I do not own the rights to any of the copyrighted characters in this fanfic, nor do I claim them. The ones I create, however, are mine. Enjoy!
AN - Hey! I just wanted to remind you that the prologue focused on the present, and chapter one focused on the future. Now, from chapter two on, it will most likely switch between the two timelines. However, keep in mind, as you're reading, that (most) characters will have a present-self and a future-self. ^_^*
Dealing Fate's Hand
Chapter 2
Crystal Tokyo was under siege and all Rini could do was watch in horror. Her mother and the elder Scouts were pooling their powers to cast a regenerative barrier around the elder Ronins, who had already fallen in battle. The Ronins had been defeated, one by one, by the mysterious woman and her warriors, who had appeared without warning. And now the only ones left to defend the kingdom were the younger Sailor Scouts and Ronin Warriors.
The children stood together, torn over what actions to take. Without the guidance of their parents, or Prince Darien, they didn't know how to go about helping. The woman and her main warriors had disappeared some time ago, however minor minions still remained, terrorizing the city. It was Lotus, who finally took charge.
"We have to do something," he exclaimed, gaining everyone's attention. "We must protect our parents and the kingdom!"
"No, Lotus," Chibi Mars stated, as she and the other Scouts stepped forward. "You and Rini are the crowned Prince and Princess. You shouldn't be fighting!"
"That's right, Lotus," Chibi Venus exclaimed, winking. "It's our job to protect you two. You should only fight when there's no other choice."
"But-"
"Don't argue," Chibi Mercury interrupted. "If something were to happen to either or you, then we'd all be doomed!"
"My sister's right," Kiran said. "We'll take care of our enemies. At least until the adults can fight again!"
"That won't be necessary," a voice spoke, causing the children to turn around.
"Lady Kayura," they exclaimed in unison.
"You've come to help," Chibi Moon asked.
"Of course we have, young one," Anubis answered, as he and the other Warlords stepped forward.
"Anubis! Why are you here, too," Chibi Moon asked. "Why aren't you in the city with Mia, Yuli, and-"
"My place is here, for the moment," Anubis interrupted. "Now you and the others," he continued, motioning to the youngest of the children, "return to the castle. There, you will find Sailor Pluto. She will protect you."
"We've been training for a situation like this," Eunan argued. "We can't just-"
"Father wouldn't want you to be put into unnecessary danger," Chibi Mars argued. "Not when there's a chance he and the others can still fight, Eunan." She paused, turning to Lotus. "Take your sister and the other Ronins to Sailor Pluto."
Lotus frowned. "I can't just leave you. What will you do?"
"The only thing we can," Chibi Mars answered. "We'll help our mothers. Our fathers call upon the power of the planets, as well as drawing strength from our mothers' powers and their own."
"That's right," Chibi Jupiter exclaimed. "If our fathers draw power from all of us as well, they'll be fighting again in no time."
"Then do not waste your time here," Sekhmet stated. "Your parents grow weaker by the moment." The girls nodded, turning to go where their parents were.
"Kitiana," Lotus exclaimed, causing her to stop. "Be careful, all of you."
"You too, Lotus," Chibi Mars replied, glancing towards the younger warriors. "Please protect them."
Lotus nodded, then turned to his sister and the other Ronin as the Scouts left. "We'd better get going." Kayura and the Warlords watched as the two groups separated, going in different directions.
"I did not expect for this day to come so soon," Dais commented, as the children disappeared from sight.
"Yes, but we knew that this would one day transpire," Kale stated grimly.
Sekhmet sneered angrily. "Why would that witch attack at such a peaceful time? How could she-"
"Witch is such a harsh word, dear Warlord of Venom," a woman spoke, interrupting him. The Ancient shrine guardians turned around and saw a woman with long, lilac-colored hair standing there.
"So, the prophecy has come to pass," Kayura stated, grasping the Ancient's staff in her hand. "You've finally managed to return, Aislyn."
Aislyn's pale blue eyes flashed coldly and a cruel smile spread across her face. "So I have, lost child of the Ancient Clan."
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
"Keep moving, everyone," Lotus said, as he ran ahead of the younger children. Soft laughter could be heard as they ran down the main corridor of the castle, and they came to a stop.
"What was that," Chibi Moon asked. The young warriors grew tense, as they took in their surroundings, searching for the source of the laughter.
A single cherry blossom petal floated down from the ceiling, followed by another, until a steady fall of cherry blossoms surrounded the group. The petals seemed to affect the Ronins, as one by one, they fell into a slumber. A sudden power swept over them, and Chibi Moon found herself in her princess gown.
"It's a trap," Lotus exclaimed, as his head became foggy. "Rini, run!" Suddenly a rope of some sort shot out towards him, binding his arms and legs. Dark energy surrounded the rope, and he screamed out in pain before quickly succumbing to unconsciousness.
"Lotus," Rini screamed, running to his side and shaking him. "Lotus, get up!'
"Rini." She gasped, as a voice whispered her name. To her surprise, a figure suddenly appeared on the ground, and her face grew pale.
"Uncle Darien," she cried, crawling over towards him. She laid her head upon his chest, sighing in relief as she listened to his steady breathing and heartbeat. Suddenly, cherry blossoms surrounded her, and her eyes began to grow heavy.
"We've done well, my sister." Mustering as much strength as she could, Rini looked up as she heard the feminine voice, and saw two figures approaching her.
"Who," she trailed, as her senses slowly left her. One of the girls knelt down next to her, and she could smell the fragrance of cherry blossoms wafting from her.
"We have, sister," the girl spoke as she smiled down at Rini. "Mistress Aislyn will be pleased."
Tears began to form at the corner of Rini's eyes. "Please, don't-"
"Shh," the girl interrupted, placing a finger gently to her lips.
"Mother, Father… please help me," Rini thought tearfully, finally succumbing to unconsciousness…
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Darien was walking down the street, passing nearby the Crown Center Arcade. The sky was overcast, and droplets of rain began to slowly fall from the sky. A sudden boom of thunder was heard, seconds before the rain started pouring down. Cursing in surprise, he quickly ran to the arcade, stepping inside. He had only been outside in the rain for a moment, but his clothes were soaked.
"Looks like you could use a towel, Darien." He looked up and saw Andrew, his best friend. The blonde man smiled, shaking his head. "I'll run to the back and get you one."
"Thanks," Darien trailed, as Andrew disappeared to the back. He began to shiver slightly, because of the crispness of the room from the air conditioning. Andrew returned, tossing a towel in his direction. "I appreciate it," he stated, walking over towards the counter as he dried himself off.
"No problem," Andrew replied. "I haven't seen you in here in a while. How have you been lately?"
"Busy," Darien exclaimed, with a forced chuckle. "Finals."
"Oh. I know how that is." The two men stood in silence awkwardly, until Andrew finally broke the silence. "I'd better get back to work."
"Sure," Darien stated. "Thanks again for the towel." Andrew nodded, and then went to take orders from customers sitting at the counter.
"Hello, Darien," a woman stated. He turned his head to the side, and his eyebrows shot up in surprise.
"Lady Kayura," he exclaimed.
"It's just Kayura, today," she winked.
"What are you doing here," he asked, noticing she wore regular clothing, instead of the Ancient Shrine kimono. "Has something happened?"
"Well, yes and no," she replied, a slight frown on her face. "I was discussing something with Anubis - shrine matters - but, I don't want to worry the Princess."
It was then that Darien noticed everyone was there. Serena, Rei, and Mia were sitting at a booth chatting, while Amy and Sai played a game of chess at the table next to them. Mina was showing Rowen her skills at the Sailor V game, while Ryo, Yuli, Lita, and Sage sat at the racing games. Kento was returning to the booth where Serena sat, with ice cream for all of them, and Anubis sat at a table, awaiting Lady Kayura's return.
"Would you like to join Anubis and I," Kayura asked, causing Darien to look back at her.
"Oh, I don't know," Darien began. "I only stopped in here to escape the rain."
"Very well then," she stated, looking out towards the sliding doors. "It looks like the rain has stopped." Darien followed her gaze, and nodded in agreement. The sun was shining brightly now, as if it had never rained at all.
"There were supposed to be clear skies today," Darien commented, looking back at Kayura. "So much for that forecast."
"I'd like for you to stop by Mia's house later tonight," Kayura stated, as a silence settled between the two. "Kale, Dais, Sekhmet, and I will be there to finish the conversation I started with Anubis."
"What about the Ronins," he asked quietly, so that no one would overhear him. "Won't they be there?"
"No," Kayura stated. "They'll be gone until late tonight. They're taking the girls to dinner and a movie." She paused, and then looked into Darien's eyes. "It is your duty and ours to protect the Princess from harm. Something dark definitely lurks in the shadows."
"I'll be there," Darien said firmly. "You can count on it."
"Darien," Yuli exclaimed suddenly. The man looked up, and saw the energetic boy waving in his direction. Sighing, he walked over to the boy.
"Hi Yuli," Darien stated, then looking around. "Hi everyone."
"Are you going to hang out with us," Yuli asked. "You can play this racing game with me!"
"Maybe some other time," he replied. "I got soaked in the rain, so I'd better get home and change."
"Are you going to go with us on our trip," the boy asked. "We're all going on a road trip!"
"Nothing is definite yet, Yuli," Anubis supplied, when Darien didn't answer.
"If we do go, you should come with us, Darien," Serena stated, offering a smile. "It'll be fun!"
"I'll think about it," Darien replied, backing away. "I'd better get going. It was good seeing you all."
"See you around, Darien," Yuli called after him, as he turned to leave.
Darien turned and waved, then kept walking. He murmured a good bye in Andrew's direction as he passed by the counter. As he stepped through the doors, and they slid shut behind him, he sighed.
"If we do go, you should come with us Darien… It'll be fun!" As Serena's words repeated in his mind, he shook his head.
"No," he mumbled. "If what Lady Kayura fears is true, then there's a fight ahead of us. Why can't we just ever have peace?" Stuffing his hands in his pockets, Darien began to once again walk down the street, heading towards his apartment.
Above Darien, the form of a woman stood on the building, watching his retreating form. Emerald-green eyes flashed triumphantly, as her gaze followed him down the street. "I've found you, Prince Darien," she stated softly. "Mistress Aislyn will be very pleased."
Darien stopped, as a voice carried in the wind, and he turned around. He looked above him, however didn't see anything. Shaking off the feeling he was being watched, he continued walking down the street.
To Be Continued . . .