Somewhere - Tokyo, Japan - year 2000
The call had come just about half an hour ago when she was in the shower after testing for a new belt in her choices of martial art styles, aikido and karate. It had startled her beyond words and worried her even more. For the attack was at the opposite side of town, and it was going to take time to get there.
Half an hour earlier
Usagi was rinsing her long, well cared for, blonde mass of hair from soap when a subtle beeping from her subspace pocket caught her attention. Swiftly materializing the communicator, she tapped the 'on screen' button. Sailor Mars' face immediately showed up on the small screen, a stressed expression on her usually serene features.
"Finally," she snapped. "There's a youma in the mall by your school. Transform and come here quickly, Usagi-chan. We need you."
A panicked expression made its way to Usagi's face.
"But..." she started.
Mars face grew even stressed as she apparently glanced over her shoulder.
"There's no time," she tensely said. "Get here now, Usagi-chan. Over and out."
Usagi didn't waste any time staring at the pink communicator but just grabbed her henshin locket and uttered her activation phrase. A multicolored glimmer later, Sailor Moon were sprinting the fastest she could through town, Usagi Tsukino's personal belongings carelessly deposited in the subspace pocket.
Battle Scene - Tokyo Japan - year 2000
Gasping and breathless from her high speed run through Tokyo, Sailor Moon arrived to the crime scene half an hour later and was greeted by a horrifying scene. Mercury and Tuxedo Kamen was taken out, laying unconscious on the ground, and Mars was supporting herself against a bench to hold herself upright as she threw her fire attack at the youma together with Jupiter's lightning attack. The boyish senshi was bleeding from several smaller injuries and seemed to be fighting to stay conscious, probably due to a concussion.
Sailor Moon rapidly surveyed the situation, and then jumped into the fray without pausing for her famous introduction. Reaching into her subspace pocket, she grabbed her Moon Wand, pointing it at the youma after alerting her fellow senshi to her presence so they had plenty of time to move away.
"Moon Healing Escalation!" she called out, blasting the creature with as much energy she dared to use.
Screaming as it usually did, the youma exploded into nothing. Sailor Moon worriedly turned to her friends.
"Are you well?" she asked softly. "I'm sorry I am late, but I came as soon as I could…"
Mars and Jupiter shared a pointed look before looking at her with a strange expression on their faces.
"We are as well as one can be under the circumstances," Mars carefully said. "Sailor Moon-san, Jupiter-san and I have discussed a matter concerning you, and we came to a decision earlier today. We came to an agreement that you should not continue fight with us. While we love and treasure you as a friend, we don't believe that you are quite fit for this mission."
"Hai," Jupiter softly said. "The fact that you have so many things to consider besides being a senshi, grades and growth for example, puts us all in danger. Maybe later, when you have found your place in life, you can join us again.""
"Mercury-san and Tuxedo Kamen-san are hurt," Mars quietly said. "And while it isn't your fault, there's no idea to deny that we need a Sailor Moon that can help us more efficiently than you can right now. In a few years though, I do not doubt that you will make a fine Sailor Moon. But right now, you need to live a normal life and find your place in the world without having the youma hanging over your head."
Their words both eased and burdened Sailor Moon's heart. While it hurt that they did not think that she made a good Sailor Moon, she also understood why they thought so, and she knew that they were right. Wasn't that the very same reason as to why she took classes in martial arts after all? Neither could she deny that her heart greatly desired this, a normal life away from the burdens of heroism.
"Maybe you are right," she slowly said. "I'm not ready yet. And while I believe I will be in a couple of years, I probably is somewhat of a burden right now."
"Not a burden, Moon-san" Luna soothingly said, treading out of the shadows. "You just are not ready for this yet. I heard you parents saying that you were offered scholarship to a school in the United States due to your prowess in Home Economics. Maybe you should take up on the offer."
"Yes," Jupiter agreed, taking place next to her. "You once told me that your greatest dream beyond marrying is to be an interior decorator. This is your big chance."
Sailor Moon pondered the suggestion. Jupiter's words were true, maybe it would be good for her.
"Yes," she finally said. "I believe I will do that. Am I still welcome to the meetings?"
Mars grinned, a relieved look on her face.
"Of course, Moon-san!" she exclaimed. "You are still our friend, and we still want to say goodbye before you leave."
Sailor Moon smiled and nodded. Then they went their separate ways, Moon were expected at home soon.
Five minutes later, she opened the door to her house with an excited expression on her face, her eyes sparkling as she went to tell her parents the good news.
"Usagi!" her mother proudly grinned. "I'm so glad you decided to take the scholarship! It will be such a great experience for you."
Usagi hugged her mother tightly.
"Arigatoo mother, for giving me this chance" she whispered.
"You're welcome, Usagi-chan," her mother softly replied.
Still smiling, Usagi left the kitchen to go to her room, but was hindered by Shingo as he placed himself in her way, a hesitant expression on his face.
"You're going to that school in USA?" he silently said, fidgeting uncomfortable. "Dad said you would."
Usagi gently smiled at him.
"Hai," she lovingly said. "It's just for a couple of years though. Maybe you can visit even. And think about all the things I can buy you…"
He grinned albeit somewhat sadly.
"I guess so," he admitted. "When will you go?"
Usagi shrugged, she wasn't completely sure.
"Soon, I guess," she said. "I'm looking forwards to it."
Outside the mall, Tokyo
Tuxedo Kamen had been taken out early in the fight this time on and had been dragged out of danger by Jupiter while the others distracted the youma. At his secluded resting place behind a couple of bushes, he wasn't easily seen. And so, no one noticed when a practically growling Queen Beryl appeared next to him.
"Well, well, prince Endymion," she gleefully muttered. "I don't know why my mistress would want you back in her fold after your last betrayal, but I'm certainly not complaining. You will be very useful for me…"
With a purple shimmer, the two of them disappeared.
Stornoway, Scotland Great Britain – year 2000
Kunzite abruptly sat up in his bed, his head aching after the sudden rush of memories put there. Vague memories of a golden haired beauty swam before his eyes before he put them away in favor of the call from his master.
"I am coming, my lord," he whispered under his breath. "I will come and we shall conquer once more."
But even as he started packing for the trip to Tokyo, his mind wouldn't let him forget those lively, blue eyes containing a life of pain.
Serov, Russia – year 2000Nephrite let his mind drift even as he stuffed all his belongings into the car. He had known that this day would come for a long time now. The stars had told him about it, and the planets had spoken to him concerning the future. A time of choices and different paths was beginning now, they were telling him. But the outcome to the prediction wasn't very clear. To interpret that, he needed to visualize all of the planets, seeking their cooperation. But Jupiter kept quiet and kept its secrets to itself. And that worried him.
Tokyo, Japan – year 2000Jadeite unfeelingly heard the call of his master reach out for his rogue generals, searching for them, calling them. And they would hear his call and answer it, joining them for another glorious war. Time had come, and now, he would finally get to eliminate the priestess that had defeated him in many ways. Finally, he would wipe her presence from the world. And his mind.
Nyhavne, Denmark – year 2000A tall man with long blonde could be seen standing outside a small cottage in the small forest, holding a simple backpack in his hand. A strange expression was imprinted on his face, and he was looking blankly at a huge canvas leaning against the cottage's wall.
"And once again I heed the call, follow the bells from the tower, beckoning to join the war. Blue eyes easily forgotten, maiden beauty easily ignored. And yet, a sparkling intelligence will bring remembrance, as I lie on the bed of my death."
The man laughed almost maniacally.
"Goodbye poet and painter Zoicite, hello massmurderer and general Zoicite."
Softly chuckling, he started the trek towards civilization.
