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WARNING: It is recommended by the author of the following work of fiction that the parent or guardian of any individual under the age of thirteen read and review the following. As it may contain violence, strong adult language, and adult seductions. Thank you.
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DISCLAIMER: Those characters that are normal associated with the hit television series and the successful manga, or graphic novel series, Sailor Moon are not of my own creation. But rather the products of Naoko Takeuchi's imagination.
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Past Troubles: Secrets of the Moon
Chapter One: Friends or Foes
Written by: Kristen Long
As it was normal routine the pretty sailor-suited Sailor Scouts stayed behind after the battle with their newest of enemies. A creature with pale shimmering skin calling himself 'Droid 546. The battle had not been going well, not even with the arrival of Tuxedo Mask to give encouraging words, as well as a helping hand. The battle only tilted in favor of the Sailor Scouts with the arrival of two strangers, a man and a women, wearing what appeared to be a variation of the short sleeve fatigue from the science-fiction movie Star Trek: the Motion Picture. Now, with that the battle was over these strangers stood, examining the corpse of 'Droid 546. The healthy, well-toned young woman with her blond her twisted into a bun was stooped over 'Droid 546; her arm immersed in the creature's abdomen. The robust stud standing next to her did not speak a word as his green eyes watched his partner and his long pony tail was ruffled by the cool evening breeze.
"Who are you?" Sailor Mercury said stepping forward.
Neither of the strangers made to say anything. The young woman simple removed her hand from 'Droid 546's chest, dripping with the green fluids. The man removed a tricoder from his belt and took something from his companion. He placed the something on the tricoder and waited.
"My friend is talking to you." Sailor Jupiter yelled in an annoyed voice. She was tried of standing around. Like the others, she wanted to know who these people were and who that 'Droid 546 was working for. If they were not working for the same individual.
Again neither of strangers answered. Not being able to control her anger at their arrogance Sailor Jupiter at the man. Her fist came in contact with the young woman's hand. Her focused, piercing sky-blue eyes held familiarity. Sailor Jupiter and this nameless woman stood locked together, neither moving. Jupiter unclenched her fist and the woman let her go. She smiled at Jupiter. It was a counteraction that left Sailor Jupiter speechless.
"Let's go." The man said in a deep, demanding voice. The woman turned her heels.
A few minutes later Sailor Jupiter still stood in the same spot. Her eyes on the far end of the street where the two strangers had disappeared. "What's wrong?" Sailor Venus asked running up to her.
"She smiled at me." Sailor Jupiter replied.
"Smiled?" Sailor Venus said. "I wouldn't have taken her to the be the type that would ever smile."
"Where's Sailor Moon?" Sailor Mars yelled in a highly annoyed voice.
"Calm down, Mars." Tuxedo Mask said placing a hand on the pretty sailor-suited scout of the distant red planet. "I am sure that Sailor Moon has her reasons for not being here tonight."
"She had better." Sailor Mars demanded throwing Tuxedo Mask's hand off of her and walking over to where Sailor Mercury stood over defiled body of 'Droid 546. Sailor Mercury stood pressing the keys of hand held computer. Her brow furrowed in concentration and deep thought.
"So...?" Sailor Mars inquired. The other scouts gathered around.
"It's not human." Sailor Mercury replied. "At least I don't think so. I'll have to do further studies before I can tell you for sure."
"Well, you had better hurry." A black cat named Luna said jumping from her hiding place in a tree. "The press is on its way."
A white cat with a golden crescent moon on its forehead jumped to the street from his hiding place in the same street. "I hate to say this," he said. "but, something tells me that we will see our friends and more like him over the course of a few days. So, with that said, I believe that it is time that we leave. That is unless any of you are in the mood to deal with the precedent members of the press."
"What are we going to do with him?" Sailor Mercury said. As if 'Droid 546 had heard the question addressed to him, his body vanished in what appeared to be a field of lightening.
"Well, that's enough for me." Sailor Venus said turning in the direction of her urban home. "I'm calling it a night." She not reached the end of the street when she had turned back, running. " You know, I think I'll take the long way." She yelled as she passed the rest of them.
At the end of the street a several pairs of headlights illuminated the dark. None of the Sailor Scouts said a word as they jumped onto the top of nearby buildings and vanished into the night.
Across town...
Usagi turned the key in the lock and entered the Tsukino residence. The house was bathed in complete darkness. The only light was that of the street lamp spilling in through the open curtains of the living room. Careful as not to awaken the sleeping residents Usagi crept to the staircase. Her left foot had not touched the first step when the living room light had come on.
"Usagi, come in here." Her father's infuriated, but calm voice ordered.
Her head held low, Usagi turned to the living room. Both her parents were seated on the love seat. A magazine sat on her mother's lap. Obviously the woman had been attempting to keep herself busy by reading in the dark. Her father said with his arms cross and a scowl on his face.
"We got the most peculiar phone call tonight." Ikuko stated in a calm voice. The voice that she only used when she was about to punish one of her children for one thing or another. "Here, me and your father are watching a late night movie and we get a phone from Aino Minako's mother. Apparently Minako's mother was under the impression that her daughter was supposed to be spending the night. Now, would be so kind as to explain why Minako's mother thought that?" Ikuko waited for her daughter to answer. Usagi stood took a mental note to ring Minako's neck.
"I did not think so." Ikuko said in her calm voice. " So, I went upstairs to ask you if Minako had told you anything about coming over, because, well...I do not remember anyone asking me if her friends could come over. Do you know what I found when I got up there?"
Usagi hated it when her mother asked questioned. It only meant that her punishment would be something that she would not like. Usagi shook her head, although she knew the answer.
"I found your bed. Empty." Ikuko says. "Minako is supposed to be to see you, but you're gone. Now, my heart is pounding in my chest because my daughter and her friend are out running the street and could, possibly be in great danger. I refused to entertain the very thought that my daughter could be laying in the gutter some where. Instead, I entertain the thought that she is at another friend's house. Studying maybe. So, I start calling everyone and any one. And, you know what?" Ikuko asked. "No one has seen you. In fact even their daughter's are missing. I called Mamoru's apartment on the slim chance that you would be there. I got his answering machine. So, now, Usagi, I want to know, what was so important that you had to risk not only your life, but the lives of your friends, to do."
Usagi did not answer. She could not answer. She could not tell her parts that she was out saving the world from destruction. So instead, she said, "Nothing."
"So, after a night out on the town and worrying me half to death, you have judge that your personal activities with your friends was not worth it." Ikuko said.
"Yes, ma'am." Usagi said.
"Usagi, "Kenji interjected. "your mother and I have talked it over." Here it comes the punishment. "And, we both agree, that as of this moment you are not allowed to use the phone or watch television for one month."
Usagi's eyebrows raised. No phone or television for one month. She was getting off easy. "Until you have proven to use that you are responsible enough to be trusted again, you mother and I will be taking you to and from school and study sessions. However, for the first two weeks, all of your study sessions will be held in this house where we can keep an eye on you."
"But...." Usagi protested. "That's...that's not fair."
"It's not fair." Ikuko said raising an eyebrow. "Let me tell you what is not fair. What is not fair is my daughter sneaking out at night. What's not fair is me running around this house like a chicken with its head cut-off trying to find my daughter. What is not fair is me worried that my daughter might be laying somewhere dead."
The phone rang. Kenji went to answer it. "Hello." Pause. "Yes, Mamoru. She's here and okay." He took the phone into the kitchen. No doubt he was giving the young man the same speech that Ikuko was giving their daughter.
The nineteen-ninety-five white Grand AM pulled in front of the secondary school. Groups of students were gathered here and there; engrossed in their own conversations or playing various games. Inside the car, Usagi sat staring outside. She wanted to disappear. "I'll be back to pick you up at four-o'clock." Ikuko said pulling the car up to the entrance of the school.
"Yes, ma'am." Usagi said. Usagi reached between her legs to retrieve her school bag
"Usagi, I know I'm being harass, but it's because I love you. You do understand that?"
"Yes, ma'am." Usagi replied in the same dishearten voice and got out of the car.
Usagi headed for class. Her punishment had left her in no mood to converse with her friends. As Usagi passed her classmates, she gave a brief wave hello whenever someone called out to her. The only thing that she was concerned with at the moment was trying to figure out how she was going to explain this to Rei, Ami, Minako, Makoto and Mamoru. No doubt Kenji had told Mamoru that Usagi was no longer allowed to be with him. Usagi gave a heavy sigh and fell into her desk.
"I never thought I'd see the day." Usagi's teacher, Miss Sakurada Haruna, said entering the classroom two minutes later. "Usagi, you're early. I think that we should celebrate. How about a cupcake?"
"No, thanks." Usagi said with the same tone that she had answered her mother with.
"Usagi, what's wrong?" Ms. Haruna asked. She had never known Usagi to be so sad. Neither had she known the young girl to be on time to class. Haruna took a seat next to Usagi and placed a hand on the young girls.
"Nothing." Usagi replied. "I just got in trouble with my parents. Grounded for a month."
"Oh." Ms. Haruna said tapping her open hand on Usagi's. "Cheer up. A month isn't that long. Read your history text and the month will go by in a matter of seconds."
In a matter of minutes the classroom had filled with all twenty-five students. The roll had been called and Ms. Haruna was standing in front of t reading from their English textbooks. Every so often the class would dully repeat a phrase or sentence. Nearly two hours had passed in this matter until there was a knock at the door. The door open and the school principal stepped inside. He was followed by a young man no older than sixteen years. His handsome appearance caused for every female student to swoon and drool. His finger twisted the ends of his long brown mane as his intense green eyes scanned the face of his new classmates.
"I am sorry to interrupt, Ms. Haruna." The Principal said. "but you have a new student. His name is Alexander James "A.J." Haneoka."
Alexander was not dressed in the school uniform that had been assigned the students. Instead he stood before them dressed in a pair of black Sketchers, a pair of loose denim jeans with a hole in one knee, and a green and brown dragon printed button-down shirt. Around his neck hung a gold pendant. It was triangular in shape with an emerald sphere set in its center.
Alexander did not wait for Ms. Haruna or the principal to instruct him to his seat. He walked between the fourth and fifth columns of desk. Girls heads turned watching, as their eyes glistened with hope and than disappointment. He passed each girl without a word and each empty desk without a second thought. That was until he came to the empty one behind an occupied desk in the fourth column sixth row. " Excuse me, Miss," he said to Ms. Haruna. Ms. Haruna looked up from her conversation with the principal. "can I set here." Alexander indicated to the desk to his right.
"Jackie, does any one set behind you." Ms. Haruna asked.
Jackie nearly fell out of her desk when she remembered that no one sat behind her. "No, ma'am." She said a little more gleeful than she had intended.
"You may have the desk Alexander." Ms. Haruna said. Alexander bowed to Ms. Haruna than took his seat. There was a sigh of disappointment from the other girls.
"My name is Jackie." Jackie said turning around in her desk. "You don't have book, do you? You can share mine, if you want."
"Thank you, Jackie." Alexander replied with a small nodded of his head. Jackie turned around in her desk. Crossing her legs she sat the English text on her lap, so that the both of them could look on it.
"Well, class," Ms. Haruna said after the principal had left. "It would appear that we have a new student. His name is Alexander. He is an exchange student from the small town of Newnan, Georgia in the United States of America." There was brief communication while the student body shocked in this bit of information. "Alexander we are studying from our English text books. If you would be so kind as to look onto someone's book near you." Ms. Haruna instructed. "We will continue with our lesson."
In the cold depths of the space, above the Earth drifted a dark vessel. In one of the outer spikes a Boar stood gazing out at the orb that was a mixture of blue, green, brown, and white. It was so beautiful. No wonder why the Children of Raven were hiding here. The planet was a manifestation of their joyous demeanor. So, full of life. Unlike Lilith. Boar took a sip of the green liquid in his wine glass. Starring out at Earth, Boar momentarily felt that it would be wrong to transform this planet into a Lilith look-alike. Boar took another sip of his drink. It would not be a pity to annex such pretty planet.
"So, that is Earth." Blackbird said walking into the room. She moved across the room until she was standing mere inches from the crystalline glass. "It's like the planet in my dreams."
"You dream?" Boar said unmoved.
"Doesn't everyone?"
"I would never have guess that you did."
"Why? Because I'm the darkest person on this ship?" Blackbird question turning to him. Her dress flared around her. The split in the side opening to reveal her long legs with pale, flawless skin. There was a moment of silence and their dark eyes locked. "A girl can dream of better things." She said turning back to the planet.
"What could be better than seeking revenge against our enemies? Against our Master's enemies?"
"Nothing." Blackbird said. Her voice betrayed her true thoughts. It was merely a whisper. Not the strong demanding voice of the one of her Master's warriors. Blackbird hand came to rest over Earth. Maybe, she feeble hoped, maybe there was something better here. Maybe, her true dreams would come true. A sigh escaped her lips as she starred out at Earth.
Taking a deep, breath she turned back to Boar. He still stood there. His wine glass now three-fourths empty and to his lips.
"'Droid 546 has not returned." Blackbird said. Her voice strong and demanding respect from anyone who heard it.
"Good."
"Good?"
The door at the end of the chamber opened again. A small creature with large sauce-pan eyes and bat-like ears with rough, arid, wrinkly skin a diamond in the center of his head; wearing a single piece of cloth around his waist. He spoke in a feeble voice; his eyes always cast down. "Lord Boar, we have reached Earth. The coordinates for transport have been feed into the computer's system."
"Good." Boar said. "Wake-up, 'Droid 123."
"Yes, sir." The creature said. He gave a respectable bow and left.
"What's the matter, girl?" Makoto questioned Usagi at lunch.
"Usagi's upset because her parents grounded her for sneaking out of the house." Luna said climbing down from the cherry tree that Usagi, Ami, Makoto, and Makoto were seated under for lunch.
"Fail another test?" Minako asked jokingly.
"No." Usagi replied.
"Than what for?"
"You mean to tell me that your mom didn't jump down your throat when you got home last night." Usagi said taken by surprise by Minako's still cheerful attitude. "Because, mine sure did."
"No. She squeezed me to death saying how glad she was that I was safe and sound. Than she proceeded with the fifty questions about where I was last night because she had called your house and found out that I wasn't there. Than she grounded me for two weeks." Minako said as matter-of-factly. She ate some rice.
"What?!" Makoto and Ami nearly yelled.
"My parents grounded me for a month because of you." Usagi snapped.
"How was I supposed to know that they'd ask you where I was." Minako questioned.
"Minako!" Makoto and Ami yelled.
"You're supposed to say you're going out to a movie or something. Not that you're staying at one of our houses, when you know we're not there." Makoto said.
"Well, Usagi did not show up last night, remember. Besides with that in thought you would have agree that there was no harm done." Minako said.
"That's right," Makoto said. "where were you last night?"
"Excuse me." A voice said over their heads. The three friends looked up from their conversation to see the new student standing behind Makoto. As it was Makoto's nature to easily fall into and out of love. In the time that it took for her to register that he was a handsome young man, hearts had appeared in her eyes and her own was somewhere in her throat and the heat in her cheeks rose, turning them a light shade of pink. "He's gorgeous." She breathed.
Alexander's eyebrows raised at the unexpected comment.
"He's not gorgeous." Minako sighed in a dreamy voice. "He's beyond it. Do you have a girlfriend." She asked bluntly.
Alexander's eyebrows rose even higher. "Yes."
The expressions on Minako's and Makoto's face told him that their worlds had just grumbled around them.
"Don't mind them." Ami said. "You're the new guy, aren't you?"
"Yes. My name's Alexander James Haneoka, but all my friends call me A.J." He replied. "And, you're Mizuno Ami. You're in my advice chemistry class."
"I'm Makoto." Makoto said recovering from her spiral fall back to reality.
"I have home economics with you. I'm afraid I'm not as good in the kitchen as yourself."
"Don't be silly." Makoto said. "You're a great cook. I don't know many men who can prepare a home cooked meal. You're girlfriend is lucky."
"That's what she's always telling me."
"I'm Minako. And, this is our friend Usagi and her cat Luna." Minako said in cheerful voice. She too having quickly recovered from the same fall that Makoto had.
"It's been a long time, Ser." Alexander said.
"It has." Usagi agreed. She stood up and gave Alexander a hug.
"You know, her." Makoto stated.
"Yes. Ser and I have been friends since we were smaller. We've got Miss Haurna's home room and English classes, together. It's like old time, again."
Usagi looked around her surroundings. "Almost."
"Usagi, you're so lucky." Minako sighed staring at Alexander.
"Yes, well, Usagi, I was wondering if I could speak to you for a moment." Alexander said.
"Sure." Usagi said setting her lunch tray on the grass. Alexander held his hand out and Usagi took it and he pulled her to her feet.
"If you need some help with a recipe, I would gladly help." Makoto offered.
"I will remember that, Makoto. And, thank you." Alexander said. He led Usagi to the side of the school building where no had been decided to eat lunch. Makoto and Minako watched the young man. When he spoke he was always moving his hands. Making one gesture after another. Sometimes signing out words. Lose strains of brown hair played in the cool autumn breeze.
"Do you know sign language, Ami?" Makoto asked.
"No. Why?" Ami asked taking her hand held computer out and beginning to type on it.
"No reason."
"Well, you two pay attention?" Luna snapped. Makoto and Minako jumped turning around to Luna and Ami. "Ami's reviewing the data she took on our new enemy."
"New enemy?" Usagi asked joining the group again.
Makoto and Minako searched the area. Alexander was gone.
"Yes. We have a new enemy." Luna replied in an annoyed voice. "We have several new enemies."
"I would agree that 'Droid 546 is potential new enemy. But, I'm not too certain about the others. I mean, they did help us." Minako said taking a bit out of a cookie. "Besides, any guy that cute, it'd be a crime if he were our enemy."
"I think I've seen them some where before." Luna said holding her paw to her chin. Her brow furrowed in concentration. Usagi, who had been nursing her apple juice, sudden sent it spraying all over her tray. She grabbed a paper towel and started to clean up the mess she had created all over her books.
"That's stranger." Ami said.
"What is it?" Luna asked.
"'Droid 546 is organic life form with cybernetic devices implanted into his bodies. A little more than forty-percent of his body is composed of cybernetics."
"We were battling a robot." Makoto stated,
"No."
"What was that thing that that woman took out of him?" Minako said. She cringed at the very thought of the woman yanking the bloody thing out of 'Droid 546's body."
"That's the problem. I couldn't begin to tell you. It may have been some power switch. It could have been a vital organ. Or even a communication array. I just can't tell you without more information." Ami said gesturing at her computer.
From the other side of the school a blood curdling scream reached their ears. Their heads jolted to attention, snapping in the direction of the scream. Students from the other side of the school were running in their direction. While students from this side were running to see what the commotion was about. Usagi, Makoto, Makoto, and Ami followed the other students.
A creature standing approximately five-feet with teal colored hair down it back and wide saucepan destructive red eyes. A tight purple sleeveless dress with slits either side was like a second layer of her lime-colored, rough, and arid skin. Her teal hair was pushed behind her pointed ears. The creature stood smiling, with vampire fangs, over an unconscious fifteen-year-old male student with unruly black hair. A crowd of spectators had formed a circle ten-feet away from the creature.
"Looks like you were right, Luna." Mokoto said.
"Quickly girls, over hear." Luna said running into a doorway. Usagi, Ami, Makoto, and Minako followed.
"Moon Cosmic Power."
"Mercury Star Power."
"Jupiter Star Power."
"Venus Star Power."
Outside the creature was speaking to the crowd that had gathered; while the principal and several teachers were instructing students to the safety of the school building. "My name is 'Droid 123." The spoke. Her voice carrying over the commotion of the people running for cover. "I have come for the Yuushi Katana. Give this to me and your planet may not be annexed into Beelzebub's Empire and your people may not be placed in bondage."
"Correction." Sailor Jupiter said stepping from the crowd. "I am the pretty sailor-suit scout of Jupiter, Sailor Jupiter."
"I am the pretty sailor-suited scout of Mercury, Sailor Mercury."
"I am the pretty sailor-suited scout of Venus, Sailor Venus."
"This is a place of learning. Where young minds are molded for our future. How dare you enter through those gates with the intend to destroy the future of our world. We are the Sailor Scouts and we will fight you. I am the pretty sailor suit scout who stands for love and justice. I am Sailor Moon."
"Hey, what's going on?" Alexander questioned a bystander.
"Man, where have you been?" A senior answered with a question.
"I was in the restroom, if you most know."
"Well, this thing, calling itself 'Droid 123, just appeared out of no where and attacked a student. Now, the Sailor Scouts have arrived to kick it's ass."
"Sailor Scouts."
"Man, where have you been living. Under a rock."
"All right, you two break it up. We got to get you all to safety." A teacher said from behind them. She grabbed Alexander and the senior by there arms and dragged them off, while leading another group of students. Alexander managed to slip away, ducking into an empty classroom.
"The Sailor Scouts?" He questioned.
The Sailor Scouts easily dodged 'Droid 123's attack. Everyone expect for Sailor Moon. The leader of the Sailor Scouts was sent hurling through a classroom window on the second floor. Shards of glass, marked with droplets of blood, brook on the concrete. "Sailor Moon!" Sailor Mercury, Sailor Jupiter, and Sailor Venus yelled.
"Which of you are next?" 'Droid 123 questioned and cracked her whip. 'Droid 123 peered around at the remaining Sailor Scouts. Without warning she charged the first of the young girls to speak out against her. Sailor Jupiter planted her feet, preparing for the force of the collusion. The pretty sailor-suited scout had decided that she would not run. She was the toughest of them all. 'Droid 123 raised her ball fist.
"Jupiter Lightening." Sailor Jupiter called out.
"Vine Whip!" A thick vine wrapped itself around 'Droid 123's ankle. It was pulled taut. 'Droid 123 fill to the ground mere inches from Sailor Jupiter.
A blank expression came over Sailor Jupiter's face as she peered down at the beaten 'Droid. Growling the creature rolled over to loosen her ankle from the grasp of the vine. While Sailor Jupiter's followed the taut lush, olive-colored vine to its source. The other end of the vine was held in the hands of a young robust man no younger than sixteen; no older than eighteen. His intense green eyes flashed with emotion. While his lengthy chestnut mane was pulled was tied by ribbon of Earth-tone colors. He stood five feet away clothed in a forest-green tunic and pair of tight-fitting brown trousers. A smile adored his face, displaying brilliant white teeth. He gave the vine a tug and it unwrapped itself from 'Droid 123's ankle.
Immediately, 'Droid 123 jumped to her feet. "Tokiwagi." 'Droid 123 announced in a bewildered voice. Tokiwagi, as the man was called stepped to his left to reveal his companion. She was a healthy young woman no older than himself. A handful of lose golden strains of hair had escaped from the bun it had been down in. Unlike her partners, her ocean deep sky-blue eyes were soft with mild amusement. Still, there were intense. To stare either of these people in the eye most have been a great feat. "Akasha." 'Droid 123. "There were rumors that you might be on this planet. I am thankful that they are true."
"So, your Master has discovered our hiding place.' Tokiwagi said. His serious. "And, has sent you with his terms of surrender. Apparently," He scanned the scene. His eyes stopping to canvass each of the scouts. "You have run into some resistance."
"No bother. First, I will deal with you. Than I will deal with these troublesome Sailor Scouts. I will be back home on Lilith by dinner." 'Droid 123 announced in an overly confident voice. "Now, spare your lives and give me what I came here for. Give me the Yuushi Katana."
"Over our dead bodies." Akasha shouted. Her voice sweet and serious. The familiarity of sweetness of the registered in the subconscious of the Sailor Scouts.
"That can be arranged." 'Droid 123 acknowledge with a smile. She raised her right hand over her hand and proceeded to blast Tokiwagi and Akasha with the energy bolts.
"Venus Love Chin Encircle." Sailor Venus called. A chin of golden hearts raced 'Droid 123's energy bolts. It was unclear which had gotten to the two strangers first. But, when Venus's chin vanished without pulling with Tokiwagi or Akasha from the path of the energy bolts tears threatened the corners of the Sailor Venus's eyes. A second later the smoke cleared to reveal a large whole in the side of Jubban High School. Neither Tokiwagi nor Akasha were found there.
Venus was unsure as to why she had hoped to find the two standing there. 'Droid 123 smiled. "Not as strong." She said.
"Mars fireball." A large ball of fire spiraled towards 'Droid 123. 'Droid 123 spent several seconds jumping around attempting to avoid the flames. "Sorry, I'm late girls." Sailor Mars said jumping from the top of the brick wall. She landed next to Sailor Venus with a light thud.
"That's okay, you're here now." Sailor Jupiter said.
"Where's Sailor Moon?" Mars questioned.
"Up there." Sailor Venus said pointing in the direction of the broken window.
"Sailor Mars, Sailor Venus, watch out!" Sailor Mercury yelled. The two girls turned in time to see 'Droid 123 charging at them. Again, the monster was mere inches from one of the Sailor Scouts before it had been stopped in its track. A rose zapped through the air. 'Droid 123 grabbed her face; screaming in pain. A vine wrapped itself around the two Sailor Scouts. With a firm tug, they had been pulled to safety.
"Thank you." Sailor Venus said looking up at Tokiwagi.
Tokiwagi did not say anything. His gaze was following the course the rose had taken. His green eyes feel onto to Tuxedo Mask. He smiled at the capped man dressed in a Tuxedo and whose eyes were hidden by a white mask.
"Who are you?" Sailor Mars questioned jumping to her feet.
Enraged with hatred for her opponents, 'Droid 123 began to release energy bolts at random. None of the defenders of Earth could take proper cover. The street lamp that Tuxedo Mask had been standing on was blasted. The Sailor Scouts were blasted into every direction. Their rough landings were the result of the majority of their bruises. Tokiwagi managed will enough. Still, not even his acrobatic skills were not enough to completely protect him from the rummage that had been blasted.
A tree on the grounds was transformed into splinters by a rouge energy bolt. It's descendent resulted in the dislodging of Akasha. The young warrior did a back flip to safety; landing near the school building. However, she was not safe for long. One of 'Droid 123's bolts blasted the top corner of the building. Akasha could not escape the debris. Akasha squatted; throwing her arms above her face. The force of the impact sent her sliding across the concrete. She had been thrown clear by a force from behind, not one from above. Akasha looked up. Tokiwagi lay beneath a block of debris.
"This has to end now." Akasha stated in serious, determined voice. " Tuxedo Mask, throw a rose directly at that crystal on 'Droid 123's neck."
Tuxedo Mask nodded in agreement. This senseless battle had to stop. Another bolt of unexpected energy sent Tuxedo Mask and Sailor Mercury searching for shelter behind a bench. Sailor Mercury produced her hand held computer and proceeded to quickly type a few keys. "Do as she says." Sailor Mercury ordered Tuxedo Mask.
"Okay." Tuxedo Mask reached into his tuxedo jacket. His fingers clasped around the steam of a rose.
Sailor Mercury jumped from behind the bench. "Mercury Bubbles Blast!" She yelled. Countless white bubbles where emitted from Sailor Mercury ancient attack. In the blink of an eye the black top was covered in a blanket of thick fog.
"What's going on?" 'Droid 123 questioned. Her relentless attack of dispersed energy bolts coming to a dead halt. "AAHHH!" Droid 123 scream. A rose came cutting through the pea soap fog. It embedded itself into the crystal that sat in the spot where neck meet shoulders. When the fog cleared 'Droid 123 was kneeling on the ground. Her hand clutching at the unmoving rose. However, there was something else embedded with the rose. It was something that appeared to be ninja star.
"What's that?" Sailor Mercury said.
"Star explode." Akasha yelled. The monster's screams of pain intensified by ten. Her hands clutching, determined to remove the rose. The star that had been plunged into her throat began to burn white. A white sphere of light grew from the star; encircling 'Droid 123. In flash of bright light 'Droid 123 became yet another casualty of war. All that remind being a pill of ash, on top of which was a creaked egg, the color of her crystal.
"Tokiwagi!" Akasha yelled. She turned on her heels running to the pile of debris under which her companion lay. She pushed several large pieces of concrete from on top of him.
"I'm okay." Tokiwagi said in a reassuring voice as his partner helped him from the pieces that had once made up the corner of the school. Tokiwagi fell back, bracing himself on the debris.
"No, you're not." Akasha said. She place a hand on the bare skin of his abdomen. Tokiwagi winced in pain. A light glowed beneath Akasha's hand. The visible bruises vanished from Tokiwagi's body.
Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars, Sailor Jupiter, Sailor Venus, and Tuxedo Mask made to move toward the two fighters when suddenly a man wriggled into existence from thin air. He stood over the ashes that were "Droid 123. Everything about him informed all present for whom 'Droid 123 had been working for; as well as made it known that he was on the side of evil. His average length brown hair was ruffled by the wind. His loathsome eyes investigated the scene of the battle. When they fell upon the Sailor Scouts and Tuxedo Mask they flicked with disgust. And, pure hatred flickered in them when he saw Tokiwagi and Akasha.
"So, you have decided to make your presence on this planet known." He spoke. His voice vibrated with scorn and disgust, while his facial features hinted at the fact that he found this situation to be amusing. "And, it appears that you have decided to form an alliance with the planet's champions and you have defeated a member of my highest ranking 'droids." He held his hand above the discarded jewel. The jewel flickered for a moment, than fill limp onto the concrete. The man kicked it ashes.
"We've teamed up with no one." Tokiwagi yelled.
"Well, that is good news." The man said looking up. "It would be more appropriate if champions such as yourself were not associated with the Children of Raven. As, once my Lord and master has the Yuushi Katana, not even they can save you. If you are truly defenders of this planet called Earth, I suggest that you take my advice. Remove yourselves from matters that are not of your concern. In the end, your fair planet is certain to come out of this affair intact and yourselves still in existence." He was clearly speaking to the Sailor Scouts; his brown eyes locked with Tuxedo Mask's cerulean eyes.
"Who are you?" Sailor Mars questioned.
"My name is Boar. I am the fourth ranking general of my Lord and master's armed forces. However, that is all that I am willing to tell you at this moment in time. You shall soon know my name will, as well as the name of my master. Until, we meet again." Boar bowed to Sailor Mars. He faded out of existence.
"He is right." Tokiwagi stated, breaking the silence that had fallen over them. "This is not a matter for the amateur's such as yourself. Your skills may have saved this planet from total destruction in the years past. But, this is an internal affair. One that if you involve yourselves in can and will result in the destruction of your planet and the enslavement of your people."
"We did not start this war." Sailor Jupiter confirmed, stepping forward. "You did. You brought it to our planet. Now, you expect us to just stand by and watch as you destroy it. And, for what something called Yuushi Katana."
"I apologize for my friend." Akasha said stepping forward. "You are correct. We brought this war here." Akasha's head fell and her eyes closed. Apparently Akasha felt ashamed about this.
"Who are you?" Sailor Mercury questioned stepping forward. She was hopefully that this time they would answer.
"I am Akasha." Akasha said. She gestured to herself by placing a hand to her chest. "This is Tokiwagi." Akasha placed a hand on Tokiwagi's shoulder. "And you are?"
"Sailor Mercury." Sailor Mercury replied.
"I am Sailor Jupiter."
"I am Sailor Venus."
"I am Sailor Mars."
"And, I am Tuxedo Mask."
"Well, now that we have the introductions out of the way." Tokiwagi said standing up. "It is time that we get out of the way too."
"No you don't." Sailor Jupiter said. She ran towards them.
However Sailor Jupiter's chance at stopping Tokiwagi and Akasha was lost. As the school's fire alarm system was activated. Teacher's led their students from the damaged school. Tokiwagi and Akasha vanished into the crowd of the students. "The Sailor Scouts." Several of the students exclaimed. A group was gathering around the Sailor Scouts.
"It's time to go girls." Tuxedo Mask informed.
"What about Sailor Moon?"
"She'll be fine, for now." Sailor Mars reluctantly said. The Sailor Scouts followed Tuxedo Mask onto the school's roof. Unlike Tokiwagi and Akasha, everyone knew who the Sailor Scouts were. As a result the girls could not easily blend into the crowd.
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AUTHOR'S NOTES/ RAMBLE: Nearly two weeks of writing, proofreading, editing, and changes and thirteen pages later, the first chapter "Friends or Foes" of the Past Troubles: Secrets of the Moon is complete. Don't be afraid to send me an e-mail or submitted a review with your thoughts, suggestions, and advice. I love to hear from my readers. It helps to better my writing skills.
Until next time, you take care.
May many blessings rain down upon you.
Kristen
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