Chapter 2:
Disclaimer: I still only own NorthStar and Elysia/Alisia.
Author's note: Still the same grammar things: "blah" speak, //blah\\ think, ~~~~ change scene, ++++ Begin/end.
Suboshi(still tied and duct-taped): MMMMPHMHMHPMH!!
Mae: No I won't let you go yet.
Tomo: Can I pay him back for what he did to me?
Mae: ..........no....and don't say what he did to you, that's a spoiler for anyone who hasn't seen the second half of the series. Besides as the OAV's show you already got him back. Anyway while Chuin-chan and I watch over Suboshi....
Suboshi(grumbling violently): MMMHHMHMHHHMHM!!!
Mae: That is so what we're going to do!....after all as Watase-sama wrote Tomo is undeniably gay....(resigned sigh) But that's not the point and don't interrupt me Suboshi! Like I was saying....on with the fic.
++++++++
Kurama wondered how he ended up doing things like this, currently he was out with his stepbrother Shuichi, and Shura. Shiori had graciously agreed to letting Shura stay with them, his step-father being undecided about the matter, and had even given Kurama extra money to not only buy Shura some normal human clothes but to treat both Shura and Shuichi to an afternoon out. He planned to have both back at his house before it was time to meet Yusuke-kun and the others.
Kurama smiled, Shura and Shuichi were getting along wonderfully, he was certain that Shura would be saddened to have to leave his new friend when the time came. The two boys acted and looked about the same age, despite how old Shura actually was.
"Ne, niisan, how about we stop for some ice cream?" Asked Shuichi, turning to Shura before his brother could answer, "What's your favorite flavor Shura-kun?"
Shura blinked, "......what is 'ice cream'?"
Before either Shuichi or Kurama could answer him, Kurama felt a surge of youki, which was shortly followed by some screams.
"You two stay here." He didn't even wait for an answer as he went to the source of the youki.
~~~~
It was the spot where Shuichi had pointed out a small performance group not ten minutes earlier.
Kurama was momentarily horrified at the scene before him: the youkai, a low class being by the name of Tomaida, had scattered the audience and taken the souls from three of the five performers. Tomaida held the fourth by the throat, in the other hand was a small pouch.
"Let him go!" Kurama rarely spoke before thinking but this was one of those occasions.
Tomaida turned her head to look at Kurama, a slow sneer spreading on her face, "And if I don't?"
"Then I'll have to make you." Kurama saw the fifth member of the group running into an alley, then pulled out his rose.
"Maybe I should take your soul gem.....and theirs too...." Tomaida's gaze was fixed to Kurama's right.
Chancing a look he saw Shura and Shuichi, and cursed under his breath, "Shimatta...."
He didn't have time to either act or utter a warning to the boys as Tomaida threw the performer aside and darted toward them. Shura stepped in front of Shuichi to offer the ningen some protection.
A drumstick pelted Tomaida's head moments before she had time to cause the boys any harm.
The youkai whirled to find the source of her assault, "Dare ga??"
Kurama took that distraction to subtly motion Shura and Shuichi toward him before seeing who their savior was. Looking he saw one of the Sailor Senshi, NorthStar if he remembered correctly, standing a few yards from them all, a bo made out of either glass or clear crystal in her hands.
A smirk was on the Sailor Senshi's face as she spoke, "I don't know who you are but you are sooo on my ass-kicking list." Without further words she charged at Tomaida and furiously attacked.
Tomaida was hard pressed to defend herself against the onslaught, and growling in frustration.
Kurama felt the second ki before the youkai was seen and shouted a warning as soon it was felt, "Look out!!"
His warning gave NorthStar time to dodge the initial attack, with a backhand spring, but not the following two swings of a blade at her.
//That was way too close.\\ NorthStar thought, clutching her side. She noticed her new assailant was the same monster from before.
"Tsk-tsk-tsk, Tomaida. I'd've thought you would have had ten soul gems by now...but perhaps you can make up for it........" Zangyaku cast a leering glance toward the lone senshi.
Torn between going to NorthStar's assistance, and remaining as guard for Shura and Shuichi, Kurama sent out a mental call for the other Tantei. Hiei would be the first to arrive, provided he was in the Ningenkai.
Kurama could feel Shuichi cringe looking at NorthStar, and he could understand why seeing the deep crimson stain spreading from beneath her hand, the red clashing morbidly against the light pastels of her costume.
Seeing this girl; who had saved his, his brother's and his temporary ward's lives; struggling to remain standing Kurama felt a helplessness he hadn't since his kaasan's illness. His helpless feelings grew as both Zangyaku and Tomaida simultaneously attacked the already injured girl.
~~~~
"Shotgun!!" The timely reiki blast came just as NorthStar was starting to lose ground.
Zangyaku seeing his enemies increase in number disappeared, leaving Tomaida to face Yusuke and Kuwabara. It didn't take long for the two to finish her off.
"Che, baka youkai. Daijoubu Kurama?" Yusuke thumbed his nose at the scorch mark that was the only remains of Tomaida.
Kurama nodded, "Hai demo.."
"Look out!!!" NorthStar's sudden shout wasn't given in time. Yusuke's body tensed and glowed before a small stone appeared over the left side of his chest. His eyes widened and glazed over before his body collapsed to the ground.
"Yusuke-kun!" "Urameshi!" Kurama and Kuwabara shouted in tandem, both starting toward their fallen friend.
"Stop....." NorthStar took a ragged breath before she could continue, "We don't know where the enemy is...." she looked at Kurama, "Can you afford to leave the boys no protection?"
Darkly chuckling, Zangyaku appeared to her right, "You're smarter than I would have given you credit for." He was lightly tossing the stone that had come from Yusuke, when he had gotten no one had noticed.
Leaning heavily on her bo as if it were a staff, NorthStar glared at the youkai, "Return his soul gem now."
"I might..." Zangyaku continued tossing the stone. Kurama shook his head at Hiei who was preparing to attack, as Zangyaku continued, "If I'm given proper compensation...like perhaps your star seed, Sailor Senshi......"
The air was tense, Hiei and Kuwabara wanted to just beat Zangyaku into submission, Kurama was curious as to what soul gems and star seeds were exactly and why Zangyaku wanted them, and Sailor NorthStar continued glaring at Zangyaku.
"If you swear by the darkness and evil that spawned you to return the boy's soul gem and leave these others....you can have it." With the last four words she threw her arms out in a sign of surrender.
Zangyaku's grin spread, as he raised his arms level with each other, hands in fists, two large stoned rings appearing on either hand. The stones on the rings started to glow and were pointed directly at the Senshi.
~~~~
Kurama's mind couldn't quite absorb what happened next, a single red rose flew at Zangyaku's arms, scratching them in it's descent, and imbedded itself in the ground.
"The Sailor Senshi are agents of Love and Justice. I won't allow you to cause any further harm to such a beautiful soul."
Shura and Shuichi exchanged a look that clearly stated they thought this new arrival insane.
Tuxedo Kamen leapt down from one of the nearby roofs and landed between NorthStar and Zangyaku, who was preparing to attack then stopped. He was grossly outnumbered and most certainly outmatched.
"I'll be back." again he disappeared.
Hiei uncovered his Jagan and checked then nodded that their enemy had indeed left.
Tuxedo Kamen turned his full attention to NorthStar whose strength gave out. "Daijoubu?" he asked supporting her.
"Hai, demo don't even think it, others need your powers more than I do." She nodded toward Shura.
Kurama looked at Shura and berated himself for noticing that Shura had a good-sized gash across his arm. Shuichi had torn the bottom of his shirt to provide a temporary bandage.
Tuxedo Kamen frowned, "Demo NorthStar..."
"Demo ja nai." She interrupted him, placing a finger over his lips. "I'll live long enough to get Sailor Moon and Saturn here. Help the others first."
He hesitated before walking to Shura, "This will feel odd, but it won't harm you." He placed his hand lightly over Shura's arm, both started to glow a light gold. When he removed his hand Shura's arm was completely healed.
Kurama nodded gratitude then walked to NorthStar. Kneeling by her he took out the bandages he carried as principle and started to bind her side wound. "I'm afraid this is all we can do for now...do you know how to help Yusuke?"
Her smile was the most pleasant he had seen grace her features yet, "That's why I had Tuxedo Kamen call for Sailor Moon....though it would help if we had gotten his soul gem back."
"You mean this thing?" Hiei held up the small stone that had originally come from Yusuke's body.
NorthStar sighed relief, "Hai, I was afraid they had gotten it." She then threw the pouch Tomaida had had to Tuxedo Kamen, "These belong to the performers..."
He nodded to her, as Kuwabara cleared his throat, "I don't mean to be rude but shouldn't we get to a safer location?"
~~~~
They had all agreed to that, and after making sure the performers would be fine until SailorMoon could get to them, they made for the rooftops. Kuwabara carried Yusuke, Tuxedo Kamen helped NorthStar, and Kurama assisted Shura and Shuichi.
After five minutes Hiei disappeared.
"Where did your friend go?" Tuxedo Kamen asked breaking the silence, as he sat with NorthStar leaning against him.
Kurama smiled, "Hiei isn't very social."
"So much for getting to the Hikawa shrine." Kuwabara joked trying to lighten the mood.
NorthStar smiled again, "I knew there was something I was forgetting..." She broke off coughing, her eyes clenched against the pain.
Another four or five minutes passed before Hiei reappeared, "They're coming."
Moments after his statement five of the Sailor Senshi leapt to the roof. Sailor Moon rushed to NorthStar the worry evident on her face, "NorthStar! Daijoubu desu ka?"
Moving slowly NorthStar waved her hand, "Hai, hai I just got a little sloppy on the back spring."
Mercury held what looked like a pocket organizer, a visor over her eyes, and began typing in it. After a almost a minute she spoke, "She has a deep cut along her side and other minor scratches." Sailor Saturn started to walk to NorthStar.
"Iie, Saturn. Help Yusuke-san first." NorthStar turned a pleading gaze to Sailor Moon.
The leading Senshi hesitated then nodded and stood, "If you would all step back...where's his soul gem?"
The three tantei and two boys stepped back as Tuxedo Kamen presented the stone. In a flurry of feathers Sailor Moon summoned some sort scepter, "Silver Moon....Crystal...Power...Kiss!!!" Beams of light joined the feathers and shot toward Yusuke, as they did the stone merged back into him.
For a minute his friends held their breath, then he blinked, "What the Hell hit me??"
Kurama sweatdropped and chuckled, grateful his friend was well. A ki surge cut short any celebration they might have held.
Without warning NorthStar leapt up and pushed Sailor Moon aside, as two discs of light struck her. Before even Hiei could find their enemy a strange crystal appeared from Sailor NorthStar, then in a blur it was gone.
Hiei took off in pursuit. Kurama had trouble crediting his eyes, Sailor NorthStar was literally fading right in front of them.
Sailor Moon was near tears, "Doushite NorthStar? Doushite?!"
A sad smile was barely visible on NorthStar's face, "I had to protect you...like I should have before..."
"NorthStar, hang on.. kudasai...hang on just a little bit..." Tuxedo Kamen was almost as shaken as Sailor Moon, as he turned pleading eyes to Uranus and Jupiter. The two nodded and started off in the direction Hiei had gone.
~~~~
For almost ten minutes Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen talked to NorthStar trying to get her to remain, Yusuke and Kuwabara had started to lend her some of their ki after the first minute or so, but they were starting to feel the drain.
Jupiter was the first to return, she sadly shook her head, acknowledging her inability to find the crystal.
By now Sailor Moon was in full tears, Sailors Mercury and Saturn stood a respectful distance away but looked distressed as well.
"Shimatta!" Jupiter exclaimed punching her hand, "It's like before...."
"Iie." Sailor Moon turned determined eyes to her fellow senshi, "That's not possible. We got rid of Chaos and healed Galaxia. The same thing is not happening again!!"
Before Jupiter could form a response they could all hear shouting. Hiei reappeared, followed shortly by an extremely irate Uranus, her sword drawn.
Hiei moved to right beside Sailor Moon, "I suppose you're looking for this." He stated then held out the crystal.
Sailor Moon's face lit up, "Arigato gozaimasu!!" She took it and held it over NorthStar, in her other hand another crystal appeared.
"What do you think you're doing?" NorthStar managed to rasp out.
"Saving you baka." Uranus said contemptuously, crossing her arms, "After all we can't let one of our own die....at least before we can get her to be a proper Senshi."
NorthStar's eyes widened slightly before she closed them. Despite Sailor Moon's efforts and pleading she completely disappeared.*
~~~~
It was almost seven o'clock when everyone had finally gathered at the Hikawa Shrine. The Sailor Senshi were somber and solemn. The Tantei were respectfully silent. In addition to the four members of the Urameshi team there were three others, Shura and two females that had joined them on the way to the shrine.
The girl with bright blue hair was currently looking through a small notebook, the other girl had silver-gray hair and was fidgeting in a way that reminded the inner Senshi of a nervous Luna.
"So you're sayin' that you were all born thousands of years ago but you've been reincarnated, and now fight against all sorts of weird evils?" Yusuke summarized what the Senshi had told the Tantei.
Sailor Moon, or Tsukino Usagi as she was called when appearing as a normal human, nodded. "Hai, Minako-chan and Setsuna-san have been Senshi the longest."
Aino Minako, Sailor Venus' true name, gave a slight nod, "I've been a Senshi since I was thirteen or fourteen."
"What about you?" Yusuke, as leader he had been elected spokesperson for the Tantei, asked the eldest of the Senshi.
Sailor Pluto, Meioh Setsuna, gave a wizened smile, "I never died during the Silver Millennium. I am the Time Guardian, I only briefly died a couple of years ago, but was allowed to be reincarnated immediately into my current form."
Yusuke blinked, "So is that how you know Koenma-san?"
"Iie." She shook her head, "As the Guardian of the Time stream I'm regarded somewhat as a goddess..."
That received a blink from all the Tantei.
Kurama was the first to recover, "You say this Silver Millennium occurred about a thousand years ago?"
Mizuno Ami, Mercury, nodded, "Hai, it was a time of great peace."
"That would have put it at about the time the first of the gates was erected..." He looked thoughtful.
Setsuna smiled knowingly, "That it was. I recall Enma-sama had a fit and a long discussion with Chronos about it. Of course talking with Chronos never really accomplished much...."
"AHA!!!!!!" Everyone jumped at Botan's sudden exclamation as she pointed at her notebook.
"Kuso! Botan don't do that!!" Yusuke berated her.
Botan sweatdropped and scratched her head, "Gomen, demo, Mamoru-san did Sailor NorthStar perhaps give you a small gift?...you may want to check your pockets...all of them."
Frowning Chiba Mamoru, who was also known as Tuxedo Kamen and Prince Endymion, started to check his pockets. His eyes widened slightly and he blinked and pulled something from what had been identified as a sub-space pocket.
In his hand was something wrapped in a piece of paper, he unwrapped it and read the paper aloud,
" 'Endymion, if you're reading this then something happened to me. I can't begin to imagine
what unless Uranus has finally had it with my attitude and followed through with her threat
to kill me.' "
Ten'oh Haruka, who Yusuke actually admired for her racing skills, ducked her head, looking away.
Mamoru continued reading,
" 'Perhaps I merely went back to Crystal Tokyo...I don't know. But I do know that it was a
sudden disappearance. The item that is enclosed is something I had hoped to get myself,
but since I obviously haven't or can't, I leave it to you. It is the last shard of my crystal.
As you and the others know I was trying to get all the shards back together, like they were
before....well you know that story. The point of this rambling is that since I'm gone I want
you to hang onto this shard for me Oniisan. And I want you and Serenity-sama to know that
despite everything I do admire you both.
Later for now, Your Oneesan.' "
~~~~
It had taken another fifteen minutes for the Senshi to explain NorthStar's letter, by that time everyone had called their parents, if needed, and informed them that they were staying with friends for the night. Luckily everyone was on break from school. Even more fortunate was the fact that Hino Rei, Sailor Mars, had convinced her ojiisan to let everyone stay at the temple for the night.
Hiei and Haruka had gone around and picked up clothing for everyone, owing to the fact that only Haruka and Mamoru had cars and the Tantei's families knew Hiei. Kuwabara was reluctant to let Hiei get his clothing because as he put it 'Shizuru's gonna know something's up and try to head over.'
Luckily Hiei managed to shake her, as she did try to follow him.
"Ne, Botan-san why did you shout 'aha'?" Ami asked.
Botan smiled, "Well according to my Spirit GuideBook, Sailor NorthStar is not dead."
"NANI?!?!" All of the inner and half of the outer Senshi shouted.
Kaioh Michiru, SailorNeptune, was the first of the calm people to speak up, "What do you mean Botan-san?"
Botan had scooted away when angry and shocked eyes turned on her, now hesitated, "Well.... what I mean is that the Guide Book says she's still alive."
"How is that possible and what does that have to do with the shard?" Mamoru asked
Botan's companion, the silver-gray-haired girl spoke without looking up from brushing through Kurama's hair, "Her crystal was incomplete wasn't it?"
Kurama sighed, he had suffered the 'Great Koneko Face' last time he tried to get Alisia to leave his hair alone, "Hai Alisia-san, at least it looked that way."
Usagi tilted her head, "It was incomplete...but what does that have to do with her being alive?"
Alisia was now braiding Kurama's hair, "Well from what I know the star seed is basically what you Senshi are made of, right?"
Kino Makoto, SailorJupiter, frowned, "That's not exactly true, the Star Seed represents us and our guardian planet."
Alisia shrugged unbraiding Kurama's hair, "Close enough, anyway if that crystal was her star seed and it was incomplete...."
Ami's eyes suddenly widened, "Then she wouldn't be able to come back unless it was whole."
"Demo how do we make it whole?" Usagi frowned.
"Geez odango, I would think you of all people would know." a male voice sounded from the doorway.
+++++++++
Mae: Oniisan means older brother, Oneesan-older sister, ojiisan- grandfather, and for those of you unfamiliar with Japanese Sailor Moon Odango is a nickname for Usagi because her hair is in buns that look like odango, which is some kind of Japanese food that I can't remember at this time. Well anyway this chapter is running way too long.
Tomo: Indeed it is Mae-sama. If this were a script you would have several acts.
Mae: :P
Suboshi: MMMMMMHHHMHMHMHHPMH!!!!!
Mae: Once again 'no I won't let you go yet', and talk about the pot calling the kettle black.
Tomo: ....What did he say?
Amiboshi(from the door): He said that Maeleana-sama was acting immature..why is Suboshi tied up Maeleana-sama?
Mae:....Well see......the thing is.....anyway the * means I'm supposed to explain something.... and that something is that in this section I make major references to the Sailor Stars season. So that's a spoiler, also I was thinking of ending it at that point.
Amiboshi: Maeleana-sama, I'm untying Suboshi.
Mae: Only if you protect me from him. (turns to readers) It'll be a while before we sort this out....see ya..
Disclaimer: I still only own NorthStar and Elysia/Alisia.
Author's note: Still the same grammar things: "blah" speak, //blah\\ think, ~~~~ change scene, ++++ Begin/end.
Suboshi(still tied and duct-taped): MMMMPHMHMHPMH!!
Mae: No I won't let you go yet.
Tomo: Can I pay him back for what he did to me?
Mae: ..........no....and don't say what he did to you, that's a spoiler for anyone who hasn't seen the second half of the series. Besides as the OAV's show you already got him back. Anyway while Chuin-chan and I watch over Suboshi....
Suboshi(grumbling violently): MMMHHMHMHHHMHM!!!
Mae: That is so what we're going to do!....after all as Watase-sama wrote Tomo is undeniably gay....(resigned sigh) But that's not the point and don't interrupt me Suboshi! Like I was saying....on with the fic.
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Kurama wondered how he ended up doing things like this, currently he was out with his stepbrother Shuichi, and Shura. Shiori had graciously agreed to letting Shura stay with them, his step-father being undecided about the matter, and had even given Kurama extra money to not only buy Shura some normal human clothes but to treat both Shura and Shuichi to an afternoon out. He planned to have both back at his house before it was time to meet Yusuke-kun and the others.
Kurama smiled, Shura and Shuichi were getting along wonderfully, he was certain that Shura would be saddened to have to leave his new friend when the time came. The two boys acted and looked about the same age, despite how old Shura actually was.
"Ne, niisan, how about we stop for some ice cream?" Asked Shuichi, turning to Shura before his brother could answer, "What's your favorite flavor Shura-kun?"
Shura blinked, "......what is 'ice cream'?"
Before either Shuichi or Kurama could answer him, Kurama felt a surge of youki, which was shortly followed by some screams.
"You two stay here." He didn't even wait for an answer as he went to the source of the youki.
~~~~
It was the spot where Shuichi had pointed out a small performance group not ten minutes earlier.
Kurama was momentarily horrified at the scene before him: the youkai, a low class being by the name of Tomaida, had scattered the audience and taken the souls from three of the five performers. Tomaida held the fourth by the throat, in the other hand was a small pouch.
"Let him go!" Kurama rarely spoke before thinking but this was one of those occasions.
Tomaida turned her head to look at Kurama, a slow sneer spreading on her face, "And if I don't?"
"Then I'll have to make you." Kurama saw the fifth member of the group running into an alley, then pulled out his rose.
"Maybe I should take your soul gem.....and theirs too...." Tomaida's gaze was fixed to Kurama's right.
Chancing a look he saw Shura and Shuichi, and cursed under his breath, "Shimatta...."
He didn't have time to either act or utter a warning to the boys as Tomaida threw the performer aside and darted toward them. Shura stepped in front of Shuichi to offer the ningen some protection.
A drumstick pelted Tomaida's head moments before she had time to cause the boys any harm.
The youkai whirled to find the source of her assault, "Dare ga??"
Kurama took that distraction to subtly motion Shura and Shuichi toward him before seeing who their savior was. Looking he saw one of the Sailor Senshi, NorthStar if he remembered correctly, standing a few yards from them all, a bo made out of either glass or clear crystal in her hands.
A smirk was on the Sailor Senshi's face as she spoke, "I don't know who you are but you are sooo on my ass-kicking list." Without further words she charged at Tomaida and furiously attacked.
Tomaida was hard pressed to defend herself against the onslaught, and growling in frustration.
Kurama felt the second ki before the youkai was seen and shouted a warning as soon it was felt, "Look out!!"
His warning gave NorthStar time to dodge the initial attack, with a backhand spring, but not the following two swings of a blade at her.
//That was way too close.\\ NorthStar thought, clutching her side. She noticed her new assailant was the same monster from before.
"Tsk-tsk-tsk, Tomaida. I'd've thought you would have had ten soul gems by now...but perhaps you can make up for it........" Zangyaku cast a leering glance toward the lone senshi.
Torn between going to NorthStar's assistance, and remaining as guard for Shura and Shuichi, Kurama sent out a mental call for the other Tantei. Hiei would be the first to arrive, provided he was in the Ningenkai.
Kurama could feel Shuichi cringe looking at NorthStar, and he could understand why seeing the deep crimson stain spreading from beneath her hand, the red clashing morbidly against the light pastels of her costume.
Seeing this girl; who had saved his, his brother's and his temporary ward's lives; struggling to remain standing Kurama felt a helplessness he hadn't since his kaasan's illness. His helpless feelings grew as both Zangyaku and Tomaida simultaneously attacked the already injured girl.
~~~~
"Shotgun!!" The timely reiki blast came just as NorthStar was starting to lose ground.
Zangyaku seeing his enemies increase in number disappeared, leaving Tomaida to face Yusuke and Kuwabara. It didn't take long for the two to finish her off.
"Che, baka youkai. Daijoubu Kurama?" Yusuke thumbed his nose at the scorch mark that was the only remains of Tomaida.
Kurama nodded, "Hai demo.."
"Look out!!!" NorthStar's sudden shout wasn't given in time. Yusuke's body tensed and glowed before a small stone appeared over the left side of his chest. His eyes widened and glazed over before his body collapsed to the ground.
"Yusuke-kun!" "Urameshi!" Kurama and Kuwabara shouted in tandem, both starting toward their fallen friend.
"Stop....." NorthStar took a ragged breath before she could continue, "We don't know where the enemy is...." she looked at Kurama, "Can you afford to leave the boys no protection?"
Darkly chuckling, Zangyaku appeared to her right, "You're smarter than I would have given you credit for." He was lightly tossing the stone that had come from Yusuke, when he had gotten no one had noticed.
Leaning heavily on her bo as if it were a staff, NorthStar glared at the youkai, "Return his soul gem now."
"I might..." Zangyaku continued tossing the stone. Kurama shook his head at Hiei who was preparing to attack, as Zangyaku continued, "If I'm given proper compensation...like perhaps your star seed, Sailor Senshi......"
The air was tense, Hiei and Kuwabara wanted to just beat Zangyaku into submission, Kurama was curious as to what soul gems and star seeds were exactly and why Zangyaku wanted them, and Sailor NorthStar continued glaring at Zangyaku.
"If you swear by the darkness and evil that spawned you to return the boy's soul gem and leave these others....you can have it." With the last four words she threw her arms out in a sign of surrender.
Zangyaku's grin spread, as he raised his arms level with each other, hands in fists, two large stoned rings appearing on either hand. The stones on the rings started to glow and were pointed directly at the Senshi.
~~~~
Kurama's mind couldn't quite absorb what happened next, a single red rose flew at Zangyaku's arms, scratching them in it's descent, and imbedded itself in the ground.
"The Sailor Senshi are agents of Love and Justice. I won't allow you to cause any further harm to such a beautiful soul."
Shura and Shuichi exchanged a look that clearly stated they thought this new arrival insane.
Tuxedo Kamen leapt down from one of the nearby roofs and landed between NorthStar and Zangyaku, who was preparing to attack then stopped. He was grossly outnumbered and most certainly outmatched.
"I'll be back." again he disappeared.
Hiei uncovered his Jagan and checked then nodded that their enemy had indeed left.
Tuxedo Kamen turned his full attention to NorthStar whose strength gave out. "Daijoubu?" he asked supporting her.
"Hai, demo don't even think it, others need your powers more than I do." She nodded toward Shura.
Kurama looked at Shura and berated himself for noticing that Shura had a good-sized gash across his arm. Shuichi had torn the bottom of his shirt to provide a temporary bandage.
Tuxedo Kamen frowned, "Demo NorthStar..."
"Demo ja nai." She interrupted him, placing a finger over his lips. "I'll live long enough to get Sailor Moon and Saturn here. Help the others first."
He hesitated before walking to Shura, "This will feel odd, but it won't harm you." He placed his hand lightly over Shura's arm, both started to glow a light gold. When he removed his hand Shura's arm was completely healed.
Kurama nodded gratitude then walked to NorthStar. Kneeling by her he took out the bandages he carried as principle and started to bind her side wound. "I'm afraid this is all we can do for now...do you know how to help Yusuke?"
Her smile was the most pleasant he had seen grace her features yet, "That's why I had Tuxedo Kamen call for Sailor Moon....though it would help if we had gotten his soul gem back."
"You mean this thing?" Hiei held up the small stone that had originally come from Yusuke's body.
NorthStar sighed relief, "Hai, I was afraid they had gotten it." She then threw the pouch Tomaida had had to Tuxedo Kamen, "These belong to the performers..."
He nodded to her, as Kuwabara cleared his throat, "I don't mean to be rude but shouldn't we get to a safer location?"
~~~~
They had all agreed to that, and after making sure the performers would be fine until SailorMoon could get to them, they made for the rooftops. Kuwabara carried Yusuke, Tuxedo Kamen helped NorthStar, and Kurama assisted Shura and Shuichi.
After five minutes Hiei disappeared.
"Where did your friend go?" Tuxedo Kamen asked breaking the silence, as he sat with NorthStar leaning against him.
Kurama smiled, "Hiei isn't very social."
"So much for getting to the Hikawa shrine." Kuwabara joked trying to lighten the mood.
NorthStar smiled again, "I knew there was something I was forgetting..." She broke off coughing, her eyes clenched against the pain.
Another four or five minutes passed before Hiei reappeared, "They're coming."
Moments after his statement five of the Sailor Senshi leapt to the roof. Sailor Moon rushed to NorthStar the worry evident on her face, "NorthStar! Daijoubu desu ka?"
Moving slowly NorthStar waved her hand, "Hai, hai I just got a little sloppy on the back spring."
Mercury held what looked like a pocket organizer, a visor over her eyes, and began typing in it. After a almost a minute she spoke, "She has a deep cut along her side and other minor scratches." Sailor Saturn started to walk to NorthStar.
"Iie, Saturn. Help Yusuke-san first." NorthStar turned a pleading gaze to Sailor Moon.
The leading Senshi hesitated then nodded and stood, "If you would all step back...where's his soul gem?"
The three tantei and two boys stepped back as Tuxedo Kamen presented the stone. In a flurry of feathers Sailor Moon summoned some sort scepter, "Silver Moon....Crystal...Power...Kiss!!!" Beams of light joined the feathers and shot toward Yusuke, as they did the stone merged back into him.
For a minute his friends held their breath, then he blinked, "What the Hell hit me??"
Kurama sweatdropped and chuckled, grateful his friend was well. A ki surge cut short any celebration they might have held.
Without warning NorthStar leapt up and pushed Sailor Moon aside, as two discs of light struck her. Before even Hiei could find their enemy a strange crystal appeared from Sailor NorthStar, then in a blur it was gone.
Hiei took off in pursuit. Kurama had trouble crediting his eyes, Sailor NorthStar was literally fading right in front of them.
Sailor Moon was near tears, "Doushite NorthStar? Doushite?!"
A sad smile was barely visible on NorthStar's face, "I had to protect you...like I should have before..."
"NorthStar, hang on.. kudasai...hang on just a little bit..." Tuxedo Kamen was almost as shaken as Sailor Moon, as he turned pleading eyes to Uranus and Jupiter. The two nodded and started off in the direction Hiei had gone.
~~~~
For almost ten minutes Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen talked to NorthStar trying to get her to remain, Yusuke and Kuwabara had started to lend her some of their ki after the first minute or so, but they were starting to feel the drain.
Jupiter was the first to return, she sadly shook her head, acknowledging her inability to find the crystal.
By now Sailor Moon was in full tears, Sailors Mercury and Saturn stood a respectful distance away but looked distressed as well.
"Shimatta!" Jupiter exclaimed punching her hand, "It's like before...."
"Iie." Sailor Moon turned determined eyes to her fellow senshi, "That's not possible. We got rid of Chaos and healed Galaxia. The same thing is not happening again!!"
Before Jupiter could form a response they could all hear shouting. Hiei reappeared, followed shortly by an extremely irate Uranus, her sword drawn.
Hiei moved to right beside Sailor Moon, "I suppose you're looking for this." He stated then held out the crystal.
Sailor Moon's face lit up, "Arigato gozaimasu!!" She took it and held it over NorthStar, in her other hand another crystal appeared.
"What do you think you're doing?" NorthStar managed to rasp out.
"Saving you baka." Uranus said contemptuously, crossing her arms, "After all we can't let one of our own die....at least before we can get her to be a proper Senshi."
NorthStar's eyes widened slightly before she closed them. Despite Sailor Moon's efforts and pleading she completely disappeared.*
~~~~
It was almost seven o'clock when everyone had finally gathered at the Hikawa Shrine. The Sailor Senshi were somber and solemn. The Tantei were respectfully silent. In addition to the four members of the Urameshi team there were three others, Shura and two females that had joined them on the way to the shrine.
The girl with bright blue hair was currently looking through a small notebook, the other girl had silver-gray hair and was fidgeting in a way that reminded the inner Senshi of a nervous Luna.
"So you're sayin' that you were all born thousands of years ago but you've been reincarnated, and now fight against all sorts of weird evils?" Yusuke summarized what the Senshi had told the Tantei.
Sailor Moon, or Tsukino Usagi as she was called when appearing as a normal human, nodded. "Hai, Minako-chan and Setsuna-san have been Senshi the longest."
Aino Minako, Sailor Venus' true name, gave a slight nod, "I've been a Senshi since I was thirteen or fourteen."
"What about you?" Yusuke, as leader he had been elected spokesperson for the Tantei, asked the eldest of the Senshi.
Sailor Pluto, Meioh Setsuna, gave a wizened smile, "I never died during the Silver Millennium. I am the Time Guardian, I only briefly died a couple of years ago, but was allowed to be reincarnated immediately into my current form."
Yusuke blinked, "So is that how you know Koenma-san?"
"Iie." She shook her head, "As the Guardian of the Time stream I'm regarded somewhat as a goddess..."
That received a blink from all the Tantei.
Kurama was the first to recover, "You say this Silver Millennium occurred about a thousand years ago?"
Mizuno Ami, Mercury, nodded, "Hai, it was a time of great peace."
"That would have put it at about the time the first of the gates was erected..." He looked thoughtful.
Setsuna smiled knowingly, "That it was. I recall Enma-sama had a fit and a long discussion with Chronos about it. Of course talking with Chronos never really accomplished much...."
"AHA!!!!!!" Everyone jumped at Botan's sudden exclamation as she pointed at her notebook.
"Kuso! Botan don't do that!!" Yusuke berated her.
Botan sweatdropped and scratched her head, "Gomen, demo, Mamoru-san did Sailor NorthStar perhaps give you a small gift?...you may want to check your pockets...all of them."
Frowning Chiba Mamoru, who was also known as Tuxedo Kamen and Prince Endymion, started to check his pockets. His eyes widened slightly and he blinked and pulled something from what had been identified as a sub-space pocket.
In his hand was something wrapped in a piece of paper, he unwrapped it and read the paper aloud,
" 'Endymion, if you're reading this then something happened to me. I can't begin to imagine
what unless Uranus has finally had it with my attitude and followed through with her threat
to kill me.' "
Ten'oh Haruka, who Yusuke actually admired for her racing skills, ducked her head, looking away.
Mamoru continued reading,
" 'Perhaps I merely went back to Crystal Tokyo...I don't know. But I do know that it was a
sudden disappearance. The item that is enclosed is something I had hoped to get myself,
but since I obviously haven't or can't, I leave it to you. It is the last shard of my crystal.
As you and the others know I was trying to get all the shards back together, like they were
before....well you know that story. The point of this rambling is that since I'm gone I want
you to hang onto this shard for me Oniisan. And I want you and Serenity-sama to know that
despite everything I do admire you both.
Later for now, Your Oneesan.' "
~~~~
It had taken another fifteen minutes for the Senshi to explain NorthStar's letter, by that time everyone had called their parents, if needed, and informed them that they were staying with friends for the night. Luckily everyone was on break from school. Even more fortunate was the fact that Hino Rei, Sailor Mars, had convinced her ojiisan to let everyone stay at the temple for the night.
Hiei and Haruka had gone around and picked up clothing for everyone, owing to the fact that only Haruka and Mamoru had cars and the Tantei's families knew Hiei. Kuwabara was reluctant to let Hiei get his clothing because as he put it 'Shizuru's gonna know something's up and try to head over.'
Luckily Hiei managed to shake her, as she did try to follow him.
"Ne, Botan-san why did you shout 'aha'?" Ami asked.
Botan smiled, "Well according to my Spirit GuideBook, Sailor NorthStar is not dead."
"NANI?!?!" All of the inner and half of the outer Senshi shouted.
Kaioh Michiru, SailorNeptune, was the first of the calm people to speak up, "What do you mean Botan-san?"
Botan had scooted away when angry and shocked eyes turned on her, now hesitated, "Well.... what I mean is that the Guide Book says she's still alive."
"How is that possible and what does that have to do with the shard?" Mamoru asked
Botan's companion, the silver-gray-haired girl spoke without looking up from brushing through Kurama's hair, "Her crystal was incomplete wasn't it?"
Kurama sighed, he had suffered the 'Great Koneko Face' last time he tried to get Alisia to leave his hair alone, "Hai Alisia-san, at least it looked that way."
Usagi tilted her head, "It was incomplete...but what does that have to do with her being alive?"
Alisia was now braiding Kurama's hair, "Well from what I know the star seed is basically what you Senshi are made of, right?"
Kino Makoto, SailorJupiter, frowned, "That's not exactly true, the Star Seed represents us and our guardian planet."
Alisia shrugged unbraiding Kurama's hair, "Close enough, anyway if that crystal was her star seed and it was incomplete...."
Ami's eyes suddenly widened, "Then she wouldn't be able to come back unless it was whole."
"Demo how do we make it whole?" Usagi frowned.
"Geez odango, I would think you of all people would know." a male voice sounded from the doorway.
+++++++++
Mae: Oniisan means older brother, Oneesan-older sister, ojiisan- grandfather, and for those of you unfamiliar with Japanese Sailor Moon Odango is a nickname for Usagi because her hair is in buns that look like odango, which is some kind of Japanese food that I can't remember at this time. Well anyway this chapter is running way too long.
Tomo: Indeed it is Mae-sama. If this were a script you would have several acts.
Mae: :P
Suboshi: MMMMMMHHHMHMHMHHPMH!!!!!
Mae: Once again 'no I won't let you go yet', and talk about the pot calling the kettle black.
Tomo: ....What did he say?
Amiboshi(from the door): He said that Maeleana-sama was acting immature..why is Suboshi tied up Maeleana-sama?
Mae:....Well see......the thing is.....anyway the * means I'm supposed to explain something.... and that something is that in this section I make major references to the Sailor Stars season. So that's a spoiler, also I was thinking of ending it at that point.
Amiboshi: Maeleana-sama, I'm untying Suboshi.
Mae: Only if you protect me from him. (turns to readers) It'll be a while before we sort this out....see ya..