Sailor Moon Aeons.
Book 2: Rebirth.
Act 8: Hunting Season.
Episode 123: Fire and light.
By Razor Knight
Last update: December 7, 2016
Last edited: June 15, 2017
"I should have been there to help."
ChibiUsa smiled. "Mom, it's-" She paused for a second then shook her head. "No, I think I understand how you feel."
"I guess if the future me told you I will get my powers back 'when I need them the most' that means it's going to be during a 'boss fight.'"
The pink-haired girl chuckled at that. "You may be able to help us defeat Rex, even if your powers don't come back."
"Everyone's powering up, I'll be useless."
"Usagi, you're far from useless even without your powers."
ChibiUsa didn't know Luna had been following them, but didn't mind her butting in. "That's right. Also, who knows, you could even power up right after getting your powers back."
"Is that possible?" Usagi asked.
"You've kept training and learnt some new tricks," Luna said, "you've grown stronger already. Triggering your next transformation would not be strange at all."
Usagi sighed, then turned to her daughter. "Speaking of training... Since you're one of the strongest Senshi around, maybe you could help with that."
"I could never beat the future you in a fight," ChibiUsa said, "but still, worth a try."
Usagi was ready for what followed, And even though ChibiUsa had rushed her without warning, she had still managed to catch her fist before it hit her. "I see Terry's a bad influence for you."
ChibiUsa leapt back and stared at Usagi for a few seconds. "Damn, you're already this good?"
"Guess I am. Should I tune it down so you won't feel bad about losing?"
Luna shrugged. "Usagi, you can sound a lot like Terry at times."
"He's a bad influence for me, too."
The pink-haired girl nodded. "Okay then, round two?"
Usagi simply smiled and waited for her foe's next move. "Round two."
Luna noticed their training fight had an audience. "Maybe you two should move this to a less public location."
ChibiUsa looked around and, for a second, Rex's words came to mind. Fighting for fun, making a show of it, that's how it had started for his Senshi. No, she knew her friends, they would never become the monsters Rex described. And she would be around to make sure of that, after Rex's group was just another footnote in their story.
Usagi seemed to know what ChibiUsa was thinking, and nodded. "Our training is not for fun or publicity. Let's go... Well, you know."
ChibiUsa mentally called for the teleportation spell. "Sure."
As they appeared inside the base, Usagi saw a scene she had already seen before, but was still quite a shock. All her friends were lying on the ground, and Hakko was standing in the center of the arena. "I see some things won't change."
Hakko smirked before flinching and falling to one knee. "On the contrary, they did change. They didn't wildly try to attack me without a plan, and it paid off."
Terry staggered up. "Mako and Rei managed to hit him while Kage and Yuichiro kept him busy. He still kicked our asses in the end, though."
Hakko nodded. "Mizuno also came close to hitting me from behind, I was surprised you thought about being the decoy, Terry."
ChibiUsa was staring at Hakko in awe. "You're as amazing as I heard."
"You heard... From them?"
"Yes and no. I heard a lot about you in the future."
Hakko smiled at that. "It's good to know I'll be remembered by my students."
"We probably owe you our lives, indirectly, several times already," Usagi admitted. "I don't think any of us will forget about you easily, Kyo."
"Not many of my students dare calling me by my first name," Hakko said with a frown.
"Uh... Sorry?"
"It's fine, Usagi," Hakko said. "I would help you train today, but I'm not in top shape thanks to your friends."
Usagi saw the others were all trying to stand up. "Guys, next time wait for me. I'm supposed to be the leader, after all."
Hakko had been about to leave, but smiled at that. "I remember a time, years ago, when I didn't quite believe you had what it took to be one. I'm glad I was wrong."
Rei waited until the elevator's doors closed, then turned to Usagi. "So, how did your meeting go?"
"I learnt quite a bit about the Demon Hunters. They started as a group who didn't like Senshi being the one and only line of defense, and tried to be as strong as us, but... Didn't quite get there."
Aiko had been silently listening to that, but this topic interested her - it was one of the parts of Mercury's computer 'database' that was locked out for them. "So, I take it they didn't give up?"
"They started a war against the Senshi, a war that lasted for only one day, and a war where only the First Serenity of Silver Millennium fought."
Haruka stared at Usagi in shock. "You mean that Serenity, alone, beat all the Demon Hunters?"
"That's what Junko- What Aries said. Anyhow, that Serenity respected them for trying, and for having the courage to fight a foe they had little chance to beat."
Ami had been typing in her computer, and Usagi saw Aiko was silently staring at the computer. "This is strange," Ami said after a few seconds, "the information I have here confirms that."
Minako frowned. "Wait, you had that data there all along?"
"It was locked," Aiko said, "we couldn't access it at all. Until now."
"What the- You mean the computer somehow knows we already found out about that, so it decided to unlock that part of its database?"
"My crystal seems to have a mind of its own at times," Usagi admitted, "maybe that computer is similar."
Ami nodded, not taking her eyes off the screen. "Interesting. If this data is correct, Primes lead through respect, not fear."
Usagi smiled. "Yeah, Junko told me that. I guess Senshi and Demon Hunters aren't that different, not counting numbers and potential."
Michiru looked at Usagi. "If you're wondering why we are here, it's because-"
"Chibi already told me," Usagi said, "years ago, I would have kept what I'm going to tell you to myself, but I'm not the same I was when this whole mess started."
Haruka rose an eyebrow at that. "And what you're going to tell us is...?"
"About time you two decided to stop being outsiders."
"Guess we deserved that," Michiru admitted.
ΔΊ "It's not that you don't help us in our fights, but... That's not enough," Usagi added. "I told you I consider you my friends. But often I feel like you still only want us as allies."
Haruka smiled at that. "That's why we're here, I guess. We want to grow stronger, but we also feel... Like we only speak to the others in battle and at school. We feel it's time to fix that."
"Welcome aboard, then," Usagi said, then quickly added "again."
The Hikawa shrine was a place which got many visitors, specially after the news that one of the Senshi was a priestess there spread. Still, the man who was just finished walking up the stairs was someone who had not set foot on that place for at least one decade. A man who had disappointed the head priest greatly, but also a man who had, lately, been trying to start over. And for that reason, the old man was not looking at his son with disappointment. "It's been a very long time, Takashi."
The younger man looked at his father before bowing. "I know it won't be enough, but I still wish to apologize for any trouble I may have caused you due to my-"
"I think I taught you that true apologies come from actions, not words. If you want to apologize, then don't screw it up with Rei."
Takashi Hino, being the current Mayor of Tokyo, wasn't in a position where he found himself scolded often - or at all. Still, he couldn't help but smile. His father was just as he remembered. "I will try not to, Masato."
The old man frowned at that for a second. "I see you still remember how to nag me. Not even Rei calls me by my first name. Anyhow, if you've come looking for her, she's in..."
Takashi noticed the man trailing off. "I know where her base is. I came here because I also wanted to see you, father."
"I see. It's nice of you to take time off your busy agenda to come visit, son."
"Guess I do deserve that."
Just then, Rei and Yuichiro appeared near the stairs. "Father?"
Takashi smiled at Rei. "Hello, Rei. Is that-"
"My name is Yuichiro Kumada," Yuichiro said, "it's good to finally meet you, sir."
"No need to be so formal," Takashi said, "you're one of the heroes who saves the city, no, the world quite often."
"We Dragons mostly get kicked around and wait for the girls to beat our foes."
"You're brave enough to face those aliens," the mayor noted, "and you protect my daughter. I think that's quite heroic."
"Thanks, but-" Yuichiro trailed off as he saw two figures walk up the stairs. "Guess it's our turn, Rei."
Rei saw Rex and, since the woman besides him was wearing a scaly suit, she could guess that was Boa. "Crap, that's the buffer girl."
The mayor looked at the two aliens calmly. "I've heard you don't attack innocent bystanders."
Rex shrugged. "Unless they get in our way."
"Father, I think that's our cue to leave."
"Actually," Rei said, "I don't want them trashing this place. Baldy, snakegirl, we'll wait for you outside."
Takashi saw Rei and her guy vanishing, followed by the aliens. "Hope she'll be okay."
"I know you can't sense spiritual energy... Or 'Mana' as I heard the Senshi call it. But Rei has so much of it, it's hard for me to not feel a bit intimidated at times. She'll be fine."
After years of being with him, Minako knew some things about Brad others didn't. Like the way he looked ar her when he was hiding something from her. "Something on your mind?"
Brad let out a long sigh. "Yes. You."
Minako smiled. "Nice try. Come on, tell me."
"I wasn't trying to avoid your prodding. It's just that I-" Brad saw someone appear near them and growled. "This is getting old, catboy. But I see you brought another catboy along this time."
Minako looked at Jaguar and Lynx for a second before turning to Brad. "You'll tell me after we get rid of these jerks."
Brad smiled. "Sure. I hate idiots who interrupt our dates, so I'll beat them down fast."
"Try it," Lynx said, "your girl won't be able to run a lot since I'm around, and your magic will not help her-" He stopped as Brad laughed. "What's so funny?"
"Your face," Brad said, "oh, and also the fact you suck at strategy."
The two Venus Senshi transformed, and the few civilians still around took that as a hint to leave the area. "Okay, let's show them we're no pushovers."
"Gladly," the Dragon said as his book appeared floating in front of him. "You can reduce my current mana, but what about mana I already spent?"
Lynx saw Jaguar dash to Venus, who barely managed to keep up. "That's a dumb question, of course I can't drain what's already gone, and I don't see how that would help you."
"Let me show you, then. Demonic Rush."
Jaguar had been busy trying to beat Venus, so he wasn't paying attention to her guy. So he wasn't quite ready to have Venus 'vanish.' He then heard a grunt and saw Lynx was knocked out. "Damn Senshi, I'm your target!"
"Only focusing on one foe at a time? That's a good way to lose a battle," Venus said.
Jaguar smirked. "Thanks for the advice." He rushed at the Dragon, but before he could reach him, something hit and knocked him away. He staggered up and saw Venus walking to him, and her mood was obviously not good. "Damn..."
"I'm sick of your group. You just kill Senshi for a revenge you can't get. You are not welcome in this planet. And I'm specially tired of you, Jaguar. I can't beat you with my current speed on my own, but I can fix that."
"Oh, not that again!"
Venus gave him a smile that was a sound effect away from mocking laughter. "Venus Guardian Power!"
Dragon Venus couldn't quite see the fight that followed, but from how short it was, and how beaten and bruised Jaguar was when Venus stopped moving, he knew it wasn't just Venus' speed that increased. "Nice."
Jaguar knew the fight was lost, but he still smiled. "That was fun. Guess I'll also need to speed up for our next fight."
The Dragon saw their enemies leave, and saw Venus' mood had improved slightly. "Well then, let's just go home and-" he stopped as Venus gave him a glare. "Just joking. But I think what I wanted to tell you will brighten your mood."
"Hope it does."
Brad turned back to normal and smiled as a small ring appeared in his hand. "Minako Aino, would you marry me?"
Minako stared at the ring Brad had put in her finger for several seconds after turning back to normal, then kissed him. "Yes!"
"She still had to finish school, though."
"Of course, I-" Minako trailed off and looked at Artemis. "Wait, what are you doing here?"
"We Mooncats can sense when our protegees are in danger, or when they power up. But since usually those two things go along..."
"I'll pretend I believe you weren't spying on our date," Minako said.
"If I was I would have helped you, or called for backup."
"... I was just joking," Minako muttered.
"Sorry. At times it's hard to tell if you're joking, or just being you normal crazy self."
Minako glared at the cat for a few seconds before shaking her head. "Good thing I'm in a good mood, or I would be looking for a new pet."
"I'm not your pet, I'm your guardian," Artemis noted.
Brad smiled at that. "A Guardian Senshi's guardian. Quite the tongue-tier."
Mars was a bit worried. Rex didn't seem to have any special skill, but he shrugged her attacks off, both physical and magical. Maybe that was his 'skill' and having Boa around made him better at it.
The Dragon, meanwhile, was having a much easier time with Boa. Sure, the womam could buff herself but she was obviously not a frontline fighter. "I'm sorry, but I can't waste my time with you. I have to go help Rei."
Boa had been about to rush at him, but before she could, several snake-like fire constructs rose from the ground, wrapping around het and immobilizing her. "Hey! Come back and fight, coward!"
The Dragon ignored her taunting and rushed straight at Rex, slashing at him with his sword. However, the man turned and caught the sword with his bare hand, shooting a large energy beam with his free hand, and knocking the Dragon straight through a building. "What a pest. Boa, stop messing up!"
Mars had felt it, she knew Rex attack had- "You assholes killed him, so I'll have to return the favor. Mars Guardian Power!"
Rex stood up and tackled Mars... Or tried to, as Mars grabbed him and sent him flying up. However, his fall was stopped by something massive hitting him, and he caught a glimpse of a bird-like fire construct before he felt something hit through his chest.
"Die."
Rex tried to laugh but coughed up blood instead. "Not yet. Boa!"
Boa simply nodded, and both Hunters vanished. Mars stood there, growling, for a few seconds, before she fell on her knees, crying.
"Rei..."
Mars saw Aiko was there. "I..."
"I'm telling dad about it. He'll be here soon."
"Already here," Dragon Saturn said, and went straight to where Yuichiro was. "He'll be back soon."
Mars sighed. "He tried to sneak up on Rex, but it didn't work. I almost managed to kill that asshole, but he escaped."
"We'll get him next time."
"Yuu..."
"Sorry, I-"
Dragon Saturn smirked as Mars stopped her Dragon's apology with a kiss. "I think she accepts your apology."
Mars looked at him and sighed. "Terry, thank you for bringing him back, but I don't think I need your 'humor' right now."
"Sorry," the Dragon said. "Let's go, Aiko."
"I'm already back at the base. And with Yuki. And tracking a gang near Hotaru's house."
"Just leave, I still have my father to deal with."
"Oh, he's at the shrine?"
"Yeah. Hard to believe he actually cares about me, huh?"
"Some people change," Aiko said, "others don't. Good thing you father saw his ways were wrong."
Rei nodded. "Yeah."
Aiko suddenly smiled. "Oh, I just sensed another power spike. Minako also powered up."
"Good," Dragon Saturn said, "those idiots can't handle Guardian level Senshi. They may try a different approach soon, hopefully one that lets us defeat them for good."
A/N: Maybe I should rename Yuichiro. "Kenny" sounds like a good name for him.