016 Stolen Hearts
"Good afternoon. How are you feeling?" a tall black haired man said as he smiled at Motoki. The dazed blond shifted slightly and hissed in pain. Cradling his sore ribs Motoki tried to sit up despite the pain. "Take it easy young man. Pushing too hard will only make it worse. You have to stay in bed for a while, there're still a few tests we need to run. I'll get a nurse in here with something for the pain. Rushing things won't change the duration of your stay, I'm afraid. Just be patient, alright?"
"What happened?" Motoki asked as he relaxed into the thin mattress.
"You were found outside a church. It looks like you were mugged. The EMT's who brought you in said you didn't have any ID. Do you remember anything about the incident?" the doctor said as he pushed a small button beside the bed. Motoki watched as a woman dressed in floral scrubs walked into the room. "Ah, Zari, would you mind getting some more pain medication for our patient."
"Oh course Doctor," the nurse said as she walked over to Motoki's bed. She checked a chart hanging off his bed before she silently left the room. While waiting for Zari's return Motoki mulled over the doctors question. Stories of monsters in the streets were now an everyday occurrence, but until he'd watched his fiancé turn into one, Motoki had never believed them. Even with Kunzite's radical story about the Dark Kingdom taking over everything, Motoki had never felt that involved, but now he wasn't sure he wanted to be. Biting his lip he wondered if Reika could be saved at all.
"I can't recall anything," Motoki lied. "Could I call my sister, she'll be worried."
"Of course." The doctor replied with a sympathetic smile. Zari reentered the room and quickly injected a needle filled with pain medication into his IV. When the woman was once again out of sight the doctor handed Motoki a phone before he too left. Carefully dialing Unazuki's number Motoki debated on what to tell her. The phone answered mid ring without giving Motoki enough time to decide what she needed to know.
"Furaharta residence, this is Unazuki speaking," Unazuki said.
"Hey, sis," Motoki said.
"Oh my God! You're alive! I was so afraid; I thought you might be out on the streets… or worse at the arcade! Where are you?" Unazuki said in a rush. Trying to process all that she'd said left his head aching fiercely and he adamantly wished the pain medication worked quickly.
"I… Unazuki, I'm alright… just a little banged up. I ran into some muggers and got a bit roughed up, but I'm fine. Honestly." Motoki said. He could hear his sisters sharp intake of breath as he mentioned the 'muggers' and was glad he hadn't mention Reika becoming a monster. "I'm at the hospital right now but I'll be home in a couple hours. Don't worry and stay safe."
"Oh Motoki, was Reika with you? Is she alright?" Unazuki asked softly.
"No. I'd just dropped her off at the airport. She has that work conference, remember?" Motoki lied. He kept his voice as calm as possible hoping she couldn't hear the slight tremble in his voice. "Unazuki. Stay safe. I'll call you from Mamoru's. I'll have him pick me up when I'm discharged, alright?"
"Alright," Unazuki agreed softly. "Oh, Motoki… stay safe."
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"Zoisite!" Sailor Moon yelled as she raced towards the blond general. Tuxedo Kamen was a step behind her as they ran. When she was close enough Sailor Moon wrapped her arms desperately around the man and held him close. Tuxedo Kamen, seeing the vacant expression was slightly more cautious. He placed his hands on the man's shoulders, looking for any obvious signs for his state of being.
"Hold onto him!" a tall boy dress in black yelled over to them. The boy was struggling to hold onto a teenager. "It's too dangerous to leave him alone… Hold onto him or…"
The rest of his sentence was lost as his opponent got the upper hand and knocked him over. The teenager ignored the white haired boy and started to race off. Huffing angrily the white haired man ran off in pursuit. Tuxedo Kamen gently replaced Sailor Moon in holding their companion as his struggles to escape increased. Sailor Moon's voice shook slightly as she asked, "What can we do?"
"Go ask. I'll hold him," Tuxedo Kamen said gently. Sailor Moon nodded and raced towards the two sailor scouts holding teenagers. Tuxedo Kamen watched as his blond haired friend covered her mouth in horror moments before she turned to stare down the street. A moment later Sailor Moon, clutching a crescent shaped wand, raced down the street. Worried Tuxedo Kamen yelled, "Where's she going?"
"To save the day," a blue haired scout replied as she fought to hold onto a girl. The two were wrestling in the gutter and Tuxedo Kamen was suddenly grateful for the empty street. Turning to look at the rest of the street he spotted a small violet haired scout losing her battle to hold down a teenaged boy. Another scout was closer to him and glaring hatred at them as she split her attention between her teenager and Tuxedo Kamen and Zoisite. Sighing hopeless Tuxedo Kamen hoped that Sailor Moon could save the day on her own.
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"Supreme Thunder!"
"World Shaking!"
Sailor Uranus watched as the two attacks joined to create a swirling vortex of thunder and earth that hurtled towards the seething serpent. The attack shook the battered creature but it was far from tired. Beside Sailor Uranus Sailor Jupiter sank to the ground. The younger girl's transformation flickered slightly but held in the end.
"How can it still be standing?" Sailor Jupiter whispered.
"We have to win! Come on!" Sailor Uranus said as she helped the other scout to her feet. Nodding Sailor Jupiter did what she did best, raced in to batter the creature with her fists. Sailor Uranus, noting it was the only strategy they hadn't tired yet, raced in to help.
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"STAY DOWN!" Sailor Star Healer yelled as he tackled his teenaged victim to the ground. The boy's energy never seemed to run dry and Sailor Star Healer was starting to feel his energy reserves slip away. Taking a deep breath he held the boy as tightly as he could. He watched in silent horror as his leather was replaced with his normal jeans and t-shirt. "I hate this day!"
Sparing a moment to check his surroundings he was grateful that they'd stopped their unhealthy jaunt through the streets in a deserted alley. Frustrated Yaten said, "You are so lucky kid! Anyone else would have left you to your own devises! NOW HOLD STILL!"
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"No!" Minako said as she turned the last corner between her and the Crown Arcade. Tossed to opposite sides of the street, Haruka and Makoto lay forgotten by the monster. Checking on the closest first Minako raced towards Makoto's side. Her friend was still breathing and didn't have any obvious life threatening injuries so Minako raced over to Haruka. The blond had her eyes open but were slightly unfocused. A large gash over her right eye was bleeding heavily and Minako quickly pulled another bandage off her shrinking skirt. "Haruka, are you alright? Where's the serpent?"
"'m alright Mina… you gotta stop it… it's killing Rei…" Haruka whispered. Taking a deep breath Minako pressed the bandage against the cut and used Haruka's hand to hold it in place.
"Stay here. I'll stop it and be back with help!" Minako said as she stood up.
"Get the wand…" Haruka mumbled as she watched the blond race away.
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"Well… isn't this an interesting development…" Nephrite commented as he watched the scouts struggle to hold onto the teenagers. He glanced over at his girlfriend and watched her smirk at the scene. "Should we send them a new friend, love?"
"It would be polite, just to let them know we stopped by and were thinking of them," Naru said as she smiled back. Nephrite kissed Naru before he summoned a large lion. "Hmm, he should makefast friends with them. Good choice love."
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Sailor Moon raced down the street clutching the crescent wand. A quiet corner approached and Sailor Moon slowed to a stop. Clinging loosely to a sign post Sailor Moon glanced down the streets looking for a hint at the right direction. Spotting nothing she closed her eyes and thought desperately, 'Please… which direction! Where do I go?'
A soft tug in her heart pulled to the back and a strong pull to the left. Knowing exactly what waited behind her she raced to the left. Breathing heavily she raced down the road looking for any signs of the monster. As she raced along she started to see obvious signs of a battle. Following the signs of destruction Sailor Moon stumbled into Kunzite's unconscious form.
Gasping in shock Sailor Moon raced to his side and checked to make sure he was still breathing. Once she'd confirmed he was still alive she took a shaky breath in relief. Gently she tried to wake the unconscious general. When he failed to respond she looked around for anyone who could help. The street was completely deserted but she spotted a pay phone outside a nearby building. Racing over she picked up the receiver and called for an ambulance.
After she gave them directions to Kunzite's location she raced off following the path of destruction. When she came across more wounded she stopped to call for another ambulance before she raced on again. Once again following the destruction through the deserted streets it didn't take long for Sailor Moon to spot the monster facing off with a blond girl. The blond girl spotted Sailor Moon and with a shudder collapsed in a heap on the ground.
Shaking in fear Sailor Moon puller her tiara off her forehead and flung it at the monster. The glittering disk bounced off the monster and landed a few feet away. The monster hissed menacingly as it turned to face her. Still shaking Sailor Moon took a step towards the monster, her right hand clutching the crescent wand desperately. "Whatever you've done to those people you need to undo it right now!"
"No little girl. I need pure hearts. I'll take yours too, little girl." The snake hissed as it slithered closer. Frightened she took a small step backwards. Her fingers ached from clutching the crescent wand. Suddenly the snake darted forward, claws outstretched. Sailor Moon shrieked and fell backwards. Terrified she scooted backwards as the monster lashed out with it's tail. The long tail wrapped easily around her ankle and lifted her off the ground. Shaking her violently Sailor Moon let go of the crescent wand and it skittered across the ground out of reach. Once the weapon was no longer in Sailor Moon's hand the monster slammed her into the ground.
Dizzy and nauseous Sailor Moon gazed at the monster. With it's tail still wrapped firmly around her ankle the monster lifted her once more and tossed her towards the blonde. Tears sprang to Sailor Moon's eyes as she felt the rough concrete scrape along her exposed skin. Swallowing thickly she looked up to see the monster coming closer. Softly she whispered, "I can't do this."
"You can," a soft insistent voice whispered. Sailor Moon looked over at the blond. She was shaking and covered in blood and bruises but she had a strong determined look in her eyes. "Have faith. I'll help you. Venus Power Make-Up."
Sailor Moon watched Sailor Venus flicker briefly between a teenager and a sailor scout. The transformation slowly solidified around her being Sailor Venus. Slowly the two scouts forced themselves to their feet. Staring at the monster's victorious smirk Sailor Venus whispered tiredly, "Crescent Beam."
The attack glanced off the monster and dissolved. Sailor Moon pointed at the crescent wand and asked quietly, "Will that help? If I can get that to you can you use it?"
"I don't know. I'm sorry. Maybe you can use it? I've used too much energy. I'll distract the monster, you get the wand. It'll help you. Listen to the wand, it'll tell you what you need to know." Sailor Venus said softly. Her transformation flickered for a moment and the wavering blond took a deep breath. She smiled at Sailor Moon for a second before she raced for the monster. Startled Sailor Moon watched the blond throw herself into the fray. As the monster swatted Sailor Venus aside Sailor Moon remembered her part of the plan. Without sparing the monster another glance Sailor Moon raced towards the crescent wand.
Before she could grab the wand the monster's tail slammed into her side. Taking a shaky breath Sailor Moon clutched her aching side. A sharp cry of pain escaped her as she once more forced herself to stand. She glanced over at Sailor Venus to see the other scout wearily forcing herself to her feet. As Sailor Venus charged the monster once more Sailor Moon dashed towards the crescent wand. Her fingers closed around the wand seconds before the monster's tail once again batted her aside.
Lying helplessly on the ground she looked for the other scout. Sailor Venus was once more nothing more than a regular teenager. The blond was once more struggling to her feet. Tired and sore Sailor Moon stood as well and glared at the monster. Watching the blond Sailor Moon watched as her tattered bloody clothes changed to a shimmering white gown. Glowing brightly the blond woman spoke calmly into the clearing, "Heart Vibration."
A brilliant light blossomed around the monster and Sailor Moon listened to it scream in agony. As the light faded away the blond turned back into a regular teenager and collapsed to the ground. As soon as the blond hit the ground several lights shot into the air and raced out of sight. Staring at the enraged monster Sailor Moon took a deep breath and prepared to finish the fight.
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A large lion growled angrily as it stepped into view. Sailor Pluto growled at the timing. She watched dismally as Tuxedo Mask lost the fight to keep his victim still. The blond man raced away and Tuxedo Mask chased after him. With one less person to help in the fight Sailor Pluto knew she had to make a decision Either save the life of the teenager she was currently holding down or to save herself and the two scouts also holding down teenagers. Reluctantly Sailor Pluto let the teenager go and stood to face the glowering monster. Hoping to end the fight quickly so she might still have a chance at finding the teenager she focused her energy and whispered softly, "Dead Scream."
The attack slammed into the monster and it charged towards her. It pounced on her pinning her to the ground. Sailor Pluto shoved her staff between it's teeth and tried to hold the monster at bay. She bit her lip in pain as the lion dug it's sharp claws into her sides. Suddenly the weight of the lion was viciously shoved off her.
Gasping in pain Sailor Pluto looked up at Sailor Saturn. The small scout was holding her glaive in front of her trying to protect Sailor Pluto from the monster. "I'm alright. You shouldn't have let that kid go…"
"I had too. You needed the help, and so do my friends. We have to get that monster." Sailor Saturn said. She attempted to stab the lion once more but it simply growled and backed away.
"Deep Submerge." Sailor Neptune whispered as she stopped beside the lion. Sailor Saturn and Pluto watched as the attack slammed directly into the monster. The lion slumped to the side and growled at her. Tears leaked down Sailor Neptune's cheeks as she whispered once more, "Deep Submerge."
Sailor Pluto gently pushed Sailor Saturn aside and whispered, "Dead Scream."
The two attacks slammed into the monster and it dissolved into stars. The three tired scouts felt their transformations flicker for a moment as they looked around the deserted street. Sailor Neptune sank to her knees, crying as she looked over at the spot she'd been holding onto Rei. "I had to let her go… I'm sorry."
Sailor Pluto placed a hand on the crying girl's shoulder and asked, "Did you see which direction she went? Maybe we can still catch her."
Shakily Sailor Neptune wiped her eyes and stood up. She smiled softly at the two scouts before she raced off towards the Crown Arcade. Putting all their energy into racing after Rei the three scouts quickly spotted the raven haired priestess. She was standing still in the middle of the street watching a bright light float towards her. The light settled in front of Rei before it merged with her. As the light disappeared Rei collapsed to the ground.
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Sailor Moon grimaced as she forced herself back to her feet. She was getting tired of the monster tossing her around the street. As the monster slithered closer she whispered to the wand, "Please help me. I don't know what to do. How can I stop this monster?"
The crescent wand offered her no clues and Sailor Moon turned to another source of information. She pulled the small crystal from her pocket and asked softly, "Vena can you help me?"
'You've got a powerful weapon, but it should not be used by you. It is meant to be in another's hands.'
"I'm all alone. There's no one to help me, I don't know what to do."
"Then I will help you." A gentle new voice whispered in Sailor Moon's mind. Looking around for the mysterious voice Sailor Moon saw no one, but a bright silver light. The light settled around Sailor Moon and the voice whispered, "I will take over from here, young Rabbit of the Moon."
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Sailor Moon stood, her eyes no longer blue, but bright silver. Her outfit burned a bright silver as she stepped confidently towards the monster. The crescent wand glittered with silver light as a ghostly crystal rested within the crescent. Her voice held an ancient power as she said, "I am Queen Serenity of the Silver Millennium. You have trespassed against my beloved daughter's future. This day should never have been, and now you shall no longer be."
Silver light blossomed from the crystal slowly enveloping several blocks. As the crystal's light faded Sailor Moon collapsed to the ground in an unconscious heap.
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