Richforce: Here's wishing everyone a happy Valentine's Day with their loved
one! Sailor Moon belongs to Naoko Takeuchi and the Mini-scouts are based on
Angel Raye's Chibi-scouts.
~*~
Chapter 2: Scouts, Lies and Videotape
A special report on the Sailor Scouts was announced to be on the news; Serena encouraged everyone she knew to watch it. "This is gonna be good!" she said as her family sat down in front of the television.
The report began. "This is Vivian Fenwick for channel 8 action news. For sometime now, the Sailor Scouts have been sited after a two year absence. Fighting crime, defeating monsters and adverting disasters are the things people usually visualize them doing, but what are their real purposes and why don't they revel themselves?"
Serena didn't like where this was going.
"A large number of merchandise was made bearing their names and images and they have yet to claim a piece of the profits and even more suspicious they refuse to step forward to a number of collateral damage lawsuits. What are they hiding from us?"
{I didn't even know there were lawsuits!} thought Serena. She started to sweat a little.
"It is time to show these vigilantes as what they really are, menaces to society!"
"Menaces!" Serena shouted out loud her family looked at her. "Uh, I mean I don't think they'd really be menaces if they saved Sammy's life right?"
Vivian continued. "Now we see some 'Sailor Knights' fighting along with them and, in what I believe to be a very irresponsible act, seem to have recruited children! We have to make them accountable; they have too much power not to be! If they really want to show that they are on the up and up then let them show themselves and tell us who they are and why they can do what they do! Personally this reporter would like to run these Super Zeroes out of town on a rail, but that is just my opinion, still we cannot ignore the danger any longer."
Serena turned off the TV. "Well I'm tired, I'm going to bed, good night!"
"But it's only six-thirty!" said Richard.
Serena didn't hear him after she shut the door to her room. She then activated her communicator. "Did you guys watch the news?"
"Unfortunately yes." said Mina. "They practically called us outlaws!"
"I would like to teach that witch a lesson!" said Lita. "If I could get my hands on her..."
"Easy Lita." said Raye. "She's entitled to her opinion, no matter how boneheaded it is."
"Right now I'm more concerned with about the Outer Scouts." said Amy. "If Hotaru had a knight, then it's likely that the rest of them have knights as well."
"I know they do!" said Serena. "Not only do my dreams to confirm it but Rini has remembered that their daughters were also friends of hers. They couldn't exist if they didn't have mothers and fathers; I remember that much from biology class."
"Then they probably are somewhere in this city as well." said Raye. "Madelyn was wandering around for a few days when she found us, we better find the other kids too!"
Serena closed the line. "I hope we're the ones to find them first." She thought.
~*~
"And we're clear!" said the director.
Vivian as organized her papers her assistant, Gary Daniels, came up to her. "If this about a raise you'll have to show me something that justifies it."
"I don't want a raise; I wanted to know if you gave my recommendation to the producer."
"Gary I'm busy right now, how about we discuss this later?"
"Viv, I've been your assistant for about two years now. I need to know that this job is heading somewhere."
"Alright I tell you what, one of the stories I've been assigned tomorrow is this amateur fashion design expo and I'll probably be reassigned to cover something else so I'll let you do it. I'll show the tape to the chief and if he likes your report than maybe he'll make you a reporter."
"You won't regret this! I know one of the designers there personally; Trista's been a little down lately so this will really cheer her up!" He and Trista had been dating for a while but lately she was pushing him away and he was worried about her.
"Yeah, but until the chief agrees, IF he agrees, your job is still holding the camera and getting me coffee."
"Yes ma'am!" he said before he left.
~*~
At the Blackstar fortress Vega was discussing strategy with his minions. "While I agree with Aquila that there was no point in staying when the Nightmare was defeated, we still must find the vault and keys."
"There is still the problem with the appearance of another knight and child." said Merlor. "A few did manage to escape me; they must still be out there somewhere."
"We will deal with them when and if they show up. Did you find a new Nightmare?"
"Yes." Merlor called an image of Vivian Fenwick. "She should get our enemies to see things our way."
"Take this and go!" said Scorpio as he created a Nightmare stone.
"No problem!" said Axel.
"You don't mind if we do a little shopping first?" asked Prim.
"You may, but if you fail this time you two will have to be my personal servants for a week." said Aquila.
Merlor laughed to himself. "The Sailor upstarts' time is just about up!"
~*~
Trista had finished getting ready for tomorrow's show as she hung her latest design in a protective sleeve. She sighed as she put away the drawings she made of outfits she came up with. "I can't follow my dream anymore but I can't go back home either." She said to herself. Her parents didn't entirely agree with her about leaving the farm but they let her go pursue her dream of becoming a fashion designer.
"You can always come back if it doesn't turn out well." she remembered her mother say.
"I don't want to give up my dream, but I have to. I'm sorry I can't come home mom, dad, but destiny had something else in mind." She stopped and let a tear roll down her cheek. "How I wish could I tell you that I met my future self, that she told me that it's my destiny to guard the Gates of Time." she stopped for brief moment. "All alone, forever." She sat down in chair. "I was told that it's a great honor to be chosen and a noble duty. I'll do my best, it's the only thing I can do."
Just then Trista heard a knock on the door and got up to see who it was. She opened the door and didn't see anyone at first that is until she looked down. She saw a young girl that had purple eyes and green hair like Trista's. It was almost like she looking at picture of herself when she was eight years old. "Um, hello little girl are you lost?"
"No." she said. "Not anymore, now that I found you."
"Don't you think that your parents would miss you?"
"They're dead."
"I'm so sorry." Trista let the girl in and closed the door behind her. "Here, you can stay for the night. My name is Trista, What's yours?"
"Margaret, but everybody calls me Maggie."
"Maggie it is then." Trista warmed up some soup and gave it to Maggie. "So what are doing out by yourself?"
"Looking for you."
"Why me?"
"You are Sailor Pluto aren't you?"
Trista was shocked. "How did you know about that?"
"I've known almost all my life. I am a friend of small lady."
"So you come from the future?"
"Yes, I'm also going to be your daughter."
Trista had about a million thoughts go through her head at once. {Could she be lying? No, there is too much of a resemblance between us. But I can't have a daughter if I have to be the Guardian of Time, I would have to be at my post almost constantly. Where could I find the time to start a family?}
"Hello, Mom?" said Maggie.
"Oh, I'm sorry. This Guardian of Time thing is still sorta new to me."
"Guardian of Time?"
"You don't know about that part of my duty?"
"I know about it, but Mom said she turned it down."
This was a big shock to Trista. {Turned it down?!} she thought. {This is a big problem; if Maggie is going to exist it means I'm going to shirk my responsibility. But I have to be the guardian; otherwise time would abused by those with dark hearts. But is it worth denying my own flesh and blood life?}
"I really miss her and Dad a lot."
"Ok, you can stay here as long as you like."
"Thanks."
Trista still had doubts, but they could wait until morning.
~*~
The next morning Trista and Maggie were at the expo. Serena and Lita were also there looking at each of the new designs. "You've out done yourself this time!" said Lita looking at a dress Trista made.
"I would save up two, no make that three months of allowance for this!" just then Serena noticed Maggie as she came back from using the bathroom. "Hey who's the mini-you?"
"Serena, Lita, this Maggie, apparently she's my future daughter."
"How nice to meet you." said Lita.
"I knew that there was a prince for every princess." said Serena.
"I still don't know who her father is." whispered Trista. "But something about her is making me feel uneasy."
"Huh?"
"In case you forgot I'm supposed to be the Guardian of Time. How can I, no pun intended, make the time for a husband and child?"
"The knights are supposed to help us in our duties, I'm sure he would help you guard the Gates of Time and build a family there."
"The gates are no place to raise a child, all cold and dark, and besides she said her mother turned down the position."
"Well there have been a few changes to the future timeline, maybe we found a way to..."
"The gates need a sentry and a girl needs a mother, but I can't be both."
"I'm sure you'll find a way to make it work."
Gary came in looking for a place to set up the camera. "Maybe over..."
"Gary?" asked Trista.
"Oh hi Trista, I was looking for you."
"Oh, Serena I want you to meet Gary Daniels, he's a...very close friend."
"I see." said Lita with twinkle in her eye.
Maggie came and saw Gary; Serena saw the look in her eye right away.
"Da..."Maggie said just before Serena clamped her mouth shut.
"Gee, it's time for your medication Maggie!" said Serena. "Lita, why don't you help me give it to her?" two left still holding Maggie's mouth shut."
"You two look so much alike, are you related?" asked Gary.
"Yes, she's my little sister." said Trista making up a cover story. "Mom and Dad sent her over here because they had better schools in the city."
"Kids are great; I wouldn't mind being a dad someday."
"So what are you doing here?"
"I'm covering the expo, if do a good job I may become a reporter!"
"That's great!"
"So I guess you hope one of the scouts from the fashion industry will notice you."
"I wasn't planning on it."
"Don't be so modest! Yours are a lot better than any of the rest of the people here!"
"Maybe." Trista said with a small laugh. She really liked Gary and she only wanted to distance herself from him so he wouldn't get hurt.
~*~
Serena and Lita had a talk with Maggie. "You were about to call him 'Dad' weren't you?" said Lita.
"Yes." said Maggie. "But why did you take me away like that?"
"He doesn't know that he's Pluto Knight yet." said Serena. "We have to wait until his powers awaken by themselves."
"Oh, I didn't know."
"You miss him don't you?"
"And Mom."
"Don't worry; if we can stop these Blackstar guys then everyone in Crystal Tokyo will be alright."
"Ok, thank you your majesty."
"I'm not queen yet, just call me Serena. And I think it will make Trista more comfortable if you call her by her name, she's not your mom yet."
"Alright."
"We better get back." said Lita.
~*~
"So pay close attention, you may see one of these designers works on the cover on cover of a magazine some day. Gary Daniels, Channel 8 action news." He turned to Trista not realizing that he left the camera on. "And that's a wrap."
"I'm sure I'll see it tonight."
Just then a familiar voice was heard "Like I'll take this one and that one, that's just trash and wow I want everything over there."
Trista turned and saw Prim who was pointing to her booth and Axel lugging a large number of bags. "Don't you think you have enough already?!"
"Sorry Miss." said an expo worker. "But all of these clothes are just for display; you'll have to return them."
"I plan on paying for them!"
"Then you'll have to talk with the designers."
"You there how much for your entire..."then Prim noticed that she was talking to Trista. "Oh great, it's you!"
"Return everything you stole and leave at once!" said Trista.
"You know these clowns?" asked Gary.
"Big time trouble makers." said Trista. "They're dangerous so you better find a good hiding place. I'll make sure no one else gets hurt."
"Be careful." Gary left leaving the camera behind.
"Fine, then take these as payment instead!" Prim threw out some ingots and Trista transformed as soon as everyone left.
"PLUTO ASTRAL POWER!"
Seeing the Ingots Serena, Lita, and Maggie also changed out of sight from Prim and Axel.
"PLUTO LULLABY POWER!"
"JUPITER ASTRAL POWER!"
"MOON INFINITY POWER!"
Mini-Pluto's uniform was magenta with a dark green ribbon.
"Stop right there! I stand for justice and love, I am Sailor Moon and on behalf of the moon, I will punish you!"
"Look they got another squirt with them!" said Prim.
"How can I see her?" said Axel. "All this junk is blocking my view!"
"Take this!" said Mini-Pluto.
"PLUTO GUSTY BREEZE!"
The wind attack was weak but more than enough to destroy a number of ingots.
"You can have it all back!" said Axel dropping all the bags.
"Time to for you two to catch a flight!" said Sailor Pluto.
"PLUTO FURIOUS CYCLONE!"
"My HMO is not gonna like this!" said Axel.
Pluto's attack destroyed the remaining Ingots and sent Prim and Axel flying to the distance where they landed in cloud of smoke.
"Trista!" said Gary. They returned their original forms before he came back. "What happened to those two?"
"The Sailor scouts showed up and sent them running."
"Ah man. If only I could have gotten it on tape!"
"Don't worry you'll do fine."
Gary picked up the camera that turned off after the tape ran out. "Well I better check the tape before I turn it in tonight."
"Still on for dinner?"
"Yeah, better get going goodbye!"
"We better get going too." said Serena. "Trista you wouldn't mind if we took her see the others?"
"No."
"Great!" said Lita. "Daisy has told me that a girl named Maggie is her best friend so I know that she'll be glad to see you."
"I can't wait to see her too!" said Maggie.
"You go ahead, I have some errands to run." said Trista.
"We'll bring her home, around six ok for you?" said Serena.
"Yes, I see you later Maggie."
"Ok, goodbye for now Trista."
~*~
"That must be a record for getting the pants beat off of you." said Aquila.
"I now this looks bad." said Prim.
"Bad? That barely begins to describe it."
"If you didn't notice my hands were full." said Axel.
"Let's get down to business. Go to the TV station, create the nightmare and beat the scouts. That is unless you want to be my servants."
"We'll do it."
"Good."
~*~
Gary was watching the tape and felt he did a good job. "That should do it." then he noticed that the tape went further than he intended. "Maybe I caught the scouts' battle on tape, that'd be even better than the fashion expo!" The next thing he saw caught him totally off guard.
"PLUTO ASTRAL POWER!"
"Trista?!" he asked himself. He just saw Trista transform into Sailor Pluto right there on tape. A lot of emotions went through him at that moment; amazement, concern, and especially anger.
Just then the phone rang.
"Hello?"
"It's Trista; they lost our reservation. Anywhere else for dinner?"
"How about in our apartments away from each other?" he answered coldly.
"Gary what's wrong?"
"I was reviewing the tape before I sent it in. Turns out the camera was running longer than I thought and it caught quite a show. Do you know what the best part is? It's when you became Sailor Pluto right in front of the lens!"
Trista was shocked. "How could I have been so careless?" she thought. But on the phone she was all business. "Gary you have to give me that tape."
"How could you keep this from me?! I thought that we were totally honest with each other!"
"Gary." Trista stopped for a moment. "I had to keep it secret to keep you safe."
"I trusted you! If you had told me I would have never told a soul!"
"It's was not just about you telling anyone." She stopped again. "It 's about me having to go out to dinner with you tonight to tell you that I have to stop seeing you because I didn't feel that it was working out, when the real reason was so I can become the Guardian of Time and stand watch at the Gates of Time alone for all eternity!"
"Who are you?! Sailor Pluto, The Guardian of Time, I thought you were my friend!"
"Gary, please!"
"Too late! I'm turning this tape in, by eleven o' clock tonight your secret will be out and I don't care what happens to you after that!"
"Is that how it is?" Trista got angry. "In that case, good luck with your new career! I see now that's the only thing you care about!" Trista slammed the receiver down and sobbed. She later collected herself and used her communicator. "I've been found out. Gary is planning to show a tape showing who I am on the news tonight."
"I can go." said Serena. "I'll take Lita, Mina, Ken and Jamie along to the TV station. That should be enough to get the tape and not be caught."
"Thanks."
"Still, you should also go and try to talk to Gary."
"I don't think I can change his mind, and I'd rather not see him again."
Serena wanted to tell her about what Maggie said, but knew that Trista had to find out on her own. "Don't give up on him yet. We'll get the tape."
Trista closed the line and went out to the park.
~*~
Trista sat alone on a bench thinking about everything that happened to her in the last twenty-four hours. "I'm being torn in so many directions I can't tell where I want to go."
"Then maybe you should stay put for a little while." said a friendly voice. Trista turned to find that the voice belonged to a black man wearing sunglasses and a trench coat. "Mind if I sit with you?"
"No, not at all."
"So what's your problem?"
"I had a big fight with my boyfriend. I want to try to patch things up, but it won't matter."
"And why not?"
"I have this job I'm supposed to take and I have to make a big move to do it."
"Sounds like you don't want this job."
"Yes and no. It's the opportunity of a lifetime and a great responsibility. But I wouldn't be able to fulfill my childhood dream or stay with him."
"That's a pickle alright."
"If I don't take it I'll let so many people down and if I do I'll hurt someone very important to me."
"My daddy told me there were three secrets to living a very happy life. One, treat others how you want to be treated; two, stop and take your time; and three, don't give a hoot what anybody else thinks."
"So I should not take it."
"I can't tell you to if you should take the job or not, only you can. But as for your boyfriend you should both forget who was wrong and just forgive each other. If you don't, you'll regret it."
"Thanks I better get going before it's too late!"
As she left she didn't hear the stranger say "Good luck Sailor Pluto, you're gonna need it."
~*~
At the TV station Gary was stopped by a friend as Vivian was applying makeup nearby. "Hey I heard you got a big story all on your own!"
"Once in a lifetime big!" said Gary. "The boss will go nuts over this!"
"Is that so?" Vivian thought. She quietly reached into Gary's bag and pulled out that tape. "You worked for me for two years. You should have known by now that no one out scoops Vivian Fenwick!" she then decided to wait until Gary humiliated himself before watching the tape and then put herself in as the reporter.
~*~
Trista used her communicator. "Guys could you hold off for a little while, I want to try to convince Gary one last time."
"Ok." said Mina. "I hope it goes well."
Trista found him going to the manager's office and stopped him. "I've already made up my mind, so you can..."
"Will you shut up and listen!" shouted Trista. "Look I'm sorry that didn't tell you about this and for pushing you away from me. But I'm begging you please don't do this!"
Gary's eyes softened. "I didn't really want to hurt you, but it wasn't about my career. I felt angry about you keeping me away lately and I wanted to know why, guess this finally gave me a reason yell at you."
"I guess I didn't think too much about us after I found out about being the Guardian of Time. I just accepted the fact that I would spend all of eternity alone."
"No, not if I went with you."
"Maybe you could come with me, but the gates are a very bleak place."
"I don't care; it'd be beautiful if you were there. I took this job to follow my dreams, but lately you're all I've been dreaming about."
Just then Trista's locket started to glow. From it came a ring with a dark green stone that had the symbol of Pluto engraved onto it. The ring then went to Gary's finger.
"Wait, does this mean that I'm..."
Trista finished for him. "Yes. You're my prince and my knight!"
"I felt that for some reason I belonged with them, now I know why."
Trista then turned serious. "Please, give me the tape."
"Sure!" he reached into his bag but then he had a worried expression on his face. "It's not in here!"
"What?!"
"The tape it's gone! Oh my god! Vivian, I was talking to friend of mine who was next to her, she must have taken it!"
Trista used her communicator. "Guys, I found out that Gary is my knight."
"I knew you would find out on your own, so our problems are over." said Serena.
"No such luck, Vivian has stolen the tape we got to get it back."
"Just point us in the right direction!" said Lita.
"She'd probably be in the studio." said Gary. "She'll wait until she can put herself in it so we should wait until after the broadcast."
"Then we'll meet you there." said Jamie.
"How did Sailor Moon know that I was your knight before we did?" asked Gary after the communication was cut.
"Serena probably found out from Maggie." said Trista.
"How would your kid sister know?"
"Actually she's our daughter."
"Oh. Wait, she's our what?!"
"Don't worry I'll give you the full story while we wait for the right time and besides I thought you wanted to be a dad."
"Sorry this all still a bit much for me."
"You'll get used to it." she then told him about the Silver Millennium and Crystal Tokyo.
~*~
"That's it for Channel 8 action news, good night." said the anchor.
Everyone was in a rush to go home except Vivian. She wanted to use the editing room after everyone left so she could see what was on it then add herself in properly. Gary came up to her with Trista. "Viv do you have my tape?"
"I don't see your name on it and possession is nine tenths of the law."
"You can't show that tape!" said Gary. "If you do it will hurt a lot of people."
"Got a visit from your conscience? Sorry but we have a saying in the news business and you would do well to remember it. 'If it bleeds, it leads.'"
"Don't make us force you." said Trista.
"Sorry lady, but if it's as good as he said it was then this is my ticket to having my own talk show."
"Well isn't this juicy?" said Prim.
"You two again?!" said Serena as she came in.
"Quick now!"
"NIGHTMARE GO!"
Vivian changed into a Nightmare that had different facemasks all over its body. "I am Maskeraid and you will all join the Blackstar!"
"Never, you costume party reject!" said Lita as the others came in.
"Let's go for it!" said Ken.
"JUPITER ASTRAL POWER!"
"JUPITER NOBEL POWER!"
"VENUS ASTRAL POWER!"
"VENUS NOBEL POWER!"
"PLUTO ASTRAL POWER!"
"PLUTO NOBEL POWER!"
"MOON INFINITY POWER!"
Pluto knight's armor was a dark green and his weapon was a boomerang.
"Doing such a thing even to a creep like her is unforgivable!" said Sailor Moon. "I am Sailor Moon and on behalf of the Moon I shall punish you!"
Prim and Axel just yawned.
"Could it actually be that my lovely speech is losing its impact?"
"Keep saying It." said Aquila as she appeared. "I could use small naps more often."
"So you're here to help us?" asked Axel.
"No, I'm just here to make sure you don't sneak out of our deal."
"Maskeraid attack!" yelled Prim.
"VENUS SHINING WHIPLASH!"
Maskeraid avoided the attack and removed a mask from her body. "Try this on for size!" she threw the mask onto Venus Knight's face. "A perfect fit!"
He then attacked Sailor Venus. "No, how could you do this?" she yelled.
"My masks are very persuasive." said Maskeraid. "He is under my control now!"
"Then I'll set him free!"
"VENUS LUMINESCENT PURGE!"
The attack just deflected off the mask. "My masks also act like impenetrable armor, you can't beat him, but feel free to join him!" she threw another mask on Sailor Venus' face.
"Forgetting me?" said Sailor Jupiter.
"JUPITER LIGHTNINGORB BLITZ!"
The attack was deflected off one of her masks.
"Maybe if we hit a spot that wasn't covered!" said Jupiter Knight.
"JUPITER THUNDER CLAWS!"
Sailor Venus and Venus Knight took the attack for Maskeraid.
"Using our friends as shields, you're despicable!"
"Don't knock it until you tried it!" Maskeraid threw two more masks at Sailor Jupiter and Jupiter Knight. "Now attack Sailor Moon!"
The four of them charged Sailor Moon who had a hard time fighting them off without hurting them. "Sailor Pluto, Pluto Knight, attack her while they're busy with me!"
"Think you're up to this?" asked Sailor Pluto.
"I've been waiting all my life for this!" said Pluto Knight.
"Even with four masks gone my body is still indestructible!" said Maskeraid.
"Then try this!"
"PLUTO TYPHOON BOOMERANG!"
He threw the boomerang at Maskeraid and it sent blasts of wind along its path blowing off every mask, except her facemask, off her body. "My masks!"
"We'll help you get them back!" said Axel. But two masks landed on his face and Prim's before they could help.
"PLUTO FURIOUS CYCLONE!"
The attack not only weakened Maskeraid but also destroyed the video tape.
Sailor Moon got free and summoned her sword. "About time for this costume party to end!"
"MOON MAGNUM STARBEAM!"
Maskeraid screamed as she and Vivian were separated and the Nightmare stone shattered. At the same time all the masks broke apart. "Thanks, I couldn't help myself." said Venus Knight.
Prim and Axel then got up. "Like this is not good." said Prim.
"Aquila will probably have us scrub every toilet in the fortress." said Axel.
"And I have a lot of boots for you to shine." said Aquila. The three then left.
"Looks like they got away." said Sailor Jupiter.
"We'll get 'em next time." said Trista after they reverted.
Vivian woke up and looked for the tape. "Where is it?!"
"We got rid of it." said Gary.
"You what?!"
"And you know what else? I still want to be a reporter but not one like you, I quit!"
Vivian just shrugged. "Your loss then."
As they left Gary told Trista. "Tomorrow I want to really meet Maggie, let her know that I know."
"I think she'd love It." said Trista.
From the station roof the stranger Trista talked to earlier looked on and said. "Whatever you choose keep him close Sailor Pluto, you'll all need each other in the battle ahead."
~*~
Richforce: Who is this guy and how does he know about the scouts' real identities? Keep reading to find out.
~*~
Chapter 2: Scouts, Lies and Videotape
A special report on the Sailor Scouts was announced to be on the news; Serena encouraged everyone she knew to watch it. "This is gonna be good!" she said as her family sat down in front of the television.
The report began. "This is Vivian Fenwick for channel 8 action news. For sometime now, the Sailor Scouts have been sited after a two year absence. Fighting crime, defeating monsters and adverting disasters are the things people usually visualize them doing, but what are their real purposes and why don't they revel themselves?"
Serena didn't like where this was going.
"A large number of merchandise was made bearing their names and images and they have yet to claim a piece of the profits and even more suspicious they refuse to step forward to a number of collateral damage lawsuits. What are they hiding from us?"
{I didn't even know there were lawsuits!} thought Serena. She started to sweat a little.
"It is time to show these vigilantes as what they really are, menaces to society!"
"Menaces!" Serena shouted out loud her family looked at her. "Uh, I mean I don't think they'd really be menaces if they saved Sammy's life right?"
Vivian continued. "Now we see some 'Sailor Knights' fighting along with them and, in what I believe to be a very irresponsible act, seem to have recruited children! We have to make them accountable; they have too much power not to be! If they really want to show that they are on the up and up then let them show themselves and tell us who they are and why they can do what they do! Personally this reporter would like to run these Super Zeroes out of town on a rail, but that is just my opinion, still we cannot ignore the danger any longer."
Serena turned off the TV. "Well I'm tired, I'm going to bed, good night!"
"But it's only six-thirty!" said Richard.
Serena didn't hear him after she shut the door to her room. She then activated her communicator. "Did you guys watch the news?"
"Unfortunately yes." said Mina. "They practically called us outlaws!"
"I would like to teach that witch a lesson!" said Lita. "If I could get my hands on her..."
"Easy Lita." said Raye. "She's entitled to her opinion, no matter how boneheaded it is."
"Right now I'm more concerned with about the Outer Scouts." said Amy. "If Hotaru had a knight, then it's likely that the rest of them have knights as well."
"I know they do!" said Serena. "Not only do my dreams to confirm it but Rini has remembered that their daughters were also friends of hers. They couldn't exist if they didn't have mothers and fathers; I remember that much from biology class."
"Then they probably are somewhere in this city as well." said Raye. "Madelyn was wandering around for a few days when she found us, we better find the other kids too!"
Serena closed the line. "I hope we're the ones to find them first." She thought.
~*~
"And we're clear!" said the director.
Vivian as organized her papers her assistant, Gary Daniels, came up to her. "If this about a raise you'll have to show me something that justifies it."
"I don't want a raise; I wanted to know if you gave my recommendation to the producer."
"Gary I'm busy right now, how about we discuss this later?"
"Viv, I've been your assistant for about two years now. I need to know that this job is heading somewhere."
"Alright I tell you what, one of the stories I've been assigned tomorrow is this amateur fashion design expo and I'll probably be reassigned to cover something else so I'll let you do it. I'll show the tape to the chief and if he likes your report than maybe he'll make you a reporter."
"You won't regret this! I know one of the designers there personally; Trista's been a little down lately so this will really cheer her up!" He and Trista had been dating for a while but lately she was pushing him away and he was worried about her.
"Yeah, but until the chief agrees, IF he agrees, your job is still holding the camera and getting me coffee."
"Yes ma'am!" he said before he left.
~*~
At the Blackstar fortress Vega was discussing strategy with his minions. "While I agree with Aquila that there was no point in staying when the Nightmare was defeated, we still must find the vault and keys."
"There is still the problem with the appearance of another knight and child." said Merlor. "A few did manage to escape me; they must still be out there somewhere."
"We will deal with them when and if they show up. Did you find a new Nightmare?"
"Yes." Merlor called an image of Vivian Fenwick. "She should get our enemies to see things our way."
"Take this and go!" said Scorpio as he created a Nightmare stone.
"No problem!" said Axel.
"You don't mind if we do a little shopping first?" asked Prim.
"You may, but if you fail this time you two will have to be my personal servants for a week." said Aquila.
Merlor laughed to himself. "The Sailor upstarts' time is just about up!"
~*~
Trista had finished getting ready for tomorrow's show as she hung her latest design in a protective sleeve. She sighed as she put away the drawings she made of outfits she came up with. "I can't follow my dream anymore but I can't go back home either." She said to herself. Her parents didn't entirely agree with her about leaving the farm but they let her go pursue her dream of becoming a fashion designer.
"You can always come back if it doesn't turn out well." she remembered her mother say.
"I don't want to give up my dream, but I have to. I'm sorry I can't come home mom, dad, but destiny had something else in mind." She stopped and let a tear roll down her cheek. "How I wish could I tell you that I met my future self, that she told me that it's my destiny to guard the Gates of Time." she stopped for brief moment. "All alone, forever." She sat down in chair. "I was told that it's a great honor to be chosen and a noble duty. I'll do my best, it's the only thing I can do."
Just then Trista heard a knock on the door and got up to see who it was. She opened the door and didn't see anyone at first that is until she looked down. She saw a young girl that had purple eyes and green hair like Trista's. It was almost like she looking at picture of herself when she was eight years old. "Um, hello little girl are you lost?"
"No." she said. "Not anymore, now that I found you."
"Don't you think that your parents would miss you?"
"They're dead."
"I'm so sorry." Trista let the girl in and closed the door behind her. "Here, you can stay for the night. My name is Trista, What's yours?"
"Margaret, but everybody calls me Maggie."
"Maggie it is then." Trista warmed up some soup and gave it to Maggie. "So what are doing out by yourself?"
"Looking for you."
"Why me?"
"You are Sailor Pluto aren't you?"
Trista was shocked. "How did you know about that?"
"I've known almost all my life. I am a friend of small lady."
"So you come from the future?"
"Yes, I'm also going to be your daughter."
Trista had about a million thoughts go through her head at once. {Could she be lying? No, there is too much of a resemblance between us. But I can't have a daughter if I have to be the Guardian of Time, I would have to be at my post almost constantly. Where could I find the time to start a family?}
"Hello, Mom?" said Maggie.
"Oh, I'm sorry. This Guardian of Time thing is still sorta new to me."
"Guardian of Time?"
"You don't know about that part of my duty?"
"I know about it, but Mom said she turned it down."
This was a big shock to Trista. {Turned it down?!} she thought. {This is a big problem; if Maggie is going to exist it means I'm going to shirk my responsibility. But I have to be the guardian; otherwise time would abused by those with dark hearts. But is it worth denying my own flesh and blood life?}
"I really miss her and Dad a lot."
"Ok, you can stay here as long as you like."
"Thanks."
Trista still had doubts, but they could wait until morning.
~*~
The next morning Trista and Maggie were at the expo. Serena and Lita were also there looking at each of the new designs. "You've out done yourself this time!" said Lita looking at a dress Trista made.
"I would save up two, no make that three months of allowance for this!" just then Serena noticed Maggie as she came back from using the bathroom. "Hey who's the mini-you?"
"Serena, Lita, this Maggie, apparently she's my future daughter."
"How nice to meet you." said Lita.
"I knew that there was a prince for every princess." said Serena.
"I still don't know who her father is." whispered Trista. "But something about her is making me feel uneasy."
"Huh?"
"In case you forgot I'm supposed to be the Guardian of Time. How can I, no pun intended, make the time for a husband and child?"
"The knights are supposed to help us in our duties, I'm sure he would help you guard the Gates of Time and build a family there."
"The gates are no place to raise a child, all cold and dark, and besides she said her mother turned down the position."
"Well there have been a few changes to the future timeline, maybe we found a way to..."
"The gates need a sentry and a girl needs a mother, but I can't be both."
"I'm sure you'll find a way to make it work."
Gary came in looking for a place to set up the camera. "Maybe over..."
"Gary?" asked Trista.
"Oh hi Trista, I was looking for you."
"Oh, Serena I want you to meet Gary Daniels, he's a...very close friend."
"I see." said Lita with twinkle in her eye.
Maggie came and saw Gary; Serena saw the look in her eye right away.
"Da..."Maggie said just before Serena clamped her mouth shut.
"Gee, it's time for your medication Maggie!" said Serena. "Lita, why don't you help me give it to her?" two left still holding Maggie's mouth shut."
"You two look so much alike, are you related?" asked Gary.
"Yes, she's my little sister." said Trista making up a cover story. "Mom and Dad sent her over here because they had better schools in the city."
"Kids are great; I wouldn't mind being a dad someday."
"So what are you doing here?"
"I'm covering the expo, if do a good job I may become a reporter!"
"That's great!"
"So I guess you hope one of the scouts from the fashion industry will notice you."
"I wasn't planning on it."
"Don't be so modest! Yours are a lot better than any of the rest of the people here!"
"Maybe." Trista said with a small laugh. She really liked Gary and she only wanted to distance herself from him so he wouldn't get hurt.
~*~
Serena and Lita had a talk with Maggie. "You were about to call him 'Dad' weren't you?" said Lita.
"Yes." said Maggie. "But why did you take me away like that?"
"He doesn't know that he's Pluto Knight yet." said Serena. "We have to wait until his powers awaken by themselves."
"Oh, I didn't know."
"You miss him don't you?"
"And Mom."
"Don't worry; if we can stop these Blackstar guys then everyone in Crystal Tokyo will be alright."
"Ok, thank you your majesty."
"I'm not queen yet, just call me Serena. And I think it will make Trista more comfortable if you call her by her name, she's not your mom yet."
"Alright."
"We better get back." said Lita.
~*~
"So pay close attention, you may see one of these designers works on the cover on cover of a magazine some day. Gary Daniels, Channel 8 action news." He turned to Trista not realizing that he left the camera on. "And that's a wrap."
"I'm sure I'll see it tonight."
Just then a familiar voice was heard "Like I'll take this one and that one, that's just trash and wow I want everything over there."
Trista turned and saw Prim who was pointing to her booth and Axel lugging a large number of bags. "Don't you think you have enough already?!"
"Sorry Miss." said an expo worker. "But all of these clothes are just for display; you'll have to return them."
"I plan on paying for them!"
"Then you'll have to talk with the designers."
"You there how much for your entire..."then Prim noticed that she was talking to Trista. "Oh great, it's you!"
"Return everything you stole and leave at once!" said Trista.
"You know these clowns?" asked Gary.
"Big time trouble makers." said Trista. "They're dangerous so you better find a good hiding place. I'll make sure no one else gets hurt."
"Be careful." Gary left leaving the camera behind.
"Fine, then take these as payment instead!" Prim threw out some ingots and Trista transformed as soon as everyone left.
"PLUTO ASTRAL POWER!"
Seeing the Ingots Serena, Lita, and Maggie also changed out of sight from Prim and Axel.
"PLUTO LULLABY POWER!"
"JUPITER ASTRAL POWER!"
"MOON INFINITY POWER!"
Mini-Pluto's uniform was magenta with a dark green ribbon.
"Stop right there! I stand for justice and love, I am Sailor Moon and on behalf of the moon, I will punish you!"
"Look they got another squirt with them!" said Prim.
"How can I see her?" said Axel. "All this junk is blocking my view!"
"Take this!" said Mini-Pluto.
"PLUTO GUSTY BREEZE!"
The wind attack was weak but more than enough to destroy a number of ingots.
"You can have it all back!" said Axel dropping all the bags.
"Time to for you two to catch a flight!" said Sailor Pluto.
"PLUTO FURIOUS CYCLONE!"
"My HMO is not gonna like this!" said Axel.
Pluto's attack destroyed the remaining Ingots and sent Prim and Axel flying to the distance where they landed in cloud of smoke.
"Trista!" said Gary. They returned their original forms before he came back. "What happened to those two?"
"The Sailor scouts showed up and sent them running."
"Ah man. If only I could have gotten it on tape!"
"Don't worry you'll do fine."
Gary picked up the camera that turned off after the tape ran out. "Well I better check the tape before I turn it in tonight."
"Still on for dinner?"
"Yeah, better get going goodbye!"
"We better get going too." said Serena. "Trista you wouldn't mind if we took her see the others?"
"No."
"Great!" said Lita. "Daisy has told me that a girl named Maggie is her best friend so I know that she'll be glad to see you."
"I can't wait to see her too!" said Maggie.
"You go ahead, I have some errands to run." said Trista.
"We'll bring her home, around six ok for you?" said Serena.
"Yes, I see you later Maggie."
"Ok, goodbye for now Trista."
~*~
"That must be a record for getting the pants beat off of you." said Aquila.
"I now this looks bad." said Prim.
"Bad? That barely begins to describe it."
"If you didn't notice my hands were full." said Axel.
"Let's get down to business. Go to the TV station, create the nightmare and beat the scouts. That is unless you want to be my servants."
"We'll do it."
"Good."
~*~
Gary was watching the tape and felt he did a good job. "That should do it." then he noticed that the tape went further than he intended. "Maybe I caught the scouts' battle on tape, that'd be even better than the fashion expo!" The next thing he saw caught him totally off guard.
"PLUTO ASTRAL POWER!"
"Trista?!" he asked himself. He just saw Trista transform into Sailor Pluto right there on tape. A lot of emotions went through him at that moment; amazement, concern, and especially anger.
Just then the phone rang.
"Hello?"
"It's Trista; they lost our reservation. Anywhere else for dinner?"
"How about in our apartments away from each other?" he answered coldly.
"Gary what's wrong?"
"I was reviewing the tape before I sent it in. Turns out the camera was running longer than I thought and it caught quite a show. Do you know what the best part is? It's when you became Sailor Pluto right in front of the lens!"
Trista was shocked. "How could I have been so careless?" she thought. But on the phone she was all business. "Gary you have to give me that tape."
"How could you keep this from me?! I thought that we were totally honest with each other!"
"Gary." Trista stopped for a moment. "I had to keep it secret to keep you safe."
"I trusted you! If you had told me I would have never told a soul!"
"It's was not just about you telling anyone." She stopped again. "It 's about me having to go out to dinner with you tonight to tell you that I have to stop seeing you because I didn't feel that it was working out, when the real reason was so I can become the Guardian of Time and stand watch at the Gates of Time alone for all eternity!"
"Who are you?! Sailor Pluto, The Guardian of Time, I thought you were my friend!"
"Gary, please!"
"Too late! I'm turning this tape in, by eleven o' clock tonight your secret will be out and I don't care what happens to you after that!"
"Is that how it is?" Trista got angry. "In that case, good luck with your new career! I see now that's the only thing you care about!" Trista slammed the receiver down and sobbed. She later collected herself and used her communicator. "I've been found out. Gary is planning to show a tape showing who I am on the news tonight."
"I can go." said Serena. "I'll take Lita, Mina, Ken and Jamie along to the TV station. That should be enough to get the tape and not be caught."
"Thanks."
"Still, you should also go and try to talk to Gary."
"I don't think I can change his mind, and I'd rather not see him again."
Serena wanted to tell her about what Maggie said, but knew that Trista had to find out on her own. "Don't give up on him yet. We'll get the tape."
Trista closed the line and went out to the park.
~*~
Trista sat alone on a bench thinking about everything that happened to her in the last twenty-four hours. "I'm being torn in so many directions I can't tell where I want to go."
"Then maybe you should stay put for a little while." said a friendly voice. Trista turned to find that the voice belonged to a black man wearing sunglasses and a trench coat. "Mind if I sit with you?"
"No, not at all."
"So what's your problem?"
"I had a big fight with my boyfriend. I want to try to patch things up, but it won't matter."
"And why not?"
"I have this job I'm supposed to take and I have to make a big move to do it."
"Sounds like you don't want this job."
"Yes and no. It's the opportunity of a lifetime and a great responsibility. But I wouldn't be able to fulfill my childhood dream or stay with him."
"That's a pickle alright."
"If I don't take it I'll let so many people down and if I do I'll hurt someone very important to me."
"My daddy told me there were three secrets to living a very happy life. One, treat others how you want to be treated; two, stop and take your time; and three, don't give a hoot what anybody else thinks."
"So I should not take it."
"I can't tell you to if you should take the job or not, only you can. But as for your boyfriend you should both forget who was wrong and just forgive each other. If you don't, you'll regret it."
"Thanks I better get going before it's too late!"
As she left she didn't hear the stranger say "Good luck Sailor Pluto, you're gonna need it."
~*~
At the TV station Gary was stopped by a friend as Vivian was applying makeup nearby. "Hey I heard you got a big story all on your own!"
"Once in a lifetime big!" said Gary. "The boss will go nuts over this!"
"Is that so?" Vivian thought. She quietly reached into Gary's bag and pulled out that tape. "You worked for me for two years. You should have known by now that no one out scoops Vivian Fenwick!" she then decided to wait until Gary humiliated himself before watching the tape and then put herself in as the reporter.
~*~
Trista used her communicator. "Guys could you hold off for a little while, I want to try to convince Gary one last time."
"Ok." said Mina. "I hope it goes well."
Trista found him going to the manager's office and stopped him. "I've already made up my mind, so you can..."
"Will you shut up and listen!" shouted Trista. "Look I'm sorry that didn't tell you about this and for pushing you away from me. But I'm begging you please don't do this!"
Gary's eyes softened. "I didn't really want to hurt you, but it wasn't about my career. I felt angry about you keeping me away lately and I wanted to know why, guess this finally gave me a reason yell at you."
"I guess I didn't think too much about us after I found out about being the Guardian of Time. I just accepted the fact that I would spend all of eternity alone."
"No, not if I went with you."
"Maybe you could come with me, but the gates are a very bleak place."
"I don't care; it'd be beautiful if you were there. I took this job to follow my dreams, but lately you're all I've been dreaming about."
Just then Trista's locket started to glow. From it came a ring with a dark green stone that had the symbol of Pluto engraved onto it. The ring then went to Gary's finger.
"Wait, does this mean that I'm..."
Trista finished for him. "Yes. You're my prince and my knight!"
"I felt that for some reason I belonged with them, now I know why."
Trista then turned serious. "Please, give me the tape."
"Sure!" he reached into his bag but then he had a worried expression on his face. "It's not in here!"
"What?!"
"The tape it's gone! Oh my god! Vivian, I was talking to friend of mine who was next to her, she must have taken it!"
Trista used her communicator. "Guys, I found out that Gary is my knight."
"I knew you would find out on your own, so our problems are over." said Serena.
"No such luck, Vivian has stolen the tape we got to get it back."
"Just point us in the right direction!" said Lita.
"She'd probably be in the studio." said Gary. "She'll wait until she can put herself in it so we should wait until after the broadcast."
"Then we'll meet you there." said Jamie.
"How did Sailor Moon know that I was your knight before we did?" asked Gary after the communication was cut.
"Serena probably found out from Maggie." said Trista.
"How would your kid sister know?"
"Actually she's our daughter."
"Oh. Wait, she's our what?!"
"Don't worry I'll give you the full story while we wait for the right time and besides I thought you wanted to be a dad."
"Sorry this all still a bit much for me."
"You'll get used to it." she then told him about the Silver Millennium and Crystal Tokyo.
~*~
"That's it for Channel 8 action news, good night." said the anchor.
Everyone was in a rush to go home except Vivian. She wanted to use the editing room after everyone left so she could see what was on it then add herself in properly. Gary came up to her with Trista. "Viv do you have my tape?"
"I don't see your name on it and possession is nine tenths of the law."
"You can't show that tape!" said Gary. "If you do it will hurt a lot of people."
"Got a visit from your conscience? Sorry but we have a saying in the news business and you would do well to remember it. 'If it bleeds, it leads.'"
"Don't make us force you." said Trista.
"Sorry lady, but if it's as good as he said it was then this is my ticket to having my own talk show."
"Well isn't this juicy?" said Prim.
"You two again?!" said Serena as she came in.
"Quick now!"
"NIGHTMARE GO!"
Vivian changed into a Nightmare that had different facemasks all over its body. "I am Maskeraid and you will all join the Blackstar!"
"Never, you costume party reject!" said Lita as the others came in.
"Let's go for it!" said Ken.
"JUPITER ASTRAL POWER!"
"JUPITER NOBEL POWER!"
"VENUS ASTRAL POWER!"
"VENUS NOBEL POWER!"
"PLUTO ASTRAL POWER!"
"PLUTO NOBEL POWER!"
"MOON INFINITY POWER!"
Pluto knight's armor was a dark green and his weapon was a boomerang.
"Doing such a thing even to a creep like her is unforgivable!" said Sailor Moon. "I am Sailor Moon and on behalf of the Moon I shall punish you!"
Prim and Axel just yawned.
"Could it actually be that my lovely speech is losing its impact?"
"Keep saying It." said Aquila as she appeared. "I could use small naps more often."
"So you're here to help us?" asked Axel.
"No, I'm just here to make sure you don't sneak out of our deal."
"Maskeraid attack!" yelled Prim.
"VENUS SHINING WHIPLASH!"
Maskeraid avoided the attack and removed a mask from her body. "Try this on for size!" she threw the mask onto Venus Knight's face. "A perfect fit!"
He then attacked Sailor Venus. "No, how could you do this?" she yelled.
"My masks are very persuasive." said Maskeraid. "He is under my control now!"
"Then I'll set him free!"
"VENUS LUMINESCENT PURGE!"
The attack just deflected off the mask. "My masks also act like impenetrable armor, you can't beat him, but feel free to join him!" she threw another mask on Sailor Venus' face.
"Forgetting me?" said Sailor Jupiter.
"JUPITER LIGHTNINGORB BLITZ!"
The attack was deflected off one of her masks.
"Maybe if we hit a spot that wasn't covered!" said Jupiter Knight.
"JUPITER THUNDER CLAWS!"
Sailor Venus and Venus Knight took the attack for Maskeraid.
"Using our friends as shields, you're despicable!"
"Don't knock it until you tried it!" Maskeraid threw two more masks at Sailor Jupiter and Jupiter Knight. "Now attack Sailor Moon!"
The four of them charged Sailor Moon who had a hard time fighting them off without hurting them. "Sailor Pluto, Pluto Knight, attack her while they're busy with me!"
"Think you're up to this?" asked Sailor Pluto.
"I've been waiting all my life for this!" said Pluto Knight.
"Even with four masks gone my body is still indestructible!" said Maskeraid.
"Then try this!"
"PLUTO TYPHOON BOOMERANG!"
He threw the boomerang at Maskeraid and it sent blasts of wind along its path blowing off every mask, except her facemask, off her body. "My masks!"
"We'll help you get them back!" said Axel. But two masks landed on his face and Prim's before they could help.
"PLUTO FURIOUS CYCLONE!"
The attack not only weakened Maskeraid but also destroyed the video tape.
Sailor Moon got free and summoned her sword. "About time for this costume party to end!"
"MOON MAGNUM STARBEAM!"
Maskeraid screamed as she and Vivian were separated and the Nightmare stone shattered. At the same time all the masks broke apart. "Thanks, I couldn't help myself." said Venus Knight.
Prim and Axel then got up. "Like this is not good." said Prim.
"Aquila will probably have us scrub every toilet in the fortress." said Axel.
"And I have a lot of boots for you to shine." said Aquila. The three then left.
"Looks like they got away." said Sailor Jupiter.
"We'll get 'em next time." said Trista after they reverted.
Vivian woke up and looked for the tape. "Where is it?!"
"We got rid of it." said Gary.
"You what?!"
"And you know what else? I still want to be a reporter but not one like you, I quit!"
Vivian just shrugged. "Your loss then."
As they left Gary told Trista. "Tomorrow I want to really meet Maggie, let her know that I know."
"I think she'd love It." said Trista.
From the station roof the stranger Trista talked to earlier looked on and said. "Whatever you choose keep him close Sailor Pluto, you'll all need each other in the battle ahead."
~*~
Richforce: Who is this guy and how does he know about the scouts' real identities? Keep reading to find out.