CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Things were beginning to worry the Sailor Scouts. Ever since the disappearance of that family during the events that happened during the festival, public outcry was beginning to rear its ugly head once more. Some said, "Why are they letting it happen all over again? Why can't they put a stop to it?" Thus people began to argue with themselves for and against their super-heroines and everywhere the girls went they were discomforted to witness these conflicts.
Serena, Darien and Rini were sitting on a bench in the park quietly talking about this. "It's exactly the way it was before we saved all those people Darien," Serena sighed gloomily. "Why are they so wishy-washy?"
"You can't fully blame them Serena," said Rini. "Just think how upset and terrified they must be."
Serena turned to look at Rini with wide eyes as she went on. "Fear can affect the way people think. Makes them react in harsh ways."
Darien agreed. "Rini's right. Remember Serena how everybody has always spoken so highly of you and the rest of the Sailor Scouts before all this started? Even shortly after it began they were all confident you'd stop whatever it was. But as more and more disappearances took place the public began to panic and desperately wanted to know why you couldn't do anything. It all began to snowball from there."
"Oh if only we could capture the forces that are attacking our city and destroy them."
Rini smiled. "We will Serena. I'm here from the future to become a strong Sailor Scout and I will help you win while I'm at it."
Before anybody could say anything else two people in fancy kimonos walked up to them. "Why hello there Serena. You must be Darien."
"We've heard Serena speak about you with great affection."
"Amara! Michelle!" Serena was always very happy to see this couple. She and her friends still thought Amara was kind of hunky, though they respected that he seemed to be Michelle's boyfriend.
Darien said hello as he shook hands with them both. "It's a pleasure to meet you two."
Rini also smiled and waved her hand. "Hi there. I remember when I first met you at the festival by the goldfish pool. By the way, my name's Rini."
"I'm Amara Rini."
"And I'm Michelle. Very nice to meet you."
They gave her very intimate smiles as they shook her hand and Rini's eyes beamed with admiration.
Serena then asked, "So what are you both doing today?"
Michelle said, "Amara and I are on our way to a tea-house. Would you like to join us?"
Darien was beginning to politely refuse, but Serena became excited. "Oh yes! I'd love a nice cup of tea! I was just thinking about it."
"Well okay then," he said. "You don't mind Rini?"
"Not at all Darien."
Amara said, "Well then follow us."
Serena was beside herself with joy, thinking about what would be available at the cafe. "Maybe there'll be cake and cookies. Even some ice cream. I wouldn't mind even some pudding with fruit inside of them. They'll go wonderfully with the tea while we sit and relax at the table. An outdoor table would be exquisite. Under the shade of a big umbrella-like cover." She eagerly thought all these things quietly to herself as she walked behind Amara and Michelle. Darien walked by her side holding Rini by the hand.
Meanwhile Germatoid and Mistress 9 were very pleased with the renewal of their plans so far. The witches now had very little contact with Professor Tomoe's children if any at all. Germatoid had them in training for combat from the moment they woke up and ate their breakfast until they ate their evening meal and went straight to bed with half an hours break for lunch. The professor was in a frenzied state of insanity as Germatoid controlled him. "My daughters. We will be stepping up our attack teams. I shall select three of you to go out today with Auntie Eudial in search of our enemies. For the honour of our family you have pledged to destroy the Sailor Scouts or die trying."
They all raised their voices as one. "VICTORY OR DEATH!"
"We will be valiant Daddy," swore Toden.
"For our Mummy and our sisters memories," shouted Scar.
"They may kill some of us, but they will die themselves," promised a daughter named Pasokan who was created from a computer and they all shouted again.
"DEATH TO SAILOR SCOUTS NO MATTER THE COST!"
"Excellent," said Germatoid. "I have made my choices. You, Nekonelle, you, Chouton and you, Chagama. Report at once to Auntie Eudial."
The trio bowed their heads and said, "We obey at once Daddy."
As they left the others all watched in awe as the professor threw back his head and Germatoid laughed malevolently. "HA HA HAAAAHAAAHARAAAH!"
Chagama did say to Nekonelle and Chouton, "Let me just quickly duck in a few minutes and speak to Hotaru and Tomodachi."
"Okay Chagama. We understand how worried you are about them."
"Meeow. But be brief. We mustn't keep our Aunties waiting."
Chagama entered the room to find Hotaru struggling to get out of bed to use the bathroom with Tomodachi helping her. "Here. Let me help you both," Chagama said getting to one side of Hotaru. Hotaru had been so sickly ever since Soiya and Dieheart had died. Only Chagama and Tomodachi seemed worried about her to any major extent. She was so upset and confused not understanding what was happening to her. Tomodachi was upset also. Her mind was very much that of a young child though her body was the size of a young adult like all the other creations. She too deeply appreciated all the time Chagama was permitted to spend with them. Approximately half of her day was in their company and the rest was in training. Chagama showed a strong talent for tea-making and had adopted the role of a tea-mistress in her clothing including a dark grey overcoat and a purple undergarment with a brown belt. She seldom ever wore shoes and loved being barefoot. This was likely due to the fact that she had been created in the oven with a tea kettle.
She spoke as she and Tomodachi guided Hotaru shakily to the pedestal in the bathroom. "I have been selected to go out to fight with Nekonelle and Chouton today."
Tomodachi practically gasped. "Oh Chagama. Please come back to us. I don't know what Hotaru and I will do without you."
Hotaru struggled to speak. "Please. Be very- uh. Very careful." With bloodshot eyes she looked up into Chagama's face. Chagama had bright green skin all over and her finger and toe nails were deep black. Her hair resembled the brush used to whisk and mix tea up in a bowl with a handle like protrusion attached to the top of her head. Her eyes were barely visible underneath but it did not hamper her vision at all. She smiled and patted Hotaru's head and hugged Tomodachi. "I won't die. I promise you both. I love you."
She carefully helped to Hotaru back to bed when she was finished. "Be of good cheer you two. When we defeat these enemies I'm sure things will be peaceful. And our Aunties will help our Daddy get medical treatment to help you." She bent down and kissed Hotaru's cheek and Tomodachi hugged her deeply. Then she reluctantly said goodbye and went with Nekonelle and Chouton to report to Eudial.
Eudial was waiting in the presence of the other witches. Mistress 9 had been briefing them. "While I'm away with Eudial the rest of you four be ready in the underground chamber to magically draw out the heart of any victim she sends to you. As for yourself Eudial, whatever happens we shall protect Chagama because she is useful in keeping the Tomoes' sickly daughter and that wimpy Tomodachi under control and at bay. But all the others are expendable. Even if they hopelessly can't destroy our enemies, we will rebuild our zombie army at least under their noses for now. Understood?"
"Yes understood Mistress 9." They all answered solemnly. Then Chagama, Chouton and Nekonelle arrived.
"Ready for battle Auntie Eudial," said Chouton and the other two concurred. Eudial briefly frowned with disapproval at Chagama's bare feet, but said nothing.
"Okay," she nodded. "You three come with me to the car."
Nekonelle waved and smiled at Byruit. "Auntie Byruit. I'll make you proud of me. Purr-purrrrr."
Byruit gulped and awkwardly waved back. "I am uh, sure you will dear Neko."
But as soon as Mistress 9's presence was departed with Eudial, Byruit made up her mind. While Cyprine, Tellu and Mimette headed for their secret chamber, she cast a spell unknowingly upon them to make them think she was in their company.
"I'll transport myself invisibly to the city, magically trace where Eudial and our demonic mistress are and somehow protect Neko. I can't bear to see her get killed. Nobody, including even Germatoid, will ever know what I did."
With those thoughts she teleported in a twinkling.
Getting back to Serena, she had had a big shock. Upon arriving at the tea house she was told by Amara and Michelle that it was not one of the cafe kind. "The elderly husband and wife who run this place perform traditional tea ceremonies."
"The five of us will be kneeling on the floor all the time while they serve us."
They all took their places in a straight line from left to right, Michelle, Amara, Rini, Serena and Darien. Amara and Michelle knelt reverently with eyes closed and so did Darien. Serena was thinking agitatedly to herself, "Where are the hosts? How long must we wait?"
It was really only about ten minutes before a sliding door opened and the old man and his wife appeared entering on their knees.
"Welcome to our humble tea house," he said. Everybody bowed to them, even Serena though she reacted a split second late.
His wife began helping him stir the pot. Then they each scooped out a bowlful and proceeded to stir them with their special brushes. Each passing minute seemed like a complete hour to Serena and she made small groaning sounds as she thought some more. "How can they stand it? Who was the stupid idiot who started this crazy trend? My knees are in agony and so are my feet."
Suddenly breaking the silence she began to sob and said to Rini, "I can't stand this. My feet have gone all numb. It's ridiculous. Let's go home."
The old man frowned at such impertinence and the old lady raised her eyebrows, but they both smiled as Rini said, "You're such a wimp Serena. I admit it's my first time and I don't find it too comfortable. But it is bearable if you set your mind to it. You're over-reacting."
"Good girl Rini," said Amara. "You're acting more mature then Serena."
"B-but it hurts," Serena whimpered. The husband and wife gritted their teeth and carried on preparing the tea controlling their annoyance while Serena continued to gently moan.
The old couple whispered to each other and the man said, "Allow me to show you something remarkable now."
Then he stood up and balanced a full bowl of tea on top of a stick with a cup on the end for dishing the hot drink out. He even stood on one leg to everybody's amazement.
Amara said, "He's so talented."
"Why is he doing that trick?" asked Rini and the woman explained.
"My husband and I understand how long and drawn out the ceremony can feel to first-timers, so he is providing a little light entertainment."
Michelle said, "It's such an awesome sight to see a juggling act with an antique bowl. It must be worth a fortune."
"A- a fortune?" Serena gasped.
The woman laughed. "There's nothing to worry about. We both practiced long and hard with cheap bowls that only cost us two dollars each to buy and replace."
But Serena was beginning to panic and tried to stand up, only to find herself stumbling over her numb feet.
The old lady screamed as Serena knocked her husband over while his back was turned to his audience. He and Serena screamed together as the hot tea spilled all over them, but fortunately Amara, Michelle and even Darien, who had had plenty of previous experience with attending tea ceremonies had leaped straight up. They were so used to kneeling that their feet were not in the least bit numb and between the three of them, they managed to catch the empty bowl in mid-air and hold it gingerly in their outstretched right hands just above the sprawled bodies of Serena and the old man. They carefully returned the bowl to the distraught but grateful old woman, while the old man, showing how impressively strong he was for his age, picked up Serena by the scruff of her collar, marched her to the door and thrust her outside shouting, "GO AWAY AND DON'T YOU DARE EVER COME BACK YOU HOOLIGAN!"
Serena was terrified and she did not even dare to go in to ask for her shoes. She had to wait until the others left and Darien coldly handed her shoes to her. Rini was livid and Amara and Michelle didn't even look at her or say her name when they said goodbye to the others. Serena gulped knowing she was not popular at the moment.
Rini and Darien walked along in cold silence while Serena nervously tried to talk to them. "Well um. That was quite an experience, wasn't it? Uh. Hey Rini. You feel like some ice cream? Ah Darien. What say we go to a real cafe and chill out?" Her voice began to grow into a pathetic whine as she pleaded. "Won't either of you speak to me? Please say something. Anything!"
Rini spoke then and chewed her out. "I can't believe you're really my mother in the future Serena. She's such an elegant monarch. But you! You acted so terribly making a spectacle of yourself and almost causing the tea master to break that valuable bowl he was so expertly juggling. I'm ashamed of you Serena."
Serena felt cut to the heart. She began to cry. "I know I made a fool of myself. Even Amara and Michelle wouldn't speak to me."
Darien could no longer feel angry when he saw her tears. "Serena." He drew her into his warm embrace and Rini was aghast.
"How can you do that after what she did Darien?"
"Rini please give Serena a chance. She has her faults but she is my future wife in the 30th century and is destined to be Queen of the Earth. And she is your mother."
Rini was touched by Darien's words. She reached out and took Serena's hand saying, "Please don't cry. I forgive you Mummy."
Serena felt much better. "Oh thank you Rini."
"But there is a condition." Rini glared at her before smiling broadly. "You must take me to a cafe with Daddy for some ice cream. Is that a deal?"
"A deal," agreed Serena and the three of them all went to the nearest cafe and bought ice creams.
While they were enjoying their cool treats a few blocks away Eudial parked the car. Mistress 9 told her that some of the Sailor Scouts were nearby. "Okay you three girls. Get out and start walking in that direction shouting out that you want Sailor Moon. I'll be behind you."
"Meow. Yes Auntie Eudial." Nekonelle replied and she and the other two climbed out of the car and started walking.
"Where are you Sailor Moon?" yelled Chouton.
"We will find you if you try to hide!" Chagama shouted and upon seeing them people began to panic.
"It must be the invaders we're terrorized by."
"Help! Sailor Moon!"
Mistress 9 said to Eudial, "As soon as the combat starts capture two people at random in those magic bubble seals and send them to the other witches. Do it quickly though. Remember Chagama must survive."
"Yes Mistress 9."
Unknown to any of them Byruit had materialized under cloak of invisibility. She followed determined to save her dear Nekonelle. She had grown so fond of her and Scar back in the days when they would all freely play together.
Seated at the cafe table, Serena, Rini and Darien were all alerted by people running past calling for help. "There's trouble Serena." Darien sprang to his feet. "You and Rini duck into the closest alley and transform. I'll be watching out for you."
Darien ran off and Rini said, "Quick Serena. There's no time to lose."
Serena took one last longing glance at what was left of her second ice cream sundae before following Rini with a groan.
Finding a private hidey-hole the two of them emerged as Sailor Moon and Sailor Mini-Moon to the cheers of the people who saw them. "They're coming from that direction Sailor Scouts!" One man pointed behind him.
"Please get rid of them," said somebody else.
"Together we will in the Name of the Moon," vowed Mini-Moon and ran ahead while Sailor Moon gasped and puffed.
"Hey! W-wait for me."
"Serves you right for being a glutton. Next time only have one sundae."
Before Sailor Moon could say anything in retaliation they ran into the path of the creatures. Chouton was quite a sight to behold with her huge main body suit resembling a big gold star in front and fluffy red fabric at the back. She wore a bikini top in the shape of stars and a yellow helmet with a black star in the center. She ran straight at Sailor Mini-Moon brandishing a big stick with a wicked, sharp hook on the end. "I'll slash you runt."
"Look out Mini-Moon!" Sailor Moon shouted reaching for her tiara. Mini-Moon barely ducked in time as Chouton swung at her head. Hitting the ground and rolling over she raised her scepter in front of her face. "PINK SUGAR HEART ATTACK!"
The barrage struck Chouton in the face knocking her backwards off her feet with a shout of pain. In the meantime Nekonelle lunged towards Sailor Moon claws outstretched hissing like a savage wildcat. Sailor Moon's tiara had transformed into her scepter and she struck fast and hard meeting Nekonelle head on. "MOON SPIRAL HEART ATTACK!"
Byruit desperately concentrated pouring out all her magical aura into surrounding Neko cushioning the impact as the giant heart flew out from the scepter striking hard and fast. Neko was hurled ten feet backwards hitting the ground. She landed on her arm with a crunch and began to howl in agony. The bone had received a hairline crack
Mistress 9 was suddenly suspicious of Eudial. She had rightfully sensed that Sailor Moon's attack should have been fatal to the cat creature with no problem. Had Eudial disobeyed orders for procedure? There was no time to worry about it now. "Eudial. Give Chagama her magic cushion."
Suspecting no potential trouble in the future, Eudial obeyed the demon.
"Kneel down Chagama."
"Okay Auntie Eudial."
Chagama lowered herself down to her knees and a thick blue cushion materialized under her. Then it raised her up and she flew over to where Sailor Mini-Moon still had Chouton helplessly trying to fend off her pink sugar heart attack. Chagama whipped out a carpet with a long cord attached and sent it out like a lasso. Sailor Mini-Moon was taken by surprise and dropped her scepter as the carpet entwined her torso and Chagama pulled her off her feet. "Quick Chouton. Finish this one off."
At Chagama's urging Chouton was struggling to get to her feet grasping the deadly hook. Sailor Moon saw this and was preparing to wind up a fresh attack when somebody else beat her to it.
A rose flew through the air followed by a second. They tore into the cord severing it all the way through. As it broke away from the carpet Chagama gasped in surprise and Chouton was struck down as Tuxedo Mask used his trick of magically extending his cane like he did on rare occasions. It hit her hard painfully in the stomach and she curled over dropping her weapon and before Chagama could do anything else he swung it in a wide arc. She was knocked off the floating cushion and fell to the ground on her face. As she was struggling to get up Chouton was groaning and trying to catch her breath.
"Do your thing Sailor Moon," urged Tuxedo Mask and she immediately sent a new spiral heart attack.
Chagama had just raised herself to her knees when she saw what was coming. "Oh no! I must live! For Hotaru and Tomo!"
Then the enormous crashed into them. Chouton never saw what obliterated her while she lay curled up on the ground. However Mistress 9 had intervened to make sure Chagama was unharmed. "Let's leave at once Eudial."
"Yes my mistress."
Eudial placed a bubble around Chagama and she de-materialized taking her to where they left the car.
Both Eudial and Mistress 9 were surprised to see Nekonelle materialize in another bubble next to Chagama. As the bubbles vanished Chagama was concerned. "Neko! Are you in pain?"
"Meeowch! Yes! I think my arm is broken!"
"Oh no!" Chagama gasped.
There was no time to waste. Eudial shouted. "Get in girls! We must drive away. I couldn't save Chouton."
Chagama helped Eudial get Nekonelle in the back seat and she also sat in the back to comfort her. Then Eudial drove off. Mistress 9 decided to say nothing for now intending to keep an eye on her very closely and Eudial herself was surprised, but said nothing either, supposing that the demon had chosen to bring the cat girl back this time along with Chagama. It wasn't her place to question how Mistress 9 acted by herself. Only to obey what orders she was personally given.
As for Byruit, she transported herself back home after making sure that her Neko was in the car. She appeared among the other witches by the magic cabinet where they had just placed the hearts of the two people Eudial had quickly snatched at random in the crowd. Diamond and his wife Julie, the ice cream parlour managers. They stood with the Kaori and the other zombies in a creepy row and thanks to Byruit's charm, Mimette, Cyprine and Tellu never realized she had only just joined them now.
Because of Nekonelle's hairline fracture Germatoid removed her from training. She was provided with a spare bed in Hotaru's room so that Chagama could tend to her as well as to Hotaru. She began to become close again to Hotaru while she convalesced and she became well acquainted with Tomodachi too.
"Meow. I know how distresing this is for you Hotaru. These savage warriors persecuting our family broke my arm and almost killed me just like they killed our poor mother and a few of us. But at least Auntie Eudial was able to save me and Chagama."
Chagama agreed. "Yes. Our Aunties love us all so very much and especially Auntie Eudial, risking her own life to accompany us when we go out to battle. I hope she survives, the brave dear."
Nekonelle grunted in pain as she shifted on her propped up pillows. "I hope so too."
Tomodachi sitting nearby was trembling with fear. "But who are these people and why are they doing this to us?"
"I wish I could answer your questions Tomo," sighed Chagama. "They must be evil incarnate. But don't be afraid." She reached out and patted her shoulder. "We will keep you and Hotaru safely hidden away. They'll never find you."
"Thank you Chagama."
"Yes thank you," echoed Hotaru. "You all mean so much to me. I'm very close to you all. I even feel ike our lost sisters are still with me. It's as if they are inside my body. With me all the time."
These words brought tears to Chagama, Nekonelle and especially Tomodachi who began to sob and sniff.
Then there was a knock at the door and a voice called out, "I have brought more pain killers for Neko and medicine for Hotaru." Nekonelle knew that voice well.
"Meeeeooooowwwwulll! Auntie Byuit!" She was always happy when she visited. Chagama let her in and after administering the medicine they all had some of Chagama's special hot tea together. Hotaru's mind whirled as she watched Byruit sip her cup. Could everything about the witches be true? They did seem to be. Byruit was so nice and so were Mimette and Cyprine. Was Eudial really trying to help them? She felt so helpless yet she relaxed as she sipped her own tea. She could do nothing in her condition but she did feel safe surrounded by her family. Even "Auntie" Byruit.
The following day Serena and Rini were at the Cherry Hill Temple discussing things with Raye, Mina, Amy and Lita.
"Our friends the four sisters, Sapphire and Rebecca are all very upset at Diamond and Julie's disappearance," said Lita.
Luna and Artemis were present too of course and Artemis addressed Raye, who had a broom in her hands sweeping the temple floor. "Have you been consulting your Sacred Flame for helpful information?"
Raye gulped and stopped sweeping. "Er. Of course I have Artemis. Um. But I haven't been able to find out anything."
"I find that hard to believe," said Mina.
"That's right. It must be able to tell you something," agreed Amy and Raye began to blush protesting that the fire told her nothing.
Suddenly Rini said, "I'm not surprised Raye's getting no reply."
Everybody was surprised to hear her say this, especially Raye. "W-what? You know why!"
Rini smiled slyly. "That's right. I know because you are probably asking it the wrong question."
"What do you mean?" asked Luna and Raye turned beetroot red. My mother gave me a secret charm before Sailor Pluto sent me through time. She told me privately that Raye's past self was very nosey and would be sure to try to find out the identities of Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune while they are searching for Sailor Saturn incognito. So I placed the charm on the Sacred Flame so that Raye couldn't go messing around with what she had no business with."
Luna and Artemis turned angrily on Raye. "So you've been wasting all our time when we told you to seek information to help us?"
"Raye you're getting as irresponsible as Serena."
Raye was mortified by these stinging rebukes but Serena raised her voice.
"Hey! I admit I'm not perfect but I'm not fully irresponsible."
Then Rini said, "Strange thing is after my mother told me about the faults of Sailor Mars past self, I met the future Mars and she gave me warnings about my mother's past self."
Serena gave a start as Rini went on to say, "She told me to watch out and not get led astray by her bad example of selfishness, immaturity and thoughtlessness."
At this Serena became furious and ran up to Raye seizing her collar and shaking her. "You dare say that about me!"
Raye lost her temper and began to fight back with the broom she held. "That was the future Mars. But your future self dobbed me in over my attempted fire reading. I'll teach you a lesson you'll remember next time in the future."
"Oh yeah? Just wait till you see the lesson I give your future self to remember."
Then Serena and Raye began fighting back and forth all over the place, kicking shins, pulling hair and struggling to hit each other with the broom.
The others all groaned, but Rini said, "I can see how right they both were about each other. But at least they've both matured in the future even though they do still have their moments of fault."
Luna said, "I think the future can't come soon enough," and everybody agreed.