**************************************************************
SailormoonT: Tragedy
Written By Neko Athena^o,o^
Rating: PG-13
Comments, Rants, Etc.: supremethunder4@bolt.com,
RE: SailormoonT!
**************************************************************
~ Author's Notes : Pronunciation [i think!]
'=accent on syllable
Alecto (A-leck'-toh)
Tisiphone (Tis-if'-oh-nee)
Megaera (Me-gah'-ay-rah)
**************************************************************
Episode 5, part I
The water is off, the day is hot... Trouble by the casefull!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~ "Why? Why did you bring me here? I can help them!" ~~~
~~~ "Your Mother sent you here for safekeeping... you must~~~
~~~stay." "But what's happening? I'm scared!" "You do ~~~
~~~not need to be scared, I will protect you here until ~~~
~~~they come for you. Be patient, Princess." "But I want~~~
~~~to help them, please!" "Everything will come in its ~~~
~~~own time... we can only pray for them here. Your time ~~~
~~~will come, my dear Princess..." ~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*~*~*
??? "Well, it seems Alecto couldn't handle the simple task of
destroying the Neo-Queen's Guard. It disappoints me...
greatly. We must fill this world with hate quickly, my power
drains every day the Senshi of the Silver Millennium live."
::The two women standing on either side of the large marble
basin. Night has fallen on the ancient mountainside, and,
despite the full moon, the water remains black, with no
reflection of light whatsoever.::
??? "Tisiphone... Avenger of Blood, Megaera... Jealous One,
you two will NOT disappoint me, will you?"
Tis. and Meg. "No, Lord, we will destroy the Millennium of
Love and all those who stand in the way of your wishes."
??? "Good... then I assume you have a plan... tell me..."
::Tisiphone steps forward, into a shaft of moonlight spilling
through the cracks of the temple roof. She wares a robe
similar to Alecto's, only a reddish color, with black tights
to her ankles. Her bright red hair matches her eyes, and is
bound in five small knots close to her head, with small "fans"
of hair billowing from them. Her eyes have a wild, savage
look.::
Tis. "I have witnessed the Solitary Senshi's anger at the loss
of Princess Serenity. I believe I can help her channel that
anger..."
??? "I see... and you, Megaera?"
::Megaera steps foreword from the shadows. Her robes are like
the others, but blue, and her black tights extend to her
knees. Her hair and eyes are a bright blue, and her head is
decorated with six long, thin braids. These run along the top
of her head like a tiara and hang to her knees. The braids
are dotted with blue jewels.::
Meg. "I will slip among them to spread hate. Alecto used the
wrong medium. Instead of spreading your essence to the people
by air, it will be much more effective to introduce your
essence into them directly."
??? "Very well, You have pleased me with your plans. Carry
them out and rid me of the horrible Love that Crystal Tokyo
will bring."
Tis. and Meg. "Yes, My Lord, we will not fail you. Our Sister
was weak, but we shall avenge her. The Furies shall triumph!"
*~*~*
::The room is quiet. Absolute silence weighs heavily on all
the Senshi gathered in the Fire Room of the Hikawa Shine. No
one dares to voice their opinions or fears; each simply choose
an empty direction in which to stare, thinking of what could
happen in the following moments. Outside and down the street,
Usagi walks with more than reluctance. She was confused when
she awoke in her own bed, remembering that there had been a
battle, but not that it had come to an end. In fact, she
remembered very little about the last few days, only foggy
images and bits of conversations. When she had finally woken
up, Luna had been staring at her from the table near her bed.
When she asked what had happened, the cat only stared. It
took a long time for Luna to gather the strength to explain
the events of the past days. Usagi had cried along with her
when she described Mamoru's injury and Chibi-usa's
disappearance. Now, at the request of all her friends, she
has to meet them at the shrine and somehow explain her
actions. She feels terribly guilty, but is unable to sort out
her emotions enough to come to a conclusion. She feels as if
she is marching to the gallows to be executed, and by those
she cares about most. Behind her, Luna walks solemnly,
feeling helpless to relieve her mistress' pain. Finally, she
reaches the shrine, and walks up the stairs to the door of the
room where her jury awaits. She takes a deep breath and opens
the door.::
Usa., opening door "H-hello... everyone."
::As soon as she steps inside, the tension which had
previously held the room breaks. The Inner Senshi burst into
tears.::
Min. "Oh, Usagi!"
Mak. "We know you're not guilty!"
Rei "Please don't be mad at us!"
Ami "It couldn't possibly have been your fault!"
::The Inners get up and dash over to their beloved friend,
sobbing as they embrace her. At first shocked, Usagi begins
to cry as well, and hugs her friends closer. In a corner, the
Outer Senshi look on. Although Haruka, Michiru, and Setsuna
manage to keep a stern, calm look on their faces, inside they
secretly feel the same as their Inner counterparts. They all
want to believe that Usagi isn't to blame. Setsuna had been
healed by the Ginzuishou following her injury, and also
treated by Doctor Mizuno, but her stomach is still sore from
the deep wound. The pain of sitting up straight, however,
she hides with great skill from her expression. Hotaru sits
obediently in Michiru's lap, confused. Her guardians refused
to explain the reason for Chibi-usa's disappearance. They had
told her that all questions would be answered at this meeting.
She bit her lip, worried. The Inners finish their embrace and
walk back to their seats with Usagi. Once all are sitting,
the questions begin. Usagi is still feeling the violent sobs
in her chest.::
Har., calmly "Now, Usagi, we all really must know what has
happened. I think you owe it to each and every one of us.
The events of the past days have been stressful..."
Ami "I know it must be difficult for you, but Haruka-san is
right. We need to find the answer to this problem quickly. I
have a feeling Alecto is not the only enemy we will have to
battle."
Usa. "I-I..."
Luna, interrupting "Usagi was under the influence of an evil
spell."
::All eyes dart straight to the cat. The Senshi, and Usagi
alike, are surprised by her words. No one expected Luna to
speak up, and the confidence with which she spoke shocked them
all.::
Luna "I will explain. You see, when Usagi came home from her
outing with Mamoru and Chibi-usa-chan, she had a bottle of
perfume with her. We were discussing why she left them, and
she sprayed some of it into the air. Immediately after that,
she became distant and strange, as if it wasn't even her
talking. To me, it smelled horrible and rotten, but she
didn't notice the smell. After Alecto was killed, it seemed
to have vanished completely, but I took the sample that Minako
and Makoto collected from their battle with the Centaur and
analysed it. It seems to be nothing but water, but with some
sort of chemical added. That chemical is what, I believe,
caused Usagi's strange behavior. It acted on her own
insecurity and caused her to be so withdrawn."
Rei "So that's what Alecto meant by she 'barely had to lift a
finger'. The perfume did the work for her!"
Set. "So we have explained her altered behavior. But the
question remains; what caused Chibi-usa's disappearance?"
::Usagi suddenly feels scared. Setsuna's words seemed so
cold.::
Usa. "Well, I... after Luna explained what had happened these
past days, I began to remember more. I made a wish... on the
Ginzuishou, that all of you, especially Mamo-chan, would be
happy. I had thought all of you would be better off...
without me."
::Her eyes begin to fill with tears once again. The Senshi
look on in silence, not knowing what to make of this
revelation. From the door of the shrine, a new voice broke
the silence.::
??? "But that could not be an explanation as to why
Chibi-usa disappeared. Because I, or any of us, could never
be happy without you in our lives."
::Everyone turns to see Mamoru standing in the doorway. He
walks over to Usagi and kneels beside her. Taking her hand,
he kisses her softly on the cheek.::
Ami, softly "It's true... I couldn't be happy, without Usagi
to cheer me up."
Rei, smiling "Who else would I have to pick on?"
::The other Senshi nod and smile. Mamoru's words are enough
to dispel all their anxiety and fear. Usagi sighs and hugs
Mamoru.::
Usa. "I'm sorry I didn't come to see you, Mamo-chan!"
Mam., grinning "It's all right, I'll forgive you this time."
Mic. "Then it was Alecto who changed the future?"
Luna "Yes, I think so. I think she was hoping we would turn
on each other."
Mak. "I hate to admit it, but it might have worked. What a
dirty trick!"
Art. "And I also agree with Luna and Ami. Defeating Alecto
and her monster were easy compared to the other battles we've
fought. There must be someone much more powerful that Alecto
was taking orders from."
Luna "We need to find out who immediately."
*~*~*
??? "COME AND GET IT!!!! SPECIAL GRAND OPENING SALE, A CRATE
OF TWENTY BOTTLES, ONLY two-thousand YEN!!!"
::The crowd at the store is incredible, and lines stretch down
the sidewalk and around the corner in both directions. The
announcement on the Morning News had said that the
purification facilities which provided all of Juuban and other
districts in Tokyo with water had been malfunctioning since
late last. Anyone who had ingested any tap water since midnight
should report to the nearest health official for testing; the
water was EXTREMELY hazardous. At 11 o'clock, the water in
Juuban had been cut off completely. To make matters worse,
the weather had decided it would burn out the last of the
summer heat before letting the present cold have its way.
The hot, thirsty residents had bought out nearly all of the
drinking, mineral, spring water in the area by 1 o'clock. But
now, a small shop chose this opportune time to open its doors,
and the people came. The bottled water is not selling
separately; everyone buys it cases at a time. In the frenzy,
a few fights had broken out, but when the blue-haired store
owner announces that a new shipment has just come, and there
is plenty for all, it only spawns more brawling. The sudden
heat wave has put all nerves on edge, and the scarcity of
water has worn patience thin.::
??? "You don't HAVE to push, there will be plenty..."
Man1 "I'll take seven cases!"
Wom1, waving bills "No, I want twenty!!!"
Wom2, slapping down cash "Give me FIFTY!!!!!!"
??? "Calm down, now, everyone will be served! That's the
'Endless River Bottled Water' motto!"
::Setsuna walks down the sidewalk, deep in thought. She has
just left the Senshi meeting at the shrine, and is
contemplating the new enemy. She was as relieved, if not
more, by the fact that Usagi was not responsible for the loss
of Chibi-usa. Still, she feels the pain, as if she has lost
her own daughter. Silently, she vows to deliver the final
blow to those who ARE responsible. She vows that time will be
restored to its normal course and flow. As she passes the
madhouse of a store on the other side of the street, she
hardly notices the commotion. A woman walking in the opposite
direction bumps into her, and she reacts as if she has
suddenly been awakened from a deep sleep. The woman has
shortly-cropped red hair.::
Set. "Oh, I'm so sorry, I..."
Redh. "Wasn't paying any attention? It's understandable."
::Although her words are mild, Setsuna sees the savage look in
her eyes. Her face seems unhappy, even angry, but her voice
seems perfectly mild and friendly.::
Redh., smiling "You seem like you've had a lot to think about
lately."
Set. "Well, I suppose in this day and age, everyone has so
much to worry over."
::The Red-haired woman leans in close to Setsuna's ear and
whispers.::
Redh. "If you want to be happy again, you should just get what
you REALLY want. Don't fool yourself..."
::A puzzled Setsuna watches the woman walk on down the street.
In her ear, a raspy, familiar voice, almost like her own, but
more rough, whispers to her.::
^REVENGE... THAT'S WHAT YOU WANT...REVENGE FOR CHIBI-USA...^
::She shakes her head and continues down the street to the
apartment, forgetting all about the incident. She didn't
really seem to notice the voice, but she certainly heard it
loud and clear.::
*~*~*
Min. "It's so HOT!"
Rei "It is too warm, and yesterday it seemed so cold."
Mak., fanning herself "I don't know about you guys, but my
throat's like a desert!"
::All the Inners heartily agree. They decided to stick
together and inspect the scene of the diabolical perfume shop,
but when they arrived, they found nothing but an alley in its
place. Now, they walk, or more accurately trudge, down the
streets of Juuban. The day is very busy, and so many cars and
people increase the heat five or ten degrees. It is quickly
becoming suffocating.::
Usa. "Right now, I could really go for a great big tall glass
of..."
::They pass a bar. A man is standing in front of it arguing
with the owner.::
Man "Whaddaya mean, you're not open today? I want something
ta drink!!!"
Own. "No can do, I gotta save what water I have for my own
family."
Man "Then I'll take my business elsewhere!"
Own., sarcastically "Good luck, and good riddance, pal!"
Usa. "Never mind..."
Rei "Yeah, don't even REMIND me. I can't believe the stupid
filters broke!!!!"
Ami "I'm sure the city authorities will have everything fixed
soon. It can't go on much longer."
Mak. "Yeah, or they'll be a riot!"
::Two boys run past the girls at full speed, behind them,
their mother jogs slowly, panting, trying to keep up.::
Boy "C'mon, Mom, or they'll sell out!"
Mom, stopping by the girls "I (huff) can't keep up!
(huff huff) Too fast!"
::The woman grips her knees, trying to catch her breath.::
Min. "All you all right, ma'am?"
Mom "I'll be all right, yes (huff). Thank you, though."
Usa. "What's the big rush for, a big sale?"
Mom "Oh, you bet! A new store just opened selling exclusively
bottled water!"
Rei "Wow, how are the odds?"
Mom "It doesn't look good. They'll probably be sold out by
the time I get there. The vultures seemed to be waiting for
something like this for their grand opening! " 'Something
River' its called, I think. The price is probably outrageous,
but I'd sell my SON for a crate of water right now. Gotta
go!"
::The woman runs off again, and Rei wishes her 'good luck.'::
Mak. " 'River' water, huh?"
Min. "That's... odd..."
::The Senshi turn and look in the direction of the Perfume
Shop's former location.::
Ami "Oh, no."
::After a few moments of silence, the Senshi burst into
sprints in the direction the woman ran. After a block, they
come to the end of the crowd, but continue running around it
to the front of the store. The happy woman and her two sons
are walking back down the street, arms heavily loaded with
crates of water.::
Usa. "Ugh, what's that horrible smell!"
Rei "Hey, Ma'am! Get rid of that water, it's bad! Don't
drink any of it, throw it away!!"
::The woman turns in their direction, a livid look on her
face. Rei steps back, surprised. Her eyes, like everyone
else's, are solid black.::
Mom "What do you think I am, stupid? You're not going to take
this water away from me, it's MINE!!! I had to FIGHT for it,
and if you want some, get your own!!!!"
::As the woman walks away with her sons, the Senshi turn to
see the crowd is in total chaos. Punching, kicking, shoving,
and even biting are common practice for those trying to get to
the front of the line.::
Mak. "Oh, no! It's already taking affect, and they haven't
even drank any yet!"
Min. "It's definitely the enemy, this is the same situation as
the perfume shop!"
Ami "Everyone, this way!"
::The Senshi rush into an alley away from the violent crowd.::
Usa. "MOON CRISIS POWER MAKE-UP!"
Ami "MERCURY CRYSTAL POWER MAKE-UP!"
Rei "MARS CRYSTAL POWER MAKE-UP!"
Mak. "JUPITER CRYSTAL POWER MAKE-UP"
Min. "VENUS CRYSTAL POWER MAKE-UP"
::The Sailor Senshi rush from the alley, in their Super
fukus.::
Moon "All right, let's put a stop to this nonsense! Everyone,
you mustn't buy this water!!!"
::The blue-haired owner peeks out of the crowd to see the
girls. She stops taking the people's money and walks out from
behind the counter in front of her store. Casting aside her
sales-apron, she slips into the store and out of sight.
Inside the store, Megaera peered out the window as the Sailor
Senshi tried to convince the people not to drink any water.
The street was already littered with empty bottles from those
who were too thirsty to wait until they got home. Several
people began to steal the crates.::
Meg. "All right, time to open up Store B."
::Her eyes flash, and in an instant, the angry mob once again
turns to the Senshi and begins to attack. She laughs to
herself as she disappears. The Sailor Senshi try to fight off
the mob without actually hurting the people, but it proves
nearly impossible.::
Jup. "We have got to do something!"
Ven. "We don't have a choice!"
Mer. "I'm afraid they are right!"
Mars "Sailor Moon, we must attack them!"
Moon "No, just hold them off! I'll heal them with the
Ginzuishou!"
::Suddenly, the store bursts into flame. Megaera's sinister
laughter echoes in the street. She taunts the Senshi.::
Meg. "I suppose you have your hands full. It's a pity,
because all these thirsty people will be drinking in my Lord's
essence at a new store. It doesn't look like you'll be able
to stop everyone in the city at once! YOU SHOULD JUST GIVE
UP, YOU'LL NEVER DEFEAT MEGAERA, THE FURY! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!"
Moon "NO!"
*~*~*
::As Setsuna had walked home, the voice had continued to
badger her. She had unconsciously slowed her pace and
listened to it.::
^YOU KNOW THAT'S WHAT YOU CRAVE... TO DESTROY THE
ONES THAT TOOK YOUR CHIBI-USA FROM YOU... THINK... YOU
ALREADY KNOW WHO IT IS, SETSUNA... YOU KNOW... SO WHY DON'T
YOU GO AND GET WHAT YOU WANT... GO AND GET RID OF THE PERSON
WHO DARED TO ROB YOU OF YOUR HAPPINESS... IF YOU DON'T, YOU
WON'T BE GIVING CHIBI-USA THE JUSTICE SHE DESERVES... IT'S
YOUR DUTY, YOU CAN'T DENY IT... LET OUT YOUR ANGER...^.
::Now, three police cars race past, shaking her out of the
voice's grasp. She turns to watch them and sees a great
cloud of smoke rising from the horizon. She realizes that
she is needed, and begins to run back down the street. As
she arrives on the scene, the soft, gentle glow of the
Ginzuishou is fading over the now unconscious crowd. Then,
Setsuna gasps.::
^YES... IT'S OKAY... YOU'RE RIGHT, SETSUNA, AND YOU KNOW IT...
DON'T FEEL GUILTY... THERE SHE IS... THAT SELFISH BRAT WHO
WISHED YOUR CHIBI-USA AWAY... HOW COULD SHE DO THAT? IT WAS
HER VERY OWN DAUGHTER... YET SHE JUST WISHED HER AWAY,
WITHOUT GIVING ANYONE ELSE'S FEELINGS A SECOND THOUGHT... YOU
MUST AVENGE CHIBI-USA... YOU MUST... IT IS YOUR DUTY... AND...
YOUR PLEASURE... WHAT IS THE PENALTY FOR BREAKING THE TABOO,
SETSUNA? WHAT IS IT?^
Set., whispering "Death." louder "PLUTO STAR POWER MAKE-UP!"
Moon, turning "Pluto, it's okay, we've got everything taken
care of here, but you can help us get to the other store!"
::Super Sailor Mercury was scanning the city for the center of
the negative energy.::
Mer. "It's four blocks North!"
Moon "Right, let's go!"
::But Super Sailor Pluto does not move from their path, or
join them. She simply stares out of hollow, empty black eyes
at them, grimacing.::
Moon "Come on, Pluto, we've got to go and stop the enemy!"
Plu., voice rough "I will punish my enemy for tearing
Chibi-usa away from me."
Moon, blinking "What? Right, so let's-"
Pluto, screaming "HOW DARE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
::Pluto lunges at Moon, brandishing the Time Staff like a
sword. A stunned Moon can only stand and wait for the blow,
but Mars crashes into her and knocks her out of the way.::
Jup. "What's wrong with you, Pluto?!!"
Mer. "What are you talking about?!"
Plu. "YEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!
::Her homicidal scream echoes off the silent streets. As
Super Sailor Moon stands, Pluto rushes at her and both
disappear in the wall of flames that surround the store. The
shocked Senshi stand quietly, not one of them knowing what to
do. Inside the inferno, Moon crashes into the brick wall
behind her, cracking it. Pluto holds her a full foot and a
half above the ground, the Garnet Orb at the end of the Time
Staff thrust against her neck. She tries to speak, but it is
hard enough to breathe in the fire, let alone with Pluto
choking her.::
Plu., growling "You selfish little fool! Do you think you
could have that much power? That we would let you play with
our lives carelessly? I can't allow that. My duty is to
punish those who break the taboos, but this is the first time
I have ever taken so much pleasure in my task! I will KILL
you because you KILLED CHIBI-USA!!!! And I will ENJOY it!!!
DEAD-"
*{End Episode 5, part I}*
SailormoonT: Tragedy
Written By Neko Athena^o,o^
Rating: PG-13
Comments, Rants, Etc.: supremethunder4@bolt.com,
RE: SailormoonT!
**************************************************************
~ Author's Notes : Pronunciation [i think!]
'=accent on syllable
Alecto (A-leck'-toh)
Tisiphone (Tis-if'-oh-nee)
Megaera (Me-gah'-ay-rah)
**************************************************************
Episode 5, part I
The water is off, the day is hot... Trouble by the casefull!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~ "Why? Why did you bring me here? I can help them!" ~~~
~~~ "Your Mother sent you here for safekeeping... you must~~~
~~~stay." "But what's happening? I'm scared!" "You do ~~~
~~~not need to be scared, I will protect you here until ~~~
~~~they come for you. Be patient, Princess." "But I want~~~
~~~to help them, please!" "Everything will come in its ~~~
~~~own time... we can only pray for them here. Your time ~~~
~~~will come, my dear Princess..." ~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*~*~*
??? "Well, it seems Alecto couldn't handle the simple task of
destroying the Neo-Queen's Guard. It disappoints me...
greatly. We must fill this world with hate quickly, my power
drains every day the Senshi of the Silver Millennium live."
::The two women standing on either side of the large marble
basin. Night has fallen on the ancient mountainside, and,
despite the full moon, the water remains black, with no
reflection of light whatsoever.::
??? "Tisiphone... Avenger of Blood, Megaera... Jealous One,
you two will NOT disappoint me, will you?"
Tis. and Meg. "No, Lord, we will destroy the Millennium of
Love and all those who stand in the way of your wishes."
??? "Good... then I assume you have a plan... tell me..."
::Tisiphone steps forward, into a shaft of moonlight spilling
through the cracks of the temple roof. She wares a robe
similar to Alecto's, only a reddish color, with black tights
to her ankles. Her bright red hair matches her eyes, and is
bound in five small knots close to her head, with small "fans"
of hair billowing from them. Her eyes have a wild, savage
look.::
Tis. "I have witnessed the Solitary Senshi's anger at the loss
of Princess Serenity. I believe I can help her channel that
anger..."
??? "I see... and you, Megaera?"
::Megaera steps foreword from the shadows. Her robes are like
the others, but blue, and her black tights extend to her
knees. Her hair and eyes are a bright blue, and her head is
decorated with six long, thin braids. These run along the top
of her head like a tiara and hang to her knees. The braids
are dotted with blue jewels.::
Meg. "I will slip among them to spread hate. Alecto used the
wrong medium. Instead of spreading your essence to the people
by air, it will be much more effective to introduce your
essence into them directly."
??? "Very well, You have pleased me with your plans. Carry
them out and rid me of the horrible Love that Crystal Tokyo
will bring."
Tis. and Meg. "Yes, My Lord, we will not fail you. Our Sister
was weak, but we shall avenge her. The Furies shall triumph!"
*~*~*
::The room is quiet. Absolute silence weighs heavily on all
the Senshi gathered in the Fire Room of the Hikawa Shine. No
one dares to voice their opinions or fears; each simply choose
an empty direction in which to stare, thinking of what could
happen in the following moments. Outside and down the street,
Usagi walks with more than reluctance. She was confused when
she awoke in her own bed, remembering that there had been a
battle, but not that it had come to an end. In fact, she
remembered very little about the last few days, only foggy
images and bits of conversations. When she had finally woken
up, Luna had been staring at her from the table near her bed.
When she asked what had happened, the cat only stared. It
took a long time for Luna to gather the strength to explain
the events of the past days. Usagi had cried along with her
when she described Mamoru's injury and Chibi-usa's
disappearance. Now, at the request of all her friends, she
has to meet them at the shrine and somehow explain her
actions. She feels terribly guilty, but is unable to sort out
her emotions enough to come to a conclusion. She feels as if
she is marching to the gallows to be executed, and by those
she cares about most. Behind her, Luna walks solemnly,
feeling helpless to relieve her mistress' pain. Finally, she
reaches the shrine, and walks up the stairs to the door of the
room where her jury awaits. She takes a deep breath and opens
the door.::
Usa., opening door "H-hello... everyone."
::As soon as she steps inside, the tension which had
previously held the room breaks. The Inner Senshi burst into
tears.::
Min. "Oh, Usagi!"
Mak. "We know you're not guilty!"
Rei "Please don't be mad at us!"
Ami "It couldn't possibly have been your fault!"
::The Inners get up and dash over to their beloved friend,
sobbing as they embrace her. At first shocked, Usagi begins
to cry as well, and hugs her friends closer. In a corner, the
Outer Senshi look on. Although Haruka, Michiru, and Setsuna
manage to keep a stern, calm look on their faces, inside they
secretly feel the same as their Inner counterparts. They all
want to believe that Usagi isn't to blame. Setsuna had been
healed by the Ginzuishou following her injury, and also
treated by Doctor Mizuno, but her stomach is still sore from
the deep wound. The pain of sitting up straight, however,
she hides with great skill from her expression. Hotaru sits
obediently in Michiru's lap, confused. Her guardians refused
to explain the reason for Chibi-usa's disappearance. They had
told her that all questions would be answered at this meeting.
She bit her lip, worried. The Inners finish their embrace and
walk back to their seats with Usagi. Once all are sitting,
the questions begin. Usagi is still feeling the violent sobs
in her chest.::
Har., calmly "Now, Usagi, we all really must know what has
happened. I think you owe it to each and every one of us.
The events of the past days have been stressful..."
Ami "I know it must be difficult for you, but Haruka-san is
right. We need to find the answer to this problem quickly. I
have a feeling Alecto is not the only enemy we will have to
battle."
Usa. "I-I..."
Luna, interrupting "Usagi was under the influence of an evil
spell."
::All eyes dart straight to the cat. The Senshi, and Usagi
alike, are surprised by her words. No one expected Luna to
speak up, and the confidence with which she spoke shocked them
all.::
Luna "I will explain. You see, when Usagi came home from her
outing with Mamoru and Chibi-usa-chan, she had a bottle of
perfume with her. We were discussing why she left them, and
she sprayed some of it into the air. Immediately after that,
she became distant and strange, as if it wasn't even her
talking. To me, it smelled horrible and rotten, but she
didn't notice the smell. After Alecto was killed, it seemed
to have vanished completely, but I took the sample that Minako
and Makoto collected from their battle with the Centaur and
analysed it. It seems to be nothing but water, but with some
sort of chemical added. That chemical is what, I believe,
caused Usagi's strange behavior. It acted on her own
insecurity and caused her to be so withdrawn."
Rei "So that's what Alecto meant by she 'barely had to lift a
finger'. The perfume did the work for her!"
Set. "So we have explained her altered behavior. But the
question remains; what caused Chibi-usa's disappearance?"
::Usagi suddenly feels scared. Setsuna's words seemed so
cold.::
Usa. "Well, I... after Luna explained what had happened these
past days, I began to remember more. I made a wish... on the
Ginzuishou, that all of you, especially Mamo-chan, would be
happy. I had thought all of you would be better off...
without me."
::Her eyes begin to fill with tears once again. The Senshi
look on in silence, not knowing what to make of this
revelation. From the door of the shrine, a new voice broke
the silence.::
??? "But that could not be an explanation as to why
Chibi-usa disappeared. Because I, or any of us, could never
be happy without you in our lives."
::Everyone turns to see Mamoru standing in the doorway. He
walks over to Usagi and kneels beside her. Taking her hand,
he kisses her softly on the cheek.::
Ami, softly "It's true... I couldn't be happy, without Usagi
to cheer me up."
Rei, smiling "Who else would I have to pick on?"
::The other Senshi nod and smile. Mamoru's words are enough
to dispel all their anxiety and fear. Usagi sighs and hugs
Mamoru.::
Usa. "I'm sorry I didn't come to see you, Mamo-chan!"
Mam., grinning "It's all right, I'll forgive you this time."
Mic. "Then it was Alecto who changed the future?"
Luna "Yes, I think so. I think she was hoping we would turn
on each other."
Mak. "I hate to admit it, but it might have worked. What a
dirty trick!"
Art. "And I also agree with Luna and Ami. Defeating Alecto
and her monster were easy compared to the other battles we've
fought. There must be someone much more powerful that Alecto
was taking orders from."
Luna "We need to find out who immediately."
*~*~*
??? "COME AND GET IT!!!! SPECIAL GRAND OPENING SALE, A CRATE
OF TWENTY BOTTLES, ONLY two-thousand YEN!!!"
::The crowd at the store is incredible, and lines stretch down
the sidewalk and around the corner in both directions. The
announcement on the Morning News had said that the
purification facilities which provided all of Juuban and other
districts in Tokyo with water had been malfunctioning since
late last. Anyone who had ingested any tap water since midnight
should report to the nearest health official for testing; the
water was EXTREMELY hazardous. At 11 o'clock, the water in
Juuban had been cut off completely. To make matters worse,
the weather had decided it would burn out the last of the
summer heat before letting the present cold have its way.
The hot, thirsty residents had bought out nearly all of the
drinking, mineral, spring water in the area by 1 o'clock. But
now, a small shop chose this opportune time to open its doors,
and the people came. The bottled water is not selling
separately; everyone buys it cases at a time. In the frenzy,
a few fights had broken out, but when the blue-haired store
owner announces that a new shipment has just come, and there
is plenty for all, it only spawns more brawling. The sudden
heat wave has put all nerves on edge, and the scarcity of
water has worn patience thin.::
??? "You don't HAVE to push, there will be plenty..."
Man1 "I'll take seven cases!"
Wom1, waving bills "No, I want twenty!!!"
Wom2, slapping down cash "Give me FIFTY!!!!!!"
??? "Calm down, now, everyone will be served! That's the
'Endless River Bottled Water' motto!"
::Setsuna walks down the sidewalk, deep in thought. She has
just left the Senshi meeting at the shrine, and is
contemplating the new enemy. She was as relieved, if not
more, by the fact that Usagi was not responsible for the loss
of Chibi-usa. Still, she feels the pain, as if she has lost
her own daughter. Silently, she vows to deliver the final
blow to those who ARE responsible. She vows that time will be
restored to its normal course and flow. As she passes the
madhouse of a store on the other side of the street, she
hardly notices the commotion. A woman walking in the opposite
direction bumps into her, and she reacts as if she has
suddenly been awakened from a deep sleep. The woman has
shortly-cropped red hair.::
Set. "Oh, I'm so sorry, I..."
Redh. "Wasn't paying any attention? It's understandable."
::Although her words are mild, Setsuna sees the savage look in
her eyes. Her face seems unhappy, even angry, but her voice
seems perfectly mild and friendly.::
Redh., smiling "You seem like you've had a lot to think about
lately."
Set. "Well, I suppose in this day and age, everyone has so
much to worry over."
::The Red-haired woman leans in close to Setsuna's ear and
whispers.::
Redh. "If you want to be happy again, you should just get what
you REALLY want. Don't fool yourself..."
::A puzzled Setsuna watches the woman walk on down the street.
In her ear, a raspy, familiar voice, almost like her own, but
more rough, whispers to her.::
^REVENGE... THAT'S WHAT YOU WANT...REVENGE FOR CHIBI-USA...^
::She shakes her head and continues down the street to the
apartment, forgetting all about the incident. She didn't
really seem to notice the voice, but she certainly heard it
loud and clear.::
*~*~*
Min. "It's so HOT!"
Rei "It is too warm, and yesterday it seemed so cold."
Mak., fanning herself "I don't know about you guys, but my
throat's like a desert!"
::All the Inners heartily agree. They decided to stick
together and inspect the scene of the diabolical perfume shop,
but when they arrived, they found nothing but an alley in its
place. Now, they walk, or more accurately trudge, down the
streets of Juuban. The day is very busy, and so many cars and
people increase the heat five or ten degrees. It is quickly
becoming suffocating.::
Usa. "Right now, I could really go for a great big tall glass
of..."
::They pass a bar. A man is standing in front of it arguing
with the owner.::
Man "Whaddaya mean, you're not open today? I want something
ta drink!!!"
Own. "No can do, I gotta save what water I have for my own
family."
Man "Then I'll take my business elsewhere!"
Own., sarcastically "Good luck, and good riddance, pal!"
Usa. "Never mind..."
Rei "Yeah, don't even REMIND me. I can't believe the stupid
filters broke!!!!"
Ami "I'm sure the city authorities will have everything fixed
soon. It can't go on much longer."
Mak. "Yeah, or they'll be a riot!"
::Two boys run past the girls at full speed, behind them,
their mother jogs slowly, panting, trying to keep up.::
Boy "C'mon, Mom, or they'll sell out!"
Mom, stopping by the girls "I (huff) can't keep up!
(huff huff) Too fast!"
::The woman grips her knees, trying to catch her breath.::
Min. "All you all right, ma'am?"
Mom "I'll be all right, yes (huff). Thank you, though."
Usa. "What's the big rush for, a big sale?"
Mom "Oh, you bet! A new store just opened selling exclusively
bottled water!"
Rei "Wow, how are the odds?"
Mom "It doesn't look good. They'll probably be sold out by
the time I get there. The vultures seemed to be waiting for
something like this for their grand opening! " 'Something
River' its called, I think. The price is probably outrageous,
but I'd sell my SON for a crate of water right now. Gotta
go!"
::The woman runs off again, and Rei wishes her 'good luck.'::
Mak. " 'River' water, huh?"
Min. "That's... odd..."
::The Senshi turn and look in the direction of the Perfume
Shop's former location.::
Ami "Oh, no."
::After a few moments of silence, the Senshi burst into
sprints in the direction the woman ran. After a block, they
come to the end of the crowd, but continue running around it
to the front of the store. The happy woman and her two sons
are walking back down the street, arms heavily loaded with
crates of water.::
Usa. "Ugh, what's that horrible smell!"
Rei "Hey, Ma'am! Get rid of that water, it's bad! Don't
drink any of it, throw it away!!"
::The woman turns in their direction, a livid look on her
face. Rei steps back, surprised. Her eyes, like everyone
else's, are solid black.::
Mom "What do you think I am, stupid? You're not going to take
this water away from me, it's MINE!!! I had to FIGHT for it,
and if you want some, get your own!!!!"
::As the woman walks away with her sons, the Senshi turn to
see the crowd is in total chaos. Punching, kicking, shoving,
and even biting are common practice for those trying to get to
the front of the line.::
Mak. "Oh, no! It's already taking affect, and they haven't
even drank any yet!"
Min. "It's definitely the enemy, this is the same situation as
the perfume shop!"
Ami "Everyone, this way!"
::The Senshi rush into an alley away from the violent crowd.::
Usa. "MOON CRISIS POWER MAKE-UP!"
Ami "MERCURY CRYSTAL POWER MAKE-UP!"
Rei "MARS CRYSTAL POWER MAKE-UP!"
Mak. "JUPITER CRYSTAL POWER MAKE-UP"
Min. "VENUS CRYSTAL POWER MAKE-UP"
::The Sailor Senshi rush from the alley, in their Super
fukus.::
Moon "All right, let's put a stop to this nonsense! Everyone,
you mustn't buy this water!!!"
::The blue-haired owner peeks out of the crowd to see the
girls. She stops taking the people's money and walks out from
behind the counter in front of her store. Casting aside her
sales-apron, she slips into the store and out of sight.
Inside the store, Megaera peered out the window as the Sailor
Senshi tried to convince the people not to drink any water.
The street was already littered with empty bottles from those
who were too thirsty to wait until they got home. Several
people began to steal the crates.::
Meg. "All right, time to open up Store B."
::Her eyes flash, and in an instant, the angry mob once again
turns to the Senshi and begins to attack. She laughs to
herself as she disappears. The Sailor Senshi try to fight off
the mob without actually hurting the people, but it proves
nearly impossible.::
Jup. "We have got to do something!"
Ven. "We don't have a choice!"
Mer. "I'm afraid they are right!"
Mars "Sailor Moon, we must attack them!"
Moon "No, just hold them off! I'll heal them with the
Ginzuishou!"
::Suddenly, the store bursts into flame. Megaera's sinister
laughter echoes in the street. She taunts the Senshi.::
Meg. "I suppose you have your hands full. It's a pity,
because all these thirsty people will be drinking in my Lord's
essence at a new store. It doesn't look like you'll be able
to stop everyone in the city at once! YOU SHOULD JUST GIVE
UP, YOU'LL NEVER DEFEAT MEGAERA, THE FURY! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!"
Moon "NO!"
*~*~*
::As Setsuna had walked home, the voice had continued to
badger her. She had unconsciously slowed her pace and
listened to it.::
^YOU KNOW THAT'S WHAT YOU CRAVE... TO DESTROY THE
ONES THAT TOOK YOUR CHIBI-USA FROM YOU... THINK... YOU
ALREADY KNOW WHO IT IS, SETSUNA... YOU KNOW... SO WHY DON'T
YOU GO AND GET WHAT YOU WANT... GO AND GET RID OF THE PERSON
WHO DARED TO ROB YOU OF YOUR HAPPINESS... IF YOU DON'T, YOU
WON'T BE GIVING CHIBI-USA THE JUSTICE SHE DESERVES... IT'S
YOUR DUTY, YOU CAN'T DENY IT... LET OUT YOUR ANGER...^.
::Now, three police cars race past, shaking her out of the
voice's grasp. She turns to watch them and sees a great
cloud of smoke rising from the horizon. She realizes that
she is needed, and begins to run back down the street. As
she arrives on the scene, the soft, gentle glow of the
Ginzuishou is fading over the now unconscious crowd. Then,
Setsuna gasps.::
^YES... IT'S OKAY... YOU'RE RIGHT, SETSUNA, AND YOU KNOW IT...
DON'T FEEL GUILTY... THERE SHE IS... THAT SELFISH BRAT WHO
WISHED YOUR CHIBI-USA AWAY... HOW COULD SHE DO THAT? IT WAS
HER VERY OWN DAUGHTER... YET SHE JUST WISHED HER AWAY,
WITHOUT GIVING ANYONE ELSE'S FEELINGS A SECOND THOUGHT... YOU
MUST AVENGE CHIBI-USA... YOU MUST... IT IS YOUR DUTY... AND...
YOUR PLEASURE... WHAT IS THE PENALTY FOR BREAKING THE TABOO,
SETSUNA? WHAT IS IT?^
Set., whispering "Death." louder "PLUTO STAR POWER MAKE-UP!"
Moon, turning "Pluto, it's okay, we've got everything taken
care of here, but you can help us get to the other store!"
::Super Sailor Mercury was scanning the city for the center of
the negative energy.::
Mer. "It's four blocks North!"
Moon "Right, let's go!"
::But Super Sailor Pluto does not move from their path, or
join them. She simply stares out of hollow, empty black eyes
at them, grimacing.::
Moon "Come on, Pluto, we've got to go and stop the enemy!"
Plu., voice rough "I will punish my enemy for tearing
Chibi-usa away from me."
Moon, blinking "What? Right, so let's-"
Pluto, screaming "HOW DARE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
::Pluto lunges at Moon, brandishing the Time Staff like a
sword. A stunned Moon can only stand and wait for the blow,
but Mars crashes into her and knocks her out of the way.::
Jup. "What's wrong with you, Pluto?!!"
Mer. "What are you talking about?!"
Plu. "YEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!
::Her homicidal scream echoes off the silent streets. As
Super Sailor Moon stands, Pluto rushes at her and both
disappear in the wall of flames that surround the store. The
shocked Senshi stand quietly, not one of them knowing what to
do. Inside the inferno, Moon crashes into the brick wall
behind her, cracking it. Pluto holds her a full foot and a
half above the ground, the Garnet Orb at the end of the Time
Staff thrust against her neck. She tries to speak, but it is
hard enough to breathe in the fire, let alone with Pluto
choking her.::
Plu., growling "You selfish little fool! Do you think you
could have that much power? That we would let you play with
our lives carelessly? I can't allow that. My duty is to
punish those who break the taboos, but this is the first time
I have ever taken so much pleasure in my task! I will KILL
you because you KILLED CHIBI-USA!!!! And I will ENJOY it!!!
DEAD-"
*{End Episode 5, part I}*