Sailor Moon X: Lunar Eclipse
a Sailor Moon/X-Men crossover
Chapter 4: Cold Receptions
4-1-2017
By Grey-X
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon is the creation and property of Naoko Takeuchi and Toei Animation. X-Men is the creation and property of Stan Lee, Marvel Comics and Disney.
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There was no end to the layers of mystery surrounding Eclipse. All the time Ami had at D-Point, studying her sample of Eclipse's oil slick, only yielded answers that in turn raised more questions. Her findings shed more light than ever before on the nature of Queen Beryl and the Shitennou's dark powers, but offered only tantalizing glimpses as to what the only remnant of the Dark Kingdom was all about. And no hints whatsoever as to what Eclipse wanted, though Haruka and Minako were going to help with that.
It seemed everyone had a part to play in stamping out all that remained of what obliterated the Moon Kingdom ages ago. Looking up from her microscope, Ami watched as Mamoru and Michiru set up the rest of the laboratory equipment on the huge table in the center of the shrine's side room. With the three of them putting their heads together, they could surely come up with a means to render Eclipse helpless, and get some answers.
Or at least, that was what Ami hoped. The Inner Senshi had long believed the Dark Kingdom was gone for good. That they could no longer cause any suffering, bring any more corruption. Yet there was one last case they had missed, festering under their noses. That was galling enough, but there was the worry that if their chemical agent was a failure, and if the Ginzuishou failed at purifying Eclipse…
Ami shook her head, trying to dispel her doubts. Got to believe I… we can do this, she told herself as she peered back into the microscope.
All these unanswered questions about the Dark Kingdom were bad enough, but delving into the complexities of human mutation was a different beast altogether. She had read countless books on the subject, poured over just about every published paper that came out about the study of mutants. Given how all the Senshi were born… different, the phenomenon of fellow humans evolving with superpowers naturally fascinated Ami.
But this was the first time Ami had directly tackled the matter herself. That was why she wanted Mamoru's help. His familiarity with genetics would prove invaluable. Something she was reminded of every time she scrutinized the bizarre composition of Eclipse's oil slick. It was still unthinkable, how such a trait could evolve in a single generation. Yet the more Ami studied it, she found something more wondrous about Eclipse's power.
"Uncanny," Ami muttered, still staring into the microscope. "There appear to be platelet-like structures in Eclipse's oily solution. Given how she was back on her feet shortly after Usagi tried cleaving her in half, I'd theorize these structures let her instantly seal what would otherwise be fatal wounds. That, and jumpstart the healing process. Letting her recover in days from what would take months for a normal human."
"In that case, we're on an even stricter timetable," Michiru said coolly. "This would mean Eclipse has already recovered from last night, or is close to it. She could launch another attack anytime."
From the tone of Michiru's voice, her meaning was plain. Either we make this chemical weapon work, or they'd probably be forced to kill Eclipse.
The idea horrified Ami, but both of them had seen the havoc Eclipse wreaked. Something had to be done, but Ami still resented how cold Michiru could be about it. They hadn't fought the Dark Kingdom. They hadn't seen good people corrupted by the schemes of Queen Beryl and the Shitennou. It made Ami question the wisdom of letting Haruka and Michiru be involved at all. Their powers had proven rather ineffective against Eclipse, anyway.
No, they'd butt in one way or another, Ami thought sourly. Better it play out like this, so we can keep an eye on them, and Michiru's help really could speed things up.
A quick glance at Mamoru, who was standing behind Michiru and had been sorting bottles of organic compounds, told Ami he felt the same way. It was an uneasy union, but they had to make it work.
Tepid footsteps broke the tense silence that had lingered for a moment. The three of them turned to see Usagi step inside, a sullen look on her face. "Usa-ko, how's Rei?" Mamoru asked.
"I… finally convinced her to take a rest. She's still pretty shaken up," Usagi replied. "Actually, I don't think it took much convincing. Rei will never admit it, but whatever she encountere scared her spitless. She's… not too anxious to try again anytime soon."
"There goes any hope of finding Eclipse that way," said Michiru. Ami shot her a look. Sounding more regretful about the loss of a tactical asset than the well-being of a fellow Senshi? Of course, she shouldn't let herself be too surprised. "But if this force is as powerful as Rei claims, I'd be wary too."
"But just who or what would also be going after Eclipse?" Mamoru wondered. "I mean, I've read reports about mutant psychics, really powerful ones. Powerful enough to affect whole groups of people. Or theoretically, even an entire city. But if it's another mutant, what's he after?"
"What else? Looking for another recruit," said Michiru tersely. "There are many groups of mutants out there from what I understand, some who mean well and some who mean ill. And since we don't know which this mutant telepath belongs to, it's imperative we get to Eclipse first."
Michiru's coolness about the whole thing still bothered Ami, but there was no disputing her logic. Now they possibly had to keep Eclipse from swelling the ranks of a mutant terrorist group. No matter how hard they tried to get a handle on this situation, things kept spiraling out of the Sailor Senshi's control.
Sighing, Ami turned to see she wasn't the only one bothered by that. Usagi looked as perturbed as ever when the subject of mutants came up. "Th-There's whole teams of mutants out there?" she asked dubiously.
"There are mutants everywhere, Usagi, so it's natural some would band together," said Michiru. "Why, Japan even boasts a rather powerful one named Shiro Yoshida, who calls himself Sunfire. And when he's not working directly for Japan's government, I believe he works with one such group. Its name escapes me, though."
Usagi let that sink in, still looking anxious. Just what made her so anxious when mutants were involved!? Ami had thought it was a one-time thing when Usagi first came to her. It was becoming abundantly clear something else was going on.
A fact made crystal clear when Usagi's eyes fell on something one the table close to Ami. Ami followed her gaze, and was surprised to see Usagi staring at the book she had been pouring over last night.
"Hey Ami, this book, it's all about mutations and biology and stuff, right?" Usagi asked, walking up to her. "But… do you really need it to make this anti-Eclipse chemical when you've got all of Mamoru's books?"
"Well, er, no. Not really, I suppose," Ami muttered in surprise. Had Hell itself frozen over? Was Usagi about to ask if she could…
"In that case, maybe I can borrow it!" cried Usagi, snatching it up. Ami was too baffled to utter a word of protest. When the weight of everyone's flabbergasted stares fell upon her, Usagi let out a nervous laugh and said, "I mean, it'll pay to stay informed about mutants and stuff, right? Can't be too prepared, after all. And with high school right around the corner, it sure wouldn't hurt either." She let out another nervous laugh as she anxiously backed out of the room, book still in hand.
The three of them just watched her go. Moments after Usagi had left, Mamoru finally said, "Ami, did we all just see that? I mean, how complex is that book of yours?"
"Let me put it this way: we should start a betting pool for how long it takes Usagi to throw it down in frustration," Ami said flatly.
"Put me down for 2000 yen at high noon, three days from now," Michiru said coyly. But then, her flippancy vanished. "Still, I've noticed how flustered Usagi becomes whenever mutants come up. Could she possibly be one herself and is too ashamed to tell us?"
"No. The possibility occurred to me earlier, so I took the opportunity to thoroughly scan Usagi's DNA," said Ami. "By having Rei shove Usagi down a slope so she cut herself on some ice jutting out, but you didn't hear that from me. Anyway, she's got no active X-gene, so Usagi's clean."
"Then it's someone she knows, and she's guarding that secret, but wants to do more," Mamoru reasoned.
"We'll wait until Usagi feels it's the right time to tell us, if she ever does," said Michiru. "In the meantime, we have more pressing concerns." Another coldly logical proclamation from Michiru, but something told Ami there was more to Usagi's unease than anyone realized. And it might spiral out of control just like everything else.
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Night had long since fallen on this side of the Earth, but there was more than darkness to rely on. For one thing, a massive array of clouds hung over the northernmost reaches of the Philippine Sea, providing excellent cover. In fact, they were about to descend through one such cloud. For a fleeting moment, there was an instinctive desire to brace himself, but it faded almost as soon as it came. He had been at this sort of thing for a long time, decades even. So whenever a moment of unease came during tasks that should come naturally, it was for the briefest of moments.
Besides, the bubble of magnetic force that helped Eric Lehnsherr defy gravity and slowly make his way back to Earth's surface kept out the blinding water vapor, for the most part. The cloud itself, the winds blowing in the night… Yes, his forcefield could easily shut out such things, just as he had to learn to shut certain things out of his heart.
Soon enough, the force bubble shielding the three of them passed down through the cloud. It pleased Magneto to see that the two he had chosen betrayed no signs of unease either.
Down to his right, the corpulent Frederick Dukes kept looking down at the yawning body of water below, exuding patience and even thoughtfulness for once. Quite unlike the carnival freak dubbed the Blob that Magneto ran into many years ago. Then again, the massive mutant had been at this sort of thing for a long time as well.
The same could not be said of the younger mutant down at his left. Carmella Unuscione, even though her back was facing Magneto… He could sense her bloodlust as she gazed down at the water, anxiously awaiting the time to strike.
Magneto couldn't keep himself from chiding the impatient young woman. "You must learn some patience, Unuscione. In order to avoid setting off the humans' accursed Magneto Protocols, I cannot risk going too fast as I use my powers like this," he reminded Unuscione. "Besides, with our current plans, time is a luxury we can afford plenty of. They are starting to bear fruit, but we must remain patient."
Unuscione's curly brown hair whipped around as she looked back up to Magneto with a sour expression, but said nothing. Unsurprising, given that she was an Acolyte, a gang of mutants that worshipped him with what bordered on fanatical devotion.
Magneto still wasn't sure how he felt about that. Soon enough, though, she was gazing at the water again, and Magneto put such doubts at the back of his mind. Well over a year of plotting and patient manipulation would soon pay off.
As the water came up closer, so did their target. A single cargo tanker, headed for a port somewhere in southern Japan. Not that its destination really mattered at this point, despite being so close to the mainland. The ship itself would never make it the Land of the Rising Sun.
Of course, with his powers, Magneto could easily ensure this by simply lifting the entire tanker out of the sea, removing humans by force afterward. But no, for his long-term goals, it was necessary to do this in the reverse order. And knowing humans, with their propensity to give in to their fear of mutants and not closely analyze their actions until much later, forcibly casting the humans off the ship first would suit his needs nicely.
So the three mutants continued their methodical, silent descent toward the cargo ship. It was only a thousand feet or so below them now, then it was five hundred…
Of course, with the way energy crackled around his magnetic barrier, it would have been foolish to expect the humans on deck to not spot them until they touched down. Magneto heard frantic cries from the crew. Unuscione and Blob probably didn't understand what they were saying, merely salivating at the chance to crack some humans' skulls. Magneto, however, could make out some of their fearful outbursts. He had been making an effort to understand Japanese, all part of his long-term plans.
But then, something surprised Magneto, even though he soon realized it was something he should have anticipated. The armed crewmembers had already opened fire, but Magneto couldn't fling the guns away.
"Plastic guns even here," he muttered to Blob and Unuscione. "Those in the Land of the Rising Sun truly are on edge because of our kind."
It was flattering, really, that these people had anticipated a run-in with the Master of Magnetism. Still, it presented a minor complication, albeit one that could easily be remedied. "Blob, Unuscione, prepare to drop."
The two mutants nodded. And with that, Magneto dropped his forcefield and let them fall. To provide cover, Magneto willed the topmost cargo containers to topple over, forcing the humans on deck to scatter.
Then Blob touched down, partially crushing one of the overturned containers with his bulk before jumping off to charge at the crew. Metal or not, immune to Magneto's powers or not, those weapons had no chance of penetrating Dukes's skin. With a menacing, jovial laugh, Blob dashed at the humans as their slugs bounced off his blubbery hide. One wouldn't expect someone so massive to be so speedy, but Blob gleefully defied such expectations, swatting away humans as he dashed past.
Meanwhile, Unuscione had extended her psionic exoskeleton into a pillar as she fell. It telescoped as it touched the deck, slowing her fall, then she got to work. Green energy crackled all around her. Not only was her exoskeleton as handy as Blob's bulk for blocking gunfire, it could easily be weaponized.
Some still standing after Blob's charge rushed at her, other kept using their guns. Willing her extended exoskeleton to take the form of a huge fist, Unuscione toppled those humans foolish enough to charge. Exoskeletal extensions in the form of tendrils lashed out at those who kept their distance, crackling with energy that scrambled their synapses. They crumpled in short order.
As Blob and Unuscione took care of business on deck, Magneto moved on to his objective. First off, he used his mastery over electromagnetism to jam their communications. Granted, he WANTED the humans on the mainland to know about this attack, but not yet. Let the news come as a slow trickle, for maximum impact later.
After Magneto was satisfied that the humans couldn't radio for help, he swooped over to the bridge. Magneto barely noticed the gunfire bouncing harmlessly off his reestablished forcefield as he ripped himself open an entrance to the bridge.
Gunfire greeted Magneto inside the bridge as well. Though he couldn't affect their weapons, what good did that do them when their entire ship was HIS weapon?
Things as innocuous as hand railings took on a life of their own, ripping themselves free to wrap around attacking crewmembers. Floorboards coming alive to knock humans off their feet, sending them scrabbling for any escape, finished the job.
Now that he had a moment of peace, Magneto turned his attention to the bridge controls. With only a thought and a clenched fist, all the machinery ripped itself apart in a dazzling array of sparks and flying parts. Now it was guaranteed that this ship wouldn't go anywhere except where Magneto desired.
So far, things were going smoothly, though the rest of the humans needed to be tracked down and rounded up. Those with any sense were already fleeing for the lifeboats, but there were always some humans who would be defiant to the end. Just as some tried to deny the inevitably of their extinction in the wake of more and more mutant children supplanting them, they would try to make a stand against mutants as some meaningless gesture.
Well, that was part of the reason he was in and around Japan these days, to finally show humans the futility of such notions. And, hopefully, to show fellow mutants once and for all that hoping humanity would ever accept them was just as futile.
Magneto levitated himself out of the bridge and back onto the deck to check on Blob and Unuscione. As he had feared, Unuscione was about to go too far, slowly crushing one crewman to death with a giant exoskeletal fist.
Shaking his head, Magneto moved down to intervene, but amazingly, Blob did it for him. Unuscione was so wrapped up in spewing venomous hate that took even Magneto aback, she didn't hear Blob sauntering up behind her. With a flick of his finger, he bopped Unuscione on the head, making her disengage her psionic exoskeleton.
She rounded on Blob as she rubbed her head, the crewman crumpling to the ground. Unperturbed, Blob just said, "You heard Mags, babycakes. Absolutely no killin'. We want all these Japs to make it back ashore. Besides, don't be greedy girl," Blob added with a nasty grin. "No need to take their lives." With that, he picked up the crewman Unuscione had been set to kill and threw him off the ship. "Just chuckin' the rubes overboard should be satisfyin' enough, don'tcha think?"
"And who says you've learned nothing over the years, Frederick?" Magneto asked coyly as he touched down near them, turning to Unuscione. "I will ignore this momentary transgression, Unuscione, so long as you and Dukes get to sweeping the decks below for any stragglers and making sure they're all removed from the ship." Then he added with extra emphasis, "Alive."
Still, despite hearing a direct order from the man she worshipped, Unuscione protested. "Why not make an example of some of these human vermin, Lord Magneto? Is the objective not to fan the flames of fear in Japan higher?"
"They already know full well the devastation mutants can unleash," said Magneto. "I've tried things that way, and it didn't always work out as I'd hoped. No, better a slow trickle of reports coming in, using quieter confusion more than outright terror."
"But you sure we want the Japanese knowin' about us particular mutants having plans at all?" Blob cut in. "I mean, didn't you say them Sailor Senshi finally got wind about the mutant the yakuza dubbed Eclipse? Ain't the last thing we want is those skirts sniffin' around where we don't want 'em?"
"What's wrong, Dukes?" Unuscione teased. "Afraid to tackle the Sailor Senshi? Their power may be a match for some mutants, but they're just children! How could…"
"Dukes has the right of it Unuscione, believe it or not," Magneto barked. "Yes, these Sailor Senshi are just teenagers, but so were the original X-Men when Dukes and I first faced them. It would be wise to not underestimate them, even if we have intel that their own enemies probably were not privy to." Then he turned to the Blob. "But to answer your question, it's unavoidable now. We need what's on this ship, and we might as well use this attack to our advantage as part as psychological warfare. Things have progressed far enough so that even if the Sailor Senshi can deduce what it is we really want, it's probably too late. But just to make sure… What's the word from Mystique?"
Blob flashed an obnoxious grin. "Hangin' around in case there's another nudge needed here, a push there. The rest of the Brotherhood's ready to move out too, once Raven gets word from you."
Magneto rounded on Unuscione. "Make sure the rest of the Acolytes are also ready to move out on a moment's notice, once we return to Asteroid M. In the meantime, begin sweeping the decks."
Thankfully, Unuscione no longer questioned his orders and headed for the nearest stairwell, the Blob following close behind. Magneto watched them go, then looked out across the waters. They looked relatively calm this night, belying the oncoming storm he was helping to bring about onto the island nation.
Yes, subtly paralyzing confusion would work much better than straight-up terror. Hopefully, the Japanese would assume he just wanted it for raw materials, and if not, it would take them time to figure what one thing on the ship he had truly needed. Add to that all the humans he ensured would make it back to Japan. Each with a different account of what happened, each adding to the fear and confusion about mutants already plaguing Japan.
Indeed, in the past, Magneto had tried the direct approach often. Seizing a base and its nuclear arsenal, threatening the nations of the world with a device that let him manipulate volcanic activity… None of those had worked out. It was time to try something else. And with that realization, Magneto smiled again as he looked out at the deceptively calm sea.
Only for it to fade when he sensed a disturbance. His helmet helped screen out the worst of telepathic assaults, but he was all too familiar with this power.
"So, you're on the hunt too, old friend," Magneto said softly. "Even if you can find this particular mutant with Cerebro, it's no use."
Though it was Charles Xavier and his X-Men who had foiled most of his previous plans, he wasn't too worried about their interference this time. If anything, he was hopeful the disagreement that had long divided them would finally be resolved, though he regretted how it would tear out his old friend's heart. Charles would insist that men and women, mutant and human alike, needed an ideal, a dream to strive for.
I'm sorry, old friend. You'd say the world needs dreamers to give it a soul. But the world needs people like me to splash cold water in the faces of those asleep. It needs realists like me to keep it alive, Magneto thought to himself. You believe in the best in people, Charles. I can't afford such delusions. I've seen the worst.
Magneto watched the calm waters a bit longer before he jumped off the side, levitating down to help Blob and Unuscione sweep for stragglers. The sooner they wrapped things up so close to Japan, the better.Blob was righter than he knew before. The X-Men would no doubt interfere soon enough, yet it was Sailor Moon who was a more pressing threat. But Magneto had already prepared for that eventuality. Or rather, his newest ally had.
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Usagi sighed as she followed Chibiusa out of the grocery store, beginning the long trek back home. It hadn't been a restful night. Between knowing some part of the Dark Kingdom survived and Ami's book hardly being light reading, Usagi hadn't slept all that well. Now it was high noon, and the sun beat down on the two of them as they lugged paper bags stuffed with groceries.
Funny how they were secretly superheroes who had saved Japan time and again, but there was no getting out of mundane chores to earn an allowance. Something she wasn't exactly shy about complaining about.
"Ugh, hunting mutants by moonlight, lugging groceries by daylight. Something that could only happen to us, huh?" Usagi grumbled.
"Yeah, mention your night job so everyone on the street can hear. Brilliant, Usagi," Chibiusa spat. Usagi was about to fire off with a retort, but bit her tongue. No, she couldn't work up her usual fury over her future daughter's brattiness. This whole situation with mutants was just sucking away energy worse than any Cardian ever could.
The Sailor Senshi were supposed to be the guardians of love and justice, right? And yet, she had no idea what Sailor Moon could do to stem this rising tide of hate and fear. Having to hunt down a mutant made it worse. If they didn't corral Eclipse soon, things could spiral out of control even more.
But the possibility that Eclipse had been the Dark Kingdom's puppet who just happened to be a mutant, or possibly BECAUSE she was a mutant… Little surprise that that perfectly logical assessment about why Eclipse had to be hunted down did nothing to assuage Usagi's unease.
"Whatever the situation, mutants come out the losers," Usagi muttered as they hauled their groceries down the street. If Chibiusa heard her, she gave no sign, continuing apace in front of her.
Not that she would have anything useful to say, her brattiness aside. None of the other Senshi seemed to have any answers. Not even Ami and her Mamo-chan. They were the smartest among them, and knew plenty about genetics. But though they knew all about genetics, they were at a loss regarding the problems those with X-genes faced.
And even if they had some idea, Usagi still couldn't tell them about her biggest problem when it came to mutants. Her old friend WAS one, but not only was Usagi obligated to guard that secret, she could do little to console Naru without her knowing that she knew. It was such a stupid predicament, one that could only happen in Sailor Moon's messed-up double life.
But as Usagi's thoughts dwelled on mutants as they headed back to the bus stop, something caught her eye. As they passed a restaurant with tables right outside, one of the patrons sitting at one sported a hair bow. One with a familiar green shade…
Usagi almost dropped her bags. Looking back over her shoulder, there was indeed Naru Osaka, sitting alone at one of the tables, not looking at anything in particular. She was merely idly drinking from some can. Closer inspection revealed it was some sort of sport shake.
Well, no surprise there. Usagi thought. I mean, having super-strength as your mutant power means you'd need extra protein for muscle, wouldn't it? Not that Usagi could see whether Naru had really bulked up. She wore her green and black dress with long sleeves, the same one she had worn the night Tiger's-Eye made his move and probably triggered her X-gene.
It took a moment for Naru to realize there was someone watching her. In an almost listless manner, she finally looked up, and her face didn't exactly brighten when she saw Usagi. Naru didn't say anything either, so Usagi took the initiative and broke the ice. "Wow, Naru, I didn't expect to see you out here!" Usagi said, doing her best to put on her usual, cheerful persona. Just the fact that it wasn't coming naturally told Usagi she was more depressed about the whole Eclipse thing than she cared to admit. "I mean, we haven't seen each other since school let out!"
"True, we… haven't," said Naru at length. Naru wasn't even trying to put up a cheery veneer. Those few words took visible effort to get out, and Naru clearly struggled to utter more. "So, did you… pass the last round of entrance exams, Usagi?"
Usagi nodded giddily. "Yeah, believe it or not, I passed! Dreading when my mom sees what's bound to be a score that barely cut it, though, but no big deal, I guess. I mean, we're off to high school in a month or so! So, do you have your new uniform yet? I bet you look really good in it!" Usagi was fumbling for something, anything to throw out there. Whatever she thought would take Naru's mind off inner turmoil Usagi could never truly understand.
"Yeah, well, I did get it, but haven't bothered to try it on yet," Naru said, sounding disinterested. "It's no big deal, anyway. It's just another uniform."
All hopes Usagi had harbored that Naru's plight was getting better vanished. Months before, when her mutant powers had yet to surface, Naru had been as eager to earn the right to wear Juban High School's uniforms as Usagi. Usagi had figured that if she passed, Naru surely did too, and had at least that to look forward to. Now it meant less than nothing to her.
A fact that Chibiusa was all too happy to blurt out. "Really, Naru? Just about all the girls were jazzed about getting those uniforms. Is something the matter?"
Yes, you little imp! Naru's a ridiculously powerful mutant in a country that's starting to hate her kind for no damned good reason, and it's eating her up inside! It took all of Usagi's willpower to not scream that at Chibiusa, and throttle her for good measure.
"I don't know, Chibiusa, I don't know," Naru replied nonchalantly. "I guess I'm… growing up. Realizing there's bigger things in life. I'm… kind of waiting for Umino right now. We've got something we've been doing together. A sort of workout routine, so…"
Naru was cut off by loud screams coming from the building next to the shop. The three of them looked over to see it was some sort of apartment building, and police clad in what looked like riot gear were pouring out. A crowd had gathered in the brief moments Usagi had been talking with Naru, and a rather raucous one at that, shouting insults and threats.
Usagi had no idea what all the animosity was about. When she saw more police officers come out, dragging along a young girl with some sort of muzzle clamped over her mouth, she began to get a fairly good idea.
Chibiusa dropped her grocery bag suddenly, and Usagi looked down to see she was completely dumbstruck. "Th-Th-That's the girl form the news!" she spluttered out. "The mutant girl with ice breath." Usagi froze inside herself. This was the LAST thing Naru needed to see play out right in front of her.
Another voice from behind them cut in. "Naru, I'm here! Oh hey, Usagi! Been a while since we've seen each other. And… Geez, what's with this crowd?"
Usagi turned to see Umino walking up, carrying a duffel bag. In stark contrast to Naru, he looked hopeful and happy. But that slowly changed as jeering taunts about mutants reached his ears. Understandably, Naru was on her feet, watching with horror as things played out. Umino instinctively pulled her close, though of course if things turned ugly, Naru hardly needed protection.
Thankfully, no one in the crowd suspected there was another mutant right behind them. Or looked at how tightly Naru was gripping the back of her chair. Usagi grit her teeth anxiously as she watched Naru inadvertently squeeze metal in her hand as if it were clay.
A scream from the terrified girl made Usagi's gaze snap back to the police cars. She watched helplessly as she was herded into a police car as the jeers and taunts continued. But then, one voice dared to stand out. Daring to question what was going on. Wait a minute, that voice sounds… familiar.
Usagi almost dropped her own grocery bag when she saw a brunette in a pink skirt suit actually accost one of the officers, demanding an explanation. "What's wrong with all of you!? She's only a child! What's she done!?" she spat, practically shaking the officer as she held him by the collar.
"You've got to be kidding me… Haruna Sakurada!" Naru cried, echoing Usagi's disbelief. Of all the people in Japan, Usagi never expected their grouchy English teacher to stand up for mutants.
The officer calmly grabbed Haruna's wrists and pried her off. "Ma'am, the store owners are pressing charges for wanton destruction of property and endangering customers. It's out of our hands."
"Which is ridiculous, of course. It's not like this kid WANTED to hurt anyone from what I saw on the news," Umino muttered.
Haruna continued to vent, but another officer pulled her away as the car finally pulled away. With the target of their anger gone, some in the crowd started hurling taunts at Haruna for daring to stand up for a mutant. If it got to Usagi's old teacher, she didn't show it.
She showed more emotion when she spotted Usagi upon storming off. "Well then, Miss Tsukino, I… certainly didn't expect to run into my old students today. Shameful display, wasn't that? What's our country is coming to?" Haruna snarled, looking back as the rest of the police cars drove off. "Please give me a bright spot for today. Please tell me you passed your entrance exams, girl."
"Uh, yeah," Usagi managed, nodding.
"Good. I've achieved something worthwhile in the last few years, then," Haruna said brusquely. "But to think, I spent so much time teaching in this country, just for some of my students to possibly be hauled away if they're born with some quirk. I'll tell you, Tsukino… If you or your friends here were born with superpowers, I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to use them to tear it all down." With that, Haruna stormed off, leaving Usagi in stunned silence.
When she turned back to Naru and Umino, the former was glaring at her. The most accusatory glare Usagi ever had directed at her. No words were spoken. None were needed. Naru's eyes said it all: Why didn't YOU do anything!?
She knows! She really does know! Usagi realized, horrified. Before, Usagi had wondered if she was reading too much into things. Now, there was no doubt Naru truly suspected she was Sailor Moon. And there was no doubt she now expected Sailor Moon to do something, ANYTHING, for Japan's mutants. Instead, Naru had watched the hero she once idolized stand there and do nothing. Their bitchy old teacher had just done more on behalf of mutants!
"Sorry Usagi, but Umino and I have to go," Naru said tersely. She reached for Umino's hand and pulled him along. Umino couldn't suppress a wince as a hand that could crush tempered steel dragged him away.
Usagi stood there for a moment, watching them go. So many months, being uncertain of how to approach Naru, to help her during this tough time. Now that task seemed next to impossible.
"Uh, Usagi? We'd better go if we want to catch the next bus," Chibiusa said sheepishly, tugging at her dress. Usagi could only nod dully, then follow Chibiusa to the bus stop.
I couldn't have done anything back there. I couldn't have gotten away from a crowd that size, transformed, and rushed back before that girl was hauled away, Usagi told herself during the ride home. Besides, what could Sailor Moon do? She's supposed to bushwhack monsters, not the police!
She kept finding ways to rationalize it during the bus ride. But though it all sounded perfectly logical, it all rang hollow for Usagi.
So after they got home and the groceries were put away, Usagi sort of just shuffled away without a word, heading back up to her room. Perhaps reading that book again would dull her brain just enough to make her forget how rotten she felt. But as she was about to go up the stairs, Usagi heard her father call out to her. "Usagi, dear, is something the matter?"
It wasn't just how she was obligated to never whisper a word about Naru's mutant powers. Usagi was in no mood to talk, period. Still, something deep within told Usagi she had to get at least SOME of this burden off her chest, lest she explode.
With a tearful gaze, she turned to her father. "Oh Dad, while we were walking back from shopping… A little girl got hauled away by the police, a mutant from what Chibiusa said!" Part of Usagi feared he'd agree with that, but though Kenji's expression seemed neutral, Usagi got the sense she could go on. "And there was a crowd, and they were saying horrible things! She was just a kid, probably not in middle school yet, and, and… Oh Dad, what's going on out there!? Why's everything blowing up in Japan all of a sudden!?" she finished tearfully.
Kenji's expression was level a moment longer, a bit stoic perhaps, but then Usagi saw his features soften. Yet his next words were surprisingly no-nonsense. "Usagi, come with me. I don't know if it will help, but there's something you'll want to see."
Usagi had no idea what her father had to show that could help. But with Eclipse on the loose, Ami's plan to catch her days away from primetime and anti-mutant hysteria blowing up around Naru, Usagi was desperate for any answers.
So she followed Kenji into his private office. Usagi hardly ever came in here, despite always being fascinated with her father's work. All the famous people he got a chance to meet, traveling all over the world at one point.
In fact, when she went in, Kenji was staring at a framed newspaper article with a photo that looked like it was taken in another country. It showed men in military uniforms that were definitely not Japanese. And one man in particular, perhaps a general, was shaking hands with a younger man in some weird costume. He wore blue and yellow, along with some weird red visor. And there were three others with that same blue-and-yellow costume, along with… a man covered in chunky ice? And one of the other guys had wings?
It suddenly clicked for Usagi. "Those five in that photo, they're mutants?" Usagi asked tepidly.
"Usagi, do you remember me telling you that when you were very young, I was an international reporter for a newspaper?" Kenji asked at length. Usagi nodded dully, not taking her eyes off the framed article. "Well, as fun as the job could be, I hated always being away from home, and my little girl. But thankfully, I was in the right place at the right time, and covered a story that won me a lot of awards. And with those padding my résumé, that pretty much guaranteed I could get any job I wanted, so I switched to a job that let me stay here in Japan. But oftentimes, I find myself thinking back to this day that changed everything. For the entire world."
Usagi wasn't sure what her father meant by that, at least at first. But when she stepped closer to read some of the article, it dawned on her. She took the frame off the wall so she could read more closely. "This was the day the whole world learned about mutants," Usagi muttered as she read.
"Indeed. A mutant named Eric Magnus Lehnsherr showed up, calling himself Magneto, and took over an American installation housing nuclear weapons," Kenji explained. "But he was driven off when a group of young mutants calling themselves the X-Men arrived. I still remember it like it was yesterday."
Usagi turned to stare at her father, wide-eyed. "You… were at the base when Magneto attacked!?"
"I arrived later, when the base's personnel were trying to break back in," said Kenji. "Just when it looked like they'd give up hope, those five appeared. They broke through Magneto's defenses, forced him to run, and stopped what could've been a nuclear holocaust. The world learned that day how dangerous mutant powers can be in the hands of those who'd abuse them, but also, there were those ready to use their mutant powers to protect all of us. It's… just a shame so many readily forget the latter."
Usagi looked back at the photo. These five X-Men were probably hardly any older than her when the photograph was taken. "They… look so young," she thought aloud.
"They sure did back then," Kenji commented. "In fact, looking back, they remind me of our very own Sailor Senshi. Five of them, coming out of nowhere, ready for a threat no one else knew existed and didn't really understand."
Usagi tuned that out and read some more, getting to the part that paraphrased what the X-Men's leader explained to the American general. Their goals, their hopes. "The X-Men aimed to make the world understand mutants, that there were those willing to use their power for good," Usagi said. For the first time in days, a spark of genuine hope flickered within Usagi. "They… fought for love and justice. They really ARE America's Sailor Senshi!"
"Well, that's how it looked at first," said Kenji, taking a stack of magazines off a shelf. "But while those first five were probably all American, soon their ranks grew, and it was evident the X-Men scoured the world for new recruits. Take a look." Kenji opened up the topmost magazine and flipped through the pages. "I usually don't travel overseas anymore, but if I get a chance to see THEM in action again…"
Usagi looked at the photos. Flying high overhead while black clouds roiled, there was a dark-skinned woman with white hair, wearing garb that looked to be influenced by African culture.
"The X-Men even come to Japan at times. Look here." Kenji flipped through a different magazine, until he stopped at a page that showed what was definitely a Japanese man, wearing a bright red bodysuit with white trim. "Shiro Yoshida, one of Japan's very own mutants, calls himself Sunfire. I don't think he was ever officially an X-Man, but he has been seen with them on numerous occasions."
So THIS is Sunfire!? Usagi thought incredulously. Then the rest of Michiru's words came rushing back. The mutant group Michiru couldn't recall the name of… It MUST have been the X-Men! And this business about scouring the world for recruits? That old guy in the wheelchair that Rei saw, the machine he was using… Could that be how they did it? Was that wheelchair-bound guy their leader?
"So it's shameful to see many of our countrymen turn against mutants, when we have someone like Sunfire always being so proud to serve Japan," her father went on. "Not to mention the X-Men once helped Sunfire save our entire country once."
Usagi looked back up to him, blinking in surprise. "They saved Japan?"
"Well, I guess before the Sailor Senshi arrived, someone had to fill in," said Kenji with a smile. "Again, it's a travesty how so many forget this. Then again, very few in Japan follow the X-Men like I do. No offense to the Sailor Senshi, but I just find them fascinating. They're of no one country. They have recruits from all over the world, and go wherever they're needed, even though much of the world fears and hates their kind. It just takes an… uncanny purity of heart to do that sort of thing. I… don't know if this helps you, Usagi. But since you're so upset about mutants right now, I figured showing you all this might bring a little hope, I guess."
It had done that and more. And this certainly didn't make her feel the Sailor Senshi's prominence was diminished. She and the other Senshi were already floundering in the face of these issues surrounding mutants. But now, Usagi knew there was another superhero team out there that probably knew EXACTLY what to do!
"Dad, this does help. A lot!" squealed Usagi. "You say you've followed the X-Men all these years? Can I have, well… EVERYTHING you've got on them? I think I've got some more reading I need to do…"
Kenji looked taken aback by his daughter's admission that she WANTED to do extra reading. But soon enough, he nodded and loaded Usagi's arms with even more magazines and papers.
Usagi barreled out of Kenji's office and dashed up the stairs. She plopped down on her bed, not noticing that Luna was resting at the foot of it. With a surprised snarl, Luna toppled over the edge.
"REALLY Usagi, a little warning!" spat Luna as she climbed back onto the bed. "What's gotten into you anyway?" The cat eyed all the magazines Usagi was sorting through and muttered, "Hmph, should've known you would've tossed aside Ami's book in short order in favor of some manga or whatever."
"Oh ye of little faith, Luna," Usagi fired back snarkily. "Just think of all this as… supplemental reading material."
"Supplemental reading material?" Luna repeated dubiously. "For what?"
Usagi didn't answer, already too absorbed into an article about the X-Men. A mutant superhero team that recruited youngsters from all over the world? That sounded PERFECT for a depressed mutant who once dreamed of being a Sailor Senshi! Even if researching the X-Men yielded no answers about how to deal with Eclipse or anti-mutant hysteria in Japan, perhaps Usagi could at least make that happen for her old friend. Having the Juban High School uniform wasn't good enough now? Well, Usagi could see Naru proudly wearing one of those blue-and-yellow uniforms instead, ready to pound some bad guys! But how to find the X-Men and introduce them to Naru?
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After three days, it was a mix of good news and bad news. The good news was that work on their anti-Eclipse chemical weapon was steadily progressing. With Mamoru and Michiru's help, there was a good change a working version would be ready for testing in a few more days.
The bad news was that might not be soon enough. Haruka had been poking around, pumping everyone she knew with any links to the Japanese underworld for information, and made a startling discovery. The incident with the warehouse along the river had not been Eclipse's first attack. From what Haruka had gathered thus far, it was merely the first one that came to the public's attention. Eclipse had laid into other yakuza locales with a vengeance, but it had all been rather low-key before, only stimulating panic within yakuza inner circles.
Considering what one of the accosted men at the warehouse spluttered out, that wasn't too surprising. But now it was clear Eclipse would strike again, and her antics were already catalyzing more anti-mutant panic. The Sailor Senshi had to be ready when Eclipse struck again, whether or not their chemical weapon was.
Still, despite all that, there were things Ami would not forego. Especially since, at the moment, there was little they could do until the current batch of chemicals finished catalyzing, which would take a few hours.
That gave Ami ample time to keep her weekly ritual of playing chess with Berthier at the Chess Tower. She always found a game of chess helped with anxiety and get jumbled thoughts in order. Besides, Berthier was one of the few other people she could freely talk to about this sort of thing.
"So, it's a race against time to finish this chemical that short-circuits Eclipse's powers," Berthier said softly as she moved her queen across the chessboard, taking Ami's rook. "And because she's connected to an old enemy, you can't risk the authorities capturing her first, since you need answers."
Ami studied the chessboard, trying to plan her next move before answering Berthier. The former member of the Black Moon Clan was unusually bold with her moves today. There were many ways to neutralize her queen, but Ami had to be certain no traps were waiting to be sprung.
"That, and if Eclipse pulls any more attacks out in the open, it'll feed into the current hysteria," said Ami. "According to Haruka, she's been active for weeks, but before, it was nothing that came to the public's attention like this."
"Ah yes, everyone's collective freak-out over mutants," Berthier said with a chuckle that belied the coldness of her words. "It's getting to everyone, even us."
"The rest of your sisters?" Ami asked dubiously. "How so?"
"Need you even ask?" Berthier replied. "Even after purification, my sisters and I can hardly consider ourselves… normal. So when we hear customers talk smack about mutants, it can cut deep. Sometimes I wonder if this new life of ours… Is it a sham? Selling cosmetics so other women can beautify themselves when they harbor such ugliness within? We all took a risk, truly thinking things would be better if we made an effort to cast out the darkness and change. But to see the same darkness in 'normal' people… What if the truth about us ever comes out? Well, I can't speak for my sisters, but sometimes I consider asking Usagi if the purification can be undone. Just in case we need those powers again to defend ourselves from people who hate whatever's… different."
Ami wasn't concentrating on her next move anymore. How could she? All this time after they got through to the Ayakashi Sisters, none of them had openly questioned their decision until now. As far as Ami knew, the threat of the Death Busters or the Dead Moon Circus never made them want their dark powers back. But this was different. The anti-mutant hysteria hit home for them.
"Berthier, you can't be serious," said Ami. "You're just… letting the current climate get to you too."
Berthier's eyes narrowed. Icy blue eyes, and suddenly it was as if the old Berthier was back. "Am I?"
Ami was speechless. Not only was the Dark Kingdom not completely defeated, but now other victories looked to be coming undone. As if I needed any more reminders we HAVE to rein in Eclipse, Ami thought acidly. She looked back down to the chessboard, trying to concentrate.
It proved futile. Berthier's daring with her queen proved more decisive than Ami had realized. Ami hadn't expected it, and it put her at a disadvantage she saw no way to recover from. Within a few more turns, Berthier had her cornered.
As Ami tried to find a way out, she saw Makoto walk onto the game floor, carrying a paper bag. Some more of the chemicals they needed for their anti-Eclipse weapon. Sighing, Ami tipped over her king piece. "Checkmate it is, then. Good game," said Ami, offering her hand.
To her relief, Berthier took it and shook. Not icy cold like her eyes still somewhat were. So the old Berthier wasn't exactly back after all.
"Ah, but I'm still four games behind you, Ami. I do hope the current situation is resolved. Catching up because you're… preoccupied would hardly be satisfying." Right before Makoto reached their table, Berthier added. "And a bit of advice, Ami. As you saw, sometimes one bold, decisive move can win the day, even if it looks too risky. Remember that."
"I'm sure she will, my dear" came an unfamiliar voice. "Perhaps I could trouble either you or your young friend for another game of chess?"
Ami wasn't sure why, but she felt anxiety rise as she turned toward the voice. What she saw was perhaps the last thing she expected to see here in the Chess Tower, let alone Japan. A rather burly man dressed in a sharp suit, but instead exuded refinement and brilliance despite his imposing physique. And despite blue skin, and blue fur that covered his hands and lined the features of his face.