trish1573: I don't know…at least congress is back up!
kera69love: she might have more but only time will tell on that one.
damonika2009: yes that is the last one him, Pluto is pretty awesome in her own right.
TessBeth: I've already put your idea in the works. I'm glad you like how its differing but also good in its own right compared to the anime. Usagi can kick some serious ass if she wanted to. that's what Haruka saw that day. As for Chibi Usa, she'll figure things out, it might take a nudge but she will.
NeoPrincessRini: not really. I just got tired of reading in different websites that she might really be Setsuna's child due to her eye color. So I think read somewhere that the red coloring was from the grandmother….or something like that.
Eliza: When has Chibi Usa ever been known to listen and be a good girl? The smokey hot love scene might be in the next one.
LoveInTheBattleField: here's your ch/ep!
Only 7 reviews…maybe this one will bring out more.
Sailor Moon S 'Rise of the Messiah' ch/ep.23
(We were speeding across the bay in no time. The crisp, salty sea air spraying over the dash refreshing my senses and shocking my body into a state of hyper alertness. The boat was fast, built to race no doubt. Shaped low, with sharp aerodynamic lines from bow to stern. With three pontoons beneath to make sharp turns. It cut through the water like a knife, surging up the waves and racing onwards.
With a wide splash window, white leather seats and a low back bench nestled near the large back motor. With the wheel in one hand and my other grasping the gear shift, I had the boat flying over the waves, with Mamoru sitting quietly beside me. Keeping close eyes on the foaming crests before the bow, or glancing back to keep an eye on Chibi Usa who was seated on the back bench brooding over her recon position in the coming battle.
The Marine Cathedral rose up out of the water a few miles ahead. The white granite facade shimmering like a floating jewel atop the water. Built on an old oil platform, the massive cement pillars keeping the sacred looking monolith a float atop the waves. It resemble a grande gothic cathedral with a huge rose window set just above the main doors. The long stained glass glowing in the dieing light of the sun.
Yet the architecture was deviated from most Basilica's in one extent. The whole structure was curved, creating a circular design that made the cathedral look almost dome like.
With hundreds of high stone arches and bridges connecting the many towers, the builder showing off his medieval whimsy with a fantastical concept of a cathedral built far out in Tokyo bay. There was only one processional door hidden amide the ornate carvings of the main facade. Only reached by crossing a long dock that connected the church to the mainland, then up a set of massive steps to the well shadowed oak doors.
Usagi brought the boat up to the long pier, tossing Mamoru the mooring rope as he hauled himself up onto the narrow bridge. She passed Chibi Usa up to him, after he tied off the line on a mooring hook nearby. Chibi Usa folded her arms and allowed the blonde to merely pick her up by her underarms and hand her like piece of luggage to Mamoru. Then Usagi leaped up to the dock herself.
Giving Mamoru a serious look, she conveyed her intentions wordlessly.
(I will need him there by Chibi Usa's side. He already understood his position as her protector but I was running into danger and he was placed in a very hard situation. Unable to protect us both it would kill him to stay behind. But he needs to stay behind and make sure Chibi Usa DIDN'T try to come in and save the day. I couldn't bear the thought of her getting hurt.)
Mamo – chan…
(He looked over to me…I'm right here Usako…he responded. I need you to make sure she doesn't try to come in. He looks to me with shocked eyes before thinking…I need to be there with you. I'm NOT letting you go into battle alone without your powers! I sighed…I won't be. The senshi will be there soon I promise. But I need to be there and I can't have Chibi Usa running in and getting in between Eudial and that 'blaster' she has.
He knew I was right, it was the safety of our future daughter after all. I was in a sense playing at his fatherly heart strings to get him to obey my command. One that was the right call on. His hands curling up into frustrated fists at his sides.
If ANYTHING happens that you can't handle call for me. He demands. Once more I smile warmly at his commanding tone. When were done with this, you and I need to have some serious alone time. He looks over to me with a slightly raised brow. Give me a break you acting all 'commanding' and whatnot is hot. I look out towards the looming facade of the cathedral to avoid his smirk.
Will you be thinking that when your legs are spread eagle on the counter top in our kitchen? I look back to him with a raised brow of my own before both of us realize that Chibi Usa was talking. "Oh kami, you guys are JUST like mama and papa. Your 'thinking conversations' are annoying!" she exclaims crossing her arms in a dignified huff. I look to Mamo – chan even as I blush. Though now I wonder if her parents think like us or if its something else.)
Hai!
("This is the rendezvous point, the girls had enough time to get here from wherever they are." I flipped open my communicator, "Senshi! Neptune and Uranus need our help! I've made it to the Cathedral, I won't wait to long for you." I pushed, knowing I was frustrating them. They were traveling as fast as they could, but my heart was aching. I could feel something horrible was threatening them. I was having a hard time staying firm on the dock, always glancing back to the majestic church behind me.
The gothic monument held all the answers and my broach. A little voice was urging me to just to leave, to head in there alone and face whatever was lying in wait. I heard four distinctive grunts of acceptance before regarding them the place, "I know where the Marine Cathedral is! I'm 15 minutes away!" Rei yelled, her voice tight knowing damn well I could be as hot headed as her and far more impatient, before disconnecting. "I'm on my way!" were the other three girls as they cut off the links. All sounding just as urgent.)
Chibi Usa watched mournfully as Usagi, unable to wait any longer, leaned up against Mamoru, and pressed her lips against his in a soft loving kiss.
Stay safe, don't do anything stupid.
Mamoru cast in her mind, his eyes searching her for a promise.
When have I ever done anything stupid...desperate I'll give you that. But never have I done anything stupid.
Usagi scoffed, giving him a sarcastic smile as she pulled away.
Desperate actions and Stupid actions are kinda the same thing...USAKO!
Mamoru shouted out to her through their link as she dashed off laughing. Steeling her courage and setting her resolve, as her feet thundered down the stone bridge towards the gothic monolith hovering upon the sea in the distance. The sun was setting upon the waves, casting them to flame and sending flickering evening shadows all around her as she left her beloved and future child behind to be safe.
I'll come back to you, I promise.
She cast back, ducking her head into the howling wind as she crossed the sea unknowingly towards her destiny.
Chibi Usa watched her mother disappear into the distance, clenching her jaw tight and blinking back frustrated tears. She still felt the dregs of guilt over her recent actions, even as she sought to win back Mamoru's affections as a father figure in this time and as a dear friend. She felt bad that she seemed to pull him and Usagi apart but couldn't help her childish need to have her father to herself at times.
Though now the young boys her age were making her see a different side of things. Like for instance the way Mamoru looked at Usagi when they thought no one else was paying attention was something she longed for herself. She didn't understand it but she knew she wanted that.
It was that bond, that friendship, that deep understanding of one another. She wanted to have that but in the form of good friends to cherish. Having a guy to crush on wasn't something she looked for right now, just a friendly bond. However she still couldn't help the need she had to stay close to her first true friend since being in the past. Mamoru. He had been there and had taken a fatherly liking to her.
Of course she now knew it was due to their odd bond as father and daughter that connected them to begin with. His connection to the earth gave her a similar connection that allowed them both to share visions. But those were few a very rare in between. She valued him as her father and was now starting to see why he held eyes only for Usagi. Not that she'd ever admit that. Usagi was still someone she saw as nearly a sisterly figure. But she knew regardless Usagi would one day become her mother.
It was 10 minutes later that Usagi herself made it to the cathedral. Briefly standing beneath the glowering facade of avenging angels that flanked the heavy oak doors. Standing tall in their flowing robes, swords held in defense upon their breasts. Long hair fluttering around their shoulders from some invisible holy wind, their dove like wings spread as if ready to take flight at the slightest threat.
Taking a deep breath Usagi suddenly felt like she was entering a sacred chamber of testing. The angels casting down judgment with their stone blind eyes. Would she be worthy today...or would she find herself lacking?
Slipping inside she heard the sounds of battle far in bowels of the nave. The old weathered door creaked mournful. As she slipped inside the gloom of the Cathedral. It was as majestic and awe inspiring as the facade. With great white pillars and arches, bearing the weight of the elaborate structure of bridges and bell towers above. The main aisle in which the pews might sit, was left barren. The white marble floor glowing a fiery orange from the light of the setting sun filtering in through the long windows set high on the flanking walls.
Further in near the crossing and transept, the circular dome skylight was casting down shards of evening light. A romantic glow seemed to warm the holy mosaic of silver and gold tiles. But the attack happening within that soft light wasn't romantic at all. She saw Uranus sprawled out on her back, with Eudial hovering over her. Aiming her blaster at the downed Senshi, but the words she heard echoing back to her. Halted her steps, "I now have the owner of a talisman and soon I shall have two." Eudial commented smugly.
"Uranus has a talisman within her?" Usagi questioned to herself. Even Uranus looked shocked to hear it. But Usagi knew Eudial couldn't have it. Running with all her might she sought to cover length of the massive nave to reach Uranus in time. The elegant pillars flew past her, archways carved with beautiful holy murals all going unnoticed by the frantic pace Usagi was in. This wasn't going to be the ending for the outer senshi, it couldn't be.
Finally seeing large chunks of red stone broken and strewn over the crossing ahead. She was nearing the battle, at the least the remains of it. Uncaring of her life, of how weak she may be as just a mere human. Intent only on saving one of her most dearest friends from harm.
"What are you talking about?" Uranus played stupid, still franticly darting her gaze about searching for how Neptune seemed to have vanished through the back wall of the crossing. The architecture of this Cathedral had been odd to begin with. With hidden rooms and hallways to nowhere flanking around the nave. The apse that was usually an open semi-circle behind the alter did not exist.
There was a grand stone dais at the end of the church but no alter. With no ambulatory behind. Only a high circular stained glass window glowing high above. The back wall a huge mosaic of carved angels in battle with a horde of demons. Neptune had been standing at the apex of the dais ready to hit Eudial with an attack then just disappeared.
"Well I think perhaps I would like to extract Neptune's first...if you care to watch meet me in the central chamber." Eudial then did a back flip up onto the dais with a taunting laugh. Striking a hidden button along the mosaic, and disappearing behind the wall. As a hidden passageway slid aside as a panel grinded away.
"Crap!" Uranus scrambled to her feet and raced into the dark unknown of the passageway.
"Not good..." Usagi panted, dashing up the steps and disappearing into the darkness behind her.
By the time she had made her way down the narrow passage way, she was greeted by tragedy. The Apse was breathe taking, surreal and oddly misshapen as if she had just landed in wonderland, in which anything goes. With a massive bridge of steel stretching across a pit into nothingness. The looming shadows of construction equipment lurking like beasts at the edge of the divide.
A huge marble and wood organ stood at the end of the bridge. Long stained glass windows flanked the open room and receded from the organ along the back wall. The ornate choir balconies set around the gallery were smoking, the angels carved into the alcoves, pointing bow and arrows were all aimed at Uranus. Who was now back on the floor of the bridge, struggling to stand, suffering from thousands of small pieces of shrapnel. Her body was riddled with cuts, blood seeping through her fuku which was now shredded.
Eudial was standing before the organ, holding Neptune hostage. The Senshi of the Deeps was bound to a red stone panel by thorny vines. Her arms above her head, feet crossed, with her head bowed in defeat. She looked like a sacrifice, with drawn and accepting her death.
Eudial tapped the side of the panel smugly before sauntering over to Uranus, straddling her legs and aiming her blaster straight at her heart. Usagi's chest clenched, her blood ran cold as if it had turned to ice. This couldn't be happening...Uranus...Neptune couldn't be the sacrifices. She stood at the doorway into the half dismantled Apse, unable to will her body to move.
"I can't believe you fell for it. Anyone who crosses this bridge that isn't me will be attacked by my little arsenal of Cherubs." Eudial laughed arrogantly.
"Now then, I need to take your heart, my dear." Eudial stated, blowing upon her freshly painted finger nails. As if taking Uranus's life was as nothing. "The honorable Uranus who wished to save this world without staining her hands by sacrificing others." She cocked a grin, that looked as sharp as a razor.
Uranus laughed bitterly. "I can't possibly have a pure heart after all the things I've done."
"Well, we will see soon enough. But after all those wounds, the force of this gun will kill you." She smirked, her finger drawing upon the trigger.
"I won't let you die!" Neptune screamed, coming to life in a fury. Pulling herself free form her thorny bonds. A strength far surpassing her surging from her need to save her true love. In the end she realized she couldn't sacrifice anyone! She just wasn't strong enough to go on without Haruka with her.
"NO! Don't move!" Uranus wailed, but it was to late. Neptune couldn't live without her and would take the chance with her own life if it meant saving hers. She raced across the bridge making it only a few steps before the bullets began to riddle her body. She cried out in both alarm and agony, as her body convulsed under the steady stream of attack. She fell to her knees under the barrage, Uranus was pale all blood rushing from her face as she watched her only love being mowed down by Eudial's trap. Slowly Neptune rose back up on shaking feet.
"I will save you..." she whispered, cradling her wounds with gloved hands. Her body now bleeding from thousands of bullet holes.
"No..." Uranus breathed in horror, as Neptune took two more stubborn steps and the endless attack of semi-automatic fire struck her down permanently. She fell against Eudial, who had turned in surprise raising the gun up to protect herself. She pulled down on the trigger and the blast shot through Neptune's body. Her pure heart crystal exploding from her back. The aqua haired woman then sagged lifeless against the evil witch, who merely took a step back allowing her body to fall to the ground.
"Out of bullets..." Eudial mussed, seeing the smoking mussels jutting out from the hundreds of little angels arrows, still poised in their bows.
"Is this our punishment...?" Uranus mussed, her mind falling back on all the wonderful, sweet memories of her time with Michiru. Her heart was breaking, shattering into a million pieces at the lifeless sight of her beloved. They had struggled and fought to find the talisman's to resurrect this messiah who would save them all, only to find out that they were the sacrifices.
It was sadly ironic but fitting, Uranus thought.
Usagi screamed, her heart aching for her Senshi. Who looked so worn and lost. Uranus turned at her tortured cry, her vision still blurred by tears of pure misery. Finding a glowing silhouette in the sunlight filtering in through the stained glass. A figure all in white, with flowing golden hair, a staff of purity and the most euphoric wings. Like a butterflies sprouting from her back, a calm, peaceful understanding fell over her at the holy sight.
Uranus took several deep breaths and the vision cleared. Finding Usagi dashing full speed across the bridge, her face set with an angered vengeance. Intent on striking the red witch in full on collision, over the edge and hopefully to her death.
"Hey!" she yelled ramming Eudial hard in the chest with her shoulder. The gun clattered to the floor loudly as the witch flew back several feet and was forced to jump on the massive metal ball attached to a crane for dear life. She looked shocked as did Uranus upon her form, and momentarily scared before she plunged into the darkness below. Her long red hair fluttering like a flag out of view into the abyss.
Uranus finally seeing Usagi through her pain, then looked to her in shock, "Nani? Expecting your fairy god mother?" Usagi smiled, hoping to lighten the mood. "Give me my broach and I can help you." she tried, offering her hand.
(I knew Uranus wouldn't want to listen. "Please we can figure this out...let me help you out." I saw the direction of her tear filled eyes. Looking back I saw Neptune's body and the crystal that floated above her form, "We were the carriers...all this time...we never knew...never knew…" she muttered her voice sounding tired and sullen.
It was when Uranus made a grab for the gun that drew my immediate attention, "You're not sacrificing yourself! There's another way there always is. You just have to find it. We'll find it together!" I pleaded, scrambling to her side, grabbing the gun from her with surprising force. But she doesn't relent only fights me further on it. Yanking it back towards herself, nearly wrenching my shoulder. Pulling me across her lap, her eyes fierce. "We need the talismans to save the world!" she yells, a grim conviction in her voice.
"We'll find another way but we won't sacrifice ANYONE! Not one innocent soul! I can save the world without them! I can..." I shouted in panic, my eyes misting with tears. The anguish in turmoil I saw in her as she aimed the gun at herself was tearing me apart inside. She appeared to look to me in contemplation. "Strange..." she laughs bitterly. "When you say it...it seems like you truly will." loosening her grip just barely on the gun.
"I truly wish I could believe that. But I don't believe in your power." Her eyes once softened by my words turned cold as ice, then she shoved me away hard. I yelped in sudden pain as I was forced back. As I looked up I saw her eyes had softened again, staring at me with hope. "Make sure to find the last Talisman...okay Sailor Moon? It's the only way." Then without further words she aimed the gun at herself. The shot rang out, bouncing off the walls. A tragic echo of another life taken.
I tried to stop her but her aim was exact in its location over her heart. Putting a rifle to ones chest it was an awkward move to make, but once the trigger was pulled it took no time for the pure heart to come forth. It exploded out of her back, a glittering rose like crystal.
I grabbed her hand once the gun fell to the ground, as she collapsed to the ground. I felt for her pulse, it was steady but getting weaker. "Uranus stay awake." I told her, as her eyes began to dim. Her soft playful blue eyes losing focus. Her eyelids fluttering as she struggled to remain conscious just a little while longer. "Damn it Uranus don't die on me!" I yelled at her. As I held her head tenderly in my lap.
It was then the other senshi rushed into the room. "Please stay awake." I pleaded, my voice failing me as sobs began, threatening to erupt from my throat. I could feel her body losing its vitality. As a senshi she could stay awake for longer than normal not to mention she and Neptune are stronger than the inner senshi but they're not invincible.
"You are not allowed to give up and let go! Do you hear me?!" I demanded of her, tears starting to flow from my eyes. She reaches her hand up, it was trembling. "You looked like the 'messiah' that we need to save the world...a tad ironic..." she mutters before making one last remark, "Promise me you'll look for the 'messiah'. That you'll save the world from this evil." I nodded my head, "We'll find her but you need to help us! We need each other!" I plead, looking up to find the senshi coming forward.
Looks of compassion and sorrow in their eyes. They may not have seen eye to eye but it's NEVER easy to see a senshi go down...no matter what. You feel an odd zapping sensation the closer you are to them bodily as well as mentally. The common bond all senshi share to sense our planetary powers. The unfortunate thing is if you're not deeply connected as friends then the feeling is just whisper soft. "Oh 'koneko'..." she breathed out sadly. So much was left unsaid between us. I hated her as much as I cherished her.)
Stubborn, hot headed, unbending woman...why did you it! Why couldn't you find hope instead of constantly clinging to your grim truths! Why can't you believe in me!
(I seethed, even as I felt my heart break for her.)
Uranus couldn't figure out why Usagi looked like the 'messiah' when she first walked in, nor when she was leaning over her. She concluded it must have been delirium from the fight she and Neptune had gone through. Then when Usagi was holding her closely she could have sworn she felt a warmth close to what she imagined the 'messiah' would feel like emanating from her all powering presence.
All peace and happiness...as if heaven itself was opening up to embrace her jaded soul.
"You might need this..." the words were barely out before she passed out but not before giving Usagi back her transformation broach. It fell from her cold dead hand to the ground.
(The clinking sound of my broach echoed loudly as it fell to the metal bridge. I was in angered disbelief. I shouldn't have been but I was. Eudial had taken two pure lives, two people who meant more to me then I truly knew. "This is not happening...Haruka...Michiru..." I whisper, swallowing my sorrow as I knelt before them. In a flash of shimmering light both of their crystals formed into a Mirror and a Sword.
The mirror had a fathomless sheen upon its deep green surface. Gilded in gold with an image of a goddess in a flowing gown along the curve of one side. The symbol of Neptune etched upon the back. It was a mysterious object full of power.
The sword scabbard was pearl white with glittering jewels encrusted along it's length. With a golden hilt the curved elegantly, so similar to it's owner's own slender body. With a wide blade similar to a scimitar, it held a beauty both deadly and graceful.
"I'm gonna kill that witch!" I yell before mournfully watching Mercury feel for Uranus's pulse. "It's very weak but it's there!" she stated in relief.
Good it'll give them a fighting chance. We're not going to lose them." I tell her.
"How can I return these Talisman's back into your bodies?" I question, my voice wavering. Leaning over her, my hands trembling with the urge to just shove the object...her sword back against her chest in a faint hope it would just dissolve back into her like her crystal.
"No...take care of them. Find the remaining Talisman and bring forth the Holy Grail and hand it over to the legendary messiah." Uranus croaked out with her last breath. A strange happy smile crossing her face, as she once more saw the vision of the messiah hovering over her. All light and glory, full of power and purity to save them all.
"Legendary Messiah?" Mars gripped Uranus's hand urging more from her.
"The wielder of the chalice that will save this world from the Destruction of Silence." Uranus finished.
It was the quick blaze of fire shooting past us all, that snapped us all back from our grief as the floating talisman's were taken in a literal - no pun intended - heartbeat.
Eudial laughed at her accomplishment in evil glee. Standing by the doorway across the bridge, the Talismans gripped tight in one fist. "Perfect two out of three is excellent!" She may just have stolen them for herself, appreciating their fine jeweled appearance. Her eyes gleaming with a greed that she just may play with them a bit before handing them over to the Professor.
We had not time to react, as the talismans now rested with the enemy as she took off in a flash back down the narrow corridor to the nave.
"Let's get her!" Mars ordered, taking command as she saw how distraught I was and needed a moment to gather myself. They took off after her, knowing I would stay with Uranus and Neptune till Tuxedo Mask could watch over them.
I grabbed my broach wanting to transform and protect their bodies when Eudial seemed to appear out of nowhere. Up in the highly ornate stone carved choir balcony over the organ, her 'fire buster' pointed upon my fallen Senshi.
With a cackling laugh, she fired sending a bloom of incredible flames down upon us. An inferno rose around me, like hell itself had sprung up to consume everything in it's path. "Not gonna happen on my watch!" Jupiter bellowed, turning on her heels from the doorway lightening crackling upon her palms. Summoning her elemental powers, ready to let fly with her balls of lightening as the other three turned to confront a raging wall of fire surrounding me and the outer's unconscious bodies.
"Shine Aqua Illusion!" Mercury released crossed arms from her breast, sending her blast of water towards the inferno, which promptly consumed it. It fizzled into vapor, having zero effect. She clearly startled, "That should have done at least something! I can't believe 'shine aqua' didn't work." she stated, stunned.
"We can't let the bitch get away!" Jupiter snarled.
"Fire for fire I guess." Mars countered. "Burning Mandala!" Her orbs of flame blasted into the wall of immense heat.
Then the fire flared and surged around Usagi, invigorated by Mar's attack. It was now ten times more powerful.
"For the love of kami, shut it off Pyro! Before we become Japanese BBQ!" Usagi screamed in fright, standing between Uranus and Neptune. The orange light of the angry flames flickering off her terrified face.
Mars gasped as her powers made it worse. "What do you think, pathetic little pains in my ass?" Eudial screamed in triumph from the balcony. "My Fire Buster II will be your demise!" She adjusted her settings, upon a dial attached to the back tank of her flamethrower. Sending another more powerful, more focused stream of flame.
The blaze surged into our midst, encroaching like a predator towards Uranus and Neptune's unconscious bodies. As if a living extension of Eudial's hands it wrapped tightly around their bodies, seeking to devour us. It's snapping tongues soared high towards the arching roof. She laughed even more manically, filled with a sense of superiority at her success.
"Moon Cosmic Power!" I transformed hoping the power of the light would destroy the fire encompassing us. My light shone and spun around me like a shield, as my battle fuku appeared over my naked skin. The fire hissed and sputtered then gave up, snuffed out by the Silver Crystal's energy wave. By the time it cleared up Eudial was on the move again. Ducking out of view from the balcony above, fuming.
"Go!" I yelled. The girls ran as I pulled Neptune's body next to Uranus's. Feeling their hearts beat faintly, I sighed in minor relief. "Now to save your pure hearts.")
Mamo - chan! Uranus and Neptune need your healing now!
(I called to him. Where? He demanded. Past the main hall of the entrance. I told him. Seconds later he and Chibi Moon arrived, having taken the Tuxedo Express. Smashing through one of the stained glass windows, like thieves in the night. He leaped onto the bridge his cape snapping, Chibi Moon hanging onto him in some strange monkey like grip upon his waist.
"Never one to take the direct route." I gave him a rueful smile, as he set Chibi Moon down and knelt before Uranus.
"Where are the other senshi?" Chibi Moon asked. "They went after Eudial." I told her. I looked to Uranus once more before hearing tiny feet escaping down the hall. With a groan I raised my head in time to see two pink pigtails fading into the darkness past the doorway
"She will be fine, in some kind of stasis but she needs her heart crystal." Tux told me as he checked her vitals. "There is nothing I can do." he sighed.
"That little pink haired smurf! Stay with them!" I yelled rushing off after the little senshi. Eudial was too much for her to handle. To powerful. Plus babysitting her defiant little ass, wasn't an easy job during battle. However reaching the faintly lit corridor I found my senshi. They were stuck along with Chibi Moon in some sort of glue substance along the floor. Looking oddly like flies trapped upon fly paper.
"She went that way!" Mercury yelled, pointing up the hall. She was stuck in an uncharacteristic position. With her butt in the air and her head adhered to the floor. Looking very sexy and somewhat submissive as she struggled to free herself.
"Got it! Gomen!" I pleaded, pressing my hands together and bowing respectfully to my temporarily fallen Senshi. They were about to sacrifice their dignity for a good cause. Hoping they would not mind what I was about to do. I had to jump from senshi to senshi till I landed swiftly and safely on the other side. They all had their own ways of enduring my weight. Chibi screamed at me, as I lightly skipped over her.
"Gomen." I apologized before landing on Jupiter's back, who merely grunted.
"Gomen!" I cried, leaping from her back to land ungracefully upon Venus' head. Who's cries of pain was thankfully muffled by the green goo, as I smothered face into the floor. "Oh...Gomen ni sai..." I winced, jumping off of her to land smoothly upon Mercury's upraised butt. I felt her whole body blush bright red upon my contact.
"Gomen..." I sighed, spring boarding off her ass to land promptly upon Mar's shoulder blades.
"Watch it Odango Atama!" She raged as I leaped the rest of the way clear of the goo trail. "I am not your Senshi stepping stone!" She ranted towards me as I dashed away.
"I'll come back for you!" I tell them, running off as if the fires of hell were on my heels. I couldn't let Eudial win, but more importantly I couldn't let her take those talismans from two people I cared about. It's bad enough that she has them but now...two senshi down...I won't allow it. Not now, not ever.)
How are they Mamo - chan!
His voice was strong but worried. They need their pure hearts.
She ran ever faster, breaching the human speed barrier. Her heart hammering in her chest, breathing properly a useless task as she pushed her body to its very limits. Her throat was tight, chest heavy as she pushed through the pain of straining her body. Finally she caught up to the red headed witch. "Stop!" Moon's voice that of a commanding, angered princess. Eudial stopped and turned. "Go ahead try and stop me!" she countered. Moon summoned her scepter, "You're going to relinquish those talismans now!" she demanded.
It was only through having been evil for as long as she had that Eudial didn't show weakness to the long haired odangoed senshi. Her demeanor right now demanded her to submit the talismans and Eudial had to temporarily fight the urge to leave them behind. She was a strong witch and wouldn't cower to the senshi. "Ha! Forget it!" she screamed. "If you are wanting to die so eagerly, I am more then pleased to make it happen for you!" Pulling out her fire blaster she aimed it at Moon's chest.
"Even if my body breaks, I will get those Talisman's out of your hands!" Moon promised, clutching her scepter tightly before her.
"Moon Spiral..." Not giving her enough time to call her attack Moon was forced on the defensive.
"Fire...Buster!" Eudial press down on the trigger, an incredible blast of fire exploded from the gun. Moon leapt and dodged all around the room as blasts of fire erupting like geyser's from Eudial's gun. Eudial was having fun...at first...then finally she was getting agitated by her constant dodges.
"Just stand still!" Eudial yelled in frustration. Moon swerved around and tried using her tiara to bust a hole in the 'fire blaster'. She barely jumped into the air as fire scorched the bottom of her boots. Moon flipped over Eudial's head, as nimble as a gymnast. Letting out a frustrated battle cry Eudial swung the blaster. Slamming Moon hard with the butt of the flame thrower, knocking her back where she originally was. "You're dead!" she yelled at Moon.
Moon narrowed her eyes an intense determination glowing deep within the cerulean blue, she would not lose this battle!
Spinning her scepter in front of her, she knew she'd have to pour her energy - all of it, to beat the witch. "I will never give up!" Moon cautioned.
"Moon spiral Heart Attack!" Pouring more than the usual amount into the attack she fired her scepter. The glowing pulses of silver and pure pink energy surged from the royal peek of her wand. Illuminating the darkened nave in a prism's radiance.
"That weak attack doesn't stand a chance. This is the Fire Buster II, an advanced piece of equipment. I designed it to have a far greater power output then the meager Fire Buster I. That you took on last time!" Eudial stated proudly, charging up her attack as well. They both poured more back and forth, neither willing to lose the fight. Fire and Light fought of dominance in a strange dance of tug of war in the middle of the cavernous nave.
The pillar's and arches glowed eerily as they fought, the holy carvings of angels gazing down at the two titan's in silent judgment over the battle. The window's flashing as their power's clashed repeatedly. The darkening evening sky was briefly cast into a blinding daylight every time their power's exploded against one another. The inside of the cathedral illuminating in sharp blinding white light as Moon felt the toll of the Silver Crystal upon her mind and body.
Her weapon was magical not man made. It used Usagi as a battery, only as powerful as her will could demand. Thought the Fire Buster did not require anything from Eudial. It was relentless and without mercy, bombarding her over and over again.
Moon frowned and poured more energy into her attack. Feeling her body draining, her limbs numbing with the stubborn will to keep clutching her wand. White spots of exhaustion began to blur her vision, her legs trembling unwilling to hold her weight for much longer with the extra energy she had poured into the attack.
By the time the other senshi got there the scepters time had run out. Her energy temporarily expended. She was heaving on her knees fighting to find any shred of endurance to last just little bit longer. Her mind was lost in a haze, every inch of her body aching with a bone deep weariness that she knew she'd feel of at last a day or so.
Eudial herself was running low on gas, the combustion chamber in her pack smoldering with the last of her fuel. Not that she'd let that on. "Get in the center all of you." she demanded of them, shaking her gun threateningly at them.
The senshi looked to Moon, "Planet attack." Jupiter mouthed, "But we'd need a diversion." Mars chimed in. It was then that Chibi Moon came forward. "Let me -" She skipped into the room, eager and innocent. Moon stopped her. "She's too strong. One hit and you'll be toast. Literally." Raising a trembling hand to caution her exuberant future daughter. She knew she was trying to help but this enemy was to strong for the child senshi.
Unable to find the energy to rise to her feet, she watched the stubborn tilt in her daughter's mouth, before she promptly turned her back on Moon and faced Eudial. Moon's heart sank, now was not the time for Chibi to be...well Chibi!
Seeing the weapon and the maniacal gleam in Eudial's eyes Chibi Moon for once obeyed the older Moon senshi. Knowing she'd been at this long enough to know when to NOT run head first into something unknown. She lowered her pink scepter and remained close to Moon. She finally released a held breath thankful that finally Chibi Moon had listened to her. Well for once in her life she had. Desperately she hoped for a repeat performance in the coming battles...if there was going to be coming battles.
"You'll die in here today!" Eudial yelled.
"The only one who will meet their end here today is you!" The voice was mature and stern as she walked into the light. The group of senshi were shocked while Eudial was befuddled, "And who the hell are you?!" she demanded.
The same woman as before stepped through the main oak doors of the church. Now dressed in a smart lavender dress. With a pencil skirt and fine white silk dress shirt. With a matching suit jacket that hung to just around her waist. She looked all business, her dark lavender eyes glaring down at Eudial. Her hair now done up in a large bun at the back of her head, the rest cascading down her back.
"Setsuna, Meioh?" Moon breathed.
It was the lavender purple transformation pen, clutched in her left hand, that caught Moon's eyes, "Another senshi?!" Mars looked to Moon with shock, helping her to stand. "How do you know?" Jupiter asked, "Neptune and Uranus had identical transformation pens. I saw them transform at the planetarium." Moon answered.
"Who the hell are you?" Eudial bellowed again, utterly and completely at the end of her mental rope for the day.
"Pluto Planet Power!" She tossed her henshin into the air to answer Eudial's pompous posturing. Time seemed to slow, the very fabric of the universe started crackling with her power. Her body was bathed in what looked like star dust, timeless and all knowing. It fell upon her nude body as a second skin, transforming into her dark purple fuku. Her Garnet Wand coming to alive in her hands, the blood red jewel of time flaring at her command.
"Puu!" Chibi Moon stated excitedly once she was done. Her eyes a light once more, her body vibrating with joy. She had felt a piece of her heart die the day her mother had taken her aside and with a sad heart had been told by Queen Serenity that Pluto had died defending her in the past. After the news small lady had holed up in her room for nearly a week mourning her first real friend. Her mother had promised she would be reborn, but that was little solace to a little girl who did not understand how time worked.
Moon looked down at her and for once felt a tinge of jealousy that she quickly disregarded. Now was not the time for such feelings, but it still hurt. Chibi Moon never seemed that happy to see her moon mama in this time. Always arguing, always having some acidic comment of another over her seemingly endless flaws of character. It was like the girl held no love at all for her, just a feeling burden that such an unworthy woman was to be her mother in the future.
"I am Sailor Pluto and I hold the last talisman! A treasure too great for your greedy little hands." She proclaimed. Eudial grit her teeth in irritation. Pluto pulled the garnet orb from her staff, the red ball glowing brightly as it called the other two and their owners to come forth and join them in the room. In flash of ethereal light both Uranus and Neptune shimmered before them. Their talisman's glittering before their floating bodies. Eudial was too stunned to react fast enough to grab them.
When she made to reach for them, "Burning Mandala!" Mars sent a barrage of fire balls that had her screaming out in pain as her hands were singed. Her hands were angry red, looking like they had first degree burns from defending herself. "Nice try dragon breath but it isn't happening!" Eudial yelled at the very proudly smirking raven haired Senshi.
The moment the outer's bodies disappeared. Tux ran for his beloved. He only hoped this was good news. I'm on my way! He sent to her.
Cutting it close Tux!
Her snappy words had him worried now. He sped up faster his need to get to her over powering him. His foot falls like the thunder of gun shots, as he rushed through the hallowed corridor. The only noise that greeted him as he ran to her side. Finally he started to hear sounds. The ritual female verbal snap and rebuttal that he associated with all major boss battles.
Thank kami! He thought, having come just in time to see two pure hearts go back inside their respective owners, while the talismans remained solid.
"So they can be removed..." He mused with a faint smile, his Moon was right. No sacrifice was needed for this.
Out of instinct the outer senshi reached up in awe and took hold of their talismans. Calling forth destiny they each closed their eyes, playing their part to ensure the future. Bringing forth a flash of great light that strobbed magnificently in all different directions. He saw everyone staring in surprise, even Eudial. Finally the lights settled, syncing to each other, based on how the three outer Senshi were standing.
The beams of light formed a pyramid of immortal energy. From the apex of the power, a glow began to pulse in response. Then as if from nothing a golden chalice shimmered to life above their heads.
It was the very cup of the divine. The immortal cup of purity, the 'holy grail'. A regal looking goblet, with a dainty foot of ruby. A flowing golden body, with angel wings spread from it's sides. The lid ornate with a golden cross and ruby sections, a crown of monarchy jutting out from it's top with the symbol of the crescent moon. It gleamed like the sun for a moment as it became solid once more in this reality. Moon instantly felt the familiar pull of power from it. As if she had felt it once before…a very, very long time ago.
Meanwhile in another section of Tokyo a young frail girl with short black hair cried out as if in the most absolute pain possible. Curling up in a tight ball on her bed, unable to move as her muscles were locked in place within her faintly lit bedroom. Its own appearance was like a dark dreary cell, whose only sense of purity were coming from the thousands of lamps that glowed like fairy lights from the darkness that surrounded her.
Her agony was a writhing scream that she tried in vain to hold in check. Her connection good or bad to the 'chalices' appearance and activation igniting a force within her. Near black smoky flames oozed out from all around her as if she were burning from the inside out. Desperate, breathless cries were pulled from her shivering lips. She was alone in her pain, as she always was. Relying on her own inner will power to pull herself back once more from the abyss that seeked to consume her mind and body.
At the same time the professor noticed a low rumbling emanating from his daughter's room as if the power of the 'chalice' was telling him of its arrival into this mortal world. His head went up in shock and internally he feared the walls would crumble from the force. Bleakly he hoped that the 'chalice' hadn't found its true owner. If it had, if the true owner was able to figure out how to use its strength to the fullest then they would all perish under her light.
Back at the cathedral the call was getting much to strong for Moon now. She stood frozen, staring at it as if in a trance as it's hum of power seemed to vibrate within her. As if she was the destined instrument to tune and focus it's great powers and rid the world of darkness that wanted to claim it.
"The chalice! Arigato lovelies!" Eudial ruined the shocking moment with her 'fire buster' releasing the last of it's power as she set the whole room on fire! Swing her gun back and forth in a rising inferno that was soon licking the high ceiling. Blinding heat encompassed the senshi, everyone was bathed in the crackling shadows of living flame. Tux immediately held Chibi Moon closer to him, as his instinct to protect his future child came to him in a flash. He reached out for Moon to only to have her move away from him and closer to the flaming wall.
Everyone was screaming and ducking for cover, lest they be set ablaze. With the senshi surrounded Mercury went first. Her 'shine aqua illusion' did unfortunately nothing to diminish the fire. It was just to intense. Then when Mars tried her fire her attack, Jupiter leaped out and pinned her arms to her sides. "Seriously Pyro!" She called down to her, wondering how she hadn't learned her lesson last time. Mars shot her a dirty 'don't even!' look. She was merely responding to the threat unthinking.
Eudial sent Moon a calculated look through the wall of flames, while Moon stared back just as determinedly. Then when the witch darted for the inferno protecting the Chalice Moon snarled and lunged after her, crossing her arms over her face as she dove through the wall of flames like she was diving through water. However there was no water here and she got burnt in the process, her fuku skirt smoldering.
With her leotard and gloves marred by ash, she quickly regained her feet and raced after Eudial's running form. Ignoring the pain she felt from the burns that she knew would by tomorrow be gone, ignoring her exhaustion that a good night's sleep would fix, she focused solely on the gleaming body of the grail. They ran even down the main aisle of the Cathedral. Eudial kept glancing towards Moon uncertainly, while Moon kept her eyes on the prize.
Seeing the moon senshi was not losing her footing she turned her 'fire buster' on her. Using it as blunt weapon, she swung the mussel out like a bow staff, clipping Moon in the gut. She grunted and stumbled back, feeling a few ribs crack upon impact. Tux felt the hit through their link and cringed. He was trapped in the fire, hunching over Chibi Moon protecting her with his cape and soothing her fears.
The tiny Moon senshi didn't fear fire, having a senshi already that hade fire as her primary weapon of choice but this fire was uncontrolled and could kill them if it was left to keep its progress. But with Mercury's power not being enough and the rest of the senshi not even able to see past the flames for more than a few seconds at a time they had no way of knowing what was going on.
Tux for himself tried to mentally heal some of her wounds, seeing if that would aid her. Giving her his strength even without touch. But he wasn't sure if his power was strong enough to send through his link to heal her. Power to give energy yes that he knew but to heal her he wasn't sure yet. But he tried. He just couldn't feel that connection. Couldn't feel her body healing, just her physical pain at taking the brutal hits today.
Oh Sailor Moon…my Usako…let me lend you my strength! He pleaded. But she refused. You'll need it to protect Chibi Moon if I can't make it. Her reply had him angry that she was refusing his help but even more so that she was once more acting to protect those she loved without thought to her own wellbeing. Please! He begged feeling her pain. Their link making it that much easier to feel her side of things.
She relented and let him send in a small amount of energy. She used it to allow herself to gain just a little bit more speed. If she failed now the world would be at stake. She couldn't allow that to happen just for her own safety.
"That should slow you down." Eudial mocked.
Then heard the sharp click of Moon gripping her scepter, as she regained her pace with the extra added energy from Tux and surged forward more determined than ever. She wouldn't lose this fight, not with what was a stake.
Even Neptune, Uranus and Pluto were trapped by the flaming walls surrounding them. Unable to do anything but deflect the fire from burning their already heated skin. Their bodies having just awoken again from nearly dying of their pure hearts being snatched momentarily for the talismans, something they both were shocked by still. All that time wasted looking for candidates and they were them all along.
Moon threw even more of her senshi power into her every step, using the last of her reserves to beat the witch at her own game. "Not happening!" she bellowed. Both she and Eudial were neck and neck. A race for the future was beginning now.
To be continued…