**I do not own Sailor Moon or Pokemon. Thought I might as well add a disclaimer here somewhere ^^... Well, I did get some advice on which pokemon to use, so you shall see some recommended ones popping up now and then. If not this chapter, than the next. Don't worry - we still have a ways to go. **
The pile of dust and cloud eventually cleared out, and Haruka looked around sharply to make sure everything was still okay. Her main concern was the safety of Minako, and right now, Haruka's anxiety was progressively increasing as she realized that the other blonde was nowhere in sight.
Suddenly, a piercing scream shattered the dull rumble that had left in the wake of the explosion, and Haruka, all senses alert, immediately ran towards the sound.
Luckily for Haruka, the screaming did not cease, although it grew in frequency and fear, as Haruka could hear the overtones of helplessness lying within it.
"Hang on Minako." Haruka muttered in an undertone, taking out her pokeball. In a flash, her three-headed bird pokemon, Dodrio, was out and ready, and Haruka leapt on its back without even a moment's pause. With the combined speed of her pokemon, the dirty blonde was able to reach towards the site of danger within only a moment's pause. And, as Haruka spotted Minako, the epicenter of all the screaming, she was completely appalled of the scene that lay in front of her.
Minako, eyes wide and dilated, was trying her best to back away from her nemesis, each step driving her backwards, until she was completely trapped by the base of a tree and could only stare helplessly as her nemesis drew closer. Of course, the situation would have been very serious - had her nemesis not been a harmless one-foot bug pokemon Venonat, who seemed to have taken an attraction to Minako, despite the blonde's attempts to evade such gestures.
Haruka finally digested all that she needed, and she immediately did the most reasonable thing possible. That is, she rolled over in laughter, laughing so hard that she didn't even wince or stop laughing when she fell off her Dodrio.
Minako took this moment to glare at Haruka. "You could at least help me, you know."
Still laughing (and rubbing her sore backside), Haruka managed to choke down her last smiles, and wave an accusing finger at Minako. "That's what you get for abandoning me. And here, I thought you were in trouble."
"But I AM!" Minako's reply was indignant, and she uttered another 'eep' as she realized that the Venonat was again trying to cuddle her leg.
Haruka blinked as she watched a flying Venonat soar over her head. "You know, that wasn't very nice. You could have at least defeated it in battle or something."
Minako was still glaring at the older girl. "Well, some help you were. Don't offer advice unless you know how to bake it." With that, she slung her backpack over her shoulders, and dusted herself off. "At least I know I can trust myself", the long-haired blonde muttered under her breath. She turned to Haruka, which was still blinking in what seemed like a cross between bewilderment and amusement. "Come on! Are we going to stay here forever? It'll probably take us DAYS to get to the next city and by then, Usagi and the others will probably be somewhere far away."
At that moment, Haruka chose to point to a very clear painted sign that read: "Next exit, Viridian City - 2 km away."
Minako gaped in surprise.
"Oh, and by the way Minako, we were heading along this path in the first place." Haruka couldn't resist adding the extra comment.
Of course, Minako responded by throwing her hands in the air in exasperation. "I knew that! I was just testing you!"
"Uh huh. Sure." Haruka remarked sarcastically, petting and returning her Dodrio. "Now are we going to go or not?"
For the remainder of the trip, no words were exchanged.
Makoto glanced around at the shady regions of the woods they were walking it. It was getting dark, and now the sky burned with a brilliant ochre red hue, a shade lighter than the colour of Setsuna's eyes. The tall brunette chose that moment to glance at Setsuna, who seemed to be in a semi-meditating trance, eyes closed peacefully. The older woman had been like this for over an hour now, and Makoto wondered whether or not they were even going to get anywhere at this state.
"Relax Makoto. We will make it on time. What matters most is that we know what the real problem right now is." Setsuna suddenly answered, eyes still closed as she said this.
Makoto jerked in surprise. Could Setsuna read her mind? That was impossible, wasn't it? The only people who could read minds were... well, not anyone she knew, anyway. And, as Makoto thought of Setsuna, she realized that she didn't know the older woman at all.
"But, isn't our problem to find our friends and fix whatever situation there is?" Makoto ventured, her voice tinted with frustration.
"Perhaps. Only time will tell." Setsuna finally replied.
Makoto had had enough of this. She stood up hastily, and turned around, stomping into the tresses of the forest and away from their rest site. Mainly, away from Setsuna.
"Makoto." Setsuna stated, her voice hinting urgency. "Stop."
Makoto turned around, angry emerald-green eyes flashing. "Why should I? Its not like we're going to solve anything like this, and sorry, but I won't sit here and wait for my friends to get killed or captured, thank you very much!" The last words were edged with a harsh tone.
For a moment, Setsuna's eyes seemed to flash with worry, but that emotion quickly receded. "Listen. I'm not asking you to join me, but please don't do something foolish."
Makoto snarled. "You calling me stupid?" Her hand immediately strayed to her pokeballs, arms tensing.
"Your friend Usagi is in grave danger. Right now, she holds a formidable power, yet she does not know how to use this. If Team Rocket captures her and is able to tap into her power, they will ruin the balance between humans and pokemon, to try and rule the world. The end result is the destruction of the world." Setsuna paused in between. "This is not what you want, so act rationally. Anger is not a choice in a situation like this."
"Wait a moment. You said that Team Rocket wasn't that dangerous." Makoto protested, her emotion forgotten as she digested this new information.
"I never mentioned such a thing. Team Rocket was not the real threat, or so I hoped, but now it has only risen in ambition and power. It looks like Team Rocket will be after all the Chosen ones, to Awaken their power and tap into its limitless energy. Pray very hard that they will not succeed." Setsuna explained, her voice a bit strained.
"Then... my friends."
Setsuna nodded. "All your friends are in danger. But now, Usagi is in the greatest danger so, I guess we have no choice but to act on the moment and try and find her."
Makoto nodded. "You sound like you know everything that's about to happen."
Setsuna smiled wryly. "A lot of people have said that before, but it depends on your interpretation."
"Well, to me, you might as well be able to see the future." Makoto replied honestly. "Gah. You're too smart for me."
Setsuna smiled, somewhat falling short of condescending. "Intelligence comes not just from the mind but the heart. And you have plenty of heart."
Makoto took that moment to look closely at the older woman, from her intelligent deep-red eyes and dark tanned skin, which seemed darker from the shadows that now danced around at sunset. This older woman was indeed... something else. It was then Makoto knew that she could trust Setsuna. She would find a way.
Setsuna stood up, grabbing her belongings before gesturing for Makoto to follow her.
And Makoto obliged, falling into step behind the older woman.
"Setsuna?" Makoto ventured, her voice carrying volumes in the sanctity of the dusky woods.
"Mmm?" Setsuna answered, still walking.
"I just wanted to thank you." Makoto looked downwards, her cheeks flushing in humbleness and embarrassment.
"Then I thank you too." Setsuna replied, as they continued walking.
Makoto said nothing, but was a bit piqued that her dramatic moment had been ruined.
Immediately, Rei's Flareon leapt high into the air, letting out an intense burst of brilliant yellow-white flame, that covered the exact spot the girl had been standing a moment ago. Rei was angry - more angry than she should be, but it was that girl's fault that everything had gone wrong; it was that girl's fault that now her friends were all gone - possibly dead or dying, or even worse, captured.
And now, her Flareon reflected her anger, fueling the fire until the flames rose like a towering inferno, engulfing everything within its destructive path.
Rei smirked as the fire receded, leaving a burnt scorch mark on the ground, and a shimmering of ashes of anything within a radius of 10 metres from the epicenter. Well - that was that. There was indeed a guilt for... disposing of such a young girl - but that was the price paid for her needlessly killing so many other lives. It was revenge, and it made Rei burn with hurt anger and satisfaction. She had lost too many people this way, and now, she would make all of those who had hurt her pay. And pay dearly.
A small flicker of hope remained in her that her friends were still alive, so the raven-haired girl began trekking towards her next destination, where perhaps she could be notified of her friends - if any had survived such an explosion.
Returning her Flareon, Rei began her trek, not bothering to wonder where she was going, and not bothering to look back.
Meanwhile, a pair of violet eyes looked sadly at the receding form of Rei, one hand stroking her pokemon's soft black fur.
The Umbreon looked up sharply as it felt a warm liquid dripping onto its head, like rain.
Hotaru continued stroking her pokemon, letting some of the tears fall. "It was my fault wasn't it?" She whispered to her companion.
Her Umbreon nuzzled her mistress, and gently licked the tears of her face.
And the short-haired girl managed a small smile, before looking at the now almost-invisible form of Rei in the horizon. "We better follow her then."
The Umbreon nodded.
Usagi was running and running, but the further she ran, the closer she got to it. It was useless - she knew she couldn't escape it. So why was she trying so hard? Maybe, she should just give up - she should just surrender herself. After all, what possibly could happen? She wasn't important at all - just an ordinary girl - the world wouldn't miss her if she disappeared. She just couldn't stand running anymore.
And, Usagi stopped, letting the darkness and fears catch up with her and consume her, squeezing her eyes shut at the sounds of hatred and malice that echoed within. It was horrible, suffocating, depriving, and Usagi knew she could stop it. It was too, strong too-
-Usagi woke up, still resting peacefully on top of her Bonded as it flew in the starry night sky.
: Bad dreams, child?: The Ho-oh asked, feeling Usagi's presence.
Usagi nodded. "Uh -huh. I dreamed that-"
-:A darkness came and consumed you, and you could do nothing:
"Yes". Usagi admitted, knowing that her Bonded knew very well everything Usagi was thinking or had thought. She shut her eyes, remembering the nightmare's vividness. "But, will I-"
-:As long as you fight the darkness and believe in your power and the power of your friends, everything will be okay: The Ho-oh reassured.
"I hope so." Usagi added fervently. And she watched, in a sparkle of determination and hope, as the night sky filled with multitudes of brilliant white stars, each burning against the darkness of the sky with such intensity. To Usagi, they represented her hope.
** Okay, one stress load off me for the moment, so you can enjoy all the other wonderful fanfiction waiting for you out there. I was reading so many good pokemon/Sailor Moon ones yesterday that I didn't sleep until 2! Ahh... bad... ^^. I'll run now, and any suggestions of what do no next are greatly welcomed, otherwise you'll have to wait another three weeks before I force up another stupid idea. I'm sorta in stalemate right now... sigh....**
The pile of dust and cloud eventually cleared out, and Haruka looked around sharply to make sure everything was still okay. Her main concern was the safety of Minako, and right now, Haruka's anxiety was progressively increasing as she realized that the other blonde was nowhere in sight.
Suddenly, a piercing scream shattered the dull rumble that had left in the wake of the explosion, and Haruka, all senses alert, immediately ran towards the sound.
Luckily for Haruka, the screaming did not cease, although it grew in frequency and fear, as Haruka could hear the overtones of helplessness lying within it.
"Hang on Minako." Haruka muttered in an undertone, taking out her pokeball. In a flash, her three-headed bird pokemon, Dodrio, was out and ready, and Haruka leapt on its back without even a moment's pause. With the combined speed of her pokemon, the dirty blonde was able to reach towards the site of danger within only a moment's pause. And, as Haruka spotted Minako, the epicenter of all the screaming, she was completely appalled of the scene that lay in front of her.
Minako, eyes wide and dilated, was trying her best to back away from her nemesis, each step driving her backwards, until she was completely trapped by the base of a tree and could only stare helplessly as her nemesis drew closer. Of course, the situation would have been very serious - had her nemesis not been a harmless one-foot bug pokemon Venonat, who seemed to have taken an attraction to Minako, despite the blonde's attempts to evade such gestures.
Haruka finally digested all that she needed, and she immediately did the most reasonable thing possible. That is, she rolled over in laughter, laughing so hard that she didn't even wince or stop laughing when she fell off her Dodrio.
Minako took this moment to glare at Haruka. "You could at least help me, you know."
Still laughing (and rubbing her sore backside), Haruka managed to choke down her last smiles, and wave an accusing finger at Minako. "That's what you get for abandoning me. And here, I thought you were in trouble."
"But I AM!" Minako's reply was indignant, and she uttered another 'eep' as she realized that the Venonat was again trying to cuddle her leg.
Haruka blinked as she watched a flying Venonat soar over her head. "You know, that wasn't very nice. You could have at least defeated it in battle or something."
Minako was still glaring at the older girl. "Well, some help you were. Don't offer advice unless you know how to bake it." With that, she slung her backpack over her shoulders, and dusted herself off. "At least I know I can trust myself", the long-haired blonde muttered under her breath. She turned to Haruka, which was still blinking in what seemed like a cross between bewilderment and amusement. "Come on! Are we going to stay here forever? It'll probably take us DAYS to get to the next city and by then, Usagi and the others will probably be somewhere far away."
At that moment, Haruka chose to point to a very clear painted sign that read: "Next exit, Viridian City - 2 km away."
Minako gaped in surprise.
"Oh, and by the way Minako, we were heading along this path in the first place." Haruka couldn't resist adding the extra comment.
Of course, Minako responded by throwing her hands in the air in exasperation. "I knew that! I was just testing you!"
"Uh huh. Sure." Haruka remarked sarcastically, petting and returning her Dodrio. "Now are we going to go or not?"
For the remainder of the trip, no words were exchanged.
Makoto glanced around at the shady regions of the woods they were walking it. It was getting dark, and now the sky burned with a brilliant ochre red hue, a shade lighter than the colour of Setsuna's eyes. The tall brunette chose that moment to glance at Setsuna, who seemed to be in a semi-meditating trance, eyes closed peacefully. The older woman had been like this for over an hour now, and Makoto wondered whether or not they were even going to get anywhere at this state.
"Relax Makoto. We will make it on time. What matters most is that we know what the real problem right now is." Setsuna suddenly answered, eyes still closed as she said this.
Makoto jerked in surprise. Could Setsuna read her mind? That was impossible, wasn't it? The only people who could read minds were... well, not anyone she knew, anyway. And, as Makoto thought of Setsuna, she realized that she didn't know the older woman at all.
"But, isn't our problem to find our friends and fix whatever situation there is?" Makoto ventured, her voice tinted with frustration.
"Perhaps. Only time will tell." Setsuna finally replied.
Makoto had had enough of this. She stood up hastily, and turned around, stomping into the tresses of the forest and away from their rest site. Mainly, away from Setsuna.
"Makoto." Setsuna stated, her voice hinting urgency. "Stop."
Makoto turned around, angry emerald-green eyes flashing. "Why should I? Its not like we're going to solve anything like this, and sorry, but I won't sit here and wait for my friends to get killed or captured, thank you very much!" The last words were edged with a harsh tone.
For a moment, Setsuna's eyes seemed to flash with worry, but that emotion quickly receded. "Listen. I'm not asking you to join me, but please don't do something foolish."
Makoto snarled. "You calling me stupid?" Her hand immediately strayed to her pokeballs, arms tensing.
"Your friend Usagi is in grave danger. Right now, she holds a formidable power, yet she does not know how to use this. If Team Rocket captures her and is able to tap into her power, they will ruin the balance between humans and pokemon, to try and rule the world. The end result is the destruction of the world." Setsuna paused in between. "This is not what you want, so act rationally. Anger is not a choice in a situation like this."
"Wait a moment. You said that Team Rocket wasn't that dangerous." Makoto protested, her emotion forgotten as she digested this new information.
"I never mentioned such a thing. Team Rocket was not the real threat, or so I hoped, but now it has only risen in ambition and power. It looks like Team Rocket will be after all the Chosen ones, to Awaken their power and tap into its limitless energy. Pray very hard that they will not succeed." Setsuna explained, her voice a bit strained.
"Then... my friends."
Setsuna nodded. "All your friends are in danger. But now, Usagi is in the greatest danger so, I guess we have no choice but to act on the moment and try and find her."
Makoto nodded. "You sound like you know everything that's about to happen."
Setsuna smiled wryly. "A lot of people have said that before, but it depends on your interpretation."
"Well, to me, you might as well be able to see the future." Makoto replied honestly. "Gah. You're too smart for me."
Setsuna smiled, somewhat falling short of condescending. "Intelligence comes not just from the mind but the heart. And you have plenty of heart."
Makoto took that moment to look closely at the older woman, from her intelligent deep-red eyes and dark tanned skin, which seemed darker from the shadows that now danced around at sunset. This older woman was indeed... something else. It was then Makoto knew that she could trust Setsuna. She would find a way.
Setsuna stood up, grabbing her belongings before gesturing for Makoto to follow her.
And Makoto obliged, falling into step behind the older woman.
"Setsuna?" Makoto ventured, her voice carrying volumes in the sanctity of the dusky woods.
"Mmm?" Setsuna answered, still walking.
"I just wanted to thank you." Makoto looked downwards, her cheeks flushing in humbleness and embarrassment.
"Then I thank you too." Setsuna replied, as they continued walking.
Makoto said nothing, but was a bit piqued that her dramatic moment had been ruined.
Immediately, Rei's Flareon leapt high into the air, letting out an intense burst of brilliant yellow-white flame, that covered the exact spot the girl had been standing a moment ago. Rei was angry - more angry than she should be, but it was that girl's fault that everything had gone wrong; it was that girl's fault that now her friends were all gone - possibly dead or dying, or even worse, captured.
And now, her Flareon reflected her anger, fueling the fire until the flames rose like a towering inferno, engulfing everything within its destructive path.
Rei smirked as the fire receded, leaving a burnt scorch mark on the ground, and a shimmering of ashes of anything within a radius of 10 metres from the epicenter. Well - that was that. There was indeed a guilt for... disposing of such a young girl - but that was the price paid for her needlessly killing so many other lives. It was revenge, and it made Rei burn with hurt anger and satisfaction. She had lost too many people this way, and now, she would make all of those who had hurt her pay. And pay dearly.
A small flicker of hope remained in her that her friends were still alive, so the raven-haired girl began trekking towards her next destination, where perhaps she could be notified of her friends - if any had survived such an explosion.
Returning her Flareon, Rei began her trek, not bothering to wonder where she was going, and not bothering to look back.
Meanwhile, a pair of violet eyes looked sadly at the receding form of Rei, one hand stroking her pokemon's soft black fur.
The Umbreon looked up sharply as it felt a warm liquid dripping onto its head, like rain.
Hotaru continued stroking her pokemon, letting some of the tears fall. "It was my fault wasn't it?" She whispered to her companion.
Her Umbreon nuzzled her mistress, and gently licked the tears of her face.
And the short-haired girl managed a small smile, before looking at the now almost-invisible form of Rei in the horizon. "We better follow her then."
The Umbreon nodded.
Usagi was running and running, but the further she ran, the closer she got to it. It was useless - she knew she couldn't escape it. So why was she trying so hard? Maybe, she should just give up - she should just surrender herself. After all, what possibly could happen? She wasn't important at all - just an ordinary girl - the world wouldn't miss her if she disappeared. She just couldn't stand running anymore.
And, Usagi stopped, letting the darkness and fears catch up with her and consume her, squeezing her eyes shut at the sounds of hatred and malice that echoed within. It was horrible, suffocating, depriving, and Usagi knew she could stop it. It was too, strong too-
-Usagi woke up, still resting peacefully on top of her Bonded as it flew in the starry night sky.
: Bad dreams, child?: The Ho-oh asked, feeling Usagi's presence.
Usagi nodded. "Uh -huh. I dreamed that-"
-:A darkness came and consumed you, and you could do nothing:
"Yes". Usagi admitted, knowing that her Bonded knew very well everything Usagi was thinking or had thought. She shut her eyes, remembering the nightmare's vividness. "But, will I-"
-:As long as you fight the darkness and believe in your power and the power of your friends, everything will be okay: The Ho-oh reassured.
"I hope so." Usagi added fervently. And she watched, in a sparkle of determination and hope, as the night sky filled with multitudes of brilliant white stars, each burning against the darkness of the sky with such intensity. To Usagi, they represented her hope.
** Okay, one stress load off me for the moment, so you can enjoy all the other wonderful fanfiction waiting for you out there. I was reading so many good pokemon/Sailor Moon ones yesterday that I didn't sleep until 2! Ahh... bad... ^^. I'll run now, and any suggestions of what do no next are greatly welcomed, otherwise you'll have to wait another three weeks before I force up another stupid idea. I'm sorta in stalemate right now... sigh....**