again. He loved his Usako with all his heart, but he worried about her constantly. She had this uncanny knack about getting in way over her head. He reached into his coat, his fingers sliding over the rose's smooth petals. Here we go again.
Within minutes, he arrived at Sendai Hill Temple. He walked carefully around the perimeter, looking for a good vantage point. He heard the scuffle in the courtyard, and decided height would be an advantage. He transformed, then leapt to the top of one of the temple's roofs. Then he settled in to watch.
He arrived in time to see Ebonite free Quartzine. He saw his beloved Sailor Moon and the senshi Mars come forward to confront the enemy. As they were making their speeches, he happened to glance toward the small shrine in the back of the compound. Right before his eyes, he saw the shadows part for an instant, and a form fill the doorway. From his position, it was hard to see, but it looked like someone in black ninja garb was in the doorway, watching the combatants. The figure was unmistakably female, lush, tall and graceful. A dark mask, concealing her identity covered her hair and face. She leaned casually against the door's frame, watching. Tuxedo Mask heard a yell from below, and saw the woman lean forward, an eager expression in her eyes. He turned to see what she was looking at and almost fell off the roof. The Automaton was flashing her large breasts at the Scouts, who had the decency to avert their eyes. He blushed a bright red, and started to turn away as well, until he realized that there was a gem set between those breasts, and it was glowing. Crap! What a rude attack! He pulled out one of his roses and let it fly.
From out of nowhere, a rose flew, and struck the crystal between Quartzine's breasts. The crystal fell to the ground with a clatter as Quartzine screamed in pain. The girls opened their eyes to see what happened, then quickly shut them and turned away again. "Cover up, you pervert! Fight fair!" they yelled. Quartzine wailed, then dropped to her knees to try and pick up the lost gem.
"Now, Sailor Moon!" Tux yelled!
"But Tuxedo Mask! I can't! She.. she's not.. well, I mean, she's.. I can't open my eyes NOW!" Sailor Moon's cheeks burned a bright red.
Evil laughter filled the courtyard. "You're all such goodie goodies. Keep them busy, Quartzine!"
They heard Ebonite walk back across the courtyard. As the petite woman came within sight of the temple, she came to a quick stop. Her black eyes flew open wide as she saw a shadowy figure lounging in the doorway, her arms crossed across her chest.
"Going somewhere, Ebonite?"
"Sailor Moon, you HAVE to open your eyes!" The blonde senshi heard Tuxedo Mask's voice from somewhere up above. "But, I CAN'T!" she yelled. "She's, I mean, it's not, oh god, she FLASHED us! Ecchi!" Sailor Moon wailed.
"You can't beat her with your eyes closed! You've got to do it! Use the Moon Spiral Heart Rod!" he yelled back.
"But Tuxedo Mask! I-"
Mars cut her off. "Oh never mind! I'll do it! Burning Mandala!" She traced a circle in the air, and it burst in to flames. She cupped her palms together, and the flames shot outward, racing toward the figure on the ground. Quartzine screamed as the flames engulfed her. "Now, Sailor Moon! Its OK, you can't see her through the flames."
Sailor Moon experimentally opened one blue eye to take a peek. When she saw Mars was right, she opened both eyes and took an aggressive stance. "Moon Spiral Heart Attack!" A beam of golden light raced towards the stricken Automaton, striking her full in the chest. Quartzine gave one final scream, and burst into a million shards.
Tuxedo Mask jumped from the roof to land beside his ladylove. "Good job, Sailor Moon, though you could have acted sooner."
Once again, the pig tailed senshi turned red. "But I couldn't! I mean, you saw her, didn't you? She was practically naked!" She stopped and an odd expression crossed her face. "Hey, you SAW her! You looked! You creep! You're not supposed to look at anyone but me!" She started slugging him, yelling all the while.
"Wait, but, hold it! Ouch! I had to, Sailor Moon! Hey! Hey! Yamete! Stop it!"
Mars cleared her throat. "Guys, hey. Hey, guys. HEY! WHERE'D EBONITE GO?" The two lovers stopped arguing and looked around. The petite raven-haired woman was gone. And so was the shadow from the temple, Tuxedo Mask thought. Mars took off running to the shrine. "Oh God! I hope she didn't break the seals!" She came skidding to a halt just in front of the barrier, which appeared intact. Mars reached out her hand, and it hit something solid a few inches before the tiny doors to the shrine.
"The magic is still intact. The claw is still inside then. If that's the case, where did Ebonite go?"
Sailor Moon shook her head, pig tails swinging side to side. "I dunno. Maybe she left when we beat the Automaton?"
Tuxedo Mask shrugged. "I guess so."
Rei found Menagi hard at work selling the last of the charms. The American girl smiled as she approached. "It's been busy. I was wondering what happened to you. We did well though. Your grandfather should be pleased. Here." She handed the young priestess the day's proceeds.
Usagi and Mamoru walked up behind Rei. The petite blond tapped the priestess on the shoulder. "See, you didn't need my help after all. And you were mad at me for being late, ha!" Usagi peered around Rei's shoulder. "Oooo! You did great, Menagi-chan! Hey, Rei, how about buying us a movie with all that money?"
"This is for the temple, you Meatball-head! Geeze, what kind of an idiot are you?..." The argument started anew.
Menagi looked up at the stricken Mamoru. "Are they always like this?"
He nodded sadly, beads of sweat popping up on his forehead. "Unfortunately."
***A petite woman in a black sequin dress was rummaging through the jewelry case. Suddenly she stood, holding a small ring in her hand. It was a plain silver band, with a square cut black stone set in the center. She held the ring up triumphantly, its black facets winking in the light. An aura of power, evil power radiated outward from it. "I've got it, Glassie. I'll just take this back to Lady Nightshade. You finish up here."***
"Menagi-chan! Hey, Menagi-chan!"
The shout broke through her reverie, bringing the amethyst-eyed girl to the present. Menagi blinked twice and looked around. Waving at her was the raven-haired girl from the temple, who was now one of her classmates as well. Menagi wasn't exactly thrilled to have to go back to school, but it would look strange if she didn't. She decided to go to the private school Rei attended, for the simple fact that she liked the girl and thought it'd be nice to have at least one friend here. So the morning found her sitting under a tree in the school's courtyard, mulling over the previous days events, when she should be mulling over her calculus. Smiling at Rei, Menagi brushed back a lock of auburn hair and waved back. "Konnichiwa, Rei-chan. How are you?"
"Fine, thanks. I just wanted to thank you again for volunteering to help out at the temple. Domo Arigatou." She bowed low in appreciation, as was the custom of these people.
Menagi waved her off. "No, no need to thank me. I should thank YOU. I mean, I have always had a great love of Japan and its history, and you're given me a great opportunity to learn about its religion and culture." And to learn about the strange power I felt the other day emanating from your temple.
"That's OK. I think it will be great having you around. And maybe you can help me with my homework." Rei shot Menagi a winning smile.
Menagi laughed. "Of course, I'd be happy to. Which reminds me, I've got to go. Its time to get to class. It's an English class, of all things," Menagi stood, and started walking back towards to school building, her voice floating behind her. "You know, the one thing I don't understand is why they made ME take an English class. It's my native language, after all. I don't get it...."
Menagi finished tying the last bow in place. She smoothed the front of her priestess robe down flat, and looked in the mirror. Not bad. I think these things are so sugoi. Rei-chan is so lucky she gets to wear them all time. She looked up as the rice-paper door slid open. Rei looked her over appreciatively. "So, do I pass?"
Rei nodded. "Yup. You look great. If I didn't know any better, I'd swear you were Japanese. Come on, let me show you around." She waved Menagi out the door and in to the courtyard.
"Hey, I found out why they signed me up for the English class," Menagi said, as they began their tour.
"Why is that?"
"Because apparently I'm the only one in the class who can speak English, the teacher included!" Menagi laughed.
Rei rolled her dark eyes. "That figures. I remember when I took the calligraphy course; the teacher couldn't get half her kanji right. For such an upper class school, they sure do cut corners!" Both girls laughed.
The temple grounds were lovely. There were several different buildings, all done in the old style of rice paper walls and slant-tiled roofs. Stone gargoyles leered from their lofty perches, while birds sang in the cherry trees. Rei showed Menagi the different rooms and their uses. Soon they came to the heart of the shrine. Rei opened the rice-paper door and ushered Menagi inside. On an alter on the far side of the room was an old mirror, carved with intricate designs. On either side were two bronze statuettes, of some god that Menagi didn't recognize.
"These are ancient relics of my family's temple. The mirror is a seal, a ward against evil. The statues are also a type of ward. I know this will sound odd, but please don't touch them. If you know anything about our beliefs, these are set here as protection, as a safeguard against evil. By touching them, you will break the ward, and that's a bad thing."
Menagi nodded as she looked over the items. She felt power coming from them, but she also felt a trace of dark magic near by as well. She looked above and behind them, and saw what she thought might be the source of this power. There was a small shrine built in the wall, with 4 separate rice-paper wards guarding it; one above, one below, one to the left, and one to the right. "What's that?" she asked, pointing to the small box hanging on the wall.
Rei shuddered involuntarily. "That, from what legends say, holds the claw of some ancient Yoma. It is an artifact of great evil, hence the 4 seals guarding it. It is my family's duty to keep watch over it, and to keep it from falling in to the wrong hands."
Menagi laughed and forced a smile. "You really believe all that stuff? I was taught that there's no such thing as ghosts."
Rei looked at her sharply. "If you don't believe, then why are you here? We take our duties very seriously around here. It is our job to keep these things safe. "
Menagi held up a hand in truce. "Gomen nasai! I was only asking a question. Actually, I've seen some odd things in my life. So, no, I don't doubt what you say. I came to learn, Rei-chan. Not to offend you. I'm very sorry." Menagi bowed low, her hair scraping the ground.
Rei smiled, her relief showing plainly on her face. She dropped a hand on Menagi shoulder and said, "Its OK. Some people just don't understand, and I get a little defensive, that's all. Come on, I'll show you the baths. It's not for public use, but trust me, there's nothing better at the end of the day than a good, old fashioned Japanese bath!" Rei laughed to herself and headed back out the door, and Menagi turned to follow. At the threshold, she stopped and looked back at the small shrine. Violet eyes narrowing, she made a vow to come back and take a closer look at that shrine.
The following afternoon Rei and Menagi were selling rice paper charms in the front of the temple. . Rei showed her how to set up the display, and explained which charms were supposed to do what. It amazed Menagi how many people bought these things. She smiled as she sold her 30th charm for attracting love. She felt nothing emanating from the paper. The wards against evil, however was a different story. These are quite powerful, Menagi thought. Whoever made them knew what they were doing. Amazing.
The afternoon wore on. Menagi found herself enjoying the day. She always enjoyed meeting new people, and working with Rei was great. The raven tressed girl was wonderful company. She truly hoped that they'd become real friends in the near future. She liked the girl, and she felt comfortable around her, like she'd known her for a long time. A familiar shrieking noise pulled Menagi from her thoughts.
"Oh Reiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii-chaaaaaaaaaaaaaan! I'm here and ready to help!" Usagi voice floated across the courtyard. Usagi marched across the courtyard, waving her arms.
Rei's eyes bulged, and her face turned purple. "And you're 2 hours LATE! Where have you been? I bet you've been at the arcade playing games with Minako-chan all afternoon!"
"Oh Rei, you're sooooo mean to me! Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!" Usagi curled up her bottom lip, and tears started streaming down her face.
"Oh don't give me that, crying won't get you out of this! You're such a baby.."
Ok, this is going to get real old, real fast. Menagi sighed. I think I'm going to go for a walk 'til those two calm down.
Menagi quietly walked away from the two screaming girls. She walked to the small garden in back, took a deep breath, and sighed. It was really peaceful here. She looked around at the lovely trees, and the old buildings. Her eyes came to rest on the small, secluded building in the back. Hmm, thanks for the distraction, Odango. Just what I needed. Menagi listened to be sure the argument still raged on, which it did, and then she quietly made her way toward the shrine. She slid the rice paper door open, looked around, then quickly shut it again. Slowly she moved forward, extending her senses as Rhea had taught her to do. She felt the soothing warmth from the relics of good, and after a moment's concentration, she could feel the cold touch from the item within the shrine. It was faint, like a scent on a breeze you can barely detect. The powerful wards protecting it were holding back most of its power, but after all these centuries, the barrier was leaking. It was letting out a very minute, but steady, stream of energy. Menagi could feel it. And if I can feel it, then so can they.
The young girl moved forward, slowly, carefully, to stop just before the small shrine and its holy barrier. Cautiously, she reached out a hand toward the little doors. Within inches of reaching them, her fingers stopped, her progress halted by something invisible, but tangible. It didn't shock her, like she expected it to, just stopped her from moving forward. She pressed a little harder and felt the barrier give a bit, like jello. There she stopped. She knew if she wanted to get in to the box, she's have to break the barrier, and she wasn't sure of what the consequences would be. As she stood there looking at the shrine, her sensitive hearing picked up footsteps coming down the outer walkway. With nary a thought, she jumped straight up, grabbing the wooden beam she knew to be there, and hauling herself on top. A sideways glance revealed a small, dark corner for her to hide in on the next support beam. Balancing on her toes, she leapt to the next beam, and disappeared into the darkness just as the rice paper door started to slide open. A head popped through the door, looking furtively to the left and right, then the door slid wider, and a small, dark figure came through. The figure turned to quickly shut the door behind her. When she turned back around, Menagi's eyes narrowed. Lady Ebonite! Reflexively, Menagi's hand slid into her pocket, grasping the object within.
Lady Ebonite looked around the room, trying to get her bearings. She moved forward, walking around the holy artifacts. As she did so, Menagi's hand tightened around the object she held. The petite woman walked toward the small shrine, coming to a stop a few feet in front of it. She closed dark her eyes and held out her hands to either side, palms out. At this, Menagi withdrew the object from her pocket, holding it close to her breast. After a moment, Ebonite opened her eyes, and smiled. She reached toward the small shrine. As her hand touched the door, there was a brilliant flash of light as all four wards flared to life. There was a second flash, equally as brilliant from somewhere up above, in a darkened corner. This second flash never registered to Ebonite as she was thrown clear across the room to land in a heap just before the door. The wards were glowing a brilliant blue. Amethyst eyes regarded the prone figure from above. That must have hurt. The eyes looked down to inspect the small shrine. It appeared untouched its wards intact. I guess it only reacts negatively to evil intent. That's why I didn't get zapped. Lucky me..
Tendrils of smoke wafted up from the figure on the floor. Ebonite groaned and raised a hand to her head. "Ouch," she whispered. "Ouch, ouch, ouch." She slowly sat up, her head spinning. "Baka. Who would have thought those silly wards were real." She got to her feet, groaning all the way. She dusted herself off, and sighed. "I guess I'll have to do this the hard way." Ebonite reached down the front of her black dress, between her breasts, and pulled out a pale pink stone. She held it high and yelled, "Quartzine! Come-"
The door behind her suddenly slammed open, revealing a very angry looking Rei. "Nani? What's going on here? Who are you?" Rei's dark eyes narrowed, as she looked the woman in black over. More footsteps then Usagi came screeching to a halt just behind Rei.
"Psst! Rei-chan! Hey, that's the woman from the jewelry store! Rei-chan!" Usagi whispered loudly, her blue eyes going wide in recognition. She began to back away, looking for a place to transform.
"You do not belong here. Leave this temple in peace," Rei commanded.
Ebonite rolled her black eyes. "Of course I don't belong here, dearie. But I'm not leaving. Lets try this again, shall we?" She took the piece of rose quartz and slammed it down on the ground. "Quartzine! Come forth!" There was a flash of light as the quartz shattered, and then the light grew, darkened and took shape. It melted into the form of a young female, with rosy hued skin, pink eyes, and wavy pink and white hair. She was wearing a short, white kimono.
"Quartzine!" She clapped her hands together and bowed.
Shadowy lips frowned and amethyst eyes narrowed. {Damn. Rei-chan, get out of there!}
Rei's expression hardened, and she reached in to the front of her priestess outfit. She withdrew several white slips of paper. Holding them like throwing knives, she chanted. "Arou tai takesan!" and threw them at the two females. Ebonite held up a hand, and the papers flying toward her burst into black flames. Quartzine wasn't so lucky. One of the wards slapped her right in the forehead, and stuck. Her pink eyes glazed over, and she ceased moving.
{Impressive. So she made those protection scrolls we were selling today. The young priestess has power. I just hope she has common sense, as well. Please, Rei-chan, get out of there before you get hurt.}
"Very impressive, little girl. Who knew humans had such skill? Now its my turn." Lady Ebonite's lips twisted into a cruel smile. Her dark eyes glittered, and the area around her started to darken, as if she was absorbing the light. She held her hand palm out toward Rei. "Ebon Blasting!" and a jet of dark energy shot toward the young priestess.
"Solar Shield!" A brilliant flash of light, and a golden barrier appeared before the startled girl. The black energy bolt slammed against the barrier, which in turned slammed against Rei, who was not prepared for the impact of either. The shield absorbed most of the impact, however enough force was left to through the young girl several yards backwards. Rei landed on her butt and skid across the courtyard. From her hiding place around the corner, Usagi screamed. "Rei-chan!" She looked with angry blue eyes back at the evil woman. A determined look passed over her face. "Moon Cosmic Power, Make-Up!"
Once again, a warm, soothing light surrounded the young girl, filling her with power and hope. She walked forward to confront the villain and began her speech. "Temples are peaceful places, and I can't let you go around hurting people. I'm Sailor Moon, and in the name of the Moon, I will punish you!" To her astonishment, Sailor Moon saw Lady Ebonite turn around to talk to someone inside the building. "Hey, I'm over here! Hello?" A perplexed look crossed the blonde scout's face.
Ebonite rubbed her black eyes. God, they hurt! What a bright light! "What happened? I don't understand!" Lady Ebonite blinked away the after images left from the golden shield. "Can a priestess do that?"
"No, but I can," came a voice from back inside the shrine.
Lady Ebonite whirled around and peered inside the darkened temple. "Who's there? Who said that?" She saw the still form of Quartzine in the temple, but nothing else. Then one of the shadows moved. Ebonite squinted to make out the details, but all she could see was a dark outline of a woman.
"Who are you?"
Violet eyes glittered, and shadowy lips smiled. "A Wandering Star." Then the lips frowned. "Solar Flare!" Without further ado, the shadow held up her black gloved hand and a golden lance appeared. She sent it arcing towards the surprised Ebonite. Once again the little woman held up her hand to stop the projectile, but it slammed into her barrier, shattering it, and throwing Ebonite out the door to land a good 30 feet past Rei. Amethyst eyes scanned the distance. "That's it? I must be losing my touch. Hey, where'd Rei go?"
Sailor Moon watched the argument for only a moment, then raced over to her friend. "Rei-chan! Rei-chan!" The raven-haired girl groaned and sat up as Sailor Moon skidded to a halt beside her. The blond Scout dropped to her knees and embraced her friend. "Rei-chan! Are you ok?"
"I'm fine, I think. What happened? Lady Ebonite threw a dark bolt at me, and then I saw this.. ..golden light appears in front of me, shielding me. Did you do that?"
"No, not me! Maybe you did it? Do you have a new power?" Sailor Moon looked her friend over critically.
Rei shook her head. "I'm not even transformed, you Meatball-head!" Rei looked back at the shrine and heard arguing. "Just who's in there?"
"I don't know, but you better transform, and then we can find out! Come on!" The pig-tailed senshi grabbed Rei by the wrist, dragging her behind one of the other buildings.
"Mars Star Power, Make-Up!" Flames engulfed the raven-haired priestess for a moment. When they dissipated, Sailor Mars stood in her place. "Ok, let's get to the bottom- Nani?" Mar's dark eyes widened in shock as she saw Ebonite go sailing across the courtyard to land in heap not 10 feet away.
"What in the world is going on here? Who's attacking her?"
Sailor Moon shook her head. "Someone helped us the other day in the crystal shop. I wonder if it's the same person."
"Damn you! You little bitch! You HURT me!" Lady Ebonite got unsteadily to her feet, her dress in tatters, her skin reddened like she'd spent all day in the sun. "Ebon Blasting!" Another wave of pure, dark energy coursed out of her outstretched hands and raced back into the building. The Sailor Senshi heard a faint "Solar Shield!" and a huge explosion erupted from the building. Immediately following the explosion, a form was thrown out the front door, landed on the ground, and skidded to a halt several feet away. It was Quartzine, still frozen from Rei's charm, but the back part of her kimono was burnt away from the black energy explosion.
Ebonite's jaw dropped. "This isn't good. I need help." She eyed the fallen Quartzine critically. "A little burnt, but still useable. How do I get her moving again?" She saw the talisman still stuck to her forehead. "Hmm.. Ebon Blasting!" She aimed the dark energy at the ward, and it exploded into black flames. The Automaton sat up.
"Quartzine?" She blinked her pink eyes and looked up at Ebonite.
"Don't just sit there, you idiot, get up and help me!" the little woman yelled.
The Automaton stood up, cocked her head to the side and gave Ebonite a pout. "What? Help how? Don't yell at Quartzine." Tears welled up in her pink eyes.
Ebonite sighed. "Just go in there and get the gem sealed within the barrier, Quartzine. Can you do that?" The little lady pointed a black lacquered nail at the temple.
She bobbed her pink and white haired head up and down. "Yes, ma'am! Quartzine!" She turned and floated back towards the temple, her white slippered feet scraping the ground.
"Stop right there!"
Ebonite and Quartzine whirled to face the owner of the voice. Standing on the porch of another building were the 2 Sailor Scouts, posing for their usual speeches.
"Who do you think you are desecrating this sacred temple? The fires of Mars will purify and punish you! I'm Sailor Mars!" The black-haired senshi struck a pose, pointing at the two women.
"And for ignoring me earlier, I will punish you on behalf of the Moon! I'm Sailor Moon!" Sailor Moon struck a second pose, to the left of Mars.
Back in the temple, a shadow groaned softly. {Great, more speeches.} The shadow moved to the door for a better look. {Ok, the blonde I know. That's Sailor Moon. The girl in the red fuki is new. Jupiter had brown hair and a green fuki. I think the new girl said she was Sailor Mars. They look so familiar, but why? Could they possibly be Queen Serenity's Senshi?} She settled in the doorway to watch what happened next.
"Oh great, more trouble! Damn it, Quartzine, get them!" Ebonite growled.
"Quartzine!" The pink and white haired girl clapped her hands together, then spun a full circle on her heel, her hair flaring in a circle around her. She came to a stop, grabbed the front of her kimono and yelled, "Pink Sunset Flashing!" and ripped the front of the kimono open. Both of Earth's senshi gasped and covered their eyes. "Ecchi! Pervert!" they yelled in unison.
The shadow in the door leaned forward for a better look. {Ok, so she's got nice breasts. Very nice breasts. Oh, wait a minute, there's a gem imbedded between them, and its glowing. That's not a good sign.}
Mamoru Chiba always hated it when he felt that familiar tingling on the back of his neck. It meant that Usagi had transformed again. It also meant he'd better get moving, before she got herself in real trouble again. He loved his Usako with all his heart, but he worried about her constantly. She had this uncanny knack about getting in way over her head. He reached into his coat, his fingers sliding over the rose's smooth petals. Here we go again.
Within minutes, he arrived at Sendai Hill Temple. He walked carefully around the perimeter, looking for a good vantage point. He heard the scuffle in the courtyard, and decided height would be an advantage. He transformed, then leapt to the top of one of the temple's roofs. Then he settled in to watch.
He arrived in time to see Ebonite free Quartzine. He saw his beloved Sailor Moon and the senshi Mars come forward to confront the enemy. As they were making their speeches, he happened to glance toward the small shrine in the back of the compound. Right before his eyes, he saw the shadows part for an instant, and a form fill the doorway. From his position, it was hard to see, but it looked like someone in black ninja garb was in the doorway, watching the combatants. The figure was unmistakably female, lush, tall and graceful. A dark mask, concealing her identity covered her hair and face. She leaned casually against the door's frame, watching. Tuxedo Mask heard a yell from below, and saw the woman lean forward, an eager expression in her eyes. He turned to see what she was looking at and almost fell off the roof. The Automaton was flashing her large breasts at the Scouts, who had the decency to avert their eyes. He blushed a bright red, and started to turn away as well, until he realized that there was a gem set between those breasts, and it was glowing. Crap! What a rude attack! He pulled out one of his roses and let it fly.
From out of nowhere, a rose flew, and struck the crystal between Quartzine's breasts. The crystal fell to the ground with a clatter as Quartzine screamed in pain. The girls opened their eyes to see what happened, then quickly shut them and turned away again. "Cover up, you pervert! Fight fair!" they yelled. Quartzine wailed, then dropped to her knees to try and pick up the lost gem.
"Now, Sailor Moon!" Tux yelled!
"But Tuxedo Mask! I can't! She.. she's not.. well, I mean, she's.. I can't open my eyes NOW!" Sailor Moon's cheeks burned a bright red.
Evil laughter filled the courtyard. "You're all such goodie goodies. Keep them busy, Quartzine!"
They heard Ebonite walk back across the courtyard. As the petite woman came within sight of the temple, she came to a quick stop. Her black eyes flew open wide as she saw a shadowy figure lounging in the doorway, her arms crossed across her chest.
"Going somewhere, Ebonite?"
"Sailor Moon, you HAVE to open your eyes!" The blonde senshi heard Tuxedo Mask's voice from somewhere up above. "But, I CAN'T!" she yelled. "She's, I mean, it's not, oh god, she FLASHED us! Ecchi!" Sailor Moon wailed.
"You can't beat her with your eyes closed! You've got to do it! Use the Moon Spiral Heart Rod!" he yelled back.
"But Tuxedo Mask! I-"
Mars cut her off. "Oh never mind! I'll do it! Burning Mandala!" She traced a circle in the air, and it burst in to flames. She cupped her palms together, and the flames shot outward, racing toward the figure on the ground. Quartzine screamed as the flames engulfed her. "Now, Sailor Moon! Its OK, you can't see her through the flames."
Sailor Moon experimentally opened one blue eye to take a peek. When she saw Mars was right, she opened both eyes and took an aggressive stance. "Moon Spiral Heart Attack!" A beam of golden light raced towards the stricken Automaton, striking her full in the chest. Quartzine gave one final scream, and burst into a million shards.
Tuxedo Mask jumped from the roof to land beside his ladylove. "Good job, Sailor Moon, though you could have acted sooner."
Once again, the pig tailed senshi turned red. "But I couldn't! I mean, you saw her, didn't you? She was practically naked!" She stopped and an odd expression crossed her face. "Hey, you SAW her! You looked! You creep! You're not supposed to look at anyone but me!" She started slugging him, yelling all the while.
"Wait, but, hold it! Ouch! I had to, Sailor Moon! Hey! Hey! Yamete! Stop it!"
Mars cleared her throat. "Guys, hey. Hey, guys. HEY! WHERE'D EBONITE GO?" The two lovers stopped arguing and looked around. The petite raven-haired woman was gone. And so was the shadow from the temple, Tuxedo Mask thought. Mars took off running to the shrine. "Oh God! I hope she didn't break the seals!" She came skidding to a halt just in front of the barrier, which appeared intact. Mars reached out her hand, and it hit something solid a few inches before the tiny doors to the shrine.
"The magic is still intact. The claw is still inside then. If that's the case, where did Ebonite go?"
Sailor Moon shook her head, pig tails swinging side to side. "I dunno. Maybe she left when we beat the Automaton?"
Tuxedo Mask shrugged. "I guess so."
Rei found Menagi hard at work selling the last of the charms. The American girl smiled as she approached. "It's been busy. I was wondering what happened to you. We did well though. Your grandfather should be pleased. Here." She handed the young priestess the day's proceeds.
Usagi and Mamoru walked up behind Rei. The petite blond tapped the priestess on the shoulder. "See, you didn't need my help after all. And you were mad at me for being late, ha!" Usagi peered around Rei's shoulder. "Oooo! You did great, Menagi-chan! Hey, Rei, how about buying us a movie with all that money?"
"This is for the temple, you Meatball-head! Geeze, what kind of an idiot are you?..." The argument started anew.
Menagi looked up at the stricken Mamoru. "Are they always like this?"
He nodded sadly, beads of sweat popping up on his forehead. "Unfortunately."