Back in Tokyo near Crossroads, all five girls arrived and met up with each other in the shopping district between Fifth and Main Street. Rei and Lita had devised a plan together earlier that day on the phone. They would all break into groups one of three and one of two. Lita would stay with the girls for the first three times around the shopping district while Rei would have a chance to sense the evil aura from the individual she would be with, then Lita and Rei would meet up at the end to discuss the results of their plan.
They broke up into groups the first containing Lita, Mina, and Serena while the other contained Rei and Amy. They all went around the shopping district and as they walked Rei knew it wasn't Amy so they met up after the first fifteen minutes and switched. One group contained Lita, Amy, and Serena, while Rei and Mina made the other group. After a while Rei knew it couldn't be Mina, and then she was beginning to hope that she was wrong. They met up after the next ten minutes and switched again so one group contained Amy, Mina, and Lita while the other held Rei and Serena. As Rei and Serena were walking Rei didn't feel anything so she was relieved. But as Rei started to talk to Serena she began to receive some cold and eerie vibrations from Serena and wondered why she was feeling such strange sensations.
Rei decided to ignore them, because they weren't strong sensations. "Hey Serena, since the other girls aren't here, maybe we could talk about something." She said as casually as she could.
Serena turned to Rei and shot her a curious glance. "About what, Rei?" Serena asked.
As Rei turned towards Serena she noticed that Serena wasn't wearing her broach today. "Serena, why aren't you wearing your broach today?" She asked curiously.
Serena looked at Rei with an apologetic expression and shrugged. "Well, I left it at home. I guess I forgot it." She giggled.
Rei looked straight ahead and thought. Hmm, maybe I feel like this because she's not wearing the crystal, and I guess I'm used to it. And since it's not around I feel different. Rei shrugged her thoughts away and continued walking with Serena.
Unknown to Rei and Serena Takashi and his warriors were hiding behind some trees spying on all the people who passed by them looking for the one who held the bracelet they so desperately needed to find. Soon Serena and Rei walked by the trees where Takashi and his gang awaited. As they walked by Takashi instantly recognized the bracelet and nudged his fellow warriors into attention. "Fools! Look, there is the one we seek. Let's follow her and report back to Lord Akio after we're sure she's the one." Takashi hissed as he gestured towards Serena and Rei. They all nodded in agreement and kept a watchful eye on Serena.
Soon Rei and Serena met up with the girls and chatted happily amongst each other. Then they all began to walk home as noon began to set in. They had all split up, but Serena was not alone for she was walking with Lita. Soon Lita had come to where she had to go her separate way. "See ya tomorrow Serena," She said as she waved good-bye.
Serena waved back cheerfully and smiled. "Bye, Lita." She called as Lita walked out of sight. Then she was alone.
Takashi smiled with satisfaction and moved in closer with his warriors to follow Serena to get a better look at her. Soon Takashi noted that there was no one in sight and carefully moved closer and closer as they followed her. As they followed her they found that she was leading them to some strange apartments so they assumed that, that was where she lived. And they moved even closer, but she did not notice them. Once she reached into her bag for a key to unlock the door they moved even closer and still she did not notice them. Once she started to open the door they rushed her against the wall and covered her mouth to stifle her scream. Takashi stood before her with a triumphant smile, while the others held her fast against the wall. Then he grabbed hold of her wrist and was sure it was the bracelet he was looking for. "Yes... It's the one. She's the one...!" He whispered eagerly.
But before they could do any further inspection Darien opened the door and looked about curiously. "What's all that noise...?" He said then his eyes slid towards Serena and the four warriors that held her captive. He instinctively charged at them and knocked Takashi and Kei down. The remaining warriors Radimus and Touga charged at Darien engaging in battle.
Now that Serena was free she clicked open her communicator wrist watch and called the girls. "Guys, there's trouble down at Darien's place! We need scout power!" Serena said as she clicked her watch off and tried to figure out how she was going to help Darien.
As Darien struggled with Radimus and Touga, Takashi and Kei rose to their feet and watched as Darien fought. Then as they moved in to join their fellow warriors the scouts arrived. "Back off," They all cried in unison. "Creeps."
Serena let out a breath of relief. "Yes, go get 'em Sailor Scouts!" Serena said as the scouts showed themselves to the enemy.
As the scouts made their appearance two of the warriors, Touga and Kei caught Darien off guard and attacked him, but the scouts rushed to his rescue. Serena quickly rushed to help Darien while the scouts stood in front of them to guard them. Then Radimus, Touga and Kei stood facing them prepared to fight. But Takashi studied the situation and knew better. "Stop," His strong voice broke the silence between them and commanded their attention. "They are stronger than we expected. Come, we must inform our lord about them." He turned and faced the scouts. "We will be back. You can count on it." With that they all disappeared.
Soon the scouts remembered Serena and Darien and offered to help. But Darien rose to his feet and brushed himself off. "I'm fine, I'm just a little battered, that's all." Satisfied that Darien was okay, the scouts all left. Serena decided to leave as well, but Darien gently grabbed onto her arm as she turned to go. "Serena, wait."
Serena turned and faced him. "Huh? What's wrong?" She asked curiously.
Darien shook his head. "Nothing, I'm okay." Serena relaxed and sighed in relief. Darien let his hand fall from Serena's arm and looked her in the eyes. "Serena, who were those guys? Do you know them?" He asked.
Serena shook her head. "No. I haven't got a clue." She replied.
Darien rubbed his arm where the warriors had bruised it. "Then do you know what they were after?" he asked with curiosity.
Serena raised a hand to her chin as she thought and let it fall to her side as she thought she had the answer. "No, but they did seem interested in my new bracelet." Serena said as she looked at it and rubbed her wrist where Takashi had so roughly held it.
"Her bracelet..?" Darien muttered to himself.
"What?" Serena said.
Darien looked at Serena and saw that she was looking at him with concern. He waved her question away. "Oh, that's all I needed to know. I'll see you tomorrow." He said faking a smile.
Serena smiled happily. "Okay. See ya, Darien." Then she headed home.
Meanwhile Takashi and the three warriors returned to Lord Akio. As soon as Lord Akio arrived they all bowed down on one knee. Takashi then stepped forward with a determined look upon his face. Lord Akio looked him over carefully before speaking. "You're back so soon? Make your report; I've been waiting to know who has the great power I so very much desire."
Takashi smiled secretly and inclined his head. "My lord, we have identified your bracelet and its wearer. But as we were about to retrieve it, four female warriors very much like ourselves stopped us with their amazing powers before we could-"
But before he could finish Lord Akio cut in. "What?! Four female warriors and you could not subdue them to get the bracelet?" Akio cried out indignantly.
Takashi shrank from Akio's ravings, but slowly straightened. "But, my lord. They were incredibly strong and possessed amazing powers." Takashi said in his defense as the others nodded and murmured amongst themselves.
Lord Akio put a hand to his chin and stroked his smooth skin. "Amazing powers you say? What sort of powers do they possess?" He asked with interest.
Takashi stepped forward and thought back. "One possessed the power of fire; another had the power ice, and the other controlled thunder. The last possessed the power over a magical beam of some sort." Takashi said counting each power on his fingers.
"Hmm," Lord Akio mused softly. "They all possess a power of their own... Takashi, I'm glad you came straight to me. You have all proven your worth as skilled warriors. And now you will become true bounty hunters!" Lord Akio raised his hand and pointed a finger towards them all. Then he zapped all four warriors. As the air filled with smoke he stopped the beam. And out from the smoke stepped four bounty hunters. They all looked at themselves and felt stronger.
Lord Akio smiled in the dark. "I have made you stronger and your powers have greatly increased. Now, tell me about the one who possesses my bracelet." He said as he sat in a nearby stone chair.
In the heat of excitement Takashi did not take time to consider how outrageous his reply would sound. "The one who has your bracelet, my lord, is a human female." Takashi said feeling invigorated.
Lord Akio jumped up from his seat. "A human female?! You can't be serious." Lord Akio said trying to stay in good humor.
Takashi took a deep breath realizing his mistake. "But, my lord, we are serious." Takashi said trying to stand tall before Lord Akio.
Exasperated Lord Akio paced back and forth. "If you are serious, then she might be the one. If she had enough power to awaken me, then I want you to make sure she has the power I'm looking for. Attack her right out. She will be forced to use the power to save her life. Now go!" Lord Akio said facing them all.
With that they all dipped their knee and left to make sure Serena was the suitable owner of Lord Akio's bracelet.