Part Two: The Music Teacher. A Blind Girl's Song of the Heart
The three golden-cloaked figures were positioned
around a great white marble table, staring intently down into the shimmering,
mirror-like surface of the Book that lay open before them.
"Well, Neophilus. It has begun again." The center figure
shifted slightly as he spoke.
"You look disturbed, Demetrius. Is it the Child again?"
This came from the figure on his right, whose voice was so majestic and
authoritative that the walls themselves seemed to be standing at attention
with the sound of it.
The center figure sighed. "It does not seem right, Neophilus.
Why should she have to carry this burden alone? The stability of the Balance
is our responsibility, not hers."
"You know as well as I that she is the only one who can
fulfill this duty. And the burden has never been forced upon her without
her consent, Demetrius. The Child has always met her destiny of her own free
will," the thunderous voice responded.
The one called Demetrius shook his head. "There must
be another way to seal the gate, without causing that sweet soul any more
pain."
"There's no time, Demetrius." The third figure spoke
up now for the first time. His voice was scarcely above a whisper, and yet
oddly it was the easiest to hear. "Once the gate has been opened, we have
only until the vernal equinox to close it again. If it is not resealed in
time, you know what the consequences will be."
Demetrius turned to this third speaker. "I know, Oberon.
But..."
"That never makes it any easier," Neophilus finished
for him. "I know. I, too, despise the task ahead of us. But it must be done,
Demetrius. We cannot allow our compassion for the Child to facilitate the
destruction of everything we are here to protect. The gate must be sealed
again."
The golden figure known as Oberon nodded. "The Balance
must be maintained." He indicated the glowing pages of the Book before them,
where a silhouette could just barely be made out among the glimmering colors
swirling on the page. "She is the key."
Still, the center figure shook his head. "The humans
have a saying-- 'Where there's a will, there's a way.' There just must be
another way to save the Child."
"She is not really a child, Demetrius. Remember?" This
came from Neophilus. "She is nearly as old as we are. She understands exactly
what she's doing, and why she's needed."
"Maybe, but still... who are we to ask this of
her time and time again? Perhaps we haven't been searching hard enough, to
find another way. You keep saying we're running out of time... but unless
we put an end to this, it is going to continue for the rest of eternity.
We've had plenty of time. So let's DO something about it." Demetrius
looked as though he were going to stand, but Oberon reached out and stayed
him.
"You must calm yourself, Demetrius," the soft voice
soothed. "We have searched for millenia to find another way to save the Child.
If there is indeed another way, we will find it. Your impatience will serve
no purpose."
Demetrius sighed heavily and returned to his seat.
"I suppose it's too late to do anything now that the Child has been awakened.
There's no choice; we have to go through with it now." His voice lowered
with sadness. "But, I dread the disappointment in the Child's face when
we must tell her yet again that we have failed to find a way to help her."
He shook his head. She has been so patient with us. I really hate having
to crush her hopes again.
Oberon again placed his hand on Demetrius'
shoulder. So do we, brother. So do we.
We should go, Neophilus reminded them
gently, and the two others nodded in reluctant agreement. The three figures
in golden robes each placed a hand on the open pages of the Book. A warm
golden glow enveloped the trio soundlessly, and they disappeared.
Haruka looked up as the young woman nearly
collided with Michiru. "Michiru, watch out," she warned, taking her friend's
elbow and steering her out of the way.
"Oh, I'm so sorry," the pretty stranger offered.
Steadying Michiru with her hand, Haruka responded
a bit tersely, "You ought to watch where you're going."
At that, there was a tinkling giggle. "I wish I
could."
Michiru looked up with a puzzled expression, and
for the first time got a good look at the girl who had nearly run into them.
She was unusually tall, taller even than Haruka. She looked a little older
than they were, about seventeen or so, and her pale hair was pulled back
in a simple bun. But her most noticable feature were the half-closed, unfocused
eyes that were strangely opaque. She held a dog harness in her hand, which
was worn by a magnifiscent golden retreiver that watched Haruka and Michiru
with liquid brown eyes. With embarrassment, Michiru realized that the young
woman was blind.
"Oh.... we're sorry. Haruka didn't mean..." she
fumbled for something to say.
The girl smiled, revealing a set of perfect pearly
teeth. "Don't worry, I don't mind. I'm quite used to it." Then she rubbed
the paper she was holding in her hand, and Michiru could see the raised bumps
that indicated something written in Braille. "But I seem to have gotten a
bit disoriented. I'm looking for Silver Street. Can you tell me where it
is?"
"Silver Street? That's where Usagi lives, isn't
it, Haruka?" Michiru questioned, turning to her friend. Haruka nodded a bit
curtly, seeming rather disenchanted with the stranger. Michiru raised her
eyebrow at her friend's reaction, and turned back to the young woman.
"We're headed that way ourselves," Michiru told
the girl. "Would you like a ride?"
For a moment,she seemed a bit uncertain, and fumbled
with the dog harness. "I suppose... Well, I'm going to be late if I don't
get there soon... Yes, thank you. It's very kind of you."
Stiffly and without a word, Haruka led them to
her little convertible, parked at the curb in front of the coffee shop. Michiru
held the door for the blind girl, and helped her into the car. Her seeing
eye dog curled up next to his mistress on the seat.
"By the way, I'm Keioh Michiru, and that is Tenou Haruka,"
Michiru introduced them.
"It is very nice to meet you, Keioh-san. My name is Giseino
Shinzui." The young woman turned to Haruka, who was getting in the car. "I
hope you don't mind Centauri riding with us." She indicated her dog. "He's
very gentle, so you don't have to worry about him harming anything in your
car."
Haruka grunted. "As long as he doesn't get hair
everywhere," she anwered a bit gruffly. Michiru looked at her friend in surprise.
Usually Haruka wasn't so unfriendly, especially when meeting a pretty girl
for the first time. And despite her handicap, Shinzui was certainly pretty.
"Haruka, is everything all right?" Michiru asked
her quietly, not wanting to offend their guest.
"Fine," was the terse reply. Haruka started the
car, and was startled by a squeak of surprise from her passenger.
"Something wrong, Giseino-san?" she asked in a
tight tone, looking in her rearview mirror.
"Not at all," Shinzui replied a bit breathlessly.
"It's only that... the vibrations from the engine are so strong! This must
be a very powerful car."
At this, Haruka seemed to sneer a little. "It is,"
she boasted. "Now hang on!"
Haruka spun the tires as she pulled out into the
street, and raced down the road. Shinzui gasped with delight, and tipped
her head back to feel the wind in her face. "It's wonderful!" she cried
exultantly.
Michiru turned around in her seat to see their
passenger gazing into the sky with sightless eyes, an expression of rapture
on her face. "Have you ever been in a car before, Giseino-san?"
Shinzui turned towards Michiru's voice. "Not in
a very long time. Usually I take the city bus, but..." she flung out her
arms. "This is nothing even close to it!" She laughed again.
Haruka glanced in her rearview mirror. "So you
like to go fast?" she asked with a wicked grin. "Grab that animal of yours
and hang on. I'll give you the ride of your life!" She veered the car onto
the highway, and floored the gas. Shinzui squealed with joy as they sped
down the street.
Michiru's eyes widened, and she looked over her
shoulder again to check on Shinzui, wanting to make sure that Haruka hadn't
frightened her by their considerable speed. She found Shinzui stretching
out of her seat to feel the wind rushing past them. Her arms flung out and
her head tilted back, she reminded Michiru of a graceful swan in flight.
Her clouded eyes were closed now with pleasure as they flew along. Michiru
nudged Haruka with a smile, and Haruka also looked back at the young blind
woman, completely enraptured by the feel of the speeding automobile. But
instead of being pleased or even amused at her passenger's reaction
to the acceleration of the car, Haruka scowled blackly and turned her attention
back to the road. Michiru was starting to get worried now. Something was
definitely wrong with her friend.
"It's breathtaking," Shinzui called from the back
seat. "Just like flying!!" She laughed again. Her retriever, sensing his
mistress' excitement, was watching her anxiously as though he were afraid
she was going to fall out of the car. But Shinzui was completely oblivious
to anything but the feel of the wind against her face. Never before had she
experienced anything like it. Another gleeful giggle escaped as Haruka headed
the car towards Usagi's part of town.
A little ways outside of Tokyo, the black
monument was humming ominously. More dark laughter came from the opening
in the space above the monument, as another oily, greasy black drop of liquid
oozed from the hole and splattered on the black stone. As the material began
to rise and take shape, a raspy, venomous voice sounded from the opening.
Go, my jaki. Drain the little humans. We
will find it this time, before the Sacred Child and her worthless guardians
do. No one is going to seal us in this time; after so long, we will finally
be freed! The reverberating, hideous laughter grew louder as the
jaki rolled into a ball and bounced once, twice, three times, soaring
into the sky towards the city.
What's that? Minako asked,
pointing to one of the large store windows.
It's a shop of musical instruments,
Rei squealed excitedly. Maybe they have a karaoke machine! I could
use one, so I can practice performing the songs I write. Let's go,
Minako-chan!
The dark haired girl dragged her blond friend through
the shop's door.
Oooh, look at all the instruments,
Rei enthused, gazing around them with glee. She spied a fancy keyboard set
up in the corner, and headed straight for it, towing Minako by one hand.
Isn't this awesome? It's exactly what I need for my song
writing!
Minako glanced at the price tag. Uhh, Rei-chan,
I think we'd better find something you've got the money for.
You'd have to save up your allowance for years in order to be able to
afford that thing.
Rei waved her off. Oh, I know that, Minako-chan.
I just want to try it out. She pulled out the stool and switched the
keyboard on.
Rei-chan, I don't think the customers
are supposed to... Minako was cut off as Rei began to pound out a melody
on the keys.
What are you girls doing? shrieked
a woman from the back of the store, as she rushed towards them. Minako blushed
furiously and tried to make herself look as small as possible as the other
customers in the store turned to see where the ruckus was coming from.
Rei took her hands off the keyboard. I was just
testing the merchandise, she replied defensively.
This is a very delicate, and very expensive
piece of equipment, the lady shrilled as she hit the button that turned
the keyboard off. Can't you read?
Rei and Minako turned to see the sign posted next
to the display. Please do not let children touch the merchandise,
it said in flowing Japanese.
Well then, there's no problem,
Rei retorted, beginning to take on a tone that Minako recognized all too
well.
Uh-oh. This means trouble, Minako thought
to herself and tried to back a few steps away without being noticed.
The sign says children can't touch
it, Rei continued self importantly. My friend and I aren't
children. We're fifteen years old. She put her hands on her hips
and stared defiantly at the shopkeeper.
The saleslady's eyes narrowed. Then
perhaps I ought to amend the sign, she sneered, and pulled a pen out
of her apron pocket. She bent down and quickly wrote something on the posted
paper. When she straightened up, Rei leaned forward to read it. It now said
Please do not let children aged fifteen and under touch the
merchandise.
That's not fair! Rei yelled angrily,
her face starting to get red. You did that on purpose, just to be mean.
I want to speak with your manager.
I am the manager, little girl. So run along
now with your little friend and stop disturbing my customers, the lady
responded.
Rei was fuming and Minako could practically see
smoke coming from her friend's ears. She glanced around nervously at
the gathering crowd of people watching the skirmish and felt very embarrassed.
Rei-chan, maybe we should just go... she began, but Rei ignored
her and began to shout at the woman.
That's no way to treat your customers,
lady! Someone ought to report you!
If you don't leave at once, I'm
calling security!
Go ahead and call them then. I'll tell them
how rude you are. I'll tell everyone. No one will ever come to your
dumb shop anymore, I'll see to it!
If you dare spread lies about me... I'll
have to have a little talk with your parents!
Good luck! I hope you enjoy cemetaries, because
that's where you'll find them!
So you're an orphan, huh? Well, that
explains your ill-mannered behavior!
What's that supposed to mean?
Minako was standing with her hands over her ears
as Rei and the stranger bickered. Suddenly, there came a bloodcurdling scream
from one of the onlookers, and the crowd of people began to scatter with
astonishing speed.
Rei and the saleslady stopped yelling and stared, as
the jaki dropped the body it was holding and snatched another victim
from the dispersing group. It looked up and grinned at them, its three arms
wrapped around the form of an old man, and then sunk its fangs into the
man's arm.
A monster!! In my shop! the saleswoman
cried in terror, forgetting all about Rei and their argument. Her eyes rolled
back into her head and she passed out cold on the floor.
Rei, what do we do? We can't transform
in front of all these people! Minako whispered to the young priestess.
I'll call for help. You duck into the bathroom
over there and transform, Rei hissed, already flipping out her
communicator.
Minako nodded, and took off
for the bathroom.
Usagi-chan, Ami-chan. Anybody! It's
Rei. We're in trouble here!
**********
We're here, Haruka announced
shortly as she turned onto Silver Street.
What house number are you looking for?
Michiru asked their fair haired passenger.
Shinzui rubbed the paper in her hand. It's
417 Silver Street, she answered after a moment.
That... That's Usagi's house!
Michiru exclaimed in surprise. How do you know her,
Giseino-san?
Shinzui cocked her head to one side. Actually,
I'm a music teacher, she responded, and apparently a new
piano student of mine lives there. Tsukino Chibiusa. Do you know
her?
Michiru nodded. Yes, she's a friend
of ours. I didn't know she was interested in music.
Just then Haruka pulled the car over to the curb.
This is her house, she told them flatly, her voice still clearly
indicating that she was unhappy about something.
Thank you so much, Shinzui said to
both of them as Michiru helped her out of the car. Centauri bounded out after
them. Listen, I don't know if either of you is at all interested
in music, but I've been asked to teach an advanced musical performance
class at the university for the next few months. They don't usually
enroll high school students, but since a high school student is teaching
the class, I think they'll have to make exceptions. Shinzui handed
Michiru a flyer from the bag attatched to Centauri's harness. If
you'd like to come, I'd love to have you.
Haruka only shrugged in response. Michiru looked
at her friend with concern, and turned to smile at Shinzui. We appreciate
it, she thanked her. I'd love to attend your class.
I'd better go so I'm not late,
Shinzui told her with a gentle smile, grasping Centauri's harness
firmly.
You'll like Chibiusa, Michiru
offered. She's a sweet little girl.
Shinzui's smile widened, and her sightless
eyes almost seemed to twinkle a bit. All girls are sweet, she
responded. Even the ones who would like to pretend they
aren't.
At this comment Haruka glanced up at the young
blind woman, whose face remained innocent. It was impossible to tell whether
or not that last remark had been directed at her, and yet somehow Haruka
felt certain that it was.
It was very nice meeting you both,
Shinzui said as she gave a small bow. Thank you again for your
help.
You're very welcome, Giseino-san,
Michiru answered.
Please, call me Shinzui.
Michiru smiled in agreement.
Shinzui smiled back. I'll see you
later, she called as Centauri led her up the front walk to Usagi's
house.
Michiru waved, then got back into the convertible
next to Haruka. What on earth was that about? she inquired of
her friend.
Haruka stared at Michiru for a moment as if she
was seeing a stranger. I... I don't know, she responded
vaguely, feeling a little embarrassed. Something about that girl...
I felt this powerful disgust come over me and I don't know why.
She shook her head. Strange... I've never met her before. But
I don't like her. No, wait, it's more than that. I think I truly
dislike her.
Michiru frowned. But why?
Haruka shook her head again, her expression a
puzzle of confusion. I just don't know.
Usagi answered the door, a bit out of breath.
Sorry you had to wait. We were just... Her voice trailed off
as she got a good look at her very tall visitor.
Shinzui smiled at her. Hello. I'm Giseino
Shinzui, the piano teacher. You must be Tsukino Usagi.
Usagi regained her composure, remembering that
it was impolite to call attention to a handicapped person's infirmity.
How did you know?
Two of your friends were kind enough to
give me a ride to your house, Shinzui replied. Keioh Michiru
and Tenou Haruka. They're very nice girls. They think highly of you
and your little sister.
Sister? Chibiusa's not my sister,
she's my cousin, Usagi was quick to clarify. Of course, that
isn't really true, she thought to herself with an inward giggle.
But I can hardly go around telling people she's my future daughter,
now can I?
Is she here? Is she here? Chibiusa's
excited cries could be heard as the little girl bounded down the stairs,
her pink ponytails bouncing with every step. Usagi turned around.
Grow up! she yelled at her future
child. A real lady NEVER RAISES HER VOICE!!! She turned back
to Shinzui with an exaggerated politeness. Won't you please come
in, Giseino-san?
Please, you may call me Shinzui, the
young woman offered with amusement. Usagi took her hand to help her through
the door, and at her touch, Shinzui suddenly froze. Her vacant eyes grew
large and she gasped almost imperceptibly. It's her! she thought. Who
would have thought I would find her so soon? Before Usagi could notice, though,
Shinzui had relaxed and was once again smiling. She accepted Usagi's
hand and stepped into the hallway, where Chibiusa had rushed in to greet
her.
You're here! the child enthused.
I've been waiting forev... her voice also trailed off as
she got a good look at her new music teacher. Your eyes look funny,
she observed curiously.
Usagi scolded.
You're not supposed to...
It's all right, Shinzui cut in
sweetly. I really don't mind. Children are so honest, you know.
They say what they think. It's hard to blame them for that. With
that, Shinzui knelt down in front of Chibiusa, locating the little girl by
the sound of her voice and the warmth of her small body. She smiled in the
most encouraging way she could. The reason my eyes look different than
yours, Chibiusa, is because when I was just a baby, I got very sick, and
I lost my eyesight.
You mean, you're blind? Chibiusa
wanted to know.
Shinzui nodded. That's right.
Chibiusa paused, trying to find
a way to ask her question without offending her new teacher. ... how
can you play the piano if you can't see?
The pretty blind girl smiled again at the child.
The first lesson you must learn, Chibiusa, is that music doesn't
come from the fingers, or the lips, or the instrument. Music comes from your
heart. If you can feel the music inside you, then it will always flow from
the rest of your body perfectly. She stood up then. Come, I will
show you.
Chibiusa led the seeing eye dog and Shinzui into
the living room, where a small piano sat against one wall. Here.
Ikuko-mommy used to play the piano, and when I told her I wanted to learn,
she said I could use hers.
Shinzui bent and reached out a hand until she
could feel the edge of the piano bench. Settling herself on it, she flexed
her long slender fingers, and waved her hands lightly over the keys until
she located middle C. Positioning herself then, she began to play softly,
a lovely, tinkling tune.
My fingers know where the keys are,
she told her student as she played. I don't have to tell them.
I just listen to the music inside myself, and then let it out into the
piano.
Chibiusa's eyes widened as she listened to the magical
notes being brought to life by the sightless young girl. That's
beautiful, she sighed.
Usagi entered the room and settled herself on the low
sofa. She too was soon entranced by the delicate melody. So pretty,
she mused dreamily. Can you really teach Chibiusa to play like
that?
Shinzui smiled. I can teach her to bring
music out of the piano, she said, but I can't teach her
how to bring it out of herself, not unless her heart is open and she is willing
to listen to the music of her own spirit.
Oh, I am! Chibiusa assured her.
Really! But... Shinzui-san, how do you read music without being able
to see the notes?
Shinzui beckoned to Centauri, and he came to her
obediently so she could open the bag on his harness. She pulled out several
sheets of paper. These are for you, she said, handing half of
them to Chibiusa, and these are for me.
Chibiusa took the papers eagerly and looked them
over. It was very simple sheet music, with basic notes and some very fundamental
tunes. Then she looked over at the papers her teacher was holding. They were
blank! Chibiusa frowned.
Yours don't have anything written on
them, she pointed out.
Yes, they do, Shinzui contradicted
sweetly. Here. Feel.
Chibiusa ran her finger down one of the blank papers.
It's bumpy! she cried in surprise.
That's right. Those bumps are called
Braille. I can't read with my eyes, so instead I read with my
fingers, Shinzui informed her in that tinkling voice.
I want to feel! Usagi cut in, jumping
up and coming over to touch the Braille papers. Chibiusa shoved her
backwards.
Go away, Usagi. This is my music lesson,
not yours.
I can be here if I want to. It's my
house.
I'm gonna call Ikuko-mommy if you
don't leave us alone!
Why do you have to be such a brat? I just
want to feel the papers she's got.
Shinzui-san is my teacher. You go
away.
You can't make me.
IKUKO-MOMMY!! USAGI WON'T LEAVE ME
ALONE!!
MOM!! CHIBIUSA'S BEING MEAN TO
ME!
Shinzui listened to the argument with amused
curiosity, not sure how to respond. Finally she cut in. Please, don't
argue, girls. I'll be happy to show Usagi the Braille sheet music. But
then we really ought to begin Chibiusa's lesson.
The effect of her soft, melodious voice was magical.
Both girls calmed down almost immediately. Usagi reached over to feel the
papers Shinzui was holding.
Very... bumpy, she announced, and Chibiusa
rolled her eyes. Satisfied, Usagi returned to her seat on the sofa.
Come sit next to me now, Chibiusa,
Shinzui instructed, patting the bench next to her. The little girl did as
she was told. Now, when you are playing the piano, your back should
be straight and your feet flat on the floor. That's right. Now hold
your wrists level, like this, and just touch the keys with the pads of your
fingers, like this...
After about ten minutes of basic technique, Usagi
was getting bored. She yawned and stretched a little. Shinzui began to show
Chibiusa some simple scales, and Usagi wondered how much longer the lesson
was going to take. Learning piano sure isn't as easy as it sounded,
she thought to herself. Who knew there was so much you had to remember?
She yawned again.
Shinzui listened intently as her young student
repeated the scale she had just played, and nodded. That's very
good, Chibiusa. But try not to punch the keys with your fingers. It only
takes a light touch. Watch again. She played the scale again, her slender
fingers caressing the keys softly. Now you try.
Chibiusa tried again, this time doing her best
to make her short fingers flow as easily as Shinzui's had.
That's better, Shinzui nodded encouragingly.
Now I think-- Suddenly her head snapped up, and she seemed to
be listening to something. Centauri looked up at his mistress' abrupt
motion and moved to her side immediately. An expression of concern appeared
on her face.
Chibiusa frowned, and Usagi looked up to see why
the teacher had broken off mid-sentence. Is something wrong,
Shinzui-san? Chibiusa asked anxiously.
I'm sorry, Chibiusa. I have to cut our
lesson short today. We'll make up for it next time, I promise.
Shinzui stood up and took hold of her guide dog's harness.
Usagi also rose to her feet, and both girls followed
the blind girl to the door.
But, Shinzui-san, Chibiusa protested.
Shinzui offered her a smile. There's something
I have to do, Chibiusa, and it can't wait. I'm sorry. I'll
see you next week and we'll double our lesson time. In the meantime,
practice what I've shown you today. The young woman and her dog
went out the door.
Chibiusa called, opening the
door and preparing to chase after her. She stopped short at the edge of the
doorstep and stared out into the front lawn in puzzlement. Shinzui and her
retriever had vanished. They were nowhere to be found. Chibiusa looked up
and down the street, but there was no sign of either of them. That's
wierd, Chibiusa muttered to herself.
Just then, Usagi's communicator went off.
Usagi pulled it out.
Rei-chan! What's going on? she asked
as her friend's image crackled into view.
Usagi-chan! Minako-chan and I are downtown, at
the musical instruments shop. There's a jaki here tearing up
everything and draining people faster than we can get them out! You've
got to get here right away!
Usagi affirmed. We're
on our way! She snapped the communicator off. Come on, Chibiusa-chan.
We have work to do!
The jaki dropped the old man's body
and its eyes fastened on Rei, still holding her communicator. It headed straight
for her.
Oh, no you don't, Rei warned, pulling
out one of her evil spirit charms and chanting over it. Evil spirit,
begone! she ordered, flinging the strip of paper with its Japanese
symbols at the advancing creature.
The charm struck the thing on the forehead, and it screeched
in pain as the paper melted the top of its head away. Three arms thrashing
wildly, it managed to sieze the enchanted paper with one of them and tear
it away, tossing it aside with fury. In the process one of its arms was also
melted, and the other two continued to wave menacingly as the jaki
opened its mouth and sent a bolt of dark energy directly at the young priestess.
Venus Lovely Chain! came the cry from behind
her, and Sailor Venus' chain of golden hearts wrapped itself around
Rei and pulled her out of the way of the attack.
It's your turn now, Sailor Venus
called to Rei, and Rei didn't have to ask her what she meant. She dashed
for the bathroom door as Venus prepared to hold off the monster alone.
Enraged at having lost its prey, the jaki
targeted Sailor Venus next. It charged her, with its two remaining arms swaying.
Sailor Venus stood still for as long as she dared, then leapt up over the
creature's head and landed behind him. Before it could turn around,
she quickly powered up her attack.
Venus Crescent Beam, Smash!
Her blast of golden energy struck the thing on
the back, and it spun around, hissing dangerously. The jaki
wasn't even bruised by that, Sailor Venus thought anxiously. If
Sailor Moon doesn't get here soon, we're all in trouble! She dodged
as the jaki sent another stream of dark energy at her, crashing rather
ungracefully against a large drumset set up against the wall. One of the
cymbals had a sharp edge that cut into her arm, leaving a bleeding gash.
But instead of striking the ground where she'd been standing a moment
before, the bolt of darkness changed its direction and headed straight for
her.
Venus' eyes widened and
she scarcely had time to realize what had happened before she was engulfed
with the paralyzing pain. A flood of darkness surrounded her, and she
fainted.
Human juice! the creature hissed
exultantly, staring greedily at the blood streaming from the defenseless
Sailor Venus' arm. It took a step in her direction.
Stop right there! Sailor Mars bellowed, exploding
from the bathroom with a force that nearly took the door off its hinges.
How dare you attack my friend, you big blob of tar! I am Sailor Mars,
champion of Justice and Fire, and in the name of Mars, I'll punish you
for hurting her!
Sailor Mars powered up her attack, as a ring of
fiery spheres formed around her, each displaying a different Japanese character.
BURNING MANDALA!! Mars announced, sending the full power of her
attack straight at the ugly thing.
The jaki hissed again as it was engulfed
by the flames, but a moment later it emerged from the smoke without so much
as a singed eyelash. The creature cackled wickedly and opened its mouth,
blasting evil power at the Sailor Scout. Sailor Mars rolled out of the way,
but the black energy crashed into the fancy keyboard set that Rei had been
admiring earlier. Sailor Mars couldn't help a smirk as she saw the
destruction. So much for the very delicate, very expensive piece
of equipment', she muttered.
The monster turned to face her, and Sailor Mars'
grin disappeared as another bolt of black lightning struck her full in the
face, knocking her backwards onto the baby grand piano. I always dreamed
of performing with one of these, Sailor Mars moaned as the evil energy
paralyzed her body. This wasn't exactly what I had in mind.
The pain was terrible, and after a moment Sailor Mars blacked out.
The jaki grunted with satisfaction and again
took a step toward Sailor Venus, licking its swollen black lips. But this
time it was stopped by a new voice, a voice so sweet and musical that the
creature seemed immobilized by it.
I don't think so, jaki.
The evil spirit turned to see another Sailor Senshi, peach bows flying, perched
on top of a shelf of music books and instruction manuals, her long legs crossed
gracefully. The new Sailor's silver-gray eyes glittered threateningly.
In your pursuit of human blood, you destroy things that were designed
for humans to express the deepest parts of their souls. She rose to
her feet, balancing on the shelf as though it were the easiest thing in the
world. The constellations rule everything, from the dawn of time to
the end of the age. The music of the spheres contains the essence of life.
I am Sailor Orion, and with the melody of Orion, I will protect the music
of this world from being silenced by evil spirits like you.
With one easy leap, Sailor Orion landed on the
shop floor in front of the jaki. She raised an eyebrow at the evil
thing, and it nervously took a step back, not liking the look in this
girl's eye. Sailor Orion gave a half-smile. Afraid? You should
be. From behind her ssuddenly there rose a glass sphere, the size of
a basketball. The sphere glowed warmly, and seemed to be humming. There was
a strange marking on it-- a symbol that looked like a triangle topped with
a capital T whose top line curved downward like an archer's bow.
The jaki seemed to recognize the thing, because
it let out a faint whimper and tried to back away. Sailor Orion smirked again,
and tossed her shoulder-length, pale hair. I see you're familiar
with my little toy. The shining ball's light began to get a little
brighter, and the evil spirit whimpered again. Sorry about this, old
boy, Sailor Orion grinned. But I just can't have you running
around destroying musical instruments whenever you feel like it. Goodbye.
With that, she flicked her wrist, and sang sweetly: Heavenly
Symphony!
The glow from the sphere intensified suddenly,
and so did the melody it was humming. The song filled the shop with its
purifying, life-giving strength. The jaki shrieked as the cleansing
power of the music penetrated its form, nullifying all its evil energy. Without
its power, the creature melted back into a small puddle of oily goo, which
was quickly absorbed into the floor and disappeared from sight. Sailor Venus
moaned as the paralyzing effects of the evil spirit's attack were removed,
and the cut on her arm closed up and healed itself, as if by magic. Sailor
Mars also began to stir, and the jaki's victims were restored
to health by the sweet, intense beauty of the music.
Sailor Orion was singing absentmindedly to the melody
of the sphere as it did its work:
Just come to me
Watch me glittering, glittering,
glittering
Then feel the beat
You'll start glittering,
glittering now
Love creates the shimmer
Makes the moonlight glimmer
Come and dance with starlight and
we'll turn the world around...
She was interrupted by Sailor Moon's call.
Sailor Orion! Sailor Moon gasped, standing
up from behind a giant tuba display. You saved Sailor Venus and Sailor
Mars, all by yourself!
The willowy senshi turned to Sailor Moon with a
smile. Princess Serenity, she acknowledged with a low, elegant
bow. Then she winked at Sailor Moon. You were late, as usual.
Sailor Moon pouted. We got here right after
you did, she retorted indignantly. We just...
Wanted to see what I'd do? Sailor
Orion finished for her with a lifted eyebrow. Sailor Moon blushed, but was
spared the discomfort of an answer by Sailor ChibiMoon.
Yeah, we wanted to watch you vaporize that
thing, Sailor ChibiMoon jumped in with excitement.
Sailor Orion regarded the little pink senshi
curiously. Funny, I have no memory of you, she mused in her bell-like
voice. Where do you come from?
From the future. This came from Sailor
Mars, who was finally managing to sit up. Sailor ChibiMoon is Sailor
Moon's-- I mean, Neo-Queen Serenity's-- future daughter.
Sailor Orion's silvery eyes widened. Ah,
that explains it, she nodded. I thought the two of you seemed
a lot alike.
Sailor Moon straightened up. We are not!
she protested, and Chibiusa was quick to agree.
That's right. I'm nothing like
her. She's irresponsible, and immature, and self-absorbed--
Who are you calling self-absorbed?
Sailor Moon scowled.
You, that's who, Sailor ChibiMoon
taunted back, sticking out her tongue.
Sailor Venus covered her ears with her hands.
Will you guys shut up? she exclaimed in a tone that made both
senshi stare at her in surprise. Sailor Venus moaned and stood up unsteadily.
I have a screaming headache, and I've been listening to nothing
but arguments for the last half an hour. She stared pointedly at Sailor
Mars, who averted her eyes to the floor guiltily. I'm sick of
it! I want some peace and quiet, and I want it right now, you
understand?
Sailor Moon and Sailor ChibiMoon nodded, abashed.
I'm sorry, Sailor Venus, Sailor ChibiMoon
offered.
Me, too, Sailor Moon chimed in.
You're right. We ought to at least try to get along.
Sailor Orion grinned at both of them. Like
mother, like daughter, she commented. Before they could protest again,
she held up a white-gloved hand. That isn't necessarily a bad
thing, Princess. You are the dearest person to me in the universe. The world
could use a few more people with hearts like yours.
I'm not sure the world is big enough
for more than one, Sailor Mars grunted, sliding off the piano and testing
her legs once again.
Sailor Orion, Sailor Moon began. I
was wondering... who are you, really? I mean, what are you doing here? What
are those things we're fighting, and why are they drinking human blood?
And what is that glass ball-thing?
Sailor Orion turned to Sailor Moon, her face very grave.
I'm sorry, Princess Serenity. But the time is not right for the
answers to your questions. Right now, the less you know, the safer you will
be. Your safety is my first priority, Princess, and I will not put you in
unnecessary danger by revealing things you do not yet need to know.
Then her expression softened. I can answer the last question, in part.
This glass ball-thing' as you called it, the sphere hovered
in the air and moved towards them, is the Orion Music Sphere. It contains
within it the essence of what makes life possible. Call it a melody, a rhythmn,
a heartbeat-- whatever you like. The Orion Sphere has the power to magnify
the music inside of me, the essence of my own existence; and reflect it outward
to purify the area around it. Of course, that is not nearly the limit of
its powers, but for now, it is sufficient.
Sailor ChibiMoon breathed, reaching
out a hand towards the Music Sphere.
Sailor Orion smiled again, and was about to respond
when suddenly the glass sphere began to pulse rhythmically with light and
a gentle beeping sound. Sailor ChibiMoon snatched her hand away, startled.
The towering senshi spun around and looked at her floating, glowing ball
in wonder. So, they've found me already! I suppose I shouldn't
be surprised-- they never have been ones to waste time. She turned
back to Sailor ChibiMoon and made a sweeping bow.. I am honored to
meet you, little Princess of the Moon, she declared sweetly. I
will be watching out for you as well. She straightened, and then repeated
the bow to Sailor Moon. I have an appointment to keep. You must excuse
me, Princess... she lowered her voice so that only Sailor Moon could
hear her now, or should I say, Tsukino Usagi?
Sailor Moon gasped and backed away, and her blue
eyes widened considerably. Sailor Orion winked at her, her dove-gray eyes
shining mischieviously.
Puzzle over that one for a while, she
giggled. Until next time, Princess. Sailor Orion raised her arm
and pressed the peach stone on her bracelet, and a moment later she had
disappeared.
How does she do that? Sailor ChibiMoon
wanted to know, staring at the spot where the powerful Sailor Soldier had
just been standing the second before.
Sailor Venus examined her arm where her wound from
the cymbal had been completely healed. She couldn't even find a faint
scar. I don't know, she responded, moving her arm
experimentally, but that power of hers is incredible! Not even a trace
of the cut is left.
Sailor Mars glanced around them at the other customers
who were beginning to stir. Uhh, guys, we probably ought to get out
of here if we don't want this to turn into a major autograph session.
She turned to Sailor Moon, who was still staring dumbly at the spot where
Sailor Orion had vanished.
She knows who I am! How could she possibly know who I
am?!
Sailor Moon? Sailor Mars inquired,
waving a hand in front of her leader's face. Earth to Usagi!
Sailor Moon shook herself and nodded. Sailor Mars
is right. We should go. I'd better not tell them yet, not until
I find out what that Sailor Orion is up to. She said that knowing too much
could put us in danger.
All four Scouts headed for the doors, only to be
greeted by Sailor Jupiter and Sailor Mercury, arriving quite out of breath.
You two missed all the fun, Sailor
ChibiMoon informed them importantly. What took you so long?
We were... studying... at Mako-chan's...
house, Sailor Mercury explained in between gasps.
And I live... on the other side of town...
so...
You ran all the way here, Sailor Venus
finished for her. Sailor Jupiter nodded.
Sailor Moon shook her head, forgetting the mystery
of Sailor Orion for the moment with this opportunity to tease. Tsk,
tsk, Mako-chan. Getting so tired after such a short run! You really ought
to get into shape you know. I go for a run every morning.
That's because you're always late
for school, Sailor Mercury pointed out. Speaking of which, you
were supposed to be studying with us today. Or did you forget?
Sailor Moon scowled and tossed her head, her long
ponytails flying. Some things are more important than school,
Ami-chan.
I wonder if that's what Mamoru will
say when we tell him about it, Sailor Mars taunted as the Sailor senshi
headed down the street, away from the shop.
Rei-chan! If you dare--
Well, if she doesn't tell him, I
will, Sailor ChibiMoon cut in.
You'd better not, you little brat! Or
else! Sailor Moon threatened.
Or else what?
Or else this!! Sailor Moon yanked one of
ChibiMoon's pink ponytails.
OWW!! Take that!
Little brat! How do you like THIS?
All four of the other senshi had taken enough of
their bickering, and as they disappeared over the top of the hill, heading
for home, they cried out in unision, loud enough for the entire neighborhood
to hear:
WOULD YOU TWO PLEASE SHUT UP?!!!!!
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One
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Three
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