Vauquelin was honestly both impressed and disappointed by the bandit's hideout. When he had created his time machine, he had expected to find himself in a world so far removed from his own. It was another time centuries before his own. They would be so strange and different. They would be so weak and easy to pick apart to his liking. Yet that had not come to pass because of a certain group of Paladins. Instead he had ended up in the future. A time that was of course far removed from his own.

Yet as he walked into the bandit's hideout, he couldn't help but feel disappointed. Sure there were little things that seemed different. The building looked to be made of different materials and a different shape. The outside world had some contraptions that spurred interest and even awe in him. Such as the 'pistol' he still kept with him. Yes there were interesting things about the future. However, it was disappointing as well. He would have expected a future hundreds of years in the future to be so awe inspiring that not even he could compare to it. That the buildings would advance to be those that touch the stars or the inventions would humble even him.

Yet none of them did. The building was run down and decrepit. The henchmen were the same types he had seen in his own world except they were orient. Everything was 'different' yet so similar. It really sapped away from his interest but he would not let that deter him. No, he had a mission and he would stick to it.

He saw the weapons these bandits were holding, or rather these 'Yakuza' were holding. He scoffed at the name. A bandit was a bandit, no matter how you dressed them up. Even their weapons did nothing to impress him with their character. They were low lives but the power they held is what interested him. They held more of these 'pistols'. Some of them even had larger versions. He saw a sword or two as well but they were of no use to him. Not after he had seen this new weapon in action. That was what he was looking for when it came to the future.

"How much longer do we have to walk?" He sneered. He had already demonstrated a way to block their weapons so he wasn't afraid of them. That and they lacked any fearsome appearance in his eyes. "I am a very busy man."

"The boss is a busy man too," one of them spoke. "So don't speak bad about him while we're here."

"Like you could make me," Vauquelin scoffed. The goon jumped a bit as electricity played in his hand. He smirked at that. Yes, they would know their place soon enough.

Finally, they came to a stop before a door. There were a lot richer looking bandits here with jewelry splayed on their bodies. He made a note to take as much as he could back to his own time. The bandits were all staring at him as though he was a whacko peasant. Now that was an attitude he would no doubt love to change.

"We'll get the boss," two of the yakuza, he had to remind himself of their name again, walked into the door.

Vauquelin stayed like that for a moment. A part of him wondered if he would just charge in and take over but he was no fool. They might get a lucky shot or maybe they have even greater weapons then what he had seen. Yes, he would bide his time. He could kill them any time he wanted to anyways. In the grand scheme of things, he knew he would find another group of bandits to work with if this lot turned out to be a dud.

The door opened and one of the yakuza beckoned him inside with a gesture. The magus strode inside, keeping his head held high. He would not be intimidated by whoever laid behind the door. Indeed, he wasn't at all. The man wasn't fat but he certainly wasn't skinny either. His pudgy cheeks were puffed out slightly in agitation. His fingers held all sorts of gems and rings on them and his room was full of shiny riches.

Overall, it was a big rat in the magus's eyes.

"So you're the big guy I was told about?" The yakuza leader looked him over and laughed, "A bit of a cosplayer, aren't you?"

"So you're this 'yakuza' leader I've been told about," Vauquelin crossed his arms, "I'm not impressed."

The yakuza leader frowned, "I'd be wary about how you talk to me. You're in my base of operations, you know."

"And I'm still not impressed," Vauquelin snorted, "But very well, let's cut to the chase. I need your men to perform a few deeds for me. If they can do that, I'll make sure to pay you handsomely."

The yakuza leader looked at him for a moment. Then he broke out into laughter, "You… You think you can just order us around like that after barging in here in a cosplay? You're out of your damn mind."

Vauquelin frowned, "It sounds like you aren't taking me seriously."

"Why should I?" The yakuza leader scoffed and played with his jeweled rings, "You spooked some of my thugs. Big deal. Happens all the time with the lot I still have around."

"I take it business has been hard for you lately?"

"Of course it has," the yakuza leader growled, "Ever since those Sailor Senshi came around, a lot of the boys ran out of town. All the monsters and magical girl bullshit scared them out of their minds and they don't want to do business here. Now I'm stuck with cowards who are more afraid of me than the other threats. I just wish they never came around, those Sailor Senshi. Sure they kill the monsters ruining our trade but then they gotta be superheroes or something. Makes everything so difficult."

"And what if I told you I could get rid of them?" Vauquelin grinned.

The yakuza leader quirked an eyebrow, "You want me to believe-" Then he stopped himself. He chuckled and shook his head, "Sure, do whatever you want. If you can take them out, be my guest."

"I'll need some of your men to gather supplies for me," Vauquelin said.

This caught the yakuza leader off guard, "You can't just ask me to give you men. That's not how it works. Go out there and be all 'super evil' or whatever. I'm sure you'll get someone if you can actually throw some weight around. So get out of here and-"

He was cut off the moment the magus held up his finger. A bolt of electricity struck the wall behind him. The yakuza leader blinked in shock and looked behind him. His eyes widened as he saw the scorched mark there. He turned back to see the magus place a hand on the table. Fire erupted from it, causing him to gasp and pull away. However, Vauquelin's other hand was in front of him. Frost had accumulated around his left hand, forming an icicle that floated in front of it. The sharp end was in front of the leader's face.

"You will give me men and let me do as I please," Vauquelin narrowed his eyes, "Or I will replace you here and now."

The yakuza leader gulped, realizing what he was in for. He inwardly cursed, realizing he was dealing with another crazy magical creature. It seemed this city was a magnet for them. He quickly nodded. "Take them. Take as many as you want. Just don't kill me."

Vauquelin smiled and oust the flames and ice, 'I'm glad we could come to an agreement. If everything goes well, you'll be rolling in wealth."

Well not really. If things went well Vauquelin would change the history of humanity for his own benefit, but he wouldn't tell them that. Things were going his way and he was going to keep it that way. No magical girl or Paladin was going to stop him now. He felt like cackling evilly but he kept that to himself. He'd laugh later.


Minako looked to her list before she entered the pet store. She had to get a few items for Artemi since his supplies were running low. Artemis wasn't much of a fan of most pet foods so originally she would just go to the market and get him some fish or something. Her parents of course noticed this and were inconsistent on her getting actual cat food for him. This had upset her cat but she decided it was best to switch over to it so as to not arouse suspicion. So she had to go every now and again to the store to get him stuff. Artemis had given her a list of what food was appropriate so she kept it close to her so she wouldn't forget. He was very picky about this but she couldn't blame him. She'd be picky too if she had to eat cat food.

Just as she entered, she heard a familiar voice speak up in agitation.

"Oh come on," Sailor Paladin's voice carried through the store, "Why is there so much stuff in here?"

Minako walked in further to see her looking at a bunch of animal medicine. The small woman was so unsure of what was in front of her. That's what she got from peeking at her facial expression. She was curious as to why she was here. Then her mind recalled the large griffon creature that the Sailor Senshi rode on. It was hurt during the fight. She walked over to the strange Sailor and spoke up,

"Do you need any help?"

"Hmmm?" Sailor Paladin looked up at her before grinning, "I don't know."

Minako quirked an eyebrow, "You're awfully happy but not knowing."

"Oh I'm frustrated," the strange girl put an item back on the shelf, "But that's mostly because I don't know where I am. Everything's strange here so it's irritating but really fun. It's like a new adventure for me so I can't help but feel happy even though I'm irritated."

What he said was a bit confusing for her. Everything was strange here? What did she mean by that? Then Minako thought about it and remembered both her and the villain appearing in a ball of light. Given how strange magic was, Sailor Paladin could be from a different time or even a different world. Minako's imagination went wild, thinking up all the possibilities but she shook her head. She needed to focus. She had to find out more about this girl and get her on their side if she really was a Sailor Senshi.

"Are you okay?" Sailor Paladin frowned.

"I'm fine. I was just thinking about what you said is all," Minako chuckled nervously, "So what were you looking for anyways?"

"Something to heal animals," she responded, "Like to rub into wounds."

So this was about her griffon. Minako was silently thankful that people couldn't tell who you were when you were wearing a Sailor Senshi outfit. That made talking with normal people easier since they didn't think you were a superhero. Although that made Minako curious if Sailor Paladin looked different when she was in her depowered state. She'd have to look into that. She was sure it was super cute.

"I can help you with that," Minako said.

"You will?" Sailor Paladin gasped before hugging her tightly, "Oh thank you. That helps me a lot."

Minako patted her head, "Don't mention it. Say," she spoke up, trying to steer the conversation in a way to her liking. "Where are you staying anyways? I could help carry some stuff to your place."

"It's a secret," Sailor Paladin put a finger over her lips, "I can't tell you, even if I'd love to take a cute girl home with me." She chuckled.

Minako chuckled. Some playful teasing was always a good thing, "Well maybe one day you'll change your mind. Until then, how about I find you something to help you with your animal."

"Thank you," Sailor Paladin smiled.

"No problem," Minako smiled. If she was going to get anything out of this strange girl, it would have to be gradual. While she seemed open to talk, Sailor Paladin was obviously keeping things close to her chest. So that meant she had to get close to find out what she knew. Knowing her luck, she was bound to bump into this strange Senshi a lot in the coming days. Perhaps then she would know how this girl came to be. Until then, they had a bit of shopping to do.