damonika2009: Mimet had it coming really. As for Akito this is just the beginning.
Guest (1): there's more to come…just not yet.
kera69love: she'll develop a plan but things don't always go as planned. As for Usagi's age I believe I've made her 15. With Akito its more like a series of pictures he took.
Em: If anything to me she was the most annoying. Lol as for Makoto it was just intimidation I was trying to get out but the factor that each girl would protect each other in some sense or the other from outside intruders. Akito's clearly not wanted and his advances are stumbling on the girl's protective toes. Besides Mamoru and Akito will have it out, just not yet.
AimlesslyGera: it can…go the wrong way that is…but you'll have to wait to find out. as for 'dreams of a passionate past', frustration only begins with it. I had to read 'princess destiny's hard smut stuff just to relax again. lol
NeoPrincessRini: Akito still has a minor role still left so just wait and see what happens with him there.
Setsuna-Chan22: Akito he is something else. I wanted to have a character brought in that was totally human but at the same time still had evil yet human like qualities…if that translated well...basically he's hated by all and love by all at the same time for bringing out Mamoru's jealous side. As for Usagi's talk with her father, she's just at this point tired of defending herself and himself so she's basically not sugar coating things anymore. Granted she's been trying to get him to see reason but until now its been 'try papa please' now its 'no matter what this is my decision'.
Guest (2): yup sure is.
Guest (3): more to come to.
Kitna: It will be for a little while but you'll see things will get better…over time.
Only 10 reviews…maybe this one will spark more! No real warnings in here. Just read, enjoy nd review!
Sailor Moon S' Rise of the Messiah' chi/ep.39
It was in a trendy, modern commercial district of Azabu that Telulu opened up her seemingly innocent flower shop. A modest looking boutique that sold exotic blooms called Heavenly Scents. An innocent cover that held a deadly product. Recreating herself as bubbly, carefree, sweet minded person while internally, like a cobra, she was waiting for her moment to strike upon her victims.
Her appeal was in the quaintness of her shop that mimicked the floral boutiques of Paris. The walls dressed up in soft pinks and pearl white shelves and appliques. With warm wood tones of her sales counter. The only mystery lay in the back room beyond that counter.
She sold only one kind of plant, the hottest new trend in relaxation and inner peace currently sweeping through Tokyo.
"Come on in everyone get the new 'Telulan' plant. It doesn't need any water, food or sunlight! Its maintenance free! It's a plant that brings happiness and in two to three days its blooms into a beautiful pink flower!" Having set up a small booth just outside her shop, she was calling to the crowds. Dressed modestly in a lime green blouse and pencil skirt with a white apron she fit the part of a struggling shop owner, just opening up in the Commercial District.
Setsuna walked by the shop, heading over to the University it had caught her eye. The many people inside making her curious, "And at an introductory price of just 10 yen it's a great gift to give!" Telulu had the most brilliant polite smile plastered on her face as she dealt with her now swarming crowds of customers. Setsuna narrowed her eyes in suspicion, "Telulan? Never heard of such a flower." now she wanted to investigate.
The girl at the counter, her hair looked a bit distinctive, just as her princesses did. Very few people in Japan wore buns like that. The only other person she'd seen with them was the late Mimet's rival Telulu. "This doesn't feel right." Setsuna mused.
It was that evening that one purchaser put the flower in their green house. The plant glowed red before sending out a red wave of negative energy, taking the energy from all other existing plants in there green house, draining them dry in a matter of seconds. Each plant and flower was nothing more than dried husks of what they used to be. While their new purchase had bloomed into an exquisite beautiful flower, glowing softly with all its new energy.
The next day, a Sunday, Chibi Usa came over to Mamoru's place bright and early determined to go save Hotaru but knowing that regardless of her determination she would need someone older to get her into the Mugen Academy. So insert plan... drag Usagi and Mamoru along with her to the Delta. Dressed for the late fall, in her black pea coat and pink scarf and mitts. Opening the door with her Luna Sphere she walked in silently.
(I heard the soft clicking sound at the door and could only deduct one thing, Chibi Usa was here, inside. "Mamo - chan..." I whispered. I was still groggy, my voice was all rough and crackly. He mumbled something against my neck as he was curved around my backside. I could only be the tiniest bit thankful that we threw on night clothes or in my case a small, short baby pink slip with nothing below it, thanks to our extra-curricular activities last night. While he just threw on a pair of boxer shorts.
We were tucked securely under the blankets, so if she came looking for us our modesty at least would still be protected. It was better than nothing for this moment, "Get up." I nudged him. He only groaned and tightened his hold before his hands started to drift down to pull the silk night slip up. A gift from a trip I took to a lingerie shop with Minako a long while ago. "Not now Ch..." I could no longer talk as Mamo - chan pulled my face to his for a morning kiss. For but a moment I got lost to his passion, as he started to maneuver himself over me.
There was a reason I was waking him up now what was - "Hey Mamo - chan! Usagi - chan!" Chibi Usa yelled through the apartment. That snapped me back to reality, real quick. I think I actually got whip lash!
Like lightening, Mamo - chan pulled the covers further up over us, and slipped off of me as Chibi Usa came bounding in, dressed in pair of jean overalls and her candy cane striped long sleeve shirt. She jumped on top of the bed, landing with a gleeful smile beside us. "Remember you said we'd go look for Hotaru - chan?" her eyes sternly on me, "And we will, after breakfast." I told her, giving her a polite smile. "Okay...chocolate chip pancakes!" she encouraged.
Mamo - chan looked to me with a broad smile on his face, "I'm living out my dream world right now. Waking up to my beautiful future wife, and our little future girl asking for chocolate chip pancakes." He sighed, his eyes bright with pure glee. I smiled back, just as pleased. "Just remember that the little girl hasn't been born yet." I reminded him playfully. His smile became sly as he leaned over, his lips a breath away from my own, "Yet being the operative word here." before he kissed me sweetly.
"Now go make us some pancakes, I'm hungry for them to now. Too" He stated. Chibi Usa squealed in delight and raced out of the room to gather in ingredients in the kitchen. I rolled my eyes and swished the covers off, getting briskly out of bed. He lean over, and slightly out of bed to slap my butt, hard. A playful, parting gift that had me gasp in shock. Looking in shock over my shoulder at his devilish smile.
He was just so happy to have something so simple as a family breakfast. I smiled in understanding even if part of me did miss similar family things with mama, papa and Shingo. I shook them mentally from my mind as I wanted to enjoy this as he did. "You get dressed to. I need help whipping the batter, cause mine always turns out all lumpy." I mock ordered him with a giggle.
He didn't role his eyes merely rolled over the other side of the bed and started to dress. I was no culinary queen but he loved me anyway. I slipped on some underwear and wrapped my cotton robe around me. My little girl did not need to see me in such an erotic shift. Mamoru pulled a pair of sleep pants and a white t-shirt and we were comfortable to spend time with her.
Mamoru and I were a team in the kitchen, preparing the pancakes and keeping Chibi Usa's flagging spirits up as she sat glum and deep in thought at the island.
"Cheer up!" I stated, giving her cheek a pinch to wake her up.
"Owww, stop." She swatted my hand away, glowering at me. Then began to giggle when the bowl of batter I had cradled against my hip, coughed up a cloud of flour. Dusting my face and making me sneeze repeatedly.
Mamoru gave my head a tender stroke, before extraditing the bowl from my grasp. Beating the batter with an expert hand. I ate a handful of chocolate chips in retaliation of having my job taken from me.
Chibi Usa saw that as a window of opportunity and ate a handful from the bag herself. We both got a stern look from Mamoru, before he snatched the half eaten bag away from us and set it on the back counter near the stove. So he could guard it.
I watched him with a knowing smile, as he sought to sneak a few chocolate chips himself as he fried up the pancakes. He had weakness for chocolate far greater than mine.
We ate as an actual quote 'nuclear' family would. It warmed, and comforted us all, to share this loving meal. No sarcasm about my cooking, no follow-up with heated words, or arguments at all between me and Chibi Usa. The meal for once was just perfect. Once ten struck I knew we'd have to get properly dressed to leave out. The weather was starting to get a tad chilly outside even for my tastes. "Go ahead and watch TV... it'll give us a minute to get dressed." I told Chibi Usa, as I finished clearing the low table and setting the dishes in the sink.
She nodded, climbing up onto the couch and grabbing the remote. Mamoru and I headed down the hall towards the bedroom together. She had this strange far off look on her face as she watched us leave. It made me wonder what she thinking, with concerns to me living with Mamoru. I knew she had an opinion about what we were doing, but was doing a good job of keeping it to herself.
I sighed heavily, my daughter was far to mature for her age some times. I needed to figure out a way to get her regress a bit to act her proper age. Being surrounded by adults for so long as a small child had made her a tad eccentric. In many ways Hotaru had been good for her. They both shared a common ground of not quite fitting in with their peers. Able to truly be themselves around each other, sharing secrets and goofing off like best friends should. I needed to get Hotaru back!
Putting on a pair of thick tight purple tights, a short jean skirt, and a sleeveless thin dark red sweater I was ready. I threw on some white cotton socks for added measure. Mamo - chan pulled a tight black t- shirt on, it hugged his toned chest and powerful arms like a second skin. Making me take an extended look of appreciation, before throwing black sweater over his head and killing the sexy moment. Grabbing some dark blue jeans and a set of socks and he was done to. Leaving out we signaled to Chibi Usa who happily came along.
Slipping my feet into some three inch heeled, tie up boots, as Mamo - chan pulled on his own shoes and we were off. Taking the bus all the way to the Delta and heading straight towards the Reclamation Area. Things went smooth till Chibi Usa started to make a run for it. Darting down the sidewalk, with that fearless, yet determined glint in her eyes. We both took off after her, "Hey wait a minute!" I yelled.
Seeing Luna and Artemis darting across the street, they saw where we were headed and followed till we lost the pink head of hair down a street towards Mugen Academy. "I don't believe it. How are we supposed to help her when she runs from us all the time?" I asked Mamo – chan in exasperation. He himself was looking distraught in her direction.
"Maybe she saw something." he tried to reason. "Girls fast as a bullet sometimes." I commented bitterly. "Much like her future mother." Luna muttered. "But she manages not to trip over her feet, setting some truly magnificent land speed records." Jumping up on the stone fence line, watching with amazement at Chibi Usa's dust cloud rocketing behind the tower. I ignored the dark feline, "You seem pretty concerned about her." Luna commented, lightly.
"I am. Her friend Hotaru - chan is in possible danger and we have to save her. But in order to do that we need to work together." I explain. "You and your future daughter really do think a lot alike. You to have run thoughtlessly into danger more times than I can count. Single minded and determined upon your objective." Artemis commented. I looked at Artemis with disbelief. The white feline though was keeping his pink nose out of it. He had said his piece and was not offering anything more. Jumping up onto the fence to sit beside Luna.
"I don't agree with that. I look at things through a different perspective now." I defended. "I would take it as a compliment." Mamo - chan said, "You two are mother and daughter and your running head first into danger can also be taken as a trait of fearlessness." I accepted that reasoning, "I think Artemis actually meant that danger part as in getting her butt into trouble and needing to be rescued." Luna retorted, raising her eyebrows in defiance.
I shot my eyes to Luna for that remark. "Let's go before Chibi Usa gets any further ahead of us." Mamo - chan suggested, ending the tension…for now.
Agreeing we came up to the back doors of Mugen Academy and found Chibi Usa. Sneaking towards the sliding doors entry way up. I got up behind her and pulled her up by her collar and pulling her off her feet. She struggled in my grasp for a moment before casting me a perturbed sneer, "What did we say about doing this together? Or rather what was the point of hauling us out of bed so you could just run off?" I asked her. She crossed her arms over her chest as we 'escorted' her over to a bench in the back courtyard.
"You wanted us to come along why not wait till we were there? You going off on your own all halfcocked at your age isn't wise." I advise.
"I want to save Hotaru – chan, I am so scared for her right now. I know I am being demanding, forcing you out of bed and coming with me. But the more I thought about it the more I wanted to save Hotaru - chan on my own." She admitted to us, pressing her mitten clad hands between her knees. I sighed, "You know that place is dangerous, we've confirmed that. This is NOT the time to be going into the hornets' nest...so to speak."
Mamo - chan looks to my analogy, "She's right Chibi Usa." he agreed sitting next to her as I stood up. Staring worriedly down at her, like the parents we were unconsciously acting like, "That place has the highest probable chance of being the death buster's main headquarters. If you go in there now, without anyone to have your back..." Artemis left the rest unsaid. I saw Chibi Usa's head fall a bit, "We all care about Hotaru - chan and we know how much she means to you..." I begin.
"We were to investigate the Academy as a group. We ALL went in. We wanted to have back up in case one of us took a hit that was too much for us then the other could aid and assist. It's called teamwork. We work together as a team. It's when were at our strongest. Hey..." I put my hand on her head to capture her attention, "We're going to save Hotaru - chan but not by going off all lone ranger like, we need to be strong, united." she nods, "Thanks for the pep talk Tonto." and smiles smugly. As I scoffed at the sidekick innuendo.
"So how's this for a step by step process? Saving Hotaru - chan is mission one." I raised finger one. She nods, "Then we get the evilness out of her body." I raised finger two. She nods once more, "Now that's mission two. Lastly we prevent the awakening of the 'messiah of silence'." I raised finger three.
"Mission three and as an added bonus Haruka – san, Michiru – san and Setsuna – san have to admit they were wrong…again." I see both cats looking to me confusion and questions.
"Okay let's start off with Hotaru - chan, how do we rescue her?" Luna asked me. "We need to find where they would even want to keep her at Mugen. My guess is she's not locked in a closet in a random classroom." I commented sarcastically. Both cats had to agree there, though Artemis stifled a near snicker. "Plus I doubt that they would want her to be seen by other students, depending on her current health issues." I sighed, Chibi Usa looked hopeful to me.
"Perhaps...we could call Minako - chan and see if anything was found at the house. If they turned the place upside down - " I started but Luna cut me off, "I already checked with her. Nothing was found. Not even a hair in a crack." Chibi Usa looked down sadly, "Gomen Chibi Usa." Luna stated relishing she was dashing the poor girls hopes. "Isn't there an academic exam session going on within a day or two?" Mamo - chan asked.
"We could ask Ami - chan. She would know. In the meantime how about we take a perimeter check of the place. See if anything strikes us as odd for the building." I offered, as a compromise for her. It was enough for Chibi Usa as she stood up and took my hand in hers, "Let's go." Mamo - chan took her other hand as we walked off. Luna and Artemis jumped up to mine and Mamo - chan's shoulders making themselves at home.)
Elsewhere Hotaru was waking up in the throne the 'messiah' placed her in while in control of her body. Now back in control of herself she wondered where she was and how she got there. "I need to get out, Chibi Usa must be so worried about me." She moaned, glancing nervously around the darkened chamber. It was what drove her leave the chair, she knew unconsciously where the doors were to get inside and out. The thought of it being strange that she knew her way around this odd room never occurring to her.
Finding herself in the lower halls of the Academy, and dressed oddly in a gothic black dress with a rounded lace collar. She headed up a set of stairs towards the gym, not wanting to show up at Chibi Usa's looking like some evil looking Loli girl. She quickly dressed in her deep green sweats and grey t-shirt from her gym locker and headed out of the school. The air was brisk, and freezing but she was determined to find Chibi Usa and apologize for scaring her.
Holding herself tight as she headed down the street for the bus, her lavender eyes focused with a burning determination to reach her only friends side. Ignoring the nagging feeling of where she had woken up.
During that time Setsuna had purchased a Telulan bud from the shop, "The power to absorb water from the atmosphere into its body...not possible." She decided, a threat she knew was coming. Her face frowning trying to figure the flower out in the little lab she had set up at the University. "I bet this is tied in with that strange incident where that florist bought one and all the rest of his plants died overnight." she mused, gazing intently at the potting plant occupying the side of her desk.
Certain now that this flower was the key to it all, "Maybe the key is in the flower's genetic makeup." she mused. Seeing a red tint start to expand along it's curled petals, she shot up from her chair, "Nani?" she demanded, lightly fingering her transformation wand if need be. But its draining energy currents flowed out to fast for her to even utter any words to aid her in her own rescue. Only a gasp was issued.
Blocking her face as the plants brilliant rays of crimson light came at her from all different directions, as the petal unfurled for her energy. She hoped her powers as a senshi would be enough even in civilian form to prevent anything from happening but knew the likelihood of that wasn't good.
As if sensing it's mistress was in danger, her garnet orb, flashed into existence before her. It shone in a bright timeless light out of nowhere. Destroying the plant and saving her. She was mildly shocked by it's out sudden appearance. It hadn't ever come to her without her being a senshi, "It must know of the danger." She whispered in awe, now she wondered if any of the other senshi had ties to their talisman's outside of being a senshi. She had half a mind to cuddle the garnet orb for saving her but thought better of it.
"Arigato..." she said for using its power to save her. She knew it was a weapon and one of the talismans, having no feelings or thoughts. Possessed only by her unconscious will, unaware of itself or how it had shielded its mistress.
In her previous life, not having had to be in civilian form for extreme amounts of time left her a little lost, and nervous as to how to even interact with others. Affecting her new incarnation's personality, creating an aloof, introverted woman who preferred a quiet life, not interacting with other unless she absolutely had to. So her senses for dangers out in the world were a tad stunted, which left her vulnerable.
It gave way to discover an unconscious power that her orb had, that she hadn't even known existed. "Indeed to fine the others and warn them of the enemy's new plans. This way is..." she knew how bad this was. No one would suspect an innocent plant till it was too late. If this was their new method not only were they getting creative but they were getting sneakier and deadlier in the process.
In the meantime Telulu had lured Hotaru into her shop, seeing how sad and worried she looked she convinced her that this plant would be great apology for her friend. Hotaru agreed, but confessed she had not money to buy it. Telulu assured her that she could have it for free, sorta a living advertisement for her flower boutique. Hotaru was convinced and thanked her greatly before dashing off in higher spirits.
Feeling satisfied that stage one had been complete. Telulu figured she would close up her shop for the day. Since most of her flowers were dispersed around the city, she could set up stage two of her plan. Her eyes taking on an evil glint as Hotaru walked off, "Executive seat here I come." She smiled in such a sly manner that could make your skin crawl. Retreating inside her shop to continue business as usual.
(Having done the check around the school we headed back to drop Chibi Usa off at mama and papa's home. "No clues outside but we'll see what we can come up with once we get a hold of Ami - chan. Maybe we can use the exams session in the next day or two to sneak in and check it out further." I looked to Mamo - chan for his approval.
"Hai, I can see your point." hands in his pockets, he stopped at the gate. Leaning against the brick pillar out of view of the front door. I stopped at the sidewalk, watching solemnly as Chibi Usa approached the front door alone. We were going to leave when papa opened the door having seen a group of people lurking by his gate, he wanted to investigate. "We're just dropping her off papa." I explained.
He didn't even look at Mamo - chan, preferring to ignore him. Mamo - chan respectably kept to himself, not bothering to say anything either, "Kenji - papa can I talk to them for a minute longer, then I'll come inside?" Chibi Usa asked in her sweet girl tone, which won him over instantly. "Hai." he shut the door as I turned to Mamo - chan, with raised brows "Kenji - papa?" he asked, incredulously.
"I call him that all the time. And Ikuko - mama." Chibi Usa was oblivious to it, "It's not a big deal, mama and papa are like an aunt and uncle to me." She shrugged. He nodded but I think it was the aspect of someone else besides him that got to be called 'papa' in some form that ticked him off. "Anyways..." She trailed off, something just past us catching her eye.
"Hotaru - chan!" she squealed in delight, slipped off between our legs and greeted a very much alive and seemingly okay Hotaru. The girls were laughing and holding hands, greeting each as normally as ever. As if Hotaru had just come from some kind of trip and not having disappeared for several days.
"This is a bit off." I commented, "If her house was completely cleared out and she was taken then why is she acting like everything is fine?" I asked, "Unless she's been removed from the sight of that. She could have no clue what's happened." Mamo - chan explained, "Yeah but now I wonder...will someone be coming for her? Besides Haruka - san and the others that is." I added on, curious.
"Like the death busters." Luna suggested, I glanced up to find my advisor once again padding along our fence. "Hotaru - chan!" I called out to her. She walked forward to greet me, as I met her half way. Holding the girl close, I suggested, "If you like you two should have a night over here together. A sleep over. I could even go to your father's home and let him know that way he won't worry over you." I tried, acting as if nothing unusual had happened. I could tell she looked excited about the idea, "I'd like to but I'm not sure papa would let me." she admitted.
"We'll talk to him. You and Chibi Usa could use a little bit of time to catch up." Mamo - chan told her. "Hai." She then looked to a happy Chibi Usa, "Oh I almost forgot." she went around the corner and brought over the planet she had set down. "This is for you." she handed it to Chibi Usa. "I figured since I haven't been around a lot lately and strange things have been happening that it's the least I could do." she told her, a sincere smile warming her face.
I felt for her, "But it's just been this thing with me that I hurt people without even being aware of it. I feel there's something inside of me. Something bad." Hotaru frowned, "I'm afraid of it. But you Chibi Usa ease those fears of mine away. I feel like I can be me and not worry all the time." Hotaru told her, her weak smile faded and she began to look rather pale. I could tell she was feeling slightly faint so I went over to her and guided her to sit on the ground.
She was gripping my jacket tight, as if it was life line. Shaking like a leaf in the wind, as if ready to fall into another attack.
"Hotaru - chan..." I asked, "I want your pure heart..." it was so faint that had I not been a senshi for as long as I was I would NOT have heard the soft, dark voice that came from the depths of Hotaru. It wasn't hers that much was easy to tell. The evil from within was trying to take more control that we could tell, "Hotaru - chan!" I yelled, seeing that Chibi Usa was blind to the potential danger in front of her.
Kneeling inched away from her friend, as the dark haired girl pulled away from me. Her hands now hovering by Chibi Usa's head, she stopped as she regained herself, "Oh my kami..." Hotaru I could tell looked horrified for whatever she said, not aware of it but aware that she hadn't been in control and now she was afraid of what lay within her, "Chibi Usa please save me." she then looked to me, "Usagi - chan!" her eyes were full of tears of fear. She was scared of what was inside of her to death.
As if by pure evil magic Kaolinite appeared. A new outfit to match the new level of evil I could see she possessed. "I think we have the proof needed that she's alive." I quipped. I reached for my broach as she smirked, "I'm here to pick you up dear Hotaru..."
"Nuisance..." she sent a blast of dark energy straight for us, but Mamoru jumped in front, protecting us if only for a second, crossing his arms over his head to protect himself somewhat from the blast. As the impact of the force blast tore his jacket the concussive wave of the blast sent him off his feet with a cry of alarm. I had just jumped to my own feet to aid him, when we both collided. Being flung into the front door of the house.
"Usagi - chan!" Chibi Usa screamed towards me before Kaolinite blasted her away, shoving her into us at the door. Before dragging Hotaru away as the frail girl screamed for help. They vanished seconds later, "An abduction in broad daylight...their getting sloppy..."Artemis quipped, "If anything I think it marks how determined their getting to ensure they have all the components needed to take over. We need Chibi Usa safely inside and Ami - chan out here to trace the energy signature before it's dissipated." Mamo - cha told him.
I was now cradling a traumatized little girl in my arms, as she shivered and fought not to break down and cry. Just staring lost at the spot Hotaru had been.
Artemis agreed ran off, to find Ami.
Papa flung the front door open upon hearing the racket. "What in kami's name is going on out here?" Papa demanded. He was looking to blame Mamo - chan for whatever it was.
"Nothing...just some delinquents were picking on Chibi-Usa." I lied, what could I tell him? A crazy lady had just kidnapped my girl's best friend right in front of her?
He glowered out through the open gate, searching for the ill-mannered kids.
Mamoru quickly got to his feet, levelling a cold look at him before walking back towards the fence knowing damn well Kenji blamed him for make Chib Usa so frightened.
"See you inside Chibi Usa." he didn't even look to me afterwards.
"Be strong...okay. I'll save Hotaru. I promise." I gave her a strong smile, and quick hug. She moaned and nodded, then gathered herself up heading not for the front door as I wished. But out past the gate to pick up the discarded plant, that had been abandoned on the sidewalk.
"How is Kaolinite still alive?" I asked, walking up to Chibi Usa with concern. "We never did confirm a body." Luna suggested, "Hai, but she failed to retrieve pure hearts so many times why bring her back if she was incompetent?" I asked. "I don't know...maybe there's more to her than meets the eyes." Luna offered.
"Kaolinite has become more ambitious since we last saw her. This time she looks a bit tougher and her powers seemed stronger to." I surmised. "Hai, plus I think she's become cockier to. A random attack in daylight to take Hotaru - chan. She didn't even try to finish us off. Her focus was on her alone." Mamo - chan stated, his hand slipping into mine. Seeking comfort and support me as we walked back towards Azabu.
"We should talk to Ami - chan next." I sighed as we caught sight of Setsuna jogging up the sidewalk towards us.
"Hey!" I called in greeting, but she ended up focusing on the plant in Chibi Usa's hands. I noticed the petals were starting to brighten and turn red, twitching and uncurling slowly. "Small lady!" Setsuna yelled in anger and fear. Hitting the plant from her hands Chibi Usa gasped at the seemingly cruel thing she did before I put a hand to her shoulder, to settle her. "I think something's wrong with it." she looked from me over to the plant.
"That plant is possessed by evil energy. I believe it's the new way the death busters are going after pure hearts. Quite deadly and clever." Setsuna said, "We need to go to the flower shop that sells It." she told us, "Which one?" I asked. She looked to me oddly, "If you don't know then how did you get it?" she asked us, "It was a gift from Hotaru - chan." Chibi Usa defended. I sighed, this wasn't looking good for her.
"Then that means that Hotaru - chan is involved with the death busters." Setsuna told her sternly, "No, I don't believe you. Hotaru - chan wouldn't do that." the pink haired child told her. "Could it be coincidence? Perhaps she merely walked by the place as they were selling them and decided to give one to Chibi Usa." I suggested, trying to calm down the rising tensions.
"It's possible but I wouldn't bet on it. Mamoru - san logic dictates that Hotaru - chan is the enemy." she asked as if hoping he would be the voice of reason for us to obey him. "Hai, but logic also dictated that the talismans needed a sacrifice. They didn't. Logic dictates that only the true 'messiah of light' can use the 'chalice' to its fullest potential. Yet Usako here gets stronger with each use. Logic dictates a lot but perhaps in these instances we need to look beyond the rules of logic." he suggested.
"Hai, perhaps." Setsuna agreed with a wiry half smile.
"In any case we should go and check the flower shop out." She announced, we agreed.
"I'm curious, Haruka - san and Michiru - san aren't here with you today?" I asked her. "They are following up with a lead around Mugen Academy. Mamoru - san..." She asked. We both looked to her, in confusion.
"Have you applied to the university within there?" She added, clarifying her question.
"No. I declined them a few months back." He replied. I looked to him in surprise. "Why? We didn't know of any enemy activity back then over there?" I asked in concern.
"Because I wanted to join a medical program that I could work between tuxedo mask and being with you. Plus I still do need to earn the money to go. The grants to go there are high but at the same time if you don't maintain perfect grades the programs drop you. Besides..." he held me closer, "That place has ALWAYS given me the creeps." He finished with a rueful laugh. I give him a half smile.
I see the far off look Setsuna has on her face, "Nani?" I asked her. "History is changing yet again. I can feel the waves in time shifting." she stated.
Now I wondered if that meant he was supposed to go to Mugen Academy. "Mamo - chan I don't want you to take a lesser education just because - " he silenced me with a kiss, "I'm not taking anything lesser but I do want something I can work with and that doesn't consume every waking second of my life."
I arched a brow, "Mamo - chan...Medical school is a very long and consuming part of your life." I stopped him, "You deserve the best. If I'm hold -" he took me in his arms, "Stop talking like that. I love you too much. I want a future with you a LOT more than some fancy top notch medical school. I can still get into a great university, I've already applied to several. As long as I can save lives I'll take any university."
He sounded so content, so sure that this was the right course for his life. I still wasn't sure. I was beginning to wonder if I was holding him back now. "You sure she's not holding you back?" Chibi Usa asked, as if annoyingly reading my mind.
He only smiled, "Not even remotely. If anything she's given me the strength and motivation needed to be better and excel more." I smiled happily at the compliment. Then I looked over to Setsuna who gave me that half smile again. Sometimes I wondered what she was thinking. "Let's go." he ordered, hand clasping mine as we walked along. Chibi Usa happily and determinedly took his other hand as we headed into the commercial district.)
Setsuna had wanted to talk more but knew it was the fates changing course, if he was deciding against Mugen. Granted now it was the epicenter of their enemies but it wasn't officially known as that beforehand. Mugen lead to the best jobs in the world possible. Mamoru would have been handed a medical doctor's profession within weeks of his graduation. No things were changing and she wondered if the shift was for better or worse.
His medical knowledge was what some would call in the future on a genius level. He and Ami would be side by side sometimes coming up with brainstorms for medical possibilities that here and now were seen as incurable. In the future, they would see different paths to take that others prior did not. She hoped the change was for the betterment at the end of the day. Perhaps it was but perhaps it wasn't.
(Having walked all the way to the flower shop they saw a small crowd of people inside, "You think she'll try for taking everyone in the store? There has to be over a dozen people." I stated out loud. "Hai, she might just do it. The higher up the food chain of these people we meet the more dangerous and brazen they get." Mamo - chan inserted, "We should go in through the back." Chibi Usa suggested. "Hai." I agreed.
We all left to go around to the back alley. Figuring the door was locked, I used my senshi strength to bend the hinges and twist the door outward. Enough for us to crawl through the gap between the door frame.
"Ouch!" okay that might have hurt a 'wee' bit. "Next time let me do it." Mamo - chan advised, "I think I've proven over time that I am capable of great feats of strength." I send him a picture of us when I took control on the coffee table and had him on his back.
He grew red for a moment before he got his control back. "Different feat of strength." he muttered in slight embarrassment, going in first. I smiled knowing, I'd had him. We all went in right after wards. Sneaking in and seeing nothing as of yet, the back hall was lit only by the faint light of the emergency exit sign. We walked further inside, as a wall of thick humid air surrounded us.
As we moved into the backroom, that was set up like a green house. Rows upon rows of the same alien plant was growing in nursery pots, in long water toughs. With an arching skylight filtering in the weak light of dusk. Casting the whole room in a gloomy light, as we made our way to the shops back door. The door that lead to the front of the store. I saw Chibi Usa go to open it first when I also noticed the smoke trailing in from the cracks between the door and the doors frame.
Stopping her with a bracing hand, I showed her the smoke. Nodding her acceptance we lowered our heads hoping that most of it was up high and not down below. I pushed the door open just a bit and glanced into the room. The main lights in the front of the store were turned off, it looked vacant and closed up for the night. Opening the door a little we smelled the drifting gas. Not as strong as it could have been to knock us out but clearly enough so that the occupants in the room would have been knocked out.
Apparently it had dissipated when it was first put on but was still heavy enough for the occupants in the room to be effected. Then we saw the victims scattered all along the floor. Appearing dead to the world as the new girl sitting on the counter, Telulu held out her hand.
A black star was attached to her palm, the pure heart crystals were floating over to her, drawn to her like innocent children. Dozens being sucked inside, "Okay, now to destroy the star on her hand." I tried to figure out how to do that, "Think you can handle that?" I suggest to Mamo - chan. "Hai, transform." I agreed. The four of us transformed in the back room, making a silent entrance behind her.
She was busy watching the dancing crystals, floating lazily around the room. While some had dutifully floated into her grasp, some seemed more defiant. Having retreated to the front window, refusing to come closer.
"Come here..." Telulu called to one the less then cooperative pure hearts. As if the pure heart crystal was listening it floated over and got zapped into the black star on her hand, "A nice little treasure to the 'messiah of silence'. Or rather a nice treat to absorb." she giggled evilly in front of the now unconscious people. Making ourselves known I announced myself as Chibi Moon and Pluto did behind me.
Telulu gasped and leaped off the back counter into a defensive stance. Tux I knew had sunk himself into hiding, so he could defend if we were placed in a jam. The man had serious skills to just fade away into the background.
"You know a flowers pretty little life is too short to be used as a con in your evil schemes. This will not go unpunished." my speech on the horizon. "In the name I of the moon I will right wrongs and triumph over evil. That means you." I promised with a confident flourish. She just laughed at me.
"Yeah laugh now but in the end you're the one that's dusted." I muttered.
"So you're the sailor senshi. Where's the rest or were they to afraid to come." she smirked, a cockiness in her voice.
Before I could reply Chibi Moon spoke up, "You know thanks to you Hotaru - chan has been wrongfully accused, I won't let that go unpunished." She professed. I knew Telulu had no idea who Chibi Moon was and didn't seem to like being surprised, "Shut up brat! But you know what I'll take your pure heart now to." she ordered her plants to send their red rays of power from behind her to attack us. We all leaped into different directions. She laughed at having separated us. "Oh making such a scary face..." she mocked, as she noticed my glare.
"I'll make sure you go down today!" Chibi Moon said. "Pink sugar heart attack!" She screamed as she landed on the countertop...nothing. It made me wonder what power level she was at. That little moon stick was really NOT that effective in battle.
"I must admit I was curious but now I'm done playing around." she shot out her green vines from the top of her right hand. Switching hands Telulu screamed in fury. "Impudent girl!" Chibi Moon didn't have a second to buildup power, so I ran to get her out of the way.
Telulu's vines were too fast for me though. I wasn't counting on that. Go figure the one time I run into a cocky villain she's actually cocky for a reason.
Usually it results in the villain's downfall at the end of the day. But this time, not so much...
Telulu was fast, I meant incredibly fast! She wrapped Chibi Moon up like Christmas present in her vines and sent a ball of red energy at me in a matter of seconds. I felt the trap of the flower's surround me, like a heated bubble. I was trapped in a glowing red sphere, as it then shocked the literal hell out of me. I just barely managed to not scream like a child in front of Chibi Moon. I knew I'd never live it down. So grit my teeth instead and endured the writhing pain of the dark charge exploding throughout my body.
It was Pluto's 'dead scream' that destroyed Telulu's vines, binding Chibi Moon. Then she sent another attack towards Telulu that knocked her around a bit. That finally freed me. "Sailor Moon are you okay?" she asked aiding me back up. I was still a little shaky from the attack. "Hai, I will be." I responded, "AH! such nuisances!" she went to shoot vines once more when Tux's red rose stopped her, by slicing through the vines and imbedding itself in the floor before her.
"A flowers life is supposed to bring serenity to people, not to be used for such vile purposes." he told her, stepping into view and out of the shadows of a far corner. A cocky smile of his own now gracing his face and accenting his dashing pose.
The force of the vines snapping caused Telulu to lose her balance and fall back into a display of her own plants. Tux walked over and did a quick glance over to ensure I was okay before saying, "Purify these plants." I nodded and underwent the second transformation. It was Tux's...kami I love seeing those butterfly wings on you...I wonder if we could purchase some for role playing with later on. I wasn't sure if he was actually talking to me or just thinking out loud to himself on that one.)
Tuxedo mask?
(Hai? he asked innocently. You do know I heard that right? Having finished off with the transformation I saw his red face, I assume from embarrassment, before shrugging it off. I do now. He smiled knowingly before looking sternly to our enemy. Pulling out the moon scepter I activated it. Telulu looked a little scared and lost for words as she leaped out of the way of its rays. But it hit every plant dead on. Destroying them on impact, as the smoke cleared. I didn't see Telulu at first, I wondered where she was hiding.
However because of the hit that I took my power from the 'chalice' dwindled from me that much faster. I fell out of the second transformation just moments after I used the scepter's incredible power. I felt weak.
Tux caught me before I could fall. His gloved hands secured around me the waist. I sent him reassurance through the link.
In that brief moment, Telulu came out from her hiding place with a plant in her hands, "How dare you!" she screamed, sounding so much like an infuriated mother as she looked about at her destroyed creations in anguish.
"These flowers were precious to me! They took me a long time to create and produce. Don't assume you're out of the woods just cause their gone! I've still got an ace up my sleeve. Just you wait!" she threatened. Tux held me against himself. I knew there was no sexual thrill from it right now, he was concerned. You okay? He mentally asked. He probably felt my loss of energy from the power down. Hai. I will be. I responded back weakly.
With a vengeance she stuck a syringe hard into the plants stem.
It glowed more brighter and more fiercely than the ones before, "You'll regret ever having messed with me!" she promised. The plant moved on its own and became a vile, avenging tree sized flower that stood next to her, "My massive Telulan will be your next opponent. It's a monster that reacts only to pure hearts." She cackled with glee.
I wondered if we could use that knowledge to our advantage.
"So once it takes your pure heart it'll self-destruct with the owner. No more senshi, no more pretty boy." She promised.
I arched a brow at her gleaming, swooning smile at Tux.)
You attract women the way I attract trouble…
He looked appalled towards Moon. She gave him an 'it's true' look before turning herself back to the enemy. In my defense it's NOT every woman…just a few…he defended.
She had to agree there but he did attract a lot of attention. From random women on the street that he didn't notice because all he saw was his Usagi, something the blonde was very proud of, to the evil villainous women they ran into overtime. She just pitied them, they were so deluded and twisted of heart they never could be redeemed.
"There is no way out. Your death is eminent in here." Telulu laughed, crossing her arms smugly.
(I wanted to growl at her audacity. I only had enough power left for one attack and it wasn't my strongest. I just hoped it would be enough to do what it needed to do. "Now if you don't mind I have a little something to deliver to my professor." Her attitude made her vulnerable. It was something I was counting on throughout this little battle. Taking the star from her hand, Telulu prepared to leave.
I subtly took my tiara down from my forehead, not wanting to alert her just yet and charged it up before in a quick motion threw it at her. It sliced her hand and cut through the flimsy star that held the pure hearts in seconds flat. "Overly cocky, overly arrogant and the enemy wonders why we keep winning." I state. She went to run in a panic to get the pure hears back when the Massive plant turned on her. Even Chibi Moon saw the error she made.
The plant grabbed her, "You've got to be joking! Let me go!" she screamed in panic.
Tux stood by my side incase that last bit of power made me faint or anything. We watched as she helplessly got squeezed by her own creation. Latching her vines onto it only served to hurt herself further as the glowing monster shone with a brilliant green light, "I don't think greens a good sign." I remark.
"Me neither. It could be the self-destruct color." he mused with grim smile. Then the red sparks crackled all over and white light exploded from its base.
We heard her scream, it was raw and full of fear not rage. My heart went out to her in that moment. I always wished on some level that I could save the evil being we fight, but I also came to the terms with it over and over again that it was a wasted effort. They were just to far gone for me to save.
Seconds later she and the plant were gone. Not a trace left. Just the humid smell of rot and a moist haze that hung around the room. However upon further inspection, I found a student booklet on the floor. I bent down and retrieved it. Opening it the students picture was Telulu looking like a regular student, "Lulu Telulan...Telulu!" I read out loud.
"Looks like the death busters have either infiltrated the student body with their own or that they've recruited from the school." Tux said.
"Plu!" Chibi Moon called out, pleadingly. We turned around to find her leaving.
"Gomen for the mess you got caught in today, but I still believe in Hotaru - chan. She's my best friend and I know she wouldn't do anything to hurt me or anyone else." she said it with such confidence you wanted to believe her. "Hai, I know you do. But it doesn't change the fact that there's evil within her." Pluto sighed.
I walked forward to stand with Chibi Moon, "Pluto, is there a chance to exercise the evil from her body? Even if Saturn is within her to she's a senshi, with the proper guidance and training she could be a force of great good." I tried.
She turned her head, her expression one of deep contemplation. "I will consider your words. But don't take my kindness for weakness on that." she stated. I nodded as she left. De-transforming we aided the people out of the place claiming we just arrived to find everyone unconscious and they perhaps it was gas leak. A half-truth and whole lie later we left out as civilians, deciding to go out to eat for a late lunch. We needed a break and with the energy loss and I needed the food, I felt starved.)
Once more in a family style setting, at a Ramen House on the far side of Juban. They were sitting quietly in a back table. The restaurant wasn't crowded, a quaint family owned place. That had a very comfortable traditional Japanese atmosphere. With an open kitchen behind a long bar like counter. The menu scrawled upon a huge white board just behind.
With several tables scattered around the other side of the small eatery. The walls were decorated with Kanji banner's and a shelf filled with traditional Daruma dolls with one eye filled in for good luck.
Chibi Usa seemed to be accepting me more and more now as someone positive in her life. For the second time in one day I was smiling and laughing with Chibi Usa, perhaps it could increase over time but for now I was just happy. This right here was a start and I would gladly take it. I just hoped it would last for a while, or at least till she had to leave again. I can only imagine how homesick she might be getting or how much her mother would be missing her.
"So how's training with Makoto – chan and Rei – chan going after school?" I asked, recalling that three days out of the week she went over to the temple so she could train with them. It was a more step by step guide to how to hone in her powers and dodge different attacks. Rei would normally dwindle down her flames and Makoto would her lightening to aid Chibi Usa better but it seemed being klutzy ran in the family.
She ended up doing more face plants and falling on her butt, trying to avoid the girl's purpose filled weak attacks than anything else. Her endurance training out back on the obstacle course was just as bad.
"It'd be better if I could get through the second obstacle course but the high wall always gets me. I don't get how you guys do it." She said, a hint of frustration in her voice. I smiled. Makoto and Rei built it in the back of the temple to help them and the rest of us be better at banking off of walls during attacks. The walls near 15 foot length provided an excellent way to practice. "I mean I can't jump that thing." She frowned.
"Cause you're not supposed to jump it…not at your height or level. The girls built it so we could bank off of walls better to evade enemy attacks." She looked to me, "Oh…"
"So try to - what?" I asked, "Why didn't they tell me that?" she asked, her voice high pitched with frustration.
"It's a learning experience. I think they wanted you to figure it out by yourself." I smiled and patted the top of her head, seeking to give her comfort. She nodded in understanding.
"Just don't tell them I told you. It might have been a lesson." I explained.
She smiled at warmly, "Hai." I smiled back softly, as we shared a moment in quiet happiness. It was Mamo – chan's hand on my leg that distracted me. But the look in his eyes was of love. He loved this family moment we were having. I placed my hand on top of his before looking back to Chibi Usa that was now stuffing her face with long noodles from her large Hot Pot.)
What a nice note to end the day on…
(His response…yeah a beautiful moment spent with my family. Can't get any better than this…I smiled. How about a week without any attacks. Give us a chance to get a one up on the enemy? I suggested to him.
That would be nice but fighting or not this right here is what makes everything in life worth it. He responded through our link.
I blushed…what makes it worth it is simply being held by you and waking up to you in the morning. Plus the added bonus…I look to Chibi Usa...my future daughter warming up to me is a nice touch. We shared inner humor at that.)