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 - Wow, I've had a real busy couple of weeks recently (due to a family reunion, and another coming up…and now, with the site acting weird), but I finally found the time to type this up! A few notes … C-chan, welcome back from your vacation, and thanks for the "catch-up" reviews! ^_^ Moonkitty eve, yes!! You guessed right. I was hoping someone would catch onto that, so thank you! Callisto Star, don't worry! Besides, it was *just* a dream, ne? ^_~ Girl-chama, I promise, I'm not trying to walk you all around in circles. *lol* It's the only way I could think of to write this effectively. Everyone else, thank you for your continuing support!
Here's the second of this three-part chapter! Enjoy, all!
Whatever It Takes
Chapter 8: Revolutions, Part 2
"What … What is this that you're showing us, Sailor Pluto," Uranus asked. The three Outer Senshi were at the time gate, and Sailor Pluto was showing Sailor Uranus and Neptune events that could take place in the possible future.
"Is this what will happen," Neptune asked, her face pale. "Can we stop these events from taking place?"
Pluto shook her head, a regretful expression on her face. "Nothing can any longer be done," she replied, closing the "window" they were viewing.
"Who were they," Uranus asked, frowning as a pensive look crossed Pluto's face. "Answer me! Who were those two figures," she demanded, her voice more forceful this time.
"The pink one is an entity which sleeps deep within this dimension's Earth, waiting to be reawakened," Pluto answered slowly. "He is called Majin Buu. The other is his master, the sorcerer Babi Di, who has ambitions to use Majin Buu as his puppet. However in order for Babi Di to awaken Majin Buu, he must gather an incredible amount of energy."
"Then this is not our problem," Neptune stated. "Our mission is to protect our world, and to destroy Sailor Saturn."
"You're wasting valuable time, Sailor Pluto, something I never thought I'd say to you," Uranus said, crossing her arms. "What's the real reason you've shown us this?"
"This possible future does concern us because it is Sailor Saturn's energy which will be used to awaken Majin Buu," Pluto began.
"What," Uranus exclaimed, eyes wide. "How did that happen?"
"Babi Di is an enchanter," Pluto explained. "He can enchant anyone with evil in their heart, and use that person as his puppet."
"So the reason we all will die is because of Saturn's own evil desires," Uranus exclaimed angrily. "What we saw was all Sailor Saturn's fault!"
"Not exactly," Pluto stated. "These events were going to take place, only in years to come. Babi Di was already on his way towards Earth before any of us arrived here." She paused, opening another window, which showed a menacing green figure. "He was attracted by large amounts of energy given off by this world's Senshi when they fought the android, Cell."
"But none of that matters," Neptune insisted. "In the end, Sailor Saturn will have contributed to the chaos you just showed us."
"You said yourself that this Babi Di enchants those with evil in their hearts," Uranus added.
"It is our fault for Sailor Saturn's revival; more specifically, it is my fault," Pluto stated. "I should have taken her away from here when she was still an infant, instead of involving any of you. Her resentment towards us is what will allow for Babi Di to use her, and steal her energy. I should have foreseen this sooner, and that is why it's my fault."
"The possibilities of the future are infinite," Neptune commented. "You have no control over any this, Sailor Pluto."
"Perhaps," Pluto trailed, pausing only to open the gate, which led back to Satan City (West Capitol). "It should go without saying, what our new mission is." Pluto stepped away from the gate as Uranus and Neptune reverted back to their civilian clothing.
"We'll complete our mission, even if I don't like what now must be done," Haruka said, wrapping an arm around Michiru's shoulders. "You're asking a lot out of me, but I'll do what I have to, to be successful."
Gripping the time staff in her hand, Pluto tapped the ground. Watching as Haruka and Michiru walked through the gate and disappeared, the doors began to close slowly. She allowed a soft sigh to escape her lips, turning away from the gate and towards a window. It opened to reveal Krillin and 18 comforting Masumi, while the others stood by and watched.
"I will correct what has been wronged, and you will come to know your true daughter, Krillin and 18," Pluto stated quietly, smiling sadly. The scene switched towards the Son family, and she felt a pang of sorrow in her heart.
"Don't worry, Masumi," Goku was saying. "It was just a bad dream. No one is going to die!"
As Pluto continued to watch, Goku looked up in the sky, seemingly right at her. He smiled, and then turned his attention back towards the group. He began to laugh at something Krillin said, and the others sweatdropped.
"For you to fight Majin Buu now is not right. You all have suffered so much already," Pluto said, closing the window. "I'll make it so that time can proceed as it was supposed to. This is my promise to you."
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
"Thanks again for coming along with me, Usagi," Goku said, carrying her in the air, as he flew towards their destination. Chichi sent him to the store to get a few things, and Usagi volunteered to go along with him. "I think that Chichi was relieved that you're coming along. The last time I went to the store for her, I didn't get anything she wanted!"
"It's no problem, Son Goku-san," Usagi replied, smiling at him. "It gives me the chance to see the sights. This place is so different from where I come from."
"You can just call me Goku," he stated, looking at her briefly, before turning his attention back in front of him. "Here we are," he stated suddenly. Usagi's arms tightened around his neck as they descended towards the ground.
"Are you sure you know how to land," she asked nervously.
"I've done this thousands of times," Goku replied with a laugh. She squeezed her eyes shut as he sped up, opening them once again when she heard Goku chuckle.
"Wow," she breathed, as he set her down on her own two feet. "That was so cool!" She reached into her pocket, retrieving the list Chichi wrote. "It would go a lot faster if we split up the list. How does that sound to you?"
"Just fine, Usagi," Goku replied. Usagi tore the list into two as they walked into the building, giving him one half.
"I'll meet up with you later, then," she exclaimed, giving a short wave as she turned away from him. Her jaw dropped, as she took in her surroundings.
"Wow," she said in awe. "This place is huge!" She shook her head slightly, looking back down at the list. "Okay, I need mostly dairy products," she mumbled, grabbing a hand basket, then looking at the signs overhead. "…which would be this way."
As Usagi rounded the corner, she bumped into two figures. "Oh, pardon me," she apologized, bowing slightly at the waist.
"It's no problem, Usagi," a woman's voice spoke lightly, causing the usually odango-haired girl's head to snap up. (AN - Remember, her, Rei, and Mako used the disguise pen to change their appearance.)
"Michiru, Haruka," Usagi exclaimed. "What are you both doing here?"
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
"I think that's everything on my list," Goku stated, balancing his armload of groceries. "Though it would be easier to have a shopping cart." He walked to the front of the store, dropping him groceries into a cart. "Now, to find Usagi."
He began walking through the large store, passing aisle by aisle. As he passed by the dairy section, a familiar blonde head caught the corner of his eye.
"There she is," he thought. However, as he was about to turn down the aisle, he noticed her talking with two figures. He turned, instead, into the adjacent aisle, so he could hear what was being said without being seen. He peaked around the corner, so that Usagi and the two strangers were in sight.
"What are you doing here," Usagi repeated.
"We need to talk, Usagi," Haruka stated, causing the blonde to cringe inwardly.
"Usagi," she thought, her heart feeling suddenly heavy. "She sounds so cold and distant towards me." Usagi squared her shoulders, jetting her chin out slightly. "I don't think we have anything to discuss," she stated out loud.
"Usagi, our lives are at risk, the longer we stay in this place," Michiru said. "All of us, including-"
"You're trying to trick me," Usagi interrupted. "And I'm no fool! I won't fall for it. Where is Setsuna?"
"At the gates, awaiting our arrival," Haruka answered. "All seven of us."
"Are you saying your mission has changed," Usagi demanded, taking a step back. "I don't believe it. I won't believe it!"
"Don't be so stubborn, Usagi," Haruka snapped. "You're coming with us." As she reached out towards the girl, Goku stepped around the corner.
"There you are, Usagi…Oh," he exclaimed, feigning surprise. "Who are your friends?"
"They were just asking where the bakery was, Goku-san," Usagi lied, going over to his side. "But I don't know, myself."
"It's no problem, really," Michiru said. "I'm sure we'll find where it is." Both women nodded their head slightly, and then continued down the aisle.
"I guess you have your half of the list done, Goku," Usagi began in a light-hearted tone. "I'm a little slow today. We'll just get what's on my half of the list, and we can get going!"
"Usagi, you look a little shaken," Goku pointed out. "Are you okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine," she replied quickly, forcefully. As she began to get the things on her list, Goku watched her silently.
"I hope that when you feel comfortable, you'll tell me what that was really about, Usagi," he thought.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
"How are you feeling, Masumi," Chibi-usa asked. "Truthfully. There aren't any adults around, now." She, Masumi, and Gohan sat together under the shade of a group of trees, away from the adults. Tien, Chaotzu, and Yamcha had left the complex, the women were inside, and Krillin stood awkwardly with Piccolo, attempting to talk with him. It had been difficult to convince 18 to let Masumi out of her direct line-of-vision, however they were able to get some leeway.
"The whole situation somehow feels like deja-vu," she replied. "Is that strange? It seems like there's this whole other person who is a part of me, that gives me special powers."
"How do you mean, Masumi," Gohan asked.
"Like how fast I grow, for example. Or my healing powers," she explained. "It's not normal. Sometimes it feels like I have suppressed memories from another life."
Chibi-usa looked hopeful. "What kind of memories," she asked.
"When I met you, Chibi-usa, it felt like I knew you already, somehow," Masumi stated. "There's something very familiar about you, your sister, and her friends … It must sound silly."
"Not at all," Chibi-usa exclaimed. She paused, carefully choosing her next words. "Perhaps it's fate, for you to feel these things. Maybe everything that has happened, was destined to be!"
"Whatever it is, Masumi, no one loves you any less," Gohan stated, resting a comforting hand on her shoulder. Chibi-usa glared as Masumi blushed slightly, although it went unnoticed by the half-Saiya-jin.
"No, you're ruining everything, Gohan," Chibi-usa thought angrily. "I was so close to getting her to remember me. Really remember me."
"Gohan," Masumi began, breaking through Chibi-usa's thoughts, "thank you." He smiled at her, before looking into the distance.
"Hey, there's my dad," he stated, brushing dirt off of his clothes after he stood up. He offered a hand to help Masumi stand, and the two ran over to where Goku landed. Laughing at the way he was trying to balance both the grocery bags and Usagi, the two helped take the groceries from them. Chibi-usa stood from the ground, a disappointed look on her face.
"Any luck jogging her memory," Makoto asked as she and Rei walked up behind the pink-haired girl.
"No," Chibi-usa sighed. She turned around, looking at the two older girls. "But I was thinking, maybe it's better that she stays here, instead of taking her back. That was the plan, right? To take her back with us?"
"We never really discussed what we would do once we found Hotaru, Chibi-usa," Rei answered. "But I guess that's what will be done."
"Ultimately, we're just trying to protect her from the Outers," Makoto echoed.
"She's told me many stories about Gohan and her father and mother," Chibi-usa said in a flat tone. "She's well protected here. I don't think she really needs us to protect her. She doesn't need me."
"Chibi-usa," Masumi called out suddenly. "Do you want to help carry in the groceries?" She plastered on a smile, nodding her head.
"Sure, Masumi," Chibi-usa replied, running to where her friend stood. Rei and Makoto smiled slightly, and began to follow her. They began to walk, and Rei stopped at the same time Masumi looked over in their direction. Both girls looked beyond where Rei stood, and saw Sailor Neptune and Uranus, standing back to back.
"You just won't give up," Rei yelled out, gaining everyone's attention. Neptune and Uranus walked towards her, stopping near her. As they did so, Rei reached for her henshin pen; Makoto mimicking her lead.
"No, wait, don't fight," Usagi exclaimed. Rei and Makoto paused momentarily, watching the two Outers warily. The two Senshi knelt down on one knee, bowing their head. Just then, 18, Chichi, and Bulma came out of the house, and 18 balled her fist.
"You again," she exclaimed angrily. "This time, I will kill you!"
"18, wait," Goku exclaimed. He turned towards Usagi, and gestured towards Neptune and Uranus. "What's going on here, Usagi? Who are they, and how do you know them?"
"Please, just let me handle this," she stated, turning to the Outer Senshi. "What do you want here?"
"Usagi-hime, the time for this feud to end is now," Neptune began. "The longer we stay here, the more danger our lives will be in. Believe me when I say we're now only trying to protect you, as it is our primary duty." By this time, Rei and Makoto had joined Usagi's side.
"Usagi-hime," Masumi wondered, frowning slightly.
"Yes, Hotaru," a voice spoke in her mind. "Usagi is Princess Serenity, and you are a part of her court, as much as I am a part of you."
"But, my name is Masumi," she stated, causing Chibi-usa to look at her. "Who are you?"
"You know me, Hotaru," the voice spoke again. "I am that which you feel you are missing. I am your missing half."
"Missing half," she questioned.
"Do you really think we'll believe you," Makoto asked, drawing Masumi's attention. "After all the threats? We'd be foolish! You won't come near the Princesses or Masumi!"
"They are your friends, Hotaru," the voice continued, "and you are the only one who can stop this fighting."
"This is not your decision to make, Makoto," Uranus growled. "Shut your mouth!" Standing up angrily, she turned towards Usagi. "Don't be so stubborn, Princess! We must leave this world, before Sailor Saturn reawakens. She will cause our deaths, and the death of everyone here now!"
"This is not true." All eyes turned towards Masumi, who was surrounded by a faint, purple aura. She stood completely still, and her eyes had a glazed-over look to them. A purple light appeared next to her, and as it grew bigger, the image of Sailor Saturn appeared.
"Sailor Saturn," Chibi-usa exclaimed. The Senshi of Destruction turned towards the girl and smiled before turning back towards the two Outers.
"It has never been my intention to bring ruin upon this world, or to any world," she stated, as the birthright of Saturn burned on Masumi's forehead. "But if it is a fight you want, then the one known as Hotaru Tomoe will regain her knowledge of me …"
"Hotaru, no," Chibi-usa exclaimed. "Stop!"
"…and the silence will be deafening," she continued, ignoring Chibi-usa. Saturn began to make her way towards her counterpart, as the henshin pen appeared in Masumi's hand.
"Saturn, wait," Usagi exclaimed. "Hotaru mustn't remember who she is. Not yet! Sailor Pluto foresaw that an evil being is on his way here, and he will steal her energy to destroy this world! I don't want that to happen."
"Princess," Saturn began, walking over to where Usagi, Rei, and Makoto stood. As energy spread from her over to the three Inner Senshi, Neptune and Uranus ran forward, however bounced off of an invisible wall. As her energy spread over them, their disguises disappeared, revealing their true forms.
"What," Usagi trailed, looking down at her regular clothes and hairstyle. "How did you-" Saturn silenced her, by putting a finger to her lips.
"You have always been too kind, Princess," she stated. "Misfortune shall not befall us, or this world." She walked over towards Masumi. As she stood in front of her, she leaned forward, kissing her on the forehead. "Remember now, Hotaru." Her form faded back into purple light, and seemed to assimilate with the girl.
Masumi, now Hotaru, gasped as her eyes returned to normal. She sank down to her knees, glancing at the henshin pen in her hand. "I…remember everything, now," she whispered, burying her face in her hands.
"Masumi," Krillin asked uncertainly, causing her to look up at him.
"I am Hotaru, now, father, and I always have been," she stated, gripping the pen tightly. A solitary tear slipped down her face. "And now, I must put an end to this … unnecessary fighting."
"Hotaru, stop," Uranus exclaimed. "If you henshin, then we'll have no other choice but to fight you!"
"Saturn Planet Power," she yelled out, raising the pen into the air. "Make up!" Her clothing seemed to melt away, and violet light and ribbons wrapped around her nude form. All watched in awe as Hotaru was transformed in front of their eyes. As she slowly stood up, the light faded away.
"It's finally happened," Neptune whispered, as the sky darkened. "Sailor Saturn has reawakened." Saturn looked in her direction, narrowing her eyes slightly.
"The time of reform has come. I hope you are both prepared for your judgement," she stated, raising her arm into the air to summon the silence glaive. "The planet of ruin is my guardian deity. The soldier of death and rebirth, Sailor Saturn, awakes."
To Be Continued …
I know, that's the worst possible place I could stop; especially since it took me so long to get this part out! But, I'll start working on the next part, while it's still fresh in my mind.
Please Review!