***
Disclaimer: "Daredevil" and "Sailor Moon" belong to other properties.
Note: This is a fusion fan fiction. Enjoy!
***
Raye Hino finishes her evening prayer, and thinks about what as been occurring lately. For years, the Sailor Senshi have searched for the missing "Moon Princess", all the while fighting various minions of the so-called "Negaverse", as well as other dark forces. She was proud that their leader Naru, also known as "Sailor Moon", has taken the first steps in re-establishing the rein in what had been "The Silver Millennium", even though she herself is not royalty. And so far, none of the Scouts have pressed the issue of the eventual establishment of a monarchy, particularly when the future was up for grabs. At least, that is what Sailor Pluto has said so far.
Raye leaves the confines of the Cherry Hill Temple to secure its gates. Since her grandfather has turned over the main duties to her, Raye has taken her duties as a Shinto Priestess seriously, though she rather have sought a full-time career as a professional singer.
As Raye checks the gate, she hears something stumble behind her. Raye quickly turns to see what was going on, prepared to use her Sailor Senshi powers if necessary. There, right in the middle of the courtyard, was a familiar "face".
It was the Red Oni.
"S…sorry about this," the leathered-clad girl said, before collapsing.
"Usagi!" Raye said, as she rushed towards the fallen girl. Raye immediately placed the girl's head on her own lap, and slowly removed the Red Oni's mask. She could see the cuts and bruises that covered her face, as well as Usagi's vacant eyes. Raye knew that the girl was blind, but, importantly, she knew that Usagi was the Moon Princess.
During the Sailor Senshi's fight with the Black Moon Family, Raye and the rest of the Sailors went to a possible future, where Usagi the Neo-Queen of Crystal Tokyo, while Naru was her Champion. So when the Sailor Scouts discovered the identity of the Red Oni, there was an attempt officially make contact. However, Sailor Pluto forbade this, particularly since Usagi had a role to play…
"Homecoming"
Two weeks ago…
"I tell you, Usagi, I can't wait until we get to Tokyo!"
Sitting next to law clerk Usagi Tsukino on a direct flight to Tokyo from San Francisco was her friend and co-worker Minako "Mina" Aino. As the only other "Westernized" Japanese of Usagi's age, Mina began her work at the Japanese consulate in San Francisco at the same time that Usagi did. Since then, the two have been good friends, especially since neither one were considered to be "real" Japanese.
"Usagi, do you think that your brother will be okay?"
"Mother says that Shango hasn't woke up from his coma yet, so I really don't know."
"Yeah."
When the two arrived at Narita International Airport, the two were greeted by their governmental contact.
"Greetings, Miss Tsukino, Miss Aino," said the man, as he bowed.
"Thank you, Mr. Formosa," Usagi said, as she bowed likewise.
"Likewise," Mina said, as she bowed.
"I do hope that you had a pleasant flight," Formosa said, as he escorted the two to the baggage claim. "I apologize for the reason you are here, Miss Tsukino."
"Don't worry about it, Mr. Formosa," Usagi replied. "I am used to tragedy."
"Oh, don't say that," Mina said. "We get through this together."
"While you two are here in Japan," Mr. Formosa began, "I want to go over the plans with you to host a gathering at our consulate in San Francisco. Miss Nabiki Tendo wants our cooperation to kick-start a possible business venture that could be quite beneficial to the residents of Japantown, in the city of San Francisco."
"I didn't know Miss Tendo wants to open a branch of Tendo Enterprise in America," Mna interjected.
"Indeed she does," Usagi said. "According to what I 'read', Nabiki 'The Ice Queen' Tendo wants to be the richest woman in Japan. Already, she's the 5th richest…and she's only in her mid-twenties."
"Sounds admirable."
"I am glad," Formosa interjected. "You two will have an opportunity to meet with her in person, when Miss Tendo makes her official announcement of her project at a party next week."
Once the Mina and Usagi got her bags, Formosa gave the women the use of a governmental car, particularly in light of Usagi's current problems. Immediately, Usagi asked their driver to go to Tokyo General Hospital, where her brother was being kept.
"Excuse me," Usagi began, "We are looking for the room of Shango Tsukino."
"And you are…?" began Nurse Ohara.
"I'm his sister Usagi."
Before the nurse continued, a doctor comes up to the information desk.
"I'll take it from here, Susan," the doctor said.
"Of course, Doctor Mizuno," the nurse said, before returning her duties.
"Hello. My name is Ami," the doctor said, as she shook Usagi's hand. "I will be working on your brother's case."
"Hello, doctor," Usagi said, as she took Ami's hand. "May I see him?"
"Certainly."
When they arrived to Shango's room, Usagi could tell how weak her brother's life signs were. She also could tell that her brother was not alone.
"Inspector Saotome," Ami began. "This is Shango's sister Usagi."
"Uh, I'm pleased to meet you," Ranma said, as he stood up. "Shango told me all about you."
"And what do you think of me now?"
"He didn't do you any justice. Would you like to have my seat?"
"I'm fine, Inspector. I just want to hold my brother's hand for a moment before going home to my parents."
"Of course. And please, call me Ranma.
"I'll leave you two alone," Ami said, as she began to walk out.
"Uh, I'll get us some juice, Usagi," Mina said, as she walked out of the room.
"Fine," Usagi replied.
As Usagi took Shango's hand, she wished that she had been there for her brother. Perhaps then, he wouldn't be in a coma right now.
Tokyo Police Inspector Ranma Saotome was a sharp martial arts master from the Nerima district. He's seen many things over the years, particularly after becoming a police office (a martial artist's duty was to protect the innocent, right?). And from all that experience, he saw something odd. Shango's sister moved in a precise manner, as if she was trained in the Art.
But his curiosity will have to wait. Right now, he owed it to Shango to be there for his sister.
"Don't worry. I'll get the bastards who did this to Shango."
***
"So, how was the trip?" Ami asked, as she took a sip of her green tea.
"Oh it was fine. How's the gang?" Mina replied.
Ami and Mina were sitting in a corner of the hospital cafeteria. They both made sure that their conversation was not being heard.
"Well, Naru and Momaru are getting engaged."
"Get out! I thought those two weren't serious?"
"Naru finally came to her senses and dumped her ex-boyfriend, and Momaru came to his senses by admitting his love for Naru."
"Even though we had already found the Moon Princess?"
"Well, you know what they say about adversity bringing people together and all."
"And the others?"
"Makoto is still on that 'Iron Chief' program, and Hotoru is still pursuing her degree in astrophysics at the Nekomi Technical Institute. Haruka and Michiru are in Europe, where Michiru is giving a concert. Oh! And Luna and Artemus are fine. You know that they've been living with me ever since Hotoru went to college."
"That's nice. I'll definitely visit Artemus while I'm here. What about Setsuna?"
"That's the thing. No one knows where she is. And it's been a few years since she lat attended our annual 'meeting'."
"I know. I hope she's okay, and not brooding somewhere."
"I hope so too. By the way, how is Usagi doing?"
"She seems sad all the time, Ami. From what I can recall, she has never gotten over being estranged from her family. The only time she seems 'alive' is when she fights a criminal."
"I see. So you've been tagging along whenever she's this 'Red Oni'."
"Yeah. I hope the data I sent you was helpful."
"Indeed. I hope to one day cure the Princess of her blindness, so that she could take her rightful place as the Queen of Neo-Tokyo."
"You know, you almost sound like Setsuna."
"Hmmm. You're right. I better get out more."
The two had a good laugh.
So, Usagi thought to herself, as she continued to hear Ami and Mina's conversation. I'm being watched after all. But why are they doing so?
No one knew the extent of hyper-senses, but Usagi could hear and discerns sounds many floors away.
"If you want, I can take you home…"
"That's all right, Ranma. My friend and I have been assigned a car to chauffer us around. But I appreciate the offer."
***
After going to her assigned hotel (Usagi wasn't ready to see her mother just yet), Usagi cleaned herself up and got dressed for her "second" job. She then snuck up to Tokyo Tower, and climbed to the very top. From there, she extended her senses, which she does every time she visits a different city. Then, she puts on her mask and throws off her trench coat.
The Red Oni has returned.
Now, Usagi thought to herself, to find out who put Shango into the hospital. And with that, she leaped off into the darkness.
"Shouldn't we do something?" asked Sailor Moon. Ever since she received the word that the Moon Princess had returned to Japan, Naru was anxious in meeting her. She had met Usagi's older self, and was quite taken by her kindness. Maybe if Naru makes her acquaintance, Usagi can be put on the road to spiritual healing. At the moment, the Inner Sailor Senshi keeping watch at a distance.
"I agree!" Luna said. The Moon Cat was worried that the Moon Princess could get hurt.
"I'm sure Usagi will be fine," Artemus replied.
"She certainly seems confidant," Sailor Jupiter. "Sailor Venus, is she THAT good of a fighter?"
"Yes," Venus replied. "I've seen her perform stunts that are truly unbelievable."
"Her strong 'chi' has something to do with her prowess, I wager," Sailor Mars interjected. "You really think you could cure her of her blindness, Mercury?"
"I am investigating the possibility," Sailor Mercury replied, as she used her Mercury computer and visor to analyzed the Red Oni.
"Guys, we better get going," Tuxedo Mask said. "We don't want to loose track of her!"
And off the gang goes.
Epilogue:
"You have been very stubborn, Sailor Scout," a voice from the darkness spoke.
Sailor Pluto, whose clothes were in rags, spat blood at her captor.
"You'll never get the information you seek, General."
Then an electrical surge coursed through Pluto's body.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHH-!"
"Enough. Take her to her cell. We'll try again tomorrow."
And with that, Pluto disappeared.
"First, that mortal policeman interferes with my plans, and now the Sailor Senshi. Sigh."
Miss Tendo?
Nabiki Tendo opens her eyes. She scanned her plush office before focusing on her secretary.
"Miss Tendo?"
"Yes, Yuki?"
"Mr. Formosa of the Foreign Ministry's Office of Business Affair is here to see you."
"Excellent. Show him right in."
Tbc.
A/N: Finally, a new chapter! As you can see, we KNOW who's the main enemy, but we have yet to know WHY. That story will unfold slowly, but surely.
Next time: As The Red Oni re-acquaints herself to herself to her old digs, she runs into the Sailor Scouts. Unfortunately, the meeting doesn't go as well as the senshi had planned. Plus, Usagi has a run-in with Police Inspector Ranma Saotome, and sparks fly! Be here for "Chance Encounters", next time on The Devil in the Moon. See you then!