Some believe there are many different universe's out there, dimensions. One's where you have made a certain decision, and one's that exist that you did not make a certain decision. This is one of those scenario's. This is a universe where Usagi never became Sailor Moon to fight the evil Queen Beryl. The entire Earth has been plunged into darkness. Beryl's search for the Silver Crystal continued into many cities and even countries, her rule spreading across the entire globe with her four loyal servants, the great evil has taken over the planet and still no sign of this crystal. It has been five years since this evil took over the planet. There is no Sailor Moon to fight this evil, no Senshi, no Tuxedo Mask. Hope has been lost. Luna and Artemis were discovered by Beryl while trying to search for the girls to give them powers and they were captured, held prisoners in Beryls evil realm.
The skies have a constant red tint, her demons roam free in the streets terrorizing its innocent lives. Where are our brave warriors of justice that our original world has come to know and love?
Minako lived on the streets alone and homeless. She appeared to still be as nice as she ever was, only she searches to try and find a place to call home. For friends, for her happiness. Makoto did not know how to fight like she did in the other universe and was picked on often. Ami was still hard working smart person. Though she was home schooled most of the time and only got books her mom bought and what Ami bought. She usually got her money by working in random places, switching jobs to keep up a good pay. Rei lives at the temple alone. Her grandpa had been killed at the beginning of the take over by looters. And Usagi stayed alone all the time, and was not at all happy or hyper active like her counterpart. Haruka and Michiru still stayed together, but in a small apartment. Michiru still played her violin, earning just a bit of money, and Haruka still raced earning just a bit more to live on. Setsuna only had a small job at a hair salon, nothing at all like her other self. And at last Mamoru is in charge of a league of rebels that fight to try putting an end to Beryl.
Is there anything or any one out there that can bring our heroes together to save this planet from complete destruction? Only time will tell...
Prologue
Up on the top of a quiet hill, sits the Hikawa Shrine, now seemingly abandoned and quiet. What once was full of people coming to pray, pay respects, and visit, now silent with only one inhabitant. Nineteen year old Rei Hino, the young raven haired shrine maiden lay curled up in front of a lit fire where she would usually chant and see visions, now cried silently at the loss of her grandfather. "Oh grandpa…why…why would they take you from me?" She sobbed. "There's no hope for anyone, these monsters…they're not going to stop till everyone is dead." Her eyes once full of hope and life, gazed into the flames void of any emotion. Then suddenly the flames began to rage, briefly she saw the shape of what appeared to be a bird in the embers, a phoenix.
"Huh…?" The life slowly began to return to her eyes as she watched in curiosity. "Is this a message, or is my body finally giving into exhaustion and causing hallucinations?" She questioned, sitting to her knees with her feet under her. Heavily, she sighed as her hands clasped together. It had been so long since she had even bothered to try meditating or fire readings, however she felt compelled to. She closed her eyes and began to chant.
Suddenly she saw herself standing, surrounded by what seemed to be the ruins of a city in flames with creatures crawling from every nook and cranny. The terrified screams of people echoed through the darkness as the panicked shrined maiden helplessly gazed in horror at the scene. "Why?! Why show me things I already know are happening?! Why show me how hopeless the world is when I'm already broken! This is so cruel! I can't take this anymore!" She screamed out, tears flowing from her eyes as she dropped to her knees, punching the ground. However, as she did a brilliant light from above pierced the dark sky. Her eyes looked up in complete awe and shock as a pillar of light came crashing down to the ground, the impact causing the creatures to be blown away.
Rei's eyes squeezed shut as she braced herself for the impact. When everything calmed down, her eyes fluttered open again to now see four figures standing before her in what seemed to be feudal era like armor. One in crimson red armor with the head of a phoenix on the chest plate and shoulders. One in an azure blue with the same, but with the head of a dragon. There was a white armor with black stripes that stood wearing the head of a tiger on the chest and shoulders. Then finally, the fourth figure stood with a forest green armor with the head of a black tortoise on the shoulders and chest. Four warriors, their faces shadowed with glowing white eyes faced the hoard of demons in the city. Then with a flash of light, Rei's eyes shot open, seeing she was back at the shrine sitting before the fire.
"What…in the world was that?" Sweat dripped from her fair skinned face as she gasped for air. She grasped her chest tightly with her right hand feeling her heart race. It was the first vision she had gotten since before the world came under attack by all this evil. Just what did this all mean though? Rei had no clue, but her life was about to be changed forever.
Fate…always finds its way.
Chapter 1
There was a figure that entered the city from the out skirts, clearly weary from battle or some sort of struggle. He wore red and black like clothes that were torn and tattered. A red long-sleeved shirt with a sleeveless red like coat that draped behind him dragging on the ground. He wore black pants with black leather combat boots. People gave him weird looks as he walked by. Everyone knew hewas part of the rebels, and with all the fighting he was slowly working his way up to Beryl's most wanted. He walked downtown, his stomach roaring out. 'So much fighting and battle...really works up a guy's appetite.' He thought to himself as he looked around at some of the restaurants.
He investigated one and studied it for a bit. "I remember this place...back before everything went to hell. I used to come here all the time to hang out with my friends." He said, quietly to himself. It appeared they had done some reconstruction and fixed the place up. So just to re live old times he walked in to eat there. As he entered in, a few people shot him that same look he always got, it really got uncomfortable after a while, but it was something he just learned to ignore and live with. These are the people he was fighting to protect, to save. However, they treated him like he was some sort of monster or plague. Everyone avoided him, they would never talk, whenever he showed up, people would just clear the area. Then again, trouble did have a way of finding him. He walked over, to head to his usual seat in the corner of the restaurant.
The waitress slowly moved over to him, almost scared looking. "Wh...what can I get you?" She asked with a bit of a stutter. He sighed at first then just decided to ignore her awkward tone. He looked up with a smile to act as nice and non-threatening as possible. "Hey! Well, I'll take a root beer float, and a bacon cheeseburger! Oh, and a TON of fries would be great too. I'm so hungry, its been a while since I've had a good meal." He laughed a bit. The waitress's mood lightened up a bit. She nodded as she wrote down his order and walked off.
His gaze turned to outside the window, this neighborhood used to be booming with business. Now, no one hardly came out to these parts just because of the foot soldiers, minions and monsters. He had heard talk, rumors amongst Beryl's army of these, transformation pens. It was only a few words he would catch here and there before dropping in on them. Sailor Senshi, transformation pens, Silver Millennium.
From the bit he gathered, it sounded like a legend, and only that. But these...artifacts were rumored to be held in Beryl's castle. So his next question to himself would be if they did have these items...Would it be worth breaking in and stealing? If they didn't have those transformation pens he had heard of, where would they possible be? How could he find locations or how to even find them? Either way, if this all existed, would it be enough power to make a difference?
His food was brought out to him. "Thank you. And by the way, there's no need to be afraid. I wouldn't hurt a beautiful woman like you. My name is Katsuro by the way. Katsuro Takahashi." He smiled, winking to her. "I'm not as bad as everyone says I am. I'm only trying to save this world. But it does get quite lonely being an on the road hero...maybe you could keep me some company tonight?" He asked, his hand slowly moving to her waist. Her body tensed and went from being awkward to angry, she then smacked him up side the face hard. "Ew you creep!" She yelled then stormed off.
With a bit of a laugh he rubbed his face. 'Well at least she's not afraid of me anymore' He thought to himself then looked to his food. "Finally time to refuel!" He said as he began to eat his burger and his root beer float, stuffing fries in his face here and there.
After the vision she had seen, Rei had decided to make her way into town. It had been a while since she had gotten any groceries, or eaten for that matter. She had put on some jeans, black converse shoes, and a red blouse. She walked through the city, her gaze going back and forth between all the abandoned buildings and businesses, remembering when everything was crowded with people shopping and just hanging out. A slight gust of wind picked up, causing her hair to wave gently with the breeze. With her hand, she gently brushed it back from her face as she continued to cautiously walk along the side of the road. She began picking up a very bad vibe surrounding her.
Glowing eyes began to peer from the alleyways as she passed, the raven haired girl was NOT alone. Rei began to feel her heart racing, knowing she was being watched, her pace beginning to pick up. From the shadows, humanoid like creatures began to emerge and follow the girl, their grins and eyes seeming to glow in the dark. Rei began to go into a sprint knowing now that she needed to get out of there, she looked behind to see a group coming after her. "No, please! Leave me alone!" She pleaded but her cries only seemed to fuel their lust for her.
"What a beautiful human. She looks like fun to play with!" One leading the pack called out. Terror now filled her mind as she tried to get away, as she turned her head back forward she caught sight of a larger demon standing at over six feet tall, Rei ran full force into him, falling backwards onto the ground.
The creature had red piercing eyes, two horns on its head like a ram, its body was almost orc like in appearance. It smirked down at her with sharp fangs. "Pretty girl smells tasty." It growled in broken english as it reached down for her. She began to crawl to try getting away but her leg was grabbed as she was lifted up, dangling upside down, her eyes were brought up to eye level with the creature as he lick from her face to her neck. Tears left her eyes, knowing there was nothing she could do.
"No fair! We saw her first!" One of the other creatures cried out, jumping up and down at the large one's feet. With a swift movement, the orc smashed the smaller one with his other arm, splattering it into a wall. Then with one adrenaline fueled scream, Rei's survival instincts kicked in, hoping, wishing, that something or someone out there might hear her plea for help.
"HEEEEEEEEELP! PLEASE! ANYBODY!" She screamed out with all her being, tears running from her eyes to the ground.
"Quiet human!" The orc like creature yelled, grabbing his other hand over her head to silence her.
Not to far down the road was the diner that Katsuro was having his meal at, and mid bite into his burger, he could hear the scream through the night's deafening silence. "What was that?!" He gulped down his bite and shot to his feet. Katsuro bolted outside the diner's front door and scanned the city's street swiftly to see a gathering of creatures down the road with one larger demon that seemed to be holding a person upside down. He could see the raven haired girl's horrified look in her eyes as her face and head was covered by the creature's large hand.
"No! Bastard!" He called out before taking off running down the street. "Get your damn hands off her!" With a leap into the air, his knee bashed the side of the orc's face, knocking it off balance and catching it completely by surprise. Its grasp on Rei was let loose as she plopped onto the ground with a loud thud. "Augh!" Rei let out a yell on impact then coughed and gasped for air, her vision blurred from the tears, she could see a figure standing between her and the orc. Crimson red hair waved in the wind, the boy kneeled upon landing after the impact. A light reflected off of what seemed to be a metal knee pad shining through his torn black jeans.
The orc caught it's balance, blood dripping from its mouth from the surprise attack. Its gaze shot to the boy that stood before him now. Something seemed off about him, this was no ordinary human. No, he has definitely seen combat and had fighting experience. "Nice shot, boy." The orc growled, forcing a smirk as it wiped the blood from its face with its forearm. The crowd of smaller demons gathered around, surrounding the two. "Let us have the girl to play with, and you go free!" One smaller creature shrieked out, licking its lips.
"I don't think so..." Katsuro's voice was stern and angered. He stood slowly to his feet, fists clenched and ready to fight. "Creatures like you disgust me. Picking on an innocent and defenseless girl. How about I...play with you?" He now smirked. Rei looked onto the scene playing out before her, too stunned to say or do anything.
"Fine, you die now!" The orc lunged forward with it's large fist to smash Katsuro into the ground, only to have the boy dodge to the side and land a good punch into it's right eye. The orc yelled out in angered pain as the smaller creatures now rushed Katsuro head on. He began to dodge slashes and punches, then countering with a punch or kick, knocking them back one by one. He was indeed a strong fighter, however, the number's were not in his favor. While he battled it out with one crowd, others began to surround Rei, tearing and ripping at her clothes. She began screaming out, being grabbed and groped.
"Such soft and smooth skin, we should definitely keep this one." One laughed then smirked, its tongue running along her leg. She was pinned down, arms and legs, her eyes widened with fear. She looked quickly to see where the boy was only to see him being over powered, swatting off creatures one by one till finally the larger orc landed a blow directly to his face, sending him skidding across the ground till his smashed against a light post.
"Th...there's too many...shit." Katsuro weakly whispered out, the blood dripping over his eyes as he looked to the group attacking the girl. "No, this can't be it. I have to...to help." He started to push his way to his feet, swaying back and forth weakly. He could normally hold his own, however he had just gotten out of a fight not to long ago, and old wounds were opening. "Please...I need strength. I need...power!" He yelled. The blackened sky began to roar with the sound of thunder. Lightning flashing, illuminating the buildings and the creatures before him. His sapphire eyes seemed to glow with light, and a strange red aura began to surround his body.
The creatures ceased their assault on Rei, switching their gaze to the red haired boy. Something was off, they felt a strange presence, almost of demonic nature.
Rei weakly lifted her head to see what was going on, then the vision of a phoenix flashed in her mind suddenly. 'My vision from earlier…could it be because of him?!' Rei thought to herself, seeing Katsuro's body radiating with a blazing crimson aura. The ground began to quake beneath their feet, the street that he stood on began to crack.
The creatures had now backed off from Rei and began to regroup as they gazed on with utter curiosity as to what was happening. They had never seen anything like this from a human. Beryl had ensured that there would be no opposition by locking away those two flea bag cats so they could not awaken the Sailor Guardians. "The hell with this…get him!" One of the creatures cried out as the group began to rush him all at once.
Just as they began to surround Katsuro, a column of red light crashed down from the sky, burning the creatures to ash and consuming the boy within in. The column remained shining down from the sky, blinding those remaining and the orc, hiding the boy within it.
"Huh? W…Whats going on?" Katsuro questioned, being struck down to a kneeling position as he slowly rose to his feet looking up and around, seeing nothing but burning flames raging all around to what seemed to be miles. "Where am I? Or rather, where is this?" His voice echoed as he scanned his surroundings, cautious, not knowing if this was some strange trick or technique he's never seen. Flames surrounded him, however they didn't seem to hurt or burn. "Strange…" He trailed off, taking a few steps, then coming to an abrupt stop seeing the flames begin to swirl before him like a whirlpool. They began to blaze up and take form, the shape of a bird like creature.
Taken aback, his fists clenched, his heart began to race and teeth gritted. "I knew it. A demon trap and I fell right into it…" He growled under his breath, seeing these flames finally revealing their true form, a vermillion bird of flames, eyes glowing red as it took to the sky. With an explosion of light, the creature now hovered above him, eyes locked on him.
"Do not be alarmed…Katsuro." The booming voice called down to the boy who was now ready to fight, no matter how futile it may be.
"You…know my name? Why should I not be? You're a demon, working for Beryl aren't you?!" Though panicking inside and scared, shaken to his core, Katsuro put on a strong front never wavering or backing down.
"There is much to be discussed, currently you are in the realm of a god…my realm. I am Suzaku. I've been searching for you for quite some time. Seeing your spirit in the face of evil to save one life, I'm quite impressed. I have come here before you, to offer an opportunity. A chance for humanity's survival and redemption." Katsuro's eyes widened, a gasp left his lips.
Could this be true? One of the four celestial gods of legend, Suzaku, the Vermillion Bird. This couldn't be right. So much chaos and evil all over the planet that's plagued humanity for so long. All this time, and now just out of the blue, something claiming to be a god comes to him of all people? This has to be some cruel joke.
"Offer me an opportunity? What sort of opportunity? What could I possibly have to offer that no one else could? And why now? The world has been going to hell for years, so many people suffering and living in fear!"
"As I said, there is much to be discussed, however that must come later. Right now, you have a decision to make. Inside you flows the blood of a warrior. We gods chose guardians in the past to protect the planet. You are the reincarnation of a great warrior." An orange jewel shaped like a phoenix with wings spread appeared before Katsuro. "Inside this jewel is the power to transform yourself into a powerful warrior and soldier using a portion of my power. You are the only one who is compatible with this jewel and its powers." The voice echoed as Katsuro's eyes widened.
"A powerful warrior…using your power?"
"Yes, if you choose this fate, there is no turning back. Do you accept the blessing I bestow upon you?" The blazing bird gazed upon Katsuro with glowing blue eyes.
"I don't understand all of this…" He clenched his fists and looked away to a portal that showed what was going on with the creatures attacking the girl. "But I don't have much of an option right now. There is an innocent life that needs saving. If what you say is true, then this is my chance to fight back and shine a light in this darkness." His hair covered his eyes, his teeth gritted with his fists clenched, drawing blood from his palms. "Fine! Give it to me and let me fight!"
"Very well, take this jewel and call out the phrase 'Power of the Phoenix! Suzaku!' and you will be transformed into a formidable fighting force.
Katsuro reached out, taking hold of the jewel then holding it above his head. "Power of the Phoenix! Suzaku!" With that, a circle of fire energy surrounded him, transporting him back to the street with the demons. The ball blazed up as the demons jumped back in confusion and terror. Pieces of red armor began to fly into the ball. Then finally, an orange bladed sword with a phoenix shaped handguard slashed out of the ball, sending embers and flame energy to the wind.
Rei looked up weakly from the ground, her clothes tattered and her body bruised, cut and scraped. "My…vision…" She said weakly, the tears flowing from her eyes from pain and what she just endured, She did not know what was to come next. Was this a new demon? She was too weak to fight back or get away. Her vision was blurred, but as she focused more she could sort of see it, it was the boy that was trying to save her. Tear filled eyes widened at the sight.
"This…power. I feel…amazing. Reborn." His armor was red with a phoenix shaped chest plate and shoulder pads. He saw Rei, beaten and battered on the ground. Instantly his anger and rage flared up, flames surrounded his body. The creatures began slowly moving backwards in fear. The orc however laughed.
"And who are you supposed to be? Wearing that costume and trying to play hero? I'll finish this girl the come break your body. He began to grab Rei up again, but was met with a blade slashing his right arm from the elbow down off. "What the hell?!" He roared in pain, grabbing the nub with blood spewing from the wound.
Katsuro gently picked Rei up into his arms. "You will never hurt anyone again. Because I am here now to protect everyone. Who am I you ask?" He slowly laid Rei down safely on a bench. He closed his eyes to think for a second. "I am the celestial knight chosen by Suzaku! I fight for justice and for all those who cry out for peace! Now fell the judgement of my flames!" He pulled his sword out as flame energy swirled around it. "PHOENIX WAVE!" He called, slashing his sword downward as a fiery phoenix shaped energy raced at the orc and the other small demons, burning them into ash.
"Oh..my…god…" Rei gasped weakly, watching him disperse of the creature in a single swipe.
'That's strange…that attack…it just came to me…' In a flash, his armor disappeared as he stood holding the jewel in hand. "Are you alright?!" Katsuro ran to her side as she lay on the bench.
"I…I…" She began to tear up and cry. How could she possibly ask that question after everything she's been through? Not just today but the loss of her grandpa. Her body was badly injured, she couldn't walk. Her clothes were torn all up and shredded. Usually she had such a fiery personality, but all she could do was sob uncontrollably, letting all of the pain she had held in, out. Her top was gone, she was exposed and her jeans ripped and torn.
"Hey, its ok…just let it out. I've got you…" He said, trying to console her. He took his jacket off and wrapped her up in it then held her close while she cried. "Hey…lets get you off the streets here. Do you have a home? Where do you live? I'll get you there." Katsuro lifted her up into his arms without waiting for an answer.
Her eyes were almost dulled from exhaustion, her head rested against his chest, unable to have the energy to hold herself up. Her shoes were pulled off and shredded, the way this world was now, most people would find her in this exposed and helpless condition then take advantage of a girl like this. But not this man, something about him felt safe.
"Hi..Hikawa Shrine…up the hill…" Her weak voice whispered as her eyes closed. The adrenaline and everything wore down and she finally succumbed to her wounds and weakened state, losing consciousness.
"Poor girl…alright, lets get you home then." With that he began to carry her back to the shrine. There was still so many questions and mysteries, but for now, the life he saved took precedence.