"Redemption"
Chapter 7
Catsy tiredly teased at the ends of her hair, nearly falling asleep as the final moments of their television program advanced. The flickering light of the television cast milky shadows around the dark living room, save for the appliance of course. Berty, Prisma, and Avery were scattered around, whether they were half asleep on the couch, or lounging on the various armchairs that adorned their homey living room. Just as the ending credits of the TV program began to roll, an obnoxious ring sounded from the front door-most likely the doorbell.
Each of the sisters remained in their seats and ignored the persistent rings until finally, Berty stood. "Don't bother getting up you guys. I'll get it for you," she exclaimed sarcastically and heading to the door. Her pale blonde braid swung behind her lightly and against her red pajamas, her tresses and eyes nearly seemed to glow. Slightly incoherently, she reached the door and turned the knob with a yawn. "Hi can I help you?"
"Berty, it's me. Sorry to have dropped by so late!" the odangoed girl exclaimed, stepping into the light of the house's foyer. Rubbing her eyes lightly, the platinum haired woman desperately tried to adjust her eyes from the shadows of the den to the bright lights of her home's hallway.
"Oh, Serena," she replied after a moment, "I didn't realize it was you. Would you like to come in?" With an accepting nod from the girl, Berty quickly took her pale pink jacket and hung it on the coat hanger by the door.
"Thank you, Berty," she spoke formally. Serena took the liberty of closing the foyer entrance, and as she did, a slight breeze seeped in through the door, rustling her coat on the hanger and spilling the contents of the nearest pocket.
"Let me get that," Berty said with a giggle and bent down to clean up the small mess. Her eyes suddenly settled on photograph that had fallen from the pocket-one of Serena herself. The oddest part was her outfit, and her expression the photo conveyed-they were both identical to how the young girl looked now. "Serena dear, when was this taken?" Berty asked, waving the photo gently.
At seeing the photo, the girl tensed up and it was just slightly visible through her expression. "That? Oh…well I don't know," the girl replied, seemingly nonchalant.
"Oh," Berty answered, but shrugged it off with a gracious smile. "The others are in the den, half-asleep I might add." Serena quickly pocketed the photograph and mentally cursed herself for being so clumsy.
'If Borealis had seen this, she would have been most displeased with my carelessness…' Iris in disguise thought, disappointed in her poor actions. Reassuming her role as the adolescent Serena, Iris continued to play the role flawlessly and followed Berty into the other room.
"Oh hello Meatball Head! What brings you here so late?" Catsy greeted her with a catlike yawn as she stretched. Serena nodded and forced a polite hello to the others.
Prisma, quite drowsy but now awake, waved at her friend and ran a weary hand through her cropped ivy hair. "What brings you here so late, Miss Moon Princess?" she said with a tiny giggle.
Iris quickly concocted an excuse so her cover would remain undiscovered. "I was just in the neighborhood…out thinking," Serena replied. When a silence befell the room, the blonde cleared her throat nervously and motioned towards the kitchen. "Do you mind if I get a drink? My throat is acting up a bit." The sisters nodded and went back to their show, completely oblivious and trusting.
"Now is the perfect time," Iris whispered under her breath after entering the kitchen. The impersonator peered around through the kitchen door to be sure that her transformation would be done in secret and away from the occupants of the house. Iris leaned against the wall for support, as shifting did require a lot of energy. The so-called Serena slowly shifted back into Iris, her true form. Serena's odangoed released and lengthened into waist length, wavy golden hair. Her eyes became darker, deeper, and were piercing blue with a fatal flicker to them. Serena's adolescent body matured into Iris's curvaceous, strong, and toned body. A black leather skirt and emerald halter top with spiked heels replaced the young blonde girl's plain, summer attire. In place of a plain forehead, a star glowed forth and sat proudly.
After a sigh of relief from the strenuous change, Iris checked herself over a few times, and exited the kitchen-a smirk on her face.
"Oh my god!" Avery cried out as realization struck them. Within seconds of the sisters comprehending what had occurred, it was far too late. Iris had already created a web of wiry black energy and tossed it over them, confining the four to the floor and one another. The binds were tight and fiercely strong, seemingly indestructible.
"Who are you? Just please leave Serena out of this!" Berty protested trying desperately to wriggle free. The web grew tighter and mashed the sisters, who sat back-to-back, closer together which nearly cut off their circulation and muffled their breathing.
A satanic laugh escaped Iris's lips as she admired her handiwork. "Don't bother escaping…as if you could," she taunted with another giggle.
"Whatever you do, leave the girl out of this! She had nothing to do with our endeavors!" Catsy growled, her catlike nature becoming apparent.
"What girl?" Iris replied. Fake realization came over her and the woman cackled. "Oh that girl…well, actually that was me. Berty, thank you for inviting me into your home, it made my mission all the more easy. I'm Iris, glad to meet you." Four horrified gasps escaped the pursed lips of the sisters, who were now enraged at this occurrence.
"What do you want from us?" Prisma spoke in a tone so low she was almost growled.
"Actually, I couldn't care less about the four of you Nemesis traitors. My superiors, however, would like a word with you. And without further ado," Iris declared, "it's time to reunite with your other sisters!"
Berty hung her head in shame, "They've found us…who know what will happen now…and they know about the girls."
Iris meanwhile had whipped out an extremely high tech phone/communicator and was assembling contact with the Infinite Storm Sisters' star ship. "Borealis are we clear for transport?"
"Iris, I am exceedingly pleased with your work. You have clearance to return," Borealis announced from the opposite end of the connection.
"Girls, it's Borealis!" Catsy shouted. "Borealis, that twisted Enchantress is behind this!" They now knew exactly whom they were dealing with.
"All right ladies! Time to go home!" Iris exclaimed, pleased with her work and her success. She held out a hand, palm facing the bound group. Seconds after this, a small, but glowing orb of black light emerged from her palm, rapidly expanding until it was nearly 3 feet in diameter. It continued to expand, that is until its source was thrown off by a strange event. A random discus, glowing with a golden aura, sliced through the air almost as if on cue and ripped through the growing portal, completely destroying it. "What's going on here?" Iris demanded, her attention turned to the discus as it returned to its owner.
"If you want to impersonate me, at least do it right you trashy tart," an angry voice bubbled from the hallway. "Lady, I am Sailor Moon and on behalf of the moon and all those I love, your evils deeds will be rectified…immediately!" Sailor Moon declared with a gleaming grin.
Iris's angry expression faded to one of amusement. "So this is the infamous Senshi of the Moon. Why you're just a meatball-headed bachelorette in a sailor suit!" she giggled. "Time for you to learn some manners!" Like a flash, Iris burst out and rammed Sailor Moon feet first in the stomach. The sailor-suited soldier cried out as her breath was forced from her lungs. The impact with the wall was a harsh blow and she was a crumpled mass at the foot of the wall.
"I can't let her take them," she cried out and quickly shook off the shock of impact, knowing she had to save the others.
"Ready to go," the blonde assailant began…already gathering the four sisters for transport.
"Back off!" Sailor Moon shouted fiercely, taking a preparatory stance for an attack. Iris dropped the ropes of the webbing and face Sailor Moon completely.
"Is this a challenge, Princess?" she taunted in a sarcastic voice, but her intentions were serious. Iris was as skilled a fighter as she was beautiful-beautiful was an understatement. The odangoed Senshi clenched her fists and nodded. The Nemesis demon merely smiled. "I accept your challenge then. I'll start!"
"Hey!" The Senshi of the moon let out a tiny gasp as she watched Iris unsheathe a long, silver sword from her skirt belt. Without any warning once again, the blonde haired assailant charged at the sailor suited Senshi, slashing her weapon skillfully; each time she missed by no more than a millimeter. The sisters watched helplessly from the floor as Iris ran circles around Sailor Moon, tossing the Senshi into the wall once again and pinning her down with the sword raised high above her head.
"Dear, dear Princess…you have lost," Iris let out a satisfied laugh. That was, until the Senshi knocked the sword from Iris's hand with a swift kick. Jumping up with no time to lose, she launched her tiara once again. It luckily sliced Iris's arm and shoulder before she could prepare for a counter attack.
"Teach you to mess with the Moon," Serena whispered. Crimson blood spilt from Iris's wounds, and she clutched her injured arm with great care.
"My arm…you puerile little Princess! You'll pay for that" she exploded, her icy blue eyes flickering. With her remaining good arm, Iris chucked a blue spherical mass of energy at Sailor Moon.
"Uh oh," came the senshi's words, but Sailor Moon swiftly knocked it out of her path with her scepter and cried: "Moon Spiral Heart Attack!" Iris screamed out helplessly in agony as the pure light washed over her, suffocating and burning her. Before long, she had disintegrated; this gaining a sigh of relief from all present.
"Phew…you girls all right?" the thankful Senshi exclaimed, coming to the aid of the tied sisters.
They each rubbed at their sore arms, wrists, and legs, breathing in the fresh night air. "Yes, but I'm so glad you got here just in time! She nearly had us," Avery whispered sadly.
"Is it those creeps from the Nemesis Star?"
"Most definitely, I would know that emblem anywhere!" Prisma replied smugly.
* * *
When the living room had been restored from the previous disaster, the five-some sat down, quiet and unnerved. "This is all my fault…I mean, what happened here?" Serena exclaimed for the third time, overwhelming guilt taking residence in her soul. Catsy placed a reassuring hand on Serena's shoulder.
"Listen, Sere. This was not your fault…we're just lucky you showed up-which by the way was a miracle in timing!"
"It doesn't matter…I was an indirect cause. That witch impersonated me, and you thinking she was I, well that led to this mess," the teenager exclaimed, avoiding the eyes of the others.
"Serena-
"Avery, everyone, I appreciate you trying to make me feel differently…but you can't. Now please, just tell me what happened," Serena cut her off, unwilling to hear any excuses for her self-induced stress.
"The doorbell rang earlier and I answered it since no one else was willing. I saw you standing there, or at least whom we thought was you. I invited her in and next thing you know, she slips off into the kitchen claiming she had a frog in her throat. When she came out, she was Iris, that insane demon Borealis must have called upon. They were preparing to take us back to their starship, Serena," Berty explained.
"Iris caught us off guard and tied us up like farm animals. There's no telling what will happen next," Catsy added with a frustrated sigh.
"Borealis…is she one of those sisters?" the future queen inquired, falling deep into thought. "Before we had figured Aurora was a loner and…"
"Don't blame yourself for this. You had no way of knowing about them-
"But I should've been more responsible, Prisma! This only proves that when I let my attention slip for one second, the whole world comes crashing down and I put all of you in danger. You could've been taken away or worse-killed!" Serena went on sorrowfully, her eyes blood-shot and tired.
"Oh Meatball Head…don't beat yourself up like that. The important thing is that we're all okay. It's late-let me drive you home," Avery suggested, soothingly rubbing her friends shoulder. Serena merely nodded and waved goodbye to the other sisters, unable to cope with the guilt she forced upon herself.
* * *
It was very late in the evening when Darien Chiba was informed his plane would soon be arriving back home in Tokyo. His seminar, which had been in America, had pulled him away from both his friends and family…but most of all, his Meatball Head. 'I can't wait to see Serena when I get back. These weeks without her have been agony.' But for now, he would have to settle with dull company in his section of the plane, most of which were sleeping or chatting quietly.
"Excuse me, Mr. Chiba, would you like something to eat, maybe a drink?" a very kind and smart stewardess asked. Pitch black hair fell over her shoulders and somewhat obscured her sky blue eyes.
Darien turned to her with a thoughtful smile. "No thank you," he replied politely and returned his gaze to the view below.
'It's a whole new world from up here. Now the moon is even cooler. I wonder what happens to me between now and the time I become King'. Reclining in his stiff seat, Darien allowed his eyes to drift shut; giving him the must needed opportunity for rest.
One hour later, the plane landed, and Darien was on his way home after gathering his entire luggage. Nothing but Serena occupied his thoughts as he exited the terminal and took a cab home through the dusky Tokyo night. 'Sere…I can't wait to see you! And Rini, my little friend, I've missed you and your mother so much…'
* * *
Avery's jet black care pulled up along the curb just outside the Tsukino residence, the engine still running as Serena undid her seatbelt and opened the door. Serena turned a sorrowful glance to the night sky above and ducked her head back into the car after getting out. "Avery, thank you, for the ride I mean. And please, be careful okay? I can't let anything happen to such wonderful friends. Don't be fooled by any-
"Meatball Head, we're not dumb." Avery glared sarcastically at Serena and her expression quickly softened with a sweet smile. "Serena, honey, I want you to go inside and rest. You need to forget about tonight and realize how much we all love you. This isn't your fault. Besides, that drag queen is a terrible actor-it's our fault for mistaking such a clod for our beloved Princess," she added with a winning smile.
The blonde teenager couldn't help but smile at such a compliment. "Good night, Avery," Serena said quietly, and closing the door to the car softly, watched as her friend smoothly drove him. Though Avery had long since left, Serena remained outside her home for a moment and lowered herself onto the door stoop. The quiet chirping of crickets echoed from all around, and a cool breeze rustled the young woman's hair, lightly curling it around her face. The thoughts all rushed back at this soft moment, and destroyed the pensive tranquility.
'They could have been taken back to that dreadful place with those women…I could have caused the loss of our own friends. I'm so unworthy of my title,' her mind wandered. It was at this instant as a slice of moonlight filtered onto the Earth below, that a slow stream of tears sprung from Serena's eyes, sliding down her cheek and seeping into her shirt. The 15 year old buried her face in her hands, and rocked back and forth sorrowfully. The tears were silent, but her sobs were just above audibility-another cold wind flew at her…but nothing stirred her from this painful moment-all except that is, the voice of a dear friend and guardian.
"Serena?" a quiet voice came. Hastily wiping her eyes before her tears became noticed, Serena whipped her head around to find Luna perched at the edge of the stood. The cat's ruby eyes searched the girl's for answers, and seeing nothing but clouded confusion, Luna leapt up beside her and curled up on her lap.
"The sisters were attacked by a demon sent by the Infinite Storm Sisters earlier this evening. That thing impersonated me, and I nearly, though indirectly caused the abduction of the sisters…thankfully I arrived in time to vanquish her. They're all right but…" Serena stopped suddenly to choke back another sob working its way up her throat.
"Are you all right, Serena? Is everything okay?" the moon cat inquired gently, deeply concerned with the expression gracing her normally joyous features.
Serena stroked the moon cat's fur gently and gazed off into the night sky, "I really don't know, Luna. I'm just so afraid that my nightmares are becoming a reality…losing everything-my friends, my family, my world…my self," she finished, her voice chilling even herself.
The cat's heart broke at that moment and she nudged her Princess's arm with her head. "Serena, everything will be just fine. Go inside and get some rest…you look very pale my dear. I promise…things will turn out just right." The girl rose slowly after that, lost in a daze of sadness. Serena quietly entered her home, Luna following at her heels. Serena heard but hadn't heard. She saw but had not seen. She was petrified and alone, almost like she was being forced into a small corner without any light to brighten the intense darkness.
"Luna, I just pray you're right," the teenager whispered sadly as she slid into bed.
* * *
The following morning was one bright with sunshine, a complete contrast from the day before. The sky was a pure, flawless blue and not a single cloud could be seen for miles. It was early yet as Darien quietly pulled up in front of the Tsukino home in his chic red convertible. The morning sunlight danced gleefully on its sleek, perfect hood, reflecting off the lustrous paint job. After quietly parking beneath a weeping willow, Darien exited his car and pulled the key from the ignition. As soon as he closed the driver's side door, he remembered the bouquet of wild flowers he'd purchased that morning for his beloved.
"Here I come sweetie," Darien murmured pleasantly, arriving at the door and knocking gently. For a few moments, no answer came. The colorful assortment in his hand seemed to sparkle in the fresh morning light. He knocked twice more and yet again no answer was evident. Darien touched his hand to the door and pressed firmly…and it slowly swung open with a drawn out creaking. The house seemed deserted, like no one had ever lived there…at least for a few days. "This is odd…and totally unlike the Tsukino's."
He wandered into the foyer, calling softly for Serena or anyone who might be available. "Darien," Luna suddenly whispered lightly from the doorway, "so glad to have you back." The midnight haired young man turned around and waved at the cat, his eyes slightly wide.
"Luna, thank you. Where is Serena?"
"Serena's parents took Sammy to a family convention a few towns over. She has the house for the long weekend." The Moon cat composed herself after a body-shaking yawn. She remained in foot of the stairs as she and the young man conversed, pleasantly flicking her tail this way and that.
"Do you mind if I go see her?" Darien asked after a moment of looking around, gently rearranging the flowers to make sure they were just right.
The cat turned her head and looked up in the general direction of Serena's room. "Be my guest. She could use some cheering up lately," came her quiet reply.
* * *
Borealis leaned back in the black lounge chair of her personal quarters. Her hair was tired back in a tight braid that snaked down her back against her pale blue halter-top and matching skirt. She ran a nervous hand across her forehead, periodically rubbing her temples. "I cannot believe this! I should have seen how self-indulged and overconfident that worthless demon was…ugh all of this failure just makes me ill! And oh my lord…when they find out-
"When they find out what?" a sinister voice spoke from the threshold of the doorway. Borealis spun around in her chair to find Glimmer leaning soundlessly in the doorway with a ridiculous smile on her face.
"Where you just standing there?" the cotton-candy haired sister spat, rising to challenge the appearance of her baby sister.
"Yup," came her careless reply. Borealis merely latched a hand around her sister's wrist and yanked her into the room, locking the door behind her.
"You do know, Glim, that eve's dropping is very impolite-and can earn you a direly unpleasant consequences," Borealis hissed, a look of warning and seriousness overcoming her expression.
"I realize that failure is indeed a shameful thing, Borealis…but this is just pathetic." Borealis tensed at this insult. Her face grimaced and she molded her hand into an iron fist. "Let me get this straight. I go and succeed…Aurora follows and fails, and then you-supposedly sending your best-end up with the same success… which is none at all. It was a good idea, I'll admit. Become the enemy, fool the sisters, then defy their trust capture them. The only flaw, Borealis, was entrusting so much responsibility on a low level, trash-class demon like Iris. She fails you miserably and you are left with the burden. Soon enough, you'll be begging me not to breathe a word. But I have news for you." Glimmer softened into a fatal yet seemingly sweet and innocent expression.
"And what is that smarty?" Borealis faltered, teetering on borderline intimidated.
"I'm sorry my dear girl. You are the one closest to me in age but I must tell you the truth. Sisterly rivalry is a tradition. And if I didn't uphold tradition well…we couldn't be sisters. Sorry Borealis."
"Glimmer, Glimmer please!" Borealis exclaimed, coming between her sister and the door, a look of demand on her face.
"Borealis…everyone gets what they deserve. All I have to say is that you lose." Glimmer pushed by her and the door slid open at her command. "And don't bother trying to knock me down. Then I'd really have to hurt you." Glimmer left with a glorious smile on her face, throwing it back at Borealis with no remorse.
Glimmer pranced out of the room, her high heels clicking as she walked down the hall victoriously. Borealis's bedroom door slid closed once again and she spun on her heel; a vengeful scream escaped her throat as she threw her fists down at her sides.
"That bitch!"
* * *
Serena leaned a tired forehead against the border of her open window. She awoken just moments before and was now slowly allowing the sunlight to fade her fatigue. Her hair had been left up, not purposely of course. The odangoed were a bit misshapen now, flopping slightly to the sides. Serena's pretty blue eyes were now fully awake and taking a deep breath of the morning air, she immediately felt better.
"You always look beautiful-no matter what the time of day," came a smooth voice the doorway.
A wide smile overcame Serena's expression as she swiveled around on her window-seat to find Darien standing before her. "Darien," she giggled happily for the first time in a while, jumping up and throwing her arms around his neck. He kissed her lightly and presented the assorted bouquet.
"Oh sweetie, you didn't have to," the blonde murmured happily, admiring the flowers and arranging them gently. He pulled her into a protective embrace and sighed.
"Of course I did, Serena. You mean the world to me." She pulled back after a moment and searched his eyes deeply. She was so happy that he was home; Darien was her strong hold, her true love, and sworn protector.
"I love you," Serena said moments later.
"With every day that passes, I only delight in the love I have for you which grows every moment. Serena, I missed you so much I thought I'd burst!" Darien replied.
"I thought you'd never get home soon enough. I've been so upset. But I can't deal with-
Darien pressed a finger to her soft lips. "Shhh…forget all of your worries my sweet. Get dressed…we're going out."
"What? Where?" she exclaimed, eyes lighting up as she spoke.
"It's a surprise," he answered with a smile. Darien decided to wait downstairs with Luna while she got ready. And when at last she was, Serena came down wearing a straw sun hat with a red ribbon on it, and a short light yellow sun dress with red, white, and pink floral. For once, the top of her hair was pulled up into a tight bun, the rest flowed loose around her like a cape. He breathed deeply of delight and amazement.
'She can really pull an outfit together.'
Luna watched as they left, thankful that Darien would take Serena's mind off of the terrible past events. "Have fun you two!" Luna laughed, waving her paw as the two got into Darien's car and drove away into a beautiful sunlit morning.
