Sailor Moon-Violence and Corruption
Chapter 6: "New Recruits"
By Bill K,
Usagi walked down the street from the hospital to the veterinarian clinic,
a small smile on her face. She didn't have much to smile about: Mamoru was
half a world away, a new enemy threatened, three of her friends were corrupted
by that enemy, four others were injured fighting that enemy (six if you counted
Luna and Artemis), and she didn't even know who the new enemy was yet.
But she had managed to rescue Ami from the corrupting influence of this
new enemy. It was a victory and she was going to cling to it. Mrs. Mizuno
wouldn't let anyone see Ami until she'd undergone a battery of tests. She u
nderstood, but she wanted to see Ami and apologize for letting her suffer so
long. However she was back and Usagi knew she'd be well and that was all that
was important.
She'd apologized to Setsuna in her hospital room until the woman had
shooed her out. Haruka and Michiru had been released, so she couldn't visit
them. It was about three in the afternoon, still too soon to go home. Usagi
knew her mother would roast her it she found out she'd skipped school. So Usagi
decided to check on Luna and Artemis. Arriving at the clinic, she came up to
the desk.
"Yes, Miss Tsukino," the receptionist said, reviewing the charts. "You
can visit, but your black cat needs to stay another thirty-six to forty-eight
hours just to be safe."
"OK," sighed Usagi, dejected.
"I've got a note here to ask you about the white one you brought in."
"You mean Artemis?"
"Oh, you do know him. Do you know who owns him?"
"My friend, Minako."
"Well, your friend Minako's going to be happy to know she can pick him up.
He's ready to go home. Can you give me her phone number?"
"Um, she's . . .not home," Usagi said, trying to think quickly. "She's,
um. . .out of town. I can take him."
"Well, there is the matter of the bill . . ."
"Don't worry," chirped Usagi. "I'll take care of it."
"Really?"
"Sure. She's my friend."
"You're a pretty good friend," marveled the receptionist. "And I suppose
since you brought him in, it would be OK to release him to you. Just sign this
release and we can get him ready for you. I see you didn't bring a carrier."
"That's OK," Usagi said as she signed. "He can ride on my shoulder."
The receptionist looked at Usagi funny. "Um, how about we lend you a
carrier and you can bring it back when you come for Luna."
She handed Usagi off to the vet on duty. He led her into the recovery
area. Luna and Artemis both perked their heads up upon seeing her. The vet
opened Artemis's cage and lifted him out.
"Come on, Champ," he smiled, stroking Artemis to calm him. "We'll just
give you a last check over and then you can go home." He carried the white cat
into the next room.
"What about me, Usagi?" Luna whispered.
"They say you've got to stay a day or two more."
"Blast it. Oh well, can't be helped."
"How do you feel, Luna?"
"My ribs are sore, but I'll be all right," Luna smiled gently.
"Are you sure? Are you eating all right? I can get you some star candies
if . . ."
"I'm all right! Don't fuss! Now what about the senshi?"
"Well, Haruka told me to try using the Moon Tier on them. And I did, and
it worked, Luna! At least with Ami. The others ran away before I could do it
to them."
"Do you have any idea what corrupted them?"
"No."
"Have you asked Ami?"
"Her mother won't let me near her. She was really scared when Ami went
missing. Luna, she suspects about the Sailor Senshi."
"Umm. Well, we'll have to deal with that later. You need to see Ami as
soon as possible and find out what she knows about this enemy."
Usagi turned away.
"Usagi?" Luna inquired.
"I'm not sure she wants to talk to me."
"Oh, Usagi, that's rubbish!"
"Luna, you didn't hear what she said to me."
"Yes I did and it was the enemy talking, not Ami! You just remember
that!" Usagi nodded glumly. "Now, has anything else happened?"
"Well," Usagi hesitated, "you said you thought I was talented at drawing."
"I did? When?"
"The night we brought you in. You said you found my sketch pad. You were
kind of drugged up."
"I must have been. Oh dear."
"Didn't you mean it?"
"No, no, it's not that. I think you're very talented. You should ask
your father to send you to art school. I just . . .can't believe I admitted to,
well, to snooping." Luna gulped self-consciously. "I didn't, um, say anything
else, did I?"
Usagi got a malicious grin on her face. "Well, you did say you thought
Artemis was cute."
"I SAID WHAT?!!"
"And that you wanted to marry him and have his kittens."
"Oh, tell me you're lying, Usagi," Luna said, seeing her life flash before
her eyes.
"And that you thought he was the hunkiest cat you ever met."
"Oh I know you're lying now," huffed Luna.
"How do you know that?" Usagi grinned.
"Because every time you lie," smirked Luna, "your hips grow."
"I . . .you . . ." sputtered Usagi. "YOU TAKE THAT BACK!"
Luna playfully wrinkled her nose at Usagi. Then she spotted the vet
returning and nodded at him. Usagi turned just in time. Artemis was in a cat
carrier. He wore a cardboard cone around his neck and an expression of pure
malice on his face.
"Here you go, ma'am," the vet said, handling the carrier to her. "I'm
giving you a prescription for an anti-biotic cream for the burn. Leave that
cone on him so he doesn't lick the cream off. OK?"
"OK." She turned to Luna. "Bye, Luna. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Meow," Luna said, cramming as much gratitude as she could into her
expression.
Outside, Artemis waited for a deserted stretch of the path home, then
spoke up.
"Usagi, could you get this cardboard off of me?" he grumbled.
"But the doctor said . . ."
"Usagi, I am a LITTLE smarter than the average cat! I know enough not to
lick off my medicine! Now GET THIS OFF ME!"
"All right, all right!" Usagi huffed. "I suppose you want out of the
carrier, too?"
"No, no, it's actually kind of fun," Artemis said. "Just don't swing it
so much."
A pair of girls passed. Usagi and Artemis tried not to look suspicious.
"So what happened while I was out of touch?" asked Artemis. Usagi filled
him in quickly.
"I don't know if the others are going to give me a chance to turn them
back," Usagi suggested. "What if they don't attack again?"
"I think they will, but that's why it's important to talk to Ami. We need
to know what she knows. And there's something we also have to consider: If you
do try to change one of them back, you're going to need help to keep the other
two from attacking you. They're smart enough to do something like that and
remorseless enough to play for keeps now. I'm not sure Hotaru's going to be
enough to keep them off your back."
"Do we have to risk anyone else? So many people have been hurt already."
"Yes, we have to!" snapped Artemis. "You can't take those three on by
yourself, Usagi. That's probably just what the enemy wants." He sighed. "The
problem is I don't know who's left. Maybe Michiru. I wish Mamoru was here."
"So do I," whispered Usagi.
As they neared the Tsukino residence, Usagi and Artemis noticed several
people gathered by the front gate. Curious, they quickened their pace. When
they got close enough to recognize them, Usagi's face lit up.
"Hey!" she said to the four sisters once of the Dark Moon Nemesis. "How
are you guys doing?"
"We're doing fine, Usagi," Petz said with a gentle, mature grace that was
hard to reconcile with her. Usagi still recalled the evil, angry, malicious
shrew that had menaced them all on the bridge. "I understand you're having some
problems, though."
Usagi looked down.
"We're here to help, Usagi," Beruche offered, her manner gentle and
sympathetic.
"Yeah, we figured you could use it," Cooan added. "And you know we owe it
to you."
"You don't owe me anything," smiled Usagi. "Helping people is what you're
supposed to do."
"And now it's our turn to help you," Petz said. "Tell us what we can do."
Usagi avoided their gaze and sighed. "Please don't take this the wrong
way. I appreciate your offer, I really do. I just don't know how you can help
me. You don't have your powers anymore."
"I still have my whip," Karaberas said. "That's a skill, not a power."
"And you could probably defeat me with it," grinned Usagi. "But Mars and
Jupiter and Venus are more powerful than when you faced them last. And
whatever's got them had made them mean. I don't know what you could do against
them except get hurt."
"We're more resourceful than you think," Petz told her.
"I don't doubt that. But it's just too dangerous now. I can handle them.
Really I can. But thank you." Usagi strained to smile. "After I get my
friends back, we need to get together. It's been too long."
"We're still at the same old shop," offered Beruche.
"We'll be there. Maybe you can point me out a bargain," Usagi giggled.
She waved to the four sisters and headed for the house.
"She can't handle this alone," scowled Cooan. "Why won't she let us
help?"
"Because she's smart enough to know we're no match for her friends and
noble enough to worry about our safety over her own," Petz replied with
admiration. "That girl's done a lot of growing since we saw her last."
As Usagi made the porch, Artemis hissed to her.
"Usagi, let me out," he said. "I've got to do something."
"What about your leg?" Usagi asked.
"I'm not an invalid. I can still get around, just not as fast as I did a
few days ago. Now let me out, quickly!" Usagi complied. "Try to get away
tonight. You need to visit Ami in the hospital and find out all you can from
her. But if I call you, you need to go where I tell you and fast."
"OK," Usagi said, mystified by Artemis.
"And if you run into the other senshi, don't take them on unless you don't
have a choice. And if that happens, call Hotaru and Michiru!"
Artemis limped off down the walk and out the gate. He spotted the sisters
walking down the street and limped off after them as fast as he could.
"Hey!" he called out and got their attention. "Were you serious about
helping Usagi?"
"Of course," Karaberas replied curtly.
"But what can we do now that we're human?" Beruche asked.
"I may have a way around that," Artemis said, "if you're willing. Do you
have some place private we can go?"
"The house," shrugged Petz.
"If it's not an imposition, we need to go there so I can fill you in on
things. You shouldn't make this decision until you know what you're getting
into." They nodded. "Um, can somebody carry me? My leg's beginning to hurt a
little."
Beruche knelt down and scooped Artemis up in her arms, and they all headed
off.
* * * *
Ami walked tentatively down the hall of the hospital, en route to her
room. She'd just completed a recommended exercise period consisting of a walk
to the nurse's station and back. Her gait wasn't tentative because of her
inactivity due to her coma - - she'd worked that stiffness out long ago. She
walked tentatively to keep her hospital gown from flying open in the back, a
thought that kept her in mortal terror.
Once inside the room, Ami avoided the bed and sat in the chair next to it.
She was bored and restless, and felt cut off and trapped in this hospital room.
Gnawing absently on her knuckle, Ami wondered where Usagi was and what was
happening to her and the others. As she wondered, her mother walked in.
"How are you feeling?" Mrs. Mizuno smiled. "Have you stretched your
legs?"
"Yes, Mother. I'm fine. How much longer do I have to stay?"
"At least until the neurological scans clear you. You understand I want
to be sure you're all right, don't you?"
"I understand." Ami twisted the hem of her gown in her fingers. "Has
Usagi been by?" When her mother didn't answer immediately, Ami looked up at her
inquiringly.
"She was here earlier," the woman replied measuredly. "I sent her away."
"You sent her away?!"
"You were still undergoing tests . . ."
"Mother, I need to speak to her!"
"About what?"
Ami's gaze dropped to her lap.
"Ami, what's going on? I know you and Usagi and those three other girls
you run around with are involved in something. I didn't have a problem with it
before, but you didn't end up comatose in the hospital before. And that
masculine woman said you'd been abducted? Is that true?"
"I'm," Ami hesitated, refusing to look at her mother, "still a little hazy
on what happened."
"And now you're lying to me," whispered her mother. A tear trickled down
Ami's cheek. "Ami, are you in some sort of trouble? Some danger I should know
about? Are you covering for one of your friends? Usagi, maybe?" She knelt
down next to Ami. "I promise I won't judge. Please tell me what you're mixed
up in."
"I'm sorry for lying to you, Mother," Ami offered meekly. "I'm not in any
legal trouble, if that's what you're worried about."
"Who abducted you, then? And why? Honey, I'm just trying to protect you.
I'm your mother and I love you. Please trust me."
"Mother," Ami said, struggling to find just the right words, "I do trust
you. It's not that. It's . . .other people have put their trust in me. Usagi,
for one. And I can't tell you what it is without asking them first. Otherwise
I'm betraying their trust."
"Ami . . ."
"You wouldn't want me to tell them something you've told me in
confidence," Ami said, staring earnestly at her mother, "would you? I think I
owe them the same responsibility."
Mrs. Mizuno sighed in frustration. Then she stroked Ami's hair.
"It's a good thing I know you're smart enough not to do something
incredibly stupid," she smiled sadly. "Usagi, I'm not so certain of. Please,
Ami, I don't know what path you're walking, but I know it's dangerous. Please
be careful. Don't let friendship blind you to something stupid or dangerous she
or the others may be doing. I've come as close as I ever want to come to losing
you over the past two days."
"I'm sorry to put you through that, Mother," Ami said with a guilty smile.
"It is for something important."
"That's what that other woman said, too."
"I will tell you one day what I'm doing. I promise." Then Ami's face
brightened a little. "And you shouldn't judge Usagi so harshly. She's not as
stupid as she seems."
"Well, she picked you as a friend," her mother smiled weakly. "I guess
that shows she has some good judgment."
* * * *
"USAGI!" was the ear-splitting shout she heard the moment Usagi closed the
front door.
The young blonde gulped, knowing the angry roar of her mother. She stood
frozen in the hall, waiting for the lioness to emerge from her den and rend her.
"I got a call from school today," Ikuko said, stomping into the front hall
armed with a ladle. "They wanted to know where you were. Imagine my surprise.
I thought you WERE at school."
"I, um, I wasn't," Usagi offered weakly.
"We've established that," Ikuko said with a gaze that would melt steel.
"Where were you?"
"At the hospital. Ami was there. She was in a coma, Mom!"
"Oh," Ikuko said, not expecting that. "Are you all right?"
"Well I was worried about her."
"Of course you were. What happened?"
"She, um, was attacked. I had to be there for her, Mom! She's my
friend!"
"Yes, I suppose so. How's she doing?"
"She woke up a little before noon. Mom, I was so worried!"
"I know," she said, hugging Usagi maternally. "At least she's OK. Her
mother must be a wreck. I know I would be if it was you or Shingo."
"Mom," Usagi asked. "I'd like to visit her after dinner. Please say
yes."
"You were with her all day."
"Yes, but the minute she woke up they did all sorts of tests on her and
stuff and I didn't get a chance to see her at all! Please, Mom!"
"What about your homework?"
"Um, I don't have any," Usagi smiled nervously. "I didn't go to school
today."
Ikuko grimaced and it looked like she was doing all she could to keep from
hitting Usagi with the ladle. Then she calmed and sighed in resignation.
"OK," Ikuko said in defeat. "But don't be too long. I'd like you home
early enough to at least read the next chapter in your history book or practice
your English verbs."
"Yes, ma'am," sighed Usagi unenthusiastically.
"And don't forget to check on Luna, too."
"Already did," Usagi said, heading for the cabinet to get a snack. "She
seems to be feeling better."
"And there's another letter from Mamoru on your desk."
Ikuko barely had time to get out of the way as Usagi tore through the hall
and up the stairs with the speed of a missile.
* * * *
After a quick dinner, Usagi bolted out the door in the direction of the
hospital. She only got to the end of the block before her communicator buzzed.
"Usagi?" said Artemis over the communicator. "I need you to come to this
address and hurry."
"What about Ami?" asked Usagi.
"She'll have to wait."
* * * *
"Ami Mizuno attacked?" asked Kenji. "What's the world coming to?"
"Is she all right?" Shingo asked with far more concern than his parents
expected.
"Well, she's better than she was," Ikuko said. "We'll just have to ask
Usagi for a full report when she gets back."
"If she can remember it that long," muttered Shingo.
The doorbell rang.
"Shingo, leave your sister alone," Kenji said out of reflex as he headed
to the door. Opening it, he was greeted by an unexpected sight.
"Hi," Sailor Jupiter said. Venus and Mars flanked her and all three wore
malicious grins. "Can Usagi come out and play?"
* * * *
When Usagi knocked on the door of the strange house, she did so with just
a little trepidation. But this was the address Artemis had given her, so it
should be all right.
Unless she'd mixed up the numbers. That thought made her flinch as the
door opened, but being greeted by Beruche made her feel better.
"Is this where you live?" Usagi said, looking around. "Cool!"
"I'm glad you're here, Usagi," Artemis said, flanked by Petz and
Karaberas. "You need help in battling the senshi. These four have agreed to
provide you with that help."
"But . . ."
"I know what you're going to say. They're going to have their powers back,
Usagi. You're going to give them back."
"I can do that?"
Artemis gritted his teeth in frustration. "Well, you took them away!"
"Usagi, when we were of Nemesis, our bodies were attuned to convert
background energy into our specific attacks. Wise Man, using the power of the
Black Crystal, gave us this ability," explained Petz. "When you changed us, you
removed the Black Crystal energy, and our evil personnas, and made us human."
"You'll just restore their abilities with the Silver Crystal," Artemis
added.
"But won't they be evil again?" asked Usagi. "No offense."
Karaberas chuckled. "We wondered about that, too. But Artemis assured us
that the Silver Crystal will allow our good sides to be in control."
"Go ahead and change to Sailor Moon," advised Artemis. When she complied,
he continued. "Now use the Moon Tier and concentrate on restoring what was.
This might be a little taxing on you, so just do one at a time."
"I'll go first," Petz said with grim fatality.
"You always get to go first," grumbled Karaberas. Petz smiled to herself.
"Silver Moon Crystal Power Kiss," called out Eternal Sailor Moon, the Moon
Tier over Petz' head.
A shower of silver energy rained down on the woman. As it did, her
shoulders straightened and her chest swelled. She seemed to breathe in the
energy like a spring breeze and as she did a smile grew on her face. Her hands
clasped below her belt and she seemed in utter rapture. Finally the energy
ceased and Petz let out a sigh.
"Well?" asked Cooan.
"I've never known such utter contentment," whispered Petz. She looked up
at Sailor Moon, awestruck. "My life was blessed the day I met you." Sailor
Moon smiled happily.
"Never mind that!" scolded Cooan. "Do you have your powers back?"
Petz pointed her finger at Cooan. A spark jumped from her finger and
nipped Cooan's right hand. The girl jumped in surprise.
"Manners, Cooan," advised Petz with a soft, yet authoritative voice. "I
do feel the electricity dancing within me again. And yet, I don't feel the
insane jealousy and isolation I did during our time on Nemesis."
"You could have just said 'yes'," grumped Cooan.
"OK, do me next!" Karaberas requested quickly.
"Why should you be next?" fumed Cooan.
"Because I'm older," replied Karaberas, "and prettier."
"Well I can't do anything about the older part," began Cooan.
"Would you two stop!" fumed Beruche. She was holding a woozy Sailor Moon.
"Sailor Moon, are you ill?" asked Petz.
"I'm fine," she gasped. "I guess it did take a little out of me. Give me
a couple of minutes."
"Let her sit down, Beruche. I'll get you some tea."
"Thank you," Sailor Moon said, then added, "Um, and some cookies, if you
have them?" Artemis rolled his eyes and Beruche giggled.
An hour later, all four sisters had their powers restored and were
accompanying Usagi to the hospital. Usagi told them it wasn't necessary, but
they and Artemis insisted as one, so she gave in.
"So you have no idea who is behind this?" Petz asked as they walked down
the street.
"No. I hope Ami does, though," Usagi said. "I want this over and I want
my friends back."
"Usagi!" They all turned to the voice. It belonged to one of the girls
from Usagi's homeroom class at school. "What's going on at your house?"
"What do you mean?" asked Usagi.
"You don't know? There are police cars all around it! Miko says she saw
one of the officers struck by a bolt of lightning that came right out of the
house!"
Usagi went pale.
"You don't think . . ." Beruche began. She didn't get to finish. Usagi
broke into a dead run in the direction of her house.
"Usagi! Wait!" Cooan shouted and the sisters started after her, Artemis
tucked in Beruche's arms.
Continued in part 7
Chapter 6: "New Recruits"
By Bill K,
Usagi walked down the street from the hospital to the veterinarian clinic,
a small smile on her face. She didn't have much to smile about: Mamoru was
half a world away, a new enemy threatened, three of her friends were corrupted
by that enemy, four others were injured fighting that enemy (six if you counted
Luna and Artemis), and she didn't even know who the new enemy was yet.
But she had managed to rescue Ami from the corrupting influence of this
new enemy. It was a victory and she was going to cling to it. Mrs. Mizuno
wouldn't let anyone see Ami until she'd undergone a battery of tests. She u
nderstood, but she wanted to see Ami and apologize for letting her suffer so
long. However she was back and Usagi knew she'd be well and that was all that
was important.
She'd apologized to Setsuna in her hospital room until the woman had
shooed her out. Haruka and Michiru had been released, so she couldn't visit
them. It was about three in the afternoon, still too soon to go home. Usagi
knew her mother would roast her it she found out she'd skipped school. So Usagi
decided to check on Luna and Artemis. Arriving at the clinic, she came up to
the desk.
"Yes, Miss Tsukino," the receptionist said, reviewing the charts. "You
can visit, but your black cat needs to stay another thirty-six to forty-eight
hours just to be safe."
"OK," sighed Usagi, dejected.
"I've got a note here to ask you about the white one you brought in."
"You mean Artemis?"
"Oh, you do know him. Do you know who owns him?"
"My friend, Minako."
"Well, your friend Minako's going to be happy to know she can pick him up.
He's ready to go home. Can you give me her phone number?"
"Um, she's . . .not home," Usagi said, trying to think quickly. "She's,
um. . .out of town. I can take him."
"Well, there is the matter of the bill . . ."
"Don't worry," chirped Usagi. "I'll take care of it."
"Really?"
"Sure. She's my friend."
"You're a pretty good friend," marveled the receptionist. "And I suppose
since you brought him in, it would be OK to release him to you. Just sign this
release and we can get him ready for you. I see you didn't bring a carrier."
"That's OK," Usagi said as she signed. "He can ride on my shoulder."
The receptionist looked at Usagi funny. "Um, how about we lend you a
carrier and you can bring it back when you come for Luna."
She handed Usagi off to the vet on duty. He led her into the recovery
area. Luna and Artemis both perked their heads up upon seeing her. The vet
opened Artemis's cage and lifted him out.
"Come on, Champ," he smiled, stroking Artemis to calm him. "We'll just
give you a last check over and then you can go home." He carried the white cat
into the next room.
"What about me, Usagi?" Luna whispered.
"They say you've got to stay a day or two more."
"Blast it. Oh well, can't be helped."
"How do you feel, Luna?"
"My ribs are sore, but I'll be all right," Luna smiled gently.
"Are you sure? Are you eating all right? I can get you some star candies
if . . ."
"I'm all right! Don't fuss! Now what about the senshi?"
"Well, Haruka told me to try using the Moon Tier on them. And I did, and
it worked, Luna! At least with Ami. The others ran away before I could do it
to them."
"Do you have any idea what corrupted them?"
"No."
"Have you asked Ami?"
"Her mother won't let me near her. She was really scared when Ami went
missing. Luna, she suspects about the Sailor Senshi."
"Umm. Well, we'll have to deal with that later. You need to see Ami as
soon as possible and find out what she knows about this enemy."
Usagi turned away.
"Usagi?" Luna inquired.
"I'm not sure she wants to talk to me."
"Oh, Usagi, that's rubbish!"
"Luna, you didn't hear what she said to me."
"Yes I did and it was the enemy talking, not Ami! You just remember
that!" Usagi nodded glumly. "Now, has anything else happened?"
"Well," Usagi hesitated, "you said you thought I was talented at drawing."
"I did? When?"
"The night we brought you in. You said you found my sketch pad. You were
kind of drugged up."
"I must have been. Oh dear."
"Didn't you mean it?"
"No, no, it's not that. I think you're very talented. You should ask
your father to send you to art school. I just . . .can't believe I admitted to,
well, to snooping." Luna gulped self-consciously. "I didn't, um, say anything
else, did I?"
Usagi got a malicious grin on her face. "Well, you did say you thought
Artemis was cute."
"I SAID WHAT?!!"
"And that you wanted to marry him and have his kittens."
"Oh, tell me you're lying, Usagi," Luna said, seeing her life flash before
her eyes.
"And that you thought he was the hunkiest cat you ever met."
"Oh I know you're lying now," huffed Luna.
"How do you know that?" Usagi grinned.
"Because every time you lie," smirked Luna, "your hips grow."
"I . . .you . . ." sputtered Usagi. "YOU TAKE THAT BACK!"
Luna playfully wrinkled her nose at Usagi. Then she spotted the vet
returning and nodded at him. Usagi turned just in time. Artemis was in a cat
carrier. He wore a cardboard cone around his neck and an expression of pure
malice on his face.
"Here you go, ma'am," the vet said, handling the carrier to her. "I'm
giving you a prescription for an anti-biotic cream for the burn. Leave that
cone on him so he doesn't lick the cream off. OK?"
"OK." She turned to Luna. "Bye, Luna. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Meow," Luna said, cramming as much gratitude as she could into her
expression.
Outside, Artemis waited for a deserted stretch of the path home, then
spoke up.
"Usagi, could you get this cardboard off of me?" he grumbled.
"But the doctor said . . ."
"Usagi, I am a LITTLE smarter than the average cat! I know enough not to
lick off my medicine! Now GET THIS OFF ME!"
"All right, all right!" Usagi huffed. "I suppose you want out of the
carrier, too?"
"No, no, it's actually kind of fun," Artemis said. "Just don't swing it
so much."
A pair of girls passed. Usagi and Artemis tried not to look suspicious.
"So what happened while I was out of touch?" asked Artemis. Usagi filled
him in quickly.
"I don't know if the others are going to give me a chance to turn them
back," Usagi suggested. "What if they don't attack again?"
"I think they will, but that's why it's important to talk to Ami. We need
to know what she knows. And there's something we also have to consider: If you
do try to change one of them back, you're going to need help to keep the other
two from attacking you. They're smart enough to do something like that and
remorseless enough to play for keeps now. I'm not sure Hotaru's going to be
enough to keep them off your back."
"Do we have to risk anyone else? So many people have been hurt already."
"Yes, we have to!" snapped Artemis. "You can't take those three on by
yourself, Usagi. That's probably just what the enemy wants." He sighed. "The
problem is I don't know who's left. Maybe Michiru. I wish Mamoru was here."
"So do I," whispered Usagi.
As they neared the Tsukino residence, Usagi and Artemis noticed several
people gathered by the front gate. Curious, they quickened their pace. When
they got close enough to recognize them, Usagi's face lit up.
"Hey!" she said to the four sisters once of the Dark Moon Nemesis. "How
are you guys doing?"
"We're doing fine, Usagi," Petz said with a gentle, mature grace that was
hard to reconcile with her. Usagi still recalled the evil, angry, malicious
shrew that had menaced them all on the bridge. "I understand you're having some
problems, though."
Usagi looked down.
"We're here to help, Usagi," Beruche offered, her manner gentle and
sympathetic.
"Yeah, we figured you could use it," Cooan added. "And you know we owe it
to you."
"You don't owe me anything," smiled Usagi. "Helping people is what you're
supposed to do."
"And now it's our turn to help you," Petz said. "Tell us what we can do."
Usagi avoided their gaze and sighed. "Please don't take this the wrong
way. I appreciate your offer, I really do. I just don't know how you can help
me. You don't have your powers anymore."
"I still have my whip," Karaberas said. "That's a skill, not a power."
"And you could probably defeat me with it," grinned Usagi. "But Mars and
Jupiter and Venus are more powerful than when you faced them last. And
whatever's got them had made them mean. I don't know what you could do against
them except get hurt."
"We're more resourceful than you think," Petz told her.
"I don't doubt that. But it's just too dangerous now. I can handle them.
Really I can. But thank you." Usagi strained to smile. "After I get my
friends back, we need to get together. It's been too long."
"We're still at the same old shop," offered Beruche.
"We'll be there. Maybe you can point me out a bargain," Usagi giggled.
She waved to the four sisters and headed for the house.
"She can't handle this alone," scowled Cooan. "Why won't she let us
help?"
"Because she's smart enough to know we're no match for her friends and
noble enough to worry about our safety over her own," Petz replied with
admiration. "That girl's done a lot of growing since we saw her last."
As Usagi made the porch, Artemis hissed to her.
"Usagi, let me out," he said. "I've got to do something."
"What about your leg?" Usagi asked.
"I'm not an invalid. I can still get around, just not as fast as I did a
few days ago. Now let me out, quickly!" Usagi complied. "Try to get away
tonight. You need to visit Ami in the hospital and find out all you can from
her. But if I call you, you need to go where I tell you and fast."
"OK," Usagi said, mystified by Artemis.
"And if you run into the other senshi, don't take them on unless you don't
have a choice. And if that happens, call Hotaru and Michiru!"
Artemis limped off down the walk and out the gate. He spotted the sisters
walking down the street and limped off after them as fast as he could.
"Hey!" he called out and got their attention. "Were you serious about
helping Usagi?"
"Of course," Karaberas replied curtly.
"But what can we do now that we're human?" Beruche asked.
"I may have a way around that," Artemis said, "if you're willing. Do you
have some place private we can go?"
"The house," shrugged Petz.
"If it's not an imposition, we need to go there so I can fill you in on
things. You shouldn't make this decision until you know what you're getting
into." They nodded. "Um, can somebody carry me? My leg's beginning to hurt a
little."
Beruche knelt down and scooped Artemis up in her arms, and they all headed
off.
* * * *
Ami walked tentatively down the hall of the hospital, en route to her
room. She'd just completed a recommended exercise period consisting of a walk
to the nurse's station and back. Her gait wasn't tentative because of her
inactivity due to her coma - - she'd worked that stiffness out long ago. She
walked tentatively to keep her hospital gown from flying open in the back, a
thought that kept her in mortal terror.
Once inside the room, Ami avoided the bed and sat in the chair next to it.
She was bored and restless, and felt cut off and trapped in this hospital room.
Gnawing absently on her knuckle, Ami wondered where Usagi was and what was
happening to her and the others. As she wondered, her mother walked in.
"How are you feeling?" Mrs. Mizuno smiled. "Have you stretched your
legs?"
"Yes, Mother. I'm fine. How much longer do I have to stay?"
"At least until the neurological scans clear you. You understand I want
to be sure you're all right, don't you?"
"I understand." Ami twisted the hem of her gown in her fingers. "Has
Usagi been by?" When her mother didn't answer immediately, Ami looked up at her
inquiringly.
"She was here earlier," the woman replied measuredly. "I sent her away."
"You sent her away?!"
"You were still undergoing tests . . ."
"Mother, I need to speak to her!"
"About what?"
Ami's gaze dropped to her lap.
"Ami, what's going on? I know you and Usagi and those three other girls
you run around with are involved in something. I didn't have a problem with it
before, but you didn't end up comatose in the hospital before. And that
masculine woman said you'd been abducted? Is that true?"
"I'm," Ami hesitated, refusing to look at her mother, "still a little hazy
on what happened."
"And now you're lying to me," whispered her mother. A tear trickled down
Ami's cheek. "Ami, are you in some sort of trouble? Some danger I should know
about? Are you covering for one of your friends? Usagi, maybe?" She knelt
down next to Ami. "I promise I won't judge. Please tell me what you're mixed
up in."
"I'm sorry for lying to you, Mother," Ami offered meekly. "I'm not in any
legal trouble, if that's what you're worried about."
"Who abducted you, then? And why? Honey, I'm just trying to protect you.
I'm your mother and I love you. Please trust me."
"Mother," Ami said, struggling to find just the right words, "I do trust
you. It's not that. It's . . .other people have put their trust in me. Usagi,
for one. And I can't tell you what it is without asking them first. Otherwise
I'm betraying their trust."
"Ami . . ."
"You wouldn't want me to tell them something you've told me in
confidence," Ami said, staring earnestly at her mother, "would you? I think I
owe them the same responsibility."
Mrs. Mizuno sighed in frustration. Then she stroked Ami's hair.
"It's a good thing I know you're smart enough not to do something
incredibly stupid," she smiled sadly. "Usagi, I'm not so certain of. Please,
Ami, I don't know what path you're walking, but I know it's dangerous. Please
be careful. Don't let friendship blind you to something stupid or dangerous she
or the others may be doing. I've come as close as I ever want to come to losing
you over the past two days."
"I'm sorry to put you through that, Mother," Ami said with a guilty smile.
"It is for something important."
"That's what that other woman said, too."
"I will tell you one day what I'm doing. I promise." Then Ami's face
brightened a little. "And you shouldn't judge Usagi so harshly. She's not as
stupid as she seems."
"Well, she picked you as a friend," her mother smiled weakly. "I guess
that shows she has some good judgment."
* * * *
"USAGI!" was the ear-splitting shout she heard the moment Usagi closed the
front door.
The young blonde gulped, knowing the angry roar of her mother. She stood
frozen in the hall, waiting for the lioness to emerge from her den and rend her.
"I got a call from school today," Ikuko said, stomping into the front hall
armed with a ladle. "They wanted to know where you were. Imagine my surprise.
I thought you WERE at school."
"I, um, I wasn't," Usagi offered weakly.
"We've established that," Ikuko said with a gaze that would melt steel.
"Where were you?"
"At the hospital. Ami was there. She was in a coma, Mom!"
"Oh," Ikuko said, not expecting that. "Are you all right?"
"Well I was worried about her."
"Of course you were. What happened?"
"She, um, was attacked. I had to be there for her, Mom! She's my
friend!"
"Yes, I suppose so. How's she doing?"
"She woke up a little before noon. Mom, I was so worried!"
"I know," she said, hugging Usagi maternally. "At least she's OK. Her
mother must be a wreck. I know I would be if it was you or Shingo."
"Mom," Usagi asked. "I'd like to visit her after dinner. Please say
yes."
"You were with her all day."
"Yes, but the minute she woke up they did all sorts of tests on her and
stuff and I didn't get a chance to see her at all! Please, Mom!"
"What about your homework?"
"Um, I don't have any," Usagi smiled nervously. "I didn't go to school
today."
Ikuko grimaced and it looked like she was doing all she could to keep from
hitting Usagi with the ladle. Then she calmed and sighed in resignation.
"OK," Ikuko said in defeat. "But don't be too long. I'd like you home
early enough to at least read the next chapter in your history book or practice
your English verbs."
"Yes, ma'am," sighed Usagi unenthusiastically.
"And don't forget to check on Luna, too."
"Already did," Usagi said, heading for the cabinet to get a snack. "She
seems to be feeling better."
"And there's another letter from Mamoru on your desk."
Ikuko barely had time to get out of the way as Usagi tore through the hall
and up the stairs with the speed of a missile.
* * * *
After a quick dinner, Usagi bolted out the door in the direction of the
hospital. She only got to the end of the block before her communicator buzzed.
"Usagi?" said Artemis over the communicator. "I need you to come to this
address and hurry."
"What about Ami?" asked Usagi.
"She'll have to wait."
* * * *
"Ami Mizuno attacked?" asked Kenji. "What's the world coming to?"
"Is she all right?" Shingo asked with far more concern than his parents
expected.
"Well, she's better than she was," Ikuko said. "We'll just have to ask
Usagi for a full report when she gets back."
"If she can remember it that long," muttered Shingo.
The doorbell rang.
"Shingo, leave your sister alone," Kenji said out of reflex as he headed
to the door. Opening it, he was greeted by an unexpected sight.
"Hi," Sailor Jupiter said. Venus and Mars flanked her and all three wore
malicious grins. "Can Usagi come out and play?"
* * * *
When Usagi knocked on the door of the strange house, she did so with just
a little trepidation. But this was the address Artemis had given her, so it
should be all right.
Unless she'd mixed up the numbers. That thought made her flinch as the
door opened, but being greeted by Beruche made her feel better.
"Is this where you live?" Usagi said, looking around. "Cool!"
"I'm glad you're here, Usagi," Artemis said, flanked by Petz and
Karaberas. "You need help in battling the senshi. These four have agreed to
provide you with that help."
"But . . ."
"I know what you're going to say. They're going to have their powers back,
Usagi. You're going to give them back."
"I can do that?"
Artemis gritted his teeth in frustration. "Well, you took them away!"
"Usagi, when we were of Nemesis, our bodies were attuned to convert
background energy into our specific attacks. Wise Man, using the power of the
Black Crystal, gave us this ability," explained Petz. "When you changed us, you
removed the Black Crystal energy, and our evil personnas, and made us human."
"You'll just restore their abilities with the Silver Crystal," Artemis
added.
"But won't they be evil again?" asked Usagi. "No offense."
Karaberas chuckled. "We wondered about that, too. But Artemis assured us
that the Silver Crystal will allow our good sides to be in control."
"Go ahead and change to Sailor Moon," advised Artemis. When she complied,
he continued. "Now use the Moon Tier and concentrate on restoring what was.
This might be a little taxing on you, so just do one at a time."
"I'll go first," Petz said with grim fatality.
"You always get to go first," grumbled Karaberas. Petz smiled to herself.
"Silver Moon Crystal Power Kiss," called out Eternal Sailor Moon, the Moon
Tier over Petz' head.
A shower of silver energy rained down on the woman. As it did, her
shoulders straightened and her chest swelled. She seemed to breathe in the
energy like a spring breeze and as she did a smile grew on her face. Her hands
clasped below her belt and she seemed in utter rapture. Finally the energy
ceased and Petz let out a sigh.
"Well?" asked Cooan.
"I've never known such utter contentment," whispered Petz. She looked up
at Sailor Moon, awestruck. "My life was blessed the day I met you." Sailor
Moon smiled happily.
"Never mind that!" scolded Cooan. "Do you have your powers back?"
Petz pointed her finger at Cooan. A spark jumped from her finger and
nipped Cooan's right hand. The girl jumped in surprise.
"Manners, Cooan," advised Petz with a soft, yet authoritative voice. "I
do feel the electricity dancing within me again. And yet, I don't feel the
insane jealousy and isolation I did during our time on Nemesis."
"You could have just said 'yes'," grumped Cooan.
"OK, do me next!" Karaberas requested quickly.
"Why should you be next?" fumed Cooan.
"Because I'm older," replied Karaberas, "and prettier."
"Well I can't do anything about the older part," began Cooan.
"Would you two stop!" fumed Beruche. She was holding a woozy Sailor Moon.
"Sailor Moon, are you ill?" asked Petz.
"I'm fine," she gasped. "I guess it did take a little out of me. Give me
a couple of minutes."
"Let her sit down, Beruche. I'll get you some tea."
"Thank you," Sailor Moon said, then added, "Um, and some cookies, if you
have them?" Artemis rolled his eyes and Beruche giggled.
An hour later, all four sisters had their powers restored and were
accompanying Usagi to the hospital. Usagi told them it wasn't necessary, but
they and Artemis insisted as one, so she gave in.
"So you have no idea who is behind this?" Petz asked as they walked down
the street.
"No. I hope Ami does, though," Usagi said. "I want this over and I want
my friends back."
"Usagi!" They all turned to the voice. It belonged to one of the girls
from Usagi's homeroom class at school. "What's going on at your house?"
"What do you mean?" asked Usagi.
"You don't know? There are police cars all around it! Miko says she saw
one of the officers struck by a bolt of lightning that came right out of the
house!"
Usagi went pale.
"You don't think . . ." Beruche began. She didn't get to finish. Usagi
broke into a dead run in the direction of her house.
"Usagi! Wait!" Cooan shouted and the sisters started after her, Artemis
tucked in Beruche's arms.
Continued in part 7