A/N: Hey, all! This chapter is exclusive and brand new, never before written! In this Special Edition, the story is retold in chronological order, but here's an exclusive brand of material to make this version worth your while and continue building the growth of the YuYuGiDigiMoon universe. It is the first of a few Bonus Gaiden chapters, which take place during the time frame of this story, but do not have a direct influence on the main Summer Diaries plot. These side stories tell the first person POVs of other characters involved in their own arcs. A few, like this one in particular, is crucial and will play a significant factor into future YuYuGiDigiMoon stories, including the ongoing Dawn of Chaos season.
This one is sort of a spoiler, which will be crucial to a certain degree in Dawn of Chaos.
And this one will cover a very minor Yu-Gi-Oh! character rarely mentioned.
Anyhow, enjoy!
The following chapter is chronologically fifth, and was (obviously) not posted previously.
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Miho
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I am Miho Nosaka, 22-years-old and a busy college girl going to Osaka University. I'm a sorta shy and quiet girl, but lately since going to college I've become a little flirty and cheerful. Close friends and family members refer to me as Ribbon-chan, because of the notable yellow ribbon tying my lavender hair into a ponytail. I still wear it to this day.
I've been enjoying a quiet and solitary life away from my home in Domino. I'm miles away from my family and my old high school classmates.
Standing right in front of a small framed picture, I picked it up and smiled the minute I gazed at it. My old friends, I miss them so dearly much.
Yugi Muto, Tea Gardner, Joey Wheeler, Tristan Taylor, and Ryou Bakura, oh, those were the good old days. I miss going shopping with Tea and hanging out on our girls' day out weekends. Joey was such a class clown, I'm giggling just thinking about it right now. Yugi was such a sweet guy and was thankful when he stood up for me against real jerks back in school. Ryou was always such a sweet guy and liked being in his company. Tristan, he's always had a crush on me and even asked me on a date during our third year. I turned him down, and I think that was my biggest regret. It was around that time and after we graduated that I lost contact with them. We wished each other well in our future, but after that I was accepted into Osaka University and moved, having since lived on my own.
Not only am I going to school, but I work a part-time job as a waitress in Anna Miller's. The pay is good and I get treated well. Everyone notices me with the yellow ribbon I wear and tell me how kind and sweet of a girl I am. And they ask if I have a boyfriend, and my answer? 'No, not really looking for someone.' But, deep down, I kinda want to look for my prince charming. To be honest, I really don't enjoy living a life of solitude. I've been living on my own for four years. Along the way, I kinda lost my smile. That radiant smile I had is almost gone. I'm only 10 credits from finishing school. The end of the tunnel is right in front of me.
After this, I'm going back to Domino to see my friends and family, but most all, to find my purpose. I need to find my real place in this world, but I want more than an advancement to graduate school or even a career. I need something refreshing, perhaps exciting even. I just want to find my smile again. This complacent lifestyle just isn't for me anymore. I need to get out!
Suddenly, my cell phone rang abruptly, throwing me out of my train of thought. I hurried over and picked it up, checking the caller ID.
'Anna Miller's/28.7.2008/11:29 PM'
My supervisor needs me again. Oh, might as well.
I complied, answering the call. "Yes, Miho here!"
"Oh, Miho-chan, so good you're home. Listen, I know you asked for the next few days off, but tomorrow Brina-chan can't make it because of an emergency. You think you could cover her shift tomorrow night?"
Just what I didn't need. I asked for a week off after a month of no free time. I know my supervisor loves me to death and am considered the hardest worker there, but a girl needs her break. I suppose one night wouldn't hurt.
"Sure, I'll be there. I'll let Brina-chan know. Thanks..." I closed my cell, letting it slip out of my hands and on my bed. I threw myself on my soft bed and stared out to the ceiling, letting out a deep and exasperated sigh. I can never seem to catch a break. Who am kidding? I don't mind. I'm used to working a lot and at one point even tried juggling two jobs at once. Things didn't work out too good and since stuck with this one.
Looking at my watch, I saw it was 11:30 PM. My body feels dead tired and my eyes are suddenly getting droopy.
My impulses kicked in and I fell right atop of the bed, still in my waitress clothes and kicked off my shoes. I stretched out my bare feet and legs while dropping them on the bed. I pulled up a cover and placed my head on a pillow, quickly drifting off to sleep. If I sleep now, I can at least get up early to take a shower and get out to do some leisure activities before heading to work tomorrow night.
Gosh, why am I suddenly feeling a draft in the air?
Ignoring this draft, I fell asleep...
...only to shoot up from my bed and gasped out, catching my breath. I quickly scanned my room and noticed I was awake. Rubbing my eyes, I found myself awake as the sun's rays beamed into my face. I checked my watch as it said 8:17 AM. I pulled myself out of bed and lumbered toward my dresser. I opened it, barely able to see where I was going as my vision remained blurred. I grabbed whatever random article of clothing I could find and pulled them together. What I managed to grab was a cute no-sleeved pink shirt, a blue jean skirt, and long lavender stockings. I grabbed all my clothes and headed toward the bathroom.
Turning on the tub, I undid my yellow ribbon and let loose my long lavender hair, which was still greased up from last night's night shift. I took off my work clothes and would've been standing nude if it weren't for the pink and yellow striped towel wrapped around my body, covering from my chest to the hips. I stepped over to check myself in my bathroom mirror, checking my eyes. Boy do I feel like crap even after a much needed rest. Why do I feel like this? Opening the mirror, I pulled out an Advil bottle and filled a cup of water. After downing an Advil and water, I closed the mirror, and to my confusion, I saw some shadow passing behind. Alarmed, I whirled around and gasped, closing my mouth to resist the urge to scream my head off.
What did I just see? Just a second, I saw a shadow pass by me. I opened the bathroom door and looked down the hall.
"Hello?" I called out, getting no response. Maybe my mind was playing tricks on me? Well, whatever it was, it's nothing. I'm just been working too hard. The stress is getting to me. Yeah, I better jump into the shower. I need to wash my body.
And as I disrobed myself, my eyes saw what looked like three claw marks etched on my left abdomen! The towel was stained with blood. Screaming, I sank to my knees and fell into immediate despair. How did I get these scratches? I didn't even notice after I undressed nor even feel any pain!
Before long, I was sitting in a cafe chair and talking to my co-worker Brina, who was four years my senior, and a very bright girl wearing glasses and azure hair.
"...and you only just noticed those cuts on you this morning? Miho-chan, what happened? Did you fall off the bed unknowingly while sleeping?"
I shook my head. "How should I know? I don't sleep walk, Brina-chan!"
"Ok, settle down..."
"You wouldn't be calm if you just realized you had three scratch marks on your side now, would you?"
Brina sighed, picking up her coffee cup and sipping it. "Did you see if you left anything sharp on the floor? You might've accidentally cut yourself."
"I don't just leave sharp things on my apartment floor."
"Then, I don't know what I can tell you. Anyway, please take care of those wounds. If you need anything..."
I dismissed her offer. "I'll be fine. I just put medicine and bandages over them. They should heal fine."
Suddenly, our attentions were quickly drawn to an HDTV hanging across the cafe. We heard another local report of a victim dying in their sleep. The one common thing about these victims, which stood out from the rest, was the claim of red blood 'tears' seeping from their eyes. Hearing this report made me shudder as I quickly checked my bandages. There was still blood showing up under the white bandages.
"Another reported case? People dying in their sleep with bloody tears? Sounds something straight out of a horror flick."
I added. "I know, right? Did they say this case happened locally?"
"Yeah, and this is just one of 12 similar incidents that have happened these past few months. It's just suddenly become more recurring. It was only an isolated incident about three months ago."
Something didn't feel right. One isolated incident leading to nine more bizarre murder cases? Naturally, this is something I'd like to investigate. I've always been one for exploring unsolved mysteries. I turned toward Brina, who finished her morning coffee.
"Say, Miho-chan, with those wounds... and these events... I'm starting to worry."
"Me? No, this is just a coincidence!"
Brina nodded and beckoned me over. "I'm serious, Miho-chan. Just tell the supervisor you're not feeling well. I'm sure he'll understand. You've been giving it your all being the restaurant's top waitress."
"I don't know... I said I'd show up."
"No, go ahead and tell him. We've got a staff of 2 busboys and 15 waitresses. I'm sure one of the waitresses would be happy to fill in for us."
"I guess," I sighed, nodding as I picked up my purse and walked out with my friend. "Listen, thanks for talking to me. I needed it."
"You take care," Brina put me into an warm embrace. "My mother needs me there to keep her company with her broken leg. I'll call you, ok, just to check up."
"Thanks," I said as we pulled out of an embrace. I waved off Brina, who headed off to the local medical center. Guess I'm on my own to research on this case. I just hope I'm not unlucky 13th victim. I paced myself slowly toward a bookstore to find the latest newspaper articles. Before I knew it, I turned and saw something lavender glowing from out of an alleyway corner. "Huh?" I curiously approached and followed a seemingly glowing ball of lavender light. Once I reached the corner, I saw the glowing object vanish. "...what was that just now?" Moving on from the peculiar thing I saw, I entered the bookshop and headed to the front to pick up a few tankōbon books and today's newspaper. Gathering my purchased items, I walked out and headed for the nearest Internet cafe.
Upon entering, I hooked up to the nearest computer and scanned through the article about the latest 'sleep death' victim. I opened up to the latest Yahoo!Japan news page and one of the cover stories just so happened to be the report on the news. I clicked and thoroughly read the article.
"It happened just two nights ago," I murmured as I highlighted a quote indicating no evidence of fingerprints or trails left by the 'murderer.' Before I could scroll further down the page, my ears picked up on a teenage boy listening with his iPod, jamming to music on full blast, which I was able to discern as Enter Sandman by Metallica, the American heavy metal band, not to be confused with Japan's Megallica. "Excuse me! Could you please turn that down?" I asked the kid, who kindly obliged and turned down his music. Relieved, I was able to get back with my investigation. I opened another article citing a source about another victim whose eyes were reported to be bleeding, but this victim was a survivor who claimed to have heard a particular as described as a 'weeping' sound. "Weeping? Like a a child crying?" I wondered and printed the articles. I looked at the newspaper and read that the latest murder scene was not too far down from this side of town.
Should I be taking this risk? I'm a daring girl. It's worth a shot.
I picked up my belongings, grabbed the printed articles, and headed out of the Internet cafe.
By the time I arrived at a large apartment building, I came to the 12th room on the third floor. There was already yellow tape barricading the front door. With no local authorities around, I took this chance and slipped through to investigate. I turned and caught a chalk outline of where the body lied on the bedroom. I stepped over and saw there was still fresh blood stained on the carpet. It must've been the blood poured from this person's eyes. As I reached over to touch it...
...I heard something sounding like a whisper and pivoted my view. My heart raced as I saw no indication of anyone else in the room. Curious, I stepped closer to the body outline and pressed my finger where the blood was. I then pulled out my cell and started taking quick snap shots of the murder scene. After preparing to take another picture, I saw the same purple glowing ball right smack in front of me!
I yelped out and fell back as the glowing ball seemingly faded away.
"W-What was that?" I panted heavily, feverishly trying to recollect my breath while putting my cell away. I think I've seen enough and prepared to head out of the apartment. Then, I heard voices coming from outside the hall. They were voices from police officers. I quickly slipped through the front and bolted down the hall, carrying my things and managed to reach an elevator.
What a lucky break!
Upon arriving back home, I placed all my latest findings on my bed and opened my laptop, preparing to upload the pictures I took. While my laptop was starting to run, I skimmed through each printed article I took from the Internet cafe. My eye caught something I missed out. A detailed report of another surviving victim described seeing something out of the ordinary hanging outside her balcony. I quickly glanced over and checked on my balcony, turning the lights on for safety precautions. Once my laptop was fully started, I hooked my cell to the machine and uploaded the pictures. Each picture came up in high quality and even I was amazed with my own work.
"Sheesh, and to think I was actually in a murder scene!" I giggled. "You go, girl." Suddenly, my eyes noted something peculiar on one picture. I zoomed in and captured something underneath the bed. I checked around and saw nothing. No people or animals to be found. But, what I saw was something pale, frail with long stick-like 'arms,' and a faceless visage. My eyes widened as I zoomed in closer and processed this frightening image in my mind.
What was this? Could this be that 'out of the ordinary' thing the victim claimed?
I know these past few years a lot of out of ordinary things have happened, namely to my friends and other heroes protecting Tokyo. Is Osaka now becoming a sight for these weird things? But, there aren't any super-powered beings to keep things in check. And I certainly don't classify as someone with super powers. What is an ordinary college girl like me to do? I can just investigate and maybe offer some help to the local police, but I'm stuck. And these wounds... just proves I'm not physically able to deal with these things.
Just then, I heard a knock on my door. I headed off to go check and opened the door.
"Hello?"
Nobody was at the front, which befuddled me. Looking back and forth, I surveyed the hall and closed the door. As I headed back to my bedroom, another knock came. I sauntered forward and opened, finding nobody there again. Irked, I shut the door and dismissed it. As I walked off, another knock. This time I ignored it and headed to my bedroom.
"Stupid pranksters," I mumbled and this wasn't the first time either. I've had to deal with a bunch of kids playing practical jokes on the residents. That is when I finally hit me. Not once have I heard any kids giggling like little imps when I often get these door pranks. I don't even hear any racing footsteps.
Just silence and maybe a few whispers that sounded child-like.
And maybe that one time I heard a weeping sound.
"Wait, hold on," I stopped, realizing one Sunday evening last week. I heard a weeping sound outside my door. It finally dawned on me and I hurried over to check the articles. I made sure to check the highlighted quotes I marked. The victim's exact wording: weeping. I dropped the article on the bed and proceeded to pull up my shirt, revealing the bandaged areas where the cuts were covered. I checked and saw the blood dried up. "I can't stay here. I've gotta cancel my shift and stay over at Brina's." After collecting any essentials and my laptop, I gave my boss a call to report calling in sick and headed off to Brina's, but not before filling her in on my arrival.
After a less than 30 minute walk, I used the extra key Brina made for me to enter her apartment. I walked in and closed the door, briefly calling for my friend.
"Brina-chan, I'm here!"
No answer as I noticed subtle marks on the floor. They were poop left behind by her iguana. After scooping up the poop with a tray, I recalled Brina said she'd be home waiting for me. And she answered me.
"Brina-chan, did you forget to clean up after your iguana?" I headed over to her bedroom and noticed the door was closed. "Are you asleep in there? Hey, open up." As I opened the door, my mouth dropped as I saw Brina laying in bed with her eyes closed blood smearing through her eyelids. "BRINA-CHAN!" I screamed, noting the blood coming down her eyes. This was exactly how a victim described. I hurried over to Brina and checked her pulse. To my horrifying disbelief, I was getting no pulse and suddenly heard a light 'weeping' sound behind me. Turning around, I came face to face with that faceless visage I saw in the photo I took. I screamed in fright, jumping and falling back on Brina's bed, overwhelmed with fear.
The weeping creature dropped from the ceiling and towered over where I was laying. It's thin, frail body was sickly pale with four arm-like extensions sticking out of its sides. It's faceless visage peered toward me as I withdrew my face and closed my eyes, quivering with fright as it leaned closer. I rolled off the bed and headed out toward the door. Before I could reach it, the creature seemingly forced the door to close by itself. I stopped and frantically tried to pry it open, but it came to no avail. I turned as the weeping creature stalked toward me and lowered its head, meticulously eyeing the area where my wounds were bandaged. It lifted one of its four right arms as they somehow merged together forming one fatter limb. Then, three sharp claws protruded through its fingers. It brandished its claws over my wounded area. But, that wasn't the gist of it.
As I grimaced with absolute terror, I saw the faceless visage split open, revealing a pair of tiny beady eyes and gaped its mouth, revealing a set of needle teeth.
Unable to move, my body gave out as I turned my head, crying and cowering in fear. This was it. I was going to become a 14th victim. I'll be joining Brina-chan soon.
Quickly lashing out and seizing me by the throat, it hoisted me into the air with little effort. I kicked and screamed, and bit its arm as my defensive impulses kicked in. However, despite my vain efforts, the creature ignored my desperate attempts to fight back. If only I could do something to stop this monster from committing anymore murders... if only I had strength... power... to fight back.
Please, I don't want to die.
Not here and not to be chalked off as another classified victim on the front page!
I ABSOLUTELY REFUSE!
Then, before I knew it, the beam of light went through the creature's face and seemingly blinded it, forcing it to stumble back. Opening my teary eyes and looked at my reflection on a mirror across the room, I saw that the beam was coming from my forehead, but that wasn't the gist of it. There was a peculiar symbol not just gleaming a particular lavender light, but somehow this source of light was hurting the creature. The creature dropped me as I hit the floor. Collecting my breath, I saw that the symbol was still on my forehead. It almost resembled an 'M' and a petroglyph of some sort.
"Wh-What's going on?" I gasped, placing my hand over the symbol. "What's this symbol?"
Before I could ask anymore, the creature attempted to lunge forward and impale me with its claws.
Then, a beacon of light shot out of nowhere and interceded it from reaching me.
My eyes fell on the glowing object. As it turns out, it was the same orb of lavender light hovering within my reach.
"I-It's that light I saw earlier!"
"Take it... take what's rightfully yours... the time of your awakening is imminent... Makemake."
Makemake? What's that? This voice in particular sounded like a woman, but I couldn't make out how a voice was coming out of an orb of light.
Once the creature tried to attack, I took no chances and grabbed the orb, pulling it toward me. In a blinding flash of light, the orb expanded around me and repelled the creature, and burnt away its right arm. Then, something bright and golden poked through my chest, albeit transparently as it hovered right in front of me. It resembled a tiny golden seed of sorts, which I touched. The seed then peeled open like an orange, revealing a beautiful lavender crystal gleaming with everlasting light. My eyes were somehow starting to get drawn to the glowing crystal as I reached out to grab it. Whatever it was, it emerged from my body and seemingly I fell into a trance whilst staring at it.
Whilst inside this weird barrier, I saw something fall into my lap. It resembled a stick with a golden ornament attached to it. The long rod was lavender, which matched the color of my hair and the mysterious orb. Two golden wings jutted underneath the embedded lavender orb attached to the rod. The symbol sitting atop of the stick looked like the symbol on my forehead!
"What's this?" I wondered, perplexed by the weird object in my hands.
Suddenly, my eyes fell on another orb that materialized and inside I could see a tiny woman wearing long, dark green hair and an outfit resembling one worn by the legendary Sailor Senshi from Tokyo. I blinked thrice before piecing everything together.
"Y-You're the one who's been following me? You're one of the Sailor Senshi!"
"I am Sailor Pluto, Guardian of the Time Gate. Miho Nosaka, your awakening has come at a crucial time."
Awakening? What's she going on about? "What do you mean? What's this object? And this crystal?"
Sailor Pluto answered in a genuine and insightful tone, sounding as if she somehow knew everything about the nature of this phenomenon and myself. "Your True Star Seed has finally evolved and blossomed, giving birth to a Sailor Crystal. You, Miho, are one of the Kuiper Sailor Senshi. The symbol on your forehead revived your power and identity, reaffirming your status as Sailor Makemake. You are one of two Kuiper Senshi whose Star Seeds have yet to evolve into Sailor Crystals. Now, that time has come. Miho Nosaka, you and your Kuiper colleague were selected by the Galaxy Cauldron to engage the Weepers."
"Weepers? You must be talking about... that thing out there?" I pointed to the creature stalking outside the barrier. "That monster killed my friend and all those innocent people! I can't let it go unpunished!"
The woman, Sailor Pluto, nodded as she pointed to me. She produced a beam, which hit my forehead and reignited its glow. The Sailor Crystal, which Pluto identified for me, re-entered my body, filling me with indescribable power. My entire body felt a sudden rush of overwhelming energy as old memories seemingly resurfaced after having been dormant for so long.
What did I just see?
I gasped as I shook my head and gripped the object in my hands. Reopening my eyes, I focused my intent toward the unforgivable monster waiting for me to emerge from this barrier. I stood up, holding the object in my hand.
"Your Sailor Crystal has been revived, Miho Nosaka. That object in your hand is your Henshin Stick. Use that to transform into Sailor Makemake, one of the last two lost Kuiper Senshi."
"And how do I become Sailor Makemake?"
"Repeat after me."
I nodded, instinctively brandishing the Henshin Stick and shouted, following Pluto's command.
"Makemake Planet Power! Make-Up!" With that, the Henshin Stick lit up as streams of lavender energy leaked out and encircled my entire frame. My eyes fell over my body as the streams swerved and engulfed me as my clothes, except the yellow ribbon, were magically torn away from my body. A lavender column of light swallowed me up as my nude body was all about an transparent outline behind the column of magical light. This power I'm feeling, coursing through my body... not only do I feel good, but it's making me stronger. Stronger than a normal human would. I smiled, closing my eyes as a new outfit materialized in place of my casual wardrobe. My whole body spun around, dancing with the light, as I passed through mirrors. Entering one mirror and coming out the other, the transformation of my wardrobe reflected the new power I had gained.
My arms were fitted with long, white gloves and my feet were fitted into periwinkle high-heeled shoes. I saw my whole body was in a fitting white bodysuit - seemingly made from tough fabric material. My side shoulders were layered with white sleeves, which doubled as 'armor' for my shoulders. A bright lavender bow adorned my chest, standing out on my new attire with a periwinkle orb lodged in between my bow. My collared section was periwinkle with striped white sections. I noted a lavender back bow attached and hanging down my back, which was tied above a cute short periwinkle skirt, which a little below my petite waistline. Adorning my neckline was a periwinkle neck collar with a golden pendant embedded between it. To complete my new outfit, I had a forehead tiara with a purple gem stone and a pair of lavender earrings.
Unbeknownst to me, I struck a fancy and overly flash pose as the Sailor Senshi were famously known for...
...yeah, I could hardly believe it myself! I was now a magical girl!
But, not just any magical girl, I, Miho Nosaka, am now one of the legendary Sailor Senshi!
Finally coming to, I blinked thrice and gazed in awe over my new wardrobe. On top of a Sailor outfit, I felt an exhilarating rush of power coursing through my body.
Was this what I really wanted? Did faith just grant me my wish to escape from a boring life of complacency?
I've always wanted to find my smile again. Could this actually bring a smile to my face?
Heh, well I just answered my own question.
I smiled and gushed over my new attire. Then, I looked down to Sailor Pluto, who smiled and acknowledged me with a welcoming tone.
"How does it feel, Sailor Makemake? Though you are a late bloomer, your awakening couldn't have come with better timing. You and your Kuiper partner are required to find the source of the Weepers before their nest grows."
"My partner? Where can I find my partner? Is she anywhere close?"
"You'll get your answer, but after you've destroyed this Weeper. Stop it before it flees and finds another victim to sap its soul from. Your friend can still be saved. Her soul has not been fully digested by the Weeper. Destroy it now before your friend's soul is lost forever."
Driven with new determination, I realized the mission ahead of me could cost me my life. But, it was worth it and, needless to say, exciting.
"Sailor Makemake, time to realize your destiny and place amongst the Senshi."
I firmly nodded. "I'm ready!" With that, I dropped both arms by my sides as the barrier covering me subsided. The creature paced back and forth, weeping and making clicking noises. Shifting my view over to where Brina was laying, I narrowed my eyes toward the Weeper and balled my fists. As it made the first direct lunge, I made an evasive counter and jumped aside. With great agility, I dodged one of its claw strikes with great timing. As it made another lunge and tried catching me with its claws, I evaded its strikes and just realized the wound on my side was gone. Perhaps the Sailor Crystal might've healed it, but that didn't matter right now. All that mattered was killing this monster and restoring Brina's soul to her body!
I took a chance and threw myself near a window. I challenged the creature toward me. "C'mon, over here!" Beckoning it to attack me, the Weeper flew across and prepared to push me out. I merely sidestepped the Weeper, luring it to crash through the window. As I turned, one of its tentacled arms shot out and seized my left ankle. I screamed as it pulled me out and threw me up on the rooftop of the apartment building. With new found agility, I landed on my feet and watched as the Weeper scaled up the wall to meet me on the rooftop. The large creature encircled me as I readily stood my ground, carefully watching its sudden movements.
Not even a minute and I was already getting a hang of this!
I dashed steadfast against the seemingly invulnerable monster as it countered and launched a series of spikes. I utilized my Senshi speed and evaded all of the spikes shooting toward me. I opened up a palm where a ball of energy formed in it. Without warning, I compressed the ball and tossed it to the ground, which expelled a blinding flash of light that covered the entire rooftop section. The Weeper screeched, seemingly in pain from the light's rays. Then, as the light cleared, the Weeper saw me and lunged forth, shooting its claws through my body!
...suddenly, my body shifted and distorted until it faded.
"That was my Phantom Illusion."
Bedazzled by the illusion, the Weeper whirled around as it saw me brandishing a long whip, which produced in my right hand. I made a dash forward, throwing my pink whip, which I imbued with Sailor energy and used it to cut through the Weeper's claws.
"Weeper, for all the innocent souls you've extracted and for harming my friend... I, Sailor Makemake, will NEVER forgive you! In the name of Planet Makemake, prepare to meet your end!" I announced, much to my surprise that I'm already realizing my destiny as a Sailor Senshi! I couldn't believe this was really happening! Now to etch my name amongst the legendary Sailor Senshi and make them proud! Sailor Pluto revived me for a reason and I will do what I can to impress her.
Pulling my whip back, I jumped forward with no fear and threw it across, which cut through the Weeper's body like wet paper. The energy imbued on my whip was somehow able to pierce through the sickly monster as it's split body became two Weepers. Taking no chances, I pressed both hands together as they lunged forward to attack me.
"Illusion Shackles."
Suddenly, as the Weepers came within inches of striking range, they suddenly stopped and were 'binded' down by shackles, which I summoned. Anyone else wouldn't have been able to perceive it. Only myself and the Weepers saw the shackles holding them down. Brandishing my whip, I readily threw it, cutting off both of their heads as they exploded and fizzled into dust. Right as they died, I felt no sympathy for them. But, naturally, my mind clicked and I sank to my knees, completely zoned out.
"D-Did I just kill living creatures?"
"No, what you destroyed were lifeless shells harvested from an ancient demon entity. They are apparitions from the Makai who put their victims to sleep, enter their souls through their eyes whilst feeding off their dreams and soul, they leave tracks down their victims' eyes that make it seem like they were weeping blood."
The moment I recognized the voice, I turned around and saw that same green-haired woman of mystery standing in front of me. It was Sailor Pluto, the Guardian of Time, facing me as she pressed forward and offered me a hand. I reluctantly took it and allowed her to pull me up. I dusted myself off and curled the whip in my hand.
"Sailor Makemake, as the Guardian of Planet Makemake and Senshi of Illusions, your powers are defined by the extent of illusions. As your powers further develop, you can and will utilize the power to cast advanced techniques, which will allow you to bind, manipulate, and cast false images to thwart your enemies. With these unique abilities, your attacks will be difficult to perceive."
No wonder I was able to bind those things. Casting illusions sounds like something right up my alley!
"The Weepers' activities are becoming widespread, Sailor Makemake. For every major city in the world, there is a single Weeper amongst them. You've only managed to slay the one infesting Osaka. To defeat them and locate the source of their nest, you'll need to find your Kuiper Senshi partner, Sailor Haumea. You two are one of many lost Kuiper Senshi, who have yet to be awakened by the will of the Galaxy Cauldron."
I followed along, nodding. "But, where can I find her? This Sailor Haumea?"
"You must find her before she becomes a Weeper victim... and if she dies, our hopes of reviving Sailor Haumea will be lost."
"Kuiper Senshi... you said I'm a part of this group?"
"Yes, five young girls have already realized their powers two years ago and the first one before them is their leader. You and Haumea will one day meet them. In time, you two will become stronger than your fellow Kuipers, minus Sailor Sedna. Even where your basic Senshi level stands, you're stronger than most of the Senshi were when they transformed for the first time, and you effortlessly destroying the two Weepers is proof of such a feat."
Taken aback, I found her assessment of my powers astonishing. I mean, sure, I killed those Weepers, but she assessed my Senshi level based on my performance? She's got a good eye for judging a warrior's performance level. Am I really that much stronger than some of my predecessors were when they first became Senshi?
"Before you and Haumea meet with the other Kuipers, you two must engage the Weepers, first and foremost."
"Sailor Pluto, can't you help me?"
Pluto nodded dismissively. "For now, I can only guide you. Seeing how easily you adapted to your powers, I won't need to train you for too long. I have already paid for your flight to Hong Kong in a few weeks."
"Whoa, Hong Kong, is that where I can find my partner, Haumea?"
"Correct, and by then you will have been fully trained and ready to fend yourself. Right now, I don't expect any Weeper activity in Hong Kong until then. I came here to Osaka on my own accord to prepare you for the battles ahead of you. And from this point forward, certain sacrifices will have to be made."
"Sacrifices?"
"If you are to become a Senshi, you must adhere to the responsibility of balancing a new life. One as Miho Nosaka and the other as Sailor Makemake."
Will I have to someday sacrifice my friendships and my job in exchange to the life as a soldier? Am I able to handle this new responsibility? And what about my partner, Sailor Haumea?
Pluto extended a hand to me, offering a handshake. "Sailor Makemake, when you are ready, I will leave it to you to find Sailor Haumea in Hong Kong. You two are to remain in secrecy until you've destroyed the source of the Weepers' hive and work semi-independently with Sailor Haumea."
Looking down to Pluto's hand, I mused about my decision. If I do this, I'll have to relinquish half of my normal lifestyle, but after so long, I've found something I could enjoy. Then, I quickly thought about my friend, Brina. "My friend! Brina-chan... she...!"
"She's just fine. After you've defeated the Weepers, her soul and dreams were restored to her."
"Thank you," I answered, very much relieved, and shook the woman's hand. I sense something vague about Sailor Pluto, but at the same time, I feel and know I can trust her. "I'm ready to accept my responsibility as Sailor Makemake. I won't let you or the other Sailor Senshi down."
Pluto smiled vaguely. "I'm pleased to hear this. Tomorrow night, we begin your training." As we returned to the apartment, I undid my Sailor form willfully and checked to find Brina awakening as I embraced her, relieved that I was able to save her. I didn't want to lose the one friend I depended on in Osaka, but sadly one day I would depart to fulfill my duties as a Sailor Senshi.
After the local authorities checked on the damage, I walked out with my friend as we were bombarded with a barrage of inquiries. Whilst Brina dealt with the police, I glanced over my shoulder and saw a green-haired woman walking behind me. At first I didn't recognize her until she whispered to me. An eager smile adorned my face as she drew out my Henshin Stick and nodded.
"See you tomorrow night, Guardian of Time."
And that opens the first chapter of my life as Sailor Makemake.
Moreover, I finally found my smile again.
xxxxx
My Commentary: As I recently scanned through the list of official Kuiper Belt Objects (KBO), I noticed two listed there that we were not currently using: Makemake and Haumea. In 2007, LazerWulf, Belletiger, and I created a new team of OCs called the Kuiper Belt Senshi. Lazer wanted the KBS to be an international team, one for each continent (minus Antarctica). The team was formed for the first time in YYGDM's first solo story called Search for the Kuiper Belt Senshi. In 2008, the story was finally released following the conclusion of The Invasion of the Rajita. The Kuipers are a team of six teenage girls formed together under the leadership of Karin Osaka/Sailor Sedna. I created my Sedna character in 2005, who debuted in TIotR story as the Tenth Sailor. And since she has stuck with the series and taken on a new responsibility of leading a team after learning and training under Sailor Pluto. Since Karin already represented Asia, he only required five names.
After Sedna, five more girls were 'selected' by the Galaxy Cauldron to awaken and fulfill their duties to combat the increasing forces of darkness. First, Taylor West, the cute country bumpkin and lasso throwing tomgirl from Texas, realized her destiny as Sailor Eris, Guardian of Planet Eris and Senshi of the Wind. Next, Jamilah 'Jami' Waziri, the Nigerian bookworm and archer, became Sailor Ixion, Guardian of Planet Ixion and Senshi of Poison. After her, Helena Fernandes Souza, the shy yet strong-willed Capoeira practitioner from Brazil, became Sailor Quaoar, Guardian of Planet Quaoar and Senshi of the Earth. Then, Christina Denton, the determined and lovable Aussie idol-in-training, became Sailor Orcus, Guardian of Planet Orcus and Senshi of Shadows. Then, Tyra Vanderbilt, the strong and prideful former street brawler from Amsterdam (and BFF to Lyn Stromberg) awakened as Sailor Varuna, Guardian of Planet Varuna and Senshi of the Light.
With these six, the warriors of Sedna, Eris, Ixion, Quaoar, Orcus, and Varuna realized their positions, having been awakened to fight the increasing forces of evil. Their awakenings couldn't have come at a better time. In 2006 (our time and YYGDM time), the IAU demoted Pluto to 'dwarf planet' status, but the opinions of astronomers have no affect on Sailor Pluto's position. Rather than take her anger out on them, she used this opportune time to inform Sedna of finding the other five Kuiper Senshi before the Neo-Sailor Animamates take their Star Seeds.
There wasn't really a reason that Haumea wasn't chosen as a name for one of the original KBS, but Makemake wasn't even named at the time. It didn't get its official name until July 2008 (shortly before this Gaiden story takes place, in fact, but long after we had already set names for the KBS, when it was designated as a dwarf planet. Interestingly, though it was named, Haumea wasn't designated a dwarf planet until after the KBS story was completely posted. It kinda works out better for us anyway, as now our 'duo' are Sailors of the only dwarf planets besides Eris and Pluto (and Ceres, I guess, but that's in the asteroid belt, not the Kuiper Belt).
Discovered on March 31, 2005 by Michael Brown and his team, the planet, then known as 136472, was announced on July 29 the same year. By June 11, 2008, the IAU incorporated it in a list of potential candidates to be given 'plutoid' status, a term describing dwarf planets beyond Neptune's orbit. In July 2008, Makemake was formally named and classified as plutoid. Makemake's name is derived from the Rapa Nui (Easter Island) creation god.
Haumea, formerly 136108 Haumea, is the fourth-largest dwarf planet in the Sol System, 1/3 the mass of Pluto. It was named after the Hawaiian goddess of childbirth. Discovered in 2004 by US team led by Mike Brown of Caltech at the Palomar Observatory, and it was then contested in 2005 by a Spain team led by J.L. Ortiz at the Sierra Nevada Observatory, though the latter's claim is contested to this day. On September 17, 2008, it was designated a dwarf planet by the IAU.
As such, though Sailors Makemake and Haumea were awakened in 2008 (in Summer Diaries time), the IAU did NOT determine when these two will awaken. These two Kuipers' destinies are dictated by the will of the Galaxy Cauldron.
Now why Miho Nosaka? Well, first, she's a very minor Yu-Gi-Oh character, only seen in the first Yu-Gi-Oh! tankōbon and the Season Zero anime. She has had no role outside those, but with the recent release of The Wrath of Pharaohmon Redux, I was able to incorporate her into the series' early and give her some kind of non-combative role to get herself somewhat immersed with the supernatural. Second, I want to experiment with taking minor canon characters and give them a suitable purpose in this series. Needless to say, I wanted to avoid creating more OCs than necessary for the KBS. I felt Miho, in general, is an underappreciated character from the Yu-Gi-Oh! mythos after re-reading the first volumes. Becoming a Kuiper Senshi will certainly boost her place in this series mythos and allow her to interact with the Kuipers, the Planetaries, and the Duelists. In fact, I'm still deciding to pair her with Tristan or Duke (I'm likely going with the latter, sorry Tristan/Miho fans).
Now, time has passed since the Yu-Gi-Oh post-series proper, and Miho moved from Domino after high school graduation to attend Osaka University. Having developed an independent role, this is Miho's time to shine as the newest Kuiper Senshi. After becoming solely dependent, she can then be 'forced' to take on the burden of facing up to her Senshi responsibilities and confront the Weepers, a group of demonic dream phantoms from Makai, who are suddenly coming out in droves to feed on the souls and dreams of deep sleepers. They're doing this to empower their master, the Sandman. Yes, that Sandman, the sleep god, but this one is in the same vein as Freddy Krueger. That's the mastermind of the Weepers, and the Big Bad who Makemake and Haumea will fight at some point before Dawn of Chaos. I will write a few chapters (in the Gaiden section) chronicling Makemake and Haumea's fight against the Weepers, leading to the final showdown with the Sandman. Hell, I even referenced the Sandman in there with the Metallica song Enter Sandman, which that kid was listening to.
I figured a powerful dream god would be a greater challenge for these two than facing a group of Animamates. It'll push them hopefully to evolve to Eternal Senshi status, and fighting a more powerful enemy than the Neo-Animamates will give them an edge over all the Kuiper Senshi (minus Sedna) and even some of the Planetary Senshi.
The nature of Sailor Makemake's powers are based off illusions. No Senshi have powers based on these, and illusions is a powerful type of attack to utilize against foes. Her illusions will be based somewhat off the nature of the Genjutsu (including Sharingan-based ones) as seen in the Naruto series, minus the hand seals and the limitations that hinders the user. :D
And who will become Sailor Haumea, you might ask? Well, considering the opening scene for Dawn of Chaos, Chapter 32, and the fact that Setsuna is sending Miho to Hong Kong, I think the clues are set in stone. ;)
There will be another chapter about Makemake and Haumea in this Special Edition. And this will not influence any of the Arcadian Cross events taking place concurrently in Tokyo. This is Makemake and Haumea's solo mission, as a Sailor Duo, and they'll be working semi-independently from the main KBS Senshi team. Think Uranus and Neptune, but without the yuri.
Well, that's it. I hope this commentary was insightful and this is just the first of a few more Bonus Gaiden Chapters, which will not have a direct impact on the main plot for Summer Diaries. There's more 'DVD' commentaries and new bonus chapters to come!
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