Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon Sailor Stars: Rebirth
Act 6: I'm Lucky I'm Still Here
Sora Kazeno
Usagi looks at them confused. "The four of you were at D Point?" She doesn't wait for them to respond. She gets up and rushes over to them. "That was really dangerous! What if something happened to you?"
"We had to investigate it to keep you safe," Haruka immediately cuts Usagi off before she can continue.
Usagi's shoulders slump. "What is the point of protecting me if everyone else gets hurt?" More tears threaten to fall.
Michiru quickly responds. "We will always be here to protect you Princess." Her voice softens. "Like it or not. Just like how you want to protect us. It works both ways."
Usagi stands there, unmoving.
Haruka resumes discussing their mission. She knows the Inner Senshi behind Usagi have been anxious since they first learned of their plan. "We didn't find much. It looks like an undisturbed battlefield."
"Please don't be upset Princess; we did this to keep you safe. We will always protect you." Hotaru chimes in, trying to make Usagi understand. "It is our mission as senshi."
They didn't understand the point that frustrated her the most. "You keep doing things without telling me and then always tell me it's to protect me." She looks at Haruka and Michiru, "just like with Galaxia."
Haruka and Michiru's posture stiffen. They had not expected Usagi to call them out for their actions. They had made it clear they were out of options to defeat Galaxia and had to take desperate measures. Setsuna and Hotaru were not angry with them.
"It is our responsibility and has been since ancient times." Setsuna looks over at Usagi in the eyes. "Queen Serenity felt the same way. Protecting you was always her priority and it is our mission."
Usagi's eyes soften at the mention of her mother. "She sacrificed herself so we could all be reborn… it was her way of protecting us and giving a future."
No one says anything.
The Three Lights look at Usagi and the other girls in the room. Something isn't adding up. They question what all of this means. Who is Queen Serenity? What does Usagi mean being reborn?
Setsuna nods her head agreeing with Usagi's comment. "Speaking of past battles… I believe you remember this." She pulls an object out from behind her. It is has a pink base and a large golden yellow crescent moon at the top.
Usagi's eyes tear up at the sight of her former wand. "I thought this was destroyed after the battle against Queen Beryl. But how…" Usagi examines the object in Setsuna's hands. For some reason, she is hesitant to take it in her own. She remembers when she first received this wand from Luna all those years ago. It was a sign of their leader, the Moon Princess before they knew it was Usagi.
"Haruka found the wand on top of what looked like a crystal platform," Michiru explains, watching Usagi's movements carefully. She hopes having the wand back will boost some of Usagi's confidence once the shock wears off.
Usagi slowly nods her head, only half listening to Michiru. Her thoughts wander to standing on the crystal platform, crescent moon wand in hand, alone, against her darkest fear at that moment in her life. All of her friends were gone but their spirits were with her, giving her the strength to carry on.
Setsuna passes the wand to Usagi.
As soon as the wand is in her possession, she transforms into Princess Serenity, the golden crescent mark glowing on her forehead. Her eyes are closed. Her demeanor is different than a few moments ago. Her eyes slowly open and she looks directly at Setsuna, "I'm going to finish what I started years ago, no matter what it takes. I will not watch Queen Beryl destroy another kingdom nor will I watch her destroy the Earth again." Her words leave no room for misinterpretation.
The wand flashes brightly and Princess Serenity is replaced with Usagi. Usagi blinks her eyes several times. "Huh?" Something didn't feel right. She looks around the room and finds everyone staring at oddly at her. "What is everyone staring at? Did something happen?" She anxiously looks around at the others waiting for a response.
Rei stands up and walks over to Usagi to stand beside her. "You just became Princess Serenity and spoke to us for a moment… you don't remember that?" Rei's tone conveys the worry she feels. This has never happened before.
Usagi shakes her head side to side to say no. "I did?" Sneaking a peak at the wand she continues, "I touched the wand and felt different for a moment and then everyone was staring at me."
Setsuna tries to take some of the attention off of Usagi. "I'm sure everything is fine," she tries to convey while deep down she is concerned by this event. It's not normal. Usagi is Serenity's reincarnation. There should never be a time where Usagi is not aware of what Princess Serenity is doing. She changes the focus back to D Point to avoid anyone else questioning this development. "We didn't find anything else today but I think it would be best if we try again in a few days." She emphasizes the need to stay on guard. "Queen Beryl is hiding somewhere and the sooner we find her the better."
"We'll continue our search tomorrow around Tokyo since they seem to be attacking here," Haruka chimes in. She pauses a moment to look at the Three Lights, finally acknowledging their presence which she ignored since her arrival. She glares at Seiya for a moment. She still won't let go of what happened in Michiru's dressing room at the concert last year.
Haruka, Michiru, Setsuna, and Hotaru leave as quickly as they arrived.
Once they are outside, Michiru whispers to Haruka, "You know they are on our side and they will protect her." She had hoped any issues with the Three Lights were long over after their last battle but Haruka still holds a grudge.
"I don't like the idea of needing outside help to protect our Princess," Haruka responds. "We can protect her ourselves."
"It also makes me uneasy… but they are stronger than the Inner Senshi and should anything happen while they are at school, they will protect her." Setsuna points out to the short haired blonde woman next to her. "If anything, their presence emphasizes the danger before us. I would rather have the extra help should we need it rather than need the help and be without it."
Haruka frowns. Setsuna makes sense. But why does it have to them? Isn't there anyone else that could help?
Usagi stares at the wand in her hands and gasps when she realizes she has something she can use to channel her powers again. She can use this instead of her tiare. "I can use this during the next battle!" She smiles at the group, the first genuine smile she had since discussing anything related to Queen Beryl and the fight they will face.
"But… isn't that your least powerful wand?" Makoto wants to make sure Usagi has realistic expectations. "I mean… it not the same as your other wands, scepters, or tiare." She elaborates on her concerns.
"I don't think that will matter as long as Usagi-chan can summon her powers. Keep in mind, Usagi-chan is a lot more powerful now than she was a few years ago." Luna rushes to Usagi's aid.
Usagi frowns as some of the doubt returns. "But what if Mako-chan is right?"
"Usagi-chan!" Luna exclaims. "That wand is directly related to the Maboroshi no Ginzuishou and the key to unlocking its true potential lies with you Usagi-chan, as the heir to the Silver Millennium, you are the only person that can yield that power. But its power is based on the strength of your heart."
Usagi turns to Luna. She has heard this before but she's not sure if she is that strong. "Luna… I know. It's just sometimes…" She pauses, thinking of fighting Galaxia; there is a long moment of silence. She doesn't want to finish her thought out loud, it only sounds like an excuse why she isn't strong enough to save everyone from being hurt.
"You mean that is how you were able to defeat Galaxia? Using that crystal, not your starseed?" Taiki is trying to piece everything together. He never understood how Usagi could lose her starseed so quickly and then be able to come back with so much power to free the Chaos that resided in Galaxia. Is this why the girl's light is so different from anyone they met?
Yaten takes a complete different approach to this information. "You mean the battle could have ended so much sooner if you used that power from the beginning." His tone conveys annoyance in how everything played out.
"It doesn't work like that!" Rei angrily comes to Usagi's defense. "It's dangerous for Usagi to release all of the crystal's power." Her next comment was more reserved. "Each time she does that she risks death."
Yaten and Taiki are quiet for a moment looking at Rei.
Yaten downplays Rei's response. "Risking death happens with all battles. If it hasn't happened yet, who's to say it never will?"
Usagi's voice is soft and full of pain as she speaks. "I've already died several times after using the crystal. I'm… lucky I came back… that I've even still here." She sounds defeated.
"Odango…" Seiya says softly. They learned a lot about the other senshi tonight and somehow it seems to only scratch the surface.
"There's a lot of things you don't know about our past… things that affect how we fight," Minako looks at the Three Lights as she speaks. "Why we try to stop Usagi-chan from always participating in battles unless it is necessary."
Minako's words weigh heavily on the Three Lights. The dynamic between Usagi and her senshi was a lot different than they expected. How they handle things is nothing like anything they have experienced as senshi on Kinmoku. They realize Minako is right; they have a lot of learn.
The two groups of senshi look at each other from their respective spots across the room. Neither group is sure of what to say to each other.
The eerie silence is broken when Mamoru arrives at the shrine. He immediately picks up on the quietness of the room and how the two groups are looking at each other but not talking. The entire vibe is unsettling. "Is everyone alright?" He asks standing in the doorway.
The sound of his voice redirects Usagi's attention. "Mamo-chan." She happy greets him.
Mamoru smiles back at her but it quickly fades when he sees the object Usagi clutches in her hands. "Usako… where… how did you get that?" He points to the pink and gold wand. He wonders what else he had missed while he was stuck at work.
Usagi looks at what Mamoru is pointing at. She looks at the wand in her hands. "Haruka-san and the others went to D Point today while we were at school. They found this wand and returned it to me."
Mamoru's eyes widen at her story. "D Point?" He repeats slowly. "I didn't know they were going there."
"I didn't either until they returned," Usagi explains. She then turns around look at the other girls. "Apparently the other girls knew what Haruka-san was planning except us."
Mamoru is taken aback by her comment. This isn't like the other girls to keep secrets from Usako. First the battle in Juuban, followed by this. But this can be addressed later since there are more pressing questions. "Did they find anything else?"
Usagi shakes her head no. Her eyes are downcast.
"We don't have any more clues or information Mamoru-san. They told us it looked like an undisturbed battlefield." Artemis explains. He looks at the other senshi, they also seemed worried. They had assumed Beryl would also be at D Point. If she isn't, it leaves them back at the beginning with no leads.
Luna adds, "There have been so few attacks. It doesn't seem right. Last time the Dark Kingdom constantly attacked." She looks worriedly at Artemis. "If she wants revenge, she seems to moving slowly."
Mamoru nods his head. "I'm sure there is a lot going on that we don't know about yet. I'm concerned she is preparing for an invasion and we'll be left being reactive since we can't find her."
"You've done well Jadeite. You've collected a lot of energy used to created more youmas. Now they can begin gathering energy. And you've managed to succeed in a way those pesky senshi have not noticed." Queen Beryl looks up from the orb on her staff. "As soon as I have enough energy, I will be able to kill Princess Serenity once and for all." She smiles and looks at the four gemstones she received from Polaris. Those stones will be her ultimate weapon when the time comes. She can feel the enormous power radiating from them. If things continue at this pace, in another week she will transformation them into the form she needs them to be. They are just the thing to get rid of the senshi.
"Jadeite, you are dismissed. Keep collecting energy."
"Yes, My Queen," he bows before he vanishes from her sight.
Queen Beryl laughs with glee. Soon she will finally be rid of that cursed Silver Millennium heir, the bane in her side.
The sorceress with purple hair examines the tarot cards. Things are starting to take shape in her favor. However, she has another role to play. She started the event and now she must propel it forward. The next segment is critical. Without it, the one she seeks will not awaken.
Rising up from her square shaped table she creates a portal behind her. She must go on another journey several galaxies away, after she changes her appearance. She chants quietly as the gems on her fingers emit a hazy blue glow as the powerful magic in summoned. Her body simmers as the swirling magic transforms her outward appearance. Her long dress replaced with a golden fuku, boots, headpiece and golden bracelets. Her now hazel colored eyes snap open as she has taken the form of Sailor Galaxia. She laughs and vanishes in a flurry of gold into the portal behind her.
When she exits the portal she has arrived at her destination. The planet here is slowly dying. The real Galaxia had already been here and her minions were left to collect the remaining starseeds whether they were pure or not.
She closes her eyes concentrating, searching for anyone that contains some of Chaos' power. It doesn't take long. They are close by. She inspects her outfit for a moment. She looks exactly like the golden senshi that tried to conquer the galaxy by collecting all of the starseeds in existence. She clears her throat, drawing the attention of the two women a short distance away.
A woman in a long black skirt and crop top with a sailor collar stares at her carefully. Her long green hair tied back and pulled into a bun on top of her head. Her companion next to her wears a dark red jumpsuit with a plunging neckline. Her air also tied back in the same kind of bun. They are both wearing a pair of golden bracelets on their wrists, a symbol they are still loyal servants to Galaxia.
As soon as they realize Galaxia is in front of them, they lower themselves to a knee bowing before her and saying in unison, "Galaxia-sama."
Sailor Galaxia nods her head, barely acknowledging their presence.
The woman in black speaks first. "We have been waiting for word from you for quite a while. We remained here since this was the last assignment you gave us. We have been looking forward to leaving this planet and conquering the galaxy in your name."
Sailor Galaxia smiles slightly as the senshi's loyalty. They have been on this remote planet for almost year and still have not moved from their post. "I want you and the other animates to move on to where I am, there is more resistance than I anticipated on that remote planet." She selects her word choice carefully trying to mirror the real Galaxia the best she can.
The woman in red eyes Galaxia with skepticism. "We heard rumors you and Chaos were defeated by a strong senshi." When she sees no reactions for Galaxia she continues, "I'm glad to hear those rumors were false."
Sailor Galaxia nods her head. "I will need to you to move on and join me."
The woman in black lowers her head for a moment before looking back up at her master. "We will leave first thing in the morning. We shall gather the remaining animates and join you."
"Excellent. When you arrive another will greet you. I must be leaving to resume my work." Without another glance back, Galaxia disappears through the portal. Seconds later the portal vanishes.
The two women finally stand up. The woman in black looks at her companion. "Something seems off." She feels unsettled by what she witnessed but she can't explain why.
"It doesn't matter," the other woman immediately responds. She is the leader of the group. "We will travel to Galaxia-sama and assist her. She is our master and there will be no further discussion." She started to walk off and at the last moment turns around to add, "Galaxia-sama has left me in charge and I will follow her wishes."
Usagi yawns as she gets up. Today is Sunday, the only day she can sleep in. Yesterday was uneventful and she tried to work on some of her homework so she can stay out with Mamoru all day today. She knows he will ask her about her homework and she wants him to be proud of her for getting so much done. But then she was bored and fell asleep. She didn't realize how much sleep she missed and how much she still has to catch up.
She looks at her clock and blinks a few times, trying to read the time correctly. It's already ten in the morning. She has an hour to get ready and meet Mamoru at Ichinohashi Park. She yawns again. Then it clicks. She scrambles out of bed not wanting to be late for her date with Mamoru.
She shouldn't still be this tired after sleeping so much. She shrugs and bumps into the table trying to get to the clothes she pulled out last night. She knocks over a small pile of her school books. She'll have to finish her school work tonight. But she did most of her work. She grumbles. School is always getting in the way.
Yaten sighs. "You can't be serious." He glares at Taiki. "I thought we weren't going to do any of that while we're here. We only sang last time to find our Princess."
"It's a charity event for sick children… the same organization that helped Misa-chan after her surgery. I'm sure you remember she was the first person to see images of our Princess while listening to our song. She let us know we were on the right track."
Yaten huffs. "Fine. One time."
Seiya looks over at Yaten. "I don't see why you are getting so worked up. We know you have missed singing too. Not just us." He strums a few strings of the guitar and adjusts the pegs on top to tune it.
Yaten tries to retort but knows Seiya is right. He liked performing on stage; he didn't the idol status that came with it. He sighs again and his shoulders slump slightly. He knows when he is beat. He walks over to a bass guitar and puts the strap over his shoulder.
"When is it?" Seiya asks Taiki. If Taiki agreed to a concert it must be soon and they would have to stay at least until the concert.
"Next month," Taiki responds playing a few chords on the keyboard. "Everything should be wrapped up with this new threat by then. We can do one concert and then return home."
Seiya leans back on the couch. "Similar to last time…" he recalls. They announced the group was breaking up and their next concert would be their final one. But the concert never had its proper end thanks to Sailor Tinn Nyanko. He looks around the room, watching his fellow band members tune up instruments that been lying around since they left Earth. Something about this, just feels right. Like this is what they were meant to do when they weren't senshi. He inhales sharply. He shouldn't be thinking like this. Their presence on Earth is temporary. But it is hard to not feel comfortable here. He tries to push past those thoughts. They are senshi of Kinmoku first. "We should probably practice a bit; we at least want to sound good." He looks at the guitar in his hands. "It's been months since we last played on Kinmoku."
"It just didn't sound the same on Kinmoku. It didn't have the same feeling," Yaten adds softy. His fingers strike a few chords on the guitar and he smiles. "I think these instruments just sound better. That or we're just used to them."
Taiki finishes warming up his fingers; his mind reflecting on Yaten and Seiya's comments. "Last time we had to a goal, a purpose for our singing to find our Princess." A thought occurs to him. What they singing for this time? The Light of Hope was found. The charity concert to raise money is the simple answer but it's more complicated than that. Are they singing for themselves this time? A small smile escapes his lips. He enjoys the thought of singing just to sing.
Mamoru waits for Usagi near the large fountain in Ichinohashi Park. He checks his watch. She is ten minutes late so far. He wasn't able to see her on Saturday due to work and needing to complete his own school work.
While he waits, he reflects on everything from Friday. Seeing her holding the crescent moon wand again, a part him felt uneasy since it reminded him of when he was controlled by Queen Beryl. He was ordered to fight against his beloved. He broke free once with the help of the Ginzuishou only to be captured by Beryl again. He was ordered to fight her to death. Everything happened so suddenly and they received part of their memories back from their previous life. Then he didn't have his memories for a while. He received them back and suddenly Chibi Usa appeared. Nothing about his life has been normal since he met Usako. Yet, he wouldn't have it any other way.
"Mamo-chan!" Usagi shouts as she runs closer to him.
He smiles when he sees her.
She glomps onto him tightly and he wraps his arms around her for a moment before they start to exit the park. "Can we go to Shibuya today for lunch? I really want ramen."
"Sure," Mamoru leads them to the nearby subway train station at the park entrance for the Oedo Line. They pull out their Suica cards for the fare and sit quietly on the train to not disturb the other passengers. They change trains in Roppongi and then continue onto the Hanzomon Line. After a few stops they reach the maze that is Shibuya Station.
Usagi sticks close to Mamoru since she always struggles with this station. She either becomes lost or leaves out of the wrong exit. When they are outside, she rushes over to the Hachiko statue. She loves the story of the dog that waited for his owner at the station everyday even if it had a sad ending. Across the street she catches a glimpse of the Shibuya Crossing and the large crowd.
"Where did you want to go?" Mamoru asks; there are dozens of ramen shops nearby.
"Ahh…" Usagi rubs her chin. "What was the one that we went to last time? It was really good."
"Ichiran?"
Usagi eagerly nods her head. She holds her hand to her mouth trying to suppress another yawn. She doesn't understand why she is so tired. "I'm sorry. I don't know why I keep yawning."
"I won't keep you out too late so you can get some rest." Mamoru offers. He leans down to ask her, "have the nightmares stopped?"
"For now." Usagi looks down at the sidewalk. "I'm just afraid they will come back like last time."
"Maybe they won't come back." He tries to offer her words of encouragement. He wants her to feel at ease today and not worry about her responsibilities as a senshi but rather just being a normal teenage girl as much as possible.
"How are you studies Mamo-chan? Did you finish everything yesterday?" Usagi changes the subject.
"Ah." He responds. "I have everything done for Monday and some of the work for later in the week." He looks down at her. "Did you finish everything for tomorrow? I know you have an exam coming up."
Usagi pouts. "I did most of my work until I feel asleep. I guess I still have a lot of sleep to catch up on. I don't see why I need to study so much. I won't need it in the future."
"Usako…" Mamoru starts to scold her. This isn't the first time she had said something like this and he is certain it will not be the last time. "You need to finish high school."
"Hmph," Usagi responds in annoyance. She knew Mamoru would tell her that too. "If I wasn't always saving the world, I would have time to study and my grades would be better." She tries to justify why she doesn't always have time to devote to her studies like other students other than just saying she doesn't want to go to school or do her school work.
Mamoru shakes his head trying to hold in a smirk. "Remember that test you threw at my head and it was 30? You weren't saving the world then."
Usagi stops and blinks a few times, recalling that incident. She bursts out laughing. "That's right!" She takes her fingers together. "It was a really hard test."
"So all of them are really hard tests?"
"Bingo!" Usagi smiles, latching back onto his arm. "You understand me so well Mamo-chan!"
Mamoru teardrops and doesn't say anything else. He just hopes at this rate, she can finish high school. Mamoru carefully unlinked his arm and opens the door to the restaurant for Usagi.
Usagi exits the subway station with a pout. She wanted to try to sneak in some shopping in Shibuya after lunch but realized she spent a large portion of her allowance already. They returned to Juuban instead. After several minutes they decide to head to the arcade. She does have some money for a few games and wants to see Motoki.
"My paperwork was sent off to Harvard." Mamoru finally states.
Usagi nods her head. "I guess I should study English some more…" She tries to laugh but it doesn't work. The thought of constantly using English is something she wants to avoid.
They walk quietly until they reach the crosswalk and turn onto Azabu Juuban Street.
Usagi looks down at the paved sidewalk in front of her. If her foot hits the stone in just the right way, she'll trip.
"Usako," Mamoru immediately walks in front of her taking a protective stance.
"Hmm?" Usagi looks up and peers around the side of Mamoru not understanding what happened.
She sees a long silver haired woman wearing a black dress. Now she understands why Mamoru is protecting her.
Polaris glares at them, annoyance plastered across her face. "I'm getting tired of you always interfering."
"We're near Crown," Usagi finishes relaying their location to the other senshi for help.
"I don't understand the obsession she has with this planet. What makes it so special?" She shrugs and launches her first attack.
Mamoru throws a rose to distract Polaris and moves Usagi out of the way from the rest of the attack and toward a small alley between buildings. Mamoru pulls out another rose while Usagi grabs her broach.
A quick look around confirms they are alone. "Moon Eternal, Make Up!" As the remaining feathers fade, Usagi is replaced with Sailor Moon.
Tuxedo Kamen is next to her with his cane out. He nods to her and they both rush out.
"Oh?" Polaris comments when she sees Sailor Moon looking more confident than their previous encounters. "Are you ready to fight this time? I was expecting you to hide behind the other senshi again." She taunts the princess, trying to ruin her composure.
"Sunday is supposed to be a day for couples enjoying their precious free time together and I won't let you ruin anyone else's day! For love and justice, I am the pretty sailor suited senshi Sailor Moon! In the name of the Moon, I will punish you!" She ends her speech with her classic pose.
Polaris shakes her head in disgust. "Love? It only gets in the way and makes people do stupid things!" Black energy crackles between her fingertips and she launches another powerful bolt of energy at the duo.
Tuxedo Kamen and Sailor Moon split apart to avoid injury.
Polaris doesn't give them a chance to attack; she keeps hitting them with energy. Each wave becomes closer to her targets.
Sailor Moon dodges one attack and doesn't have enough time to react to the one after.
Tuxedo Kamen sweeps her into his arms to pull her to safety.
Sailor Moon takes a moment to look up at him in awe with a slight blush on her cheeks.
Polaris sneers at the display. "Still relying on others to save you? What kind of a Princess are you if you can't protect your subjects?" She grows tired of this game; she has more energy she needs to collect. The sooner Queen Beryl moves forward with her plan, the sooner she can return to her true master several universes away. "You are not worthy of my time." She announces as she flicks her wrist to the side, summoning four bright red youma. The same kind they have faced each battle. "I have business elsewhere and they will keep you busy."
Sailor Moon takes a few steps backward to her prince. They are completely out numbered.
Tuxedo Kamen can sense Sailor Moon's hesitation. "I think you should try using your wand," he encourages her.
Sailor Moon numbly nods her head and summons her wand. She cradles it in her hands, unsure if will work. Was the wand damaged somehow during the last battle? What if it doesn't work? What if she's not strong enough? She tries to ignore these nagging thoughts and focus on the enemies preparing to attack her. "I guess it's time to see if it still works." She doesn't sound very enthusiastic.
"Mercury Aqua Rhapsody!" Waves of water hit two of the youma as Sailor Mercury comes into view. "I got here as soon as I could!"
Sailor Moon clutches the wand tightly to her chest as Polaris' remarks echo in her mind she can't protect them. No, Sailor Moon convinces herself. She can protect them. She will protect them.
The pink Moon Stick rotates several times in the air before it is caught in Sailor Moon's left hand. She holds her wand close to her head, the crescent part just above the crescent moon mark on her forehead. The three jewels near the top of the pink base each light up. She twirls in a circle while calling out, "Moon Healing Escalation!" In her mind she can see herself the last time she used this attack on a crystal platform at D Point against Queen Beryl. She can't be afraid anymore, that's why the seal was broken so easily. She can't have any doubts in her heart. It sounds easy, but it is far from it.
Golden energy washes over the youma Sailor Mercury just attacked and the one next to it, returning it to its original form, a pile of moving red vines. The vines wiggle a few times before they turn to dust and disappear.
Sailor Moon watches on in shock. She just stopped two youmas. She isn't powerless. Far from it! Maybe she can do this.
Another youma moves forward to attack Sailor Mercury and Sailor Moon while they are distracted.
"Jupiter Oak Evolution!" Bursts of green spheres attack the youma, knocking it back.
Sailor Moon doesn't waste any time. "Moon Healing Escalation!" She attacks the next youma with the same results. There is only one left.
The youma is fighting Tuxedo Kamen. He is using his cane to prevent the youma's claws from slashing at him. With a quick maneuver of his cane he pushes the remaining youma back and throws a dozen roses, pinning it into place against a tree. "Sailor Moon, now!"
She nods her head and uses her wand one final time. "Moon Healing Escalation!" The final youma turns to dust right as Sailor Venus and Sailor Mars arrive.
Sailor Mars looks at the piles of youma dust before turning toward her best friend. "It looks like you didn't need us today." She tries to build Usagi's confidence since she has been struggling so much since the new battle begun. As much as they try to protect Usagi, Sailor Mars knows it will be Usagi that will likely defeat Queen Beryl.
Sailor Moon slowly nods her head looking at the Moon Stick in her hands. She had her doubts it would even work and was relieved to see power still flowed through her wand. "I think the power that flows through this has increased a lot since I last used it."
"No Usako," Tuxedo Kamen corrects her as he walks over to her side. "Your power has grown a lot."
Sailor Moon looks up at him and smiles. Although Polaris interrupted their precious time together, the fact that she can face the enemy again is the boost she needed. The moment of feeling content quickly fades.
"We should be going. Our exam is first thing in the morning," Sailor Mercury reminds the other girls.
Sailor Jupiter and Sailor Venus teardrop, it's not like they would forget they have an exam in the morning.
Meanwhile Sailor Moon starts sobbing. "I thought that was Wednesday!" How is she going to pass the exam if she only studies the night before?
"No, it is tomorrow Usagi-chan," Sailor Mercury corrects her. "Did you need help studying…" Her voice trails off before she can finish the statement, she already knows. Of course Usagi needs help studying for the exam. "We're going to study at my place this afternoon."
Sailor Moon sighs. She turns to Tuxedo Kamen, "I guess I should go and study," she can't hide the disappointment.
Sailor Mercury, Sailor Venus, Sailor Jupiter, and Sailor Mars left, leaving the couple alone as three of them needed to study.
Tuxedo Kamen looks at their surroundings. It is early in the afternoon and they are not too far from his apartment. "If you go home and get your books, I can help you study Usako."
"Really?" Sailor Moon's eyes light up. She hopes they won't study the entire time but knowing Mamoru that would likely happen.
Usagi hangs up the phone at Mamoru's apartment. She told her mother she will be studying at Makoto's for the exam until late. She could tell when she hung up, her mother didn't completely believe her but told her to make sure she is studying. Usagi sighs. Her mother knows she's probably with Mamoru.
She pulls out her books and places them on the table. She has to study. She wants to demonstrate she can get good grades with help from Mamoru. If this all works out maybe he can help her study more often and then she can spend more time here with him. She zones out thinking of her plan with little hearts in her eyes.
She snaps back to the present when Mamoru places a glass of ice tea next to her. "What is the exam on?"
"Math," Usagi pouts.
Usagi puts her head down on her desk, hoping the studying she completed with Mamoru last night helped her pass the exam. If she can get a good grade, he would be so proud of her.
They have a ten minute break until their next class. Minako gets up from her seat and stands close to Usagi's desk. "So Usagi-chan…" the pitch of her voice rises. "I tried calling you late last night and your mom said you were studying at Mako-chan's. I called Mako-chan and she said that you weren't there."
"I ah…" Usagi stammers, knowing where this conversation was going. "I was studying late…."
"And where were you studying because it wasn't with us." Minako raises an eyebrow, her voice growing louder.
Yaten looks over at Minako. "She's so loud," he comments to Taiki.
Taiki doesn't look up from his notebook, "yet you missed her the most."
Yaten's eyes widen. "I think that exam messed up your brain," he immediately responds back.
Seiya is leaning back in his chair trying not to laugh seeing Usagi squirm in her chair at Minako's questioning. He enjoys these simple carefree moments.
"I was getting help…" Usagi stops herself. How can she say this? She already feels her cheeks turning bright red.
Minako stares at her for a moment then gasps. "You were with Mamoru-san last night weren't you?"
"I …. " She knows there is no point trying to deny it; she knows Minako is going to tease her no matter what. "He was helping me study."
"Oh, is that what you call it now?" Minako nudges Usagi's arm.
"Minako-chan!" Usagi exclaims. "You know it's not like that! Mamo-chan wants to help me finish high school." Usagi crosses her arms against her chest, trying not to blush any further.
"Okay…" Minako looks at and gives her a break for two seconds before moves onto the next topic. "So did you start looking at wedding dresses yet?"
Usagi shakes her head no. "That is still so far away."
"It will be here sooner than you think!" Makoto jumps into the conversation. "I would love to help you with the flowers."
Usagi looks at the two girls that are double teaming her. She doesn't want to have this conversation right now. Her brain is too tired. "Can I finish high school first?"
"But aren't you going to get married after high school? That's next year." Makoto counters back.
The three girls continue talking, oblivious to what other discussions are happening around them.
Yaten and Taiki exchange a glance with each other. There is no way Seiya did not hear this entire conversation.
Taiki looks at Seiya and it is clear the exchange is making him uncomfortable. He knows hearing this will only cause Seiya further pain, but he needs to hear it. It will make things easier when they return to Kinmoku. He needs to be able to move past this. He's essentially been stuck for the last year since he can't let go of his feelings for the blonde girl sitting in front of him.
Seiya stares at his desk. He wants to get up and leave but his feet won't cooperate. Even though something like this makes Usagi happy, he's not ready to hear it. He told himself it wouldn't be an issue seeing her with Mamoru before he left Kinmoku but he was lying to himself the entire time. She's supposed to be with Mamoru. She loves him. He can't be mad at Mamoru anymore for making her so sad since he was dead the entire time thanks to Galaxia. He lowers his head onto his hands, closing his eyes. These feelings will pass and the sooner the better.
Usagi glumly looks at her exam score. Only a sixty-eight percent. It is better than some of her other tests but she was hoping it would be higher. She knows Mamoru is going to ask her about it since he helped her study. She shoves the paper into her schoolbag. How did the teacher have time to grade the exam already if they just took it this morning? She sighs while standing in front of her locker to swap out her shoes.
She is vaguely aware of the other girls speaking with the Three Lights. She quietly follows behind them to the front gate.
"You're really quiet Usagi-chan," Ami comments after several minutes.
"Oh? I was just hoping I would have done better on my test. But I would hate to see what it would have been if I didn't have help studying." She pauses. She hopes she won't be teased again by Minako.
"I'm glad Mamoru-san was able to help you. I really appreciate all the help he gave us studying for our entrance exam," Ami smiles. She tied for a perfect score again with Taiki. She is not used to being tied for first place.
A yellow convertible pulls up near the front gate with Haruka behind the wheel and Michiru as a passenger. "Hi," she greets everyone. A quick scan shows everyone at the high school is together, making it a little tricky to ask her request. "Kitten, could you come with us for a little bit?"
Usagi blinks and looks a little surprised. "Ummm, okay." She walks over to the car door and opens it. "But what about the others?"
"They won't all fit in the car," Haruka points out.
"What do you need to talk to her about?" Makoto asks advancing forward with Usagi. She wants to make sure they are not going to pull another stunt.
Michiru smiles slightly, she anticipated this. She turns towards the Three Lights to change the topic of conversation. "I heard you accepted the request next month for the concert for the children's charity. It looks like we will be performing together again."
Ami, Minako, and Makoto all turn to face the idol group. They didn't know they would be performing while they are here.
Minako looks at the boys wide eyed. "Is this true? You're going to be performing again?"
"Yes…" Taiki admits out loud. "It's the same charity that helped Misa-chan after her operation. We want to help them out, this one time." He emphasizes the word one. He doesn't want them to think they would start performing constantly like before.
"You mean we get to see you in concert again?" She bats her eyes at them. "I'm sure you can manage a few tickets for some of your dearest fans?"
"Shhh," Yaten cuts off Minako. "We don't want everyone to know yet or they will start hounding us for more performances."
Seiya shakes his head slightly. Things are like how they were before they learned they were the Starlights. After everything that happened they can still work together, they still accept them for who they are. He turns to look over at Usagi but realizes the car is gone. His eyes narrow when he realizes their plan. Michiru had purposely brought up the concert to distract the girls while they drove off with Usagi. Devious. Underhand. And just like them. "That was really sneaky."
Makoto is standing closest to Seiya and turns to face him not understanding his comment.
Seiya gestures with his head to where Haruka's car was.
"Where's Usagi-chan?" Makoto asks looking both ways down the street. "Did they already leave… " After a few more seconds it becomes clear they had. "Damn it." Makoto mutters.
Usagi sits quietly in the backseat. Haruka left so abruptly she didn't have a chance to say bye to everyone at the school. She watches as they pass by a few streets, unsure where Haruka and Michiru are taking her. She can't sit still any longer. "Thank you for returning my wand the other day… it was very helpful against the youma yesterday."
"I heard," Haruka comments while peering at Usagi through the rearview mirror.
"How have you been Usagi-chan?" Michiru asks, trying to gauge if she is a better spirits than their last conversation at the shrine. Usagi seemed to have more mood swings than usual.
Usagi shifts on the seat. Michiru's question is not what she expected. "Everything… has been okay." She slowly chooses her words. "It's just hard knowing who we are facing."
Michiru turns as best she can from the front seat to face Usagi. "It has always been a regret of ours that we weren't there to stop Queen Beryl when she destroyed the Silver Millennium."
"We were never allowed to leave our posts," Haruka interjects in anger. "And we were fortunate we were all able to be reincarnated as well… even if we are unsure of the circumstances that led up to it."
"But everything worked out in the end," Usagi responds cheerfully being optimistic. "Things always seem to work out in the end… it's just getting to that point is very difficult." She pauses; her next statement shocks her two fellow senshi. "But if the Silver Millennium was not destroyed we never would have been reborn on Earth and we might not have ever met. I never would have met my parents or my classmates." She pauses. "There are a lot of people that I would have never met. That would be too sad."
Haruka steals a glance at Michiru. They had discussed this before. If they weren't reborn on Earth that would still be alone on their respective planets. Their lives would have been solitary much like Sailor Pluto's.
"Leave it up to our Princess to always be able to find the positive in any situation," Michiru responds while looking at Haruka. The Princess will always find the good in any situation, a blessing and at times a curse. Her unrelenting faith can place her in danger at times.
"I can't give up…" Usagi looks down at the book bag in her lap. "Everyone taught me that… even when it's hard and seems impossible." Her voice becomes quieter. "Especially Seiya… when we fought against Galaxia, he made sure I wouldn't give up."
Haruka's eyes narrow to slits at the mention of his name. She knew Fighter would do everything to protect their Princess after their plan was unsuccessful against Galaxia. A part of her is grateful for that but their appearance back on Earth leaves everyone on edge. "They seem to appear when there is trouble."
"Yeah…" Usagi agrees with the short haired blonde woman. "I just wish they were visiting and not because of something they seen. But I'm sure they've been busy rebuilding their home." There is a lull in the conversation for a few minutes among the women.
"Is it true Michiru-san, that you are going to perform with the Three Lights next month?" Her eyes are hopeful. "I missed the concert last time…." She admits sheepishly recalling how she ended up on the wrong bus. "I've always wanted to see it!"
"Yes," Michiru confirms. "My manager finalized the arrangement last night. It seemed to be a big hit last time and we want to raise as much money for charity as we can." She pauses to look at Usagi. "This time we won't attack the Starlights for trying to work together." She references the battle they had against Sailor Conductor.
"Don't let him into your dressing room this time either," Haruka remarks darkly. Ever since her first meeting with Seiya where he was about to unzip Michiru's dress, she has disliked him.
"Oh, you seem jealous." Michiru winks at Haruka.
Haruka keeps her eyes on the road, trying to suppress the smirk.
"I don't think that will be a problem. After all he still seems to have his eye on someone else." Michiru responds playfully. Surly by now Usagi has figured it out.
Usagi turns her head slightly at Michiru's comment. "Oh? Who would that be?" Usagi asks not completing following Michiru's hint.
Michiru and Haruka teardrop in response to Usagi's oblivious comment. Michiru whispers softly for Haruka only to hear, "just as innocent as ever."
Haruka nods her head in agreement.
"I guess it means the Three Lights will be on Earth for a little to fulfill their commitment." Michiru tries to change the topic a little bit.
Usagi nods her head brightly. "Hmm!" She smiles, "I guess it is the one positive thing about this attack." She doesn't have to tell Haruka and Michiru how much she has missed them, they saw her reaction when she first seen the Starlights.
The conversation in the car dies off until they reach their destination. Haruka parks outside a tall building that happens to house Shinagawa Aquarium which is of course near the racetrack Haruka frequents, G-Front. **
Usagi looks at the building. She came here before with Haruka and Michiru once they learned she was Sailor Moon. Last time they took her brooch. She assumes it will not happen again since she needs to have her powers to fight and protect everyone. She turns to Haruka with an arched eyebrow, "you're not going to take my brooch right?"
Haruka laughs. "No kitten, you can keep it this time."
"Let's head inside. Every now and then we need to find a peaceful place in this busy city." Michiru exits the car with Haruka and Usagi following behind.
Usagi enjoys watching the fish swim back and forth in the tanks. Haruka and Michiru stand nearby looking at the same display. Haruka keeps looking around, waiting for the person they are supposed to meet.
Ten more minutes pass before Setsuna appears. "Hello Princess," The Senshi of Time and Space greets.
Usagi inhales sharply, she feels like she is being ambushed and it makes her uneasy. Her eyes dart back and forth. What are they plotting now?
"I'm sorry for the secretive meeting here. I," Setsuna pauses to look at her fellow Outer Senshi, "we wanted to be able to talk to you alone. There is much we must discuss."
"Like what?" Usagi takes a few hesitant steps backward.
"To discuss what is to come with this battle without the other senshi to interrupt us." Haruka clarifies.
"What do you mean?" Usagi's heartrate skyrockets. The way they are talking it sounds like they want to take matters into their own hands again. Something she doesn't them to do. They are stronger when they work together. It is what they need to do against Queen Beryl.
"Something is coming. Something or rather someone that is dangerous. I don't think it is just Queen Beryl that we will face in the near future." Setsuna's tone is serious. "I am concerned that someone maybe trying to disrupt the flow of time." She cannot look at the others as she continues. "But I can't see what the event might be." Her gaze is intense as she looks at Usagi. "I am worried it is something that can jeopardize the future of this planet. It is something you needed to know Princess."
Usagi looks at Setsuna with her mouth slightly open. This entire conversation has her on edge. Setsuna is the protector of the Time Streams, if she is apprehensive, just what are they about to face? Is it really just Queen Beryl? What other danger is out there waiting for them? Then it hits her. "Even after Queen Beryl… we still won't be at peace. There is always someone else."
"It is like when the Silence was approaching, destruction that could end the world," Haruka reflects back on the battle that led to her awakening as a senshi.
"Queen Beryl has already tried to end this world more than once. All of our enemies have tried to end this world. How is this any different?" Usagi looks at Setsuna for an answer. Every enemy they face is dangerous and threatened the Earth with destruction. But each time they managed to win against evil.
"I can't explain it yet since I am not sure what is waiting for us. But… I know, it is something that is not normal," Setsuna admits. She hates she cannot see the future. Why is it closed off from her? Nothing should be inaccessible based on her position. Yet, the Time Stream threatens to unravel. She is certain stopping Beryl will stop most of the disturbance, but then what? She tries her best to focus only on the present battle, everything after can wait. One crisis at a time.
Michiru holds out her mirror in front of her. She has not seen any other images since the vision of Sailor Moon trapped in vines. She has tried multiple times a day for another sign or clue that will help stop Queen Beryl and set everything right. "The ocean is restless, in a way I haven't seen before."
"The wind is the same, very erratic as if something violent is coming, a storm." Haruka closes her eyes as a breeze passes through her hair.
The Outer's comments fuels Usagi's anxiety about the upcoming battle. The warnings she heard from the Outers, the prophecy the Starlights had seen, and Rei's vision in the Great Fire. Anyone would be a fool to ignore all of these warning signs. "The other girls need to know about this too." Usagi is ready to leave. She has to warn the others.
"No, it will put them in danger. The disturbances we have seen could mean their death." Setsuna reasons with Usagi.
Usagi gasps. She doesn't want to keep secrets from anyone when it could jeopardize their safety. She doesn't understand how warning them could be problem. "I don't want to lose anyone. I can't keep seeing everyone die to protect me!" Her voice lowers slightly. "I feel like not telling them will put them in more danger."
Before Usagi could elaborate any further, the quiet they enjoyed at the aquarium turns to screams. The four immediately go into action.
A teenage girl wearing a Mita High School uniforms rushes by. She stops when she sees Usagi with the others. "Don't go to the roof, something is up there!" She warns the girls before running off to safety.
Haruka and Michiru rush forward to the roof, ignoring the girl's warnings. They have to stop whatever is up there.
Setsuna is close behind, followed by Usagi. She's sure there is another attack led by the Dark Kingdom. The attacks are starting to become more frequent, with each attack the enemy grows stronger and bolder.
The four women run to the roof top of the building. Everything is quiet. No one else is present. Usagi looks around; did they hear the girl wrong? Are they in the correct place? Her eyes search for anything unusual.
"I can feel an evil presence." Michiru senses the troubling aura. Before she, Haruka, or Setsuna can react, they are swept up by red vines flinging them back toward the entrance to the roof, trapping them against the windows that lined the doorway.
Jadeite appears half way between the trapped women and Usagi.
Usagi inhales sharply at his presence. Seeing him unnerves her more than when Polaris had appeared.
"So we meet again Sailor Moon and this time you have to face me alone." He laughs at the look of worry on Usagi's face.
Usagi reaches for her brooch and is hit with dark energy knocking her backward, falling to her knees and scrapping them on the concrete. She is a short distance from the edge of the roof.
"Princess!" Setsuna calls out, struggling against the vines confining her.
"Damn it!" Haruka curses while trying to break free of the vines holding her arms in place.
Michiru struggles for her wand but finds it impossible based on how they are imprisoned. All they can do is watch as their Princess fights alone. They can't even call for help.
Usagi looks down at her hands, she dropped her brooch and it is only a meter or two from where she landed. She rises to her feet; she has to get her brooch to transform. She realizes she was hit harder than when she first thought. Her brain feels fuzzy.
Her fingers graze her brooch. She lunges forward and is finally able to grasp it. With renewed determination, she raises it into the air. Seconds from shouting her transformation phrase, she is hit with dark energy again, straight in her chest. For a moment it feels like her heart stopped as numbness spreads throughout her.
Jadeite's attack was the final push needed to force Usagi off the roof, plunging multiple stories below. "One less nuisance to deal with." He focuses his attention on the three women trapped in vines.
The trio had watched horrified at what happened to their princess. It renews their efforts to break free; they have to find a way to help to save her.
Jadeite smiles, enjoying watching the senshi struggle. "Keep struggling, the vines will drain your energy that much faster."
** Shingawa Aquarium does exist but not in a skyscraper type building as mentioned in the story. G-Front is a racetrack but for horses in real life.
Mita High School is right by Keio University. I'm sure it's not a coincidence that high school has the same view as the Juuban Junior High in Sailor Moon Crystal.
In case you were wondering, yes these are accurate directions to get to places in the real Juuban and Shibuya! Too bad Crown doesn't exist anymore. McDonald's anyone?
So…. Who is going to save Usagi, or is she going to be strong enough to save herself?
Only one way to find out, stay tuned for the next part! Act 7: A Brilliant Flash of Light
To be released August 12th since I need to finish writing it during Camp Nano! We're up to the halfway point!