DISCLAIMER: I do not own X-men Evolution or Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon.
Evolution Borders the Moon
By Angel Priestess
Chapter 2: A Lending Hand or Trickery?
CHERRY HILL TEMPLE, JAPAN 7:30PM
The Inner soldiers had all arrived by now at Rei's temple, which included Usagi, Mamoru, Minako, Ami, Makoto, and of course Rei herself. Luna and Artemis tagged along and decided that Rei's premonition was an important sign for the sailors. Even they seemed confused about what Rei really saw and experienced. Luna was suspicious of this "jet" that Rei was frightened by. It didn't sound at all familiar to Artemis or herself.
The girls, Mamoru and the cats all gathered around the small bonfire that Yuuichirou gladly prepared for Rei and her friends. He continued with the rest of his chores so Grandpa wouldn't yell at him for being lazy, even though Yuuichirou did almost ALL the housework. Rei thanked him and fed the fire some fresh mint twigs. Luna and Artemis were curious. Rei had never had such interactive contact with the fire. Luna found it too strange that when Rei asked of her fate, a jet came into the picture. It couldn't be a jet, Luna thought. There's got to be more behind it, I'm sure of it.
She convinced Rei to perform an experiment. She requested for Rei to ask the fire about the path of the sailor soldiers altogether. Rei agreed. Artemis narrowed his eyes at the fire trying to figure out this given fate. Everyone else was sitting comfortably trying to keep his or her hands warm and cozy. Minako was sitting on the ground with her arms around her knees rubbing her hands violently fast. Rei was beginning to perform her ritual in her daily priestess outfit. Usagi and Mamoru were snuggled up against each other, Usagi resting peacefully on his shoulder while he rubbed her back softly. Ami was sitting on the ground reading an advanced psychology book giving her comments to whoever was talking. Makoto was standing up, leaning against one of the temple pillars telling everyone about a new recipe she heard about from Usagi's mother. It was a peaceful, normal day for the sailors but the cats were determined to find out what fate held in store for them.
Rei began chanting softly and sat on the ground before the fire. She was using hand symbols again, and chanted louder. Praying and bowing her head, she closed her eyes and focused on the fire reading ritual once more. As the fire began to blaze violently, the Inner soldiers quickly began to back away and let Rei finish the ritual. "Oh, Great Spirit, tell me, what path is held for the Sailor Soldiers?" The fire returned to its normal state and quickly changed colors. A definite jet depiction was shown in the flames. "That's it! That's the jet!" She quickly peered in the cockpit to see who was flying. Three figures were shown - one male, two females. The jet eventually disappeared and then came forth a depiction of a dark mysterious figure with glaring, bright eyes and a round helmet with a cape. A metallic sound could be heard all around them. It wasn't Tuxedo Mask; she knew that for sure. But his figure disappeared before she could get a better look. Then, a picture of an encircled 'X' became the main feature. The deafening noises were definitely ringing in everyone's ears, but Rei had already been prepared for it. Then, the last depiction appeared. The encircled 'X' was still there but this time, three long metal claws sliced through it with the same *SNIKT* she heard in her last fire reading. The fire rose up thirty feet in the air and the depictions were gone as the fire returned back to normal. The Inner soldiers were most definitely taken aback by this vision of fate. Everyone was speechless, not even the most talkative; Usagi could come up with anything to say. Rei was less taken aback since she had already seen it before.
Eventually, Rei was the one who cracked the ice. "What do you think Luna?" Luna was about to answer when the small crowd heard footsteps walking in their direction. Rei nervously stood up to see who was spying. Yuuichirou was busy doing his stuff and she knew it wasn't him. Grandpa was probably reading or sleeping. She knows the sound of his footsteps by now. The walking steps sounded like high heels. "Who's there?" Rei demanded with cocked eyebrows ready to fight.
"Show yourself!" Makoto demanded. Stepping into the fire lit area was a beautiful young woman with dark, forest green hair and piercing magenta eyes wearing black high heels, red earrings, and a fancy lilac outfit with a red bow.
"Be still, sailors. It is only I, Setsuna."
"Setsuna!" the sailors called out all at once.
"Why are you here Setsuna?" asked Luna. "It must be something important if you're not guarding the gates of time. Are you here about Rei's fire reading?"
Setsuna smiled. "I am here because you've been assigned to carry out what may be one of your last missions. I have good news and I'm afraid I have bad news. The good news is the rest of you sailors besides Usagi, can become Eternal Sailors. That includes the Outer Senshi as well." She gestured her hand to the side and out from the shadows came Haruka, Michiru, and Hotaru. "And I have more good news. Small Lady was requested by Neo-Queen Serenity to take some time off and train with the Sailor Senshi. Usagi, Chibi-Usa is coming back to the past. She'll only be here for two weeks I'm afraid, but she needs training. The Asteroid sailors will be joining us as well from the future."
"You're kidding?!" Usagi cried out. "The Amazoness quartet's going to be joining the Sailor Senshi? All right! And Chibi-Usa's coming back with them! I'm so excited!" Usagi exclaimed as she squeezed Mamoru's arm still clinging with hers.
"That's not all however. A man named Mesmero has stolen one of the time keys. He's going to use the key to try to recover three artifacts that will unlock the Holy Grail eventually releasing the most powerful mutant on Earth named Apocalypse. Your mission is to become Eternal soldiers and find Mesmero. We will be coming with you and so will Chibi-Usa and the Asteroid Senshi." Before she could continue, she heard Shinto followers walking toward the temple. "Please, may we come inside and finishing discussing this."
"Of course," Rei replied and sighed. "Come, we'll talk about this in the meditating room. If the door's closed, Yuuichirou or Grandpa won't bother me." Rei immediately put out the fire and headed inside with the others following closely behind. Rei lit all the candles in the room to provide light. They didn't always have money to afford the electricity, so she and Grandpa resorted to the old-fashioned candlelight. She kept them away from the walls, as far as possible so no fires would ignite in the room. She quickly assembled some cushions for all her guests and directed for Setsuna to continue with the news.
"Thank you. Apocalypse is said to be one of the most powerful beings in the universe not just on Earth. He's almost impossible to defeat. But I have faith in you my sailors, each and every one of you. Mesmero is on the move to recover the artifacts. If he uses the Holy Grail to unlock Apocalypse, there may be no chance of future peace. This is an important time in our path of life. I come as the deliverer from King Endymion. Our mission is to stop Mesmero at all costs from recovering the artifacts. Without the artifacts, Mesmero can not bring about the rebirth of the Holy Grail. We must go quickly and before any of you object to this mission, please give me a chance to clarify something. I've already made two-week cover plans for each of you so no one grows suspicious of your 'disappearance'. School is still in session so I've called all schools and already notified them that you'll be out for two weeks for a family emergency. All of you have been covered. I do not have any current detection of Mesmero's whereabouts. I was hoping that you, Rei, could possibly read the fire if you don't feel drained."
Rei nodded. "Sure, Setsuna. You already told Grandpa and Yuuichirou?"
"I did it while you were performing the ritual. Don't worry. Before you begin, I must transport the Amazoness Quartet and Small Lady through the Gates of Time. I'll be right back." With that, Setsuna walked out of the meditating room on the steps of Cherry Hill Temple. Concentrating hard, her Key Staff appeared from the thinness of the air surrounding it.
"Wait Setsuna!" Usagi yelled. Setsuna dumbly held the staff in her hands staring at her. "Um, I just wanted to be out here with you. I'm… really eager to see Chibi-Usa." Her eyes detected worry and joy. Usagi was obviously thrilled to see her future daughter.
Setsuna nodded. "I understand Princess." Usagi took in a deep breath and smiled. She followed Setsuna outside the temple. "She will appear right in front of the bells, but I need some space for summoning the gate. If you don't mind…" She directed Usagi to stay near the bottom of the steps so as to not get in the way of the portal summoning. Usagi nodded. Setsuna held the staff in her hands and opened the portal.
SOMEWHERE OVER THE PACIFIC SEAS, X-JET (time is beginning to lapse)
"Charles, I think you should come and look at this," Wolverine suggested gesturing at the radar in the X-jet. "I think Magneto's tagging along behind us. Then, there's another undetected aircraft following us a few miles back. It's catching up pretty close."
Charles pondered unsure of what to do about the situation. "Storm?"
"I'm already there," Storm responded. Her eyes began to glow white, electrifying as she rose her arms out to side. The clouds began to dim as lightning struck and thunder rolled in heavy clashes.
"Keep it up Storm. We'll need it," the Professor commented. What are you planning this time, Magnus? Have you already heard of these mutants or are you following us to take them away? You won't have them Magnus! They don't need you! Charles closed his eyes for a minute and instantly received a vision from a telepath.
'I know about you Professor Charles Xavier. Do not be frightened. I am a friend to those whom you try to claim for the X-men. I give you one direction to follow which will help you greatly. Luna will be near the Cherry Hill Temple where you'll pick up the two mutants. Don't worry. They will come willingly.' As the words were spoken to him in thought, flashes of fourteen different Japanese girls including Ami and Rei were envisioned in his mind along with a man. The voice did not identify its name although it sounded much like a woman's. 'The other twelve women and man whom you did not recognize must also come with you. They're in grave danger if they stay in Japan. Take them to the Institute. Magneto, the Acolytes, the Brotherhood, and Mystique are all after them. Please, Charles, I'm counting on you. They're very obedient. I leave them in your very wise, capable hands.'
Who are you? Charles asked in his mind. Just then, a vision of a beautiful blond-haired woman appeared with a glorious smile and brilliant staff. She whispered, "Serenity. Tell Luna and Artemis to come with you. That is all." The vision disappeared in a blur of light in his mind. "Take care." Charles awoke immediately, gasping.
"Professor, are you okay?" Jean asked.
"Yes, yes I'm fine. I just had a very important vision from an unknown telepath. But… I'm not sure if it was real. If the voice was telling the truth, then I'm afraid there'll be more mutants we'll need to pick up – thirteen to be exact. It was definitely more than I expected. She warned me that Magneto is also after them probably for more additions on his team of Acolytes. Wolverine, we might be running into an ambush. Cyclops? Jean? Be prepared. Don't drain yourself Storm. Save your energy for now. Magneto will still make it to Japan. I want us all to be ready. I have one last favor until we make it to Japan, Wolverine. The jet following us, use the X-jet's advanced equipment and detect who's in that plane. Magneto, Mystique, and the Acolytes are indeed following us. Jean, I need one last favor from you as well. Call up the other X-men. Tell Beast to get them prepped and set."
"Sure thing, Professor," Jean answered obediently.
Cyclops asked, "Who is this telepath who contacted you, Professor?"
"I'm not sure. It was a woman. Somehow, she knew we were after the two detected mutants. But I don't understand. It doesn't make any sense…" He said folding his hands together pressed in his face.
"Why? What is it?"
"She told me to look for someone named Luna at the Cherry Hill Temple, the direct location we're going to. It's as if she already knows what's about to happen. I'm not sure if that's a good thing, Scott."
"I don't know. It sounds a bit strange though. Luna? Do you know anyone by that name?"
"No. She didn't even look familiar. She also told me to take in the thirteen new recruits who'll be there with Rei and Ami."
"Really? Are you going- "
"I don't know yet," the Professor responded quickly putting his hand on his forehead. We'll need to talk about it with the girls.
"They're all girls?!" Scott exclaimed.
"No, Scott. There's one man."
"That's it?"
"What are you implying?" Storm interrupted their conversation as she glared at Cyclops.
"It just surprised me! I was hoping there'd be more guys I can hang with but they're all girls."
"Do you think there'll be enough room for them if they decide to join, Charles?" Storm asked.
"Most definitely but it's overwhelming. It's as if the telepath was telling me that their lives are in my hands."
"You're not going to do this only Charles," Storm comforted. "The X-men can do this. Believe in us Charles. Magneto won't take. We won't let him or any of them." Storm gestured this comment by placing one hand on Scott's shoulder who just smiled and nodded.
Just then, Jean came in to tell them the news. "Hey guys! Kurt and Rogue are missing. Kitty's been found unconscious in the Medlab. She can't stay at the Institute by herself. But Beast was able to pull together the rest of the team and there'll be in the air in one hour. They'll arrive by 3:00 in the morning in Japan! Professor?"
"It doesn't matter. We need them. What's bothering me is the fact that Rogue and Kurt are missing. Tell Beast we need Kitty in Japan as soon as possible. She's coming. I'll try to detect Kurt and Rogue using my mind. I think I already know who's in the plane following us."
Wolverine came back to the main cabin frustrated with claws out and ready to slice. "No such luck, Charles! Whoever created that plane sure put some handy work into making sure no one knows who's piloting it." With that, he growled in frustration.
"Don't worry Logan. I think I already know who's piloting it."
SOMEWHERE OVER THE PACIFIC OCEAN, MINI X-JET (time is beginning to lapse)
"Wow! Can you guys like believe the new mutant signatures we detected?" Kitty was gleaming with joy. Rogue had never seen her so excited to go on an X-men mission before much less think of a hijacking scheme where she'd drag Kurt and Rogue along with her. Why was she so happy anyway? She wasn't always like that. Ah hope she's not doing this for Lance or anythin'! Rogue grumbled and frowned, turning her head to stare out at the beautiful ocean. She sighed at its humble beauty. Kurt was fidgeting with anything he could touch. He was beginning to make her uncomfortable. She kicked the back of his seat.
"Ouch! Hey!"
"What's going on?" Kitty asked behind the steering.
"Nozhing vitally important." Although witnessing the scene, Kitty ignored the incident and paid attention to the controls. Twice now, she found that someone was trying to detect them. It was Xavier not too far in front of them. She increased the speed and altitude attempting to catch up to them. Kurt and Rogue were oblivious until Kitty began to hit some turbulence. The clouds were crashing with thunder as lightning poured gloriously out of the sky.
"Man! Storm must be seriously ticked off or this is just some nasty weather wer havin'!" Rogue commented. "By the way, Kitty, what were tha mutant signatures we picked up at Cerebro?"
"Um, lets see. There were four – a guy named Momaru or Mamoru, Usagi, Minako, and Makoto I think?"
"Did you look at what powers they had?"
"Kind of. I only remember Makoto's and Usagi's. Makoto had super-strength and Usagi had some kind of moon inhibitor. It's said that she can use the 'moon's energy' to produce powerful blasts."
"Zhince vhen did zha moon have energy?" Kurt asked.
"I'm not like really sure. Who knows, maybe there's even a little kingdom harvesting on there with little moon people and signs on their foreheads, right?" (Sound familiar?)
"Whatever, let's just recruit these chics soon and head home. I can already see us doing double time in the Danger Room. Maybe if we get back to tha Institute early, we can get this Danger Room time done and over with quicker, too."
"Come on, Rogue! Aren't you like looking forward to any fun that we just might have? Maybe a night on the town?"
"Rogue's right," Kurt commented. "Ve're probably gonna zee zha Danger Room quicker zhan zha beauties of Japan." Kurt hung his head low and sighed. "I miz Amanda."
"Oh, like come on you guys. I just wanted the three of us to be a team! We're already more than halfway there. We might as well like go to Japan anyway."
"What's tha location, Kitty?" Rogue asked
"Uh, Cherry Hill Temple. Why?"
"Just askin'."
"Well, in case you guys wanted to know, we got about two hours left!" Not much enthusiasm was shown in the miniature X-jet. Rogue and Kurt were out in their own little worlds thinking as little as they possibly could of their mother and more on what they want to accomplish besides getting double time in the Danger Room. Just then, both Kurt and Rogue jumped in their seats at the same time when they heard the Professor talking to them in their head.
Kurt? Rogue? Where are you? Beast says that you two aren't at the mansion. Kitty's been found unconscious in the Medlab. We need you two in Japan as quickly as possible. Magneto, Mystique, and the Acolytes are on their way to recruit the new mutants we detected on Cerebro. One of you, speak.
Both of them took the time to absorb the information very slowly before the anger in their faces grew. They stared at 'Kitty' and then back at each other. Instead of lashing out at Mystique right now, they decided to play along with her new game. Then, they heard rustling in the back cabin. 'Kitty' heard it too.
"Do you guys think you can like check what's going on back there. Rogue and Kurt looked at each other. Rogue nodded.
"Fahne! I'll go!" yelling a bit frustrated while playing along with Mystique's game. She went into the back cabin closing the door behind her so she could talk to the Professor in thought. Professor! Professor!
Yes Rogue? Where are you?
Kurt an' ah are already headin' to Japan. Mystique's flyin' us though. We thought it was Kitty but Mystique's been playin' us for fools tha whole tahme. So, she kinda kidnapped us, Professor. What should we do?
Continue playing along. Are you heading to Cherry Hill Temple?
Yeah, how did you know that?
Don't worry about that. We'll discuss it once you make it to Japan, yes?
Sure Professor. We'll be there.
