I do not own the rights to any of the characters in this fanfic, nor do I claim to. The idea, however, is mine.
AN - I know it's been forever and a day since I last updated this fanfic, so here's a quick recap:
It's Spring Break, and the Ronins and Scouts are trying to enjoy it. They are unaware of the changes occurring in the future, until Rini suddenly appears. She's acting somewhat differently, and trouble followed her to the past in the form of a mysterious woman named Aislyn and the Amazoness Quartet. Already, the new threat has attacked the warriors, leaving Setsuna powerless and the Ancient Shrine guardians at a loss for what actions to take.
Enjoy your read, and please review!
Dealing Fate's Hand
Chapter 6
Darien sat by Setsuna's bedside, watching over her quietly. He had relieved Serena from her station, insisting that she needed to get outside for some fresh air. Finally, she had reluctantly agreed, leaving him alone in the room. He stared down at Setsuna's still form, when suddenly a soft moan escaped her lips.
"Setsuna," he asked in a quiet voice.
Her head turned slightly, and slowly she began to open her eyes. She focused on his face, and slowly recognition entered her gaze. "Prince Darien," she whispered in a hoarse voice. A small, wry smile appeared on her face as she looked at him. "This is a bad habit we're forming." He chuckled lightly, before standing up. Walking over to a table that stood in the room, he poured a glass of water, and returned to her side.
"Here," he stated, as she weakly sat up in bed. He handed the glass to her, and she accepted it with a grateful smile.
She drank the water slowly, glad to wet her parched throat. As she finished, the door to her room opened with a creak, and both she and Darien looked over. Mia stood in the doorway, and as she saw Setsuna, a smile lit her face.
"I'm glad to finally see you up again, Setsuna," she stated, clasping her hands together in front of her. "We were really beginning to worry."
"How long was I unconscious," she asked, a small frown creasing her brow. Throwing off her covers, she began to get up.
"Setsuna, you should rest," Darien protested as he tried to keep her from standing.
"I must speak with Lady Kayura," she stated in a firm tone, shrugging out of his grasp. She lifted an arm into the air, summoning her henshin pen. She opened her mouth to speak, and hesitated as fear and uncertainty plagued her thoughts. Shaking her head, she shouted, "Pluto Planet Power!" However, as nothing happened, she slowly lowered her hand.
"Setsuna," Darien began.
"What's happened to me," she interrupted. As she turned to him, she grasped his arms tightly. "Why can't I transform? What did they do to me!"
"I don't know what they've done," he began, gently prying her fingers from his arms, and holding her hands in his. "Setsuna-"
"They used you to get through the time gates in the first place, Sailor Pluto. It's only fitting that they would tap into your powers as well."
Mia, Darien, and Setsuna looked towards a darkened corner of the room, where the voice had spoken from, and saw the figure of a young girl standing there. As she stepped out into the light, they could see her more definitely. She wore a long dress, which fell all the way to the ground, dragging slightly. The sleeves ran well past her hands, and her bare feet peaked out from the bottom of her outfit as she walked towards them. Her dark hair rested down her back, and green-tinted tendrils of hair fell into her face, slightly hiding her eyes, which were the same color.
"Who are you?" Her gaze shifted to Darien, who stood in front of the two women protectively. A sad smile appeared on her face as she spoke.
"I am not your enemy, so do not fear me," she stated. "My name is Celeste, and I've come to help."
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
The four armored samurai continued to stand motionless, which only added a tension to the already tense atmosphere. As the teenagers began to murmur amongst each other, Lady Kayura stepped forward. In a quick motion, her starlight swords were in her hands, extending to their full lengths. A soft laughter floated through the air, and a figure appeared suddenly behind the four samurai.
"Parapara," Lady Kayura stated, as the girl pushed her way in front of the soldiers. The warriors all watched her carefully, as she began to laugh.
"Parapara has gotten two already," she stated, mockingly extending and waving two fingers in the air. "Now she must get the last three." She began to juggle three objects, and three of the samurai walked forward, coordinating with her actions.
"Watch out," a voice screamed. The warriors turned in the direction the voice called out from, and saw Rei running towards them, waving her hands frantically. By the time the warriors turned back around, it was too late. The orbs floated in front of the blue-haired girl.
"Go," she shouted, thrusting her hand forward as the orbs shot out towards the group. The warriors tried to jump out of the way, however Sage, Sai, and Rowen each were struck by one of the orbs. They fell to the ground as the orbs passed through their bodies, similar to what had happened to Sailor Pluto earlier. The three samurai held out an arm, and as the orbs floated over towards them, they closed a fist around them. "Parapara has the whole set," the girl said excitedly, as four of the signs of the Ronin Warriors illuminated on the armor.
"No," Kayura whispered, as she realized what was happening. She turned around, seemingly in slow motion, as the girls called out their powers.
"Mercury Star Power!"
"Mars Star Power!"
"Venus Star Power!"
"Jupiter Star Power!"
"Moon Cosmic Power!"
Without hesitation, Sailor Mars, who finally reached the group, stepped forward, an angry look on her face. "This is for Ryo," she yelled, as she gathered her power. "Mars Flame Sniper!" The burning arrow zipped towards the enemy, and just as it was about to strike Parapara, the samurai bearing the sign of Wildfire stepped forward, catching the arrow effortlessly. The arrow dispersed in its' hand, and Sailor Mars' eyes widened in disbelief.
Parapara laughed, jumping up and down as she clapped her hands excitedly. "Now get them," she commanded.
"That's enough, Parapara!" The girl turned around, smiling as her sisters appeared behind her. Junjun, who had spoken, crossed her arms as she continued. "You can't have all the fun, you know. Mistress Aislyn sent us, to make sure you don't get too carried away."
"Return to the Mistress," Cerecere stated. She waved an arm, and the four samurai disappeared.
"What have you done to the Ronins," Sailor Moon demanded.
"We're taking back what rightfully belongs to Mistress Aislyn," Vesves said, glancing over in Lady Kayura's direction. "The armor, and everything else that should have never been taken from her!"
"You'll never get all of the armor," Kayura exclaimed. "I shall see to that!"
"The power of your star is not intangible, you will soon see," Cerecere retorted. She raised an arm into the air, and her sisters followed her example. The faint glow of Pluto's symbol appeared on their foreheads, before being permanently replaced by four different signs, each glowing a different color: one pink, one green, one red, and the last blue.
Each sister was surrounded by a colorful aura reflecting the symbol upon her forehead, and a powerful wind swept around the area. The Sailor Scouts and Lady Kayura were puzzled, and didn't hear as the door opened and shut, until a gasp was heard. Kayura turned, and saw Setsuna, Darien, Mia, and a strange girl.
"Setsuna," Kayura spoke, gaining the woman's attention.
"It's the aura of a celestial body," Setsuna whispered. "How did they acquire such power?" As the wind began to die down, both women turned to look back towards the four sisters. Noticing an object in each of the girls' hands, Setsuna gasped.
"They have gained a power granted by Aislyn," Celeste spoke. "You must stop them from transforming!" Her words seemed to put the Scouts into action, however it was too late, as the sisters began to call upon their new powers.
"Ceres Asteroid Power!"
"Juno Asteroid Power!"
"Vesta Asteroid Power!"
"Pallas Asteroid Power!"
A great surge of energy swept around the four sisters slowly, and Setsuna grabbed her head, gasping as she lost her balance from a sudden dizzy spell. The sign of her planet burned brightly on her forehead, and as she slowly sank to the ground, she took a shuddering breath. "What have you done," she whispered, looking upon the four sisters. The light slowly dispersed, and a collective gasp escaped from the Sailor Scouts as they got their first look at the four sisters.
"They… they're Sailors," Mercury gasped, as she was the first to recover. "It's not possible! There's only us, isn't there?" They could only look at the four sisters in wide-eyed wonder as they stood proudly.
"Sailor Ceres!"
"Sailor Juno!"
"Sailor Vesta!"
"Sailor Pallas is here!"
Stepping forward, Sailor Ceres placed her hands on her hips. "We are the warriors of the asteroids," she stated. "And we won't be stopped."
"What's going on here," Mars demanded angrily. "How dare you disgrace the good name of a Sailor Scout!" Her fists balled tightly at her side, and she shook visibly with anger. "You don't stand for anything we do!"
"We won't stand for it," Venus echoed. Extending her arm up into the air, power began to gather around her. "Venus," she yelled. "Love Chain Encircle!" The attack rushed towards the sisters, and Vesta stepped forward, a smug smile on her face.
"Pathetic," she exclaimed, taking her whip into both hands. "Tumultuous Embrace!" She snapped her whip out towards the soldier of love, and it wrapped around the blonde, trapping her arms against her body. A gasp barely left Venus' mouth, before her screams of pain were heard.
"Venus," Sailor Moon screamed.
"It's pulling so tight," Venus cried out, as she screamed again. "It hurts!" Her teammates could see the whip pulling tautly, digging into her bare arms. She legs began to give out on her, and she slowly sank to the ground as Sailor Vesta laughed. Vesta froze suddenly, and from the corner of her eye, she saw the soldier of fire gathering power.
"Mars Celestial Fire Surround!"
It was Sailor Vesta's turn to scream, as the wave of fire washed over her, burning through her whip and allowing Venus to fall freely to the ground.
"Sister," Sailor Ceres exclaimed. Frowning, her hands dropped to her sides, her fingers spreading apart widely as cherry blossoms slowly floated down to the ground. As a sweet fragrance filled the air, she inhaled deeply. "Flower Petal Massage," she spoke softly. A wind picked the petals up from the ground, causing them to dance as they wrapped around the other warriors.
Celeste's eyes widened slightly, and she quickly brought up her arm, covering her nose and mouth with her sleeve. "Do not breath in her pollen," she warned. "You'll become paralyzed."
"I'm afraid it's too late," Mia stated, as she sank down to her knees. "I feel so weak."
"You must try and fight the effects," Celeste encouraged, her voice slightly muffled by her sleeve. Sailor Ceres chuckled, and flowers continued to flutter from her.
"Stupid girl," she exclaimed. "Just give in to my powers already!" The flurry of petals became fiercer, swirling into a whirlwind of motion. Finally, Celeste dropped down to one knee, no longer able to resist the paralyzing affects of the attack. Smiling in satisfaction, Ceres slowly relaxed her arms, and the flower petals disappeared. She laughed coldly as she watched her victims fall to the ground with a soft thud.
"Well," Juno began, watching as the warriors, Celeste, and Mia laid on the ground, unmoving, "wasn't that all very boring? They never really stood a chance against us. Mistress Aislyn's power truly is amazing."
"What are you going to do with us," Darien demanded, as he writhed on the ground, still unable to move. The sisters never got the chance to answer, as a gasp drew their attention. Turning, they saw Rini and Yuli standing a way off, looks of fear on both of their faces. White Blaze sauntered in front of the children, uttering a low growl in his throat.
"Mia," Yuli exclaimed, as he ran over towards the woman. Rini and White Blaze followed close behind him. At the sound of his voice, Mia tried turning her head to look at him, and sighed in frustration.
"Yuli, you have to get out of here," she stated instead. She felt herself being turned over, and soon she was staring up into the worried faces of the two children.
"Mia, are you alright," Yuli asked.
"You and Rini have to get out of here," Mia repeated. "None of us can move. White Blaze is the only one who can protect you! Please, take him and run away!"
"But, Mia-" His voice trailed as he heard White Blaze utter another growl, and sighed. "Okay," he stated. "We'll go. But we'll find help, I promise."
"What have you done with them," Rini demanded suddenly, as she ignored Mia's words and Yuli's promise. "I won't stand for this kind of treatment towards my friends!"
"Rini, you have to listen to Mia," Sailor Moon warned. "Get out of here now!"
"I won't do that," she retorted defiantly. "I'm a soldier, too, and I'll fight!" Placing a hand against her broach, she began to call upon her transformation as she raised her arms into the air. "Moon Prism-"
"Enough, Small Lady," Sailor Vesta exclaimed. Rini gasped as the soldier's whip wrapped around her wrists, tying them together and causing her broach to fall to the ground. "You'll come with us, now." White Blaze let out a ferocious roar, and ran at Vesta.
"White Blaze, no," Rini exclaimed. "Take Yuli and get out of here!" The enraged tiger paid her no mind, however, and as he continued his charge, Sailor Juno jumped into the air.
"Somersault Entrap," she exclaimed, flipping in the air. As she flipped around completely, she extended out her hands, and thin wires shot out from them. She landed in a crouch as the wires wrapped around the tiger, stopping him in his tracks. Standing, she pulled the wires tautly, and electricity traveled down the lines, striking the muscled beast down. As he fell down unconscious with a pained whimper, Yuli ran over to his side.
"White Blaze!" Dropping down next to the felled tiger, he began desperately pulling at the lines, trying to loosen them. "White Blaze," Yuli cried. "Wake up!"
"Vesta," Ceres began, unmoved my Yuli's show of emotions. "It's time for us to go. Bring Small Lady along."
"Not so fast!"
The sisters looked up sharply as the voice rang through the air, and gasped as two female figures landed in front of Rini. Narrowing her eyes slightly, a scowl found its' way onto Sailor Ceres' face. "Who are you," she demanded. She studied them intensely, and her eyes suddenly widened in recognition. "You! It can't be!"
The two girls stood, and one of them began to speak. "I'm glad you recognized us," she stated, sweeping her long, blonde hair over her shoulder as her placid cerulean-blue eyes flashed with determination. She was wearing a fuku; the white bodice set off by the colorful skirt. It was the color of mother-of-pearl, with orange being dominant in the array of colors. The bow at the front of her fuku was a navy-blue color, while the bow at the back was a gold color. Topaz, star-shaped earrings were in her ears, and at her throat was a choker, where a familiar marking emanated dark blue. Raising her arm, which was adorned with an elbow-length glove, she smiled confidently. The star-shaped, topaz jeweled tiara at her forehead glimmered as it caught the light.
"I hope you hadn't planned on harming our Small Lady," the girl next to her spoke, drawing Sailor Ceres' attention. Putting a gloved hand to her chin, she regarded Sailor Ceres with a pensive, yet thoughtful expression, as her stormy, sea-blue eyes narrowed ever so slightly. Her brow crinkled underneath her tiara, where an aquamarine jewel was embedded. Like her companion, she was also wearing a Sailor fuku. Instead of an orange color in her skirt, the dominant color was blue. The bow in the front of her fuku was light blue in color, and the back bow was dark blue. Star-shaped, aquamarine studs were in her ears, and around her throat was her choker, where the symbol upon it blazed a light blue color proudly.
"Now," the first girl spoke again, "let our Princess go!" With her arm still raised in the air, she brought it down to a horizontal position, as if she were holding a crossbow. "Venus Arrowhead Assault," she exclaimed, at the same time, fanning her fingers in an outward motion. The energy-charged bolts shot forward, striking both Sailor Vesta and Sailor Juno's weapons. With a smile of victory, she jumped up and back through the air, landing behind Rini. At the same time, the bolts broke through the weapons and both Vesta and Juno fell to the ground. As Rini fell back, the blonde girl caught her. The girl looked over slightly, making sure that White Blaze, as well, was released from his hold. She turned back around in time to see the rest of her attack strike down both Sailor Vesta and Juno.
"Sailor Chibi Venus," Rini exclaimed, smiling up into the blonde's face. Looking over at the other girl, she smiled again. "And Sailor Chibi Mercury."
"We're glad you're safe, Small Lady," Chibi Mercury stated. "You're not hurt, are you?" She smiled as Rini shook her head, and then returned her attention to their enemy.
"Play a game with Sailor Pallas," the usually, bubbly girl spoke, an angry tone to her voice. Energy began to gather between her cupped hands, forming into an energy ball. Raising the orb into the air, she looked back at the newcomers.
"That's enough, Sailor Pallas," Ceres exclaimed. "Our sisters are hurt. We must return to Mistress Aislyn for now." Crossing her arms over her chest, she watched as Vesta and Juno disappeared. "Now come along." Sailor Pallas turned, and watched as Ceres flipped back, disappearing into thin air. Glaring at her enemies, she turned, disappearing as she walked away.
As soon as the sisters were gone, the warriors, Mia, and Celeste were finally able to move once again. Celeste was the first to recover, and she slowly stood. Soon, the others followed suit. "You did well," she congratulated, causing Sailor Chibi Venus and Chibi Mercury to look at her.
"Celeste," Chibi Venus exclaimed, quickly going over to her, and hugging the slightly older girl. "Am I glad to see you! When we were separated coming here, I thought the worst might have happened!"
"All is fine, Sailor Chibi Venus," Celeste reassured her. "Where are the others?"
"They stopped to help Ryo and Kento," the blonde replied, throwing a glance down towards where Rowen, Sai, and Sage laid on the ground, still unconscious. Swallowing, she walked over towards Rowen, kneeling down next to him. Fighting back tears she refused to allow form, she looked back at Celeste. "The same thing happened here, too?"
"I'm afraid so," Celeste answered. Sighing, Chibi Venus stared down into Rowen's face, brushing aside the stubborn lock of hair that always fell into his face.
"Oh, poor Daddy," she stated softly. "You have to wake up."
"Do you know what's going on," Mercury asked, aiming the question to Celeste. She was knelt down next to Sai, a hand resting gently on his chest.
"The Sorceress Aisyln wishes to resurrect a powerful warrior," the girl answered, with a nod of her head. "And in order to do so, she needs the power of the armor she crafted."
"So that means she needs the armor of the Warlords, too," Kayura asked. Once again Celeste nodded her head.
"Um, excuse me." All eyes went to Yuli, who fidgeted slightly from the sudden attention. "Are you all, um," he paused, and looked at the three girls. "Are you all from the future, like Rini?" Celeste, Chibi Venus, and Chibi Mercury all looked at each other, however it was Chibi Mercury who answered.
"Yes, we've come back to help in this time." She smiled at the boy, studying him intensely. "You must be Yuli," she asked. "I would recognize you anywhere."
"You would," he asked, blushing slightly.
"Yes," she replied with a laugh. "Why, you-" Her sentence was cut off as Celeste gently rested a hand on her arm, and she coughed to cover her mistake. "We know you very well in the future, Yuli." A silence settled amongst the group, until the Scout leader cleared her throat.
"I can't believe this is all happening again," she sighed tiredly. Looking at her companions, uncertainty masked her face. "What should we do next?"
"You know better than any of us, what should be done, Princess," Setsuna spoke, gaining Moon's attention.
"My sentiments, exactly," Celeste echoed. Sailor Moon looked at the strange girl briefly, and then nodded her head in agreement.
"I guess we should all rest, then," she stated. "We can't do much until the Ronins recover."
"That's the best idea I've heard all day, Sailor Moon." The group collectively turned towards the voice of the newcomer, to see Ryo, Kento, Sailor Chibi Mars, and another Sailor Scout clad in green standing there. Chibi Mars was supporting Ryo, while her teammate supported Kento. "I know I sure could use some rest," Ryo continued in a still-weakened voice.
"Ryo," Mars exclaimed, her eyes widening slightly. "And Kitiana!" She rushed over to them, hugging them both tightly.
"You're heavier than you look, your Highness," the girl supporting Kento stated with a grunt. He laughed slightly, and smiled.
"Sorry about that," he apologized. "But you're pretty strong, Sailor Chibi Jupiter. I'm impressed." A wide smile spread across her face, as she looked at her future king.
"Th-thank you," she blushed.
"Kento!" He looked up as Sailor Moon came towards him, and Chibi Jupiter stepped aside as the leader of the Scouts enveloped her boyfriend in a hug. "I'm so glad you're okay," she continued, her voice flooding with relief.
Rini watched as Kento returned Sailor Moon's hug, and a sad smile crossed her face. Turning slightly, she looked towards Darien, who, in turn, was looking elsewhere. Following his gaze, her sight landed on Celeste. The girl stood slightly away from the group, talking quietly with Lady Kayura. Rini frowned slightly as she returned her gaze to Darien. He was looking at her, now, and she smiled in his direction. She soon realized that he wasn't actually looking at her, and that he was lost in thought. Her brow furrowed into a frown once again, and slowly she cast her eyes up at the sky. Transfixed by the half-crescent moon and its' companion, a pale, blue star, tears welled up in her eyes. Her friends were all around her, however she still felt terribly lonely.
To Be Continued...