This fanfic is a sequel to the crossover "Death and Rebirth", so I suggest reading that story first so that you can make sense out of certain parts of the story.
"Bishoujo Senshi, Sailor Moon" created by Naoko Takeuchi.
Heritage
Chapter 1:
Hotaru and Reiko were heading back from school towards the outers' manor. The redhead did most of the talking on this last leg.
"…I start listing the serious repercussions that decision will bring, and the guy looks at me like I'm some sort of clown, babbling about stuff I have no idea of. Okay, so most of the time I only care about having fun, but that doesn't mean I'm oblivious to the important stuff. You know that, ne, Hotaru-chan?" No reply. "Hotaru-chan?"
"Nani? Oh, gomen, Reiko-san, I'm still thinking about what happened today."
"Right, those girls from the tennis club," Reiko replied as she ran her fingers through her hair, "It seems we're doomed to find someone to harass us no matter where we go." Several rumors had reached the new school before the girls' arrival, about Hotaru's magic, Reiko's behavior, and Carlos Navarro.
"I don't mind people talking about me behind my back, but I'm not going to stand any lies about Carlos," the amethyst eyed girl fumed, "Claiming that he dumped me, how dare they?"
"Well, if you were really that mad you should've said something then instead of complaining to me now," Reiko scolded. Hotaru looked away, trying to hide her grin. She'd been practicing with her illusions for a while now, and had left one or two dozen foot-long roaches on the court. "Although, that particular rumor is partly your fault. How could you let Carlos-kun go just like that?"
"Carlos needed to make this trip," The violet-haired girl retorted, "We don't own each other, it would've been terribly selfish had I asked him to stay just for me."
"Hotaru-chan." Reiko shook her head as she gave a gentle chuckle. "Your best quality is that you're always thinking of others, but don't forget, you exist too. I can see it in your eyes, you have faith in him, and you know you'll be reunited. But that doesn't stop you from missing him, every three seconds you become absent and place yourself in another world." Hotaru sighed deeply.
"It's true, I miss him terribly. But what can I do besides waiting?"
"Hmm, if I were in your shoes, I'd go look for him."
"Reiko-san," the pale girl rolled her eyes at her friend. "I can't just do something like that; I must consider my parents, my friends, school, and several other responsibilities."
"Those are all valid, but answer me this: Who's stopping you other than yourself?" The violet-haired girl stopped on her tracks with a surprised visage. "Think about it, okay, Hotaru-chan?"
"Reiko-san, every now and then, I get the feeling there's more to you than meets the eye."
"Maybe, maybe not, but I won't let you know that easily."
*****
The girls kept walking and eventually reached their destination. Hotaru opened the door and noticed something amiss.
"That's funny, everything's dark, Setsuna-mama and the others should be home at this hour."
"SURPRISE!!" ten voices chorused.
"Nani?" Hotaru just stood there as poppers went off and confetti fell on her hair. She saw Usagi and Mamoru, the inners (except for Makoto, who was away with Shigeru on their honeymoon), Motoki, Unazuki, and of course, her adoptive parents. Luna and Artemis were also present, meowing their greeting. She looked around to find colored balloons, ribbons, food and a cake with fifteen candles on it. "It's my birthday!?" the petit girl asked with genuine astonishment.
"Of course it is, Hime-chan," Haruka answered as she placed a purple paper crown on her daughter's head.
"First time we've ever been able to surprise you," Usagi noted, "You usually sniff out our plans right away."
"There, you see?" Reiko said as she elbowed her pal playfully, "You're thinking about Carlos-kun so much, you're oblivious to the fact you've turned fifteen today."
"Well, let's get this show on the road," Michiru called, "Mako-chan helped me with the snacks before she left."
"And the cake's a specialty from the 'Crown Café'," Unazuki announced, "So everyone dig in."
The rest of the evening was all fun and games. The gifts Hotaru received ranged from books to computer games; Rei and Michiru had recorded a CD together, and Setsuna designed a brand new dress.
"And here's a package that arrived this morning," the mocha-skinned woman said as she took it out, "all the way from Mexico."
"Then it must be from Carmen-chan," Minako guessed, "Come on, Hotaru-chan, let's see what she sent." The pale girl complied, she saw the contents and let out a cheerful cackle.
"It looks like Carmen-chan's catching up on her sewing, check these out." She put the open box in the middle and everyone saw a complete set of handmade sailor senshi dolls.
"Aww, they're so kawaii," Usagi cooed as she picked up the cloth-made Tuxedo Kamen, "Ne, Mamo-chan?"
"Our Mexico-jin friend is quite talented," Ami said, appraising the little Sailor Mercury, "this is excellent craftsmanship."
"It sure is," Motoki agreed, "much better than the ones in my crane games." He got up and stretched, "Well, I know it's still, but I better get going if I want to open the game center on time."
"Likewise," his sister said, "Would you like for us to give you a ride, Reiko-chan? It's too late for you to go home on your own."
"Hai, you're right, arigato. And, Hotaru-chan," the redhead gave her friend a wink, "I know I didn't give you anything today, but I'll make it up to you tomorrow, big time."
"Arigato, Reiko-san, but you don't have to bother." Actually, the words 'big time' made her think: By the silence, please don't bother. "Goodnight, drive safely." The pony-tailed girl went outside first then stopped when she got to the porch steps.
"What is it, Reiko-chan?" Michiru asked.
"Umm, nothing," she answered while staring at the starry sky, "I just felt a chill going down my neck, that's all." The violinist noticed something in her voice however, but decided not to pay much attention.
The others stayed for about an hour, in which they each got their respective doll.
"Carmen-chan must've kept herself busy every day these last two months to make ten perfect dolls," Rei said.
"Eleven actually," Hotaru corrected, "I hid one from Reiko-san and the others." Everyone gave curious stares, she smirked and revealed the eleventh. Mamoru broke out laughing.
"We should've known she'd include her brother."
"I never thought anyone would conceive making a likeness of Karasu no Shi," Haruka chuckled, "What I wouldn't give to see the look on Navarro's face when he sees it."
"You better cut it out, Haruka," the aqua-haired woman scolded mildly, "If Carlos-kun were here, he'd have a zinger ready to put you in your place."
"Precisely why I'm making the most of his absence," the sand-blonde replied.
It was getting late and the reunion came to an end, the inners thanked their hosts and gave the birthday girl a final batch of hugs and congratulations as they left. When Hotaru was about to climb up the stairs, Setsuna came up to her side.
"Something else arrived by mail, Hime-chan, a letter for you," the ruby-eyed woman whispered, "I thought you would like to read it privately." Hotaru looked at the envelope, there was no return address, but the drawing of a crow in its place.
"Arigato, Setsuna-mama!" she exclaimed as she squeezed her and hurried to her room.
"What was that about?" Michiru asked from around the corner. Setsuna just gave her trademark grin for an answer.
Hotaru entered her room, closed the door and went over to her favorite lamp. Taking a deep breath to ease her excitement, she opened the letter carefully. With great expectation, she started reading.
My beloved Hotaru,
I can't find the words to tell you how much I miss you. If I hadn't gathered the courage to leave that night on the bridge, I never would've been able to leave at all. Bless Kashaku, without his help, I doubt I could've made it this far.
It's a little embarrassing to admit this, but now I realize my true strength showed itself only when I was with you, alone I am weak and afraid. Every night I think about turning back, run towards you so I'll have nothing to fear anymore. The same thought tempers my resolution though, for it's this dependence from you I want to get rid of.
Don't misunderstand me! I'm not rejecting you, rather the weakness in myself. Hotaru, you are one of the most powerful people I know, a statement which would remain true, even if you weren't Sailor Saturn. That's why I have to keep going, grow stronger so you'll be proud of me the day we meet again.
Give my regards to the others, and give a hello to the cats and twins on Kashaku's behalf.
All my love to you,
Carlos
When the amethyst-eyed girl finished reading she gave her Karasu doll a tight squeeze, pranced around and let herself drop on the bed.
"Carlos, you silly, I'll always be proud of you," Hotaru told the doll, "I love you just the way you are." She took another deep breath, "And I'm not as strong as you say either." She turned to her side and remembered the moments they spent together. It flattered her to know that her love was going through so much trouble to please her. Then it occurred to her, shouldn't she do the same for him? She thought about this and came up with some ideas as she fell asleep.
*****
Midnight, Tokyo Tower:
Six people gathered at the foot of the giant, metal structure. Three of them were quite large, wearing trench coats and wide brimmed hats.
"Has anyone found anything?" one of them, who was carrying a backpack, asked.
"Absolutely nothing," another answered sourly, "It would be a lot easier if we didn't have to put up with this damn cold. Are we even at the right dimension?"
"Hey, don't question my know-how!" a voice from inside the bag protested, "I checked the data hundreds of times, and there's no doubt, this is the place."
"And don't forget," the one with the bag added, "this is where he wanted to come to for so long." He gave a sarcastic chuckle, "How ironic that he would find his executioner at the other side of the door."
"I'd laugh too," the grouch said, "if that had been the end of our problems. (Tsk) Let's get going, the sooner we continue the search, the sooner we'll find the queen."
*****
Shibuya, the following day:
Usagi was leaning on a lamppost as she waited for Minako to come out. Her friend was inside a place that, quite frankly, made her feel more than nervous, a tattoo parlor.
"Okay, I'm done!" the girl with the red ribbon announced as she stepped into the street, "What do you think, Usagi-chan?" The future queen stared at the little winged heart on her friend's right arm.
"I can't believe you went through with this, Mina-chan. Your mother's gonna have a heart attack when she sees it."
"That's why I waited until I moved out, plus a little longer," the loose-haired blonde replied as she put on her jacket, "I still remember the day I came home wearing a temporary one, she fainted on the spot. This one's smaller though, and more kawaii."
"I agree on that, but you won't see me getting one, I wouldn't like having something permanent on my body. Even if I did," Usagi poked her friend's arm lightly; Minako shook and her hair stood on end. "I'd never get past the first dot." The girl with the red ribbon narrowed her eyes and gritted her teeth.
"Usagi, you're going to pay for this."
"Gomen, Mina-chan," the Moon princess apologized. "Let's go find the others, I want to see what they'll say about-Hey!" A man, with skin color like Setsuna's, bumped into her. He was holding a tablet which he dropped. "Read or walk, baka, but don't do both!"
"Oh, sorry! I was distracted," the man said. Minako's attention was drawn by the eight-foot-tall man standing behind. His attire covered his face utterly, and he kept absolute silence. She then leaned over to pick up the tablet that had caused this mess.
"Say, isn't that a drawing of-" The stranger snatched the item hurriedly.
"I'm sorry but it is classified!" the dark-skinned man said as they both hurried away. He stopped again suddenly as he realized something. "You know who this is?" It was the rough sketch of a female figure; the distinguishing characteristics were a short skirt and a ribbon on the chest.
"Sure I know, it's obviously a sailor senshi," Minako answered. His eyes lit up.
"Do you know where I can find her?"
"You're in luck," the blue-eyed girl continued, "From here, go three blocks down and two to the right; she'll be making an appearance in about ten minutes."
"Really?" He smiled broadly and shook both blonde's hands feverishly, "My eternal thanks to you," the stranger said as he ran off.
"Curious fellow," Usagi commented, "You know, that picture was too vague though, could be of any one of us. And he was wearing a lot of clothing, it's cold but not that much."
"He's foreign, probably from a warm country. The one that creeped me out was the big guy, he was quiet as a tomb, and just as still." The loose-haired blonde pondered a little. "You think we should comment about this?"
"Only if we want to share an interesting anecdote," the odango-headed one answered, "I didn't get any bad vibes, that guy doesn't even know much about us. He actually thinks there is only one senshi."
"Hai." Minako checked to see if her tattoo was still tender. "Now I feel bad about giving him that false lead."
*****
An hour later:
"Great going, Sketh, a whole night of searching and you bring us to a kiddy show." On stage, several girls wearing bright costumes and colorful wigs were pretending to battle a monster made out of cloth and plastic. "Any more bright ideas?"
"Put a sock in it, Heben. So maybe this wasn't the best lead, but at least it proves we're in the right place. The one we're looking for is here!" He took a deep breath. "Of course, now we have to figure out which is the one."
"Yeah," the one carrying the backpack, Mekhet, agreed, "But Heben's got a point, this doesn't help us much, and we're running out of time. If we leave empty handed we won't be able to return in a month, and I hate to think what will become of us by then." He took a deep breath and crossed his arms. "We need a plan. How will we find the real one?"
"I believe the best tactic will be to have her find us," the voice from inside the backpack suggested.
"What are you talking about?" Heben asked.
"Pay attention to the show. Those girls, Sailor Moon and her partners, are fighting a beast, and we brought three of our own." The three men looked up at their tall companions, always silent and motionless.
"I am not going to like this idea," Sketh predicted.
*****
Hikawa Shrine, later that day:
"I'm not surprised," Rei confessed after seeing Minako's acquisition, "crazy things are becoming your trademark."
"I'll take that as a compliment," the blonde replied.
"I must admit it's tasteful," Ami said, "but don't you think you should've had it placed at a more secluded area? Your hip for example."
"I thought about it, but I'd rather have it at a place where I can see it myself." Mina turned her head. "Originally, I thought about having it on the small of my back."
"That would've been quite a sight," Artemis chuckled. Everyone narrowed their eyes at the white cat, Luna's stare was murderous. "I'm just saying!"
"Che, anyway," the black cat turned to her charge, "Usagi-chan, you said you met someone who seems to be looking for the senshi, ne?"
"Hai, Mina-chan and I were heading-" Their communicators started beeping and the maiden answered.
"Rei-chan," it was Michiru, "three people are firing away at everything downtown. And if that wasn't bad enough, they have three stone monsters with them!"
"Ara!" Ami exclaimed, "We'll be there in a second, don't do anything until we're all together." She pulled out her henshin rod. "Mercury crisis power, make up!"
"Venus crisis power, make up!"
"Mars crisis power, make up!"
"Eternal Moon power, make up!"
Eternal Sailor Moon and the three inners teleported away. The love senshi took a second to confirm how effective a disguise her transformation granted.
*****
Armed with staves that had diamond shaped tips with a purple jewel in the center, the trio blasted away at parked cars. The three stone giants had taken off their disguises and were smashing everything else. Their outfits were carved into the rock, except for iron helms.
"Are you sure about this idea?" Heben asked.
"I admit it's not a perfect plan," the voice inside the backpack responded, "But if I'm right about the senshi's behavior, they'll be here at any moment."
"So far so good," Mekhet said, "There were enough people to raise the alarm, and too few for any casualties." He planted his staff on the floor and took a breather. "But if we don't get results within the next ten minutes-"
"Shabon spray!"
Suddenly, they were surrounded by a thick mist.
"What the hell?" Sketh looked around nervously. "Heben, Mekhet! Are you guys still there? Whoa!!" He raised his weapon just in time to block Uranus' Star sword.
"Had fun, baka?" the sand-blonde taunted, "Well, now you're going to learn to respect public property." But the dark-skinned man could only make sense out of the first two words.
While Sketh battled Uranus, Mekhet, who was quite strong, was busy with both Sailor Moon and Saturn, and Heben had Pluto to contend with. The rest of the senshi handled the stone giants.
"Mercury, can you figure out what we're up against?" Neptune asked, "Ara, a hole through its chest and it's still moving!"
"They're like robots," the azure-haired senshi responded, "Sturdy, but if I discover their weakness, we'll bring them down without much effort."
"A piece of advice, Mercury, hurry up! Crescent beam!"
The three men fought for a while, then regrouped and stood away from the senshi.
"What's going on here? Why can't we understand them?" Heben growled.
"It was that mist," Sketh explained, "The humidity must've damaged the translators." He gulped, "We're in trouble."
"Worse trouble," the voice inside Mekhet's bag added, "We're nearly out of time, any second now the portal will open automatically!" Mekhet grumbled and made some quick thinking.
"Set your weapons on stun, we're taking the offensive."
"What!? Are you sure about this?" Sketh exclaimed.
"We've got no choice, come on!"
"Any idea what these people are saying?" Uranus asked, "I don't want to fight without knowing, not anymore."
"We have no choice but to do so until we can either capture one or make them retreat," Pluto said, "And they don't seem the type to give up easily." She moved forward to counter the charge from the one who seemed to be the leader. Both weapons slammed onto each other with full force, the dark-skinned man moved so violently that the straps of his backpack snapped and it was flung away. It landed next to Sailor Moon and Saturn and spilled out its contents, several gadgets and a weird looking creature. It was about the size of a cat, a cross between a lizard and a weasel, with both brown fur and grayish scales. It looked at a buzzing machine on its wrist then glanced at them with eyes wide open.
"By the silence, what kind of animal is that?"
"I have no idea," the Moon princess answered. The critter turned its head and gave a weird shriek. "But that definitely sounded articulate. Get it!" She tried catching it but the animal sprinted towards her, coiling its tail around her leg causing her to trip. Then it leapt towards the silent senshi, clasping her arm.
"Chikuso, get the hell off me!" Sailor Moon tried to help her young friend but heard footsteps hurrying towards her. She looked up and saw Heben attacking. She raised her power tier, but it would've been an ineffective defense. Lucky for her, Tuxedo Kamen chose that moment to appear.
"Don't you realize you're embarrassing your country with such behavior?" the Earth prince quipped as he pushed his cane against the staff.
Meanwhile, one of the stone giants had finally been destroyed, but only after a lot of effort.
"It's in their heads, the weak spot is in their heads," Mercury shouted. The water senshi knocked herself on the head. "That's the reason for the helmets. Chikuso, I rely on my computer too much."
"Don't blame yourself, Mercury," the love senshi said, "The obvious is very easy to ignore."
"We gotta get those off," Mars said, "But first, we better separate them. Neptune, Venus, you take the right; Mercury and I will take the left."
"Hai," the ocean senshi replied, "Come on, Venus." The four senshi split up and each giant followed a pair.
The blonde and aqua-haired ones ran towards a wall then turned at the last second, the living statue was much too heavy to maneuver and crashed. There was an unforeseen consequence though, the whole building shook and debris was about to drop on the senshi. Neptune aimed her Aqua mirror upwards.
"Submarine reflect-Nani?" The stone giant rushed towards the senshi and shielded them with its own body. "Uh, arigato?" The senshi were slightly confused and the giant took the advantage to knock them both to the ground. Then, using one hand, it pinned the pair down, without crushing them though. It let its arm crumble off and went over to fight the others. "Okay, Venus," Neptune huffed after the giant left, "you got a quote for this occasion?"
"How about, beware Romans bearing presents?"
"It's this one!" the furry creature called. It saw the blonde senshi coming up and made her trip with a well aimed sprint. Then it stopped right in front of the pale one and leapt for her arm. As she struggled to get it off, it moved towards her back. The critter held from her shoulders as tightly as it could, but then felt a sharp pain on its back which caused it to fall. It stood up and saw a black cat baring her fangs.
"I have no idea what you are," Luna hissed, "but I'm not letting you hurt that child!" Artemis rushed to his mate's side.
"Careful, Luna-chan, it's reptilian so it could be poisonous."
"Precisely why I attacked, it was dangerously close to Saturn's neck," the female cat replied, "Come on, we can take this one!"
Sailor Mars and Mercury cursed when they saw they now had to fight both remaining giants. Fortunately, Sailor Moon and Saturn had come over to help, and the fire senshi managed to knock one of their helmets off.
"The forehead!" the blonde shouted.
"Nani? What are you talking about, Sailor Moon?" the water senshi asked.
"That rune on its forehead, hit it and it stops moving. Trust me, I know what I'm talking about!"
"What do we have to lose?" the raven-haired senshi huffed, "Mars flame sniper!" She scored a direct hit, and just like their leader had predicted, the giant starting moving slower until it came to a complete halt, petrified, so to speak.
"Perfect!" Saturn cheered, "Now, watch this." The silent senshi charged towards the remaining giant; she jumped on its arm as it tried to grab her, and drove the Silence glaive through both the helmet and its head. She obtained the same results. "Great idea, Princess! How did you know?"
"They're golems," the blue-eyed senshi answered, "Statues that come alive when you write a special word or rune on their head. Erase it and they stop moving."
"Sailor Moon, I'm impressed!" the azure-haired senshi praised, "You see how a little reading can help a lot?"
"Actually," the odango-headed girl scratched the back of her head, "All I did was recall an OAV I once saw." Mars narrowed her eyes.
"Well, it was useful knowledge."
"Hey guys," Neptune called. The four senshi turned and saw the big stone hand trapping their friends, "We're glad you solved that problem. Now get your butts over here and get us out!"
Sketh and Uranus were fighting each other. The foreign man took notice of how the other's had beaten the stone giants and grumbled, then growled when a beeping sound came from his belt. This meant they had only seconds left! He rushed pasts the wind senshi as he slapped her hip.
"Hey!" Furious, Uranus spun and tried to chase him. "I'll teach you to-Nani!?" Her left leg had gone completely numb and she fell. "Somebody stop that guy!" the shorthaired senshi yelled as her opponent escaped.
Running as fast as he could, Sketh headed for the bag and pulled something out.
"Everyone cover your eyes." Thanks to the fact that only his companions could understand him, this one turned out an effective idea. He threw a metal disc to the air and it exploded in an intensely bright flash. Heben and Mekhet didn't waste the chance they were given, they left their blinded opponents and headed for their target.
"Ungh!" Saturn tried opening her eyes, she could barely see the pair approaching. She tried to, but couldn't block Heben's attack. "KYAA!" A painful jolt ran through her body and she fainted. Meanwhile, Mekhet had struck Sailor Moon the same way.
"Got the girl," he called as he picked up the fainted femme. And just in time, the moment he said this, a large blue portal appeared. Through aching eyes, Pluto watched as the trio of invaders, their furry companion, and their captive vanished.
"Is everyone all right?" Mercury asked once they'd all recovered.
"Not everyone," Tuxedo Kamen answered as he picked up his wife, "They got Saturn."
*****
Author's notes:
Golem is Hebrew for 'lifeless, amorphous mass'. The legendary golem is a humanoid creature made out of clay, which is brought to life through rituals and writing the word 'emet' (truth) on its forehead. To stop a golem, simply erase the first letter so the word becomes 'met' (death). Of course, specific details are optional when it comes to fanfiction.
By the way, Minako's tattoo is not my idea, Naoko Takeuchi came up with that. The Sailor Moon art-book, "Material Collection" (that's the yellow one) includes a short story called "Parallel Sailor Moon". In it, you see a grown-up Minako sporting a winged heart on her right arm.