Sailor Moon Aeons.
Book 2: Rebirth.
Act 4: Death Busters.
Episode 63: Sun, sand, water, danger.

By Razor Knight
Last update: September 2, 2013
Last edited: June 7, 2017

"I'm not mad at you, but why is it that those creatures keep on targeting you?"

"My friends have asked me the same thing," Naru noted, smiling humorlessly at her mother.

"At least she's safe, right Sayuki?"

Naru's mother, Sayuki, shook her head at Umino's words. "Hmph. I just wish those Senshi kids were more careful with what they break."

Naru frowned and looked at Umino, who was standing right besides her. She knew her mother could be upset by it, but still... "They haven't found a way to restore the possessed object to normal yet."

Her mother blinked in confusion. "And just how do you know that? Did they tell you?"

Naru chuckled despite herself. "I could keep lying to you, but... I guess Usagi's right. Nemesis Star Power."

Sayuki was shocked. Her daughter had just transformed into a Senshi? "What? You're one of those-"

"Yes. I've been a Senshi since back when youma were around. We're not playing, mom, and you should know that."

"Sorry, I guess I was just taking out my frustration on them... On you."

Nemesis nodded. "For what it's worth, I came close to killing the one who turned that diamond into a monster."

The woman looked at Umino. "I almost dread asking, but is he..."

Umino chuckled. "Not a Senshi, but I can still kick those monsters around if I need to."

Nemesis smiled. "If that surprises you, then what if I told you Usagi is our leader?"

"I would have found that hard to believe a couple years ago, but she seems to be a far more responsible girl now."

"She is, all the fighting changed her, in a good way."

"Naru, shouldn't you go to a hospital? What you described could be-"

"Two of my friends were targeted already, and they just felt tired after that." Nemesis yawned. "And I'm starting to feel it, too."

"Then go get some sleep," Umino said.

As Naru walked up the stairs, the woman turned to Umino. "Thanks for protecting her."

"I didn't do much, actually."

"Always too humble, I guess that's something Naru likes about you."

Umino nodded at that. "In any case, I should go home before my parents call the police. Bye."

Naru's mother blinked as she stared at the spot where Umino had been just standing. "Uh, he vanished?" She then shook her head. "I will have to get used to that kind of things, I suppose."

"Here's your new target, Kaorinite. You must..."

"... Not fail again, for our master has already..."

"... Waited too long. We may put one of..."

"... Your allies in charge soon."

"I will not fail," Kaorinite said, and bowed to her leaders before vanishing.

Terry looked around him and smiled. The more the merrier, as the saying went. "Ladies and gents, we will be reaching our destination in a minute.

Maria and the other Huntresses had been a bit surprised when Usagi invited them all to the beach. And she had been even more surprised about the vehicle used to get there. "Seriously, you have your own bus?"

"Master Jack owns three transport companies back home," Samuel said. He was driving the bus, and was quite surprised at the number of female friends his young master had. Either he had learnt to control himself around girls, or miss Mizuno was very forgiving.

"We also own many other vehicles. Not trying to brag, of course."

"Heh, you don't even have to try bragging," Aki mused.

"Why didn't Hana tag along?"

Usagi shrugged. "She said something about a gang she was hunting down."

Terry smiled at that. "Good to see her back to her old self, but it almost feels like she's avoiding me, lately."

"I don't think that's what she's doing," Usagi said. Then again, she didn't know Hana as well as Terry did.

"We're here," Samuel said, "I will wait for master Terry's call, hope you all have a good time."

The group got out of the bus, and as it drove off, Brad noticed something. "Hey, the beach's empty? Does your family also own this place?"

"No."

"Too bad, I was hoping to see some cute girls in swimsuits," Brad said, then noticed the way the girls were all looking at him. "Uhm, what I meant is..."

"Get him," Rei said with a wicked grin.

Five minutes later, Minako was watching as the other girls worked on Brad's punishment. "Uh, girls, I think you're over-reacting."

"How so?" Hotaru asked, "we only buried him up to his knees."

Minako sighed. Brad's legs were now sticking out of the sand, and she wondered just how that wasn't over-reacting. "Just get him out of there."

"No need for that."

Minako jumped as she heard Brad's voice behind her, and realized he was, indeed, standing there. "Huh? what the heck?"

Emi sighed. "Teleportation and decoy spells."

"Hey, he cheated, we should punish him again!"

Minako looked at the other girls. "You know I don't generally mind your silliness, but cut it off before I have to use my whip."

"Is that a promise?" Yukiko said, then noticed the other girls looking at her in either shock or amusement. "What?"

Ami noticed Terry was trying hard not to stare at the girls. "Having fun?"

"Yeah..." He sighed. "That Usagi, she had to invite more cute girls."

"What's the matter, you wanted to keep them all for yourself?"

"Maria..."

"We're all friends, so let's just have fun," Usagi noted. She just wished Mamoru had also tagged along, but he had told her he had something to take care of that day.

"I'm surprised Hotaru's here without an umbrella or something."

Hotaru looked at Chie. "Why do you say that?"

"You're so pale, I thought you were a vampire."

Kage smiled at that. "She can drain energy from others, at least."

"You guys are silly."

"You've said that before."

"Doesn't make it any less true," Hotaru muttered.

Ami and Terry were walking around, and like the rest of the gang, they were enjoying the sunny day. "I must admit this was a good idea."

Terry smiled. "Yeah, taking a break once in a while is good."

"What did you mean when you told Aiko we could use her idea? You mean coming to the beach to train?"

"No, we can just have the Zero replicate sand."

"Oh. That could work."

Terry looked to the sea. "Say, how about a race?"

Ami smiled. "Swimming?"

"Yeah, I may not do it a lot, but I like to think I'm good."

"I don't want you to be mad at me when you lose."

"Where's the sweet, nice Ami I fell in love with?"

Ami blushed slightly. "Still here, but you're a bad influence."

Terry chuckled. "Won't deny that. Don't take your victory for granted, though."

"I won't," Ami said, "it does sound like fun, so let's do it."

"When I heard you wanted to make a sand castle, I thought it was a childish idea. But I must admit this is pretty impressive."

Yukiko chuckled. Maria and Aki were both watching as she finished up her sand castle... A castle complete with a moat, five spires, windows and even the kanji for 'snow' carved on one of its walls. "I used to build them all the time when I was a kid."

Aki nodded, then looked around. "Maria..."

"I'm sensing it too. Trouble."

"Crap, are they going to attack here?"

"Or perhaps that Kaorinite girl's also taking a break," Yukiko said.

"Not likely. Should we warn the others?"

Maria saw Moon walking to them and frowned. "I don't think we will need to."

And in that very moment, they all heard an explosion.

Minutes earlier, most of the group had found something to do. Some were sunbathing, while others talked or went for a swim. Rei smiled as she looked around. "It's a pity Yuu stayed at home." She then sighed as she looked at Usagi, who was snoring. "How can she fall asleep that fast?"

"Practice, she used to do it all the time during class," Naru explained.

Emi came walking to the others. "Girls, I'm sorry to be the one to spoil the fun, but I sensed an evil being lurking."

"Must be Kaorinite," Hotaru said.

"Who are they going to attack, though?" Usagi said, surprising the others. "I'm a light sleeper," she said with a shrug.

"I don't know, but we better gather the others in one place," Rei noted.

"Let's transform, just in case," Usagi said. "I saw Yukiko north of here, so I'll go get her."

Minako nodded. "Mako, Karin and Chie went south, I'll get them."

"The rest of us will stay here," Rei said, then sighed as the two blondes left. "Months ago, if I was told those two would be able to sound like actual leaders, I would have laughed it off."

"We've all changed," Brad said, "but I'm glad Minako's still the same carefree girl most of the time."

Rei was about to say something, but then heard shouting. "Okay, I think that means the 'fun' is starting. Let's go!"

Terry was, to say the least, shocked. Sure, Ami had bragged about it a bit before they started swimming, but now he saw her bragging was not empty. She was a much faster swimmer than him, and she didn't look like she was tired, while his arms were starting to ache. "Okay, I admit defeat."

Ami stopped and smiled at him. "Tired?"

"As a matter of fact, yes," he said with a wince. "I think I can make it back to the shore, so let's-"

"What's wrong?" she asked, and then sensed movement in the water behind her. Before she could turn, however, everything went black for her.

"Ami!"

The Senshi and their allies had gathered, and were trying to locate their friends. "There they are!" Jupiter suddenly shouted, pointing to the water. The battle was taking place a good distance away from the coast, and everyone could see Dragon Mercury was using his board to chase Kaorinite around. "Is that creep running on water?"

"She must be a ninja."

Suddenly, two figures dropped in front of the Senshi. "We cannot let you interfere."

Jupiter cracked her knuckles and glared at Uranus. "Like hell you can't."

Moon sighed. "Guys, go help them, I'll take care of these two."

"But you alone won't..." Mars started.

"I'll stay with her," Warwitch said.

Neptune shrugged. "Who said we're letting you-"

"Double Flight! Go, guys, I'll keep these two busy."

Uranus glared at Moon as the rest of the Senshi flew towards the other battle. Moon had, once again, immobilized them with her weapons. "Damn it, don't you have any honor?"

Moon recalled her chakram. "Says the one who attacks those she should be allying with, and helps the enemy."

"We're not-"

"Icycle!"

Uranus leapt back, barely dodging the large spear. "Hey!"

"Don't forget I'm here," Warwitch snapped back.

Neptune shook her head. "You are too weak to hope fighting us one on one, witch."

Warwitch's smile was a sound effect away from a chuckle. "I am aware of this, but I've been practicing long enough to know my powers can be used in other ways. Haste. Iron. Levitate. Shield. Rage."

Uranus and Neptune didn't quite understand what Warwitch was planning, but Moon felt the effects of those spells immediately. Before the two rogues could figure things out, she was already punching and kicking them around with a speed which made it virtually impossible for them to react.

Warwitch smiled as she saw the results of her buff spells in action. "To misquote a certain saying, 'me and that one-woman army.'"

Dragon Mercury was extremely angry right now. Part of that anger was this woman's fault, yes, but most of it was actually directed at himself. Kaorinite had used a jellyfish monster to sneak on Ami, and appeared right on top of it once Ami's crystal had appeared. However, while she was checking it out, Terry had decided to get it back, shooting one of his icy attacks at her. The results were not as expected, as his attack had caused the woman to drop the heart crystal.

So he had swiftly cut the jellyfish in half, and had been trying to do the same with Kaorinite for a minute now. He had to take care of her, so that he could go search for the crystal. "Damn it, bitch, stop running away so I can shred you to pieces!"

"Yeah, that's going to happen," Kaorinite muttered.

"Volt Trap!"

The attack wasn't directed at Kaorinite, but at the water in front of her. Its effects were rather explosive, as the sphere of electricity caused the water to shoot up, soaking and shocking the woman. She was knocked into the water, and as she resurfaced, she didn't look too healthy. "Damn kids, I'm going to kill you all..."

"Flame..."

"... But not today," Kaorinite said before vanishing.

Dragon Mercury sighed in relief, then dropped to his knees. "Damn it, now what?"

Mars flinched, the guy didn't seem to be in a very good mood. "Terry, what-"

"I'm an idiot, that's what."

Saturn was looking at the water, and noticed Ami was floating on a board (her own board? Was Terry controlling it too?) meters away. "I can guess what happened. Kaorinite took the crystal, you attacked her, and the crystal fell to the water."

The Dragon rose an eyebrow at that. "How did you-"

Saturn was still looking at the water. "Because I can sense Ami's soul... Down there." Without waiting for an answer, she dove down into the water. Several seconds later, she leapt out, landing on her board, and smiled. "Here it is."

The Dragon took the crystal and rushed to Ami's side. As the crystal was re-absorbed, he shook his head. "I guess Usagi's right, sometimes you just have to trust your friends when you can't succeed on your own."

Ami woke up and looked around. "I suppose you beat-" she stopped as the Dragon hugged her. "Terry?"

"I'll tell you later," Dragon Mercury said, "but I'm glad you're okay."

Suddenly, there was an explosion in the beach, and the group all looked in that direction. "I guess Moon did it."

"Did what?" Dragon Mercury asked.

"Uranus and Neptune tried to stop us all from getting here, but Moon told us to leave them to her," Jupiter explained.

Venus just realized something. "I suppose some of our friends still won't take an order from her."

"What do you-" Dragon Venus started, then sighed. "Those three..."

Moon was surprised, these two were better than she thought. Warwitch's buffs had lasted for a while, but once they were gone, she was quickly outpowered by the two. If nothing changed, then-

"World Shaking!"

"Odin's light."

"Poison Mark."

"Poison Mark."

A light beam cancelled Uranus' attack, and before either rogue could react, they were both surrounded by a greenish mist, and fell to their knees. "Damn it, you are-"

"Smarter than you," Mira snapped as the trio flew in.

Neptune glared at Moon. "So, what are you waiting for?"

"What do you mean?" Moon asked. "You really think I would keep on attacking you? I could. I should, since you'll just keep on threatening my friends' lives. But my best friend used to tell me I was hopelessly naive, and she may be right. I'm willing to give you a chance to change-"

"You moron, do you even know what-"

"I don't know what you went through, but me and my friends? We defeated a goddess. We fought a creature who was bent on destroying the universe. We even stopped a huge comet from crashing into the Earth. Don't tell me I don't know what's in stake here. I will save the world, but I will not accept any casualties."

Uranus frowned. "That's a foolish dream. Are you willing to let the world be destroyed just to save a few lives?"

Moon "If you're not, then you're no Senshi."

Uranus smiled coldly. "Say what you want, we'll still save this world. World Shaking!"

Moon staggered back as the attack hit, but wasn't too affected by it. "You won't, not until you realize your flaws."

"Maybe we should bury them in the sand, too."

Moon smiled without turning to her friends. "Good to see you're okay, Mercury."

Dragon Mercury walked past her. "Seriously, though, what do we do with these two?"

Moon looked at the Huntresses. "Let them go."

"Just like that?"

Moon looked at Uranus. "Just like that. Now go and think about why you keep losing against us."

Mars was almost expecting (hoping?) for the two rogues to try and fight them, but they weren't suicidal. Once they walked out of sight, she turned to Moon. "Isn't it obvious, though? They lost because they're outnumbered."

"No, they lost because they're fighting for the wrong reason."

"Saving the world is-"

Moon nodded at Mira. "Yes, but they don't care about saving innocents, just about defeating evil."

Dragon Mercury whistled. "You know, I don't think you'll ever stop surprising us, Usagi."

Moon blushed slightly. "What will we do now, though? Our fighting hasn't gone unnoticed."

Saturn looked around and saw people gathering just outside the beach. "Maybe I could scare them off?"

"You could, but you shouldn't," Moon said.

Mira looked at Circe and Calisto, who nodded at her. "Now they see us, now they don't. Mass Teleport!"

A/N: Lesson learnt by the Senshi: Don't split the party.

Just joking, they'll keep on splitting the party anyways.