Sailor Moon Aeons.
Book 2: Rebirth.
Act 7: The Senshi of Chaos.
Episode 103: Lose your mind.
By Razor Knight
Last update: June 25, 2015
Last edited: June 13, 2017
When Usagi went home after school, she saw there was someone there she wasn't expecting to see yet. "Shingo?"
"Hi, sis. I'll tell you something, you were right, those three months were hellish. But I learnt a lot, too."
"Perhaps we should all go train with Pluto, then."
"I joked about that, too. She said we were the exception, not the rule."
"So, you got to Cosmic level yet?"
"Yeah"
Usagi chuckled. "Terry will be in a bad mood."
"Why?"
"He was... Well, he was the first Dragon to show up, and now the last three will be one level above him."
"Isn't he a dual Senshi?"
"Yeah, but that... It's dangerous for him to use it."
"So I've heard. Anyways, I was going out before you left, I want to surprise Hana."
"Have fun."
Shingo smiled "Sure will. Teleport."
Usagi stood there, blinking in awe for a few seconds before shaking her head. "Guess being a showoff is also in our genes." But that meant Pluto also knew some Hunter spells - something, Usagi realized, wasn't that amazing considering how long she had lived.
"So, it's my turn now."
Iron Mouse looked at the blue-haired woman and shrugged. "Good luck out there, Siren."
Siren giggled. "Don't be mad, it could be much worse."
"Right, I could be dead if Galaxia was in a bad mood. But I honestly mean it, Siren, good luck. The sooner you find that golden seed, the faster we can get out of this pathetic system and move on to the next one."
"You're right, these 'humans' are happy just staying in one planet. I hate these primitive beings."
"This whole 'fake Senshi' thing got me thinking... Wonder what each of us will become?"
"In your case, I'm sure it will be something silly," Ami said.
Terry smiled. "Can't say I didn't consider that. What about you?"
"I'm never silly."
Aiko walked by. "I could give you a list with all your silly moments, mom. Just give me a week to browse my memory banks."
Ami sighed and looked at Terry. "She's got your sense of humor."
Yukiko had been trying her luck at chess again, with a holographic chess board. Aiko was still good, but she had won a couple times too. "Ugh, you could pretend you're having a hard time winning."
"Sorry, I wasn't built to lie," Aiko noted. "But I wanted to tell you something I realized yesterday. Your name is, strange as it may sound, linked to the creature you had inside."
"Beryl?" Yukiko said, "wait, how is it-"
Ami looked at Aiko in shock. "I never saw that, but you're right."
Terry looked at both his girlfriend and his daughter. "I don't see how."
"It's an anagram," Aiko said, "I started rearranging the letters of her name, for fun, but then I got 'Kouhekigyoku.'"
"Yellow Jasper," Ami explained, "also known as Beryl."
Yukiko stared at Aiko for a few seconds before shaking her head. "I love how smart you are, but that's a really creepy thing. Guess coincidences are more usual than I thought."
"She's gone now, so it doesn't matter to me," Aiko said, "Usagi once told me things like those make us stronger in the long run."
"... I guess she's been through some serious crap these last few years."
"You must have heard about most of them," Aiko said. "Sometimes I wonder how she manages to keep fighting."
Terry bit his lips for a few seconds then gave the others a sad smile. "I asked her that once. She said she keeps fighting for us, and for the Earth, but mostly for herself - if she gives up then all of her fight won't mean a thing."
"When I first met her, I thought she was just a naive girl who had an easy time making friends," Yukiko admitted, "but I'm glad I was wrong about that. And I don't regret being her number one fan, even today."
Usagi suddenly appeared near Aiko, and saw everyone staring at her. "Uh... Hi? What's wrong, guys?"
Terry shrugged. "If we say 'nothing' you'll just nag us until we tell you, so... They got curious, and I told them what you told me about giving up."
Usagi smiled. "Oh. I don't mind you guys knowing that. I just wanted to drop by to tell you that Umino and Shingo are back."
"Already?"
"They've been training for three months," Usagi explained, "and they're both in Cosmic level."
"Great," Terry said. "Usagi, could you beat me around until I level up? I hate lagging behind."
"This is not a race, Terry. Don't do anything foolish."
"It was a joke," Terry said, "I'm not suicidal."
"Your fighting style begs to differ," Aiko noted.
Usagi suddenly looked away and flinched. "The enemy's moving."
"Who are they targeting?"
"They're moving to... Damn it. It's either Shingo or Hana."
Nova looked at the wrecked building and frowned. She didn't like when things like these happened, but some criminals still thought they could be the ones to defeat her. This one had a rocket launcher, and tried to use it against her... While she had been quick enough to put a barrier up and protect herself, she hadn't been able to stop the building from collapsing. This gang was keeping their 'loot' inside a run-down, abandoned office building, so she wasn't too surprised just one explosion had been enough to bring the whole place down.
"Huh, what happened there?"
She looked to the side and smiled. "Hi. To make a long story short, one of those guys tried to stop me with a rocket launcher. The building didn't like it."
"You don't look surprised to see me," Dragon Moon noted.
"Shingo, you should know I can sense magic from miles away. I was a bit surprised to sense you teleporting around, though."
"Sailor Pluto said that skill would be useful. Still, it's bad that I can't surprise you."
"Next time I'll pretend I'm surprised, and you'll pretend you don't know I'm pretending."
"Sounds like a deal," Shingo said, then walked to her. "You know, I've been in that damn place for three months. I've missed you."
Nova smiled at him. "I don't believe that. You'll have to show me how much you've missed m-" She was interrupted by Shingo kissing her, and she blushed slightly as the kiss ended. "... That-"
"Uh... Sorry, should I have asked first?"
She giggled. "No, I don't mind. I liked it."
"Good, I was worried I would be doing it wrong."
"Oh, that was your first?"
The Dragon blushed. "... Yeah."
Nova was about to say something, but the turned around and frowned. "Damn it, can't evil goons read the mood?"
Siren smiled at them. "I actually didn't want to interrupt you, but orders are orders."
"Oh, isn't that nice of you," Nova noted, then her eyes went white with light.
Siren fell to her knees and screamed in pain. "What the hell..."
"I don't know why you're targeting me, I'm no Senshi. But you'll still get a beating from me."
Siren stood up and smiled mockingly at her. "You psychics always amuse me."
"... So, you were just pretending to be in pain?"
Siren shrugged. "Yeah. I'm Aluminium Siren, one of Sailor Galaxia's servants. I've fought and killed plenty of creatures with your kind of power, girl. Just because you don't wear a Senshi suit, it doesn't mean you're not using magic too."
Dragon Moon growled at the woman and slashed down at her. "Leave my girl alone, creep!"
Siren caught the sword with one hand and smirked. "It's not your turn yet, kid. Don't be impatient, you'll have someone to fight in a minute." As she said that, she phased away, and right behind Nova. "Gotcha!"
The Dragon glared at Siren as she took Nova's seed. "Damn you..."
A light beam came from the side, hitting Siren, who didn't even feel the hit. "Oh, the rest of the weaklings are here."
Jupiter growled. "You may not feel our magic, but what about this?" She rushed forwards, punching Siren with all her might. If Siren had been a normal human, her head would have exploded from the blow. If she had been a weak magical being, her head would have been sent flying away. But she was neither, so all Jupiter did was make her stagger back. "Ow! Damn it, my hand..."
"Impressive, girl, you are much stronger than a Senshi of your level should be. But not enough. Anyhow, I'm bored of playing with you. Bye."
Moon glared at the spot Siren had been standing on. "I wish I could make them eat their words."
Dragon Moon was looking at Nova... Or not quite Nova anymore. "Damn it, Hana..."
Hana was wearing a Sailor suit, with a large eye in her chest instead of a bow. Her gloves also had eyes drawn in their backs, and she smiled coldly at them. "My name is Sailor Mind. Make sure you remember it so you can tell them who killed you when you get to the afterlife."
Jupiter rushed at 'Sailor Mind' but stopped meters away from her, frozen in place. "What... The... Hell..."
"This is the power of the mind, dear Jupiter. Something a brute like you obviously knows nothing about."
"Great, they turned her into a jerk," Dragon Mercury noted.
Sailor Mind looked at him. "Shut up, weakling."
Aiko appeared near the others. "I've called everyone, wait for them."
"We can handle-" the Dragon started.
"No, we can't," Moon said, causing the others to gasp. "Guys, she... Remember what Terry told us, about how strong she could be if she stopped holding back? I'm sensing it right now, and he was right... We may have to use a Planet Attack."
"But that would kill her!"
Moon looked at Mercury, and smiled sadly. She could understand her reaction. Despite how things had started between Ami and Hana, Ami was close to her nowadays. "I... I can't see any other way to get her back. We may need one of your plans."
Sailor Mind laughed. "You fools. Do you think I'll let you defeat me? Not a chance!"
The attack was invisible, but its effects could be clearly seen and felt. Dragon Mercury noticed everyone was trying to hold on against the psychic storm Hana had unleashed. "Damn it... Hana, stop this!"
Mercury was barely able to stand under the pressure. "I never thought she could be this strong."
"Hahaha... Idiots, you cannot win against my power. You will all die, and your pretty city will follow."
Mercury looked back and noticed the 'bubble' of psychic energy expanding. "No! We have to stop her!"
"What-"
Aiko was looking at a 'screen' floating in front of her. "If the bubble expands in all directions, it may reach the mana wells under the city. She could destroy the whole city, and herself... She could even destroy the Earth if it causes a chain reaction."
Moon sighed. "Damn it, we'll have to use that attack."
"Can you do it while being pushed back?"
"It will be hard but..."
Dragon Moon suddenly let out a scream and started slowly walking forwards. Moon saw light constructs forming in front of him as he walked - serving as shields against the psychic 'wind.' Still, she could see slices in his cheeks and arms as he walked. "Hana!"
"That kid is insane," Jupiter muttered.
Dragon Mercury frowned. "Aiko, where's Hotaru?"
"I told everyone to stay away-"
"Then I'll have to do it myself," the Dragon said. "Saturn Star Power!"
"Terry, what are you doing?"
Even as he looked at Mercury, he was already casting a spell in his mind. "Helping."
Dragon Moon hadn't really thought things through, and he had to admit the pain he had felt as he got closer... It got worse with each inch he advanced. However, he suddenly noticed the pain was gone, and looked back, noticing Dragon Saturn's hands were shining. "Thanks."
"She's one of my best friends," Dragon Saturn said, "so if you have a plan..."
Aiko suddenly let out several strong curses, causing most of the others to stare at her in shock. "The bubble's growing too fast - the Hunters can't take everyone out of the area before it reaches them. There's no casualties yet but that could change any moment."
Dragon Moon heard that, and started trying to move faster. "Hana, please, snap out of it..."
"Stupid kid, I am not Hana, I am Sailor Mind."
Dragon Saturn fell on one knee. "Damn it, he's being damaged too fast, I can't keep up."
"Want me to tell Saturn to help?"
He looked at Aiko. "No, I'll just have to stop lagging behind."
Mercury knew what he meant, and wanted to stop him, but the psychic storm was too strong for her to reach him, and... Even though it was a great risk, she knew him enough to know he could do it. "Terry... Be careful."
"Always," he said and smiled at her, just as his swords started shining. "Huh, guess my talismans were under my nose all this time."
"I'll help you, too." Moon said as her crystal lit up.
The Dragon felt the surge of energy and smiled. "Thanks, sis."
"Mercury Cosmic Power! Saturn Cosmic Power!"
Mercury saw Dragon Saturn start walking forwards. "Terry?"
"I can do this-"
"No!" Dragon Moon said, "I'll do this. I need to do this."
Dragon Saturn stopped walking, and nodded after a couple seconds. "Gotcha, kid. Good luck."
Dragon Moon was now close enough to 'Sailor Mind' that he could reach out and touch her. "Hana, I don't want to hurt you, but there's no other way to-"
"Go away!"
The psychic blast was strong, and it knocked everyone down to the ground. Everyone except for Moon, Dragon Saturn and Dragon Moon. Aiko cursed again. "This is bad... Guys, the storm just wrecked an appartment complex near here, and..."
Dragon Moon shot a blast at Sailor Mind, but she didn't seem to notice. "Damn it, Hana... Why..." He started gathering energy, and this time shot a wide beam at her, but she only staggered back. "It's no use."
"Shingo, there's always a way! Keep trying."
Dragon Moon looked at her sister, and smiled sadly. "You know, I understand now just how hard being a Senshi is. I can't let Hana do this to us, to the Earth... To herself." He looked at Dragon Saturn. "Can you revive people too?"
"... Yeah." Was he really implying what he thought he was?
Dragon Moon turned to look at his 'foe' and summoned his sword. "I'm sorry, Hana. I'd rather have you hate me than not have you around anymore."
"Wait, Shingo!" Moon had started walking to them the moment she realized what he was planning, but even her shout was too late. She saw Hana revert back to her Nova suit as blood poured out of her mouth. "Terry!"
Dragon Saturn was already dashing forwards before Moon shouted - the psychic storm was gone, but he could also feel Hana's life fading fast. He rushed past Dragon Moon and knelt before Hana, who had slumped to the ground, and started healing her. "Damn it, she's... I'm not sure I can save her."
"What-" Mercury started.
"He stabbed right through her heart."
"I had to- I didn't-" Dragon Moon started.
"Nobody's going to blame you for this, Shingo."
Dragon Saturn looked up and smiled. "Hotaru."
Saturn looked down at Hana. "Leave her to me."
"But-"
"Don't argue, damn it, we have no time for it!" Saturn shouted, losing her temper.
"... Sorry. Go for it."
Moon saw the rest of the team had appeared around them after the storm ended, and knew how Saturn had appeared at the right time. Aiko was probably keeping them informed of what was going on. "Was there really no other way?"
Aiko walked to her. "From my readings, if he had waited any longer, we would not be standing here now."
Dragon Moon walked to her and tossed his sword on the ground. "Screw this."
"Shingo-"
"I wasn't ready for this, sis. I don't want to do this anymore, I just-" He stopped as Usagi slapped him. "Sis?"
"You did what you had to do, Shingo. If you hadn't stabbed her, I would have to shoot her, and she would probably be dead now. I would have prefered it that way, to not see you like this, but do you think she would want to see you give up?"
The Dragon said nothing, but picked the sword up, and turned to leave. He didn't turn to look at her, but Moon noticed the change in his mood. "I guess... You're right. I heard some of the things you went through, and you didn't give up. I got to keep up with you."
Moon smiled sadly at that. "Yeah. Now go, I'm sure she'll be back any second now."
Dragon Saturn was amazed. He could 'see' things others couldn't, so he had sensed it, how Hotaru had effortlessly fixed the wound, even restoring Hana's heart to normal, and healed her, making her own body replace the lost blood with the magic she was pouring into it. "That's... Incredible."
Hotaru didn't look away from Hana, who was already breathing normally. "No offense, but your ego can be annoying."
"Huh?"
"Back there, when I told you I could do it... Do you really think someone who rarely uses the powers of Saturn could be at the same level as someone who's been using them for years?"
The Dragon sighed as his suit reverted back to its Mercury form. "... You're right, I'm a rookie when it comes to healing powers. But since I already revived people, I thought-"
"Resurrecting someone is much easier than bringing them back from the edge, like Hana was. It takes a lot more energy, too, which your 'dual' form eats faster than normal. You couldn't have done it, even with training."
"Well, thanks for the lecture."
Saturn smiled at him. "But from what Aiko told me, you did a lot, you risked a lot. You and Shingo were the ones saving Hana, I just finished things up."
Dragon Moon had been listening to them, but suddenly gasped as he saw Hana stand up. "Hana, I-"
Hana stopped his apology by giving him a deep kiss. As they broke the kiss, she noticed the stares the others were giving her. "I... Can remember bits of what happened, of what Aiko was telling you all. Of what I almost did, even though I wasn't in control. Shingo... You have nothing to be sorry about."
The Dragon blinked in disbelief. "Uh, I didn't think you would forgive me that easily, but..."
"There's always risks in what we do. We shouldn't let that stop us from doing the right thing."
Saturn fell on her knees. "That was tiring."
Moon walked to them, but she was looking at Dragon Moon. "Uh, sorry about slapping you, I-"
"Huh? What happened?" Hana asked.
"I panicked, wanted to give up because of what I was forced to do, but Usagi... Well, she slapped me to stop me from saying any more, and then gave me quite a speech."
"... Yeah, that sounds like her," Hana admitted.
Moon turned to Aiko. "What's the situation around the city?"
"The area affected was large, but buildings weren't damaged that badly. There's plenty of civilian casualties, though... This may be bad publicity for our group."
Saturn staggered up. "Moon, care helping me fix that?"
Moon knew exactly what Saturn meant. "Sure." She closed her eyes and her crystal lit up again, and everyone could see energy flowing from it to Saturn. "I didn't do much so I have a lot to spare."
Saturn had a white aura around her when Moon was done, and she had to admit the rush of having so much mana in her felt good. "I'll take care of reviving any victims, you guys fight off the angry masses and their pitchforks."
Hana sighed as Saturn vanished. "I guess saying 'sorry' won't be enough for the media."
"It wasn't your fault, it was that Aluminium Siren girl's doing," Jupiter noted, "next time I see that bitch, I'll hit her so hard her head will implode. I don't care if my hand's bones get shattered."