Chapter 21: The Cage
Kakyuu opened her eyes. The first thing she saw were metal cage bars. It looked just like she was in jail. Hotaru and a black-haired man were lying in the cage too. They both woke up too.

Hotaru? Is that you? And who's the other guy? Kakyuu asked, getting right to the point. The man and Hotaru sat up.

Yes, it's me, Hotaru said.

I'm Mamoru Chiba, the man said.

I'm Kakyuu Aoi, also known as Sailor Kinmoku, giggled the redhaired alien princess. Mamoru gave her a quizzical look, as he had no idea what Kinmoku was.

She's from Kinmoku. It's an alien planet that was destroyed by a mysterious enemy, explained Hotaru.

There are three other Sailor Senshi who are also from Kinmoku. They're nice, but one of them still thinks it's his duty to baby me here. I just like living a normal life as Earth girl, Kakyuu Aoi, said Kakyuu.

Huh? Were you royalty there? Mamoru asked, still sort of confused, though, being Tuxedo Mask for as long as he had, he wasn't too shocked to find out there were Sailor Senshi from another solar system.

Yeah, I was their princess. Not much fun, though, I prefer playing and being with people, Kakyuu said, lying back and relaxing in the cage. Mamoru smiled; even though he had only just met her, this Kakyuu reminded him a lot of Usagi. Not that he was in love with her, of course...He was broken out of his musing as Kakyuu loudly shook the bars.

How are we supposed to get out of this thing? she asked.

Why don't we try using our Senshi powers? suggested Hotaru.

Yes, but what do we do after that? We need a plan, Mamoru said.

No we don't, how can we make one? We don't know where we are! So let's explore! exclaimed Kakyuu.

We should transform first. Saturn Crystal Power, Make Up! called Hotaru.

Right. Kinmoku Star Power, Make Up! shouted Kakyuu. Mamoru didn't say any magic words, but he transformed too by pulling out a rose and willing it to make him be Tuxedo Mask.

Now what do we do? asked Sailor Saturn.

We can search the area and find out what's going on, Sailor Kinmoku said.

Ahem, I think someone needs an explanation here, Tuxedo Mask reminded them, as he had just been in that cage and didn't know any of the stuff that was going on with the other Senshi.

Oops. Sorry. Basically, there are these four girls who keep attacking us and claiming that some of us are their fans and that others are ones they hate. They also claim we're anime characters, too. And I just got out of an arcade where Michiru and I met these two boys who fought over us. One of them liked me, and the other loved Michiru. Weird thing is, they said bizarre stuff about my life too, Sailor Kinmoku explained.

I ended up in someone's house where two girls fought over Makoto and me, just like what happened to you, Sailor Saturn added.

So these girls think you're anime characters? I've heard them, I think. I heard them talking about this thing they call the Maroon Crystal. It's apparently their power jewel, just like Usagi has the Silver Crystal, Mamoru said; the other two were surprised but grateful to hear that even he knew some information about their strange enemy.

Come on, everyone! Let's use our powers and get out of here! Kakyuu exclaimed. Sailor Saturn took her Silence Glaive over to the edge of the cage and began slashing at the bars with it. The bars began to crack, and Tuxedo Mask helped by throwing a rose between the cracks, which made them larger.

My time to break us out! Kinmoku Fusion Tempest! shouted Sailor Kinmoku, and some of the bars were destroyed, making an opening for the three warriors to escape. So they did, sneaking down the long hallway. They were led by an eerie, blood-red glow, almost like someone was shining a flashlight through a garnet. They turned a corner and were bathed in the crimson light of the Maroon Crystal.

Hey! That's that crystal you were talking about! exclaimed Sailor Kinmoku. Tuxedo Mask and Sailor Saturn shushed her, but it was too late.

It's time. Put the prisoners back into captivity, snapped an evil-sounding voice. All they saw was a shock of red hair before the Maroon Crystal came to life. It floated up in the air and shot out red vines that entangled Sailor Kinmoku, Sailor Saturn, and Tuxedo Mask, and tied them upside-down from the ceiling. The Silence Glaive clattered to the floor, its owner in no state to use it properly. The redhead was still shadowy. Despite that, her captives could almost feel her smirking.

I have three nasty bugs to go squash, so just stay there. Unless of course, Kakyuu, you want to watch your oppressor get his comeuppance? she asked slyly.

You don't mean Taiki?! shrieked Sailor Kinmoku, squirming like a fish on a hook.

Yes, that's who I mean. Or, as he is known to me, Forehead Boy, the other girl said. Sailor Kinmoku raged at this insult to one of her former protectors.

Kinmoku Fusion Tempest! she screamed. The redhead ducked away, and disappeared.

Now what do we do? You scared her away, scolded Sailor Saturn, as the alien Senshi pouted.

We wait to be rescued. I've done it before, Tuxedo Mask said blankly.