SAILOR ECLIPSE,
Chapter 5: "Too Many Sailors"
By Bill K.
Yuuichiro peeked into the room again through the crack in the
barely parted door. Rei was knelt before the fire pit. She was
dressed in her miko robes. He could barely make out her voice
whispering to the roaring fire in the pit, pleading with it for
information as the hungry flames leaped up into the air, sometimes
three feet high, in search of fuel.
It was at times like this that he feared for her, and that he
desired her the most. She was so much like the fire: quick to spark,
destructive when angry, dangerous and exciting - - and really hot.
He'd make that the lyric of a song to her if he could find a better
word for 'hot'.
He noticed she'd tied her long black hair behind her with the
ribbon he'd given her that one time. A grateful smile sprouted on
his shaggy face. At least she was doing that now. It made him feel
good. Anything he could do to protect the woman he adored was not
too much to ask.
"Eavesdropping again, Yuuichiro?"
The youth jumped and turned around, knowing he'd find Grampa
behind him. The little gnome chuckled at having got the drop on him
yet again. Yuuichiro shushed him fearfully.
"Oh, relax," Grampa snickered. "A herd of elephants could
parade through there and not disturb her when she's in that deep a
trance. It's part of what makes her good. My mind was always
wandering to," and he rolled his eyes with chagrin, "other things."
"She's going to miss school," Yuuichiro said, looking back at
her.
"I've been over that with her already. She said she's not
going in. I tried to argue, but you know how she is when she digs in
her heels."
"Yeah. Why has this got her bugged so? Was there something
about that intruder she wasn't telling us?"
"I'm sure there is."
"What?"
"If she wants you to know, she'll tell you." Grampa could see
that didn't satisfy Yuuichiro. "Knowing her as long as I have, I can
tell this much: she senses a threat, either to her home or her loved
ones - - things that are dear to her. Given the strength of her
reaction, I'd guess someone very dear to her, say Usagi or perhaps
myself. And she won't rest until she knows they're protected."
"Why do these things always seem to happen to her?" Yuuichiro
scowled. "Why can't the gods ever give her a break?"
"She has great powers. They lift her to a plane above mere
humans. However, great power also attracts trouble. It's the way of
things. While it's true her power has attracted more than her share
of trouble over the years, it's also brought her in touch with the
greatest friends she's ever known, friends she might not have met
otherwise. You see once again the balance of life? Don't just look
to the black, or the white will creep up and smack you upside the
head!"
Yuuichiro looked at him funny.
"You go meditate on that truth while you're unpacking the
incense," Grampa said, jabbing him in the hip with his finger, "and
stop bothering my granddaughter."
"Yes, sensei," Yuuichiro said, reluctantly moving off. Grampa
smiled after him, then paused and gave a pensive look to Rei, still
bent over the fire.
* * * *
Arriving at school, Usagi noticed Ami had beaten her to class.
That made her feel so good, for it was a stab at normalcy after
several days of strangeness. She headed for her desk. Sure enough,
Ami was reading their assigned chemistry text and seemed to be twenty
pages ahead of where the rest of the class was.
Then it struck her. Ami had her face jammed right up against
the page of the book because she didn't have her reading glasses on.
Perplexed, Usagi sat down and leaned over to her friend.
"What's the matter, Ami? Did you forget your glasses?" Usagi
asked.
"Oh, good morning, Usagi-chan," Ami smiled self-consciously.
"No, I didn't forget my glasses. I . . . just didn't want to wear
them."
"Well why not? Your face is so close to that page now that you
could end up with ink on your nose."
"Really?" gasped Ami. Instantly her hand dived into her purse
and pulled out, of all things, a compact. She gazed into the mirror
intently, inspecting ever pore on the tip of her nose.
"Ami," Usagi groaned. "What's going on?"
"N-Nothing. I," Ami stammered. "I just don't like the way I
look in them."
"Why not? I think they look cute on you. Besides, you never
cared how they looked before."
"Well," Ami replied, looking down and feeling trapped, "maybe I
just want to have a different look than 'cute'."
Usagi stared. "Ami, do you have eyeliner on?"
Ami flushed with embarrassment. "I have to get back to my
reading."
Knowing that when Ami put up a book between them it was like
the Walls of Jericho, Usagi didn't pursue things further.
Helplessly, she looked around and spotted Makoto entering the
classroom. In an instant, Usagi was out of her seat and over to meet
her.
"Hey, Usagi," Makoto smiled, then picked up on her mood.
"What's up?"
"Ami is acting weird," Usagi stated flatly.
"How so?"
"She's forgetting homework. She's not paying attention in
class. She refuses to wear her glasses. Makoto, she's wearing
eyeliner!"
"Ami?" goggled Makoto.
"And I think she's got perfume on, too. And last night Rei
spotted her out late. She called me and we followed her all around
the Juuban Shopping District. Now when have you known Ami to go
shopping on her own - - on a school night?"
Makoto looked at Ami and noticed the girl kept looking at the
clock hopefully.
"Well I'm going to go out on a limb here," Makoto grinned, "but
I think our little Ami's in love."
"Really!" gasped Usagi. "With Komatsu-sensei?"
"Well that would be my guess. After all she's done nothing but
drool over him ever since he walked in the door that first day.
Think about the symptoms: dreaming, distracted, suddenly concerned
about her appearance. It's all the classic signs."
Usagi's mouth opened wide in shock. Then her eyes narrowed
conspiratorially and she got a huge grin as she glanced over her
shoulder at Ami.
"Our little Ami's in love," chuckled Usagi, sensing gossip.
"I'll bet you that she was out shopping for a gift for him,"
Makoto added.
"This is too good!" Usagi squealed. Then she sobered quickly.
"I wonder if he feels the same way."
"I was wondering that myself," Makoto replied.
"Hey, her birthday's the tenth! Maybe I could arrange a
candlelight dinner at some fancy, expensive, incredibly romantic
restaurant for them as a present."
"Now Usagi," began Makoto.
"The atmosphere alone would inspire him to fall for her. Of
course, Pop would have to make the arrangements - - and he'd have to
pay for it - - but I don't see why . . ."
"Whoa," Makoto said, gripping Usagi by the shoulders. "Hold
on, little Miss Matchmaker. Ami's going to be seventeen in a few
days. That means she does not need you to help her get dates."
"But Mako-chan," whined Usagi.
"Especially here. Komatsu-sensei's an older man and in a
position of authority, which makes this a delicate situation. The
last thing Ami needs is you nudging things along."
"But Mako-chan . . ."
"Promise me, Usagi."
"But . . ."
"Usagi!"
Usagi stuck her lower lip out in a frustrated pout. Her
shoulders slumped in defeat.
"OK," she huffed. "But if Ami dies an old maid, it's going to
be your fault!"
"Don't worry," Makoto grinned sadly, "I'll probably be keeping
her company in the old maid's home."
"You know, there's a guy on the basketball team who'd be just
perfect for you . . ."
"Usagi," Makoto grinned sternly.
"Oh, all right!" she huffed, rolling her eyes.
They both took their seats. After several moments, Usagi
turned when she felt a tugging on her sleeve.
"Um . . . exactly which guy?" Makoto asked curiously. Usagi
grinned in triumph.
* * * *
The chime sounded for change of period.
"Well, that's enough English for today," Komatsu announced.
"Time for your P. E. class. Get changed and go down to the
gymnasium. I'll be with you shortly." The students began to file
out, headed for the gym. "Try not to kill each other down there,"
he warned playfully. Several chuckles arose from the students.
"And everybody watch out for Tsukino-chan."
"I'm not that dangerous!" Usagi yelled, then quickly added
"sir." More chuckles arose.
Komatsu went to sit down at his desk and quickly sort some
papers before heading down to the gym. To his surprise, he found
Ami lingering by his desk. She seemed ready to jump out of her skin,
but she held her ground and offered him a tentative grin.
"What can I do for you, Mizuno-chan?" he asked, smiling that
smile that made Ami's heart skip.
"I, um," she stammered, then swallowed. "I brought you a gift,
Komatsu-sensei." Quickly she placed a small gift bag on his desk.
"Thank you, Mizuno-chan," he smiled, surprised. "And I didn't
get you anything."
"That's all right," Ami said, looking away in embarrassment.
However her eyes quickly returned to him, as if they couldn't help
themselves.
Komatsu put his hand into the bag and pulled out a little box
about the size of his palm. He opened it and found inside a very
expensive designer wristwatch. His expression mutated into shock.
"I hope you like it," Ami said hopefully.
Komatsu looked up at her and saw the look she was giving him.
He sobered.
"Mizuno-chan," he began softly, "please pull up a seat. We
need to have a talk." Noting her curious expression, he added,
"Right now we have something important we need to discuss."
* * * *
When everyone returned from P. E., murmuring about how Komatsu
hadn't shown up, they noticed Ami was gone. Usagi immediately
brought it to the attention of Makoto and Minako. All through the
rest of the day Usagi was distracted with worry over her missing
friend. By the end of the day, she was grateful to hear the chime
signaling the end of school and bolted from her chair, only to be
stopped by the teacher as she passed his desk.
"Tsukino-chan," Komatsu said. "I noticed you were pretty
distracted all afternoon." Usagi looked toward Makoto and Minako
anxiously.
"I'll wait for you outside," Makoto said.
"I've . . . got something to do," Minako told her. "See you
tomorrow," and then she grinned mischievously. "Unless they're
finally expelling you. Then it's been nice knowing you." She ducked
Makoto's playful swat and ran off.
"Sir, I'm sorry I wasn't very attentive this afternoon," Usagi
began dolefully.
"Don't worry," smiled Komatsu. "I've been very pleased with
your effort. You're still having trouble grasping some of the
concepts I've put out, but at least you're making the effort. That's
half the battle. If anybody's in danger of being expelled, it's
Aino-chan."
He shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
"I expect you were worried about Mizuno-chan being missing this
afternoon. I excused her from the rest of the day. She - - well,
she got some bad news today and I didn't think she needed to be
burdened with school."
"What happened?" gasped Usagi.
"Maybe you should hear that from her," Komatsu replied. "I've
noticed that you seem to be the best friend she has. If I'm not
imposing, may I suggest that you go to her? I think that she needs a
best friend to lean on right about now."
"Yes, sir," Usagi said, instantly flying to the door. It
wasn't until she grasped the handle that she realized she hadn't been
dismissed. "Were we finished?" she asked, turning back to her
teacher.
"Yes, we were finished," smiled Komatsu. "See you tomorrow,
Tsukino-chan."
"So what happened?" Makoto asked. Usagi whizzed by her and
Makoto moved to catch up.
"I'll tell you on the way," Usagi said over her shoulder.
"We've got to get to Ami."
Usagi's pace soon slowed because she couldn't keep up the
running trot she'd been using. She settled for walking fast.
"I hope nothing bad has happened," Usagi said as she hurried
along. "Oh, Mako-chan, what if her Mom or Dad has been in a terrible
accident or something?"
"I hope it's nothing like that," Makoto replied. "I also hope
it's not what I'm thinking."
"What?"
"Well," Makoto frowned. "I guess you didn't notice the gift
bag she was holding when Komatsu-sensei dismissed us for P. E.
class."
"No, I . . ."
Suddenly Makoto grabbed Usagi's arm and jerked her to a stop.
"Look!" she hissed, pointing across the street to the park.
"It's that fake Sailor V!"
"Oh my, you're right!" Usagi gasped. "Why now of all times?"
Sailor V caught sight of them, instantly turned and ran.
Makoto took off after her, weaving through traffic while Usagi kept
up as best she could. They covered the ground from the street to the
trees as fast as they could, but by then Sailor V was almost to the
lake.
"Transform!" Makoto said.
"Out here in the open?" gasped Usagi.
"There's nobody around. Besides, if we're going to take her
on, we need to be transformed. Take it from me." Makoto produced
her henshin stick. "Jupiter Crystal Power Make Up!"
"Moon Eternal Make Up!"
After they were transformed, Sailor Jupiter sent Sailor Moon to
one side of the lake to herd Sailor V to the other side, while she
came around from behind and boxed her in. Lent speed by her
transformed form, Sailor Moon began gaining on Sailor V. Finally the
woman stopped and turned, seemingly to fight.
"You surrender now," Sailor Moon commanded, "you - - you - -
Sailor V faker, you!"
Sailor V smirked, which only angered Sailor Moon. She seemed
about to say something, when something caught her senses. Sailor V
flung herself out of the way just in time to avoid a bolt of
electricity from Jupiter.
"Ohhhh!" fumed Sailor Moon, producing the Moon Power Tier. "I
DO NOT HAVE TIME FOR THIS! Silver Moon Crystal Power Kiss!"
Sailor V pivoted on a dime and flung herself to the side to
avoid the silver energy of the Moon Tier. However, the energy cut
with her, seeking her out like it had a mind of its own. It
enveloped her, overwhelming her, lifting the girl off the ground. A
sound that seemed almost like a sigh of contentment escaped her lips,
and then she crumpled to the ground.
As Sailor Moon ran up, Jupiter was already on her. She knelt
down next to the fallen Sailor V and pulled the scarlet mask from her
face.
"Minako?!" gasped Sailor Moon.
Continued in part 6
Chapter 5: "Too Many Sailors"
By Bill K.
Yuuichiro peeked into the room again through the crack in the
barely parted door. Rei was knelt before the fire pit. She was
dressed in her miko robes. He could barely make out her voice
whispering to the roaring fire in the pit, pleading with it for
information as the hungry flames leaped up into the air, sometimes
three feet high, in search of fuel.
It was at times like this that he feared for her, and that he
desired her the most. She was so much like the fire: quick to spark,
destructive when angry, dangerous and exciting - - and really hot.
He'd make that the lyric of a song to her if he could find a better
word for 'hot'.
He noticed she'd tied her long black hair behind her with the
ribbon he'd given her that one time. A grateful smile sprouted on
his shaggy face. At least she was doing that now. It made him feel
good. Anything he could do to protect the woman he adored was not
too much to ask.
"Eavesdropping again, Yuuichiro?"
The youth jumped and turned around, knowing he'd find Grampa
behind him. The little gnome chuckled at having got the drop on him
yet again. Yuuichiro shushed him fearfully.
"Oh, relax," Grampa snickered. "A herd of elephants could
parade through there and not disturb her when she's in that deep a
trance. It's part of what makes her good. My mind was always
wandering to," and he rolled his eyes with chagrin, "other things."
"She's going to miss school," Yuuichiro said, looking back at
her.
"I've been over that with her already. She said she's not
going in. I tried to argue, but you know how she is when she digs in
her heels."
"Yeah. Why has this got her bugged so? Was there something
about that intruder she wasn't telling us?"
"I'm sure there is."
"What?"
"If she wants you to know, she'll tell you." Grampa could see
that didn't satisfy Yuuichiro. "Knowing her as long as I have, I can
tell this much: she senses a threat, either to her home or her loved
ones - - things that are dear to her. Given the strength of her
reaction, I'd guess someone very dear to her, say Usagi or perhaps
myself. And she won't rest until she knows they're protected."
"Why do these things always seem to happen to her?" Yuuichiro
scowled. "Why can't the gods ever give her a break?"
"She has great powers. They lift her to a plane above mere
humans. However, great power also attracts trouble. It's the way of
things. While it's true her power has attracted more than her share
of trouble over the years, it's also brought her in touch with the
greatest friends she's ever known, friends she might not have met
otherwise. You see once again the balance of life? Don't just look
to the black, or the white will creep up and smack you upside the
head!"
Yuuichiro looked at him funny.
"You go meditate on that truth while you're unpacking the
incense," Grampa said, jabbing him in the hip with his finger, "and
stop bothering my granddaughter."
"Yes, sensei," Yuuichiro said, reluctantly moving off. Grampa
smiled after him, then paused and gave a pensive look to Rei, still
bent over the fire.
* * * *
Arriving at school, Usagi noticed Ami had beaten her to class.
That made her feel so good, for it was a stab at normalcy after
several days of strangeness. She headed for her desk. Sure enough,
Ami was reading their assigned chemistry text and seemed to be twenty
pages ahead of where the rest of the class was.
Then it struck her. Ami had her face jammed right up against
the page of the book because she didn't have her reading glasses on.
Perplexed, Usagi sat down and leaned over to her friend.
"What's the matter, Ami? Did you forget your glasses?" Usagi
asked.
"Oh, good morning, Usagi-chan," Ami smiled self-consciously.
"No, I didn't forget my glasses. I . . . just didn't want to wear
them."
"Well why not? Your face is so close to that page now that you
could end up with ink on your nose."
"Really?" gasped Ami. Instantly her hand dived into her purse
and pulled out, of all things, a compact. She gazed into the mirror
intently, inspecting ever pore on the tip of her nose.
"Ami," Usagi groaned. "What's going on?"
"N-Nothing. I," Ami stammered. "I just don't like the way I
look in them."
"Why not? I think they look cute on you. Besides, you never
cared how they looked before."
"Well," Ami replied, looking down and feeling trapped, "maybe I
just want to have a different look than 'cute'."
Usagi stared. "Ami, do you have eyeliner on?"
Ami flushed with embarrassment. "I have to get back to my
reading."
Knowing that when Ami put up a book between them it was like
the Walls of Jericho, Usagi didn't pursue things further.
Helplessly, she looked around and spotted Makoto entering the
classroom. In an instant, Usagi was out of her seat and over to meet
her.
"Hey, Usagi," Makoto smiled, then picked up on her mood.
"What's up?"
"Ami is acting weird," Usagi stated flatly.
"How so?"
"She's forgetting homework. She's not paying attention in
class. She refuses to wear her glasses. Makoto, she's wearing
eyeliner!"
"Ami?" goggled Makoto.
"And I think she's got perfume on, too. And last night Rei
spotted her out late. She called me and we followed her all around
the Juuban Shopping District. Now when have you known Ami to go
shopping on her own - - on a school night?"
Makoto looked at Ami and noticed the girl kept looking at the
clock hopefully.
"Well I'm going to go out on a limb here," Makoto grinned, "but
I think our little Ami's in love."
"Really!" gasped Usagi. "With Komatsu-sensei?"
"Well that would be my guess. After all she's done nothing but
drool over him ever since he walked in the door that first day.
Think about the symptoms: dreaming, distracted, suddenly concerned
about her appearance. It's all the classic signs."
Usagi's mouth opened wide in shock. Then her eyes narrowed
conspiratorially and she got a huge grin as she glanced over her
shoulder at Ami.
"Our little Ami's in love," chuckled Usagi, sensing gossip.
"I'll bet you that she was out shopping for a gift for him,"
Makoto added.
"This is too good!" Usagi squealed. Then she sobered quickly.
"I wonder if he feels the same way."
"I was wondering that myself," Makoto replied.
"Hey, her birthday's the tenth! Maybe I could arrange a
candlelight dinner at some fancy, expensive, incredibly romantic
restaurant for them as a present."
"Now Usagi," began Makoto.
"The atmosphere alone would inspire him to fall for her. Of
course, Pop would have to make the arrangements - - and he'd have to
pay for it - - but I don't see why . . ."
"Whoa," Makoto said, gripping Usagi by the shoulders. "Hold
on, little Miss Matchmaker. Ami's going to be seventeen in a few
days. That means she does not need you to help her get dates."
"But Mako-chan," whined Usagi.
"Especially here. Komatsu-sensei's an older man and in a
position of authority, which makes this a delicate situation. The
last thing Ami needs is you nudging things along."
"But Mako-chan . . ."
"Promise me, Usagi."
"But . . ."
"Usagi!"
Usagi stuck her lower lip out in a frustrated pout. Her
shoulders slumped in defeat.
"OK," she huffed. "But if Ami dies an old maid, it's going to
be your fault!"
"Don't worry," Makoto grinned sadly, "I'll probably be keeping
her company in the old maid's home."
"You know, there's a guy on the basketball team who'd be just
perfect for you . . ."
"Usagi," Makoto grinned sternly.
"Oh, all right!" she huffed, rolling her eyes.
They both took their seats. After several moments, Usagi
turned when she felt a tugging on her sleeve.
"Um . . . exactly which guy?" Makoto asked curiously. Usagi
grinned in triumph.
* * * *
The chime sounded for change of period.
"Well, that's enough English for today," Komatsu announced.
"Time for your P. E. class. Get changed and go down to the
gymnasium. I'll be with you shortly." The students began to file
out, headed for the gym. "Try not to kill each other down there,"
he warned playfully. Several chuckles arose from the students.
"And everybody watch out for Tsukino-chan."
"I'm not that dangerous!" Usagi yelled, then quickly added
"sir." More chuckles arose.
Komatsu went to sit down at his desk and quickly sort some
papers before heading down to the gym. To his surprise, he found
Ami lingering by his desk. She seemed ready to jump out of her skin,
but she held her ground and offered him a tentative grin.
"What can I do for you, Mizuno-chan?" he asked, smiling that
smile that made Ami's heart skip.
"I, um," she stammered, then swallowed. "I brought you a gift,
Komatsu-sensei." Quickly she placed a small gift bag on his desk.
"Thank you, Mizuno-chan," he smiled, surprised. "And I didn't
get you anything."
"That's all right," Ami said, looking away in embarrassment.
However her eyes quickly returned to him, as if they couldn't help
themselves.
Komatsu put his hand into the bag and pulled out a little box
about the size of his palm. He opened it and found inside a very
expensive designer wristwatch. His expression mutated into shock.
"I hope you like it," Ami said hopefully.
Komatsu looked up at her and saw the look she was giving him.
He sobered.
"Mizuno-chan," he began softly, "please pull up a seat. We
need to have a talk." Noting her curious expression, he added,
"Right now we have something important we need to discuss."
* * * *
When everyone returned from P. E., murmuring about how Komatsu
hadn't shown up, they noticed Ami was gone. Usagi immediately
brought it to the attention of Makoto and Minako. All through the
rest of the day Usagi was distracted with worry over her missing
friend. By the end of the day, she was grateful to hear the chime
signaling the end of school and bolted from her chair, only to be
stopped by the teacher as she passed his desk.
"Tsukino-chan," Komatsu said. "I noticed you were pretty
distracted all afternoon." Usagi looked toward Makoto and Minako
anxiously.
"I'll wait for you outside," Makoto said.
"I've . . . got something to do," Minako told her. "See you
tomorrow," and then she grinned mischievously. "Unless they're
finally expelling you. Then it's been nice knowing you." She ducked
Makoto's playful swat and ran off.
"Sir, I'm sorry I wasn't very attentive this afternoon," Usagi
began dolefully.
"Don't worry," smiled Komatsu. "I've been very pleased with
your effort. You're still having trouble grasping some of the
concepts I've put out, but at least you're making the effort. That's
half the battle. If anybody's in danger of being expelled, it's
Aino-chan."
He shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
"I expect you were worried about Mizuno-chan being missing this
afternoon. I excused her from the rest of the day. She - - well,
she got some bad news today and I didn't think she needed to be
burdened with school."
"What happened?" gasped Usagi.
"Maybe you should hear that from her," Komatsu replied. "I've
noticed that you seem to be the best friend she has. If I'm not
imposing, may I suggest that you go to her? I think that she needs a
best friend to lean on right about now."
"Yes, sir," Usagi said, instantly flying to the door. It
wasn't until she grasped the handle that she realized she hadn't been
dismissed. "Were we finished?" she asked, turning back to her
teacher.
"Yes, we were finished," smiled Komatsu. "See you tomorrow,
Tsukino-chan."
"So what happened?" Makoto asked. Usagi whizzed by her and
Makoto moved to catch up.
"I'll tell you on the way," Usagi said over her shoulder.
"We've got to get to Ami."
Usagi's pace soon slowed because she couldn't keep up the
running trot she'd been using. She settled for walking fast.
"I hope nothing bad has happened," Usagi said as she hurried
along. "Oh, Mako-chan, what if her Mom or Dad has been in a terrible
accident or something?"
"I hope it's nothing like that," Makoto replied. "I also hope
it's not what I'm thinking."
"What?"
"Well," Makoto frowned. "I guess you didn't notice the gift
bag she was holding when Komatsu-sensei dismissed us for P. E.
class."
"No, I . . ."
Suddenly Makoto grabbed Usagi's arm and jerked her to a stop.
"Look!" she hissed, pointing across the street to the park.
"It's that fake Sailor V!"
"Oh my, you're right!" Usagi gasped. "Why now of all times?"
Sailor V caught sight of them, instantly turned and ran.
Makoto took off after her, weaving through traffic while Usagi kept
up as best she could. They covered the ground from the street to the
trees as fast as they could, but by then Sailor V was almost to the
lake.
"Transform!" Makoto said.
"Out here in the open?" gasped Usagi.
"There's nobody around. Besides, if we're going to take her
on, we need to be transformed. Take it from me." Makoto produced
her henshin stick. "Jupiter Crystal Power Make Up!"
"Moon Eternal Make Up!"
After they were transformed, Sailor Jupiter sent Sailor Moon to
one side of the lake to herd Sailor V to the other side, while she
came around from behind and boxed her in. Lent speed by her
transformed form, Sailor Moon began gaining on Sailor V. Finally the
woman stopped and turned, seemingly to fight.
"You surrender now," Sailor Moon commanded, "you - - you - -
Sailor V faker, you!"
Sailor V smirked, which only angered Sailor Moon. She seemed
about to say something, when something caught her senses. Sailor V
flung herself out of the way just in time to avoid a bolt of
electricity from Jupiter.
"Ohhhh!" fumed Sailor Moon, producing the Moon Power Tier. "I
DO NOT HAVE TIME FOR THIS! Silver Moon Crystal Power Kiss!"
Sailor V pivoted on a dime and flung herself to the side to
avoid the silver energy of the Moon Tier. However, the energy cut
with her, seeking her out like it had a mind of its own. It
enveloped her, overwhelming her, lifting the girl off the ground. A
sound that seemed almost like a sigh of contentment escaped her lips,
and then she crumpled to the ground.
As Sailor Moon ran up, Jupiter was already on her. She knelt
down next to the fallen Sailor V and pulled the scarlet mask from her
face.
"Minako?!" gasped Sailor Moon.
Continued in part 6