DISCLAIMERS:
All canon characters are (C) 1992 - whatever year it is Naoko Takeuchi and all other related parties. The Shadow senshi are (C) Wild Nature 2006. This is a fanfic based upon the anime version and all written work that this consists of is (C) 2006 Wild Nature.
Upon starting school once more, Usagi is becoming consistently agitated. And when things begin to spin out of her control, let alone, everyone else as a entity called the Void appears, searching for the Shadows.
Thing is, these nine shadows have manifested into human girls. And Eizou's going to learn a new trick and two, as well as discover a whole new world outside her own eyes. With the nine shadows and nine senshi, can they band together soon enough to stop the utter destruction of the galaxy? Or will the Void suck up everything we took for granted?
Episode Two: Words of the Lost; Shadows Stirrings
"He can't stay in your room. There is just no room," Kokei began.
"Nonsense," Eizou pulled away, pointing to the floor. "Tada!"
Kokei glanced at his wife. "Fine, fine. But when he needs out, even if it's the dark of the night.." His voice had dropped, trying to be frightening but Hanshou's nearly hidden giggle gave him away. "Good night."
"Night!" She called out as she pulled an extra blanket down from her closet. "Here Apple, you can sleep on this."
She proceeded to fluff it up, humming to herself. "You'll be warm in here. I wonder where you came from, huh?" She reached out and stroked around his throat. "So much hair, but you don't have a collar, no?"
He began to pant again, a smile seeming to fill his face. "You're so precious!" She stroked his head lovingly. "Goodnight Apple."
She pulled off her necklace and placed it delicately onto the bedroom dresser next to her bed. She snuggled into her covers and found the sweet nothingness of sleep easily creeping onto her.
Until there was soft clink. She turned and found her necklace laying on the floor, Apple holding it to him awkwardly. She frowned and reached down to pull it from him, the chain caught in his claws. "Apple, give it up."
He lifted his paw and touched the gem, causing it to light up and her eyes closed instantly, her body falling fast, fast asleep and he picked the necklace up and put it back up where it had originally been.
She awoke, feeling good and usefully. She then remembered she had a English quiz and promptly buried herself in the blankets, sighing heavily.
"EIZOU!" Boya screamed loudly, coming into the room, banging two pans together.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" Kakushi shouted. "Mom said to wake her up, not give her a heart attack!"
"I woke her up, see?" He pointed to Eizou, who lay in a broken heap along the floor, Apple nudging her with his snout.
"Come on, Apple.." She grumbled as she staggered out of the room, Apple dutifully following.
She walked him to the back yard. "Do your business." She politely turned away as he sniffed and lifted his leg. "Good boy."
"Phew!" Chuukou grinned. "That's some set!"
"What are you? Gay?" Eizou quipped.
"I'M NOT!"
"Then go comment about girls! Not a dog!"
"Only girl around here is you and you're not much to brag!"
"You little prick!" Eizou folded her arms around her chest, mumbling some choice words but she swallowed her hurt as Apple returned to her side. "When I get home, I'll take you... well, I can't. Not without a leash..."
She snuck into the house, Apple following discreetly. "Mom?" She whispered as her mother finished off the dishes. "Could I, say, borrow ten dollars?"
"Would this be for Apple?"
"Just this one time?" Eizou pulled out her lip slightly, her face becoming sad.
Hanshou leaned over with a whisper. "Take forty. He'll need some food. We'll plan a vet appointment after the 'trial'."
Eizou kissed her mom's cheek gratefully. "Thank you, Mama."
She bounded out of the room, passing her father. "Hi dad!"
"Hi Eizou." He looked down. "Hi Apple."
Apple had stopped at Kokei's heels, nudging the older man's hand.
"Aww, he wants you to pet him," Eizou pointed out.
"I went down to the mart," Kokei held out something. It was a long leash. "Tie him out in the back."
"Oh..." Eizou took the offering and nodded to Apple. "Follow me." She choose a spot close to the house, making sure that would always be some kind of shade if it ever became too hot. She smacked the metal rod into the ground with difficulty until a shadow appeared and her father knelt down with strange item.
"This might make it easier," He smiled as he went the wall, where a old rustic loop was. He clipped the end of the leash to it with the extra clasp he had. "He'll have full range of the yard and he can't escape so easily."
He then reached to the stairs and pulled out two brand new bowls.
"Um, Dad? Didn't you say this was my responsibility?"
"Good that you remembered but it's all right if I did a few things. I'm the one with money, after all," He stood up, admired his handiwork and disappeared into the house. Eizou sat, resting on the backs of her heels, thinking for a moment. She then smiled and got up, rechecking the food and water dish for extra assurance before she petted Apple's head. "Stay and be a good boy."
She came to school nearly late, running through the hallways with gusto. She spent the day fidgeting, wanting to check if Apple was all right. She called home at lunch and her mother stated that Apple was fine, that her father had come over for lunch to see that himself and she smiled.
She was leaving the building when Minako caught up to her. "Hey! Zou-chan!" She was waving the book with energy and it flew out of her hand to float away before falling into a puddle. "Oh... nuts."
Eizou waited as Minako picked up the notebook, trying to wipe the water off. "Oh... god, I'm sorry. You had notes... you left it and... oh boy..."
Eizou's face softened. "Here," She pulled a towel from her book bag and helped clean it off as best as she could. "Well, I'll just let it dry. The notes won't be that much ruined."
"Minako-chan!" Usagi came out, followed by Makoto and Ami. "Hey, Zou-chan!"
Eizou frowned, trying to not look at Usagi to show that she was still angry.
"I'm very sorry for my behavior. In truth, one could always laugh at me. I fail at everything," Usagi said quietly and honestly.
"Oh, well, you're forgiven," She moved to leave.
"Wait! We're going to the Crown Parlor again. We always get together about once a week with some other friends of ours."
"I can't. I have to tend to my dog," Eizou began.
"You have a dog?" Minako blinked. "But you said the other day you didn't.."
"Oh, well, he came into our house last night and my dad says he's on a trial basis but everyone loves him so we'll get to keep him."
"What kind of dog is he?" Ami asked thoughtfully.
"Oh.." Eizou was quiet. "He's big, like a wolf. He's furry and had golden eyes and a strange mark of a like a arrow pointed downward. Makes him seem to have eyebrows!"
"Can we meet him?" Usagi asked cheerfully.
"Sure!" Eizou, at that question, felt that urge to show off her new pet.
They took a bus and had to take another one because their talking made them forget a stop. So it was a half hour more late than what Eizou normally came home at. She was rushing up the stairs when Kakushi came out, also bounding as she.
And she knew he was making fun of her. "Stop that!"
"Stop that!" He even tried to imitate the same high pitch but failed miserably. "Well, well, who do we have here?"
"Friends from school. They want to meet Apple."
"Just be careful," He began.
"Hey, if Dad's not scared, so shouldn't they," Eizou retorted. She turned. "I'll be right back."
She ran up to her room and once dropping her bag, turned and ran back down the stairs. "Okay, follow me!"
She went through the side door, the wooden gate floating open as she clicked the gate open. "Apple?"
Apple was laying down on the ground, his eyes glinting up at her. Once seeing her, he sat up and threw his head up to howl happily.
"Shuu! SHUUSH!" She giggled. "Aw, you're so cute!" She went to unhook his leash and wrapped the leash a few times around her wrist before smiling brightly at the others. "See, isn't he adorable!"
"You sure that's a dog?" Makoto asked finally.
"What?"
"It's so.. big..." Ami breathed. She had inched toward the back and the others were following suit.
"Hey..." Eizou began before seeing Usagi move forward.
"He's beautiful," Usagi ran her hands through his fur, studying him. "He looks so smart! And his eyes are drop dead gorgeous." She giggled as he licked her palm. "He's a sweetie!"
The others soon crowded, petting him. Apple loved the attention before he rolled over. "He wants his belly rubbed!" Eizou called out.
"So," She nearly had a heart attack when Kakushi appeared at her elbow. "Any of them single?"
"They're a little young for you," She said from the side of her mouth.
"That brunette isn't. Look at her!"
Eizou glared at him. "They're all the same age!"
"Really? Damn!" He winced as she stomped his foot. "Sheesh, give me a break! I haven't had a date in forever!"
"It's been a month!" She cried out.
"Don't remind me," he moved toward the group. "So ladies, gorgeous, isn't he? What about this specimen?" He tried to pose charmingly and slipped on a rock. "Ouch!"
The girls did try to not laugh but when Eizou let out a muffled giggle, the others followed suit.
"Aw, you poor thing," Makoto grinned as she hefted him up.
"WHOA! Woman, what DO you eat?" He grinned but she glared at him. "What?"
"That was rude! You just called her fat!" Eizou hissed.
"I didn't! She must take vitamins or something," He leaned over and his gaze began to moved down from the face.
"STOP THAT!" She growled. She walked over to Makoto. "I'm sorry. My brother's really rude when he likes girls."
"He... likes me?" Makoto whispered, glancing at him with a familiar look.
"Oh, come on! You could do so much better than with my brother!" Eizou laughed.
"Hey, his ears are red!" Usagi was giggling as Kakushi overshadowed his sister.
"I'm not deaf, you know," He pressed his face down, their noses squashing. "Now, sister, care to repeat what you just said?"
"I said she could do better but I think I need to rephrase that."
"Good!" He grinned.
"She could do ten times better!" She took off laughing as he growled and went off chasing her around the yard. She hid behind Makoto, giggling and the other girls were giggling too.
"Aye! Fine, whatever," But he smiled charmingly at them. "Please, come by again. I get lonely."
She threw a pebble at him as he entered, still laughing.
"He's cute," Minako said instantly.
"He's a player though. He dates for, like, a month and then gets bored."
"Really? Damn!" Makoto grinned.
"Let's take Apple for a walk," She pulled the leash up from Usagi's hand. "Let's go, Apple."
They came to a small area that was an actual dog park. It was, for the most part, deserted. She unhooked him from the collar her father had bought him.
"He's really good, huh?" She questioned.
"No doubt! If only I could get my cat to behave!" Usagi grinned.
"Mine too!" Minako agreed.
"But cats are supposed to be independent creatures," Eizou pointed out.
"Yea, but they're special!"
"Everyone says that about their pets," Eizou turned away, missing the knowing look upon the two cat owner's faces. Eizou was watching Apple jump and chase the wind and she smiled, spreading her fingers through the air.
"It's a magnificent day, huh?" She asked, turning around. The others faces were priceless as a howl of turmoil vibrated in the air. "APPLE!" She took off running, hearing the wind and nothing else.
"APPLE! Where are you boy?"
She turned and was thrown back hard into a tree, claws digging into her shoulders as she looked into a faceless monster.
She began to scream in terror as the humane like creature pulled away, leaving shadowed hands to plaster her to the tree. "Help! SOMEBODY!"
It raised it's hand, the whole glowing a dim hue of silver. "Come on! I'm no fun! I DON'T WANNA DIE!"
A snarl was heard as Apple reappeared. He lunged at the monster, his teeth pressing open and the growl emitted even sent shivers down Eizou's back. "Get him boy! Go on and kick that freak's ass!"
She wailed as it turned and its hand disappeared into her chest. "HEY! OUT! GET OUT! THAT'S ME YOU'RE POKING THROUGH!" She shrieked before it pulled away with grimace. It raised its hand for a final blow and Eizou's eyes widened. "No... please..."
And Apple threw his head back and howled, the sound echoing in the trees until there was nothing but stillness. And suddenly, Eizou was swallowed up in shadows, disappearing into the dark.
The monster turned to attack Apple when a voice rang out. "I don't know what you are but to attack an animal is inhumane, even for a monster like you! In the name of the Moon, you're punished!" Eternal Sailor Moon, followed by the super Inner senshi, stood poised.
The creature's head tilted before it flew right into Sailor Moon as she screamed at the speed.
Meanwhile, Eizou was laying quite comfortably. She felt her heartbeat, soft and light against her ribs. She had a itch on her nose though and she raised her hand.
Her necklace lay grasped in her fingers, even glittering despite the dark of the whole thing. "Why is it glowing?" She asked finally.
She saw Apple, in the distance, watching her. "What? Am I supposed to do something with it?" Apple turned away. "No, wait! Apple! Come here boy! Please!"
She was aware of crying. She was scared of the darkness. "I wanna wake up now. Come on, Apple. Don't leave me.. please, don't..."
And she felt the gentle touch of slight warmth as Apple looked up at her, his eyes twinkling. "Apple?"
And the arrow along his eyes seemed to melt into something else and she found herself holding up the gem. She saw it then, the dim light of some source. She realized it must be the sun as she closed her eyes.
"Nepheline Shadowed Light, Make Up!" Light attacked the gem and the area became alit with light, the shadows dancing away to wrap around her and then thrust outward like wings that then erupted into feathers. She disappeared into the rain before it cleared, her hands bringing down the gem that disappeared into the brooch. She stood, her legs together and her hands pressing out slightly, the palms faced outward.
She started, feeling the change of clothing. She wore a black strand for a choker, at the center a violet orb with two small yellow gems at each side. Her collar was entirely violet and her bodice was different. She wore a violet sleeveless and shoulder-less dress but the top half was covered in a partial black corset, a huge gape down the front of her body to the waist. It was tied together by black string, making four x's along her breasts and stomach area. Her waistband started at the beginning of one end of the black corset at the front with a violet orb. It had two stripes, the top yellow and the bottom one white. It wrapped around her hips to the other side. The two violet orbs were connected by three loose black strands.
Her brooch was a violet crescent moon, each side adorned in two yellow gems and attached from side to the other were three loose black threads. She wore seemingly detachable black sleeves, that covered three fourths of her arm but cut off at the fingers. At the backs of her hands were a violet round gem outlined in yellow. She had a back bow, much like shoelace ribbon, that was a set of two bows, one white and the other yellow. Her shoes were merely sandals, clasped around the top of her foot and once more around her ankles.
And she couldn't see it but she had a white crescent moon facing to the left, much like a waxing moon.
"What just happened?" She began as light barreled down into her and she blinked rapidly, seeing the other senshi standing there in front of her, fighting the monster.
Sailor Moon was thrown back, right into Eizou who grunted.
"Who the hell are you?" Sailor Mars nearly shouted, shocked to see someone like her.
Eizou tried to think. Words spilled from her mouth without the actual concept forming in her head. "I am the figment cast by the moon, Shadow Moon! By the powers of the shadows and moonlight, I'll darken up your days!"
"Come again?" Jupiter asked.
"I don't know!" She bit out. "Uh... What am I supposed to do?"
The monster wasn't pleased as it reared for an attack.
"Starlight Honeymoon Therapy Kiss!" Sailor Moon called out only to see the monster disappear into the shadowed ground. "Ah..."
"UH? I think we should run," Eizou said suddenly as she turned and fled out into the sunlight.
The monster was on her trail though as it processed through a shadow in her front, it's body pressing forward as if to say boo.
"You! Leave me alone!" It lunged at her and she went into instinct. "Moonlight Casting!" She pressed her forefinger to her forehead and felt several jolts of energy as white laser beams shot out at the shadow.
The monster was too close to avoid and was punctured so much that it turned to shadow completely. Eizou stood panting, trying to not move.
"Is it gone?" She whispered before she turned and ran down the park, returning to hide in the small batch of forest. The senshi were gone, she was sure of that and she huddled down, trying to calm her heartbeat.
She felt a soft press against her tilted down head and looked up at Apple. "Apple? How'd you do that? Do this to me?"
He sat down next to her, staring into her eyes with warmth.
"It'd be great if you could talk," she mumbled. She pulled herself backwards, starting to relax. And as she reverted back to normal, her body shining, it seemed to affect Apple who blinked in momentary confusion.
She was watching Apple. "Think you were a little too close."
He tilted his head. "You're telling me."
She was quiet, staring at him. "What?"
"You.. heard.. me?"
"Oh god.." She stood up slowly and began to walk out of the forest. She was met instantly by the others. "Where'd you go?"
"We tried to get help!" Usagi began earnestly. "But ..."
"Oh.. It's okay, I'm fine now. So is Apple," She said distantly. "See you later."
And she left them, staring at her like she'd gone mad.
"Did we do something?" Usagi whispered to Ami. Ami frowned.
"I don't think so. Maybe she's just tired out?" Ami suggested.
"I'm home!" Eizou called out weakly. There was no noise as she entered. The front door had been locked, which meant that her brothers had all gone out, without her, again.
She turned and saw Apple sitting, seeming to wait for a good moment to make some kind of move.
"Well?" She finally snapped.
"You.. weren't supposed to hear me."
She examined him. "You know, your lips actually move..." She shook herself. "What the hell am I doing! Acting like a dog could talk!"
"Actually, I am half wolf," Apple said.
Eizou tripped on the steps she'd been attempting to climb up. "Aye.. What happened today?"
"You've awakened."
"Not just about that! Okay, it is but I don't understand it!"
"That necklace of yours is very vital to the key of everything. It is the Moon Nepheline stone."
"The paper had something like that on it for a while. Newly discovered... HEY! How could I have it if it's new?"
She walked up the stairs, her hand reaching to her neck. Sure enough, her necklace was there, perfectly clasped.
She sat on the bed, watching Apple as he carefully sat down. "My name is...well, Apple. I don't know if I ever had a name or even a voice but I do know I could think much differently than other animals."
"You mean having a wider capacity of thought?"
"Sure, if you want to be scientific."
"Well, that's as scientific as I can get."
"But when I saw you, I knew you were something. You are called Shadow Moon. You are the Shadow cast by the Moon, literally."
"Uh huh?" She leaned on her knees, her hands holding her chin up.
"You're a Shadow warrior, of the Dead Moon."
"What's a Dead Moon?"
"It's a civilization," He began. "On the Moon. It might still be there but I'm not sure. As I was saying, I only remember existing here and stories seem to play in my head. Once I get my bearings..."
"Apple, you're babbling," She had rolled over into her bed, her eyes drifting shut. "Look'me, talking to a dog... who can.." She yawned. "Talk..."
And he lay down himself, his eyes bright. "Sleep well," He said quietly before he, too, fell asleep.
Kakushi had come home a while later, the twins following, carrying grocery bags. He peeked in and smiled, see Apple sleeping as close to Eizou without actually getting on the bed. "They make a good pair."
"I'm hungry!" Chuukou whined.
"You're always hungry," Kakushi grunted.
"I'm hungry too!" Boya called down from the stairs.
"Mom and Dad will be home soon!" He shouted, startling Eizou awake.
"Hey!" She sat up sluggishly. "'M sleeping!"
"Not anymore," Kakushi nodded. "Wanna get Apple back outside?"
"Yea, yea," She waved her hand as she left, Apple following.
"Best little follower I've ever seen. Eizou, if I ever get like that, shoot me."
"Oh, will you just shut up."
Hanshou came home early, humming as she prepared the dinner she had left out to defrost that morning. She looked out the window and smiled, thinking how it looked like Eizou was talking to Apple and visa versa.
"So what am I supposed to do?" Her voice was agitated as she stared at him. And by the blank look on his face, she knew he didn't know anymore than her. "When do you think you'll remember?"
"I don't know," He started to scratch his right ear, his leg thumping air. "God! Could you...?"
She sighed as she scratched the back of his ear. She smiled as his leg began to whack the ground softly as he growled in relief.
"I'm going to get you dinner," She told him.
"Thank your father for the good choice. Man has good taste."
"Hey, Dad, Apple really likes the food you bought him," Eizou said idly, reaching up into the cupboard for a can. She used a spoon to scoop it out before she walked back out.
He sat there, still waiting as she placed the bowl down. He didn't move toward it. "What? I thought you liked it."
"Could I have a pet before I eat? I like getting validation."
"Validation? For what?"
He frowned. "I don't know. For being such a good dog?"
"Fine, fine," She rubbed his head gently. "There you go."
She left him to eat and found her parents both at the window. "What?"
"It's just so nice to see you and Apple getting along so well. As if you were made for each other," Hanshou smiled. "He'll make a good pet."
"That amongst other things," Eizou mumbled to herself, going back to her room. She pulled off her necklace, seeing the crescent moon reflecting slightly. No matter what way she moved it, she could make it face any direction.
"A key, huh? What would I do with it?"