[Disclaimer]: I do not own the rights to any of the characters in this fanfic, nor do I claim them. The idea, however, is mine.
AN - Oh, before I forget! I owe a thank you to all of you who told me Haruka's pet name for Usagi. I knew it was something like that, but I just couldn't think of it! So thanks! I'll make sure to use "Koneko-chan" whenever Haruka addresses Usagi. Enjoy!
Whatever It Takes
Chapter 3: Plans of Action
Usagi looked at each of the five girls that sat around her, trying to read their faces for a reaction to what she just told them. She sighed and drummed her fingers lightly on the table. "So, what do you think," she asked, glancing from one face to the next.
"Odango atama," Rei scolded lightly, glancing over at a pale-faced Chibi-usa. "You shouldn't get Chibi-usa's hopes up with such nonsense. If what you're saying is true, she isn't even in this dimension! How is that possible?"
"I know what I saw, Rei," Usagi replied. "I saw her face. She seemed like she was looking right at me. The only difference is that her parents called her Masumi."
"I don't know, Usagi," Minako stated thoughtfully, slowly stirring the contents of her glass. "Are you sure Pluto wasn't just showing you that for her own entertainment?"
"She wouldn't do that, Minako," Usagi retorted. "We may not agree on this situation, but Pluto wouldn't do something so cruel. Especially since she knew I would tell you all about what she showed me." She looked over at her future daughter and placed her hand on the younger girl's arm. "Besides, she wouldn't want to hurt Chibi-usa any worse than she already has."
"What are we going to do, Usagi," Chibi-usa asked, finally finding her voice.
"Well, Pluto gave this to me," Usagi stated, reaching into her pocket and pulling out the time key. She placed it in front of her and slid it to the middle of the table.
"A time key," Ami exclaimed, pushing up her glasses as they slid down her nose, and then glancing up at the blonde. "Sailor Pluto gave this to you?"
Usagi nodded her head. "She said something about making peace with me," she stated. "And told me to do whatever I wanted with it."
"Well, it's an invitation, then," Makoto exclaimed, slamming her open palms down on the table, and leaning forward. "It's a challenge from them to us, daring us to follow them." She stood up, clenching a fist in the air. "I say we go!"
"I was planning on going," Usagi said as she, too, stood up. "But I think I should go alone. I'm the reason the Outers are upset with us in the first place, because I stopped them before."
"No way, odango atama," Rei exclaimed, standing up and getting into Usagi's face. "You can't go alone. You don't know what the Outers would do if you went up against them alone."
Usagi sank back down to her knees. "You have a point, Rei," she stated. "But we can't all go. I don't want Chibi-usa to go along, but I don't want her here alone, either. Maybe she can stay with Mamo-chan."
"I have to see her for myself, Usagi," Chibi-usa argued. "I want to go, too! You have to take me!"
"Chibi-usa, you made me a promise," Usagi said with a frown. "I want you to stay here with Mamo-chan." Chibi-usa nodded and stared down into her lap. Usagi placed a hand on the younger girl's shoulder, causing her to look up. "Chibi-usa, I know you want to help, and you would be a great help! But the Outers might try to use you against me, or maybe even threaten to hurt you. And if anything were to ever happen to you …" She allowed her voice to trail off, as she searched Chibi-usa's face.
"I understand, Usagi," she stated quietly, hugging the older girl. "I'll stay where it's safe."
"Thank you, Chibi-usa," she whispered into the girl's ear. The two released each other, and Usagi looked towards the Senshi. "Whoever's going, we should probably leave soon," Usagi stated. "We should go wherever this key will lead us, and find her before the Outers do."
"Well, I'm going to go with you, Usa," Makoto exclaimed. "You'll need someone who can match strength with Uranus, and I'm your best bet."
"I'll go, too," Rei stated. "Odango atama is too lenient towards the Outers. They'll need to know we mean business."
Usagi glared at Rei, and then turned towards Minako and Ami. "Will you two stay here, and keep an eye on Chibi-usa," she asked.
"I'm not a baby, odango atama," Chibi-usa declared, crossing her arms indignantly.
"I know, but if you give Mamo-chan too much trouble, the girls can straighten you out," Usagi shot back. Chibi-usa gave them a nervous glance, and Minako smiled.
"Don't worry," she exclaimed. "We can just train you to be a better Senshi. That's what your Mother sent you here for, right?" Chibi-usa nodded her head, and Usagi stood up.
"Alright," she stated. "Senshi, henshin-yo! Cosmic Moon Power!"
"Mars Star Power!"
"Jupiter Star Power!"
"Make-up," they exclaimed in unison. A soft light enveloped the three girls as their civilian clothes seemed to melt away. In a flurry of light, ribbon, feathers, fire, and lightning, Sailor Moon, Sailor Mars, and Sailor Jupiter stood where the girls once did.
"Be careful, Sailor Moon," Ami said, turning towards Mars and Jupiter. "Please, protect her."
"We'll be fine, Ami," Sailor Moon assured her. She gripped the key and held it above her head. "Alright!" She slowly lowered her hand, and frowned.
"What's the matter Sailor Moon," Jupiter asked. "Did you forget the words?" Their leader turned towards the taller Senshi and smiled nervously.
"Well," she began. "Not exactly. I just, don't remember them all!"
"I can't believe this," Mars exclaimed. "How many times has Chibi-usa said the words, odango?"
"That's not fair," Sailor Moon stated, near tears. "I've always been too distressed to pay much attention."
"Oh, give me the key," Mars demanded, taking it from Sailor Moon. She held it into the air and cleared her throat. "Guardian of Time! Split the heavenly sky and open the door of time. I call upon you, the almighty God of Time, Chronos! Lead and protect us three … Onward to the road of light!"
"Nothing happened," Sailor Moon exclaimed when there was no reaction to the words spoken. "You did it wrong!"
"Don't blame me, Odango," Mars retorted. "I know I said the right words!"
"There's no need to fight," Jupiter interjected. "I'm sure there's an explanation why it didn't work. Just give it another try."
"Let me try this time," Sailor Moon exclaimed, reaching for the key. Mars pulled the key right out of her reach, and the blonde pouted. "Come on, Mars! I want to try!"
"You're acting like such a baby," Mars taunted. Sailor Moon stood on her tiptoes and added jumps for good measure, causing a sigh from the Senshi of lightning.
"Oh, give me the key and I'll say the words," Jupiter exclaimed. As she reached for the key, putting her own hand over their hands, the time portal opened, pulling the trio upwards.
"I guess they all had to be touching the key at the same time," Ami commented as a sweatdrop slid down the back of her head.
"Have a safe trip," Minako called. "Show those Outers what we're made of!" As the three Senshi traveled higher up, the column of light retracted upwards until only a thin line of light remained.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
"Surely, he has to be a ghost," Popo stated, disbelief expressed on his face.
"S-son Goku," Dende asked hesitantly. "Is that really you?"
"Yeah, it's me Kami," Goku replied. He rubbed the back of his head. "You look surprised to see me!"
"Well, yes! You're standing here, in front of me," Dende replied. "By all rights, you should be dead!"
"I still am," Goku exclaimed, pointing to the halo hovering above his head. "You could say I'm on vacation from the after-life!"
Dende stepped forward and hugged his best friend's father. "I'm glad to see the after-life is treating you well," he said. "But what brings you here, Son Goku?" At this, Goku's brow knitted together and his usual cheerful disposition disappeared.
"Kaiou-sama* sensed something was headed towards Earth, only it wasn't a threat to the Earth itself," Goku stated. "We went to Enma Daiou-sama**, and he granted me special permission to return to Earth. The only problem is I only have a limited amount of time here." He studied Dende as the young Namekian hung his head.
*Kaiou-sama is King Kai and **Enma Daiou-sama is the Great Demon King (the guy who sends the people who die to either heaven or hell).
"I'm really sorry, Son Goku," Dende whispered.
"Dende," Goku stated. "What's going on? Do you know what is headed for Earth?"
"A year ago, a woman claiming she could travel through time came here, to Kami's palace," Dende began after a long, silent pause. "She told me of her plan, and that she would follow through with that plan in one year's time, to the day. Tomorrow will be a year from her first visit."
"What does this have to do with you," Goku asked. "What did she want?"
"I believe she came to warn me she would be coming," Dende replied. At this, Goku's eyebrows shot up.
"Well why would she do that," he asked. Dende hung his head, and Popo cleared his throat. Goku looked over at him expectantly.
"Son Goku," he began. "This woman is after someone whom she believes will cause a threat to the Earth."
"Well, who is she after," Goku asked. "This person must have done something bad to draw the attention of a time-traveler."
"It's hard to understand why she's after the person she seeks," Popo began. "I don't know where to begin."
"Thank you, Popo-san," Dende interrupted. "I'll tell the rest." He nodded, and the young guardian of the Earth turned towards the Saiya-jin warrior. "You see, Son Goku, the person this woman is after is an innocent. She only came into this world one year ago, but the woman seeks to destroy her." He paused as he allowed his sorrow to shine in his eyes.
"Please, go on," Goku coaxed. Dende nodded, and sighed heavily.
"The woman is after Masumi, Krillin and 18's daughter," he stated quietly.
"What," Goku asked. "She wants to kill Krillin's daughter because she thinks she's a threat to the world?" As Dende nodded his head, Goku laughed.
"Why do you laugh," he asked, confused.
"You have nothing to worry about," Goku exclaimed. "I'm sure Krillin has been preparing for this day! He and 18 would never allow harm to come to Masumi. And the others would help protect her, too. I don't know why Kaiou-sama was so worried!"
"I'm afraid it's not as simple as that," Dende stated. "I … I'm sorry! I never told Krillin about the woman's visit, or what's going to happen. Only Popo-san and myself know about this." Dende once again hung his head, a gesture he was quickly beginning to get used to. "And now you know too, Son Goku." His shoulders trembled with the shame he felt.
"Dende-sama," Goku stated gently, causing the Namekian to look up. "I'm sure however you handled this, you did what would be in the best interest for everyone."
"But …"
"Cheer up, Dende," Goku exclaimed in his cheerful tone. "I guess this is why I'm here! I won't let anything happen to Masumi." He put his index and middle fingers against his forehead and winked. "Everything will turn out fine!"
"Son Goku, wait," Dende exclaimed as the Saiya-jin disappeared. "You don't understand the entire situation!"
"Dende-sama, perhaps Son Goku is right," Popo stated. "Maybe his presence will make a difference. After all, it did when Dr. Gero and his Androids appeared."
"I hope you're right, Popo-san," Dende stated quietly. "I pray that you are."
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
"Why are we celebrating my birthday early," Masumi asked her mother as she helped carry out platters of food to the yard. The group had decided to celebrate her birthday early, and they were going to celebrate at a restaurant. However, the party ended up at Capsule Corp, with a lot of persuasion on Bulma's part.
"Because you're so very special to us all, sweetheart," Krillin answered. He was hanging a banner on the side of the building, and he had overheard his daughter's question as she and his wife walked past.
"Thanks Daddy," she beamed, placing her platter on the table. Her eyes suddenly lit up as she thought of something. "Will Uncle 17 be here?" Krillin and 18 exchanged a look.
"Your uncle travels a lot, Masumi," 18 answered. "And he can't make it. But he did send you a gift." She walked over to the table where the gifts were, and brought a present back. "You can open it now." Krillin and 18 watched as she tore open the gift, which was a framed photo. It was a picture of 17 at a bank, holding the teller at gunpoint with a huge smile on his face. Masumi opened a letter that came along with the present, and a wad of money fell out.
"Daddy, you weren't kidding when you said Uncle was rich and famous," Masumi said, in awe of her gift. "Why is he holding this man at gunpoint? Is he an actor?" Krillin laughed uneasily.
"Well, he is infamous," Krillin grumbled. 18 shot him a look, and he cleared his throat nervously. "Let's just say he's an entertainer, and he likes to entertain himself by this kind of stuff!" Satisfied with the answer, Masumi returned the gift to the table.
AN - Ok, about the thing with 17 … I heard that later in the series, he goes around robbing people, banks, etc … Just for fun. -_-* Go fig! He is 17, lol.
When Masumi returned, she looked towards her father and smiled. "Is there anything I can help you with?"
"Don't even think of it, Masumi," Bulma exclaimed. "You're the honorary guest! We can't have you doing hard-labor." She looked towards Krillin's work and frowned. "Krillin, bring that banner up a little more."
"Yeah, sure Bulma," he stated.
"Well, maybe I'll help Gohan with Goten and Trunks, then," Masumi stated. She stifled a giggle as she watched Gohan try to keep both toddlers in the designated play area. "It looks like he could use some help."
"That's a great idea, Masumi," ChiChi said. "Those two can certainly be a handful."
"Are you talking about Gohan and Goten, or Goten and Trunks," Masumi asked with a sly smile.
"I suppose all of them," ChiChi replied with a laugh. Masumi smiled warmly at the woman, and then ran in Gohan's direction.
"She's such a sweet girl," Bulma commented. "You and Krillin are lucky to have such a wonderful girl for a daughter. And she's smart, too."
"Yes, I agree," 18 replied. "She has been such a wonderful addition to my life. She has affected me so much in the short year since she was born."
"It's motherhood, 18," ChiChi stated. As the women continued talking, turning their attention away from their children, Masumi approached Gohan.
"Hi Gohan," she said cheerfully.
"Masumi, good," Gohan exclaimed. "I could really use your help looking after Goten and Trunks!"
"I'll be glad to help," she replied, lowering her gaze as a slight blush spread over her cheeks. Her eyes scanned the area, and then looked back up to Gohan. "But where's Goten?"
"He's right here," Gohan replied, turning to point to his brother's spot. He gasped when he realized the toddler was no longer there. "Oh Kami, where's Goten?"
"Don't panic, Gohan," Masumi stated, fear creeping into her own voice. "He's only two! He couldn't have gone that far."
"Come on Trunks, give me your hand," Gohan told the three year old. The toddler seemed to understand Gohan's worry, and stuck his chubby palm into Gohan's hand. The trio searched through the shrubs and surrounding area, however they couldn't find a trace of the missing toddler.
"I know he didn't go far," Masumi said, tears forming in her eyes. "We'll find him!"
"My mom is going to kill me," Gohan groaned as they made their way back towards the group of women. ChiChi looked up as she sensed them approaching. She took one look at Gohan's face and frowned.
"What happened," she asked, placing her hands on her hips. She studied them as if seeing them for the first time and gasped. "Where is Goten?"
"I don't know, Mom," Gohan replied. "He was there one minute, and the next he wasn't. I only looked away for a second! I looked everywhere, and I can't find him."
"You have to find him, Gohan," ChiChi exclaimed, placing her hands on her son's shoulders and shaking him slightly. "The two of you are all I have! Don't just stand there, go and find him! Please, Gohan."
"Ah, take it easy on him, ChiChi," a familiar voice stated. ChiChi and Gohan simultaneously spun towards the sound of the voice, and tears clouded both of their visions before either had fully turned around. Standing behind them was Goku, holding a gurgling Goten in his arms.
"Dad," Gohan asked.
"Goku," ChiChi whispered, tears spilling down her face. She ran to him and flung her arms around his neck. "Oh, my Goku," she cried into his chest, sobbing freely. Everyone else stopped what they were doing and stared in shock.
Their friend was back from the dead.
To Be Continued . . .
Another part done! ^_^ I hope it didn't seem too rushed there at the end. There should be some action in the next part, most likely not too much (I'll save that for later parts). Please leave a review!