Sailor Moon-Violence and Corruption
Part Four: "A Hand Lifted In Anger"
By Bill K.
Michiru's head arched back off the pillow onto the mattress, her eyelids
jammed shut. Haruka was touching her - - there. A shudder of absolute ecstasy
claimed her entire body and she was helpless to do anything except ride it out
and thank whatever gods controlled a person's destiny that she had met Haruka
Tenoh. Breath tried to escape her parted lips in a sigh, but there was no
strength in her ribs to expel the air. With great effort, she managed to
swallow. Finally the wave crested and fell back, ceding control of her body
back to her. Michiru reclaimed it reluctantly. If only she could freeze that
moment in time . . . but that was Setsuna's thing.
"I think you liked that," she heard Haruka whisper in that sexy throaty
voice of hers. Her eyes parted and took in that naughty boy's grin Haruka wore
that always sent her heart fluttering. Haruka was teasing her. She was always
teasing her.
"Let's see if you like it," Michiru heaved, her voice sodden with lust,
her eyes blazing with playful revenge and her gentle lips pulled back in a feral
grin.
Her hand dove under the covers and touched down. Haruka's eyes popped and
she almost swallowed her tongue. That look alone made it all worthwhile, but
seeing Haruka's eyelids jam shut and her lips pull away from parted teeth
reflexively was even more fun. Her lover began gasping out breaths as something
volcanic began to build in her. Michiru continued to play her as she played her
violin, short strokes when necessary, but mostly long chords that carried her
audience into another world. She felt Haruka's hand seize her forearm, but she
wouldn't be denied. The cords on Haruka's neck stood out as her head pulled
back.
"D-Dumpling!" Haruka gasped out and suddenly everything they were building
toward came crashing down.
"No," Michiru replied, unsuccessful in eliminating the irritation in her
voice. "Would you like to try again?"
"She's in trouble," whispered Haruka, trying to catch her breath.
"How do you know?" Michiru asked, usually knowing better than to doubt
Haruka's premonitions. "The seas are calm."
"The winds are screaming," Haruka replied, whipping the sheets away and
bounding out of bed. She gestured and her transformation wand materialized in
her hand.
"Where are the inner senshi?" Michiru asked, abandoning the bed and
producing her wand, for wherever Haruka would go, she would follow.
"I don't know," Haruka said, worry creasing her brow and sandy hair tossed
haphazardly into her eyes. "But they're not protecting her. She's alone and
she's losing."
"Yes," Michiru said, her hand going to her temple. "I feel it now. We
have to hurry."
* * * *
Like a loop of film, the scene replayed in her mind. Sailor Moon coming
across the unimaginable scene of her four friends in their Sailor Senshi
identities assaulting Artemis and Luna. The senshi turning on her, assaulting
her first with venomous distortions and accusations and then with their powers.
Of Sailor Moon, on her knees, her divinity shining like a beacon in the night
sky, trying, pleading with them to abandon their hatred and violence for their
own sakes. Finally, horribly, of the four senshi lifting their hands to strike
down Eternal Sailor Moon as one and irrevocably alter the future. There would
be no Chibi-Usa, no Crystal Tokyo, no one to oppose Dimando, Wiseman and the
others of the Dark Moon Nemesis. No one to bring a paradise of peace upon this
overburdened Earth.
Luna tried to move, but there was no strength in her body to do anything
other than hurt. She looked to Artemis, but he showed no signs of
consciousness. She turned to Sailor Moon, kneeling before her friends and
executioners like the martyr for peace she would always be.
"Run, Sailor Moon," Luna croaked out, her voice barely a whisper. "Save
yourself, please!"
The night air was suddenly sundered by the ringing cry of "Deep Submerge!"
Following closely on the heels of the cry was a cascade of water. The wave from
nowhere struck the four senshi with its full force, sweeping them away from the
prostrate Sailor Moon. They landed, sodden and scattered, down the alley.
Rising angrily, the senshi looked around.
"What interesting games you inners play," Sailor Neptune said, her tone
lyrical and mocking as she tossed back her green hair. "Can I play, too?"
"This doesn't concern you, Neptune," Venus hissed threateningly. "Leave
now while you can."
"Ooh," Neptune continued to mock, "you're so gruff! I recall you having
more manners than this."
"You'll find out just how gruff," warned Mars.
"You scare me least of all," Neptune smiled, the challenge twinkling in
her eye.
"Mars," Sailor Mars snapped, throwing her hand down to her hip and
spreading her fingers, "Flame Sniper!"
Neptune's eyes danced at the challenge and she raised her hands to produce
another wave even as Mars drew the flaming bow. Then, unexpectedly, Mars
whirled in a half-circle and launched the fire arrow. It cleaved the air at
tremendous speed, aimed directly for Sailor Uranus, who had flanked the four
senshi and had her hand in the air.
"World. . ." was all she got out. Geo-forces were collecting in her palm
as the fire arrow struck her shoulder high. She spun a quarter turn and crashed
to the ground. The titanic forces gathering in her hand, now shorn of a
controlling impetus, exploded outward and flung Uranus against the wall of the
apartment building. She crashed hard and fell heavily to the pavement.
Neptune's face took on a cold hardness. There was no mercy in her eyes as
she flung her hands into the air.
"Mercury," called out Sailor Mercury, "Aqua Rhapsody!"
Neptune was blanketed by a wave of water. This wave, though, was not the
same as hers. Much weaker, it was designed to rob the body of oxygen and send
it into a "water rhapsody" and unconsciousness. It was an effective attack,
except against her.
"Supreme Thunder!" cried Jupiter, launching a lightning bolt into the
blanket of water. Conducted by the water, the energy grabbed everything inside,
which happened to be Sailor Neptune. Paralyzed and overloaded by the
electricity, Neptune shook helplessly for a few seconds until the attacks
dissipated, then crashed to the ground.
"Now," Venus chuckled, turning back to Sailor Moon, "before we were
interrupted . . ."
Sailor Moon still knelt on the ground, head bowed.
"Before it's too late," she said calmly, looking up at them, "please stop."
The four raised their hands to strike.
"S-Submarine . . . Reflection," gasped out Neptune, the Deep Aqua Mirror
in her trembling hands. The beam of light lanced out at them, scattering
Mercury and Mars.
"We have to go!" hissed Mars, holding her shoulder. It was where the beam
had hit her and it was as if she was in pain.
"What about her?" snapped Jupiter, pointing to Sailor Moon. "The Mistress
commanded . . ."
"We can get her anytime!" growled Mercury, her side paining her from where
the beam struck. "We can't fight that beam! Not yet!"
"Let's go," agreed Venus, nervously evading another sweep of the beam.
"She's right."
Chased by the beam from the Deep Aqua Mirror, the four senshi leaped off
over a fence between the buildings and into the night, Mercury tossing back her
Shabon Spray to cover their retreat.
"Come back," whispered Sailor Moon.
* * * *
Someone, perhaps one of the residents of the apartment building, called
paramedics. By the time they arrived, they found one woman unconscious with
electrical burns on her skin, another with a projectile wound to her shoulder,
two cats battered and unconscious, and a sixteen year old blonde girl without a
scratch sitting in shock in the center of it. She was unresponsive until the
other two women were loaded into the back of transport vehicles. Then she
became adamant, almost hysterical in insisting that the cats be transported,
too. When an arriving police officer offered to transport them to a veterinary
hospital, she insisted on riding with them, too.
When Kenji, Ikuko and Shingo Tsukino arrived at the veterinary hospital,
they found Usagi slumped in the waiting room, staring at the floor. All the
anger over her disappearance earlier evaporated upon seeing her vacant
expression. The officer next to her, gently questioning her, moved to the
Tsukinos.
"What happened?" demanded Kenji, fiercely seeking to protect his little
princess.
"As near as I can determine, your daughter ran into some - - gang of some
sort. They were apparently abusing a couple of cats. I guess one of them is
hers. She tried to stop them, and a couple of women came to her aid. They
didn't do too well."
"Is she hurt?" asked Ikuko.
"Your daughter? Not physically, but she doesn't look like she's dealing
with it too well."
"She never has," Ikuko whispered. "She's always been upset by violence
like this."
"Yes, ma'am. If she comes up with any more details later, we'd appreciate
it if you'd call us."
The family approached Usagi. She didn't notice until Kenji knelt down in
front of her and grasped her hands in his.
"What happened, Princess?" he asked.
"They hurt Luna, Daddy," she sobbed, new rivers of tears sprouting from
her eyes and dribbling down her cheeks. "I don't know if she's going to make
it. And Artemis . . ."
"Who hurt her?"
Usagi stared helplessly at her father, unable even to give voice to a
response. Instead the waves of sobbing overwhelmed her and she fell into her
father's arms. He hugged her to him and supported her, prepared to ride out her
weeping if it took the rest of his life.
"Usagi," Ikuko said gently, kneeling next to her. "I got a call earlier
tonight from Mrs. Mizuno. She says Ami hasn't come home. I know you're going
through a tragedy right now, but do you have any idea where she might be?"
Usagi shook her head weakly, then buried it back on Kenji's shoulder.
"Are you the girl who brought in the two cats?" asked a veterinarian, a
handsome young male that Usagi normally would have goggled over. Instead, she
wrenched out of her father's arms and lurched up at him desperately.
"Yes! How is she? Is she alive?" Usagi cried.
"They're both alive, although they both have some bad injuries. The black
one has three broken ribs, several ripped out claws and multiple contusions.
The white one has a nasty burn on his left flank and a small fracture on his
right foreleg. They both could be here for at least several days."
"Can I see her?" gasped Usagi. "Please?"
"Yes. Just don't pick either of them up. In fact, if you have to touch
them at all, do it carefully." She nodded. "The black one may be sleeping. We
had to sedate her to sew up the claw sheaths."
Tears welling anew, Usagi eased into the room. In a far corner of the
recovery room, in a pair of stainless steel cages, were Luna and Artemis.
Artemis caught sight of her and perked up gingerly.
"You know, if I was human I'd get a hospital bed instead of a cage,"
groused the white feline.
"How are you, Artemis?" Usagi squeaked.
"I've been better. Remind me never to get Minako mad at me - - when we
get her back."
Usagi glanced at Luna. Artemis followed her gaze.
"Don't worry, Usagi. She'll be all right. She's a tough old girl. She
can kick my ass. I'm just glad she didn't talk in her sleep. That would have
given the vet a shock."
"Artemis, what happened to them?" demanded Usagi. "What did I do?"
"Mmm," mumbled Luna. "You didn't," she said through a sedative-induced
haze, "didn't do anything."
"Luna? Luna, I'm so sorry."
"Yes . . .know you are . . ."
"This is all my fault."
"Well, yes and no," Artemis replied. Usagi looked up at him with a guilty
expression. "The senshi are the way they are now because some enemy has
corrupted them - - taken them over. It's nothing you've done, regardless of all
the accusations they threw at you." The white cat shifted painfully. "But for
you to just stand there and refuse to defend yourself against them when they're
clearly a threat to you . . ." He shook his head. "Sometimes I just don't
understand you at all."
"Course not," muttered Luna. "You've . . .sensitivity of a brick."
"I think I liked you better when you were sleeping," Artemis jabbed
playfully.
"Usagi is . . .way she is . . .can't change it." Her tongue lapped dryly
at her lips. "Usagi?"
"Yes, Luna?"
"I was . . .well, snooping . . .around your room. Found this pad . . .
drawings in it."
"You found that?" Usagi asked.
"You're very good. I was impressed. Draw everything cute, of course. . .
but you've talent."
"Thank you," she smiled wistfully.
"Ask your father . . .maybe . . .art school . . .after you graduate."
"You think I can?"
"Beats being . . . comfort girl on the Ginza."
Usagi's face brightened into a timid smile, while Artemis was totally
perplexed by the statement.
"You should rest, Luna," advised Artemis.
"Bosh. Sleep too much . . .as it is . . ."
"Now, Usagi, you have to find the others and change them back."
"Me? How?"
Artemis sighed in exasperation.
"Usagi, you're the single most powerful senshi there is. You possess the
Silver Crystal. The Silver Crystal can exorcise any youma possessing anyone.
All you have to do is believe!"
"Are you sure?"
"Usagi," mumbled Luna. "Silver Crystal . . .runs on belief and strength.
If you believe . . .and are strong enough for . . .task . . .can do anything."
"But, won't I die?"
"It depends on what you ask the crystal to do," Artemis said. "Sure, it
killed your mother, but only after she banished the Negaverse, resurrected you
and Mamoru and sent us all to Earth. That'd kill anybody. You see, the crystal
feeds on your strength, your maturity and your belief. It takes that energy
from you and magnifies it a million-fold. But the strength, the maturity and
the belief have to be there to begin with and it has to be enough for the task
you expect to perform. You've used it for two years and it only came close to
killing you in the beginning; the first time you were trying to resurrect
everyone from the dead and rewrite time and space and the second time you were
ferrying an asteroid through Earth's atmosphere. That's a little much to ask of
a fourteen-year-old, you know. But you've grown since then, physically,
mentally and spiritually. I think you can do it and I'd think after what you
did to Galaxia, you'd believe in yourself by now, too."
Usagi looked down in shame.
"Usagi, you can get the girls back. But you won't until you try, and
sitting there on your knees begging them to stop isn't trying!"
"You're . . .only hope for them, Usagi," sighed Luna sleepily.
"Then I'll try," she said, some actual conviction in her quavering little
girl's voice.
"You should go now," Luna mumbled. "Get some rest."
Usagi nodded and turned to go. "I'll visit you tomorrow."
"See if you can sneak me in some tuna," requested Artemis. "The food here
is lousy."
Outside, her family converged on her.
"How's your old cat doing?" Shingo said gruffly, trying to hide his
concern for both Luna, who still made him uneasy at times, and for his sister,
because he had appearances to maintain.
"She looks so frail," whispered Usagi.
"The doctor said she'll be fine," Ikuko said, her arm going around Usagi
to comfort her. "There's nothing more we can do here. Let's go home."
"No. I need to see Haruka and Michiru first," Usagi said. "I need to
know how they are."
"We'll call the hospital," Ikuko said, herding Usagi out the door with
gentle forcefulness. "You need to go home and get some sleep."
"But Mom, I need to see them!"
"You can see them tomorrow, Usagi."
"But Mom . . .!"
"Tomorrow, Usagi."
"Yes, Ma'am," Usagi sighed, bowing her head in defeat.
* * * *
At home, Usagi sat on the edge of the futon staring at the pad of drawings
Luna had mentioned, the one she had made in secret. She liked drawing, but was
too timid to admit it, fearing derision. Now she sat and stared at it, because
it was a link to Luna.
It was up to her. The safety of her friends was up to her. Usagi knew
she would try to cure them, try to will them back from whatever was corrupting
them with the awesome power that was the Silver Crystal. She just wasn't sure
she could succeed. No one else knew what it was like to wield the energies of
the Silver Crystal. They were so powerful, so volatile. How could anyone
expect clumsy, stupid little Usagi to use such a powerful weapon?
And yet, she had beaten Beryl. And Wiseman, and Pharaoh 90 and Princess
Snow Kaguya. She'd saved Ann and Ail, and Neherenia and Cooan and her sisters
and Galaxia. Was it possible to have that much dumb luck? Or maybe . . .
"Usagi!" called her mother. "Phone for you! Long distance!"
"Mamo-chan," Usagi whispered and tore over to the upstairs extension.
"Mamo-chan, is that you?"
"Usako," gasped Mamoru on the other end. "Are you all right? I've been
calling all afternoon!"
"How did you know?"
"How do I always know? I can sense when you're in danger. How do you
think I always appeared as Tuxedo Mask when you needed me?"
"I guess I was too grateful to think," she whispered sweetly.
"So what happened? Obviously you got through it."
Struggling to maintain her composure, Usagi explained the disappearance of
her friends, their reappearance in corrupted forms and the attack on her, the
cats and two of the outer senshi.
"That's bad," commented Mamoru thoughtfully. "Have you contacted Setsuna
or Hotaru for help?"
"I don't want to risk them getting hurt," Usagi said.
"Usako, it's a risk they gladly accept. Don't face the girls alone,
please. I know you have tremendous power, but so do they, and they don't seem
to have any reservations about using it to kill any longer. Please contact
them."
"All right," Usagi said half-heartedly. "How are your studies?"
"Difficult. It's hard to concentrate. I keep seeing my Odango Atama
everywhere I look."
"I never thought I'd miss that name," grinned Usagi.
"Are you sure you're all right, Usako?"
"I'll be better when I get my friends back."
"I understand. Believe in yourself, Usako. Well, I've got to go. I'm
just a poor college student and the phone rates are going to bankrupt me."
"I love you, Mamo-chan. Study hard. [Good-bye]."
"English! I'm impressed. I love you, Usako. Get your friends back."
Usagi hung up the phone when she heard the click. Reclining on her bed,
she was out in moments, due to the physical and emotional drain of the evening.
* * * *
Four Sailor Senshi stood still and silent before the throne of Talon
Umbra. The red hue of the underground lighting cast an unnatural pallor on
their youthful faces. They stared blankly as Talon Umbra looked them over,
languidly reclining on the stone throne. The wrinkles on her green silk dress
caught the red light and it gave her a bloody cast. Tygos stood by her right,
Tenera on her left.
"They were supposed to destroy Sailor Moon, Tenera," Talon Umbra said
calmly, as if stating a fact in class. "They had the perfect chance. She
practically surrendered herself to the killing strike, as I knew she would."
Placidly, with the air of someone supremely confident in her power and position,
Talon Umbra looked up to Tenera. "Why is Sailor Moon still alive?"
"They resist, Mistress," Tenera explained deferentially. "Their loyalty
to their leader is very strong. They resist my control. And there was
unexpected interference . . ."
"The interference was expected and handled," commented the Monarch of
Below. "Their resistance is not acceptable. You have not handled your task
properly, Tenera."
"Yes, Mistress," Tenera whispered. "I offer my life."
"It is not yet time for that," Talon Umbra said, smiling slightly. "I
still have work for you. Sailor Moon has recovered some of her purpose. She
will be a much harder foe to defeat. You must attack before she can gather a
new support system."
"It shall be as you say, my Mistress."
"Control your soldiers, Tenera. They are your key to success. Sailor
Moon will attempt to reclaim them."
"She will fail, Mistress. Her friends shall bring you her head."
"Go, Tenera, and do not fail a second time."
Tenera bowed to her mistress, then turned to the Sailor Senshi. Facing
them, she spread her arms before them. A hot gust of air caught them, blowing
their hair and skirts, then the five faded away.
* * * *
Usagi left the house early, to the amazement and pleasure of her mother.
She grabbed her satchel and lunch and raced out the door.
"So what brought this change about?" Ikuko wondered, sitting down to
breakfast with her husband.
"Well, she's been worrying about her career after school," offered Kenji.
"Maybe it finally dawned on her that she won't be a child all her life."
"Pray that it lasts, Kenji."
Unknown to her parents, Usagi got to the end of the block and turned left,
toward the hospital, instead of right toward the school. She had no intention
of going in today - - not when two of her friends were hospitalized and four
more were prisoners of a sinister force.
Easing into the hospital room, Usagi quietly set her satchel down and
peered inside. Haruka lay in one bed, her shoulder heavily bandaged and her
usual grim expression on her face. Michiru was in the next bed, bandages on the
side of her pretty face and on her artistic hands. Setsuna sat between the two
beds, while Hotaru sat in the window sill next to Haruka. Usagi's hand went up
to her mouth.
"Don't linger in the door, Usagi," Michiru said without looking her way.
"You're welcome here."
Usagi inched timidly into the room. She got a warm smile from Hotaru.
"Hey, Dumpling," grinned Haruka. "The room's brighter already."
"I am so sorry," whimpered Usagi.
"Don't be," Haruka shrugged, then grimaced in pain. "We know the risks
and we accept them."
"But your shoulder," Usagi said. "Michiru's hands . . . "
"They're just electrical burns," Michiru told her. "No permanent damage.
We'll be out of here by the end of the day. I'll be able to use a brush again
in a couple of weeks and my violin will be good therapy for them."
"Just watch out when she hits a sour note," needled Haruka. Hotaru
giggled and Michiru adopted a wry grin that told everyone she was making a
mental note for revenge at a later date. Then she looked at Usagi, eyes
narrowed.
"But we won't be fighting for a while. Are you up to facing your friends
and doing what needs to be done, because it's only Setsuna and Hotaru here to
protect you now?"
Usagi looked down, searching for a response that would placate them.
"Don't go soft on us again, Dumpling," Haruka persisted.
"Haruka-papa!" Hotaru said with irritation in her voice. "We've been over
this."
"I know you believe in non-violence, Usagi," Michiru said, straining to
keep her voice calm and unaccusatory. "But there are times when you have to
fight for what you believe in or someone will take it from you . . . like this
enemy has taken your friends."
"I know," sniffed Usagi, eyes glued to the floor, shoulders trembling. "I
know you've told me that before and I know you believe it and I don't mean to
make light of your beliefs. It's just, no one's ever explained how someone who
believes fighting and violence doesn't solve anything is supposed to fight for
that."
The room fell silent.
"Point for Usagi, I believe," commented Setsuna.
"I don't recall asking you," grumbled Michiru. Haruka stifled a grin.
She knew how much being outwitted galled Michiru.
"But you are going to get the other senshi back, aren't you?" Hotaru
asked.
"Artemis says I can. Even if I couldn't, though, I have to try. I owe
them that."
"That's what I wanted to hear," smiled Haruka.
"We will, of course, be at your side through this," Setsuna stated.
"I wish you wouldn't," Usagi said. "I don't want anyone else to get
hurt."
"That's precisely why we must," Setsuna said with that sad, wistful smile
of hers, "because we don't want you to be hurt."
Usagi looked away, embarrassed and uncomfortable.
"When are you going to try?" asked Hotaru.
"Um, I, um," hesitated Usagi. "Not for a couple of days. I, um, want to
let Luna and Artemis recover some - - so they can track the senshi."
"As you wish, Usagi," Setsuna nodded. "Call us when you're ready."
"Yeah, sure. Thank you." She backed awkwardly out of the room, then
stumbled on her satchel. Picking it up, she waved, bowed, and left.
"Come, Hotaru," Setsuna said, rising from the chair. "We must attend to
our Princess in her hour of need." Hotaru seemed perplexed.
"You didn't believe her either, huh?" smirked Haruka.
"Where are we going?" asked Hotaru.
"To help Usagi battle the inner senshi," Setsuna replied.
"You mean she lied?" gasped Hotaru.
"Only to protect us," Setsuna told her, a hand on the young girl's
shoulder. "Now we must return the favor."
After they left, Michiru glanced over at Haruka and spotted the same
worried expression on her lover's face that she wore on hers.
"Well, Hotaru's always telling us to have faith in Usagi's ways," Michiru
said. "I guess we've got no choice now."
"I just wish I knew who she was up against," whispered Haruka.
Continued in Part 5
Part Four: "A Hand Lifted In Anger"
By Bill K.
Michiru's head arched back off the pillow onto the mattress, her eyelids
jammed shut. Haruka was touching her - - there. A shudder of absolute ecstasy
claimed her entire body and she was helpless to do anything except ride it out
and thank whatever gods controlled a person's destiny that she had met Haruka
Tenoh. Breath tried to escape her parted lips in a sigh, but there was no
strength in her ribs to expel the air. With great effort, she managed to
swallow. Finally the wave crested and fell back, ceding control of her body
back to her. Michiru reclaimed it reluctantly. If only she could freeze that
moment in time . . . but that was Setsuna's thing.
"I think you liked that," she heard Haruka whisper in that sexy throaty
voice of hers. Her eyes parted and took in that naughty boy's grin Haruka wore
that always sent her heart fluttering. Haruka was teasing her. She was always
teasing her.
"Let's see if you like it," Michiru heaved, her voice sodden with lust,
her eyes blazing with playful revenge and her gentle lips pulled back in a feral
grin.
Her hand dove under the covers and touched down. Haruka's eyes popped and
she almost swallowed her tongue. That look alone made it all worthwhile, but
seeing Haruka's eyelids jam shut and her lips pull away from parted teeth
reflexively was even more fun. Her lover began gasping out breaths as something
volcanic began to build in her. Michiru continued to play her as she played her
violin, short strokes when necessary, but mostly long chords that carried her
audience into another world. She felt Haruka's hand seize her forearm, but she
wouldn't be denied. The cords on Haruka's neck stood out as her head pulled
back.
"D-Dumpling!" Haruka gasped out and suddenly everything they were building
toward came crashing down.
"No," Michiru replied, unsuccessful in eliminating the irritation in her
voice. "Would you like to try again?"
"She's in trouble," whispered Haruka, trying to catch her breath.
"How do you know?" Michiru asked, usually knowing better than to doubt
Haruka's premonitions. "The seas are calm."
"The winds are screaming," Haruka replied, whipping the sheets away and
bounding out of bed. She gestured and her transformation wand materialized in
her hand.
"Where are the inner senshi?" Michiru asked, abandoning the bed and
producing her wand, for wherever Haruka would go, she would follow.
"I don't know," Haruka said, worry creasing her brow and sandy hair tossed
haphazardly into her eyes. "But they're not protecting her. She's alone and
she's losing."
"Yes," Michiru said, her hand going to her temple. "I feel it now. We
have to hurry."
* * * *
Like a loop of film, the scene replayed in her mind. Sailor Moon coming
across the unimaginable scene of her four friends in their Sailor Senshi
identities assaulting Artemis and Luna. The senshi turning on her, assaulting
her first with venomous distortions and accusations and then with their powers.
Of Sailor Moon, on her knees, her divinity shining like a beacon in the night
sky, trying, pleading with them to abandon their hatred and violence for their
own sakes. Finally, horribly, of the four senshi lifting their hands to strike
down Eternal Sailor Moon as one and irrevocably alter the future. There would
be no Chibi-Usa, no Crystal Tokyo, no one to oppose Dimando, Wiseman and the
others of the Dark Moon Nemesis. No one to bring a paradise of peace upon this
overburdened Earth.
Luna tried to move, but there was no strength in her body to do anything
other than hurt. She looked to Artemis, but he showed no signs of
consciousness. She turned to Sailor Moon, kneeling before her friends and
executioners like the martyr for peace she would always be.
"Run, Sailor Moon," Luna croaked out, her voice barely a whisper. "Save
yourself, please!"
The night air was suddenly sundered by the ringing cry of "Deep Submerge!"
Following closely on the heels of the cry was a cascade of water. The wave from
nowhere struck the four senshi with its full force, sweeping them away from the
prostrate Sailor Moon. They landed, sodden and scattered, down the alley.
Rising angrily, the senshi looked around.
"What interesting games you inners play," Sailor Neptune said, her tone
lyrical and mocking as she tossed back her green hair. "Can I play, too?"
"This doesn't concern you, Neptune," Venus hissed threateningly. "Leave
now while you can."
"Ooh," Neptune continued to mock, "you're so gruff! I recall you having
more manners than this."
"You'll find out just how gruff," warned Mars.
"You scare me least of all," Neptune smiled, the challenge twinkling in
her eye.
"Mars," Sailor Mars snapped, throwing her hand down to her hip and
spreading her fingers, "Flame Sniper!"
Neptune's eyes danced at the challenge and she raised her hands to produce
another wave even as Mars drew the flaming bow. Then, unexpectedly, Mars
whirled in a half-circle and launched the fire arrow. It cleaved the air at
tremendous speed, aimed directly for Sailor Uranus, who had flanked the four
senshi and had her hand in the air.
"World. . ." was all she got out. Geo-forces were collecting in her palm
as the fire arrow struck her shoulder high. She spun a quarter turn and crashed
to the ground. The titanic forces gathering in her hand, now shorn of a
controlling impetus, exploded outward and flung Uranus against the wall of the
apartment building. She crashed hard and fell heavily to the pavement.
Neptune's face took on a cold hardness. There was no mercy in her eyes as
she flung her hands into the air.
"Mercury," called out Sailor Mercury, "Aqua Rhapsody!"
Neptune was blanketed by a wave of water. This wave, though, was not the
same as hers. Much weaker, it was designed to rob the body of oxygen and send
it into a "water rhapsody" and unconsciousness. It was an effective attack,
except against her.
"Supreme Thunder!" cried Jupiter, launching a lightning bolt into the
blanket of water. Conducted by the water, the energy grabbed everything inside,
which happened to be Sailor Neptune. Paralyzed and overloaded by the
electricity, Neptune shook helplessly for a few seconds until the attacks
dissipated, then crashed to the ground.
"Now," Venus chuckled, turning back to Sailor Moon, "before we were
interrupted . . ."
Sailor Moon still knelt on the ground, head bowed.
"Before it's too late," she said calmly, looking up at them, "please stop."
The four raised their hands to strike.
"S-Submarine . . . Reflection," gasped out Neptune, the Deep Aqua Mirror
in her trembling hands. The beam of light lanced out at them, scattering
Mercury and Mars.
"We have to go!" hissed Mars, holding her shoulder. It was where the beam
had hit her and it was as if she was in pain.
"What about her?" snapped Jupiter, pointing to Sailor Moon. "The Mistress
commanded . . ."
"We can get her anytime!" growled Mercury, her side paining her from where
the beam struck. "We can't fight that beam! Not yet!"
"Let's go," agreed Venus, nervously evading another sweep of the beam.
"She's right."
Chased by the beam from the Deep Aqua Mirror, the four senshi leaped off
over a fence between the buildings and into the night, Mercury tossing back her
Shabon Spray to cover their retreat.
"Come back," whispered Sailor Moon.
* * * *
Someone, perhaps one of the residents of the apartment building, called
paramedics. By the time they arrived, they found one woman unconscious with
electrical burns on her skin, another with a projectile wound to her shoulder,
two cats battered and unconscious, and a sixteen year old blonde girl without a
scratch sitting in shock in the center of it. She was unresponsive until the
other two women were loaded into the back of transport vehicles. Then she
became adamant, almost hysterical in insisting that the cats be transported,
too. When an arriving police officer offered to transport them to a veterinary
hospital, she insisted on riding with them, too.
When Kenji, Ikuko and Shingo Tsukino arrived at the veterinary hospital,
they found Usagi slumped in the waiting room, staring at the floor. All the
anger over her disappearance earlier evaporated upon seeing her vacant
expression. The officer next to her, gently questioning her, moved to the
Tsukinos.
"What happened?" demanded Kenji, fiercely seeking to protect his little
princess.
"As near as I can determine, your daughter ran into some - - gang of some
sort. They were apparently abusing a couple of cats. I guess one of them is
hers. She tried to stop them, and a couple of women came to her aid. They
didn't do too well."
"Is she hurt?" asked Ikuko.
"Your daughter? Not physically, but she doesn't look like she's dealing
with it too well."
"She never has," Ikuko whispered. "She's always been upset by violence
like this."
"Yes, ma'am. If she comes up with any more details later, we'd appreciate
it if you'd call us."
The family approached Usagi. She didn't notice until Kenji knelt down in
front of her and grasped her hands in his.
"What happened, Princess?" he asked.
"They hurt Luna, Daddy," she sobbed, new rivers of tears sprouting from
her eyes and dribbling down her cheeks. "I don't know if she's going to make
it. And Artemis . . ."
"Who hurt her?"
Usagi stared helplessly at her father, unable even to give voice to a
response. Instead the waves of sobbing overwhelmed her and she fell into her
father's arms. He hugged her to him and supported her, prepared to ride out her
weeping if it took the rest of his life.
"Usagi," Ikuko said gently, kneeling next to her. "I got a call earlier
tonight from Mrs. Mizuno. She says Ami hasn't come home. I know you're going
through a tragedy right now, but do you have any idea where she might be?"
Usagi shook her head weakly, then buried it back on Kenji's shoulder.
"Are you the girl who brought in the two cats?" asked a veterinarian, a
handsome young male that Usagi normally would have goggled over. Instead, she
wrenched out of her father's arms and lurched up at him desperately.
"Yes! How is she? Is she alive?" Usagi cried.
"They're both alive, although they both have some bad injuries. The black
one has three broken ribs, several ripped out claws and multiple contusions.
The white one has a nasty burn on his left flank and a small fracture on his
right foreleg. They both could be here for at least several days."
"Can I see her?" gasped Usagi. "Please?"
"Yes. Just don't pick either of them up. In fact, if you have to touch
them at all, do it carefully." She nodded. "The black one may be sleeping. We
had to sedate her to sew up the claw sheaths."
Tears welling anew, Usagi eased into the room. In a far corner of the
recovery room, in a pair of stainless steel cages, were Luna and Artemis.
Artemis caught sight of her and perked up gingerly.
"You know, if I was human I'd get a hospital bed instead of a cage,"
groused the white feline.
"How are you, Artemis?" Usagi squeaked.
"I've been better. Remind me never to get Minako mad at me - - when we
get her back."
Usagi glanced at Luna. Artemis followed her gaze.
"Don't worry, Usagi. She'll be all right. She's a tough old girl. She
can kick my ass. I'm just glad she didn't talk in her sleep. That would have
given the vet a shock."
"Artemis, what happened to them?" demanded Usagi. "What did I do?"
"Mmm," mumbled Luna. "You didn't," she said through a sedative-induced
haze, "didn't do anything."
"Luna? Luna, I'm so sorry."
"Yes . . .know you are . . ."
"This is all my fault."
"Well, yes and no," Artemis replied. Usagi looked up at him with a guilty
expression. "The senshi are the way they are now because some enemy has
corrupted them - - taken them over. It's nothing you've done, regardless of all
the accusations they threw at you." The white cat shifted painfully. "But for
you to just stand there and refuse to defend yourself against them when they're
clearly a threat to you . . ." He shook his head. "Sometimes I just don't
understand you at all."
"Course not," muttered Luna. "You've . . .sensitivity of a brick."
"I think I liked you better when you were sleeping," Artemis jabbed
playfully.
"Usagi is . . .way she is . . .can't change it." Her tongue lapped dryly
at her lips. "Usagi?"
"Yes, Luna?"
"I was . . .well, snooping . . .around your room. Found this pad . . .
drawings in it."
"You found that?" Usagi asked.
"You're very good. I was impressed. Draw everything cute, of course. . .
but you've talent."
"Thank you," she smiled wistfully.
"Ask your father . . .maybe . . .art school . . .after you graduate."
"You think I can?"
"Beats being . . . comfort girl on the Ginza."
Usagi's face brightened into a timid smile, while Artemis was totally
perplexed by the statement.
"You should rest, Luna," advised Artemis.
"Bosh. Sleep too much . . .as it is . . ."
"Now, Usagi, you have to find the others and change them back."
"Me? How?"
Artemis sighed in exasperation.
"Usagi, you're the single most powerful senshi there is. You possess the
Silver Crystal. The Silver Crystal can exorcise any youma possessing anyone.
All you have to do is believe!"
"Are you sure?"
"Usagi," mumbled Luna. "Silver Crystal . . .runs on belief and strength.
If you believe . . .and are strong enough for . . .task . . .can do anything."
"But, won't I die?"
"It depends on what you ask the crystal to do," Artemis said. "Sure, it
killed your mother, but only after she banished the Negaverse, resurrected you
and Mamoru and sent us all to Earth. That'd kill anybody. You see, the crystal
feeds on your strength, your maturity and your belief. It takes that energy
from you and magnifies it a million-fold. But the strength, the maturity and
the belief have to be there to begin with and it has to be enough for the task
you expect to perform. You've used it for two years and it only came close to
killing you in the beginning; the first time you were trying to resurrect
everyone from the dead and rewrite time and space and the second time you were
ferrying an asteroid through Earth's atmosphere. That's a little much to ask of
a fourteen-year-old, you know. But you've grown since then, physically,
mentally and spiritually. I think you can do it and I'd think after what you
did to Galaxia, you'd believe in yourself by now, too."
Usagi looked down in shame.
"Usagi, you can get the girls back. But you won't until you try, and
sitting there on your knees begging them to stop isn't trying!"
"You're . . .only hope for them, Usagi," sighed Luna sleepily.
"Then I'll try," she said, some actual conviction in her quavering little
girl's voice.
"You should go now," Luna mumbled. "Get some rest."
Usagi nodded and turned to go. "I'll visit you tomorrow."
"See if you can sneak me in some tuna," requested Artemis. "The food here
is lousy."
Outside, her family converged on her.
"How's your old cat doing?" Shingo said gruffly, trying to hide his
concern for both Luna, who still made him uneasy at times, and for his sister,
because he had appearances to maintain.
"She looks so frail," whispered Usagi.
"The doctor said she'll be fine," Ikuko said, her arm going around Usagi
to comfort her. "There's nothing more we can do here. Let's go home."
"No. I need to see Haruka and Michiru first," Usagi said. "I need to
know how they are."
"We'll call the hospital," Ikuko said, herding Usagi out the door with
gentle forcefulness. "You need to go home and get some sleep."
"But Mom, I need to see them!"
"You can see them tomorrow, Usagi."
"But Mom . . .!"
"Tomorrow, Usagi."
"Yes, Ma'am," Usagi sighed, bowing her head in defeat.
* * * *
At home, Usagi sat on the edge of the futon staring at the pad of drawings
Luna had mentioned, the one she had made in secret. She liked drawing, but was
too timid to admit it, fearing derision. Now she sat and stared at it, because
it was a link to Luna.
It was up to her. The safety of her friends was up to her. Usagi knew
she would try to cure them, try to will them back from whatever was corrupting
them with the awesome power that was the Silver Crystal. She just wasn't sure
she could succeed. No one else knew what it was like to wield the energies of
the Silver Crystal. They were so powerful, so volatile. How could anyone
expect clumsy, stupid little Usagi to use such a powerful weapon?
And yet, she had beaten Beryl. And Wiseman, and Pharaoh 90 and Princess
Snow Kaguya. She'd saved Ann and Ail, and Neherenia and Cooan and her sisters
and Galaxia. Was it possible to have that much dumb luck? Or maybe . . .
"Usagi!" called her mother. "Phone for you! Long distance!"
"Mamo-chan," Usagi whispered and tore over to the upstairs extension.
"Mamo-chan, is that you?"
"Usako," gasped Mamoru on the other end. "Are you all right? I've been
calling all afternoon!"
"How did you know?"
"How do I always know? I can sense when you're in danger. How do you
think I always appeared as Tuxedo Mask when you needed me?"
"I guess I was too grateful to think," she whispered sweetly.
"So what happened? Obviously you got through it."
Struggling to maintain her composure, Usagi explained the disappearance of
her friends, their reappearance in corrupted forms and the attack on her, the
cats and two of the outer senshi.
"That's bad," commented Mamoru thoughtfully. "Have you contacted Setsuna
or Hotaru for help?"
"I don't want to risk them getting hurt," Usagi said.
"Usako, it's a risk they gladly accept. Don't face the girls alone,
please. I know you have tremendous power, but so do they, and they don't seem
to have any reservations about using it to kill any longer. Please contact
them."
"All right," Usagi said half-heartedly. "How are your studies?"
"Difficult. It's hard to concentrate. I keep seeing my Odango Atama
everywhere I look."
"I never thought I'd miss that name," grinned Usagi.
"Are you sure you're all right, Usako?"
"I'll be better when I get my friends back."
"I understand. Believe in yourself, Usako. Well, I've got to go. I'm
just a poor college student and the phone rates are going to bankrupt me."
"I love you, Mamo-chan. Study hard. [Good-bye]."
"English! I'm impressed. I love you, Usako. Get your friends back."
Usagi hung up the phone when she heard the click. Reclining on her bed,
she was out in moments, due to the physical and emotional drain of the evening.
* * * *
Four Sailor Senshi stood still and silent before the throne of Talon
Umbra. The red hue of the underground lighting cast an unnatural pallor on
their youthful faces. They stared blankly as Talon Umbra looked them over,
languidly reclining on the stone throne. The wrinkles on her green silk dress
caught the red light and it gave her a bloody cast. Tygos stood by her right,
Tenera on her left.
"They were supposed to destroy Sailor Moon, Tenera," Talon Umbra said
calmly, as if stating a fact in class. "They had the perfect chance. She
practically surrendered herself to the killing strike, as I knew she would."
Placidly, with the air of someone supremely confident in her power and position,
Talon Umbra looked up to Tenera. "Why is Sailor Moon still alive?"
"They resist, Mistress," Tenera explained deferentially. "Their loyalty
to their leader is very strong. They resist my control. And there was
unexpected interference . . ."
"The interference was expected and handled," commented the Monarch of
Below. "Their resistance is not acceptable. You have not handled your task
properly, Tenera."
"Yes, Mistress," Tenera whispered. "I offer my life."
"It is not yet time for that," Talon Umbra said, smiling slightly. "I
still have work for you. Sailor Moon has recovered some of her purpose. She
will be a much harder foe to defeat. You must attack before she can gather a
new support system."
"It shall be as you say, my Mistress."
"Control your soldiers, Tenera. They are your key to success. Sailor
Moon will attempt to reclaim them."
"She will fail, Mistress. Her friends shall bring you her head."
"Go, Tenera, and do not fail a second time."
Tenera bowed to her mistress, then turned to the Sailor Senshi. Facing
them, she spread her arms before them. A hot gust of air caught them, blowing
their hair and skirts, then the five faded away.
* * * *
Usagi left the house early, to the amazement and pleasure of her mother.
She grabbed her satchel and lunch and raced out the door.
"So what brought this change about?" Ikuko wondered, sitting down to
breakfast with her husband.
"Well, she's been worrying about her career after school," offered Kenji.
"Maybe it finally dawned on her that she won't be a child all her life."
"Pray that it lasts, Kenji."
Unknown to her parents, Usagi got to the end of the block and turned left,
toward the hospital, instead of right toward the school. She had no intention
of going in today - - not when two of her friends were hospitalized and four
more were prisoners of a sinister force.
Easing into the hospital room, Usagi quietly set her satchel down and
peered inside. Haruka lay in one bed, her shoulder heavily bandaged and her
usual grim expression on her face. Michiru was in the next bed, bandages on the
side of her pretty face and on her artistic hands. Setsuna sat between the two
beds, while Hotaru sat in the window sill next to Haruka. Usagi's hand went up
to her mouth.
"Don't linger in the door, Usagi," Michiru said without looking her way.
"You're welcome here."
Usagi inched timidly into the room. She got a warm smile from Hotaru.
"Hey, Dumpling," grinned Haruka. "The room's brighter already."
"I am so sorry," whimpered Usagi.
"Don't be," Haruka shrugged, then grimaced in pain. "We know the risks
and we accept them."
"But your shoulder," Usagi said. "Michiru's hands . . . "
"They're just electrical burns," Michiru told her. "No permanent damage.
We'll be out of here by the end of the day. I'll be able to use a brush again
in a couple of weeks and my violin will be good therapy for them."
"Just watch out when she hits a sour note," needled Haruka. Hotaru
giggled and Michiru adopted a wry grin that told everyone she was making a
mental note for revenge at a later date. Then she looked at Usagi, eyes
narrowed.
"But we won't be fighting for a while. Are you up to facing your friends
and doing what needs to be done, because it's only Setsuna and Hotaru here to
protect you now?"
Usagi looked down, searching for a response that would placate them.
"Don't go soft on us again, Dumpling," Haruka persisted.
"Haruka-papa!" Hotaru said with irritation in her voice. "We've been over
this."
"I know you believe in non-violence, Usagi," Michiru said, straining to
keep her voice calm and unaccusatory. "But there are times when you have to
fight for what you believe in or someone will take it from you . . . like this
enemy has taken your friends."
"I know," sniffed Usagi, eyes glued to the floor, shoulders trembling. "I
know you've told me that before and I know you believe it and I don't mean to
make light of your beliefs. It's just, no one's ever explained how someone who
believes fighting and violence doesn't solve anything is supposed to fight for
that."
The room fell silent.
"Point for Usagi, I believe," commented Setsuna.
"I don't recall asking you," grumbled Michiru. Haruka stifled a grin.
She knew how much being outwitted galled Michiru.
"But you are going to get the other senshi back, aren't you?" Hotaru
asked.
"Artemis says I can. Even if I couldn't, though, I have to try. I owe
them that."
"That's what I wanted to hear," smiled Haruka.
"We will, of course, be at your side through this," Setsuna stated.
"I wish you wouldn't," Usagi said. "I don't want anyone else to get
hurt."
"That's precisely why we must," Setsuna said with that sad, wistful smile
of hers, "because we don't want you to be hurt."
Usagi looked away, embarrassed and uncomfortable.
"When are you going to try?" asked Hotaru.
"Um, I, um," hesitated Usagi. "Not for a couple of days. I, um, want to
let Luna and Artemis recover some - - so they can track the senshi."
"As you wish, Usagi," Setsuna nodded. "Call us when you're ready."
"Yeah, sure. Thank you." She backed awkwardly out of the room, then
stumbled on her satchel. Picking it up, she waved, bowed, and left.
"Come, Hotaru," Setsuna said, rising from the chair. "We must attend to
our Princess in her hour of need." Hotaru seemed perplexed.
"You didn't believe her either, huh?" smirked Haruka.
"Where are we going?" asked Hotaru.
"To help Usagi battle the inner senshi," Setsuna replied.
"You mean she lied?" gasped Hotaru.
"Only to protect us," Setsuna told her, a hand on the young girl's
shoulder. "Now we must return the favor."
After they left, Michiru glanced over at Haruka and spotted the same
worried expression on her lover's face that she wore on hers.
"Well, Hotaru's always telling us to have faith in Usagi's ways," Michiru
said. "I guess we've got no choice now."
"I just wish I knew who she was up against," whispered Haruka.
Continued in Part 5