Ch.4
~ Plunging deep into the depths of her inner universe in another lucid dream. Fighting the uncomfortable feelings that drag her down. She realizes it's the mysterious presence, recalling it's her secret identity, Sailor Neptune. Michiru transforms, giving up the resistance she finds the pain disappears and all feels in flow. Letting the arms of her inner warrior, goddess drag her down deeper and deeper.
She comes face to face with the Deep Aqua Mirror, appearing in front of her. Peering into her reflection, the images warp to show hidden depths to her being she has yet to explore.
Opening a portal through the mirror. Sailor Neptune stares down into the abyss of her own soul. On a leap of faith, she jumps. Submerging herself diving into her darkest waters. Still feeling uncomfortable but now curiosity strikes. Coming out at the other end of the portal the scenery warps to reveal the breathtaking sights of the planet Neptune.
A song calls to her from within the eerie symphony of enchanting yet dangerous, ocean storms. The winds whip and howl in the swirling blue clouds. Waves crash as if to reflect her own emotions. Like the ocean, complex and profound. Refreshing balmy seas can stir into unpredictable savage and ruthless storms.
Following the song to a door that warps open, Sailor Neptune finds herself walking the entrance hall to the Neptunian Castle upon the planet's moon. The sound of a mysterious but very pleasant instrument echos through out the wonderful architecture.
The hall opens up to a large room.
Inside sitting upon the edge of a water fountain sits a little girl with long turquoise, wavy hair. Playing a conch shell, her song echoes the symphonic melodies of the Storms of Neptune.
Sailor Neptune recognizes the girl's energies and covers her mouth in shock.
Her heart fills with the sensation of overwhelming love. Giving in she stands there listening to her beautiful music.
Such a wholesome, pure, and innocent sound. She hears herself thinking. The girl's music floods Sailor Neptune's inner oceans, stirring feelings of epic proportions.
Oh, I feel terrible disturbing her, but how do I get her attention without scaring her?
She clears her throat and wipes her face to find tears. Looking up from her hand she sees the turquoise haired girl stir from her zone. Pulling the conch shell away from her mouth.
The little girl meets Neptune's gaze. First a scowl with a look of concern crosses her face. When she sees who it is she draws a beaming smile.
"Neptune it's you! I need your help. Can you do me a big favor?"
"Sure, how can I help? Are you the one crying?"
"No, sassy, silly Neptune, I don't cry. I laugh instead." She giggles sweetly.
Sailor Neptune swears her voice resonates the same as her sound on the conch shell.
"Well, what can I help you with?"
"Here, I'll show you. Listen."
With her conch around her neck by a red string, she sends Sailor Neptune her message.
"It's the truth you need to hear at this time, I promise."
Last thing Neptune hears is the girl's enthusiastic voice say, "Multidimensional Chaos World, Space-Time Fun Land, yay!"
The curious dream warps and soul memories begin to trickle to the surface.
Darkness surrounds her and all she can hear now is the Neptunian symphony of storms.
Panic wells up inside but then her ears tune in to listen to the music. The music casts a signal that illuminates the images the girl is showing Sailor Neptune.
Neptune witnesses herself upon a ship parked near the castle, many moons ago in archaic times, coming under attack. Putting the little girl in an escape pod and sending her back to Earth. The images move Sailor Neptune to tears.
Then the sight of the greedy god, Poseidon comes into view.
"It's the Boogie Man! He's trying to possess me to turn me into a weapon for his own selfish gain. Save me Neptune! You promised!"
Neptune witnesses herself as she teleports away from the greedy god. The images warp and she finds herself in front of a giant pool of water. At first she sees her ordinary self Michiru in the glow of the of a soft peculiar light. Then the stunning beauty of Sailor Neptune comes in to view, heroic and fierce, looking back at her.
Blue lightning strikes and the fearsome silhouette of an oceanic siren stares back at her. Thunders of the great dark spot of Neptune's storm roar as the siren opens her mouth to sing. Her voice drowns out the symphony and chaos swallows Sailor Neptune. Struggling to keep her head above water as she fights the tides of her emotions.
Trapping her in a tug-o-war between her old life and this budding new one. The torment of her intense dreams and nightmares simply cannot go on. Now she has the potential to find the answers and end her suffering. Only the catch is the risk of losing her beloved music career.
Michiru recalls she is still sleeping and tries to wake up. Only to find herself in sleep paralysis, unable to open her eyes.
Fear strikes as she struggles to maintain her calm.
The image of planet Neptune is eclipsed by the strange moon of Triton.
Receiving the blueprint images of an Ancient Oceanic City that flash into view, clear as day.
"Could that be? No way… it can't be!"
Then the siren's song summons a massive tsunami and washes her back to the surface of her consciousness.
"Remember you promised." The little girl's voice rings in her ears. ~
Michiru, finally able to open her eyes, wakes from the nightmare gasping as if she had just surfaced from the immense density of the bottom of the ocean. Finding her self to be even more tired, she collects herself.
"Tonight is the night of my performance. Maybe I should talk to Akira about it. But do I have time?"
She sighs heavily. "Who is that girl? I swear I know her like I've known her forever. Wish she at least said her name —Multidimensional Chaos World, Space-Time Fun Land, what the hell is that all about? What a strange thing to say."
Rolling onto her left side.
"Oh well, It's a Saturday… I'll just let it go for now and try and get a couple good hours of sleep in so I'm not a zombie for the concert…
The seas are getting rougher."
~
Back stage Michiru is in her dressing room doing makeup and hair. Wearing that gorgeous, midnight sea dress with the shimmering, silver accents on the skirt.
Getting out the Marine Cathedral she tunes and proceeds with her warm up routine. First time she's played since the threat of losing her left arm. Taking extra care to make sure all is working in order.
Spacing out and tuning into her subconscious, recollection of the siren's song casts a spell over Michiru. The shadows of her mysterious past life looms over, weighing heavy in her rearview mirror. Michiru's inner ocean tides feel as though they are being pulled by the moon. Confusing, chaotic storms wreak havoc, causing a major head ache. She drinks some water and tries her best to alleviate it, taking some medicine and catching her breath.
Searching for answers. Is it just my imagination or is this actually real? This siren… she beckons me but I can't, I just simply can't.
A knock on the door snaps her out of the spell.
"Michiru, its Aoki, may I please come in?"
"Yes sensei."
"Oh, you look absolutely stunning.
Just wanted to check up on you. Are you almost ready? It's about time to start the program."
"Almost. How much time do we have left?
"Fifteen minutes."
"Alright, shall we meet up in the left wing in five? I've just gotta finish getting my head in the right mental space."
"Is everything alright?"
"Don't worry sensei, I'll be fine. I promise."
"Very well, see you there in five."
Aoki sensei leaves the room. Michiru stands before the vanity mirror, violin at rest. She smiles but then glares into her own reflection as if to look into the depths of her soul.
Then picks up the Deep Aqua Mirror for a second opinion. The mirror reflects the image of the Warrior Princess from her mysterious ancient past.
"I get a wicked feeling something is about to happen."
She sighs, taking some deep breaths and taking a sip of water.
Putting the Deep Aqua Mirror down,
she fixes her hair in the vanity mirror. Sensing a glimmer of hope, she draws a sweet smile.
"Well, the show must go on. There must be silver line in all this."
She turns away going towards the door. Looks back at the Deep Aqua Mirror sitting on the counter.
"Still, I get an ominous feeling I shouldn't part with that mirror. I don't really have a choice though. I can't bring it on stage. Here, I'll just tuck you in my bag for safe keeping."
Michiru walks back over and follows through.
"There, nice and safe.
Everything will be fine. I just need to have faith in myself and do what I love.
Time to face the music"
With that she exits her dressing room. Making way over to the left wing of the stage to find Aoki sensei waiting.
"Alright not a moment too late. Let us tune shall we."
Michiru tweaks each string as need be, if at all.
"Now be the star we all know you are!"
"Thank you sensei. Yes, I will give it my all."
They bow to each other respectfully and Aoki sensei leaves to find her seat.
The concert hall grows dark hushing all the enthusiastic voices. Michiru takes her cue and steps out on stage.
Now standing center stage under the spotlight, Michiru Kaioh, gives a welcoming bow.
Just like always, yeah. Lets put on a stellar performance.
Brings the Marine Cathedral up to playing position with a breath of confidence and begins.
Minuet's spring bliss dance sings out into the hall. Diving into her creative flow, getting into rhythm with her inner oceans. Imagining taming the waves as she always does, channeling her emotions into the music. Recalling how the weight of the fear released upon giving in. Listening to her music, bringing the pictures to life in a language everyone can appreciate.
D.C el Coda, back to the beginning. The iconic melody effortlessly vibes off the strings. Michiru's head feels like it's on right again when she realizes her arm is performing fine. The headache gone. Boosting her confidence that she is smooth sailing. Repeating the Minute melody as directed by the song's repeat sign. Coming to shore upon a gentle wave. All feels at peace.
Pauses to acknowledge that the song is over, proceeding to move on. Back up to playing position she picks up the next wave.
The classic measures of Fur Elise ebb and flow with emotion like waves of the ocean. Michiru brings out the best of the beautiful music, making it her own with her unique sound. Immersing in the vibes of freedom and channeling it out to the audience. Her own conflicting emotions finding their place.
The dust settles and the crowd goes silent. Michiru prepares to give her all in her performance of Vivaldi's Summer. Fearless, she brings the Marine Cathedral up to playing position.
Effortless in grace, she begins the first movement. The music starts out gentle and mysterious. Sure enough it picks up in wicked patterns of notes. Giving the impression of the summer heat emanating from the music. Moisture rising into the atmosphere.
Sailing smoothly onto the second movement. Menacing measures of music Michiru pulls off with great joy and finesse.
The strings of that Stradivarius aligning with Michiru's heart strings. Then the tremolo imitating rumbles of thunder off in the distance sounds. The music grows dark as the cumulonimbus, anvil shape, cloud builds to monstrous proportions.
All goes silent.
She attacks moving her bow quick as a crack of lighting. Slaying the thunderous wicked, relentless demands of the Storm.
With speed, agility, and stamina she breezes through the parts that would normally trip her up. Immersing in the music Michiru thoroughly enjoying herself as she makes pure magic happen.
Surfing into home, she ends the song smooth as silk.
Bringing the concert to a close. Michiru graciously takes a bow. Sweat beads glisten upon her face.
Then that splitting headache comes on again. In a flash of blue lightning in her mind's eye, an ominous feeling grabs hold of her consciousness.
Something is about to happen, I can sense it.
A hoard of corruption trolls appear, spewing their haze.
As I thought. I must do what I must but why am I so compelled to do so?
Michiru trots on back stage back in brisk motions.
Seems there is no going back. Why must the answers to my nightmares be so burdensome? Now I'm living the nightmare! Maybe it was better when it was all in my head.
Opening the door to her dressing room. Quickly putting her violin away, she grabs her transformation pen from her bag.
"Neptune planet power, make up!"
She grabs the Deep Aqua Mirror and runs for the door when a corruption troll busts it down, emitting it's nasty haze.
"Not today, you fiend!"
"Deep Submerge!"
With the force of a bullet train her attack annihilates the troll, slamming it into the wall, knocking it unconscious.
"I haven't got time for your shit, you damn heap of trash!"
Running out the door to face them head on, Michiru notices she seems to take on a whole other demeanor as Sailor Neptune. Acting upon a fight drive she did not know she had in her.
"Not a moment to lose!"
Backstage, she stops when a few corruption trolls stand before her. Hearing grunts and slobbering sounds coming from behind as well. She takes a stance she knows by instinct holding her hands out to make herself look bigger, keeping them at bay.
"Deep Submerge!"
Neptune's attack hurls down the strip of space bulldozing the corruption trolls like bowling pins. Sailor Neptune runs past them kicking one back down that attempts to get up.
Neptune freaks recalling they pollute everything they touch. She can't stop running to think as the corruption troll's behind her are in hot pursuit. It dawns on her.
Seems they only pollute a target if they are emitting their haze. Which they only administer when they are fighting fit. Huh, that brings a whole new light to the game here.
Out on stage Sailor Neptune looks upon the audience in horror. But what to do about all these people. She looks over to see Aoki sensei unconscious. A fury of raging emotions floods her being.
What are you doing, don't just stand there, that's your teacher! Do something!
A wise voice from deep within her soul consciousness said, pushing her.
Sailor Neptune rushes to Aoki's side. Checks her pulse and breaths a sigh of relief when she notices her rib cage still moving.
Her attention shifts focus as she senses the hoard of corruption trolls swarming around her. She tries halting them the way she did backstage. Putting her arms up in that same authoritative stance.
"If you seriously think you're going to hurt her you are severely mistaken. You'll have to go through me first!
In that moment she thought of an idea but a risky one.
No choice, I'll have to use myself as bait.
She glances around then takes aim for the door.
I sure hope they fall for it. Ready, steady, go!
Sailor Neptune takes off.
"Hey you filthy fiends! I'm the one you want! Come and get me!"
Alright, It seems to be working.
She opens the door and trots out to the lobby of the concert hall. Turns round to see they are still swarming behind her.
So they're gullible and stupid… but persistent. I shouldn't underestimate them.
Once out in the lobby, they give her a whole lot of trouble, chaotically bouncing all over the room. Knocking things over, jumping on the counters, opening drawers, vandalizing the merchandise.
Strange, they act like they're looking for something. I've got to get their attention somehow.
Sailor Neptune looks around the lobby and eyeballs the Japanese flag near the door. Thinking fast she hatches an idea. She grabs the flag, taking it off the pole. Waving it around like a matador fighting a bull.
This ought to work, the red circle looks like a bull's eye.
"Hey trash heaps, bring it on!"
All twenty five of them stare back at her.
She waves the flag again. The corruption trolls cower.
Seems as though they want to runaway from it rather than attack it.
Sailor Neptune goes into action trotting strategically waving the flag. Sure enough they run scared of it. They give her a lot of trouble spewing haze out of fear. Sailor Neptune coughs and gags from the fumes.
Just breathe and think of something, quick.
She turns to her mirror and shields herself, it's magic providing clarity in the haze.
The trolls resume their chaotic search.
Dammit, I'm stumped, how the hell am I going to get all of them out the door? Just what are they looking for? I wish I knew to somehow to take advantage of them.
Sailor Neptune surveys her surroundings locating all the corruption trolls. Devising a plan of attack.
Then she looks over at the fire alarm.
It can't hurt to try.
She runs over and pulls it. The alarm blares loud as the sprinkler system goes on. The trolls freak from the sound, the water slowing them way down.
"Now I can manage them. The sprinkler disabled their haze, heck yes!"
Threatening them with the flag she now has their undivided attention and they waddle to the door in a clumsy gate. Outsmarting them left and right, she corrals them in front of the door, the corruption trolls huddle together shaking. Neptune gives one last whiplash of the flag and they stampede out the door.
"Success!"
Michiru celebrates her genius as she herds them out of the building.
Once out the door she prepares to take them head on, fighting full force, no holding back. Neptune drops the flag and as the wind carries it away, takes her stance.
"Deep Submerge!"
She blasts a cluster of corruption trolls knocking them into a heap on the ground, disabling their haze.
Pulverizing them with another round destroying the nuggets inside them.
Six down, nineteen more to go.
Confronting the remaining trolls.
Shifting into her defensive stance with her hands held out to protect her space.
The corruption trolls attack in fits of fury. Sailor Neptune proves quick to adapt and flow, fighting like water. Evading the attacking trolls, with ease and grace. It begins to rain.
One of them knocks the The Deep Aqua Mirror from her hand. Neptune watches it out of her peripheral vision skidding, sliding, and finally spinning around on the ground.
Some of the trolls try to attack the mirror when it shines their reflection back at them halting their assault. No time to think, Sailor Neptune attacks again taking advantage of the distracted group of corruption trolls. Knocks them off kilter disabling their haze and destroying their nuggets.
"Ugh, thirteen more to go! I don't want to do this anymore!"
In her moment of weakness she sparks an idea.
"They seem to be weak against their own reflection. Why else did they stall when they tried to attack the mirror?"
Getting her head back in the game she attacks aiming for the trolls nearest the mirror. Blasting them down. Sailor Neptune makes her move and takes hold of the mirror once again.
"Submarine Reflection!"
Shining the truth of what they are, they scream and curse as they begin to melt. Sending them running away, down the alleyway near the concert hall. Sailor Neptune chases after them.
"They're so stupid, the damn cowards. They just ran into a dead end."
She corners them and blasts them, destroying their nuggets.
"Yes, that's the remaining thirteen of those awful things."
Trotting out back to the parking lot of the concert hall. Five more of them seem to come from nowhere till Neptune notices two more of them coming from the side of the building.
Racing to investigate, she nails them hard.
"Deep Submerge!"
They fall in a satisfying domino effect. Disabling the haze and popping their nuggets simultaneously.
"There must be a nest of some kind. That's the only explanation."
She rounds the corner to see a mass clinging to the side of a dumpster.
Naturally she aims and fires.
"Deep Submerge!"
Before it dissipates five more trolls emerge. She gets clever, bring her hands up in that authoritative stance but this time wondering. As she moves her hands she notices they follow her every movement.
"That's right fools, I am in control!"
Directing the corruption trolls into a trance, pushing them in a messy cluster.
"Deep Submerge!"
Walloping them back to the abyss from which they came.
Starring in a daze reflecting upon these strange happenings.
"That's it, I've gotta bone to pick with that damn whale."
~
That night sitting on her bed stewing in the events of that evening.
"Somehow everyone woke from their spell with amnesia carrying on with their lives. That's so bizarre."
Her emotions a sea of mixed feelings.
"I've gotta talk to Akira, not only is this getting ridiculous, it's getting downright insane, and dangerous. Why exactly did I sign up for this game in the first place?
Oh that's right, I am the princess of planet Neptune and guardian of oceans. What relevance does my past life have in my life now?"
The Deep Aqua Mirror and her henshin stick lay before her.
She sniffles as she contemplates on what exactly she has to say to Akira.
"I'm torn, between an overwhelming sense of duty and freedom to enjoy my thriving music career. My happy place in my inner oceans now conflicted.
What once brought me peace now riddles me with nightmares. Without music I don't know what I'd do. If I got seriously hurt it would tear me apart to not be able to play anymore."
Oceans well in her eyes, she tries to fight it, but the force overwhelms her and the levee breaks.
Few minutes of tears pass and Michiru recalls the little girl in the dream.
"Yet, that funny little girl with the conch shell. I want to help her.
Taking on Poseidon though, what kind of bullshit is that? Is that whale serious?"
She sighs and sulks a bit.
"Anyway, no time like the present.
From what I understand, telepathy works via the mind. If I just imagine sending Akira a message it should work."
Visualizing Akira, the image clear in her mind and intention set, Michiru calls… and listens. The sound of her breathing rolling in and out like waves seems to be all she hears.
Her ears tune in to the familiar song of the mellow bellows and enchanting sounds. Sensing the whale's presence.
Akira, it's Michiru. Can you hear me?
She listens.
I read you loud and clear, Miss Kaioh.
What do you have to say?
She crosses her arms across her chest in a firm stance.
Akira I don't mean to be rude but this Sailor Senshi business is insane.
I'm not a fighter, I have an important career as a professional violinist and I'm not sacrificing that.
The whale sighs
Then you don't have to. I'm sorry all this has burdened you so. I really thought it would make sense of the situations and messages in your dreams.
Michiru uncrosses her arms clenching her fist.
That's what I wanted to happen, but I didn't want to jeopardize my music. Let alone get the public involved.
Akira, what exactly are those horrendous trash monster things? And do you know who the little girl is in my dreams?
If I'm going to do this Sailor Senshi business, you are gonna start giving me some clear answers. I deserve that much, don't I?
Akira shutters.
I apologize for the rude awakening. Only you don't know how much rests on your shoulders that only you can do anything about.
However, the truth is what it is. There are karmic waves coming you can not avoid. No one can. The time has come to either claim your destiny or suffer your fate. The choice is yours Michiru.
Michiru rests her hands in her lap. Taking in that blow kind of hard, like a sock in the gut.
Please answer the questions then. I can't further this mission if I don't know what's going on. Also if that be the case, then please train me to fight better so that I can avoid getting seriously injured. Music is everything to me!
Akira doesn't hesitate.
Very well, they are called Corruption Trolls, very lethal things of pollution and jealousy.
Michiru responds.
I could of told you that Akira, I'm the one who has had to fight them, remember. They are disgusting.
And about the little girl, she has been crying in my dreams for help. Who is she to me? Recently she actually spoke to me directly.
Akira's demeanor changed from gentle calm to serious alarm.
What did she say?
Come on, Michiru, answer.
Michiru bit her lip in fear, but then embraces the situation head on.
Something about Poseidon wanting to capture her and use her as a weapon for his own bidding.
Akira blows a fuse.
That's it! We are running out of time. The tides have changed in the karma.
Michiru, for all that is good in the universe please say you'll meet me in Tokyo Bay once more. If you really cherish your violin career then please consider. I'm not joking when I say that we need you now. She needs you.
Michiru can sense the somber pain in Akira's voice.
Okay I'll be there. What time?
Akira calms down again hearing her affirmative answer.
9:00am not moment later. Get plenty of rest and bring your mirror and henshin stick. Please be sincere, you don't know how grave a situation this is. I promise I will lay it all out for you once you get there, I promise!
Michiru nods, tears trickling down her face, sensing Akira's emotions.
I really do want to save her Akira, I sense the gravity. I get it. I'll see you in Tokyo Bay at 9am stat. You get some rest too okay.
Thank you Michiru you're kindness never fails. See you at dawn.