Disclaimer: "Sailor Moon", "Star Trek", "JLU" and other genres belong to their respective owners.
Note: This is a multi-epic crossover.
Special note: Just to be clear, the Nerima Wrecking Crew and the Sailor Scouts will be making an appearance, as the story permits.
Part 4: "The Returner" and "Young Justice"
Tokyo, Japan: Juuban District.
"Usagi!" Mrs. Ikuko Tsukino yells. "It's almost time for dinner!"
She then turns to her husband Ken.
"I tell you, that daughter of ours is certainly acting strange lately."
"I know what you mean, hon," Ken says, as he adjusted his glasses. "It's almost like she is a whole different person these days."
Ken then turns to his son Shango.
"Go get your sister, son."
"Alright," Shango said with a pout. He didn't like to play "errand boy" for his parents. It's not HIS fault that his sister Usagi is lazy!
As he goes up to his sister's room, he hears a whine, and then sees a flash of light from under the bottom crack of Usagi's door. Cautiously, Shango knocks on Usagi's door.
"Um, Usagi?"
Shango hears a slight scuffle, and then Usagi's door opens up.
"Yes?" said Usagi, as she peeks her head. Her face was noticeably bruised and dirty.
"What happened-?"
"I…fell," Usagi interjects. "You know how clumsy I am."
"Uh, yeah. Well, Mom wanted me to let you know that dinner was ready."
"Okay. Let her know that I'll be downstairs in…ten minutes, to, you know, 'freshen up'."
"Oh, okay," Shango leaves, before "Usagi" closes the door behind her.
Lady Usashinko Rantsu sighs, as she closes the door behind her. Trying to play her younger self, i.e. "Usagi Tsukino", was a lot harder than it looks. Playing a role wa complicated enough, since she was also an instructor at Hogwarts, an associate of the White Lotus Society (aka "The Triads")…and a costumed superhero named "Sailor Moon" (as a member of both the Sailor Scouts and the Justice League of America). And she has to do this while conducting Rantsu clan business without her younger self's friends and family knowing the truth about their "dear" Usagi…and that's for starters! Being as old as she is, having "acquired" her present state after years of adjustments, Usashinko wonders how she doesn't simply go crazy from the weight of responsibilities on her shoulders. At least some of the things she has been doing lately, such as getting Sailor Pluto to send the other Sailor Scouts unto their respective "training journeys", after Ami ("Sailor Mercury") Mizuno was the first to complete hers. In fact, she went onto another training journey, after becoming a full-fledge "Jedi Knight". Hopefully, the rest of the 'Scouts will succeed in their respective experiences, especially since Usashinko will need their help in dealing with a particularly NASTY problem in the near future.
In the meantime, Usashinko is more focused on her duties as a member the Justice League Unlimited, a 60-member plus strong organization made up from the remnants of the Justice League of America, the Justice Society of America, the Seven Soldiers of Victory, Infinity, Inc., Squadron of Justice, All-Stars Squadron and Young All-Stars. The only remaining known teams that still exist as independent agents are the Teen Titans and the Outsiders (thanks to Batman), the Fantastic Four, the Avengers, Young Avengers, the Defenders, Global Guardians, and the X-Men. Government agencies like the Ultimen, X-Factor, Suicide Squad and the Freedom Force have NEVER been considered part of the superhero community, while Japan and the rest of the nations of East Asia had their own take of superheroes that were separate from the Western perspective, like the Sailor Scouts, the Nerima Wrecking Crew, the Masaki Clan and many others (primarily because these groups tend to be more specialized towards fighting either agents of aliens or agents of demons, rarely dealing with common criminality). And, of course, there were hundreds of lesser-known hero teams on Earth…and beyond…for the cause of justice.
But all that is water under the bridge.
Usashinko sighed, as she made her Sailor fuku, which was torn and dirty; her costume's condition was the result of yet another misadventure, all thanks to one Lex Luthor, and his need to manipulate others…
First Act: "The Returner"Usashinko, as the young "Usagi Tsukino", was on her way from the Cherry Hill Temple, where she was "subbing" for Rei ("Sailor Mars") Hino as a "shrine maiden", while she and the other 'Scouts are away. While it was true that she has had the training in Shintoism. In fact, she has been trained in a variety of religions throughout her life, being familiar with six of the major world's religion, and of those faiths that are not very known or are instinct; it was all part of her desire to understand both the human condition and her place in the universe.
Anyway, with everyone gone, including Luna and Artemis, who went to spend time with the daughter Diana in Okinawa on vacation with Mamoru ("Tuxedo Mask") Chib and his daughter Rini ("Neo-Sailor Moon") Chiba. Mamoru wanted to invite Usagi along, but Usagi had to decline, citing "personal reasons"; Usashinko has yet to tell him the truth about herself, since she has a LOT of baggage. So Mamoru is still wondering where he and HIS Usagi stand in their relationship.
While Usashinko (or simply "Usagi", for the sake of simplicity) was in deep thought, her JLU transponder, which was embedded in her old-style wristwatch (courtesy of her friend Washu), beeps a distinctive ring-tone. Usagi raises an eyebrow and taps the facing of her "signal watch".
"Talk to me," Usagi says.
Usagi, this is J'onn, the Martian Manhunter began. We have a Level One situation.
"What is it?"
Amazo is on his way back to Earth.
An hour later, Sailor Moon was in deep space, wearing her "Cosmic Armor" (given to her by the Forge). Her entire body was covered in a form-fitting silver armor, with a large symbol of the Moon etched in the front (and wings etched on her back), making her look like a silver version of an "Emmy". Her eyes glowed a soft white, as the cosmic energy coursed through her body, first acquired when she and some colleagues were exposed by cosmic radiation (and later enhanced by Galactus the World Devourer, when the cosmic entity briefly chose Usagi as his "Herald"). Her "Infinity Gem", one of nine such gems that represent one of seven aspects of reality (the gem in her possession was "Ego", the distilled essence of the universe, as well as allowing 'Moon to manipulate the dimensional barriers), glowed a soft gold color. All this was in preparation for the impending battle against Professor Ivo's android, especially since, years ago, Sailor Moon and eight other members of the original Justice League of America were used to give Amazo life, after Lex Luthor commissioned Ivo to create a body guard for him.
In order to create this bodyguard, Ivo used fragments from the essences of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Hawkgirl, the Flash, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, Aquaman and Sailor Moon to create Amazo, an android dedicated to the services of Lex Luthor. Unfortunately, Luthor's ego of having a brand new "toy" caused a confrontation between Amazo and the Justice League. Eventually, the fight ended in a stalemate, when Amazo decided to leave Earth to "find himself".
Luthor was not too happy about the resolution, but chose not to do anything about out of fear of going to jail.
So, now, Amazo has returned from deep space, after making Oa, the home of the masters of the Green Lantern, disappear. And apparently, he had evolved considerably, as reflected by his now gold skin.
As Amazo approached her position from deep space, 'Moon wished that she was stronger than she is now. Half of her life was in the Umbral realms, which was essentially anything NOT connected to the Universe. Some say it was the Immateria, where Spirit and Thought was personified; others say that the Umbral was the realm of gods, angels and demons…everything in between. Anything and everything was possible in the Umbral realms, and, if real lucky, one can touch the face of Creation itself. At any rate, half of 'Moon, her "goddess" aspect is traveling the so-called "Moon Paths" for training purposes.
Too bad that particular fact won't help her deal with Amazo.
'Moon sighed, as she sees Amazo approach. She had to convince Superman that she needed to be the one to "greet" the android, since she has access to a lot of energy. At the very least, if Amazo does get past her, 'Moon believed that he should be sufficiently weakened when the other heroes meet him.
Amazo, 'Moon says telepathically. Cease your approach. I won't warn you TWICE.
Moon Princess, the android says. You cannot possibly stop me.
And why is that? 'Moon says, as she gets into a fighting stance.
I have evolved in ALL aspects of my being, including the use of your Lunarian heritage.
BOOM!
The so-called "irresistible force" met the proverbial "unmovable object". From Earth's perspective, a new star appeared.
And then, it was over.
High above the Earth, the first line of defense was assembled.
"Sailor Moon!" Superman said, as he was about to rush to 'Moon's side.
Superman, wait! Martian Manhunter said over the airwaves. You need to hold the line!
"But-"
She knows her job. Do yours.
"Fine," Superman says, as he turns his attention to Amazo, who was approaching Earth…
Sailor Moon's body floated in space, unconscious. Even though the battle between her and Amazo lasted only a minute, that minute was like an eternity. With the combined might then original Justice League, Amazo defeat 'Moon. Her fuku was ripped, and she had burned marks; apparently, her cosmic armor was so damaged that it had to shut itself down. Only her Infinity Gem was the only thing keeping her alive in the vacuum of space. After a long time, a spacecraft shows up. Her body is beamed aboard. As soon as 'Moon was in an oxygenic environment, she woke up with a start.
"Huh!" 'Moon says.
"Ah, Miss Moon," said an orange-skinned man with long blond hair. He had a red-outfit with a yellow lightning bolt on the front. "I see that you are awake."
"Adam Warlock?"
Adam Warlock was another member of beings who possess an Infinity Gem (his was of "Spirit", which grants him the ability to commune with souls).
"Yes," Adam says. "I sensed that you were in trouble, thanks to your gem."
"Yeah, well, thanks," 'Moon says, as she gets up. "And, no, I'm STILL not going to give you my gem, Adam."
Adam smirks.
"Hey, it's worth a shot."
"See you later at the next 'Infinity Watch' meeting…"
And, one Instant Transmission technique later, Sailor Moon was gone.
In the end, Amazo was mollified peacefully. After his confrontation with the Green Lanterns and Lex Luthor, Amazo restored Oa to its original position, and went with Dr.Fate to find purpose. And Sailor Moon went back home.
Interlude: "Dinner with the Family"
Usagi sat quietly, as she ate her food quietly and economically. Shango, wanting to start mischief, flicked a pea at his sister.
SNAP!
Usagi caught the pea with her chopsticks without even looking at her brother. After consuming the pea, she hovered her chopsticks over the table, and then tapped a particular spot with them.
CRASH!
Shango fell onto to the floor, as his chair broke apart.
"Mom! Usagi made me fall!"
"Come now, son," Ken says. "It's just a coincidence, that's all."
Usagi smirked. A true "Feng Shui" master knows more than how to manipulate the environment within the home. In fact, one can manipulate the very furniture itself, to transfer chi through it even.
Then again, as annoying as her little brother was, there was something refreshing about being a kid again…
Second Act: "Young Justice"BLAM!
Sailor Moon landed a solid punch into the vault's primary support structure, making noticeable dent.
"Awww," said Harley Quinn, the Joker's "partner in crime", as she flips up and over 'Moon's head. The pixie-like jester landed upright. "Having trouble playing tag?"
"Not as much as YOU will!" 'Moon says, as she clapped her hands, creating a concussive force.
"Yikes!" Harley says, as she is knocked backwards.
'Moon does a smirk. The Injustice Gang, made up of the super-strong Blockbuster, the Cheetah, the KGBeast, Harley Quinn and Copperhead, broke into a government vault, where it stores all kinds of governmental information. It was up to the Justice League to prevent the theft from happening. The only reason why 'Moon was participating was that she was required to fulfill her "quota" of participation points. Still, it was nice to get out of the house, so to speak.
While 'Moon dealt with Harley, Superman was fighting Blockbuster, who looked like a cross between a tank and a Neanderthal.
BAM!
Wonder Woman was playing a deadly game of tag with the super-fast and deadly Cheetah, who was essentially a were-cat.
The KGBeast was a one-handed, ex-Soviet Union "super-soldier" who does work for the Russian mob in Gotham City. It was because of this that Batman had learned of the impending theft. Now, the two locked in deadly combat.
Then there was Green Lantern, who was having a easy time dealing with the snake-like Cooperhead, especially in light of the power of the Green Lantern at his disposal.
Basically, it was a normal night of hijinks, that is, until every adult on the planet suddenly disappeared from the world, thanks to Mordred, who had just acquired a powerful artifact granting him power over HIS reality.
In some non-descript place…
"We're in the bad place!" Copperhead screamed in dismay.
"Shut up!" Cheetah says. She then turns to the heroes whom they had just fought. "So, what are you going to about our present situation?"
Superman turns to the resident "magic user".
"Sailor Moon?"
'Moon was in a lotus position, as she floated a meter off the ground.
"I could reverse the effect, but without dealing with the source, it won't change the outcome."
"Then perhaps I can help," said a masked woman, as she glides towards the heroes' position.
'Moon opened her eyes.
"Morgaine Le Fay."
"Sailor Moon."
The two have been rivals since the days of King Arthur's court. In fact, it was 'Moon who had sealed Morgaine in a timeless vault, when Camelot fell.
"I take it that YOU are responsible for all this?"
"No. Well, not exactly."
Morgaine tells the 'League that while acquiring an artifact, her son Mordred, who was purpose kept as a ten year-old (after being resurrected) had used the artifact for himself, and eliminated all adults on planet Earth.
"We would need to go back," Superman says.
"You could, but you would be brought back HERE," Morgaine says. Then, she turns to her once-rival. "You KNOW what you must do."
"Fine," 'Moon says. "You create the portal, I'll do the heavy lifting."
"What, you don't trust me, my once-rival?"
'Moon gives Morgaine "the look".
"Very well," Morgaine says, as she begins her incantation.
"What's going on?" Batman says.
"Let's just say that we'll be a bit more youthful," 'Moon says with a wink, as she snaps her fingers…
FLASH!
When the 'League came too, they found themselves in some sort of theme park. And then, they looked at themselves.
"You…you're a kid!" said KID Green Lantern, as he points to Batman. Or, should that be KID Batman.
"Wow," KID Wonder Woman says. "You look cute!"
Kid Batman goes up to Kid Sailor Moon, who looks SO cute.
"Change us back!" Kid Batman screams.
"If I do, we end up back where we started from," Kid Sailor Moon says. "Besides…I look SO cute!"
"Come, let's stop Morgaine's kid," said KID Superman. Then, he felt his shorts being pulled.
"OW!"
"Wedgie!" Kid Sailor Moon says. Then, Kid Sailor Moon runs off while sticking out her tongue.
Kid Wonder Woman realized that the "cure" might be worse than the disease. Hopefully, their own youths won't affect their own mental state.
Nevertheless the mission was a success…thankfully.
As Usashinko turns in for the night, she wonders how long she'll keep up with her responsibilities with the JLU.
Tbc.
Next time: "The Greatest Story that Should NOT Have Been Told", "This Little Baby", "Rabbit, Hawk and Dove"