~*~*~*~
It seemed as though everyone had been able to detect the usage of the Black Star Dragon Balls, if not for the sudden dark becoming of the sky, but the evil power they emitted as well. It wasn't long after the powerful Dragon's arrival that the fighters of Earth felt the power who summoned it. All had been informed of Tatsuo's arrival the first day he attacked, though Usagi was the only one who knew it WAS Tatsuo who had started everything. But they didn't need to know who it was, they just needed to be pointed in his direction and they would be off for an attack, which was exactly what they were preparing to do at this very moment.
~*~*~
Dende walked along the edges of his Lookout with worry written all over his face. He had been the first to realize what was going on. He had been the first to feel the surging power of the Black Star Dragon Balls. They had been so powerful that they had turned the entire Earth Dark with lighting only generating from the Dragon itself, unlike the regular Dragon Balls which only darkened the immediate vicinity they're in.
The moment the Dragon was summoned Dende knew the earth was doomed. They were obviously being used for an evil wish since they could only be used for such. He had expected for something tragic to take place on Earth as a result of their summoning. He had expected for what happened to the Earth when Buu came to happen again. But to his relief and surprise, nothing had happened. The dark sky had disappeared almost as soon as it had arrived, and he still didn't know what exactly was wished for. From the looks of things, everything seemed fine. Nothing tragic had happened, yet something could have been wished on the way to Earth, maybe a certain doom if Goku were to refuse giving up the broach.
Speaking of the broach, he still wondered what happened after Usagi had been brought home after he had temporarily blocked her power. He felt bad to had to have done it, but Goku seemed pretty certain that she would have attacked someone, or just plain gone on a rage. Dende had to admit that Usagi seemed as if she would be upset when she awoke, judging by her behavior earlier in the day. He hadn't seen any reason for the change. Nothing too out of the ordinary happened with her, otherwise he wouldn't have been so surprised when she had her little outburst.
Looking up from the side of the lookout, Dende took a few steps back to his palace, wondering what in the world was going on, and how the Fighters would handle it. As he had with all other major fights that took place on earth, he would most likely end up staying at the Lookout and overlooking everything that happened. But this time, it would be almost for nothing. In previous fights, he had watched to see if they needed to use the Dragon Balls to revive anyone, whether it be the life of an innocent civilian, or a fighter, but now they were in a real pinch. There were no Dragon Balls to call their own, good Dragon with. People who died now would have to stay that way until the other Dragon Balls were revived in four months, revived, that is, if there's an Earth left to house them.
Dende sighed as he slowly made his way back to his palace. He wasn't sure how things would turn out, but with Goku and the others fighting for Earth's safety he had little worry about losing the planet. Whoever and whatever had been attacking and had now summoned fourth the Dark Dragon would be eradicated without a further thought.
Pausing in his steps for a moment, he bobbed his head up. A cold draft had flown by just behind. Not knowing what to expect as he hadn't been able to read power levels like the others, he spun around in a fret of worry, hoping that he wasn't being attacked. To his relief, he sighed. It had only been Piccolo. He had seen much of this Namek in the past couple of days, ever since the Dragon Balls had been stolen. He knew why he was here now. "Piccolo."
Piccolo gave a small nod of acknowledgement and dove right into his point, the reason why he had come. "You know what's going on already."
Dende gave a small nod of his own. Sadly, he did know of the recent events. "Yes."
Piccolo didn't look unhappy at the younger Namek's response. In fact, he looked more pleased than everything. "Good. So far we aren't in any danger that we can tell, except I can feel that guy's power level. It's huge, and fast."
Dende nodded with fascination. Being God he could detect that there was an evil disturbance on the Earth, but he couldn't exactly figure out how deadly it was like his friends had always been able to. "Right. I'm not sure what he used the Dragon Balls for, but I'm sure the others will go out and fight."
"It's inevitable, unless..."
"We find out what's in Usagi's broach." Dende interrupted. He already knew of the entire situation with Usagi and Goku. "Goku came here and asked me about it last night, but I don't know anything about it."
Piccolo nodded as he crossed his arms and looked up into the sky as if to make sure it stayed its purplish orange color. "I know." He turned back down to Dende with a sly smirk. "He asked me too. I remember reading about it in all the old files. I hoped to find them again."
Dende glanced over his shoulder at the palace. "I'm not sure they've survived Buu." He turned back to Piccolo, expecting him to be angry as usual.
Piccolo stayed calm, to Dende's surprise. "I was afraid of that. But I'm going to take a look anyway. We need to know what that broach does. It could be fatal if we don't. Usagi won't tell Goku, which is really putting a jam on progress."
Dende definitely agreed with that one. And since he didn't know that things had been partially patched up between the family, he believed that she wasn't telling Goku because of her bratty attitude. "You better hurry up and look. There's no telling when something will happen."
Piccolo nodded with a grin. "I'm on top of it." He raced past Dende and back into the Palace. He couldn't waste any time searching. It was imperative that he find the file pertaining to the broach. He wasn't sure of all that he remembered from reading about it the first, but he knew it had to do with some major power, that it belonged to one of the most powerful kingdoms in the universe, a kingdom that had fallen over a thousand years ago, which was what worried him. He had been reluctant to tell this to Goku, especially since he hadn't really known if he was remembering right. But hopefully he would find out soon.
~*~*~
Mamoru was out to roam by himself after his father left, not that Piccolo would have cared anyway. He never did anymore. Mamoru was old enough and strong enough to make his own decisions and take care of himself. In a couple years time he would be out on his own anyway. Maybe he would get an apartment with Haruka and Michiru. Or maybe some of his other friends.
Even though it had been something on his mind lately, none of this was of importance at the moment. He wasn't dumb. He could feel the power level being emitted by Earth's strange new enemy. He knew it was his duty to protect the Earth in times like this, and that was precisely what he would do. He had been raised to protect, and besides, he was Earth's prince. He wouldn't let someone just waltz right in and take it over without a fight.
On his way to meet up with his friends and drag them along to the fight, he wondered if Usagi would be there. He still didn't really believe what she said. She had to have remembered what she had done. How could she have not? Of course, what his father had said was true. Usagi wasn't one to just go off on people for no reason, especially for no reason. He could understand her going off at him, that had been done many times in the past. But, he couldn't understand her being so brazen that she would use full power against him. She had always been stuck on fair fights, even though they were rivals. She had always forgiven him, even when Haruka and Michiru ripped her arm off she forgave them, which still amazed him. If that had been him, he would have tried to kill them, but not Usagi. She had enough room in her heart for forgiveness. He sighed at his memories. He would never understand that girl. Maybe, just maybe she was telling the truth. Maybe her theory was correct. Maybe she had been brainwashed. If so, he would kick the person's butt who did it to her, and he was pretty sure he knew who would have. She spoke of how Tatsuo was her knew rival, which gave him the idea that maybe he was the one who had messed with her head. But, how could he. He may have been a strange little boy, but from Mamoru could tell when they had met was that he was just a weakling.
~*~*~
~~Son House~~
Goku walked to the front door with a smile of excitement. He couldn't wait to dig into this guy. If not for just attacking Earth, but attacking Usagi two days before. Once at school, and once in his own home. This guy would pay.
Chi-Chi grabbed her husband by the shoulder with a frown, the broach now within her grasp. "Goku, if you don't come back I'll..."
Goku became calm at once as he turned around to Chi-Chi and cupped his hands over hers. "Don't worry. I'll come back before you even know I was gone."
Chi-Chi tried to hide her smile and cover it up with a frown. She was actually soothed by his words. She knew he wouldn't intentionally die, or leave for a long period of time, and she hoped that neither of those things would happen. But what made her the happiest was that she was actually able to talk to him before he shoved off. "I'll be waiting."
"So will I." Peeped Usagi, who wasn't all completely happy about staying home. But given her mother's current mental stature, she didn't have much of a desire to put up a fuss. She knew it was probably better that she stay home... for a while, that is.
Goku smiled as he looked down at his child. "Be good." He warned, though playfully. With a fading smile, he turned back to the door and opened it. Before stepping out, he wrapped his new tail around his waist. "This has got to go." He said, looking down at his tail. He knew the dangers of having it. Just because his daughter and Hotaru were mysteriously not affected by the Moon doesn't mean he wouldn't be. It was also a fighting hazard. Anyone could just up and grab it from him, which could end an entire battle with one hit.
Chi-Chi giggled. "I don't know. I think it looks cute on you, Goku, just like old times."
Usagi curled her nose. "I don't like it. It's not normal."
Chi-Chi peered down at her daughter. "That's just because you've never seen your father with a tail before."
Goku frowned. "Don't get used to it. It's not staying. I'm going to see Piccolo right now to have him take it off, and then I'm going to find the guy who did this to me."
Usagi smirked. She knew who her father was after. She couldn't wait until Tatsuo got what was coming to him. He had to ruin her life by screwing with her head, and how his life would end completely, Earth's fighters would see to that. "Good luck."
Goku smiled. "Cya." With that, he dashed out the door and jumped into the air. Now the real fun would begin.
~*~*~
Tatsuo had successfully summoned the Dragon, and had his wish successfully granted. He had remembered what Usagi had said about Saiyans turning into giant apes at the sight of the full moon, but only if they had a tail, and he knew of no other way than to get Goku's tail back other than using the Dragon Balls. Tatsuo only had to wait, now, for the full moon to take shape, whenever that would be. He hadn't been on the planet long enough to memorize when there would be a full moon, probably because he hadn't taken the time out to notice. He didn't care when it came out, just that it did and Goku made the mistake of looking into it.
Now there was only one thing left to do before his plan would be complete, and that was to safely retrieve the broach from Goku, whom had taken it from him the day before. And there was only one way to do that without being caught as himself, the person who threatened the planet.
Remembering back to his fight with Usagi as Sailor Moon, their first encounter, he grinned. He had left rather abruptly, but that had been the plan. He never really intended on fighting with the girl, more like steal her identity. He hadn't expected her to turn into Sailor Moon, but it had been a plus. Because of that, however, he hadn't been able to secure a sample of her DNA as Usagi, but he had been able to while she was Sailor Moon, which only gave him more of a jump over Goku and the others.
With Sailor Moon's DNA, he could mimic her power, but not truly. It wouldn't be true moon power, for only the one born with it, or in possession of the broach, the Silver Crystal, would hold true moon power. But what he could produce was enough to fool Goku into thinking he was Sailor Moon. That way, he could get the broach back from him, something he believed to be his already.
With a single snap of his fingers, his body morphed into the form of Sailor Moon, though his power was almost non-existent. Much like the real Sailor Moon's, it was masked from anyone feeling it, all except for the Senshi. His power currently replicated the FEEL of Moon energy.
With a smirk, he set off into the air. Now was his chance to take care of his most vital business.
~*~*~
Much like Tatsuo, Goku too had set off into the air, leaving his wife and daughter at home to wonder what was happening. Though, his destination had been much different than Tatsuo's. He hadn't started out for Tatsuo's power in order to fight. His main worry was to get the nuisance of a tail removed, and Then he would go and find Tatsuo. But, halfway to the lookout, he had lost track of the newly formed power level, a power level in which he had only felt momentarily days ago. This only worked to disappoint him. Now that the Dragon Balls had been activated and wished upon, and used for a stupid reason, he had wished that the guy would stick around long enough for a fight. But no, it wasn't like that at all. This guy was tricky, trickier than anything Goku had gone up against. He was actually somewhat smart. Instead of fighting head on, he took the time to gather his thoughts and create a plan. And since he didn't yet know and believe that Tatsuo was behind all of this, he didn't know exactly how morbid the boy was, morbid enough to become friends with his enemy before hand just to find their weaknesses.
Sighing to himself over his loss, he pushed on for the lookout. His main worry now was getting rid of the tail. He would search for the enemy later when he had more of a though process.
He had actually started to worry about leaving Chi-Chi and Usagi home alone as he went on. If the enemy were to attack his home again, they would be in some serious trouble. He wouldn't be there to protect them. The enemy had tried it once before, there was no stopping him from doing it again. And this time, he wouldn't be stopped from taking the broach from them. Cringing at the thought, Goku sped up. He wanted to get this done and over with as soon as possible.
~*~*~
By this time, every one of Earth's fighters knew of the unwanted visitor, all of them knowing that a set of Dragon Balls were used from the way the sky had just acted, but none of them knew exactly which ones. None of them even knew of the existence of another set, none of them even guessed that there could have been. Yet, there was.
Having felt Tatsuo's energy pulse through the area as Goku had, they acted quite quickly, even the weakest and most coward of the group, Krillin. All of them prepared themselves for the upcoming battle, and, having decided that Kame island was an appropriate place for meeting years ago, flew themselves out to meet and decide on a plan of action.
~*~*~
Tatsuo raced for his destination as fast as he could, which wasn't very fast considering the given energy of Sailor Moon's true potential. Sailor Moon, without the burst of Usagi's Saiyan power was virtually powerless without her power of the Moon, which really put him in a bind. If he were to get into a confrontation with Goku all would be over. He would have to turn around and leave. But, he wouldn't let that happen. He was the king of tricksters. He would have nothing to worry about if he stuck to plan. The broach would soon be in his hands.
~*~*~
Hotaru had spent the remainder of that evening crying to herself in the solitude of her own room. No one had come in to disturb her yet, not even her father, who usually did at least one checkup on her a night for the past year ever since she had heard the true news of her mother's fate. But lately, they had began to become more and more scarce, until today. Now they were non-existent. Her father seemed to have grown cold for some reason. And she had a hunch as to why the sudden change in her father's attitude. It was all Kaori. She could sense that there was something strange about her, something she had told her father about but had been told on many occasions not to worry about it.
But Kaori wasn't the reason why Hotaru was upset on this particular night. She was still worried that Usagi would hate her forever, that she had lost the first friend she had ever gotten. Now, sitting there in her room, she could sense Sailor Moon flying at an unreasonably low power level, but out nonetheless. Why, She wondered. She had felt a brief fluctuation of an unknown power, but it had quickly disappeared, leaving on Sailor Moon. And then there was Goku who seemed to be flying up toward Kami's Lookout.
Standing up from her desk, she stared at the ground with a blank expression. She didn't know what to make of the situation. It was obvious that some sort of attack had just taken place. She hadn't really known about the summoning of the Dragon Balls as the only window in her room had been completely covered to keep out the light, giving her room a feeling of complete isolation, just the way she had grown to like it. But now she couldn't help but wonder what she was missing while she was just sitting here in her room.
Interested in what might be going on, she walked to her window and pulled away the black shade that was covering it. Outside the sky was already beginning to darken for evening hours. She had already wasted the afternoon away worrying about Usagi. Everything looked normal, nothing unusual. No attacks could be seen. No fires, no disasters like had been from the last major fight. But she knew that Something was happening. Everyone was gathering at Kame island.
Sighing to herself, she turned away, letting the black cloth once again close her off from the rest of the world. Even though there was something happening, she knew better than to go and pursue it. It would be pointless. She wasn't cut out for the fighting world. It was fun, but only as a recreation, and even that was getting old. As fun as the tournament had been, the spotlight wasn't for her. She liked keeping to herself. The less popular you are, and the less people you hang with, the less people there are to hurt you in the end. The other kids hadn't even given her a chance before they made fun of her for having a tail. No, fighting wasn't for her. It only made you stand in the spotlight. And besides, fighting was what had gotten her mother killed.
She looked up just as her door was opening. Seeing a long, slender hand, she knew immediately who it was. Kaori poked her head into the girls room, still with her scowl on her face as usual. "Your dinner's ready, kid." Looking around the girl's room, she frowned even harder. "Honestly. You'd think you worship the devil with a room like this."
~*~*~
Coming upon his destination with a smirk, Tatsuo slowly began to slow himself down. He didn't want to catch the man of guard and cause him to attack in thinking he was being attacked. No, that would be saved for later. Right now would be a time of deceiving and receiving. "Goku." He called out softly in the voice of Sailor Moon, which sounded exactly like Usagi's. Luckily his power had been masked.
Goku stopped himself short of flying further with a halt. He knew that voice, but not from his daughter. You see, the Moon's magic makes the Senshi look and sound entirely different from their normal selves, thus, they are not detected through power, appearance, or voice. He spun around in a flash, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Senshi leader before she ran off like she normally did. It seemed as though the Senshi would do their work, and never be seen again until the next fight. "Sailor Moon." He acknowledged calmly. He knew why she was here. It was obvious. She had seen and felt the same thing he had.
Tatsuo nodded his head softly. He wanted to act as feminine as possible around Goku. He didn't want him to suspect a thing, not that he would. He dropped his eyes down to Goku's waist, trying hard to conceal his laughter. "A tail?"
Goku looked down at his own waist and bobbed his tail up and down twice. "Yeah." He looked back up to Sailor Moon with a frown. "Some idiot used the Dragon Balls against me and wished me to have a tail."
Tatsuo, trying desperately to act surprised, gasped. "What? Why?"
Goku continued to frown. "My daughter told the bozo who did this to me about a Saiyan and his tail. I happen to fall under the Saiyan category. And now he obviously wants me to look into the moon when it's full next."
Tatsuo softly shook his head, trying to convey his 'disbelief'. "That's awful." He crossed his arms, as well as his ankles. "So, that's who I felt out here just now..."
Goku nodded. He really didn't have time for this right now. He needed to be getting his tail removed, but this had been the first of Sailor Moon he had for nearly a year. He wasn't going to pass up this opportunity just yet. There were still things he needed to ask her. "Yes. It was. But now his power has disappeared. I was going up to Kami's to get my tail cut off just now."
Tatsuo frowned. He didn't like the sound of that. He hadn't expected Goku to get it cut off. That would have been a wasted wish if he had done that. This called for action. "I'll help you fight this new demon, but, I need something from you. It's mine, and I think you have it."
Goku calmly crossed his arms over his chest. "And this would be..."
Tatsuo grinned rather evilly while he rubbed his hands together. This would be all too easy from here on out. Once he got his hands on the broach he would kill Goku and Usagi tortuously after the trouble they had put him through. Then he would take his time with the rest... "I'm not sure if you've seen it, but I entrusted a broach with your daughter about eight months ago."
Goku's jaw dropped at hearing that. "What?! It's yours!?" He brought his hand to his head, slowly brushing up his hair. "Oh god. I never saw that coming." He nervously stared up at Sailor Moon. "That's why she wouldn't tell me what it was. You didn't want us to know, did you?"
Tatsuo nodded, his grin turning into a smirk. "I asked her for it back, but now she wants to be like me and won't give it back."
Goku frowned. "What?"
Tatsuo nodded. He wasn't through with Usagi just yet. "Yes."
Goku gave a growl of disappointment as he looked down at the ground. He wouldn't yell at Usagi for this, but he did wonder why she had chosen to keep it. What use did she have in it? "The enemy wants it." He explained, looking back up to Sailor Moon.
Tatsuo frowned, trying to show Goku that he was disappointed and upset. "Not another one of those."
Goku grinned. "Get a lot of people wanting it? Mind if I ask what it does?"
Tatsuo grinned yet again as he thought of the sweet energy that would soon be his. Goku had totally fallen for it without a doubt. It was good that the two groups, the Senshi and Earth's Martial Arts Warriors were on good terms. "With it, I can destroy anyone of any power. It is the ultimate power."
Goku frowned. "And you gave it to Usagi to hold on to? You should have entrusted it with Dende, Earth's God."
Tatsuo gulped. He hoped that Goku wouldn't start getting suspicious now. "She was the only one around at the time." He looked around, desperately trying to come up with an explanation to get himself out of this mess. "She was... uh... supposed to give it to you."
Goku didn't react to that. He wasn't sure how he took that. Usagi was supposed to give it to him, yet she hadn't. He didn't quite believe that one. Maybe Sailor Moon was under a spell by the enemy too. She seemed to be acting a little strange for some reason. She was talking differently than she had a year before. He wasn't sure what it was about her, but it was different. After his run in with Usagi, he looked for anything and everything that may be even just a little strange. "Ah."
Tatsuo frowned. "So where is it?" He asked rather harshly.
Goku too frowned. "I don't have it. Someone else does."
"Who?"
"Let's wait for the others to get here first, and then we'll talk." Goku turned around and allowed himself to drop for a landing.
Tatsuo followed the Saiyan, though not happy. He hadn't expected Goku to basically say forget it. "It's mine. It belongs to me. Just hand it over."
Goku glanced back at the girl with a frown. "Patience is a virtue. Prove to me you are who you say you are." The more he listened to her, the more he believed she wasn't exactly Sailor Moon. And if she was, then she was obviously under the control of the enemy. The broach probably didn't even belong to her.
Tatsuo growled as he crossed his arms. "Fine."
Goku kept his eye on the girl, making a note to himself that, strangely, she was about the same age and height as Usagi. This being the first time she had actually stayed in one place long enough for him to examine her, he thought it odd that they both have odangos as well. He had always thought it was a rare hairstyle, but now two girls he knew had them.
Shrugging off his curiosity, he raised his power level quickly, and then dropped it again to let his comrades know where he was, and that he was in need of their assistance. Before he actually handed over the broach, he wanted to talk it over with the others. He wanted them to know of his tail, and of everything that Sailor Moon had just told him, the vagueness in her answers.
~*~*~
Usagi paced her room in a fret of fear, as well as anger. She was in fear that something would happen to everyone else, that they would lose, and angry that any of this had to happen. She was powerless now. She had no way to raise her energy, and no way to transform into Sailor Moon, as of yet, not that Sailor Moon would be able to do any good in a time like this. Sailor Moon's power did nothing to Tatsuo. But at least, as Sailor Moon she would be able to be at the fight and see exactly what's going on.
She looked up and stopped pacing when she heard that her mother had begun a shower for herself. She had been waiting for something like this to happen ever since her father left a half hour earlier. She waited for her chance for her mother to be alone, and away from HER broach.
She pranced to her door as quietly as she could and slowly opened the door so as to make no sound. She sped across the living room and arrived at her mother's door, which was wide open. This would be a risky operation, but it was something she was willing to do. Getting out of there and warning her father of the dangers of fighting Tatsuo was of top priority.
She quietly tiptoed into her mother's room. There was nothing around to indicate that the broach was around. Nothing was out of place, and no stray piece of clothing had been lying out. 'Must be in the bath room with mom then.' With a pale face, she proceeded into the bathroom, slowly opening the door. She bit her lower lip, hoping that her mother wouldn't see the movement. 'Gees.'
She stepped in and left the door open. She wanted as little movement as possible. If she were to get caught, it would all be over. She would just tell her mother the truth. At this point, it was a matter of a fight, and not her own feelings, even though they would be playing heavily into her decision. She performed a quick scan of the area, noticing the trinket just lying out on the counter next to the sink. With a sigh, she brought her hand to her forehead. 'Mom, you idiot. You don't just leave something like this lying out.' With a slight frown, she reached out and snatched what was rightfully hers.
( I guess I'm done for now. Sorry I haven't posted since Monday. I've been busy, and when I did get a chance to write I had writer's block in the sense of structuring. I knew what I wanted to write, it was just how I wanted to write it, which meant I didn't get much written when I actually got to sit down and do something. Sorry, but here it is now. Cya later! )
It seemed as though everyone had been able to detect the usage of the Black Star Dragon Balls, if not for the sudden dark becoming of the sky, but the evil power they emitted as well. It wasn't long after the powerful Dragon's arrival that the fighters of Earth felt the power who summoned it. All had been informed of Tatsuo's arrival the first day he attacked, though Usagi was the only one who knew it WAS Tatsuo who had started everything. But they didn't need to know who it was, they just needed to be pointed in his direction and they would be off for an attack, which was exactly what they were preparing to do at this very moment.
~*~*~
Dende walked along the edges of his Lookout with worry written all over his face. He had been the first to realize what was going on. He had been the first to feel the surging power of the Black Star Dragon Balls. They had been so powerful that they had turned the entire Earth Dark with lighting only generating from the Dragon itself, unlike the regular Dragon Balls which only darkened the immediate vicinity they're in.
The moment the Dragon was summoned Dende knew the earth was doomed. They were obviously being used for an evil wish since they could only be used for such. He had expected for something tragic to take place on Earth as a result of their summoning. He had expected for what happened to the Earth when Buu came to happen again. But to his relief and surprise, nothing had happened. The dark sky had disappeared almost as soon as it had arrived, and he still didn't know what exactly was wished for. From the looks of things, everything seemed fine. Nothing tragic had happened, yet something could have been wished on the way to Earth, maybe a certain doom if Goku were to refuse giving up the broach.
Speaking of the broach, he still wondered what happened after Usagi had been brought home after he had temporarily blocked her power. He felt bad to had to have done it, but Goku seemed pretty certain that she would have attacked someone, or just plain gone on a rage. Dende had to admit that Usagi seemed as if she would be upset when she awoke, judging by her behavior earlier in the day. He hadn't seen any reason for the change. Nothing too out of the ordinary happened with her, otherwise he wouldn't have been so surprised when she had her little outburst.
Looking up from the side of the lookout, Dende took a few steps back to his palace, wondering what in the world was going on, and how the Fighters would handle it. As he had with all other major fights that took place on earth, he would most likely end up staying at the Lookout and overlooking everything that happened. But this time, it would be almost for nothing. In previous fights, he had watched to see if they needed to use the Dragon Balls to revive anyone, whether it be the life of an innocent civilian, or a fighter, but now they were in a real pinch. There were no Dragon Balls to call their own, good Dragon with. People who died now would have to stay that way until the other Dragon Balls were revived in four months, revived, that is, if there's an Earth left to house them.
Dende sighed as he slowly made his way back to his palace. He wasn't sure how things would turn out, but with Goku and the others fighting for Earth's safety he had little worry about losing the planet. Whoever and whatever had been attacking and had now summoned fourth the Dark Dragon would be eradicated without a further thought.
Pausing in his steps for a moment, he bobbed his head up. A cold draft had flown by just behind. Not knowing what to expect as he hadn't been able to read power levels like the others, he spun around in a fret of worry, hoping that he wasn't being attacked. To his relief, he sighed. It had only been Piccolo. He had seen much of this Namek in the past couple of days, ever since the Dragon Balls had been stolen. He knew why he was here now. "Piccolo."
Piccolo gave a small nod of acknowledgement and dove right into his point, the reason why he had come. "You know what's going on already."
Dende gave a small nod of his own. Sadly, he did know of the recent events. "Yes."
Piccolo didn't look unhappy at the younger Namek's response. In fact, he looked more pleased than everything. "Good. So far we aren't in any danger that we can tell, except I can feel that guy's power level. It's huge, and fast."
Dende nodded with fascination. Being God he could detect that there was an evil disturbance on the Earth, but he couldn't exactly figure out how deadly it was like his friends had always been able to. "Right. I'm not sure what he used the Dragon Balls for, but I'm sure the others will go out and fight."
"It's inevitable, unless..."
"We find out what's in Usagi's broach." Dende interrupted. He already knew of the entire situation with Usagi and Goku. "Goku came here and asked me about it last night, but I don't know anything about it."
Piccolo nodded as he crossed his arms and looked up into the sky as if to make sure it stayed its purplish orange color. "I know." He turned back down to Dende with a sly smirk. "He asked me too. I remember reading about it in all the old files. I hoped to find them again."
Dende glanced over his shoulder at the palace. "I'm not sure they've survived Buu." He turned back to Piccolo, expecting him to be angry as usual.
Piccolo stayed calm, to Dende's surprise. "I was afraid of that. But I'm going to take a look anyway. We need to know what that broach does. It could be fatal if we don't. Usagi won't tell Goku, which is really putting a jam on progress."
Dende definitely agreed with that one. And since he didn't know that things had been partially patched up between the family, he believed that she wasn't telling Goku because of her bratty attitude. "You better hurry up and look. There's no telling when something will happen."
Piccolo nodded with a grin. "I'm on top of it." He raced past Dende and back into the Palace. He couldn't waste any time searching. It was imperative that he find the file pertaining to the broach. He wasn't sure of all that he remembered from reading about it the first, but he knew it had to do with some major power, that it belonged to one of the most powerful kingdoms in the universe, a kingdom that had fallen over a thousand years ago, which was what worried him. He had been reluctant to tell this to Goku, especially since he hadn't really known if he was remembering right. But hopefully he would find out soon.
~*~*~
Mamoru was out to roam by himself after his father left, not that Piccolo would have cared anyway. He never did anymore. Mamoru was old enough and strong enough to make his own decisions and take care of himself. In a couple years time he would be out on his own anyway. Maybe he would get an apartment with Haruka and Michiru. Or maybe some of his other friends.
Even though it had been something on his mind lately, none of this was of importance at the moment. He wasn't dumb. He could feel the power level being emitted by Earth's strange new enemy. He knew it was his duty to protect the Earth in times like this, and that was precisely what he would do. He had been raised to protect, and besides, he was Earth's prince. He wouldn't let someone just waltz right in and take it over without a fight.
On his way to meet up with his friends and drag them along to the fight, he wondered if Usagi would be there. He still didn't really believe what she said. She had to have remembered what she had done. How could she have not? Of course, what his father had said was true. Usagi wasn't one to just go off on people for no reason, especially for no reason. He could understand her going off at him, that had been done many times in the past. But, he couldn't understand her being so brazen that she would use full power against him. She had always been stuck on fair fights, even though they were rivals. She had always forgiven him, even when Haruka and Michiru ripped her arm off she forgave them, which still amazed him. If that had been him, he would have tried to kill them, but not Usagi. She had enough room in her heart for forgiveness. He sighed at his memories. He would never understand that girl. Maybe, just maybe she was telling the truth. Maybe her theory was correct. Maybe she had been brainwashed. If so, he would kick the person's butt who did it to her, and he was pretty sure he knew who would have. She spoke of how Tatsuo was her knew rival, which gave him the idea that maybe he was the one who had messed with her head. But, how could he. He may have been a strange little boy, but from Mamoru could tell when they had met was that he was just a weakling.
~*~*~
~~Son House~~
Goku walked to the front door with a smile of excitement. He couldn't wait to dig into this guy. If not for just attacking Earth, but attacking Usagi two days before. Once at school, and once in his own home. This guy would pay.
Chi-Chi grabbed her husband by the shoulder with a frown, the broach now within her grasp. "Goku, if you don't come back I'll..."
Goku became calm at once as he turned around to Chi-Chi and cupped his hands over hers. "Don't worry. I'll come back before you even know I was gone."
Chi-Chi tried to hide her smile and cover it up with a frown. She was actually soothed by his words. She knew he wouldn't intentionally die, or leave for a long period of time, and she hoped that neither of those things would happen. But what made her the happiest was that she was actually able to talk to him before he shoved off. "I'll be waiting."
"So will I." Peeped Usagi, who wasn't all completely happy about staying home. But given her mother's current mental stature, she didn't have much of a desire to put up a fuss. She knew it was probably better that she stay home... for a while, that is.
Goku smiled as he looked down at his child. "Be good." He warned, though playfully. With a fading smile, he turned back to the door and opened it. Before stepping out, he wrapped his new tail around his waist. "This has got to go." He said, looking down at his tail. He knew the dangers of having it. Just because his daughter and Hotaru were mysteriously not affected by the Moon doesn't mean he wouldn't be. It was also a fighting hazard. Anyone could just up and grab it from him, which could end an entire battle with one hit.
Chi-Chi giggled. "I don't know. I think it looks cute on you, Goku, just like old times."
Usagi curled her nose. "I don't like it. It's not normal."
Chi-Chi peered down at her daughter. "That's just because you've never seen your father with a tail before."
Goku frowned. "Don't get used to it. It's not staying. I'm going to see Piccolo right now to have him take it off, and then I'm going to find the guy who did this to me."
Usagi smirked. She knew who her father was after. She couldn't wait until Tatsuo got what was coming to him. He had to ruin her life by screwing with her head, and how his life would end completely, Earth's fighters would see to that. "Good luck."
Goku smiled. "Cya." With that, he dashed out the door and jumped into the air. Now the real fun would begin.
~*~*~
Tatsuo had successfully summoned the Dragon, and had his wish successfully granted. He had remembered what Usagi had said about Saiyans turning into giant apes at the sight of the full moon, but only if they had a tail, and he knew of no other way than to get Goku's tail back other than using the Dragon Balls. Tatsuo only had to wait, now, for the full moon to take shape, whenever that would be. He hadn't been on the planet long enough to memorize when there would be a full moon, probably because he hadn't taken the time out to notice. He didn't care when it came out, just that it did and Goku made the mistake of looking into it.
Now there was only one thing left to do before his plan would be complete, and that was to safely retrieve the broach from Goku, whom had taken it from him the day before. And there was only one way to do that without being caught as himself, the person who threatened the planet.
Remembering back to his fight with Usagi as Sailor Moon, their first encounter, he grinned. He had left rather abruptly, but that had been the plan. He never really intended on fighting with the girl, more like steal her identity. He hadn't expected her to turn into Sailor Moon, but it had been a plus. Because of that, however, he hadn't been able to secure a sample of her DNA as Usagi, but he had been able to while she was Sailor Moon, which only gave him more of a jump over Goku and the others.
With Sailor Moon's DNA, he could mimic her power, but not truly. It wouldn't be true moon power, for only the one born with it, or in possession of the broach, the Silver Crystal, would hold true moon power. But what he could produce was enough to fool Goku into thinking he was Sailor Moon. That way, he could get the broach back from him, something he believed to be his already.
With a single snap of his fingers, his body morphed into the form of Sailor Moon, though his power was almost non-existent. Much like the real Sailor Moon's, it was masked from anyone feeling it, all except for the Senshi. His power currently replicated the FEEL of Moon energy.
With a smirk, he set off into the air. Now was his chance to take care of his most vital business.
~*~*~
Much like Tatsuo, Goku too had set off into the air, leaving his wife and daughter at home to wonder what was happening. Though, his destination had been much different than Tatsuo's. He hadn't started out for Tatsuo's power in order to fight. His main worry was to get the nuisance of a tail removed, and Then he would go and find Tatsuo. But, halfway to the lookout, he had lost track of the newly formed power level, a power level in which he had only felt momentarily days ago. This only worked to disappoint him. Now that the Dragon Balls had been activated and wished upon, and used for a stupid reason, he had wished that the guy would stick around long enough for a fight. But no, it wasn't like that at all. This guy was tricky, trickier than anything Goku had gone up against. He was actually somewhat smart. Instead of fighting head on, he took the time to gather his thoughts and create a plan. And since he didn't yet know and believe that Tatsuo was behind all of this, he didn't know exactly how morbid the boy was, morbid enough to become friends with his enemy before hand just to find their weaknesses.
Sighing to himself over his loss, he pushed on for the lookout. His main worry now was getting rid of the tail. He would search for the enemy later when he had more of a though process.
He had actually started to worry about leaving Chi-Chi and Usagi home alone as he went on. If the enemy were to attack his home again, they would be in some serious trouble. He wouldn't be there to protect them. The enemy had tried it once before, there was no stopping him from doing it again. And this time, he wouldn't be stopped from taking the broach from them. Cringing at the thought, Goku sped up. He wanted to get this done and over with as soon as possible.
~*~*~
By this time, every one of Earth's fighters knew of the unwanted visitor, all of them knowing that a set of Dragon Balls were used from the way the sky had just acted, but none of them knew exactly which ones. None of them even knew of the existence of another set, none of them even guessed that there could have been. Yet, there was.
Having felt Tatsuo's energy pulse through the area as Goku had, they acted quite quickly, even the weakest and most coward of the group, Krillin. All of them prepared themselves for the upcoming battle, and, having decided that Kame island was an appropriate place for meeting years ago, flew themselves out to meet and decide on a plan of action.
~*~*~
Tatsuo raced for his destination as fast as he could, which wasn't very fast considering the given energy of Sailor Moon's true potential. Sailor Moon, without the burst of Usagi's Saiyan power was virtually powerless without her power of the Moon, which really put him in a bind. If he were to get into a confrontation with Goku all would be over. He would have to turn around and leave. But, he wouldn't let that happen. He was the king of tricksters. He would have nothing to worry about if he stuck to plan. The broach would soon be in his hands.
~*~*~
Hotaru had spent the remainder of that evening crying to herself in the solitude of her own room. No one had come in to disturb her yet, not even her father, who usually did at least one checkup on her a night for the past year ever since she had heard the true news of her mother's fate. But lately, they had began to become more and more scarce, until today. Now they were non-existent. Her father seemed to have grown cold for some reason. And she had a hunch as to why the sudden change in her father's attitude. It was all Kaori. She could sense that there was something strange about her, something she had told her father about but had been told on many occasions not to worry about it.
But Kaori wasn't the reason why Hotaru was upset on this particular night. She was still worried that Usagi would hate her forever, that she had lost the first friend she had ever gotten. Now, sitting there in her room, she could sense Sailor Moon flying at an unreasonably low power level, but out nonetheless. Why, She wondered. She had felt a brief fluctuation of an unknown power, but it had quickly disappeared, leaving on Sailor Moon. And then there was Goku who seemed to be flying up toward Kami's Lookout.
Standing up from her desk, she stared at the ground with a blank expression. She didn't know what to make of the situation. It was obvious that some sort of attack had just taken place. She hadn't really known about the summoning of the Dragon Balls as the only window in her room had been completely covered to keep out the light, giving her room a feeling of complete isolation, just the way she had grown to like it. But now she couldn't help but wonder what she was missing while she was just sitting here in her room.
Interested in what might be going on, she walked to her window and pulled away the black shade that was covering it. Outside the sky was already beginning to darken for evening hours. She had already wasted the afternoon away worrying about Usagi. Everything looked normal, nothing unusual. No attacks could be seen. No fires, no disasters like had been from the last major fight. But she knew that Something was happening. Everyone was gathering at Kame island.
Sighing to herself, she turned away, letting the black cloth once again close her off from the rest of the world. Even though there was something happening, she knew better than to go and pursue it. It would be pointless. She wasn't cut out for the fighting world. It was fun, but only as a recreation, and even that was getting old. As fun as the tournament had been, the spotlight wasn't for her. She liked keeping to herself. The less popular you are, and the less people you hang with, the less people there are to hurt you in the end. The other kids hadn't even given her a chance before they made fun of her for having a tail. No, fighting wasn't for her. It only made you stand in the spotlight. And besides, fighting was what had gotten her mother killed.
She looked up just as her door was opening. Seeing a long, slender hand, she knew immediately who it was. Kaori poked her head into the girls room, still with her scowl on her face as usual. "Your dinner's ready, kid." Looking around the girl's room, she frowned even harder. "Honestly. You'd think you worship the devil with a room like this."
~*~*~
Coming upon his destination with a smirk, Tatsuo slowly began to slow himself down. He didn't want to catch the man of guard and cause him to attack in thinking he was being attacked. No, that would be saved for later. Right now would be a time of deceiving and receiving. "Goku." He called out softly in the voice of Sailor Moon, which sounded exactly like Usagi's. Luckily his power had been masked.
Goku stopped himself short of flying further with a halt. He knew that voice, but not from his daughter. You see, the Moon's magic makes the Senshi look and sound entirely different from their normal selves, thus, they are not detected through power, appearance, or voice. He spun around in a flash, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Senshi leader before she ran off like she normally did. It seemed as though the Senshi would do their work, and never be seen again until the next fight. "Sailor Moon." He acknowledged calmly. He knew why she was here. It was obvious. She had seen and felt the same thing he had.
Tatsuo nodded his head softly. He wanted to act as feminine as possible around Goku. He didn't want him to suspect a thing, not that he would. He dropped his eyes down to Goku's waist, trying hard to conceal his laughter. "A tail?"
Goku looked down at his own waist and bobbed his tail up and down twice. "Yeah." He looked back up to Sailor Moon with a frown. "Some idiot used the Dragon Balls against me and wished me to have a tail."
Tatsuo, trying desperately to act surprised, gasped. "What? Why?"
Goku continued to frown. "My daughter told the bozo who did this to me about a Saiyan and his tail. I happen to fall under the Saiyan category. And now he obviously wants me to look into the moon when it's full next."
Tatsuo softly shook his head, trying to convey his 'disbelief'. "That's awful." He crossed his arms, as well as his ankles. "So, that's who I felt out here just now..."
Goku nodded. He really didn't have time for this right now. He needed to be getting his tail removed, but this had been the first of Sailor Moon he had for nearly a year. He wasn't going to pass up this opportunity just yet. There were still things he needed to ask her. "Yes. It was. But now his power has disappeared. I was going up to Kami's to get my tail cut off just now."
Tatsuo frowned. He didn't like the sound of that. He hadn't expected Goku to get it cut off. That would have been a wasted wish if he had done that. This called for action. "I'll help you fight this new demon, but, I need something from you. It's mine, and I think you have it."
Goku calmly crossed his arms over his chest. "And this would be..."
Tatsuo grinned rather evilly while he rubbed his hands together. This would be all too easy from here on out. Once he got his hands on the broach he would kill Goku and Usagi tortuously after the trouble they had put him through. Then he would take his time with the rest... "I'm not sure if you've seen it, but I entrusted a broach with your daughter about eight months ago."
Goku's jaw dropped at hearing that. "What?! It's yours!?" He brought his hand to his head, slowly brushing up his hair. "Oh god. I never saw that coming." He nervously stared up at Sailor Moon. "That's why she wouldn't tell me what it was. You didn't want us to know, did you?"
Tatsuo nodded, his grin turning into a smirk. "I asked her for it back, but now she wants to be like me and won't give it back."
Goku frowned. "What?"
Tatsuo nodded. He wasn't through with Usagi just yet. "Yes."
Goku gave a growl of disappointment as he looked down at the ground. He wouldn't yell at Usagi for this, but he did wonder why she had chosen to keep it. What use did she have in it? "The enemy wants it." He explained, looking back up to Sailor Moon.
Tatsuo frowned, trying to show Goku that he was disappointed and upset. "Not another one of those."
Goku grinned. "Get a lot of people wanting it? Mind if I ask what it does?"
Tatsuo grinned yet again as he thought of the sweet energy that would soon be his. Goku had totally fallen for it without a doubt. It was good that the two groups, the Senshi and Earth's Martial Arts Warriors were on good terms. "With it, I can destroy anyone of any power. It is the ultimate power."
Goku frowned. "And you gave it to Usagi to hold on to? You should have entrusted it with Dende, Earth's God."
Tatsuo gulped. He hoped that Goku wouldn't start getting suspicious now. "She was the only one around at the time." He looked around, desperately trying to come up with an explanation to get himself out of this mess. "She was... uh... supposed to give it to you."
Goku didn't react to that. He wasn't sure how he took that. Usagi was supposed to give it to him, yet she hadn't. He didn't quite believe that one. Maybe Sailor Moon was under a spell by the enemy too. She seemed to be acting a little strange for some reason. She was talking differently than she had a year before. He wasn't sure what it was about her, but it was different. After his run in with Usagi, he looked for anything and everything that may be even just a little strange. "Ah."
Tatsuo frowned. "So where is it?" He asked rather harshly.
Goku too frowned. "I don't have it. Someone else does."
"Who?"
"Let's wait for the others to get here first, and then we'll talk." Goku turned around and allowed himself to drop for a landing.
Tatsuo followed the Saiyan, though not happy. He hadn't expected Goku to basically say forget it. "It's mine. It belongs to me. Just hand it over."
Goku glanced back at the girl with a frown. "Patience is a virtue. Prove to me you are who you say you are." The more he listened to her, the more he believed she wasn't exactly Sailor Moon. And if she was, then she was obviously under the control of the enemy. The broach probably didn't even belong to her.
Tatsuo growled as he crossed his arms. "Fine."
Goku kept his eye on the girl, making a note to himself that, strangely, she was about the same age and height as Usagi. This being the first time she had actually stayed in one place long enough for him to examine her, he thought it odd that they both have odangos as well. He had always thought it was a rare hairstyle, but now two girls he knew had them.
Shrugging off his curiosity, he raised his power level quickly, and then dropped it again to let his comrades know where he was, and that he was in need of their assistance. Before he actually handed over the broach, he wanted to talk it over with the others. He wanted them to know of his tail, and of everything that Sailor Moon had just told him, the vagueness in her answers.
~*~*~
Usagi paced her room in a fret of fear, as well as anger. She was in fear that something would happen to everyone else, that they would lose, and angry that any of this had to happen. She was powerless now. She had no way to raise her energy, and no way to transform into Sailor Moon, as of yet, not that Sailor Moon would be able to do any good in a time like this. Sailor Moon's power did nothing to Tatsuo. But at least, as Sailor Moon she would be able to be at the fight and see exactly what's going on.
She looked up and stopped pacing when she heard that her mother had begun a shower for herself. She had been waiting for something like this to happen ever since her father left a half hour earlier. She waited for her chance for her mother to be alone, and away from HER broach.
She pranced to her door as quietly as she could and slowly opened the door so as to make no sound. She sped across the living room and arrived at her mother's door, which was wide open. This would be a risky operation, but it was something she was willing to do. Getting out of there and warning her father of the dangers of fighting Tatsuo was of top priority.
She quietly tiptoed into her mother's room. There was nothing around to indicate that the broach was around. Nothing was out of place, and no stray piece of clothing had been lying out. 'Must be in the bath room with mom then.' With a pale face, she proceeded into the bathroom, slowly opening the door. She bit her lower lip, hoping that her mother wouldn't see the movement. 'Gees.'
She stepped in and left the door open. She wanted as little movement as possible. If she were to get caught, it would all be over. She would just tell her mother the truth. At this point, it was a matter of a fight, and not her own feelings, even though they would be playing heavily into her decision. She performed a quick scan of the area, noticing the trinket just lying out on the counter next to the sink. With a sigh, she brought her hand to her forehead. 'Mom, you idiot. You don't just leave something like this lying out.' With a slight frown, she reached out and snatched what was rightfully hers.
( I guess I'm done for now. Sorry I haven't posted since Monday. I've been busy, and when I did get a chance to write I had writer's block in the sense of structuring. I knew what I wanted to write, it was just how I wanted to write it, which meant I didn't get much written when I actually got to sit down and do something. Sorry, but here it is now. Cya later! )