Sailor Moon-Violence and Corruption
Part 10: "The Summoning"
By Bill K.
Amid the rubble of a hospital Intensive Care Unit where a titanic battle
was fought between the future queen of peace, eight Sailor Senshi, four reformed
residents of Nemesis, numerous patients and hospital personnel and a single demon
of suffering and violence, four of the senshi stared uncomfortably at each other
and contemplated their next move.
"We have to find Talon Umbra," Sailor Jupiter said to the other inner
senshi. "Nobody's safe until she's been dealt with."
"Any idea how?" Sailor Venus asked. "She's not in the phone book."
Since it involved the supernatural, all eyes fell on Sailor Mars.
The raven-tressed girl mulled the proposition over for a few moments.
"There are summoning rituals, but it's going to take a lot of power to draw
something of this magnitude to us. She's pretty formidable," Mars advised the
group. "I hesitate to even call her a demon."
"And what if she's waiting for us to do that," Sailor Mercury suggested.
"If so, it's going to take a lot of power to resist falling under her control
again."
That thought brought all discussion to a halt. The fear of falling under
Talon Umbra's thumb again passed unspoken between the four girls.
"Of course, Sailor Moon has . . ." Mercury began.
"She's Talon Umbra's ultimate target," interrupted Venus. "I don't think
we should involve her if we can avoid it."
"Well I don't think we can take this thing on our own," Mars said.
"Do we have a choice?" Jupiter countered. "Who says that Talon Umbra isn't
going to come looking for Usagi again?"
"If she does, we fight - - to the death if we have to," Mars replied, then
looked down. "I don't know about you - - but I'd rather - - well, die than be
used as a weapon against Usagi again. And if we go into a summoning ritual
without enough power to restrain that thing, we could end up right back where we
were."
Jupiter was clearly frustrated, but kept silent. She couldn't argue with
Mars' conclusions.
"So, if you don't mind my asking," Karaberas said, appearing behind Jupiter
and Mercury, "what are you four planning?"
"And if it involves helping Sailor Moon, we want to help," added Cooan.
She was between Jupiter and Venus. Venus cast a wary glance at Karaberas, while
Mars seemed initially put off by Cooan's encroachment. Cooan noticed this.
"We've got our powers back, if that's what's worrying you. And you know they're
nothing to sneer at."
"It isn't that," Mercury told her. "I'm just not sure it'll be enough for
what we were contemplating."
"Just how strong is this enemy?" wondered Karaberas.
"Strong," the four inner senshi said in unison, then glanced at each other
in embarrassment.
"Well, if you are going to try," Beruche offered quietly, "we'd be
grateful if you'd let us help. We want to make sure Sailor Moon is safe just as
much as you do."
"As would we," Sailor Pluto said. She approached the group with the other
outer senshi behind her.
Venus was about to repeat their concerns about taking on Talon Umbra when
Usagi hurried past them from the stairwell. She ignored them all, her attention
focused completely on her mother, who was still a patient in the ICU. Venus
sighed in frustration. She turned to Mars.
"You think twelve will be enough?" Venus asked.
Mars hesitated, the prospect still filling her with uncertainty. "Maybe if
we're careful," she replied dubiously.
The nurses and orderlies were still straightening up the ICU as Usagi slid
past. She crept into her mother's room. Nothing had changed. Ikuko still lay
peacefully on the hospital bed, her monitors and IV-drips intact and untouched.
Usagi stared, trying not to cry, wondering if after everything she'd been through
the past few days she had any tears left.
"Just like Ami," she whispered, biting her lip. Then a thought struck
her. "I wonder if . . ."
Usagi glanced around. The ICU room walls were all windows. She could draw
the curtains, but if a nurse walked in while she was Sailor Moon, how would she
explain it? Then the thought occurred to her that, in a choice between that and
the health of her mother, her secret identity was a distant second.
Instantly, something brushed her hand, which had been lying on her mother's
bed. Usagi jumped back, startled, and let out a frightened little cry. Ikuko
smiled up at her weakly.
"I'm sorry, Usagi," Ikuko whispered. "Did I startle you?"
"MAMA!" Usagi cried. She fell onto the bed and hugged her mother, then
suddenly pulled back. "Oh, I don't know if I'm allowed on the bed!" Ikuko
grinned at her.
"How's your father?" she asked, concerned. "And Shingo?"
"They're kind of beat up, but they're going to be OK. You were the one we
were worried about."
"I'm sorry I worried you, dear."
"How do you feel?"
"Well," Ikuko demurred, "I've felt better. I feel so weak and my face
hurts. I think it's when Sailor Jupiter threw me against the wall."
"Mama," Usagi sniffed. "I'm so sorry."
"I know you are." Ikuko felt for Usagi's hand and clasped it as tightly
as she could. "You couldn't help it, dear. It's what comes with the life you
lead."
Usagi stared down at her mother. She felt light-headed and the room
seemed to swirl. She tried to breathe and it wouldn't come.
"What do you mean?" she asked in a very soft voice.
Ikuko smiled as much as her puffy face allowed. "I know you're Sailor
Moon, dear."
"How?" Usagi whispered.
"Because I'm your mother. Did you think I wouldn't recognize you? I
carried you for nine months. I spent six hours giving birth to you. I nursed
you, I changed your diapers, and I bandaged your wounds. And I've watched you
for sixteen years as you've blossomed, and I've tried to guide you onto the right
path. Besides, how many other girls wear that hair style?"
Usagi sat stunned.
"I admit it took me a while to accept that my gangly, clumsy, lazy,
irresponsible little girl was the same person that was saving Tokyo over and
over again. But once I couldn't deny it any longer, I had to accept it. When
you have a child, you'll understand."
"I'm sorry if I've disappointed you."
"Usagi-chan," Ikuko sighed. "You've exceeded my expectations. I'm so very
proud of you. I wish you'd concentrate on your school work a little more," and
Usagi blushed in spite of herself, "but I guess I can understand why now."
"Does Daddy know?"
Ikuko smiled again. "I don't think your father will ever see you as
anything other than his little princess. If he knows, he hasn't told me. And I
won't tell him unless it's necessary. Let's let him have his illusions. It's
going to be hard enough on him when Mamoru marries you and takes you away from
him."
Usagi blushed again.
"So, have you gotten your friends back?"
"Yes, ma'am," Usagi smiled timidly.
"I'm glad. Friends have always been very important to you."
"I never thought you understood," Usagi confessed. "That you'd
understand."
"I know I'm harsh sometimes. It's not easy, because you're my little
girl. I only push because I want you to do your best. I love you no matter
what." Usagi squeezed Ikuko's hand.
"Ah, you're awake," the nurse said cheerfully as she quietly entered the
room. Usagi sprang off the bed. "It's OK, honey. You can sit on the bed. I
can see how much good it does for your mother."
"Thank you," squeaked Usagi happily.
"I'll tell the doctor you're awake. Is there anything I can get you - -
some juice or maybe some ice water? I'm willing to bet your mouth is pretty
dry."
"Some ice water would be nice," Ikuko whispered. "Oh, dear, that poor
doctor. I must look a fright."
"You look beautiful, Mom," Usagi told her, stroking her hair. Ikuko let a
contented sigh expel.
After collecting Artemis outside the hospital, the twelve young women bent
on protecting Sailor Moon walked to the Hikawa Shrine. Rei had suggested that
the summoning ritual be performed there, since the sacred ground of Hikawa would
give them one more advantage over Talon Umbra. The others agreed readily,
knowing or suspecting that every advantage they could get would be necessary.
As the women mounted the steps to the shrine, Rei felt compelled to give them a
warning.
"Now some of you have never been here before," Rei told them gravely. "I
really think I should warn you," and she hesitated, summoning her courage, "about
my grandpa. He may come across, well, just a little strange . . ."
"Sort of like an unreformed, skirt-chasing old lecher," suggested Makoto.
"More like a sex-crazed pervert who escaped from reform school," Minako
added.
"Thank you both VERY MUCH for helping," Rei replied with acid sarcasm.
Makoto and Minako grinned innocently at her. "But IN SPITE of what these two
say, he's actually a sweet, kind . . ."
"Rei?" they heard an old man wheeze.
Rei looked up at the top step and saw her grandfather standing there, days
of emotional turmoil and heartbreak being washed away like a spring rain by
budding hope. All other thoughts faded from her mind. She mounted the steps
with a quickening pace, her lip quivering and her eyes misty. At the top step
Rei sank to her knees and wrapped her arms around her grandfather, hugging him
tightly to her. His arms locked around her torso and it burst the dam.
"Oh, Grandpa!" she sobbed. "I'm so sorry if I worried you!"
"I understand, Rei," he replied, emotion coloring his raspy voice. "I'm
just glad you're back and you're safe. And I can see now that you didn't do it
intentionally, so there's nothing to forgive."
"I would have gotten word to you sooner, but," she started.
"It's all right. The scars on your aura tell me you were occupied with
important matters. I'm just happy the fates have been kind enough to grant me a
little more time with you."
Rei pulled away reluctantly. "Grandpa," she said, her tongue burdened
with the gravity of the situation. "The other girls and I need a little
privacy. We've got something very important to do. I can't . . ."
"You don't need to explain," he smiled gently. "We must do all we can to
make the world better. I'll pray for your success."
Rei bowed her head, grateful. "Thank you. If you could keep Yuuichiro
out of our way?"
"Yuuichiro disappeared the same time you did," Grandpa told her. "He
hasn't been back since."
Ami, Makoto and Minako watched Rei's reaction to that news, even as they
suppressed their own shock and alarm. For a moment, the raven-tressed girl
seemed about to shatter into a million fragments. With great effort, she
swallowed and took hold of herself.
"Well," Rei said, her voice faltering ever so slightly, "we'll . . . I'll
. . . have to deal with that later." She got to her feet and turned to the
others stiffly. "Come on."
"Good fortune to you, Rei," Grandpa said, then turned to the others.
"Good fortune to you all." Bravely, he turned and walked back to the garden
behind the temple. Haruka eased up to Rei.
"Does he know about you?" she asked. "About us?"
"It wouldn't surprise me," Rei said distantly. "He's never said anything.
But then he wouldn't unless he decided it was necessary. And, in spite of
appearances, he's pretty smart."
"For an old letch," Minako added, drawing a withering glare from Rei.
When the doctor arrived in Ikuko's room, Usagi was asked to leave. After
a mild protest, she complied. Faced with the prospect of the waiting room again,
she instead wandered up to Shingo's room in the children's ward. Pausing in the
door of the room he shared with another twelve-year-old boy with a mangled leg
from an auto accident, Usagi watched her brother.
Shingo wore a cervical collar as a precaution, due to neck trauma he
suffered in the attack. His left hand held a spoon that was scooping applesauce
to his mouth, because his right hand was burned and bandaged. One eye was
swollen shut and he seemed to breathe gingerly. Soft as a mouse, Usagi entered.
Shingo glanced over at her and upon recognizing her slipped into his standard
mask of neutrality.
"Hey, Brat," Usagi smiled.
"Hey, Airhead," he replied softly.
"Mom woke up."
"When?"
"About a half hour ago."
"How is she?"
"She's pretty weak and her face is pretty swollen, but I think she's going
to make it."
"Good," Shingo replied, his gaze shifting to the applesauce. If he kept
looking at Usagi he'd start crying and he couldn't allow his sister to see that.
"How are you feeling?"
"OK," he shrugged. "Bored mostly. I want to get out of here, but they
said I have to stay another day because of my stupid neck injury."
Usagi looked away, feeling guilty. There was a long silence between the
two siblings.
"Usagi," Shingo asked finally. "It was the Sailor Senshi who attacked us.
Mars and Venus and Jupiter; why?"
"It wasn't them, Shingo," Usagi replied softly. "Demons took their forms.
They attacked you. The Sailor Senshi would never attack anyone who didn't
deserve it - - not even you."
"Yeah, I guess not. Sailor Moon would never let them do anything bad."
Shingo heard his sister sniffling back tears. "You're not going to start crying,
are you?"
"Over a brat like you?" Usagi smiled tearfully. "You want me to get you
anything?"
"Some manga, if they've got some. And none of that girly stuff you read,
either."
"Something with mecha, I know," Usagi sighed.
"Wait, how are you even going to pay for it?"
Usagi smirked at him. "Because they gave me Daddy's credit card."
"Oh yeah?" Shingo replied, perking up. "Get me two, then."
* * * *
Eleven women sat in a circle, hands interlocked. They looked down, or up,
or toward the center of the circle, whatever maintained each individual's
concentration.
Padding softly on bare feet across the cool tile floor of the temple's
inner chamber, Rei walked with a single lit stick of incense. She had changed
to her priestess robes. In her other hand was fine silk cloth of red, yellow
and green. Gliding around the perimeter of the circle, the girl bent down and
lit other sticks of incense resting in incense burners strategically placed
around the perimeter. As she did this, she recited to herself sacred chants the
others couldn't quite make out.
After the last burner was lit, Rei closed her eyes and focused her mind on
the entity she was summoning. Her eyes stayed closed as she went deep into her
mind. She felt the power of the others begin to flow into her. The girl
stepped delicately, yet confidently into the circle.
Rei stood at the center of the circle, her rhythmic prayers growing louder,
though no more comprehensible. The lights were dim. Incense fumes wafted on
the air and filled the senses of everyone involved. Hotaru shifted
uncomfortably and received a stern look from Michiru.
Suddenly Rei jammed the silks into the air with both hands, extending her
body to the fullest. The senshi and the Black Moon sisters focused on the task
of funneling their power to Rei so she could use it to trap and bind Talon Umbra,
should Rei succeed in summoning her.
Like an exotic wraith, Rei began moving around the circle, dancing lightly
on her feet as she chanted. The words sounded vaguely Japanese, and yet they
weren't. As she stepped, she gestured with her hands and the silks, sweeping
movements that were at once at odds with the rhythm of her steps and at the same
time perfectly matched to them. The girl moved to a beat only she could hear.
Her face was blank, her eyes closed, but her movements were precise and
confident. Cooan dared a glance at her and at once was struck by how unearthly
Rei seemed.
The temperature of the room seemed to drop. Hotaru tensed, as did
Beruche. Ami opened her eyes to observe with scientific detachment while
maintaining her concentration on channeling her power. She saw the smoke trails
of the incense were disturbed and knew the air currents in the room were moving.
A glance at Makoto and Minako confirmed they felt what she felt: a cold, ominous
dread in the pit of her stomach. They knew as she knew that Talon Umbra was
near.
Suddenly Rei's dance halted. She sank to her knees in the center of the
circle. The silks were draped over her arms. Her hands were pressed together
palm to palm above her bowed head in supplication.
"Kami of the skies and of the earth," Rei whispered reverently. "Kami of
the storms and of the waters. Kami of life and of death and particularly of the
fire - - your priestesses kneel before you. We offer this dance; we offer these
silks; we offer sweet incense and our prayers to you. Please lend us your might
to aid us. Bring us the one we seek, and bind her so she may not harm us."
A wind howled up from the circle, billowing Rei's robe out and blowing her
thick mane of black hair toward the ceiling. Bowing as she eased to her feet,
Rei backed from the circle, leaving the silks behind. When she was outside the
circle, black smoke seemed to push up from the center, sent hurling to the
ceiling by the rush of wind. It struck the ceiling and swirled back toward the
girls. Their hands remained interlocked and their minds focused on their
mission. The smoke curled back in upon itself until it was thick and pulsing as
if alive.
Hotaru's grip tightened on the hands of Michiru and Setsuna. But all eyes
were focused on the pulsating smoke. It seemed to writhe within the grip of the
wind, straining against unseen prison bonds that held it shackled within the
whirling wind. No more smoke came from the mysterious unseen point in the
center of the circle.
"She's here," whispered Minako.
"Yes," Rei replied distantly. "Don't break your concentration."
Rei spread her arms out. The smoke was dissipating within the whirlwind
and a shape was taking form. It was female, with thick brown hair and lizard's
eyes, and a seductively cut green dress on a seductively slinky body. A red
dragon emblazoned the dress.
Petz seemed to stare in amazement. Hotaru was staring at the floor, at
nothing in particular. The girl was pale and sweat beaded on her forehead
beneath her bangs. Makoto was visibly trying to control her body to keep it
from shaking. Ami examined it like the presence was a lab specimen, but
underneath her stomach was churning. Karaberas bared her teeth, while Setsuna
remained implacable.
"That's Talon Umbra?" Haruka whispered, wide-eyed.
"That's her," Minako replied, her voice almost a sob.
As more of the smoke dissipated, though, they could see the creature from
the underworld writhed because she was bound. Ringlets of pure fire trapped her
wrists behind her back and her ankles together. She threw her unearthly head
back and roared silently and impotently, baring fangs that dripped venomous
liquid. Her body churned and coiled like a captured snake.
"I name you evil, demon!" Rei shouted above the whirlwind, pointing an
accusing finger at Talon Umbra. "Kami of this world, hear me and act upon my
behalf! Banish this demon from the land of the living! Divest yourselves of
this poison that rots your realm from within! Dispel this pestilence from your
midst, we beg of you!"
Talon Umbra seemed gripped by a wave of agony. She strained desperately
to free herself, but the wind and the fire and the unseen hands held her fast.
"Nooooooo!" Hotaru suddenly wailed. "She's in danger!"
"Hotaru?" gasped Michiru, perplexed and worried.
"Usagi!" she cried. "We've been tricked! She's in danger!"
And Talon Umbra, or whatever it was, stopped writhing in the grip of the
bindings, and began laughing.
Continued in part 11
Part 10: "The Summoning"
By Bill K.
Amid the rubble of a hospital Intensive Care Unit where a titanic battle
was fought between the future queen of peace, eight Sailor Senshi, four reformed
residents of Nemesis, numerous patients and hospital personnel and a single demon
of suffering and violence, four of the senshi stared uncomfortably at each other
and contemplated their next move.
"We have to find Talon Umbra," Sailor Jupiter said to the other inner
senshi. "Nobody's safe until she's been dealt with."
"Any idea how?" Sailor Venus asked. "She's not in the phone book."
Since it involved the supernatural, all eyes fell on Sailor Mars.
The raven-tressed girl mulled the proposition over for a few moments.
"There are summoning rituals, but it's going to take a lot of power to draw
something of this magnitude to us. She's pretty formidable," Mars advised the
group. "I hesitate to even call her a demon."
"And what if she's waiting for us to do that," Sailor Mercury suggested.
"If so, it's going to take a lot of power to resist falling under her control
again."
That thought brought all discussion to a halt. The fear of falling under
Talon Umbra's thumb again passed unspoken between the four girls.
"Of course, Sailor Moon has . . ." Mercury began.
"She's Talon Umbra's ultimate target," interrupted Venus. "I don't think
we should involve her if we can avoid it."
"Well I don't think we can take this thing on our own," Mars said.
"Do we have a choice?" Jupiter countered. "Who says that Talon Umbra isn't
going to come looking for Usagi again?"
"If she does, we fight - - to the death if we have to," Mars replied, then
looked down. "I don't know about you - - but I'd rather - - well, die than be
used as a weapon against Usagi again. And if we go into a summoning ritual
without enough power to restrain that thing, we could end up right back where we
were."
Jupiter was clearly frustrated, but kept silent. She couldn't argue with
Mars' conclusions.
"So, if you don't mind my asking," Karaberas said, appearing behind Jupiter
and Mercury, "what are you four planning?"
"And if it involves helping Sailor Moon, we want to help," added Cooan.
She was between Jupiter and Venus. Venus cast a wary glance at Karaberas, while
Mars seemed initially put off by Cooan's encroachment. Cooan noticed this.
"We've got our powers back, if that's what's worrying you. And you know they're
nothing to sneer at."
"It isn't that," Mercury told her. "I'm just not sure it'll be enough for
what we were contemplating."
"Just how strong is this enemy?" wondered Karaberas.
"Strong," the four inner senshi said in unison, then glanced at each other
in embarrassment.
"Well, if you are going to try," Beruche offered quietly, "we'd be
grateful if you'd let us help. We want to make sure Sailor Moon is safe just as
much as you do."
"As would we," Sailor Pluto said. She approached the group with the other
outer senshi behind her.
Venus was about to repeat their concerns about taking on Talon Umbra when
Usagi hurried past them from the stairwell. She ignored them all, her attention
focused completely on her mother, who was still a patient in the ICU. Venus
sighed in frustration. She turned to Mars.
"You think twelve will be enough?" Venus asked.
Mars hesitated, the prospect still filling her with uncertainty. "Maybe if
we're careful," she replied dubiously.
The nurses and orderlies were still straightening up the ICU as Usagi slid
past. She crept into her mother's room. Nothing had changed. Ikuko still lay
peacefully on the hospital bed, her monitors and IV-drips intact and untouched.
Usagi stared, trying not to cry, wondering if after everything she'd been through
the past few days she had any tears left.
"Just like Ami," she whispered, biting her lip. Then a thought struck
her. "I wonder if . . ."
Usagi glanced around. The ICU room walls were all windows. She could draw
the curtains, but if a nurse walked in while she was Sailor Moon, how would she
explain it? Then the thought occurred to her that, in a choice between that and
the health of her mother, her secret identity was a distant second.
Instantly, something brushed her hand, which had been lying on her mother's
bed. Usagi jumped back, startled, and let out a frightened little cry. Ikuko
smiled up at her weakly.
"I'm sorry, Usagi," Ikuko whispered. "Did I startle you?"
"MAMA!" Usagi cried. She fell onto the bed and hugged her mother, then
suddenly pulled back. "Oh, I don't know if I'm allowed on the bed!" Ikuko
grinned at her.
"How's your father?" she asked, concerned. "And Shingo?"
"They're kind of beat up, but they're going to be OK. You were the one we
were worried about."
"I'm sorry I worried you, dear."
"How do you feel?"
"Well," Ikuko demurred, "I've felt better. I feel so weak and my face
hurts. I think it's when Sailor Jupiter threw me against the wall."
"Mama," Usagi sniffed. "I'm so sorry."
"I know you are." Ikuko felt for Usagi's hand and clasped it as tightly
as she could. "You couldn't help it, dear. It's what comes with the life you
lead."
Usagi stared down at her mother. She felt light-headed and the room
seemed to swirl. She tried to breathe and it wouldn't come.
"What do you mean?" she asked in a very soft voice.
Ikuko smiled as much as her puffy face allowed. "I know you're Sailor
Moon, dear."
"How?" Usagi whispered.
"Because I'm your mother. Did you think I wouldn't recognize you? I
carried you for nine months. I spent six hours giving birth to you. I nursed
you, I changed your diapers, and I bandaged your wounds. And I've watched you
for sixteen years as you've blossomed, and I've tried to guide you onto the right
path. Besides, how many other girls wear that hair style?"
Usagi sat stunned.
"I admit it took me a while to accept that my gangly, clumsy, lazy,
irresponsible little girl was the same person that was saving Tokyo over and
over again. But once I couldn't deny it any longer, I had to accept it. When
you have a child, you'll understand."
"I'm sorry if I've disappointed you."
"Usagi-chan," Ikuko sighed. "You've exceeded my expectations. I'm so very
proud of you. I wish you'd concentrate on your school work a little more," and
Usagi blushed in spite of herself, "but I guess I can understand why now."
"Does Daddy know?"
Ikuko smiled again. "I don't think your father will ever see you as
anything other than his little princess. If he knows, he hasn't told me. And I
won't tell him unless it's necessary. Let's let him have his illusions. It's
going to be hard enough on him when Mamoru marries you and takes you away from
him."
Usagi blushed again.
"So, have you gotten your friends back?"
"Yes, ma'am," Usagi smiled timidly.
"I'm glad. Friends have always been very important to you."
"I never thought you understood," Usagi confessed. "That you'd
understand."
"I know I'm harsh sometimes. It's not easy, because you're my little
girl. I only push because I want you to do your best. I love you no matter
what." Usagi squeezed Ikuko's hand.
"Ah, you're awake," the nurse said cheerfully as she quietly entered the
room. Usagi sprang off the bed. "It's OK, honey. You can sit on the bed. I
can see how much good it does for your mother."
"Thank you," squeaked Usagi happily.
"I'll tell the doctor you're awake. Is there anything I can get you - -
some juice or maybe some ice water? I'm willing to bet your mouth is pretty
dry."
"Some ice water would be nice," Ikuko whispered. "Oh, dear, that poor
doctor. I must look a fright."
"You look beautiful, Mom," Usagi told her, stroking her hair. Ikuko let a
contented sigh expel.
After collecting Artemis outside the hospital, the twelve young women bent
on protecting Sailor Moon walked to the Hikawa Shrine. Rei had suggested that
the summoning ritual be performed there, since the sacred ground of Hikawa would
give them one more advantage over Talon Umbra. The others agreed readily,
knowing or suspecting that every advantage they could get would be necessary.
As the women mounted the steps to the shrine, Rei felt compelled to give them a
warning.
"Now some of you have never been here before," Rei told them gravely. "I
really think I should warn you," and she hesitated, summoning her courage, "about
my grandpa. He may come across, well, just a little strange . . ."
"Sort of like an unreformed, skirt-chasing old lecher," suggested Makoto.
"More like a sex-crazed pervert who escaped from reform school," Minako
added.
"Thank you both VERY MUCH for helping," Rei replied with acid sarcasm.
Makoto and Minako grinned innocently at her. "But IN SPITE of what these two
say, he's actually a sweet, kind . . ."
"Rei?" they heard an old man wheeze.
Rei looked up at the top step and saw her grandfather standing there, days
of emotional turmoil and heartbreak being washed away like a spring rain by
budding hope. All other thoughts faded from her mind. She mounted the steps
with a quickening pace, her lip quivering and her eyes misty. At the top step
Rei sank to her knees and wrapped her arms around her grandfather, hugging him
tightly to her. His arms locked around her torso and it burst the dam.
"Oh, Grandpa!" she sobbed. "I'm so sorry if I worried you!"
"I understand, Rei," he replied, emotion coloring his raspy voice. "I'm
just glad you're back and you're safe. And I can see now that you didn't do it
intentionally, so there's nothing to forgive."
"I would have gotten word to you sooner, but," she started.
"It's all right. The scars on your aura tell me you were occupied with
important matters. I'm just happy the fates have been kind enough to grant me a
little more time with you."
Rei pulled away reluctantly. "Grandpa," she said, her tongue burdened
with the gravity of the situation. "The other girls and I need a little
privacy. We've got something very important to do. I can't . . ."
"You don't need to explain," he smiled gently. "We must do all we can to
make the world better. I'll pray for your success."
Rei bowed her head, grateful. "Thank you. If you could keep Yuuichiro
out of our way?"
"Yuuichiro disappeared the same time you did," Grandpa told her. "He
hasn't been back since."
Ami, Makoto and Minako watched Rei's reaction to that news, even as they
suppressed their own shock and alarm. For a moment, the raven-tressed girl
seemed about to shatter into a million fragments. With great effort, she
swallowed and took hold of herself.
"Well," Rei said, her voice faltering ever so slightly, "we'll . . . I'll
. . . have to deal with that later." She got to her feet and turned to the
others stiffly. "Come on."
"Good fortune to you, Rei," Grandpa said, then turned to the others.
"Good fortune to you all." Bravely, he turned and walked back to the garden
behind the temple. Haruka eased up to Rei.
"Does he know about you?" she asked. "About us?"
"It wouldn't surprise me," Rei said distantly. "He's never said anything.
But then he wouldn't unless he decided it was necessary. And, in spite of
appearances, he's pretty smart."
"For an old letch," Minako added, drawing a withering glare from Rei.
When the doctor arrived in Ikuko's room, Usagi was asked to leave. After
a mild protest, she complied. Faced with the prospect of the waiting room again,
she instead wandered up to Shingo's room in the children's ward. Pausing in the
door of the room he shared with another twelve-year-old boy with a mangled leg
from an auto accident, Usagi watched her brother.
Shingo wore a cervical collar as a precaution, due to neck trauma he
suffered in the attack. His left hand held a spoon that was scooping applesauce
to his mouth, because his right hand was burned and bandaged. One eye was
swollen shut and he seemed to breathe gingerly. Soft as a mouse, Usagi entered.
Shingo glanced over at her and upon recognizing her slipped into his standard
mask of neutrality.
"Hey, Brat," Usagi smiled.
"Hey, Airhead," he replied softly.
"Mom woke up."
"When?"
"About a half hour ago."
"How is she?"
"She's pretty weak and her face is pretty swollen, but I think she's going
to make it."
"Good," Shingo replied, his gaze shifting to the applesauce. If he kept
looking at Usagi he'd start crying and he couldn't allow his sister to see that.
"How are you feeling?"
"OK," he shrugged. "Bored mostly. I want to get out of here, but they
said I have to stay another day because of my stupid neck injury."
Usagi looked away, feeling guilty. There was a long silence between the
two siblings.
"Usagi," Shingo asked finally. "It was the Sailor Senshi who attacked us.
Mars and Venus and Jupiter; why?"
"It wasn't them, Shingo," Usagi replied softly. "Demons took their forms.
They attacked you. The Sailor Senshi would never attack anyone who didn't
deserve it - - not even you."
"Yeah, I guess not. Sailor Moon would never let them do anything bad."
Shingo heard his sister sniffling back tears. "You're not going to start crying,
are you?"
"Over a brat like you?" Usagi smiled tearfully. "You want me to get you
anything?"
"Some manga, if they've got some. And none of that girly stuff you read,
either."
"Something with mecha, I know," Usagi sighed.
"Wait, how are you even going to pay for it?"
Usagi smirked at him. "Because they gave me Daddy's credit card."
"Oh yeah?" Shingo replied, perking up. "Get me two, then."
* * * *
Eleven women sat in a circle, hands interlocked. They looked down, or up,
or toward the center of the circle, whatever maintained each individual's
concentration.
Padding softly on bare feet across the cool tile floor of the temple's
inner chamber, Rei walked with a single lit stick of incense. She had changed
to her priestess robes. In her other hand was fine silk cloth of red, yellow
and green. Gliding around the perimeter of the circle, the girl bent down and
lit other sticks of incense resting in incense burners strategically placed
around the perimeter. As she did this, she recited to herself sacred chants the
others couldn't quite make out.
After the last burner was lit, Rei closed her eyes and focused her mind on
the entity she was summoning. Her eyes stayed closed as she went deep into her
mind. She felt the power of the others begin to flow into her. The girl
stepped delicately, yet confidently into the circle.
Rei stood at the center of the circle, her rhythmic prayers growing louder,
though no more comprehensible. The lights were dim. Incense fumes wafted on
the air and filled the senses of everyone involved. Hotaru shifted
uncomfortably and received a stern look from Michiru.
Suddenly Rei jammed the silks into the air with both hands, extending her
body to the fullest. The senshi and the Black Moon sisters focused on the task
of funneling their power to Rei so she could use it to trap and bind Talon Umbra,
should Rei succeed in summoning her.
Like an exotic wraith, Rei began moving around the circle, dancing lightly
on her feet as she chanted. The words sounded vaguely Japanese, and yet they
weren't. As she stepped, she gestured with her hands and the silks, sweeping
movements that were at once at odds with the rhythm of her steps and at the same
time perfectly matched to them. The girl moved to a beat only she could hear.
Her face was blank, her eyes closed, but her movements were precise and
confident. Cooan dared a glance at her and at once was struck by how unearthly
Rei seemed.
The temperature of the room seemed to drop. Hotaru tensed, as did
Beruche. Ami opened her eyes to observe with scientific detachment while
maintaining her concentration on channeling her power. She saw the smoke trails
of the incense were disturbed and knew the air currents in the room were moving.
A glance at Makoto and Minako confirmed they felt what she felt: a cold, ominous
dread in the pit of her stomach. They knew as she knew that Talon Umbra was
near.
Suddenly Rei's dance halted. She sank to her knees in the center of the
circle. The silks were draped over her arms. Her hands were pressed together
palm to palm above her bowed head in supplication.
"Kami of the skies and of the earth," Rei whispered reverently. "Kami of
the storms and of the waters. Kami of life and of death and particularly of the
fire - - your priestesses kneel before you. We offer this dance; we offer these
silks; we offer sweet incense and our prayers to you. Please lend us your might
to aid us. Bring us the one we seek, and bind her so she may not harm us."
A wind howled up from the circle, billowing Rei's robe out and blowing her
thick mane of black hair toward the ceiling. Bowing as she eased to her feet,
Rei backed from the circle, leaving the silks behind. When she was outside the
circle, black smoke seemed to push up from the center, sent hurling to the
ceiling by the rush of wind. It struck the ceiling and swirled back toward the
girls. Their hands remained interlocked and their minds focused on their
mission. The smoke curled back in upon itself until it was thick and pulsing as
if alive.
Hotaru's grip tightened on the hands of Michiru and Setsuna. But all eyes
were focused on the pulsating smoke. It seemed to writhe within the grip of the
wind, straining against unseen prison bonds that held it shackled within the
whirling wind. No more smoke came from the mysterious unseen point in the
center of the circle.
"She's here," whispered Minako.
"Yes," Rei replied distantly. "Don't break your concentration."
Rei spread her arms out. The smoke was dissipating within the whirlwind
and a shape was taking form. It was female, with thick brown hair and lizard's
eyes, and a seductively cut green dress on a seductively slinky body. A red
dragon emblazoned the dress.
Petz seemed to stare in amazement. Hotaru was staring at the floor, at
nothing in particular. The girl was pale and sweat beaded on her forehead
beneath her bangs. Makoto was visibly trying to control her body to keep it
from shaking. Ami examined it like the presence was a lab specimen, but
underneath her stomach was churning. Karaberas bared her teeth, while Setsuna
remained implacable.
"That's Talon Umbra?" Haruka whispered, wide-eyed.
"That's her," Minako replied, her voice almost a sob.
As more of the smoke dissipated, though, they could see the creature from
the underworld writhed because she was bound. Ringlets of pure fire trapped her
wrists behind her back and her ankles together. She threw her unearthly head
back and roared silently and impotently, baring fangs that dripped venomous
liquid. Her body churned and coiled like a captured snake.
"I name you evil, demon!" Rei shouted above the whirlwind, pointing an
accusing finger at Talon Umbra. "Kami of this world, hear me and act upon my
behalf! Banish this demon from the land of the living! Divest yourselves of
this poison that rots your realm from within! Dispel this pestilence from your
midst, we beg of you!"
Talon Umbra seemed gripped by a wave of agony. She strained desperately
to free herself, but the wind and the fire and the unseen hands held her fast.
"Nooooooo!" Hotaru suddenly wailed. "She's in danger!"
"Hotaru?" gasped Michiru, perplexed and worried.
"Usagi!" she cried. "We've been tricked! She's in danger!"
And Talon Umbra, or whatever it was, stopped writhing in the grip of the
bindings, and began laughing.
Continued in part 11