Emerging From the Shell
by Butterfly Girl
With more help than I could ever express from Mason
Insert disclaimers from prolouge here
Nothing is meant against guys in the main character's POV. This is merely her mindset, not a stab at males in general. As stated in the prolouge, she had a troubled past that lead to that mind set. AGAIN, no intentional stabs at males by the author, maybe the MC towards her fellow characters, but NOT the author.
And for anyone new to my style of writing, stuff between is thought. Only 2 pairs of characters can carry out mental conversations, you'll figure out which two soon enough (and the whole mind convo thing is explained in full detail in story 11 of Sailor Moon: LS, I just scratch the surface of it in the description of it in this story).
And this will be in chapters, mainly because there is no way in heck I will be able to NOT put in it chapters and keep interest in this fic.
Onbin
I sat on a park bench, simply admiring the beauty around me and the peacefulness of it all. Battles were over for now, we were free from our powers, and the universe was safe. With the defeat of Enerjak, there was no threat of attack.
During the time directly after our—mainly Kojiro's—major victory, one major event happened. Batafurai and Tarento had an official wedding--a double wedding with Riki and Kojiro. My best friends were now Mrs. Boueino Tarento and Mrs. Musashi Sonikkuu, each forever married to the one guy she loved. I'll never understand WHY someone would want to marry a guy. All males do are decieve and abuse females! My life sure showed me that!
Footsteps sounded behind me. Before I knew it Batafurai appeared next to me, an ice cream cone in each hand: One chocolate, one vanilla. "Hey On-chan, "she said, using her nickname for me.
"Hey," I replied, not changing my facial expression.
She sat down next to me and handed me the vanilla cone. "Got ya your fave..."
I took the cone, looking at her suspiciously. "...wwhhyy...?"
"Cuz I've been busy since my wedding and all and I feel horrible for...neglecting you..."
"You shouldn't..." I replied, taking a bite of my ice cream. Batafurai, however, stared at me like I had just grown an extra head before her eyes.
A few minutes later, Sonikkuu, whom we all just call "Kojiro", rode up on his bike. "Hey gals!" he called out.
I merely turned the other way. Men, BLECK! No good rotten pimples on the complexion of the human race!
I could see Batafurai's arm raise to wave to him. "Hey Kojiro! How's Riki?"
Kojiro was the captain of the Silver Knights—the royal guard for Batafuari's family. Meant nothing to me other than he was a male with a title. BIG WHOOP.
He walked up to us. "She's fine, Batafurai." Kojiro apparently must have noticed that my back was to him, as he also asked, "What's wrong with her?"
That set me off. Refusing to turn to face him, I replied, "One, I heard that Baka. Two, nothing's wrong so LAY OFF!"
"What's wrong REALLY?" Batafurai asked.
Darn it why does she have to be so sensitive to people's emotions? "NOTHING, now SHUT UP ABOUT IT BEFORE I MAKE YOU!"
"I'd better go, I think Riki's calling me," Kojiro said, walking back to his bike and riding off.
Before you ask, Riki and Kojiro, like Batafurai and Tarento, are an extreme form of soulmates. They can literally hear each others thoughts and carry out conversations mentally. Oddly, neither couple is freaked out about it, Riki and Batafurai both saying it's because they are so used to it by now it's normal to them. I would find it as a disaster in the worst form.
"...why did you..." Batafurai started to say.
"I SAID DROP IT!" I screamed, storming off.
Kojiro
After I asked what was wrong with Onbin (and she nearly removed my head from my shoulders verbably...), Batafurai gave me the "Cut it out before she kills you" hand signal. I winked to her, letting her know I understood, said goodbye, hopped on my bike and rode home. Okay, something's WRONG with Onbin, honey. She seems PO'ed at me for no reason! I mentally said to my wife, hoping that she'd know what was up with the Little Senshi of Neptune.
I heard her mentally sigh. She's like that to all guys, Koji-kun, don't be offended.
Honey, I felt the wind blow by me silently, and I think Batafurai may have noticed it too. In Onbin's heart I saw sadness, anger, rage...kind of like what I experienced before I joined the Silver Knights.
I'm decended from a family of Ninjas, along with my younger brother Mako, my younger sister Mai, and my cousin Tarento. As such, we have special abilites (such as being able to read people's hearts without them knowing, being able to tell if one is lying in seconds, and to be able track down people and things), and the ability to control special amulets. Batafurai and Riki both control amulets, because they married a Musashi (Tarento's okaa was my otou's younger sister. Tarento's otou had commited a crime against our secrect academy long before Tarento was born, but as such Yama's punishment had an effect on Tarento. He can't control the Amulet of Sky at all, but Batafurai sure can!), and Annai can control the Amulet of Thunder because it came from her father's family, not mine.
I've seen her heart too...and I know Batafurai's seen it twice over cuz she's so close to her...But Onbin's always been that way...
Riki, I feel like I should talk to her. I think she might have been a victim of sadness like I once was.
Trust me Kojiro, I do too, but first we need her to tell us her past, so we understand and can decide how to help her. Only problem is that she'll never crawl far enough out of her emotional shell to tell us and we all know it.
I know that. Arriving at our home, I walked inside. "Riki, I'm worried about her. I mean, she's close to me like the rest of you guys, but I feel like I've done something to make her hate me..."
"Shuzika, Tarento, and Hitome all feel the same way, and none of them have done a thing against her." Riki sighed, looking frustrated. "I've tried to get her to talk a THOUSAND times, but she clams up. But...I noticed...random things on Earth(2)..."
"You think if I explained what I grew up with, she might open up and acutally SPEAK to me?"
"Maybe..." she said. "Kojiro...if a person is afraid to let someone touch her like..." here she gently put her hand on my shoulder, "that, and comes in with random injuries and cuts and stuff, and was only 13...what would you think?"
The wind blew by me, and the name Devin came to mind. I sense Devin coming in, we better end this now and have a quick cover-up. With that said, I pulled her into my arms and kissed her.
...can't say I mind...but what is he doing in OUR HOUSE? she mentally asked, putting her arms around my neck and kissing me back.
The tan cat walked in. Catching sight of Riki and me, he rolled his eyes. "Get a ROOM for once!" As he walked out, we heard him muttering, "Just as bad as Batafurai and Tarento I mean come on do that in private..."
I broke the kiss and Riki burst out laughing at Devin's comment. "That worked"
Taiga
I carefully walked down the palace halls, mildly freaked at how creepy they looked at midnight. My okaa, along with Shenhan Ryukin, were working late in the labs, and my otou had sent me to take a meal to her (he was in the middle of...something...I just don't ask). I stopped at the door, hearing their conversation and not wanting to be rude and interrupt them.
"Hey, how's the reconstruction process going with Proto Man, Ami?" Ryukin asked.
"Pretty well, going along ahead of schedule actually," Okaa replied. Okaa is a genius, my otou's above average, and she and Ryukin work in the labs. I help out on and off, but honestly I have no interest in following in their footsteps.
"His heart rate is normal, adrenaline is okay, blood flow is going well, and he seems to be resting peacefully acutally. He should be ready to wake up tomorrow."
Whoa...wait a sec here...THEY REVIVED PROTO MAN? He was one of our worst enemies! But Dynamo became good, maybe Proto Man can too... I carefully walked in. "Hey Okaa, Otou asked me to bring this to you."
"At MIDNIGHT?"
"He's working on something, I was up reading, you know how it is."
Riki
I stared at the wall, wide awake. The time, the last time I looked at the clock (and trust me, if I looked at it one more time it was going to take a free flight out our bedroom window...) was around 2 a.m. Kojiro was fast asleep, his arm around my waist like always. I was surprised I hadn't waken him, with all the tosing and turning I had done in the past few hours.
Normally when this happens, I have no idea what's keeping me awake, and pondering on the reason keeps me up longer. But not tonight. I knew what was driving me insane: Onbin and her hatred. I have known Onbin since kindergarten, and we've been somewhat tight since the sixth grade. And for as long as I've known her, she absolutely hates guys. When we were little, I passed it off as a phase (acutally, for part of that time, I was the same way). But when it carried on into middle school and, finally, high school, I started seeing that it was a problem. A BIG problem. Now that Kojiro's spotted it, maybe it'll get solved. Kojiro's good about helping people through their pasts...after all my love's been through, the guy better be good at that!
According to Batafurai, Onbin sees me as one of her best friends. I honestly don't know WHY, though. I have been downright rotten to the girl in the past. My own pain caused me to be bitter, and to tease those smaller than myself (trust me, all were). Onbin was the tiniest in our class, so she got it the worst. But honestly, the closest thing I've ever had to a best friend has been Kojiro.
I sighed softly, still as wide awake as ever. ...should I wake up Kojiro and ask him that question he never answered? I mentally asked myself. Rolling over to face him, I saw how peacefully he was sleeping. This brought a huge smile to my face and calmed my heart. He had been stricken by nightmares non-stop for months before our battles with Enerjak, and this kept him up entire nights at a time. Nah, I'd better not, especially since he's finally sleeping well... I curled up closer to him, slipping an arm around his waist, and I felt his hold on me tighten slightly. I hope this doesn't wake you, Koji-kun...but thank you for always being here for me, no matter what. You're truly my constant in this wild and crazy world...
Finally relaxing, I closed my eyes and drifted off into sleep.
I woke up slowly, not quite aware of what was around me. First thing I noticed was Kojiro was up already, which wasn't unusual. But the fact that he left me sleep in was a little odd. Second, I heard his voice coming from across the room, and he didn't sound happy. I sat up, yawning, and opened my eyes. Kojiro was on the phone, his back to me. A glance at the clock showed me I had acutally slept until 11, a cardinal sin in my book.
"That's terrible, bro...Relax, I understand bro, I'll tell Mai," was all I heard from the conversation. From what I could tell, something was happening in Ryukun's life, and it was NOT going to be easy for Kojiro or Mai to handle (Mai is Ryukin's girlfriend, Kojiro his best friend). He hung up soon after, never saying another word.
Kojiro, what's wrong? I asked him mentally.
Ryukin's grandmother had a stroke last night. His parents are out of town, and he left for America this morning to go take care of her. He asked me to tell Mai for him because he had to leave right away. I don't know when he'll be back.
I nearly gasped. Oh my...so many people are gonna be hurt by this... Sammy, my dog that Kojiro gave to me soon after we defeated Enerjak, hopped up next to me on the bed.
He turned around. "I know many people will be hurt, but what was he supposed to do?"
Obviously he misunderstood me. "I didn't mean it that way. I mean I feel bad for him, his grandma, his parents, and even Mai and you..." Especially you.
He sat down next to me. "It's going to be hard to break it to her."
"No kidding...definitely wouldn't want to break something like that to Hisaki..." Hisaki was my sister, a full 6 years younger than me but nearly my twin in mannerisms.
Kojiro sighed, standing up again. "I'd better call her, it's not going to get any easier."
I stood up as well, hugging him. "Good luck, I know it's hard for you to do this.
He walked across the room and picked up the reciever, dialing his little sister's number. I grabbed something to change into, then left the room to change. I could hear from the bathroom his end of the conversation.
"Mai, I'm afraid I have some bad news...Ryukin called this morning, and said that his grandmother had a stroke last night. His parents are out of town, and he left for America this morning to go take care of her...Sis, you okay?" Riki, I think Mai's been hurt deeply...
I knew she would be...just like I would be if you had to leave...I'd be glad you'd be caring for your grandmother but I'd still miss you like crazy, I replied, done changing and now quickly brushing out my floor-length hair (I didn't choose to keep it that long. Something about being a Senshi makes your hair...programed...to a certain length. If you cut it, in no more than 3 days it grows right back, seconds if you transform. Trust me, I've tried countless times.).
"He also wanted me to tell you he's sorry for not calling you himself, but it hit him all of a sudden and he had to make emergency plans to leave...He left one for the hospital, and one for his parents' house..."
You okay, Kojiro? I re-entered our bedroom, now braiding my hair.
A lil' bit... "The one for the hospital is 458-579-2300, and the one for his parents' house is 359-235-6767...No problem, sis. Just don't call him TOO often, I'm still paying your phone bill!" That last comment was a sure sign to me that he was gonna be okay; only a Kojiro that's gonna be emotionally okay can shoot off smart aleck comments at someone who's just had a major crisis and NOT hurt her feelings! "I was jokin' anyway, sis...By the way, how are you likin' your job at the hair salon?...Just fine. And I need to go now, see ya later!"
When he hung up, I walked over to him, hugging him. You sure you're okay? I know how hard that was for you to do."
He hugged me back. "I'm fine. Mai said she'll e-mail him sometime, so at least they can stay connected.
"I admire how stong she's being. Dunno how I'd act if I was hit with THAT kind of blow."
"Well, I think I better go try to repair our back porch some, I STILL can't believe the battle went all the way out here!" Kojiro exclaimed as we let each other go.
"No kidding...Wait a sec you never answered my question from yesterday."
"Which was?"
"I asked, 'If a person is afraid to be touched, even if it's as simple as soneone laying her hand on her shoulder to comfort her, and comes in with random injuries and cuts and stuff like that, and was only 13, what would you think?'"
"I would think something is DEFINTELY wrong, like rape or child abuse! And I can't stand the thought of either one!"
I nodded. "I just described how Onbin acts...I think she's been abused in her past...Batafurai and Taiga think so, too...but Onbin is so locked up inside of herself that she won't talk to any of us about it...for crying out loud the girl hates her own FATHER, Kojiro, and for no reason!"
Kojiro's jaw dropped. "Hates her FATHER? Man, I'm afraid to EVER speak to her again!"
I had to laugh at his reaction. "She's not big enough to PHYSICALLY harm you, trust me. But honestly, Jinsei has done NOTHING but love her as a father should since we returned to the future, just like all of our fathers! The only guy Onbin has ever trusted is her baby brother."
Nodding, he said, "Oh, I see. It's hard for her to trust people."
"Really...and she's very...well...mean, if you talk to her about her past. She's only close to Taiga, Batafurai, and me, and I think the only reason she trusts me is because I'm 2 days older than her."
Kojiro
"I can see why she doesn't trust me. I saw someone when I secrectly read her heart. He looked..." The image of the guy filled my mind and shocked me senseless. "OH NO!!!"
I apparently scared Riki, too. "Tell."
"Here goes. If you remember, I was a criminal long before we met," Riki nodded, so I continued, "Well...One day, before you guys disappeared..."
FLASHBACK
Onbin walked along the streets, barely 7 in age. Allowance in tow, she walked into a candy store.
Kojiro spotted her. "Well, lookee here. Just wait until you come out..." He then snuck into the alley.
Just minutes later, Onbin walked out. Kojiro snuck up behind her, put his hand over her mouth, and dragged her into the alley. "Give me your money, NOW!"
She stared up at him, scared out of her mind. "I don't...have any..."
"LIAR!" he screamed, throwing her into a wall. "Now, give me your money!" She threw her money to him and tried to run off. But he was faster, throwing her down and kicking her. "What DO you have, if not money? TELL ME!" He put his foot on her neck.
"NOTHING!" she cried out in fear. Luckily, someone heard her.
A young girl, with black hair streaked in red and hazel eyes, bullrushed Kojiro. Tonbo then suckerpunched him in the jaw. "You mess with her again and you'll have more to mess with than you can handle, punk! That was just a sample of what I can do!" she yelled, flicking her long hair over her shoulder.
Onbin ran off while she could. I HATE MEN!
Somehow Kojiro blasted both girls down. Luckily, two guards saw the blast and came running. "FREEZE, BATO-SAI!"
"Catch me first!" he called over his shoulder, jumping up to the rooftop and dashing off.
"Crap! He got away again!" one guard said as he helped up Tonbo.
"Bato-Sai Musashi is hard to catch!" the other replied, helping up Onbin.
END FLASHBACK
"It truly amazes me how far you've come in your life..." Riki said.
Crying, I replied, "I feel SO bad now, Riki! I helped her become this way, and I..." I broke down sobbing as Riki's communicator started beeping.
She kissed me softly. "It's okay, Kojiro, really it is..." She then answered the beeping communicator. "This had BETTER be good..."
Riki, I HURT people! I made countless numbers fear my name, and now I can't walk around the city without SOME reminder of my dark past! That store still stands today, and I HATE going near it!
"Riki...can you and possibly Kojiro help Taiga and me today?" Batafurai's voice said over Riki's communicator.
"Batafurai, you okay girl?"
"I'm worried about our little Onbin-chan. This thing with her has gone unresolved for too long now..."
"Ya bet...listen, I'll help, but much later. I have some things to do right now."
"No prob. Just come on over to Tarento's and my house when you get done. LATER!" Batafurai then hung up.
Riki turned off her communicator, then embraced me. "Kojiro, it's in the PAST. I know it's hard, but you need to one day let it stay in the past...just like Onbin needs to. And just remember you won't be alone ever again, as I'll always be here for you."
"I don't know how I'd get along without you...but I think Batafurai and the others deserve to know."
"You can tell them when you're ready, and not a moment sooner. There is no rush, love. But Onbin's problem DOES need solving too. I honestly doubt that she remeambers that; knowing Onbin, she would have NEVER let you near her if she did."
"One day, though, I WILL tell her. If it ends up with us not being friends, at least she will know I had a TRUE change of heart."
She laughed softly. "Onbin's hurt, not sinister...she'll forgive you EVENTUALLY. But...do you think you could help Taiga, Batafurai, and I help her with this problem? Batafurai's, as you know, very sensitive to people's emotions, ESPECIALLY her best friends like Onbin. If she says something's up with our Neptune Princess, it's UP man!"
"Let's go then." Scooping Riki into my arms, I dashed off to Tarento and Batafurai's house.
Batafurai
Glaring at my textbook, I sighed. I...hate...HISTORY! I was sitting in the dining room of Tarento's and my house, trying to study for a big history test the next day. Tarento and I, after our wedding and honeymoon, moved into a house near the park (leaving Tarento's apartment to his father, Yama). The house was beautiful, the perfect size for us, and at a great location (as the leader of the Little Senshi, it made a LOT of sense for me to live near the main target for attacks—the park), so we bought it. The girls (our close friends and family) pop in on occasion, as they seem to love it here. I think they're trying to sneak off with my "famous" brownies, personally.
"Honey, unless you study, you're gonna bomb that test tomorrow and BOTH of us know it..."
I looked up, re-routing my glaring to the kitchen, where my husband was making lunch. "Taren-kun, I know that. I'm just frustrated right now!"
"OBVIOUSLY!"
I just HAD to marry a kidder...
That was low, Bata-chan.
"I was being sarcastic."
"So was I."
I gave up on studying for the minute, joining Tarento in the kitchen. "Why do you always do that to me?"
"Cause it's fun, and you're cute when you're angry/frustrated/irritated..."
"If I let you go on you'll never finish."
"Point being?"
"Lunch'll never get done and I'll never finish studying."
He turned around, crossing his arms. "You're interrupting me cause you're stomach is rumbling?"
My dark brown eyes meeting his ligh stormy blue, I smiled. "I've told you a hundred times, don't come between a girl and her meal!"
"I'm not, that's a sucidal mission!"
Before I could make a smart remark, the doorbell rang. Tarento, shaking his head, went to the door. "Um...Batafurai...it's for you..." was heard after a while, followed closely by, and I want NO part of this bout of madness...
THAT comment stuck my curiosity nerve. To make my normally level-headed (...well...sorta level-headed) husband shoot a comment like that, whatever was at the door had to be big.
It wasn't...in the sense of an enemy or huge find...it was more of a hilarious one...
What I found was Kojiro carrying Riki in his arms, much like Zero ALWAYS carries my best friend, Otome. Only her hair was windblown, like he had ran the entire way there. Either way, it was hilarious! To see the somewhat mature and temper-flaring Princess of Mars and the Sonic Angel looking like two irresponsible teenagers was a TOTAL sight for sore eyes. I burst out laughing, clutching my sides and fighting to stay standing.
"What's so funny, Bata-chan?" Kojiro asked, like nothing was going on. Maybe to him, it wasn't. But I RARELY saw this 5'11" tall guy carry around his 5'7" wife, and it was quite a sight to see.
"Oh nothing. Just the sight you two are making is hilarious."
Riki gave me the combo confused/evil eye look. "That's it, absolutely no more caffiene for you before a big exam."
THAT struck a nerve, resulting in my making a scream of terror and pulling Tarento from whatever part of the house he was in to my side in about 3 seconds flat.
Kojiro carefully put Riki down. "Can we come in???"
"Of course!" I then stepped aside so they could come in, Tarento moving in behind me.
???
Although I was panting and near collaspe, I kept on running. The man would do unthinkable things if I let him catch me. I've got to find him. The one who can save our galaxy!
"THERE IS NO ESCAPE FROM ME, MAX! YOU CANNOT ESCAPE THE GRASP OF THE TRAVELER!"
I quickly darted into the nearest ship. I had to save my galaxy! Had to find the ones that could help me...and the Angel. That was the only hope my home had. Without his help, the galaxy would be destroyed by the Traveler. And, knowing him (and trust me I do!), he wouldn't stop there.
Sitting at the helm, I set the coordinates for the one place I was sure to find the help I need.
Earth. Crystal Tokyo to be exact.
The home of 3 very powerful beings (the Butterfly Senshi, the Lion Senshi, and, most importantly, the Sonic Angel), and the best fighting team ever to protect their galaxy: the Elder Sailor Senshi and, their children, the Little Sailor Senshi.
The Elders had stopped Beryl, the Black Moon Clan, Death Busters, Dark Moon Circus and Galaxia alone, and both teams defeated the Neo-Dreamers, and even Enerjak together. And I know they at least have a CHANCE at stopping Traveler.
Well, I have only one hope now, and there's only one way to find out.
I was going there. If I—or even they—fail, then at least I tried, at least I gave it my all.
Taiga
I walked up to Batafurai and Tarento's door, hearing a bit of their conversation. All I could make out was something about guns, knives, and the dangers of letting Tarento near them...all things I actually knew from all the times I spent battling alongside him and Batafurai. I rang the doorbell, and Batafurai gladly let me in.
"Hey Taiga!" Kojiro called out when I walked into the living room. He and Kojiro were sitting side-by-side on the couch, and Tarento had made himself at-home in his recliner chair. I sat down in the armchair while Batafurai balanced herself on the arm of the recliner.
"Hey, Kojiro. I take it you two decided to help us?" I asked, looking at Batafurai. She was watching Kojiro, as if she was studying his expression to analyze his emotions.
"I did," Riki replied.
After another minute, Batafurai said, "...Kojiro? You okay? You look...tense...and upset..."
"I've...got shocking news. First part is Ryukin's granmother is really sick, and he left for America this morning.
Batafurai, Tarento, and I all replied at the same time.
"Oh man! How'd he take it?"
"How'd Mai take it?"
"How'd you take it, Kojiro?"
"He was shocked, Mai is heartbroken, but she understands, and...I've got something to tell. I helped make Onbin the way she is. Here goes..."
Then he explained it all. How, during his criminal days, he hurt Onbin. And...well...I didn't take it well...
To put it lightly, I nearly strangled him.
"You WHAT??? YOU MEAN THAT DAY TONBO WAS TICKED AND SORE WHEN SHE GOT TO SCHOOL AND ONBIN WAS HURT AND CRYING WAS BECAUSE OF YYOUU?!?!?!?" I screamed, jumping up out the chair and jump-diving at Kojiro.
Next thing I knew I was on the the carpet, Batafurai pinning me down. Before I could scream at her, she had slapped me across the face. "GET A HOLD OF YOURSELF, TAIGA!"
I took a few deep breaths, relaxing. I don't take well to people hurting those that are already hurting...that and I was stressed beyond belief with school again (YOU try being the daughter of 2 geniuses, then we'll talk!). Batafurai got off of me, Tarento pulling her away from me before she could slap me again, and I stood up, looking fully embarrassed.
"I deserved that. Thanks Taiga."
I was sure Riki was gonna slap him for THAT comment... "And I'm sorry...just..." I sighed, looking up at him. "Definitely don't tell her about that little tidbit for a while...unless you feel like you need to then by all means do...but..." I gave up and sat back down in the chair.
"She doesn't remember." We turned to Batafurai, who was perched back upon the arm of the recliner, Tarento's arm securely around her waist. "I know for SURE she doesn't remember. If she did, she wouldn't have EVER let you as close to her as she has..." She immediatley stood up and walked to the phone.
At our looks of confusion, Tarento mouthed the words, "Calling Tonbo." We nodded, realizing she was checking if Onbin was the only one that forgot or not.
"Thanks Cuz...I owe ya...can't tell ya...no prob...Hai I know I'll either pay in either cash or sweat...yeyah bye Psyco!" Batafurai then carefully walked back to Tarento, sitting back on her perch and letting Tarento's arm slide back around her waist. She then said to all of us, "I asked Tonbo if she remembered saving Onbin back on Earth(2) when we were little, and she does. But I didn't tell her WHY I asked."
Kojiro opened his mouth to say something, but was quickly silenced. A loud crash was heard from nearby—no doubt the park, the most common place for attack in our city. "What the...?!?!"
We all jumped up and ran to the window, Tarento beating us all. I could see, from over his shoulder, Onbin running up to the house we were in. "Something's crashed outside! And it doesn't look like it's from this galaxy..."
Something caused me to step back and look up, surprising Batafurai. A blue flash lit up the room, then slowly faded out. Before I could see, I knew the object that had fallen into my right hand was the Little Mercury Crystal Wand, my transformation item. "Dear God no!!!!"
Batafurai looked at my wand, rubbed her eyes, looked again, THEN took another look. "...no way..."
Kojiro looked down at his hand, a mark glowing in it. "SWORD OF HOPE!" he yelled, his sword materializing in his hand. "Uh-oh..."
Tarento's eyes became as wide as saucers at the sight of Kojiro's sword. He then closed his eyes, the sign of Symoconise appearing on his forehead and glowing gold. His sword, the Sword of Goodwill, materializing in his own hand, something he could only pull off if there was an emergency. He then opened his eyes, looking disgusted. "Ah, GREAT..." he groaned, de-summoning his sword. Batafurai and Riki, judging by the look on their faces, could tell that their once dormant amulets were now powered again, something that only happened when the world was in danger.
The doorbell rang, so Tarento walked over to answer it. The second he turned the doorknob, the door slammed open and trapped him behind it. Onbin came storming in, looking like she was ready to kill someone with her bare hands. "Batafurai, you'd better explain to me how the HECK this came back!" the little brunette yelled, thrusting the Little Neptune Crystal Wand into her best friend's face. That proved it to me.
The crash was no accident. Someone was threatening our planet again, and us Little Senshi, Elder Senshi, Reploids, and Ninjas were the only ones that could stop him or her from taking over.
