Disclaimer: Hmm I don't own Ranma half, Sailor Moon, Martian Successor Nadesco or Evangel ion and I probably never well oh well.
Authors Notes: Well just one thing to mention before getting on with the chapter. I have decided to redo each of the first six chapters these first five and the next chapter forthcoming in a set of larger more refined chapters. This means that the chapter numbering and actual number of chapters for the beginning saga will change. Essentially I intend to combine some of these chapters in order to lengthen them and go over the spelling and grammar with a fine toothed beta-reader; I also hope to refine the dialogue scenes and maybe add a little more action into them. Hopefully this will make each chapter a better read than before. The old chapters will still remain in place until this is completed and this project will only occur after a new chapter is complete, at least until the second saga is finished. Anyways that's the plan so now on to reviews.
Sadly reviews a dwindling for this story, which is due to several possible factors, including this being a bad story, people just can't be bothered reviewing or people being told not to read this fic for reasons unknown to me. Either way it is disheartening to find only three reviews and only two of them relating to the last chapter. Still I will carry on in hopes that maybe business will pick up
It: Thank you for the review. In light of the grammar and spelling problems I will be overhauling the older chapters. Hopefully you can battle through the first few chapters and keep on reading as it will get better. Thanks again for this review I have found it highly useful.
Ranma girl 14: Thanks for another review, that makes two people who have now continued to review this fic. Ranma has been splashed with cold water in this chapter and was to what happened to the people he has gathered, well that is revealed in future chapter so please keep reading.
Jerry Unipeg: Thanks for another review; it brightens my day to see you have kept reading this story. I have some interesting times a head for Ranma and the ARC's CPS so please keep reading.
A final thanks to all those who reviewed and hopefully more will come for this chapter. Now onwards to the tale, please enjoy
Mizuryunokamioh: I have always wondered why if the Silver millennium had the time gates why did it fall, why was there no plans in place to prevent it from falling or at the very least plans in place to save at least a part of it so it could be rebuilt
This is my answer to that question.
The Pluto Protocols
Chapter 4 – Beginnings Part 5
'Speech'
"Sound Effects"
(Thoughts)
Earth
Tokyo City – Jubaan Ward
Year 2004
Pain, it was Ranma could feel. His body had changed due to the poring rain and he, now she could barely move after her impact. The wound in her side was oozing blood and each felt like fire was racing through his lungs. Yet she could not rest, she had one final task to perform.
Pulling her self upright she staggered towards the downed craft as it lay smoking in a small crevasse. Finding the tear that had lead to the crash landing Ranma pulled herself through it the twisted metal tearing into her hands.
She manoeuvred through the corridors of the ARC making her way to the CPU, once there she grabbed the body of the ARC'S CPS. With her strength failing Ranma sank to the floor now having to resort to crawling across the vessel in order to reach her next destination. Manoeuvring through the ships many corridors she finally came across a large partially open door. Sighing in relief with that small stroke of luck she crawled into the room the door lead to.
The room had only one passageway, which was lined with large pods connected by many small hoses to the ceiling. Next to each pod was a large box containing a small keypad on the top. Crawling across the walkways cheese grater like semi frozen surface she made her way to the last pod. Once again luck was with her as the pod was still open and appeared to be undamaged. Hefting the robot body into the pod she then allowed a small portion of her chi flow into the body, hoping that would in some way keep her companion alive. Closing the pods door she pressed several buttons to start the process that would put the body into a hibernative state.
She then moved back along the floor to her final destination, the navigation room. Once in the room Ranma moved to a small control panel, the only control panel that was not suspended from the ceiling to her normal station as navigator. This panel only had one large button. Its use was a one time deal and only for the most extreme of emergencies. Pushing the button Ranma smiled briefly as she remembered the CPS telling her that if used it she would only have half a minute to get out of the craft.
(With my body thrashed as it is that's one hell of a task, still nothing like a challenge to get the blood pumping. Or what little I have left anyway)
With that thought Ranma push what little chi she had remaining into her legs and ran as fast as she could. Racing through the corridors thanking every deity she could think of for adrenalin Ranma ignored every jolt of pain that ran through her body. Her race to the exit caused her even more injuries as she ignored the torn metal that ripped her body and exposed wires that shocked her. Finally reaching the hole in the vessels side with only a couple of seconds remaining she leapt out of the craft her back catching the top of the hole stripping several layers of skin and what little remained of her cloths away. Landing hard on her shoulder and feeling it pop out of place Ranma could on just turn her head in time to witness the ARC disappear leaving behind a few falling blue motes of light.
Break
Shirai groaned as he dragged the drunken form of his best friend home. It had been the idea of his friend the drunk formally known as Haitani to go out bar hopping in celebration of their friend finally making it into university, even though their had told Haitani he wasn't interested in drinking the night away. Still that hadn't stopped Haitani from deciding to go ahead and celebrate for him and naturally Shirai found himself dragged along with his normally stoic friend.
Of course the celebration had taken them way off course (1) and into the Jubaan ward leaving Shirai a long trek back to their shared apartment across the ward. Muttering to himself about inconsiderate friends Shirai still had to smile as he thought back on the night's activities which had been rather enjoyable. The two boys who were usually unlucky when it came to the opposite sex actually garnering a few kisses each before the night wound down and Haitani reached his alcohol absorbency limit.
Having made it roughly one third of the way back towards the home Shirai was completely surprised by the sight moving towards him and Haitani. That sight was a fully naked woman staggering towards them. The sight was enough to cause Haitani to jolt out of his drunken stupor. Abandoning his friend Shirai rushed to wards the woman who had stopped moving and was propping her self up against a wall. Haitani staggered after his friend. Both watched in horror as the woman slowly sunk to the ground appearing to have passed out.
Shirai turned towards Haitani
'She's messed up pretty bad Haitani, what should we do?'
'We call an ambulance and then get out of here' Haitani responded pushing his glass up. Shaking his head Shirai responded
'We can't just leave her here, what if she dies?'
'We can't stay here Shirai, if the cops find us standing over a bloodied naked girl they'll think we did it. Do you wanna get kicked out of collage? Cause even if they find out we didn't do it that's what will happen'
Shirai shock his head for a second time and began trying to pick the bloodied woman up.
'We can't just leave her here and the hospital isn't far, we'll just run over their and drop her off'
'Man this is crazy we'll be arrested for sure'
'Dam it Haitani stop arguing and give me a hand here'
Haitani grabbed the woman's legs and the two boys began jogging towards the hospital. Ignoring the woman's soft moans as the jogged the two quickly arrived at the hospitals ambulance bay. Rushing past the gates they ignored the guards startled yells and made there way towards a woman in a white coat.
Break
Yelling out for orderlies to bring out a trolley Dr Kotari Mizuno began checking the woman's vital signs as the two boys dropped to the ground panting. A paramedic crouching next to her was rubbing away as much of the dirt as possible with alcohol solution. Several orderlies rushed out with a trolley and quickly raised the woman onto it. As the trolley speed towards the operating theatre Dr Mizuno gave orders to various nurses and doctors.
In the operating theatre, the now scrubbed up Dr Mizuno began examining her new patent once again. Two other surgeons also called in to help with the operation could only look with horror at the sheer amount of injuries the woman had obtained.
'What the hell happened two her, she looks like she's been dragged along a giant cheese grater' One of the doctors exclaimed.
Looking up at the doctor Dr Mizuno began the long task of saving this woman's life.
'She has a shattered right shoulder, burns to her hands and face. Both her ankles are broken and her left shoulder is separated. Massive internal haemorrhaging, a 25 centimetre tear along her left side of her torso. Multiple lacerations to her abdominal wall, chest, legs and arms. There is also what seem to be ice burns along those locations as well. Finally she has a cracked left femur, a broken left radial and at least three layers of skin missing from her upper back.'
Looking sadly at the injuries she had just catalogued Dr Mizuno grabbed the nearest scalpel and the surgery began.
'We will start with the internal bleeding and move on from there'
Break
Pain was all she felt as she came too. Her body burned as though molten lava flowed through it. Her chest felt like it was on fire with very breath while at the same time it felt as though some one was choking her. Her eyes fluttered open as her hands scrabbled for what ever was on her throat, eventually grabbing hold of something on her face. The pain blossomed as she drew out what ever was restricting her throat, dragging along its insides, her gag reflex kicking in adding to the feeling of choking. Finally the object was removed as her vision cleared, allowing her to see a mucus covered hose of some sort. Yet the pain remained, moving her arms about her body she quickly came across and removed the needles in her arms and wrists. Sitting up she desperately tried to remember where she was and who she was.
The memories however seemed to allude her, like those motes of light you see when you stare at a light for too long, fluttering about your peripherary yet when ever you try to stare directly at them they disappear. Her head pounded as she desperately tried to remember, the memories here not there only images of things, things she knew but did not at the same time. A gi, a cat which caused her to shiver , a spatula, a bandana, each item she knew the name of it and what it was and yet did not know how she knew them. More images came to her, a bamboo pole, a mallet, a coin, a broom, a sword, a ribbon. Each image was disconcerting and painful as they continued to flitter across her mind another cat, a duck, a pipe, a firecracker, a bird of flames, a dragon breathing fire, a beam of light and a ball of fire. At that point her hearing returned and she noticed a high pitched whining sound which caused a new headache to trouble her. He hand flew out smashing into the device that seemed to be the cause of her headache while a final memory entered into her mind a task, a mission, find the heir.
Quickly she rose and moved towards the window; wincing at each new piece of information, labels and uses for things she could not remember knowing. Smashing the window she peered down into the hospitals car park. Noting the length of the drop she walked back to the bed and ripped off the sheets. Grabbing the largest one by its corners, she dragged it behind her as she returned to the window. Just as the door burst open she leapt out into the cold night air. The sheet snapped open above her slowing her drop enough for her to land on an ambulance. She then took off into the night searching for the heir. Moving quickly across the roof tops of first, multi-story offices and apartment buildings and then on to one and two story houses she eventually came to a halt. Leaping across the road onto a series of long rising stairs she moved upwards. Finally she came to a halt on top of an odd structure made up of two large thick posts linked together by a large curved plank of some sort. The entrance to a shine or temple her mind told her, though how she knew this was still puzzling. Dropping into the shrines courtyard her found her self not knowing of where to go next. Frightened and tired she let loose her frustration to the world in a high keening cry, all that her abused through could manage.
As her cry ended the door to the shrine opened and a couple of figures raced out. Startled by there appearance she fled towards the forest on the shrines border. Rushing through the trees ignoring the bite of the cold night air as her gown was stripped from her by clawed branches, she desperately tried to remember once again but nothing came to her. Finally exhausted and frightened she fell to the ground at the base of a tree and turned to face the direction she came from hoping that she had lost her pursuers. Hash racking sobs began to emerge from her lips as the pain of her flight and of being unable to remember anything caught up with her. Then as the moon reached its zenith and poured through a small gap in the branches above a girl came into view. Noting that her hair had an odd style to it one that looked as though it was a couple of meatballs with noodles trailing down from them, she uttered the first words to come to her.
'Princess'
Break
Usagi Tsukino was broken out of her thoughts as she and the rest of the Senshi heard a strange sound.
'What was that?' She queried as she rose from her position
'Sounds like someone in pain, a lot of pain' Replied Setsuna as she and the rest of the Senshi rose.
Haruka reached for the door with Rei right behind her, the two had barely made it out side when they spied something standing in the court yard. Being unable to see exactly what was there the always gung-ho outer Haruka reached for her heshin wand
'It's a youma' she cried out as she activated her transformation noting that creature had already taken of for the forest.
'URANUS STAR POWER, MAKE UP!'
One by one the rest of the Senshi transformed as began running after the creature. All save for Usagi, Setsuna, Hotaru, Ami and Rini. Setsuna peered into the darkness as she kept a tight hold on Rini keeping the younger Senshi from running of on what would be a wild goose chase.
(You would think that Rei would know better than to go searching for somebody in those woods at night. It would take days to find anything in there)
'Anything Mercury?' She asked as she turned to the Senshi of ice
'Hey I just realized that my visor shows infra-red' She replied
Setsuna sighed as she replied 'That's nice Mercury but it's not what I asked for'
Blushing Ami quickly answered the elder Senshi's query. 'It's straight ahead all the others have passed her by already. It appears to be humanoid possibly female judging by the shape'
Usagi nodded at the information and knelt down
'Hop on Saturn I may need your help'
The Senshi of silence merely nodded as she scrabbled onto Usagi's back. With her cargo on bored Usagi leapt into the forest keeping her head down to avoid the frail girl on board from getting whacked in the face by a stray branch. Luna watching the whole episode turned towards Setsuna.
'Is it wise to let Usagi carry Hotaru like that, knowing how clumsy she is?' The moon cat asked causing a sweat drop to appear on Setsuna.
'We will just have to trust Usagi and hope she doesn't fall over'
Usagi quickly came upon the creature letting Hotaru down she slowly approached. As she got closer the moon light pierced through the canopy of the forest illuminating the sitting sobbing figure. Showing Usagi that it was indeed a human female, moving in a little closer she heard her speak.
'Princess'
Gasping in shock Usagi took a step back as the rest of the Senshi appeared. Haruka reacting to Usagi's gasp immediately summoned the space sword and levelled it at the girl. Upon seeing this, the girl began to retreat backwards into the tree, Usagi noticing this hissed at Haruka.
'Uranus put that away' turning towards the girl she smiled and knelt down
'Please don't be frightened we're going to hurt you, my name is Sailor Moon and these are my friends the Sailor Senshi' While saying this Usagi motioned towards the Senshi. Turning towards Hotaru she motioned the younger girl forward.
'Saturn help me check her for injuries'
'Oh she has or had plenty of those' Ami spoke up kneeling at the girl's side causing the rest of the Senshi to step back in shock wondering where she had come from.
'She has had some major surgery by the looks of her scares, a week or so ago I think'
Usagi nodded turning her attention back to the girl smiling.
'Why don't you come with us and we will get you some warm cloths and some food ok?'
The girl didn't move until Usagi offered her hand, taking it she allowed her self to be stood up and slowly led back towards the shrine. Usagi leading the girl quickly gave some orders to the rest of the Senshi.
'Rei, please run a hot bath and get her something to wear, Makoto please heat up the leftovers from dinner'
The two girls nodded and ran forward while the rest gathered around their leader, Haruka doing so with a look of suspicion, her thought echoing that of Usagi's.
(How did she know that I/Usagi was the princess)
Break
Setsuna Meioh looked slowly around the dining room of the house that she shared with the outer Senshi gathering her thoughts. It had been a week since the mysterious red head had appeared at the shrine and so far she still remained a mystery. The girl would say next to nothing save that Usagi was the princess and that she was their to serve her and not to send her to the hospital. All the Senshi had attempted to get the girl to open up, even Usagi, but to no avail. Since that night the red head did nothing but watch Usagi eating and sleeping only when Usagi did. Yet it was this seemingly blind devotion to Usagi that gave the Senshi of time a small glimmer of hope in the otherwise soul crushing decision she would have to make tonight.
Her guests were all arranged around the table each wondering why they and they alone had been asked to join Setsuna. The Senshi of Pluto sat at the head of the table sipping slowly at a cup of tea, her eyes boring into each of her companions. To Setsuna's left sat Luna a small saucer of cream in front of her, comfort food for the distraught moon cat. Next to her sat Mamoru and opposite Setsuna sat Ami. Both had a cup of tea in there hands as well while in front of Ami was the ever present mercury computer. On Setsuna's right sat Sailor Astarte, the only non Japanese Senshi, while next to Astarte sat Rei. Each of the tables occupants stared at the others eyes not quite meeting save for Setsuna and Astarte both deliberately meeting the gazes of the others as if judging them, weighing there souls for some future task, which was not far from the truth.
Deciding the time was right Pluto began to speak.
'I'm sure you're wondering why I have gathered you all here and not the others, though I'm also sure that Ami has begun to figure it out' With a nod to the younger Senshi Setsuna took a sip of her tea. Seeing that it was her time to speak Ami closed the mercury computer and began.
'We here because you believe that there is a possibility that one of the Senshi may go rouge'
Rei and Luna both gasped at this statement while Mamoru shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Astarte did nothing but continued to stare at the others. Nodding once again Setsuna allowed a small smile to escape her otherwise stern face.
'Correct Ami, and how did you come to this conclusion'
Ami smiled noting that Setsuna was allowing her a chance to show off a bit.
'Elementary my dear Watson' She said using a small joke to lighten the sombre mood of the meeting
The joke did the trick as the group broke into chuckles, having broken the darkened atmosphere Ami continued.
'With what you told us of the gates being closed and that there were no knew enemies coming until after crystal Tokyo was formed it is only logical to assume that the next enemy is one that you could not have seen at the gates' Seeing Setsuna nod Ami went on with her explanation. 'Add in the fact that rather than summoning all of us you have only invited Mamoru, Rei, Luna and Myself. Plus you invited Sailor Astarte, something you wouldn't do unless at absolute need. Leeds me to the other logical conclusion of the next threat being one of us, a rouge Senshi'
Clapping lightly Setsuna smiled once again. 'Well done Ami you are correct as usual'
Frowning Luna entered into the conversation. 'So you're saying that Hotaru is going unleash the silence then?'
'No Luna' Setsuna answered 'That is not the kind of Rouge I was meaning'
'Then who?' Mamoru shot back 'Hotaru is the only Senshi strong enough to be a major threat isn't she?'
Shaking her head Setsuna responded to the earth prince's query 'No Mamoru there are three Senshi who have that power. Myself, Hotaru and…'
'Usagi' Ami said cutting into Setsuna speech.
Gasps echoed around the table once again. Rei looked at Ami with disbelief then turned to Setsuna.
'You can't be serious, meatball head becoming a rouge Senshi'
'I am Serious' Setsuna replied 'Usagi has the power to be a very serious threat to the Senshi'
'But she wouldn't turn against us' Rei said defiantly
'She would if she thought it in everyone's best interests Rei' Sestuna said her voice heavy with sorrow.
'Do any of you know who we will stop mankind from becoming evil in the future?'
All save Astarte shook their heads. Nodding slightly Setsuna continued.
'There is only one way, strip the ability of man to choose evil away. If man cannot choose to be evil he or she will not become evil. That is how it will be done, Usagi will use the crystal to remove the ability to choose away from man. Some would see this very act as evil unto itself and I would agree with them. It is tantamount to raping someone's mind'
'And someone has told Usagi this that's why where hear isn't it' Ami concluded
Setsuna gave a weak smile to the ice Senshi's genius of figuring out what was going on once again. 'Yes Ami that's what I suspect and I believe that Usagi may decide to abandon Crystal Tokyo. Which is why you are all hear. What do each of you think now that you know the truth?'
Each of the companions sat silently, their thoughts milling in their heads. Finally it was Ami who spoke first.
'Logically it makes sense, every one on earth, even ourselves are far too susceptible to being corrupted. Remove the ability to act on that corruption and there is no more evil. I can accept that'
Rei nodded 'Ami is right; to save someone's spirit we must cleanse it of evil, so it makes sense to do so to their minds as well'
Mamoru also nodded adding his own opinion 'My parents died because of a mistake by an idiot at the wheel, I had to grow up alone knowing that I could never see them again. Knowing that this could one day happen to Rini is more than enough to convince me that it's the right thing to do'
'It's for the best' Luna agreed 'without evil then everyone even the Senshi will be safe. I would take this option knowing that I would never have to worry about you girl getting attacked by humans bent on making a fast buck even worse'
After hearing their response Setsuna knew that she had made the right choice by including them. Ami with her logic, Mamoru and Luna with their ability to think of the future first and Rei with her beliefs, each of us are the better choice for this type of meeting, each were able to think in the most objective manner.
'Then I have made the right choice I believe, in choosing all of you to come tonight. We each have a decision to make one that will decide the fate of the Senshi and the future of this planet. A choice that could bind the Senshi together stronger than before or rip us apart and turn us against one another. I will give each of you time to make this decision however it must be down tonight'
Why us' Rei interjected 'Why not the others, all of us I mean except Usagi'
'Two reasons Rei' Ami replied 'One if all of us but Usagi were here she would get suspicious and the second…'
'The second' Interrupted Setsuna 'is that out of all of the Senshi those who are here are the only ones who could approach this decision objectively. Makoto is loyal to the group and will only follow the majority. Rini, Haruka and Michiru will follow my lead and Hotaru will follow them. Artemis is too loyal to Minako and will do as she does, while Diana will follow Luna. As for Minako unless all of the Senshi are against her she will follow Usagi'
Rei looked perplexed at this and Ami looked surprised. Luna frowned at Setsuna as she questioned her comments.
'Surely you mean Makoto will follow Usagi and not Minako'
'No Luna' Setsuna shook her head 'Makoto is loyal to Usagi true but more of her loyalty is transferred to the Senshi as a whole. Only Minako understands the full depth of what Usagi is going through, has gone through and that is because she went through the same thing. Those two more like sisters than anything else, there lives are far to similar'
Ami nodded as the truth hit her, while Rei looked downwards her eyes beginning to mist. Sensing that emotions were beginning to overcome reason Setsuna continued with the meetings main purpose.
'We have three options open to us at this point and time. Option one we follow Usagi regardless of her choice. Option two we follow Crystal Tokyo regardless of Usagi's choice option three we disband the Senshi leaving each to make up there own minds about the future. You do not need to answer right away'
Rising from the table Setsuna went into the kitchen to make a fresh batch of tea, giving everybody the time to sort through there thoughts. Having already decided to go with the majority Setsuna would only cast her vote if there were a tie. As she prepared the tea and returned to the table absorbed in her own dire thoughts Setsuna failed to notice a small tuft of read hair peaking out from behind the entry way to the lounge.
Returning to the table and refreshing everybody's tea Setsuna sat down and awaited the verdict that would exonerate her princess or condemn her. Mamoru was the first to speak his eyes red from tears spilt.
'I will follow Crystal Tokyo, it is what we have fought for, for so long now I cannot simply abandon it, even if it means going against, against'
Unable to finish speaking, he hung his head a single tear rolling down his cheek. Setsuna nodded and waited for the remaining responses. Luna then raised her own head.
'I can't, she will be by herself' She spoke her words heavy with pain.
'No she won't' Setsuna responded otherwise I would not have taken this approach. She has somebody to aid her, give her a chance if we do go against her, to keep her safe when we cannot. That red haired girl is more devoted to her than any of us could hope to be and I have a feeling that she is far stronger than any of us believe her capable of being. Shocked at these words a sense of finality sunk into Luna as Rei finally gathered her own courage to speak.
'I will stand with Mamoru and you on this Setsuna I will support Crystal Tokyo no matter what Usagi decides' This said Rei sank further into her chair. Setsuna shook her head at Rei's words
'I haven't decided yet Rei and will only do so if this meeting is deadlocked'
'But what about Astarte' Rei asked 'She is only here as an observer, I have already told of what is going on and she asked that she remain neutral until a winning side is clear' Setsuna said as Astarte nodded in acknowledgement of her role. Ami then decided to say her piece.
'Logically it is clear for me to go along with the majority decision here tonight so I will abstain until the final vote is cast' Saying that Ami turned her eyes towards Luna who looked up eyes shining with unshed tears.
'I will support Crystal Tokyo no matter what Usagi decides'
'Then it is decided' Setsuna said eyes welling in her own eyes 'The Senshi will move against Sailor Moon should she abandon Crystal Tokyo' Saying that Setsuna finally allowed her tears to fall silently as the sounds of sobbing from Rein and Ami joined that of Luna's. Even as her tears fell Setsuna allowed her thought to echo the sentiments felt by her comrades for what they had just decided to do.
(I'm sorry Princess, sorry for the hurt you are about to feel should you go against us. I am sorry for my betrayal)
End?
Well I know that I said that this was the last chapter of the beginning saga, unfortunately that is wrong. Initially this chapter was supposed to be the last one however, it was longer than I expected and so I decided to break it off into two chapters so there is one more to go before we reach the next saga Civil War. Please read and review, let me know if it sucks or succeeds. Until next time
Shalom
(1) Whoops another really bad pun there my bad