Sailor Moon X: Lunar Eclipse

by Grey-X

Soon after Usagi learns that Naru is a mutant, anti-mutant hysteria hits Japan hard, thanks in part to a mysterious new enemy with mutant abilities known only as Eclipse. As her country begins to tear itself apart, Usagi will have a bit of help when some of the X-Men travel from the United States looking for new recruits, and she'll learn what it really means to be a superhero.

10. Miserable Piles of Secrets

Sailor Moon X: Lunar Eclipse

a Sailor Moon/X-Men crossover

Chapter 10: Miserable Piles of Secrets

7-31-2017

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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It was weird, really. The other night, Sailor Moon had no problem tackling three X-Men. Granted, it was with the utmost reluctance, but there hadn't really been any fear, either.

But now, facing Naru again as Sailor Moon for the first time since that night, Sailor Moon found dread bubbling up within her, though she tried to put up a cheerful veneer to hide it. It wasn't because of Naru's outrageous strength, should she suddenly go bonkers. After all, Sailor Neptune took a few hits from Colossus and walked away fine. No, it was something else, seeing the hurt beneath that cold stare of Naru's. A stark contrast with Umino, who simply exuded more anxious exuberance than usual.

"Well, uh, this is certainly a surprise," said Umino nervously. "Is there, uh, a reason you're here, Sailor Moon? Should we be getting ready to run for our lives?"

"What? Oh, oh no, nothing like that," Sailor Moon said quickly. "I mean, what, do I really need the excuse of some monster being on the loose to go see someone? Besides, it's not like Naru will need me anymore for that sort of thing!"

Sailor Moon laughed nervously, hoping this was diffusing the tension. Yet Naru remained silent, staring back at Sailor Moon coolly. "No, I… guess I don't," she said at length.

"I… never did get to thank you for saving me, Naru," said Sailor Moon. "You ran off too quickly. It's… good to see you're OK with being a mutant now."

"As OK as I can be," said Naru darkly. "Umino's… been helping with that."

"Sure have!" Umino cried, placing his hands on Naru's shoulders. Naru just rolled her eyes. "Why, when we're done, I bet Naru will be able to trade blows with the Hulk himself, and…"

Naru got him to stop by placing a hand over his, giving it a gentle squeeze. Gentle from her perspective, at least, for it made Umino wince and grit his teeth.

"Please, Umino, let's not think too far ahead," Naru pleaded. "And I'm sure there's a good reason Sailor Moon's come to see us after all this time…"

"Oh, right! Yeah, you're right about that," said Sailor Moon, laughing again. It was laughter to cover up her growing unease. After all this time, Sailor Moon was still clueless as to how to approach Naru. "Actually, it's something really important I need your help with, Naru. I need information."

"Information?" Naru repeated dubiously. "What kind of information?"

"It's, well…" Sailor Moon struggled with how to word it. How to bring up her lost first love on top of everything else she was facing? Especially with the boyfriend right next to her? Sailor Moon eventually decided there was no easy way to say it. "I, just, well… I need to know if Nephrite told you about something, before he, well…"

As Sailor Moon had feared, just hearing that name was like an arrow through Naru's heart. "Mr. Sanjoin?" she asked, her features softening. "What about him?"

"It's… about something he did while still, well, evil," said Sailor Moon uneasily. She desperately wanted to minimize the pain this was causing. "I just found out he once made an investment in Erina Kizachi's company."

"The famous roboticist?" Umino demanded incredulously, still nursing his hand. "What's she got to do with Sanjoin?"

"Because the Sailor Senshi think he was commissioning her to build Sentinels," said Sailor Moon darkly.

Umino must've respected Kizachi as much as Ami, but that made Umino's attitude shift from admiration to complete disgust. "She's… building Sentinels!? The big, evil, mutant-hunting Sentinels!?" he demanded, looking fearfully over to Naru. Naru, however, didn't seem all that concerned. "What makes you think that?"

"Because some of the other Senshi ran into one the other night," said Sailor Moon. "This thing… Sailor Mercury thinks it's a completely new design, and was built just to fight us. But who knows what they'll be used for next? Maybe they'll be going after mutants again, too. Naru, I really need to know if Nephrite told you anything. He was ready to ditch the Dark Kingdom, but Erina Kizachi is probably carrying on their cause. I'm sure he'd want the Sentinels dealt with. I don't want these things gunning for you, either. You've got enough to worry about."

Sailor Moon fervently hoped her plea was getting through to Naru. That bitterness had been simmering ever since her mutant powers surfaced, making her shut people out. Umino was probably the only one she trusted. Maybe if she finally saw Sailor Moon working to protect mutants, those walls Naru had built around herself would crumble.

Naru took her time answering. After staring back at Usagi for a moment, Naru looked over to the hole she made by punching that truck through it. "I'm not too worried about Sentinels right now," she said aloofly. "Like you said, Sailor Moon, I can take care of myself nowadays."

"But there's loads of other mutants in Japan who can't! Not against something like the Sentinels!" Sailor Moon implored.

"She's right, Naru. Sentinels aren't something to take lightly, from what I've read," Umino added. "If Sanjoin told you anything, I think you'd better spill it."

Naru shut her eyes tightly, and Sailor Moon could see glistening tears. Tears shed over Nephrite, or something more? Did she still think Sailor Moon was doing too little to protect mutants?

"I'm sorry, Sailor Moon, but Mr. Sanjoin never told me about what he did in business," said Naru. "Whatever he did with this Erina Kizachi, I have no idea."

Sailor Moon's heart sank all over again. She just ripped open old wounds for nothing, and was no closer to getting Naru to come out of her shell. "It's OK, Naru. We'll find out what Kizachi is up to, eventually."

"As long as you're not busy fighting the X-Men," Naru pointed out with an acid bite.

Sailor Moon's insides froze as she winced. Yet again, the Sailor Senshi making the news wasn't helping with mutant relations. It took a moment for Sailor Moon to find her voice again. "Believe you me, I had words with Uranus and Neptune for picking a fight with them," said Sailor Moon. "And now that Sentinels are after us, I made sure they have their priorities straight."

Naru just stared back coolly, then nodded. "Well, good luck, Sailor Moon. Sorry I can't be more of a help."

If Luna had her way, you would. But I don't want you anywhere near the fighting, Naru. I don't even want ME near the fighting, actually… Sailor Moon mused. Out loud, she said, "Good luck to you too. Keep benching those trucks!" After letting out yet another nervous laugh, she turned and jumped away, hoping Naru didn't see the tears she herself would soon shed.

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Michiru kept staring into the microscope. Over the last few days, her patience had worn thin, especially after that frustrating clash with the X-Men. Most Daimon had the courtesy to at least be stymied by Sailor Neptune's attacks, and not be swift enough to consistently avoid them. Colossus was a different beast altogether. Between the X-Men making things more difficult and Eclipse resisting the Ginzuishou's purification, Ami's chemical weapon was their only hope.

But hard work and patience were finally paying off. Michiru couldn't help but smile as she watched the final results of their handiwork. One good thing from that battle the other night was that Ami was able to recover more of Eclipse's oil slick. So there was plenty of specimen to test Ami's completed weapon on.

And right before Michiru's eyes, that goop's entire makeup was destabilizing, slowly becoming an inconsistent mess. Ami's plan to attack Eclipse through this protein structure had been a good one. Combined with the other chemicals in her weapon that would act as sedatives, they had the perfect means of bringing Eclipse down. At least in theory.

A nagging fact that Ami just had to reiterate. "So far, it looks like our weapon is effective is working on the samples we recovered from Eclipse. But without a way to field test it, there's no way to know if it works on Eclipse herself until we douse her in it. It's just like antibiotics. Sometimes, in vitro testing just can't tell you about its efficacy in vivo," Ami said matter-of-factly. Michiru looked up from the microscope to scowl at Ami as she went on. "So we'd better be careful about how we attack Eclipse with it, and be ready to clobber her if it fails."

"That's what you and me are for, Ami," said Makoto with a grin. The rest of the Senshi, along with Artemis, had gathered in the shrine's lab to discuss their next move. It didn't feel quite right without Usagi present. She was off gathering information no one else had a hope of obtaining, but still. As naïve and difficult as she could be, she was their princess, their leader. "But it's OK. Rei and I already got a plan of attack laid out."

"Really? You two?" Haruka spat dubiously. "You've figured out a surefire way to trap Eclipse when we've all failed twice?"

"Ooooh, listen to the tactical genius that got thumped by the X-Men HARD," Rei needled. "That is, before one of them thumped you at that racing game and stole a kiss."

Haruka glared back at Rei. "Says the one too scared to use spiritual power to track Eclipse for days, thanks to an X-Man's telepathy," she snarled. "I won't hesitate to rush at Cable next time he gets in our way. What was your excuse?"

"Enough, Haruka!" Michiru barked. Yes, the Inner Senshi could still be insufferable, but they all needed each other. Their fight with the X-Men, seeing how those mutants functioned perfectly as a unit, drove that home. "If they already have a plan to use this weapon, let's hear it. It may be our last chance to capture Eclipse."

"Or, like you said, kill her if there's no other option," Minako reminded her.

"Are you still prepared to do that?" Makoto asked dangerously, before turning to look at everyone else. "Are we?"

"As much as I hate to say it, we may not have a choice," said Artemis. "With each attack, Eclipse gets more and more brazen. If she attacks the shipyard tonight, she may finally cross the line."

Funny how the cat has a better grasp than the Inner Senshi themselves, Michiru noted, seeing the Inners' lingering reluctance. Thankfully, Michiru sensed it wouldn't prevent them from doing what was necessary, should they run out of options. With the Ginzuishou's failure, they now understood how deep Eclipse's corruption went. "So as I said, let's not take success for granted and use our new weapon wisely," said Michiru.

"It's quite simple, really," said Rei. "We arrange a stakeout at the shipyard, tonight. If Eclipse shows, Ami and Makoto rush in and keep her busy, with the others on standby if things get ugly. The two Senshi with powers that can hurt her, ready to lay down the law… THAT'LL frazzle her, for sure! And there won't be any Sentinels to save her oily hide this time!"

"We hope," Ami grumbled.

"And while she distracted by Ami and I, she's shot at by our weapon from afar," Makoto continued for Rei. "She got away from us twice thanks to quick thinking. This way, we take her completely by surprise! NO chance to get away."

Amazingly, Michiru found herself liking the idea, but the stratagem still needed fine tuning. "What about the X-Men? We have to expect they'll show up at some point. And next time, there'll surely be more than three of them."

"Ami will have to have her visor on at all times, so she can spot them before they close in," said Mamoru tersely.

His unease wasn't lost on Chibiusa. "Mamo-chan, you OK? You still sense that Usagi is transformed?"

"Yeah, Chibiusa," Mamoru grunted. "It's weird. I know she's turned into Sailor Moon, but… There's no sense of danger, nothing that feels like she's in a fight…"

"Perhaps that's how she's coaxing information out of Naru," Artemis suggested. "I mean, she still hero-worships Sailor Moon, right?"

"I had the same thought. Which is the only reason I'm not rushing out of here now," said Mamoru.

"Just as long as she's back in time for the stakeout," said Michiru. "There's nine of those X-Men here, plus their professor. Only with Sailor Moon will the odds be even."

"Even then… Those mutants are tough. That guy Cable, his telekinetic shield could really take a beating," said Minako. "Not to mention what he did to Haruka's head, that didn't look fun." Michiru still found that galling, how these people could be a match for their team. They were the Sailor Senshi, reincarnated protectors connected to the very heavenly bodies of their solar system! Yet they had been stymied by people who were essentially freaks of nature!

"Another reason we'll need Usagi back soon," said Haruka, grimacing. "She seems to know more about these mutants than any of us, and we're out of time to research them ourselves."

"She'll be here, X-Men fangirl or not," said Rei.

"By the way, your strategy… Makoto mentioned shooting the chemical at Eclipse. With what?" Haruka demanded.

"I thought no one would ever ask!" Chibiusa beamed. Michiru turned and saw she had begun dribbling Luna-P. Then she threw it up in the air, and with a puff of smoke, it came down as something entirely different. With a grin, Chibiusa caught what was essentially a sniper rifle perfectly sized for her, but one with a wide enough barrel to shoot something far bigger than bullets.

"That's… one way to use a chemical weapon from a distance," said Michiru, looking at Chibiusa's gun dubiously. "But… how easy is that to use? I don't suppose there's any way to get some practice before the stakeout?"

"Oh, I think I may have an idea," Minako interjected with a grin.

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"Well, that was a complete waste of the rest of our morning," Sailor Moon grumbled as she sat and leaned against a cooling tower. She had stayed transformed for their trip back, bounding across rooftops.

Luna wished that she hadn't. It wasn't as easy for even a Mooncat to jump from rooftop to rooftop. Still, Luna didn't complain. Sailor Moon had enough on her mind. "Naru knew nothing about what Nephrite used to be up to, and on top of that…"

"Don't worry, Sailor Moon. Naru's secret is safe with me," said Luna quickly.

"Well, I was going to say I didn't get much of a breakfast and I'm hungry again. But yeah, that too," said Sailor Moon.

Luna glared at her. Some things just never changed. Same old Usagi, with her brains in her stomach half the time. But at least now I know what's been bothering her. Out loud, she said, "I just wish I could help you with Naru. There's… just so much a talking cat can do."

"I'll figure something out eventually," said Sailor Moon. "She's doing a little better now, thanks to Umino. I just wish… I never thought Naru would get THAT upset over me spending more and more time with the Senshi. That it hurt her this much."

"Well, I don't like how she probably figured out who you really are," said Luna.

"Really? That's all?" Sailor Moon admonished. "Can't you try to see it from Naru's point of view?" Looking away, Sailor Moon huffed. "That's the problem, isn't it? No one tries to see things from a mutant's point of view. Not even… Not even Mama and my little brother."

Suddenly, it hit Luna. "Oh, so that's what set you off this morning."

"Where did things go wrong?" Sailor Moon asked, looking back to Luna teary-eyed. "All this time the Sailor Senshi have been around, all the times we saved the world… I liked to think we made a difference in other ways, that we set an example. That that was what being the guardians of love and justice really meant. Now things just get worse and worse, and it doesn't look like there's anything the Sailor Senshi can do!"

Luna said nothing. What was there to say? This was the sort of problem that had no immediate answer. In a way, fighting the likes of the Death Busters or the Dead Moon Circus was easier. Fight some monsters, stop the planet from being consumed by darkness, call it a day.

There was no short-term solution for what Usagi sought to fix, and long-term solutions remained elusive and uncertain. How to solve issues stemming from fear and distrust, which plagued mankind even before the reign of the Moon Kingdom and long after its fall?

Sailor Moon stood up and walked to the edge of the roof, looking down below. Luna wondered what the girl was ruminating over now. Naru again? Or how the city in general had grown so hostile toward mutants? Before Luna could ask, Sailor Moon suddenly tensed as she noticed something.

"What is it, Sailor Moon?" asked Luna as she ran up to the edge. Suddenly, it all became clear. They were on a building across the street from a skyscraper that had 'Kizachi Technologies' emblazoned on the side, and a crowd was filing into the front entrance.

"How did we forget about this?" Sailor Moon wondered aloud. "Erina Kizachi herself is giving a seminar today! How come none of the other Senshi thought of sneaking in?"

"Well, er, some of them might have suggested it, but finishing the weapon took priority. Ami and Mamoru couldn't be dragged away," said Luna. "Also, there was concern that Kizachi could sniff us out. I mean, if Naru finally figured out your identity, and the X-Men did it in a matter of days, there's a good chance Kizachi has too. She probably knows all of your civilian identities by sight."

Luna expected Sailor Moon to be despondent. Yet to her shock, she cackled with confidence. "Wow, everyone's forgotten?" Looking up, Luna saw that she had fished out the Transformation Pen. "I've been dying to find an excuse to use this little baby again, anyway!" Before Luna could cry out in protest, Sailor Moon raised the pen up and cried, "Moon Power, transform me into a beautiful scientist!"

Luna could only watch as light enveloped Sailor Moon. When it faded, someone much different stood in her place. A much taller woman, with glasses and shorter blond hair pulled back into a single ponytail, wearing black pumps and a white lab coat.

"Ha ha ha ha, still works!" Sailor Moon cried with glee, satisfied with her appearance. Looking down, she said to Luna, "OK, the most common epigenetic factor leading to teenagers having mutant genes triggered are hormones pumped out due to stress. Ha ha ha ha, what do you think? Do I sound… sciencey enough?"

She didn't exactly sound like Nobel Prize-winning material, but genuine enough to pass. Barely. "Well, it's obvious you put… EFFORT into learning from Xavier's book," said Luna dryly.

Sailor Moon scowled down at her, but then smiled. "Good enough for me. I'm going in, Luna! Get back to the shrine and tell them their princess is doing a little recon. I'll be back in time for busting Eclipse tonight."

With that, Sailor Moon turned and ran to the side of the building facing an alley, jumping off. Looking back over the rooftop, Luna soon saw the disguised Sailor Moon emerge from the alley at a run. She dove right into the street in her haste, not even waiting for the walk signal, causing a lot of drivers to screech to a halt while Sailor Moon wailed nervously and flailed about. Eventually, to Luna's relief, she reached Erina Kizachi's building and disappeared inside.

"I hope I made the right choice, letting her go without a word of protest," Luna grumbled. Yes, Sailor Moon had matured some, but she could still be goaded into making reckless choices. Luna fervently hoped this didn't prove to be another incredibly reckless move.

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"Minako and her bright ideas," Chibiusa grumbled as she put her eye back up to the scope. Her eyes were going to bleed if this kept up much longer. Then again, what choice was there? She needed practice with a sniper, and she needed it before tonight.

So Minako brought her to the arcade, along with enough yen to play this game called Silent Scope for hours on end. And a footstool to stand on. And, of course, using it as an excuse to flirt with Motoki.

"Maybe I should've just had Usagi use the Luna-P," Chibiusa muttered. She scored another grisly headshot on a collection of polygons. "This is the sort of 'practice' that Usagi wouldn't complain about."

"What was that about Usagi?" came Motoki's voice, making Chibiusa jump. "I haven't seen her here nearly as much as Minako and her other friends these days. Is something wrong?"

Chibiusa's mind raced, looking for some excuse to feed Motoki. Then again, it was hard when her future mother was being so tight-lipped these days. "Well, er, you know Usagi. Liable to get worked up over something little."

"Ah, well, that's just part of her charm, I guess," said Motoki. "And I'm glad you're getting something out of this game. It… hasn't been the biggest moneymaker."

"I can't imagine why," Chibiusa groaned.

"Well, I'll leave you to it. And do tell Usagi to drop by more often." With that, Motoki gave Chibiusa a friendly pat on the shoulder and returned to work. Chibiusa sighed, doing the same, giving a bunch of polygon figures virtual hot lead injections.

Maybe people who say these sort of games desensitize us kids to violence have a point, Chibiusa pondered. If anything, she felt her mind going numb from playing it. Yes, Usagi would've been a better choice to wield Luna-P for their mission tonight, if it meant this sort of 'training'. But just what was her deal these days? Chibiusa hated how her ditzy future mother was keeping secrets and bottling stuff up inside. She never did that before, not like this.

Chibiusa was so preoccupied with her frustration with Usagi, and this stupid arcade game, she didn't realize she had company. "Well, fancy meeting you here, Chibiusa," came a grating, saccharine voice. Someone was leaning right next to her on the arcade cabinet.

With a groan, Chibiusa turned to see PallaPalla leaning there, smiling sweetly. Everyone's least favorite member of the Amazoness Quartet.

Not that it wasn't also a detriment that the other three were there as well. JunJun stood up on her footstool behind her. Being taller than Chibiusa, she effortlessly rested her hands and head over Chibiusa's head. "Yeah Pinkie, it's been a few weeks. Never call, never write, never check up on us…"

"So, whatcha doin'?" CereCere inquired sweetly, leaning on the other side of the cabinet.

"Trying to think of a reason to not turn the Luna-P into a flamethrower and burninate the lot of you," Chibiusa said sharply.

"Aw, we missed you too!" cried VesVes, either oblivious to how vexed Chibiusa was or simply not caring. She even stood on the footstool next to Chibiusa and hugged her!

"Aw, is it true what they say? That video games turn kids into mindless killers?" PallaPalla shrieked all of a sudden. "PallaPalla doesn't want sweet little Chibiusa to go on a shooting spree!" Then SHE had the nerve to hug her as well. Chibiusa just stood there, motionless as a statue. Now she could somewhat empathize with Usagi, what with keeping mounting frustration bottled up.

"Ha! Says the one who thought it was sound dental practice to stop a toothache by removing someone's head!" JunJun quipped.

"Oh yeah, I forgot all about that!" said CereCere.

"I'd LIKE to forget about that dentist crap she pulled," Chibiusa snarled, still motionless among the quartet of pests piled around her. "Along with that age swap prank of hers!"

"Aw c'mon! It couldn't have been THAT bad!" VesVes protested.

"Yeah! You probably spent that entire evening feeling yourself up!" JunJun added.

Chibiusa didn't exactly have a retort as all four of them burst into laughter. After all, JunJun wasn't ENTIRELY wrong. But as Chibiusa racked her brains for some way to get these pests to leave, they suddenly all fell silent.

Looking to each one of them, Chibiusa saw they all had blank, lifeless looks in their eyes. Then, as one, they walked away from the arcade cabinet in a robotic fashion. The complete antithesis of their usual, boisterous selves. As Chibiusa wondered what could make them back off like that, the reason suddenly hit her.

"Cable," Chibiusa whispered.

Chibiusa looked behind her, and indeed, that big, white-haired man from the other day was back. Once again with sunglasses to cover those scars on his right eye, and a coat to hide his bionic arm. "I trust you don't mind me coaxing your old… friends into leaving you alone?" Cable asked matter-of-factly.

Chibiusa stared up at the fellow time-traveler for a moment. "What do you want?" Chibiusa demanded. "To talk? Wouldn't it be quicker for you to just read my mind instead?"

"Like I said, X-Men who are telepaths are encouraged to… limit that sort of thing," said Cable coolly.

"Yet you didn't hesitate to make the Amazoness Quartet shut their pieholes and leave," Chibiusa pointed out.

"Oh, they'll be just fine," said Cable dismissively. "They'll be back to pester you to no end another day. But it's not the ethical quandaries regarding mental powers that has the Sailor Senshi up in arms, now is it?"

Chibiusa glared up at Cable. "We can handle Eclipse just fine by ourselves, and we need answers out of her. Besides, that offer from the thief guy… If you can't read her mind, how can we expect you X-Men to deliver for us?"

"We have other methods," said Cable aloofly. "As for what the Sailor Senshi can handle… We've looked into your team's history. Yes, one moderately powerful mutant is not beyond your capabilities. But can you say the same about Sentinels?"

Chibiusa's glare now radiated rage. "How deep in my head are you digging!?" she demanded vehemently. If he intruded too far, he could find out about their plans to ambush Eclipse. In desperation, Chibiusa tried to clear her mind, banish all thoughts of the upcoming operation.

"I wouldn't need to for that one," said Cable. Suddenly, his left eye glowed for a brief instant. Chibiusa couldn't help but wonder if Cable could sense what she was trying to do, to keep him out.

"So that IS another reason you X-Men are here in Japan," said Chibiusa. "Maybe I can make you an offer instead: Let us handle Eclipse, and then we'll give you all the intel we got on these new Sentinels." Granted, Ami only got some scan data from her encounter, and hadn't had time to analyze it all. But Cable didn't have to know that. Hopefully he wouldn't take that little nugget of information for himself.

Cable shook his head. "You don't get it. You think you Senshi can handle these things just because some of them drove one off the other night? Trust me, when Sentinels are involved, there's NEVER just one! Next time, they'll come at you en masse, and you best be ready when it happens."

That did sound dire, but once they bagged Eclipse, the Sailor Senshi would have a clear shot at the Sentinels. Provided, of course, the X-Men didn't get in the way.

So Chibiusa kept trying to clear her mind of any stray thoughts tied to the upcoming ambush. "So, are you here to make an offer now? Why me specifically?"

"Well, it's pretty obvious that the ones called Neptune and Uranus wouldn't be receptive," said Cable.

"Yeah, you did try to turn Uranus's head inside-out," Chibiusa spat. Cable just glowered at her. "So what's the deal? Am I simply the first Senshi you stumbled across today? Or maybe you're ready to tell just what's up with you and your time-travelling?"

"You want answers about that? It'll have to wait," said Cable tersely. "In the meantime, I was hoping you'd be somewhat reasonable like your boss. She seemed reluctant to throw down on Eclipse, even fearing drastic measures might be taken. What say you?"

Chibusa really wasn't sure where she stood. She knew of the X-Men's historical importance, but after being stuck in the middle of a firefight with them, Chibiusa was now a tad wary. She refused to be as paranoid and belligerent as the Outer Senshi, but at the moment, she also found it hard to be willing to trust them. The X-Men did have more experience fighting evil mutants than the Sailor Senshi ever would, and yet…

"I say each team tackles the enemy they know best," said Chibiusa. The light of hope flickered in Cable's eyes, and Chibiusa hated how she had to snuff it out. "Eclipse is connected to the Dark Kingdom, so it's best we get the next crack at her. You want to help Japan and the Sailor Senshi? Go after those Sentinels. We don't want them stomping around massacring mutants any more than you do."

"So that's it?" Cable asked sourly. "You're just going to blow off a reasonable offer for help, just like those other two hotheads?"

"Ouch," Chibiusa grumbled. Few things stung like getting lumped with the Outer Senshi. "But like I said, both teams have experience dealing with certain bad guys. I could still get you Sailor Mercury's data on the new Sentinels though, if you'll at least tell me why you travelled through time."

"Not enough to get me to divulge rather… sensitive information," said Cable.

"Then I guess we have nothing more to discuss. I'm done here," Chibiusa shot back. She jumped down from the arcade cabinet, not even looking back toward Cable. She was afraid that doing so could make her concentration falter, unravel her attempt to clear her head.

At least, that was the hope she clung to. There was no telling if it had worked. Now she understood why even Usagi had lost her nerve around Charles Xavier. For all Chibiusa knew, Cable could have everything he needed on tonight's operation.

Still, the longer she hung around him, the greater the risk. And with Cable refusing to divulge anything about his traveling through time, the risk wasn't worth it. But she silently swore she'd get answers once Eclipse was taken down.

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Now THIS is my kind of recon mission! Usagi thought gleefully as she sat in the auditorium for the Kizachi Technologies building. The place had clearly been built with the intention of hosting students or something, since all the seats had fold-out desks for note-taking and such. Not to mention, some place to put the free food they handed out!

She gladly stuffed her face with more curry as Erina Kizachi kept talking. Usagi considered it her reward for successfully bluffing her way inside, then bullshitting her way through some tough conversations she got caught up in. Usagi desperately spluttered out some technobabble she picked up from Ami, and was amazed that it worked, the only drawback being a dubious stare or two.

Ha ha ha, bluffing my way through a science seminar. Too bad Rei bet I'd actually finish Professor Xavier's book. Now I can't rub this in her face! Oh well, I'll just rub it in everyone else's! Usagi thought with a smile.

The seminar had been going on for more than an hour now. Usagi was surprised it took this long for her attention to really start to waver. She had been determined to absorb as much as she could, to relay to Ami later. But now Usagi found her mind drifting. Anything that came out of Erina Kizachi's mouth could be a clue to beating her tonight, then trashing her Sentinels.

Still, Usagi had a nasty notion that she'd have to rely on all the handouts she swiped instead. Rei was right about how a lot of the sciency stuff in Xavier's book really wasn't sticking long term. She wasn't having any better luck taking in all this science gobbledygook from Erina Kizachi's seminar.

When Erina first stepped out, Usagi had found it hard to believe she really was Eclipse. Eclipse wasn't much taller than Usagi, and all the X-Men who came after her the other night towered over her, but that woman in a lab coat… She looked decidedly puny, and given that Usagi was several rows back and on a greater elevation than Kizachi's podium, it served to highlight her tininess.

Still, that long black hair, the dark glasses… Looks like Haruka's suspicion was on target, Usagi had thought with a chill. And then there was just the aura of… coldness Eclipse radiated along with dark power. With the way Erina Kizachi droned on about robotics and artificial intelligence, exuding a passion about her work that belied a chilling disconnect concealed beneath it all, Usagi was more convinced than ever.

Not only was Usagi's mind threatening to wander, but her gaze wandered away from the podium as well. Instinctively, Usagi knew that was dumb. Erina Kizachi was the enemy, and couldn't afford to take her eyes off her, even while disguised by the Transformation Pen, but Usagi couldn't help it. The rest of the Sailor Senshi better appreciate this, Usagi thought sourly as her bored gaze continued to drift.

As Usagi took another bite, she almost choked on it. Her wandering gaze fell on something she had completely missed until now. A couple rows down, right in front of her, was a woman with long, white hair and dark skin, turning to talk to someone beside her. A shorter girl with brown hair done up in a ponytail, like Makoto.

Uh-oh, isn't that the girl who thumped Makoto in chess? Usagi wondered fearfully. Usagi had no idea which X-Man she was, let alone her mutant power. But if there was yet another telepath with them here in Japan…

Thankfully, the two X-Men seemed blissfully unaware that the Sailor Senshi's leader was right behind them. Sighing in relief, Usagi tuned out Kizachi's lecture to listen in on the mutants.

"Yeah, her views and advances with artificial intelligence are quite fascinating," Kitty whsipered. "I still wish Hank could've come along. Kizachi clearly is keeping a lot of things close to her chest."

"Hank would have stood out too much, Kitten, though we don't quite blend in either," replied Ororo. "I fear Kizachi may know full well who we really are."

"You wouldn't know it by looking at her. She's down there preening about how her company's going to put Japan on top of the pack when it comes to robotics and artificial intelligence, not a care in the world," Kitty snarled.

"And yet, no formal announcement about any Sentinels," said Ororo. "She may be imperious, but she's also prudent. A dangerous combination."

"I agree," said Kitty, nodding. "For one thing, listening to her talk about AI, she's obviously learned from Trask's mistakes. I'm starting to wonder if these Sentinels she's supposedly constructing have anything to do with what my… other self warned us about."

Other self? Usagi silently wondered. Usagi was no stranger to that sort of weirdness, having a past incarnation and a future self who would be queen of the world... Wait a minute, don't tell me there's ANOTHER X-Man mixed up with time travel! Oh, Chibiusa's gonna love this…

"Nevertheless, they are a clear and present danger," said Ororo. "There's ample evidence that some sort of Sentinel attack took place the other night, most likely as a trial run. Perhaps the Sailor Senshi defeated it. They held their own against Nathan and the others, after all."

"They might not be so lucky against an entire swarm of Sentinels, Ororo," said Kitty gravely. "The sooner we figure out what Kizachi's up to, the better, for all concerned. Let's just hope the Sailor Senshi don't butt in before we can corner her and get the answers we need."

Kitty looked down at something on her arm. Perhaps another portable Cerebro device? If so, Usagi knew her mere presence would throw it off, making it impossible to confirm that Kizachi was a fellow mutant.

A fellow mutant building Sentinels… It's sick. Sick sick sick, Usagi fumed to herself. At least it sounded like the X-Men intended to take care of the Sentinels for the Senshi. Still, it was disheartening to hear the X-Men had the same outlook as the rest of the Sailor Senshi: get to Erina Kizachi first, lest the other guys beat them to it. Fate seemed determined to put Usagi's loyalties to the test.

Ororo and Kitty went back to listening to Kizachi speak, so Usagi did the same, still grateful that she was just far away enough to avoid Cerebro zeroing in on her. But she had other problems. Usagi didn't need Makoto's story about Kitty besting her in chess to tell how smart she was. She would come away from this seminar with a lot more than Usagi could. That made it important to listen more closely.

Unfortunately, it looked like Kizachi was wrapping up her seminar, as she was now taking questions. "And now, I'd like to take questions from the attendees," said Kizachi brightly, her warm smile belying that creepy look those dark glasses afforded her.

Usagi sat in silence as a couple brainiacs posited questions for the roboticist. Bluffing through a couple quick conversations before the seminar started was one thing, but Kizachi herself was another matter. Anyone Ami looked up to wouldn't be suckered so easily. Besides, why risk exposure? The Sailor Senshi had a plan to catch Kizachi in the act tonight. But as Usagi listened to Kizachi's voice over the microphone, she felt her ire rise.

"That's something else about Kizachi Technologies's future ambitions which I'd rather not discuss in too much detail," said Kizachi smoothly, wrapping up her answer to the last question. "Artificial intelligence is a fascinating discipline, and a useful tool, but progress must be gradual and careful. Many a science-fiction writer in decades' past have warned us of the dangers of reaching too far too fast. I've rather not live to see the need for a Butlerian Jihad."

Usagi looked down when she heard Kitty grunt. The young X-Man visibly stiffened. Clearly, she had very personal dealings with Sentinels before, but kept her mouth shut. Though Usagi imagined Kitty was glaring daggers at Kizachi.

OK then, Kitty. You won't need to stick your neck out. I'll do it for you, Usagi suddenly decided, her courage growing. As soon as Kizachi finished speaking to the last questioner, Usagi stood and fired off a question of her own.

"You mean like Sentinels!?" Usagi demanded, earning her a bunch of gasps and astonished stares. Especially from Ororo and Kitty. Usagi spared a brief glance down at them, and suspected she at least blew her cover in regards to those two. But there was no worming out now. "Years ago in America, Bolivar Trask tried using artificial intelligence to solve the 'mutant problem' as some would like to call it, but it blew up in his face. Yet some might actually say it's time for Japan to try that here, and there's already rumors that some have been built right here in this country. Would Kizachi Technologies have any part in that, considering how it's failed so many times before?"

Usagi hoped that would at least rattle Kizachi, being put on the spot like that. To her dismay, Kizachi's composure did not falter. "Any undertaking involving something as radical as a new line of Sentinels could not be launched without the authorization of the Japanese government, I assure you, and with good reason," she said silkily. "As you pointed out, Sentinels are a prime example of AI running amok. Though it's true that Kizachi Technologies is developing programming and equipment that could be utilized in a Sentinel program, nothing could officially get off the ground without going through the proper channels, for the reasons you elucidated. Besides, though some in Japan would certainly think such drastic measures would be needed in regard to citizens born with these special powers, I'm not quite convinced."

As Usagi took in the rumblings from the audience, hearing how pleased some sounded that the development of mutant-hunting robots COULD be happening, how relieved they were by flimsy assurances about their AI, she realized just how badly this all backfired. She even voiced doubt about a Sentinel program being necessary, making her appear reasonable for when the subject inevitably came up again.

Kizachi smiled up at Usagi as she finished, and she almost shook with rage. She lied through her teeth about one of her Sentinels already being launched. And the scary thing was Usagi figured she WAS forthcoming about avoiding the pitfalls Trask fell into.

Kizachi took a few more questions, and then the seminar was adjourned. As people slowly filed out, Usagi tried to spot Kizachi, but the elusive roboticist had already slipped away. However, she did catch a glimpse of Ororo and Kitty leaving the auditorium.

Her brow furrowing, Usagi pushed her way past the other attendees and ducked through the door Ororo and Kitty went through. As she shuffled through the halls of Kizachi's buildings, trying to find either X-Man, Usagi spotted a brown-haired girl with a ponytail ducking down a corner.

Usagi took off after her, any worries about Erina Kizachi singling her out long forgotten. If these X-Men intended to dig deeper into Kizachi's antics, she wanted to be there.

It looked like Kitty was heading into a research and development wing of this particular floor, from what Usagi could gather. Due to the seminar, there didn't seem to be any employees about at the moment, but that would soon change. That didn't seem to bother Kitty, however. Usagi ducked behind a corner, peeking around it as she strained to listen.

Kitty experimentally touched the walls. Usagi's eyes must have been playing tricks on her… Did Kitty's fingertips actually sink INTO the wall!? Suddenly, Kitty raised one hand to her face, talking into her wrist. Evidently, the X-Men had communicators like the Sailor Senshi's.

"Ororo, I think I found where Erina Kizachi could be developing some new tech for her Sentinels, but I can't risk phasing through," sid Kitty. "From what I can sense of the electric currents… It's jerry-rigged to set off a host of alarms if I try, and zap me good in the process. She knows we're watching her, and how to counter us."

Usagi had no idea what Kitty meant by 'phasing', but she would soon learn. Kitty nodded a couple of times to whatever Ororo was saying. Then, with a look of steely resolve, Kitty suddenly sank right through the floor!

Usagi's brain shorted out for a moment. So, that's her power. She's the X-Man that goes right through stuff, she reasoned. Mental note: call Rei and tell her to watch out for someone who can walk through walls. They won't even need the Cajun thief guy.

She still wanted to find out just what Kitty was trying to break into, supposing Kizachi's tricks hadn't deterred her completely. Usagi headed back the way she came, looking for a stairwell this time.

And when she rounded a corner, she almost collided with Erina Kizachi.

Usagi froze in her tracks, grimacing. Even with her disguise making her nearly a head taller than Kizachi, the roboticist sent a chill down Usagi's spine simply by looking up at her. Usagi had to remind herself that technically, she was still Sailor Moon at the moment. Anything Kizachi could throw at her, she could easily tank, though it wouldn't be pleasant. Still, Usagi fought to keep her nerve, and almost lost it completely when Kizachi spoke.

"I trust you enjoyed the seminar. I must admit, I was surprised when you threw that question out there in such a blasé manner… Sailor Moon." Letting out a choked gasp, Usagi nearly tripped on her heels, waving her arms to maintain balance. "If it makes you feel any better, Sailor Moon, it wasn't that that clued me in. With the sensors I've got worked into this place, I knew I had a Sailor Senshi amongst us the moment you stepped in. You left your transformation active underneath that illusion, didn't you? But the way you helped yourself to a free meal told me which of you it had to be." That finally made Usagi get over her shock, eliciting a glare from her. "Come now, Sailor Moon. Don't feel so scandalized. If Mystique couldn't fool me, you had no chance."

Usagi recognized that name. "The shapeshifter? You're working with the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants on top of making Sentinels? They're in on it?"

"Perhaps they are, perhaps they're not," said Kizachi airily as she circled Usagi, like a predator watching for an opening. Usagi tried to not let Kizachi rattle her nerves further. True, she could tackle her as Sailor Moon anytime, but out in the open like this, it wasn't worth the risk. Besides, if Kizachi risked confronting her like this, she probably had something up her sleeve. Judging by how Kizachi turned her try at a gotcha question against her, Usagi didn't doubt it. "All things considered, it's no surprise a couple of the X-Men found their way here today. However, I was surprised to also find a Sailor Senshi found her way into the lion's den so soon. And Sailor Moon herself, no less. I am honored, truly."

"So you do have it out for the Sailor Senshi," Usagi spat. "You sent that Sentinel after my friends."

"Technically, no, not me specifically," said Kizachi dismissively. "It was just a simple test run, one that was most informative. As for 'having it out' for the Sailor Senshi… No, not quite. If your friends get in my way, I won't shed a tear if I have to strike them down, but I hardly bear them any ill will."

"Oh please, Sailor Mercury said that thing was built to counter our powers," Usagi snarled.

"And it was a challenge, designing such machines to do so. One I relished," said Kizachi.

"And you've been at it ever since Masato Sanjoin made that investment, haven't you?" Usagi retorted. "Even with Queen Beryl gone, you're still determined to pick up where she left off."

"Ahhh, so the Sailor Senshi have been doing some digging. They're capable of so much more than blasting away some bizarre creature that pops up every other week, as I always suspected. Color me impressed," said Kizachi smoothly. "But as for Queen Beryl… Who cares what she wanted? You and I both know she made as many horrendous errors of judgment as Bolivar Trask did. I've learned from her mistakes as well as his. A pity you can't see YOUR own faults, Sailor Moon."

"My faults? What do you mean?" Usagi demanded hotly.

Kizachi snorted. "I guess I overestimated you and your fellow Senshi. Do a little more digging, and it'll dawn on you, one particular crushing failure. As for the rest of your failures, those will be laid bare, for all to see, in the weeks to come."

Usagi had no idea what Kizachi was blabbing about, just that it was gnawing at her for some reason. "What are you talking about? Why do you have such a grudge against the Sailor Senshi if you don't even care about Queen Beryl? Why build Sentinels that'll later be used to hunt mutants, just to get at us!? Why turn on your own kind like this!?"

It was then that Kizachi did something that caught Usagi completely by surprise. Kizachi lunged forward and held her close. But she placed one hand behind Usagi's head, forcing her to crane her neck down and gaze into her eyes. For the first time, Usagi got a good look at those eyes, always concealed behind some dark lenses. Even with those eyes obscured like that, Usagi couldn't help but shudder as she saw blazing hatred.

"Turning on my own kind, Sailor Moon?" Kizachi sneered. "Oh, some might say I most certainly am, but I have good reason. Like I said, have your friends do a little more digging, and the answer may come to you. And by then, maybe, just maybe, as everything comes crashing down, as the fires rise in Japan due to the kindling everyone's ignored for far too long, you'll understand just how badly you've failed. How you don't deserve to lead anything, especially some future Moon Kingdom."

Kizachi didn't exactly shout this tirade at her, more like she shrilled hisses through gritted teeth. The roboticist was trying to maintain control, much like Usagi was, but now it was clear keeping such composure took just as much effort on her part.

"And once you've realized this, once your heart is shattered beyond repair… Then, maybe then, I'll deign to end your suffering for you." With a furious shove from Kizachi, Usagi was sent teetering back, almost tripping on her heels again. "For now, I must insist that you leave. You won't find anything of use here anyway, Sailor Moon. And by now, Munroe's 'kitten' will realize the same thing."

With that, Kizachi turned and walked away, without so much as another look. As if she was unconcerned about the possibility that Usagi might decide to lob her head off with her tiara and be done with it. Granted, Usagi wasn't up to cold-blooded murder, and Kizachi surely knew that. Before Usagi could make up her mind, Kizachi opened a door and slunk inside.

Not quite willing to give up, Usagi bolted toward that door as soon as it closed. But all that was inside was… a janitor's closet? And there was no sign of Erina Kizachi! It was as if she just disappeared!

Well, she's a mutant. She might have some powers we haven't seen yet. Maybe she can turn her whole body into that gunk, slither down the drain and… Oh, I'm getting grossed out just thinking about it! Usagi's hand went to her mouth.

Whatever the case, it looked like Kizachi was right. She wouldn't find anything else of use, and sticking around wasn't worth the risk, not when she had to help the Sailor Senshi ambush the roboticist tonight.

Sighing in defeat, Usagi decided she might as well leave, while she still could. So Usagi backtracked toward the auditorium, thankfully not running into any employees who would ask awkward questions. From there, it was a simple matter to find the front entrance. Hopefully, she could remember enough of the layout if the Sailor Senshi had to storm the place.

But Usagi wasn't really thinking that far ahead. She was still dwelling more on Kizachi's rant. Just what was it that made her hate Sailor Moon so much, if she didn't care about Beryl? What was this supposed failure on Usagi's part that Kizachi was so worked up over?

As Usagi stepped out the front entrance, however, her mind wandered to something else yet again. Answers about Erina Kizachi might be forthcoming tonight. But at the moment, she might have a chance to get answers about something else, from another source…

Apparently, Kizachi had been right about how Kitty would avail to nothing. She was already outside, about to board a bus with Ororo. Maybe they're going back… to the other X-Men! Usagi realized, fresh hope swelling within her. Finally, another chance to talk to Professor Xavier himself! Without another thought, Usagi got on the same bus, and prayed Kitty didn't take that Cerebro unit back out.