Sailor Moon Aeons.
Book 2: Rebirth.
Act 4: Death Busters.
Episode 74: Attack on Senshi.

By Razor Knight
Last update: January 21, 2014
Last edited: June 10, 2017

Uranus was checking the base, and she had to admit it was quite impressive. "This must have cost a lot of money."

"Define a lot of money," Dragon Mercury mused.

Moon looked at Pluto. "You said you had things to tell us."

Pluto nodded. "The balance is in our favor now, but I know the enemy will attack soon."

"What can they do now, we have one overpowered Senshi-"

"Growing overconfident is what doomed several of your foes in the past," Pluto said, interrupting whatever Earth was going to say next. "The remaining Witches aren't as strong as Moon, if you only look at raw power, but they may still be able to win against her. And they're much stronger than the rest of you."

"There's also the Messiah of Silence," Neptune said, "The Talismans appeared, and the Messiah will seek the strongest one, Moon's talisman."

"We just have to protect her, then."

"As I said, there's other choices to be made before this war ends."

ChibiMoon sighed. "I know most of us are wondering about those Talismans."

Mercury had been busily typing, and it was amazing her computer didn't break down just from the sheer speed she was using. "Interesting. One Talisman for each Senshi, they're the key to our Cosmic power level - But there's no data on how to get them."

"That's because each will appear in due time, and only the Senshi linked to it would know how to get it."

Uranus was looking at her sword. "So, how do we use them?"

Pluto sighed. "You will figure that out, when the time's right."

"What I don't get is, why didn't we just get any of our Talismans out? We would be done with this war already if-"

"That's correct, Mako, but I don't know how to unlock any Talismans, except for Haruka and Michiru's ones. Their selflessness was the trigger."

"To give up their lives for the sake of the world..." Dragon Mercury said. "Okay, so we have to find our own 'triggers' then?"

"Yes. Now if you excuse me, I'm going back to my post."

As Pluto left, Uranus looked at ChibiMoon. "Okay, I have to ask, what's the deal with you? You look too young to be-"

"She's my daughter," Moon said.

Neptune saw Uranus just stand there, shocked. "Uh... That's-"

"Let me give you the short version," ChibiMoon said, "I came from the future, a couple years ago, trying to save my mother and my city from evil aliens. I thought that would be my last trip, but I'm back in order to get some real battle experience, since things back home are... Boring."

"Guess we'll have to take your word for that."

Usagi - who had turned back to normal while the others talked - was looking at the two 'rogues.' "I just realized we don't know how good you are at fighting. Sure you can shoot energy blasts, but what about close combat?"

Uranus smiled. "Don't take this the wrong way," she said, then rushed to Usagi. However, Usagi leapt out of the way even before Uranus could get close. "... I guess I underestimated you."

"We've all trained both with our powers and without them," Usagi noted, "and I've been told my dodging skills are beyond good. I had to be good at something, I guess."

"Her style is rough, and her speed isn't the best," Terry commented, "but there's potential there."

"Are you talking about me?" Uranus asked.

"Yeah."

"What's the deal with you, anyhow?"

"Well, that's a long story, even though it does have a happy ending," Terry said, looking at Ami, who smiled.

"If we're going to be a part of the team," Uranus noted, "then I think we should get to know about what you've been through while we were busy with the Witches."

"Okay, then-" "Sorry to interrupt, dad, but there's an enemy attacking in Shibuya."

"What is it this time?"

"One of those mantis-like things."

"Hmph. Let the sidekicks take care of it," Terry said, then saw both Uranus and Neptune were staring at Aiko in shock. "Oh, the usual reaction. That's Aiko, the AI controlling the base's systems, and she's recently become a sentient being. Since me and Ami built her, she considers us her parents."

"... That is slightly more unbelievable than a daughter from the future who's almost as old as her mother," Neptune mused.

Warwitch looked at the small, smoking crater that had, seconds earlier, been the spot where 'Tigale' had been standing. "Seriously, why are these guys even trying anymore?"

Mira smiled. "Everyone needs a punching bag."

"So, why aren't the Senshi here, shouting at us for stealing their kill?" Calisto pondered.

"Brother sent a message, the Senshi were busy with some things and knew one of these bugs wouldn't be any trouble for us."

"Not sure if I should be happy that they rely on us, or mad that they use us to take care of the weaklings," Circe commented.

Hotaru was glad the Witches had apparently taken a couple days off, because she had some things to deal with. Some harder to deal with than others, but she had guessed that much. "Dad? Are you okay?"

Tomoe nodded slowly. "Uh, as okay as I can be after hearing that. I'm torn between feeling happy for you, and wanting to shout at that girl."

Hotaru smiled. "That's why I didn't bring her along."

"Good, I would have been tempted to use the disintegrating gun."

Hotaru stared at her father. "... You built a disintegrating gun?"

Tomoe walked to a locker, and took a small, futuristic-looking gun from it. "Here it is."

"I won't believe it until I see it work," Hotaru said.

Tomoe smiled and aimed the gun at his desk. As he pulled the trigger, however, the gun turned into metal dust. "See?"

"Wait, what happened? Did it-"

"It worked! I told you it was a disintegrating gun."

Hotaru shook her head at that. "You need to go out more," she muttered.

"Perhaps I do. Next time, make sure to introduce me to your friend."

"As long as you don't bring a disintegrating gun..."

"No, I'll bring the exploding shotgun instead."

And Hotaru, this time around, knew better than asking about it.

"Teruru, Mimette's death was unfortunate, but..."

"... We can still win."

"How? The enemy has the Talismans, and our Messiah..."

"Our Messiah needs power to awaken. We already planned for a situation like this. There is one Senshi whose power will be more than enough to awaken our Messiah."

"But we've already checked all the- Oh, the pink-haired brat."

"That's correct. We will fight the Senshi..."

"... This time, in order to create a..."

"... Distraction so you and Villuy can..."

"... Get that crystal."

Villuy, the last Witch, appeared right then. She wore a cyan outfit, similar to the other Witches, and her hair was the same color as her suit. "We could handle that brat on our own."

"We can't take any chances..." "... and we will also need a host for our Messiah. We..."

"... intend to, as the human saying goes, 'kill two with one stone.'"

"So, how did that go?"

"He took it better than I thought. But you should avoid the military base for a week or so. Talking about avoiding, where's Diana?"

"She said she'd rather not be around when we're together, in case..."

Hotaru saw ChibiUsa blush. "Oh. Well, I hadn't considered doing anything-"

ChibiUsa smiled as she saw Hotaru turn an interesting shade of red. "Wait, you haven't even kissed anyone yet, right?"

"Uh, no, why do you-" Hotaru's eyes widened as she saw the younger girl leaning forwards. It wasn't that she didn't want it, or was shocked, she just hadn't thought it would be something her friend would initiate. However, her mind warned her about something, and she dove forwards, taking an energy blast meant for her friend. "Damn it... Not now."

"Good, our two targets in the same place."

"It is..."

"... Good, indeed."

ChibiUsa looked at the four women... And realized these Witches were all color-coded. Two of the new Witches looked like twins, one of them had her hair, suit, and the strange staff she was wielding, all colored a dark red, while the other's color was blue. "I don't know who the heck you are, but you hurt Hotaru, so I'll have to hurt you."

Villuy appeared next to Teruru. "Hmph, what can a weak kid do?"

"Moon Star Power! Earth Star Power!"

Hotaru tried to stand up, but the blast had been a lot stronger than she thought. No, she couldn't let her friend... Her girlfriend fight these Witches alone. Giving up was not an option, ever. "Saturn Star Power!"

"Oh shit."

"Aiko?" Usagi asked. Aiko using curse words was as rare as Ami's cursing, so she guessed it had to be something bad. There were few Senshi inside the base right now, but she knew Aiko would call the rest of them.

"Four enemies appeared in the city," Aiko said.

Terry frowned at that "Four?" If they were as strong as Teruru, this could mean trouble. If they were stronger...

"Teruru, and three other women, much stronger than her."

Well, Terry thought, I hate to be right.

Ami asked. "But who are they after?"

Aiko looked at the map again. "ChibiMoon and Saturn are fighting them. I can see Uranus and Neptune heading there right now."

Usagi looked at Kage. "Guess we'll need a ride."

"Change for the party, and I'll get us all there."

Saturn had been left fighting Teruru, while ChibiMoon took on Villuy. She had to wonder about the two other Witches, however, since ChibiMoon had neutralized them just with her 'toy.' A toy which was, right now, a large machinegun turret, shooting bullet after bullet at the twins, who did their best to dodge, but didn't even try to counter.

But she was worried, ChibiMoon was fighting with all she had against her foe, but Villuy seemed to be too fast for her. Magic or swords, it didn't matter.

"Fool, your fight's with me!"

Saturn dodged an energy blast, and nodded. "I know that, I apologize if wanting to watch the actual fighters instead of you offends you."

"Why you-"

Saturn knocked Teruru away with a kick, but grimaced. That shot she had taken was slowing her down, she knew she had to hurry if she wanted to help her friend.

The red-haired twin suddenly sensed something. "Oh, they're..."

... Coming. We can't..."

"... Waste any more time playing."

"Playing? As if!" ChibiMoon snapped, slashing at Villuy. However, the woman simply vanished, and ChibiMoon guessed what her next move would be, spinning fast and stopping the blow with one sword. "You may be fast, but I'm not going to fall for-"

Villuy smiled as the girl's eyes glazed over."You already did."

Saturn had been running to help her friend, so she saw what happened. After ChibiMoon turned around, Villuy somehow appeared both in front and behind her, and the one behind took her crystal. "No!"

Moon and her group appeared right then. "ChibiUsa!"

"Sorry, but we need..."

"... Her crystal's energy. Do not worry, however, because we..."

"... Can keep the crystal working even if the host is dead."

"I won't let you take it away!"

Moon saw Saturn rush to the twins, but something hit her. Teruru had been feigning being knocked out, and had taken the chance to knock Saturn to the ground with a blast. "That's payback for all the times your group defeated me."

"I... Can't let you... Win."

Mercury noticed the Twins' staves were glowing. Were they going to attack them? No, the target was- "Watch out!" She acted quickly, running in front of ChibiMoon and taking the hit meant for her. "As strong as... I thought."

"Ami!"

Moon froze. That was Terry's shout, but there was something... Wrong with it. "Terry?"

"Damn it, I'm sick of this. Sick of you assholes hurting my friends. Even if I die, I will not let you hurt anyone else!"

Teruru frowned. "Oh shit, not this again. Villuy!"

The twins smiled. "Interesting, to think another Senshi could..."

"... Do that besides our mark."

Mercury was trying to stagger up, but saw Teruru pick up Saturn, who was unconscious. "Wait, what are you-"

"Sorry, we need to borrow this one for our leader's sake."

Villuy frowned. "Cyprine, Puchirol, let's go before-"

"Go back to the base, and get..."

"... Everything ready, we'll play with him..."

"... For a while, and then return."

Mercury saw Dragon Mercury walk to the twins, and finally noticed something. "Terry, don't!"

"Don't worry, Ami, I know what I'm doing," he said, more to reassure himself than her. "Hey, assholes!"

"Such a way to..."

"... Talk to a lady."

"Good thing neither of you bitches is one," the Dragon said. "But enough of that. Saturn Star Power!"

Moon flinched. If he couldn't control it... She sensed something and looked back. "You're late."

Mars sighed. "Sorry. So what's-"

Moon knew all the Senshi were there now. "Two Witches got Saturn, and ChibiMoon's heart crystal, and then left. Those two... Well, I guess you can guess what happened."

Mercury limped to them. "I hope he kicks their asses."

The Dragon's suit was quite changed, the boots and gloves were still blue, but the rest of it was a dark purple. His swords had also changed, even their blades were now tinted purple, while their hilts remained blue. "Weird suit."

"I like it," Mercury noted. She was worried that using this form would not end well, but all she could do was wait.

The Dragon smiled. "So, you two ready?"

"Do your..."

"... Worst."

"Seriously, what's with that speech pattern?"

"What do..."

"... You mean?"

"Nevermind." The Dragon tossed both his swords up as he crossed his arms. The swords spun in mid air as they rose, and stood spinning at the top of their arc. "Saturn... Skull... Spell!"

The twins were frozen in shock as the two swords somehow morphed into a massive skull, twice their size, and shot at them. No, the guy had his swords in his hands, how was-

Moon saw the skull swallow the two Witches, and heard their screams from within. "What is that?"

Dragon Mercury - or rather Dragon Saturn - smiled and snapped his fingers. The skull vanished, and his two foes fell to the ground, visibly weakened. "Ugh, as I thought..." His smile vanished as he fell to one knee. "Not easy for a newbie to hold on this form."

Mercury saw his suit turning back to normal. "Terry!"

"I'm fine," the Dragon said, still not standing up, then saw the twins staggering up. "Damn, how can I look cool if I can't even finish two weaklings off?"

"We will..."

"... Kill you for-"

"Moonlight Pulse!"

Mars saw the twins bounce on the ground after the blasts, and they vanished in mid-air. "Did you kill them?"

"No, they escaped," Mercury said, visibly disappointed.

Moon didn't say a word as she rushed to ChibiMoon's side. She noticed the girl was pale, and her breathing shallow. "This can't be happening..."

"Unfortunately, it is happening."

Moon turned to the voice, and swung her fist at the newcomer, who dodged her attack easily. "You!"

"Usagi?" Jupiter asked, in shock.

Moon didn't mind the way her friends were looking at her. "Damn it, Setsuna, why did you let this happen?"

Pluto was ready for this, and accepted the glare Moon was giving her without flinching. "This is how things were meant to happen."

"What the hell's that supposed to mean?" Moon shouted.

Mars put a hand on Moon's shoulder. "Usagi..."

Dragon Earth walked to Pluto, his glare matching Moon's one. "Are you saying this is fine? My daughter's dying and Hotaru may be already dead, and you don't even-"

"I will take all your shouting once this is done," Pluto noted, "but if you want to save them, you must go to our enemy's base."

Moon was quite ready to tackle Pluto, but she realized the woman was right. And also... She was good at reading people, and while she was mad at Pluto, she also knew the woman was not fine with what 'was meant to happen.' "To their base..."

"Mugen Gakuen," Uranus said, "that's the place the Witches used as a facade, they used the students' energy to create those daimons."

Pluto nodded. "That's the place of the final battle." She looked at ChibiMoon's face and sighed. "She may not forgive me for not telling her about this, but... I can at least buy her time. Chrono Break."

Moon saw a 'bubble' appear around ChibiMoon's body. "What is that?"

Mercury was using her visor to analyze the bubble. "A time displacement zone. Time seems to be going much slower inside that sphere." She sighed, then turned to Uranus and Neptune. "We need all the information you have on that place. We need to plan-"

"Screw planning."

Mercury saw Moon walking away. "Wait, Usa-"

"Ami, I'm not in the mood for one of your lectures. You stay here and plan all you like, I'm going to go to that place so I can save Hotaru and my daughter."

Uranus looked at Neptune, who nodded. "We'll show you where Mugen Gakuen is."

Mercury saw the three walk away. "That..."

Mars smiled. "Ami, you've known her longer than most of us. You should know she's not fond of planning."

Nemesis nodded. "And... If I were in her situation, I think I would act the same way."

Mercury sighed, then looked at Dragon Mercury, who was now sitting on the ground. "Terry, are you okay?"

"I'm not going to die, but I don't think I can be of much help there," the Dragon admitted. "Guess I'll stay here-"

"That won't be needed," Pluto said.

"You have to keep focused to keep that bubble stable, right?"

"... Yes."

"So if any enemy shows up, you won't be able to fight without putting her at risk. I failed being of any real help today, so at least let me protect her."

Mercury smiled. "Fine."

Suddenly, a few more figures appeared. "You seem to forget about us a lot."

"That we do," Mars admitted.

Mira smiled. "Brother already explained what's going on, let us help."

"Those women are quite strong," Jupiter warned.

"Tell me something I can't guess on my own," Nova said.

Dragon Mercury smiled. Even the Ginga twins and Game Master were there. "Good luck."

"What about you?"

"I'm useless right now."

"Brother told me you plan on staying behind, cover the rear flank. That's not like you."

Dragon Mercury looked at Mira. "So?"

Mira smiled as a dozen Demon Hunters appeared. "So let us heal you so you can join the others."

Nemesis frowned. "Do it quickly, we have to go help Usagi."

Mars looked at Mercury, who was looking in the direction Moon had left. "Ami, are you okay?"

Mercury nodded slowly. "She was right, though... Sometimes there's no time for planning. Guess she can be wiser than me, sometimes."

Mars smiled at that. "She can be wiser than all of us," she then added, "not that I'll ever tell her that."

"You should."

Mars shook her head. "Hmph, let's just go before Moon blasts the whole place to dust."

A/N: I could have made Terry kill one of the Witches, but I'm running out of them.