Title: Lost in the Sea of Serenity: An Altered Destiny
Author: S Dot Serenity
Chapter Three
"Mamo-chan!! I said I was sorry!"
Usagi struggled to catch up to her not-so-happy protector as he strode quickly down the street. They were heading to the Hikawa Shrine for an impromptu meeting. After yesterday's events, everyone wanted to try and piece together what was going on.
After Reflector had been defeated, the Senshi watched as the ball of light it had devoured slowly floated its way back into the body of the handsome stranger. As it did, the color and life slowly began to return to his features, making him almost even more handsome than before. Venus and Jupiter confirmed this fact by the huge hearts that had appeared in their eyes. Sailor Moon's eyes were a heartbeat away from having hearts in them theirselves, but a quick glare from Tuxedo Kamen broke that heart. Giggling nervously, Sailor Moon quickly scooted over to where Sailor Mars was and all but hid behind her.
After making sure that the victim was okay, and making sure that Venus didn't steal his wallet to get his address, the warriors made their way back to the amusement park to meet up with Motoki and Reika. Unfortunately, they decided to call it a day because they all were exhausted. Saying their good-byes to the couple, they decided to have a meeting at Rei's temple the next day, and went on their way.
Now, a day later, Usagi and Mamoru were striving to be on time for once. People in their path quickly stepped aside as the two quickly spanned the length of the street for two reasons: 1.) They didn't want to be in the warpath of the dark, handsome, young man when his face was set on kill, and 2.) They knew of the pigtailed blonde and her infamous klutz attacks. The couple ignored them as they continued their trek, the shrine only a block away.
[Wow, Usagi thought as she hurried after him, his legs were longer than hers after all. [He must really be upset. Why though?
"Mamo-chan! I'm sorry if I offended you yesterday! I never think before my speeches! They just come to me. L-like they were pre-written or something!" [You should know!
Usagi's heart skipped a beat as Mamoru slowed his stride a little.
"You know that I would never intentionally say anything to hurt you!"
She began to slow her stride as Mamoru slowed his pace even more. Usagi began to get even more excited.
"I mean, sure he was drop dead gorgeous and all…but—"
Usagi didn't get to finish her statement as Mamoru took off again down the street. Usagi let out a cry of frustration as she struggled to keep her composure.
"Mamo-chan!!" Usagi tried again as she ran after him, "Will you please stop and listen for a minute?!"
Miraculously, Mamoru did stop. Usagi failed to notice this in time however, as she crashed into his back and, as usual, fell on her backside. Looking up, she saw nothing but Mamoru's rigid back, and his fists clenched at his sides. Looking further, she saw that they were directly in front of the many stairs that led to Hikawa Shrine.
Remaining on the ground, Usagi dropped her head, and pulled her fists into her lap.
"Mamo-chan," Usagi whispered, "Why are you so mad at me?" She waited for a second to see if Mamoru would respond. When he didn't, she took a shaky breath and continued.
"I already apologized for gawking at the guy, but at least that's all it was. It was harmless, really. It-it was just a slip of the tongue." Usagi gripped her skirt as she continued.
"I-I mean, after all that we've been through, I would think that something as small as that wouldn't make you so upset." She sniffed. "I can't stand it when you're mad at me, so please-"
Mamoru cringed. That little sniffle shook his nerves. He absolutely HATED to see his little bunny cry. Especially if it was because of him. He sighed inwardly. Maybe he was overreacting just a bit…
"Usa-ko, stop."
Blinking rapidly at the sound of his voice, Usagi gazed up at Mamoru with glassy eyes. Mamoru stood before her, finally looking in her direction. Instead of the coldness that she had seen in his eyes earlier, they held the same adoration that they always had when they were with each other.
"Mamo-chan?"
"Get off the ground Usa-ko." Offering his hand, Mamoru helped her off the ground, and grabbed her shoulders gently, forcing her to look at him.
Sighing, Mamoru said, "Stop apologizing Usa-ko. I've heard enough. Actually, that first apology was enough, I was just being a jerk."
[Hmmm…think I'd be used to that by now… Usagi thought to herself.
"I was just jealous when you were fawning all over that guy. Especially when you looked at him with the same adoration the other girls were. I thought that I was the only one you'd look at that way."
Before Usagi could respond, Mamoru put a finger to her lips silencing her.
"I know that you only have eyes for me, Usa-ko. Hey, you're only human right? We all tend to be drawn to an attractive figure. I've been guilty of it myself a couple of times." Usagi narrowed her eyes at this, and Mamoru was quick to continue.
"See! You see how you feel right now? Well, that's how I felt then. I guess I just reverted back to my old shell afterwards. You're right Usa-ko. We have been through too much for me to act the way I did. I was acting childish, and I'm sorry. Forgive me?"
Forgetting all animosities, Usagi threw herself into Mamoru's arms and hugged him fiercely. Smiling, Mamoru wrapped his arms around her and hugged back.
"Of course, Mamo-chan! But don't you ever ignore me again!!"
Mamoru chuckled, and kissed the top of her head adoringly. Pulling away from her, he began to run up the many stairs that led to the shrine. "Come on Odango-Atama! Don't want to keep the girls waiting!"
Usagi sighed happily as she watched Mamoru run up the stairs. [My Mamo-chan. She thought. [I knew that he would realize his mistake and remember that I wouldn't do anything to—wait a minute. . .
Realization hit Usagi in the head like a brick.
"Odango-Atama?!" she shrieked.
Fuming, she started after Mamoru in a dead sprint.
"GET BACK HERE MAMORU-BAKA!!"
The only response from Mamoru was his mirthful laughter.
"Minako-chan, did you eat the last brownie?" Makoto asked, peering intently at her friend.
Minako, for her part, tried her best to deny it. Saying nothing, she quickly shook her head in the negative, hoping that Makoto would buy it.
She didn't. Regarding Minako's puffed out cheeks, and chocolate crumbs on the side of her mouth, Makoto's frown deepened.
"Riiiiiiiggght. Lucky for you, I have more."
Swallowing quickly, Minako's eyes lit up at the prospect of more brownies. Makoto saw this and quickly burst her bubble.
"Oh, no," she said, taking the now empty plate with her. "No more for you until the others get here."
"Aww, Mako-chan," Minako said, wiping her mouth. "You're no fun."
Looking up from her task of straightening the living area, Rei sent a slightly amused grin Minako's way. "I swear Mina-chan,' she said. "You've been hanging around Usagi-chan WAY too much."
Minako just stuck out her tongue, and settled back on one of the many cushions Rei had laid out.
So far, it was just Rei, Minako, and Makoto at the Temple. And, it was relatively peaceful. Everyone else was a good 10 minutes away from being late, and it was a toss up to whether the Outers would show up or not. They were always invited, but sometimes chose other things to do. The Inners wished they could all always meet together but, hey, what can you do?
Just as Rei was putting her broom away, the tranquility of the Temple was broken by a familiar shriek.
"GET BACK HERE MAMORU-BAKA!!"
Rei cringed as she heard the frantic flapping of dozens of raven wings, scattering out of the way of a certain odango haired young woman. Rolling her eyes, she slid open the door so they wouldn't have to worry about a collision later.
Makoto giggled as she saw the look on Rei's face. "Well, at least she's on time." She said.
Suddenly, there was a loud commotion at the door, and the three girls jumped in surprise. Turning to see what happened, Minako tried to smother her laughs, while Makoto just burst out laughing. Even Rei had to suppress a giggle.
Standing in the door was a very bedraggled, very red-faced, very exhausted Usagi. Her normal buns were lopsided with stray hairs everywhere, and to top it off, raven feathers stuck to her hair and clothes. Fists clenched and breathing heavy, she glanced around the room with malice in her eyes.
"Where. Is. He?" Usagi ground out. Wiping the tears from her eyes, Makoto sat up, still laughing, and asked, "Who?"
"Mamoru, that's who!"
Regaining her composure, Rei strode over to Usagi and pulled her inside. "How should we know, Odango?" she said, getting a glare from Usagi in return. "He was with you. Now come and get yourself cleaned up; you're a mess."
Reluctantly, Usagi followed Rei, but still had plans for revenge on her mind. Pulling a stray feather from her hair, Usagi entered the bathroom muttering, "Yeah, well. When I find him, I'm gonna kill him."
Rei plopped down on one of the cushions and muttered, "That girl will never cease to amaze me."
"That's why we love her though," Makoto said as she emerged from the kitchen with a fresh plate of brownies. "She keeps us laughing." Setting the plate down, she swatted Minako's hand away as she looked toward the door.
"Where is Mamoru-kun anyway?"
"Right here," a very amused Mamoru said, as he jogged up to the door. He chuckled softly at the trail of feathers leading to the bathroom. "I take it Usa-ko came in already?"
"Yep, with thoughts of killing a certain mask wearing super hero on her mind." Minako said, rubbing her hand and glaring at Makoto. Turing towards Mamoru, she asked. "What'd you do?"
"Yea," Makoto piqued up. "I thought you were miffed at her?"
Blushing slightly, Mamoru ran his hand through his hair. He forgot how girls talked. "Oh. We settled our differences. She's just a little sensitive about the whole 'odango-atama' thing. . . as always."
"You're darn right, Mamo-baka." A simmering Usagi said as she emerged from the bathroom, hair neatly re-pinned. "I should tear you a new one for calling me—" she stopped abruptly and sniffed the air. "Do I smell brownies?"
Minako giggled, and offered her the plate. Usagi's eyes lit up happily, and she snatched two brownies from the plate. Sitting down next to Mamoru, she began to munch to her heart's content.
Sighing in relief, Mamoru sat back with a small smirk. [Saved by the brownies!
"Well," Rei said, "that's everyone except for Ami." She glanced at the clock speculatively. "That's odd, she's never late."
"You don't think anything happened, do you?" Makoto asked, slightly worried.
"I hope not," Usagi said around a mouthful of brownie.
"Do you think we should—" anything that Rei was about to say was interrupted by a small knock on the door. All eyes turned to the door, expecting to see their resident blue-haired genius, but instead were shocked to see Haruka and Michiru.
"Hello, everyone," Michiru said, "I hope we're not interrupting anything?"
"Oh, no!" Usagi gushed. "We were just waiting for Ami-chan." Taking a seat on one of the cushions around the table, Michiru and Haruka looked at each other quizzically.
"Ami-chan?" Haruka asked. "Isn't she normally the first one here, other than Rei-chan?"
Everyone nodded. "Yea, and we're starting to get worried," Rei added. "Why don't you try her communicator?" Mamoru suggested.
Minako slapped herself in the head. "Why didn't I think of that?" she muttered. Pulling her communicator from her purse, she pressed the page button for Mercury.
The seven people present all but jumped out of their skins as they heard beeping coming from behind the now closed front screen.
Patting her chest to still her rapidly beating heart, Usagi squeaked out, "You think that's Ami?"
Cutting her eyes at Usagi, Rei stood and went to open the door. "Either that, or there's a bomb outside." Minako joked.
"Minako! Don't say things like that!" Rei yelled as she pulled back the screen, revealing a very startled Ami, communicator in hand. "With the way things are around here, you never know!
"Oh!" Ami exclaimed, quietly. With a slight blush, she stepped into the room, not making eye contact with anyone. "Sorry I'm late everyone," Ami said, bowing. "I was going over some facts and I lost track of time."
Several eyebrows shot to the ceiling. [Lost track of time? They all simultaneously thought. [Ami?!
Not saying another word, and still not making eye contact with anyone, Ami made her way to the table sat down, and opened her computer.
"Ookaay," Rei muttered, closing the screen again. Not liking to see her friend so down, Usagi went over to where Ami sat.
"Ami," Usagi started soothingly, laying her hand on Ami's shoulder. "Is something wrong? You know you can talk to us."
"Yeah," Makoto added, as she leaned against a wall. "You know we're always here to listen."
Ami smiled faintly, but it was gone before anyone could register it. Sighing, she finally looked up at her friends, and they were shocked to see the sorrow in her eyes.
"I feel like a failure."
"WHAT?!" Usagi screeched, involuntarily making Ami cringe. "How can you say that Ami?! What could you have possibly failed at?"
Fiddling with her fingers, Ami began.
"Yesterday. At the battle. I couldn't figure out how to stop the demon."
"Huh?" Minako scratched her head, confused. "But, weren't you the one who told us that if we broke the mirrors, we'd weaken the thing?" Everyone agreed.
Ami nodded as well. "Yes. But I really didn't know. My computer did not show me the monster's weakness as it normally does." She ignored the puzzled expressions and continued. "The only reason I knew that the broken glass would weaken the monster is because I saw what happened when Mamouru-kun's rose pierced it's mirror. I just put two and two together, put the information in my computer, and it came out as correct."
Shocked silence filled the air. Mercury's computer had never led her wrong! The Senshi always relied on it to get them out of tough situations, and it always had. Why would it start malfunctioning with this new enemy?
Coming down from her shock first, Usagi rubbed Ami's back consolingly. "Don't worry about it Ami-chan. Just because the computer didn't give us the information that we needed, doesn't mean that you're a failure. The computer is just assistance. It's your mind that constantly gets us out of trouble. A dim person can't very well use your computer without disaster striking, right?"
"Hmph." Rei muttered to herself. "Note to self: Never let odango brain near Ami's computer."
Usagi heard her, and stuck her tongue out in response.
Turning back to Ami, Usagi continued. "Besides. Even if your computer didn't, you figured out how to stop the monster. So what if you figured it out by watching Mamo-chan? The point is you figured it out. Faster that any one of us would have anyways, right guys?" Usagi looked toward her friends, and they all voiced their agreements.
"See, Ami-chan?" Usagi said, smiling at her friend. "You're not a failure. The computer just couldn't find the information this time."
"That's just it!" Ami exclaimed to the shock of everyone. Ami never raised her voice. She pushed her computer to the center of the table in frustration, and turned toward Usagi with a look that the meatball-headed moon princess couldn't describe. Reeling back slightly, she regarded Ami with slight fear in her eyes. Ami didn't catch it. Instead, she ranted.
"The computer should work every time! It's made by Mercurians for Kami's sake! The stupid thing wasn't following a command I sent!" she yelled. "That's why it was taking longer than usual. It's like this new evil was interfering with its inner mechanics, making it impossible for me to scan anything! I couldn't find the weakness of the monster, I couldn't trace this new evil, I could hardly get any readings on what destroyed the monster! What if something happens to one of you when I'm looking for information? What if I can't figure it out in time? On top of that, I couldn't even figure out why that damn woman said that she was from Mercury!"
Ami's breathing had become erratic in her apparent anger. Bitter tears stung her eyes, and her hands had gripped the table so hard that her knuckles turned white.
No one knew exactly what to say. They had never seen Ami blow like that before. Or curse. Obviously, this last battle had struck a nerve with Ami, and they were all saddened by the fact that they didn't know how to fix it.
"Well," Rei began, softly. "That's why we called this meeting Ami-chan." She walked over and put her arms around the genius in a hug. "We're all here to try and figure out what happened. This way, the pressure's not all on you. We're a family, and we won't rest until we fish out this new threat, together." She hugged the girl tighter. "Don't worry. Yesterday was just a fluke. A fluke that wasn't even your fault. It's probably just the new enemy screwing with things like you said."
"That's right Ami-chan!" Minako cried, pumping her fist into the air. "We're all a team! We can work through anything! Figure anything out! After all," she said with a wink. "Seven heads are better than one pea in a pod!"
"Yeah!" everyone cried. . . then stopped short.
"Wait, what?"
Ami smiled sadly. She still wasn't entirely convinced, but decided to just think about it later.
"What exactly could your computer pick up Ami-chan?" Haruka asked.
Ami just shook her head. Opening her computer, she typed on a few keys, and a look of frustration crossed her face.
"It's really hard to decipher." Ami said. "I couldn't really get a definite reading. All I could pick up were heat signals. Very strong heat signals."
"Heat signals, huh?" Mamoru mused. "That's strange, seeing that, that Hatsugoori person used ice based attacks."
"That's right," Makoto piqued up. "I almost forgot about that maniac."
"I didn't," Haruka muttered, absent-mindedly rubbing her chin. Michiru saw her, and grabbed her hand, rubbing it soothingly.
"Hey, yeah." Minako observed. "Didn't she say that see was royalty from Mercury?"
At this, everyone turned back to Ami, who sat wearing the same expression she had when she'd walked into the room. She rolled her eyes once she felt their stare.
"That's another thing I can't figure out. I don't remember her from my past life. Granted, I don't remember much, but I figured I'd at least get a flicker of a memory. Last time I checked, I was the only princess of Mercury." She looked up then. "Do any of you remember her?"
The others speculated it for a few seconds, then all decidedly shook their heads.
"Maybe we can ask Artemis and Luna," Usagi suggested. "Where are they anyway?" Minako asked, looking around for her little white cat. Usagi just shrugged.
"Haven't seen Luna since we left for the amusement park."
"Hey," Makoto spoke suddenly, looking at Haruka and Michiru. "Where's Hotaru?"
"Oh, she decided to sit this meeting out," Michiru said. "She said she didn't feel well."
"Oh."
"Minako, I'm pretty sure the cats will just show up, like they always do." Rei flipped her hair over her shoulder and looked at Ami. "What about that strange power that saved our butts? Did you pick up anything on that?"
Ami's eyes glossed over as she tried to recall the information. "Well," she started. "I did pick up a little something, but I don't know how much assistance it'll be." Turning her computer back towards her, she tapped a few keys until she got to the screen she wanted. Nodding, she turned to her friends.
"The blast that destroyed Reflector was extremely powerful. It's power structure was off the charts. The funny thing is, it was very similar to the power structures of that evil aura the park was emitting. It may be tied to the new threat."
Haruka scratched her head as she pondered this. "Similar to that of the new threat, huh?" She looked at Michiru who looked as if she was deep in thought. "But, why would they take out one of their own, especially when it was so close to frying us?"
"That's what puzzles me," Ami confirmed. "They wouldn't destroy their own, not when they're so close to a victory."
"And what about the stuff they were taking from the hot-"?" Usagi stopped dead in her tracks at the resulting glare from Mamoru. There was no way she was going through that again. "The stuff they were taking from that completely innocent guy who I have no interest in whatsoever? His 'essence'?"
"I guess it's what it sounds like," Ami offered. "Someone's essence is what makes them who they are. Without it, they'd be just like everyone else. A person's essence is like the paint that makes a painting beautiful. Without it, there would not be anything worth buying. Similarly, there wouldn't be a life worth living."
"That's why his features started to fade," Michiru spoke up. "They were draining what distinguishes him from every other individual on Earth."
"But why do they want it? What makes a person unique isn't a very powerful force, is it?" Mamoru asked.
"Anything can be a powerful force if used correctly," Haruka replied.
"True. But I still can't see how it can be used for evil."
Mamoru looked at Ami expectantly, hoping she had an answer. She just shrugged her shoulders helplessly. She was getting kind of tired of everyone turning to her for answers tonight. Didn't she already say that she didn't know anything about this enemy?
"I have absolutely no idea."
They all sat there in silence as they tried to figure out a feasible answer to what was going on. Usagi was the one to break the silence.
"So, exactly what information do we have?"
Rei snorted. "Other than the fact that these threats are powerful, heat based, the fact that they steal 'essences', and have a psychotic blue haired henchmen who claims she's royalty from Mercury,. . .nothing."
Everyone sweatdropped and hung their heads in disappointment.
"Well," Mamoru said, running his fingers through his hair. "We're pretty much worse off than we started."
Everyone groaned in agreement.
Hatsugoori was nervous.
She was stretched out on an ice-covered chaise lounge in the Daughter's of the Sun's lair. On the outside, she looked as she always did: Picture perfect looks, an icy demeanor, and luxurious, manageable hair.
But, on the inside, she was a wreck. The Queen hadn't called for her yet, and Hatsugoori knew that, that meant trouble. It also meant that she had more time to think up a suitable punishment for her failure. Hatsugoori cringed. She so liked on the spot punishments better!
On top of all that, Kousen would not leave her alone! She had been grinning and snickling ever since she got back. She absolutely loved the fact that Hatsugoori was the one getting in trouble.
"Arrggh!" she screamed out in frustration. She desperately looked around for something to take her mind off of the Queen. She was going crazy!
Grasping her icicle nail file out of thin air, she began to file her nails furiously. She couldn't for the life of her figure out what her punishment would be. She had never been punished before; her missions were always completed. She hated to think that the first mission on this miserable, smelly, non-Mercury planet was a failure. The people here were idiots and they didn't fawn over her illustrious beauty. She hated that.
She threw her file across the room, agitated. She didn't care what the punishment was, as long as she didn't have to waste her time going back to that horrid place!
As she sat on her lounge, brooding, she slowly noticed that her lounge was beginning to melt. Growling internally, she knew that there could only be one explanation.
[Kousen.
Sure enough, Kousen was slinking up behind Hatsugoori, fire blazing around her. She knew that when her body was lit a flame like it was, Hatsugoori hated it. She always melted her creations, and she just loved to agitate her.
"Awww," Kousen drawled as she crept up next to Hatsugoori, simultaneously melting her lounge completely. Hatsugoori hit the ground with a plop, and glared ice daggers at Kousen. Kousen just smiled and melted those as well, and absolutely beamed when she saw how red her sister in crime's face was.
"Whad da madda with da pretty widdle pwincess?" Kousen cooed.
Hatsugoori just huffed and stood up, dusting herself off.
"What do you want pyro?"
Kousen arched a perfectly sculpted red brow. "Pyro?" she asked. "Hmmm. Well I guess it does fit. . ."
Hatsugoori struggled to keep her emotions under control as she regarded Kousen icily. "What. Do. You. Want?"
Kousen just shrugged indifferently. "I just wanted to see how you were faring. You know, with the Queen furious with you and all."
All of the color drained from Hatsugoori's already pale face. "Furious?" she asked meekly.
Kousen nodded. "Yep. Though, she didn't say how she would deal with you though." A wicked smile crept across her face. "Don't you just hate waiting?"
Hatsugoori put her face in her hands in despair. Kousen barely heard the muffled 'shut up'.
"I can't imagine having to wait for inevitable doom," Kousen continued as she began to circle the Mercurian assassin. "To think, her Majesty has your very life in her hands. She decides whether you live or die."
"Shut up."
"You know, no Daughter has ever failed a mission. Isn't that our motto dear Hatsu? 'Every girl gets her man?'"
"Shut UP."
"Since no one has ever failed, her majesty can be creative with you, you know. Use you as an example."
"SHUT UP."
"This is excruciating isn't it? How slowly time passes before we are called forth? Tick, tock, tick, tock. Looks like time's running out for the Mercurian's clock. . ."
"SHUT UP!!!!!"
Hatsugoori had finally had enough. Screaming, she launched at Kousen, ready to rip her eyes out. Just before she reached her comrade, they both felt an internal ring, signifying that they were to come before the Queen.
The Mercurian assassin sunk to her knees in defeat. Kousen just smiled as she walked past her.
"Her Majesty calls," she said silkily, as she dematerialized from the room.
Hatsugoori sat there for a few minutes before she followed suit.
[What's gonna happen to me?
"DAUGHTERS!"
The four daughters materialized in their respective specs of light, bowing before the Queen. Hatsugoori bowed the lowest.
"We come as you have summoned your-"
"Hatsugoori."
The quartet jerked out of their bows as a curiously calm Queen cut off their normal greeting. All of the minions in the throne room quieted. They all knew that look. The Queen looked as if she were barely restraining her infamously short temper. Everyone present knew that this was just the calm before the storm.
Hatsugoori paled slightly, but her face was just as cold and aloof as ever. Yes, she was petrified, but she would die before she let it show. She didn't make it to be an assassin for nothing.
Hatsugoori walked towards her Queen, stopping four feet in front of the throne, and bowed low.
"Yes, my Queen?"
The Dark Queen stood, and walked to stand before Hatsugoori. Tiny beads of sweat popped out on Hatsugoori's forehead from the immense power and heat radiating from the Queen. The self proclaimed princess feared that she would melt right there on the spot.
Hatsugoori's heart beat faster as she realized that the Queen had manifested all of her power as she strode towards her. She knew that if she looked up, she would see two red eyes staring down at her, signifying that the Queen was at her greatest power. And damn upset. The power radiating from her eyes alone was dangerous. The Queen didn't take failure lightly.
"Hatsugoori," the Queen purred dangerously as she peered down at her 4th assassin in command. "Tell me how your mission fared on Earth."
Trembling slightly, Hatsu stood and faced her Queen. She gasped as she realized her theory was true. The Queen's eyes shown a brilliant red, which meant, despite her calm tone of voice, she was highly pissed off.
Hatsugoori gulped audibly. Standing stark at attention she began. "Well, Mistress. As I arrived on Earth, I found our first potential target-"
"Stop," the Queen commanded, holding up her hand. Hatsugoori froze.
"What made you think that he was a potential target?"
[Oh, shit.
"Well my Queen, after a careful screening process-"
"Screening process?" the Queen interrupted again. She tapped her finger to her forehead. "Hmm. That's odd. My sources say that this 'target' as you so call it was just an average man. An average, good looking man. With your history, I shouldn't be surprised. But, as I have also been informed, there was no 'screening process'. You just laid claim to the first pretty face you saw."
Okay, now Hatsugoori was trembling visibly. This time it was half from anger, and half from fear. Well, ok, maybe ¾ from fear and ¼ from anger, but she'd be damned if she let anyone know. [Who ratted me out?
"May-may I ask who your source is, my Queen? I would like to know who is spreading these lies-"
"No, you may not!!" The Queen yelled. Hatsugoori abruptly shut her mouth. "Obviously it is you who is the liar here, Hatsugoori. And I don't like being lied to!!"
With that, the Queen's aura erupted around her, engulfing her in a red-orange light. Hatsugoori's eyes widened in fear as the Queen raised her arms towards her, and shot two plumes of flames her way. Hatsugoori didn't even have time to erect a shield as the flames consumed her on the spot. Screaming in pain, she didn't see the second blast of pure power that sent her flying back about twenty feet. Minions scurried out of the way, as they didn't want to get caught in the blast. As Hatsugoori hit the far wall, the flames dissipated, leaving a charred Hatsugoori in a world of hurt. She struggled to sit up to see the Queen coming at her again.
"If there's one thing that I can't stand in the least is a liar Hatsugoori! I will not have insubordinates on my team!"
The other Daughters of the Sun stood motionless in their spots. They knew not to interfere, so as not to endure the Queen's wrath themselves. In all actuality, they knew that Hatsugoori deserved what she was getting. She was never really one to follow orders, and she always did things her way.
Kousen was elated. She had never been too fond of her comrade in crime. Fire and water didn't mix after all. She smiled secretly to herself. Supplying the information to the Queen was cake, but this? Oh, this was definitely the frosting.
Hatsugoori sputtered to find an excuse to soothe the Queen. She did not want to die like this. She always envisioned her dying of old age, lying next to a supremely delicious man who catered to her every whim. Either that or death by chocolate. Whichever came first.
"B-but it wasn't my fault!" she pleaded, scooting as far away from the Queen as she could get. The Queen regarded her warily as she advanced. "Really?" she drawled. "And exactly whose fault was it?"
A little flicker of hope sparked in Hatsugoori's mind. Maybe, just maybe if she could steer the Queen's wrath to another, she might make it out of this alive.
Wracking her brain to remember the twits who foiled her boy-toy snatching attempt, Hatsugoori kept a close eye on the Queen who was steadily running out of patience.
[What were they called? Solar Scouts? No. Super Sailors? Ha. Yeah, right. More like Super Simps. And that one little blue skirted wearing witch. Daring to say that she hailed from my illustrious planet. Who did she think she was? I'll make her regret the day she ever became a Sailor Senshi! Wait a minute…
"It was the Sailor Senshi's fault!" Hatsugoori blurted, barely restraining a sigh of relief as she saw the fireball in her Queen's hand die out.
The Queen's eyes widened slightly in surprise. [Could it be? Motioning with her left hand, she telepathically forced Hatsugoori to her feet, and pulled her forward to stand at her feet. Grasping the front of her fuku, she glared into her eyes with such intensity that, despite the pain, Hatsugoori started trembling again. This was a new look in the Queen's eye. A look that she did not want to know the meaning behind.
The other Daughters felt the shift in the air as well. It suddenly became a lot cooler in the throne room as an uneasiness set upon the shoulders of all in the room. What was so special about these Sailor Senshi that Hatsugoori mentioned?
[Sailor Senshi? Kousen mused to herself, eyes narrowed. [Who are they? And how could I have missed them? She crossed her arms angrily. [Well, whoever they are, they are putting a damper on my plans to get rid of that stupid ice girl. Glancing at the distraught Hatsugoori, Kousen smirked. [Well. They'll just have to be destroyed.
Hatsugoori saw the small smile that graced Kousen's face, but she didn't particularly care at the moment. All she cared about was escaping the Queen's clutches with her life and eyebrows intact. Focusing back on the Queen, she realized she was speaking again.
"Whose fault did you say it was?" the Queen whispered, deadly quiet. Hatsugoori's voice seemed to echo in the stillness of the throne room. "The Sailor Senshi."
"Well," the Queen said, releasing Hatsugoori. The assassin fell in a heap to the ground. "This is certainly interesting."
Coughing and holding her side, Hatsugoori looked up at the Queen. "It is?" she asked meekly.
The Queen turned and began to walk back to her throne, red slowly disappearing from her eyes. Sitting down, she regarded Hatsugoori thoughtfully. "Yes, it is."
"My Queen," Kokuten spoke up. "You seem as if you are familiar with these, Senshi, is it?"
The Queen sat in silence for a few seconds, then answered, "Maybe. If they are who I think they are." Turning back to a struggling to stand Hatsugoori, a spark leapt from the Queen's fingertips. Seeing the flash land at her feet, Hatsugoori bolted upright, all traces of pain well hidden.
"Hatsugoori, I have decided to give you a second chance." Hatsugoori's eyes widened in surprise, as did everyone else's. The Queen never gave anyone a second glance, much less a second chance.
"You have?"
"You have?" Kousen echoed. The Queen's eyes narrowed as she glared at Kousen. The fire assassin's teeth clicked as she quickly snapped her mouth shut and stared at the floor.
"Yes. I have." The Queen leaned back into her throne, calling for a glass of wine in the process. As the minion scurried up to hand her, her drink, the Daughters all shared a glance. What did the Queen have planned?
"Hatsugoori. I want you to go back down to Earth and investigate these…Senshi. Find out why they're here, how they fight, and who they are."
Hatsugoori nodded, but something still troubled her. "Yes, my Queen. But," she said hesitantly. "That sounds like a lot to accomplish in a day." Hatsugoori held her breath as she waited for the Queen's rage. Fortunately for her, it never came.
"I agree," the Queen said. Tossing her goblet aside. "This is why you're going to be staying on Earth until this mission is completed."
Hatsugoori lost all bravado in her face as her mouth dropped open. Kousen's eyebrows shot to her forehead in delight. Hatsugoori hated the Earth! And for her to have to live there…oh, this day just couldn't get any better!
[Live…earth…what?! Hatsugoori's mouth gaped like a fish as she tried to think of a plausible excuse as to why she shouldn't live on the Earth. It was unthinkable!
"Live on Earth, my Queen?" Hatsugoori asked weakly. "Yes," The Queen replied. "Is there a problem with that?" Hatsugoori quickly shook her head as she saw red slowly trying to creep back into the Queen's eyes.
"No, there isn't my Queen." She rushed. She glanced at the other Daughters, and saw the delighted grin on Kousen's face. As quick as the grin had disappeared, Hatsugoori got an idea.
"It-it just seems like so much to do on my own. It would be much easier and quicker if I had someone there with me to speed the process along."
The Queen seemed to ponder Hatsugoori's suggestion for a moment. "I see your point. Taking into consideration your recent failure, I believe that it may be wise to have someone watching over you."
The Queen brought her gaze to the remaining three Daughters of the Sun. The smile was completely gone from Kousen's face as she worried about being the one chosen to follow Hatsugoori. If she went to Earth, it would be harder to get rid of Hatsugoori. She'd always have to be on her P's and Q's because she would be watched as well. Plus, she just didn't like the girl! How could she live with her?
Kokuten and Nisshoku looked as calm as always. They didn't care whether or not they were sent to Earth. It was just a part of the mission as far as they were concerned. They knew where their duties and loyalties lay, and wouldn't let such a thing as a petty rivalry distract them from their goal.
The Queen nodded as she made her final decision. "Kousen," she called. Kousen scowled as she stepped forward. This was not missed by the Queen. She knew of the rivalry between the two. Hopefully the two would always try and one up each other. That way, she'd get her crystals even faster. "Kousen," she repeated. "You will be the one to assist Hatsugoori on this mission."
"Of course, your majesty," Kousen said bowing, angry little wisps of smoke coming from her ears. Straightening, she addressed the Queen through clenched teeth. "How exactly are we to know who our next target is, since Hatsugoori's 'screening methods' are not to be trusted?" Hatsugoori spared her a glare before she turned back to the Queen.
Waving her right hand in mid-air, the Queen conjured a small fireball. Twirling it around between her fingers, she finally let it settle in her palm, where it began to grow. As the fire dissipated, the Daughters caught a glimpse of two small objects there. The Queen tossed the figures towards Kousen and Hatsugoori who caught them easily.
"These are replicates of what the Earth humans call 'cellular phones'." The Queen explained. "They work exactly the same as one, with only one difference. The devices will ring whenever you receive a picture message showing you a picture of the next target. You will not receive these types of messages from anyone but headquarters. All other functions are to achieve normalcy to be able to befriend these Senshi in their civilian forms."
Kousen and Hatsugoori nodded curtly. Kousen, being the ever curious one asked, "How do you know that these 'Senshi' have civilian identities. How do we even know that Hatsugoori is telling the truth?"
"That's what you're going to investigate," The Queen answered smoothly. "I expect great things of you, Kousen," She added. "Do not disappoint me."
"Yes," Kousen replied, bowing again.
"Good. Leave as soon as tomorrow. Dismissed."
The quartet once again bowed as one and dematerialized.
"Nisshoku."
The shadow warrior reappeared on the side of the Queen. "I await your orders, your grace."
Smiling evilly, the Queen turned to her 3rd in command. "Be my eyes, Nisshoku. Follow those two to Earth. Hatsugoori is beginning to become sloppy, and Kousen's petty rivalry with the girl will be her downfall. Make sure they get the job done, and report back to me often."
"As you wish," Nisshoku whispered, and vanished from sight. One by one, the minions lining the room disappeared as well, leaving the Queen alone. Or so she thought.
--Are you sure it is wise to send your assassins to Earth, your majesty?-- A sinister voice called from the shadows. The Queen arched an eyebrow. "Do you dare to question my methods?" she challenged. --Oh no, Queen, I do not.-- The voice rattled. --It is just that records have shown many attempts to infiltrate civilians in the past to have failed, royally. I am afraid that the same fate will befall your warriors.-- "They are not so weak," the Queen countered. "They will get the job done." --Are you so sure, Queen?-- The eerie voice continued. The Queen pondered this for a spell, then slammed her fist down on her arm rest in frustration. "Leave me!" she bellowed. --As you wish--. With that, the Queen felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up as she always did when that malevolent force vanished. She shivered as it's words reached her.
She did have faith in her warriors. They had never failed her in the past. This had also been Hatsugoori's first failure, so she had gone easy on her. The Queen closed her eyes. It would not happen again.
Those four really were the only companions that the Queen could say that she had, and their loyalties were undeniable. They were more like daughters to her than anything else…much more than that other one.
The Queen opened her eyes and stood to leave. Yes, they were like daughters to her, but she would not hesitate to terminate them if necessary. She would have to trust them…for now. Especially if those loathsome Sailor Senshi were alive and on Earth. That would really but a thorn in her side. She'd leave it to the daughters to destroy them for now. Until then, only time would tell.
Usagi sat in front of her mirror humming a classic Three Lights song along with the radio, while brushing her hair. Night had finally fallen, but the ancient princess realized that she couldn't sleep. Too many things had happened all in a day's time. Gone were the days of bliss when she didn't have to worry about nothing more evil than a math test here and there. Gone were the nights where she could get a full night's rest without her communicator waking her up. Gone were the days when she could once again be a normal girl.
Usagi laughed ironically as she set down her brush and turned off the radio. Was she ever, really a normal girl? Even before she got her first transformation brooch, she still felt more different than she knew that she should have. It wasn't until she found the crystal, her prince, and the Senshi that she began to feel complete again. Ever since then it had been one crazy ride after another, with new secrets unraveling around every turn.
Getting up from her vanity, Usagi walked over to her window and drew back the curtain. Sitting at her window seat, she stared at the moon longingly, as she did many a night. [I wonder what secrets will be uncovered with this new enemy?
Usagi blinked as something black beneath the tree in front of her window caught her eye. Standing up so she could get a better view, she gasped in surprise at what she saw. She quickly pushed up the window.
"Luna!"
The black kitty in question quickly hopped up the tree, onto the balcony, and bounced into Usagi's waiting arms. The odango less young woman gently placed Luna on the bed and sat next to her.
"Where have you been all day, Luna?" Usagi asked, grabbing a huge, stuffed, pink bunny, and hugging it tightly. "I was getting worried."
"Oh, Usagi," the black cat purred. "You should know not to worry about me." Luna nonchalantly began to clean her paw and wash her face.
"But you've been gone since yesterday! And now a whole new day's about to start!"
Luna stopped what she was doing, and turned toward her charge, touched by the concern laced in her voice. She leapt into her lap and began to purr.
"Sorry to worry you Usagi," She apologized. "I was just out doing some research."
"Research?" Usagi asked, eyebrows knitting together. "For what?"
Luna looked at her incredulously. "For what? Surely you have felt the negative energies that have been radiating across the city? There may be a new enemy afoot!"
At this, Usagi scoffed and tossed aside her bunny. She turned and flopped belly first onto her bed, narrowly missing a soon to be irate kitty cat.
"Maybe isn't the word, Luna," Usagi said as she stretched. "There is a new enemy, and we met them up close and personal at the park yesterday afternoon."
"WHAT?!" Luna screeched, making her charge cringe and pull her pillow over her head.
"Luna! I hate it when you do that!"
"Never mind that!" the kitty continued. "What about this new enemy? Where did it attack? Where any of you hurt? Who was there? What did it want?"
Pulling the pillow from her head, Usagi pondered the barrage of questions that was just shot at her.
"Ummm…the park, not badly, everyone except for Pluto, and essences, though we really aren't sure of why yet."
Luna just stared at her for a minute.
"Essences?"
"Yeah, at least that's what the ice lady said," Usagi offered as she rolled over onto her back. Luna jumped onto her chest so that she could hear better. Usagi tried not to laugh at the way Luna looked, rising and falling with each breath she took.
"Ice lady?"
Usagi sighed and commenced telling her of what happened at the battle, and what was discussed at the meeting earlier that day.
"I can't believe I missed the meeting," Luna mumbled, looking off to the side.
"I can't either," Usagi said, speculatively. "Artemis wasn't there either."
Suddenly, Usagi bolted upright, sending Luna flying, yowling, across the room.
"U-USAGI!" Luna sputtered, jumping back onto the bed.
"So Luna," Usagi said slyly, rearranging herself so that she was facing Luna at the end of the bed. "Where exactly did you say you were?"
Luna sat ramrod straight, nose in the air.
"Doing research."
Usagi inched closer to her.
"And was Artemis with you?"
"Yes. He was."
"AH HA!!" Usagi cried triumphantly, pumping her fist in the air. "You've been on a date with Artemis! That's why you've been AWOL!"
"It is not!" Luna cried indignantly, hackles rising in annoyance. "I was NOT on a date with Artemis! I was doing research! Why do you think that I missed the meeting? When have I ever missed a meeting?!"
"Tonight when you were on your date with Artemis."
"I was NOT on a DATE!"
"Yes, you were!" Usagi sang.
"Were not!"
"Were so!"
"Were not!"
"Were so!"
"Were NOT!" Usagi let out a little cry of surprise as Luna brandished her claws in the blonde's face. Gulping loudly, she reached out and pushed Luna's paw back to the bed. "Alright, alright, you weren't on a date."
Fixing her composure, Luna nodded gratefully. "Thank you."
"Tonight."
"USAGI!!"
Usagi giggled as she dodged an angry swipe from Luna. "Sorry," she said, climbing under the covers. "Couldn't resist."
Luna huffed, and hoped onto the windowsill. "All joking aside, Usagi," she started. "I want us both to go out tomorrow and investigate the point where this dark energy is the strongest. If we want to continue our peaceful living, we must nip this in the bud quickly."
"Um hmmm," Usagi sighed as she closed her eyes. "Bright and early, tomorrow afternoon."
Luna sweatdropped as she trotted toward her usual resting place next to Usagi. "Well, I guess that'll have to do. Should we call the others?"
"No," Usagi yawned. "It'll be fine with just the two of us."
Luna nodded as she closed her eyes, preparing to drift off.
The Juuban district was quiet as most of its residents prepared to rest until morning. Not a sound could be heard…unless you count the yowling screech of a cat.
"I'll just ask Artemis about your date tomorrow."
"IT WAS NOT A DATE!!!"
"Hold still Hatsugoori!" Kokuten admonished as she tried to dress the girl's wounds. "But it hurts!" Hatsugoori hissed back. She winched again as Kokuten applied more gauze. The two were in the Daughter's lair, preparing Hatsugoori for her mission. She couldn't very well go out in public with multiple scorch marks all over her skin, could she?
"It is your own fault," Kokuten said, as she wrapped the final bandage. Hatsugoori immediately got defensive and glared at the pink haired girl. "My fault? How is it my fault that the Queen got fire happy?!"
Kokuten frowned deeply at Hatsugoori. Hatsugoori saw this, seemed put out for a moment, then turned away. Kokuten smiled slightly. Hatsugoori was hard-headed, but she still knew her place. Regaining her stoic composure, Kokuten continued. "Yes, it was your fault. You lied to our Queen, and you know that, that is extremely forbidden by the bylaws of her kingdom. You also failed your mission."
At that, Hatsugoori whipped around and stuck her finger in Kokuten's face. "I told you, it was NOT MY FAULT! I would have succeeded in that stupid mission if those stupid Sailor freaks hadn't shown up!" Kokuten nodded. "Yes you have told us this, but we have yet to see proof."
Hatsugoori threw her hands up in exasperation. "Did I come back with a crystal?! No! I would still be out there looking if they hadn't gotten in my way! Besides, how was I to be sure of who had the purest essence or not anyway? We didn't get these. . .things until now!"
Kokuten began to pack away the first aid kit. "Okay, I will give you that. But," She turned to glare fiercely into Hatsugoori's eyes. For a moment, Hatsugoori felt as if she were looking into a mirror; the ferocity in Kokuten's cerulean blue eyes seemed to match her own.
"But, as an elite member of the Daughters of the Sun, you should have been able to handle them. You were specifically chosen out of many to represent your planet, as well as yourself. We have a reputation to uphold, and an impeccable record; we have never failed. If it is too much of a challenge for you to take care of a couple of air headed twits running around in sailor costumes, then maybe you should find yourself a new profession." With that, the mistress of knives turned, and left a simmering Hatsugoori alone.
Hatsugoori ran a hand through her hair self-consciously as she turned to her mirror. Her face didn't have as many scorch marks as the rest of her body; for that she was grateful. It was nothing that a good amount of make-up couldn't fix.
The blue haired woman closed her eyes and breathed deeply, trying to force Kokuten's words out of her head. Of all the daughters, Kokuten was the only one who could strike a nerve in her. Hell, she could strike plenty of fear too; the girl was lethal!
Long ago, Hatsugoori had looked up to the girl who became leader. Sure, she was as cold as she was now, but there was just a sense of camaraderie between her and the other girls. They were all aloof individuals, but being around each other for so long had made them relatively close. They wouldn't lay their lives on the line for one another, but they'd stand up and fight for their sisters, even if they would never admit it to anyone if they asked.
In a way, Hatsugoori had always wanted to be like Kokuten. Sure she wasn't the nicest person, but she was powerful, and well respected. Criminals would cower in fear before her, as all others stared in awe. Now, Hatsugoori isn't water under the bridge herself, but there was always this edge about Kokuten that Hatsugoori wished she had. This was the only reason she actually stopped to consider what she said.
Opening her eyes, she knew what she had to do. [No wimpy imposters in mini-skirts are going to stop me. she thought to herself. [I WILL get the crystals for my Queen, and I'll show everyone that I'm not a failure, and that I have a right to bear the title of a Daughter. Nodding to herself finally, she began to prepare herself for sleep. Rising into the air, she formed a thin water current from the air and laid back on it. [Tomorrow, it will all be different. Tomorrow, it'll be Hatsugoori who comes out on top.
Not too far from Usagi's home and down the street from Mamoru's apartment stood a quaint little apartment building. Though not as lavish as Mamoru's building, it still held it's own air of elegance.
Home to over 100 residents, only one was brave enough to sit out on their balcony and brave the questionably brisk air of the night. Five floors up in apartment 504, a young, brown skinned, twenty-odd year old woman sat upon her balcony, gazing into the night sky.
Shivering slightly, the woman pulled the light blanket tighter around her shoulders. Taking her gaze from the sky, she looked upon the topaz crystal that she clutched in her hand like a lifeline.
Lightly tossing it repeatedly in the air, she sighed to herself. Closing her eyes, she touched the crystal to her forehead. "So," she whispered to herself. "It begins."
A/N: See you next chappie!