Eudial wakes up and gets dressed and goes to her desk at the front of her house.
Mud:
Morning ma'am.
Eudial:
Morning Mud. The escape is sure to have the town on edge. I'm pretty sure the first person who knocks on my door will complain about the lack of security at the prison.
There is a knock at the door. Mud answers the door and a young girl walks in.
Girl:
Hello Madame lead crow Eudial, the empowered one.
Eudial:
Thanks for that. I can assure you work is being done to better secure the prison.
Girl:
That's not what I came for but it was scary to learn that evil old man escaped. I'm here to find a husband.
Eudial:
You're out of luck on that end. Everyone knows of this one female client I have and she is scaring away every single young and available man in town.
Girl:
Well I'm sure someone would want me. My name is Erema, I cook and grow beautiful flowers. I even brought two arrangements. One is for you, and the other is for whoever you can match me with.
Eudial:
I'm afraid those are gonna wilt. Wait a minute, your cheery disposition reminds me of someone I know.
Erema:
I do?
Eudial:
Yeah, he went to the tavern after the physician examined him. I'll see if he's awake.
She goes upstairs to Riots room. She knocks his door.
Eudial:
Wake up Riot.
Riot is still laying in bed hungover from last nights drinking.
Riot:
No thank you.
She knocks again.
Eudial:
Wake up Riot.
Riot:
Go away Eudial I'm tired.
Eudial:
Wake up, breakfast is getting cold.
Riot:
I've had cold breakfast before. Now for the love of the Gods, let me sleep!
She knocks again.
Eudial:
How am I supposed to find you a wife if you don't wake up?
Riot sits right up.
Riot:
This better not be some stupid joke.
He opens the door.
Riot:
If some young beautiful maiden isn't in this house I'm going back to bed to wait for Blaze to get back.
Erema:
Does that mean Tazalinus scared you away too?
He sees Erema pop up from behind her, and she hands him the flowers.
Erema:
I hope you like them. I grew them in my garden just for this occasion.
He is immediately taken by her.
Riot:
I'm Riot.
Erema:
I'm Erema Chukuu.
Riot:
It's nice to meet you. Your name is Chukuu. Are you related to Nezu Chukuu?
Erema:
She and my great grandfather where cousins.
Riot:
I'm a Tuxedo Guardian. I fought along side Nezu before she was taken by Galaxia.
Erema:
Aren't there four of you?
Riot:
Blaze and Rex and myself awoke. Blaze should have been back already so we can start looking for Metallics. Hey Rex, where's Blaze?
Rex:
I believe Tazalinus has kept him longer then planned.
Riot:
We can wait for him. Now Erema, tell me more about you.
There is another knock at the door.
Rex:
Finally he returns. I'll answer it Mud.
Mud:
That is my job Master Rex.
He opens the door.
Rex:
Sorry, I thought you where someone else.
Juan:
I hope I haven't come at a bad time. The town is of talk of how and an escaped prisoner was re-captured. I have a message for the Lead Crow.
Eudial:
I'm listening.
Juan:
I'm happy to report that 500,000 heads have been successfully raised. Each at minimal size and in perfect health.
Eudial:
Excellent news. That's more then half then what I asked for.
Juan:
I will need volunteers to help drive them. 100 at minimum.
Eudial:
I will make the declaration. Mud, get the declaration ready, the cattle drive will soon commence.
Mud:
Yes ma'am.
A few minutes later Blaze was waking up, he finds himself laying next to Tazalinus. He feels tired and worn out.
Blaze:
I better get up. If I don't Metallics's trail will grow colder.
Tazalinus:
Don't you run away too. This is your house too don't run away like the others.
Blaze:
I have a commitment to my companions. I have to find my brother at all costs.
Tazalinus:
Don't go, stay here a little longer.
Blaze:
Then come with us. If you want me so badly you will help me find Metallics too.
Tazalinus:
The things I do for love. Alright I'll help you find your brother, but stay and eat breakfast with me first.
Blaze:
Very well.
They hear a commotion outside. Blaze goes outside to see what it is.
Blaze:
What's everyone doing?
Man:
100 volunteers are needed to drive 500,000 heads of cattle across the wasteland.
Blaze:
500,000 heads of cattle?
Tazalinus:
We got that many this year? This is gonna be exhausting.
Blaze:
Can't be more exhausting then what you put me through last night.
Rex:
Blaze, there you are.
Blaze:
Where's Riot?
Rex:
He got a bit distracted. He'll join us later. Eudial gave me a possible lead on Metallics's whereabouts. Riot said it's fine without him.
Tazalinus:
I'll help you find him. It will be worth it for Blaze's sake.
They both go to a house where they find an old man sitting in a rocking chair.
Rex:
Sir, did you ever go by the name Halo Jumper?
Old man:
Yes. Jumper for short actually. You can call me Jumper everyone else still does.
Blaze:
What do you know of Tuxedo Metallics?
Jumper:
Well let me think. Mmmm. Oh yes. I used to ferry beings from one world to another. I also acted as a Guardian Bounty Hunter.
Blaze:
What do you mean Guardian Bounty Hunter?
Jumper:
Well, hundreds of thousands of years after the Sailor Wars ended, the legendary Sailor Guardian became corrupted by the being she sought to defeat. A powerful force called the Shadow Galatica started to grow in numbers and harnessed the power of this one sole evil being called Chaos.
Rex:
Was this organization led by Sailor Galaxia?
Jumper:
Yes. Her body of course but she was not in control, not on the day I laid eyes on her.
Blaze:
We want to find Tuxedo Metallics. Where did you ferry him too?
Jumper:
To Vega. Queen Beganus was offering sanctuary to guardians who's people had turned on them because of Galaxia's threats. Many she sent away while others stayed behind. With Galaxia no longer a threat and a shell of her former self I would assume they are all going home.
Tazalinus:
Would you know if Metallics was among those who stayed or where sent away?
Jumper:
I wouldn't know. The guild of hunters I belonged to started to become corrupt by a being they had no control over either.
Blaze:
And what was that?
Jumper:
Money. It soon got to the point that we where hunting guardians for sport. They resulted to using gelex gel and all sorts of things to capture them alive and deliver then to clients who didn't care about the Shadow Galatica.
Rex:
Gelex gel is dangerous. It immobilizes you on contact.
Jumper:
And they still use it. Your bet weapon is clean water, which is something this world has little of. The guild is still active and the chairman still allows for the indiscriminate hunting of guardians whether they be good or evil, young or old. Speaking of which I've given you enough of my time, now let an old man rest.
Blaze:
Of course. You've earned it.
They walk away from the house.
Rex:
Vega, the very same home of the Great One and his daughter Sailor Vega.
Tazalinus:
Where else would abandon and unwanted guardians gather? If their people turned against them then they would have to go somewhere.
Rex:
After the cattle drive we need to petition the king to carter a ship to take us to Vega. We have to know what happened to him there.
Blaze:
Since we have no other means of contact. Whoever was powerful enough to defeat Galaxia could know something as well.
Tazalinus:
Whoever that was has to be powerful.
Back on Earth in the middle of a Forrest Usagi and Rei where fighting eachother both wearing karate gear. Rei at one point knocks Usagi down to the ground.
Rei:
You got knocked down because you failed to anticipate my next move.
Usagi:
Oh that hurt Rei.
Makoto:
Don't forget we all got taken by Galaxia.
Luna:
Yeah, and with her defeated back to the way she was before anyone or anything could be next.
Ami:
I will admit we've never trained this hard.
Minako:
Yeah I got so many bumps and bruises, guys will start thinking that I'm the one who gets into fights.
Rei:
Common everyone let's get back into it.
Usagi:
I refuse. Rei you are being too mean to think about the fact that every single one of us is fragile.
Ami:
Then spare with me Usagi. I'll start slow and go from there.
Usagi:
You're a good friend Ami. There is really nothing that can get between us.
Back on Coronis, Riot has been informed about Blaze and Rex's intentions to volunteer for the cattle drive.
Riot:
Why not. I'll gladly do this. I know it's important.
Blaze:
If we can get atleast 90% of the cattle delivered to market, it would put the people on our side and the king would have to consider our petition.
Eudial:
I'm afraid it won't be that easy. A lot of creatures that live under the ground have been allowed to proliferate since most towns died or where abandoned. We are lucky to get 70% or even 65% of a heard safety to market on a given year.
Riot:
Yeah well you didn't have us. Let's go.
Mud:
I'll watch over everything.
Tazalinus:
I don't see why you must come?
Eudial:
Someone promised at minimum 90% will make it market. 500,000 is the most we've had yet. 450,000 would be 90%
Tazalinus:
No one knows you're Sailor Lead Crow, do you intend to take your wand?
Eudial:
If I only have to use it once then I'll make the choice worth it.
There are over 100 men and women young and old on horseback now slowly riding to the ranch where the cattle are ready to be driven.
Eudial:
Be mindful of the ground creatures everyone.
One who stayed behind was Erema, who watched as Riot and the others rode off.
Blaze:
It's gonna be a week until we get there.
Rex:
Another week for the trail to grow cold.
Riot:
Look on the bright side guys, beef will be on the menu at the tavern when we get back.
Blaze:
Focus on something else. These animals are vital to the renewal of this world.
Rex:
From what I gather, the farmer actually gather the droppings of the beasts so they can spread it and fertilize the land. So that more grass can grow, more cattle can be raised, and the ranch soon becomes a new town and new people settle the town and the process begins again.
Riot:
That first part sounds gross. To be honest.
Eudial:
It's how the people of this world have survived so long and are beginning to thrive once more.
They hear someone behind them playing a guitar. They turn around and it's Endymion.
Riot:
What are you playing?
Endymion:
It's a lullaby my mother would sing when I was little. The king of Earth was gifted a sailor guardians transformation device with the crystal removed. Legend has it that the prince turned the device into a music box and gave to the moon princess. This song is the exact same song that would play whenever it was opened.
Tazalinus:
Play it again. Hold my hand Blaze.
Endymion plays the song again.
Tazalinus:
I would have loved to have layed my eyes on Queen Serenity's marvelous kingdom.
Blaze:
It must have been grand. Surly if the two kingdoms survived the prince and Princess would have become husband and wife.
Rex:
That's wishful thinking on their part.
They all went on until they finally reached the ranch, and it's size finally in view. The cows covered over millions of square feet.
Eudial:
How is this possible?
Rancher:
I had help from a friend. He's the shy type so I won't say his name.
Eudial:
Even at at normal rate the people will still have enough come next year.
Rancher:
You better pray for more youngsters. I'm hoping to raise 750,000 heads next year. Just need grass to grow and water to dig up and clean up and I'll be sound as a hound.
Eudial:
Everyone, divide the heard in groups of 50,000. That way we can be spread far enough to avoid any creatures that prey upon them. One group will dive wagons of grains and water so they may eat and drink.
Blaze:
You have your assignments?
Riot:
I'm in that group.
Rex:
I have another heard to watch.
Endymion:
It's you and me Riot.
Tazalinus:
We ride together Blaze.
Eudial:
You'll need a partner Rex. I'm with you.
Rex:
Very well.
Blaze:
We should all transform so we'll be ready for these creatures.
The Tuxedo Guardians transform.
Tazalinus:
Strength of Iron, Make up!
She transforms.
Rex:
Aren't you gonna do the same?
Eudial:
I've known her since I arrived on this planet but ever since she became a guardian not too long ago, everyone's view of her has changed and not for the better.
Rex:
Have guardians become so mistrusting since we've awakened?
Eudial:
No. They see her as some superior being and not an equal. She's always been demanding but becoming Iron Mouse hasn't changed her.
Rex:
I like her. Wherever Nezu is, she can rest knowing that her legacy is in good hands.
For the next three days they managed well, some would get out of line, others would run away but so far no monster attacks.
Eudial:
Just finished the count with the other teams. We are only down 499,801.
Tazalinus:
That's great so far. I wonder after this if everyone will see me as they did before. Even if I can get Blaze in bed for good, I still want everyone to see me as one of them.
Eudial:
No matter how hard we try that won't happen. My history with the Death Busters and their Witches 5 will never be erased, even if the guardian of time managed to change it, I would have taken a similar path.
Tazalinus:
What was it like being a Death Buster?
Eudial:
I used my time there to program and develop the operating system for their computers. It was capable of finding the most pure of hearts and determining how powerful one was. The more powerful the greater chances of finding a talisman.
Tazalinus:
Ever find them?
Eudial:
I found two, I was informed they did obtain the Holy Grail eventually. Pharaoh 90 came but was defeated in record time.
Tazalinus:
I need to see this world where all this happened.
Eudial:
You can dream about it, you better rest before we drive off tomorrow.
For the next 3 days as they continue the drive they are now down to 498,741 heads. They have one more day until they are back in town. Blaze is clearly shaken over the numbers they've lost.
Riot:
What's wrong buddy?
Blaze:
We still have a large number, we lost only over a thousand so far and none of the ground creatures have attacked the cattle.
Riot:
Let them roam wild. They will live while these will be sacrificed to feed the people.
Blaze:
Out of all the guardians in the galaxy much less the universe, who brought Galaxia down and how?
Riot:
Once we know his or her name will make a holiday around em.
Rex:
Quiet you two.
He places his hand on the ground.
Rex:
Two large one's heading this way from north and east. Judging from speed both are female and preparing to release their young.
Riot:
Let's give them a baby shower they'll never forget.
Blaze:
Transform and be ready.
They all transform.
Blaze:
Tazalinus, wake up.
She wakes up.
Tazalinus:
Don't tell me you want to do it out here.
Blaze:
Transform, they're coming.
She gets up.
Tazalinus:
Strength of Iron, make up!
Blaze:
Everyone wake up, danger is coming!
Eudial:
And everything was going so smoothly.
The ground began to shake from underneath them.
Eudial:
Everyone remain calm and stay with your herds!
Blaze:
Riot, Rex take eastward bound. Me and Iron Mouse will take the northern bound.
Riot:
My suit is gonna get ruined I know it.
A fluid spouts up from the ground. It touches the ground releasing steam.
Rex:
It's highly aesthetic. This one will give birth at any moment.
Something like a tentacle with claws come out of ground and strikes at Rex. It starts to pull him in but he cuts it away.
Riot:
You almost became baby food.
Another tentacle comes up, Riot fires a blast repelling it away.
Riot:
Sorry momma.
Blaze:
Those two have their hands full.
Iron Mouse:
They're not the only ones.
Three tentacles come out of ground going after the cattle. They save two as one is taken.
Blaze:
We will loose the heard at this rate.
Eudial sees a tentacle coming her way.
Eudial:
No no no. Stay away from me!
Endymion jumps up and thrusts a blade through it.
Eudial:
Thank you.
Endymion:
It's not over yet.
They watch as 3 cattle where taken in the distance.
Eudial:
Endymion. From this point on I must know how do you see me?
Endymion:
As one of the most kindest and bravest woman I've known other then my mother.
Eudial:
Hold on to that no matter what happens.
She takes out her wand.
Endymion:
Hey what is that?
Eudial:
Black feathers fly, Make up!
For the first time since receiving her new powers, she transforms into Sailor Lead Crow.
Lead Crow:
I am the pretty guardian who stands for vigilance and grace. I am Sailor Lead Crow!
Blaze:
Brothers! Eudial has transformed.
Riot:
I'd bake a cake but I'm busy?
Lead Crow:
I don't need a cake, I need a target.
It starts going after the drivers. Blaze starts blowing fire to save them.
Blaze:
All of you, back on your steeds and ride back to town. Travel in separate directions.
Rex:
We have to compel them to come out of ground further or we will loose.
Blaze:
Rex, Iron Mouse. Use your claws and chains to dig for them.
A light flashes in the sky
Iron Mouse:
What was that?
Rex:
Never mind that, keep digging.
The cows begin to stampede, Blaze and Riot try to calm them.
Blaze:
We need to turn them around.
Riot jumps on one of them in the lead to cry and steer the heard, it starts bucking but he manages to calm it down, and steers it in the right direction.
Blaze:
Keep them going, run ahead and inform the town to brace itself.
He soon notices what he thinks is a large predator in the sky.
Riot:
We got a third coming from above.
Blaze:
I'll take care of it.
He rides in it's direction but as it gets closer he notices it's a ship and it's gonna crash.
Pilot:
Anyone one on the ground, do you copy? I'm gonna need assistance.
There is no response.
Co-Pilot:
Nothing, just brace for impact.
Pilot:
I get to see the universe and this is how it ends. It was such a pleasant day.
The ship crashes and it drives both creatures out of the ground.
Rex:
Whatever that was did the job.
Rex charges at the creatures head with it's claws. Lead Crow draws out her whip and attacks the creatures underbelly. Rex then slashes it with his claws cutting deep enough to go inside and slash it's heart. Killing it instantly.
Lead Crow:
Rex?
Rex:
I'm alright. What about the heard?
Lead Crow:
On it's way. Now to deal with the other.
Iron Mouse ties her chain around it, and Blaze sees her struggling. He turns around to help her. He breathes fire on the creature setting it a blaze and soon it was hot enough that the creature literally cooked and died.
Rex:
Victory.
Blaze:
Everyone come with me.
They all ride to the crash site, there is a lot of smoke coming out of it. An orange cat with a crescent mark on it's head appears.
Cat:
Don't come any closer.
Blaze:
We wish to help you. Is this your ship?
Cat:
Naoko!
Naoko:
Piss off Andromeda. I'm busy!
Andromeda:
You got visitors.
Naoko:
You should have said that first thing.
She comes out to see them.
Naoko:
Oh hello. Are you lot the welcoming committee?
Rex:
We are the Tuxedo Guardians. Myself and Blaze. Riot is taking care of some other business.
Naoko:
I was able to see a huge commotion from up there. What was it?
Lead Crow:
A cattle drive. We have to finish and make sure we get them there.
Endymion:
I'll return with some tools to help you.
Naoko:
Take her with you, she annoys me.
Blaze:
Very well. In my arms cat.
She jumps up.
Andromeda:
Don't squeeze to hard I'm very old.
They ride off back into town.
Riot:
How did it go.
Blaze:
The ground creatures are dead and the bird was simply just a ship with a woman and this cat onboard.
Andromeda:
I have a name you know.
Eudial:
What about the cows?
Riot:
Being corralled and prepared for slaughter. So far we've counted 494,208.
He fires a blast in the air to celebrate.
Riot:
That's worth celebrating!
Rex:
That's almost the entire heard. Now to prepare our petition to the king to carter a ship.
Tazalinus:
Blaze can celebrate at my house. You all enjoy yourselves.
Blaze:
Mercy please.
Tazalinus:
I got plenty of it.
Endymion:
I'm on my way to help Naoko with her ship.
Eudial:
I'll give you a hand.
They both ride off back to Naoko's ship. Back at the ship, Naoko had just stopped to take a break from fixing everything.
Naoko:
I just wanted to see the universe like the Sailor Explorers did ages ago, wish they where still around. I learned how to make medicine cause let's face it travelers are always in need of medicine but I never wanted to be a bounty hunter. With him gone I thought I was free until you had to come in to my life. What are you and what do have to offer me tiny one?
She holds up a small crystal in the light, and waits for help to arrive.