Title: A Broken Promise
AuthorÕs Notes: Hey guys! Been about a week since I had started writing this chapter...so here it is! [This week has been a busy week, so I was only able to finish this today: 8/21/03.] I warn you, though, there is a bit of a comedic flare in this chapter. Well, as comedic you can get with my dry sense of humor. Blah. It does get more serious at the ending though. IÕm so lazy...I have no idea what the Japanese names of the four sisters are! ItÕd help if people who know what their Japanese names are, would include them in their review. Arigato minna-chan!
Disclaimer: No own Sailor Moon. Moo. But I -do- own Kimitsu and Wakeru.
Chapter Two: The Four Sisters of Stress
"Four friends? Ami-chan, you don't mean..."
Ami nodded in reply to Rei's query, "Hai, Rei-chan. I -do- mean the Four Sisters of Deception."
Uranus's head spun as she gazed questioningly at the conversing duo. "Four Sisters of Deception?"
"They used to be agents of the Black Moon Family...but they're all good now," Minako explained, willing her soldier transformation to be undone. The rest followed the blonde's example and detransformed back to their civilian forms.
"Well then, shall we go?" Michiru prompted, the light breeze blowing through her aqua hair. 'I almost lost my cool back there,' she thought to herself, inconspicuously gritting her teeth together, 'but that Kimitsu brat was absolutely getting under my skin. What is it about her? Just so...so...'
"Michi? You ok?" a concerned voice questioned. The senshi of Neptune felt someone give her shoulder a soft squeeze.
Michiru stared into the worried green eyes of one Haruka Tenoh. "Ah, Haru...fine. Just fine. Just worried about Usa-chan is all," the young violinist informed her partner, pasting on a 'would-be' relaxed smile on her face. If not for her wounded pride, she would be relaxed. She wanted a chance to fight this girl. To prove she was the better woman; the better warrior. Though there was not an exchange of words to prove what Michiru was sure she knew, Michiru felt that Kimitsu had challenged her. Had challenged all of them. Just by the proud glint passing through the so-called 'wolf-girl's' astounding blue eyes. Michiru knew what everyone assumed: Kimitsu wanted the senshi to find her so they could hold a real battle.
"Michiru...you'll get your chance; we'll -all- get our chance," Haruka murmured, flashing the shorter girl a knowing smile. 'I know what you're thinking Michi...truth is, I want to fight her too. And, obviously, you must know that already.'
Michiru grinned. "You're right," a pause here as she seemingly examined her finely manicured nails, "Hm. I really hope that girl likes water. Because next time we meet--she'll be drowning in it."
~*~At a Local 'establishment'...~*~
"Ami-chan? You sure this is the place?" Makoto asked skeptically, her hands in her school uniform's pockets, feeling around for any offending pieces of lint. The blue-haired girl nodded almost immediately. "Hai. This is it. I'm sure. Their energy readings are coming from inside here."
Rei slapped a hand to her forehead and groaned, "But a KARAOKE bar?"
Minako grinned, executing her standard "Sailor V Victory" sign. "Alrightiez! A chance to get my Aya Mikage* on, y'all!"
"First off, I will personally slap you if you try to embarrass us by going up to sing," Rei growled, fishing a paralyzing spell scroll from her pocket, waving it at her blonde-headed friend threateningly, "Second off, how could you think of SINGING at a time like this?! We have Usa-chan to save, remember?!"
The cheerful grin was completely wiped clean from the Senshi of love's face, and replaced with a scowl. "Geez, Rei-chan! Show a little faith, okay?! We'll save Usa-chan! We will! I just know that we won't get anything done if we have mopey attitudes! I'm just trying to be cheerful here!"
A silence fell over the senshi as the soldiers of love and war glared at each other.
Mamoru sighed in exasperation and walked right past the waiting group into the building, fed up with waiting. He would get whatever information the four sisters had, and then leave, going to whatever destination they could detect. He would save his Usako. Our dear earth prince knew this, my friends, because he wasn't just confident: he was -mad-. And Diamond was going to get the full blast of that fore-mentioned rage.
Upon entrance, Mamoru took a moment to survey the inner environment of the building. It wasn't...bad. Not at all. It actually had a charming feel to it. Especially if drunk people singing their hearts out was your cup of tea. At that, the ebony-haired man had to shudder.
"Hey! It's Mamoru-san!" a cheerful voice piped up. Mamoru quickly turned around to face the smiling face of Bertie, former commander of the Black Moon waters; her light blue hair tied up into her customary braid.
"Bertie-san..."
However, the water maiden didn't seem to be listening as she exclaimed with unhidden glee, "And everyone else! How wonderful!"
Mamoru sighed. Screw his plan of getting out of here quickly. It wasn't going to happen at this rate.
"Bertie-chan!" the four inners greeted, hugging the young woman in turns.
"Come to check us out, eh?" the former Black Moon minion asked, winking.
"OY! BERT! THE K-MACHINE'S* ON THE FRITZ AGAIN!"
Bertie's cheerful demeanor seemed to melt away into nothingness as she muttered, storming angrily away from her friends to the source of the complaint, "AGAIN?! Fifth time today, I swear it's these customers...not US...the CUSTOMERS...and BERT?! I'll show -you- Bert!..."
"I think we caught them at a bad time..." Chibi-Usa said, beholding the sight of Bertie kicking the karaoke machine rapidly. (And it [surprisingly] coming back to life...)
Haruka shrugged. "I don't care. They more than likely have some info. that'll be valuable to us. We need to save Usagi, remember?"
Various "of course"s and "no der"s were provided in reply to this.
"Ah!Girls!Mamorusan!Gomennasaican'tbemuchofhostessesrightnowbutwe'lltalklaterwhentheshopisclosedokay?Justtakeaseatatoneoftheopentables!AhbusinessisboomingIreallycan'tbelieveitbutit'sreallyreallybusy!SoBYE!*"
Blinking rapidly, Minako glanced at her companions. "Er...did anyone get that...at all?"
"Iie. I think she said bye though..."
They curiously watched as the woman who had been talking way too quickly for any normal human to understand, whom the inner senshi and Mamoru recognized as Catzi, youngest of the four sisters, darted from table to table, taking away any cups or plates not needed, or delivering pre-ordered food. She did all this, while amazingly, still managing to remain standing in her stiletto heels.
"That girl could probably run a mile in those heels, you know..." Rei added thoughtfully, as Catzi dashed like a maniac, trying to answer all of the horrendous demands being made on her. Such were: "Waitress! More martinis over here!" "KALAMARIIIIIIII!*" "Wear a shorter skirt next time, eh?" Needless to say, Catzi had way more than enough sense to -not- follow the last perverted demand.
ÒThe kitchen.Ó
All eyes were diverted towards the tall auburn-haired girl. ÒEh?Ó
Makoto shrugged. ÒPrizma and Avery are in the kitchen if theyÕre not here...maybe theyÕre not as busy?Ó
They acted on MakotoÕs hunch and made their way into the kitchen; past an infuriated Bertie who was yelling at a man to be more careful with the karaoke equipment, and a flustered-Catzi, who was OBVIOUSLY trying to maintain her temper from all the cat calls she was getting from multiple surly-looking men.
The first thing to greet them upon entry to the kitchen, was the smell of burning...something. It could have been burning toast, tempura...or socks. One could not even -guess- the identification of the smell; which, according to most professional cooks, housewives, and firemen nation-wide, was not a good sign.
The second thing they saw was the extremely stressed face of Prizma, whose hands were switching between the blender, the frying pan, the pot, and a small towel to wipe the sweat from her brow.
Mamoru smiled slightly to himself. ÒTalk about multi-tasking.Ó
Prizma heard the praising comment and lifted her head to look at the group. ÒItÕs you guys! WhatÕs going on?Ó
Mamoru opened his mouth to answer, but, frankly, the sound of a deafening snore can really derail your train of thought.
ÒWhat in the galaxies was -that-?Ó Haruka was heard to remark, her sandy blonde-covered head turning this way and that way rapidly.
The groupÕs focus turned towards a female body lying on the floor; snoring rather loudly. The young womanÕs gray business suit was stained with grease seeping from one of PrizmaÕs frying pans. Her hazelnut hair tied up into a tight bun, as a few loose brown strands fell across her cheeks. This seemingly dead body was none other than Avery, third oldest of the Four Sisters.
Prizma bared her teeth, already exposing her warrior side. ÒAVERY! WHY ARE YOU -SLEEPING- ON THE JOB?!?!Ó
Avery made a sort of muffled snorting sound and sprung back up, back straight. Her green eyes staring bewilderdly into her older sisterÕs own. ÒEh? Prizma?Ó then she gradually started to notice the other people staring at her strangely. ÒGirls? Mamoru-san? What are you all doing in my room?Ó
The oldest of the four sisters made a hollow screeching sound, very much like that of a horror movie bansheeÕs. The green-haired woman snatched off her white ÒKiss the Cook--And DieÓ apron and waved her ladle threateningly at her younger sister. ÒYou are NOT in your room! You are in the kitchen of an obviously failing business!--when you are SUPPOSED to be buying more ingredients from the store!Ó
Avery, obviously still half asleep, said rigidly, ÒThen let this store wither away into nothingness so I can get some sleep!Ó
Prizma gave a derisive snort. ÒIronically enough, getting this store was -your- idea...Ó
ReiÕs violet eyes maneuvered around the place, her shapely nose scrunched up in disgust. ÒOh boy...weÕll help you guys out today.Ó
Prizma stared at Rei, her emerald-green eyes starting to light up with hope. ÒW-Will you really?Ó
Rei nodded. ÒMm-hmm. Of course,Ó then out of no where, the shrine maiden of Hiwaka Shrine took the place of Rei, TA AcademyÕs number one student. ÒAll right people!Ó Rei barked, ÒletÕs get to work!Ó
Though the proclamation was a simple one, it took the gang a while to decide which job each was to partake in. It came out as something like Makoto and Mamoru helping Prizma cook the karaoke barÕs culinary delights; Haruka ordered to use her speeding skills to rush to the market for more ingredients since Avery still lay dozing on the floor; Ami assisting Bertie in fixing the ever-problematic karaoke machine; which left Rei, Minako, Michiru, and Chibi-Usa to serve the customers their food and appease to their other needs.
~*~Many meals and Countless customer--beatings later [courtesy of Ms. Hino] later...~*~
With a contented sigh, Catzi locked the door to the shop, as the last customer piled out. The black-haired woman smiled chipperly at the remaining inhabitants of the facility. ÒAh, -finally-!Ó
Mamoru grimaced. They had delayed their plans too long. Time for some hard--hitting questions. ÒCan we just all...talk? We need to ask you four something...Ó
As all of them settled into their own sitting arrangements in vacant tables, Mamoru briefly recapped the senshiÕs misadventure, pointedly leaving out his own personal thoughts on the matter. Getting emotional was definitely an attribute he shouldnÕt contribute to this problem right now.
ÒKimitsu?!Ó Avery snapped, ruby eyes wild and furious, ÒI bet Wakeru had something to do with this too!Ó
ÒI canÕt believe sheÕd do this! And...after weÕd warned her!Ó Bertie gasped, staring blankly at a mahogany table top.
Catzi frowned. ÒOf course sheÕd do it! Considering the type of person she was! IÕve always hated that girl!Ó
Prizma glanced darkly at the senshi and Mamoru. ÒWe should certainly start from the beginning.Ó
***PrizmaÕs dialog***
When we were still in league with the Black Moon family , we had known a girl, around CatziÕs age. She, along with her twin brother Wakeru, had descended from a place called the Ôdeep moonÕ*. It was a place on the moon, which existed in Silver Millennium time, basically opposite location of where the Moon palace once proudly stood. All of the ÔtaintedÕ Lunarians dwelled there, all having had received an order of banishment from Usagi-chanÕs past mother, Queen Serenity. Of course, in order to have been living there, both siblings would have had to commit a crime of the most evil nature...which, I still am not sure of. Either way, this girl is now known to you as Kimitsu.
Kimitsu and Wakeru were both considered high-ranking officials right off the bat. It surprised me and my sisters, because, though we had been under DiamondÕs service from the very start...those two had already exceeded beyond our authority. (And we, too, had a high rank.) This, of course, made us very mad.
All four of us spiteful, we confronted them one day, when the two of them were standing together, no one else in sight. Avery had been first to speak. ÒSo--you two think youÕre better than all of us, donÕt you?!Ó she had snapped coldly, hand on her hip.
Then Kimitsu laughed. That cruel, hollow sort of haunting laugh, which IÕm sure, youÕve already had the displeasure of hearing. She fixated her gaze on us and replied coolly, ÒOf course. You four are nothing but worthless sacrifices that we send out there for combat, in hopes of getting somewhat closer to the silver crystal. If you die...no big loss.Ó
I had opened my mouth to send back a reply, when Wakeru tilted his head to look at me and my sisters, as he had previously been staring at the floor, uncaring of our presence. By then, he had captured the hearts of all the women in association with the Black Moon family. Even the attention of females closest to Diamond...such as Emerald, though she was madly in love with Diamond at the time. With his icy--blue eyes and silver-streaked ebony--black hair, it was really hard to ignore his good looks.
ÒOne day, you will be so weak as to succumb to the wishes of the White Moon family.Ó he said, a smirk gracing his lips. ÒAnd when that happens, Kimitsu and I will be the executioners waiting for you after you have been pronounced guilty.Ó
That comment was so out of the blue. Nothing related to what we were planning to discuss with them. It was the strangest comment...and, back then, the most insulting. Catzi was about to lunge for him, I could tell, but Rubeus suddenly walked by, having been sent to bring Kimitsu, Wakeru, my sisters, and I to the meeting.
The meeting was just about reporting our progress on destroying the senshi, kidnapping Chibi Usa-chan, and capturing the Silver Crystal. Or, rather, lack of progress. We also discussed new tactics that were a Ôsure fire wayÕ of killing the senshi. Which, obviously, was a load of crap, since all of you are still here.
Anyway, after the meeting, the four of us descended to earth together. It was the night when we were purified by Usagi-chan. For that, weÕd all like to say thanks, and that weÕre all eternally grateful.
But, our story doesnÕt end there.
After the four of us decided to live our lives as regular earthlings, the threats started to come in, undoubtedly from Kimitsu and Wakeru. It was just insults at first, things like: ÔWe knew that you losers would be too weak. Your drive to start a new world under the rule of Prince Diamond was not strong enough.Õ Not bad, just a way for them to bother us. But they got increasingly worse. Short, yet alarming notes started to pour in every day: ÔYour deaths shall bring glory to the Black Moon Family. And you know how much we love to bask in glory.Õ Those two knew where we lived, so we were always on our guard.
So you must know how relieved we were when we heard of the Black MoonÕs demise. From then on, we had our business and each other, so life was peaceful.
Many months past by since the whole Black Moon ordeal when I found it. A piece of parchment lying by my roomÕs window sill. Curious, I picked it up and scrawled in blood red writing was: ÔWeÕre back. Miss us?Õ
A prank. ThatÕs what I ignorantly decided it was. We, I, ignored it, until now. Until you have shown up on our doorstep, telling us what happened. The time of peace is now over. ***end***
Mamoru inhaled deeply before speaking. ÒSo you think weÕre dealing with her twin brother too?Ó
Four nods in reply.
Mamoru shut his eyes tightly, his right hand massaging his temples. This day seemed to be transforming into an exceedingly worse one.
ÒBut donÕt you have any idea where their base could be?Ó Ami asked, her navy-blue eyes pleading.
Bertie frowned. ÒWell, no. It seems that the olÕ pendulum has to be brought out again,Ó a pause, ÒAmi-chan, Your computer will be needed for this, of course.Ó
The warrior of Mercury bit her lower lip and replied, ÒI doubt my scanners will be much help. Those two sound tactful. WonÕt they know to put up some sort of shield so they can block us out?Ó
Avery cracked her knuckles absent-mindedly, murmuring, ÒLetÕs hope that since the last time we saw them those two have gotten stupider...though it doesnÕt sound like it...Ó
ÒI hope we can find her,Ó Minako said, a sad tone to her usually melodic voice.
Chibi Usa stared off across the room, concentrating on the wall. ÒWe -will-,Ó she said firmly. The rest of the group stared at the pink-haired girl. The girl, though seemingly young, had seen many things in her lifetime, that had matured her quickly. Her opinion was respected, so a jolt of new-formed hope raced throughout MamoruÕs entire body, as the black-haired man stared at the determined face of his future daughter.
There came silence, as they all collected their thoughts and feelings. A silence that wouldnÕt be there, if Usagi hadnÕt been captured.
A white slip of paper descended from somewhere above them, landing right in front of Mamoru. His azure eyes scanned the words scrawled in red on the paper, enlarging after each word he absorbed:
ÔBring out the sake*. IÕve come for a visit.Õ
AuthorÕs Concluding Notes: This chapter is caput. Review, review, review! [Need I say more?] Anyway, I know this chapter had basically no action whatsoever, but I [hopefully] promise thereÕll be more action...[let it be known the authoress of this story will try her best to include more butt-kicking...-much more- butt-kicking. -wink, wink-.] And, besides, with a visit from this [friend or foe?], action is bound to be included in the next chapter! HAI! E-mail: thepinkmatrix@aol.com
By the way, these Ò*Ós mean that thereÕll be more of an explanation included in my concluding notes. So here are the ones in this chapter:
1. Aya Mikage is a character in another manga, called Ayashi No Ceres or Celestial Legend...which I do not own. _ Wonderful manga, it is...Well, Aya loves singing karaoke with her friends, which is evident in the first volume.
2. K-Machine: the ÒKaraoke MachineÓ.
3. Correctly punctuated and spaced, this is what Catzi is saying: "Ah! Girls! Mamoru-san! Gomen nasai; can't be much of hostesses right now, but we'll talk later when the shop is closed, okay? Just take a seat at one of the open tables! Ah, business is booming! I really can't believe it, but it's really, really busy! So BYE!Ó
4. KALAMARIIIIIIII=kalamari. Squid, basically. Very yummy! Go try some! I command you! NOW! -Moohaha-
5. deep moon: As you will read in the Sailor Moon manga, Super S series, Volume 4, Act 1: Dead Moon Dream, page 60 [so specific, arenÕt I?], Queen Nephrenia emerged from the Ôdeep moonÕ, alongside Kimitsu and Wakeru. Convenient, ainÕt it? I might include Queen N. in KimitsuÕs and WakeruÕs history, because of that.
6. Sake: A Japanese wine, I believe. [correct me if I happen to be wrong.]
ÔTill next chapter! (By the way, please include your e-mail addresses in your reviews, if you would like to get notification on updates and such of this story or another yarn of mine.
Chapter Two: The Four Sisters of Stress
"Four friends? Ami-chan, you don't mean..."
Ami nodded in reply to Rei's query, "Hai, Rei-chan. I -do- mean the Four Sisters of Deception."
Uranus's head spun as she gazed questioningly at the conversing duo. "Four Sisters of Deception?"
"They used to be agents of the Black Moon Family...but they're all good now," Minako explained, willing her soldier transformation to be undone. The rest followed the blonde's example and detransformed back to their civilian forms.
"Well then, shall we go?" Michiru prompted, the light breeze blowing through her aqua hair. 'I almost lost my cool back there,' she thought to herself, inconspicuously gritting her teeth together, 'but that Kimitsu brat was absolutely getting under my skin. What is it about her? Just so...so...'
"Michi? You ok?" a concerned voice questioned. The senshi of Neptune felt someone give her shoulder a soft squeeze.
Michiru stared into the worried green eyes of one Haruka Tenoh. "Ah, Haru...fine. Just fine. Just worried about Usa-chan is all," the young violinist informed her partner, pasting on a 'would-be' relaxed smile on her face. If not for her wounded pride, she would be relaxed. She wanted a chance to fight this girl. To prove she was the better woman; the better warrior. Though there was not an exchange of words to prove what Michiru was sure she knew, Michiru felt that Kimitsu had challenged her. Had challenged all of them. Just by the proud glint passing through the so-called 'wolf-girl's' astounding blue eyes. Michiru knew what everyone assumed: Kimitsu wanted the senshi to find her so they could hold a real battle.
"Michiru...you'll get your chance; we'll -all- get our chance," Haruka murmured, flashing the shorter girl a knowing smile. 'I know what you're thinking Michi...truth is, I want to fight her too. And, obviously, you must know that already.'
Michiru grinned. "You're right," a pause here as she seemingly examined her finely manicured nails, "Hm. I really hope that girl likes water. Because next time we meet--she'll be drowning in it."
~*~At a Local 'establishment'...~*~
"Ami-chan? You sure this is the place?" Makoto asked skeptically, her hands in her school uniform's pockets, feeling around for any offending pieces of lint. The blue-haired girl nodded almost immediately. "Hai. This is it. I'm sure. Their energy readings are coming from inside here."
Rei slapped a hand to her forehead and groaned, "But a KARAOKE bar?"
Minako grinned, executing her standard "Sailor V Victory" sign. "Alrightiez! A chance to get my Aya Mikage* on, y'all!"
"First off, I will personally slap you if you try to embarrass us by going up to sing," Rei growled, fishing a paralyzing spell scroll from her pocket, waving it at her blonde-headed friend threateningly, "Second off, how could you think of SINGING at a time like this?! We have Usa-chan to save, remember?!"
The cheerful grin was completely wiped clean from the Senshi of love's face, and replaced with a scowl. "Geez, Rei-chan! Show a little faith, okay?! We'll save Usa-chan! We will! I just know that we won't get anything done if we have mopey attitudes! I'm just trying to be cheerful here!"
A silence fell over the senshi as the soldiers of love and war glared at each other.
Mamoru sighed in exasperation and walked right past the waiting group into the building, fed up with waiting. He would get whatever information the four sisters had, and then leave, going to whatever destination they could detect. He would save his Usako. Our dear earth prince knew this, my friends, because he wasn't just confident: he was -mad-. And Diamond was going to get the full blast of that fore-mentioned rage.
Upon entrance, Mamoru took a moment to survey the inner environment of the building. It wasn't...bad. Not at all. It actually had a charming feel to it. Especially if drunk people singing their hearts out was your cup of tea. At that, the ebony-haired man had to shudder.
"Hey! It's Mamoru-san!" a cheerful voice piped up. Mamoru quickly turned around to face the smiling face of Bertie, former commander of the Black Moon waters; her light blue hair tied up into her customary braid.
"Bertie-san..."
However, the water maiden didn't seem to be listening as she exclaimed with unhidden glee, "And everyone else! How wonderful!"
Mamoru sighed. Screw his plan of getting out of here quickly. It wasn't going to happen at this rate.
"Bertie-chan!" the four inners greeted, hugging the young woman in turns.
"Come to check us out, eh?" the former Black Moon minion asked, winking.
"OY! BERT! THE K-MACHINE'S* ON THE FRITZ AGAIN!"
Bertie's cheerful demeanor seemed to melt away into nothingness as she muttered, storming angrily away from her friends to the source of the complaint, "AGAIN?! Fifth time today, I swear it's these customers...not US...the CUSTOMERS...and BERT?! I'll show -you- Bert!..."
"I think we caught them at a bad time..." Chibi-Usa said, beholding the sight of Bertie kicking the karaoke machine rapidly. (And it [surprisingly] coming back to life...)
Haruka shrugged. "I don't care. They more than likely have some info. that'll be valuable to us. We need to save Usagi, remember?"
Various "of course"s and "no der"s were provided in reply to this.
"Ah!Girls!Mamorusan!Gomennasaican'tbemuchofhostessesrightnowbutwe'lltalklaterwhentheshopisclosedokay?Justtakeaseatatoneoftheopentables!AhbusinessisboomingIreallycan'tbelieveitbutit'sreallyreallybusy!SoBYE!*"
Blinking rapidly, Minako glanced at her companions. "Er...did anyone get that...at all?"
"Iie. I think she said bye though..."
They curiously watched as the woman who had been talking way too quickly for any normal human to understand, whom the inner senshi and Mamoru recognized as Catzi, youngest of the four sisters, darted from table to table, taking away any cups or plates not needed, or delivering pre-ordered food. She did all this, while amazingly, still managing to remain standing in her stiletto heels.
"That girl could probably run a mile in those heels, you know..." Rei added thoughtfully, as Catzi dashed like a maniac, trying to answer all of the horrendous demands being made on her. Such were: "Waitress! More martinis over here!" "KALAMARIIIIIIII!*" "Wear a shorter skirt next time, eh?" Needless to say, Catzi had way more than enough sense to -not- follow the last perverted demand.
ÒThe kitchen.Ó
All eyes were diverted towards the tall auburn-haired girl. ÒEh?Ó
Makoto shrugged. ÒPrizma and Avery are in the kitchen if theyÕre not here...maybe theyÕre not as busy?Ó
They acted on MakotoÕs hunch and made their way into the kitchen; past an infuriated Bertie who was yelling at a man to be more careful with the karaoke equipment, and a flustered-Catzi, who was OBVIOUSLY trying to maintain her temper from all the cat calls she was getting from multiple surly-looking men.
The first thing to greet them upon entry to the kitchen, was the smell of burning...something. It could have been burning toast, tempura...or socks. One could not even -guess- the identification of the smell; which, according to most professional cooks, housewives, and firemen nation-wide, was not a good sign.
The second thing they saw was the extremely stressed face of Prizma, whose hands were switching between the blender, the frying pan, the pot, and a small towel to wipe the sweat from her brow.
Mamoru smiled slightly to himself. ÒTalk about multi-tasking.Ó
Prizma heard the praising comment and lifted her head to look at the group. ÒItÕs you guys! WhatÕs going on?Ó
Mamoru opened his mouth to answer, but, frankly, the sound of a deafening snore can really derail your train of thought.
ÒWhat in the galaxies was -that-?Ó Haruka was heard to remark, her sandy blonde-covered head turning this way and that way rapidly.
The groupÕs focus turned towards a female body lying on the floor; snoring rather loudly. The young womanÕs gray business suit was stained with grease seeping from one of PrizmaÕs frying pans. Her hazelnut hair tied up into a tight bun, as a few loose brown strands fell across her cheeks. This seemingly dead body was none other than Avery, third oldest of the Four Sisters.
Prizma bared her teeth, already exposing her warrior side. ÒAVERY! WHY ARE YOU -SLEEPING- ON THE JOB?!?!Ó
Avery made a sort of muffled snorting sound and sprung back up, back straight. Her green eyes staring bewilderdly into her older sisterÕs own. ÒEh? Prizma?Ó then she gradually started to notice the other people staring at her strangely. ÒGirls? Mamoru-san? What are you all doing in my room?Ó
The oldest of the four sisters made a hollow screeching sound, very much like that of a horror movie bansheeÕs. The green-haired woman snatched off her white ÒKiss the Cook--And DieÓ apron and waved her ladle threateningly at her younger sister. ÒYou are NOT in your room! You are in the kitchen of an obviously failing business!--when you are SUPPOSED to be buying more ingredients from the store!Ó
Avery, obviously still half asleep, said rigidly, ÒThen let this store wither away into nothingness so I can get some sleep!Ó
Prizma gave a derisive snort. ÒIronically enough, getting this store was -your- idea...Ó
ReiÕs violet eyes maneuvered around the place, her shapely nose scrunched up in disgust. ÒOh boy...weÕll help you guys out today.Ó
Prizma stared at Rei, her emerald-green eyes starting to light up with hope. ÒW-Will you really?Ó
Rei nodded. ÒMm-hmm. Of course,Ó then out of no where, the shrine maiden of Hiwaka Shrine took the place of Rei, TA AcademyÕs number one student. ÒAll right people!Ó Rei barked, ÒletÕs get to work!Ó
Though the proclamation was a simple one, it took the gang a while to decide which job each was to partake in. It came out as something like Makoto and Mamoru helping Prizma cook the karaoke barÕs culinary delights; Haruka ordered to use her speeding skills to rush to the market for more ingredients since Avery still lay dozing on the floor; Ami assisting Bertie in fixing the ever-problematic karaoke machine; which left Rei, Minako, Michiru, and Chibi-Usa to serve the customers their food and appease to their other needs.
~*~Many meals and Countless customer--beatings later [courtesy of Ms. Hino] later...~*~
With a contented sigh, Catzi locked the door to the shop, as the last customer piled out. The black-haired woman smiled chipperly at the remaining inhabitants of the facility. ÒAh, -finally-!Ó
Mamoru grimaced. They had delayed their plans too long. Time for some hard--hitting questions. ÒCan we just all...talk? We need to ask you four something...Ó
As all of them settled into their own sitting arrangements in vacant tables, Mamoru briefly recapped the senshiÕs misadventure, pointedly leaving out his own personal thoughts on the matter. Getting emotional was definitely an attribute he shouldnÕt contribute to this problem right now.
ÒKimitsu?!Ó Avery snapped, ruby eyes wild and furious, ÒI bet Wakeru had something to do with this too!Ó
ÒI canÕt believe sheÕd do this! And...after weÕd warned her!Ó Bertie gasped, staring blankly at a mahogany table top.
Catzi frowned. ÒOf course sheÕd do it! Considering the type of person she was! IÕve always hated that girl!Ó
Prizma glanced darkly at the senshi and Mamoru. ÒWe should certainly start from the beginning.Ó
***PrizmaÕs dialog***
When we were still in league with the Black Moon family , we had known a girl, around CatziÕs age. She, along with her twin brother Wakeru, had descended from a place called the Ôdeep moonÕ*. It was a place on the moon, which existed in Silver Millennium time, basically opposite location of where the Moon palace once proudly stood. All of the ÔtaintedÕ Lunarians dwelled there, all having had received an order of banishment from Usagi-chanÕs past mother, Queen Serenity. Of course, in order to have been living there, both siblings would have had to commit a crime of the most evil nature...which, I still am not sure of. Either way, this girl is now known to you as Kimitsu.
Kimitsu and Wakeru were both considered high-ranking officials right off the bat. It surprised me and my sisters, because, though we had been under DiamondÕs service from the very start...those two had already exceeded beyond our authority. (And we, too, had a high rank.) This, of course, made us very mad.
All four of us spiteful, we confronted them one day, when the two of them were standing together, no one else in sight. Avery had been first to speak. ÒSo--you two think youÕre better than all of us, donÕt you?!Ó she had snapped coldly, hand on her hip.
Then Kimitsu laughed. That cruel, hollow sort of haunting laugh, which IÕm sure, youÕve already had the displeasure of hearing. She fixated her gaze on us and replied coolly, ÒOf course. You four are nothing but worthless sacrifices that we send out there for combat, in hopes of getting somewhat closer to the silver crystal. If you die...no big loss.Ó
I had opened my mouth to send back a reply, when Wakeru tilted his head to look at me and my sisters, as he had previously been staring at the floor, uncaring of our presence. By then, he had captured the hearts of all the women in association with the Black Moon family. Even the attention of females closest to Diamond...such as Emerald, though she was madly in love with Diamond at the time. With his icy--blue eyes and silver-streaked ebony--black hair, it was really hard to ignore his good looks.
ÒOne day, you will be so weak as to succumb to the wishes of the White Moon family.Ó he said, a smirk gracing his lips. ÒAnd when that happens, Kimitsu and I will be the executioners waiting for you after you have been pronounced guilty.Ó
That comment was so out of the blue. Nothing related to what we were planning to discuss with them. It was the strangest comment...and, back then, the most insulting. Catzi was about to lunge for him, I could tell, but Rubeus suddenly walked by, having been sent to bring Kimitsu, Wakeru, my sisters, and I to the meeting.
The meeting was just about reporting our progress on destroying the senshi, kidnapping Chibi Usa-chan, and capturing the Silver Crystal. Or, rather, lack of progress. We also discussed new tactics that were a Ôsure fire wayÕ of killing the senshi. Which, obviously, was a load of crap, since all of you are still here.
Anyway, after the meeting, the four of us descended to earth together. It was the night when we were purified by Usagi-chan. For that, weÕd all like to say thanks, and that weÕre all eternally grateful.
But, our story doesnÕt end there.
After the four of us decided to live our lives as regular earthlings, the threats started to come in, undoubtedly from Kimitsu and Wakeru. It was just insults at first, things like: ÔWe knew that you losers would be too weak. Your drive to start a new world under the rule of Prince Diamond was not strong enough.Õ Not bad, just a way for them to bother us. But they got increasingly worse. Short, yet alarming notes started to pour in every day: ÔYour deaths shall bring glory to the Black Moon Family. And you know how much we love to bask in glory.Õ Those two knew where we lived, so we were always on our guard.
So you must know how relieved we were when we heard of the Black MoonÕs demise. From then on, we had our business and each other, so life was peaceful.
Many months past by since the whole Black Moon ordeal when I found it. A piece of parchment lying by my roomÕs window sill. Curious, I picked it up and scrawled in blood red writing was: ÔWeÕre back. Miss us?Õ
A prank. ThatÕs what I ignorantly decided it was. We, I, ignored it, until now. Until you have shown up on our doorstep, telling us what happened. The time of peace is now over. ***end***
Mamoru inhaled deeply before speaking. ÒSo you think weÕre dealing with her twin brother too?Ó
Four nods in reply.
Mamoru shut his eyes tightly, his right hand massaging his temples. This day seemed to be transforming into an exceedingly worse one.
ÒBut donÕt you have any idea where their base could be?Ó Ami asked, her navy-blue eyes pleading.
Bertie frowned. ÒWell, no. It seems that the olÕ pendulum has to be brought out again,Ó a pause, ÒAmi-chan, Your computer will be needed for this, of course.Ó
The warrior of Mercury bit her lower lip and replied, ÒI doubt my scanners will be much help. Those two sound tactful. WonÕt they know to put up some sort of shield so they can block us out?Ó
Avery cracked her knuckles absent-mindedly, murmuring, ÒLetÕs hope that since the last time we saw them those two have gotten stupider...though it doesnÕt sound like it...Ó
ÒI hope we can find her,Ó Minako said, a sad tone to her usually melodic voice.
Chibi Usa stared off across the room, concentrating on the wall. ÒWe -will-,Ó she said firmly. The rest of the group stared at the pink-haired girl. The girl, though seemingly young, had seen many things in her lifetime, that had matured her quickly. Her opinion was respected, so a jolt of new-formed hope raced throughout MamoruÕs entire body, as the black-haired man stared at the determined face of his future daughter.
There came silence, as they all collected their thoughts and feelings. A silence that wouldnÕt be there, if Usagi hadnÕt been captured.
A white slip of paper descended from somewhere above them, landing right in front of Mamoru. His azure eyes scanned the words scrawled in red on the paper, enlarging after each word he absorbed:
ÔBring out the sake*. IÕve come for a visit.Õ
AuthorÕs Concluding Notes: This chapter is caput. Review, review, review! [Need I say more?] Anyway, I know this chapter had basically no action whatsoever, but I [hopefully] promise thereÕll be more action...[let it be known the authoress of this story will try her best to include more butt-kicking...-much more- butt-kicking. -wink, wink-.] And, besides, with a visit from this [friend or foe?], action is bound to be included in the next chapter! HAI! E-mail: thepinkmatrix@aol.com
By the way, these Ò*Ós mean that thereÕll be more of an explanation included in my concluding notes. So here are the ones in this chapter:
1. Aya Mikage is a character in another manga, called Ayashi No Ceres or Celestial Legend...which I do not own. _ Wonderful manga, it is...Well, Aya loves singing karaoke with her friends, which is evident in the first volume.
2. K-Machine: the ÒKaraoke MachineÓ.
3. Correctly punctuated and spaced, this is what Catzi is saying: "Ah! Girls! Mamoru-san! Gomen nasai; can't be much of hostesses right now, but we'll talk later when the shop is closed, okay? Just take a seat at one of the open tables! Ah, business is booming! I really can't believe it, but it's really, really busy! So BYE!Ó
4. KALAMARIIIIIIII=kalamari. Squid, basically. Very yummy! Go try some! I command you! NOW! -Moohaha-
5. deep moon: As you will read in the Sailor Moon manga, Super S series, Volume 4, Act 1: Dead Moon Dream, page 60 [so specific, arenÕt I?], Queen Nephrenia emerged from the Ôdeep moonÕ, alongside Kimitsu and Wakeru. Convenient, ainÕt it? I might include Queen N. in KimitsuÕs and WakeruÕs history, because of that.
6. Sake: A Japanese wine, I believe. [correct me if I happen to be wrong.]
ÔTill next chapter! (By the way, please include your e-mail addresses in your reviews, if you would like to get notification on updates and such of this story or another yarn of mine.